cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aesthetics in Identity Politics: Cumulative Aesthetics, Emplotment, and Empathy

Contemporary identity politics, politics based on affiliation with a particular societal group in contradistinction from one or more others, typically becomes galvanized in response to a sense that those so affiliated have been marginalized or harmed. Art and aesthetic gestures utilized in contexts of identity politics serve a number of roles, among them drawing attention to the marginalization or harm to specific groups, consolidating those who share a particular political identity, and promoting empathy for members of such groups’ members. Another aesthetic strategy frequently utilized in efforts to promote social justice toward particular groups is the use of cumulative aesthetics, in which the amassing of instances is used to achieve an impact. Because so often aimed at rectifying arrangements that are perceived as unjust, groups that advocate on behalf of those who share their political identity tend to be energized in reaction to circumstances. There is a danger of their becoming too simplistic in their own perceptions, dividing the world into friends and enemies. The “Me Too” movement in the United States is taken as an example of a well-intended campaign that can encourage oversimplified analyses that potentially damage its effectiveness in achieving its own ends. This is particularly ironic because simplistic binaries are often at work in what causes marginalization or harm to such groups in the first place. Aesthetics can be utilized to inflame binary oppositions. It can also complicate perspectives in ways that lead to a lessening of reactive political responses and greater rapport across the boundaries separating one group from another. This can happen, for example, when art heightens perception but resists the danger of reinforcing preestablished binaries. Such art has the potential to assist efforts toward social justice by enabling greater sensitivity toward members of groups one does not consider one’s “own”. The Zhuangzi is taken as an example of a work that might do this, despite the apolitical concerns of its author. Article received: May 20, 2020; Article accepted: June 30, 2020; Published online: September 15, 2020; Original scholarly paper How to cite this article: Higgins, Kathleen. "Aesthetics in Identity Politics: Cumulative Aesthetics, Emplotment, and Empathy." AM Journal of Art and Media Studies 22 (2020): 99-107. doi: 10.25038/am.v0i22.378
Imaging studies of photodegradation and self-healing in anthraquinone derivative dye-doped PMMA.

We study photodegradation and self-healing of nine different anthraquinone-derivatives doped into PMMA using transmission imaging microscopy in search of structure-property relationships of the underlying mechanisms. We find that seven of the nine anthraquinone derivatives display partially reversible photodegradation, with 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone (Dantron/Chrysazin) having the best photostability and recovery characteristics of all dyes tested in this study. Based on these measurements we predict that a sample of 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone doped into PMMA with a concentration of 9 g l-1 will have a record setting irreversible inverse quantum efficiency of Be = 4.56 × 109. Additionally, by considering the performance of the different anthraquinone derivatives and their structures, we develop three rules-of-thumb to qualitatively predict the photostability and recovery characteristics of anthraquinone derivatives. These rules-of-thumb will help guide future experiments and molecular modeling in discerning the underlying mechanisms of reversible photodegradation. Finally, we compare our results for disperse orange 11 dye-doped PMMA to the extended Correlated Chromophore Domain Model (eCCDM). While the eCCDM correctly predicts the behavior of the reversible decay component, it fails to correctly predict the behavior of the irreversible degradation component. This implies further modifications to the eCCDM are required.
Deformation and tribological behavior of ductile refractory high-entropy alloys

Abstract Refractory high-entropy alloys have attracted widespread attention as potential structural materials for high temperature applications. However, there is limited understanding of their high temperature deformation behavior and tribological response. Here, the temperature dependence of strain rate sensitivity and wear behavior was evaluated for two refractory high-entropy alloys, namely HfNbTiZr and HfNbTaTiZr. HfNbTaTiZr showed higher hardness, strength, and lower strain rate sensitivity compared to HfNbTiZr. The extrinsic strain rate sensitivity of both alloys obtained from micro-pillar compression was higher compared to the intrinsic values from nanoindentation due to the larger surface to volume ratio in micro-pillars leading to annihilation of dislocations and their easier movement. The decrease in strain rate sensitivity with increase in temperature was attributed to activation of both edge and screw dislocations as well as phonon drag controlled screw dislocation motion at high temperatures. Wear rate for both alloys increased with increase in sliding cycle frequency due to frictional heating. Wear rate also increased with increase in temperature from 298 K to 423 K and then decreased with further increase in temperature to 573 K. The underlying mechanism changed from abrasive wear at room temperature to extensive ploughing with fine wear debris at intermediate temperatures and oxidative wear at the higher temperatures.
Impact analysis of virtual ambulatory transplant pharmacists during COVID-19.

Introduction During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, transplant centers were challenged to meet the demand for new telemedicine strategies. The ability of lung transplant providers (LTP) to conduct face-to-face clinic visits for high-risk immunocompromised patients, such as lung transplant recipients (LTR), was limited. Through the implementation of comprehensive medication management visits, pharmacists were able to assist LTP in the transition to telemedicine. Methods A retrospective chart review of telephone encounters from cardiothoracic (CT) transplant pharmacists at our center from March to September 2020 was completed. LTR scheduled for clinic visits with LTP were called prior to the visit by CT transplant pharmacists who conducted medication list reviews, adherence assessments, and medication access assistance. Clinical recommendations were communicated directly to the LTP and documented in patient electronic medical records. The primary outcome was the number of pharmacist-driven clinical interventions. Secondary endpoints included the clinical severity and value of service of each intervention, percentage of accepted recommendations, patient cost savings interventions, prevention of adverse events, and avoidance of inappropriate doses. Results From March to September 2020, the CT transplant pharmacists conducted 385 virtual visits on 157 LTR with a median of 20 minutes spent per visit. There were 891 total interventions made by CT transplant pharmacists, including 778 medication discrepancies identified. Over 60% of encounters demonstrated some form of medication error and over 55% of encounters exhibited value of pharmacy services. Conclusion Implementation of CT transplant pharmacist telehealth visits has potential for increased patient access to pharmacy care and improved accuracy of medication lists. When focusing on the severity of errors and value of services, most demonstrated a level of significance. Further investigation is needed to analyze the impact of this service on patient outcomes as well as cost-effectiveness.
Anticoagulation Therapy is Associated with Increased Access-related Wound Infections after Hemodialysis Access Creation.

BACKGROUND The effect of anticoagulation therapy (AC) on hemodialysis access patency and related complications is not well defined. Patients on long-term or chronic AC due to their underlying comorbid conditions may be particularly susceptible to access-related bleeding and complications from repetitive cannulation. Our goal is to assess the effect of anticoagulation therapy on outcomes after access creation. METHODS The Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) database was queried for patients undergoing arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or graft (AVG) placement, from 2011 to 2019. Only patients with data on post-procedural AC status were included. Anticoagulation use was defined as patients on warfarin, dabigatran, or rivaroxaban after access creation at postoperative follow up. Demographic and procedural details were analyzed. Wound infection and patency rates at six months were assessed. Binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of anticoagulation use with these outcomes. RESULTS A total of 27,757 patients underwent access creation, with the majority undergoing AVF creation (78.8%). The average age was 61.4 years and 55.3% were male. 12.9% of patients were on postoperative AC. The wound infection rate was 2.3- 3.8% in the no AC and AC cohorts, respectively (P < 0.001). At six months follow-up, patency was 85.7- 84.3% in the no AC and AC cohorts, respectively (P = 0.044). Expectedly, grafts had lower patency rates compared to AVF; those within the no AC cohort had a patency of 83.0% compared to 81.2 % in those on AC (P = 0.106). On multivariable analysis, anticoagulation use was associated with a higher risk of wound infections (odds ratio [OR] 1.513, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.160-1.973, P = 0.002). AC use did not significantly affect access patency. CONCLUSION Anticoagulation therapy was associated with a higher rate of wound infections but did not affect short-term access patency within six-months. These patients warrant close surveillance of their access for signs of infection. Furthermore, long-term implications of anticoagulation needs further evaluation.
Defect Diagnosis of Digital Circuits Using Surrogate Faults

Classical single stuck-at faults are analyzed as surrogates for any non-classical fault that may have caused an observed failure. Although multiple stuck-at faults are used as an illustrative example of non-classical faults, proposed algorithms are applicable to any other type of fault. Our effect-cause analysis is less complex than existing methods. The diagnostic procedure adds or removes faults from a set of candidate faults based on the observed circuit outputs, using minimal fault simulation, to obtain a small set of suspected faults.
Acute diarrhea therapy--suboptimal?

To the Editor.— Snyder1 found that the reported use of glucose-electrolyte solutions by pediatricians was not in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition9s recommendations on oral rehydration therapy (ORT) for acute diarrhea. To determine actual physician practices, we conducted an audit of diarrhea management, including use of ORT, in the Emergency Room of our pediatric hospital. Our 4-month audit period included an epidemic of viral gastroenteritis, during which we expected to see optimal case management.
Abstract 11035: Impact of Cognitive Impairment on 30-Day Heart Failure Readmission Among Older Adults

BACKGROUND: In the US, heart failure has the highest total care cost to healthcare system with 6 months readmission rate of up to 44%. A strong association exists between 6-month readmission for heart failure and cognitive impairment. In 2012, Medicare adopted 30-day readmission for heart failure as one of the quality measure to assess hospitals’ readmission performance. We seek to determine whether cognitive impairment played a role in 30-day heart failure readmission. METHODS: This is a prospective study of 133 patients aged ≥65 years admitted with heart failure. We administered a brief cognitive test (CLOX) close to discharge. The patients were classified as cognitively impaired (n=90) or non-cognitively impaired (n=43) based on their CLOX score and followed for 30 days. The main outcome measure was readmission within 30 days of discharge. Readmission percentages of the two groups were compared using Fisher exact test as well as for these groups within discharge destinations. Cox regression was used to...
Evidence for asthma susceptibility genes on chromosome 11 in an African-American population

Initial genome-wide scan data provided suggestive evidence for linkage of the asthma phenotype in African-American (AA), but not Caucasian, families to chromosome 11q markers (peak at D11S1985; LOD=2). To refine this region, mapping analysis of 91 AA families (51 multiplex families and 40 asthmatic case-parent trios) was performed with an additional 17 markers flanking the initial peak linkage marker. Multipoint analyses of the 51 multiplex families yielded significant evidence of linkage with a peak non-parametric linkage score of 4.38 at marker D11S1337 (map position 68.6 cM). Furthermore, family-based association and transmission disequilibrium tests conducted on all 91 families showed significant evidence of linkage in the presence of disequilibrium for several individual markers in this region. A putative susceptibility locus was estimated to be at map position 70.8 cM with a confidence interval spanning the linkage peak. Evidence from both linkage and association analyses suggest that this region of chromosome 11 contains one or more susceptibility genes for asthma in these AA families.
The dynamics of particle disks: II. Effects of spin degrees of freedom

The present treatment of the thermal equilibria of differentially-rotating, axisymmetric disks consisting of identical, spin-possessing as well as translational DOF-possessing hard sphere particles characterizes these disks' dynamics by means of two novel parameters: (1) the tangential restitution coefficient, and (2) the dimensionless moment of inertia. It is established that rings composed of spinning particles can generally be thermally balanced within more restricted ranges of the optical depth, as well as at higher values of the normal restitution coefficient, than spinless rings. Mean spin is indefinite in the present framework of neglected finite particle-size effects.
A comprehensive multi-criteria decision-making system using analytical hierarchy process and decision tree tools to choose the best alternative for a refinery master plan

Selecting the best alternative for billions of dollars of investment requires a comprehensive decision-making system. In a complex decision-making problem, the best alternative should be selected from a list of candidate ones considering multiple evaluation criteria with different weights. This paper proposes a comprehensive decision-making system including a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method to assist selecting objectively the best alternative (scheme) for a refinery master plan megaproject. Different schemes and evaluation criteria are identified according to the reports of an engineering consultant on various available technologies and interviews with experts. Each scheme includes using a unique refining technology and revamping existing units. Eight evaluation criteria are considered including one qualitative and one probabilistic to assess and rank various schemes. All the alternatives and the quantitative, qualitative, and probabilistic evaluation criteria are considered in a MCDM method called analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The qualitative criterion is converted to a quantitative one using a Likert scale and expert's opinions. In addition, the probabilistic criterion is rationally changed to deterministic using decision tree tool. Finally, the schemes are ranked objectively comparing the AHPs output figures for each of them. The top ranked scheme is best aligned with organisational goals.
Neonatal Transcutaneous Carbon Dioxide Monitoring--Effect on Clinical Management and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: This work aimed to compare frequency of blood gas measurements per day of mechanical ventilation, occurrence of extreme blood gas CO2 values, and clinical outcomes among ventilated neonates managed with and without transcutaneous carbon dioxide (PtcCO2) monitors. This work also measures agreement between simultaneous PtcCO2 and blood gas CO2 measurements and ascertains factors that affect agreement. METHODS: This is a cohort study with retrospective analysis comparing 5,726 blood gas measurements and clinical outcomes for 123 neonates intubated for >48 h before and after the introduction of transcutaneous carbon-di-oxide monitoring devices in a single tertiary care unit. RESULTS: Median (interquartile range) blood gas frequency per mechanical ventilation day was 3.9 (2.6–5.3) and 2.9 (2.1–4.0) before and after PtcCO2 monitoring (P = .002) without differences in clinical outcomes at discharge. After adjusting for confounders using Poisson regression, this difference remained significant. The mean ± 2 SD blood gas-PtcCO2 difference was −5.2 ± 17.3 mm Hg. 64% of simultaneous blood gas-PtcCO2 measurements per subject were within ±7 mm Hg. Greater bias was noted with arterial sample and during the use of high-frequency ventilation. CONCLUSION: Despite only moderate agreement between simultaneous PtcCO2 and blood gas measurements, PtcCO2 monitoring statistically decreased blood gas frequency among ventilated neonates without affecting the duration of mechanical ventilation or clinical outcomes at discharge. The clinical impact of this technology appears to be minimal.
Codeswitching and the syntactic status of adnominal adjectives

Abstract The recent syntactic literature contains three major proposals concerning the syntactic status of adnominal adjectives: 1. (1) that they are heads, 2. (2) that they are phrasal adjuncts, and 3. (3) that they do not form a uniform class. Given this lack of consensus, it is not surprising that the distribution of adnominal adjectives had remained an unsolved problem in the study of intrasentential codeswitching. In this paper, we propose a solution by exploiting the formal model of intrasentential codeswitching developed in Mahootian (1993), which is based on the null hypothesis that codeswitching sequences are not subject to structural constraints beyond the general principles of phrase structure that govern monolingual sequences. We first show that a blanket treatment of adnominal adjectives as heads is untenable, and then argue that the distribution of adnominal adjectives described in the codeswitching literature provides a new source of evidence in favor of the view that there are two distinct classes of adjectives. We review a number of alternative treatments proposed in the codeswitching literature and show that our analysis is preferable.
Evaluation of Industrial Local Exhaust Hood Efficiency by a Tracer Gas Technique

Efficiency of industrial local exhaust ventilation is defined as the ratio of air contaminant quantity captured by the system per unit time to the total contaminant quantity produced by the process per unit time. To date, no direct method exists for this evaluation. This paper describes a tracer gas technique, using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), which has been developed for the evaluation of local exhaust system efficiency. SF6 was discharged at a known rate into the industrial process generation area. Then, by comparing this quantity to that captured by the exhaust system, as measured in the exhaust duct, hood efficiency is determined. Major advantages of this technique are: (1) The tracer gas technique is able to evaluate directly the hood efficiency. (2) The tracer gas technique is not affected by cross-contamination from nearby industrial processes. (3) The tracer gas technique can be conducted “on site” with minimal interruption of industrial process or interference with workers' duties. (4) The tracer ...
Ex-vessel releases: Aerosol source terms in reactor accidents☆

Abstract An ex-vessel aerosol and fission-product source term may arise from various events occurring in the containment building of a nuclear reactor. The research into the source terms associated with three of these events is reviewed. These source terms are from steam explosions, pressurized melt ejection, and melt/concrete interaction. The least is known about the steam explosion source term. Analyses indicate that its magnitude is likely lower than that assumed in the Reactor Safety Study (WASH-1400), but no conclusive experimental data are as yet available. The aerosol and fission-product source term from pressurized ejection of melt is an issue only recently addressed. Experimental evidence has allowed estimates to be made of the magnitude of this source term. The source term from melt/concrete interaction has been long recognized and has the largest data base. Experimental programs have addressed this source term for several years. A mechanistic model of material release has been developed and is discussed.
Interpersonal communication motives and nonverbal immediacy behaviors

The purpose of this investigation was to examine whether an individual's general use of nonverbal immediacy behaviors, as well as the use of specific nonverbal immediacy behaviors, would be correlated with interpersonal communication motives. Participants (N = 211) completed the Interpersonal Communication Motives scale (Rubin, Perse, & Barbato, 1988) and the Modified Nonverbal Immediacy Behaviors instrument (Myers & Avtgis, 1997). Results indicated that an individual's general use of nonverbal immediacy behaviors was positively correlated with the pleasure and affection motives and negatively correlated with the escape and control motives, but was not significantly correlated with either the inclusion or relaxation motives. Moreover, a series of significant correlations emerged between each of the 10 specific nonverbal immediacy behaviors and the six interpersonal communication motives.
Heparin administration during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

The use of transesophageal echocardi-ography (TEE) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)maybeextremelyhelpfulinmakingsuchdiagnosisbyenablingan early visualization of SEC. This may lead to the earlyinitiation of speciﬁc therapy and improved outcome. A casereport is presented of a patient scheduled for peripheral vascu-lar surgery who suffered a cardiac arrest after induction ofgeneral anesthesia (GA). During resuscitation, the TEE exam-ination showed severely depressed biventricular function andthick SEC in the ascending and descending thoracic aorta. Inresponse to this ﬁnding, 10,000 U of unfractionated heparinwere administered intravenously and inotropic therapy wasinitiated. The SEC gradually cleared, biventricular functionimproved, and he made a full recovery and was dischargedfrom the hospital a few days later.
The use of computer-based collaborative knowledge mapping to measure team processes and team outcomes

Abstract In this study we examined the feasibility of using a computer-based, networked collaborative knowledge mapping system to measure teamwork skills. A knowledge map is a node–link–node representation of information, where nodes represent concepts and links represent relationships between connected concepts. We studied the nature of the interaction between team members as they jointly constructed a knowledge map. Each team member was randomly assigned to a team and communicated (anonymously) with other members by sending pre defined messages. Teamwork processes were measured by examining message usage. Each message was categorized as belonging to one of six team processes: (1) adaptability; (2) communication; (3) coordination; (4) decision making; (5) interpersonal; and (6) leadership. Team performance was measured by scoring each team's knowledge map using four expert maps as the criterion. No significant correlations were found between the team processes and team outcomes. This unexpected finding may be due in part to a split-attention effect resulting from the design of the user interface. However, students were able to successfully construct knowledge maps using our system, suggesting that our general approach to using networked computers to measure group processes remain viable given existing alternatives.
Images, statistics, and textures: implications of triple correlation uniqueness for texture statistics and the Julesz conjecture: comment

The mathematical framework for studies of texture perception is discussed. Textures correspond to statistical ensembles, whereas images are spatially finite samples of a texture. The main ideas underlying the use of visual textures in experimental and theoretical analyses of preattentive vision are summarized, with an emphasis on the distinction between texture ensembles and images. The Julesz conjecture [ Perception2, 391 ( 1973)] is that preattentive discrimination of textures is possible only for textures that have different second-order correlation statistics. Recently Yellot [ J. Opt. Soc. Am. A10, 777 ( 1993)] claimed that the triple correlation uniqueness (TCU) theorem, a mathematical result that every monochromatic image of finite size is uniquely determined (up to translation) by its third-order statistics, makes higher-order variants of the Julesz conjecture trivial. However, the TCU theorem applies to individual images, and not to texture ensembles, and thus is of limited relevance to the study of texture perception.
Measurement of differential cross sections for radiative pion-proton capture in the second resonance region

Differential cross-section measurements for π−p → γn, consisting of three angular distributions at 618, 676 and 718 MeV/c, and the energy dependence at θγ = 90° for seven incident pion momenta between 502 and 888 MeV/c, are presented. Our data qualitatively support recent multipole analyses. Agreement with the Scheffler et al. results for the inverse reaction, γn → π−p, using a (π−-recoil p) coincidence technique is good excluding a large violation of time reversal invariance. The agreement with γn → π−p data obtained using the R(π−/π+) ratio technique or a deuterium bubble chamber is only qualitative.
DCE-MRI of the liver: reconstruction of the arterial input function using a low dose pre-bolus contrast injection.

Purpose To assess the quality of the arterial input function (AIF) reconstructed using a dedicated pre-bolus low-dose contrast material injection imaged with a high temporal resolution and the resulting estimated liver perfusion parameters. Materials and Methods In this IRB–approved prospective study, 24 DCE-MRI examinations were performed in 21 patients with liver disease (M/F 17/4, mean age 56 y). The examination consisted of 1.3 mL and 0.05 mmol/kg of gadobenate dimeglumine for pre-bolus and main bolus acquisitions, respectively. The concentration-curve of the abdominal aorta in the pre-bolus acquisition was used to reconstruct the AIF. AIF quality and shape parameters obtained with pre-bolus and main bolus acquisitions and the resulting estimated hepatic perfusion parameters obtained with a dual-input single compartment model were compared between the 2 methods. Test–retest reproducibility of perfusion parameters were assessed in three patients. Results The quality of the pre-bolus AIF curve was significantly better than that of main bolus AIF. Shape parameters peak concentration, area under the time activity curve of gadolinium contrast at 60 s and upslope of pre-bolus AIF were all significantly higher, while full width at half maximum was significantly lower than shape parameters of main bolus AIF. Improved liver perfusion parameter reproducibility was observed using pre-bolus acquisition [coefficient of variation (CV) of 4.2%–38.7% for pre-bolus vs. 12.1–71.4% for main bolus] with the exception of distribution volume (CV of 23.6% for pre-bolus vs. 15.8% for main bolus). The CVs between pre-bolus and main bolus for the perfusion parameters were lower than 14%. Conclusion The AIF reconstructed with pre-bolus low dose contrast injection displays better quality and shape parameters and enables improved liver perfusion parameter reproducibility, although the resulting liver perfusion parameters demonstrated no clinically significant differences between pre-bolus and main bolus acquisitions.
Wilderness permit accuracy: Differences between reported and actual use

Wilderness permits are valuable tools for recording backcountry use patterns. They provide a valuable basis upon which management decisions are made. Unfortunately, significant inaccuracies in reporting permit data result from noncompliance, transmission errors, and changes in visitor plans. Data from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California show that in 1978, 97 percent of the parties obtained wilderness permits. Changes in visitor plans resulted in an over-reporting of total persons by 8 percent and of visitor nights by 23 percent. The latter was due primarily to shortening of trip length. Over-reporting was greatest when permits were issued well in advance of the trip. Backcountry managers should be aware of possible inaccuracies in permit data and may want to adjust for them under certain circumstances.
Predation by Northern Squawfish on Live and Dead Juvenile Chinook Salmon

Abstract Northern squafish Ptychocheilus oregonensis is a major predator of juvenile salmonids Oncorhynchus spp. migrating downstream through the Columbia River. High predation rates occur just below dams. If northern squafish selectively consume salmonids killed or injured during dam passage, previous estimates of predation mortality may be too high. We conducted laboratory experiments that indicate northern squafish prefer dead juvenile chinook salmon O. tshawytscha over live individuals. When equal numbers of dead and live chinook salmon were offered to northern squafish maintained on a natural photoperiod (15 h light: 9 h darkness), significantly more (P < 0.05) dead than live fish were consumed, both in 1,400-L circular tanks and in an 11,300-L raceway (62% and 79% of prey consumed were dead, respectively). When dead and live juvenile chinook salmon were provided in proportions more similar to those below dams (20% dead, 80% live), northern squafish still selected for dead prey (36% of fish consumed ...
Long-term effects of behavioral smoking cessation interventions

This paper reviews behaviorally based smoking cessation studies conducted over the past 10 years that include follow-up data for a minimum of 12 months. Over 60 such studies have been reported, and the majority have been relatively well-controlled, except for employing vastly inadequate sample sizes. Behavioral approaches appear superior to control conditions but are generally not different from alternative interventions. Programs combining behavioral skills training with nicotine gum appear to be more effective than the component strategies alone. Intensive treatment approaches, particularly those using aversive smoking procedures, are capable of producing impressive initial abstinence rates, but are characterized by substantial relapse beginning shortly after treatment termination. Self-help or minimal contact approaches on the other hand are associated with more encouraging relapse curves, but produce only modest initial cessation rates. Behavioral procedures also appear to be less effective in preventing relapse among heavy than lighter (e.g., one theory of relapse or model of maintenance training appears superior to others. To produce long-term maintenance, an intervention must produce substantial initial cessation rates, and relapse prevention strategies must be capable of reaching and involving a high percentage of recent quitters.
Stimulation of gluconeogenesis in rat liver slices by epinephrine and glucocorticoids.

L-Epinephrine, in concentrations of 10–7M or greater, stimulated gluconeogenesis in rat liver slices prepared from adrenalectomized animals and incubated with L-alanine as substrate. This response was rapid in contrast to the stimulation by glucocorticoids that was characterized by a lag period of about 1 hr. Levels of intermediate compounds within the epinephrinetreated tissue were changed in a pattern similar to that seen with triamcinolone treatment:pyruvate concentration was decreased, and malate and phosphoenolpyruvate concentrations were raised. Other similarities between the 2 responses were that both hormones stimulated urea formation and both increased incorporation of 14C from alanine-U-14C into glucose. The responses differed in that triamcinolone decreased ketone body formation whereas epinephrine did not affect it; epinephrine elevated the level of acetylcoenzyme A within the tissue; triamcinolone did not. Triamcinolone did not affect the level of adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate; epinephrine ha...
External verification analysis: A code-independent verification technique for unsteady PDE codes

Abstract The External Verification Analysis (EVA) code verification technique is developed and presented. An extension of the Method of Manufactured Solutions (MMS), EVA provides a reference solution that can be used to verify both the spatial and temporal discretization schemes of an unsteady PDE solver, without the addition of arbitrary source terms. This feature of EVA allows the code to truly be treated as a “black box” during verification, simplifying the verification procedure. Currently, however, the EVA technique solves the interior equations of a PDE code only – thus the implementation of boundary conditions in the PDE code is not verified. The mathematical foundation of EVA is explained in detail, and the process used to verify a PDE code is discussed. The EVA technique is then demonstrated on a high-order, nonlinear Computational Aeroacoustics code.
Dietary restriction protects against experimental cerebral malaria via leptin modulation and T-cell mTORC1 suppression

Host nutrition can affect the outcome of parasitic diseases through metabolic effects on host immunity and/or the parasite. Here we show that modulation of mouse immunometabolism through brief restriction of food intake (dietary restriction, DR) prevents neuropathology in experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). While no effects are detected on parasite growth, DR reduces parasite accumulation in peripheral tissues including the brain, and increases clearance in the spleen. Leptin, a host-derived adipokine linking appetite, energy balance and immune function, is required for ECM pathology and its levels are reduced upon DR. Recombinant leptin abrogates DR benefits, while pharmacological or genetic inhibition of leptin signalling protects against ECM. DR reduces mTORC1 activity in T cells, and this effect is abrogated upon leptin administration. Furthermore, mTORC1 inhibition with rapamycin prevents ECM pathology. Our results suggest that leptin and mTORC1 provide a novel mechanistic link between nutrition, immunometabolism and ECM pathology, with potential therapeutic implications for cerebral malaria.
Modelling high-power large-aperture radar meteor trails

Despite decades of research, many questions remain about the global flux of meteoroids at Earth, their influence on the atmosphere, and their use as upper atmospheric diagnostics. We see high-power large-aperture (HPLA) radar observations of meteor phenomena called head echoes and non-specular trails as a valuable tool for answering these questions. In the past we conducted plasma simulations demonstrating that meteor trails are unstable to growth of Farley-Buneman gradient-drift (FBGD) waves that become turbulent and generate large B-field aligned irregularities (FAI). These FAI result in reflections called non-specular meteor trails. Using these and other results, we have developed a model that follows meteor evolution from ablation and ionization through the creation of radar head echoes and non-specular trail reflections. This paper presents results from this model, showing that we can reproduce many aspects of these large radar observations, such as the general altitude profile of head echoes and non-specular trails. Additionally we show that trail polarization due to E-fields or neutral winds causes a noticeable trail feature as well as may be responsible for trails lasting longer than about 1 s. We also demonstrate how such a model is a valuable tool for deriving meteoroid properties such as flux, mass, and velocity. Finally, such a model could also provide some composition information, and diagnose the atmosphere and ionosphere where meteors produce their trails.
Side effects associated with pneumococcal vaccination

Abstract Background: Pneumococcal disease is a major cause of morbidity and death, especially among elders and other people at high risk. In spite of long-standing national recommendations for its use, pneumococcal vaccine is underused, with 70% or more of targeted persons as yet unimmunized. Concern about side effects is a barrier to successful vaccine delivery. Methods: Persons attending a walk-in pneumococcal vaccination clinic were surveyed by use of structured telephone interviews. They were asked about health characteristics and local and systemic symptoms experienced during the week after their vaccination (postvaccination period). These responses were compared with the symptoms they reported for the 7 days immediately preceding their interview (the comparison period). Results: A total of 1006 persons were interviewed a mean of 65.4 days after their vaccination. They had an average age of 69.9 years, and approximately 95% were in a high-risk group targeted for pneumococcal vaccination. For all systemic symptoms including fever, rash, myalgias, fatigue, malaise, and headache, subjects reported similar or lower rates during the postvaccination week than during the comparison week. Local reactions occurred in 28.2% of subjects. These local symptoms were mild to moderate for more than 90% of subjects and rarely resulted in the need to decrease the use of their arm. Conclusion: Pneumococcal vaccination was not associated with an increase in systemic symptoms but was associated with mild to moderate local symptoms in about one fourth of vaccine recipients. These findings should help health care providers and their patients address an important barrier to pneumococcal immunization.
Retribution and capital punishment: Toward a better understanding of death penalty opinion

Although retribution appears to be the primary basis of support for the death penalty in the United States, the concept of retribution is ambiguous; thus, it is unclear what people mean when they express support for capital punishment for retributive reasons. This study attempted to discern the meaning of retribution as it relates to death penalty opinion. Two types of retribution were revealed: “vindictive revenge” and “revenge-utilitarianism.” Subjects clearly subscribed to the vindictive revenge conception, one characterized by a strong emotional or visceral component.
The isolation of pyridoxal-5-phosphate from crystalline muscle phosphorylase.

Abstract Dialyzed and Norit-treated muscle phosphorylase a, after recrystallization from versene-glycerophosphate, contains 8 organic phosphate groups per mole or 2 phosphate groups per subunit of molecular weight of 125,000. Four of these phosphate groups are extracted by precipitation of the enzyme with trichloroacetic or perchloric acid. The extracted phosphate compound was isolated as the barium salt and identified as pyridoxal-5-phosphate by its spectrum and by specific enzymic tests. Column chromatography of the trichloroacetic acid extract and paper electrophoresis did not reveal the presence of other phosphorylated compounds. In particular, pyridoxamine-5-phosphate, adenylic acid and other nucleotides could not be detected. Free pyridoxal, pyridoxamine or pyridoxine were also absent.
INTERPLANETARY MAGNETIC FLUX DEPLETION DURING PROTRACTED SOLAR MINIMA

We examine near-Earth solar wind observations as assembled within the Omni data set over the past 15 years that constitute the latest solar cycle. We show that the interplanetary magnetic field continues to be depleted at low latitudes throughout the protracted solar minimum reaching levels below previously predicted minima. We obtain a rate of flux removal resulting in magnetic field reduction by 0.5 nT yr–1 at 1 AU when averaged over the years 2005-2009 that reduces to 0.3 nT yr–1 for 2007-2009. We show that the flux removal operates on field lines that follow the nominal Parker spiral orientation predicted for open field lines and are largely unassociated with recent ejecta. We argue that the field line reduction can only be accomplished by ongoing reconnection of nominally open field lines or very old closed field lines and we contend that these two interpretations are observationally equivalent and indistinguishable.
Factors Affecting Reliability of Catalase Test Results. I. Sanitizers

Abstract The influence of commercial chemical sanitizers in concentrations of 5 to 50 ppm on the catalase test was determined. Chlorine sanitizers caused a pronounced reduction in the percentage of oxygen produced. The effect increased with increasing concentrations of the sanitizer and was more pronounced when the test was made after 5 or 24 hr of storage at 4.5 C following addition of the sanitizers, than when tested immediately. Iodophors, quaternary ammonium compounds, an acid sanitizer, and a sanitizer containing both potassium iodide and chloramine-T did not influence test results. These results indicate that chlorine sanitizers interfere with the catalase test. The reliability of the results of the test could be markedly reduced by contamination of the milk with these products, but contamination by other types of sanitizers would not alter the reliability of the test.
Loss of livestock breeding efficiency due to uncompensable sperm nuclear defects.

An important goal of modern analyses of semen is to elucidate the molecular traits of mammalian sperm chromatin structural abnormalities, defined here as ‘uncompensable’, that lead to abnormalities in fertility, pronuclear formation, early embryo quality and pregnancy outcome. Sperm with uncompensable nuclear abnormalities are able to fertilize oocytes both in vivo and in vitro; however, due to the uncompensable trait(s), the embryo development may be abnormal. Uncompensable nuclear traits can be experimentally induced in bull sperm by a mild thermal insult to the testis. Sperm nuclear morphology abnormalities seen in ejaculates 11-days post stress are likely related to molecular changes in chromatin observed 3-days post stress by the flow cytometric sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). The SCSA measures the susceptibility of sperm nuclear DNA to denaturation in situ. This susceptibility has been correlated with the presence of DNA strand breaks that may be derived in part by oxidative stress and possibly by a unique, abortive apoptotic mechanism. The extent of DNA denaturation is not significantly related to the level of disulfide bonding between the chromatin protamines. The use of human sperm with uncompensable nuclear traits for artificial reproductive techniques is also discussed. The goal of this research is to remove from semen doses those sperm with uncompensable nuclear traits and thereby increase male fertility potential. Extra key words: male fertility potential, sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA).
The role of the lymphatic system in acute arterial prosthetic graft infections

Abstract No experimental data have been published that evaluate the role of lower extremity lymphatics in the pathophysiology of arterial graft infection. Bilateral interpositional femoral artery graft (PTFE) replacements were performed in 21 greyhounds, accompanied by unilateral limb ischemia-rendering operations and ipsilateral bacterial inoculations with standardized inocula of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . Inguinal lymphatics in the ischemic leg were either simply transected (group I), carefully preserved (group II), or excised and ligated (group III) at the time of femoral graft implantation. The grafts were harvested 48 hours later and graft and blood cultures obtained. There was an 87.5% incidence of positive graft cultures in groups I and II, but both organisms were cultured significantly more often in group II than in group I (62.5% vs. 12.5%; p
Update on genome completion and annotations: Protein Information Resource

The Protein Information Resource (PIR) recently joined the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB) to establish UniProt -- the Universal Protein Resource -- which now unifies the PIR, Swiss-Prot and TrEMBL databases. The PIRSF (SuperFamily) classification system is central to the PIR/UniProt functional annotation of proteins, providing classifications of whole proteins into a network structure to reflect their evolutionary relationships. Data integration and associative studies of protein family, function and structure are supported by the iProClass database, which offers value-added descriptions of all UniProt proteins with highly informative links to more than 50 other databases. The PIR system allows consistent, rich and accurate protein annotation for all investigators.
Measurement of the nonlinear surface susceptibilities of isotrpic thin films: Al and Ni 81 Fe 19

We present measurements of the second order nonlinear susceptibility tensor X(2) for isotropic air-exposed Al films and for structurally isotropic, but magnetic Ni81Fe19 films. These measurements provide new insight into the large second harmonic Kerr effect observed for magnetic materials.
Age-related complexity and coupling of children's sitting posture

This study tested the hypothesis that postural complexity increases as the coupling across the axes of motion decreases as children get older. Children aged 6 and 10 years and young adults (18–23 years) were seated on a wooden box placed atop a force platform that recorded their mediolateral and anteroposterior center of pressure (COP) motion with their feet supported and unsupported. The COP path length and complexity decreased with age, and this was paralleled by an increase in relative phase entropy across the axes of sway motion. The postural sway of the younger children was dominated by slower fluctuations that were more tightly coupled across the axes of motion than the adults. The findings support the postulation that the development of children's sitting posture is characterized by increased freedom in postural coordination that realizes a more loosely coupled but adaptive postural motion with a reduced amount of sway. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 502–510, 2008.
Disordered boson systems: A perturbative study.

A hard-core disordered boson system is mapped onto a quantum spin-1/2 XY model with transverse random fields. It is then generalized to a system of spins with an arbitrary magnitude S and studied through a 1/S expansion. The first-order 1/S expansion corresponds to a spin-wave theory. The effect of weak disorder is studied perturbatively within such a first-order 1/S scheme. We compute the reduction of the speed of sound and the lifetime of the Bloch phonons in the regime of weak disorder. Generalizations of the present study to the strong disordered regime are discussed.
Transmyocardial Temperature Gradient in Dog and Man: Relation to the Polarity of the T wave of the Electrocardiogram

The transmyocardial temperature gradient was measured in both right and left ventricles and in the septum of the dog by percutaneous ventricular puncture, using a no. 21 thin-wall needle fitted with a thermocouple stylus. The outer half of the left ventricular myocardium was invariably warmer than the endocardium. The peak temperature of the right ventricle was located midway between the endocardium and epicardium. The midseptal region was found to have a higher temperature than either its right or left endocardial aspects. The left ventricular cavity was cooler than the right ventricular cavity by a mean of 0.1°C. The transmyocardial temperature gradient was measured successfully in the left ventricle of two patients with cardiac disease. As in the dog, the outer layers of the myocardium were warmer than either the endocardium or cavity in these two patients. In one patient the T waves in the left precordial leads were negative and in the other the T waves were upright in the same lead. The location of p...