cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From visual to logical formalisms for SoC validation

In current SoCs, key infrastructure capabilities are distributed across many components and involve tight software, firmware, and hardware interaction. Examples include resets, power management, security, and more. The architectural complexity of these features often results in specification errors that when found quite late in the product life cycle are very costly to fix. This means that we have to find ways to analyze the architectural specification and not only the implementation. To address these issues, we describe a framework called iPave that supports the following capabilities: (1) A common, formal system-level specification serving as a contract between different design teams; (2) Specification analysis with focus on cross-component assumptions and dependencies; and (3) A method to reuse the specification as a global checker to assure that the implementation is compliant with the specification across all validation platforms (simulation, emulation, silicon). At the front end of this framework we have an intuitive visual formalism, iFlow, which makes it easy for architects to specify system-level protocols, while at the back end we have a new logical formalism, called Logic Sequence Diagrams (LSDs), which enables formal compliance checking across different validation platforms.
Simplified 1/f noise calculations

A new tool, called the equivalent number of decades ND e , is introduced to simplify the analysis of noise in circuits containing 1/f noise sources. ND e is similar to the familiar concept of equivalent noise bandwidth for white sources. A simple expression for ND e is derived for a single-pole lowpass filter and is shown to be approximately correct for Butterworth and Chebyshev filters as well
A regulatory perspective on whether the system of radiation protection is fit for purpose

Abstract The system of radiation protection has its origins in the early efforts to protect people from x rays and radium. It was at the Second International Congress of Radiology in Stockholm in 1928 where the first radiation protection recommendations were adopted. The system of protection steadily evolved as new sources of exposure arose and understanding of radiation-related health risks improved. Safeguarding against these risks has required regulators to set enforceable (i.e. measurable) standards. From erythema dose to tolerance dose, critical organ dose to effective dose equivalent, and now effective dose, the units used to set these limits have evolved along with the science underpinning them. Similarly, the definition of the person or group being protected has changed – from Standard Man to Reference Man to Reference Person, with age and gender differences now considered explicitly. As regulators look towards implementing the changes in the 2007 Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), there remain questions about how to translate an optimisation-based system of constraints and reference levels into the more familiar regime of enforceable limits. Nevertheless, as the new ICRP Recommendations are refinements of a system that did the job it was designed to do more than adequately, so too will the new system of radiation protection be fit for purpose.
Wide-baseline synthetic stereo imagery for human expert training

Wide-baseline three-dimensional, stereoscopic imaging is being investigated at ARL as an aid to the separation of targets from clutter during operator-assisted target acquisition. Preliminary experimental results at ARL [1] indicate that false alarms are decreased and the probability of detection is increased. In this paper we will present a program to produce both infrared and visible band synthetic stereoscopic imagery as well as a methodology to evaluate its usefulness for target detection and clutter rejection. Preliminary images are presented, and qualitatively examined and evaluated.
Latino Group Consciousness and Perceptions of Commonality with African Americans

Objective. Currently, Latinos and African Americans constitute more than one-quarter of the U.S. population. The sheer size of these groups suggests an opportunity for increased political influence, with this opportunity providing the incentive for greater social and political interaction between them. The objective of this article is to determine the role of Latino group consciousness in the formation of attitudes toward African Americans. Methods. Utilizing data from the 1999 Washington Post/Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation National Survey on Latinos, a multivariate ordered logit model is employed to test the relationship between Latino group consciousness and perceptions of commonality with African Americans. Results. Results show that group consciousness in the form of Latino internal commonality and perceived discrimination are contributors to Latino perceptions of commonality with African Americans. Conclusion. This analysis demonstrates that before any meaningful political alliances can be formed between the nation's two largest minority groups, Latinos may need to develop strong levels of panethnic identity.
Deterministic and stochastic components of nonlinear Markov models with an application to decision making during the bailout votes 2008 (USA)

We apply a nonlinear Markov chain model to examine decision making in the US house of representatives during the period between the bailout votes of September 29 and October 3, 2008. We show how to determine deterministic and stochastic properties of the nonlinear model and, in doing so, estimate the strength of the attractors and the amplitudes of fluctuating forces that putatively influenced representatives’ decision making.
Acquiring conjunctive concepts: when and why does feature frequency affect feature identification?

According to frequency theories of concept attainment, acquisition of rule-governed concepts depends on discriminating relevant from irrelevant stimulus features on the basis of their respective frequencies of occurrence. Depending on the theorist, the critical frequency counts may be based on occurrence in all stimuli or on occurrence in positive instances only. Experiment 1 held frequency in positive instances constant and varied the frequency of irrelevant features in the negative category. High frequency was associated with impaired performance, but only when concept problems started with a negative instance. Experiment 2 demonstrated that some previous findings in the literature that were thought to support frequency theory also depended on problems starting with a negative instance. These findings are not easily reconciled with existing frequency theories. We attribute our results to high intercategory similarity, which is a correlate of high frequency of irrelevant features. In the context of a hypothesis-testing theory, we propose that a negative start stimulus proactively interferes with memory for information in the initial positive instance and that the extent of the interference depends on how similar negative instances are to positive instances.
EPR of Cu(II) in Sol-Gel Prepared SiO2 Glass

SiO 2 glass has been prepared by the hydrolysis of TEOS in alcohol using HCl and NH 4 OH to control the pH. Copper ions were incorporated from the acetate to act as structural probe ions during the process of gellation and calcination. The local structure of copper ions was investigated using EPR determined at 300 K and 10 K. It was found that the pH of the solution had a profound effect on the EPR spectra of the copper in the gels and glasses, indicating differences in the local structure.
Release Time and Academic Outcomes: Does Releasing Students for Religious or Moral Education Negatively Affect Test Scores?

This study examines the relationship between release time and academic outcomes. Release time programs allow public school students to be excused from classes to receive off-site religious or moral education. In large part due to the federal No Child Left Behind legislation, schools are under increasing pressure to raise test scores. Consequently, some observers have questioned release time programs based on the assumption that missed instructional time results in lower test scores. To address these concerns, this study uses a quasi-experimental design to compare the academic outcomes of release-time students (n = 187) with a sample of students who did not participate in release time (n = 187). The comparison group was selected using propensity score matching methods. Findings show participation in release time was not associated with lower academic test scores.
First-Date Expectations: The Impact of Sex of Initiator, Alcohol Consumption, and Relationship Type

This study investigated the impact of three factors (sex of initiator, alcohol consumption, and relationship type) relevant to the dominant American first-date script concerning communication and sexual expectations for first dates. After reading a hypothetical scenario describing a date initiation, 218 college students indicated the expectations they would have if they were the person going on the date. Results indicated that men have higher sexual expectations than do women and that participants’ sexual expectations are heightened when alcohol is available. Alcohol availability had complex effects on expectations for communication intimacy. Participants expected more intimate communication when dating partners were close friends than when they were casual acquaintances.
PRDI-BF1/Blimp-1 repression is mediated by corepressors of the Groucho family of proteins

The PRDI-BF1/Blimp-1 protein is a transcriptional repressor required for normal B-cell differentiation, and it has been implicated in the repression of β-interferon (IFN-β) and c-myc gene expression. Here, we show that PRDI-BF1 represses transcription of the IFN-β promoter and of an artificial promoter through an active repression mechanism. We also identified a minimal repression domain in PRDI-BF1 that is sufficient for transcriptional repression when tethered to DNA as a Gal4 fusion protein. Remarkably, this repression domain interacts specifically with hGrg, TLE1, and TLE2 proteins, all of which are members of the Groucho family of transcriptional corepressors. In addition, the hGrg protein itself can function as a potent repressor when tethered to DNA through the Gal4 DNA-binding domain. We also find that the amino-terminal glutamine-rich domains of hGrg and TLE1 are sufficient to mediate dimerization of the two Groucho family proteins. Proteins containing only this domain can function as a dominant-negative inhibitor of PRDI-BF1 repression, and can significantly increase the IFN-β promoter activity after virus induction. We conclude that PRDI-BF1/Blimp-1 represses transcription by recruiting a complex of Groucho family proteins to DNA, and suggest that such corepressor complexes are required for the postinduction repression of the IFN-β promoter.
Microencapsulation of Cell-Free Extracts to Demonstrate the Feasibility of Heterogeneous Enzyme Systems and Cofactor Recycling for Development of Flavor in Cheese

Abstract A mixture of a cell-free extract from Gluconobacter oxydans that produced acetic acid from ethanol and a cell-free extract from Streptococcus lactis var. maltigenes , which converted leucine to 3-methylbutanal and 3-methylbutanol, were coencapsulated with substrate and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in a milk fat coat. The capsules were incubated as 12.8, 22, and 32°C to measure production of 3-methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanol, and acetic acid and recycling of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. Maximum amounts of 3-methylbutanal and 3-methylbutanol were produced after 48h at 22°C, demonstrating the feasibility of encapsulating a combined CFE to recycle cofactors and produce an array of products. Capsules containing the combined cell-free extract were added to skim milk and milk containing 1.1% fat to produce cheeses with reduced fat. About 16% of the capsules were lost in whey during manufacturing of cheese from skim milk with added capsules but less for cheese made with 1.1% fat plus capsules. During ripening at 7.2 and 12.8°C for 1, 3, and 6 mo, cheeses containing whole capsules with a complete cell-free extract mixture contained more 3-methylbutanal and 3-methylbutanol and exhibited a stronger malty taste than cheeses made with broken capsules or an incomplete cell-free extract mixture.
ARE ENTREPRENEURS’ NETWORKS DYNAMIC? A REPLICATION STUDY TESTING CHANGES IN ENTREPRENEURS’ NETWORKS DURING NEW VENTURE DEVELOPMENT

Entrepreneurs’ networks are important for resource acquisition during early venturing. Interestingly, resource needs rapidly change during early venture development, which may necessitate a change in entrepreneurs’ networks. This study examines how the size of an early-stage entrepreneur’s network affects the subsequent structural (e.g., size) and content (e.g., knowledge diversity) character of their network. Additionally, how the strength of an early-stage entrepreneur’s network ties affects the subsequent structural (e.g., size and tie strength) and content (e.g., knowledge diversity) character of their network is explored. Data from the PSED-I were used to analyze the relationships. Results suggest the relationship between network size at time one and network size at time two is positive. Results further suggest a negative relationship between the number of weak ties at time one and the number of strong ties at time two. In addition, a positive relationship was found between network size at time one and network knowledge diversity at time two. Overall, this study contributes by providing a replication of results from recent work examining dynamics of entrepreneurs’ networks and it extends research on the topic by testing proposals utilizing panel data and through integrating novel theoretical perspectives.
Design and Implementation of a Mechatronics Learning Module in a Large First-Semester Engineering Course

Since 2005, the first-year engineering program at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, has been significantly restructured to include more hands-on learning. A major grant (2004-2009) under the department level reform (DLR) program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) facilitated this restructuring. A number of hands-on learning modules were developed and implemented within a required first-semester undergraduate course. One of the modules introduced mechatronics. The goal of this module is to introduce first-year engineering students to a portion of the mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer engineering disciplines within a collaborative setting. Interestingly, while the largest portion of engineering students in the United States are enrolled in electrical and mechanical engineering programs, there is a disparity between the percentage of male engineering students and female engineering students within those disciplines relative to the overall distribution of all students among the various engineering disciplines. By introducing all engineering students to mechatronics before students declare their specific discipline, the college hopes to attract more females to programs that suffer from a greater gender disparity than is already found within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. This paper discusses the details of the implementation of the mechatronics initiative and gives student feedback that includes overall perception of the initiative and perception by gender.
Esophageal Rupture as a Primary Manifestation in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory process characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and, histologically, by eosinophilic infiltration of the esophagus. In adults, it commonly presents with dysphagia, food impaction, and chest or abdominal pain. Chronic inflammation can lead to diffuse narrowing of the esophageal lumen which may cause food impaction. Endoscopic procedures to relieve food impaction may lead to complications such as esophageal perforation due to the friability of the esophageal mucosa. Spontaneous transmural esophageal rupture, also known as Boerhaave's syndrome, as a primary manifestation of EoE is rare. In this paper, we present two adult patients who presented with esophageal perforation as the initial manifestation of EoE. This rare complication of EoE has been documented in 13 other reports (11 adults, 2 children) and only 1 of the patients had been previously diagnosed with EoE. A history of dysphagia was present in 1 of our patients and in the majority of previously documented patients. Esophageal perforation is a potentially severe complication of EoE. Patients with a history of dysphagia and patients with spontaneous esophageal perforation should warrant an evaluation for EoE.
The effect of aging on the density of the sensory nerve fiber innervation of bone and acute skeletal pain.

As humans age there is a decline in most sensory systems including vision, hearing, taste, smell, and tactile acuity. In contrast, the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal pain generally increases with age. To determine whether the density of sensory nerve fibers that transduce skeletal pain changes with age, calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and neurofilament 200 kDa (NF200) sensory nerve fibers that innervate the femur were examined in the femurs of young (4-month-old), middle-aged (13-month-old) and old (36-month-old) male F344/BNF1 rats. Whereas the bone quality showed a significant age-related decline, the density of CGRP and NF200 nerve fibers that innervate the bone remained remarkably unchanged as did the severity of acute skeletal fracture pain. Thus, while bone mass, quality, and strength undergo a significant decline with age, the density of sensory nerve fibers that transduce noxious stimuli remain largely intact. These data may in part explain why musculoskeletal pain increases with age.
Maternal Obesity Is Associated With Younger Age at Obesity Onset in U.S. Adolescent Offspring Followed Into Adulthood

OBJECTIVE The objective was to test the hypothesis that maternal obesity is associated with younger age of offspring's obesity onset. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES We used prospective, nationally representative, longitudinal data collected across Waves I (1995; 12 to 20 years), II (1996; 13 to 20 years), and III (2001; 18 to 28 years) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 14,654; 49% female). Interval regression analysis was used to assess the association between maternal obesity and age at offspring's obesity onset (International Obesity Task Force BMI >or=30 equivalent age- and sex-specific cut-off points for adolescents and BMI >or=30 for young adults) using self-reported heights and weights, adjusting for race/ethnicity, sex, parental education, and family income, accounting for complex sampling design. RESULTS The net effect of having an obese mother varied by race/ethnicity and was associated with a significantly earlier age at obesity onset (p = 0.0001) for whites [beta= -8.1 year, 95% confidence interval (CI), -9.3; -6.9)], blacks (beta = -10.8 years, 95% CI, -12.4; -9.2), Hispanics (beta = -7.0 years, 95% CI, -9.2; -4.8), and Asians (beta = -8.6 years, 95% CI, -13.3; -3.9). Earlier obesity onset (<18 years) was associated with increased severity at young adulthood (mean BMI, 36.0 +/- 0.3 kg/m(2)) vs. onset after age 18 (mean BMI, 34.4 +/- 0.2 kg/m(2); p = 0.0001). There were no sex differences in the association of maternal obesity to age at obesity onset. CONCLUSIONS Having an obese mother was associated with earlier age at obesity onset across all race/ethnic groups, particularly non-Hispanic blacks. Early obesity onset has important health consequences because of its association with more severe adult obesity.
The Inclusion of Child Pornography in the DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Pedophilia: Conceptual and Practical Problems

The proposal to add use of child pornography to Criterion B of pedophilia is in direct conflict with the newly proposed distinction between paraphilia and paraphilic disorder, muddying rather than clarifying the diagnostic definition of pedophilia. The proposal to distinguish paraphilic disorder from paraphilia derives from the fact that the diagnostic criteria for the paraphilias have two components: Criterion A, defining the presence of a paraphilic erotic interest, and Criterion B, requiring clinically significant distress, impairment, or acting out the paraphilia with a nonconsenting person. Meeting Criteria A and B is necessary for a diagnosis of paraphilic disorder; meeting only Criterion A indicates a paraphilia. Use of pornography is better placed within Criterion A, perhaps as an example of a behavioral manifestation of pedophilia. If the Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders Work Group's true intent was to add a third prong to Criterion B, then the criterion must be modified to restrict it to the use of illegal forms of pornography (i.e., visual depictions of real children), excluding written or aural forms or virtual images.
Determinants of temporal coherence in the satellite-derived 1987-1994 ice breakup dates of lakes on the Laurentian Shield.

Remotely sensed ice breakup dates for 62 lakes on the Laurentian Shield were analyzed to preliminarily assess determinants of the mean breakup date and to identify determinants of temporal coherence of lakeice breakup. Correlations between mean breakup date and the explanatory variables (surface area, maximum depth, surface area : maximum depth ratio, latitude, longitude, and elevation) revealed that only latitude (r = 0.96) and surface area (r = 0.45) were significant at P I 0.05. Latitude and surface area were significantly correlated (r = 0.42). The temporal coherence of breakup dates between each pair of lakes was calculated by taking the productmoment correlation between their 8-yr time series (1987-1994) of breakup dates. There is a general lack of strong temporal coherence between lakes, implying that no lake in this study area is representative of the entire region. The significant (P I 0.05) correlates of the temporal coherence of breakup dates were difference in mean breakup date (-0.49) and difference in latitude (r = -0.5 l), themselves significantly correlated (Y = 0.89). The differences in surface area, maximum depth, surface area : maximum depth ratio, longitude, and elevation were not significant. The general lack of strong temporal coherence between lakes and the significant correlation between coherence and mean breakup date are further confirmation that breakup dates for different lakes may be reflections of (and indicators for) different periods of meteorological forcing.
Iterative pass optimization of sequence data.

The problem of determining the minimum-cost hypothetical ancestral sequences for a given cladogram is known to be NP-complete. This “tree alignment” problem has motivated the considerable effort placed in multiple sequence alignment procedures. Wheeler in 1996 proposed a heuristic method, direct optimization, to calculate cladogram costs without the intervention of multiple sequence alignment. This method, though more efficient in time and more effective in cladogram length than many alignment-based procedures, greedily optimizes nodes based on descendent information only. In their proposal of an exact multiple alignment solution, Sankoff et al. in 1976 described a heuristic procedure—the iterative improvement method—to create alignments at internal nodes by solving a series of median problems. The combination of a three-sequence direct optimization with iterative improvement and a branch-length-based cladogram cost procedure, provides an algorithm that frequently results in superior (i.e., lower) cladogram costs. This iterative pass optimization is both computation and memory intensive, but economies can be made to reduce this burden. An example in arthropod systematics is discussed.
Simulating the effects of single-event and radiation phenomena on GaAs MESFET integrated circuits

A device model is described for the simulation of the effects of single-event and radiation phenomena on the operation of GaAs MESFETs. The model can be utilized in a circuit simulator to evaluate integrated-circuit designs and aid in the provision of adequate upset margins for various operating environments. Additional subcircuit construction is unnecessary since the electrical responses to the different phenomena are intrinsic to the device template. Example simulations using SPICE3 are described
Tipula (Yamatotipula) jacobus Alexander (Diptera: Tipulidae): Description of the Female and a Midwestern Record for a Crane Fly Long Perceived as Eastern in Distribution

Abstract. The previously undescribed female of Jacob's crane fly, Tipula (Yamatotipula) jacobus Alexander, is described and the known range of the species is summarized and extended more than 400 km northwestward with a first record from Michigan. The habitat was birch-red maple forest, and a mating flight was observed in mid-June.
Direct Interactive Public Education by Breast Radiologists About Screening Mammography: Impact on Anxiety and Empowerment

Abstract Purpose Anxiety has been called a "harm" of screening mammography. The authors provided direct, interactive education to lay audiences and measured these sessions' impact on anxiety and any increased understanding of breast cancer screening. Methods Academic breast radiologist provided seven 1-hour sessions of structured lectures and question-and-answer periods. Lay language and radiologic images were used to discuss disease background, screening guidelines, and areas of debate. One hundred seventeen participants (mean age, 45 ± 15 years) completed voluntary, anonymous, institutional review board-approved pre and postsession questionnaires relaying their attitudes regarding screening and the impact of the sessions. Results are summarized descriptively. Results Mean reported anxiety regarding screening (on a scale ranging from 1-5; 1 = no anxiety) was 2.5 ± 1.3. Anxiety was attributed to unknown results (56.4%), anticipation of pain (21.8%), known risk factors (14.5%), general uncertainty (12.7%), waiting for results (9.1%), possibility of more procedures (3.6%), and personal breast cancer history (3.6%). Ninety-seven percent reported that immediate results would lower anxiety (78% of those women indicated a 75%-100% decrease in anxiety); 93% reported that radiologist consultation with images would lower anxiety (75.6% indicated a 75%-100% decrease in anxiety). After the lecture, women reported (on a scale ranging from 1-5) increased understanding of the topic (4.7 ± 0.6), encouragement to screen (4.6 ± 0.7), and reduced anxiety (4.0 ± 1.1). Ninety-seven percent to 100% provided correct responses to these questions: rationale for screening in the absence of family history, recall does not equate to cancer diagnosis, benefit of prior films, and continued importance of physical examination. Conclusion Attendees of radiologist-provided direct public lectures reported decreased anxiety and improved knowledge regarding screening mammography. The resultant reduced anxiety ("harm") and educational empowerment help enable informed decision making and may promote screening attendance.
U.S. Television News about the Smartphone: A Framing Analysis of Issues, Sources, and Aspects

This study examines TV news networks’ coverage of the smartphone from the news framing perspective. A content analysis was conducted on 2,792 TV news transcripts about the smartphone from four major TV news networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN) in the US during the time period from 2000 to 2012 in terms of issues, sources, and episodic/thematic aspects. Results found that US TV news emphasized ease of use, performance, and Apple issues. News sources of professors, the government, and industry analysts were frequently used. TV news framed episodic aspects more than thematic ones.
Elastic Foundation Representation of Continuum

The representation of an elastic continuum as an elastic foundation for beams is considered. Relationships between the elastic foundation parameters and the elastic constants of the material are developed. One- (Winkler model), two-, and three-parameter foundation models are considered for the cases of infinite, semi-infinite, and finite length beams encased in infinite elastic bodies or supported by semi-infinite elastic bodies. Curves relating the model parameters to the elastic constants are given for a wide range of materials. Comparisons are made of results obtained by representing the supporting material as (1) an elastic foundation and (2) a three-dimensional elastic continuum.
Annealing and tempering for sampling and counting

The Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method has been widely used in practice since the 1950's in areas such as biology, statistics, and physics. However, it is only in the last few decades that powerful techniques for obtaining rigorous performance guarantees with respect to the running time have been developed. Today, with only a few notable exceptions, most known algorithms for approximately uniform sampling and approximate counting rely on the MCMC method. This thesis focuses on algorithms that use MCMC combined with an algorithm from optimization called simulated annealing, for sampling and counting problems. Annealing is a heuristic for finding the global optimum of a function over a large search space. It has recently emerged as a powerful technique used in conjunction with the MCMC method for sampling problems, for example in the estimation of the permanent and in algorithms for computing the volume of a convex body. We examine other applications of annealing to sampling problems as well as scenarios when it fails to converge in polynomial time. We consider the problem of randomly generating 0-1 contingency tables. This is a well-studied problem in statistics, as well as the theory of random graphs, since it is also equivalent to generating a random bipartite graph with a prescribed degree sequence. Previously, the only algorithm known for all degree sequences was by reduction to approximating the permanent of a 0-1 matrix. We give a direct and more efficient combinatorial algorithm which relies on simulated annealing. Simulated tempering is a variant of annealing used for sampling in which a temperature parameter is randomly raised or lowered during the simulation. The idea is that by extending the state space of the Markov chain to a polynomial number of progressively smoother distributions, parameterized by temperature, the chain could cross bottlenecks in the original space which cause slow mixing. We show that simulated tempering mixes torpidly for the 3-state ferromagnetic Potts model on the complete graph. Moreover, we disprove the conventional belief that tempering can slow fixed temperature algorithms by at most a polynomial in the number of temperatures and show that it can converge at a rate that is slower by at least an exponential factor.
Leptospiral antigen demonstrated by the fluorescent antibody technic in human muscle lesions of Leptospirosis icterohemorrhagiae.

SummaryLeptospiral antigen was demonstrated with the fluorescent antibody technic in the muscle lesions of a patient with L. icterohemorrhagiae infection. This observation indicates that the muscle lesions in Weil's disease are produced by the leptospirae. It has also been shown that the nonspecific staining of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes can be eliminated by absorption of the conjugate with rabbit bone marrow powder.
Religiosity in 5-D: A Southern Test

T he purposes of this study were to test the Religiosity in 5-D Scale' on a relatively large sample of undergraduates at a small (student body population, 1,700), private, liberal arts university in the South and to compare the results with those obtained by Joseph Faulkner and Gordon Dejong from introductory sociology students at Pennsylvania State University. As Faulkner and Dejong indicate, "The scientific study of religion has increasingly become a recognized object of theoretical and empirical interest for sociologists."2 If the sociological study of religious phenomena is to be fruitful, both conceptual and methodological problems must be overcome. Concerning the conceptual problem, Charles Glock has isolated five dimensions of religiosity about which there is consensus among world religions: (1) experiential (feeling, emotion) ; (2) ritualistic (overt religious behavior) ; (3) ideological (beliefs) ; (4) intellectual (knowledge) ; and (5) consequential (the effects in the secular world of the other four dimensions) .3 Using Glock's conceptual framework as a model, Faulkner and Dejong constructed five Guttman-type religiosity scales which seem to be both methodologically and statistically sound. Each of the scales yielded a coefficient of reproducibility above the minimum standard of .90, indicating unidimensionality.4 All items in the scales met the .85 minimum single-item standard established by Ford.5 "Results from the coefficient of scalability, a measure of the extremeness in the marginal distribution of items and individuals, ranged from .71 to .76, well above the minimal level suggested by Menzel."6 Undoubtedly, the Religiosity in 5-D Scale is one of the most sophisticated attempts thus far to measure religiosity. Concerning the methodological problem, there have been numerous attempts to measure the religious phenomenon and some of its facets by Thurstone, Likert, Guttman, and other types of scales.7 For the purposes of this
An Integrated Neuromechanical Model of Steering in C. elegans

In this paper, we extend our previous model circuit for steering in C. elegans to control a more realistic biomechanical model of forward locomotion. We show that the identified steering circuit is sufficient to steer the full body during forward locomotion while only innervating a few of the anterior most neck muscles. Analysis of the sensorimotor transformation and phasic stimulation experiments provides evidence that the principles of operation for steering discussed in the model are relevant for steering in the worm. Finally, the integration of the steering circuit in a physical model of the full body allows us to compare more closely the properties of the evolved solutions with those of the worm.
Radial intensity distribution of atom and ion lines in an argon ICP

The measured radial intensity distribution of atom and ion lines of four elements (Be, Mg, Zn and Li) with ionization energies varying from 5–9 eV are compared with theoretically calculated radial intensity distributions of analyte based on a one-dimensional model. The model simulated the distributions satisfactorily when the radius ranged between 1 and 3 mm.
Optics for Supercomputers - One engineers perspective

The role of optics in Supercomputers is reviewed. Desirable optics features for next generation systems are described. Research directions for next generation optics packaging are suggested.
School-based practice with children and youth experiencing homelessness

Estimates suggest that in a given year, around 3.2 million children and youth experience homelessness. Although homelessness is not a homogenous life event, these children disproportionately witnes...
Varicocele Vein Ligation in 565 Patients Under Local Anesthesia: A Long-Term Review of Technique, Results and Complications in Light of Proposed Management by Laparoscopy

Several recent reports have suggested that laparoscopic internal spermatic vein ligation provides a simpler, less debilitating and more cost efficient method of varicocele ligation than conventional surgical techniques. We analyzed the results of open varicocele ligation using local anesthesia in 565 patients for 10 years. All surgery was performed in the outpatient setting using 0.5% lidocaine. In most patients 50 to 200 mcg. fentanyl or 3 to 7 mg. midazolam were used for intravenous sedation. The average operating time, including the administration of anesthesia, was 39 minutes for unilateral and 71 minutes for bilateral procedures. All patients returned to light duty work in 24 to 48 hours and full strenuous physical activity within 1 week. The only complications encountered were 2 wound hematomas (0.3%), 4 minor wound separations (0.7%) and 41 hydroceles (7.3%). Semen improvement and pregnancy rates were similar to those reported in prior series. This study demonstrates that varicocele vein ligation can be done rapidly, efficiently and safely using local anesthesia with time of recovery and return to work comparable to those reported for laparoscopic techniques.
Hemostatic risk factors for atherothrombotic disease: an epidemiologic view.

A number of prospective epidemiologic studies have now tested the hypothesis that plasma measures of hemostatic factors measured in initially healthy subjects may predict the future onset of atherothrombotic events. Epidemiologic evidence is very strong that plasma fibrinogen is a risk marker, if not a causal factor, for atherothrombotic events. Evidence is mixed on whether factor VII, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, or other coagulation markers predict incident atherothrombosis. D-dimer is emerging as a strong risk marker, as are several fibrinolytic markers such as tPA antigen - but not PAI-1. Despite suggestive studies, no genetic polymorphism influencing hemostatic factor levels has emerged as a consistent and strong risk factor for atherothrombosis. Thus, prospective epidemiologic studies have identified several potential hemostatic markers of atherothrombosis risk, but their causal role and clinical utility in risk prediction remain incompletely established.
Microsatellite DNA analysis of spatial and temporal population structuring of Phragmites australis along the Hudson River Estuary

Phragmites australis is a perennial grass that has invaded wetlands of the northeastern United States over the past century. The Hudson River Estuary and surrounding watersheds are no exception in that populations of P. australis have spread dramatically along its shores and tributaries in the past 40 years. Recent studies have shown that genetically variable populations of P. australis can spread by seed dispersal in addition to clonal mechanisms. It is important to characterize the genetic variation of Hudson River populations as part of a management strategy for this species to determine the mechanisms by which its spreads and colonizes new habitats, particularly those with frequent anthropogenic disturbances. The goals of this study were to quantify levels of genetic variation and structuring in Hudson River populations of P. australis using microsatellite DNA analysis. A total of 354 culms of P. australis were collected from nine locations ranging from Albany, New York to Staten Island, New York in the summers of 2004 (N = 174) and 2011 (N = 180). Microsatellite data from eight loci indicated that the Hudson River Estuary has some of the highest levels of genetic variation of all U. S. Atlantic Coast regions containing P. australis. Gene diversity (Hs) across all loci in the 2004 collection was 0.45 (±0.02) and that of the 2011 collection was 0.47 (±0.07). Patches within sample sites were rarely monoclonal and had multiple genetic phenotypes. Moran’s Identity tests indicated that individuals within a patch were closely related, whereas little genetic relatedness was evident among individuals from sample sites >1 km apart. Spatial structuring was also not evident in autospatial correlation and principle coordinate analyses. These findings suggest that genetic diversity is maintained within stands by sexual reproduction and that seeds are important in dispersal of P. australis across the Hudson River Estuary. Ample habitats are available for establishment of new Phragmites stands due to high levels of anthropogenic disturbance from populations living along the Estuary. Wildlife managers should focus on monitoring habitats that provide seedbed for Phragmites and promote land use practices that prevent soil disturbance and establishment of new stands.
INTERNET RESOURCES: Complementary and alternative medicine: All overview of nontraditional medicine on the Web

Description de 23 sites: metasites, sites specifiques a la medecine parallele, sites avec informations sur la medecine parallele, sites gouvernementaux et universitaires, sites d'associations...
Rate of Second and Third Trimester Weight Gain and Preterm Delivery Among Underweight and Normal Weight Women.

Objectives Low gestational weight gain (GWG) in the second and third trimesters has been associated with increased risk of preterm delivery (PTD) among women with a body mass index (BMI) < 25 mg/m(2). However, few studies have examined whether this association differs by the assumptions made for first trimester gain or by the reason for PTD. Methods We examined singleton pregnancies during 2000-2008 among women with a BMI < 25 kg/m(2) who delivered a live-birth ≥28 weeks gestation (n = 12,526). Women received care within one integrated health care delivery system and began prenatal care ≤13 weeks. Using antenatal weights measured during clinic visits, we interpolated GWG at 13 weeks gestation then estimated rate of GWG (GWGrate) during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. We also estimated GWGrate using the common assumption of a 2-kg gain for all women by 13 weeks. We examined the covariate-adjusted association between quartiles of GWGrate and PTD (28-36 weeks gestation) using logistic regression. We also examined associations by reason for PTD [premature rupture of membranes (PROM), spontaneous labor, or medically indicated]. Results Mean GWGrate did not differ among term and preterm pregnancies regardless of interpolated or assumed GWG at 13 weeks. However, only with GWGrate estimated from interpolated GWG at 13 weeks, we observed a U-shaped relationship where odds of PTD increased with GWGrate in the lowest (OR 1.36, 95 % CI 1.10, 1.69) or highest quartile (OR 1.49, 95 % CI 1.20, 1.85) compared to GWGrate within the second quartile. Further stratifying by reason, GWGrate in the lowest quartile was positively associated with spontaneous PTD while GWGrate in the highest quartile was positively associated with PROM and medically indicated PTD. Conclusions Accurate estimates of first trimester GWG are needed. Common assumptions applied to all pregnancies may obscure the association between GWGrate and PTD. Further research is needed to fully understand whether these associations are causal or related to common antecedents.
Opportunities and Challenges for the Future of Personalized Oral Healthcare

A prospective, personalized approach to oral healthcare is gaining momentum among healthcare providers. The adoption of a personalized oral healthcare environment will be dependent upon the successful implementation of an educational program that better prepares the next generation of providers with knowledge in genomic and molecular medicine. Disruptive innovations will drive the adoption of a personalized healthcare environment through the implementation of new models of collaborative care and new workforce models. Ultimately the long-term success of personalized oral healthcare will depend on it becoming integrated within a learning healthcare system. As the predictive biomarkers that assist in the diagnosis of and treatment of common diseases are discovered and deployed chairside, the dental profession will transition to one that is more focused on disease prevention, risk assessment, and early diagnosis.
The Gestation of Learning Objects

Learning objects enter the development process depending upon the type of organization and specific need. Higher education has used the development process to help faculty members think deeply about course objectives and instructional design; whereas, the military, government, and corporate sectors implement the development process to create eLearning solutions. Identifying the most appropriate instructional model during the analysis and design phases is critical for the development of effective instruction since it ensures that learning outcomes are directly linked to the learning objectives. For example, let’s say that a teacher develops training on how hurricanes form.
Chemometric endogenous fluorescence for tissue diagnosis

Endogenous fluorescence is a powerful technique for probing both structure and function of tissue. We show that enabling wide-field fluorescence microscopy with chemometrics can significantly enhance the performance of tissue diagnosis with endogenous fluorescence. The spatial distribution and absolute concentration of fluorophores is uncovered with non-negative factorization aided by the spatial diversity from microscopic autofluorescence color images. Fluorescence quantification in terms of its absolute concentration map avoids issues dependent on specific measurement approach or systems and yields biologically meaningful data. The standardization of endogenous fluorescence in terms of absolute concentration will facilitate its translation to the clinics and simplifies the assessment of competing methods relating to tissue fluorescence.
The effect of entrainment through atmospheric boundary layer growth on observed and modeled surface ozone in the Colorado front range

Ozone concentrations at the Earth's surface are controlled by meteorological and chemical processes and are a function of advection, entrainment, deposition, and net chemical production/loss. The relative contributions of these processes vary in time and space. Understanding the relative importance of these processes controlling surface ozone concentrations is an essential component for designing effective regulatory strategies. Here we focus on the diurnal cycle of entrainment through atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) growth in the Colorado Front Range. Aircraft soundings and surface observations collected in July/August 2014 during the DISCOVER-AQ/FRAPPE (Deriving Information on Surface conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality/Front Range Air Pollution and Photochemistry Experiment) campaigns and equivalent data simulated by a regional chemical transport model are analyzed. Entrainment through ABL growth is most important in the early morning, fumigating the surface at a rate of ~5 ppbv/h. The fumigation effect weakens near noon and changes sign to become a small dilution effect in the afternoon on the order of -1 ppbv/h. The chemical transport model WRF-Chem (Weather Research and Forecasting Model with chemistry) underestimates ozone at all altitudes during this study on the order of 10-15 ppbv. The entrainment through ABL growth is overestimated by the model in the order of 0.6-0.8 ppbv/h. This results from differences in boundary layer growth in the morning and ozone concentration jump across the ABL top in the afternoon. This implicates stronger modeled fumigation in the morning and weaker modeled dilution after 11:00 LT.