cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-order accurate finite difference discretisations on fully unstructured dual quadrilateral meshes.

We present a novel approach for high-order accurate numerical differentiation on unstructured meshes of quadrilateral elements. To differentiate a given function, an auxiliary function with greater smoothness properties is defined which when differentiated provides the derivatives of the original function. The method generalises traditional finite difference methods to meshes of arbitrary topology in any number of dimensions for any order of derivative and accuracy. We demonstrate the accuracy of the numerical scheme using dual quadrilateral meshes and a refinement method based on subdivision surfaces. The scheme is applied to the solution of a range of partial differential equations, including both linear and nonlinear, and second and fourth order equations.
The Impact of Macroeconomic and Financial Variables on Market Risk: Evidence from International Equity Returns

Using a GARCH approach, we estimate a time-varying two-factor international asset pricing model for the weekly equity index returns of 16 OECD countries. We find significant time-variation in the exposure (beta) of country equity index returns to the world market index and in the risk-adjusted excess returns (alpha). We then explain these world market betas and alphas using a number of country-specific macroeconomic and financial variables with a panel approach. We find that several variables including imports, exports, inflation, market capitalisation, dividend yields and price-to-book ratios significantly affect a country’s exposure to world market risk. Similar conclusions are obtained by using lagged explanatory variables, and thus these variables may be useful as predictors of world market risks. Several variables also significantly impact the risk-adjusted excess returns over this time period. Our results are robust to a number of alternative specifications. We further discuss some economic hypotheses that may explain these relationships.
Findings from a tandem clinician leadership intervention for emergency department cardiac arrest care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract Introduction Cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) care in the Emergency Department (ED) has had to be modified during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Scarce literature exists on comfort of clinicians (defined as physicians, nurses & advanced practice providers-APP's) in these new roles and their perceived understanding of new algorithms. Methods Routine CPA care in our ED was modified during the COVID-19 pandemic. This involved clinicians in shared leadership roles alongside COVID-19 specific changes to CPA algorithms. The new protocol was operationalized through a two-step educational intervention involving didactic education and in-situ simulations. Univariate analyses using student's t-test assessed effectiveness of this educational intervention with clinician comfort as team leaders and perceived knowledge as primary outcomes on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Subgroup analysis across physicians (attending & resident), nurses & APP's were also undertaken with an alpha of 0.05, and p values Results Across 83 of 95 total participants, our primary outcome of clinician comfort in the team leader role improved from a mean value of 3.41 (SD: 1.23) pre-intervention to 4.11 (SD: 0.88) with a p-value Conclusion Our pilot investigation of the effectiveness of an educational intervention of a novel CPA protocol in the ED during the COVID-19 pandemic reached statistical significance with regards to clinician comfort in shared leadership roles and perceived knowledge. These findings suggest that the protocol is rapidly teachable, usable and can be efficiently disseminated across ED clinicians of varying experience, especially in pandemic settings. Further work regarding effectiveness of this new protocol in real life cardiac arrest scenarios is warranted.
Gastric type adenocarcinoma of the cervix presenting as ovarian neoplasm

Abstract Gastric-type adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix (GAS) is a rare subtype of mucinous adenocarcinoma, unrelated to HPV infection. It first appeared in the World Health Organization Classification of Tumours of Female Reproductive Organs in 2014. This report discusses a 50-year-old, Caucasian female who presented with new onset abdominal pain, distension, and diffuse ascites. CT scan revealed an ovarian neoplasm later diagnosed as GAS on surgical pathology. Immunohistological stains were positive for PAX8, CK7, CK20 (focally strong), CAIX (strong), CEA (patchy), MUC6 (strong), HNF1b, UBC, RNA, KOC (focal), and P53 (wild type). Tumor cells were negative for p16, PAX2, ER, low-risk 5 HPV, high-risk 18 HPV, and CDX2. The proliferative index (Ki-67) was 20%. The patient is scheduled to receive systemic chemotherapy of cisplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab. Following chemotherapy, she will undergo external beam radiation and vaginal brachytherapy. The prevalence of GAS in the United States is currently unknown. Little is understood about the ideal treatment for this disease, and prognosis is very poor. As more cases are identified and reported, more targeted therapy be developed and trialed in these patients.
Individual differences in habitual short sleep duration and dysfunction: Subjective health versus objective cardiovascular disease risk.

OBJECTIVE The adverse health effects of short sleep duration (i.e., six or fewer hours per night) are well established, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and related mortality. However, there is heterogeneity in perceived sleep need among habitual short sleepers (HSS), with a sizable minority reporting no sleep-related daytime dysfunction. It has not been determined whether health risk associated with short sleep duration is consistent across individuals with and without reported dysfunction. The current study examined self-rated health (SRH), previously demonstrated to predict CVD risk, and objective CVD risk among HSS with and without reported dysfunction in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). METHOD Participants were adults age 40-79 in the 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 NHANES cycles. Assessments included the single item SRH (poor to excellent), self-reported average sleep duration, and self-reported daytime sleep-related dysfunction. Ten-year atherosclerotic CVD and high lifetime CVD risk (≥39%) were calculated using previously validated algorithms. RESULTS HSS with no reported dysfunction rated their overall health significantly better than those with reported dysfunction; however, the "no dysfunction" HSS group evidenced modestly, though significantly, higher 10-year CVD risk compared with their dysfunction-reporting counterparts. High lifetime CVD risk, including younger adults age 20-39, was slightly higher for persons not reporting dysfunction, with the exception of short sleepers at the highest level of dysfunction who had the highest prevalence of high lifetime risk. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that the absence of perceived sleep-related dysfunction does not confer lower CVD risk, despite higher SRH. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Laminar Flamesheet with Hypersonic Viscous Interaction.

Abstract : A laminar flamesheet model is studied. Fuel is assumed to be injected through a semi-infinite flat plate into a hypersonic stream of oxidizer and diluent. The heat release is assumed sufficient to induce a significant pressure interaction between the hypersonic and laminar flows. Only self-similar flows are considered, and numerical results are obtained for the case of an insulated porous plate with full wall slip.
Subjective Probabilities: Overview†

The need for subjective probabilities arises from the variability that is pervasive in our world. A subjective probability is intended to meaningfully communicate the degree of uncertainty in the face of variability. Surrounding this common theme are several different approaches to defining and using subjective probabilities. The mathematical theory of probability is summarized as a basis for understanding these approaches. This article then describes the alternative perspectives on subjective probability relative to the mathematical theory: subjective probability as one of several interpretations for mathematical probability theory, as a behavioral assessment, as an inherent aspect of all uses of probability theory, and as an uncertainty measure that can be detached from the mathematical theory. The issue of assessing the quality of subjective probabilities is also discussed as it relates to these approaches. Keywords: probability; subjective probability; qualitative probability; probability assessment; scoring rules; justification; likelihood
The facial paralysis prognostic index.

The treatment of facial paralysis requires a reliable estimate of prognosis as well as an accurate diagnosis. Although the majority of patients recover, the degree of subsequent facial function var...
Adaptive learning control-based periodic trajectory tracking for spacecraft formations

This paper addresses a periodic trajectory tracking problem arising in spacecraft formation flying. In particular, the nonlinear position dynamics of a follower spacecraft relative to a leader spacecraft are utilized to develop a learning controller which learns a periodic, unknown model reference control. Using a Lyapunov-based approach, a full state feedback control law, a parameter update algorithm, and a model reference control estimate are designed that facilitate the tracking of given periodic reference trajectories in the presence of unknown leader and follower spacecraft masses. Furthermore, using a discrete Lyapunov-type stability analysis, model reference control error is shown to converge to zero. Illustrative simulations are included to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed controller.
Redundant Role of Chemokines CCL25/TECK and CCL28/MEC in IgA+ Plasmablast Recruitment to the Intestinal Lamina Propria After Rotavirus Infection

Rotaviruses (RV) are the most important cause of severe childhood diarrheal disease. In suckling mice, infection with RV results in an increase in total and virus-specific IgA+ plasmablasts in the small intestinal lamina propria (LP) soon after infection, providing a unique opportunity to study the mechanism of IgA+ cell recruitment into the small intestine. In this study, we show that the increase in total and RV-specific IgA+ plasmablasts in the LP after RV infection can be blocked by the combined administration of Abs against chemokines CCL25 and CCL28, but not by the administration of either Ab alone. RV infection in CCR9 knockout mice still induced a significant accumulation of IgA+ plasmablasts in the LP, which was blocked by the addition of anti-CCL28 Ab, confirming the synergistic role of CCL25 and CCL28. The absence of IgA+ plasmablast accumulation in LP following combined anti-chemokine treatment was not due to changes in proliferation or apoptosis in these cells. We also found that coadministration of anti-CCL25 and anti-CCL28 Abs with the addition of anti-α4 Ab did not further inhibit IgA+ cell accumulation in the LP and that the CCL25 receptor, CCR9, was coexpressed with the intestinal homing receptor α4β7 on IgA+ plasmablasts. Finally, we showed that RV infection was associated with an increase in both CCL25 and CCL28 in the small intestine. Hence, our findings indicate that α4β7 along with either CCR9 or CCR10 are sufficient for mediating the intestinal migration of IgA+ plasmablasts during RV infection.
HEAVY DUTY MEMBRANE FOR THE REDUCTION OF REFLECTIVE CRACKING IN BITUMINOUS CONCRETE OVERLAYS

The prevalence of reflective cracking in asphaltic concrete overlays is a major factor contributing to the premature failure in the pavement system. This reflective cracking is caused by cyclic stresses induced in the overlay by movements in the underlying pavement. Recent work done with heavy duty membranes has shown that they may be useful in retarding this reflective crack formation. Seven different types of heavy duty membranes were placed over portland cement concrete pavement joints at a site in Pennsylvania before the roadway was overlaid with asphaltic concrete. Control sections, without any membranes, were also built into the project for comparison purpose. This work will evaluate the ability of these membranes to reduce the occurrence of reflective cracking over transverse and longitudinal joints and to function as a water stop once cracking has occurred. For the covering abstract of the symposium see IRRD 286635. (Author/TRRL)
Effect of long‐acting versus short‐acting stimulants for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on emergency room visits using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data

Objective Emergency room (ER) visits are perceived with high costs and unpredictable outcomes. Although the association between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), stimulants and ER visits has been studied, the difference between the types of stimulants in terms of risk of ER visits has not been studied. Our objective is to identify the difference between the effects of long-acting and short-acting stimulant use in ADHD on ER visits in 18- to 35-year-old adults (n = 636) in the year 2011. Methods This retrospective secondary data analysis used the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data for the year 2011. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate risk factors, influencing the type of stimulant use on ER visits. Risk factor and stimulant interactions were also included. Key findings The risk of ER visits in long-acting stimulant users, among the uninsured, on adjusting for race, marital and insurance status, is 14.25 times (P = 0.001) the risk of ER visits in short-acting stimulant users. If they are insured, the risk of ER visits in long-acting stimulant users is 1.83 times the risk of ER visits in short-acting stimulant users (P = 0.26). Conclusions Long-acting stimulants increase the risk of ER visits for people who do not have insurance. Therefore, besides the type of stimulants, lack of insurance is also a risk factor for increased ER visits for young ADHD adult population in the USA.
Ejection Fraction Improvement After Primary Prevention Defibrillator Implantation: How Much Is Enough?∗

Sudden cardiac death (SCD), arguably one of the most tragic causes of death, is estimated to cause more than 300,000 fatalities annually in the United States [(1)][1]. This complex underlying pathophysiology usually requires interaction between an abnormal substrate and a trigger leading to a
Repetitive Behavior Profiles in Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism

Although repetitive behaviors are a core diagnostic domain for autism spectrum disorders, research in this area has been neglected. This study had two major aims (1) to provide a detailed characterization of repetitive behaviors in individuals with Asperger Syndrome (AS), high-functioning autism (HFA), and typically developing controls (TD); and (2) to examine whether differences in repetitive behavior profiles could provide evidence for the external validity of AS separate from HFA. Specifically, it was hypothesized that circumscribed interests would be more prevalent and cause more impairment in the AS group than the HFA group, while the reverse would be true for other categories of repetitive behavior. The parent(s) of 61 children and adolescents (19 with AS, 21 with HFA, and 21 TD) completed two interviews focused specifically on lifetime and current repetitive behavior symptoms. No reliable differences in repetitive behavior between AS and HFA children were found. Results suggested that circumscribed interests differ in developmental course from the three other DSM-IV-TR categories of repetitive behavior. Internal consistency among the four DSM-IV-TR categories of repetitive behavior was high, α=.84, providing evidence for a unitary repetitive behaviors factor. The importance of expanding research in the repetitive behavior domain is highlighted as part of the necessary integration of behavioral and neurobiological approaches to understanding the etiology of autism.
Caro-red, a new provitamin a rich tomato

The development and release of a new tomato variety which produces fruit containing approximately ten times the provitamin A content of common red tomatoes is announced. The betacarotene values for Caro-Red are within the lower ranges reported for carrots. Present consumer usage of a variety such as Caro-Red will most likely be confined to use as a garden type where additional variety and flavor are desired.
Agricultural land use efficiency and food crop production in Ghana

Despite the low productivity of the extensive agriculture system, Ghana recorded the largest reduction of undernourishment in the past two decades. We used biophysical analysis to determine the efficiency and potentials of the extensive system and its future sustainability. The results indicate that food production in Ghana has increased steadily over the past two decades and correlated highly with cropped area and population (R 2 < 0.85 and 0.82), but not with fertilizer (R 2 = 0.06). Sufficient food production could be sustained in the short term. In the longer term, however, the food situation in Ghana appears precarious if population growth continues while land remains the same.
Synthesis and Structures of Pb3O2(CH3COO)2·0.5H2O and Pb2O(HCOO)2: Two Corrosion Products Revisited

Reactions of carboxylic acids with lead play an important role in the atmospheric corrosion of lead and lead−tin alloys. This is of particular concern for the preservation of lead-based cultural objects, including historic lead−tin alloy organ pipes. Two initial corrosion products, Pb3O2(CH3COO)2·0.5H2O (1) and Pb2O(HCOO)2 (2), had been identified through powder diffraction fingerprints in the Powder Diffraction File, but their structures had never been determined. We have crystallized both compounds using hydrothermal solution conditions, and structures were determined using laboratory and synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Compound 1 crystallizes in P1, and 2 in Cccm. These compounds may be viewed as inorganic−organic networks containing single and double chains of edge-sharing Pb4O tetrahedra and have structural similarities to inorganic basic lead compounds. Bond valence sum analysis has been applied to the hemidirected lead coordination environments in each compound. Atmospheric expo...
Living Systems and its philosophy considered at the level of the earth

This article begins with a brief resume of how the book Living Systems came into being, following which we are reminded that Alfred N. Whitehead's philosophy is an important part of the thinking upon which the book is built. Certain other philosophers are also mentioned. There is then a discussion of systems science, after which I deal with three different points of view regarding how to see the earth as a system: one which emanates from James and Jessie Miller's article ‘The earth as a system’; one which can be called a scientific point of view; and one which is based on the standpoint that the earth should be seen as a ninth level of life according to Miller's living systems analytical framework. This latter standpoint is then taken as a starting point for simulating a model of the earth system. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vocationalism in U.S. and U.K. high schools

Abstract Vocationalism in high schools is changing because of strong economic pressures. School systems that were quite different have become more alike. In the U.S. there is a long history of vocational education. There has been a shift of program emphasis from narrow vocational specialized training to broader-based preparation for work and higher-order skills. Increasingly vocational teachers are being drawn from private sector industry settings and then provided with training in education theory — a reversal of the traditional sequence. In Britain, vocational education has a slighter foothold. The vocationalist influence is seen in a broadening of certification, career and work awareness programs, school and industry training links, and increased central government involvement in curriculum, equipment funding, and philosophy.
Apolipoprotein ε2 allele is associated with an anti-atherogenic lipoprotein profile in children: The Columbia University biomarkers study

OBJECTIVE We examined associations between allelic variation in the apo epsilon gene, which codes for apolipoprotein E, and plasma lipid levels in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed genotype and fasting lipid levels, including lipid particle size by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, in 515 children from 297 families. RESULTS Children carrying the apo epsilon2 allele (1 or 2 epsilon2 alleles; n = 45) had higher mean high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level (49.5 +/- 13.0 vs 42.4 +/- 8.9 mg/dL) and lower mean low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level (82.2 +/- 48.6 vs 105.9 +/- 45.0 mg/dL) compared with apo epsilon3/epsilon3 children (n = 322). Mean HDL size was larger and mean level of the atheroprotective large HDL subpopulation was higher among apo epsilon2 carriers compared with epsilon3/epsilon3 children (9.5 +/- 0.4 vs 9.3 +/-.4 nm, and 32.8 +/- 9.9 vs 27.6 +/- 8.2 mg/dL). In multivariate models adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, family history, body mass index, and fasting triglyceride level, the apo epsilon2 allele was independently predictive of higher levels of HDL cholesterol and the large HDL subpopulation and of lower level of LDL cholesterol. CONCLUSION The apo epsilon2 allele is associated with an anti-atherogenic lipid pattern in children.apolipoprotein epsilon, children, cholesterol.
A discrete logarithm implementation of perfect zero-knowledge blobs

Brassard and Crepeau [BCr] introduced a simple technique for producing zero-knowledge proof systems based on blobs. As is to be expected, their implementation rests on an unproven cryptographic assumption, specifically, that it is easy to generate numbers that are difficult to factor. In this paper we present an implementation of blobs based on a different cryptographic assumption, specifically, that it is easy to generate primes p over which it is difficult to compute discrete logarithms. If, in addition, we can produce a generator for Z p * , this implementation then has the advantage that it leads to proof systems which are perfect zeroknowledge, rather than only almost perfect zero-knowledge.
Depth distributions of low energy deuterium implanted into silicon as determined by SIMS

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) has been used to determine depth profiles of deuterium implanted into single crystal silicon targets at energies between 0.1 and 5 keV. The atomic mixing inherent in the sputtering process, which directly affects depth resolution, has been reduced by using a bombarding particle of low energy and high Z impacting the sample at a large angle relative to the surface normal (3 keV, Cs/sup +/, impacting at 60/sup 0/). Using this procedure, depth resolution of 20 A at a depth of 800 A has been obtained in depth profiling of Ta/sub 2/O/sub 5/ on Ta. Mean projected range and straggling of the implant profiles are in good agreement with calculations when irradiations are performed at 11/sup 0/ from the normal to the (100) plane to prevent channeling. The saturation density of trapped deuterium has also been determined to be 1.4 x 10/sup 22/ D/cm/sup 3/.
Age, Race, and Sex Similarity to Candidates and Voting Preference1

One thousand five hundred and seven voters aged 18 to over 75 from many different geographical areas were presented with pairs of candidates in a simulated mayoral election who differed in sex, race, or age and were asked to “vote.” Results confirmed the conclusions of previous research on undergraduate students (Sigelman & Sigelman, 1982), which found a stronger effect of the age of candidates than of either their sex or their race on voting, and also demonstrated race and sex similarity effects in voting preference. The present study also demonstrated a significant age-similarity effect. Voters over 65 showed a marked “reverse ageism” effect, actively preferring the older of any pair of candidates that differed significantly in age. Complex effects of the race and sex of experimenters on voting preference, interpreted as salience effects, were also obtained. Implications for actual electoral outcomes in the situation of an aging population are discussed.
The anionic copolymerization behavior of the styrene: p-tert-butylstyrene and styrene:p-methylstyrene monomer pairs in benzene

The anionic copolymerization of styrene:p-tert-butylstyrene and styrene:p-methylstyrene has been studied. In benzene, near statistical copolymers can be formed at 20°C when the lithium counter-ion is used. The addition of tetrahydrofuran (THF) is known to disrupt chain end association. The addition of THF(THF/Active center = 10) to the sytrene:p-tert-butylstyrene system led to virtually no change in the reactivity ratios.
Peripheral triiodothyronine (T3) levels during escapable and inescapable footshock

Abstract Changes in peripheral thyroid hormone levels are associated with changes in human affective disorders, particularly depression. In the current study we used an animal stress paradigm, proposed to be an animal model of depression, to examine peripheral T 3 levels during and after escapable or inescapable stress in adult male rats. In this model, one animal can control the termination of foot-shock stress by performing a lever press, and therefore experiences escapable stress. His lever press also terminates the shock for his yoked partner, who has no control over the stressor, and therefore experiences inescapable stress. In three separate experiments, blood samples were collected during and after one or two sessions of escapable/inescapable stress. We found that exposure to inescapable stress, but not escapable stress, caused a decrease in T 3 levels 120 min post-stress initiation. Peripheral T 3 levels were not significantly altered in animals exposed to escapable stress. In sum, these results add to a large body of previous data indicating that psychological coping can prevent the effects of physical stress on many diverse systems.
MITOSIS IN THE NON‐ARTICULATED LATICIFER OF EUPHORBIA MARGINATA

The multinueleate condition in the non-articulated laticifers of embryos of Euphorbia marginata arises as a result of mitosis. Successive stages of mitosis in the nuclei of the laticifer appear in the form of a wave. No sequence of mitotic stages has been noticed in the neighboring longitudinal tiers of cells. This difference in the mitotic pattern in the latieifer and other parenchymatous cells of the embryo suggests that the synthesis of factor (s) responsible for triggering mitosis occurs within the laticifer and does not diffuse to the surrounding cells. The mitotic waves originate distally from the meristems, either in the cotyle~donary or hypocotyl portion of the laticifer, and move uni- or bidirectionally along its longitudinal axis. The mitotic stimulus does not start simultaneously in all the laticifers. The variable velocity of the mitotic substance results in aphasic mitotic waves in laticifers of the same embryo. Mitotic aberrations have not been observed in the dividing nuclei of the laticifer. A chromosome estimation made from a polar view of metaphase does not suggest polyploidization in the observed laticifers. A SALIENT characteristic of the non-articulated laticifer is the development of a multinucleated protoplast. The absence of cytokinesis within this cell is an enigma in differentiation, in particular, when one reflects upon- laticifer ontogeny. This cell becomes distinguishable from other cells of the embryo's meristematic mass upon initiation of the cotyledons at which time the incipient laticifer commences to undergo a somewhat nonpolarized pattern of unlimited cell wall extension. The growing tips of the cell ramify in different directions permeating various tissues of the shoot and root axes, a process which continues throughout the growth of the plant. At the inception of the laticifer a sudden alteration in the mitotic process ensues: the meehanism controlling cell plate formation is deactivated. The nucleus of the laticifer initial undergoes division without concomitant wall formation, a phenomenon which persists during the subsequent development of this cell. The few cytological observations which have
Selecting job scheduling algorithms: beta distribution model for service times

Over a decade ago, Leonard Kleinrock developed a model for selecting best–performance scheduling algorithms for computer systems. The M/G/I queuing system used by Kleinrock requires that an estimate of the service–time probability distribution function (p.d.f.) be made in order to derive results. While methods of fitting service–time data to p.d.f.s are available, this paper argues that the use of a generalized beta distribution of the second type (GB2) in concert with the Kleinrock model reduces the need to estimate alternative models and avoids the consequences of arbitrarily imposing invalid assumptions on the data.
Myeloid differentiation antigen 88 deficiency impairs pathogen clearance but does not alter inflammation in Borrelia burgdorferi-infected mice

The spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi causes acute inflammation in mice that resolves with the development of pathogen-specific adaptive immunity. B. burgdorferi lipoproteins activate innate immune cells via Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), but TLR2-deficient mice are not resistant to B. burgdorferi-induced disease, suggesting the involvement of other TLRs or non-TLR mechanisms in the induction of acute inflammation. For this study, we used mice that were deficient in the intracellular adapter molecule myeloid differentiation antigen 88 (MyD88), which is required for all TLR-induced inflammatory responses, to determine whether the interruption of this pathway would alter B. burgdorferi-induced disease. Infected MyD88(-/-) mice developed carditis and arthritis, similar to the disease in wild-type (WT) mice analyzed at its peak (days 14 and 28) and during regression (day 45). MyD88(-/-) macrophages produced tumor necrosis factor alpha only when spirochetes were opsonized, suggesting a role for B. burgdorferi-specific antibody in disease expression. MyD88(-/-) mice produced stronger pathogen-specific Th2-dependent immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) responses than did WT mice, and their IgM titers remained significantly elevated through 90 days of infection. Despite specific antibodies, the pathogen burden was 250-fold higher in MyD88(-/-) mice than in WT mice 45 days after infection; by 90 days of infection, the pathogen burden had diminished substantially in MyD88(-/-) mice, but it was still elevated compared to that in WT mice. The elevated pathogen burden may be explained in part by the finding that MyD88(-/-) peritoneal macrophages could ingest spirochetes but degraded them more slowly than WT macrophages. Our results show that MyD88-dependent signaling pathways are not required for B. burgdorferi-induced inflammation but are necessary for the efficient control of the pathogen burden by phagocytes.
Median spheres: theory, algorithms, applications

A generalized hypersphere is either a hyperplane or a hypersphere, which consists of all points equidistant from a center. Geometrically, a weighted median hypersphere minimizes a weighted average of the distances from it to finitely many data points. As proved here, for each finite data set there exists at least one weighted median generalized hypersphere. Moreover, denote the sums of the weights of the data points inside by W −, outside by W +, and on the hypersphere by W 0. The present results show that each weighted median hypersphere is a weighted pseudo-halving hypersphere, in the sense that |W − − W +| < W 0, and passes through at least two distinct data points. Combinatorically, a hypersphere is blocked if and only if it passes through data points in general position, in the sense that no other hypersphere passes through the same data points. A hypersphere is a halving hypersphere if and only if it is blocked, contains exactly k data points inside, confines exactly l data points outside, and |k − l| ≤ 1. In the plane, the present results also show that if a median circle is not a halving circle, then moving its center along a median between two data points on it until it passes through the next data point yields a halving circle. Relative to the center, if the direction cosines of the external and internal data points have the same mean and variance, then the median circle must be blocked, and stays so under sufficiently small perturbations of the data. Moreover, for every set of four points, at least one unweighted median circle is blocked. These results lend credence to a variant of a method used by archaeologists, and explain some findings from operations research.
Construction, pattern recognition and performance of the CLEO III LiF-TEA RICH detector

We briefly describe the construction and performance of the LiF-TEA RICH detector constructed for the CLEO III experiment.
Lepton- and baryon-number violating collider signatures from supersymmetry

Abstract Experimental tests of supersymmetry are totally changed by the addition of lepton- or baryon-number violating Yukawa interactions at the weak scale. The basic trademark for supersymmetry is no longer missing energy, thus invalidating most previous searches. The lightest superpartner is unstable and decays into leptons or baryons yielding spectacular collider signatures never considered before. With lepton number violation these signatures at e + e − colliders include: multilepton events from γγ production, very prominent resonances in Bhabha scattering from the s channel ṽ peak, and multilepton events from rare Z decays. At hadron colliders isolated leptons become a much more important signature for supersymmetry than missing transverse energy. With baryon number violation there are new interesting multijet events at both hadron and e + e − colliders. These events are unusual because they violate baryon number and contain large strangeness. A study of the Λ and λ content of jets resulting from reactions such as e + e − → γγ → jets and e + e − → Z → vv ∗ → jets could reveal the presence of baryon-number violation at the weak scale.
The relationship of personality to counterproductive work behavior (CWB): An integration of perspectives

Abstract The workplace literature relating personality to CWB is integrated with complimentary literatures from other disciplines including developmental and social psychology. The literature is reviewed showing how both broad-based personality dimensions reflected in integrity tests and measures of the five factor model, and specific personality traits relate to counterproductive work behavior (CWB). A model is developed showing how different personality variables shown to relate to aggression and/or (CWB) might affect different steps in the process linking behavior to precipitating environmental conditions or events. Specifically Hostile Attribution Bias and Narcissism are most relevant to appraisal and attributions, Negative Affectivity and Trait Anger connect to negative emotions, and Locus of Control and Self-Control are thought to play a CWB inhibiting role. Distinctions among reactive, proactive, and relational aggression are extended to CWB.
Cardiac MR imaging

Cardiac MR imaging is an effective method for noninvasive imaging of the heart. The technology has been limited in the past because of imaging difficulties associated with cardiac motion. In recent years, however, cardiac MR imaging has broadened its spectrum of applications in cardiovascular disease, with impressive advances in spatial and temporal resolution and increased imaging speeds. This article presents the current clinical applications of cardiac MR imaging for evaluation of cardiac disease, to demonstrate its application in clinical practice.
Battling Romantic and Modernist Phantoms: Strauss's Don Quixote and the Conflicting Demands of Musical Modernism

Strauss's Don Quixote remains one of his most misunderstood tone poems. Insights into this enigmatic work can, however, be gained by situating it both within Strauss's Modernist aesthetic and his compositional path as evidenced by his tone poems as a whole. This interpretation of Don Quixote considers it not as a sympathetic portrayal of Cervantes's hero, but rather as an indictment of the German Romantic tradition and a manifesto for Strauss's compositional future, in which he abandons the teleological compositional philosophy of other musical Modernists in favor of his own stylistically eclectic brand of antimetaphysical musical Modernism.
The influence of psychiatric comorbidities and sexual trauma on lower urinary tract symptoms in female veterans.

Purpose: We characterized the association of psychiatric comorbidities and sexual trauma with lower urinary tract symptoms in women.Materials and Methods: Consecutive women (121) referred for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms to a specialized urology clinic were given validated questionnaires including the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7. These data were then analyzed according to psychiatric comorbidities, history of sexual trauma, age, race and obstetric history. Baseline incidence of psychiatric comorbidity and sexual trauma was also compared to a control population (1,298) from which all patients were referred.Results: Women referred for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms had higher rates of psychiatric comorbidities (64.5% vs 25.9%, p <0.001) and sexual trauma (49.6% vs 20.1%, p <0.001) compared to those in the primary care clinic. Total survey scores for the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 were significantly higher for patients with psychi...
Cation-Independent Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptor Blocks Apoptosis Induced by Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Mutants Lacking Glycoprotein D and Is Likely the Target of Antiapoptotic Activity of the Glycoprotein

Herpes simplex virus 1 mutants lacking the gene encoding glycoprotein D (gD) and the gD normally present in the envelope of the virus (gD(-/-) stocks) or mutants lacking the gD gene but containing trans-induced gD in their envelopes (gD(-/+)) cause apoptosis in human SK-N-SH cells. The gD(-/-) virions are taken up by endocytosis and are degraded, whereas gD(-/+) viruses replicate but produce gD(-/-) virus. Apoptosis is blocked by delivery of the gD gene in trans. Studies designed to test several hypotheses concerning the role of gD in apoptosis revealed the following. (i) gD(-/-) and gD(-/+) stocks induce fragmentation of cellular DNA in SK-N-SH, HEp-2, HeLa, and Vero cell lines. (ii) Chloroquine blocks apoptosis induced by gD(-/-) stocks but not by gD(-/+) stocks. The drug also rescues gD(-/-) from degradation. (iii) Cells transduced with cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) block apoptosis induced by either gD(-/-) or gD(-/+) virus. (iv) Expression of sequences antisense to the cloned CI-MPR gene induced apoptosis by themselves. Wild-type virus but not gD(-/-) or gD(-/+) stocks of mutant virus blocked apoptosis induced by the expression of CI-MPR antisense sequences. These results exclude the possibility that to block apoptosis, gD must interact with its HveA receptor, a member of the tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor family. Instead, the data suggest that gD blocks the influx of lysosomal enzymes into the endosomal compartment by binding to CI-MPR. This conclusion is consistent with published reports that phosphorylated gD interacts with CI-MPR.
Toward a More Accurate View of “the Elderly”

In 2012, I turned 60 years of age. On many tables presenting statistics on the older population, I am now in the same age category as my mother—the over-60-year-olds. My mother is 86 years old, has...
Breaking Bad News: Relationship between the Experience Receiving Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Early Psychological Adjustment.

Experiences at time of breast cancer (BC) diagnosis are associated with patient psychological health several months to years later; however, little investigation of this relationship during initial period following diagnosis has been undertaken.METHODS:This prospective study was designed to characterize the experience of receiving cancer diagnosis in women initiating treatment for BC (Stage 0 to III) and to identify associations between this experience and early psychological adjustment, hopefulness, and satisfaction with medical care. 121 women who recently received BC diagnosis prompting referral to specialty center responded to questionnaires assessing their experiences and coping styles:1. Experience Receiving Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ERBCD), categorizing patient demographic, medical, and psychosocial factors; context factors (location, privacy); clinician factors and behaviors.2. Cancer Diagnostic Interview Scale (CDIS) for perceived psychotherapeutic techniques used by clinican conveying cancer diagnosis.3. Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (MAC) for coping styles of fighting spirit, hopelessness/helplessness, anxious preoccupation, fatalism, and avoidance.Subjects completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and ratings of hopefulness and satisfaction. Multivariate regression analysis was employed with scores from POMS, STAI, hopefulness and satisfaction as dependent variables and values from ERBCD, CDIS and MAC as independent variables.RESULTS:Patients received diagnosis from general physicians, surgeons, radiologists, nurses, NP/PAs, gynecologists, breast specialists, family members, and secretaries. BC diagnosis was disclosed by telephone (59%), face-to-face (40%), letter (1%) and spouse (1%). Mean CDIS-Caring score was 3.4 ± 1.1 and CDIS-Competence was 4.0 ± 0.9 of 5.0. Results of multivariate regression analysis are shown:Satisfaction was predicted by CDIS-Caring, individual conveying diagnosis, type of information helpful, feeling concerns were understood.CONCLUSIONS:Experiences receiving BC diagnosis are variable and associated with hopefulness and satisfaction. Age, recent stress level and predominant coping style appear more predictive of psychological adjustment (POMS, STAI) than experience receiving BC diagnosis. Understanding these relationships provides direction for future research and clinical interventions to identify patients at risk for early mood disturbance and anxiety following BC diagnosis and to modify aspects of conveying BC diagnosis that influence hopefulness and satisfaction with medical care. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 1069.
The density of instantons at finite temperature

Abstract The temperature dependence of the complete SU(N) instanton density is evaluated. Large scale instantons are found to be suppressed at high temperature.
The possible influence of impulsivity and dietary restraint on associations between serotonin genes and binge eating

Although serotonin (5-HT) genes are thought to be involved in the etiology of bulimia nervosa and binge eating, findings from molecular genetic studies are inconclusive. This may be due to limitations of past research, such as a failure to consider the influence of quantitative traits and gene-environment interactions. The current study investigated these issues by examining whether quantitative traits (i.e., impulsivity) and environmental exposure factors (i.e., dietary restraint) moderate 5-HT gene/binge eating associations in a sample of young women (N = 344). Binge eating was assessed using the Minnesota Eating Behavior Survey and the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ). Impulsivity was assessed with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-Version 11. Dietary restraint was measured with a factor score derived from common restraint scales. Saliva samples were genotyped for the 5-HT2a receptor T102C polymorphism and 5-HT transporter promoter polymorphism. As expected, impulsivity and dietary restraint were associated with binge eating. Although the T allele of the 5-HT2a receptor gene and the s allele of the 5-HTT gene were associated with higher levels of impulsivity, there were no main effects of 5-HT genotypes on any binge eating measure, and interactions between genotypes, impulsivity, and dietary restraint were non-significant. In conclusion, we found no evidence to suggest that dietary restraint or impulsivity moderate associations between binge eating and these 5-HT genes. Future research should continue to explore interaction effects by examining larger samples, assessing dietary intake directly, and investigating other genes, traits, and environmental factors that may be related to binge eating and bulimia nervosa.
Supergravity in U(1) superspace with a two-form gauge potential

Abstract N = 1 supergravity with an antisymmetric tensor gauge potential is formulated in U(1) superspace. This makes the structure of the theory most transparent. Minimal, new minimal, and 16 + 16 supergravity are derived from a reducible 20 + 20 multiplet, and the coupling to supersymmetric gauge theories is constructed. 16 + 16 supergravity can be coupled to gauge fields via the two-form potential in complete analogy to ten-dimensional supergravity.
Effects of non-linear damping on random response of beams to acoustic loading

Effects of both nonlinear damping and large-deflection are included in the theoretical analysis in an attempt to explain the experimental phenomena of aircraft panels excited at high sound pressure levels; that is the broadening of the strain response peak and the increase of the modal frequency. Two nonlinear damping models are considered in the analysis using a single-mode approach. Mean square maximum deflection, mean square maximum strain, and spectral density function of maximum strain for simply supported and clamped beams are obtained. It is demonstrated that nonlinear damping contributes significantly to the broadening of the response peak and to the mean square maximum deflection and strain.
Factors that facilitate or hinder mentoring in the nurse practitioner preceptor/student relationship.

Abstract Mentoring, a process thought to be crucial for the novice nurse practitioner during the time of transition to advanced practice, has implications for role socialization and, ultimately, for patient care outcomes. In-depth interviews of mentored or non-mentored nurse practitioner students, drawn from an earlier phase of the present study (Hayes, 1998) and identified as outliers, provided a basis for exploring the meaning of factors that may facilitate or hinder mentoring in the NP preceptor/student relationship. Study findings confirmed and illuminated earlier results (Hayes, 1998) predictive of mentoring, such as time in the practicum, preceptor experience, and choice of preceptor rather than acceptance of faculty assignment. However, NP preceptor/student age differences, student nursing experience, and the tone of the clinical setting can either facilitate or hinder the development of mentoring. Although gender and discipline of the preceptor may be important to many students, a humanistic precepting style may be equally or more important. Understanding factors that facilitate or hinder mentoring will help faculty to better plan clinical experiences, assist preceptors in their potential roles as mentors, and maximize learning opportunities for mentor-seeking students who must navigate successfully in today's cost-conscious, quality outcome-oriented health care environment.