cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Intravascular Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging

Combined intravascular ultrasound and intravascular photoacoustic (IVUS/IVPA) imaging is an emerging hybrid modality being explored as a means of improving the characterization of atherosclerotic plaque anatomical and compositional features. While initial demonstrations of the technique have been encouraging, they have been limited by catheter rotation and data acquisition, displaying, and processing rates on the order of several seconds per frame as well as the use of off-line image processing. Herein, we present a complete IVUS/IVPA imaging system and method capable of real-time IVUS/IVPA imaging, with online data acquisition, image processing, and display of both IVUS and IVPA images. The integrated IVUS/IVPA catheter is fully contained within a 1-mm outer diameter torque cable coupled on the proximal end to a custom-designed spindle enabling optical and electrical coupling to system hardware, including a nanosecond-pulsed laser with a controllable pulse repetition frequency capable of greater than 10 kHz, motor and servo drive, a US pulser/receiver, and a 200-MHz digitizer. The system performance is characterized and demonstrated on a vessel-mimicking phantom with an embedded coronary stent intended to provide IVPA contrast within content of an IVUS image.
Porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum) in Arizona, 2011–2015

A five-year study to determine the status of the porcupine (Erithizon dorsatum) in the state of Arizona was conducted. Letters requesting the cooperation of several agencies and requesting the public to report any sighting of porcupines were gathered by staff and students of Eastern Arizona College. The main agency supporting this study was the Arizona Game and Fish Department. During the study 61 sightings were reported and the data from each report were analyzed to compare to previous studies by Taylor in the 1930s and Brown and Babb in 2007. Mountain lions appear to continue to be a limiting factor in controlling the population. The most significant factor documented in this study is the increase in the number of road kills. Taylor reported no road kills in the 1930s, Brown and Babb reported 21% of porcupines as road kills in 2007 and this study documented 41% as road kill. It is speculated that the increase in traffic along major highways and the slow pace of porcupines has increased this cause of death.
Creativity Through History

Creativity has been written about for hundreds of years by authors from a wide variety of professions and academic disciplines. Their objectives and perspectives have also varied. However, the discussions have centered around six basic questions: 1. What is creativity? 2. What is the creative process? 3. What characteristics do creative people have? 4. Can creativity be increased? 5. Who should benefit from creativity? 6. Do we really want creativity?
Behavioral Management of Asthma

Asthma is a physical, not an emotional, illness. Its primary treatment must be medical. However, psychological factors influence the frequency, severity, and impact of asthma, and must be attended to if the result of medical care is to be optimal. Physicians often neglect this fact, perhaps because they have been disappointed by “psychosomatic” theories and therapies that are based upon the misconception that asthma is caused, rather than influenced, by psychological factors (see Weiss, 1974, for a critical evaluation of such theories). However, the opportunity exists to put that neglect behind us. Behaviorally based approaches (e.g., Creer, 1979; Weiss, 1983; and see Chapter 13)—that recognize the physical basis of asthma and work to reduce the negative effect of psychological variables—have been successful in reducing the severity of asthma and its impact in many patients. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce clinicians to the behavioral approach. I will introduce the reader to basic facts about asthma and its symptoms; discuss how psychological variables can affect its course; describe how to probe for such variables; suggest how to target them for treatment; and outline what I consider to be the basic goals for behavioral intervention in asthma.
Importance of Health and Relative Importance of Satisfaction with One’s Own Health: A Case of Frail Immigrant Older Adults

The purpose of the current study is to investigate (1) the relative or perceived importance of health, and (2) the relative importance of health-related quality of life (HRQOL, in relation to satisfactions with other non-health-related life domains) in a longitudinal context. Based on longitudinal survey data of a group of frail immigrant older adults, this study found that (1) the perception of health being most important among major life domains did not vary with time, and (2) the fact that in comparison with satisfactions with other major life domains, satisfaction with one’s own health was not the strongest predictor of overall life satisfaction, did not vary with time either. These findings continue to support the main points suggested by Hsieh (Soc Indic Res 87:127–137, 2008): the importance of health as a major domain of life must not be overlooked; but the association between HRQOL and quality of life must not be overestimated.
Introduction: Answers to Axel Honneth

In 1968, Jurgen Habermas’s Antworten auf Herbert Marcuse set the tone for the radical re-orientation of the Frankfurt School by a new generation of social theorists. Over the next 50 years, their primary focus remained firmly on normative foundations. In Axel Honneth’s work, this tendency has taken on a different shape with a turn away from procedures of justification to investigations of modern society’s ethical life and institutions. Axel Honneth and the Critical Theory of Recognition presents a collection of critical voices and their reactions to the Frankfurt School’s most important thinker today: covering a wide range of disciplines, methodologies, and genres, the authors analyze the current direction of critical theory, contextualize it both intellectually and politically, and develop their own visions and suggestions of “what is to be done” in order to maintain critical theory’s scholarly and “emancipatory intent.”
Valuing the diverse economies and climate possibilities of a winter festival in Western Maine, USA

A group of citizens in western Maine was recently galvanized by their shared, volunteer labor of preparing a course for a major regional ski race during a low snow season. Working late into the night they shoveled snow by hand from the woods to the race course, paving the way for the success of the event, as well as animating subsequent efforts to use winter sports to build a diverse economy. Shortly after rescuing the race from a warm spell, the citizens group successfully planned and hosted a larger regional ski festival. Their follow-up festival incorporated an experiment in a walkable/skiable event venue with shuttle buses providing transportation to lodging and off-site parking for day trippers. In keeping with the diverse economies framework (Gibson-Graham 2006, 2008), festival organizers worked with researchers to estimate the value of their own volunteer labor, in addition to measuring the emitted and avoided CO2 resulting from their mitigation practices. This paper shares the results of the festival study while documenting how a particular instance of community labor bridges different interests, performs diverse economies and enacts a “climate politics of hope” in the face of climate uncertainty.
Comprehensive evaluation of macroscopic and microscopic myocardial fibrosis by cardiac MR: intra-individual comparison of gadobutrol versus gadoterate meglumine

Late gadolinium enhancement cardiac MR (LGE-CMR) and extracellular volume fraction (ECV-CMR) are widely used to evaluate macroscopic and microscopic myocardial fibrosis. Macrocyclic contrast media are increasingly used off-label for myocardial scar assessment, given the superior safety profile of these agents. We aimed to assess the performance of two macrocyclic contrast agents, gadoterate meglumine and gadobutrol, for the evaluation of myocardial scar. Forty subjects (61 ± 11 years, 67.5% men) who underwent LGE-CMR using gadobutrol were prospectively recruited for a research CMR scan using same-dose gadoterate meglumine (0.2 mmol/kg) at 1.5 T. Myocardial scar quantification was performed using a short-axis phase-sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) Turbo-FLASH and steady-state free precession (SSFP) images. Pre- and post-contrast T1-mapping was employed to assess myocardial ECV. An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to check for reliability between the two contrast agents. Using manual thresholding on PSIR Turbo-FLASH images, mean LGE scar percentage (LGE%) was 9.9 ± 9.7% and 9.4 ± 9.7% for gadobutrol and gadoterate meglumine, respectively (p > 0.05) (ICC: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97–0.99). Using the PSIR SSFP technique and manual thresholding, LGE% averaged 7.5 ± 9.0% and 7.1 ± 8.6% for gadobutrol and gadoterate meglumine, respectively (p > 0.05) (ICC: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98–0.99). Average ECV with gadobutrol and gadoterate meglumine were similar at 28.40 ± 4.88 and 28.46 ± 4.73 (p > 0.05) with a strong correlation (ICC: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.94–0.99). We found LGE- and ECV-CMR values derived from gadoterate meglumine comparable to values derived from gadobutrol. Gadoterate meglumine has a comparable performance to gadobutrol in identifying LGE-derived myocardial scar both qualitatively and quantitatively. • Late gadolinium-enhancement cardiac MR (LGE-MR) and extracellular volume (ECV) fraction are widely used to evaluate macroscopic and microscopic myocardial fibrosis. • Macrocyclic contrast media are increasingly used off-label for myocardial scar assessment, given the presumed superior safety profile of these agents. • LGE- and ECV-CMR values derived from gadoterate meglumine are comparable to values derived from gadobutrol.
Family Functioning among Rural Teens and Caregivers: Interactive Influence on Teen Dating Violence

Multi-informant assessment of family functioning is considered best practice in research and clinical settings. However, in the area of teen dating violence, multi-informant assessment of family functioning has received limited attention. The current study investigated whether and to what extent caregiver and adolescent perceptions of family functioning interact in their influence on adolescent dating violence. Participants were 493 adolescents and their primary caregivers from a rural southeastern community in the United States. As hypothesized, a paired-samples t test showed that adolescents' scores on the family functioning measure were significantly lower than their caregivers' scores. Logistic regressions revealed that adolescents' positive views of family functioning were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of dating violence victimization but not perpetration and that caregivers' views on family functioning moderated the impact of adolescent-reported family functioning on both dating violence outcomes. Post hoc analyses showed that adolescents with negative perceptions of family environment were most likely to be victims and perpetrators of dating violence when their parents also reported more negative views of family environment. The article concludes with a discussion of how these findings can: (a) advance our understanding of the impact of family functioning on teen dating relationships and (b) inform practical efforts aimed at preventing dating aggression among teens.
Shear-Induced Gelation of Self-Yielding Active Networks

An enticing feature of active materials is the possibility of controlling macroscale rheological properties through the activity of the microscopic constituents. Using a unique combination of microscopy and rheology we study three dimensional microtubule-based active materials whose autonomous flows are powered by a continually rearranging connected network. We quantify the relationship between the microscopic dynamics and the bulk mechanical properties of these nonequilibrium networks. Experiments reveal a surprising nonmonotonic viscosity that strongly depends on the relative magnitude of the rate of internally generated activity and the externally applied shear. A simple two-state mechanical model that accounts for both the solidlike and yielded fluidlike elements of the network accurately describes the rheological measurements.
Tokamak elongation - How much is too much? Part 1. Theory

In this and the accompanying paper, the problem of the maximally achievable elongation in a tokamak is investigated. The work represents an extension of many earlier studies, which were often focused on determining limits due to (i) natural elongation in a simple applied pure vertical field or (ii) axisymmetric stability in the presence of a perfectly conducting wall. The extension investigated here includes the effect of the vertical stability feedback system which actually sets the maximum practical elongation limit in a real experiment. A basic resistive wall stability parameter, , is introduced to model the feedback system which although simple in appearance actually captures the essence of the feedback system. Elongation limits in the presence of feedback are then determined by calculating the maximum against resistive wall modes for fixed . The results are obtained by means of a general formulation culminating in a variational principle which is particularly amenable to numerical analysis. The principle is valid for arbitrary profiles but simplifies significantly for the Solov’ev profiles, effectively reducing the 2-D stability problem into a 1-D problem. The accompanying paper provides the numerical results and leads to a sharp answer of ‘how much elongation is too much’?
Body size shapes thermal stress

Body sizes have been declining in response to climate change, but an expected relationship between size and the hot temperatures organisms can tolerate has eluded detection. Now, research shows how body size and the duration of exposure to hot temperatures interact to determine the onset and consequences of thermal stress.
The City as a Composition: Working Through Geographies of Identity, Belonging, and Memory

In The City as a Work of Art, Donald J. Olsen posited “that the city, as the largest and most characteristic art form of the nineteenth century, has something to tell us about the inner nature of that century.” This chapter tackles Olsen’s observation as a starting point for considering the recent spate of displacements and replacements of monuments, statuary, place names, and other markers of public space that increasingly manifests on a global scale. Extending Olsen’s analogy, this chapter conceptualizes the city as a type of composition. The notion of “the city as a composition” weaves together fundamental concerns intrinsic across the arts, literature, and geography, including attention to location, form, proximity, sequence, flow, and diffusion. The city as composition also frames public spaces as palimpsests; places subject to continual rewriting, revision, reorganization, and reinterpretation. This perspective provides a conceptual framework for thinking through this contemporary agitation regarding the (re)composition of public space as a repository of memory, identity, and belonging and in the process contours geographies of inclusion and exclusion.
Strategies for the successful implementation of augmented reality

Abstract The potential benefits of augmented reality (AR) to consumers include high levels of interactivity, exposure to an extensive virtual inventory tailored to their needs, high-quality customer support, and better integration between web- and store-based shopping experiences. The anticipated benefits of a successful AR strategy to a brand or retailer include higher inventory turnover, increased average sales, reduced sales costs, lower customer returns, higher levels of related-item selling, and better customer support outcomes. Despite these revenue- and loyalty-enhancing benefits, few companies use AR, develop a highly integrated AR plan, or incorporate AR into their marketing programs. This article focuses on the successful planning and implementation of AR through a six-step process: (1) Determine how AR can help achieve marketing objectives; (2) choose appropriate products, channels, and target markets for AR; (3) select among AR application types; (4) design AR apps; (5) evaluate alternative AR organizational formats; and (6) measure the success of AR programs.
“I Didn’t Know People With Disabilities Could Grow Up to Be Adults”: Disability History, Curriculum, and Identity in Special Education:

The present qualitative interview study explored disability identity development, a unique aspect of identity, and its relationship to school and special education. Adults with disabilities (n = 9)...
In situ UV–vis plasmon resonance spectroscopic assessment of oxygen and hydrogen adsorption location on supported gold catalysts

Abstract Here we report an in situ UV–vis spectroscopy study of O2 and H2 adsorption on small gold nanoparticles supported on SiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, ZnO, and TiO2 P-25 at high temperature which provides insights into gold adsorption and active sites. In situ gold surface plasmon resonance peak shifts from alternating and consecutive adsorption of O2 to H2 were correlated to relative charge transfer from/to gold via a Drude-Lorentz model considering contributions from free electrons and interband transitions. A novel methodology matching the relative charge transfer (from O2 and H2 adsorption at 398 K and flowing conditions) with Au surface site statistics derived from a truncated octahedron geometric model was used to provide strong in situ experimental and spectroscopic evidence for adsorption of O2 and H2 at the gold-support perimeter, which agrees with prior hypotheses for active site location from reactivity and theoretical studies. The prepared catalysts were also evaluated for CO oxidation at 398 K. The resulting TOFs normalized per different surface site location indicated that conversion rates were not limited by the density of sites at the gold-support perimeter, but primarily by the total gold surface sites, which were also further differentiated by the reducibility of the catalyst support.
Primary Care Workforce Solutions: PAs and NPs

The United States continues to be faced with anticipated shortages of primary care physicians that, in the near future...
The Legislative History of the Treatment of Military Working Dogs in the United States

The treatment of Military Working Dogs (MWDs) by the American government has transformed drastically over the years. Recent provisions aim to further protect the animals, though formal military recognition has yet to be implemented. This Essay addresses legislative changes concerning MWDs and advocates for the addition of further measures to recognize the animals’ contributions.
Abstract 2118: Non-coding germline GATA3 variants alter chromatin topology and contribute to pathogenesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Inherited non-coding genetic variants confer significant disease susceptibility in many cancers. However, the molecular processes of by which germline variants contribute to somatic lesions are poorly understood. We performed targeted sequencing in 5,008 patients and identified a key regulatory germline variant in GATA3 strongly associated with Philadelphia chromosome-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-like ALL). By creating an isogenic cellular model with CRISPR-Cas9 system, we showed that this variant activated a strong enhancer that significantly upregulated GATA3 transcription, which in turn reshaped the global chromatin accessibility and 3D genome organization. Remarkably, this genotype switch induced a chromatin loop between the CRLF2 oncogene and a distal enhancer, similar to the somatically acquired super-enhancer hijacking event in patients. GATA3 genotype-related alterations in transcriptional control and 3D chromatin organization were further validated in Ph-like ALL patients. Finally, we showed that GATA3 directly regulates CRLF2 and potentiates the oncogenic effects of JAK-STAT signaling in leukemogenesis. Altogether, our results provide evidence for a novel mechanism by which a germline non-coding variant contributes to oncogene activation epigenetic regulation and 3D genome reprogramming. Citation Format: Hongbo Yang, Hui Zhang, Yu Luan, Tingting Liu, Kathryn Roberts, Mao-xiang Qian, Bo Zhang, Wenjian Yang, Virginia Perez-Andreu, Jie Xu, Sriranga lyyanki, Da Kuang, Shalini Reshmi, Julie Gastier-Foster, Colton Smith, Ching-Hon Pui, William Evans, Stephen Hunger, Stephen Hunger, Leonidas Platanias, Mary Relling, Charles Mullighan, Mignon Loh, Feng Yue, Jun Yang. Non-coding germline GATA3 variants alter chromatin topology and contribute to pathogenesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2118.
Frequency and outcomes of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with Corona Virus Disease-19.

To characterize the frequency and association of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms with outcomes in patients with corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) admitted to the hospital. Records were retrospectively collected from patients admitted to a tertiary care center in Washington, D.C., with confirmed COVID-19 from March 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. After adjusting for clinical demographics and comorbidities, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. The most common presenting symptoms of COVID-19 in patients that were admitted to the hospital were cough (38.4%), shortness of breath (37.5%), and fever (34.3%), followed by GI symptoms in 25.9% of patients. The most common GI symptom was diarrhea (12.8%) followed by nausea or vomiting (10.5%), decreased appetite (9.3%), and abdominal pain (3.8%). Patients with diarrhea were more likely to die (odds ratio [OR] 2.750; p = 0.006; confidence interval [CI] 1.329–5.688), be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (OR 2.242; p = 0.019; CI 1.139–4.413), and be intubated (OR 3.155; p = 0.002; CI 1.535–6.487). Additional outcomes analyzed were need for vasopressors, presence of shock, and acute kidney injury. Patients with diarrhea were 2.738 (p = 0.007; CI 1.325–5.658), 2.467 (p = 0.013; CI 1.209–5.035), and 2.694 (p = 0.007; CI 1.305–5.561) times more likely to experience these outcomes, respectively. Screening questions should be expanded to include common GI symptoms in patients with COVID-19. Health care providers should note whether their patient is presenting with diarrhea due to the potential implications on disease severity and outcomes.
The Involvement of Free Radicals in Chemical Carcinogenesis

Cancer is a multi-step process, involving three stages that can be operationally distinguished: initiation, promotion and progression. Initiation involves an irreversible alteration of the cellular DNA that permits the transformation of the cell to a non-malignant state. Promotion produces conditions that allow the initiated cell to become malignant, and progression is the growth of the malignant cell to a tumor.
Living With Genetic Vulnerability: a Life Course Perspective

This is the second article of a two part series about utilizing the life course perspective (LCP) in genetic counseling. Secondary data analysis was conducted on a grounded theory, longitudinal study which provided a wide focus on living with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) risk. The aim of this analysis was to explore the longitudinal data for both the temporal and social context of living with BRCA mutation genetic test results. Sixteen women from two previous studies were interviewed on multiple occasions over an 8 year time period. The LCP was used to direct a thematic analysis of the data. Families experience the consequences of knowing they carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation long after the initial diagnosis. These women's experiences across time reflect the concepts of the LCP and show how life is changed when families know they live with a genetic vulnerability to an adult-onset and potentially life-threatening disease. Different emphases on concepts from the LCP were evident across the different age groups. For example, the group of 40-50 year old women emphasized the concept of linked lives, those in their 30's focused on human agency and women in their 20's were more focused on timing of events. This study helps give direction to healthcare providers counseling women living with a BRCA mutation.
Analysis of open-loop model-based sensorless control of PMSM drive

This paper investigates behavior of a sensorless rotor position estimator based on open-loop compensated voltage model of permanent magnet synchronous motor with surface mounted magnets on the rotor (PMSM). The influence of several parameters (such as stator inductance, resistance, voltage fluctuations in dc-link) is examined. The obtained results are supported by simulation and experimental data. The rotor position estimator is tested in both open-loop (sensored control mode) and closed loop (sensorless control mode)
Apparatus Effects in the Determination of Strength Variation in Anisotropic Rock

Experimental studies of strength variation in anisotropic rock have demonstrated that compressive strength can vary significantly depending upon the orientation of the anisotropy with respect to the direction of maximum compression, e.g. [1, 3, 14]. The presence of anisotropy can greatly influence the geometry and the mode of deformation in the rock as well as its strength, [5]. Of the several theories presently available in the literature to explain this strength variation, the continuously variable shear strength theory of Jaeger [13] has been shown by Donath [3, 7] and McLamore and Gray [14] to explain as well as any the failure of rocks characterized by pervasive planar anisotropy.
Design summary of a geostationary facility utilized as a communications platform

This paper describes the technical aspects of a geostationary platform facility that makes maximum use of the planned NASA space station and its elements, mainly the orbital maneuvering vehicle (OMV) and the orbital transfer vehicles (OTV). The platform design concept is described, with emphasis on the key technologies utilized to configure the platform. Key systems aspects include a design summary with discussion of the controls, telemetry, command and ranging, power, propulsion, control electronics, thermal control subsystems, and space station interfaces. The use of the facility as a communications platform is developed to demonstrate the attractiveness of the concept. The economic benefits are discussed, as well as the concept of servicing for payload upgrade.
Insulator-to-superconductor transition in ultrathin films

The thickness dependences of the electrical conduction and the onset of superconductivity have been studied in ultrathin films of Bi, Pb, and Al. Thickness was varied by repeated in situ deposition of small increments of material onto amorphous Ge substrates held at low temperatures in an ultrahigh-vacuum environment. The thinner films of the resultant sequences of films were insulating and as thickness increased with successive depositions, superconductivity eventually appeared. This insulator-to-superconductor transition has been interpreted as a quantum phase transition, and compared in its features with predictions of the boson Hubbard model. The conductances of the sequences of films were scaled with a single parameter, and a universal scaling function was found. The scaling parameter vanished as the transition was approached from either the insulating or the superconducting side, falling as a power law of the difference between the Boltzmann conductance and a critical value of the conductance very close to (h/4${\mathit{e}}^{2}$${)}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, or the inverse of the quantum resistance for pairs. The asymptotic value of the scaling function was also close to (h/4${\mathit{e}}^{2}$${)}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, although this value was achieved only for Bi films. In the case of Pb and Al films superconductivity nucleated before the asymptotic limit was reached, at lower values of the conductance.
Thin film interconnect processes

Abstract Interconnects and associated photolithography and etching processes play a dominant role in the feature shrinkage of electronic devices. Most interconnects are fabricated by use of thin film processing techniques. Planarization of dielectrics and novel metal deposition methods are the focus of current investigations. Spin-on glass, polyimides, etch-back, bias-sputtered quartz, and plasma-enhanced conformal films are being used to obtain planarized dielectrics over which metal films can be reliably deposited. Recent trends have been towards chemical vapor depositions of metals and refractory metal silicides. Interconnects of the future will be used in conjunction with planarized dielectric layers. Reliability of devices will depend to a large extent on the quality of the interconnects.
Partition coefficients of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) in erythrocyte lipids in multiple sclerosis

Electron spin resonance (ESR) was used in a search for a possible generalized membrane defect underlying myelin instability in multiple sclerosis (MS). In contrast to most ESR studies of biological membranes, a small, nonelectrolyte spin label, TEMPO, was chosen; its partition coefficient was determined in extracted erythrocyte lipids from MS patients and normal controls. No differences were observed. The advantages and limitations of TEMPO in comparison with lipid spin labels as probes for the study of biological membranes are discussed.
Pericytes in the microvasculature

Pericytes, also known as Rouget cells or mural cells, are associated abluminally with all vascular capillaries and post-capillary venules. Differences in pericyte morphology and distribution among vascular beds suggest tissue-specific functions. Based on their location and their complement of muscle cytoskeletal proteins, pericytes have been proposed to play a role in the regulation of blood flow. In vitro studies demonstrating the contractile ability of pericytes support this concept. Pericytes have also been suggested to be oligopotential and have been reported to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts and phagocytes. The mechanisms involved in vessel formation have yet to be elucidated but observations indicate that the primordial endothelium can recruit undifferentiated mesenchymal cells and direct their differentiation into pericytes in microvessels, and smooth muscle cells in large vessels. Communication between endothelial cells and pericytes, or their precursors, may take many forms. Soluble factors such as platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factors-beta are likely to be involved. In addition, physical contact mediated by cell adhesion molecules, integrins and gap junctions appear to contribute to the control of vascular growth and function. Development of culture methods has allowed some functions of pericytes to be directly examined. Co-culture of pericytes with endothelial cells leads to the activation of transforming growth factor-beta, which in turn influences the growth and differentiation of the vascular cells. Finally, the pericyte has been implicated in the development of a variety of pathologies including hypertension, multiple sclerosis, diabetic microangiopathy and tumor vascularization.
Viral hepatitis risk in urban emergency medical services personnel

Houston has large groups of people known to be at high risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are continuously exposed to blood from these high-risk individuals. We sought to determine the prevalence of HBV infection in the city's EMS personnel. Of the 350 Houston firefighters assigned to EMS, 344 were surveyed by questionnaire and a blood specimen was obtained. Each sample was assayed by radio-immunoassay or enzyme-linked immunoassay for hepatitis A antibody (anti-HAV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) and hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). A history of hepatitis was reported by 19 persons, 17 of whom had serologic evidence of infection with HAV (56%), HBV (26%), or both diseases (11%). The anti-HAV prevalence was 16% (12% in whites and 35% in nonwhites; P less than .001). No correlation was observed with years of occupational exposure. Of the 338 personnel evaluated for HBV seromarkers (six HBsAg-vaccinated subjects were excluded), 13% were positive; 0.6% had an active infection as determined by the presence of both HBsAg and anti-HBc; 6.8% were both anti-HBs and anti-HBc positive; 0.9% were positive for anti-HBc alone; and 4.7% of the sera contained only anti-HBs (all with geometric mean antibody levels of less than or equal to 13 mlU/mL). The 28 individuals (8.3%) whose sera contained anti-HBc were classified as cases of previous or concurrent HBV infection. A strong correlation (P less than .004) was observed between HBV infection and years of work exposure in EMS regardless of job description (paramedic versus emergency medical technician).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Computation of the Aero-Optical Environment of a Helicopter Using Prescribed-Wake Methods

A fast low-order computational approach is presented for estimating the aero-optic effect of the rotor tip vortex system on helicopter-borne optical systems. The approach employs prescribed-wake methods that have been developed by the helicopter design community to rapidly generate realistic approximations to the vortex-wake systems of helicopters in hover and forward flight. With the geometry of the vortex-wake system defined, an experimentally validated computational method that employs the isentropic assumption is then used to compute pressure, temperature, density, and index-of-refraction fields in the selected computational domain. Predictions determined using the computational approach for the spatially and temporally resolved aero-optic aberrations on an optical system mounted on a helicopter in hover and forward flight are presented.
Machine-augmented composites displaying control of unusual spin for a bouncing ball

One unique property of a Machine Augmented Composite (MAC) is its ability to convert a compressive force into a shear force, and vice versa, simply by the geometry of its angled sidewalls. We have discovered that a non-spinning ball dropped at a normal angle onto the MAC’s surface rebounds from that surface at an angle different from the normal and develops a significant rotational velocity. The MAC can be designed so that the spin imparted on the ball is either clockwise or counterclockwise and tailored so that the ball’s oblique angle rebound is either positive or negative from its normal angle. Through finite-element analyses and experiments, the magnitude and direction of the spin can be precisely controlled by tailoring the stiffness of the MAC through the properties and dimensions of its constituent materials.
381 EFFECTS OF MATERNAL RITODRINE THERAPY ON FETAL RAT BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

Ritrodrine is a beta-adrenergic agonist used for the inhibition of pre-term labor. As a potential activator of the cyclic AMP system, biochemical changes in the fetus might be anticipated after maternal treatment. Effects of maternal treatment with ritodrine on fetal rat brain development were investigated. A longterm treatment group (L) received ritodrine,3mg/kg/dose,IM q8h on days 18-22 of pregnancy.A short term treatment group (S) received one 3mg/kg I.V.dose on day 22. Controls for L and S received saline by the same procedures.Pups were delivered by C/section on day 22. Their body and brain weights and brain protein, DNA,cholesterol, glycogen,myelin basic protein and beta-adrenergic receptors (by binding of Dihydroalprenolol,DHA) were measured. No statistically significant changes were detected.Using this experimental model, there seem to be no adverse biochemical effects of Ritodrine on fetal rat brain development.
NITRIC OXIDE : A SYNCHRONIZING CHEMICAL MESSENGER

Nitric oxide (NO) has been recognized as a ubiquitous chemical messenger in a large number of different biological systems. Its chemical properties make it less specific and less controllable than practically any other neurotransmitter or hormone. In view of this, its extensive biological role as a chemical messenger seems surprising. It is suggested that the biological function of NO evolved early in the anaerobic stage of evolution. In view of its low molecular weight, limited interaction with water, and its electrical neutrality, which allow it to diffuse rapidly through the cytoplasm and biomembranes, it is suggested that the need for NO has been retained by and maintained in eukaryote cells because of its ability to affect many biochemical functions simultaneously, acting primarily as an intracellular synchronizing chemical messenger.
Water balance model for mean annual hydrogen and oxygen isotope distributions in surface waters of the contiguous United States

[1] The stable H and O isotope composition of river and stream water records information on runoff sources and land-atmosphere water fluxes within the catchment and is a potentially powerful tool for network-based monitoring of ecohydrological systems. Process-based hydrological models, however, have thus far shown limited power to replicate observed large-scale variation in U.S. surface water isotope ratios. Here we develop a geographic information system–based model to predict long-term annual average surface water isotope ratios across the contiguous United States. We use elevation-explicit, gridded precipitation isotope maps as model input and data from a U.S. Geological Survey monitoring program for validation. We find that models incorporating monthly variation in precipitation-evapotranspiration (P-E) amounts account for the majority (>89%) of isotopic variation and have reduced regional bias relative to models that do not consider intra-annual P-E effects on catchment water balance. Residuals from the water balance model exhibit strong spatial patterning and correlations that suggest model residuals isolate additional hydrological signal. We use interpolated model residuals to generate optimized prediction maps for U.S. surface water δ2H and δ18O values. We show that the modeled surface water values represent a relatively accurate and unbiased proxy for drinking water isotope ratios across the United States, making these data products useful in ecological and criminal forensics applications that require estimates of the local environmental water isotope variation across large geographic regions.
Locus of control, life stress, and social networks: Gender differences in the health status of the elderly

A sample of community-based older adults were interviewed and given a questionnaire in order to examine the effects of stress, social support, and locus of control on two measures of health: the number of actual symptoms and self-ratings of health. Subjects were 83% white, 63% female, and represented middle- and working-class backgrounds. All variables showed association with symptom levels, and for men, both locus of control and friend support networks predicted subjective ratings of health even after controlling for the level of symptomatology. Moreover, an internal locus of control was found to buffer the deleterious effect of symptoms of physical illness on self-rated health. The results suggest that a supportive network and a sense of control build confidence in one's capacity to cope both with external stressors and with sickness itself, but these factors are stronger influences for males than for females.
Autolytic nature of iridescent lysis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Attempts to demonstrate a filterable agent to be the cause of iridescent lysis inPseudomonas aeruginosa were uniformly negative. It was not possible to transmit the principle by needle transfer from iridescent plaques to non-iridescent cultures, and plaques produced byP. aeruginosa bacteriophages were never iridescent. Iridescent lysis and bacteriophage lysis were subjected to antibiotics, anti-metabolites, agar at different pH values, antisera to bacteriophage-lysed and to iridescent-lysed bacteria, different oxygen concentrations, and to different nutritional sources. Certain antibiotics, notably tetracycline, streptomycin and polymyxin inducedde novo or enhanced formation of metallic lysis in nutrient agar surface cultures ofP. aeruginosa. Bacteriophage was not induced. Antimetabolites of amino acids, carbohydrates and vitamins inhibited iridescence, or inhibited it at high concentrations and enhanced it at low concentrations. Bacteriophage action was unaffected. Metallic lysis was completely inhibited at pH 6.0; it was inhibited on media containing dye or bile salt and at lowered oxygen concentrations. Bacteriophage action was not affected under these conditions. Antisera to iridescent lysates and to bacteriophage lysates ofP. aeruginosa were tested. Phage antiserum strongly neutralized phage lysis but had no effect on iridescent lysis; antisera to iridescent lysates had no effect on either. No evidence for phage mediation of iridescent lysis was seen in any of the experiments. Iridescent lysis ofP. aeruginosa was demonstrated to be based on metabolic autolysis.
Design and Construction of a DRIFTS Accessory and an in Situ Heatable Sample Cell

An accessory for Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) has been developed in the form of a heat-able sample cell of novel and simple design. Studies on the surface of sulfated zirconia during reaction, deactivation, and regeneration have been performed by using this cell. (AIP)
Incoherent mesoscopic hole tunneling through barrier states in p -type Al x Ga 1 − x As capacitors

Hole tunneling from an accumulation layer in single-barrier ${\mathit{p}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$-type GaAs--undoped ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$As--${\mathit{p}}^{+}$-type GaAs capacitors results in complex current-voltage (I-V) characteristics. At low bias, in the direct tunneling regime, several reproducible voltage-controlled negative resistance regions can occur. I-V curves for a given sample are reproducible while I-V curves for nominally identical samples vary from sample to sample. I-V curves are exponential in voltage with fluctuations in ln(dJ/dV)\ensuremath{\sim}1. Detailed structure in curves of d(lnJ)/dV versus voltage is temperature dependent for T70 K. At 1.7 K structure in derivative curves is independent of magnetic field. The observed behavior is consistent with the models reviewed by Raikh and Ruzin for incoherent mesoscopic tunneling through states in a randomly nonuniform barrier. The origin of the states in the nominally undoped ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$As barrier is probably Be diffusing from regions of high doping sample growth.
Reducing the Perceived Risk of E-Government Implementations: The Importance of Risk Communication

Perceived risk has been identified by the literature as a limiting factor in e-government adoption and success. However, there has been little effort spent examining how and why perceived risk comes to differ from actual probabilistic risk and the means by which the gap can be reduced. These questions were examined by applying the Social Amplification of Risk Framework to the case of e-government in the United States. Several factors that are known to exacerbate perceived risk were identified from the literature and shown to be in place in the United States. The presence of these factors suggests that more effective risk communication is required in order to realign perceived risk with probabilistic risk. Recommendations on how to improve e-government risk communication through technical and human means are provided.
Intensities of symmetric-top transitions in the presence of accidental coriolis resonance

Abstract A theoretical analysis of Coriolis interaction between a parallel vibration-rotationband and a perpendicular vibration-rotation band in polyatomic molecules with symmetry C 3 ν is continued. Computer techniques are used to explore the effects on the absorption transition intensities of varying the relevant molecular parameters. Parameters studied include a Coriolis coupling constant, a term which accounts in an empirical way for the difference of rotational constant in the two interacting vibrational states, and the ratio of the perpendicular to the parallel band dipole moment derivatives involved in the transition. A study of the energy level structure was given in an earlier publication in this journal by the same authors.
New Electrophilic Iridium(I) Complexes: H−H and C−H Bond Heterolysis by [(dfepe)Ir(μ-X)]2 (X = O2CCF3, OTf)

New electrophilic dimeric iridium(I) complexes [(dfepe)Ir(μ-X)]2 (dfepe = (C2F5)2PCH2CH2P(C2F5)2; X = O2CCF3, OTf) have been prepared and their reactions with H2 and cyclopentane examined. Treatment of [(cod)Ir(O2CCF3)]2 with dfepe produced an ionic product [(dfepe)Ir(cod)]+[(dfepe)Ir(O2CCF3)2]- (1), which in refluxing benzene rearranged with loss of cyclooctadiene to form [(dfepe)Ir(μ-O2CCF3)]2 (2). The corresponding reaction of [(cod)Rh(O2CCF3)]2 with dfepe yielded [(dfepe)Rh(μ-O2CCF3)]2 (3) directly. X-ray diffraction analysis of 2 revealed a hinged dimeric geometry with an unusually large interplanar angle of 82.7° defined by the two 4-coordinate metal centers (Ir(1)−Ir(2) = 4.307 A). The triflate-bridged analogue of 2 was prepared via an indirect route: addition of 1 equiv of triflic acid to (dfepe)Ir(η3-C3H5) yielded the allyl hydride complex (dfepe)Ir(η3-C3H5)(H)(OTf) (4), which eliminated propylene in refluxing heptane to quantitatively afford [(dfepe)Ir(μ-O3SCF3)]2 (5). The structure of 4 was co...
On the absence of chitin in the endosternite of chelicerata

Die Endosternite von 18 Arten aus den drei lebenden Klassen von Cheliceraten wurden nach der Methode von van Wisselingh auf Chitin gepruft, wobei alle Proben negative Ergebnisse fur die echten Endosternite ergaben. Nur die innere prosomische Apophyse einer Solpugide enthalt Chitin.
Gender and age disparity in health-related behaviors and behavioral patterns based on a National Survey of Taiwan.

Background: This is a population-based study based on the 2002 National Survey of Taiwan on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Health Promotion. Purpose: The objective of this study is to examine health-related behaviors and behavioral patterns among different gender and age groups. Method: A total of 26,755 participants were interviewed, resulting in a response rate of 81.9%. Factor analysis with orthogonal rotation was applied to identify the underlying factor structure for the health-related behaviors, including cigarette smoking, betel nut chewing, alcohol drinking, intake of fruits or vegetables, prevention service utilization, physical activity, and tooth brushing. Results: Protective and risk behavioral patterns were selected consistently among various gender and age subgroups. These two behavior patterns were negatively associated with each other. In younger age groups (age < 55), a risk behavioral pattern was more dominant than a protective behavioral pattern. In the older age group (age ≥ 55), the pattern order was reversed. Conclusion: An effective health intervention program should be based on behavioral patterns instead of an individual behavior. Gender and age play an important role in the behavioral patterns and need to be taken into consideration when designing intervention programs.