cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intent to receive HPV vaccine and reasons for not vaccinating among unvaccinated adolescent and young women: findings from the 2006-2008 National Survey of Family Growth.

Abstract Background and purpose HPV vaccine coverage for females has increased in the U.S., although challenges to achieving high coverage remain. HPV vaccine coverage continues to lag behind that of other routinely recommended adolescent vaccines and these gaps in coverage are widening. To inform strategies to improve uptake, we explore correlates of vaccine intention and describe reasons for refusing HPV vaccination among unvaccinated females in a nationally representative sample of adolescents and young adults during early stages of HPV vaccine availability. Methods In 2007–2008, 1243 females aged 15–24 years were asked about HPV vaccination in the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). For unvaccinated women ( n = 955), we evaluated demographic and sexual behavior correlates of likelihood to receive the vaccine in the next 12 months in bivariate and multivariable analyses by age. Correlates to the main reasons for foregoing vaccination are described. Results A minority (42.5%) of unvaccinated respondents said they intended to receive HPV vaccine in the next 12 months: 37.6% of adolescents (15–19 years) and 42.0% of young adults (20–24 years). Sexually experienced women were more than twice as likely as non-sexually experienced women to intend to receive HPV vaccine (15–19 years: aOR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.15, 4.94; 20–24 years: aOR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.08, 4.33). Having health insurance was associated with being likely to receive HPV vaccine among adolescents. Hispanic young adults were more likely than non-Hispanic Whites to be likely to receive HPV vaccine. The belief of not being at risk for HPV and institutional barriers were the two most commonly cited reasons for foregoing vaccination.Among unvaccinated women who did not intend to get vaccinated, respondents who never had sex were more likely to report not being at risk as the main reason for not needing the vaccine compared to women with sexual experience (44.5 vs. 24.4%) but this finding was only marginally significant in our limited sample. Conclusion In the first years immediately post-licensure of an HPV vaccine, the majority of unvaccinated women indicated that they were unlikely to seek vaccination. Intent to receive the HPV vaccine is tied to sexual experience and most women who do not intend to get vaccinated and have never had sex believe they are not at risk of HPV or do not need an HPV vaccine. These findings highlight the need to better communicate information regarding lifetime risk for HPV and the importance of receiving HPV vaccine prior to sexual initiation. These findings should inform strategies to increase vaccine uptake.
Mutant and Overexpression Analysis of a C2H2 Single Zinc Finger Gene of Arabidopsis

The goal of this work was to characterize an Arabidopsis C2H2 single zinc finger gene, named AtZFP11, that is similar to SUPERMAN (SUP) and RABBIT EARS (RBE). No altered phenotype was observed in mutants analyzed that were derived through TILLING nor a T-DNA insertion into the exon of AtZFP11. Plants derived by intercrossing AtZFP11 to SUP and RBE alleles did not display any phenotype that could be attributed to AtZFP11. Transgenic plants constitutively overexpressing the AtZFP11 protein displayed severe abnormalities. Phenotypically normal transgenic plants that contained an ecdysone-inducible promoter system fused to the AtZFP11 gene were recovered. These transgenic plants displayed similar abnormalities once induced with methoxyfenozide. Microarray and RT-PCR analysis of gene expression in plants overexpressing AtZFP11 after induction revealed changes in gene expression of a number of genes involved in auxin, jasmonic acid, and stress responses. These results suggest that AtZFP11 plays a role in regulation of gene expression and may be functionally redundant or that conditions needed to observe phenotypic differences in the mutant plants were not provided in the course of these experiments.
Issues in reading instruction: The views and information sources of state‐level textbook adoption committee members

Abstract The entire population of current functioning state‐level textbook adoption committee members in 13 state‐level adoption states (141) were surveyed to determine: (a) their perceptions of current issues in elementary reading instruction, and (b) their information sources. State‐level textbook adoption committee members reported four major unresolved reading issues: (a) the assessment of students' reading progress, (b) the whole language vs. basal approaches, (c) the use of ability grouping for reading instruction, and (d) the use of tradebooks in place of basals. The most frequently consulted reading information sources used by state‐level textbook adoption committee members within the past twelve months included: magazines, newspapers, and newsletter articles, TV and radio broadcasts, and personal contacts with reading experts. The authors conclude that state‐level textbook adoption committee members are aware of the important reading issues of the day, but that they may lack sufficient specific k...
Minimizing energy consumption of an air handling unit with a computational intelligence approach

Abstract A data-mining approach is applied to optimize the energy consumption of an air handling unit. A multi-perceptron ensemble algorithm is used to model a chiller, a pump, and the supply and return fans. A non-linear model is developed to minimize the total energy consumption of the air-handling unit while maintaining the temperature of the supply air and the static pressure in a predetermined range. A dynamic, penalty-based, electromagnetism-like algorithm is designed to solve the proposed model. In all, 200 test data points are used to validate the proposed algorithm. The computational results show that the energy consumed by the air-handling unit is reduced by almost 23%.
Dual-windowed OFDM for cognitive radios

An OFDM system with dual windowing is proposed as the physical layer for cognitive radios. This system can create deep spectrum notches to avoid interference to primary user, while maintaining high performance and low complexity.
Effect of plasma from patients with carcinoma on in vitro lymphocyte transformation

Lymphocytes were grown in culture to which plasma from normal individuals and patients with carcinoma was added; the per cent transformation of lymphocytes measured. Plasma from patients with carcinoma appears to be capable of inhibiting in vitro lymphocyte transformation. The author suggests that this may be one of the factors responsible for the anergy that occurs in these patients and may influence tumor growth.
Testifying to Language and Life in Early Modern England

The book Testifying to Language and Life in Early Modern England is a volume designed to introduce and complement the Electronic Text Edition of Depositions 1560–1760 (ETED) that is included with t...
Relative Prevalence of Potato Flea Beetle Injuries in Fields Adjoining Uncultivated Areas

Ecological effects on potato fields adjoining uncultivated areas were observed in western New York State in 1931, 1932, and 1933.[1][1] Although general observations were made in many fields of potatoes, data were obtained in 1933 from a number of specific fields on the muck soils of Orleans and Genesee Counties. [1]: #fn-1
Stereochemistry of some acetyl coenzyme a condensations

Abstract The absolute configuration of four naturally occurring α-alkylmalic acids (ethyl, n -propyl, isopentyl, and benzyl) has been established by synthesis, using the addition of alkyl lithium cuprates to the (R)-(+)-epoxide of dimethyl itaconate. It is concluded that α-alkylmalic acids biosynthesized from acetyl-CoA and α-ketoacids are, with few exceptions, formed by attack at the re face of the carbonyl group to generate (R)-(−) enantiomers.
Angular momentum loss in low-mass stars

The wind models discussed by Mestel (1984) are used here to formulate a general expression for the rate of angular momentum loss by magnetic stellar winds as a function of magnetic field configuration, rotation rate, and stellar model properties. The sensitivity of the rotation velocity to the various wind model parameters, the initial angular momenta, and the time dependence of the angular velocity for each mass is shown. The theoretical results are compared with observational ones, and it is found that the existence of very rapidly rotating stars in young clusters implies that low-mass stars are formed with a large spread of angular momentum. The high efficiency of angular momentum loss through magnetic stellar winds causes the rotation velocity to become less dependent on initial angular momentum J0 with time; by 300 million yur, the rotation velocity becomes independent of J0. This results in a decrease with time in the spread of rotation velocities as a function of stellar mass in young clusters.
Economic Analysis of the Regulation of Agriculture

Theoretical welfare economics has not succeeded in giving scientific status to value judgements, but it does provide results that help us think reasonably about issues in political economy in general and about regulatory activities in particular. It helps first of all by insisting that governmental activity must be justified in terms of making us collectively better off. It is not enough that somebody be made better off; in some meaningful sense, we must be made better off collectively. This view focuses attention on the community's welfare, a concept which may not be precisely definable, much less measurable, but which is nonetheless a useful focal point for thinking about the justification of regulation. An elementary but helpful way to think about the reasons for regulation is provided in Figure 1. It depicts some socially valued activity-for instance, the production and consumption of beef. The figure represents two general realities. First, successive increments in the quantity of the good or service, Q,, yield reduced incremental social benefits. Thus, the function labelled MSB, (marginal social benefits) has a negative slope. The reason is that when small quantities are available, they can be used to satisfy the most urgent and important uses, while successive increments are used to satisfy less urgent and important uses. Second, successive increments in Qi requir increased incremental cost. Thus, the function labelled MSCi (marginal social cost) has a positive slope. The reason is that when increased quantities of resources are used to produce Qj, the marginal value of other goods and services that must be sacrificed to produce an additional unit of Qi increases. The community is made best off when its resources are allocated to activities such that
Magneto-structural correlations in chains of bifolded Cu2Cl62− dimers

Abstract The magnetic susceptibility of two ACuCl3 salts containing chains of bibridged Cu2Cl62− dimers has been measured. Each copper ion bridges to a chloride in an adjacent dimer, thus assuming a 4 + 1 coordination geometry. Structurally, each dimer is characterized by a bridging CuClCu angle, o, and a fold angle, σ, at each copper center. The high temperature susceptibility data for (4-benzylpiperidinium)CuCl3 (o=95.3°, σ=28.9°) obey a Curie-Weiss law which has a positive intercept (θ=13 K), indicating a predominant ferromagnetic interaction. For the low temperature data, the Curie-Weiss plot has a negative intercept (θ′=−4 K), showing that a net antiferromagnetic coupling exists. The data is interpreted quantitatively in terms of a system of ground state triplet dimers, with singlet-triplet energy splitting ΔE(=2J) of ΔE/k=60 K with interdimer interactions, accounted for with a mean field approximation of J′/k=−3 K. The salt (paraquat)Cu2Cl6 (o=97.5°, σ=31.7°) behaves as an antiferromagnetic alternating chain with J/k=19 K and J′/k=2 K. The magnetic properties of two other salts containing structurally similar chains, (CH3)2NH2CuCl3 and (CH3)2CHNH3CuCl3, have been reinvestigated using pulsed high field magnetization techniques. Comparison of these systems shows that, with o constant, there is an approximate linear relationship between ΔE and the fold angle, σ. At o=95.5°±0.3°, the interaction is ferromagnetic for σ>22° and antiferromagnetic for smaller values of σ. These conclusions are confirmed by extended Huckel MO calculations for the intradimer interactions within the Hoffmann framework for exchange coupling.
Mapping of the mouse actin capping protein alpha subunit genes and pseudogenes.

Capping protein (CP), a heterodimer of {alpha} and {beta} subunits, is found in all eukaryotes. CP binds to the barbed ends of actin filaments in vitro and controls actin assembly and cell motility in vivo. Vertebrates have three {alpha} isoforms ({alpha}1, {alpha}2, {alpha}3) produced from different genes, whereas lower organisms have only one gene and one isoform. We isolated genomic clones corresponding to the a subunits of mouse CP and found three {alpha}1 genes, two of which are pseudogenes, and a single gene for both {alpha}2 and {alpha}3. Their chromosomal locations were identified by interspecies backcross mapping. The {alpha}1 gene (Cappa1) mapped to Chromosome 3 between D3Mit11 and D3Mit13. The {alpha}1 pseudogenes (Cappa1-ps1 and Cappa1-ps2) mapped to Chromosomes 1 and 9, respectively. The {alpha}2 gene (Cappa2) mapped to Chromosome 6 near Ptn. The {alpha}3 gene (Cappa3) also mapped to Chromosome 6, approximately 68 cM distal from Cappa2 near Kras2. One mouse mutation, de, maps in the vicinity of the {alpha}1 gene. No known mouse mutations map to regions near the {alpha}2 or {alpha}3 genes. 29 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.
From The Editor: The Complexity of Working with Families

As a teacher of family therapy and a former member—for 11 years—of the Missouri Board of Licensed Marital and Family Therapists, I am keenly aware of the unique curriculum that characterizes and defines the profession of marriage and family therapy (MFT). Sometimes hearing criticism for standards that are too high, or encountering a lack of understanding of our requirements (e.g., an ethics course focused on MFT), I nevertheless take pride in our distinctiveness and our efforts to maintain it. Focusing on relationships, including awareness of the larger context, whether working with individuals, couples, families, or larger organizations, requires that therapists have a broad knowledge base as exemplified by the requirements for coursework in theoretical foundations, couple and family therapy, human development and family studies, ethics, and research. Practica, of course, provide an opportunity to incorporate classroom knowledge into practical application, learning while doing. Interestingly enough, the articles in this edition of the journal seem to cover the full range of these requirements, as well as several sub-themes, moving to additional levels of complexity as befits the pursuit of greater expertise and effectiveness as scholars and practitioners. In the realm of theoretical foundations, the first article, ‘‘A Test of Contextual Theory: The Relationship Among Relational Ethics, Marital Satisfaction, Health Problems, and Depression’’ by Heath Grames, Richard Miller, David Robinson, Derrel Higgins, and Jeff Hinton, provides an in-depth exploration of one of the basic tenets of Ivan BoszormenyiNagy’s contextual approach. We thus are invited to explore with the authors one of the seminal theories in the field. Although implicit in all of the articles, the next two articles are concerned primarily with the practice of marriage and family therapy. Soh-Leong Lim and Teri Nakamoto focus on cultural competence in their contribution, ‘‘Genograms: Use in Therapy with Asian Families with Diverse Cultural Heritages,’’ sensitizing the reader to the diversity that generally prevails within as well as between cultural groups. And Michele Grimes and Alyssa McElwain highlight the importance of considering socioeconomic status in their
Evaluation and Treatment of Failed Carpal Tunnel Release

Treatment failure and complications are encountered in 1% to 25% of all carpal tunnel releases. Besides hematoma, infection, skin necrosis, and intraoperative iatrogenic injuries, persistence and recurrence should be included in this discussion. Persistence is often related to incomplete release. Similar symptoms recurring after a symptom-free interval of 6 months are considered recurrent and may be caused by intraneural or perineural scarring. Adequate diagnosis and treatment of these failures can be challenging. Operative release is the main treatment consisting of complete decompression of the median nerve. In some circumstances, coverage of the median nerve may be necessary.
Inferring calendar event attendance

The digital personal calendar has long been established as an effective tool for supporting workgroup coordination. For the new class of ubiquitous computing applications, however, the calendar can also be seen as a sensor, providing both location and availability information to these applications. In most cases, however, the calendar represents a sequence of events that people could (or should) attend, not their actual daily activities. To assist in the accurate determination of user whereabouts and availability, we present Ambush, a calendar system extension that uses a Bayesian model to predict the likelihood of one's attendance at the events listed on his or her schedule. We also present several techniques for the visual display of these likelihoods in a manner intended to be quickly interpreted by users examining the calendar.
Self-consistent polaron scattering rates in quasi-one-dimensional structures.

On utilise l'approximation de Fock et on considere l'interaction des electrons et des phonons optiques dans des fils de Ga As de differentes tailles, a 300K. On etudie l'importance des effets quantiques d'ordre superieur
N2 and air broadening in the fundamental bands of HF and HCl

Abstract N2- and air-broadened lineshapes of HF and HCl transitions in the v = 1 ← 0 bands have been measured at T = 295 and 202 K with a high-resolution difference-frequency laser spectrometer. Pressure broadening, shift and collisional narrowing parameters have been extracted by leastsquares fitting of several collisional profiles to the spectra. At low pressures, the collisional, or Dicke, narrowing effect causes deviations from the Voigt profile having a Doppler-fixed Gaussian component and yields a measure of the diffusion constants for the hydrogen halides in the buffer gases. At high J, where the pressure shifts are comparable to or larger than the broadenings, a slight asymmetry is observed in the lineshapes which is attributed to statistical correlation between velocity- and state-changing collisions. The ratio of air-to-N2 broadening is roughly given by the relative quadrupolar contributions of O2 and N2, though it varies systematically with rotational level. The temperature variations in the broadening coefficients are also J dependent, deviating significantly from T − 1 2 and exhibiting opposite behavior for HF and HCl.
Glycolytic and respiratory properties of intact mammalian cells: inhibitor studies.

Abstract The glycolytic and respiratory capacities of five cultured mammalian cell lines and a mouse ascites cell were compared. Mouse lymphoma cells (L5178Y) were studied in more detail. Inhibition of lymphoma cell respiration is linear and complete by rotenone, antimycin and Amytal, complete but nonlinear by cyanide, and linear but incomplete by oligomycin and aurovertin. The cells are substantially more sensitive to many of these inhibitors than are isolated rat liver mitochondria and fail to show the threshold phenomenon characteristic of mitochondria in vitro. These data show the feasibility of studying mitochondrial properties in vivo through the use of selective inhibitors. Of the agents tested, only atractyloside failed to inhibit respiration in intact cells. Studies of phosphate transport by Chinese hamster ovary cells and of valine incorporation by the lymphoma cells indicate that the energy requirements for these two processes are met in very different ways. Energy for the first process is supplied nearly equally by glycolytic and respiratory chain ATP; nonphosphorylated high-energy intermediates of the respiratory chain appear to play no part. Valine incorporation, in contrast, appears to be driven exclusively by respiratory chain energy with both ATP and nonphosphorylated high-energy intermediates contributing.
The co-induction of sister chromatid exchanges and virus synthesis in mammalian cells☆

Abstract The induction of virus synthesis and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) formation was investigated in several mammalian cell lines. Ultraviolet light co-induced the production of virus and SCEs in Simian virus 40 (SV40) transformed hamster cells. Post-irradiation treatment with caffeine enhanced virus induction, though it caused a smaller, less consistent elevation of SCE formation. Co-induction of oncovirus synthesis and SCEs was also observed in three murine cell lines exposed to increasing concentrations of 5-bromodeoxyuridine. These and previous data demonstrate a correlation between the induction of virus synthesis and SCE formation in rodent cells exposed to several agents, although inter-agent variation in the correlation may reflect differences between the two processes.
On radiative corrections to inelastic e−p scattering

Abstract We show that the so called peaking approximation used in making radiative corrections is not applicable for inelastic e − p scattering when the energy of the incoming electron is very high, in fact it is shown, that none of the formulas usually used for performing the radiative corrections to inelastic e − p scattering is the result of a peaking approximation. The reason for the failure of the peaking approximation is explained and a method to improve the accuracy of the radiative corrections is proposed.
Large-eddy simulation of atmospheric convection on Mars

Large-eddy simulations are performed using the Mars Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (a nonhydrostatic, mesoscale model) in order to obtain a detailed, three-dimensional understanding of the daytime Mars atmospheric boundary layer. These microscale runs utilize the full radiative-transfer (including a static dust profile) routines of the mesoscale model and a multi-level, prognostic subsurface thermal model. Surface albedo, thermal inertia, Coriolis parameter and solar forcing are homogeneously set to values at the Mars Pathfinder landing site (19.33°N,33.55°W (IAU1991); Ls=143°). The initial state is obtained from a previous mesoscale simulation, and is representative of the Mars Pathfinder landing site during summer. The convective boundary layer of Mars is found to exhibit structures and turbulent statistics outwardly similar to those of earth's convective boundary layer. However, direct infrared radiative heating of the near-surface atmosphere is the primary mechanism for the transfer of energy from the solar-heated surface, and affects the behaviour of the convection. Mars convection is more intense than that on earth, primarily due to lesser gravity and atmospheric mass. Also, certain empirical scaling constants within the subgrid-scale turbulence parametrization (originally developed for terrestrial large-eddy simulations) appear to require significant reduction in order for the scheme to perform adequately on Mars. The simulation results are used to further meaningfully interpret spacecraft images of convective clouds. The results also compare favourably with Mars Pathfinder in situ meteorological measurements, and help reconcile large daytime variances in that dataset. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
ABCD-L: approximating continuous linear systems using boolean models

We present ABCD-L, a scalable technique for Analog/Mixed Signal (AMS) modelling/verification that captures the continuous dynamics of Linear Time-Invariant (LTI) systems, using purely Boolean approximations, to any desired level of accuracy. ABCD-L's models can be used in conjunction with existing techniques for Boolean synthesis/verification/fast logic simulation, or with hybrid systems frameworks, to represent LTI dynamics without incurring the penalty of adding continuous variables. Unlike existing state-enumeration approaches like DAE2FSM [1], ABCD-L scales practically linearly with system size. We apply ABCD-L to I/O links composed of RC/RLGC units, capturing important analog effects like inter-symbol interference, overshoot/undershoot, ringing, etc. -- all using purely Boolean models. We also present a continuous-time differential equalizer example, where ABCD-L accurately reproduces key design-relevant AMS metrics, including the eye diagram correction achieved by the circuit. Furthermore, for real-world LTI systems, we demonstrate that ABCD-L can be applied in conjunction with Model Order Reduction (MOR) techniques; we use this to produce accurate Boolean models of an industry-scale power grid network (with 25849 nodes) made available by IBM. We also demonstrate that Boolean simulation using ABCD-L's models offers considerable speed-up over standard circuit simulation using linear multi-step numerical methods.
A Survey of the Practices, Procedures, and Techniques in Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Teaching Laboratories

A survey was conducted of four-year institutions that teach undergraduate organic chemistry laboratories in the United States. The data include results from over 130 schools, describes the current practices at these institutions, and discusses the statistical results such as the scale of the laboratories performed, the chemical techniques applied, the instrumentation available, the laboratory equipment used, the chemistry topics covered, the way chemical safety is presented, and how chemical waste is handled. These results provide a “snapshot” of the current state of the undergraduate organic teaching laboratory.
Ventral "spinal epidural meningeal cysts"--not epidural and not cysts? Case series and review of the literature.

Background Ventral spinal epidural meningeal cysts are rare entities for which the pathogenesis is poorly understood. Objective We present the clinical, radiographic, surgical, and pathologic findings of 4 patients with extensive ventral spinal epidural meningeal cysts and review the relevant literature. In addition, we discuss a suspected mechanism for pathogenesis. Methods Four patients with anterior spinal epidural meningeal cysts are retrospectively reviewed. Results Ventral spinal epidural meningeal cysts are often large, extending on average from C2 to L1 in our series. Patients typically present with a prolonged course of symptoms and signs, including segmental muscle weakness and atrophy, subtle myelopathy, mild to moderate spinal pain, and headache. Histopathologic analysis of the cyst wall demonstrates collagenous tissue consistent with dura but without arachnoid features. Dynamic computed tomographic myelography is the study of choice for localization of the primary dural defect. Patient symptoms and neurological deficits routinely improve after appropriate surgical intervention. Conclusion Diverse signs and symptoms herald the presentation of ventral spinal meningoceles. Intraoperative, radiographic, and pathological findings are all suggestive of an intradural dissection as the etiology. Hence, they may be more appropriately named "ventral spinal intradural dissecting meningoceles." Definitive treatment involves identification and obliteration of the dural defect.
Effect of Reserpine on Ventricular Escape

Catecholamine depletion by reserpine diminishes the tendency of the ventricle to escape from vagal suppression. Neither spinal section nor adrenalectomy enhances the reserpine effect. Norepinephrine restores the characteristic occurrence of ventricle escape during vagal stimulation.
Effect of size and density on canine gastric emptying of nondigestible solids

Previous studies suggested that the food-containing canine stomach retains large, nondigestible spheres until all food has emptied; but it is not known whether there is a threshold size or a gradation of sizes that will empty along with food. Further, nothing is known of the effects of such parameters as density, shape, and surface energy on the emptying of nondigestible particles of any given size. To answer these questions 6 dogs with chronic duodenal fistulas were studied. Radiolabeled food and spheres were collected from the fistulas to compare the rate of gastric emptying of the spheres with that of the food. After a standard test meal of 99mTc-labeled liver, steak, and water, diverted chyme was collected over a stack of sieves in 30-min fractions over 5 postcibal hours. The percent of fed spheres and fed 99mTc-labeled liver in each collection was counted, and liquid chyme was returned to the distal duodenum. Spheres with a density of 1 emptied progressively faster as sphere diameters were decreased from 5 to 1 mm; but 0.015-mm spheres emptied at about the same rate as those with diameters of 1 mm. Emptying of the spheres became similar to emptying of the 99mTc-labeled liver at about 1.6 mm. Spheres with densities less than 1 or greater than 1 emptied more slowly than spheres of the same size with a density of 1, whereas paper squares emptied the same way as spheres of comparable size and density. Surface energy did not affect emptying. The findings indicated that both sphere size and density affect their emptying in the presence of food.
Dimorphism, parasitism, and sex revisited: modes of reproduction among deep-sea ceratioid anglerfishes (Teleostei: Lophiiformes)

Sexual parasitism, a remarkable mode of reproduction unique to some members of the deep-sea anglerfish suborder Ceratioidei, in which males are dwarfed and become permanently attached to much larger females, is described in a number of previously unreported specimens and taxa. Although generally attributed to all ceratioids, and despite more than a sevenfold increase in the number of known parasitized females in collections throughout the world in the past 50 years, the phenomenon is surprisingly confined to few taxa within the suborder. To date, permanently attached males have been found in only 5 of the 11 ceratioid families, 10 of the 35 genera, and 23 of the 160 recognized species. Notes on taxonomic content, available material, occurrence of sexual parasitism, gravid females and ripe males, the development of eyes and nostrils of the males, the ability of males to capture and ingest food independently of the female, occurrences of multiple attachments of males to a single female, and the nature of the fusion between coupled males and females are given for each ceratioid family. This information is then summarized and discussed. Evidence is presented to reaffirm the presence of three reproductive modes: obligatory parasitism, facultative parasitism, and temporary nonparasitic attachment. Additional evidence is provided to reaffirm the hypothesis that sexual parasitism has evolved separately at least three and perhaps five or more times within the suborder.
Typicality graphs and their properties

Let X and Y be finite alphabets and P XY a joint distribution over them, with P X and P Y representing the marginals. For any ∈ > 0, the set of n-length sequences xn and yn that are jointly typical [1] according to P XY can be represented on a bipartite graph. We present a formal definition of such a graph, known as a typicality graph, and study some of its properties. These properties arise in the study of several multiuser communication problems.
Increasing pneumococcal vaccination for immunosuppressed patients: A cluster quality improvement trial

Objective Pneumococcal vaccination is important for patients taking immunosuppressive medications, but prior studies suggest that most patients do not undergo vaccination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a point-of-care paper reminder form as a quality improvement (QI) strategy to increase the numbers of immunosuppressed patients being kept up-to-date with pneumococcal vaccination in a rheumatology practice. Methods Selected rheumatologists at 5 ambulatory practice sites received a point-of-care paper reminder form to be applied to patients who were not up-to-date with pneumococcal vaccination. Interrupted time-series analyses were used to measure the effect of the intervention on the pneumococcal vaccination rates among patients, comparing the rates in the intervention group with those in a control group of rheumatologists who did not receive the intervention. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were examined to identify independent predictors of being up-to-date with pneumococcal vaccination. Results We evaluated a total of 3,717 patients (66.0% with rheumatoid arthritis) who were taking immunosuppressive medications (74.1% women, mean age 53.7 years). Rheumatologists who received the intervention had a significant increase in the rate of patients who were up-to-date with pneumococcal vaccination, from 67.6% to 80.0% (P = 0.006), in the time period following the intervention, compared to a rate that remained stable, from 52.3% to 52.0% (P = 0.90), among patients in the nonintervention control group during this same time period. In regression models, positive predictors of being up-to-date with pneumococcal vaccination at the patient level included the following: having received the intervention (hazard ratio [HR] 3.58, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.46–5.20), having a primary care physician affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.44–1.97), having a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.02–2.41), and being age 56–65 years at baseline, compared to age ≤45 years (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01–1.51). Conclusion A QI strategy involving a simple point-of-care paper reminder form significantly increased the rate of being up-to-date with pneumococcal vaccination among patients receiving immunosuppressive medications in our rheumatology practices over a 6-month period.
Angiostatin Does Not Contribute to Skeletal Muscle Microvascular Rarefaction with Low Nitric Oxide Bioavailability

Objective: Ischemic angiogenesis is dependent on vascular nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, in part by reducing matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and -9 activity and angiostatin production. In the metabolic syndrome, the authors have demonstrated that reduced skeletal muscle microvessel density (SKMVD) was correlated with chronic reductions in NO bioavailability, but these relationships are complicated by the presence of the multiple pathological states inherent in the metabolic syndrome. Given this, the authors hypothesized that low NO bioavailability could reduce SKMVD in normal rats, independent of any systemic pathologies associated with the metabolic syndrome, and that this would be correlated with increased angiostatin production.Methods: Rats were separated into 3 groups: (1) control, (2) chronic NOS inhibition (10−4 M L-NAME; drinking water), and (3) NOS inhibition/normotensive (combined L-NAME/hydralazine treatment; 50 mg/kg/d; drinking water). Vessel structure, reactivity, and NO bioavailabilit...
Photopolymer Material for Holography

An experimental Du Pont holographic photopolymer material produces an index modulation in excess of 10−2 utilizing a diffusion mechanism. Optimum exposure in air is typically 30 mJ/cm2, in nitrogen 3 mJ/cm2. Composition, beam ratio, and exposure power all affect the index modulation. This, combined with thickness variations, permits diffraction efficiency to be preadjusted for a variety of desired angular responses and spatial frequencies. The material can be easily overmodulated according to Kogelnik’s phase grating theory. No wet processing is required. After total polymerization, storage at 100°C, −60°C, and under water does not significantly affect the diffraction efficiency. Image–object superposition is exact for real-time holography. Excellent copies of silver halide holograms with four times the original efficiency have been made. Grating devices with tailored peak or flat wavelength response can be constructed.
Size-invariant cell nucleus segmentation in 3-D microscopy

Accurate segmentation of 3-D cell nuclei in microscopy images is an essential task in many biological studies. Traditional image segmentation methods are challenged by the complexity and variability of microscope images, so there is a need to improve segmentation accuracy and reliability, as well as the level of automation. In this paper we present a novel automated algorithm for robust segmentation of 3-D cell nuclei using a combination of ideas. Our algorithm includes the following steps: image denoising, binarization, seed detection using the fast radial symmetric transform (FRST), initial segmentation using the random walker algorithm and the 3-D watershed algorithm, and final refinements using 3-D active contours. We show that our algorithm provides improved accuracy compared to existing segmentation algorithms.
Scripting Black Gayness Television Authorship in Black-Cast Sitcoms

This essay explores the creation of black gay characters within black-cast sitcoms Moesha, All of Us, and Are We There Yet? Using in-depth interviews with the credited writers for three episodes of...
Reduced area discrete-time down-sampling filter embedded with windowed integration samplers

A technique to implement a discrete-time (DT) sinc3 ↓2 filter for windowed integration samplers is proposed. The topology reduces the idle time of the integration capacitors at the expense of a small complexity overhead in the clock generation, thereby saving 33% of the die area compared to the currently existing topology. Circuit level simulations in 45 nm CMOS technlogy shows good agreement with the predicted behaviour obtained from the analaysis.
Steady-state autowave patterns in a two-dimensional excitable medium with a band of different excitability

Abstract A kinematic approach is used to construct steady-state traveling wave patterns in a two-dimensional excitable medium with a band of different excitability. New stationary autowave structures of bell-like shape are shown to exist when the excitability in a band is decreased compared to surrounding areas. The front profiles of the patterns and their propagation velocities are evaluated. Total internal reflection of waves from a band of higher excitability is predicted. The failure of steady-state propagation because of the critical curvature effect is discussed.
Sparse flat neighborhood networks (SFNNs): scalable guaranteed pairwise bandwidth & unit latency

Network performance for a particular application is determined by the latency and bisection bandwidth that are achieved for the set of specific communication patterns used by that application. The number of nodes with which each node might potentially communicate grows linearly as nodes are added, thus, network cost for large systems either becomes a large fraction of machine cost or performance suffers. However, performance-critical communication patterns commonly occurring in real parallel programs rarely require that each node directly communicate with every other node. The number of node pairs actually communicating generally grows far slower than the expected O(N/sup 2/). Thus, a carefully designed network for a massively parallel system can use relatively narrow switches while still providing single-switch latency and guaranteed pairwise bandwidth for performance-critical communications. This paper introduces sparse flat neighborhood networks (SFNNs), a variant of flat neighborhood networks (FNNs) which are engineered from first principles to efficiently meet these detailed pairwise communication performance criteria.
Genetics and Hearing Loss

The primary goal of infant hearing screening is, of course, the improved outcome of speech and language in those identified early. There is, however, another major advantage in the early detection ...
Solving large complex problems using a higher-order basis: parallel in-core and out-of-core integral-equation solvers

The future of computational electromagnetics is changing drastically with the new generation of computer chips, which are multi-cored instead of single-cored. Previously, advancements in chip technology meant an increase in clock speed, which was typically a benefit that computational code users could enjoy. This is no longer the case. In the new roadmaps for chip manufacturers, speed has been sacrificed for improved power consumption, and the direction is multi-core processors. The burden now falls on the software programmer to revamp existing codes and add new functionality to enable computational codes to run efficiently on this new generation of multi-core processors. In this paper, a new roadmap for computational code designers is provided, demonstrating how to navigate along with the chip designers through the multi-core advancements in chip design. A new parallel code, using the method of moments (MoM) and higher-order functions for expansion and testing, and executed on a range of computer platforms, will illustrate this roadmap. The advantage of a higher-order basis over a subdomain basis is a reduction in the number of unknowns. This means that with the same computer resources, a larger problem can be solved using higher-order basis than using a subdomain basis. The matrix filling for MoM with subdomain basis must be programmed with multiple loops over the edges of the patches to account for the interactions. However, higher- order basis functions, such as polynomials, can be calculated more efficiently with fewer integrations, at least for the serial code. In terms of parallel integral-equation solvers, the differences between these categories of basis functions must be understood and accommodated.
Unified steady-state computer aided model for soft-switching DC-DC converters

A unified steady state Pspice/spl reg/ model is developed for soft-switching cells in this paper to facilitate the simulation and design of soft-switching cells and to provide designers, educators, and students with time domain response figures, accurate steady-state gain solution, and state-plane diagrams. The model concept and mathematical equations behind the model are discussed. Pspice implementation concepts are summarized and a simulation example with simulation results is presented.
I know how you feel: task-irrelevant facial expressions are spontaneously processed at a semantic level.

Previous studies have demonstrated that emotions are automatically processed. Even with subliminal presentations, subjects involuntarily mimic specific facial expressions, are influenced by the valence of a preceding emotion during judgments, and exhibit slowed responses to personally meaningful emotions; these effects are due to reflexive mimicry, unconscious carryover of valence, and attentional capture, respectively. However, perception-action effects indicate that rapid processing should involve deep, semantic-level representations of emotion (e.g., “fear”), even in the absence of a clinical emotion disorder. To test this hypothesis, we developed an emotional Stroop task (Emostroop) in which subjects responded nonverbally to emotion words superimposed over task-irrelevant images of faces displaying congruent or incongruent emotional expressions. Subjects reliably responded more slowly to incongruent than to congruent stimuli, and this interference was related to trait measures of emotionality. Rapid processing of facial emotions spontaneously activates semantic, content-rich representations at the level of the specific emotion.
Interventional sialendoscopy for treatment of juvenile recurrent parotitis.

Objective: To evaluate our preliminary experience with interventional sialendoscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP). Materials and Methods: Three consecutive pediatric patients with JRP who underwent interventional sialendoscopy were identified. Interventional sialendoscopy consisted of serial dilation of the Stenson's duct, endoscopy of the ductal system and saline irrigation followed by instillation of triamcinolone acetate. Clinical, demographic, procedure-related data and complications were documented. End points of the study were technical success, defined as completion of the procedure, subjective improvement in symptoms as indicated by the patients or their parents and assessment of safety in terms of complications. Results: Three male patients with a mean age of 9 years (range 6-11 years) underwent interventional sialendoscopy for JRP. Endoscopic findings included a blanched stenotic duct with intraductal debris in those who were symptomatic. Technical success was 100%. The mean number of episodes of JRP in the year prior to presenting to our service among the three patients was 5 (range 4-6 per year). There were no new episodes of JRP reported at the last follow-up. There were no major complications. Conclusion: Our preliminary experience concurs with the current literature and suggests that interventional sialendoscopy is effective for the management of JRP and can be considered for patients who fail conservative medical management.
An empirical study of software market share: Diversity and symbiotic relations

With the increasing use of software products, software ecosystems have emerged. Software ecosystems not only include the same type of products, but also include other related products that they support or depend on. Software marketplace diversity and the symbiotic relations between software products are important properties of a software ecosystem. They have great impact on the popularity and evolution of a software product. This paper presents an empirical study of a software marketplace ecosystem, which is formed by operating systems, Web browsers, and Web servers: (1) Using the concept of market share entropy, we analyze the diversity of the marketplace; and, (2) Using correlation tests, we analyze the symbiotic relations between products. Based on the results of these two studies, we analyze the relation between marketplace diversity and symbiosis in a software ecosystem.
Interlimb coordination evoked by unilateral mechanical perturbation during body-weight supported gait

During locomotion, motor strategies can rapidly compensate for any obstruction or perturbation that could interfere with forward progression. Here we studied the contribution of interlimb pathways for evoking muscle activation patterns in the case where body weight is externally supported and vestibular feedback is limited. The experiments were conducted using a novel device intended for gait therapy: the MIT-Skywalker. The subject's body weight was supported by an underneath saddle-like seat, and a chest harness was used to provide stabilization of the torso. Eight neurologically healthy individuals were asked to walk on the MIT-Skywalker, while one side of its split belt treadmill was unexpectedly dropped either before heel-strike or during mid-stance. Leg kinematics will be reported. We found that unilateral perturbations evoked responses at the contralateral limb, which were observed in both kinematic and neuromuscular level. The latency of most responses exceeded 100 msec, which suggests a supraspinal (i.e. not local) pathway.
BONE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUE FOR ARTHRODESIS AND NONUNION IN THE HAND

We present a simple compression technique for treatment of difficult nonunions and joint fusions in the hand. This technique utilizes only K-wires and small vessel loops. The results of 44 consecutive cases were studied retrospectively. Union was achieved in 37/44 cases. The average time to union was 7 weeks and our results were comparable to those of other studies. We found this technique useful, especially in complicated cases.