cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sol-Gel Derived Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Silicon Oxide Composite Materials and Novel Fabrication Technique for Channel Waveguide

Sol-gel derived composite materials of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), SiO 2 and TiO 2 were studied to achieve low optical propagation loss and high thermal stability in slab waveguides. PVP is a thermally crosslinkable polymer. However, the thermal crosslinking and thermal decomposition take place around the same temperature, 200 °C, resulting in high optical propagation loss. The incorporation of sol-gel processed SiO 2 prevents thermal decomposition of PVP and produces remarkably low optical propagation loss even after being baked at 230 °C. We have achieved 0.2 dB/cm optical propagation loss at 633 nm. Furthermore, little index change was observed at 110 °C for 1,000 hours after initial slight increase. Impregnation of sol-gel processed TiO 2 into the PVP/SiO 2 system was also studied to increase refractive index. A broad manipulation of refractive index, from 1.49 to 1.65, with an optical propagation loss of less than 0.6 dB/cm at 633 nm was accomplished by a careful selection of Ti alkoxide and optimized reaction conditions. PVP/SiO 2 slab waveguides were then used to fabricate channel waveguides by using a laser densification technique utilizing metal lines as light absorbent and an Ar laser. An optical propagation loss of 0.9 dB/cm was achieved at 633 nm.
Materials characterization: Optics up close and personal.

Why use a lens to build a light microscope when you can see better without one? State-of-the-art optical microscopy techniques that avoid the usual limitations associated with lenses are making waves in unexpected areas of materials science.
Solving Pure Yang-Mills Theory in 2 + 1 Dimensions

We analytically compute the spectrum of the spin zero glueballs in the planar limit of pure Yang-Mills theory in 2 + 1 dimensions. The new ingredient is provided by our computation of a new nontrivial form of the ground state wave functional. The mass spectrum of the theory is determined by the zeroes of Bessel functions, and the agreement with large lattice data is excellent.
Stress management: How the unfolded protein response impacts fatty liver disease

Induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR) is recognized as central to fatty liver disease (FLD) pathophysiology. This pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for FLD, as well as other diseases. However, fundamental questions as to how UPR contributes to FLD remain unanswered. Conflicting data suggest that this pathway can both protect against and augment this disease. Here, we review the relationship between protein secretion, endoplasmic reticulum function (ER), and UPR activation. The UPR serves to maintain secretory pathway homeostasis by enhancing the protein folding environment in the ER, and we review data investigating the role for individual UPR players in fatty liver (steatosis). We explore a novel concept in the field that all cases of UPR activation do not equal “ER stress”. Rather, different types of UPRs that can either protect against or cause FLD are discussed. Refining our current understanding of this complex pathway is particularly important, as drugs that affect the protein folding environment in the ER and affect UPR activation are being successful in clinical trials for FLD.
Relationship between manometric findings and reported symptoms in nutcracker esophagus: insights gained from a review of 313 patients

Background Nutcracker esophagus (NE) is a well-described esophageal motility disorder often implicated as the cause of chest pain (CP). The aim of this study was to analyze the role of peristaltic amplitude, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, and 24 h pH scores in patient symptomatology.
Net radiative forcing due to changes in regional emissions of tropospheric ozone precursors

[1] The global distribution of tropospheric ozone (O3) depends on the emission of precursors, chemistry, and transport. For small perturbations to emissions, the global radiative forcing resulting from changes in O3 can be expressed as a sum of forcings from emission changes in different regions. Tropospheric O3 is considered in present climate policies only through the inclusion of indirect effect of CH4 on radiative forcing through its impact on O3 concentrations. The short-lived O3 precursors (NOx, CO, and NMHCs) are not directly included in the Kyoto Protocol or any similar climate mitigation agreement. In this study, we quantify the global radiative forcing resulting from a marginal reduction (10%) in anthropogenic emissions of NOx alone from nine geographic regions and a combined marginal reduction in NOx, CO, and NMHCs emissions from three regions. We simulate, using the global chemistry transport model MOZART-2, the change in the distribution of global O3 resulting from these emission reductions. In addition to the short-term reduction in O3, these emission reductions also increase CH4 concentrations (by decreasing OH); this increase in CH4 in turn counteracts part of the initial reduction in O3 concentrations. We calculate the global radiative forcing resulting from the regional emission reductions, accounting for changes in both O3 and CH4. Our results show that changes in O3 production and resulting distribution depend strongly on the geographical location of the reduction in precursor emissions. We find that the global O3 distribution and radiative forcing are most sensitive to changes in precursor emissions from tropical regions and least sensitive to changes from midlatitude and high-latitude regions. Changes in CH4 and O3 concentrations resulting from NOx emission reductions alone produce offsetting changes in radiative forcing, leaving a small positive residual forcing (warming) for all regions. In contrast, for combined reductions of anthropogenic emissions of NOx, CO, and NMHCs, changes in O3 and CH4 concentrations result in a net negative radiative forcing (cooling). Thus we conclude that simultaneous reductions of CO, NMHCs, and NOx lead to a net reduction in radiative forcing due to resulting changes in tropospheric O3 and CH4 while reductions in NOx emissions alone do not.
Morphologic features of stenosis of the pulmonary veins.

Abstract Congenital stenosis of the pulmonary veins is a rare abnormality causing progressive pulmonary hypertension and cardiac failure in childhood. 1 Prognosis is generally bleak despite attempts at surgical repair 2,3 and, more recently, transvenous balloon dilatation. 4,5 Initial relief has usually been followed by recurrence. We reviewed 9 autopsy cases of this condition catalogued in the Cardiopathological Museum of the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Cases of pulmonary venous obstruction coexisting with totally anomalous pulmonary venous connections were excluded.
Transient Inhibition of Interleukin 4 Signaling by T Cell Receptor Ligation

Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-12 together with T cell receptor (TCR) engagement are crucial for the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into T helper (Th)2 or Th1 cells, respectively. Although IL-4 receptors (IL-4Rs) but not IL-12Rs are expressed on naive CD4+ T cells, IL-4 has no apparent advantage over IL-12 in driving naive T cell differentiation when the cells are primed with both IL-4 and IL-12 in vitro. It was found that IL-4–induced phosphorylation of Janus kinases 1 and 3, IL-4Rα, signal transducer and activator of transcription 6, and insulin receptor substrate 2 was strikingly but transiently inhibited by TCR ligation both in conventional and TCR transgenic T cells. TCR engagement also blocked the expression of an IL-4–inducible gene. Signals induced by other cytokines, including IL-2, IL-6, and interferon α, but not by insulin-like growth factor 1, were also blocked by TCR engagement. The capacity of various inhibitors to reverse TCR-mediated inhibition of IL-4 signaling suggested that activation of the Ras–mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and of the calcineurin pathway contribute to desensitizing IL-4R. IL-4 responsiveness returned at about the time (∼12 h) that IL-12–mediated signaling was first observed. Thus, through different mechanisms, neither IL-4R nor IL-12R has any clear advantage in polarizing cells; rather, the availability of cytokine is probably the limiting factor in this process.
Structural analysis of solid-state NMR measurements of peptides and proteins

Abstract A method for analyzing NMR measurements of peptides and proteins in terms of back-bone structure is presented. Various dipole, chemical-shift, and quadrupole interactions can be utilized to yield angles describing the orientations of individual peptide planes with respect to the magnetic field. The computer program LINK can then be used to join two peptide planes together and determine backbone torsion angles. Calculated and experimental examples are given.
Nonlocal modulation of entangled photons

We consider ramifications of the use of high-speed light modulators to questions of correlation and measurement of time-energy entangled photons. Using phase modulators, we find that temporal modulation of one photon of an entangled pair, as measured by correlation in the frequency domain, may be negated or enhanced by modulation of the second photon. Using amplitude modulators, we describe a Fourier technique for measurement of biphoton wave functions with slow detectors.
Money and the Poet: The First Stasimon of Pindar Isthmian 2

The first stasimon of Pindar Isthmian 2 has long been problematic: it appears to privilege past over present poetry and to stigmatise contemporary poets, including Pindar himself, as mercenary. This paper summarises previous solutions to this problem, none fully satisfactory, and, after modifying the logic of the first stasimon, proposes the following new solution. Pindar’s ‘past poetry’ (contrary to the view of earlier scholarship) does not consist of monodic love songs but of choric paidikal enkomia performed at low cost by amateur choruses of fellow paides, whereas his ‘present poetry’ is performed by professional choruses and musicians who were expensively costumed and trained and highly paid. The issue, then, is not the poets’ fees (for poets were always remunerated) but the high costs of contemporary choric performance. Those costs do not stigmatise Pindar as greedy, but they do further emphasise the patron’s generosity in funding Isthmian 2 and its performances.
Respiratory distress associated with bilateral nasolacrimal duct cysts.

Abstract Nasolacrimal duct system cysts with intranasal extension is a rarely reported cause of respiratory distress in the newborn. Nine often previously reported patients have demonstrated a paranasal mass on examination. Most of these patients have been female and most have required surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction. We present a case of a male newborn with bilateral NLDS cysts with intranasal extension causing respiratory distress, and no evidence of paranasal mass on examination. Nasal endoscopy is essential in the work-up of all patients with nasal obstruction and respiratory distress. The MRI scan was used in the diagnostic work-up to further evaluate the condition. The NLDS cyst with nasal extension resolved spontaneously.
The fading of nursing leadership

Based on recent BSN student clinical observations and evaluations from inpatient hospital units to which they were assigned, we were concerned about the absence of nursing leadership in these settings and the impact this absence has on our profession. In this opinion article, we explore how nursing leadership is being influenced by the structure of health care institutions and by an anti-intellectual stance among members of the profession. We discuss how these factors are influencing the current state of our profession and recommend a course of action to ensure the professional presence of nursing in the future. We also encourage readers to think about what they can do to prevent the fading of nursing leadership.
COMPARISON OF DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE LEVELS IN WHOLE BLOOD AND SERUM USING AN AUTOSAMPLER‐EQUIPPED GAS CHROMATOGRAPH

Abstract : Statistical analysis of the data indicates that DMSO can be reliably quantitated with good precision in whole blood even at low concentrations. Whole blood levels averaged 14.5% lower than serum levels in patients, a finding similar to the difference between whole blood and serum levels for ethanol. The autosampler greatly decreased the amount of time and effort required for injecting samples onto the gas chromatograph. Modification of the autosampler to provide a 3-second delay upon injection resulted in excellent chromatography. Although assay volume used with whole blood is the same as that used with serum, required sample volume is less. This is important where sample volume is limited or where multiple samples are needed from a small subject or test animal.
Comparison of the efficacy of local therapies for localized prostate cancer in the prostate-specific antigen era: a large single-institution experience with radical prostatectomy and external-beam radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: To review biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS) rates after either external-beam radiotherapy (RT) or radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All 1,682 patients had pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and biopsy Gleason scores (bGS) assigned. No adjuvant therapy was administered after local treatment. RP was the treatment in 1,054 patients (63%) and RT in 628 patients (37%). Median follow-up was 51 months (range, 1 to 134). The median follow-up for RP versus RT patients was 50.5 v 51.0 months. Biochemical relapse was considered detectable PSA levels (> 0.2 ng/mL) in RP patients and three consecutive rising PSA levels in RT patients. The analysis was repeated with a more stringent definition of biochemical control after either RP or RT—namely, reaching and maintaining a PSA level ≤ 0.5 ng/mL—and excluding patients receiving any androgen deprivation (AD). RESULTS: Eight-year bRFS rates for RP versus RT were 72% and 70%, respectively (P = .0...
Crop losses due to plant pathogens

Losses caused by plant pathogens have been and remain important constraints, worldwide, on efforts to increase crop production and productivity. With what appears to have been a decade of small improvements in the yield of major food and fiber crops, interest has been renewed on better definition and reduction of losses as a means of increasing crop yields. Crop loss assessment and management requires a multidisciplinary approach because pathogens (fungi, bacteria, viruses. nematodes) not only interact with each other, but with other biotic and abiotic factors to affect yield. This review addresses both historical and current issues associated with the physiological basis of yield loss in plants, the statistical estimation of field disease and losses, and the use of modem technology and systems modeling in the study of losses at different levels of biological organization. The authors also discuss implementation of regional loss assessment programs and the use of loss information for decision‐making.
Antibodies to type A influenza viruses in sera from nonhuman primates.

The results of serological testing of nonhuman primate sera obtained over a four-year period showed a high incidence of antibodies to influenza virus strains of the H2 and H3 hemagglutinin sub-types. This would indicate that outbreaks of type A influenza virus infection occurred in certain primate species and suggest another possible reservoir for influenza virus in nature. Hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) testing of sera collected from African green monkeys captured in the Kenya-Tanzania area of East Africa demonstrated significant antibody titers to A/Hong Kong (HK)/68 (H3N2) virus in serum samples obtained 8 to 10 months prior to the first report of influenza-like illness in East Africa, and 3 to 5 months prior to the first report of outbreaks of acute respiratory disease in southeastern China due to A/HK/68 (H3N2). The results suggest that certain species of nonhuman primates may be involved in the epidemiology of influenza due to their close association with human living areas.
Cholinesterase‐positive and catecholamine‐containing nerves in the guinea‐pig pericardium

The functions of the pericardium are traditionally defined in terms of lubrication and support. However, its complement of autonomic nerve fibers, shown by physiologc experimnts to be sensory, suggests that the pericardium may also serve as a mechanoreceptor site. In this study acetycholinesterase-positive, and catecholamine-containing elements of the pericardial plexus of the guinea-pig were visualized, using thiocholine and fluorescence techniques, respectively. A cholinesterase-positive nerve net, containing the preterminal segments of unmyelinated fibers and simple nerve endings, extended over the entire parietal pericardium. Some of the cholinesterase-positive endings, apparently separate from effector structures were assumed to be sensory. A few heavily myelinated fibers were contributed by the phrenic nerve. The parietal pericardium covering the atria contained many adrenergic nerves and endings. Not all pericardial adrenergic endings were linked to effector structures, such as blood vessels. Some fibers ended freely. It is suggested that liberation of catecholamines from “unattached terminals” may serve to lower the threshold, and prolong the adaptation of adjacent cholinesterase-positive mechanoreceptor terminals.
Shear stress analysis of blood-endothelial surface in inlet section of artery with plugging

Abstract A ‘Finite Element’ method has been developed for carrying out the direct numerical analysis of viscous hemodynamic flow in a long tube, under arbitrarily time-varying end pressures. The method yields directly the velocity and shearing stress profiles at the vessel walls. This is here used to study the laminar flow condition for an incompressible fluid, for the inlet section of a straight cylindrical tube as well as a channel for both steady and pulsating flow. The special effect of plugging in such inlet sections for the development of shearing stress and the changes in velocity profile that it produces are studied. Our analysis, originally for radially symmetric plugging is now extended to asymmetric plugging also. The profiles obtained show a high shearing stress at the leading edge of the plug and a rapidly-fluctuating shear stress downstream of the trailing edge.
Studies on the distribution of lipides in hypercholesteremic rats. I. The effect of feeding palmitate, oleate, linoleate, linolenate, menhaden and tuna oils☆

Abstract The effect of feeding highly unsaturated fatty acids, or precursors of such polyenoic acids, to hypercholesteremic rats was a marked and rapid depression of plasma cholesterol. This was accompanied by an accumulation of the higher polyenoic acids in heart lipides and in the phospholipides of the liver. The observed effect could not be related to any of the recognized types of essential fatty acid activity.
Prediction of Dislocation Nucleation During Nanoindentation by the Orbital-Free Density Functional Theory Local Quasi-continuum Method

We introduce the orbital-free density functional theory local quasi-continuum\linebreak (OFDFT-LQC) method: a first-principles-based multiscale material model that embeds OFDFT unit cells at the subgrid level of a finite element computation. Although this method cannot address intermediate length scales such as grain boundary evolution or microtexture, it is well suited to study material phenomena such as continuum level prediction of dislocation nucleation and the effects of varying alloy composition. The model is illustrated with the simulation of dislocation nucleation during indentation into the $(111)$ and $(\overline{1}10)$ surfaces of aluminum and compared against results obtained using an embedded atom method interatomic potential. None of the traditional dislocation nucleation criteria (Hertzian principal shear stress, actual principal shear stress, von Mises strain, or resolved shear stress) correlates with a previously proposed local elastic stability criterion, $\Lambda$. Discrepancies in dislocation nucleation predictions between OFDFT-LQC and other simulations highlight the need for accurate, atomistic constitutive models and the use of realistically sized indenters in the simulations.
Carotid Intervention Is It Warranted in Asymptomatic Individuals if Risk Factors Are Aggressively Managed

It is estimated that 2% to 12% of adults have >50% stenosis of the carotid arteries. Carotid stenosis is a strong indicator of systemic atherosclerotic disease with subsequent adverse health outcomes including myocardial infarction, stroke, and renal and peripheral arterial disease. The risk of stroke, usually resulting from carotid embolism to the middle cerebral artery or its branches, is low in asymptomatic carotid stenosis but spikes once persons experience ischemic symptoms (ipsilateral transient ischemic attack or stroke). The principal health objective is to prevent conversion to symptomatic stenosis. Even greater public health impact can be achieved with risk factor reduction that attenuates associated myocardial infarction, strokes from noncarotid causes, and peripheral arterial disease. Direct vascular intervention, carotid endarterectomy (CEA), or carotid artery stent/angioplasty (CAS) can reduce stroke risk in persons with symptomatic carotid stenosis, but evidence for their absolute value in improving health for the millions with asymptomatic stenosis is less firm. The Carotid Revascularization using Endarterectomy or Stenting Trial-2 (CREST2) team is embarking on an ambitious clinical …
The need for microsystems

There has been an ever-increasing need for smaller and smaller, yet more and more reliable electronic equipment and components. In this article, some of the important aspects of the evolution of microsystems are considered.
Comparison of tissue and plasma thromboplastic activities.

Summary1. A lengthening of saline-re-calcification time beyond normal occurred in plasma deficient in any one of the following: platelets, AHF, PTC, PTA, Hageman factor, proaccelerin, or proconvertin. It also occurred in certain acquired multiple factor deficiencies, and in heparinized plasma. 2. Brain thromboplastin recalcification times were normal in platelet, AHF, PTC, PTA and Hageman factor deficiencies, but prolonged in proconvertin or proaccelerin deficiency or heparinized plasma. 3. Plasma thromboplastin recalcification times were normal in these same deficiencies and, in addition, in proconvertin or proaccelerin deficiency. This latter activity seemed due to incorporation of (pro) convertin and (pro) accelerin into the plasma thromboplastin complex, rather than to any free proconvertin and proaccelerin in solution. 4. Formed plasma thromboplastin is inactive in absence of optimal calcium concentration.
Surgical consultation and intervention during pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Children undergoing HSCT are at risk for complications due to immune system impairment, toxicity from prior therapies and conditioning regimens, and long-term use of indwelling catheters. These problems may require assessment by the surgical team. We sought to characterize the role of surgical consultation during primary hospital stay for HSCT. We retrospectively reviewed the records of consecutive patients undergoing HSCT between September 2010 and September 2012. One hundred and seventy-three patients underwent 189 HSCTs. General surgery consultations occurred during 33% (n = 62) of primary hospitalizations for HSCT, with a total of 85 consults. Sixty-three (73%) consults resulted in an intervention in the operating room or at the bedside. The majority of consults were for CVL issues (59%, n = 50), followed by abdominal complaints (16%, n = 14). Patients requiring surgical consultation had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (16% vs. 2%, p < 0.01) and 100-day TRM (10% vs. 2%, p < 0.01), compared with those not requiring consultation. Patients undergoing HSCT often require surgical consultation, most commonly for line-related issues. Surgical consultation heralded an increased risk of in-hospital and 100-day TRM. Issues among this high-risk cohort of children who have undergone HSCT must be familiar to the general surgeon and oncologist alike.
Prediction of near likely nodes in data-centric mobile wireless networks

As the increasing amount of data is collected in mobile wireless networks for emerging pervasive applications, data-centric storage provides energy-efficient data dissemination and organization. One of the approaches in data-centric storage is that the nodes that collected data will transfer their data to other neighboring nodes that store the similar type of data. However, when the nodes are mobile, type-based data distribution alone cannot provide robust data storage and retrieval, since the nodes that store similar types may move far away and can not be easily reachable in the future. In order to minimize the communication overhead and achieve efficient data retrieval in data-centric mobile environments, we propose a fully distributed neighborhood prediction scheme that utilizes past node trajectory information to determine the near likely node in the future as the best content distributee. We developed two methods that predict the future neighborhood based on the correlations of the past trajectories. Our extensive simulation results demonstrate that our prediction approaches can effectively and efficiently predict the future neighborhood with high accuracy.
Hypergolic ionic liquids to mill, suspend, and ignite boron nanoparticles

Boron nanoparticles prepared by milling in the presence of a hypergolic energetic ionic liquid (EIL) are suspendable in the EIL and the EIL retains hypergolicity leading to the ignition of the boron. This approach allows for incorporation of a variety of nanoscale additives to improve EIL properties, such as energetic density and heat of combustion, while providing stability and safe handling of the nanomaterials.
Contemporary incidence and risk factors for carotid artery disease in patients referred for coronary artery bypass surgery

In the past decade, there has been an increase in the amount of patients with medical co-morbidities referred for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Significant carotid artery disease in patients undergoing CABG procedures increases the risk of neurological complications. We review the results of routine carotid screening in patients undergoing CABG to determine the contemporary incidence and risk factors for carotid artery disease. Between 2008 through 2010, 673 patients were referred for isolated coronary artery bypass surgery at a single institution. Patients were identified through a systematic review of The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Society of Thoracic Surgery Outcomes Database. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected demographic, clinical data and outcomes were performed. All patients with screening preoperative carotid duplex were reviewed. We defined the degree of carotid disease as: none to mild stenosis ( 50% stenosis) was 36% with 18% unilateral moderate disease, 10% bilateral moderate and 8% severe disease. Risk factors associated with carotid artery disease included: advanced age, renal failure, previous stroke, peripheral vascular disease, left main coronary artery disease, and previous myocardial infarction. There is a significant incidence of carotid artery stenosis in patients referred for CABG. Routine screening will identify patients with carotid artery disease and may reduce the risk of postoperative stroke.
A Strong Regularity Result for Parabolic Equations

We consider a parabolic equation with a drift term Δu+b∇u−u t =0. Under the condition div b=0, we prove that solutions possess dramatically better regularity than those provided by standard theory. For example, we prove continuity of solutions when not even boundedness is expected.
Ship of opportunity launch and recovery system for REMUS 600 AUV's

A new autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) launch and recovery system has been built that is adaptable enough to allow integration to most vessels equipped with an A-frame or deck crane. The system was developed to allow an AUV to be lifted either horizontally or vertically depending on vehicle configuration or vessel geometry.
Synthesis of high spatial and spectral resolution imagery from multiple image sources

The simulation of imagery that will be produced by a new sensor is an important element in the design process. To properly account for a new sensor's spatial and spectral degradation, it is necessary to supply as input to the simulation a relatively high spatial and spectral representation of the type of scene to be imaged. The performance of the sensor under design is then evaluated by comparison of the simulated degraded image with the input scene and/or by comparison with simulated images from existing sensors. In this paper we demonstrate how realistic scene with high spatial and spectral resolution can be synthesized from color aerial photography and AVIRIS hyperspectral imagery. Image processing techniques for fusion of aerial photography with AVIRIS imagery that take into account the topography of the scene are described. Sample composite images for a site near Cuprite, Nevada, are presented along with evidence that spectral signatures are preserved after applying the synthesis procedure.
Coemployed Spouses Differences, Strategies, and Discrimination

The authors use assumptions from theories of gender and economic stratification to examine the linkage between patriarchal family structures and the employment experience of women and men by comparing job-related characteristics of spouses working for the same employer. Personnel data were used to develop a wife-husband occupational typology that became the basis for several middle range theoretical questions probing for evidence of (1) marital status differences in employment, (2) husband dominance in educational achievement and job selection, (3) family status consistency, and (4) gender discrimination. Findings suggest that all four phenomena are present, but variations in couple patterns show that economic factors take precedence over stereotyped gender roles in the family. Thus occupational differentiation between spouses appears to be decreasing.
The Effect of Self-Reliance and Information Needs on Over-the-Counter Medication Use Among the Elderly

There is substantial evidence demonstrating the role age and aging play in the demand for and consumption of over-the counter medications. Available evidence indicates that the incidence of OTC drug abuse and misuse is extremely high among the elderly. Ample and accurate dissemination of drug-related information to the elderly is often seen as a key to diminishing the incidence of this problem. Despite the recent proliferation of elderly market segmentation research there has been no prior development of a typology of the information sources employed by the elderly in their evaluation and selection of OTC medications. This paper reports the development of such an information source typology for OTC drugs. The level of use and importance of these sources is examined across a priori designated segments of the elderly population. Implications for the treatment of elderly medication misuse are discussed.
Pulsed-power plasma reactors: two-dimensional electropositive discharge simulation in a GEC reference cell

A two-dimensional self-consistent continuum model was developed to study the spatio-temporal dynamics of a pulsed power (square-wave-modulated) inductively coupled electropositive (argon) discharge. The coupled equations for plasma power deposition, electron temperature and charged and neutral species densities were solved to obtain the space–time evolution of the discharge in a gaseous electronics conference (GEC)-ICP reference cell. The Ar* metastable density was governed by gas phase reactions since the diffusion time was longer than the pulse period. This resulted in complex Ar* density profiles as a function of time during a pulse. The time-average ion flux to the substrate in the pulsed plasma reactor was larger than that in a continuous wave reactor, for the same energy input. The effect of control parameters such as power, duty ratio, pressure and pulse frequency on the evolution of electron density was investigated. Simulation results on electron density and temperature were in reasonable agreement with available experimental data.
Early afterdepolarizations, U waves, and torsades de pointes.

Torsades de pointes (TdP) is defined as a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) with a twisting QRS morphology associated with a prolonged QT interval and/or increased U wave amplitude in the ECG.1,2⇓ Patients with acquired or congenital long-QT syndrome (LQTS) can develop TdP that results in sudden cardiac death. Fifty or more drugs, both typical antiarrhythmic agents such as quinidine as well as other classes of drugs such as some antibiotics, affect membrane ionic currents, prolong the duration of the QT interval in the ECG, and have been associated with the acquired LQTS.3 Similarly, inherited genetic defects in the cardiac membrane ion channels can cause congenital LQTS. Some patients with apparent acquired LQTS may actually have mild congenital forms and remain asymptomatic until exposed to one of the drugs noted above.4 Congenital LQTS can be divided into multiple subtypes depending on the affected membrane ionic currents (eg, LQT1, LQT2, and LQT3 for alterations in I Ks, I Kr, and the inactivation process of I Na+). Due to the possible fatal outcome and involvement of many drugs, it is important to understand the mechanism of TdP, predict its occurrence, and manage it clinically. See p 770 It has been suggested that an early afterdepolarization (EAD) exceeding the activation threshold, arising from the endocardium (including the Purkinje network)5 or from the mid-myocardial region,6 could initiate TdP.2,7⇓ EADs have been observed experimentally in monophasic action potential recordings at multiple epicardial and endocardial sites.8 Increased dispersion of repolarization preceding the TdP induction has been noted in an isolated rabbit heart model of LQT2.9 Long intervals between activations, ie, slow rates, prolong the duration of the action potential and increase the transmural dispersion of …
A GPU based Parallel Hierarchical Fuzzy ART clustering

Hierarchical clustering is an important and powerful but computationally extensive operation. Its complexity motivates the exploration of highly parallel approaches such as Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART). Although ART has been implemented on GPU processors, this paper presents the first hierarchical ART GPU implementation we are aware of. Each ART layer is distributed in the GPU's multiprocessors and is trained simultaneously. The experimental results show that for deep trees, the GPU's performance advantage is significant.
Attractive Forces between Macromolecular Chains of Biological Importance

THE strong London–Van der Waals dispersion forces between macromolecules at small distances have long been recognized as a contributing factor to the stability of many biological structures in which two or more long molecular chains are found to be only a few A. apart1–4. However, it has been very difficult to make a reliable estimate of the magnitude of these forces when very large molecules are involved and to compare their contribution with that of hydrogen bonds, electrostatic forces, etc., because the macromolecular dimensions are usually much larger than the intermolecular distances, so that London's familiar inverse sixth-power distance force-law does not hold.
The Language Environment of Toddlers in Center-based Care versus Home Settings

Children’s language development is significantly affected by the quantity and quality of language input, particularly during infancy and toddlerhood. The purpose of this study was to compare the language environment in an accredited child care program with data collected by Hart and Risley (1995). Fourteen toddlers (mean age 24.4 months) were videotaped for approximately 20 min each as they went about their daily activities at the center. Transcripts of adult speech directed individually to each child were coded using measures defined by Hart and Risley. Quantity of language in the center was comparable to that found by Hart and Risley for toddlers in homes of middle socioeconomic status. Quality of the language environment in the center was comparable to that found by Hart and Risley in high socioeconomic homes. Implications for children’s language and early childhood educators are discussed.
Digital storytelling in Bhutan: A qualitative examination of new media tools used to bridge the digital divide in a rural community school

This qualitative study examines the use of digital storytelling as an instructional intervention for bridging the digital divide among public school students in rural Bhutan. Primary participants for the study included elementary school children who had never been previously exposed to computer technology and were recipients of a donated classroom set of laptops. Results demonstrated how technology instruction and infrastructure inherently positions ethical and cultural differences between researchers, education personnel, school children and their families. The use of English became an inadvertent gatekeeper for who was chosen to participate in the classroom laptop program. Another major finding examines how Bhutan's social awareness for ''Gross National Happiness'' is inherently juxtaposed in contrast to Western perceptions of modernity and progress. Educators and administrators concerned about initial technology instruction in developing regions should find this study informative.
Effects of Freezing on Physical Properties and Sensory Characteristics of Meat from Fryer and Senior Rabbits

The effects of age (fryer vs senior) and freezing (fresh vs frozen) on the physical properties and sensory characteristics of loin meat from domestic rabbits were examined using a 2 × 2 factorial experiment. Freezing resulted in a decline in moisture and an increase in protein. Total cooking loss tended to be greater from carcasses which had been frozen. Shear values of fresh meat from fryer carcasses were significantly less than those from senior carcasses. Water-holding capacities exhibited no differences. Taste panelists judged meat from fresh fryer carcasses more tender and juicier than that from senior rabbits. Flavor differences were not detected.
High temperature characterization of alumina substrates and folded slot antenna

The characterization of 99.6% poly crystalline alumina substrates and folded slot antennas has been presented. TRL calibrations were performed at temperatures of 25 to 400 degC over a frequency range from 0.5 to 50 GHz. The effective dielectric constant of the CPW on alumina substrates was determined to be relatively constant at 5.4 from 25 to 200 degC and then increased steadily to approximately 6 at 400 degC. The loss of the CPW lines increased as temperature and frequency increased as well noting that the increase in loss is even more profound as both the temperature and frequency increased simultaneously.
Evaluation of Methodologies for Analyzing Freeway Ramp Weaving

Weaving sections are common design elements on freeway facilities such as near ramps and freeway-to-freeway connectors. Traffic operational problems often exist at weaving areas even when traffic demands are less than capacity because of the complexity of vehicle interactions, resulting in poor level of service and potential safety problems. The objective of this research was to evaluate the methodology for analyzing freeway weaving in the Highway Capacity Manual 2010 (HCM 2010) and other methodologies for evaluating weaving, such as Level D and Leisch, that are used for design and analysis in California. The evaluation was based on the comparison of methods’ predictions with field data. Emphasis was placed on the evaluation of ramp weaves consisting of a one lane on-ramp followed by an off-ramp with a continuous auxiliary lane. The findings from the evaluation of the HCM 2010 method on existing California weaving sites (93 data points) indicated that the method overpredicted the traffic densities and ass...
Is it rectangular? using I spy as an interactive, game-based approach to multimodal robot learning

Training robots about the objects in their environment requires a multimodal correlation of features extracted from visual and linguistic sources. This work abstracts the task of collecting multimodal training data for object and feature learning by encapsulating it in an interactive game, I Spy, played between human players and robots. It introduces the concept of the game, briefly describes its methodology, and finally presents an evaluation of the game's performance and its appeal to human players.
C. elegans Demonstrates Distinct Behaviors within a Fixed and Uniform Electric Field

C. elegans will orient and travel in a straight uninterrupted path directly towards the negative pole of a DC electric field. We have sought to understand the strategy worms use to navigate to the negative pole in a uniform electric field that is fixed in both direction and magnitude. We examined this behavior by quantifying three aspects of electrotaxis behavior in response to different applied field strengths: the mean approach trajectory angles of the animals' tracks, turning behavior (pirouettes) and average population speeds. We determined that C. elegans align directly to the negative pole of an electric field at sub-preferred field strength and alter approach trajectories at higher field strengths to maintain taxis within a preferred range we have calculated to be ~ 5V/cm. We sought to identify the sensory neurons responsible for the animals' tracking to a preferred field strength. eat-4 mutant animals defective in glutamatergic signaling of the amphid sensory neurons are severely electrotaxis defective and ceh-36 mutant animals, which are defective in the terminal differentiation of two types of sensory neurons, AWC and ASE, are partially defective in electrotaxis. To further elucidate the role of the AWC neurons, we examined the role of each of the pair of AWC neurons (AWCOFF and AWCON), which are functionally asymmetric and express different genes. nsy-5/inx-19 mutant animals, which express both neurons as AWCOFF, are severely impaired in electrotaxis behavior while nsy-1 mutants, which express both neurons as AWCON, are able to differentiate field strengths required for navigation to a specific field strength within an electric field. We also tested a strain with targeted genetic ablation of AWC neurons and found that these animals showed only slight disruption of directionality and turning behavior. These results suggest a role for AWC neurons in which complete loss of function is less disruptive than loss of functional asymmetry in electrotaxis behavior within a uniform fixed field.
Integrator-Backstepping Control Design for Nonlinear Flight System Dynamics

This paper investigates an integrator-backstepping control (IBSC) methodology for a strict-feedback form of nonlinear dynamic systems in the presence of model parameter errors. A systematic procedure will be addressed firstly for formulating the IBSC law for the strict-feedback model. Formulation starts with a definition of modified tracking error by adding an integral term to normal tracking error and then a recursive sequence of coordinate transformations and Lyapunov function based feedback selections results in an IBSC law to make the system well-behaved in tracking and asymptotically stable. To show the applicability, flight path angle control corresponding to the nonlinear longitudinal dynamics of F-16 aircraft model will be considered. Assumption on lift force of aircraft as a sinusoidal function of attack angle supports for simplifying the longitudinal dynamics of aircraft to the standard strict-feedback form. The control design is applied for the standard model to achieve the IBSC law for nonlinear longitudinal dynamics of aircraft. Numerical simulation will be implemented to validate and evaluate the proposed algorithm via nonlinear closed-loop system of a high performance aircraft model.
Uniform Distribution modulo m of Monomials

(1964). Uniform Distribution modulo m of Monomials. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 71, No. 2, pp. 162-164.
Cloning and characterization of a novel gene encoding a putative transmembrane protein with altered expression in some human transformed and tumor-derived cell lines

Identification and characterization of genes expressed in normal cells and decreased in their malignant counterparts is an important method for detecting candidate tumor suppressors. Using differential display of mRNAs from nontumorigenic infinite life span human fibroblast cell strain MSU-1.1 and an isogenic fibrosarcoma-derived cell line, 6A/SB1, which was derived from chemical carcinogen transformed MSU-1.1 cells, we identified a novel gene, ST7, showing sixfold lower expression in 6A/SB1 cells compared with parental MSU-1.1 cells. Molecular cloning of a near full-length cDNA revealed that the novel gene encodes a putative transmembrane protein composed of 859 amino acids: the 492 N-terminal amino acids including a fivefold cysteine-rich repeat of 40 amino acids homologous to the ligand binding repeat of the known low density lipoprotein receptor, a 24 hydrophobic amino acid stretch spanning the plasma membrane, and a C-terminal domain of 343 residues. ST7 is located on human chromosome 8, band q22.2-23.1, the same locus as the genes involved in acute myeloid leukemia and a locus of high polymorphism in cancer biopsies. The ST7 gene is widely expressed in normal human tissues and is particularly abundant in human heart and skeletal muscle. Northern analysis of 15 tumor cell lines derived from patients and 16 cell lines established from tumors formed in athymic mice by MSU-1.1 cells transformed in culture by various methods showed that 16 of the 31 cell lines have low or undetectable levels of ST7 mRNA. Furthermore, Western blotting analysis using a specific anti-peptide antibody demonstrated that the level of ST7 protein is high in normal fibroblasts and low in 12 sarcoma-derived cell lines tested. Altered expression of ST7 appears to occur at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. These studies are a first step in characterizing a novel putative receptor protein, whose expression is downregulated in some malignantly transformed cells, and which may play an important role in the transformation process of these cells.
Fungi Isolated from Southern Forest Tree Nursery Soils

Few general surveys for soil fungi have been made in more than one southern state. Abbott (1) made a survey of the microbiological activities of some Louisiana soils while Miller et al. (6) made a survey of fungi in cultivated and forest soils of Georgia. Other workers have isolated fungi from the soil in several southern states, but for the most part their isolations constituted a study on specialized groups of fungi (2, 3) or ecological studies (5, 7, 8, 10). In the period from 1956 to 1961, forest tree nurseries in 10 southern states were visited during a study of root rots of nursery stock. Soil samples were assayed for fungi from most of these nurseries. Although the soil samples were taken entirely in forest tree nurseries, they may be considered representative of the cultivated soils in the South. In general, the soils are relatively fertile and moderately low in organic matter (0.5-3.0%). Soil types range from sands and sandy loams of the coastal plain, clay loams in the piedmont, to silt and clay loams of the mountain valleys. Various grains, grasses and legumes are grown in rotation with seedlings of pine and hardwood species. One difference from agricultural soils is the generally more acid condition of the forest nursery soils, which range in pH from about 5.0 to 6.2.