cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microfabricated valveless pump for delivering nonpulsatile flow

Over the past decade, there has been tremendous interest in developing miniaturized chemical analysis systems using microfabrication techniques. Microfluidic components such as pumps and valves form an integral part of such microsystems. Emerging biological assays like single molecule studies of DNA and cell adhesion analyses demand a robust pumping system that can deliver non-pulsatile flows at extremely low velocities. Several types of valved and valve-less pumps have been constructed on both silicon and glass substrates. However, most of the valved pumps involve moving parts and deliver pulsatile flow, while the valveless pumps employ high electric fields. In this paper, we describe the design, construction and operation of a microfabricated valveless micropump, for continuous pumping of reagents at controlled, ultra low flow velocities in the range of 50 micrometers /s. This novel pumping concept is based on pinning a liquid meniscus inside a microchannel by selective hydrophobic patterning and controlling the evaporation rate of the liquid at the meniscus. The resulting pumping action delivers non- pulsatile, low velocity flows that can find applications in a variety of biological assays involving single molecules.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Preparation of Nα-acetylornithine

Abstract A method for the preparation and purification of N α -acetylornithine is described. The method involves the acetylation of ornithine rather than its N δ -carbobenzyloxy derivative. Salts, diacetylornithine, and unreacted ornithine are removed with ionexchange resin techniques. N δ -Acetylornithine is then separated from N α -acetylornithine by adsorption of its copper complex on activated alumina.
Study of modified sextupoles for dynamic-aperture improvement in synchrotron radiation sources

Abstract The possibility of increasing the dynamic aperture in high-brilliance synchrotron radiation sources by shaping the field of the chromaticity correction sextupoles is discussed. A new type of chromaticity correction magnets (“modified sextupoles”) is proposed, having the property of behaving like sextupoles near the magnetic axis, and more linearly at larger distances. It is shown that a large increase of dynamic aperture is achievable with this method. The off-momentum behavior is discussed in terms of chromatic properties and dynamic aperture. Several types of field shape are considered. The technique for designing such magnets is presented, together with an example of magnets that give the required field distribution. The proposed modified sextupoles seem particularly suitable for application to very-small-emittance synchrotron radiation sources and/or damping rings, where the strong focusing requirements often lead to insufficient dynamic aperture.
Antagonizing c-Cbl enhances EGFR-dependent corneal epithelial homeostasis.

Purpose In many cell types, the E3 ubiquitin ligase, c-Cbl, induces ligand-dependent ubiquitylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and targets the receptor for lysosomal degradation. The goal of this study was to determine whether c-Cbl is a negative regulator of EGFR in the corneal epithelium and if it can be inhibited to promote corneal epithelial homeostasis. Methods Expression and activity of c-Cbl were blocked in immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (hTCEpi) using RNAi and pharmacological agents ([4-amino-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo-d-3,4-pyrimidine] or PP1). Following c-Cbl inhibition, cells were assessed for ligand-dependent receptor ubiquitylation, receptor phosphorylation, and in vitro wound healing. Subsequent experiments used PP1 in hTCEpi cells and monitored in vivo murine corneal epithelial wound healing. Results Knockdown and inhibition of c-Cbl decreased ligand-dependent ubiquitylation of the EGFR and prolonged receptor activity as measured by tyrosine phosphorylation. Further, these treatments also increased the extent of ligand-dependent corneal epithelial wound healing in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion Manipulating the duration of EGFR activity can enhance the rate of restoration of the corneal epithelial layer. Based on our findings, c-Cbl is a new therapeutic target to enhance EGFR-mediated corneal epithelial homeostasis that bypasses the limitations of previous approaches.
Column-Based Model of Electric Field Excitation of Cerebral Cortex

A model to explain the orientation selectivity of the neurophysiologic effects of electric-field transients applied to cerebral cortex is proposed and supported with neuroimaging evidence. Although it is well known that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) excites cerebral cortex in an orientation-selective manner, a neurophysiologically compelling explanation of this phenomenon has been lacking. It is generally presumed that TMS-induced excitation is mediated by horizontal fibers in the cortical surfaces nearest to the stimulating coil, i.e., at the gyral crowns. No evidence exists, however, that horizontal fibers are orientation selective either anatomically or physiologically. We used positron emission tomography to demonstrate that TMS-induced cortical activation is selectively sulcal. This observation allows the well-established columnar organization of cerebral cortex to be invoked to explain the observed orientation selectivity. In addition, Rushton's cosine principle can used to model stimulation efficacy for an electrical field applied at any cortical site at any intensity and in any orientation.
The impact of minimum legal drinking age laws on alcohol consumption, smoking, and marijuana use: Evidence from a regression discontinuity design using exact date of birth

This paper uses a regression discontinuity design to estimate the impact of the minimum legal drinking age laws on alcohol consumption, smoking, and marijuana use among young adults. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (1997 Cohort), we find that granting legal access to alcohol at age 21 leads to an increase in several measures of alcohol consumption, including an up to a 13 percentage point increase in the probability of drinking. Furthermore, this effect is robust under several different parametric and non-parametric models. We also find some evidence that the discrete jump in alcohol consumption at age 21 has negative spillover effects on marijuana use but does not affect the smoking habits of young adults. Our results indicate that although the change in alcohol consumption habits of young adults following their 21st birthday is less severe than previously known, policies that are designed to reduce drinking among young adults may have desirable impacts and can create public health benefits.
Evaluation and treatment principlesof knee dislocations

Abstract Low-energy athletic injuries and high-velocity motor vehicle trauma can both result in a knee dislocation. A wide array of structures is typically injured, and the popliteal artery and peroneal nerve are at risk. The dislocated knee may not be initially recognized because of a spontaneous relocation. Orthopedic surgeons need to immediately evaluate the neurovascular status of the limb, and determine whether the injury is open or closed and whether the joint is reducible or irreducible. Primary treatment involves closed reduction and treatment of vascular compromise. Identification of the injury mechanism and the position of the tibia relative to the femur direct the reduction technique. Operative treatment of ligament injuries is preferred for most patients who have satisfactory vascular supply, skin coverage, rehabilitation potential, and anticipated future activity demands. Classification of the specific ligament structures involved guides the surgical technique. The timing and extent of surgery remain controversial because of concern for knee stiffness. Improved surgical techniques, the use of allogeneic graft sources, and controlled postoperative knee range of motion have reduced the risk of arthrofibrosis. Surgical repair and reconstruction of the knee ligaments and associated structures followed by early rehabilitation provide the highest level of function.
Pathogenesis of Barrett's esophagus: bile acids inhibit the Notch signaling pathway with induction of CDX2 gene expression in human esophageal cells.

Background Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the predominant risk factor for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. BE is characterized by intestinal metaplasia with goblet cells. Reflux of bile acids is known to induce intestinal metaplasia, but the mechanisms are unclear. Inhibition of Notch signaling accompanied by increased Hath1 and induction of caudal homeobox 2 (CDX2) may be involved in development of intestinal goblet cells. Methods Esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines OE19 and OE33 were exposed for up to 8 hours to DCA (100–300 μM), and for up to 24 hours with and without the γ-secretase inhibitor, DAPT (20μM). Notch signaling components and CDX2 levels were measured by real-time PCR (for mRNA) and by Western blot analysis (for proteins). Results DCA induced a time and concentration dependent decrease in Notch pathway components mRNAs in OE33 and in the proteins in both cell lines. CDX2 mRNA and Hath1 protein were increased in OE19 by 3-fold. Inhibition of Notch pathway by DAPT decreased downstream Notch signaling mRNAs and proteins in both cell lines and increased Hath1 and CDX2 proteins only in OE19. Conclusion Bile acid inhibition of Notch signaling in esophageal cells is correlated with an increase in Hath1 and CDX2 and may be one of the key processes contributing to the formation of BE.
Viral Infections of the Lower Respiratory Tract: Old Viruses, New Viruses, and the Role of Diagnosis

Viral infections of the lower respiratory tract cause an enormous disease burden in children, and the role of respiratory viruses in serious lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in older adults is increasingly appreciated. Although viruses are responsible for a large proportion LRTIs, antibiotics are often prescribed. New diagnostic platforms have the potential to detect a wider range of established and newly discovered viruses with greater sensitivity. This will create additional challenges. Although it is clear that influenza, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, and adenovirus are important causes of pneumonia, the role of rhinoviruses and some of the newly described viruses, including human coronaviruses and bocavirus, is harder to determine. Better diagnostic tests that establish the cause of LRTIs in children have the potential to both reduce overall antibiotic use and to improve the targeted use of antibiotics. In addition, rapid identification of viral infections can help control nosocomial transmission.
Passivity as a sequel to combat trauma

The author has noted a pattern of posttraumatic passivity in some combat veterans. The regression to an ego-passive stance in those men who are unable to develop an integration of nonaggressive activity and intimacy is discussed. Vietnam combat was particularly difficult for the development of a mature superego. The loss of the ego-ideal in combat, combined with insufficient societal supports blocked the mastery of the posttraumatic repetition compulsion.
Diagnostic maintenance expert system for the hydraulic subsystem of a continuous miner

An expert system is being developed for diagnostic maintenance of the hydraulic system of a continuous coal mining machine. Through the use of such a system, lengthy and costly delays due to equipment failure and repair can be significantly reduced. This type of equipment diagnostic system can be applied to the electrical and mechanical systems as well as other mining machinery. The functional requirements of the expert system, the approach to the problem, the application domain, a description of how the system works, its software design and sensor interface, and future plans for the continued development of this and other expert systems in mining are discussed. >
THE CONSTITUTIVE NATURE OF RULES

Following the later writings of Ludwig Wittgenstein, in this article Werhane argues that language is inexorably rule-governed. Indeed, it could not be otherwise if it is a form of communication through which we are intended to understand each other. This is not to conclude or interpret that such rules are a strict set of rules that we must follow; rather that the rules themselves are dynamic. These rules, like grammar, may even be abandoned. But the routine communicability of a shared language depends on a level of consistency in its use and a reliance on a mutual understanding of the rules of grammar or the values of any changes in that grammar.
A kinetics model for interphase formation in thermosetting matrix composites

During the cure of thermosetting polymer composites, the presence of reinforcing fibers significantly alters the resin composition in the vicinity of the fiber surface via several microscale processes, forming an interphase region with different chemical and physical properties from the bulk resin. The interphase composition is an important parameter that determines the micromechanical properties of the composite. Interphase development during processing is a result of the mass-transport processes of adsorption, desorption, and diffusion near the fiber surface, which are accompanied by simultaneous cure reactions between the resin components. Due to complexities of the molecular-level mechanisms near the fiber surface, few studies have been carried out on the prediction of the interphase evolution as function of the process parameters. To address this void, a kinetics model was developed in this study to describe the coupled mass-transfer and reaction processes leading to interphase formation. The parameters of the model were determined for an aluminum fiber/diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A/bis(p-aminocyclohexyl)methane resin system from available experimental data in the literature. Parametric studies are presented to show the effects of different governing mechanisms on the formation of the interphase region for a general fiber–resin system. The interphase structure obtained from the model may be used as input data for the prediction of the overall composite properties. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 3220–3236, 2003
Phase compositions of styrene oil-in-water microemulsions

Abstract The structure of oil-in-water microemulsions, consisting of styrene, water, 1-pentanol, and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was modeled in terms of three phases: oil (core) phase, membrane phase, and aqueous (continuous) phase. The composition of the oil and aqueous phases was determined using a diffusion method and partitioning measurements. The membrane phase was composed mainly of 1-pentanol and SDS. The solubilization of styrene in the hydrophobic region created by the SDS in the membrane phase was considered. The partitioning of styrene and 1-pentanol among oil, aqueous, and membrane phases was studied using a 13C NMR chemical shielding experiment. The results were self-consistent and showed that more than 60% of the 1-pentanol partitions into the interface. The partitioning of 1-pentanol into the oil phase increases with increasing amounts of styrene in the system. The radius of the microemulsion droplets was calculated to be 3 to 4 nm. The thickness of the interfacial layer was found to be 1 nm, and was constant regardless of composition in the range studied.
Directing genetic algorithms for probabilistic reasoning through reinforcement learning

In this paper, we develop an efficient online approach for belief revision over Bayesian networks by using a reinforcement learning controller to direct a genetic algorithm. The random variables of a Bayesian network can be grouped into several sets reflecting the strong probabilistic correlations between random variables in the group. We build a reinforcement learning controller to identify these groups and recommend the use of "group" mutation and "group" crossover for the genetic algorithm based on these groupings online. The system then evaluates the performance of the genetic algorithm based on these groupings online. The system then evaluates the performance of the genetic algorithm and continues with reinforcement learning to further tune the controller to search for a better grouping.
From Bag Brides to Skeezers: A Historical Perspective on Sex-for-Drugs Behavior

There are many ways that women support their use of crack cocaine, including sex-for-crack bartering and other forms of prostitution. Empirical studies conducted in the mid-1970s and in the mid-1980s in New York City, and in Chicago in the late 1980s to early 1990s are compared, analyzing similarities and differences between the contemporary crack-prostitution scene and previous prostitution scenes. Findings suggest that the arrival of crack cocaine has directly and indirectly affected the drugs-prostitution nexus by lowering the price of sex for street prostitutes, altering the social status of cocaine, and increasing the level of social disorganization in illicit street activities, including prostitution. Barterers are shown to be the heaviest drug users, using the greatest variety of drugs, using larger amounts of drugs, and using more frequently.
Low-Glycemic Load Decreases Postprandial Insulin and Glucose and Increases Postprandial Ghrelin in White but Not Black Women

Alterations in appetite hormones favoring increased postprandial satiety have been implicated in both the glycemic control and potential weight-loss benefits of a low-glycemic diet. Racial differences exist in dietary glycemic load and appetite hormone concentrations. This study examined the impact of glycemic load on appetite hormones in 20 black women [10 normal weight, BMI = 22.8 ± 1.42 (mean ± SD); 10 obese, BMI = 35.1 ± 2.77] and 20 white women (10 normal weight, BMI = 22.9 ± 1.45; 10 obese, BMI = 34.3 ± 2.77). Each woman completed two 4.5-d weight-maintenance, mixed-macronutrient, high-glycemic vs. low-glycemic load diets that concluded with a test meal of identical composition. Blood samples collected before and serially for 3 h after each test meal were assayed for plasma ghrelin and serum insulin and glucose concentrations. Compared with the high-glycemic load meal, the low-glycemic load meal was associated with lower insulin(AUC) (P = 0.02), glucose(AUC) (P = 0.01), and urge to eat ratings (P = 0.05) but with higher ghrelin(AUC) (P = 0.008). These results suggest the satiating effect of a low-glycemic load meal is not directly linked to enhanced postprandial suppression of ghrelin. Notably, these effects were significant among white but not black women, suggesting that black women may be less sensitive than white women to the glucoregulatory effects of a low-glycemic load. These findings add to a growing literature demonstrating racial differences in postprandial appetite hormone responses. If reproducible, these findings have implications for individualized diet prescription for the purposes of glucose or weight control in women.
Multicast Encryption Infrastructure for Security in Sensor Networks

Designing secure sensor networks is difficult. We propose an approach that uses multicast communications and requires fewer encryptions than pairwise communications. The network is partitioned into multicast regions; each region is managed by a sensor node chosen to act as a keyserver. The keyservers solicit nodes in their neighborhood to join the local multicast tree. The keyserver generates a binary tree of keys to maintain communication within the multicast region using a shared key. Our approach supports a distributed key agreement protocol that identifies the compromised keys and supports membership changes with minimum system overhead. We evaluate the overhead of our approach by using the number of messages and encryptions to estimate power consumption. Using data from field tests of a military surveillance application, we show that our multicast approach needs fewer encryptions than pair-wise keying approaches. We also show that this scheme is capable of thwarting many common attacks.
Spinal Cord Injury, Life Sustaining Treatment, and Clinical Ethics—Nuances in Respecting and Understanding Autonomous Choice

When a patient decides to forego life-sustaining treatment it can be a challenging situation for all parties involved. Patients who have decision-making capacity have the right to accept or refuse ...
HD 159176: photospheric and wind-dominated light-curve analyses coupled to wind modelling

HD 159176 is a hot, massive, non-eclipsing binary with a small-amplitude ellipsoidal variability. The existing velocity solution determines the ratio of the stellar masses. In the present article these radial velocities, coupled with one optical and two UV light curves derived from IUE images in bandpasses devoid of stellar wind lines, are solved simultaneously using the Wilson-Devinney light-curve synthesis code. Modelling of the C IV and N V wind-line profiles supports optically thick, extended and eclipsing winds with a mass-loss rate of 3.0 x 10-6 Mo yr- 1 from each star. Light curves derived from bandpasses isolating the C IV and N V wind lines clearly show wind eclipses. As an exercise, the WD code is employed to calculate a tentative solution to these wind light curves. Naturally, the input parameter values to that code have been tailored to mimic wind behaviour as closely as possible. A new code modelling wind eclipses is under construction and aspires to the determination of accurate inclinations and thus the individual stellar masses for a number of hot, photospherically non-eclipsing binaries.
Preexisting chronic kidney disease and renal tumor ablation: preliminary answers and persistent questions.

t t a t o t A W s a t c This article by Wehrenberg-Klee et al (1) is a timely and well-written study addressing a critical clinical question in the field of renal tumor ablation. In the United States alone, more than 10% of people— or more than 20 million people—ages 20 years or older have chronic kidney disease (CKD) (2). Among patients 65 years of age and older, the prevalence of CKD exceeds 40% (1). With this background prevalence of CKD, the question of impact of renal tumor ablation on renal function in patients with CKD is a question that is likely to face almost any interventional radiologist who offers renal tumor ablation. CKD is a marker of increased mortality risk and a precursor to end-stage renal disease with its attendant costs (1). or these reasons, CKD has received increased attention from hysicians, governmental agencies, and other organizations 1). Any therapy, new or old, that risks a decrease in renal unction is subject to close scrutiny and intense evaluation of his risk versus benefit. During the past 13 years that my team has been erforming renal ablation, I have seen the reporting of erum creatinine levels change from a single digit to a econd digit after the decimal point. Whether a change in hat second postdecimal digit after a renal tumor ablation as any clinical meaning is a question I have not anwered scientifically, although I have strongly reassured ervous house staff that I do not believe there is any eason to worry about the acute increase in the second
TREATMENT UTILITY OF RESPONSE CLASS ASSESSMENT IN HETEROSOCIAL DIFFICULTIES

Summary.-College-srudent males (n = 27) with self-reported heterosocial difficulties received treatment that wzs either matched or mismatched to their identified (by questionnaires) problematic response class of social anxiety, social skills deficits, or irrational cognitions. Both matched and mismarched treatments produced significant pre-post changes on the questionnaire measures, but only matched treatment produced significant pre-post changes on the role-playing and self-monitoring measures. Heterosocial difficulties are said to be comprised of three main response classes: social anxiery, social skills deficits, and irrational cognitions related to heterosocial sinrations (Curran, 1977). T he main question addressed in the present study was: Is ueatment outcome of heterosocial difficulties improved when selection of treatment is based on differential assessment of response classes comprising heterosocial difficulties? In other words, is response to treatment greater when an individual's treatment is selected because it matches the response class identified as needing improvement than when rreatment is mismatched? The contribution of assessment to the outcome of treatment has been labeled the "treatment utility" of assessment (Hayes, Nelson, & Jarrett, in press). If the matched creacrnent is more effecrive than the mismatched one, then differential assessment of these three response classes could be said to have treatment utility. Subjecrs (n = 27), unmarried men enrolled in introductory psychology, had selfreported heterosocial difficulties. Subjects scored at least two standard deviations below the mean score of a normative group of male college students (n = 36) on one of the following questionnaires: Social Avoidance and Distress Scale (Watson & Friend, 1969), measuring social anxiery; Survey of Heterosocial Inreractions (Twentyman & McFall, 1975), measuring social skills; and Irrational Beliefs Scale (Ellis, 1962), measuring irrational cognitions. In addition to the questionnaires, two other measures were repeated preand posttreatment. Subjects completed a self-monitoring form in heterosexual sirnations for two days on which they rated their effectiveness and anxiety on scales from 1 to 7 and indicated their irrational cognitions. Subjects also participated in two heterosocial role-playing situations, devised by Perri, Richards, and Goodrich (1978) that were audiotaped. Subjects then stared the irrational cognitions they had experienced during the
Rationale for Sponsor-unblinded Phase 1 Trials: Challenging the Double-blind Paradigm

Randomized, double-blind, phase 1 clinical trials conceal study treatment assignment from the subject, the investigator, and the sponsor while the trial is ongoing. We make a case for unwinding the sponsor because there is much to gain and little to lose at this very early phase of clinical development. Some of the advantages of unblinding include a direct assessment of treatment-related safety signals with the option to make appropriate trial design modifications and speeding up early drug development. The disadvantage includes the increased risk of the study investigator becoming inadvertently unblinded to individual subject treatment assignments on a few subjects. We make the case that on balance the benefits of sponsor unblinding outweigh the risks. Phase 1 trials for which unblinding may not be appropriate are also mentioned.
Do Entrepreneurs Enhance Economic Growth in Lagging Regions

Because support for entrepreneurship is often a core part of economic development strategies, we investigate whether it is important for growth in lagging, rural U.S. regions by focusing on Appalachia. While entrepreneurship has the advantage of being endogenous and “home grown,” previous research suggests that remote rural regions may lack the agglomeration economies to benefit greatly from entrepreneurship. Using county-level data, we explore the relationship between entrepreneurship and economic growth, employing self-employment and small business data as proxies for entrepreneurship. We look at the results for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) region, using its immediate Appalachian neighbors outside the ARC region as a control group. Moreover, we also account for self-sorting by proprietors to locate in expanding regions. Despite strong barriers to growth in Appalachia, our empirical results suggest that self-employment is positively associated with employment and income growth, and that efforts to promote entrepreneurial capacity may be among the few economic development strategies with positive payoffs in remote regions.
Hepatitis in the Renal Patient

In recent years, hepatitis C virus has loomed importantly as the primary cause of non-A, non-B hepatitis and as a clinical problem of growing significance. This concern applies not only to the population at large but also specifically to the ESRD population of dialysis and immunosuppressed allograft recipients. Indeed, the magnitude of this problem is reflected by the fact that HCV was barely mentioned in previous editions of this book and now merits a comprehensive chapter.
LANGUAGES FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES

Thirty-five years ago, three leading British linguists published a landmark volume entitled The linguistic sciences and language teaching (Halliday, McIntosh and Strevens 1964). The careful wording of the title of this book was something of a clarion call; in effect, the authors promised to usher in a Brave New World of a stronger descriptive base for pedagogical materials.
Primary preventive services in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Study from a population-based sample in Southeast U.S.

Objectives: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are at risk for complications that can be mitigated by appropriate preventive care. We examined the receipt of immunizations, cancer screening, and cardiovascular risk preventive services in a predominantly Black cohort of SLE patients from the Southeast U.S. To identify gaps in primary preventive services (PPS) that might be specific to SLE as opposed to local health system factors, we used as reference a population-based sample from the same area. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to characterize the percentage of PPS received by 751 SLE patients from Atlanta, GA, and 9040 subjects from the same community, of whom 938 had diabetes. Factors associated with the receipt of PPS were examined with multivariable analysis of variance. Results: Approximately 65% of recommended PPS were provided to the SLE, overall community (OC), and diabetes samples. However, only 22.5%, 45.7%, and 27.6% of SLE, OC, and diabetes subjects, respectively, received all recommended services. Factors associated with a higher percentage of PPS received by SLE patients included older age (63.6% if age ≥65 years, 45.8% if age between 18 and 35 years), having medical insurance (61.1% for insured, 49.7% for uninsured), having a primary care physician (PCP) (59.0% if patient had PCP, 51.8% if patient did not have PCP), and being a non-smoker (61.9% for non-smokers, 49.9% for smokers). Conclusions: Less than one-quarter of SLE patients from a southeast U.S. community received all the recommended services that were studied. Further research is warranted to unravel the barriers that prevent SLE patients from reaching appropriate standards of preventive care.
Measures of compensatory and noncompensatory models of decision behavior: Process tracing versus policy capturing

Abstract While a variety of techniques have been used to infer compensatory versus noncompensatory decision making, few studies have used multiple measures in order to evaluate their validity. Using a sample of 48 college students, this study examines two measures from a search task (the variability and pattern of search on an information board) and three measures from a rating or judgment task (nonlinear regression modeling, ANOVA measures of interaction and curvilinearity). The validity of these measures is assessed by their sensitivity to a manipulation of information load and their extent of convergence with one another. The variability of search on the information board and the ANOVA measures of interaction and curvilinearity all indicated an increase in noncompensatory decision making under high information load, while the regression modeling measure did not. There was some convergence between the regression and ANOVA indices, but no relation between the search task and rating task measures. It is concluded that the ANOVA measures of interaction and curvilinearity are more sensitive measures than the nonlinear regression procedure. The information board and ANOVA measures are apparently both valid indices of noncompensatory decision making; they may lack convergence because they represent different parts of the decision process (information acquisition vs combination) or require different responses (choice vs judgment).
Counting the uncounted: African American students in Reading Recovery:

This article examines Reading Recovery as a microcosm for issues related to race and access. Tenets of critical race theory are presented to explore how racial biases are systemic in our ways of being, teaching, and conducting research. Specifically, I present data for African American children involved in Reading Recovery in one Midwestern American city and explore contextual factors and policies related to both Reading Recovery and the sociopolitical context in which children live that affect their ability to benefit from the program. The article ends with a set of conclusions related to how well African American children are served by Reading Recovery.
Localized topology generation mechanisms for wireless sensor networks

The basic topology desired in data-gathering wireless sensor networks is a spanning tree, since the traffic is mainly in the form of many-to-one flows. Nodes in the network can self-configure themselves into such a topology by a two-phase process: a flood initiated by the root node, followed by parent selection by all nodes. We present four localized topology generation mechanisms - earliest-first, randomized, nearest-first, and weighted-randomized parent selection. We also compare the network performance of these mechanisms on the basis of the following metrics: node degree, robustness, channel quality, data aggregation and latency; our study shows how localized self-configuration mechanisms can impact the global network behavior.
LEFT MAIN CORONARY ARTERY DISSECTION IN PEDIATRIC SPORT-RELATED CHEST TRAUMA

Background Traumatic coronary artery dissection (CAD) after blunt chest trauma (BCT) is extremely rare, particularly in children. Among coronary dissections, left main coronary artery (LMCA) dissection is the least common, with only two pediatric cases reported previously. Manifestations of coronary dissections can range from ST segment changes to sudden death. However, these manifestations are not specific and can be present with other cardiac injuries. To our knowledge we present the first pediatric case of traumatic LMCA dissection after sport-related BCT that was treated successfully with coronary stenting.
EFFECT OF HYPERTENSION AND CAROTID OCCLUSION ON BRAIN PARENCHYMAL ARTERIOLE STRUCTURE AND REACTIVITY

We studied the effect of hypertension and chronic hypoperfusion on brain parenchymal arteriole (PA) structure and function. PAs were studied isolated and pressurized from 18-wk-old Wistar-Kyoto (WKY18; n = 8) and spontaneously hypertensive stroke prone (SHRSP18; n = 8) and 5-wk-old prehypertensive (SHRSP5; n = 8) rats. In separate groups, unilateral common carotid artery occlusion (UCCAo) was performed for 4 wk to cause chronic hypoperfusion in 18-wk-old WKY (WKY18-CH; n = 8) and SHRSP (SHRSP18-CH; n = 8). UCCAo caused PAs to have significantly diminished myogenic tone (31 ± 3 vs. 14 ± 6% at 60 mmHg; P 0.05). However, PAs from SHRSP18 and SHRSP5 animals had significantly greater tone compared with WKY18, suggesting an effect of strain and not hypertension per se on PA vasoconstriction. Structurally, PAs from SHRSP18 and SHRSP5 animals had similar sized lumen diameters, but increased wall thickness and distensibility compared with WKY18. Interestingly, chronic hypoperfusion did not affect the structure of PAs from either WKY18-CH or SHRSP18-CH animals. Thus PAs responded to UCCAo with active vasodilation, but not structural remodeling, an effect that was absent in SHRSP. The increased tone of PAs from SHRSP animals, combined with lack of response to chronic hypoperfusion, may contribute to the propensity for ischemic lesions and increased perfusion deficit during hypertension.
An assessment of residues from duct injection demonstration sites

The duct injection retrofit process for flue gas cleanup of sulfur dioxide emissions has been demonstrated at several sites in the United States through a series of U.S. Department of Energy research projects. As a subcontractor on one of the projects, the University of North Dakota Energy & Environmental Research Center performed a comprehensive characterization of four residues from three demonstration sites. The characterization task objective was to facilitate understanding of materials handling and to identify potential disposal and utilization options for these high-volume coal utilization solid residues. Characterization included evaluation of the physical and engineering properties, chemical composition, mineralogy, and leaching potential. Chemical characterization results provided interesting and valuable information from the standpoint of the bulk chemistry and phase assemblages, as well as potential environmental issues associated with the use or disposal of these materials. Results of the chem...
Addition of Monovalent Electrolytes to Improve Storage Stability of Freeze-Dried Protein Formulations

This study investigates the effect of low levels of electrolytes on storage stability in freeze-dried sucrose-based protein formulations. Both bovine serum albumin and recombinant human serum albumin were freeze dried with sucrose and alkali halides (LiCl, NaCl, KCl, RbCl, and CsCl) at selected low levels. All formulations were stored at 50 °C and 65 °C up to 2 months and then assayed for protein aggregation. The data demonstrate that low levels of LiCl and NaCl enhance stability. No obvious correlations with either protein secondary structure or global dynamics (structural relaxation time) were found. However, good correlations were found between stability and both free-volume hole size via positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and fast dynamics by neutron scattering. Volume changes on mixing and the partial molal volume of salt were also studied in an effort to detect decreases in free volume. These data did not support the hypothesis that reduction in free volume was the primary mechanism for salt-induced stabilization. Finally, a positive effect of postlyophilization annealing on stability was demonstrated. In summary, we find that small amounts of LiCl and NaCl significantly stabilize these proteins, which is a result at variance with conventional formulation wisdom.
Point-of-Care Testing: Future of Chronic Disease State Management?

This article provides an overview of the current use of point-of-care testing (POCT) and its utility for patients' self-management of chronic disease states. Pharmacists utilize POCT to provide rapid laboratory diagnostic results as a monitoring tool in the management of their patients and in order to improve medication outcomes. Considerations for the transition to use of POCT in the home to further improve disease management and improve health care cost-effectiveness are discussed. Devices available for home use include those suitable for management of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and anticoagulation. Many of these devices include software capabilities enabling patients to share important health information with health care providers using a computer. Limitations and challenges surrounding implementation of home POCT for patients include reliability of instrumentation, ability to coordinate data collection, necessary training requirements, and cost-effectiveness. Looking forward, the successful integration of POCT into the homes of patients is contingent on a concerted effort made by all members of the health care team.
Ethical Issues in Targeting

Decisions about targeting, since they involve the choice to destroy human lives and property, are inherently ethical decisions. This article reviews the ethical categories that have evolved in the Western tradition’s philosophical and religious traditions. It discusses the ways in which these traditions both generate and on occasions diverge from the other major normative framework in which these decisions are evaluated—the legal tradition that became the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) and which is enshrined in International Law.
An extended Arctic proxy temperature database for the past 2,000 years

Robust climate reconstructions of the most recent centuries and millennia are invaluable for placing modern warming in the context of natural variability. Here we present an extended and revised database (version 1.1) of proxy temperature records recently used to reconstruct Arctic temperatures for the past 2,000 years. The datasets are presented in a machine-readable format, and have been extended with the geochronologic data and consistently generated time-uncertain ensembles, which will be useful in future analyses of the influence of geochronologic uncertainty. A standardized description of the seasonality of the temperature response for each record, as reported by the original authors, is also included to motivate a more nuanced approach to integrating records with variable seasonal sensitivities. Despite the predominance of seasonal, rather than annual, temperature responders in the database, comparisons with the instrumental record of temperature suggest that, as a whole, the datasets best record annual temperature variability across the Arctic, especially in northeast Canada and Greenland, where the density of records is highest.
Role of Tree Diameter in the Damage Caused by the Sugi Bark Borer (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) to the Japanese Cedar, Cryptomeria japonica

To understand the damage of the sugi bark borer, Semanotus japonicus Lacordaire, to larger Japanese cedars, Cryptomeria japonica D. Don., we inoculated living cedar trees of different sizes with hatched larvae. We also studied the oviposition preference of adult borers to logs of different sizes. Almost all larvae inoculated into larger trees were killed by resin flow between the outer and inner bark; however, in smaller trees, about half of the larvae survived. In the oviposition preference test, female adults tended to attack logs with larger diameters. This suggests that despite the high mortality of the young larvae in the larger cedar trees, adults prefer large diameter trees because the rougher trunk surface presents more suitable hiding and oviposition sites. Bark roughness was considered to determine the occurrence of damage from the sugi bark borer.
Pathogen analysis on 156 cases with infectious diarrhea in Children's Hospital

Objective To study pathogen isolations from infants with infectious diarrhea in Fuzhou Children's Hospital,and to provide basic evidence for reasonable,effective control of infectious diarrhea in hospital.Methods 156 cases with infectious diarrhea from digestive department in Fuzhou Children's Hospital(Jan 2010-Dec 2010) were selected and their faeces samples were cultivated.Rotavirus(RV) were detected using Colloidal Gold method;Norovirus,Astrovirus,intestinal adenovirus,their nuclear acid were detected using RT-PCR method.Results In 156 cases,10 were found with bacterial infection(6.4%),5 with fungal infection(3.2%),74 cases were RV positive(47.4%).24 were NV postive(15.4%),2 were Astrovirus positive(1.3%),6 were intestinal adenovirus positive(3.8%).RV and NV infections obviously had season different and RV infection peaked in October to December,while NV infection peaked in July to September,the difference between seasons had statistical significance(P 0.05).Conclusion Hospital acquired infectious diarrhea was more due to viral infection than bacterial infection,among virus,rotavirus was on the first list,the second was norovirus.Take effective measures to prevent and treat infectious diarrhea in hospital based on our research,so as to reduce the rate of infectious diarrhea in hospital.
Symptom assessment tools used in a hospital-based pain and symptom care program at the University of North Carolina–A novel proxy rating system

8579 Background: Level of consciousness (LOC) often varies in the palliative care patient population. Tools are needed to reliably rate symptoms. The purpose of our analysis was to describe the pat...
NCCN Evidence Blocks

NCCN has developed a series of Evidence Blocks: graphics that provide ratings for each recommended treatment regimen in terms of efficacy, toxicity, quality and consistency of the supporting data, and affordability. The NCCN Evidence Blocks are currently available in 10 tumor types within the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines). At a glance, patients and providers can understand how a given treatment was assessed by the NCCN Guidelines Panel and get a sense of how a given treatment may match individual needs and preferences. Robert W. Carlson, MD, CEO of NCCN, described the reasoning behind this new feature and how the tool is used, and Eric Jonasch, MD, Professor of Genitourinary Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Vice Chair of the NCCN Kidney Cancer Panel, described its applicability in the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Intravenous drug abuse is an indication for antepartum screening for RH alloimmunization

Intravenous drug abuse is a risk for alloimmunization in pregnancy. One case is presented of a nulliparous Rhesus-negative parturient who shared her Rhesus-positive partner’s needles for the injection of heroin; she subsequently developed elevated antepartum anti-D titers despite routine anti-D prophylaxis.
Predicting the viscoelastic behavior of polymer nanocomposites

Abstract: Prediction of elastic moduli and some physical properties of heterogeneous media on the basis of known characteristics of constituents, their volumetric concentrations, shapes and orientation of inclusions and the type of lattice formed by the set of inclusions, is a developed area of the theory. This chapter is devoted to expansion of the theory to viscoelastic systems mostly made from viscoelastic polymeric matrices and elastic fillers. The method is based on elasto-viscoelastic analogy, in which the elastic moduli of constituents participating in the formulae for the effective moduli are replaced by corresponding integral operators of the theory of viscoelasticity. The next step is the decoding of the functions of operators, i.e. in replacing the expressions containing several operators by one equivalent operator with effective parameters. The difference between application of the theory to composites and nanocomposites is discussed. The prediction of elastic and viscoelastic behavior of composites and nanocomposites of geometrically similar structures is proposed. Prediction of the failure for composites and nanocomposites has to be done differently. Prediction of viscoelastic behavior is described for composites made from polymeric matrices and spherical, short cylindrical inclusions, platelets, hollow spherical and cylindrical inclusions, and spherical voids. Influence of stiffness ratio of matrix and inclusion on the effective properties is analyzed.
Measurement of angular emission trajectories for magnetron-sputtered tantalum

Sputtering target crystallographic orientation affects film deposition uniformity through the emission trajectories of the sputtered atoms. Understanding the relationship between the crystallographic orientation of the sputtering target and the emission trajectory for the sputtered atoms is important for being able to accurately model film thickness uniformity and step coverage. This paper describes the measurement of atom sputter trajectory from a tantalum single crystal. A quartz crystal monitor is used to detect sputter atom flux as a function of angle. The angular sputter emission measurements are consistent with emission from tantalum single crystals along the 〈111〉 close-packed direction as well as the second close-packed 〈100〉 direction. Best fit of the experimental data occurs when the ratio of the emission probabilities in the 〈111〉 and 〈100〉 directions (P〈111〉/P〈100〉) is 1.4, and the ratio of the major and minor axis for the sputter emission ellipsoid (the b/a ratio) is 1.5.