cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Childhood Vaccine Discussion Format Over Time on Immunization Status

Abstract Objective Presumptive formats to initiate childhood vaccine discussions (eg, "Well, we have to do some shots") have been associated with increased vaccine acceptance after one visit compared to participatory formats (eg, "How do you feel about vaccines?"). We characterize discussion format patterns over time and the impact of their repeated use on vaccine acceptance. Methods We conducted a longitudinal prospective cohort study of children of vaccine-hesitant parents enrolled in a Seattle-based integrated health system. After the child's 2-, 4-, and 6-month visits, parents reported the format their child's provider used to begin the vaccine discussion (presumptive, participatory, or other). Our outcome was the percentage of days underimmunized of the child at 8 months old for 6 recommended vaccines. We used linear regression and generalized estimating equations to test the association of discussion format and immunization status. Results We enrolled 73 parent–child dyads and obtained data from 82%, 73%, and 53% after the 2-, 4-, and 6-month visits, respectively. Overall, 65% of parents received presumptive formats at ≥1 visit and 42% received participatory formats at ≥1 visit. Parental receipt of presumptive formats at 1 and ≥2 visits (vs no receipt) was associated with significantly less underimmunization of the child, while receipt of participatory formats at ≥2 visits was associated with significantly more underimmunization. Visit-specific use of participatory (vs presumptive) formats was associated with a child being 10.1% (95% confidence interval, 0.3, 19.8; P = .04) more days underimmunized (amounting to, on average, 98 more days underimmunized for all 6 vaccines combined). Conclusions Presumptive (vs participatory) discussion formats are associated with increased immunization.
Vocoder susceptibility to baseband Trojans

This paper reviews the previously published secure software defined radio frameworks for security issues related to vocoders which perform voice encoding and voice decoding. This paper analyzes prominent vocoders used in Military communications: CVSD, MELPe, and TSVCIS. It was found that these vocoders are susceptible to baseband hardware and software Trojans. MELPe performed better due to the noise pre-processor. TSVCIS running with higher quality than MELPe were more susceptible to baseband Trojans which indicates additional security monitoring on the residue bits is required for Trojan detection.
Recent Developments in Breast Cancer Research

In his chapter, Dr. John S. Kovach, the Founding Director of the Cancer Institute of Long Island, describes gene expression analysis, which is a technique that can provide us with information about many different genetic patterns of breast cancer. In the past, all cancers of the breast were treated with the same protocol based on the staging of the disease and the time period in which the patients lived. The new developments will allow physicians to prescribe different treatment plans based on the patient rather than a disease category. These advancements relate to scientific understanding of genetic mutations and of their effects on the human body. Investigators would not have been able to obtain this new information without the cooperation of large numbers of patients, and Dr. Kovach also discusses the trials and difficulties encountered in the research proceedings. This essay will expand upon both the laboratory and clinical aspects of recent investigations. Scientists’ knowledge of developments of cancer relies on the techniques that have been used in the past. The initial idea that tumors arise from changes in somatic cells (all cells besides egg or sperm cells) originated in the early 1900s. The technology to test this hypothesis only became available in the early 1970s, which is when the formation of cancerous cells was related to actions of certain genes. The experiments that were originally done involved the transfer of the gene being tested into a recipient cell. Each gene has one allele that comes from the mother’s genetic information and another that comes from the father’s. Recessive alleles are those alleles that have little or no effect on the phenotype (visible properties such as color or shape) when a contrasting allele is present. At the time of this study it became known that the allele for malignancy was recessive (Ponder 2001, 337). Mutations and alterations in genes are some of the important causes of breast cancer. A mutation in a single gene is not enough to cause a cell to become RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN BREAST CANCER RESEARCH
Techniques for Laparoscopic Distal Rectal Stapled Transection

Distal rectal stapled transection can be challenging due to the narrow bony confines of the pelvis, adipose stores, and the technical limitations of staplers. Techniques to facilitate distal rectal stapled transection are discussed including fully mobilizing the rectum, utilizing upward pressure on the perineum, maximizing the abilities of current roticulating staplers, or placement of a nonroticulating stapler through a Pfannenstiel incision. Possession of a large armamentarium of tips and tricks as well as an understanding of what factors are associated with successful distal anastomosis will serve the surgeon performing rectal surgery well.
Decreased Time to Return to Work Using Robotic-Assisted Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Compared to Conventional Techniques.

Introduction Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a commonly used procedure for patients suffering from debilitating unicompartmental knee arthritis. For UKA recipients, robotic-assisted surgery has served as an aid in improving surgical accuracy and precision. While studies exist detailing outcomes of robotic UKA, to our knowledge, there are no studies assessing time to return to work using robotic-assisted UKA. Thus, the purpose of this study was to prospectively assess the time to return to work and to achieve the level of work activity following robotic-assisted UKA to create recommendations for patients preoperatively. We hypothesized that the return to work time would be shorter for robotic-assisted UKAs compared with TKAs and manual UKAs, due to more accurate ligament balancing and precise implementation of the operative plan. Materials and methods Thirty consecutive patients scheduled to undergo a robotic-assisted UKA at an academic teaching hospital were prospectively enrolled in the study. Inclusion criteria included employment at the time of surgery, with the intent on returning to the same occupation following surgery and having end-stage knee degenerative joint disease (DJD) limited to the medial compartment. Patients were contacted via email, letter, or phone at two, four, six, and 12 weeks following surgery until they returned to work. The Baecke physical activity questionnaire (BQ) was administered to assess patients' level of activity at work pre- and postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS Enterprise Guide (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, North Carolina) and Excel® (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington). Descriptive statistics were calculated to assess the demographics of the patient population. Boxplots were generated using an Excel® spreadsheet to visualize the BQ scores and a two-tailed t-test was used to assess for differences between pre- and postoperative scores with alpha 0.05. Results The mean time to return to work was 6.4 weeks (SD=3.4, range 2-12 weeks), with a median time of six weeks. There was no difference seen in the mean pre- and postoperative BQ scores (2.70 vs. 2.69, respectively; p=0.87). Conclusion The findings of the current study suggest that most patients can return to work six weeks following robotic-assisted UKA which appears to be shorter than conventional UKA and TKA. Future level I studies are needed to verify our study findings.
Optical Characterization of Ternary Element Loss during Co-Chloride Passivation of Polycrystalline II-VI Wide-Bandgap Alloys

Alloys of the II-VI semiconductor CdTe with Mg or Zn have tunable bandgaps in the range modelled to be optimal for integration as a top cell in a tandem photovoltaic device with a Si bottom cell. Leveraging the low-cost production techniques developed for CdTe, this pairing has the potential to produce low-cost and highly efficient tandem PV cells. However, the CdCl 2 post-deposition bulk passivation process widely used for CdTe reduces the concentration of the ternary elements in the absorber, reducing the bandgap from the modelled values, and results in poorer activation than the same process applied to pure CdTe material. We study the mitigation of this loss during CdCl 2 treatment by the development of an overpressure of MgCl 2 and ZnCl 2 , thought to be products of the loss reaction, for Cd 1-x Mg x Te and Cd 1-x Zn x Te, respectively. Little effect is seen until a vapor pressure far in excess of CdCl 2 is achieved, reducing the loss—as measured by transmittance—by half.
Slow steady transport with loading and bulk reactions: The mixed ionic conductor La 2 CuO 4 + δ

We consider slow, steady transport for the normal state of the superconductor ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}{\mathrm{CuO}}_{4+\ensuremath{\delta}}$ in a one-dimensional geometry. The fluxes at the sample ends are sufficiently general to permit oxygen to be driven into the sample (loaded) either by electrochemical means or by high oxygen partial pressure. We include the bulk reaction $\mathrm{O}\ensuremath{\Leftrightarrow}{\mathrm{O}}^{2\ensuremath{-}}+2h$, where neutral atoms $(a)$ go into ions $(i)$ and holes $(h)$. This system is a mixed ionic electronic conductor. For slow steady transport, the transport equations simplify because the bulk reaction rate density $r$ and the bulk loading rates ${\ensuremath{\partial}}_{t}n$ then are uniform in space and time. All three fluxes $j$ must be specified at each surface, which for a uniform current density $J$ corresponds to five independent fluxes. These fluxes generate two types of static modes at each surface, and a bulk response with a voltage profile that varies quadratically in space, characterized by $J$ and the total oxygen fluxes ${j}^{O}$ (neutral plus ion) at the surfaces. One type of surface mode is associated with electrical screening; the other type is associated both with diffusion plus drift, and with chemical reaction (the diffusion-reaction mode). The diffusion-reaction mode is accompanied by changes in the chemical potentials $\ensuremath{\mu}$, and by reactions and fluxes, but it neither carries current $(J=0)$, nor loads the system chemically $({j}^{O}=0)$. Generation of the diffusion-reaction mode leads to exponentially varying spatial profiles near electrodes. Within the bulk, the local fluxes satisfy a relation that is independent of the applied fluxes. As a consequence, the bulk response alone cannot match arbitrary values for the five independent input fluxes; matching occurs by generating appropriate amounts of the diffusion-reaction mode at each surface. The bulk response is completely responsible for steady loading and typically possesses a voltage profile that varies quadratically in space, as for the lead-acid cell. Seven macroscopic parameters (three $\ensuremath{\partial}\ensuremath{\mu}∕\ensuremath{\partial}n$'s, three diffusion constants $D$, and a reaction rate constant $\ensuremath{\lambda}$) characterize the theory. We indicate which measurements provide information about these parameters. In voltage profile measurements, only the characteristic length $L$ of the diffusion-reaction mode depends on the reaction rate constant.
CCL8 Promotes Postpartum Breast Cancer by Recruiting M2 Macrophages

The microenvironment of postpartum mammary gland promotes tumor growth and metastasis in animal models and is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and poor disease outcome in patients. Our previous studies showed the involvement of the chemokine CCL8 in breast cancer metastasis through modulation of the tumor-promoting activity of the tumor microenvironment. Here we show that CCL8 is highly expressed during mammary gland involution and enhances the infiltration of M2 subtype macrophages at the second phase of involution. Cancer cell inoculation studies in Ccl8-deficient animals indicate that CCL8 accelerates tumor onset during involution but not in nulliparous animals. Depletion of macrophages abolished the tumor-promoting effect of CCL8 in involution suggesting the specific role of CCL8 in promoting tumor growth by recruiting macrophages. These results underscore the role of CCL8 in the development of postpartum breast cancer and suggest the potential value of targeting CCL8 in disease management.
A 33-Year-Old Man With Shortness of Breath, Leukocytosis, and Intermittent Fevers.

Case Presentation A 33-year-old man with ulcerative colitis (UC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis presented with worsening shortness of breath, nonproductive cough, and intermittent fevers after he was found to have a WBC count of 27,000 cells/μL on an outpatient laboratory evaluation. He reported feeling progressively unwell with intermittent right upper quadrant pain and shortness of breath since a hospital admission for a UC flare 6 months prior, during which he was first diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis. He noted that prior to that admission 6 months ago, his UC had been in remission for > 10 years. He reported fevers up to 38.9°C on and off for several weeks but was afebrile (37.2°C) on presentation. He endorsed non-bloody diarrhea, chills, night sweats, leg swelling, and associated leg pain. He had a cough but denied sputum production. He reported no recent travels and denied sick contacts. His medications included mesalamine, ursodiol, montelukast, and an albuterol inhaler.
3D shape estimation in a constraint optimization neural network.

Abstract One of the most important aspects of visual perception is the inference of 3D shape from a 2D retinal image of the outside world. The existence of several valid mapping functions from object to data makes this inverse problem ill-posed and therefore computationally difficult. In human vision, the retinal image is a 2D projection of the 3D world. The visual system imposes certain constraints on the family of solutions in order to uniquely and efficiently solve this inverse problem. This work specifically focused on the minimization of standard deviations of 3D angles (MSDA) for 3D perception. Our goal was to use a Deep Convolutional Neural Network based on biological principles derived from visual area V4 to achieve 3D reconstruction using constrained minimization of MSDA. We conducted an experiment using novel shapes with human subjects to collect data and test the model. The performance of the network largely agreed with how humans estimated novel 3D shapes. The results show that the constraint of MSDA in 3D shape can be implemented in a neural network and produce human-like results. Additional visual constraints can be added to the network in the future to fully test the theory of visual constraints as a basis of 3D shape perception.
Acute Feedlot Arthritis Associated with Distinct Strains of Mycoplasma bovis

Acute feedlot arthritis outbreaks have been reported recentlythroughout the Midwestern US. A common feature of these outbreaks has been poor responsiveness to antimicrobial therapy and the isolation of Mycoplasma bovis from joint fluid specimens. Morbidity and mortality of these outbreaks reached significant levels, and prompted an investigation of the mycoplasma strains recovered. Four strains of M. bovis recovered from acute arthritis cases were compared with 5 strains of M. bovis recovered from enzootic pneumonia cases. Invasive ability of these strains was compared in vitro using tracheal mucosa explants, and 1 strain of each type was inoculated intratracheally in calves. Arthritis-associated strains were more invasive in vitro. One arthritis-associated strain did not produce mycoplasmemia in 4 infected calves, but was recovered from nasal mucosa. In contrast, a respiratory strain of M. bovis gave reproducible mycoplasmemia but was not recovered from nasal mucosa. Phenotypic differences among strains of M. bovis warrant further study of the pathogenic and immunogenic properties of strains of M. bovis.
Potentials for change detection using Seasat synthetic aperture radar data

Synthetic aperture radars (SAR) image from a non-nadir position. Thus the orientation of the target and sensor to one another is of paramount importance. This has posed problems for data interpretation and with the potentials of radar data for change detection studies. It is possible to use Seasat radar data for change detection even though the look directions are fixed for each location. Especially in areas with repeated coverage on descending or ascending orbits or where the terrain is flat and the targets nonoriented, coverage may be sufficient to provide data for change detection. Examples of Los Angeles and the Everglades of Florida help develop and support the argument.
An economic study on fish production and consumption in Egypt دراسة اقتصادية عن انتاج واستهلاک الاسماک في مصر

يعتبر توفير الغذاء من اهم متطلبات الحياة . ويعتبر البروتين عامة والحيواني منه خاصة من اهم مکونات الغذاء حيث يساعد علي النمو وتعويض الفاقد من الجسم ويتم التمثيل الغذائي من خلاله کما أن متوسط نصيب الفرد من البروتين الحيواني في مصر اقل من الموصي به من الهيئات والمنظمات الدولية. وفي الوقت الذي تتعدد مصادر البروتين الحيواني متمثلة في اللحوم الحمراء والبيضاء والاسماک واللبن والبيض فان الاسماک تعتبر من افضل تلک المصادر وذلک لانخفاض او انعدام وجود الکوليسترول وارتفاع نسبة البروتين الحيواني في الوزن الرطب کما انها ارخص تلک المصادر. وتکمن مشکلة الدراسة في عجز الانتاج المحلي عن عن الوفاء بالاحتياجات الاستهلاکية للأسماک في مصر مما يعني وجود فجوة غذائية للاسماک في مصر . کما تهدف الدراسة الي الارتفاع بمستوي کفاءة الاداء الاقتصادي والفني للأسماک في مصر والحد من تفاقم تلک الفجوة کما تعتمد الدراسة علي بيانات ثانوية المنشورة من وزارة الزراعة واستصلاح الاراضي و الجهاز المرکزي للتعبئة العامة والإحصاء کما تستخدم الدراسة علي الاسلوبين الوصفي والکمي کما توصلت الدراسة الي العديد من النتائج اهمها: ارتفع متوسط نصيب الفرد من البروتين الحيواني بالکيلو جرام سنويا ليصل اقصاه في الألبان (77.2) يليه الاسماک(10.84) ثم يليه اللحوم الحمراء (10.45) بالإضافة الي ذلک اللحوم البيضاء (9.41) ، وانخفض ليصل ادناه في البيض (3.59). وايضا تبين وجود زيادة سنوية معنوية احصائيا في الانتاج المحلي للأسماک وکذلک في الاستهلاک القومي للأسماک بالألف طن ، إلا ان معدل الزيادة في الاستهلاک القومي تفوق مثيله في الانتاج المحلي مما ترتب عليه وجود فجوة غذائية في تزايد مستمر.
Evaluation of catalysts for decomposition of ammonia in hydrogen isotope purification systems

Abstract Four catalyst materials were evaluated for suitability for use as ammonia decomposition catalysts in hydrogen isotope impurity removal systems for tritium processing in fusion systems. Suitability was tested both in terms of a comparison of the selected catalysts in ≥80% hydrogen environments, and in terms of compatibility in tritium service. Four different catalysts were characterized and tested, including ruthenium on alumina (Ru/Al), ruthenium on carbon (Ru/C), nickel on alumina (Ni/Al), and iron (Fe). Nickel on alumina may be the most compatible for use in tritiated environments, while still showing comparable performance to the ruthenium on alumina. In higher concentrations of hydrogen, the Ru/C catalyst was unstable and degraded its carbon support by catalytic hydrogenation of the carbon. The catalytic performance of the iron catalyst was shown to be less than the Ni/Al and Ru/Al, and other considerations on the nitridation of iron in the studied conditions are discussed. The catalytic performance of the nickel on alumina was shown to increase with increasing temperature, decreasing flow rate, decreasing pressure, and increasing ammonia concentration.
Mechanisms of catalysis of human DNA polymerases alpha and beta.

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses a detailed analysis of the mechanisms of catalysis of DNA polymerases α and β was initially generated by the desire to develop a formal enzymological framework within which to evaluate the interactions of the polymerases with candidate replication factors in mechanistically interpretable, model assay systems and was further stimulated by two sets of prior observations: the studies of the patterns of primer-template utilization by these enzymes, and some curious and perplexing results encountered in the examination of the effects of spermidine on the reactivity of DNA polymerase α. The studies summarized in this chapter contribute substantially to the elucidation of some of the mechanisms and specific molecular signals that govern the interaction of DNA polymerases α and β with their nucleic acid substrates. These insights are of interest for at least two reasons. First, in the absence of an exploitable library of mammalian replication/repair mutants, the enzymological properties that have been documented define a mechanistic framework within which to identify and characterize putative accessory replication factors that might act either to modify primer-template structure or to modulate the inherent catalytic properties of the polymerases themselves. The mechanistic elucidation of the stimulation of DNA polymerase α by spermidine provides a prototype for studies of this sort. Second, although it is presumed that the participation of both polymerases α and β in chromosome replication and repair must involve their interaction with a number of additional proteins, the inherent properties of the purified polymerase proteins would appear to be particularly appropriate to the putative roles of these enzymes in these complex and highly regulated processes.
Semi-Parametric Generalized Linear Models.

When the form of a regression relationship with respect to some but not all of the explanatory variables is unknown, the statistician is caught in a quandary. Should parametric models be abandoned altogether, thus losing the opportunity of estimating parameters of real interest and sacrificing efficiency in estimation and prediction, or should the extraneous variables be forced into a parametric model by imposing a possibly inappropriate functional form without adequate justification?
Insecticide resistance alleles in wetland and residential populations of the West Nile virus vector Culex pipiens in New Jersey

BACKGROUND In spite of the extensive use of insecticides to control Culex pipiens in the aftermath of West Nile virus, knowledge of the spatial distribution and frequency of insecticide resistance in this species is poorly understood in the United States. This paper reports on the occurrence of upregulated esterases that detoxify organophosphates (OPs) and mutations conferring resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in natural and developed areas of New Jersey. RESULTS We report the first observations of the OP resistance alleles EsterB1 and Ester2 and the classical knockdown resistance (kdr) mutation L1014F in New Jersey Cx. pipiens. Upregulated EsterB1 peaked at 23% (mean ± SE = 12 ± 2.3%) and Ester2 at 14% (8 ± 1.8%), and both were widely distributed. L1014F, which confers strong resistance to pyrethroids when homozygous, was also widely distributed and ranged in frequency from 2 to 19% (5.1% heterozygous individuals and 1.4% homozygous). CONCLUSION We have demonstrated that OP resistance is common and broadly distributed in New Jersey Cx. pipiens, and that homozygous individuals resistant to pyrethroids are present. Further, we have detected double mutants at Ester and kdr, a condition that may annul the purging effects of insecticide rotations. Our results therefore indicate the need for continued monitoring of insecticide resistance in order to achieve effective mosquito control. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of polyoma DNA-protein complexes. I. Electrophoretic identification of the proteins in a nucleoprotein complex isolated from polyoma-infected cells.

Abstract A study was undertaken to examine polyoma DNA-protein complexes. A biophysical characterization of the complexes was made, and the proteins found in such complexes were identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A comparison was made between a 52S nucleoprotein complex isolated from nuclei of 26-h polyoma-infected cells and a 28S virion core complex ejected out of mature virus particles. It was found that both complexes were reduced to a 20S viral DNA component plus free protein after incubation in 1 M NaCl or Sarkosyl. Treatment of the complexes with either Pronase or 0.5 M NaCl resulted in only partial removal of proteins from the viral DNA. After fixation in formaldehyde, the 52S nucleoprotein complex had a buoyant density of 1.45 g/cm3, and the virion core complex had a buoyant density of 1.59 g/cm3. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel profiles of purified polyoma virion proteins, used as a reference marker, demonstrated three capsid proteins, V1 to V3, as well as four histones, V4 to V7, which constituted about 7% of the total virion protein. Electrophoretic analysis of the proteins comprising the 52S nucleoprotein complex revealed that the same seven proteins present in the mature virion were also found in this complex. However, the ratios of the proteins in the complex were quite different from that of the mature virion, with the four histones comprising 48% of the total complex protein. A pulse-chase experiment of the nucleoprotein complex demonstrated that the 26-h complex was chased into mature virions.
Automatic SAT-compilation of planning problems

Recent work by Kautz et al., provides tantalizing evidence that large, classical planning problems may be efficiently solved by translating them into propositional satisfiability problems, using stochastic search techniques, and translating the resulting truth assignments back into plans for the original problems. We explore the space of such transformations, providing a simple framework that generates eight major encodings (generated by selecting one of four action representations and one of two frame axioms) and a number of subsidiary ones. We describe a fully-implemented compiler that can generate each of these encodings, and we test the compiler on a suite of STRIPS planning problems in order to determine which encodings have the best properties.
Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults

Cognitive behavioral therapy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults is a relatively new therapeutic approach with increasing empirical support in controlled trials. Non-medication approaches to management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are necessary to help adults cope with core symptoms and the functional impairment across domains produced by this chronic condition. Over the past 20 years, several cognitive behavioral treatment packages have been developed and tested with two approaches recently meeting criteria as “probably efficacious treatments.” These treatments emphasize acquisition and maintenance of specific compensatory skills to help patients cope with symptoms, including organization, planning, and time management skills. Promising programs also integrate skills to help patients manage thoughts and emotions that can block skill use and lead to avoidant coping. Although there is some preliminary evidence concerning whether medication status or comorbid symptoms moderate treatment outcome, additional research is needed to examine treatment moderators, mechanisms of action, and methods of dissemination and implementation. Keywords: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; ADHD; adult; cognitive behavioral therapy; CBT; treatment; psychosocial; psychotherapy; nonmedication; behavioral; skills; randomized controlled trial
Encounters through a Museum Field School

We were 10 women, from 10 different countries, converging in Hanoi, Vietnam. The purpose: three weeks of intensive coursework in heritage management. In fact, we had more connections to each other and more in common than any of us expected. Two of us had a mutual colleague. Two had lived in England. Two had backgrounds with national parks. Together, we all were independent, dedicated professionals deeply invested in heritage—both cultural and natural—and committed to working toward sustainable management. It was this ambition that brought our paths into intersection.
Primate motor cortex and free arm movements to visual targets in three-dimensional space. III. Positional gradients and population coding of movement direction from various movement origins.

In one experiment, we studied the relations between the frequency of discharge of 274 single cells in the arm area of the motor cortex of the monkey and the actively maintained position of the hand in space. We found that the frequency of discharge of 63.9% of the cells studied was a multilinear function of the position of the hand in space according to the following equation (multiple linear regression): d = f + fxsx + fysy + fzsz, where d is the discharge rate of a single cell, f, fx, fy, fz are regression coefficients, and sx, sy, sz are the coordinates of the position of the hand. The equation above defines a positional gradient which implies that the frequency of cell discharge will increase at a maximum rate when the position of the hand changes along a certain direction; we call this direction of orientation of the positional gradient, and the rate of change in discharge rate along this orientation, the magnitude of the gradient. The orientations of the positional gradients were distributed throughout three-dimensional (3-D) space and their magnitudes differed among different cells. In a different experiment, we studied the changes in activity of 289 cells in the arm area of the motor cortex when the monkeys made equal-amplitude movements that started from different points in space, were in the same direction, and traveled along parallel trajectories in 3-D space. Four pairs of such movement directions (i.e., a total of 8 movement directions) were studied for every cell, and the changes in cell activity associated with movements within each pair were compared. We found that these changes in cell activity did not differ statistically for 68.4% of the movement pairs studied but did differ for the remaining 31.6%. The data from the whole population of cells studied in this experiment were analyzed using the population vector analysis described in the preceding paper (Georgopoulos et al., 1988). Thus, 8 population vectors were calculated, 1 for each of the 8 movement directions studied. We found that the direction of the population vector was close to the direction of the corresponding movement. These results indicate that the population vector provides unique information concerning the direction of the movement even when the point of origin of the movement varies in 3-D space.
Quasiparticle Aggregation in the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect

Quasiparticles in the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect behave qualitatively like electrons confined to the lowest landau level, and can do everything electrons can do, including condense into “second generation” Fractional Quantum Hall ground states. I review in this paper the reasoning leading to variational wavefunctions for ground state and quasiparticles in the 1/3 effect. I then show how two-quasiparticle eigenstates are uniquely determined from symmetry, and how this leads in a natural way to variational wavefunctions for composite states which have the correct densities (2/5, 2/7, ...). I show in the process that the boson, anyon and fermion representations for the quasiparticles used by Haldane, Halperin and me are all equivalent. I demonstrate a simple way to derive Halperin’s multiple-valued quasiparticle wavefunction from the correct single-valued electron wavefunction.
A national study of pain in the bleeding disorders community: a description of haemophilia pain.

Summary. The National Pain Study was a prospective, computer-based, descriptive survey of the pain experience of persons with a bleeding disorder conducted in the United States over a 28 month period from 2007 to 2009. The aim of this study was to (i) determine the language used by patients to describe and differentiate acute and persistent pain, (ii) describe pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies utilized to control pain, (iii) assess the perceived effectiveness of current pain management on quality of life and, (iv) to determine who provides pain management to this population. One thousand, one hundred and four surveys were received. Only the responses of the 764 respondents who reported having hemophilia A or B were evaluated for this paper. Thirty nine percent of participants reported their pain was not well treated. The average acute pain score associated with a bleed reported was 5.97/10 while the average persistent pain score reported was 4.22/10. The most frequently reported word descriptors for acute pain were: throbbing, aching, sharp, tender and miserable. The most frequently reported word descriptors for persistent pain were aching, nagging, tiring, sharp, and tender. The most frequently reported pain strategies for acute and persistent pain included factor, rest, ice, elevation, and compression. Alcohol and illicit drugs were reportedly used to manage both acute pain as well as persistent pain. Primarily, short-acting opioids and acetaminophen were reported to treat both acute and persistent pain. Hematologists and primary care providers provide the majority of pain management for persons with hemophilia (PWH). Quality of life (QOL) scores were lowest in the domains of pain, energy/fatigue and physical problems indicating disruption of QOL. This substantiates under-recognition and under-treatment of pain in the hemophilia population when combined with the 39% of respondents who felt their pain was not well treated and literature in the general pain population of wide spread under-treatment of pain. Recommendations: The NPS is an initial step in recognizing the prevalence and description of pain in PWH. HTC providers should educate themselves in pain management techniques to better serve this population. Further research is necessary to develop specific pain management guidelines for the bleeding disorders population that include multimodal holistic treatment plans.
Nonlinear Mixed Effects Model for Swine Growth

Abstract A mixed effects model version of a common swine growth function is introduced. This version, in which the mature BW of each pig is considered random, accounts for increasing variation with age and serial correlations across age that are common in serial BW growth data sets, thereby providing a much better fit and significantly smaller parameter SE. The inclusion of random effects also reduces the impact of selective sampling, which occurs when fast-growing pigs are removed for marketing, and provides a statistic (i.e., variance estimate) that describes the between-pig variation within a group. Comparisons between the fixed and mixed effects models are made using swine growth data consisting of 93 pigs with biweekly BW data from 54 to 138 d of age. In addition to a much better fit, the mixed effects model version is easily adaptable to stochastic modeling because only an additional random effect (i.e., mature BW) for each pig needs to be generated.
The dynamic firm : the role of technology, strategy, organization, and regions

The article reviews the book ‘The Dynamic Firm: The Role of Technology, Strategy, Organization and Regions,’ edited by Alfred D. Chandler Jr., Peter Hagstrom and Orjan Solvell.
The Relationship between Expressions of Spiritual Faith and Parental Involvement in Three Groups of Fathers

This study explores the relationship between spiritual faith and parental involvement in three groups of fathers: evangelical Christians, Latter-day Saints, and fathers for whom faith is not central. Results indicate that all fathers were highly involved, and none of the three groups reported significantly greater involvement with their children than the others. However, fathers who were church members, regardless of affiliation with a spiritual faith group, were more involved than non-church members. In addition, fathers who were currently married for the first time were both more involved with their children and more active in their faith than their peers. This paper presents interpretations of the findings and suggestions for future research.
Constant temperature constrained molecular dynamics: The Newton-Euler inverse mass operator method

The Newton−Euler inverse mass operator (NEIMO) method for internal coordinate molecular dynamics (MD) of macromolecules (proteins and polymers) leads to stable dynamics for time steps about 10 times larger than conventional dynamics (e.g., 20 or 30 fs rather than 1 or 2 fs for systems containing hydrogens). NEIMO is practical for large systems since the computation time scales linearly with the number of degrees of freedom &#x1d4a9; (instead of the &#x1d4a9; 3 scaling for conventional constrained MD methods). In this paper we generalize the NEIMO formalism to the Nose (and Hoover) thermostat to derive the Nose and Hoover equations of motion for constrained canonical ensemble molecular dynamics. We also examined the optimum mass, Q, determining the time scale (τs) for exchange of energy with the heat bath for NEIMO−Hoover dynamics of polymers. We carried out NEIMO−Hoover simulations on the amorphous polymers poly(vinyl chloride) and poly(vinylidene fluoride), where we find that time steps of 20−30 fs lead to stable dynami...
Effect of NiTe Nanoinclusions on Thermoelectric Properties of Bi 2 Te 3

Metal nanoinclusions in bulk thermoelectric matrix create metal–semiconductor interfaces, which can result in improvement in the thermoelectric power factor due to low-energy electron filtering and a simultaneous reduction in lattice thermal conductivity due to increased phonon scattering at grain boundaries. The combined effect results in enhancement of the thermoelectric figure of merit. We report the effect of NiTe nanoinclusions in a Bi2Te3 matrix. The Bi2Te3/NiTe nanocomposite was synthesized by planetary ball milling. Different volume fractions of NiTe nanoinclusions were incorporated into the bulk (Bi2Te3) matrix and uniaxially hot pressed at 100 MPa and 500°C. The presence of nanoinclusions was confirmed by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal diffusivity were measured from room temperature to 150°C. The carrier concentration of the matrix (Bi2Te3) and the nanocomposites (NiTe/Bi2Te3) at room temperature were deduced from Hall-effect measurements. Addition of NiTe decreased the carrier concentration, and the power factor increased in the 1 vol.% NiTe/Bi2Te3 compared with inclusion-free Bi2Te3 matrix due to an increase in mobility.
Strong Vocational Interest Blank Basic Interest Clusters and Occupational Satisfaction.

Abstract A Q-factor analytic technique applied to the Strong Vocational Interest Blank (SVIB) basic interest scales of 156 males yielded three bipolar factors described as conceptual (applied vs theoretical thinking); interpersonal (people vs things); and volitional (autonomy vs structure). From these results the investigators constructed a model for categorizing occupations into corresponding vocational areas: managerial vs academic, social vs physical sciences, and professional vs technical. Each individual's primary interest area and occupational status relative to the six corresponding areas was then determined. The degree of fit between interests and job categorization related significantly to ratings of job satisfaction (p
Orthorhombic distortion of mismatched In x Ga 1-x As/InP heterostructures

Thin, mismatched epilayers tetragonally distort to form coherent interfaces. Beyond the critical thickness, misfit dislocations relieve strain. These dislocations form in an asymmetric pattern on (001) zinc-blende substrates. We show that this results in a change of crystal symmetry from tetragonal to orthorhombic for partially relaxed, mismatched In x Ga1−x As epilayers in either tension or compression on InP. This distortion is detected by both double-crystal x-ray diffraction and ellipsometry. The orthorhombic symmetry must be taken into account when measuring the composition of partially-relaxed epilayers by x-ray diffraction.
Nonutility of cineurograms in children with congenital heart disease.

Abstract Cineurography is often performed after cineangiocardiography to look for occult congenital urinary tract disease. The accuracy of cineurography was investigated in 171 patients by comparing cineurograms with renal sonograms. One hundred fifteen cineurograms (67%) showed both kidneys well enough to allow assessment of renal structure and function and the results were confirmed in 112 by ultrasonography; 3 cineurograms yielded false-positive results. Limited or no information was obtained from cineurograms of 56 patients (33%) because of nonvisualization or poor visualization of 1 or both kidneys. Of the 11 patients (6%) with urinary tract disease, only 3 were correctly assessed by cineurography. Ultrasonography discovered all 11 renal abnormalities and produced only 1 false-positive result. These data indicate that cineurography is a poor screening test and should be abandoned. When uroradiologic screening is necessary for highrisk patients, sonography is recommended.
Determination of stresses in slightly orthotropic plates using off-axis horizontally polarized ultrasonic shear waves

Abstract Many structural materials display a slight orthotropy when they are rolled into plate form. A theory is developed for propagation of horizontally polarized ultrasonic shear waves in the planes of (orthotropic) material symmetry of these plates. The waves propagate at an angle θ to the plate normal. If E represents a measure of the shear stress field, then pure-mode waves can be propagated if both cos2 θ and sin2 θ ⪢ E; the polarization directions are the material symmetry axes. The theory can be applied to ultrasonic stress measurements. The (normalized) velocity difference (acoustic birefringence) between two pure-mode SH-waves propagating in orthogonal material symmetry planes is related to stresses in the plate, and to the (initial) birefringence in the unstressed state. By making measurements of birefringence at two or more values of θ, the dependence upon the initial birefringence can be removed and information about the stresses obtained.
Meta-analyses: what they can and cannot tell us about clinical research.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The number of published clinical trials has increased exponentially over the past few decades. The majority of clinical research questions has been addressed by several small or moderately sized trials. Statisticians have developed guidelines for meta-analyses, which provide objective quantitative reviews to lighten the burden of clinicians who seek to keep themselves current in one or more areas of clinical investigation. The purpose of this review is to illustrate how to read critically a meta-analysis of nutrition support in critically ill patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Summary evidence based on a meta-analysis is observational, even though the individual elements of the meta-analysis are clinical trials. The level of evidence from a meta-analysis is thus similar to that derived from a case series or a cohort, with the stipulation that the 'subjects' are clinical trials instead of individuals. The effects of the combination of parenteral and enteral nutrition on mortality and infection rates in critically ill patients have been compared with enteral nutrition alone. Meta-analysis results show non-significant reductions in mortality and infectious complications favoring enteral nutrition. In patients with acute pancreatitis, the summary effects of parenteral versus enteral nutrition on the infection rate indicate a significant reduction in risk favoring enteral nutrition. SUMMARY: An interpretation of meta-analysis summary results is put in perspective with underlying medical assumptions. This critical review indicates what issues a meta-analysis can and cannot address.
Organic trace contaminants in St. Lawrence River water and suspended sediments, 1985-1987

The concentrations of organic trace contaminants, including chlorobenzene congeners, hexachlorocyclohexane isomers, DDT group pesticides, polychlorobiphenyls (PCB) and several other biocides, such as mirex, dieldrin and endosulfan, have been determined in water and suspended sediments of the St. Lawrence River. The data cover important areas of the river between Kingston and Quebec City for four sampling periods, i.e. May 1985, October 1985, June/July 1986 and June 1987. The results indicate: (i) low levels of suspended sediments at the head of the river (∼ 1 mgl−1) which increase towards the river mouth to ∼10 mgl−1 (up to 25 mgl−1 in October 1985); (ii) significant inputs of PCB along certain river sections; (iii) low levels of mirex in suspended sediments throughout the river; (iv) the riverine lakes in the St. Lawrence (Lakes St. Francis, St. Louis and St. Pierre) appear to be short-term contaminant sinks only.
Semantic relations for problem-oriented medical records

Objective: We describe semantic relation (SR) classification on medical discharge summaries. We focus on relations targeted to the creation of problem-oriented records. Thus, we define relations that involve the medical problems of patients. Methods and materials: We represent patients' medical problems with their diseases and symptoms. We study the relations of patients' problems with each other and with concepts that are identified as tests and treatments. We present an SR classifier that studies a corpus of patient records one sentence at a time. For all pairs of concepts that appear in a sentence, this SR classifier determines the relations between them. In doing so, the SR classifier takes advantage of surface, lexical, and syntactic features and uses these features as input to a support vector machine. We apply our SR classifier to two sets of medical discharge summaries, one obtained from the Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Boston, MA and the other from Partners Healthcare, Boston, MA. Results: On the BIDMC corpus, our SR classifier achieves micro-averaged F-measures that range from 74% to 95% on the various relation types. On the Partners corpus, the micro-averaged F-measures on the various relation types range from 68% to 91%. Our experiments show that lexical features (in particular, tokens that occur between candidate concepts, which we refer to as inter-concept tokens) are very informative for relation classification in medical discharge summaries. Using only the inter-concept tokens in the corpus, our SR classifier can recognize 84% of the relations in the BIDMC corpus and 72% of the relations in the Partners corpus. Conclusion: These results are promising for semantic indexing of medical records. They imply that we can take advantage of lexical patterns in discharge summaries for relation classification at a sentence level.
Perceptual noise measurement of displays

A methodology for measuring observer internal noise has been extended to measure display perceptual noise. Observer performance experiments were performed in which the observer's task was to detect and locate several test objects (dots) at random locations in a noise field. From this Free-Response Receiver Operating Characteristic (FROC) experiment the ROC detectability parameter d' was extracted. By performing this experiment at two levels of the externally added noise, one can determine the noise added by the display and the observer. The method takes into account the contrast of the display, the pixel size and the viewing distance.