cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Mechanisms for Autonomous Energy Efficiency Increases: A Cointegration Analysis of the US Energy/GDP Ratio

Many forecasts for energy use and carbon emissions assume that energy intensity will decline over time for reasons unrelated to energy prices , which are termed autonomous energy efficiency increases (AEEI). A cointegration analysis of a vector error correction model indicates that the types of fuels consumed , personal consumption expenditures spent on energy , and energy prices account for changes in the ratio of energy use to economic activity in the US between 1929 and 1999. Cointegration indicates that AEEI is associated with technical and/or structural changes which allow consumers to substitute oil , natural gas , and/or primary electricity for coal , and that shift energy use from final demand to intermediate sectors . Identifying the factors responsible for AEEI allows me to: (1) show that econometric efforts to measure technical change using a deterministic trend are inconsistent with economic theory and cannot be interpreted reliably; (2) show that modeling technical change with a deterministic trend may generate forecasts that overstate reductions in energy use and carbon emissions; and (3) test the observational record for the presence of price-induced technical change and its effect on economic growth . Together , the results indicate that current estimates for AEEI may overstate future reductions in energy use and that the economic impacts of policies to reduce energy use and slow emissions may have a greater effect on economic growth than anticipated currently.
The morphohonemics of the Russian imperative

The most natural generative account of the Russian imperative requires its derivation from the nonpast stem, not from the 1948 Jakobsonian verb base, as heretofore in generative descriptions. The Jakobsonian base is most appropriately used as a verbal citation form, from which the required nonpast or past stem form can be predicted by stem-referencing rules. This study shows that it is possible to steer a middle course between the Scylla of Lightnerian phonology and the Charybdis of the Jakobsonian verb system and still produce a systematic description of a Russian verbal category.
Health Care System Planning for and Response to a Nuclear Detonation

The hallmark of a successful response to a nuclear detonation will be the resilience of the community, region, andnation.Anincidentofthismagnitudewillrapidlybecomeanationalincident;however,theinitialcriticalsteps to reduce lives lost, save the lives that can be saved with the resources available, and understand and apply resources available to a complex and dynamic situation will be the responsibility of the local and regional responders and planners. Expectations of the public health and health care systems will be met to the extent possible by coordination, cooperation, and an effort to produce as consistent a response as possible for the victims. Responders will face extraordinarily stressful situations, and their own physical and psychological health is of great importance to optimizing the response. This article illustrates through vignettes and supporting text how the incidentmayunfoldforthevariouscomponentsofthehealthandmedicalsystemsandprovidesadditionalcontext for the discipline-related actions outlined in the state and local planners’ playbook.
Implementing dataflow with threads

A general algorithm is presented for implementing dataflow computations with multiple threads that communicate using only reads and writes of shared memory.
Lancelot's Two Steps: A Problem in Textual Criticism

in "Les deux pas de Lancelot," the late Eugene Vinaver argued for the restoration of two lines that are lacking in the text of the Chevalier de la Charrete as transcribed by Guiot, the well-known copyist of one of the best surviving manuscripts of Chretien de Troyes's collected works.' Following is the "complete" passage (as given in Foerster's edition of the Charrete) with brackets around the two lines missing in Guiot:
Why Do Delayed Summaries Improve Metacomprehension Accuracy

We showed that metacomprehension accuracy improved when participants (N = 87 college students) wrote summaries of texts prior to judging their comprehension; however, accuracy only improved when summaries were written after a delay, not when written immediately after reading. We evaluated two hypotheses proposed to account for this delayed-summarization effect (the accessibility hypothesis and the situation model hypothesis). The data suggest that participants based metacomprehension judgments more on the gist of texts when they generated summaries after a delay; whereas, they based judgments more on details when they generated summaries immediately after reading. Focusing on information relevant to the situation model of a text (the gist of a text) produced higher levels of metacomprehension accuracy, which is consistent with situation model hypothesis.
Decomposition of saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) in Louisiana coastal marshes

In Louisiana, plant production rates and associated decomposition rates may be important in offsetting high rates of land loss and subsidence in organic marsh soils. Decomposition ofSpartina patens shoot and leaf material was studied by using litter bags in mesohaline marshes in the Barataria and Terrebonne basins of coastal Louisiana.Spartina patens decomposed very slowly with an average decay constant of 0.0007, and approximately 50% of the material remained after 2 years in the field. Material at the Barataria site decomposed faster than did Terrebonne material with trend differences apparent during the first 150 days. This difference might be explained by the higher content of phosphorus in the Barataria material or a flooding period experienced by the Barataria bags during their first 10 days of deployment. Nitrogen and carbon content of the plant material studied did not differ between the two basins. We detected no consistent significant differences in decomposition above, at, or below sediment/water level. BecauseS. patens is the dominant plant in these marshes, and because it is so slow to decompose, we believe thatS. patens shoots are an important addition to vertical accretion and, therefore, marsh elevation.
Human health and ecological toxicity potentials due to heavy metal content in waste electronic devices with flat panel displays

Display devices such as cathode-ray tube (CRT) televisions and computer monitors are known to contain toxic substances and have consequently been banned from disposal in landfills in the State of California and elsewhere. New types of flat panel display (FPD) devices, millions of which are now purchased each year, also contain toxic substances, but have not previously been systematically studied and compared to assess the potential impact that could result from their ultimate disposal. In the current work, the focus is on the evaluation of end-of-life toxicity potential from the heavy metal content in select FPD devices with the intent to inform material selection and design-for-environment (DfE) decisions. Specifically, the metals antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, silver, vanadium, and zinc in plasma TVs, LCD (liquid crystal display) TVs, LCD computer monitors and laptop computers are considered. The human health and ecotoxicity potentials are evaluated through a life cycle assessment perspective by combining data on the respective heavy metal contents, the characterization factors in the U.S. EPA Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and other environmental Impacts (TRACI), and a pathway and impact model. Principal contributors to the toxicity potentials are lead, arsenic, copper, and mercury. Although the heavy metal content in newer flat panel display devices creates less human health toxicity potential than that in CRTs, for ecological toxicity, the new devices are worse, especially because of the mercury in LCD TVs and the copper in plasma TVs.
The Spectral Characteristics of Stripped‐Envelope Supernovae

Supernovae (SNe) of Type Ib and Ic are distinguished by what they lack. They do not have the hydrogen lines indicative of Type II SNe, nor do they show the silicon absorption feature near 6150 A that is the hallmark of Type Ia SNe. (Type Ib SNe show helium absorption lines, while Type Ic SNe do not.) Type Ib and Ic SNe are rare and remain fairly mysterious objects. As they are thought to result from progenitors that have lost their massive envelopes, they are referred to as “stripped-envelope” SNe. We present various studies of optical spectra of SNe Ib/c and the metamorphosing SNe that link them to SNe II as core-collapse events. The spectroscopic characteristics of SNe Ib and Ic may help resolve questions about the nature of their progenitors. SN 1993J appeared originally to be a Type II SN, but it underwent a dramatic transformation to one resembling a Type Ib, although the hydrogen lines never completely faded away. This metamorphosis is seen in the 42 low-dispersion spectra shown by T. Matheson et al. (2000, AJ, 120, 1487). Detailed analysis of the SN 1993J spectra is presented by T. Matheson et al. (2000, AJ, 120, 1499). The spectra show that the ejecta are clumped, especially the synthesized oxygen. The calcium emission is smooth, implying that only preexisting calcium contributes to the emission. The late-time spectra exhibit signs of circumstellar interaction with a roughly spherical shell. Some emission lines develop a two-horned profile, indicating the formation of a flattened, disklike emission source. SN 1999cq exhibits the first unambiguous detection of helium emission lines in SNe Ic (T. Matheson et al. 2000, AJ, 119, 2303). They are of intermediate velocity width and appear to show the presence of dense circumstellar material composed of almost pure helium. This material may be stellar matter lost through a dense wind or mass transfer to a companion. We also present more than 80 spectra of various SNe Ib and Ic (T. Matheson et al. 2001, AJ, 121, 1648). SNe Ib are found to exhibit fairly homogeneous spectra and helium line strength. The relative depths of the helium absorption lines appear to provide a measurement of the temporal evolution of SNe Ib. SNe Ib and Ic are shown to have distinguishing characteristics other than the presence or absence of helium lines. SNe Ic have clearly broader nebular-phase emission lines, indicating that SNe Ic have a higher explosion energy and/or lower envelope mass than SNe Ib. SNe Ic also have stronger permitted oxygen lines at early times, implying that they are less diluted by a massive helium envelope. This lends strength to the argument that the difference between SNe Ib and SNe Ic arises from the constituents of the overlying envelope of the star at the time of core collapse, rather than the extent of mixing of radioactive nickel into the helium layers of the progenitor. SNe Ic themselves are heterogeneous, with diverse spectroscopic characteristics. No strong evidence for helium is found in SNe Ic, although some objects may have a low level of helium. These may be SNe that bridge the gap between SNe Ib and Ic.
Underlying Reading-Related Skills and Abilities among Adult Learners.

This exploratory study identified underlying skill and ability differences among subgroups of adolescent and young adult struggling readers (N = 290) overall and in relation to a fluency-based instructional grouping method. We used principal axis factoring of participants’ scores on 18 measures of reading-related skills and abilities identified in the research literature to identify a smaller set of generally uncorrelated constructs. The four underlying factors of the 18 measures explained 62.7% of the variance. We labeled these factors Encode/Decode (44.5%), Vocabulary (9.5%), Processing Speed (5.2%), and Working Memory (3.5%). Regression analysis demonstrated Working Memory, Encode/Decode, and Vocabulary collectively predicted 45.9% functional reading as measured by the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System. Alternatively, when measured by the Test of Adult Basic Education, Vocabulary and Encode/Decode predicted 47.1% of variance in reading. Differences in predictive utility of the factors by fl...
Observer Error and Sampling Variability Tested in Evaluation of Hepatitis and Cirrhosis by Liver Biopsy

In 50 patients with chronic active liver disease, observer and sampling error in histologically evaluating hepatitis and cirrhosis after blind-needle biopsy of the liver was assessed from coded tissue. This was done by repeated readings of the same specimens by the same pathologist, by sequential biopsies from the same patients with cirrhosis, and by multiple simultaneous biopsies from adjacent areas of the liver. Observer error was small. The consistency of grading the individual histologic characteristics of hepatitis was 90%, and the reproducibility of the degree of either hepatitis or cirrhosis was 94%. Sampling error was also trivial in hepatitis, indicating that a single needle biopsy accurately reflects the type and degree of inflammation and necrosis in adjacent areas of the liver. By contrast, sampling error was of considerable magnitude when the presence of cirrhosis in patients known to have the lesion was sought, since confirmation by simultaneous or sequential biopsies was made in only 33% of the cases.
Prediction of Cleavage Fracture in Ferritic Steels: A Modified Weibull Stress Model

A modified three-parameter Weibull stress model is proposed in this paper, which considers the conjoint influences of plastic strain and stress triaxiality in the region of the crack tip. The model parameters are calibrated using two sets of fracture toughness data obtained from specimens exhibiting different constraint conditions at fracture, namely, deep-cracked compact tension specimens and shallow-cracked single-edge bending specimens. The master curve method is used to relate the fracture toughness data obtained at the different test temperatures. The calibrated Weibull stress model is then used to predict the cumulative failure probability of cleavage fracture for specimens containing surface cracks and loaded in varying combinations of tension and bending. The model predictions capture the measured toughness distributions for both bolt-loaded and pin-loaded specimens, while concurrently revealing a strong influence of the difference in crack tip constraint, due to different mode of loading, on probability of failure by cleavage. This effectively proves the applicability of the modified model for predicting cleavage-type fracture in ferritic steels.
Preparative counter-current chromatography with a slowly rotating glass coil

Abstract An attempt to scale-up the preparative capacity of counter-current chromatography was successfully made by the use of a large-bore glass coiled column slowly rotating in the gravitational field. The capability of the present scheme was demonstrated in separations of dinitrophenyl amino acids on a two-phase solvent system composed of chloroform-acetic acid-0.1 N hydrochloric acid (2:2:1). The methods enables efficient separations of 600-mg samples in 10 h with a good recovery. The present scheme is amenable to be further scaled-up by the use of longer and/or larger-diameter columns.
War Without a Center of Gravity: Reflections on Terrorism and Post-Modern War

This essay argues that the United States is engaged in the first post-modern conflict, a form of warfare for which it is not ready. It advances the argument that the nature of war has changed because the sociology of war has changed, but, the United States readies itself to fight those wars it understands and knows how to fight. The problem is that the nature of warfare is changing, has changed and that much of US policy, strategy, and the institutions that develop and implement them have not understood or adjusted to the changing nature of war. We have moved from the era of modern war into the era of post-modern war, into an age of war without a center of gravity.
The electron impact spectra of SO2

The methods of electron impact spectroscopy were applied to gain information about the triplet states of the SO2 molecule. The present studies indicate hitherto undetected triplet excitations at around 4.9, 7.8, 9.3 and 10.5 eV. The angular distribution of the scattered electrons is consistent with a a 1B1 assignment at 3.4 eV and also shows that triplet excitation(s) is present in the 4.4 eV (A 1B1) region. The high-energy, low-angle spectrum yielded relative optical absorption coefficients which, when normalized to the optical data at 200 nm, agree well with previous optical measurements in the 320 to 96 nm range. In the present work the absorption coefficients were extended down to 50 nm.
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT): an iPad-based disability assessment tool.

Precise measurement of neurological and neuropsychological impairment and disability in multiple sclerosis is challenging. We report a new test, the Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT), which represents a new approach to quantifying MS related disability. The MSPT takes advantage of advances in computer technology, information technology, biomechanics, and clinical measurement science. The resulting MSPT represents a computer-based platform for precise, valid measurement of MS severity. Based on, but extending the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), the MSPT provides precise, quantitative data on walking speed, balance, manual dexterity, visual function, and cognitive processing speed. The MSPT was tested by 51 MS patients and 49 healthy controls (HC). MSPT scores were highly reproducible, correlated strongly with technician-administered test scores, discriminated MS from HC and severe from mild MS, and correlated with patient reported outcomes. Measures of reliability, sensitivity, and clinical meaning for MSPT scores were favorable compared with technician-based testing. The MSPT is a potentially transformative approach for collecting MS disability outcome data for patient care and research. Because the testing is computer-based, test performance can be analyzed in traditional or novel ways and data can be directly entered into research or clinical databases. The MSPT could be widely disseminated to clinicians in practice settings who are not connected to clinical trial performance sites or who are practicing in rural settings, drastically improving access to clinical trials for clinicians and patients. The MSPT could be adapted to out of clinic settings, like the patient’s home, thereby providing more meaningful real world data. The MSPT represents a new paradigm for neuroperformance testing. This method could have the same transformative effect on clinical care and research in MS as standardized computer-adapted testing has had in the education field, with clear potential to accelerate progress in clinical care and research.
Employment Outcomes for People With Severe Disabilities: Opportunities for Improvement

Abstract Supported employment began with a focus on those individuals deemed less likely to secure a job in the community: those with severe mental retardation, behavioral challenges, and multiple disabilities. The creation of supported employment resulted, in part, because of demonstrations of the competence and capabilities of these same people previously thought to be unemployable in any meaningful sense of the word. However, as supported employment has unfolded, those with the most severe disabilities appear to be underrepresented in the ranks of those benefitting from supported employment. Although the limited access to supported employment by individuals with such labels appears clear, little is known about how the employment of those with more severe disabilities compares with others in supported employment. This report provides analyses of the employment features, support patterns, and outcomes for persons with more severe disabilities in supported employment.
Conduction noise in the charge-density-wave compound K 0.3 MoO 3 at low temperatures

The time dependence of nonlinear conduction is reported for the charge-density-wave compound ${\mathrm{K}}_{0.3}$${\mathrm{MoO}}_{3}$ at T=4.2 K. Below the threshold voltage for nonlinear conduction, current spikes were observed; above the threshold, the current fluctuates in a quasiperiodic manner. The period of the current oscillations is proportional to the current. We interpret the results in the framework of a simple relaxation oscillator model and we investigate the effect of the long-range Coulomb interactions.
Immortalized chick embryo cell line adapted to serum-free growth conditions and capable of replicating human and reassortant H5N1 influenza strains for vaccine production.

Abstract The current process of influenza vaccine production can take 6–9 months and is dependent on the availability of embryonated eggs. Additionally, this process selects for receptor-binding variants with reduced antigenicity and requires significant downstream production for purification. We have established an immortalized chick embryo cell line, termed PBS-12SF, which is adapted to growth in serum free conditions, and is capable of replicating human and reassortant H5N1 influenza strains to high titers. In many cases, PBS-12SF cells produced higher growth titers of influenza virus than those of primary chick embryo kidney (CEK) cells, Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells and African green monkey kidney cells (Vero). Additionally, in PBS-12SF cell cultures, influenza virus is released into the culture fluid without need for exogenous proteases, which can simplify downstream processing for vaccine production.
Gravitational wave interferometry: how does it work?

The existence of gravitational waves is predicted by the general relativity theory, but they have not yet been measured directly. The difficulty with these measurements is the very small signals expected from even the strongest sources (astrophysical events such as supernovae). Detection of gravitational waves by interferometric detectors requires resolution of very small displacements, which in turn requires very long arm lengths. In the case of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), Michelson interferometers with arm lengths of 4 km and position accuracy on the order of 10-18 meters are to be employed. LIGO, funded by the US National Science Foundation, is being constructed at two sites in the United States with initial observation planned in 2002. An overview of the LIGO design requirements, configuration, and control scheme is presented. The optical configuration is discussed in general with particular attention to the characteristics of the core optics. In addition, a brief overview of large- scale gravitational wave observation projects worldwide is presented.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Book of Job and Male Melancholia: A Bizarre Story about Hating Mother God and the Maternal Jesus, Featuring Mel Gibson

This article tells, or advocates, a bizarre story about male revenge. By drawing from literature in the psychology of religion that deals with the Book of Job and by assuming the standpoint of “cultural hermeneutics” in biblical studies, the author playfully takes up an issue identified by Donald Capps: the issue of repressed rage in male melancholia. The author takes his cue from a recent doctoral dissertation from Princeton Theological Seminary. Jacobus Hamman (2000) applies a Winnicottian analysis to the Book of Job and argues that the Book of Job can be a useful pastoral resource today in a number of ways, including his proposal for believers to direct their aggression toward God. Implicit in Hamman’s Winnicottian analysis, but never explicitly stated, is the fact that God is Mother. The plot here is how the Book of Job might lead contemporary American men to hate Mother God and the maternal Jesus, thereby aiding them in externalizing their repressed and self-directed rage. Mel Gibson stars, if only briefly, in this childish story that presses the limits of Christian theology.
Libraries are From Mars and Vendors are From Venus? Understanding one another Better to Achieve Common Goals

Libraries and vendors have organizational cultures, practices, and values that can sometimes conflict and cause frustration on both sides. Making an effort to better understand one another can help...
The flip side of fear : Marketing to the empowered consumer

L'industrie de la publicite et du marketing doivent apprendre a vendre a des consommateurs rendus plus forts par l'arrivee de l'internet, la question etant d'atteindre ce consommateur par des messages non pas seulement emotionnels mais utiles et informatifs. Le marketing par la recherche, en utilisant des mots cle pour adresser des messages publicitaires cibles, constitue l'une des facons de toucher les utilisateurs du Web qui recherchent des information sur un produit ou un service particulier.
The interaction of spatial visualization and general reasoning abilities with instructional treatment in absolute value inequalities

This study is one in a series that have used the aptitude variable of spatial visualization and general reasoning abilities. One hundred and six college students were randomly assigned to two treatments on the topic of absolute value inequalities. The algebraic treatment was designed to use the algebraic definition of absolute value and the goemetric treatment was designed to use the geometric definition of absolute value as a distance on the number line. It was hypothesized that subjects having good general reasoning ability would do better in the algebraic treatment and subjects having good spatial visualization ability would do better in the geometric treatment. The analysis was done by multiple regression technique. No interactions were found between the dependent variable of achievement on absolute value equations and inequalities and the aptitude variable. However, general reasoning was a significant predictor for the algebraic treatment group on the equation test and spatial visualization was a sig...
The effects of clonidine hydrochloride versus atenolol monotherapy on serum lipids, lipid subfractions, and apolipoproteins in mild hypertension

The study objective was to determine the effects of monotherapy with clonidine and atenolol versus placebo on serum lipids, apolipoproteins, and blood pressure in patients with mild primary hypertension. The protocol comprised a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled 5-month prospective study carried out in an outpatient general internal medicine clinic in a university medical center. There were 92 patients ages 18 to 70, with mild primary hypertension (sitting diastolic blood pressure of greater than 90 mm Hg and less than 105 mm Hg) without significant cardiac, renal, cerebrovascular, hepatic, neoplastic, or hematologic disorders. Patients with severe hyperlipidemia or peripheral vascular disease were also excluded. All factors known to effect serum lipids were held constant throughout the study (i.e., diet, weight, exercise, caffeine, tobacco). Atenolol and clonidine significantly reduced blood pressure when compared with placebo. Atenolol caused significant increases in serum triglycerides and apolipoprotein B (p less than 0.05) and significant reductions in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, apolipoproteins A-I and A-II (p less than 0.05). Atenolol also induced a significant adverse effect on all lipid ratios, increasing total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I and apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-II ratios and decreasing low density lipoprotein-cholesterol/apolipoprotein-B ratio (p less than 0.05). Clonidine caused significant reductions in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, apolipoproteins AI and AII (p less than 0.05 but was neutral on all other lipids, lipid subfractions, and apolipoproteins. Clonidine did not significantly alter any of the lipid ratios.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Pregnancy scares and subsequent unintended pregnancy.

BACKGROUND A substantial number of young women experience pregnancy scares - thinking they might be pregnant, and later discovering that they are not. Although pregnancy scares are distressing events, little is known about who experiences them and whether they are important to our understanding of unintended pregnancy. OBJECTIVE We describe the young women who experience pregnancy scares, and examine the link between pregnancy scares and subsequent unintended pregnancy. METHODS We used data from the Relationship Dynamics and Social Life Study. T-tests and regression analyses were conducted using baseline and weekly data to estimate relationships between respondent characteristics and subsequent pregnancy scares. Event history methods were used to assess pregnancy scares as a predictor of unintended pregnancy. RESULTS Nine percent of the young women experienced a pregnancy scare during the study. African-American race, lack of two-parent family structure, lower GPA, cohabitation, and sex without birth control prior to the study are associated with experiencing a pregnancy scare and with experiencing a greater number of pregnancy scares. Further, experiencing a pregnancy scare is strongly associated with subsequent unintended pregnancy, independent of background factors. Forty percent of the women who experienced a pregnancy scare subsequently had an unintended pregnancy during the study period, relative to only 11% of those who did not experience a pregnancy scare. CONCLUSIONS Young women from less advantaged backgrounds are more likely to experience a pregnancy scare, and pregnancy scares are often followed by an unintended pregnancy.
Tuning the assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers through instabilities of solvent/water interfaces in the presence of aqueous surfactants

The influence of the water-soluble surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers through hydrodynamic instabilities of organic solvent/water interfaces was studied. Micropipette aspiration measurements performed on evaporating chloroform droplets containing polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PS-PEO) revealed that interfacial instabilities were correlated to an approach of the organic/water interfacial tension to zero. The addition of SDS to the aqueous phase lowered the interfacial tension, thereby facilitating the onset of instability at lower concentrations of PS-PEO within the droplets. Further, increased amounts of SDS led to qualitatively different mechanisms of interfacial instability and correspondingly different morphologies of the resulting copolymer/surfactant assemblies. Similar, though less pronounced, effects were obtained using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) as a water-soluble surfactant, reflecting its more weakly concentration-dependent surface activity. These results enabled a single PS-PEO or polybutadiene-PEO block copolymer of fixed composition to be processed into aggregates that could be easily tuned from multi-vesicular particles to wormlike micelles and to spherical micelles.
Determinants of the Recent Rise in Childhood Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys, 1990 – 2003

Childhood mortality rates in Kenya increased in the 1990s and early 2000s. Evidence from Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) data shows increase in under-5 mortality rate by 26 percent from 91 in 1993 to 115 in 2003. This study examined factors associated with the rise in childhood mortality in Kenya. Micro-level data were obtained from KDHS. Macro-level data were gathered from government administrative records and comprised indicators of access and utilization of health services. Proportional hazards model was used to deconstruct factors associated with rise in childhood mortality. The results showed that that macro factors, particularly high HIV/AIDS prevalence and the general deterioration in the quality of childcare, were largely responsible for the rise in childhood mortality in the 1990s and early 2000s. Other factors believed to be also strongly associated with early childhood deaths during this period include malaria prevalence and subnational differences in culture and child care practices.
Dual-frequency intravascular ultrasound imaging of microbubble contrast agents: Ex vivo and in vivo demonstration

Development of atherosclerotic plaques and related cardiac events are correlated with increased development of vasa vasorum, however, no currently-available diagnostic imaging method has been demonstrated effective at identifying vulnerable plaques. We present a new intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging method using a dual-frequency transducer to visualize contrast flow in microvessels with high specificity. This method uses a specialized transducer capable of exciting contrast agents at a low frequency (5.5 MHz) and receiving superharmonic echoes at a much higher frequency (37 MHz). This dual-frequency transducer was used to image a cellulose micro-tube external to an ex vivo porcine artery and also using the chorioallantoic membrane of a developing chicken embryo. Using dual-frequency contrast-specific imaging, we were able to resolve vessels of a similar size to those found in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques with clinically-relevant attenuation. The results of this study suggest contrast-specific intravascular ultrasound imaging for the detection of vulnerable plaques in atherosclerosis may provide additional diagnostic information.
Safe transportation for children with special needs.

According to McPherson, Arango, and Fox (1998), ‘‘Children with special health care needs are those who have or are at increased risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally’’ (p. 137). Approximately nine million (13%) of American children younger than 18 years have a special health care need, and these children experience much higher rates of injury (Safe Kids Worldwide, n.d.). As nurse practitioners (NPs), we must be knowledgeable about safe transportation for these children when we discuss these options with the parents or caregivers. Children diagnosed with many medical conditions or who have undergone certain medical procedures may require the use of special needs restraints. These children include those of low birth weight (less than 2500 g), those who are premature (less than 37 weeks’ gestation), those who
Affinity chromatography ofEuglena: A novel means of sorting phytoplankton species

Euglena species can be selectively bound to nylon using an E. gracilis strain Z antiserum. This affinity chromatography procedure isolates living cells and is genus-specific.
Function of the Nervous System During Prenatal Life

That the nervous system begins to function early during prenatal life is demonstrated only by the movements resulting from its activity. The skeletal muscle reflexes of the fetus are one manifestation of function, and constitute its overt behavior. (35) Another way that function is revealed is through visceral reactions, such as cardiac action, intestinal activity due to smooth muscle contraction, or glandular secretion. The neural regulation of the heart is probably the earliest evidence for function of the nervous system in visceral reactions, for nerve fibers invade the heart at about 16–19 mm,(60) and ECGs have been obtained as early as at 9.5 weeks of menstrual age [36.0 mm crown-rump length (CR), Hooker fetal series].(30)
Evaluation of the Drug Interaction between Rifabutin and Efavirenz in Patients with HIV Infection and Tuberculosis

Background Because of drug-drug interactions mediated by hepatic cytochrome P450, tuberculosis treatment guidelines recommend an increase in rifabutin from 300 mg to 450 or 600 mg when combined with efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy. To assess this recommendation, rifabutin and efavirenz pharmacokinetic parameters were investigated. Methods Plasma concentrations of rifabutin were determined as a baseline control in 15 patients with tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who were treated with rifabutin 300 mg and isoniazid 15 mg/kg (up to 900 mg) twice weekly. Rifabutin, isoniazid, and efavirenz concentrations were determined after a median of 21 days (interquartile range, 20-34 days) of daily efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy with twice-weekly rifabutin 600 mg and isoniazid 15 mg/kg. Results The mean rifabutin area under the concentration-time curve (AUC(0-24)) increased 20% from the baseline value (geometric mean, 5.0 vs. 4.2 microg.h/mL; ratio of geometric means, 1.2 [90% confidence interval, 1.0-1.4]). Also, the mean efavirenz AUC(0-24) in the 15 patients taking concomitant rifabutin 600 mg twice-weekly was 10% higher than that in 35 historical subjects with HIV infection who were not taking rifabutin. Efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy was effective; HIV load decreased 2.6 log copies/mL, and the median CD4+ T cell count increased from 141 to 240 cells/mm3 after a median of 21 days of efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy. No statistically significant differences in isoniazid pharmacokinetic parameters were found. Conclusions The rifabutin dose increase from 300 mg to 600 mg was adequate to compensate for the efavirenz drug interaction in most patients, and no drug interaction with isoniazid was detected. Efavirenz therapy administered at a standard 600-mg dose achieved adequate plasma concentrations in patients receiving intermittent rifabutin and isoniazid therapy, was generally well tolerated, and demonstrated potent antiretroviral activity.
PASPA: a web server for mRNA poly(A) site predictions in plants and algae

Motivation: Polyadenylation is an essential process during eukaryotic gene expression. Prediction of poly(A) sites helps to define the 3 0 end of genes, which is important for gene annotation and elucidating gene regulation mechanisms. However, due to limited knowledge of poly(A) signals, it is still challenging to predict poly(A) sites in plants and algae. PASPA is a web server for poly(A) site prediction in plants and algae, which integrates many in-house tools as add-ons to facilitate poly(A) site prediction, visualization and mining. This server can predict poly(A) sites for ten species, including seven previously poly(A) signal non-characterized species, with sensitivity and specificity in a range between 0.80 and 0.95. Availability and implementation: http://bmi.xmu.edu.cn/paspa Contact: xhuister@xmu.edu.cn Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Role of Scientists in Achieving a Better Environment

Roles or expressions of attitude which scientists should play or display in achieving a better environment for Man and Nature need to include (1) a positive and optimistic viewpoint, (2) a proper perspective in time-dimensions, (3) identification of major developments that have profoundly influenced our view of ourselves as humans, (4) development of a rational conceptual framework within which to arrange the activities required to influence the human environment (involving the four basic processes of energy provision, materials-cycling, life-cycling, and information leading to decision-making), (5) relating of these four basic processes to linking Man far more propitiously than latterly to his environment, (6) effective interaction among disciplines and concomitant advising of decision-makers, (7) developing sophisticated insight into the array of societal issues that confront mankind, and (8) tackling the set of environmental hazards that are particularly critical in developing countries. The paper ends with an appeal to all ‘to reaffirm a robust faith in the destiny of Man.’
Optimization of x-ray Techniques for Nondestructive Characterization of Single Crystal Turbine Blades

This paper describes nondestructive x-ray characterization techniques which detect macroscopic and microscopic defects, determine the overall crystallographic perfection, and detect any unwanted secondary crystals both on the external surface as well as in the interior of single crystal blades. The method of Asymmetric Crystal Topography for diffraction imaging the surfaces of single crystal turbine blades and the method of White Beam Transmission Topography for diffraction imaging through the thickness of single crystal turbine blades are both discussed and illustrated with representive diffraction images (topographs). It is clear that the images gained from these methods have a capability for providing information about the details of crystalline perfection (or lack thereof) in nickel-based alloy single crystal turbine blades. Such information can provide considerable leverage for the crystal grower to help in adjusting processing variables to enhance quality of a critical product. And the same methods of topography can conceiveably provide tools for evaluating the finished product in a way which has not been available to date.
Prescription Use among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Northern New England: Intensity and Small Area Variation.

Objective To measure prescription use intensity and regional variation of psychotropic and 2 important nonpsychotropic drug groups among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) compared with children in the general population. Study design Cross-sectional study of ambulatory prescription fills from Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire all-payer administrative data, 2007-2010. Results Overall there were 13 100 children diagnosed with ASD (34 584 person years [PYs]) and 936 721 (1.7 million PYs) without ASD diagnosis. The overall prescription fill rate was 16.6 per PY in children with ASD and 4.1 per PY in the general population. Psychotropic use among children with ASDs was 9-fold the general population rate (7.80 vs 0.85 fills per PY); these children comprised 2.0% of the pediatric population but received 15.6% of psychotropics. Nonpsychotropic drug use was also higher in the population with ASD, particularly the youngest: among those under age 3 years, antibiotic use was 2-fold and antacid use nearly 5-fold the general population rate (3.2 vs 1.4 and 1.0 vs 0.2 per PY, respectively). Among children with ASDs, prescription use varied substantially across hospital service areas, as much as 3-fold for antacids and alpha agonists, more than 4-fold for benzodiazepines (5th to 95th percentile). Conclusions The overall psychotropic and nonpsychotropic prescription intensity among children with ASDs is characterized by broad regional variation, suggesting diverse provider responses to pharmacotherapeutic uncertainty. This variation highlights a need for more research, practice-based learning, and shared decision making with caregivers surrounding therapy for children with ASDs.
BLP-Lasso for Aggregate Discrete Choice Models of Elections with Rich Demographic Covariates

Economists often study consumers' aggregate behavior across markets choosing from a menu of differentiated products. In this analysis, local demographic characteristics can serve as controls for market-specific heterogeneity in product preferences. Given rich demographic data, implementing these models requires specifying which variables to include in the analysis, an ad hoc process typically guided primarily by a researcher's intuition. We propose a data-driven approach to estimate these models applying penalized estimation algorithms imported from the machine learning literature along with confidence intervals that are robust to variable selection. Our application explores the effect of campaign spending on vote shares in data from Mexican elections.
Church Historical Research and Library Cooperation

The poverty of our American libraries in research books is a matter of almost daily observation in research libraries. We are rich in the books for learning and teaching, that is, in all the machinery for spreading common knowledge; but when it comes to the search for new knowledge, those sciences which, like history and philology, find their chief sources in books, are handicapped at every turn. It was estimated three or four years ago that there are at least five million live research books in the world, i.e. , books liable to be sought at the reference desk any day. Of these it was said perhaps one million can be found in the great reference libraries, another million exist in America somewhere, if only they could be located, and the rest are only to be found abroad. Since that time it has been found that both the number which can be found and the number, in America which might be found are increasing rapidly, but the problem is still very far from approaching solution. Every few weeks, if not oftener, any one actively engaged in research work runs up against a concrete instance. The writer has already met several during the first month of the academic year. The most recent is as typical as any.
External Verification Analysis (EVA) Method for Time Marching Computational Aeroacoustics Codes

Before using a high-accuracy Computational Aeroacoustics (CAA) code, it is desirable to verify that the code is actually solving the governing equations to the design order of accuracy. In this work, the External Verification Analysis (EVA) method is presented, which allows the Verification of unsteady time-accurate CFD or CAA codes without requiring modifications to the source code of the CAA code. Currently, the EVA tool Verifies only the interior equation solver and does not test boundary conditions. The EVA tool can determine the computed order of accuracy of the CAA code in time and space. Verification results are presented for the Air Force Research Laboratory FDL3DI code.
Popular sovereignty on the border: Nativist activism among two border watch groups in southern Arizona

By drawing on ethnographic fieldwork with two grassroots groups that operate near the Arizona-Mexico border, this article illuminates how nativism is translated into day-to-day activism, often in w...
Theoretical analysis of mechanistic pathways for hydrogen evolution catalyzed by cobaloximes.

The mechanistic pathways for hydrogen evolution catalyzed by cobalt complexes with supporting diglyoxime ligands are analyzed with computational methods. The cobaloximes studied are Co(dmgBF2)2 (dmg = dimethylglyoxime) and Co(dpgBF2)2 (dpg = diphenylglyoxime) in acetonitrile. The reduction potentials and pKa values are calculated with density functional theory in conjunction with isodesmic reactions, incorporating the possibility of axial solvent ligand loss during the reduction process. The solvent reorganization energies for electron transfer between the cobalt complex and a metal electrode and the inner-sphere reorganization energies accounting for intramolecular rearrangements and the possibility of ligand loss are also calculated. The relative reduction potentials agree quantitatively with the available experimental values. The pKas and reorganization energies agree qualitatively with estimates based on experimental data. The calculations suggest that a peak measured at ca. −1.0 V vs SCE in cyclic vo...