cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative T2 and T2* Mapping

Abstract Numerous mechanisms contribute to a loss of signal coherence following excitation. The resulting signal decay can be characterized by the spin-spin relaxation time constant (T2) for spin-echo-based acquisitions. For gradient echo sequences, a shorter effective spin-spin relaxation time constant (T2*) is observed due to the additional influence of static magnetic field gradients. Over the past decades, researchers have developed numerous methods for mapping T2 and T2* with the goal of developing quantitative imaging biomarkers. The selection of the appropriate mapping method depends on numerous factors, including the signal model (single exponential versus multiexponential), scan time, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the tissue of interest. In all cases, care must be taken to (i) optimize sequence parameters and (ii) minimize the impact of potential sources of bias, such as B0 and B1 inhomogeneities. Moving forward, it is likely that more efficient and robust methods for estimating T2 and T2* will continue to be developed, especially for multiexponential applications that aim to quantify distinct microstructural features of healthy and diseased tissues.
Esophageal Epidermoid Metaplasia: Clinical Characteristics and Risk of Esophageal Squamous Neoplasia.

Introduction Esophageal epidermoid metaplasia (EEM) is a rare disease. Methods Patients with EEM diagnosed between 2014 and 2020 were reviewed. Results Forty EEM cases were identified. EEM occurred in 9 (23%) patients before, concordant, or after esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). EEM was associated with previous esophageal lichen planus in 5 patients, Barrett's esophagus 7, and esophageal adenocarcinoma 1. EEM was focal in 28 (70%) or diffuse in 12 (30%) and not detected in 45% on recent previous endoscopy. Discussion EEM is a premalignant underrecognized condition associated with multiple conditions. Close follow-up or endoscopic treatment may be warranted because of its ESCC association.
Boldly Go, Blockchain!

The blockchain future looks very bright. The benefits laid out in this work provides a clear roadmap for businesses and Government to implement the blockchain data-layer and AI micro-services. The combination will yield, arguably, even more opportunities for existing companies and birth new ones, we predict, eventually one, following the architecture herein, will results in the first $10 trillion dollar market cap company! It may even change the way the quarterback position is played in the NFL!
A Case for Social Justice in Community Colleges: Are Community Colleges Socially Just and Meeting the Needs of Its Students?

This presentation looks at the social climate of the community college in relationship to underrepresented students and asks if they are socially just in meeting the students' various needs. The presentation also examines methods of engagement with instructional staff and the amount of support that is offered to students. The presentation offers that students are faced with numerous obligations outside of and within the community college that ultimately determines how they engage as well as how they are perceived, which affects their social and intellectual experiences. Finally, the presentation offers various solutions to meet the needs of these students.
Closed-form existence conditions for band-gap resonances in a finite periodic chain under general boundary conditions

Bragg scattering in periodic media generates band gaps, frequency bands where waves attenuate rather than propagate. Yet, a finite periodic structure may exhibit resonance frequencies within these band gaps. This is caused by boundary effects introduced by the truncation of the nominal infinite medium. Previous studies of discrete systems determined existence conditions for band-gap resonances, although the focus has been limited to periodic chains with free-free boundaries. In this paper, we present closed-form existence conditions for band-gap resonances in discrete diatomic chains with general boundary conditions (free-free, free-fixed, fixed-free, or fixed-fixed), odd or even chain parity (contrasting or identical masses at the ends), and the possibility of attaching a unique component (mass and/or spring) at one or both ends. The derived conditions are consistent with those theoretically presented or experimentally observed in prior studies of structures that can be modeled as linear discrete diatomic chains with free-free boundary conditions. An intriguing case is a free-free chain with even parity and an arbitrary additional mass at one end of the chain. Introducing such an arbitrary mass underscores a transition among a set of distinct existence conditions depending on the type of the chain boundaries and parity. The proposed analysis is applicable to linear periodic chains in the form of lumped-parameter models as well as continuous granular media models examined in the low-frequency regime.
Laboratory Reconstructions of Real-world Bicycle Helmet Impacts.

The best way to prevent severe head injury when cycling is to wear a bike helmet. To reduce the rate of head injury in cycling, knowing the nature of real-world head impacts is crucial. Reverse engineering real-world bike helmet impacts in a laboratory setting is an alternative to measuring head impacts directly. This study aims to quantify bike helmet damage using computed tomography (CT) and reconstruct real-world damage with a custom, oblique test rig to recreate real-world impacts. Damaged helmets were borrowed from a helmet manufacturer who runs a helmet warranty program. Each helmet was CT-scanned and the damage metrics were quantified. Helmets of the same model and size were used for in-lab reconstructions of the damaged helmets where normal velocity, tangential velocity, peak linear acceleration (PLA) and peak rotational velocity (PRV) could be measured. The damage metrics of the in-lab dropped helmets were quantified using the same CT scanning process. For each case, a multiple linear regression (MLR) equation was created to define a relationship between the quantified damage metrics of the in-lab tested helmets and the associated measured impact velocities and kinematics. These equations were used to predict the impact kinematics and velocities from the corresponding real-world damaged helmet based on the damage metrics from the original damaged helmet. Average normal velocity (3.5 m/s), tangential velocity (2.5 m/s), PLA (108.0 g), PRV (15.7 rad/s) were calculated based on a sample of 23 helmets. Within these head impact cases, five notes reported a concussion. The difference between the average PLA and PRV for concussive cases versus other impacts were not significantly different, although the average impact kinematics for the concussive cases (PLA = 111.4 g, PRV = 18.5 rad/s) were slightly higher than the remaining cases (PLA = 107.1 g, PRV = 15.0 rad/s). The concussive cases were not indicative of high magnitude impact kinematics.
Ethiopian Immigrants in the U.S.: Research Context and Participants

This chapter provides background on the research design for our study. It explains the context for the investigation, the sampling, data analysis, and introduces the participants. In our discussion, the first section of this chapter explains the research method while the second part introduces the participants and their social context in the U.S.
DISCUSSION OF MECHANICAL PORPERTIES OF A SAND-ICE SYSTEM

A PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON CREEP AND STRENGTH ASPECTS OF POLYCRYSTALLINE ICE AND SAND- ICE MIXTURE ARE DISCUSSED. REFERENCE IS MADE TO A GIVEN FIGURE WHERE THE PEAK STRENGTH DETERMINED FROM STRESS-STRAIN TESTS IS PLOTTED AGAINST PERCENTAGE OF SAND BY VOLUME IN SAND-ICE SAMPLES. THE RESULTING BILINEAR RELATIONSHIP DETERMINED BY THE POINT OF INTERSECTION AND REFERRED TO AS THE CRITICAL VOLUME OF SAND CONCENTRATION, POINTS OUT VERY CLEARLY TWO TYPES OF SAND-ICE BEHAVIOR. BELOW THE CRITICAL SAND VOLUME, THE ADDED STRENGTH AND CREEP BEHAVIOR OF THE DISPERSED SAND IN ICE MAY BE SIMILAR TO THE BEHAVIOR OF DISPERSION-STRENGTHENED ALLOYS UNDER APPLIED STRESS. THE INCREASE IN STRENGTH WITH INCREASED VOLUME CONCENTRATION OF SAND IN THE DISPERSED CONFIGURATION APPEARS TO BE A FUNCTION OF INTERPARTICLE SPACING. THE WRITER HAS OBSERVED SIMILAR BEHAVIOR ON CREEP OF A FROZEN CLAY SOIL. THE RESULTS OF IDENTIFICATION AND MINEROLOGICAL TESTS ON THE CLAY SOIL ARE SUMMARIZED IN A TABLE. CREEP SAMPLES WERE SUBJECTED TO A PRESCRIBED STRESS-STRAIN HISTORY IN THE SECONDARY REGION OF CREEP. TWO FIGURES PRESENT RESULTS OF THE EFFECT OF STRESS- STRAIN HISTORY OF CREEP OF FROZEN SAULT ST. MARIE CLAY. THE RELOADING PORTIONS OF THE STRESS-CREEP RATE CURVES SEEM TO PARALLEL THE UNLOADING PARTS EXCEPT FOR SOME SHIFT TO THE LEFT INDICATING SLOWER CREEP RATES. THIS DECREASE IN CREEP RATE WITH INCREASED STRAIN SUGGESTS THAT THE NET EFFECT OF HARDENING AND SOFTENING PROCESSES THAT OPERATE SIMULTANEOUSLY DURING CREEP OF THIS FROZEN CLAY SOIL TEND TO INCREASE SAMPLE RESISTANCE TO DEFORMATION. REFERENCES: MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF A SAND-ICE SYSTEM, ROY R. GOUGHNOUR, O. B. ANDERSLAND, ASCE PROC. PAPER 6030, JULY, 1968.
The Problem of Art or Techne

The Gorgias begins by asking who Gorgias is and means to inquire what art he practices (447C). Socrates suggests to Callicles that one will come to know himself by investigating the relations among notions such as knowledge, virtue, pleasure, the good (495D). His suggestion will be followed in this chapter; only the investigation will be directed mainly upon the relation between art and virtue. The reciprocal relation between the soul and its activity is mentioned in the Phaedrus: “We must learn the truth about the soul divine and human by observing how it acts and is acted upon.”1 That activity which, it is reasonable to suppose, would reveal the soul’s most human aspect, is the intelligent, self-controlled activity manifested in the arts. It would be possible, perhaps useful, to arrange the dialogues in an order determined by the greater or lesser explicitness with which they get the soul into the context of human needs and the arts designed to provide their satisfactions. Obviously this is a desirable context in which to study the soul, for some knowledge concerning this context is already at hand, and we are in a position to treat the analogy of the soul and its virtue to the arts and their products with some sophistication. We have already considered some aspects of this analogy (p. 24ff ) and need not repeat these considerations here but shall attend to the additions to Plato’s views to be gathered primarily from the Gorgias, Republic, and Phaedrus.
Robustness and Tie-Line Stiffness in a Multi-Area Interconnected Power System

The load-frequency control models of a two-area interconnected power system with stiff and elastic tie-line are investigated with respect to modeling errors. Only multiplicative type modeling errors are considered for robustness analysis. It is shown that the elastic tie-line model presents a higher degree of robustness.
His-Purkinje lineages and development.

The heartbeat is initiated and coordinated by a multi-component set of specialized muscle tissues collectively referred to as the pacemaking and conduction system. Over the last few years, impetus has gathered into unravelling the cellular and molecular processes that regulate differentiation and integration of this essential cardiac network. One focus of our collective work has been the developmental history of cells comprising His-Purkinje tissues of the conduction system. This interest in part arose from studies of the expression of connexins in periarterial Purkinje fibres of the chick heart. Using lineage-tracing strategies, including those based on replication-defective retroviruses and adenoviruses, it has been shown that conduction cells are derived from multipotent, cardiomyogenic progenitors in the tubular heart. Moreover, heterogeneity within myocardial clones has indicated that the elaboration of the conduction system in the chick embryo occurs by progressive, localized recruitment from within this pool of cardiomyogenic cells. Cell birth dating has revealed that inductive conscription of cells to central elements of the conduction system (e.g. the His bundle) precedes recruitment to the peripheral components of the network (i.e. subendocardial and periarterial Purkinje fibres). Birth dating studies in rodents suggest an analogous recruitment process is occurring in this species. In addition to summarizing earlier work, this chapter provides information on ongoing studies of cell-cell signalling and transcriptional mechanisms that may regulate the development of His-Purkinje tissues.
Linking enzyme sequence to function using conserved property difference locator to identify and annotate positions likely to control specific functionality

Background: Families of homologous enzymes evolved from common progenitors. The availability of multiple sequences representing each activity presents an opportunity for extracting information specifying the functionality of individual homologs. We present a straightforward method for the identification of residues likely to determine class specific functionality in which multiple sequence alignments are converted to an annotated graphical form by the Conserved Property Difference Locator (CPDL) program. Results: Three test cases, each comprised of two groups of funtionally-distinct homologs, are presented. Of the test cases, one is a membrane and two are soluble enzyme families. The desaturase/hydroxylase data was used to design and test the CPDL algorithm because a comparative sequence approach had been successfully applied to manipulate the specificity of these enzymes. The other two cases, ATP/GTP cyclases, and MurD/MurE synthases were chosen because they are well characterized structurally and biochemically. For the desaturase/hydroxylase enzymes, the ATP/GTP cyclases and the MurD/MurE synthases, groups of 8 (of ~400), 4 (of ~150) and 10 (of >400) residues, respectively, of interest were identified that contain empirically defined specificity determining positions. Conclusion: CPDL consistently identifies positions near enzyme active sites that include those predicted from structural and/or biochemical studies to be important for specificity and/or function. This suggests that CPDL will have broad utility for the identification of potential class determining residues based on multiple sequence analysis of groups of homologous proteins. Because the method is sequence, rather than structure, based it is equally well suited for designing structure-function experiments to investigate membrane and soluble proteins.
The role of multiple stressors in ranavirus-caused amphibian mortalities in Acadia National Park wetlands

Recent studies suggest that multiple sublethal stressors compromise amphibian immune systems and increase susceptibility to disease. We examined two aspects of multiple stressors and incidence of r...
3D Voronoi diagrams of real trees

Voronoi diagrams are a useful tool for computing spatial relationships. This paper is about the application of this concept to 3D data obtained from forests to answer questions in ecology. The standard construction treats each point as an independent entity, but here the objects are sets of points that correspond to a tree or cluster of trees.
The Myth of Buick Aspirin: An Empirical Study of Trademark Dilution by Product and Trade Names

Trademark dilution is a highly controversial cause of action that has been the subject of hundreds of law review articles, but no significant scientific work. We analyze 60 years of telephone white pages, corporate & LLC naming data, advertisements from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post, state and federal trademark databases, and all recorded dilution litigation. Our data suggest strongly that famous trademarks are frequently borrowed for use as trade names in services, but almost never as trade marks on products. Given that Congress based anti-dilution legislation on the assumption that uses like Buick Aspirin were common, our conclusions are significant. Our data also show that state federal anti-dilution laws likely have had some effect in the significant decline in brand sharing that we chart. We conclude by examining the still-widespread phenomenon of brand sharing and find that recent psychological studies help explain why the harm allegedly caused by unauthorized sharing (denominated dilution by Congress) is unlikely ever to occur.
For the love of information: Motivations and affective dynamics of surfing the web for pleasure

The World Wide Web (the Web) is ubiquitous in people's lives today and is used on a daily basis to get information on a variety of topics. While information seeking behavior has been studied extensively in a Web setting, many of these studies assume a task-oriented search for information even though much of the information seeking on the Web is not necessarily done with previously stated information needs or goals. Some Web information seeking activity is done for purposes of entertainment, or for simply connecting with other people (for example, via social media websites), oftentimes with an unstructured, serendipitous approach. Information seeking in general, and information acquisition, in particular, is a pleasurable activity in and of itself. Surfing the Web for pleasure is a prominent activity and worthy of our attention as researchers. To do so, we need an appropriate framework. This paper borrows ideas from a social-cognitive approach to the uses and gratifications paradigm in order to investigate the suitability of that framework in a Web information access setting. More specifically, we use the answers from questions we asked to 180 survey respondents about their motivations for surfing the Web for pleasure and their affective states during and after their surfing sessions. The findings indicate that the social-cognitive approach to uses and gratifications is a useful baseline. We make enhancements to it and propose our own framework for research in this area. We present data to bolster the notion that the seeking and acquisition of information brings pleasure and we propose a framework to study user motivations and affective states both during and after their “surfing the Web for pleasure” sessions.
Probiotics: future directions

Clinical studies have shown that certain probiotics may be useful in treating a variety of diarrheal disorders, including rotavirus diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Clostridium difficile diarrhea, and traveler's diarrhea. New data suggest that probiotics might be useful in controlling inflammatory diseases, treating and preventing allergic diseases, preventing cancer, and stimulating the immune system, which may reduce the incidence of respiratory disease. Different modes of administering probiotics are currently being investigated, which may ultimately lead to the widespread use of probiotics in functional foods. It is important that such practices be directed by carefully controlled clinical studies published in peer-reviewed journals.
Rethinking Power and Culture in Anthropology

Who Can Compete against the World? Power-Protection and Buddhism in Shan Woridview. Nicola Tannenbaum. Ann Arbor, MI: Association of Asian Studies, 1995.228 pp. State Power and Culture in Thailand. E. Paul Durrenberger. ed. Yale Southeast Asia Studies Monograph, 44. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1996. 200 pp.
Mecamylamine combined with nicotine skin patch facilitates smoking cessation beyond nicotine patch treatment alone

Objective To evaluate concurrent administration of mecamylamine (nicotine antagonist) with nicotine skin patch treatment for smoking cessation. Methods This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-eight healthy smokers who smoked at least one pack per day were studied at an outpatient smoking cessation research clinic. The subjects ranged in age from 20 to 40 years. Intervention with the nicotine skin patch (6 to 8 weeks) plus oral mecamylamine (2.5 to 5 mg twice a day for 5 weeks) was compared to nicotine patch plus placebo. Mecamylamine treatment began 2 weeks before smoking cessation. The primary outcome was continuous abstinence through 7 weeks after cessation (1 week after treatment), confirmed by expired air carbon monoxide measurements. Secondary measures included point abstinence at 7 weeks, continuous abstinence at 6- and 12-month follow-up, and self-reported withdrawal symptoms. Results The continuous abstinence rate at 7 weeks was three times higher in the mecamylamine condition: 50% versus 16.7%, p = 0.015. Point abstinence at 7 weeks was 58% for mecamylamine versus 29% for placebo, p = 0.044. At follow-up, continuous abstinence remained higher for mecamylamine: 37.5% versus 12.5% at 6 months (p = 0.046) and 37.5% versus 4.2% at 12 months (p = 0.004). Mecamylamine also significantly reduced craving for cigarettes, negative affect, and appetite. Conclusions Agonist-antagonist therapy, consisting of the nicotine patch with oral mecamylamine, may substantially improve current smoking cessation treatment. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1994) 56, 86–99; doi:10.1038/clpt.1994.105
Consequences of intraperitoneal bile: Bile ascites versus bile peritonitis

Summary Recent experience with patients with bile ascites and bile peritonitis prompted a review of other case histories in the medical literature of these conditions. The clinical courses of 24 patients with bile ascites and 34 with bile peritonitis were reviewed. Bile ascites occurred most often as a postoperative complication of biliary tract operations and also occasionally after trauma. Clinical signs were minimal except for abdominal distention, and operations were delayed for an average of 30 days. Peritoneal fluid was sterile in the 11 patients studied. In contrast, bile peritonitis occurred most commonly after spontaneous perforation of the gallbladder or hepatic ducts but also after trauma. All patients had severe signs of peritoneal irritation, and operation was performed earlier, at a mean of 4 days after onset of symptoms. Of 11 patients with specimens of their peritoneal fluid cultured, 6 had sterile fluid and 5 had bacteria. Although both bile salt concentration and bacteria have been implicated in the development of bile peritonitis rather than bile ascites, our understanding of the mechanisms involved is still incomplete.
A simplified procedure for studying mtDNA polymorphisms.

Many evolutionary geneticists have begun to study directly genetic variation in DNA. The DNA in mitochondria (mtDNA) has been the most popular subject of study primarily because it is relatively easy to isolate large quantities of homogeneous copies of this DNA molecule. Lansman et al. (1981) discuss in some detail the use of mtDNA polymorphisms in evolutionary studies. Unfortunately most published procedures for mtDNA studies require equipment and expertise not possessed by most evolutionary biologists. We present here a protocol for studying mtDNA polymorphism which requires only marginally more equipment and expertise than does protein electrophoresis, a procedure widely used by evolutionary biologist. Furthermore, it is much faster than standard methods for isolating mtDNA. We deve][oped it specifically for studying Drosophila mtDNA but have also been successful in isolating mouse mtDNA from livers. We see no reason it could not be modified for most organisms. Basically, the procedure involves centrifugation to remove nuclei, followed by standard nuclei acid extraction of an enriched mitochondrial fraction. The DNA thus obtained is then digested with restriction endonuclease and analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. DNA fragments are visualized by ethidium bromide staining.
Observation of turbulent-driven shear flow in a cylindrical laboratory plasma device

A turbulent-generated azimuthally symmetric radially sheared plasma fluid flow is observed in a cylindrical magnetized helicon plasma device with no external sources of momentum input. A turbulent momentum conservation analysis shows that this shear flow is sustained against dissipation by the turbulent Reynolds stress generated by collisional drift fluctuations in the device. In the wavenumber domain this process is manifested via a nonlinear transfer of energy from small scales to larger scales. Simulations of collisional drift turbulence in this device have also been carried out and clearly show the formation of a shear flow quantitatively similar to that observed experimentally. The results integrate experiment and first-principle simulations and validate the basic theoretical picture of drift-wave/shear flow interactions.
A lithosequence of soils in extremely gravelly, dolomitic parent materials, bois blanc island, lake huron

Abstract Eight extremely gravelly pedons on Bois Blanc Island were characterized, and pathways and processes of genesis were examined. The soils are developed in dolomitic gravels and cobbles, and contain 1–50% (mean 15%) fine-earth; most pedons are in coarse-loamy or skeletal particle-size families. In extremely gravelly parent materials with less than 5% fine-earth, B horizons have not formed. Accumulation of organic matter on the surface and between coarse fragments in the upper solum is the main pedogenic process in such soils, (Borofolists). In other soils, distinct eluvial and illuvial zones are present, with organic carbon, silts, fine sands and CaCO3 being the primary constituents undergoing translocation. Quantity and mineralogical composition of the fine-earth appear to alter the pathways of pedogenesis. As the amount of fine-earth and the percentage of non-carbonate materials (derived from crystalline rocks) increase, cambic horizons with spodic morphology may develop.
Flexibility of Elongated Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Micelles in Aqueous Sodium Chloride: A Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Study

Aqueous salt solutions containing elongated micelles of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) have been studied at 45 °C using small-angle neutron scattering. At NaCl concentrations in the 1−2 M range, the scattering data are consistent with semiflexible rather than rigid rodlike micelles, and this conclusion is consistent with previous studies of SDS micelles using small-angle scattering. However, until now quantitative determinations of micellar flexibility, that is, of persistence lengths, especially as a function of ionic strength, have not been available. By making measurements in the range of scattering vectors appropriate for this length scale and by incorporating the effect of intermicellar interactions into the fitting protocol, it has been possible to determine persistence lengths accurately. Partitioning of the values into intrinsic and electrostatic components is discussed, and the results are compared with data for the highly flexible anionic polyelectrolyte sodium polystyrenesulfonate. The one-dimens...
Film cooling effectiveness in hypersonic turbulent flow

Film cooling effectiveness in hypersonic turbulent flow from downstream surface equilibrium temperature measurement
Response of a coupled chemistry-climate model to changes in aerosol emissions: Global impact on the hydrological cycle and the tropospheric burdens of OH, ozone, and NOx

[1] In this study, we analyze the response of the coupled chemistry-climate system to changes in aerosol emissions in fully coupled atmospheric chemistry-climate-slab ocean model simulations; only the direct radiative effect of aerosols and their uptake of chemical species are considered in this study. We show that, at the global scale, a decrease in emissions of the considered aerosols (or their precursors) produces a warmer and moister climate. In addition, the tropospheric burdens of OH and ozone increase when aerosol emissions are decreased. The ozone response is a combination of the impact of reduced heterogeneous uptake of N2O5 and increased ozone loss in a moister atmosphere. Under reduced aerosol emissions, the tropospheric burden of NOx (NO + NO2) is strongly reduced by an increase in nitric acid formation but also increased by the reduced N2O5 uptake. Finally, we discuss the significant difference found between the combined impact of all aerosols emissions and the sum of their individual contributions. Citation: Lamarque, J.-F., J. T. Kiehl, P. G. Hess, W. D. Collins, L. K. Emmons, P. Ginoux, C. Luo, and X. X. Tie (2005), Response of a coupled chemistryclimate model to changes in aerosol emissions: Global impact on the hydrological cycle and the tropospheric burdens of OH, ozone, and NOx, Geophys. Res. Lett., 32, L16809, doi:10.1029/ 2005GL023419.
“Most of the Time You Already Know”: Pharmaceutical Information Assembly by Young Adults on the Internet

This study examined the utilization of the Internet by young adults as a source of information for the misuse of prescription drugs. Collected during 2008–2009, the data presented here comes from semistructured interviews (N = 62) conducted in a northwestern city of the United States through support from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Previous studies characterize young adults as particularly vulnerable to online prescription drug information that analysts portray as having a significant, invariably detrimental, impact on youth drug use behaviors. The results presented here suggest that young adults are more skeptical and information savvy than many substance abuse analysts acknowledge. In addition, knowledge and experiences generated from legitimate medical uses of pharmaceuticals influence individuals’ information assessment and evaluation practices employed in the nonmedical misuse of prescription drugs.
Experimental and DFT studies: novel structural modifications greatly enhance the solvent sensitivity of live cell imaging dyes.

Structural modifications of previously reported merocyanine dyes (Toutchkine, A.; Kraynov, V.; Hahn, K. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2003, 125, 4132−4145) were found to greatly enhance the solvent dependence of their absorbance and fluorescence emission maxima. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to understand the differences in optical properties between the new and previously synthesized dyes. Absorption and emission energies were calculated for several new dyes using DFT vertical self-consistent reaction field (VSCRF) methods. Geometries of ground and excited states were optimized with a conductor-like screening model (COSMO) and self-consistent field (SCF) methods. The new dyes have enhanced zwitterionic character in the ground state and much lower polarity in the excited state, as shown by the DFT-VSCRF calculations. Consistently, the position of the absorption bands are strongly blue-shifted in more polar solvent (methanol compared to benzene), as predicted by the DFT spectral calc...
Discovering forgiveness through empathy: implications for couple and family therapy

This article explores the concept of forgiveness in the context of couple and family therapy. Forgiveness is described as a complex psychological and relational process that is more a discovery via understanding and empathy than an act of will. Empathy is related to emotional intelligence, and the developmental and relational benefits of both are discussed. A rationale for viewing forgiveness in a contextual (family of origin), historical and relational attachment paradigm is offered. Relevant clinical cases illustrate the process of forgiveness as discovery in the context of an empathic relational environment where ambivalence is anticipated and respected.
Educational Shake Tables

Creating and destroying miniature buildings and other structures is an enjoyable way to spend an hour or two. If watching toy-size skyscrapers shake, crumble, and even disintegrate becomes tiresome, it's always possible to experiment with bricks in saturated sand. While such activities may seem unusual for adults, these experiments, when conducted on a shake table, are a remarkably effective and popular way to illustrate earthquake hazards such as resonance and liquefaction. On a more constructive level, one can easily illustrate ways to reduce or avoid earthquake damage, such as shear-wall strengthening or base isolation. All these demonstrations require a shake table capable of strong motions. Although at first this may seem to be an expensive constraint, creative educators have devised and used a wide variety of shake tables, and a solution is available for almost any budget and educational environment. The use of shake tables to demonstrate earthquake hazards largely has been pioneered by the earthquake engineering community, which possesses considerable experience in this area. A future “EduQuakes” article will discuss educational shake tables and related activities developed by the University Consortium on Instructional Shake Tables (UCIST). Yet the natural link between earthquakes and geology makes these demonstrations highly relevant to earth science classes, both at the K–12 and university levels. Physical science classes also will benefit by seeing graphic examples of phenomena such as resonance. In this column we will provide a …
Ethnic Identity, Spirituality, and Self-Efficacy Influences on Treatment Outcomes Among Hispanic American Methadone Maintenance Clients

There is increasing concern over whether standard health care services, such as substance abuse treatment, adequately account for important cultural influences, yet studies focusing on the impact of cultural influences on substance abuse treatment continue to be limited. The current study prospectively examined the effects of two cultural factors (ethnic identity and spirituality) on substance abuse treatment outcomes among Hispanic American clients (N=114) enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment. In addition, this study examined whether a commonly studied treatment factor (i.e., self-efficacy) significantly influenced treatment outcomes. Higher levels of self-efficacy at intake were related to increased odds of reported heroin abstinence and a lower number of drugs used at 1-year follow-up. Greater levels of ethnic identity were related to a greater number of drugs used at follow-up. No significant effects were found for spirituality.
Getting our AKT together in schizophrenia

AKT1 is a protein kinase that functions as a central element in many pathways involved in the control of cell growth and apoptosis. Genetic and biochemical data now provide evidence that AKT1 may be a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia.
Partial Characterization of a Unique Female Diploid Cell Strain from the Tick Boophilus Microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

A cell strain, selected on the basis of morphology, was derived from a Boophilus microplus embryonic tick cell line developed in this laboratory. The cell strain is characterized by a uniform morphological cell type of small round cells (13.6 μm in diam), a predominantly female diploid chromosome complement (2n = 22), and a population doubling time of 3.8 days. The cell strain is currently in the 56th passage after 19 months in culture.
On the road again: Hayek and the rule of law

Abstract In his political writings, F. A. Hayek faces a classic liberal dilemma: he opposes coercion but recognizes that sometimes the state can help to minimize it. Hayek attempts to resolve the dilemma of the limits of state power by offering a definition of the rule of law that does not depend on a controversial conception of rights. However, his effort to formalize the rule of law fails. Not only does Hayek implicitly rely on an undefended theory of rights, but his rule‐of‐law scheme is limited to the elaboration of general principles of good government, neglecting the need for reforms aimed directly at the political processes that result in the controversial forms of coercion he deplores.
Electronic structures of the isolobal pair, Ru3(CO)9(CH)2 and (BH)3(CH)2; the eighteen-electron rule versus skeletal electron-pair counting

Abstract The isolobal relationship between Ru(CO) 3 and BH is explored through detailed comparisons of molecular- orbital calculations on the clusters, Ru 3 (CO) 9 (CH) 2 and (BH) 3 (CH) 2 . In addition to the principle bonds, which are the same as those one would predict from skeletal electron-pair counting (SEPC), the molecular-orbital calculations suggest that there are important secondary bonding interactions not predicted by SEPC. The most important of these are the interactions one would invoke if one enforced the 18-electron rule on Ru. Thus, the “t 2g ” electron pairs, which SEPC views as spectator pairs, are actually involved in the bonding to a small degree.
On the optimal distribution of income among cities

Abstract In a competitive land market, different consumers will bid differing amounts to be located at one or another points in space. This article demonstrates that consumers fare better by competing in land markets where other competitors have different bid structures than they. Since income has a strong effect on one's bidding, the paper formally proves that poor consumers would, ceteris paribus, prefer to locate in cities with rich consumers and vice versa. With respect to the market for urban land, the inference is that cities heterogeneous in income are preferred by all to homogeneous ones.
Recording processes in perpendicular patterned media using longitudinal magnetic recording heads

An experimental study of the recording processes in patterned magnetic media is presented. The reading of patterned media using spin-valve elements is compared to the signal levels from magneto-resistive sensors. Writing and reading of patterned columnar media at high areal densities is demonstrated. A new experimental technique has been developed that allows precise determination of the location of the write gap poles with respect to the patterned media column during the write process. Implications for patterned media write synchronization and the write head field requirements are discussed.
The Schaechter-Bentzon-Maaløe experiment and the analysis of cell cycle events in eukaryotic cells.

The Schaechter-Bentzon-Maaloe (SBM) experiment, performed more than 40 years ago, provides an important lesson for the analysis of the eukaryotic cell cycle. Before this experiment, temperature shifts had been used to synchronize bacteria and determine the pattern of DNA synthesis during the bacterial division cycle. These experiments indicated that DNA replication occurred during a fraction of the division cycle with gaps before and after DNA synthesis, a pattern similar to the eukaryotic division cycle. The SBM experiment studied DNA replication during the division cycle by labeling an unperturbed culture with a short pulse of tritiated thymidine. All cells were found to be labeled, indicating that unperturbed cells synthesize DNA throughout the division cycle. Thus, the SBM experiment was a control experiment demonstrating that artifacts can be introduced by synchronization methods. The idea of an control experiment under unperturbed conditions is proposed for the analysis of data on cell-cycle-specific gene expression in yeast and mammalian cells.
Antioxidant supplementation lowers circulating IGF-1 but not F2-isoprostanes immediately following anterior cruciate ligament surgery

AbstractInterleukin (IL)-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines. We previously demonstrated that supplementation with vitamins E and C ameliorated the increase in IL-10 immediately following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery in the absence of other cytokine perturbations. Since both oxidative stress and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) can modulate IL-10 concentrations, the mechanisms for these changes warranted further investigation. Our objective was to evaluate the mechanism for the IL-10 decrease following ACL surgery. This study consisted of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental design. Subjects were randomly assigned to daily supplementation with either: (i) antioxidants (AO; vitamins E [α-tocopherol] and C [ascorbic acid]; n = 10); or (ii) matching placebos (PL; n = 10). Supplementation started ∼2 weeks prior to surgery (baseline) and concluded 3 months after surgery. Subjects provided six fasting blood samples at: (i) baseline;...
Contact sensitivities in palmar plantar pustulosis (acropustulosis)

Acropustulosis, or chronic palmar plantar pustulosis (PPP), is a phenomenon of recurrent sterile pustules, erythema, and scaling affecting the palms and soles. Its pathogenesis is unclear, and it is difficult to treat. The purpose of this study was to elucidate further the factors involved in causing PPP, thereby enhancing the ability to manage this disease. All cases of PPP seen at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale from 1987 to 1993 were reviewed. 21 patients with PPP were identified, 15 of whom had been patch tested. 9 of the 15 patients (60%) showed positive patch test results. Fragrance was the most common sensitivity, but nickel, formaldehyde, para-phenylenediamine, thiuram, neomycin, mercury, balsam of Peru, and cinnamic aldehyde sensitivities were demonstrated. Less important factors included atopy, fungal and bacterial infections, and irritation. Although the mechanism of this sterile pustulosis response does not depend solely on delayed hypersensitivity mechanisms, we believe that we have demonstrated such a large number of positive patch tests in this chronic pustular dermatosis that patch testing should be considered in the routine work-up of these patients.
Risk factors for non-cardiac chest pain in the community.

Summary Background: Non-cardiac chest pain is a common and expensive condition. Risk factors for non-cardiac chest pain are poorly understood and lack description in the USA community. Aim: To explore risk factors and health-seeking behaviour in non-cardiac chest pain in a USA community. Methods: Olmsted County, MN subjects who reported at least monthly or severe chest pain in response to a validated questionnaire were compared with controls. All the Mayo Clinic medical records were reviewed; those with cardiac disease or relevant organic conditions were excluded. Results: Of 2118 eligible subjects, 1524 (72%) returned a questionnaire, 389 subjects (26%) reported any chest pain and 186 (12.2%) at least monthly or severe chest pain. Of these, 62 were excluded for a cardiac diagnosis or another organic cause. Thus, 124 subjects (9.1%, 95% CI: 7.6–10.8%) reported at least monthly or severe non-cardiac chest pain, of which 65 (52.4%) had frequent reflux symptoms. Independent risk factors for non-cardiac chest pain were obesity (OR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.64–5.50), family history of reflux (OR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.73–4.32), previous cigarette use (OR 2.0, 95% CI: 1.27–3.18), aspirin use (OR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.00–2.31) and use of antiarthritis medicines (OR 2.0, 95% CI: 1.27–3.16). Compared with subjects with non-cardiac chest pain and associated gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms, subjects with non-cardiac chest pain without associated gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms were less likely to have a family history of reflux, more likely to be younger, and less likely to be obese. Compared with controls, subjects with non-cardiac chest pain without gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms were younger (OR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99), reported higher somatic symptom scores (OR 1.1, 95% CI: 1.08–1.73) and were more likely to be obese (OR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.15–5.93). Conclusions: Recurrent or severe non-cardiac chest pain is common in the community. Half of the people with significant non-cardiac chest pain have frequent reflux symptoms, thus, risk factors for non-cardiac chest pain are similar to risk factors for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. People with non-cardiac chest pain without reflux symptoms have a slightly different risk factor profile.
Design-oriented identification of critical times in transient response

Two techniques are presented for reducing the computational effort in identifying the critical time points. One approach is an adaptive search technique, well suited for the case where the response is exactly known. The other technique, useful for noisy response, is based on a least-squares spline approximation of the response. The possibility of grouping several closely spaced local peaks to identify a single super peak from each group is also investigated. The computational efficiency of the techniques proposed here is illustrated by two examples.
Cutting Performance of Binder-Less Nano-Polycrystalline cBN Tool

Binder-less nanopolycrystalline cBN (BL-PcBN) synthesized by direct conversion under high pressure and high temperature has a fine texture consisting of small cBN grains (<100nm), high hardness (40–50 GPa) and high transverse rupture strength (1.3–1.6 GPa). Their mechanical properties strongly depend on their starting materials and synthetic conditions. In this study, Ball-end mill tools prepared from several kinds of BL-PcBN synthesized under various conditions (8–20 GPa, 1500–2300oC) were examined for precision cutting of high-strength hardened steel comparing with conventional sintered cBN. A fine mirror-finish surface with Ra of 20 nm could be produced by precision BL-PcBN tools, while not by conventional sintered cBN tools. The tool wear of BL-PcBN synthesized from hBN at 10 GPa and 2200°C was four to five times less than that of conventional cBN. These results revealed that the BL-PcBN tools have excellent potential for precision cutting on ferrous materials.
Serum sodium, renal function, and survival of patients with end-stage liver disease

Background & Aims Serum creatinine, a component of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), is an important prognostic indicator in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). In addition, serum sodium has recently been recognized as an important predictor of mortality in patients with ESLD. We investigate the role of serum creatinine and sodium, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as determinants of survival in patients with ESLD. Methods A prospective database was utilized to identify all adults listed for primary liver transplantation (LTx) at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, between 1990 and 1999. GFR was measured by iothalamate clearance. Results Among 837 patients listed for LTx, 660 had complete data including measured GFR. There was a significant association between GFR and survival after adjustment for MELD, with a linear rise in the risk of death as GFR decreased between 60 and 20ml/min/1.73m 2 . Multivariable models showed that GFR is superior to creatinine in predicting mortality – a model consisting of total bilirubin (hazard ratio (HR)=2.17, p 0.01), INR (HR=3.26, p 0.01) and GFR (HR=0.42, p 0.01) was superior to MELD (chi-square 65.6 vs. 59.4, c-statistic 0.792 vs. 0.780). Serum sodium did not contribute to survival prediction when accurately measured GFR data were available. Conclusions Serum concentrations of creatinine and sodium in patients with end-stage liver disease reflect a reduction in renal function, the underlying event that decreases survival.