cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
3D printed mask extenders as a supplement to isolation masks to relieve posterior auricular discomfort: an innovative 3D printing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many commonly used mask designs are secured by elastic straps looping around the posterior auricular region. This constant pressure and friction against the skin may contribute to increased wearer pain, irritation, and discomfort. The purpose of this work is to report a modified 3D printed mask extender to alleviate discomfort and increase mask wearability by relieving posterior auricular pressure from isolation masks. Our institutional review board designated this project as non-human research and exempt. As part of resourcing 3D printing laboratories along with individual 3D printers to provide resources to healthcare workers, mask extenders were printed to relieve posterior auricular pressure from individuals wearing isolation masks. The authors modifed an existing mask extender, increasing its length with accompanying peripheral rungs for isolation mask securement. 3D printing was performed with Ultimaker S5 (Ultimaker B.V.; Geldermalsen, Netherlands) and CR-10 (Creality3D; Shenzhen, China) 3D printers using polylactic acid filaments. The author’s modified extended mask extenders were printed and freely delivered to healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, technologists, and other personnel) at the authors’ institution. The final mask extender design was printed with the two 3D printers with a maximum 7 straps printed simultaneously on each 3D printer. Mean print times ranges from 105 min for the Ultimaker S5 printer and 150 min for the CR-10. Four hundred seventy-five mask extenders were delivered to healthcare workers at the authors’ institution, with the demand far exceeding the available supply. We offer a modification of a 3D printed mask extender design that decreases discomfort and increases the wearability of isolation mask designs with ear loops thought to relieve posterior auricular skin pressure and ability to control strap tension. The design is simple, produced with inexpensive material (polylactic acid), and have been well-received by healthcare providers at our institution.
Photocatalytic activity of micron-scale brass on emerging pollutant degradation in water: mechanism elucidation and removal efficacy assessment

Alloys or smelted metal mixtures have served as cornerstones of human civilization. The advent of smelted copper and tin, i.e., bronze, in the 4th millennium B.C. in Mesopotamia has pioneered the preparation of other metal composites, such as brass (i.e., mixture of copper and zinc), since the bronze age. The contemporary use of these alloys has expanded beyond using their physical strength. The catalytic chemistry of micron-scale brass or copper–zinc alloy can be utilized to effectively degrade emerging contaminants (ECs) in water, which are presenting significant risks to human health and wildlife. Here, we examine the photocatalytic activity of a commercially available micro-copper–zinc alloy (KDF® 55, MicroCuZn), made with earth abundant metals, for oxidative removal of two ECs. The micron-scale brass is independently characterized for its morphology, which confirms that it has the β-brass phase and that its plasmonic response is around 475 nm. Estriol (E3), a well-known EC, is removed from water with ultraviolet (UV) radiation catalyzed by MicroCuZn and H2O2–MicroCuZn combinations. The synergy between H2O2, UV, and MicroCuZn enhances hydroxyl radical (˙OH) generation and exhibit a strong pseudo-first-order kinetic degradation of E3 with a decay constant of 1.853 × 10−3 min−1 (r2 = 0.999). Generation of ˙OH is monitored with N,N-dimethyl-4-nitrosoaniline (pNDA) and terephthalic acid (TA), which are effective ˙OH scavengers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis has confirmed ZnO/CuO–Cu2O film formation after UV irradiation. The second EC studied here is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, a psychotropic compound commonly consumed through recreational or medicinal use of marijuana. The exceptionally high solids–water partitioning propensity of THC makes adsorption the dominant removal mechanism, with photocatalysis potentially supporting the removal efficacy of this compound. These results indicate that MicroCuZn can be a promising oxidative catalyst especially for degradation of ECs, with possible reusability of this historically significant material with environmentally-friendly attributes.
Influence of Ionizing Radiation on the Mechanical Properties of a Wood-Plastic Composite☆

Abstract The focus of this study was to examine the potential benefits of irradiating polyethylene (PE)-based wood-plastic composites (WPCs) in order to enhance the mechanical properties of the WPC. The PE-based WPCs were irradiated, post extrusion, at dose levels of 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kGy with an electron beam (EB). The irradiated WPCs were then evaluated using a third point bending test (ASTM D4761) along with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that ultimate strength and modulus of elasticity (MOE) increased with increasing dose level. Examination of the fracture surfaces of polyethylene revealed a distinct difference in failure between irradiated and non-irradiated surfaces.
Modeling lake trophic state: a random forest approach

Productivity of lentic ecosystems is well studied, and it is widely accepted that as nutrient inputs increase, productivity increases and lakes transition from lower trophic state (e.g., oligotrophic) to higher trophic states (e.g., eutrophic). These broad trophic state classifications are good predictors of ecosystem condition, services (e.g., recreation and esthetics), and disservices (e.g., harmful algal blooms). While the relationship between nutrients and trophic state provides reliable predictions, it requires in situ water quality data to parameterize the model. This limits the application of these models to lakes with existing and, more importantly, available water quality data. To address this, we take advantage of the availability of a large national lakes water quality database (i.e., the National Lakes Assessment), land-use/land-cover data, lake morphometry data, and other universally available data, and we apply data-mining approaches to predict trophic state. Using these data and random forests, we first model chlorophyll a and then classify the resultant predictions into trophic states. The full model estimates chlorophyll a with both in situ and universally available data. The mean-squared error and adjusted R2 of this model was 0.09 and 0.8, respectively. The second model uses universally available GIS data only. The mean-squared error was 0.22, and the adjusted R2 was 0.48. The Kappa coefficients of the trophic state classifications derived from the chlorophyll a predictions were 0.57 for the full model and 0.29 for the “GIS-only” model. Random forests extend the usefulness of the class predictions by providing prediction probabilities for each lake. This allows us to make trophic state predictions and also indicate the level of uncertainty around those predictions. For the full model, these predicted class probabilities ranged from 0.42 to 1. For the GIS-only model, they ranged from 0.33 to 0.96. It is our conclusion that in situ data are required for better predictions, yet GIS and universally available data provide trophic state predictions, with estimated uncertainty, that still have the potential for a broad array of applications. The source code and data for this manuscript are available from https://github.com/USEPA/LakeTrophicModelling.
The Maximum Modulus Theorem

This chapter continues the study of a property of analytic functions first seen in Theorem IV. 3.11. In the first section this theorem is presented again with a second proof, and other versions of it are also given. The remainder of the chapter is devoted to various extensions and applications of this maximum principle.
Fatty Acids in the Lipids of Marine and Terrestrial Nitrifying Bacteria

Fatty acids in the lipids of 19 marine and terrestrial nitrifying bacteria have been analyzed. Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria have a very simple acid composition; palmitic and palmitoleic acid account for 96 to 100% of the total acids. The fatty acids of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria cover a wider range, from C14 to C19, but from two to four acids still account for more than 80% of the total acids. Branched iso- and anteiso-acids are present in traces only in 2 of the 19 bacteria. The chemical and morphological similarity between blue-green algae and these bacteria is discussed.
Civil Commitment and Involuntary Hospitalization of the Mentally Ill

The involuntary confinement of persons with mental illnesses involves balancing the rights of the individual hospitalized with that person's well-being and the safety of society. This chapter reviews the historical development of civil commitment and other types of involuntary hospitalization, and highlights the forensic evaluation issues that arise in these contexts. First, the background and legal developments that have shaped civil commitment are discussed, highlighting the increased constitutional protections provided individuals in the latter third of the 20th century. Then, the legal foundations for involuntary hospitalization in the criminal justice system are discussed, focusing on persons adjudicated not guilty by reason of insanity, prison inmates and parolees, and defendants adjudicated incompetent to stand trial. After reviewing the legal developments in civil commitment and involuntary hospitalization, this chapter reviews the evaluative issues most common to the mental health professionals who practice in these contexts. Keywords: civil commitment; involuntary hospitalization; civil rights; mental illness; dangerousness
1 Tb/s (40 Gb/s/spl times/25 channel) DWDM quasi-DM soliton transmission over 1,500 km using dispersion-managed single-mode fiber and conventional C-band EDFAs

We report a 1 Tb/s (40 Gb/s/spl times/25 channel) dense WDM quasi-DM soliton transmission over 1,500 km with the use of a dispersion-managed single-mode fiber. The spectral efficiency was as high as 0.4 b/s/Hz. The transmission line comprised conventional 1.3 /spl mu/m single-mode fibers and dispersion compensating fibers with dispersion slope compensation and a repeater span of 50 km.
Embryo Donation: Psychological Aspects

Embryo donation shares characteristics of, and is also distinct from, other forms of family building. Yet research on the psychological aspects of embryo donation is characterized by its very absence. Research that does exist involves small sample sizes, homogenous demographic characteristics, the use of self-reports, and a non-longitudinal focus. Significant research is lacking concerning the reasons recipient couples use donated embryos. Limited research to date suggests positive, rather than adverse, outcomes for embryo-donation children. The use of donated embryos also does not appear to impact negatively the parenting or psychological adjustment or marital relationship of the couple. Currently, limited research suggests that embryo-donation parents are less likely to disclose the information concerning conception and genetic origin to their child than parents of adoptive or IVF children, but no research has compared the psychological functioning of embryo-donation children based on disclosure status. Similarly, little has been written on the impact of donation on donor couples and their existing families, including their attitudes and experiences regarding donation over time. More research specific to embryo donation is clearly needed.
The Limits of Urban Regime Theory New York City under Koch, Dinkins, and Giuliani

The author evaluates urban regime theory as an approach to understanding development and housing policy in New York City since the 1970s. Strong elements of policy continuity are explained by the i...
Modeling Rett syndrome with stem cells

The discovery that somatic cells can be reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) raised the exciting possibility of modeling diseases with patient-specific cells. Marchetto et al. (2010) now use iPSC technology to generate, characterize, and treat an in vitro model for the autism spectrum disorder Rett syndrome.
Adoption of Emerging Technologies Under Output Uncertainty

A model of divisible technology adoption under incomplete information dissemination and output uncertainty is developed. We identify economic and subjective factors affecting technology adoption and its intensity. Empirical estimation employs a mixed dichotomous-continuous framework with nonrandom sample selection. Producers' adoption intensity is conditional on their knowing about and deciding to adopt the new technology. Using survey data on bST (bovine somatotropin) adoption among Texas dairy producers, we find that larger and more educated operators are likely to adopt more intensively. Traditional dichotomous adoption models without sample selection significantly overestimate the adoption rate.
HELIUM REFRIGERATOR LIQUID NITROGEN PRE‐COOLER COMPONENT PARAMETER SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

It is not uncommon for helium refrigerators using liquid nitrogen (LN) pre‐cooling to exhibit nitrogen usage significantly higher than estimated by the design. Often this is attributed to an underperforming 300 to 80‐K helium‐nitrogen heat exchanger(s) rather than the 300 to 80‐K helium‐helium heat exchanger(s), even though the return helium stream(s) exiting the cold box at the warm (ambient) end are significantly colder than the design goals. Furthermore, typically there is an specious emphasis on the size of the 300 to 80‐K helium‐nitrogen heat exchanger(s) to ensure the exiting nitrogen is as close to ambient temperature as possible, presumably to reduce the LN usage. However, in fact, it is the performance resulting from the size and the flow distribution of the 300 to 80‐K helium‐helium heat exchangers which has the prevalent influence on the nitrogen consumption. This paper examines the sensitivity of the key parameters in the design and operation of a refrigerator LN pre‐cooler section affecting the LN consumption.
Future applications and middleware, and their impact on the infrastructure

The Internet today has progressed from being "just a network" through phases as a human communications mechanism and an unrivalled information system to the mere beginning of being a true services network. On the way, it has encountered a series of technical and external challenges that have created some barriers to further development. For the Internet to release its known potential and develop as a resource-sharing computing services platform, these barriers must be torn down.
Distribution of the Estimators for Autoregressive Time Series with a Unit Root

Abstract Let n observations Y 1, Y 2, ···, Y n be generated by the model Y t = pY t−1 + e t , where Y 0 is a fixed constant and {e t } t-1 n is a sequence of independent normal random variables with mean 0 and variance σ2. Properties of the regression estimator of p are obtained under the assumption that p = ±1. Representations for the limit distributions of the estimator of p and of the regression t test are derived. The estimator of p and the regression t test furnish methods of testing the hypothesis that p = 1.
Value of Information in the Design of Resilient Water Distribution Sensor Networks

AbstractThe ability to monitor the flow and how water transforms throughout water networks would greatly improve the management of those distribution systems. The sensor placement problem attempts to find the locations of monitoring devices that would optimally observe water quality and protect consumers from accidents and intrusions of contaminants. In some related critical scenarios, the absence of information about possible contamination events, including knowledge of the injection sources, contaminant types or mass, time of pollution, and the variability of water network input parameters, such as the nodal demands and the pipe roughness coefficients, raises several challenges that must be addressed by the sensor network design process. In this paper, the authors describe a stochastic parameterization and analysis of uncertainty for the design of sensor networks aimed at maximizing the probability of detection of accidents and intrusions in water distribution networks. A challenge with such an approach...
SIMULATIONS OF CHANNEL-BASED FINAL BEAM TRANSPORT

Abstract We present simulations of final-transport systems based on laser-initiated Z-discharge channels. The systems consist of several beams transported in quadrupole-channel arrays aiming at an adiabatic plasma lens, where they are combined, focused, and transported to the target through a laser-initiated discharge channel. Details of the magnetic-quadrupole beamlines and their interface with the plasma channel are shown. We also present preliminary hydrodynamic calculations to model pinching and current build-up in the laser-initiated discharge.
The effect of particle size distribution on the phase composition in YBa2Cu3O7−x as determined by DTA

Abstract The effect of crystallite size on thermal events during heating of YBa2Cu3O7−x was investigated. Differential thermal analysis up to 1100°C in air was performed on seven samples with different particle size distributions. The coarsest powder (davg=62 μm and 100%>45 μm) has one endothermic peak at 1000°C, which is the 211 peritectic melting point of 123. The powders containing fine crystallites showed two peaks, at 940°C and at 1000°C. The 940°C peak disappears when the thermal analysis is done in oxygen, indicating that ambient atmosphere has a strong effect on the thermal decomposition of YBa2Cu3O7−x.
Ice Nucleation in Clouds by Liquefied Propane Spray

Abstract The inducement of cloud glaciation by cooling with evaporating droplets of liquefied propane was investigated in laboratory experiments and in field tests. The efficiency of ice crystal production was shown to be near 1012 crystals per gram of propane for temperatures colder than −2C; 1010 crystals were produced at supercoolings of few tenths of a degree. Observed variations of the efficiency with changes in cloud liquid water content and in wind velocity indicate that the rate of vapor supply to the cooled plume is the limiting factor in ice crystal production. Ice crystal habits and growth rates were also examined and inferences could be drawn regarding the nucleation mechanisms of the ice crystals in the cooled zone. The results indicate that liquefied propane is an effective, easy-to-use, and safe nucleating agent. The experiments helped delineate the factors which are to be considered in designing practical applications of the technique.
Experimental and numerical investigations of tethered spar and sphere buoys in irregular waves

A series of large-scale experiments were conducted to examine the motions of buoys in a variety of wave climates. In conjunction with these experiments, numerical simulations of selected tests were conducted to test the present ability of a particular computer program to model buoy responses. This paper considers individual wave tests for two of the buoy models used in the experiments, a spar buoy and a sphere buoy. The wave field is generated using a JONSWAP spectrum. A description of the experiments shows that each buoy is subject to significant resonant responses, in heave for the spar and surge for the sphere, even though wave forcing is not present at or immediately adjacent to the resonant frequencies. The numerical simulations show generally good comparisons with the experimental data.
Retinoid inhibition of superoxide anion radical production by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated with tumor promoters.

Abstract All-trans retinol, retinyl acetate and retinoic acid were found to be effective inhibitors of O 2 − • polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated with the tumor promoter phorbol myristate acetate. Retinol similarly inhibited cells stimulated with mezerein or teleocidin B. No-effect concentrations of the protease inhibitor antipain potentiated the inhibitory effect of low levels of retinol. Higher concentrations of retinol and antipain resulted in an additive or less than additive inhibitory effect.
Utilizing nonlinear optical properties of nanoparticles for imaging and sensing

Nonlinear optical properties of barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles are investigated as a function of size and shape. BaTiO3 is an attractive option as a nonlinear material because it can exhibit a high second and third order electronic susceptibility even at the nanoscale. These particles are employed as contrast agents/biomarkers and phase conjugate nanomirrors in imaging, utilizing second harmonic generation for two-photon microscopy and four-wave mixing for three-photon microscopy and scattering reversal image enhancement. Silver is also used to create a shell around the BaTiO3 nanoparticle to see if a core/shell structure enhances any of the nonlinear effects.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Serial comparison processes and sex differences in clerical speed

Past research on sex differences in speeded matching tests and recent theory on same-different judgements led to the prediction that sex differences in such judgements would be observed with simultaneous but not sequential stimulus presentation. In Experiment 1, reliable differences between male and female college students (n = 52) were found when the task involved comparisons between simultaneously presented digit sets. Female subjects were faster than male subjects, p<.01. In Experiment 2 (n = 60), when the digit sets were sequentially presented, such sex differences were not found. In Experiment 3 (n = 70), digit sets identical to those in Experiment 2 were presented simultaneously. Sex differences again were found with the difference being clearest for “different” judgements, p<.05. The results were interpreted in terms of the dual-process hypothesis of same-different judgements with sex differences explained in terms of serial comparison processes rather than encoding/recognition processes.
Consumer Persuasion: The Use of Evidence When Negotiating the Price of a New Automobile

This study examined whether consumers’ use of evidence affected the price at which car salespersons offered to sell a vehicle. Two versions of a message–one containing evidence about the wholesale/invoice price of a vehicle and the other containing no evidence–were e-mailed to 134 sales managers at different Toyota dealerships. The prices offered by salespersons were collected and analyzed. Results indicated that sales managers who had received messages with evidence offered to sell the vehicle for a significantly lower price than did sales managers who received no evidence. These results, their implications, and avenues for future research are discussed.
Radial Exchange of Labeled Water in Intact Maize Roots.

Little is known either of the path taken by water as it moves from the outside of the root to the xylem elements of the stele, or of the barriers which might impede the movement of water. Valuable clues concerning the possible pathways of movement and barriers to the movement of water can be obtained by study of the time course of equilibration of roots immersed in tritiated water, under conditions which prevent transpiration. This equilibration may be diffusional or may be accelerated by protoplasmic streaming, but does not involve a net transfer of water. Philip (2), in his figure 3, gave theoretical curves
Auger spectrum of ammonia

Abstract The Auger spectrum of ammonia has been measured in the vapor phase, completing the isoelectronic series Ne, HF, H 2 O, NH 3 , and CH 4 . Eleven transitions are possible, but three leading to triplet final states are expected to be very weak. Two others are expected on theoretical grounds to be unresolvable. The spectrum showed seven resolvable peaks, in keeping with these expectations. The peaks range in width from 2.2 to 7.4 eV, the narrowest being associated with vacancies in non-bonding lone-pairs and the broadest with vacancies in bonding orbitals. There is reasonably good agreement between the experimental results and recent theoretical calculations for both energy and intensity.
Larval trematode infections and spatial distributions of snails

. The hypothesis that infecting trematodes influence the spatial distribution of the estuarine snail Ilyanassa obsoleta was tested. This work was conducted in the Savages Ditch habitat, Rehoboth Bay, DE, USA, which has an essentially flat, sandy-mud bottom bordered by saltmarsh shorelines and many infected snails. In 1996, two groups of snails were individually marked and released from one location after being screened for trematode infections. One group, transplanted from sites where snails tended not to be infected, consisted of snails that tested as uninfected. The other group consisted of snails native to Savages Ditch. Species of trematode carried by each snail was recorded. Marked snails were found and their positions were recorded until 2001. Snails were in five infection categories: (1) not infected, and infected with (2) Himasthla quissetensis, or (3) Lepocreadium setiferoides or (4) Zoogonus rubellus, or (5) with both H. quissetensis and Z. rubellus. The results show that the spatial distributions of snails depended on whether or not they were infected and, if infected, on which trematode species they carried. To complete life cycles, these parasites must accomplish transmission from the first (the snail) to the second intermediate hosts by short-lived, swimming cercariae. These data do not allow resolution of why snails distributed as they did, but sighting distributions of infected snails can be related to distributions of second hosts and it is proposed that parasites engender host snail distributions that improve chances of transmission.
Characteristic Values of Spheroidal Wave Functions

An asymptotic expansion for the characteristic values of the (prolate) spheroidal wave equation is obtained. The expansion contains the Ince-Goldstein expression for the characteristic values of the Mathieu equation as a special case ($m=\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2}$).
PolyP and APC fight a RAGEing battle.

In this issue of Blood , Dinarvand and colleagues identify polyphosphate (polyP) as a potent mediator of proinflammatory effects induced by nuclear proteins such as histone H4 and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Coagulation, platelet activation, and inflammation are intricately linked and
A novel mutation in the ABCR gene in four patients with autosomal recessive Stargardt disease

Abstract PURPOSE: To identify additional mutations in the ABCR gene and describe the clinical features of four affected siblings with autosomal recessive Stargardt disease. METHODS: A cohort of eight siblings was identified for study. Four of these individuals were diagnosed with Stargardt disease based on clinical evaluation and fluorescein angiography. Blood samples were obtained from seven of eight siblings, including all those affected. All 50 exons of the ABCR gene were analyzed by single-stranded confirmation polymorphism analysis, followed by direct sequencing of observed variants, to identify mutations in the ABCR gene. RESULTS: We identified a previously unreported kindred of eight siblings, four of whom had mutations in both of their ABCR alleles. A previously described G-to-C transversion of nucleotide 2588, predicting a Gly863Ala amino acid substitution, and a novel G-to-A transition of nucleotide 161, resulting in a Cys54Tyr substitution, were identified. These mutations co-segregated with the affected members of this family. Three of the siblings demonstrated clinical features characteristic of classic Stargardt disease, with bilateral regions of macular atrophy associated with yellow-white "flavimaculatus" flecks in the posterior pole at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium. The fourth affected sibling showed features of early Stargardt disease, with a beaten-bronze appearance to both maculas, as well as perimacular flecks. In all four affected patients, fluorescein angiography showed a characteristic peripheral dark choroid. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified both a previously described and a novel mutation in the ABCR gene in four patients with autosomal recessive Stargardt disease. In-depth knowledge of the ABCR mutation spectrum in patients with Stargardt disease will provide for more efficient screening and may provide potential therapies for Stargardt disease and other retinal diseases.
Proof-Of-Principle Experiment for Laser-Driven Acceleration of Relativistic Electrons in a Semi-Infinite Vacuum

We recently achieved the first experimental observation of laser-driven particle acceleration of relativistic electrons from a single Gaussian near-infrared laser beam in a semi-infinite vacuum. This article presents an in-depth account of key aspects of the experiment. An analysis of the transverse and longitudinal forces acting on the electron beam is included. A comparison of the observed data to the acceleration viewed as an inverse transition radiation process is presented. This is followed by a detailed description of the components of the experiment and a discussion of future measurements.
The conjugation and epoxidation of fish oil

Wilkinson's catalyst [RhCl(PPh3)3] has been used to conjugate fish oils in high yields under very mild reaction conditions. A catalyst load of 0.35 mol% of RhCl(PPh3)3, 0.43 mol% of (o-CH3C6H4)3P, and 0.87 mol% of SnCl2·2H2O in ethanol solvent at 60°C for 2 d produces 82% conjugated Norway fish oil affords 90% conjugated fish oil in 93% yield. The Sharpless epoxidation procedure has also been employed to epoxidize fish oils. Using 0.34 mol% of CH3ReO3, 8.15 mol% of pyridine, and 1.03 equivalents of aq. 30% hydrogen peroxide in methylene chloride solvent at 25°C for 6 h, the Norway fish oil ethyl ester can be 100% epoxidized in an 86% yield. The Capelin fish oil gives 100% epoxidized fish oil in a 72% yield. Decreasing the amounts of CH3ReO3 and pyridine used in the reaction results in partially epoxidized fish oils.
Traits, states, situations, and uncertainty

The shift of paradigm from psychodynamic therapy to behavior modification has changed the views of assessment and challenged traditional broad trait concepts. Behavioral assessment has used narrow, situation-specific trait tests, state self-report tests given in situations, and behavioral observations and performance ratings. Comparison of these types of measures are reported from a study of fear reactions in three situations. Narrow trait measures are generally more predictive of behavior than broad trait measures. State measures are even more predictive when given just before the performance. But only a sampling of such state measures can be used to define a trait because of the lower reliability of states. It is argued that behavior in situations is only predictable when an adequate number of behavioral samples is used.
Molecular cloning and characterization of the human NUDC gene

In both Aspergillus nidulans and the mouse, studies of the nuclear distribution gene C (NudC) have strongly suggested that the NudC protein interacts with NudF, which is the product of NudF, a homologue of human LIS1 (also know as PAFAH1B1), one of the causative genes for classical lissencephaly. We have isolated the human NUDC gene and its two processed pseudogenes. The human NUDC gene is highly conserved and its predicted amino acid sequence shows 94% identity to mouse NudC and 95% identity to rat NudC. The genomic structure of NUDC, its chromosomal localization, and expression pattern in human tissues were characterized. NUDC consists of at least 9 exons ranging from 66 bp to 266 bp in size and 8 introns from 92 bp to 2.0 kb in length, and the total genomic region spans about 8 kb. NUDC was mapped to 1p34-p35 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Northern analysis showed a major 1.6 kb transcript in all fetal and adult tissues examined. Primers which amplify individual exons of NUDC were developed for mutation analysis.
A distributed load-based transmission scheduling protocol for wireless ad hoc networks

This paper presents a load-based transmission scheduling (LoBaTS) protocol for wireless ad hoc networks. Since terminals in these networks may be required to forward unequal amounts of traffic, a transmission scheduling protocol which assigns equal transmission capacity to all terminals may result in traffic bottlenecks as traffic load increases. The LoBaTS protocol allows terminals to alter their existing transmission schedules so that those terminals which are required to forward more traffic can reserve additional transmission slots, thereby alleviating traffic bottlenecks. The LoBaTS protocol is designed to avoid creation of new traffic bottlenecks, maintain collision-free broadcast transmissions, and execute with minimal disruption to the network. In addition, it requires only local information to operate, making it suitable for implementation in a distributed-control environment. Simulations utilizing a variety of test networks and traffic conditions show that the LoBaTS protocol greatly improves end-to-end packet delay, throughput, and completion rate when compared to a transmission schedule which does not account for traffic load.
Colonoscopy in the Elderly: Low Risk, Low Yield in Asymptomatic Patients

Current colonoscopy guidelines do not address the issue of when to stop performing screening and surveillance colonoscopy in the elderly. We reviewed our experience and results of colonoscopy in patients aged 80 years and older to assess the risks and diagnostic yield in this population. We reviewed retrospectively the endoscopic and pathologic reports from consecutive colonoscopies performed on patients aged 80 years and older at a single, high-volume endoscopy center between August 1999 and May 2003. Patient characteristics, indications for examination, findings at colonoscopy, and complications were recorded and analyzed. A total of1,199 colonoscopic examinations were performed on 1,112 patients. Average age was 83.1 (range, 80–100) years. Male:female distribution was 1:1.7. Leading exclusive indications for colonoscopy included: polyp surveillance, 227 (19 percent); altered bowel habits, 168 (14 percent); iron-deficiency anemia, 132 (11 percent); and cancer follow-up, 108 (9 percent). Eighty-six examinations (7 percent) were performed solely for an indication of colorectal cancer screening. Twenty-two percent of patients had more than one indication for colonoscopy. Forty-five malignancies were found (3.7 percent). No cancers were found in the screening group, and two malignancies (0.7 percent) were detected in patients undergoing colonoscopy for polyp surveillance. There were eight (0.6 percent) reported major complications. Colonoscopy can be performed safely in patients aged 80 years and older. However, the diagnostic yield is low, particularly in patients undergoing routine screening or surveillance examinations. Colonoscopy should for the most part be limited to elderly patients with symptoms or specific clinical findings.
THE BORN OPPENHEIMER APPROXIMATION: STRAIGHT-UP AND WITH A TWIST

The problem of calculating asymptotic series for low-lying eigennvalues of Schrodinger operators is solved for two classes of such operators. For both models, a version of the Born–Oppenheimer Approximation is proven. The first model considered is the family in L2(ℝ,ℋ) where H(x):ℋ→ℋ has a simple eigenvalue less than zero. The second model considered is a more specific family ℍe=-e4Δ+H(r,ω) in where the eigenprojection P(ω) of is associated with a non-trivial, or "twisted," fibre bundle. The main tools are a pair of theorems that allow asymptotic series for eigenvalues to be corrected term by term when a family of operators is perturbed.
Contracted symplectic model with ds-shell applications

Abstract A contracted version of the symplectic model, with the raising and lowering generators of Sp(6, R) replaced by boson creation and annihilation operators, is presented. The symmetry of this scheme is shown to be U b (6) × U s (3) where U s (3) is the familiar 0/khω Elliott shell-model symmetry and U b (6) is the group of the six-dimensional oscillator that is generated by bilinear products of the boson ( l = 0 and 2) creation and annihilation operators. While this boson symmetry is realized in the same way as the U(6) group of the IBA model, they are different theories because in the present case the bosons are associated with intershell excitations and not intrashell ones. This scheme is also known as the U(3) boson model. Mathematical justification for the simplifying assumptions is provided through an application of the group deformation mechanism. A simple hamiltonian that takes into account the shell structure, couplings to major shells through a quadrupole-quadrupole interaction, and a residual rotor term is expressed in terms of generators of the U b (6) × U s (3) model. Calculated excitation spectra and E2 transition strengths for the ds-shell nuclei 20 Ne, 22 Ne and 24 Mg are compared with the available experimental numbers.
Effects of top-dressing recycled broiler litter on litter production, litter characteristics, and nitrogen mass balance

Top-dressing is a method of broiler litter management in which a thin layer of new, clean litter material is spread over the top of previously used litter prior to placement of a new flock. This fresh layer of bedding material increases the absorptive capacity of the litter and decreases litter caking. Although this practice has been widely used in the poultry industry for many years, no research has been conducted to quantify the effects the practice has on broiler performance, litter production rates, and nutrient content, or the ability of broiler litter to retain manure N and prevent volatilization. An experiment was conducted to quantify these parameters under simulated commercial conditions in a research facility. Nine consecutive flocks of broilers were reared on recycled broiler litter that had previously been used for 9 flocks. Control pens received no litter treatment whereas top-dressed pens received a thin layer of new rice hulls (1 to 2 cm) before the placement of each flock. Nitrogen loss was calculated using the mass balance method. Average broiler performance was not different between the top-dressed and control pens. Top-dressing of litter significantly (P < 0.05) reduced caked litter production compared with control pens in 6 of 9 flocks. However, average total litter production over all 9 flocks was not different between the 2 litter management strategies. In all flocks, litter N content was significantly reduced in top-dressed pens compared with control pens. As a result, litter C:N ratios were significantly higher for pens with top-dressed litter. Differences in N loss between the treatments were not consistent. Average N loss for all flocks was 10.61 and 11.92 g of N/kg of marketed broiler for control and top-dressed pens, respectively, or 20.1 and 22.5% of N inputs, respectively. Based on this experiment, top-dressing of recycled broiler litter would not be recommended as a strategy to reduce the volatilization of N from broiler rearing facilities and, in fact, may actually increase N loss.
The nucleation and growth of calcium phosphate by amelogenin

The nucleation processes involved in calcium phosphate formation in tooth enamel are not well understood but are believed to involve proteins in the extracellular matrix. The ability of one enamel protein, amelogenin, to promote the nucleation and growth of calcium phosphate was studied in an in vitro system involving metastable supersaturated solutions. It was found that recombinant amelogenin (rM179 and rp(H)M180) promoted the nucleation of calcium phosphate compared to solutions without protein. The amount of calcium phosphate increased with increasing supersaturation of the solutions and increasing protein concentrations up to 6.5 μg/mL. At higher protein concentrations, the amount of calcium phosphate decreased. The kinetics of nucleation was studied in situ and in real time using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and showed that the protein reduced the induction time for nucleation compared to solutions without protein. This work shows a nucleation role for amelogenin in vitro which may be promoted by the association of amelogenin into nanosphere templates, exposing charged functionality at the surface.
Simulation Software for Naval Surface Warfare Training

This paper presents a prototype simulation software system that provides support for centralized command and control in naval surface warfare. To build this prototype, we have designed the modes of operation for the system and developed algorithms for its execution. These algorithms include intercepting an enemy target platform and planning an escape route. A graphical user interface with easy-to-use options facilitates the interaction with the computer by navy commanders and tactical action officers. The paper provides background information on naval surface warfare, describes the main elements of the prototype's operational capabilities, and details the system's interface and modes of operation.
Prey Selection by Trout in a Spring-Fed Stream: Terrestrial Versus Aquatic Invertebrates

ABSTRACT We evaluated the prey sources that contributed to the diets of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Valley Creek, Minnesota during the summer of 2003. We collected drift before dawn and in the afternoon on five dates in June, July, and August 2003 in three sequential riffles. Immediately following drift sampling, we collected brown and rainbow trout, 13–20 cm in length, in pools immediately below the riffles where drift was collected. Terrestrial invertebrates numerically comprised about 3% of the drift across times and dates but made up approximately 10% by number of the overall diet of brown and rainbow trout. Trout were size-selective, preferring larger invertebrates by both length (7.0–12.9 mm) and biomass. Gammarus pseudolimnaeus made up about 75% of the diet of brown trout and about 60% of the diet of rainbow trout based on biomass. Diet overlap was >60% for both trout in relation to total individuals, length, and biomass of invertebrate prey.
Females' Reasons for Their Physical Aggression in Dating Relationships

Approximately 32% of dating college females reported that they engaged in physical aggression against their partners and that they engaged in acts of physical aggression more often than their male partners engaged in aggression against them. However, the females also reported that their male partners attempted to force them to engage in oral sex more often than the females engaged in such coercive behavior. Based on both open-ended and closed responses, the primary reasons given for engaging in physical aggression were anger at the partner and poor communication. Females who reported physical aggression in their relationships were less satisfied with their relationships, and both psychological and physical aggression were negatively correlated with positive feelings about the partners.
Some Comparative Aspects of Milk from Four Species of Bears

Milk specimens obtained from 26 individual bears representing Ursus americanas, U. maritimus , three subspecies of U. arctos , and Helarctos malayanus were analyzed for gross composition and were characterized for carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Bear milks contain high concentrations of fat, proteins, and minerals, but are low in carbohydrates. The lactose content of milk from bears maintained in zoos was much higher than that from wild bears. Myo -inositol was identified as a prominent constituent. The principal fatty acids are palmitic (C16:0) and oleic (C18:1). Polar bear milk fat, however, has significant concentrations of palmitoleic (C16:1) and long chain fatty acids, probably derived from food fat. The caseins of bear milk consist of two principal groups of proteins readily separable by gel electrophoresis. The whey proteins contain five groups of proteins not found in blood. These exhibit evidence of great species specificity and, in some cases, of genetic polymorphism within species.
MRI and characterization of atherosclerotic plaque: Emerging applications and molecular imaging

Noninvasive high-resolution magnetic resonance has the potential to image atherosclerotic plaque and to determine its composition and microanatomy. This review summarizes the rationale for plaque imaging and describes the characteristics of plaque by use of existing MRI techniques. The use of MRI in human disease and in animal models, particularly in rabbits and mice, is presented. Present and future applications of MRI, including real-time vascular intervention, new contrast agents, and molecular imaging, are also discussed.
A Demonstration of Total Internal Reflection Holographic Microscopy for the Study of Cellular Motion

Total internal reflection holographic microscopy (TIRHM) is a synthesis of evanescent wave microscopy with digital holography being developed for real-time quantitative phase microscopy of the interface of biological cells moving over a glass substrate.
Police Attitudes about the Use of Unnecessary Force: An Ecological Examination

An unexplored explanation for police opinion about their use of unnecessary force can be framed within the research examining police behavior in the context of its geographic location. Using Klinger’s (1997) theory of social ecology as a guide, a vignette research design was employed to survey officers in four departments of varying size and structure. It was hypothesized that officers assigned to higher crime areas would more likely accept the use of unnecessary force by another officer as well as be unlikely to believe that the use of unnecessary force would be reported to a supervisor. Bivariate results and multivariate analyses show support for both hypotheses. Implications for future research and theoretical development are discussed.
Is Protecting Sunk Investments by Consumers a Key Rationale for Natural Monopoly Regulation

Why regulate natural monopolies? Conventional economic theory points to the price-marginal cost margin and the ensuing deadweight loss. But this hypothesis does a poor job of explaining the way that regulators behave in practice. This paper proposes an alternative hypothesis: that natural monopoly regulation exists to protect the sunk investments made by consumers of the regulated firm. This hypothesis explains many of the practices of regulators which make little or no sense under conventional economic theory, such as the desire to pursue stable prices, the aversion to Ramsey pricing, and the role of incremental cost as a pricing floor.
Understanding the inelastic seismic behaviour of asymmetric-plan buildings

Studied in this paper is the inelastic seismic behaviour of asymmetric-plan buildings using the histories of base shear and torque. The first step in understanding this behaviour is to construct the base shear and torque surface (BST) for the building, which represents all combinations of shear and torque that applied statically lead to collapse of the structure. Several factors controlling the shape of this surface, such as strength eccentricity and bidirectional ground motion, are identified. Also, their effects on the building responses are studied considering several structural configurations. The results obtained show that the BST surface, in conjunction with the base-shear and torque histories, provides a useful conceptual framework for understanding the behaviour of asymmetric systems. Furthermore, using these surfaces, relevant aspects of the behaviour and design of such buildings become apparent even before dynamic analysis of the structure.