cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visual presentation of software specifications and designs

Formal methods hold the promise for high dependability in the design of critical software. However, software engineers who employ formal methods need to communicate their design decisions to users, customers, managers, and colleagues who may not be in a position to acquire a full understanding of the formal notation being used. Visualizations derived from formal specifications and designs must be able convey the required information precisely and reliably without the use of formal notation. This paper discusses an attempt to integrate a design methodology based upon specification and program refinement with a state-of-the-art approach to rapid visualization of program executions. The emphasis is placed on how to convey graphically various kinds of formally-stated program properties. The illustrations are extracted from a case study involving the formal derivation of a message router. The ultimate goal is to identify issues fundamental to the use of visualization in conjunction with formal methods and to catalog methods which achieve effective visual communication without compromising formal reasoning.
Modal analysis of irregular terrain effects in radio propagation and the ray interpretation

Radio propagation over an idealised terrain obstacle is analysed by modal analysis. The 2-dimensional model is a cylindrical hill with a surmounted knife-edge obstacle. It is indicated that the results may be interpreted from a ray-optical viewpoint.
Lack of efficacy of the adenosine reuptake inhibitor dipyridamole in the treatment of anxiety disorders

Abstract We administered dipyridamole, an adenosine reuptake inhibitor, to 12 outpatients with DSM-III-R anxiety disorders (2 patients with generalized anxiety disorder, 10 patients with panic disorder). Dipyridamole was administered at a flexible dose in a single-blinded fashion following a placebo washout phase and elimination of placebo responders. The mean duration of active treatment with dipyridamole was 46 days (range 21–88 days); the mean peak dose of dipyridamole was 202 ± 55 mg/day (range 100–300 mg/day). Symptom ratings were completed at regular intervals by the patient and by a research nurse unaware of the treatment condition. Clinically significant improvement in anxiety symptoms was not demonstrated. The implications of these findings for an adenosinergic dysfunction model of panic disorder are discussed.
Consumers’ Shrimp Purchasing Preferences: An Application of Conjoint Analysis

The U.S. shrimp farming industry has been developing in Southern states in response to domestic market demand for shrimp. Shrimp farmers have expressed interest in marketing fresh, whole shrimp directly to consumers. This study employed a mail survey and conjoint analysis to quantify the utility value and relative importance of key, farmer-controlled shrimp attributes: size, refrigeration state, form, and price. Almost all survey respondents (96%) indicated that a member of their household eats shrimp, and 84% purchase shrimp for at-home consumption. The conjoint analysis results suggest that large (26–35 tails per lb. count), fresh, whole shrimp should receive favorable consumer acceptance.
PERCUTANEOUS MELODY VALVE–IN–VALVE IMPLANTATION WITH SIMULTANEOUS PARAVALVULAR LEAK CLOSURE: COMPLETE TRANSCATHETER REPAIR OF A FAILING MITRAL BIOPROSTHESIS

Structural deterioration and paravalvular leak (PVL) are complications associated with surgically–implanted prosthetic valves. Until recently, the only available treatment has been surgery. Percutaneous PVL closure has demonstrated reasonable technical success and clinical outcomes. In addition,
Missed Opportunities for Hepatitis C Testing in Opioid Treatment Programs

HCV has surpassed HIV as a cause of death in the United States and is particularly prevalent among injection drug users. I examined the availability of on-site HCV testing in a nationally representative sample of opioid treatment programs. Nearly 68% of these programs had the staff required for HCV testing, but only 34% offered on-site testing. Availability of on-site testing increased only slightly with the proportion of injection drug users among clients. The limited HCV testing services in opioid treatment programs is a key challenge to reducing HCV in the US population.
Biotransformation of all-trans-retinol and all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinoic acid in rat conceptal homogenates

Catalysis of the oxidation of all-trans-retinol (vitamin A1) or of all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinoic acid (all-trans-RA) by rat conceptal enzymes was investigated during organogenesis. Products of the reaction were identified and quantified with HPLC by comparing their elution times with those of authentic standard retinoids. Under the incubation and assay conditions utilized, all-trans-retinol and all-trans-retinal were converted to readily detectable quantities of all-trans-RA. Rat conceptal homogenates from gestational days 10.5, 11.5 and 12.5 each exhibited enzymatic activity for oxidation of all-trans-retinol and all-trans-retinal to all-trans-RA. Enzymatic catalysis was verified by showing that: (1) both reactions were coenzyme dependent; (2) the rates of reactions increased as concentrations of conceptal protein increased; (3) both reactions were abolished by heating the tissue homogenates (100 degrees, 5 min); and (4) both reactions exhibited substrate saturation. Under the same experimental conditions, formation of all-trans-RA from all-trans-retinol was much slower than from all-trans-retinal, suggesting that oxidation of all-trans-retinol to all-trans-retinal was the rate-limiting step for biotransformation of all-trans-retinol to all-trans-RA in embryonic tissues. When NAD or NADP were replaced by NADH or NADPH, the rate of oxidation of all-trans-retinol was reduced markedly, indicating that the reaction was catalyzed primarily by an NAD/NADP-dependent dehydrogenase(s). Carbon monoxide (CO:O2 = 90:10) did not inhibit the reaction. NAD appeared to be a more effective cofactor than NADP in catalyzing oxidation of all-trans-retinal to all-trans-RA. When NAD was omitted, formation of all-trans-RA from all-trans-retinal was reduced by approximately 55%. Replacing NAD by NADH or NADPH also reduced the conversion of all-trans-retinal to all-trans-RA by about 60%. These observations suggested at least two pathways for the generation of all-trans-RA from all-trans-retinal in embryos: oxidation catalyzed by an NAD/NADP-dependent dehydrogenase(s) and oxidation catalyzed by an oxidase(s) that did not require NAD, NADH, NADP or NADPH. Conversion of all-trans-retinol to all-trans-RA was inhibited strongly by low concentrations of citral, but not by high concentrations of sodium azide, 4-methylpyrazole, or metyrapone. Similarly, oxidation of all-trans-retinal was inhibited strongly by citral but not by metyrapone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Artificial Nest Cavities Designed for use by Small Mammals

Abstract Forty artificial nest cavities, composed of 7.6-cm plastic tubing (20 PVC white and 20 ABS black), were established in a riparian hardwood forest habitat located in the Georgia Piedmont. Nest cavities situated on wooden L-shaped platforms were secured on Quercus nigra (Water Oak) and Q. alba (White Oak) tree trunks 1.5 m from the ground. Peromyscus leucopus (White-footed Mouse) and Ochrotomys nuttalli (Golden Mouse) used these artificial nest cavities during autumn, winter, and spring. White-footed Mice (36 M, 38 F, 7 J) used the black tubes to a significantly greater extent than the white tubes 02 M, 10 F, 0 J) (χ2= 33.8, df = 1, P ≤ 0.01). In contrast, Golden Mice inhabited the black tubes (3 M, 5 F, 6 J) to the same extent as the white tubes (6 M, 7 F, 0 J) (χ2 = 0.04, df = 1, P > 0.25). Black tube cavities were warmer (2.5 °C) than white tubes during the winter breeding season, which may partially explain why White-footed Mice, a less social species than Golden Mice, used these artificial nes...
Induction of the platelet release reaction by concanavalin A—Relation of con A binding to release and modification of release by ATP, PGE1 and amantadine

Abstract The binding of concanavalin A (con A) to washed human platelets was demonstrated with [63Ni] and [3H] labeled preparations. When con A binding was inhibited by α-methyl- d -mannoside, the con A-induced platelet release reaction was inhibited. PGE1 markedly inhibited the release of nucleotides, serotonin and α-mannosidase (α-man) produced by both con A and thrombin but caused only a moderate decrease in con A binding. ATP, which inhibited release of serotonin by con A and thrombin, also caused a moderate decrease in con A binding. Amantadine, 5 mM, potentiated release of serotonin and most glycosidases from thrombin-treated platelets, but did not affect nucleotide or α-man release. Although 1 mM amantadine also enhanced serotonin release by con A-treated platelets without affecting release of nucleotides, 5 mM amantadine inhibited con A-stimulated release of serotonin, nucleotides and α-man and produced a 30 per cent reduction in con A binding. These data suggest that: (1) con A and thrombin activate release receptors by different mechanisms, (2) activation by con A may require binding to the receptors, (3) the mechanism for release after activation is similar for both, and (4) receptors governing the release of serotonin are different from those involved in release of nucleotides and α-man.
The missing link in medical anthropology: The political economy of health

Philip Singer, ed. Traditional Healing: New Science or New Colonialism? (Essays in Critique of Medical Anthropology). Buffalo, New York: The Conch Magazine Limited, 1977. 259 pp. $17.50, cloth. $10.00, paper.
β-endorphin binding in cultured adrenal cortical cells.

The polypeptide β-endorphin binds to cultured bovine adrenal cortical cells in a naloxone insensitive manner, β-endorphin and N-Acetyl-β-endorphin are equipotent in inhibiting binding. The amino terminal 27 amino acid fragment referred to as β-endorphin[1–27] shows no ability to inhibit binding, whereas the carboxy-terminal tetrapeptide Lys-Lys-Gly-Glu partially inhibits binding. ACTH, angiotensin II and met-enkephalin show little or no ability to inhibit β-endorphin binding. Competition bin-ding reveals an apparently single affinity class with Kd of 33 nM. Molecular cross linking experiments reveal putative receptor subunits of 85 kD, 64 kD, 54 kD and 44 kD. The lower molecular weight bands are preferentially cross-linked by a hydrophobic cross linking reagent, in contrast to the two higher molecular weight bands, which are cross linked equally by hydrophobic and water soluble cross linking reagents. The β-endorphin binding characteristics of adrenal cortical cells revealed here are quite similar to those of a class of non-opioid β-endorphin receptors previously shown to exist in cells of the immune system.
Actively adaptive methods for stochastic systems

An important element of adaptive control is learning of the drifting parameters. As the process unfolds, additional information becomes available, which will provide learning for the purpose of control. This information may come about accidentally through past control actions or as a result of active probing, which itself is a possible control policy. Thus learning is present, where it is accidental or deliberate. Since more learning may improve overall control performance, the probing signal may indirectly help in controlling the stochastic system. On the other hand, excessive probing should not be allowed even though it may promote learning because it is expensive in the sense that it will, in general, increase the expected cost performance of the system. A good control law must then regulate its adaptation (learning) in an optimal manner. An adaptive control method is called passively adaptive if learning is not planned in the manner described above; it is called actively adaptive if learning is planned and regulated for the purpose of final control. This paper gives an overview of adaptive control methods which were developed based on the concept of active learning for control purposes. Some comments on their practicality are also given.
Sensitivity of Tenebrio molitor and T. obscurus to Gamma Irradiation

Effects of gamma irradiation doses between 5 and 100 krad on all stages of Tenebrio molitor L. and T. obscurus F. appeared to be similar although T. molitor was more radio-sensitive. Development of adults from eggs and larvae was prevented by 2.5 and 5 had, respectively, but some adult T. obscurus emerged from pupae treated with doses as high as 30 krad, and some T. molitor at doses of 50 krad. Adult females of both species were more sensitive than males to the sterilizing effects of gamma irradiation, but sterility was complete at doses of 15 krad and above. Control of these 2 species appears feasible with the levels of irradiation currently approved for treatment of stored-grain insects in wheat and wheat flour.
Testing of modified zeolite hemostatic dressings in a large animal model of lethal groin injury.

Background:We have previously identified a granular zeolite hemostat (ZH) as an effective agent for control of severe bleeding, and it is currently being used by the US troops in the battlefield. ZH causes an exothermic reaction on application, which theoretically can be decreased by altering its ch
Exploring automated software composition with genetic programming

Much research has been performed in investigating the numerous dimensions of software composition. Challenges include creating a composition-based design process, designing software for reuse, investigating various strategies for composition, and automating the composition process. Depending on the complexity of the relevant components, numerous composition strategies may exist, each of which may have several options and variations for aggregate steps in realizing these strategies. This paper presents an evolutionary computation-based framework for automatically searching for and realizing an optimal composition strategy for composing a given target module into an existing software system.
Optical design of a reflectance/raman confocal microspectrometer

A miniaturized instrument for systematic planetary mineralogy is presented, and the optical design of the component parts is discussed. The instrument combines the following capabilities: wide field color imaging, confocal imaging at two different resolution/range levels, reflectance spectroscopy in the 400-2500 nm region with a resolution of 10nm, and Raman spectroscopy over 4000 cm-1 with an average resolution of 3.3 cm-1. The instrument can also serve as an expandable platform for adding fluorescence spectroscopy, or for examining samples from a distance of several meters while using the same spectrometer.
Micropropagation of loblolly pine by somatic organogenesis and RAPD analysis of regenerated plantlets

Organogenesis was induced in callus derived from mature zygotic embryos of six families (J-56, S-1003, E-22, E-311, E-440, and Mc) of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) within 24 weeks of culture. Elongation of adventitious buds was achieved on TE medium supplemented with 0.5 mg·L−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 1 mg/l 6-benzyladenine (BA). The most suitable medium for root formation proved to be TE medium supplemented with 0.5 mg·L−1 IBA, 2mg·L−1 BA and 0.5 mg/l gibberellic acid (GA3). 169 regenerated plantlets were transferred to a perlite: peatmoss: vermiculite (1∶1∶1) soil mixture, and 98 plantlets survived in the field. Total DNA was extracted from the needles of the regenerated plantlets of the six families of loblolly pine. Analysis of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) using 20 arbitrary oligonucleotide 10-mers, show that amplification products were monomorphic for all the plantlets of family J-56, S-1003, E-22, E-311, E-440, and Mc of loblolly pine. These results suggested that organogenesis can be used for clonal micropropagation of some families of loblolly pine.
Complete trisomy 17p syndrome in a girl with der(14)t(14;17)(p11.2;p11.2)

We report on an 8-year-old girl with near-complete trisomy 17p syndrome due to a de novo unbalanced t(14;17)(p11.2;p11.2). She has features consistent with the previously described cases with complete trisomy 17p, including pre- and post-natal growth retardation, motor and mental retardation, skeletal anomalies, clinodactyly of the 5th finger, hypertrichosis, as well as facial characteristics including microcephaly, receding forehead, ptosis, low-set malformed ears, smooth philtrum, high-arched palate, and a short broad neck. Fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that the breakpoints were p11.2 for both chromosome 14 and 17. Microsatellite analysis showed that the duplicated 17p was of paternal origin, and indicated that the breakpoint involving 17p11.2 is most likely located within the approximately 1-Mb segment from the centromere, and not involving the proximal Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) low copy repeat. We compare the clinical features of our patient with those previously reported to further delineate the phenotype of complete trisomy 17p syndrome.
TU-D-L100J-03: Initial Phantom Evaluation of a Surface Imaging System (GateCT®) for 4-D CT

Purpose: Many external surrogates exist for 4‐D CT, but all require some device attached to the patient. We evaluated a markerless optical surfaceimagingsystem for use with 4‐D CT.Method and Materials: A prototype of the GateCT optical surfaceimagingsystem (VisionRT, London, UK) was installed with a Philips Brilliance 64 CT simulator (Philips Medical, Cleveland, OH). The system is similar to the AlignRT product, but only contains one camera pod which is focused on the bore of the CTscanner. It also monitors the x‐ray on signal and sends regular pulses to the scanner similar to other external respiratory surrogates. First, a static plate was imaged to detect any drift in the measured motion. Next, the 4D phantom was used to create sinusoidal motion with simultaneous longitudinal motion to model breathing whilst the patient was scanned, and the motion measured by GateCT was compared with the phantom motion. Next, the 4‐D phantom moved a 2 cm marble in a sinusoidal pattern, and the scanner was operated in retrospective helical mode. The respiratory waveform was exported from the GateCT program to the scanner, and the inspiration and exhalation image sets were reconstructed and compared. Results: When the phantom was still, the GateCT point track gave a stable reading with a noise level of 0.5 mm. When the phantom was moving in one or two dimensions, the GateCT point track accurately recorded the amplitude, phase and frequency of the motion. For the 4‐D CT scans, the reconstructedCTimages indicated that the amplitude, phase, and frequency of the marble motion were recorded accurately by GateCT. Conclusion: GateCT hold potential as a markerless respiratory surrogate. More work is necessary to determine the optimal patient selection for this technique.
Comparison of Enrichment Broths for Supporting Growth of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli

Detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in complex sample matrices remains challenging. In an attempt to improve detection, nonselective and selective enrichment broths were compared as follows: (1) trypticase soy broth (TSB) was compared with TSB plus novobiocin, vancomycin, rifampicin, bile salts, and potassium tellurite (TSB-NVRBT) for supporting growth of STEC in pure culture; (2) E. coli broth (EC), TSB, and TSB plus bile salts (mTSB) were compared for enrichment of STEC O26, O45, O103, O104, O111, O121, O145, and O157 (STEC-8) in inoculated cattle fecal samples; (3) EC, TSB, and mTSB were compared for the detection of STEC-8 in inoculated cattle fecal samples. Fecal samples were inoculated with wild-type STEC-8 or nalidixic acid- or rifampicin-resistant derivatives of the same strains at 100, 1000, or 10,000 colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g) of feces. In pure culture, the mean STEC CFU/mL following enrichment in TSB was 1.17 log10 greater than that in TSB-NVRBT (P < 0.05). In inoculated fecal samples, EC enrichment yielded growth of STEC-8 (6.42 log10 CFU/g) that was significantly greater than in TSB (6.23 log10 CFU/g; P < 0.05), and numerically but not significantly greater than in mTSB (6.37 log10 CFU/g; P = 0.60). Wild-type STEC strains were detected in 43.8 % (21/48) of the samples enriched in EC and mTSB compared to 27.1 % (13/48) of the samples enriched in TSB (P = 0.15). Overall, STEC grew significantly better when enriched in EC compared to TSB. Modification of TSB by the addition of bile salts improved the growth and detection of STEC compared to TSB alone.
Effect of Internet Support on the Long‐Term Maintenance of Weight Loss

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of an Internet weight maintenance program. Research Methods and Procedures: Two hundred fifty-five healthy overweight and obese adults (mean ± SD BMI, 31.8 ± 4.1 kg/m2) men (18%; mean ± SD age, 45.8 ± 8.9 yrs) participated in a 6-month behavioral weight control program conducted over interactive television. Treatment was followed by a 12-month weight maintenance program with three conditions: frequent in-person support (F-IPS), minimal in-person support (M-IPS) and internet support (IS). Main outcome measures included body weight, program adherence, and social influence components. Results: There were no significant differences among the groups in weight loss (mean ± SD) from baseline to 18 months (7.6 ± 7.3 kg vs. 5.5 ± 8.9 kg vs. 5.1 ± 6.5 kg, p = 0.23 for the IS, M-IPS, and F-IPS, respectively). Discussion: Participants assigned to an internet-based weight maintenance program sustained comparable weight loss over 18 months compared with individuals who continued to meet face-to-face. Therefore, the internet appears to be a viable medium for promoting long-term weight maintenance.
The hemodynamic derangements in sepsis: implications for treatment strategies

The incidence of the sepsis syndrome has increased dramatically in the last few decades. During this time, we have gained new insights into the pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to organ dysfunction in this syndrome. Yet, despite this increased knowledge and the use of novel therapeutic approaches, the mortality associated with the sepsis syndrome has remained between 30% and 40%. Appropriate antibiotic selection and hemodynamic support remain the cornerstone of treatment of patients with sepsis. Recent studies have failed to demonstrate a global oxygen debt in patients with sepsis. Furthermore, therapy aimed at increasing systemic oxygen delivery has failed to consistently improve patient outcome. The primary aim of the initial phase of resuscitation is to restore an adequate tissue perfusion pressure. Aggressive volume resuscitation is considered the best initial therapy for the cardiovascular instability of sepsis. Vasoactive agents are required in patients who remain hemodynamically unstable or have evidence of tissue hypoxia after adequate volume resuscitation. (CHEST 1998; 114:854–860) Abbreviations: ATP=adenosine triphosphate; Do 2 =oxygen delivery; L/P=lactate/pyruvate
Induced costs of low-cost screening mammography

Telephone follow-up in a recent low-cost ($50) mammography screening project in Orange County, California, was done to determine the detection rate and the induced costs of detection of small breast cancers. Because 403 of 2,261 (18%) women screened required additional evaluation and the cost of evaluation per abnormal mammogram averaged $607, the actual cost per cancer detected was $25,500. At least five cancers were detected per 1,000 women screened, and only 17% of the cancers involved the axillary lymph nodes. The costs of screening mammograms accounted for less than one-third of total costs, with surgical consultations and biopsies for benign disease representing the major induced costs of screening.
The Influence of Elemental Sulphur upon Chick Growth and Bone Ash

Abstract COCCIDIOSIS mortality has been reduced by feeding elementary sulphur in the chick ration according to Herrick and Holmes (1936), Dickinson and Scofield (1939), and Goff and Upp (1940). Although sulphur may be of value in preventing this disease, the physiological response of animals to a diet containing elementary sulphur demands consideration and attention. Daniels and Rich (1918) found that the addition of inorganic sulfates failed to produce normal gains in rats on a cystine deficient diet. Kellerman (1936) reported that rations low in protein, cystine, and “food sulphur” caused a marked retardation in the growth of rats when 0.8 percent flowers of sulphur was added, but that the addition of sulphur up to 3.5 percent in a complete diet had little toxic effect. Lewis and Lewis (1927) reported that 14 of 22 rats died from the toxic effects of sulphur when 1 percent was added to their diet, due to . . .
Structure of structure formation theories

We study the general structure of models for structure formation, with applications to the reverse engineering of the model from observations. Through a careful accounting of the degrees of freedom in covariant gravitational instability theory, we show that the evolution of structure is completely specified by the stress history of the dark sector. The study of smooth, entropic, sonic, scalar anisotropic, vector anisotropic, and tensor anisotropic stresses reveals the origin, robustness, and uniqueness of specific model phenomenology. We construct useful and illustrative analytic solutions that cover cases with multiple species of differing equations of state relevant to the current generation of models, especially those with effectively smooth components. We present a simple case study of models with phenomenologies similar to that of a $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\mathrm{CDM}$ model to highlight reverse-engineering issues. A critical-density universe dominated by a single type of dark matter with the appropriate stress history can mimic a $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\mathrm{CDM}$ model exactly.
Low-dimensional concordances, Whitney towers and isotopies

Let M n be a smooth closed n -dimensional manifold and let DIFF ( M n ) be the group of diffeomorphisms of M n . Two diffeomorphisms f 0 , f 1 ∈ DIFF( M n ) are said to be concordant (pseudo-isotopic) if there is a diffeomorphism F ∈ DIFF ( M n × I ), where I = [0, 1], such that F ( x , 0) = f 0 ( x ) and F ( x , 1) = f 1 ( x ) for all x ∈ M n .
Spatial Tracking of Numerical Wave Model Output Using a Spiral Search Algorithm

Numerical ocean wave models output a frequency-direction energy spectrum at each grid point in space and time over a defined domain (e.g. the Pacific Ocean). After identifying each wave component (wind-sea, young swell and mature swell) using a spectral partitioning technique, a spiral search algorithm is used to identify the different wave systems, which are a cluster of wave-components propagating from a common origin on the ocean. This spiral search algorithm is being tested on output from two different wave models: the NOAA National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) WaveWatch III and the Delft near-shore wave model SWAN (Simulating WAve Near shore). The tracking algorithm, prototyped in Matlab, spirals once through the entire domain to identify existing wave systems. A second loop then combines neighboring wave systems initially separated by land.
Independent Living Skills and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Women Who Are Homeless: Implications for Future Practice

Objective Service delivery through community-based programs is the future of occupational therapy. This study examined independent living skills, traumatic experiences, and symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in a sample of women residing in a supportive housing program for women and families who are homeless in order to determine the needs of this population and the possible role of occupational therapy in such a community-based program. Method Twenty-four women residing in a supportive housing shelter in Kansas City, Missouri, volunteered to participate in this study. The participants were evaluated for independent living skills with the Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills. A structured interview format was used to determine whether participants experienced a trauma and whether they met diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Results Results indicated that women who are homeless have deficits in independent living skills, especially in the area of money management. Results also indicated that traumatic experiences and PTSD are more prevalent among women who are homeless than among women in the general population. The relationship between independent living skills and PTSD among women who are homeless was not made clear by this study. Conclusion The information gathered in this study underscores the importance of identifying and addressing occupational and mental health issues of women who are homeless. Results suggest that occupational therapists have a major role to play, evaluating and facilitating independent living skills, as members of multidisciplinary treatment teams in supportive housing programs for persons who are homeless.
Is the World Still Flat? An Update

Writer Thomas L Friedman sees "flatness" as a metaphor for innumerable global partnerships and greater leveraging of IT's immense potential. But his "dirty little secrets" suggest that the US needs to anticipate some serious internal challenges that could reduce long-term competitiveness. Friedman believes that we've experienced three eras of "flattening." The first (1492 through 1800) was characterized by competition among the great nations of the world to leverage brawn or muscle by harnessing the power of animals, wind, and steam. The forces behind global integration at the time were religion or imperialism, often operating together. The second era (1800 through 2000) witnessed an industrial and transport revolution, in which the key force for integration was the multinational company. According to Friedman, the second half of this era featured "falling telecommunication costs - thanks to the diffusion of the telegraph, telephones, the PC, satellites, Fiber-optic cable, and the early version of the World Wide Web." The bulk of the book focuses on the third era. Globalization 3.0. Friedman says the earlier eras were about groups and organizations, but the 3.0 world is about empowering individuals to compete as never before. He attributes this enabling power to a flat-world platform that consists of the convergence of PC, fiber optics, and workflow software. The World Is Flat also describes 10 significant forces responsible for the 3.0 era. These "flatteners" include the collapse of the Berlin Wall, Netscape and the rise of Web connectivity, workflow software (machines talking to other machines without human involvement), open sourcing (or uploading), outsourcing, offshoring (like outsourcing, except that the company actually sets up a new factory in the foreign country to get the labor price benefits), supply chaining (companies streamlining all facets of production), insourcing (companies taking on various tasks for other companies), in-forming (the rise of search engines), and "the steroids" (personal digital equipment). Let's examine more closely what Friedman calls "dirty little secrets," six alarming ICT policy problems that could eventually cripple the US's ability to be a major player in the flat world of the future.
A framework for organizing and selecting quantitative approaches for benefit-harm assessment

Several quantitative approaches for benefit-harm assessment of health care interventions exist but it is unclear how the approaches differ. Our aim was to review existing quantitative approaches for benefit-harm assessment and to develop an organizing framework that clarifies differences and aids selection of quantitative approaches for a particular benefit-harm assessment. We performed a review of the literature to identify quantitative approaches for benefit-harm assessment. Our team, consisting of clinicians, epidemiologists, and statisticians, discussed the approaches and identified their key characteristics. We developed a framework that helps investigators select quantitative approaches for benefit-harm assessment that are appropriate for a particular decisionmaking context. Our framework for selecting quantitative approaches requires a concise definition of the treatment comparison and population of interest, identification of key benefit and harm outcomes, and determination of the need for a measure that puts all outcomes on a single scale (which we call a benefit and harm comparison metric). We identified 16 quantitative approaches for benefit-harm assessment. These approaches can be categorized into those that consider single or multiple key benefit and harm outcomes, and those that use a benefit-harm comparison metric or not. Most approaches use aggregate data and can be used in the context of single studies or systematic reviews. Although the majority of approaches provides a benefit and harm comparison metric, only four approaches provide measures of uncertainty around the benefit and harm comparison metric (such as a 95 percent confidence interval). None of the approaches considers the actual joint distribution of benefit and harm outcomes, but one approach considers competing risks when calculating profile-specific event rates. Nine approaches explicitly allow incorporating patient preferences. The choice of quantitative approaches depends on the specific question and goal of the benefit-harm assessment as well as on the nature and availability of data. In some situations, investigators may identify only one appropriate approach. In situations where the question and available data justify more than one approach, investigators may want to use multiple approaches and compare the consistency of results. When more evidence on relative advantages of approaches accumulates from such comparisons, it will be possible to make more specific recommendations on the choice of approaches.
Demon or disorder: A survey of attitudes toward mental illness in the Christian church

The present study assessed the attitudes and beliefs that mentally ill Christians encountered when they seek counsel from the church. Participants (n = 293) completed an anonymous online survey in relation to their interactions with the church. Analysis of the results found that while a majority of the mentally ill participants were accepted by the church, approximately 30% reported a negative interaction. Negative interactions included abandonment by the church, equating mental illness with the work of demons, and suggesting that the mental disorder was the result of personal sin. Analysis of the data by gender found that women were significantly more likely than men to have their mental illness dismissed by the church and/or be told not to take psychiatric medication. Given that a religious support system can play a vital role in recovery from serious mental disorders, these results suggest that continued education is needed to bring the Christian and mental health communities together.
The Need To Incorporate Health Information Technology Into Physicians’ Education And Professional Development

Nationwide, as physicians and health care systems adopt electronic health records, health information technology is becoming integral to the practice of medicine. But current medical education and professional development curricula do not systematically prepare physicians to use electronic health records and the data these systems collect. We detail how training in meaningful use of electronic health records could be incorporated into physician training, from medical school, through licensure and board certification, to continuing medical education and the maintenance of licensure and board certification. We identify six near-term opportunities for professional organizations to accelerate the integration of health information technology into their requirements.
Stimulation of oxygen uptake by prostaglandin E2 is oxygen dependent in perfused rat liver.

The aim of this study was to determine if the effect of prostaglandin E2(PGE2) on hepatic oxygen uptake was affected by oxygen tension. Livers from fed female Sprague-Dawley rats were perfused at n...
Biologically Active Domain of the Secreted Form of the Amyloid β/A4 Protein Precursora

The amyloid beta/A4 protein precursor (APP), a large transmembrane protein, is expressed ubiquitously in many organisms, as well as in a variety of cultured cells. Studies of the synthesis and processing of APP have revealed several intricate metabolic pathways for this protein. One of these pathways involves the cleavage of APP in the middle of the beta/A4 domain and results in the secretion of the large amino-terminal portion of the protein. The biological function of this secreted form of APP has been the subject of intense investigation by several groups and various activities have been described for the different domains of APP studied. Our initial approach was to create a fibroblast cell line in which APP expression is dramatically reduced. These fibroblasts, called A-1, have a very slow growth rate. Addition of exogenous APP in the medium of A-1 cells restores their growth to the level of normal parent fibroblasts, demonstrating a growth factor-like activity for the secreted form of APP. Using APP fragments made in bacteria as well as synthetic peptides, we have been able to locate the active site of APP within a domain of 17 amino-acids (Ala319-Met335). This domain of APP can stimulate neurite extension of cultured neuroblastoma cells and it is proposed that APP mediates this effect through binding to a cell surface receptor, triggering intracellular transduction mechanisms. Thus, the secreted form of APP can function as a growth and/or differentiation factor and the site involved in these activities is within a 17-mer domain in the middle of the molecule. Our current lines of research seek to further characterize the mechanisms of APP function as well as its activity in vivo.
Preparation, characterization, and magnetic properties of the solid solution series: Ca4−xNixIrO6 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4)

Abstract The new one-dimensional oxides Ca4− xNixIrO6 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) have been synthesized by standard solid-state reactions. The compounds crystallize with trigonal (rhombohedral) symmetry in the space group R3c, Z = 6, for Ca3.9Ni0.1IrO6 a = 9.32009(7) A, c = 11.19945(9) A; for Ca3.8Ni0.2IrO6 a = 9.30830(7) A, c = 11.1688(1) A; for Ca3.7Ni0.3IrO6 a = 9.30142(7) A, c = 11.1509(1) A; for Ca3.6Ni0.4IrO6 a = 9.29038(7) A, c = 11.12126(9) A. Ca4− xNixIrO6 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) are isotypic to compounds of the A4PtO6 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) structure type. All the structures have been determined by Rietveld refinement of powder X-ray diffraction data. The structure consists of infinite one-dimensional chains of alternating face-sharing IrO6 octahedra and (Ca/Ni)O6 trigonal prisms. The chains are separated by the calcium cations, which are in a distorted square antiprismatic coordination. Magnetic measurements revealed that the samples of Ca4−xNixIrO6 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) follow Curie-Weiss behavior at temperatures above 100 K, with μeff values consistent with an oxidation state of +4 for Ir and +2 for Ni. The compounds Ca4−xNixIrO6 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) undergo a single antiferromagnetic transition between TN = 5 and 10 K. Ca4−xNixIrO6 (x = 0.4) undergoes two antiferromagnetic transitions at approximately TN1 = 13 K and TN2 = 5 K.
CSDC: a new complexity reduction technique for multiplierless implementation of digital FIR filters

We present a computation reduction technique called computation sharing differential coefficient (CSDC) method, which can be used to obtain low-complexity multiplierless implementation of finite-impulse response (FIR) filters. It is also applicable to digital signal processing tasks involving multiplications with a set of constants. The main component of our proposed CSDC method is to combine the strength of the augmented differential coefficient approach and subexpression sharing. Exploring computation reuse through algorithmic equivalence, the augmented differential coefficient approach greatly expands the design space by employing both differences and sums of filter coefficients. The expanded design space is represented by an undirected and complete graph. The problem of minimizing the adder cost (the number of additions/subtractions) for a given filter is transformed into a problem of searching for an appropriate subexpression set that leads to a minimal adder cost. A heuristic search algorithm based on genetic algorithm is developed to search for low-complexity solutions over the expanded design space in conjunction with exploring subexpression sharing. It is shown that up to 70.1% reduction in the adder cost can be obtained over the conventional multiplierless implementation. Comparison with several existing techniques based on the available data shows that our method yields comparable results for multiplierless FIR filter implementation.
Measurement of OH concentrations in turbulent diffusion flames using combined LIF and Raman spectroscopy

Quantification of laser induced fluorescence (LIF) signals of a particular species requires local flame temperature to accurately predict the collisional quenching. Most of the currently available collisional quenching models of OH radical assume equilibrium temperature to evaluate the collisional removing of OH radical from the upper state. This assumption is reasonable for hydrogen flames where near equilibrium exists close to the burner region. However, an attempt to use this assumption in hydrocarbon flames incurs significant errors in the measurement of the absolute concentration of OH radical. This paper presents a technique of combined LIF and Raman spectroscopic measurements, in which local temperature is measured independently from Raman spectra. The measurement of OH radical concentration in natural gas turbulent flames is presented using a combined LIF-Raman spectroscopy technique. For quantification of absolute OH concentration, both measured collider species concentration and equilibrium composition were used. The differences are analyzed and discussed.
Mood states and personality traits.

Abstract In this article we analyze the relationship between personality traits assessed by the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire, and six mood states assessed by the Profile of Mood States-bipolar form. Our data suggest that large portions of personality and /or behavior, e.g., higher order dimensions of Novelty Seeking and Reward Dependence, can be relatively independent from current mood. In contrast, the Harm Avoidance dimension covaries with mood and anxiety. Also, we analyze the psychometric properties of the Profile of Mood States-bipolar form, and discuss some practical aspects of our findings.
Electrogenic pump (Na+/K(+)-ATPase) activity in rat optic nerve.

Abstract Rat optic nerves were studied in a sucrose gap chamber in order to study the origin of a late afterhyperpolarization that follows repetitive activity. The results provide evidence for electrogenic pump (Na+/K+-ATPase) activity in central nervous system myelinated axons and demonstrate an effect on axonal excitability. Repetitive stimulation (25–200 Hz; 200–5000 ms) led to a prolonged, temperature-dependent post-train afterhyperpolarization with duration up to about 40s. The post-train after-hyperpolarization was blocked by the Na+/K+-ATPase blockers strophanthidin and ouabain, and the substitution of Li+ for Na+ in the test solution, which also blocks Na+/K+-ATPase. The peak amplitude of the post-train afterhyperpolarization was minimally changed by the potassium-channel blocker tetraethylammonium (10 mM), and the Ca2+-channel blocker CoCl2 (4mM). Hyperpolarizing constant current did not reverse the afterhyperpolarization. The amplitude of the hyperpolarization was increased in the presence of the potassium-channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (1 mM). In the presence of 4-amino-pyridine, the post-train hyperpolarization was much reduced by strophanthidin, except for a residual early component lasting several hundred milliseconds which was blocked by the potassium-channel blocker tetraethylammonium. This finding indicates that after exposure to 4-aminopyridine, repetitive stimulation leads to activation of a tetraethylammonium-sensitive K+-channel that contributes during the first several hundred milliseconds to the post-train afterhyperpolarization. The amplitude of the compound action potential elicited by a single submaximal stimulus during the post-train hyperpolarization was smaller than that of the control response. The decrement in amplitude was not present under identical stimulation conditions when the post-train hyperpolarization was blocked by strophanthidin, indicating that the hyperpolarization associated with repetitive stimulation reduced excitability. The results indicate that the post-train hyperpolarization in rat optic nerve, a central nervous system myelinated axon bundle, is primarily due to activation of the electrogenic pump (Na+/K+-ATPase); in the presence of 4-aminopyridine, activation of a tetraethylammonium-sensitive K+ channel also contributes to an early component. Activation of the electrogenic pump by repetitive stimulation can lead to axonal hyperpolarization with consequent decreased excitability which can be reversed by cardiac glycosides.
Superconducting cueing receiver for space experiment

Exploiting the high-temperature superconductor YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ (YBCO), we have extended chirp-transform processing to instantaneously analyze the spectrum of an incoming signal over greater bandwidth than any competing technology. A compact receiver has been developed that can analyze a 3 GHz bandwidth in 120 ns with 110 MHz resolution. The cryogenic YBCO chirp filter and ambient-temperature semiconductor electronics have been space qualified for flight on the US Navy's High-Temperature Superconductivity Space Experiment, a package to be launched on the US Air Force ARGOS scientific satellite. >
Surveillance for high pathogenicity avian influenza virus in wild birds in the Pacific Flyway of the United States, 2006-2007

Abstract In 2006 the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Interior, and cooperating state fish and wildlife agencies began surveillance for high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in wild birds in the Pacific Flyway of the United States. This surveillance effort was highly integrated in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and western Montana, with collection of samples coordinated with state agencies. Sampling focused on live wild birds, hunter-killed waterfowl during state hunting seasons, and wild bird mortality events. Of 20,888 samples collected, 18,139 were from order Anseriformes (waterfowl) and 2010 were from order Charadriiformes (shorebirds), representing the two groups of birds regarded to be the primary reservoirs of avian influenza viruses. Although 83 birds were positive by H5 real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), no HPAI H5N1 virus was found. Thirty-two virus isolates were obtained from the H5-positive sample...
A randomized trial of sodium fluoride as a treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

The anti-fracture efficacy of sodium fluoride (NaF) was evaluated in 84 postmenopausal white women with spinal osteoporosis. The dose of NaF used was 75 mg/day and all patients in this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial received calcium supplements (carbonate salt) 1500 mg/day in addition to participating in a structured physical therapy program. For each of the outcome measures (change in stature, change in cortical bone mass in the forearm and development of new vertebral fractures determined by change in vertebral morphometry and by scintigraphy) there was no significant difference between the fluoride or placebo treated groups. Side effects, predominantly gastrointestinal symptoms and the development of the painful lower extremity syndrome, occurred significantly more frequently in the fluoride group (P<0.05). Peripheral fractures were not more frequent in the fluoride group. We conclude that, in the dose and manner used in this study, NaF is no more effective than placebo in retarding the progression of spinal osteoporosis. There is no role for NaF in the treatment of osteoporosis outside the confines of clinical research.