cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resolving Race: How Adoptive Parents Discuss Choosing the Race of Their Child

This study analyzes narratives of 34 adoptive parents who spontaneously brought up race while recounting stories of infertility and adoption. Pals’ (2006) transformational processing scale is adapted to rate the degree to which participants express resolution regarding race. Resolution is defined as comfort with their racial choice, confidence in their ability to handle racial issues, and integrating their choice into sense of self. Race-based adoption choices are examined in the overall context of a white experience of race in the United States and as part of an ecological perspective on the adoptive family.
Association testing in a linked region using large pedigrees

This report describes computer implementation of a scheme for joint linkage and association analysis. The model implemented in the computer package Mendel estimates both recombination and linkage-disequilibrium parameters and conducts likelihood-ratio tests for (1) linkage alone, (2) linkage and association simultaneously, and (3) association in the presence of linkage. Application of the method to data from Finnish pedigrees with familial combined hyperlipidemia illustrates its potential for identification of associated SNP haplotypes in the presence of linkage. For the test results to be valid, good estimates of haplotype frequencies must be used in the analysis.
Intermittent polaron dynamics: Born-Oppenheimer approximation out of equilibrium

We consider a model of a molecular switch that consists of an electronic orbital strongly interacting with a local vibrational mode. The strong polaronic interaction prevents perturbative treatment of the problem. Instead, we find that in an adiabatic regime when the electronic dynamics is faster than the vibrational frequency, it is possible to provide a fully nonperturbative treatment of the nonequilibrium properties of the system. The results shows intermittent switching between bistable states of the oscillator with an effective random telegraph noise.
A suggested model for information representation in a computer that perceives, learns, and reasons

This paper investigates how computers might represent enough of the structure of the percepts and concepts they handle so that they may sensibly be said to deal with the meaning of these things, rather than just to sort and recombine mere labels for the operator's percepts and concepts. One of the main requirements is that each element of information contain partial representations of many other elements and schemata for their interconnection. Some of these requirements may be met if it proves feasible to represent information in the form of vectors (such as modes of oscillation of a complicated network or resonator) which may be resolved into components in various coordinate systems. These systems represent various points of view from which the information may be regarded, and some of the information in each system is elicited by a probabilistic mechanism for use by a conventional computer.
Multiple Ring Discharges in a Cylindrical Resonant Cavity

Observations have been made of an rf multiple-ring discharge which is a variant of the well-known single-ring rf discharge described by J. J. Thomson. A set of discretely-located plasma rings (typically 2 to 5 in number) forms coaxially in the central portion of a cylindrical quartz tube on the axis of a cylindrical cavity excited in the TE011 mode. The rings fit closely inside the inner periphery of the quartz tube at pressures ranging from a few Torr to atmospheric, have a minor diameter of order 1/10 the tube diameter, and are spaced at intervals nearly equal to the tube diameter. Excitation of the degenerate companion TM111 mode results in asymmetrical tilting of the rings. Gas flow through the discharge tube results in a continuous unidirectional axial motion of the rings with new rings being abruptly formed toward the input end of the tube and contracting and vanishing abruptly as they move toward the exit end. A theory is developed which accounts for the observed phenomena.
Rating Scales for Psychotropic Drug Research with Geriatric Patients. II. Mood Ratings

: A review of scales for rating mood in geriatric patients reveals the criteria that must be met: 1) the subject must be responsive and cooperative; 2) the scale should be brief, with clear response choices; and 3) the questions should be clear and relevant to the current situation of the patient. Individual mood scales do not offer much advantage over a brief, well constructed, multidimensional rating scale.
Bone marrow stromal cells enhance prostate cancer cell invasion through type I collagen in an MMP-12 dependent manner

At the cellular level, the process of bone metastasis involves many steps. Circulating cancer cells enter the marrow, proliferate, induce neovascularization, and ultimately expand into a clinically detectable, often symptomatic, metastatic deposit. Although the initial establishment and later expansion of the metastatic deposit in bone require tumor cells to possess invasive capability, the exact proteases responsible for this phenotype are not well known. The objective of our study was to take an unbiased approach to determine which proteases were expressed and functional during the initial interactions between prostate cancer cells and bone marrow stromal (BMS) cells. We found that the combination of human prostate cancer PC3 and BMS cells stimulates the invasive ability of cancer cells through type I collagen. The use of inhibitors for each of the major protease families indicated that 1 or more MMPs was/were responsible for the BMS-induced invasion. Gene profiling and semiquantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed an increased expression of several MMP genes because of PC3/BMS cell interaction. However, only MMP-12 showed an increase in protein expression. Downregulation of MMP-12 expression in PC3 cells by siRNA inhibited the enhanced invasion induced by PC3/BMS cell interaction. In vivo, MMP-12 was found to be primarily expressed by prostate cancer cells growing in bone. Our data suggest that BMS cells induce MMP-12 expression in prostate cancer cells, which results in invasive cells capable of degradation of type I collagen.
Determination of rat cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine and uric acid by high performance liquid chromatography.

Isocratic reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography techniques were developed to resolve and quantitate the purine nucleosides adenosine (Ado) and inosine (Ino) and their metabolites hypoxanthine (Hyp), xanthine (Xan), and uric acid (UA) in the cerebrospinal fluid of the rat. The moving phase composition for resolving hypoxanthine, xanthine and uric acid was a 0.22 M, pH 5.8 phosphate buffer. The moving phase composition for resolving adenosine and inosine was a 0.22 M, pH 6.8 phosphate buffer, 7% methanol (v/v) and 2.5 mM tetrabutylammonium phosphate. The observed cerebrospinal fluid concentrations in the rat were: Ado = 35 +/- 9 nM (s.e.m.), Ino = 359 +/- 85 nM, Hyp = 243 +/- 77 nM, Xan = 1340 +/- 423 nM and UA = 6130 +/- 678 nM.
Unemployment and psychiatric distress: Social resources and coping

Unemployment is viewed as one of the more stressful of life events that an adult can experience. Job loss leads to decreased social status, disrupts family and social roles, produces financial strain, and loss of self esteem, all of which have detrimental consequences for mental health. We studied psychiatric symptoms in 269 unemployed adults with dependent children in Baltimore; one-half of the sample had returned to work 1 year following unemployment. A comparison group of 92 community residents who were continuously employed were also interviewed. Using a stressful life events perspective, we examined three models of how life events relate to psychiatric distress suggested by Dohrenwend and Dohrenwend [1. Social Status and Psychological Disorder: A Causal Inquiry. Wiley, New York, 1969. 2. Am. J. commun. Psychol. 9, 128, 1981]. Our results support an 'additive burden' model of the stress process, which also shows recovery in mental health functioning upon subsequent reemployment. We suggest that the models tested did not take into account the meaning of the life event in terms of failure and that this meaning may influence its impact on psychological distress.
A Method to Collect, Store and Issue Multiple Aliquots of Packed Red Blood Cells for Neonatal Transfusions

Premature neonates require multiple red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Single-donor programs have been proposed as a means to limit donor exposures, but methods must be developed to collect, store long-term and issue multiple aliquots of RBCs from a single donor. We evaluated a method by which RBCs could be collected, leukocyte depleted, repeatedly centrifuged for issuance as multiple small aliquots of high-hematocrit cells and then resuspended for continued storage throughout 42 days. The quality of RBCs handled by the method were compared to cells stored in standard fashion. Leakage of intracellular potassium, hemoglobin and lactic dehydrogenase into the extracellular fluid from RBCs processed by either method was comparable-indicating maintenance of RBC integrity. Multiple cultures, taken throughout the period of storage, were sterile to document that extensive handling did not introduce contamination. This new method appears promising as a means to provide RBCs for neonates.
Lymphocytic femoral fasciitis in an infant with neuroblastoma : a possible paraneoplastic association

Known paraneoplastic effects of neuroblastoma are acute cerebellar ataxias, myasthenia gravis, and papilledema. Fasciitis as a paraneoplastic manifestation of neuroblastoma has not been described previously. An 11-month-old boy presented with a 3-month history of bilateral thigh swelling. Incisional biopsy showed intense lymphocytic infiltration of the fascia lata. A CT scan of the abdomen showed a paraspinal mass medial to the left kidney. Histologic examination of the resected tumor showed neuroblastoma. Removal of the tumor was followed by a dramatic reduction in the size of the thigh swelling.
The effect of ambient temperature extremes on tympanic and oral temperatures.

Exposure to ambient temperature extremes immediately preceding emergency department triage may affect tympanic membrane temperatures taken with infrared emission detection thermometers. In a prospective, unblinded study, 20 healthy subjects, on 2 separate days, underwent 15-minute exposures to hot (43.5 degrees C) and cold (-5 degrees C) temperature extremes in an environmental control room (ECR). Tympanic and oral temperatures were taken at baseline and at 2-minute intervals for 20 minutes after exiting the ECR. Rectal temperatures remained stable during the exposures. Oral temperatures rose significantly after hot exposure (P less than .05; max 0.4 degrees C) and briefly decreased after cold exposure (max 0.5 degrees C). Tympanic temperatures were elevated for 20 minutes after hot exposure (max 0.8 degrees C) and decreased briefly only in male subjects after cold exposure (max 0.7 degrees C). Individuals demonstrated wide variability in their temperature responses. Tympanic and oral temperatures taken within the first 20 minutes after exposure to outdoor temperature extremes may fail to accurately reflect the patient's true temperature.
Constituting Power in Sexual Assault Cases: Prosecutorial Strategies for Victim Management

This paper examines the interactive processes through which prosecutors manage sexual assault victims during complaint filing interviews. Using ethnographic data from the post-rape-law-reform period and the micropolitics of trouble framework, I identify three strategies prosecutors use to manage complainants: displays of concern, specifying downstream possibilities, and shifting paradigms. I argue that prosecutors access to legal resources and remedies, as well as their insiders knowledge of the system severely constrain victim's power. I suggest, given current legal practices, the efficaciousness of rape law reform is questionable.
ALCBEAM – Neutral beam formation and propagation code for beam-based plasma diagnostics

Abstract ALCBEAM is a new three-dimensional neutral beam formation and propagation code. It was developed to support the beam-based diagnostics installed on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak. The purpose of the code is to provide reliable estimates of the local beam equilibrium parameters: such as beam energy fractions, density profiles and excitation populations. The code effectively unifies the ion beam formation, extraction and neutralization processes with beam attenuation and excitation in plasma and neutral gas and beam stopping by the beam apertures. This paper describes the physical processes interpreted and utilized by the code, along with exploited computational methods. The description is concluded by an example simulation of beam penetration into plasma of Alcator C-Mod. The code is successfully being used in Alcator C-Mod tokamak and expected to be valuable in the support of beam-based diagnostics in most other tokamak environments. Program summary Program title: ALCBEAM Catalogue identifier: AEKU_v1_0 Program summary URL: http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEKU_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queenʼs University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 66 459 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 7 841 051 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: IDL Computer: Workstation, PC Operating system: Linux RAM: 1 GB Classification: 19.2 Nature of problem: Neutral beams are commonly used to heat and/or diagnose high-temperature magnetically-confined laboratory plasmas. An accurate neutral beam characterization is required for beam-based measurements of plasma properties. Beam parameters such as density distribution, energy composition, and atomic excited populations of the beam atoms need to be known. Solution method: A neutral beam is initially formed as an ion beam which is extracted from the ion source by high voltage applied to the extraction and accelerating grids. The current distribution of a single beamlet emitted from a single pore of IOS depends on the shape of the plasma boundary in the emission region. Total beam extracted by IOS is calculated at every point of 3D mesh as sum of all contributions from each grid pore. The code effectively unifies the ion beam formation, extraction and neutralization processes with neutral beam attenuation and excitation in plasma and neutral gas and beam stopping by the beam apertures. Running time: 10 min for a standard run.
Evaluation of a Healthy-Lifestyle Approach to Weight Management

Abstract Background. Obesity and overweight have reached near-epidemic proportions in the United States. There is a need to further investigate intervention strategies designed to help individuals manage their weight by improving diet and exercise behaviors. We designed a multidisciplinary weight management program that included healthy eating, regular exercise, and behavioral changes based on the Transtheoretical Model. The program focused on a healthy lifestyle rather than weight loss. Methods. Overweight and obese adults ( n = 144; BMI = 32.5 ± 3.8) participated in a 6-month clinic-based weight management program. The first 3 months of the program were intense (twice weekly for 2 h) followed by 3 months of reduced clinical contact. Assessments completed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months included weight, body composition, BMI, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and 24-h diet recalls. VO 2max was assessed at baseline and at 3 months. Results. Subjects experienced significant decreases in weight, percentage body fat, BMI, total cholesterol, LDL-C, total caloric intake, and the percentage of energy intake from dietary fat as well as a significant increase in VO 2max ( P Conclusions. A clinic-based weight management program that focuses on lifestyle is successful at promoting changes in exercise and dietary behaviors. These changes appear to promote good health, as evidenced by moderate weight loss, increased cardiorespiratory fitness, and improved lipid profiles.
A DAM journey in a mature business

Whirlpool Corporation deployed digital asset management through several implementations. The initial thrust was developing skill sets and an understanding of the available technology within its Creative Works group. This led to an implementation that allowed creative production staff to organize digital assets and assure the ability to locate those assets for repurposing. As technology advanced new tools became available that allowed additional functionality and more robust management of assets. This included support of Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) protocols to offer single sign-on, asset-level security to manage assets throughout the lifecycle of the products, and a self-serve environment that allowed creating web services to meet varying needs of a diverse user group. These groups consisted of super users among the creative staff, agencies and marketing department, as well as the more general users of the corporate environment and of our trade partners.
Women's aggression in heterosexual conflicts

Using a longitudinal design, prior experience with violence as a victim and opportunity to aggress were examined as predictors of college women's verbal and physical aggression toward romantic partners. Five additional categories of predictors identified in previous research (experienced and witnessed parental aggression during childhood, attitudes accepting of aggression, aggressive/impulsive personality attributes, psychopathology, and prior use of aggression) were also examined. Blockwise hierarchical regression analyses were performed to reveal the best predictors of verbal and physical aggression during the first year of college. Significant predictors of verbal aggression were prior use of verbal aggression in heterosexual conflicts during adolescence, witnessed parental aggression, level of adolescent sexual victimization, being a target of rational conflict strategies during adolescence, and use of physical aggression in romantic adolescent relationships, as well as self-reported verbal aggression as an index of personality, weak emotional ties, number of sexual partners, and approval of sexual intimacy in many types of relationships. Significant predictors of physical aggression were prior use of physical aggression during adolescence, witnessing and experiencing parental aggression, being a victim of physical aggression in adolescent romantic relationships, weak emotional ties, low levels of alcohol/drug use, and opportunity to aggress. A developmental model of aggression in which childhood experiences with family violence contribute to the likelihood of subsequent involvement in relationship violence seems appropriate. Past experience with aggression may be particularly important for women. Cultural expectations about women's roles do not provide the social support for female aggression that is provided for male aggression. Adolescent sexual victimizations and general involvement in conflictual relationships (as target and perpetrator) predicted subsequent verbal aggression, whereas experiencing family violence and sustaining physical aggression in romantic relationships predicted subsequent physical aggression. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
(Almost) painless surgery: a historical review of the evolution of intraurethral anesthesia in urology.

Objective The discovery of local anesthesia revolutionized urologic surgery. We investigate the evolution of intraurethral anesthesia in urologic surgery beginning in 1884. Methods A review of the literature was performed, reviewing the history of local anesthesia for urologic surgery, with a specific emphasis on intraurethral anesthesia. Using the University of Rochester libraries catalog "Voyager," a search was performed reviewing the primary literature published on intraurethral anesthesia beginning from 1884 through 2009. We also reviewed published literature in Ovid Med and PubMed for articles relevant to the topic of intraurethral anesthesia. The search terms were intraurethral, cocaine, lidocaine, and anesthesia. Results In the 1840s, it was demonstrated that ether, nitrous oxide, and chloroform could prevent the pain of surgery, resulting in a dramatic increase in surgery. At Massachusetts General Hospital between 1845 and 1847, surgeries increased 2.5-fold. Four decades later, it was demonstrated that cocaine allowed for adequate analgesia without the side effects of general anesthesia, resulting in a dramatic increase in urologic surgery. Cocaine was gradually replaced as an intraurethral anesthetic as safer local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, became introduced. Modern studies show conflicting results over the efficacy and ideal administration of intraurethral anesthetics. Conclusions Local anesthesia was rapidly accepted by urologists around the world and used in a wide variety of urologic surgeries, contributing to the acceptance of anesthesia and a revolution of the practice of surgery. To this day, intraurethral anesthesia continues to be a widely used and effective technique in urology, although the ideal method of use is largely left up to individual preference.
Decoder-side dimensionality determination for compressive-projection principal component analysis of hyperspectral data

Compressive-projection principal component analysis reconstructs vectors from random projections by recovering an approximation to the principal eigenvectors of the principal-component transform. A heuristic for the number of eigenvectors to approximate is developed to provide consistency with the Johnson-Lindenstrauss lemma and the restricted isometry property from compressed-sensing theory. The resulting heuristic is driven by only quantities known at the reconstruction side of the system. The heuristic is evaluated empirically for hyperspectral imagery and is demonstrated to provide near-optimal reconstruction quality.
Insurance Coverage and Incentives for Weight Loss Among Adults With Metabolic Syndrome

Objective: To describe how insured adults with metabolic syndrome respond to various options for insurance coverage and financial incentives for weight management. Methods and Procedures: Insured adults meeting the criteria for the metabolic syndrome were randomly identified through automated medical records and invited to participate in a telephone-based survey of the acceptability of various weight management programs—with different financial incentives and insurance coverage options—in a health maintenance organization. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to test the relationship between participant characteristics and the odds of being motivated by incentives. Results: One hundred and fifty-three adults with the metabolic syndrome completed the survey (i.e., 79% of telephone contacts). A hypothetical increase in insurance coverage from 10 to 100% led to a threefold increase among women and a sevenfold increase among men in the proportion reporting they were “very interested” in enrolling in a weight management program within the next 30 days. Most participants (76% of women and 57% of men) supported a health plan–sponsored financial incentive program tied to weight loss, and 41% believed such a program would motivate them to lose weight. The mean financial incentive proposed for a 15-pound weight loss was $591 (median: $125). Discussion: Although weight loss is an effective treatment for metabolic syndrome, standard health insurance rarely covers intensive behavioral treatment. The results of this study suggest that providing full insurance coverage and financial incentives for weight management increases the interest in participating in obesity treatment programs. Further research should determine how full coverage and incentives affect participation rates, long-term body weight changes, and costs.
The Effects of Status Violations on Hierarchy and Influence in Groups

In an initial test of Wagner's (1988) status violation theory, we examine how status violations, or the failure to behave in accord with the expectations attached to a person's status position in a group, may reduce the person's status position. Status violations highlight the underlying normative order that forms the group's expectations regarding appropriate status-related behaviors. Status violators, or people whose behavior fails to comply with the expectations attached to their status position, indicate a rejection of the group's normative order and risk being labeled as a “moral violator” as a result of this explicit rejection. As such, moral violators lose status relative to people in the group whose behavior indicates their acceptance of the group's normative social order. We offer an initial experimental test of claims derived from status violation theory, which generates partial support. We describe implications of the theory and discuss further directions for research on status violations.
The effect of aging on hydrogen trapping in precipitation-hardened alloys

Abstract Hydrogen trapping in two precipitation-hardened alloys — 18Ni (250) maraging steel and alloy X-750 — was studied using a potentiostatic pulse technique. Irreversible trapping constants ( k ) and hydrogen entry fluxes were determined for these alloys in 1 mol l −1 acetic acid/1 mol l −1 sodium acetate. The values of k for stress-equalized and stress-equalized/aged alloy X-750 were higher than those for three other hardened Ni-base alloys (625, 718, and 925) but were considerably lower than the value for the aged 18Ni steel. A correlation was found between k and the observed resistance to hydrogen embrittlement for three groups of aged alloys: X-750 and 718; 18Ni (250) and 718; and 18Ni (250), 18Ni (300), and 4340 steels.
Human chromosomal centromere (AATGG)-n sequence forms stable structures with unusual base pairs

Nine DNA sequences related to the purine strand of the human centromeric satellite (AATGG)n·(CCAAT)n repeat have been studied by two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Earlier studies have suggested that the structure of (AATGG)n sequence has an equilibrium between the duplex form and a fold-back form. Structural refinement of d(CAATGG) and its related sequences by an NOE-constrained simulated annealing procedure reveals that the duplex form incorporates dynamic type-I G-A base pairs. 1D exchangeable proton NMR data support this model. The reverse sequence motif (GGTAA) destabilizes the structure.
Direct measurement of the quantum wavefunction

The wavefunction, describing both the wave-like and the particle-like nature of everything in the Universe, is central to quantum theory. Physicists usually learn about it indirectly in tomographic experiments that measure only some aspects of its behaviour. Now a team from Canada's Institute for National Measurement Standards has developed a new and gentle technique that makes it possible to observe the wavefunction directly. They demonstrate the approach by measuring the transverse spatial wavefunction of a single photon. The discovery that the wavefunction can be probed directly provides a tool that could prove useful in a wide range of fields, and raises questions bordering on the philosophical about what the wavefunction actually is. The wavefunction is the complex distribution used to completely describe a quantum system, and is central to quantum theory. But despite its fundamental role, it is typically introduced as an abstract element of the theory with no explicit definition1,2. Rather, physicists come to a working understanding of the wavefunction through its use to calculate measurement outcome probabilities by way of the Born rule3. At present, the wavefunction is determined through tomographic methods4,5,6,7,8, which estimate the wavefunction most consistent with a diverse collection of measurements. The indirectness of these methods compounds the problem of defining the wavefunction. Here we show that the wavefunction can be measured directly by the sequential measurement of two complementary variables of the system. The crux of our method is that the first measurement is performed in a gentle way through weak measurement9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18, so as not to invalidate the second. The result is that the real and imaginary components of the wavefunction appear directly on our measurement apparatus. We give an experimental example by directly measuring the transverse spatial wavefunction of a single photon, a task not previously realized by any method. We show that the concept is universal, being applicable to other degrees of freedom of the photon, such as polarization or frequency, and to other quantum systems—for example, electron spins, SQUIDs (superconducting quantum interference devices) and trapped ions. Consequently, this method gives the wavefunction a straightforward and general definition in terms of a specific set of experimental operations19. We expect it to expand the range of quantum systems that can be characterized and to initiate new avenues in fundamental quantum theory.
Self-monitoring of strain and damage by a carbon-carbon composite

Abstract A carbon-carbon composite was found to be able to sense its own damage and dynamic strain, as its electrical resistance increased irreversibly upon damage and increased reversibly upon tensile strain. Even damage after the first cycle of tensile loading within the elastic regime was detected. The reversible resistance increase upon cyclic tension was mainly due to dimensional changes, but it was partly due to a phenomenon that intensified as damage increased. The gage factor, which is the reversible part of the fractional resistance change per unit reversible strain, was 1.2–2.4.
The impact of social environments on emotional, social, and cognitive competency development

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to examine the interactions between individuals and the social environment as individuals engage in self‐directed learning, a predecessor to intentional change theory. The individuals are graduates of a part‐time MBA program and the social environment is the life sphere framework introduced with this study. Self‐directed learning refers to the learning agendas that these people outlined for themselves when they first entered the MBA program.Design/methodology/approach – Longitudinal assessment data were collected using the critical incident interview, the learning skills profile, and the life sphere interview. Correlations were run testing the hypotheses: as the number of life spheres, relationships, or activities increases, so will the demonstration of the targeted competencies; and if the participant is able to work on developing these competencies in the life sphere that he or she designates as primary to the learning goal, then the demonstration of these compe...
Accelerators for Inertial Fusion Energy Production

Since the 1970s, high energy heavy ion accelerators have been one of the leading options for imploding and igniting targets for inertial fusion energy production. Following the energy crisis of the early 1970s, a number of people in the international accelerator community enthusiastically began working on accelerators for this application. In the last decade, there has also been significant interest in using accelerators to study high energy density physics (HEDP). Nevertheless, research on heavy ion accelerators for fusion has proceeded slowly pending demonstration of target ignition using the National Ignition Facility (NIF), a laser-based facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. A recent report of the National Research Council recommends expansion of accelerator research in the US if and when the NIF achieves ignition. Fusion target physics and the economics of commercial energy production place constraints on the design of accelerators for fusion applications. From a scientific standpoint, phase space and space charge considerations lead to the most stringent constraints. Meeting these constraints almost certainly requires the use of multiple beams of heavy ions with kinetic energies >1 GeV. These constraints also favor the use of singly charged ions. This article discusses the constraints for both fusion and HEDP, and explains how they lead to the requirements on beam parameters. RF and induction linacs are currently the leading contenders for fusion applications. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both options. We also discuss the principal issues that must yet be resolved.
Selective labeling of polypeptides using protein farnesyltransferase via rapid oxime ligation

An aldehyde-containing alternative substrate for protein farnesyltransferase was prepared and shown to be enzymatically incorporated into a peptide and a protein. The protein was subsequently immobilized onto aminooxy-functionalized agarose beads or labeled with a fluorophore. This method for protein modification provides an alternative to the commonly employed Cu(I)-catalyzed click reaction.
Spatial clustering of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the potential role of BMAA

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative syndrome which has no known cause, except for a small proportion of cases which are genetically inherited. The development of ALS likely involves both genetic and environmental risk factors. Environmental risk factors implicated in ALS have included heavy metals, trauma, pesticides, electrical injuries, electromagnetic radiation and the cyanobacterial-derived neurotoxin beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). To investigate possible environmental risks, a number of epidemiological studies of ALS have been conducted. Some of these studies employ spatial analysis techniques that examine for spatial clusters of ALS and can help guide further research into identifying environmental exposures. Despite identifying geographical disparities in the distribution of ALS cases, these studies have not provided any clear associations with environmental factors. We review the literature on important studies of spatial clustering of ALS and explore the hypothesized link between the neurotoxin BMAA and ALS.
Effect of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent policy decisions on off-label use in myelodysplastic syndromes.

Background Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are widely used to treat anemia associated with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) as an off-label indication. In early 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released safety alerts and mandated label changes, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a National Coverage Determination (NCD) in August 2007, dramatically restricting ESA coverage based on specific clinical parameters in non-MDS patients. We sought to determine the effect on ESA use in MDS, examining both treatment initiation and concordance with guidelines designed to target patients most likely to benefit from therapy.
Gapless superconductivity in Raman studies of cation substituted Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ

Abstract The electronic Raman scattering (ERS) spectrum of the high-temperature superconductor Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+ δ is studied as a function of cation substitution and oxygen content. In unsubstituted crystals with δ near and above that for the optimal T c , the ERS spectra show a redistribution of spectral weight below T c consistent with the opening of a superconducting energy gap at 2 Δ . At low oxygen concentrations and in cation substituted samples with optimal oxygen content, the pair-breaking peak is not observed, displaying instead “gapless” or “pseudogap” spectra. When cation substituted samples are post-annealed in high pressure oxygen, the 2 Δ peak remarkably appears.
Apprenticeships Ease the Transition to Independent Call: An Evaluation of Anxiety and Confidence Among Junior Radiology Residents

Rationale and Objectives The aims of this study were to quantify resident anxiety when beginning independent call and to assess whether an apprenticeship experience (buddy call) can lessen anxiety and improve confidence. Materials and Methods A prospective cohort comparison of two groups of radiology residents beginning independent call, one of which was provided with a buddy call experience, was performed. Anxiety and confidence were assessed using the Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scales–State (EMAS-S), with total score, autonomic emotional, and cognitive worry components, and a five-point, Likert-type scale, respectively. Both groups were asked about the perceived value of a buddy call experience. Results EMAS-S scores improved significantly over 5 days of call in both groups (control, n = 10, P = .0005; buddy call, n = 9, P = .0001), and image interpretation confidence correspondingly increased (control, P = .0004; buddy call, P = .003). Compared to the control group, autonomic emotional scores were significantly lower in the buddy call group on the first day of independent call ( P = .040), and cognitive worry and total EMAS-S scores were significantly lower on day 5 (both P values=.03). Buddy call was independently associated with improved autonomic emotional and film interpretation confidence scores (both P values=.02). All members of the buddy call group indicated that the experience was very helpful in preparing for call. Conclusions Beginning independent call is associated with high anxiety, and buddy call reduces that anxiety, beyond the effect of time alone. Residents who participated in buddy call found it helpful in preparing for independent call. These findings support the use of buddy call and tiered call structures as means to introduce junior residents to independent call.
An integral equation method for elastostatics of periodic composites

Abstract An interface integral equation is presented for the elastostatic problem in a two-dimensional isotropic composite. The displacement is represented by a single layer force density on the component interfaces. In a simple numerical example involving hexagonal arrays of disks the force density is expanded in a Fourier series. This leads to an algorithm with superalgebraic convergence. The integral equation is solved to double precision accuracy with a modest computational effort. Effective moduli are extracted both for dilute arrays where previously three digit accurate results were available, and for dense arrays where previously no results were available.
On the freshwater forcing of the thermohaline circulation in the limit of low diapycnal mixing

[1] A conjecture is offered on the stability characteristics of the thermohaline circulation in the limit of very low diapycnal mixing. In this limit the action of the winds on the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) can sustain a deep overturning pattern known as the “reconfigured conveyor,” consisting of upwelling around Antarctica and sinking in the North Atlantic, as shown by the work of Toggweiler and others. It is conjectured that in this limit, northern sinking should be stabilized in an “on” state because of the penetration of freshwater into the ocean interior via isopycnal layers that outcrop to the surface within and south of the ACC. This conjecture is supported by qualitative arguments and by a hydraulic model for the reconfigured conveyor. The hydraulic model takes into account the freshwater budgets of the Atlantic basin, Antarctic surface waters, and the remaining oceans. It also takes into account, in simple terms, wind-driven Antarctic upwelling, eddy transports and mixing within the ACC, changes in pycnocline depth, the role of temperature forcing, and advective feedbacks on salinity. The hydraulic model suggests that multiple “on/off” states of the reconfigured conveyor are possible but only if the deep waters that form in the Northern Hemisphere are fresher than the intermediate waters that form in the vicinity of the ACC in the Southern Hemisphere, a condition that is not satisfied in the modern ocean.
What motivates employees according to over 40 years of motivation surveys

Explores past and present attitudes of employees concerning work‐related motivational factors. Understanding the factors that employees consider motivating lends insight to the rewards to which they more positively respond. Compares the results of four motivation surveys conducted in 1946, 1980, 1986 and 1992. The comparisons reveal that employees’ motivational preferences vary over time. In addition, the results of the 1992 survey indicate that the factors that motivate today’s workers are more extrinsic than they used to be. Although employees differ on how they rank these factors, they overwhelmingly selected “good wages” as the top motivator. A good wage is an extrinsic reward with intrinsic potency. On the surface “good wages” seem to be purely extrinsic. Yet, at a deeper level, monetary rewards communicate what the company values and affect employees’ emotional and familial wellbeing.
Postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome

After acute bacterial gastroenteritis, up to one-third of patients will have prolonged gastrointestinal complaints, and a portion of those affected will meet the diagnostic criteria for postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome. After resolution of the acute infection, patients with postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome appear to have chronic mucosal immunologic dysregulation with altered intestinal permeability and motility that can lead to persistent intestinal symptoms. Both host- and pathogen-related factors, such as preexisting psychological disorders and duration of initial infection, have been associated with an increased risk for the development of postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome. Current treatments for postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome are typically targeted at specific symptoms, although studies evaluating therapies directed at preventing or reducing the duration of the initial infection are ongoing.
Distributed collaborative environments for predictive battlespace awareness

The past decade has produced significant changes in the conduct of military operations: asymmetric warfare, the reliance on dynamic coalitions, stringent rules of engagement, increased concern about collateral damage, and the need for sustained air operations. Mission commanders need to assimilate a tremendous amount of information, make quick-response decisions, and quantify the effects of those decisions in the face of uncertainty. Situational assessment is crucial in understanding the battlespace. Decision support tools in a distributed collaborative environment offer the capability of decomposing complex multitask processes and distributing them over a dynamic set of execution assets that include modeling, simulations, and analysis tools. Decision support technologies can semi-automate activities, such as analysis and planning, that have a reasonably well-defined process and provide machine-level interfaces to refine the myriad of information that the commander must fused. Collaborative environments provide the framework and integrate models, simulations, and domain specific decision support tools for the sharing and exchanging of data, information, knowledge, and actions. This paper describes ongoing AFRL research efforts in applying distributed collaborative environments to predictive battlespace awareness.
A haemodynamic and radionuclide assessment of diltiazem in coronary heart disease.

To obtain multiple dose-response haemodynamic and radionuclide data on i.v. diltiazem, 12 ischaemic patients were studied during routine catheterization. At rest, following a 20 min stable control period, the effects of four doses (0.0625, 0.0625, 0.125 and 0.25 mg kg-1 diltiazem at 5 min intervals) were measured in the 3-5 min following i.v. injection. The exercise effects of the cumulative 0.5 mg kg-1 dosage were assessed by comparing a control and post drug period of supine bicycle exercise. The increase in plasma diltiazem levels correlated linearly with the administered dose and achieved therapeutic levels. There were significant dose-related reductions in systemic arterial blood pressure and vascular resistance index; the heart rate fell and cardiac stroke index increased. The calculated double-product (heart rate X systolic blood pressure) was significantly reduced. The left ventricular filling pressures, ejection fraction and cardiac volumes were unaltered. During supine bicycle exercise, the systemic diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and calculated double-product were reduced without change in other parameters. Over the dose range 0.0625-0.5 mg kg-1, diltiazem acutely increased cardiac stroke index and reduced resting heart rate. These haemodynamic data, taken together with its described coronary vasodilator activity suggest that its role in acute vasospastic angina and during angiographic procedures ought to be explored further.
THE USE OF SOLUBILITY AS A CRITERION OF PURITY OF PROTEINS : I. APPLICATION OF THE PHASE RULE TO THE SOLUBILITY OF PROTEINS. II. THE SOLUBILITY CURVES AND PURITY OF CHYMOTRYPSINOGEN.

1. The conditions under which the phase rule may be applied to systems containing proteins are formulated. 2. An attempt was made to fractionate chymotrypsinogen, by crystallization in stages with increasing concentration of magnesium sulfate. No significant fractionation of the protein was achieved, but a small amount of impurity which affects the solubility, while having little influence on other properties of the material, was concentrated in the fractions first precipitated. 3. The solubility of the final fraction was independent of the amount of the saturating solid, from the first appearance of a solid phase, in solvents of three different pH's. The solubility was independent of the environment in which the crystals were formed (within the limits in which crystallization can be carried out) and the same value was reached from the supersaturated as from the undersaturated side. This material, therefore, conforms closely with the phase rule criteria of a pure protein.
A statistical study of the geoeffectiveness of magnetic clouds during high solar activity years

[1] Using the Dst value corrected for the effects of magnetopause currents (Dst*) and solar wind magnetic field and plasma data from 1 January 1998 to 30 April 2002, during elevated solar conditions, we have statistically examined the relationship of 271 storms (Dst* ≤ −30 nT) to 104 magnetic clouds. It is found that most of the magnetic clouds result in geomagnetic storms, but only about 30% of storms are due to magnetic clouds. A storm can be driven by a cloud's various regions or their combinations with dissimilar occurrence percentages. These percentages change as a function of geomagnetic activity levels as well. It is found that the leading field is the most geoeffective region and the sheath region is equally effective at causing magnetic storms during solar maximum (42%) compared to solar minimum (43%) as a percentage of magnetic cloud-induced storms. The occurrence percentage of intense storms caused by clouds is 72%, which is much higher than the ∼20% occurrence percentage of smaller storms caused by clouds. It is also found that “unipolar Bz” and “bipolar Bz” clouds have different geoeffectiveness percentages, depending on the Bz orientation. The long-known control of magnetic activity mainly by southward Bz is supported by the results of this study. It is also shown that multistep development storms can result not only from both the combinations of sheath and cloud fields but also from different fields within a cloud. A new name, quasi-cloud, is proposed for those cloud-like solar wind structures which show evidence of relatively organized field rotations.