cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rural grandparenting through a family development lens: Implications for social work practice

The research explored the experiences of African American grandmothers residing in rural communities caring for their grandchildren, while suffering from chronic health issues. The research examine...
Physiological and Biomechanical Differences Between Seated and Standing Uphill Cycling.

Despite differences in economy, cyclists climb in seated and standing positions. Prompted by gaps in research, we compared VO2 and heart rate (HR) (Study 1), muscle activation (Study 2) and breathing and pedaling entrainment (Study 3). METHODS Subjects rode their bicycles on a treadmill in seated and standing positions. In Study 1, VO2 and HR of four male cyclists (21.3 ± 1.7 yrs; 69.1 ± 6 ml/kg/min) were collected, alternating positions every 5 minutes for 20 minutes (8 mph, 8% grade). In Study 2, muscle activations of eight male cyclists (24 ± 5 yrs, 67.6 ± 5.5 ml/kg/min) were collected on Rectus Femoris (RF), Biceps Femoris, Vastus Medialis (VM) and Gastrocnemius alternating positions every minute (8 mph, 8% grade). In Study 3, flow rate and entrainment of nine male cyclists (28 ± 7 yrs, 62.7 ± 7.7 ml/kg/min) were collected in 2-minute stages at 6, 8 and 10 mph, (8% grade) alternating positions every minute. RESULTS VO2 and HR increased standing (3.17± 0.43 L/min, 175 ± 4 bpm) compared to seated (3.06 ± 0.37 L/min, 166 ± 5 bpm) (p < 0.05). Normalized EMG for RF and VM increased standing (47 ± 5%, 57 ± 15%) compared to seated (34 ± 3%, 36 ± 8%) (p < 0.05). Peak Inspiratory and Expiratory Flow increased standing (3.44±0.07 and 2.45±0.05 L/sec) compared to seated (3.09 ±0.06 and 2.21±0.04 L/sec) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Uphill cycling while standing results in decreased cycling economy due to physiological and biomechanical variations compared to riding seated.
An X-ray Image of the Composite SNR G16.7+0.1

We have observed the Galactic supernova remnant G16.7+0.1 for 13 ks using the EPIC cameras aboard the XMM-Newton X-ray Observatory, producing the first X-ray image of the remnant. This composite radio remnant has a core radio flux density of only 100 mJy, making it one of the faintest radio synchrotron nebulae yet detected, although the core-to-shell flux ratio at 6 cm is typical of the growing class of composite remnants. Our image is seriously contaminated by bright arcs produced by singly reflected X-rays from the X-ray binary GX17+2 which lies just outside the field of view, providing an interesting data analysis challenge. Nonetheless, the remnant's synchrotron core is clearly detected. We report on the spectrum and intensity of the core emission as well as on our search for emission from the thermal shell, and describe the constraints these observations provide on the remnant's distance, age, and central pulsar properties.
Saving Mount Shasta’s Sacred Water: The Spiritual Campaign Against Crystal Geyser

For twenty years, Mt. Shasta, California (pop. 3287) has resisted the commercial bottling of water sourced from its namesake volcano, a 14,179-foot Cascade peak that is a cosmic, sacred mountain to many metaphysical groups. Mountain-centered spirituality shapes the town’s water activism and inspires an activist alliance with the Winnemem Wintu tribe. Origin myths recount the tribe’s emergence from a sacred spring on this mountain. This town-tribe activist alliance delayed the 2015 planned opening of the Crystal Geyser plant, successfully petitioned for an Environmental Impact Report, lost two lawsuits, and awaits a pending state court appeal. Under pressure from economic stakeholders, activists support a business model of spiritual tourism to protect its sacred water from the extractive capitalism of Crystal Geyser.
Stable Non-BPS Dyons in N=2 SYM

As a novel application of string junctions, we provide evidence for the existence of stable non-BPS dyons with magnetic charge greater than 1 in (the semiclassical regime of) N=2 SU(2) Super-Yang-Mills theory. In addition, we find a new curve of marginal stability. Moduli space is therefore divided into four regions, each containing a different stable particle spectrum.
Climatic factors contributing to long-term variations of fine dust concentration in the United States

High concentration of dust particles can cause respiratory problems and increase non-accidental mortality. Studies found fine dust (with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 microns) is an important component of the total PM2.5 mass in the western and central U.S. in spring and summer and has positive trends. This work examines factors influencing long-term variations of fine dust concentration in the U.S. using station data from the Interagency Monitoring Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) network during 1990–2015. The variations of the fine dust concentration can be largely explained by the variations of precipitation, surface bareness, and 10 m wind speed. Moreover, including convective parameters such as convective inhibition (CIN) and convective available potential energy (CAPE) better explains the variations and trends over the Great Plains from spring to fall. While the positive trend of fine dust concentration in the Southwest in spring is associated with precipitation deficit, the increasing of fine dust over the central Great Plains in summer is largely associated with an enhancing of CIN and a weakening of CAPE, which are related to increased atmospheric stability due to surface drying and lower troposphere warming. The positive trend of the Great Plains low-level jet also contributes to the increasing of fine dust concentration in the central Great Plains in summer via its connections with surface winds and CIN. Summer dusty days in the central Great Plains are usually associated with a westward extension of the North Atlantic subtropical high that intensifies the Great Plains low-level jet and also results in a stable atmosphere with subsidence and reduced precipitation.
Serum Samples from Co-Infected and Domestic Cat Field Isolates Nonspecifically Bind FIV and Other Antigens in Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays

We evaluated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) specificity for measuring seroantibody responses to two types of retroviral infections in domestic cats: feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline foamy virus (FFV). We compared the seroreactivity of specific pathogen-free (SPF) cat sera, sera from SPF cats inoculated with either FIV or FFV, and field isolates (e.g., shelter or privately owned cats). Sera from SPF cats experimentally infected with the cognate virus had significantly lower background in both FIV and FFV ELISAs compared to sera from negative field isolates. ELISA values for SPF cats exposed to either FIV or FFV tended to have higher OD values on the opposite ELISA antigen plate. FIV nonspecific background absorbance was greater than that of FFV, and 10 of 15 sera samples from FIV seronegative field samples were measured in the indeterminant range. These findings highlight that exposure to off-target pathogens elicit antibodies that may nonspecifically bind to antigens used in binding assays; therefore, validation using sera from SPF animals exposed during controlled infection results in the setting of a cutoff value that may be inappropriately low when applied to field samples. Our work also suggests that infection of domestic cats with pathogens other than FIV results in antibodies that cross-react with the FIV Gag antigen.
Impact of Geophysical and Anthropogenic Factors on Wildfire Size: A Spatiotemporal Data-Driven Risk Assessment Approach Using Statistical Learning

Wildfire spread is a stochastic phenomenon driven by a multitude of geophysical and anthropogenic factors. In this study, we propose a spatiotemporal data-driven risk assessment framework to understand the effect of various geophysical/anthropogenic factors on wildfire size, leveraging a systematic machine learning approach. We apply this framework in the state of California–the most vulnerable US state to wildfires. Using county-level annual wildfire data from 2001–2015, and various geophysical (e.g., land cover, wind, surface temperature) and anthropogenic features (e.g., population density, housing type), we trained, tested, and validated a suite of ensemble tree-based learning algorithms to identify and evaluate the key factors associated with wildfire size. The Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm outperformed all the other models in terms of generalization performance, categorization of important features, and risk performance. We found that standard deviations of meteorological variables with long-tailed distributions play a key role in predicting wildfire size. Specifically, the top ten factors associated with high risk of larger wildfires include larger standard deviations of surface temperature and vapor pressure deficit, higher wind gust, more grassy and barren land covers, lower night-time boundary layer height and higher population density. Our proposed risk assessment framework will help federal/state decision-makers to adequately plan for wildfire risk mitigation and resource allocation strategies.
The low temperature thermoelectric properties of CuxTiSe2-ySy

Abstract The low temperature thermoelectric properties of TiSe 2 , co-doped with Cu and S, are reported. Partial S substitution for Se changes the magnitude of the indirect bandgap, while the Cu-doping independently controls the n-type carrier concentration. The Seebeck coefficients are negative, in the range of −50 to −200 μV K −1 , and the resistivities are 0.1–10 mΩ cm. The thermal conductivity for the sample with the largest thermoelectric power factor was found to be relatively low, 3–4 W m −1 K −1 , and decreases with decreasing temperature. The thermoelectric efficiencies for the best materials found in this system, typified by Cu 0.02 TiSe 1.7 S 0.3 , were largest at 0.07 at 300 K and decreased to 0.01 at 75 K.
CHANGING WAR AIMS: CENTRAL AFRICA'S ROLE, 1940-41, AS SEEN FROM LEOPOLDVILLE

CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE more quickly in wartime than in times of peace. Military action can provoke transfers of territory thereby nullifying the postulates of earlier strategy. Economic assets, previously deemed marginal, can take on an unexpected importance. The eight months between May 1940 and January 1941 saw a series of military events which shook Central Africa not only for the duration of the war but for the entire period until independence. Reflecting on these crucial months, it is tempting to see design on the part of decision-makers where none existed, and economic motives which were feasible only in light of later developments unforseen at the time. One Belgian historian has recently written that 'the Belgian Congo was considered, above all by the British, as an inexhaustable source of goods which one could dispose of at will, using the war effort as a pretext', and that, 'from the beginning, the British based their "Congolese" strategy on the permanence of an Anglo-American common front "against the Belgians" . 1 By contrast, this essay proposes that economic developments which occurred later in the war were triggered, if not entirely determined, by military exigencies and that the British in 1940 were more concerned with minimizing their purchases from the Belgian empire than in obtaining hegemony over it. In order to show the changes in Allied planning for Central Africa, this essay will begin by outlining national objectives as of May 1940, when the Germans invaded Belgium. It will then explain how, in the next eight months, leaders on the spot with varying degrees of connection to their metropoles, were forced to establish an entirely new set of war aims, which were to have enormous effect on the local African population during the succeeding years of the war.
Jacques Ganoulis, Alice Aureli and Jean Fried (eds), Transboundary water resources management: a multidisciplinary approach

The editors of this volume set out a noble and far-reaching aim in the cover summary, intending their book “to serve as a practical guide for collaborative actions in Transboundary Water Resources ...
Nudity and Framing: Classifying Art, Pornography, Information, and Ambiguity

Drawing on 45 interviews, this paper addresses how people interpret and make sense of nude images within popular culture. I suggest that the nude image resides comfortably in three familiar and bounded frames: art, pornography, and information. These frames clearly provide the reader with cues that aid his/her interpretation of the nude as well as his/her evaluation of the nude. A fourth frame is “under construction” this is the commodified frame used in selling products and magazines. Older adults refuse to address the acceptability of this frame; younger adults believe it to be a bounded category close to the other three. Age distinguishes between the kinds and amounts of cultural work that people do in deciding the acceptability of the frames that contain nude images.
Tobacco Addiction and Psychological Co-morbidities

Nicotine dependence is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a recurrent, periodic compulsion to use tobacco due to neurophysiological, psychological, and social factors. This disorder has behavioral and physiological characteristics that are similar to those of other addictions, but also unique aspects that require special attention because of its ubiquity on a global scale, its staggering effects on rates of morbidity and mortality, and its high prevalence of psychological comorbidities, including psychiatric disorders. Our chapter focuses on the epidemiology of comorbid nicotine dependence and psychiatric disorders, the underlying biobehavioral mechanisms of comorbidity, cultural factors, psychiatric disorders most often associated with nicotine dependence, and treatment approaches. While there is a need for ongoing studies to more clearly delineate the best treatment interventions for persons with comorbid psychiatric disorders and nicotine dependence, the evidence to date suggests use of all of the medication, behavioral, and peer-support approaches available. Culture changes are needed in mental health and addiction treatment settings to continue to improve access to effective interventions for persons with nicotine dependence and psychological comorbidities.
Peak oxygen consumption in Hodgkin's lymphoma survivors treated with mediastinal radiotherapy as a predictor of quality of life 5 years later

Abstract Purpose Long-term survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) treated with mediastinal radiotherapy often have multiple subclinical cardiac abnormalities, possibly including restrictive cardiomyopathy. The clinical importance of these abnormalities has not been established, but they may eventually reduce quality of life. We sought to confirm an earlier cross-sectional correlation between maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and the physical component score (PCS) of the SF-36 quality of life instrument completed years later. Methods We created a cohort of 21 survivors of HL in childhood or adolescence who had participated in both of two independent studies: a study of multiple cardiac measures in 48 survivors at a median of 14.3 years after diagnosis and a study performed about 5 years later of 511 survivors who completed the SF-36. We assessed the correlation between VO2max and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) measured during the first study with PCS measured during the second. Results Median PCS was 10.0 points lower (55.2 to 45.2) in the second study. The correlation between VO2max and PCS at a median of 5 years later was r = 0.50 (P = 0.021): that between LVFS in the first study and PCS in the second was r = − 0.50 (P = 0.021). Conclusions In HL survivors treated with mediastinal radiotherapy, VO2max appears to be associated with future quality of life. Measures of LVFS are clearly not sufficient to address whether decreased quality of life in these survivors is associated with cardiac impairment Larger longitudinal studies are necessary to determine how much V02max explains future quality of life.
Away-side Distribution in a Parton Multiple Scattering Model and Background-suppressed Measures

Abstract A model of parton multiple scattering in a dense and expanding medium is described. The simulated results reproduce the general features of the data. In particular, in the intermediate trigger momentum region there is a dip-bump structure, while at higher trigger momentum the double bumps merge into a central peak. Also, a new measure is proposed to quantify the azimuthal distribution with the virtue that it suppresses the statistical fluctuations event-by-event, while enhancing the even-structure of the signal.
The Crimean War, the beginning of strict Swedish neutrality, and the myth of Swedish intervention in the Baltic

(1973). The Crimean War, the beginning of strict Swedish neutrality, and the myth of Swedish intervention in the Baltic. Journal of Baltic Studies: Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 244-253.
Development of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention Using a Model of Actionable Feedback

We describe the development of an audit and feedback intervention to improve antibiotic prescribing in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) using a theoretical framework. Participants included attending physicians, neonatal fellows, pediatric residents, and nurse practitioners. The intervention was based on the “model of actionable feedback” which emphasizes that feedback should be timely, individualized, nonpunitive, and customized to be effective. We found that real-time feedback could not be provided for the parameters established in this study, as we had to collect and analyze numerous data elements to assess appropriate initiation and continuation of antibiotics and required longer intervals to examine trends in antibiotic use. We learned during focus groups that NICU clinicians strongly resisted assigning individual responsibility for antibiotic prescribing as they viewed this as a shared responsibility informed by each patient's laboratory data and clinical course. We were able to create a non-punitive atmosphere thanks to written informed consent from NICU attendings and assurance from leadership that prescribing practices would not be used to assess job performance. We provided customized, meaningful feedback integrating input from the participants. Adapting the principles of the “model of actionable feedback” to provide feedback for antimicrobial prescribing practices proved challenging in the NICU setting.
Author's response to Nicolau et al.

We thank Dr. Nicolau and colleagues for their interest in our recently published paper, which described the sleep hygiene behaviors of a community-based sample of midlife women with and without insomnia or sleep-disordered breathing.1 Dr. Hachul's group has been active at demonstrating the high prevalence of poor sleep among midlife women and evaluating treatment options (e.g., Hachul et al., 2009, 2014).2,3 While we appreciate their commentary, we must point out two misinterpretations of our data. First, our sample did not consist of women who were seeking help for sleep disorders. Although subclinical sleep disturbance was indeed prevalent in our community-based sample,4 the majority of our participants (79% of 321 women) did not meet diagnostic criteria for insomnia or sleep-disordered breathing.1 Unfortunately, as we noted as a study limitation, we do not know who was seeking treatment for their sleep problem at the time of the study. Second, and perhaps most importantly, we found that women with insomnia were significantly less likely to engage in negative sleep hygiene behaviors (i.e., long daytime naps, caffeine or alcohol consumption near bedtime, smoking) compared with women without insomnia. This finding suggests that these midlife women with insomnia may have been more mindful of the potential impact of these behaviors on their sleep and do not align with prior findings by Hachul and colleagues of lower mindfulness among postmenopausal women with insomnia.5 We agree with Dr. Hachul and colleagues' suggestion to investigate sleep hygiene practices according to the type of insomnia, as sleep hygiene behaviors may differ according to the type of sleep complaint. However, as we noted in our paper, there was considerable heterogeneity in the type(s) of insomnia complaints among our midlife women, which precluded any such subgroup analyses. We also agree that future research in this area should include a validated sleep hygiene measure, which would enable assessment of a wide range of behaviors and practices that we were unable to assess in our study (e.g., bedroom temperature and noise). Although our cross-sectional analyses did not suggest that adopting positive sleep hygiene behaviors and minimizing negative sleep hygiene behaviors may reduce insomnia complaints, we agree that a tailored approach involving a variety of nonpharmacologic treatment options may be beneficial. Moreover, it is important to note that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Practice Parameters for the treatment of insomnia indicate that there remains insufficient evidence that sleep hygiene alone is an effective stand-alone therapy, though it is often included with other behavioral interventions.6 Much more certainly needs to be understood regarding the role of sleep hygiene in sleep medicine,7 but we hope readers will appreciate that insomnia does not necessarily correlate with poor sleep hygiene.
Output statistics of an integrating square-law device with band-limited Gaussian input

A Gauss quadrature rule is used to develop an efficient series representation of a band-limited Gaussian process. This representation then allows a closed-form expression for the output statistics of an integrate-and-dump detector operating on the square of a Gaussian input process. Numerical results are presented for some represented eases.
An X-ray diffraction study of the SrBrxI2−x system

Abstract The mixed halogen phases SrBrxI2−x, for which 2.00 > x > 0 were prepared both by heating weighed masses of pure SrBr2 and SrI2 in sealed evacuated quartz ampoules and by cocrystallization from absolute ethanol. The reaction products were examined by X-ray powder diffraction methods. Five distinct regions were observed in the phase diagram. The crystallographic characteristics of phases representative of the single phase regions, SrBr2SrBr1.60I0.40, SrBr1.40I0.60SrBr0.80I1.20, and SrBr0.30I1.70SrI2, are presented, and the anion distributions in the crystal structures are deduced on the basis of X-ray powder diffraction intensities.
A Posteriori Error Estimates for HDG Methods

We present the first a posteriori error analysis of the so-called hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin (HDG) methods for second-order elliptic problems. We show that the error in the flux can be controlled by only two terms. The first term captures the so-called data oscillation. The second solely depends on the difference between the trace of the scalar approximation and the corresponding numerical trace. Numerical experiments verifying the reliability and efficiency of the estimate in two-space dimensions are presented.
Intracellular calcium transients and developed tension in rat heart muscle. A mechanism for the negative interval-strength relationship

The purposes of the present study were to determine (a) whether changes of intracellular [Ca2+] (Cai) can account for the decrease of developed tension observed in rat heart muscle when stimulation rate is increased, and (b) whether the effect of stimulation rate on Cai is altered in conditions in which the rate of repriming of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is altered, as when perfusate [Ca2+] (Cao) is increased, and in heart muscle from senescent animals. The photoprotein aequorin was used to monitor Cai in rat papillary muscles. In muscles from 6-mo-old rats, increasing the stimulation rate in the range 0.2-0.66 Hz led to parallel decreases of both the aequorin light transient and developed tension when Cao was 2 mM. When Cao was increased to 4 mM, changes in the stimulation rate had less effect on both the light transient and tension. At 8 mM Cao, changing the stimulation rate had no effect on either the light transient or developed tension. Papillary muscles from 24-mo-old rats, in which SR function is likely to be depressed, exhibited a prolonged Ca2+ transient and twitch. At a Cao of 4 or 8 mM, increasing the stimulation rate from 0.33 to 0.66 Hz still led to decreases in the size of the aequorin light transient and developed tension in these muscles. Developed tension and aequorin light responded to increases of Cao in the same way in both groups of muscles. We conclude that under the conditions of our experiments, developed tension is determined by Cai. The negative interval-strength relationship observed when Cao is in the physiological range can be accounted for by a time-dependent recycling of Ca2+ by the SR. The effects of increasing Cao and the age-related differences observed at high Cao can also be accounted for using this model.
Single inductor dual output dc-dc converter for space-limited or large input voltage variation systems

The design of a Single Inductor Dual Output (SIDO) buck converter using two individual voltage mode control loops has been presented in this paper, and the limitation of using such control method has been indicated, then the control schemes for minimizing the cross regulation issue has been discussed. By using two separate control loops, the inductor energy is shared and regulated for both output rails. The bench test results show that both outputs of the proposed scheme can achieve good regulation in steady state, and the auxiliary output rail can also obtain good line regulation. The proposed structure is a promising candidate for space-limited applications or for large input voltage variation systems. Furthermore, by using current mode control on the auxiliary output rail, the load cross regulation issue can be reduced.
The g-factor of the 6+ state of 90Nb

Abstract The g-factor of the 88 μs isomeric 6+ state of 90Nb has been measured by the time-differential perturbed-angular-distribution method. The observed g-factor of 0.620 ± 0.004 agrees within our error with a recent measurement of the 8+ ground state of 90Nb and verifies additivity to this accuracy in 90Nb.
Quality of life in obsessive-compulsive disorder: the role of mediating variables

This study examined the association of various clinical features of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with quality of life (QoL) in 102 adults with a principal diagnosis of OCD. Participants were assessed by trained clinicians using the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule 4th edition, the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, and an unstructured clinical interview. Subjects completed the MOS-36 Item Short Form Health Survey, and Beck Depression Inventory-II. Obsessive-compulsive symptom severity was negatively correlated with emotional health, social functioning and general health QoL. Depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptom severity and emotional health, social functioning and general health QoL. Additionally, interference of obsessive-compulsive symptoms mediated the relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptom severity and emotional health, social functioning and general health QoL. Resistance against obsessive-compulsive symptoms mediated the relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptom severity and social functioning QoL. Diminished QoL is present in persons with OCD and is essential in understanding the complete clinical picture of OCD.
Structure of the chloroplast psbA gene encoding the QB protein from Oryza sativa L.

The light-regulated chloroplast psbA gene encoding the QB protein has been cloned from rice (Oryza sativa L.), and the nucleotide sequence has been determined. Comparison of nucleotide sequences and derived amino acid sequences between species indicates a high degree of conservation of the primary structure. Comparison of promoter regions from the light-inducible chloroplast psbA, rbcL, and psaA genes indicates conservation of the prokaryotic-like promoter elements in all three genes and of a —21 box common only to psbA and rbcL promoter regions. No other putative regulatory signals were found based on nucleotide sequences.
Primary, non-exophytic, optic nerve germ cell tumors

Tumors of the optic chiasm are relatively uncommon and usually associated with phakomatoses such as neurofibromatosis. Even more rare is the presentation of a primary, non-exophytic, isolated optic chiasm germ cell tumor (GCT). These tumors have imaging characteristics nearly indistinguishable from optic chiasmatic gliomas (OCGs). Herein we describe two cases of young men who presented with similar findings of progressive, painless visual loss and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction including diabetes insipidus. Brain imaging was non-diagnostic and suggestive of an OCG. Pathology demonstrated GCTs in each case highlighting the importance of biopsy confirmation of the diagnosis. Both patients underwent a pterional craniotomy and sub-frontal approach to the optic chiasm. The chiasm was diffusely enlarged and discolored in each case without evidence of sellar, suprasellar or perichiasmatic pathology. Pathology demonstrated a malignant mixed GCT in the first patient and a germinoma in the second. This case series highlights the importance of tissue biopsy for patients with progressive symptoms from optic chiasm tumors. Furthermore, this is the first report of a primary, non-exophytic malignant mixed GCT. As the treatment regimens differ widely between optic chiasm GCTs and chiasm gliomas, tissue diagnosis is important.
Computational study of viscoelastic effects on liquid transfer during gravure printing

Abstract High speed roll-to-roll coating and printing are important in both classical and novel processes, e.g., in the emergent flexible electronics industry. Gravure in particular is attractive for its application to printing as well as its high quality and throughput in coating continuous thin films. Despite its long standing use, gravure is still poorly understood especially in the liquid transfer regime and when the coating liquid has a complex rheology. As with any coating flow, the dynamics are governed by many complex phenomena including free surfaces, (de)-wetting, and non-Newtonian rheology; these present observational, modeling, and computational challenges. Accordingly, modeling and computational work are usually limited by the level of detail in describing the physical phenomena. In this work, we compute the influence of viscoelasticity on the transfer of polymer solutions in an idealized gravure process: the liquid is held between a cavity and a flat disk that moves away at a constant velocity, with pinned contact lines on both the disk and cavity. Our computations show that when the disk separation velocity is sufficiently high as measured by the Weissenberg number—i.e., the consequent strain rate in the liquid bridge is high compared to the rate of polymer relaxation—large elastic stresses are activated at early times and induce an adverse drainage into the cavity. Gravity or other forces eventually overwhelm this elastic drainage at later times when stretching dynamics decay in importance. When gravitational and elastic drainage act in concert, they compete with the viscous forces that promote liquid transfer; this competition manifests as an optimum disk velocity for maximal liquid transfer. With the appropriate scaling, we find that the optimal disk velocities over a range of parameters reduce to an optimal Weissenberg number of about 0.1, which agrees well with experiments in the literature.
PROPERTIES OF THE OXIDIZING ENZYMES OF CERTAIN VINIFERA GRAPES 1

White grapes darken during drying and subsequent storage of the resulting raisins; the freshly expressed, unheated juice becomes brown on standing; and white wines slowly darken during aging. Since it appears that oxidizing enzymes are involved, at least to a considerable extent, in these changes, the investigation reported in this paper was undertaken upon some of the properties of the oxidizing enzymes occurring in certain Vinifera grapes, particularly of the Sultanina (Thompson seedless) variety.
The Correct Use of the Sample Mean Absolute Deviation in Confidence Intervals for a Normal Variate

In short routine experiments involving small samples from a normal distribution, it is often found to be more convenient to use the sample mean absolute deviation (m) rather than the sample standard deviation (S) in forming confidence intervals. Approximate and exact methods for correctly using m in confidence intervals are given. The expected lengths of the intervals using m are then compared with the expected lengths of the intervals using S. The results indicate that the increase in expected length using m rather than S is insignificant, whereas there is a decrease in expected length using m when one can take an additional observation.
Removal of a Volatile Organic Compound in a Hybrid Rotating Drum Biofilter

A hybrid bioreactor, combining an activated sludge process (ASP) and a rotating drum biofilter (RDB), was developed and evaluated for the treatment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in waste gas streams. The effects of the influent VOC concentration and the organic loading rate on the VOC removal efficiency and on the pattern of biomass accumulation were investigated. Toluene was used as the model VOC, the flow rate of the waste gas stream was 0.59 L/s, and the empty-bed retention time (EBRT) in the ASP portion was 46 s with an actual retention time of about 2 s. The EBRT in the RDB portion was 38 s based on the drum volume. When the VOC feed concentration increased from 221 to 884 mg toluene/m3 (from 57.2 to 229 ppm), correspondingly the organic loading rate of the hybrid bioreactor increased from 1.58 to 6.32 kg chemical oxygen demand/m3/day (from 0.505 to 2.02kg toluene/m3/day) based on the drum volume, both the ASP and RDB decreased, and the overall toluene removal efficiency declined from 99.8 to ...
Radio interference on DC lines from HVDC convertor stations

An assessment has been made of the RF power generated by a modern thyristor-valve convertor station and injected onto a DC transmission line. The total AC power and the power spectrum have been determined for each pole. At a 400 MW (0.4 p.u.) load on the Dickinson, Minnesota, station the RF power per pole launched on the DC system is of the order of 100W for the 10 kHz–30 kHz range and 20W above 30 kHz. As there is no reference for comparison, this result was quite interesting. The effect of the physical configuration of the 3-phase valve components on ignition pulse amplitude was observed. This work provides some insight into the inverter operation of a convertor station when viewed as an RF source.
Non-invasive image acquisition and advanced processing in optical bioimaging

Light is a most versatile tool for investigating biological systems and phenomena; the range, non-destructiveness, spatial discrimination and speed of optical imaging are all important for investigating structure and function at the cellular, tissue or even whole organism level. In live biological imaging, where the technological requirements are heightened, other features of light, such as coherence and wavelength, are used to generate the additional contrast and resolution needed. We report here recent improvements in our ability to image biological specimens optically, focusing on (a) spectral resolution and the related image processing issues, and (b) tomographic three-dimensional fluorescence imaging in vivo.
Measuring the elastic properties of protein crystals by brillouin scattering

We report preliminary measurements of the elastic properties of tetragonal lysozyme crystals using Brillouin scattering. This microscopic, non-contact technique is ideally suited for study of fragile, optically transparent macromolecular crystals. Brillouin scattering should allow much more complete characterization of crystal elasticity, and provide a novel probe of intermolecular interactions, conformation changes, and defect formation.
A Model for Successful Nursing Home–Hospice Partnerships

Abstract Background: While benefits of hospice care in nursing homes have been documented, interorganizational challenges such as staff conflicts regarding planned care or their respective roles have also been documented. Through case studies, this research aimed to characterize the partnerships of successful nursing home–hospice collaborators. Methods: Six nursing homes and hospices with self-identified successful collaborations were studied. Interviews of care providers and chief executive and financial officers collected information on practices relating to seven domains identified as critical to the collaboration. The organizational factors and activities relating to infrastructure development and care collaboration and provision most common across sites were identified. Results: Nursing home–hospice collaborators were philosophically and otherwise aligned; they had similar missions, understood their differing approaches to care, and administrators demonstrated an openness and support for the collabor...
The effect of phosphodiesterase inhibition on gallbladder motility in vitro.

Abstract Background. Coffee consumption decreases the risk of gallstone disease. The proposed motility effects of caffeine, a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, are unknown. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of caffeine and specific PDE inhibitors on gallbladder motility in vitro. Methods. Gallbladder muscle strips from opossums were attached to force transducers. Baseline tone, electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced nitric oxide-mediated off responses, and changes in the cholecystokinin (CCK)-8 dose–response relationship were measured. Caffeine; vinpocetine (VIN), type I PDE inhibitor; erythro-9-[2-hydroxy-3-nonyl]adenine HCl (EHNA), type II PDE inhibitor; zarderverine (ZARD), type III/IV PDE inhibitor; Ro 20-1724, type IV PDE inhibitor; and zaprinast (ZAP), type V PDE inhibitor were added to the tissue baths. Results. Caffeine and all specific PDE inhibitors decreased baseline tone. Caffeine, VIN, EHNA, ZARD, Ro 20-1724, and ZAP decreased the EFS-induced off response. Caffeine (10−5 M) and EHNA increased the CCK-8 dose–response contractions. This effect was not inhibited by atropine. Caffeine increased the tissue levels of cyclic 3′,5′-guanosine monophosphate but not cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate. Caffeine decreases baseline tone and the off response via type I–V PDE pathways. Caffeine also increases CCK-induced gallbladder contractions via type II PDE pathways. Conclusion. These effects may be a mechanism that contributes to the decreased gallstone formation with caffeine consumption.
Multimodal inputs to the granule cell domain of the cochlear nucleus

There is growing evidence that hearing involves the integration of many brain functions, including vision, balance, somatic sensation, learning and memory, and emotional state. Some of these integrative processes begin at the earliest stages of the central auditory system. In this review, we will discuss evidence that reveals multimodal projections into the granule cell domain of the cochlear nucleus.
Diffuser radiation patterns over a large dynamic range. 1: Strong diffusers.

Theoretical computations are presented for the far-zone radiation patterns from strong diffusers having a normally distributed height profile and different autocorrelation functions for the surface height. Diffusers having two scales of roughness are also analyzed. Data are presented from ground-glass and acid-etched-glass diffusers using a scatterometer that permits measurements over an entire hemisphere with a dynamic range of 6–8 orders of magnitude. For the ground glass, excellent agreement is obtained using an autocorrelation function that is conical for small spatial offsets; this is consistent with our physical expectation based on the need for a rapid fall-off in surface correlation, due to the jagged nature of the surface relief. For the acid-etched case, excellent agreement is found using an autocorrelation function that is paraboloidal for small spatial offsets. Remote sensing of surface roughness and surface correlation are seen to be practical and accurate.
Free and bound myoinositol phosphates in mature cotton embryos

Abstract Free myoinositol tetraphosphates, myoinositol pentaphosphate and myoinositol hexaphosphate were detected in mature cotton embryos. Three major isomers of the tetraphosphate were isolated by ion exchange chromatography followed by paper electrophoresis (80 V /cm). No free myoinositol monophosphate, myoinositol diphosphate or myoinositol triphosphate was detected. However, these were found bound to a lipid, presumably as menu-, di- and triphosphoinositides. No evidence was found for the presence of lipid bound higher myoinositol phosphates.
Positive predictive value of suspected growth aberration in twin gestations.

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to determine the positive predictive value of ultrasonographic surveillance for growth abnormalities in twin gestations as a function of gestational age. Study Design: Women with twin gestations and delivery between January 1992 and March 1998 who had a 20- to 24-week sonogram with normal fetal anatomic findings and who had at least 1 sonogram showing abnormal growth were identified. Abnormal growth on ultrasonography was defined as an estimated fetal weight 20% difference in twin weights as a function of the heavier twin). Birth weights were then assessed for evidence of twin discordance or growth restriction. Results: The positive predictive value for the occurrence of a growth abnormality at birth, after an abnormal growth finding on ultrasonography at any time during gestation, was 47.7%. The positive predictive value was greatest (85%) when suspected growth restriction was first documented at 20 to 24 weeks of gestation and decreased with increasing gestational age. Even though sonograms were obtained at a mean interval of 4.4 ± 2.0 weeks, those gestations with normal growth at 20 to 24 weeks had an elapsed time of 10.3 ± 3.9 weeks until a growth abnormality was subsequently detected. Conclusion: In twin gestations the positive predictive value of a sonogram for a growth abnormality at birth is significantly decreased after normal findings on a 20- to 24-week sonogram. This finding suggests that a routine 2- to 4-week interval between sonograms for all twin gestations may be unwarranted. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:1139-41.)
Continuation Method for Calculation of Transonic Airfoil Flutter Boundaries

Flutter boundaries, through variations in aerodynamic and structural dynamic parameters, are computed for a NACA 64A006 airfoil at transonic freestream Mach numbers with pitch-and-plunge structural coupling. These e utter boundaries are obtained with a new continuation algorithm that specie cally accounts for e utter onset. The algorithm, which is based on pseudoarclength continuation, solves an extended form of the Euler equations for the reduced velocity at e utter onset, the corresponding base-e ow solution, the destabilizing mode at e utter onset, and thecritical valueofa secondarystructural parameter, e.g., structural damping. Thealgorithm providesa relatively automated procedure for computing e utter boundaries directly, which avoids a trial-and-error, e utter-detection process typical of time-domain techniques. The current method is validated through comparison with independent e utter-boundary computations. Grid-sensitivity studies are carried out to assess the numerical accuracy of computed solutions.
13C relaxation mechanisms in methyl-transition metal complexes: high barriers to rotation about metalcarbon σ bonds

Abstract 13 C T 1 and η(CH) have been measured for the methyl carbon in cis -Os(CO) 4 (CH 3 ) 2 , (π-C 5 H 5 )Fe(CO) 2 CH 3 , (π-C 5 H 5 )Mo(CO) 3 CH 3 and (π-C 5 H 5 ) 2 Zr(CH 3 ) 2 . From this data, barriers to methyl rotation are estimated to be 4.4 ± 0.7, 5.4 ± 2, > 6, and > 6 kcal/mol, respectively. It appears that such barriers can be substantial even in uncrowded molecules.
Increasing porcine PARV4 prevalence with pig age in the U.S. pig population

A novel parvovirus in pigs currently known as porcine PARV4 was recently discovered in pigs in Asia and Europe. The objective of this study was to investigate if porcine PARV4 is present in the U.S. pig population using a newly developed quantitative real-time PCR assay. Lung tissues obtained from 483 pigs across five different age groups with varying disease manifestations (reproductive failure/abortion, enteritis, respiratory disease, systemic/central nervous disease) were tested. While porcine PARV4 DNA was not detected in fetuses (0/28) or suckling pigs (0/15), it was detected in pigs from 10 of 16 states with increasing prevalence rates in the older pigs. Specifically, porcine PARV4 DNA was detected in 5.6% (10/178) of the nursery pigs, 18.7% (44/235) of the grow-finish pigs and 22.2% (6/27) of the mature pigs tested. Genome sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis of U.S. porcine PARV4s confirmed that they have similar genomic characteristics and 97.6-99.1% sequence identities to available porcine PARV4 sequences from China, Romania, and the U.K. Porcine PARV4 was identified in 14.4% of respiratory cases and in 11.6% of cases with a history of systemic/central nervous system disease. As strict non-diseased controls were not included in this study, a possible role of porcine PARV4 in these disease manifestations remains inconclusive. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of porcine PARV4 in the U.S. pig population.
Synthesis and Characterization of Dendrimer-Templated Mesoporous Oxidation Catalysts

We report here the use of 4th and 5th generation dendrimers poly(propylene)imine (CU-D32 and CU-D64) as templating agents for the synthesis of mesoporous titanosilicate and vanadosilicate oxidation catalysts via solgel techniques. The physical properties of these mesoporous materials were characterized by TGA, BET, PXD and SEM/EDX analyses and these showed that the transition metals are evenly distributed throughout these silicates, which have interconnected spherical pores (approx. 12A in diameter) and high surface areas of about 650m2g−1. Kinetic studies showed that all transition metal-doped catalysts were highly selective at oxidizing cyclohexene to the corresponding epoxide. Additionally, CU-D64-templated catalysts were more catalytically active for cyclohexene epoxidation than CU-D32-templated catalysts as a result of differences in pore size. All CU-D64-templated catalysts exhibited epoxidation catalytic activity comparable to that of titanium doped MCM-41 materials.
Classics Curriculum: A Focus to Differentiated Curriculum

A layered approach to differentiate curriculum is discussed as an example of accommodating a range of goals including core, differentiated, classic, individualized, theme and generalization. Each layer represents a specific goal. This article examines how the layered approach to differentiated curriculum provides educators options to acknowledge multiple goals that respond to the abilities, needs and interests of gifted students. The importance of inclusion of a classics layer in a differentiated curriculum is discussed and illustrated.
Millimeter-wave spectroscopy of vibrationally-excited NaCCH (X̃1Σ+) and MgCCH (X̃2Σ+): the v5 bending mode

Abstract Pure rotational spectra of NaCCH ( X 1 Σ + ) and MgCCH ( X 2 Σ + ) have been recorded in their ground state and v5 vibrational level, the metal–C–C bend, in the range 315–525 GHz using millimeter-wave direct absorption techniques. This data set complements previous measurements. For NaCCH, rotational transitions were recorded for v5l=00, 11, 22, 20, 33, and 44 levels, and for the 00 states of NaCCD and Na 13 CCH . Transitions originating in the 11, 20, and 22 states of MgCCH were additionally observed. Rotational, l-type doubling, and vibration–rotation parameters have been determined for both species, as well as estimates of the ω5 bending frequency.