cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Damage growth detection in steel plates: Numerical and experimental studies

Abstract This paper presents a new method for crack growth detection in steel plates through the analysis of cumulative duration of strain events measured by a self-powered sensing paradigm at preselected level discretization. In order to evaluate the proposed method, experimental and numerical studies were performed on a thin steel plate subjected to in-plane tension. Damage was introduced by making notches with different sizes. Piezoelectric transducers were placed on the surface of the plate to measure the delivered voltage in each damage growth phase. Three-dimensional finite element models were developed to extract the strains induced by the dynamic loading. Thereafter, features extracted from the dynamic strain data for a number of sensing nodes were used to detect the damage progression. Furthermore, a new data fusion concept based on the effect of group of sensors was proposed to improve the damage detection performance. The results indicate that the proposed method is efficient in detecting different damage states in steel plates.
PERSPECTIVES IN BIOFLUIDMECHANICS

ABSTRACT Although biofluidmechanics has been studied extensively, most of the studies have concentrated on cardiovascular biofluidmechanics. Very little attention has been paid to the other important problems in biomedicine. Several nontraditional areas which offer interesting and challenging problems remain unexplored and fluid mechanics can have fruitful interaction with these disciplines.
Surgery in the Thrombocytopenic and Coagulopathic Patient

Operative therapy in thrombocytopenic or coagulopathic patients, especially those with an underlying malignant condition, remains a challenge in surgical practice today. This chapter provides an overview over causes and treatment options for thrombocytopenia and coagulopathies in cancer patients. Mechanism of action, half-life, and reversibility are discussed for several pharmaceutical anticoagulants including warfarin, heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, fondaparinux, direct factor Xa inhibitors (rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban), and direct factor IIa inhibitors (dabigatran, argatroban, and bivalirudin). Availability and costs of absorbable matrix products, biologic agents, and energy-based devices as options for intraoperative hemostatic support are being reviewed. Knowledge of physiologic mechanisms and pharmaceutical hemostatic options will complement thoughtful indications and diligent intraoperative techniques applied by the surgeon taking care of cancer patients with increased bleeding risks.
Introduction of Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy in a Community Teaching Hospital.

Background and objectives The safety of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) outside of high-volume centers has not been studied. Therefore, we evaluated our experience with the introduction of MIE in the setting of a community teaching hospital. Methods A retrospective cohort of all elective esophagectomy patients treated in a community hospital from 2008 through 2015 was evaluated (n = 57; open = 31 vs MIE = 26). Clavien-Dindo complication grades were recorded prospectively. Results Mean age was 63 ± 11 years (range, 30-83), mean Charlson comorbidity index was 4.5 ± 1.7 and proportion of ASA score ≥3 was 87%. The groups did not differ in age, gender distribution, or comorbidity indices. There were 108 complications observed, including 2 deaths (3.5%, both coronary events). Postoperative complication rate was 77.1% and serious complication rate (grades 3 and 4) was 50.8% in the entire cohort. The rate of serious complications was similar (58% for open vs 42% for MIE group; 2-sided P = .089). MIE operations were longer (342 ± 109 vs 425 ± 74 minutes; P = .001). Length of stay trended toward not being significantly shorter among MIE cases (15 ± 13 vs 12 ± 12 days; P = .071). Logistic regression models including MIE status were not predictive of complications. Conclusions Introduction of MIE esophagectomy in our community hospital was associated with prolonged operative time, but no detectable adverse outcomes. Length of stay was nonsignificantly shortened by the use of MIS esophagectomy.
Assessment of Reproducibility of Laser Electrospray Mass Spectrometry using Electrospray Deposition of Analyte

A nonresonant, femtosecond (fs) laser is employed to desorb samples of Victoria blue deposited on stainless steel or indium tin oxide (ITO) slides using either electrospray deposition (ESD) or dried droplet deposition. The use of ESD resulted in uniform films of Victoria blue whereas the dried droplet method resulted in the formation of a ring pattern of the dye. Laser electrospray mass spectrometry (LEMS) measurements of the ESD-prepared films on either substrate were similar and revealed lower average relative standard deviations for measurements within-film (20.9%) and between-films (8.7%) in comparison to dried droplet (75.5% and 40.2%, respectively). The mass spectral response for ESD samples on both substrates was linear (R2 > 0.99), enabling quantitative measurements over the selected range of 7.0 × 10−11 to 2.8 × 10−9 mol, as opposed to the dried droplet samples where quantitation was not possible (R2 = 0.56). The limit of detection was measured to be 210 fmol.
Demonstration of a Novel Control Strategy for Prymnesium parvum Management in Fish Hatcheries

AbstractPrymnesium parvum blooms result in fish kills around the world and are devastating to fish hatcheries, where few management tools are available. Current control strategies include algaecides, nutrient management, and flocculation, which are moderately effective at best and can be toxic to nontarget organisms. A relatively new type of medium, registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the control of fecal coliforms in storm water runoff, was evaluated as a possible P. parvum control tool. The medium, called Smart Sponge, was designed to absorb petroleum hydrocarbons; a variant, Smart Sponge Plus, is enhanced with antimicrobial properties. It is these antimicrobial properties that we investigated for possible use in algal bloom management. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of this type of medium on the eradication of P. parvum and its associated toxins, with a view toward advancing toxic algae control strategies. Prymnesium parvum was passed through columns of the filter med...
Trigeminal Neuralgia in the Rehabilitation Patient

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition characterized by paroxysmal and lancinating pain of the face, within the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. The pain is often severe and debilitating to patients. Trigeminal neuralgia is most often caused by microvascular compression of the nerve root near the brainstem, resulting in demyelination and aberrant axonal firing. Here, we describe the clinical features, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic modalities for the disease. While antiepileptic drugs are effective means of pain control in many patients, microsurgical exploration and decompression of the nerve in the posterior fossa is the treatment modality of choice for medically refractory cases due to its excellent long-term pain relief, low morbidity, and its nondestructive nature. Stereotactic radiosurgery is an effective and noninvasive treatment modality. Other treatment options include percutaneous rhizotomy.
Analysis of the Intracranial Response to Mannitol and Furosemide

The effect of mannitol and furosemide in decreasing raised intracranial pressure is well documented, and mannitol and furosemide are now widely used in clinical practice. This study was performed to further clarify previous reports (1, 4) and further delineate the mathematical relationship of the effects of mannitol and furosemide on elevated intracranial pressure. Furosemide has been used to decrease intracranial pressure with and without mannitol therapy (3, 5). We have delineated in humans the effect of the selection of furosemide, mannitol or a combination of these two agents.
Hybrid balancing in a modular battery management system for electric-drive vehicles

A hybrid balancing approach that combines active and passive balancing is presented for a modular battery management system (BMS) in electric-drive vehicles. The hybrid system combines advantages of module-level active balancing with cost-effectiveness of cell-level passive balancing. A module consists of a number of cells connected in series, with cell-level passive balancing performed within a module, together with a module-level dc-dc converter that performs active balancing among the modules. Furthermore, the module-level dc-dc converters also supply auxiliary vehicle loads on the vehicle low-voltage bus, thus removing the need for a separate high-voltage to low-voltage dc-dc converter. System control and communication are shared among active and passive balancing functions, reducing the system complexity. Design details and experimental results are provided for a hybrid balancing system implemented on a lithium-ion battery pack, which consists of eighteen 25 Ah cells grouped in three 6-cell modules, each including a 480 W dc-dc converter supplying power to the vehicle low-voltage bus.
Does it Matter How We Get There (Really)? A Case of Ethics in Bidding

Jim Snelling could not believe how tense he had become in the last 24 hours. A huge contract had become a huge headache. Just a week ago, Spectro had signed a $100 million contract, and everyone was celebrating. Profits shot up, and Christmas bonuses doubled. Then came the news that Spectro’s employees had the competitor’s price list, and used it to undercut their bid. This morning, he was due at an Ethics Committee meeting to discuss what steps to take from this point forward. As senior strategist for the company, he was concerned not just with the company’s sales and revenue for the three-year duration of the contract, but also the company’s position as a supply chain partner for years to come. The decision today would have long-range consequences both inside and outside Spectro, and he weighed his position carefully.
The Principal-Teacher’s Power Relationship Revisited: A National Study Based on the 2011-12 SASS Data

Our previous study examined whether the principal-teacher's power relationship is a zero-sum or win-win situation. Based on the national 1999–2000 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) data, we found ...
Induction chemotherapy with and without erlotinib in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (OCSCCs) amenable for surgical resection.

6067Background: We have previously demonstrated activity of erlotinib in head and neck SCCs as monotherapy prior to surgical resection, or in combination with chemotherapy for recurrent/metastatic ...
Patricia Buckley Ebrey and Shih-shan Susan Huang (eds.), Visual and Material Cultures in Middle Period China. Sinica Leidensia, 137. Leiden: Brill, 2017. xv, 334 pp. Illustrations (some color), Index. € 47 (HB). ISBN 978-90-04-34898-1

Pictures and objects from China’s imperial past can do much to enrich historical work that is based on texts, and increasing scholarly and popular attention to such visual and material evidence has...
Influence of Interfacial Delamination on Channel Cracking of Brittle Thin Films

Channeling cracks in low-k dielectrics have been observed to be a key reliability issue for advanced interconnects. The constraint effect of surrounding materials including stacked buffer layers has been studied. This paper analyzes the effect of interfacial delamination on the fracture condition of brittle thin films on elastic substrates. It is found that stable delamination along with the growth of a channel crack is possible only for a specific range of elastic mismatch and interface toughness. An effective energy release rate is defined to account for the influence of interfacial delamination on both the driving force and the fracture resistance, which can be significantly higher than the case assuming no delamination.
Rise in serum folate after androgen deprivation associated with worse prostate cancer-specific survival.

Abstract Introduction High folate has an association with advanced prostate cancer and levels of testosterone. Herein, we perform a translational study to investigate the inverse response of serum folate in prostate cancer patients initiating androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and a mirrored animal model. Methods A retrospective study was performed using the South Texas Veterans Healthcare System to identify patients with prostate cancer on ADT. We documented testosterone and folate levels before and after ADT initiation (defined by a reduction in testosterone by 50 ng/ml) as compared to those already on ADT (maintenance). Our primary outcome was overall mortality with secondary outcome of prostate cancer-specific mortality. In parallel, we tested castration of C57BL/6J mice on folate-defined diet to determine if folate levels change with response to androgen deprivation. Students’ t test on continuous variables and Chi-squared test on dichotomous variables was performed along with Kaplan-Meier for time to event analysis. Results We identified 56 men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation in which folate levels had been determined. 15 out of 16 (94%) men initiating ADT had increases in their folate, which is substantially more than 67% in maintenance group (P = 0.04). We identified more rapid time to death from prostate cancer if folate levels increased to levels >200 ng/ml above their baseline (P = 0.03). Mice models demonstrated a significant rise in serum red blood cell folate after mice were castrated (P = 0.03) by an average of 1.5x over pre-castrated baseline level. By contrast, sham-castrated mice showed no increase in serum folate levels over baseline. Conclusion Our study suggests that men with substantial rises in folate after initiating ADT may be associated with worse prostate cancer-specific and overall survival. Our translational experiments in mice confirmed correlation between rising in folate levels post-castration. Given this study, further investigation is warranted on the role of dietary folate consumption during initiation of ADT and progression to castrate-resistant prostate cancer.
Writing in the Margins of Sexual Function Questionnaires: A Qualitative Analysis of Data From Women With Pelvic Floor Disorders

Abstract Background The impact of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) on female sexual function is not well understood, partly due to difficulties in measurement and evaluation. Aim We sought to assess how women with PFDs respond to sexual function questionnaires through an analysis of survey marginalia, or the comments written in the margins of fixed-choice surveys. Methods 94 women with PFDs completed validated written sexual function questionnaires (Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors survey, Female Sexual Function Index, and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, International Urogynecological Association-Revised). Marginalia, or the additions, eliminations, and changes subjects made (by hand) to survey items, were collected. Data were coded and analyzed qualitatively using grounded theory methodology. Outcomes Themes and emergent concepts related to the content of survey marginalia were the primary outcomes of this study. Results We observed 177 instances of marginalia across all questionnaires. Qualitative analysis revealed 7 preliminary themes and 2 emergent concepts. Preliminary themes included partner-related topics, loss, problems during intercourse, emotional problems, other medical problems, and survey answer choices failing to capture the spectrum of patient experiences. Emergent concepts revealed highly diverse sexual function in this population and a wide range of factors that influence sexual function. Clinical Implications Conducting qualitative studies alongside sexual function questionnaires can allow for a more meaningful assessment of the sexual function of women with various underlying conditions, such as PFDs. Strengths & Limitations This is the first study of its kind to analyze survey marginalia from sexual function questionnaires among women with PFDs. The limitations of this study include the inherently spontaneous nature of marginalia data. In addition, the ways in which study participants responded to sexual function questionnaires in our study may not be reflective of all potential subjects. Conclusion Analysis of survey marginalia from sexual function questionnaires amongst women with PFDs revealed new information regarding patients' histories, concerns, and thoughts. Over half of the women in this study felt the need to expand, explain, or eliminate responses from the questionnaires. Many subjects were no longer sexually active, which accounted for a large majority of participants leaving questions blank or responding with “N/A.” Standard sexual evaluation tools may fail to capture the complexity, spectrum, and depth and breadth of patient experiences. Parameshwar PS, Borok J, Jung E, et al. Writing in the Margins of Sexual Function Questionnaires: A Qualitative Analysis of Data From Women With Pelvic Floor Disorders. J Sex Med 2020;17:1705–1714.
Lymphoma in Pediatric-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated with Infliximab Monotherapy: A Case Series

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are often treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFα) medications. Concomitant treatment of IBD with anti-TNFα agents and immunomodulators appears to be associated with an increased risk for lymphoma. Patients who developed lymphoma while on monotherapy with an anti-TNFα agent were identified at three centers. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. Five adolescents and young adult patients with pediatric-onset IBD who were treated with infliximab (IFX) without exposure to thiopurines were subsequently diagnosed with lymphoma. Three of the five patients had bone involvement at presentation. Epstein–Barr virus was positive in 2 cases. Median time from diagnosis of IBD and exposure to IFX prior to diagnosis of lymphoma was 5 and 4.3 years, respectively. This case series reports long-term follow-up for young patients with IBD who were treated with IFX monotherapy and developed lymphoma. Three of the five patients had bone involvement. In general, the risk of lymphoma following exposure to anti-TNFα medications alone remains low, but the incidence of primary bone lymphomas in IBD has not been reported. Studies examining longer exposure times may be needed to determine the true lymphoma risk in patients treated with IFX monotherapy.
BATF targets T cell exhaustion for termination

New reports provide further insight into the role of the transcription factor BATF in pivoting the differentiation of CD8+ T cells away from T cell exhaustion and facilitating the transition of these cells into potent effectors.
Electrophoresis on a polyester thread coupled with an end-channel pencil electrode detector.

We present the design and characterization of a low cost, thread-based electrophoretic device with integrated electrochemical detection. The device has an end-channel pencil graphite electrode placement system for performing electrochemical detection on the thread electrophoresis platform with direct sample pipetting onto the thread. We also established the use of methylene blue and neutral red as a pair of reference migration markers for separation techniques coupled with electrochemical detection, as they have different colors for visual analysis and are both electroactive. Importantly, neutral red was also found to migrate at a similar rate to the EOF, indicating that it can be used as a visual identifier of EOF. The utility of our system was demonstrated by electrophoretic separation and electrochemical detection of physiologically relevant concentrations of pyocyanin in a solution containing multiple electroactive compounds. Pyocyanin is a biomarker for the detection of pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa and has a redox potential that is similar to that of methylene blue. The system was able to effectively resolve methylene blue, neutral red, and pyocyanin in less than 7 min of electrophoretic separation. The theoretical limit of detection for pyocyanin was determined to be 559 nM. The electrophoretic mobilities of methylene blue (0.0236 ± 0.0007 mm2 /V·s), neutral red (0.0149 ± 0.0007 mm2 /V·s), and pyocyanin (0.0107 ± 0.0003 mm2 /V·s) were also determined.
Next Era of American Law Is Shaped Via AI And The Law

A commonly accepted notion is that there have been three primary eras of law in the history of American law. We are presumably in the fourth era right now. Legal scholars are apt to contend that AI and the law will abundantly impact the fourth era and fully shape the fifth era.
Vitamin D, Respiratory Infections, and Obstructive Airway Diseases

Over the past decade, interest has grown in the effects of vitamin D on respiratory infections and obstructive airway diseases (OADs), such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Studies suggest that low vitamin D levels increase the risk of acute respiratory infections, which may contribute to incident wheezing illness and cause asthma exacerbations. Although unproven, the increased risk of susceptible hosts to specific respiratory pathogens may contribute to some cases of incident asthma. Likewise, the effect of vitamin D on COPD, while intriguing, is largely unknown. Emerging evidence provides biological plausibility for some of these respiratory findings. For example, vitamin D-mediated innate immunity, particularly through enhanced expression of the human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, is important in host defenses against respiratory pathogens. Vitamin D also modulates regulatory T-cell function and interleukin-10 production, which may increase the therapeutic response to corticosteroids in corticosteroid-resistant asthma. Finally, low vitamin D levels may have a role in the pathogenesis of allergies, including anaphylaxis. Further studies, especially randomized controlled trials, are needed to better understand vitamin D’s effects on respiratory infections and OADs.
Removal of Contaminated Sediments: Equipment and Recent Field Studies

The problem of contaminated marine sediments has emerged as an environmental issue of national importance. Harbor areas in particular have been found to contain high levels of contaminants in bottom sediments due to wastes from municipal, industrial, and riverine sources. This paper briefly examines the extent and significance of marine sediment contamination in the US, and reviews the state of the art of contaminated sediment cleanup and recent field studies or demonstrations.
Tumorigenicity of 5-methylchrysene dihydrodiols and dihydrodiol epoxides in newborn mice and on mouse skin.

Methylchrysene, (Â±)-frans-1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxy-5- methylchrysene, (Â±)-frans-7,8-dihydro-7,8-dihydroxy-5-methyl- chrysene, (Â±)-frans-1,2-dihydroxy-anf/-3,4-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetra- hydro-5-methylchrysene (anf/-DE-l), (Â±)-fans-1,2-dihydroxy-syn- 3,4-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-5-methylchrysene (syn-DE-l), and (Â±)-frans-7,8-dihydroxy-ani/-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-5- methylchrysene (anf/'-DE-ll) were tested for tumorigenicity in newborn mice and for tumor-initiating activity on mouse skin. In newborn mice, a total dose of 56 nmol of anf/-DE-l induced 4.6 lung tumors/mouse and 1.2 liver tumors/mouse. These inci dences were significantly higher than observed for any of the other metabolites, tested at equimolar doses. The results indi cate that anf/'-DE-l, but not syn-DE-l or anf/'-DE-ll, is a major ultimate carcinogen of 5-methylchrysene in the newborn mouse. Anf/'-DE-l was also more tumorigenic than anf/'-DE-lf on mouse skin, inducing 4.4 tumors/mouse after an initiating dose of 100 nmol, compared to zero tumors per mouse induced by anf/'-DE- and liver. Anf/'-DE-l was significantly more active (p < 0.0001) as a lung tumorigen than any of the other compounds. Low but significant numbers of lung tumors were also induced by 5-MeC (p < 0.001), 5-MeC-1,2-diol (p < 0.05), 5-MeC-7,8-diol (p < 0.05), and syn-DE-l (p < 0.01 ). Anf/-DE-l also induced significantly more liver tumors than any of the other compounds, with the males being more susceptible. Significant (p < 0.05) numbers of liver
Thresholds and accuracy in screening tools for early detection of psychopathology.

BACKGROUND: The accuracy of any screening instrument designed to detect psychopathology among children is ideally assessed through rigorous comparison to 'gold standard' tests and interviews. Such comparisons typically yield estimates of what we refer to as 'standard indices of diagnostic accuracy', including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value. However, whereas these statistics were originally designed to detect binary signals (e.g., diagnosis present or absent), screening questionnaires commonly used in psychology, psychiatry, and pediatrics typically result in ordinal scores. Thus, a threshold or 'cut score' must be applied to these ordinal scores before accuracy can be evaluated using such standard indices. To better understand the tradeoffs inherent in choosing a particular threshold, we discuss the concept of 'threshold probability'. In contrast to PPV, which reflects the probability that a child whose score falls at or above the screening threshold has the condition of interest, threshold probability refers specifically to the likelihood that a child whose score is equal to a particular screening threshold has the condition of interest. METHOD: The diagnostic accuracy and threshold probability of two well-validated behavioral assessment instruments, the Child Behavior Checklist Total Problem Scale and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire total scale were examined in relation to a structured psychiatric interview in three de-identified datasets. RESULTS: Although both screening measures were effective in identifying groups of children at elevated risk for psychopathology in all samples (odds ratios ranged from 5.2 to 9.7), children who scored at or near the clinical thresholds that optimized sensitivity and specificity were unlikely to meet criteria for psychopathology on gold standard interviews. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are consistent with the view that screening instruments should be interpreted probabilistically, with attention to where along the continuum of positive scores an individual falls. Language: en
Wysession begins term as Eos Section Editor for Seismology

In mid-April, Michael Wysession, an associate professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Washington University, embarked on a 3-year term as section editor of Eos for seismology. Wysession brings to the position a strong background in research and teaching. Below are a few remarks from Wysession. “I recently became the new seismology editor for Eos. I look forward to presenting the many exciting areas of seismological research to the entire geophysical community. I have taught at Washington University since obtaining my Ph.D. at Northwestern University in 1991. My interest in seismology began during my undergraduate years at Brown University (Sc.B., 1984), but my experience as an educator began after I graduated and taught high school math and physics in Staten Island, N.Y.
Qualitatively Stable Matrices and Convergent Matrices

We review the basic known facts about stable matrices. Prom these and other, related, results we show some of the relationships that exist between qualitatively (sign) stable matrices and Hicksian stable matrices. We also show that the relationship between stable matrices and convergent matrices can be viewed essentially as a problem on inverses. Finally we derive a variety of results about inverses of sign stable matrices and use these to obtain information about the properties of corresponding convergent matrices.
Ultrasonography Versus Landmark for Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Study objective Randomized controlled trials report inconsistent findings when comparing the initial success rate of peripheral intravenous cannulation using landmark versus ultrasonography for patients with difficult venous access. We sought to determine which method is superior for patients with varying levels of intravenous access difficulty. Methods We conducted a 2-group, parallel, randomized, controlled trial and randomly allocated 1,189 adult emergency department (ED) patients to landmark or ultrasonography, stratified by difficulty of access and operator. ED technicians performed the peripheral intravenous cannulations. Before randomization, technicians classified subjects as difficult, moderately difficult, or easy access according to visible or palpable veins and perception of difficulty with a landmark approach. If the first attempt failed, we randomized subjects a second time. We compared the initial and second-attempt success rates by procedural approach and difficulty of intravenous access, using a generalized linear mixed regression model, adjusted for operator. Results The 33 participating technicians enrolled a median of 26 subjects (interquartile range 9 to 55). The initial success rate was 81% but varied significantly by technique and difficulty of access. The initial success rate by ultrasonography was higher than landmark for patients with difficult access (48.0 more successes per 100 tries; 95% confidence interval [CI] 35.6 to 60.3) or moderately difficult access (10. 2 more successes per 100 tries; 95% CI 1.7 to 18.7). Among patients with easy access, landmark yielded a higher success rate (10.6 more successes per 100 tries; 95% CI 5.8 to 15.4). The pattern of second-attempt success rates was similar. Conclusion Ultrasonographic peripheral intravenous cannulation is advantageous among patients with difficult or moderately difficult intravenous access but is disadvantageous among patients anticipated to have easy access.
Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Materials as T2-Weighted MRI Contrast Agents

With their unique nanoscalar properties, single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) materials are widely studied for various biological applications. Herein, we report the efficiency of full-length HiPco SWNTs and ultra-short SWNTs (US-tubes) as T2-weighted MRI contrast agents. Analysis has concluded that the superparamagnetic SWNT materials (especially US-tubes) are a new class of high-efficacy contrast agents having performance contributions from both the iron catalyst nanoparticles (originating from the synthesis of SWNT materials) and the carbon SWNT material itself. The superparamagnetic US-tubes with their short length (<100 nm), negligible metal content (<1% Fe (wt %)), and superior T2 relaxation efficiency (T2 = 31.7 ms per mg SWNT at 3 T and 37 °C) are the most promising candidates for advanced applications such as molecular and cellular imaging using MRI.
Reliability of the Nursing Child Assessment Feeding Scale During Toddlerhood

This study examined the validity of the Nursing Child Assessment of Feeding Scale (NCAFS) during toddlerhood, using a longitudinal design to assess the scale’s convergence with the Toddler Snack Scale (TSS) between 12 and 36 months, and comparing videotaped interactions of 116 mother–toddler dyads. Differences between TSS mutuality classifications were found for the NCAFS subscales at each age. The pattern of mean scores followed expected directions at 12 and 36 months, but only two of the six NCAFS subscales maintained this pattern at 24 months. Significant differences were found between TSS mutuality classifications and NCAFS dyadic scores at each age. With one exception, “connected” and “marginal” dyads had consistently higher dyadic scores than dyads classified as “poor” in mutuality. There were no differences between connected and marginal dyads. The NCAFS does not appear to capture control-autonomy balance as well as the TSS, and a revision for toddlerhood may be needed.
Immune response to JC virus T antigen in patients with and without colorectal neoplasia

JC virus (JCV) is a polyomavirus that infects approximately 75% of the population and encodes a T antigen (T-Ag) gene, which is oncogenic and inactivates the p53 and pRb/p107/p130 protein families. Previous work in our lab has identified the presence of T-Ag in colorectal neoplasms. While JCV remains in a latent state for the majority of those infected, we hypothesized that a disturbance in immunological control may permit JCV to reactivate, which may be involved in the development of colorectal neoplasia. Our aim was to determine the cell mediated immune response to JCV T-Ag, and determine if it is altered in patients with colorectal adenomatous polyps (AP) or cancers (CRC). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from the blood of patients undergoing colonoscopy or colorectal surgery were stimulated by a peptide library covering the entire T-Ag protein of JCV. Cytokine production and T cell proliferation were evaluated following T-Ag stimulation using Luminex and flow cytometry assays. JCV T...
Central bank intervention, the current account, and exchange rates

This paper seeks to explain exchange rate and current account or net foreign assets behavior under central bank foreign exchange rate intervention. To analyze central bank intervention we use the current account-net foreign assets identity, as well as the long-run monetary exchange rate model. The intervention function is one where exchange rate deviations from equilibrium are governed by nonlinear adjustments. That is, exchange rate deviations from their long-run equilibrium are such that the degree of reversion towards equilibrium increases with the size of the deviation from equilibrium. In this type of nonlinear function exchange rates determine the current account, and the current account in turn determines exchange rates. This iterative duality contrasts with several portfolio balance models where exchange rates are a function of trade, but trade is not a function of exchange rates. This two way causality is slightly more complex, but is also analytically richer than assuming that exchange rates change solely in a one step process as targeted by central banks. Managing exchange rates is posited to be an active iterative feedback process where intervention changes the current account, which may in turn make further intervention necessary.
TRADEOFFS BETWEEN PREDATION RISK AND FEEDING IN A LIZARD, THE BROAD-HEADED SKINK (EUMECES LATICEPS)

Foraging, feeding, and escape decisions may all be modified by threat of predation. Field experiments using a human simulated predator show that a lizard, the broad - headed skink, Eumeces laticeps , alters several aspects of feeding behavior in ways suggesting tradeoffs between predation risk and feeding. When food (cricket) was closer to the predator, the lizards more frequently did not attack it, and often retreated to safety before consuming it, reducing the duration of exposure to predation. The probability of attacking a cricket decreased with distance of the lizard from refuge, reflecting greater risk due to increased time required to reach refuge. Latency to attack increased with distance of the lizard from refuge, suggesting that lizards assessed the risk as acceptable after observing the predator's continued immobility. Large crickets were attacked with higher probability and shorter latency than small crickets, indicating that greater risk was acceptable for greater energetic benefit. The lizards more frequently carried large than small crickets to refuges before eating them, reducing duration of exposure because handling time was greater for larger crickets. Smaller crickets were consumed where captured, again indicating modification of feeding behavior in response to predation risk. The skinks also reduced risk by reducing handling time when closer to the predator. Escape was delayed until a predator approached closer when lizards were eating than when not eating. This delay may reflect a tradeoff between predation risk and acquisition of food.
Sickness in Spoon River: village health at the turn of the century.

Edgar Lee Masters published numerous poems, plays, and novels between 1900 and 1942; most go unread, with the exception ofSpoon River Anthology, which is among the most popular works of American poetry of the twentieth century. This collection of poems tells of the lives of the inhabitants of a fictional American town—Spoon River, Illinois. Many of the poems consider sickness and health in the community, and the insight they offer into human responses to illness continues to be relevant today, contributing not only to the lasting popularity ofSpoon River Anthology, but also the literary value of the work.
Entropy generation minimization in parallel‐plates counterflow heat exchangers

This paper shows that the main architectural features of a counterflow heat exchanger can be determined based on thermodynamic optimization subject to volume constraint. It is assumed that the channels are formed by parallel plates, the two fluids are ideal gases, and the flow is fully developed, laminar or turbulent. In the first part of the paper, it is shown that the irreversibility of the heat exchanger core is minimized with respect to (1) the ratio of the two-channel spacings, and (2) the total heat transfer area between the two streams. In the second part, the entropy generation rate also accounts for the irreversibility due to discharging the spent hot stream into the ambient. It is shown that the design can be optimized with respect to (1), (2) and (3) the ratio of the capacity rates of the two streams. The optimized features of the geometry are robust with respect to whether the external discharge irreversibility is included in the entropy generation rate calculation. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Team leaders’ perceptions of public influence in the US Forest Service: exploring the difference between doing and using public involvement

Individuals and public groups generally participate in public involvement events in an effort to gain influence over decisions that affect them. However, not much is known about how the process actually results in the public gaining influence over agency decisions. This paper reports the results of an online survey completed by 489 Forest Service National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) team leaders. Respondents reported how much influence they thought the public should have during the NEPA process, how much influence they thought the public generally had, and how much influence the public had on a specific NEPA process at different points in the process. Sixty per cent of the respondents believed the public should have greater influence than they do. Respondents reported that more public influence should and does happen at earlier stages in the process. Early public influence and substantive comments appear to be related to positive perceptions of the public involvement process and public relations outcomes.
Arachidonic acid inhibits myelin basic protein phosphorylation in cultured oligodendrocytes

Protein phosphorylation is a well-known mechanism by which extracellular molecules or factors transduce their signals into intracellular effects. In the context of myelin assembly, phosphorylation of major myelin proteins affects the electrostatic repulsion between adjacent proteins within myelin structure and therefore constitutes one of the mechanisms by which myelin stability is regulated. We report here that arachidonic acid (AA) decreases the phosphorylation of myelin basic protein (MBP) both in the absence and in the presence of phorbol esters in cultured rat oligodendrocytes (OLGs). The effect of AA on MBP phosphorylation is not mediated by cyclooxygenase products, though the possibility that leukotrienes or other epoxides may have a role cannot be excluded. AA did not act by inactivation of protein kinase C. Based on our findings from gadolinium and low K+ experiments, we conclude that inhibition of MBP phosphorylation is not dependent on AA-induced increases in OLG Ca(i), but rather on its depolarizing action. We have thus demonstrated that a brief exposure to AA, which either acts as a diffusible paracrine signal to OLGs or as a signal transducer, can trigger changes in protein phosphorylation in OLGs/myelin via ionic signaling events at the plasma membrane.
Hybridization leads to interspecific gene flow in Sarracenia (Sarraceniaceae)

 Premise of the study: The role of hybridization in plant evolution remains a source of intense debate. Potential consequences range from genetic dead-ends to species fusion or hybrid speciation. While much has been learned from model systems such as Populus , Iris , and Helianthus , many questions remain. Consisting of 11 species that are all capable of hybridizing, Sarracenia presents an excellent system in which to study hybridization.  Methods: Using microsatellites, we examined a single fi eld site consisting of three species: S. leucophylla , S. alata , and S. rubra subsp. wherryi. We determined the level of genetic admixture and compared it with allopatric sites of the same taxa.  Key results: In contrast to the well-defi ned clusters formed when we examined the allopatric sites, the sympatric fi eld site exhibited a wide range of admixture. Additionally, when the relative genetic makeup of “pure” species at the site was compared with the makeup of hybrids, we found that Sarracenia alata contributed disproportionately to the hybrid genomes.  Conclusions: Our study provides further evidence that hybridization is contributing to interspecifi c gene fl ow in the genus and that all species do not contribute equally to hybridization. Implications for conservation are discussed.
A study of indentation annealing of (111)p-type single crystal silicon

The indentation rosette size in (111)p-type Czochralski grown silicon was measured as a function of annealing temperature (450 to 1100° C), time (600 to 9300 sec) and indentation load (0.147 to 2.94 N). The indentations were made with the silicon surface immersed in an electrolytic solution containing Nal ions with concentrations in the range of 10−5 to 10−1 MI−1. The rosette size,2L, was found to depend on the experimental variables as $$\left\langle {2L} \right\rangle = Ct^{1/2} P^{1.15} exp\left( {\frac{U}{{kT}}} \right)$$ whereC is a constant andt, T, P, andU are the annealing time, temperature, indentation load and energy, respectively, andk is Boltzmann's constant. The energy U has at least three different values depending on the annealing temperature interval and varies to a lesser extent on the indentation load.
Reinterpreting the role of inflation in politico-economic models

The author attempting to analyze the interplay between politics and economics is faced with a large number of problems, ranging from an always too small and idiosyncratic data set to the lack of any generally accepted theory of the process which has testable implications. My aims have been (1) to show that past studies have typically treated inflation in an extremely naive way, disregarding the fact that it may have political pluses if unanticipated, and (2) to test the sensitivity of established formulations to what I believe is the more useful view of voter behavior given in Model II. Since Model I and Model II represent polar extremes of amnesiac and eidetic behavior, tests of intermediate lag structures are clearly in order. Because of administration peculiarities, however, lost data points will pose a serious problem.
Human secondary immune responses induced by influenza in a serum-free tissue culture system

Abstract Peripheral blood lymphocytes are capable of producing antibody in response to antigenic stimulation by a recall antigen, influenza, during culture for 10 days in medium consisting of 1 part Ham's F-12 and 1 part Iscove's modified Dulbecco's medium supplemented with sodium bicarbonate, bovine crystalline insulin, human transferrin, 2-mercaptoethanol, progesterone, and bovine serum albumin. Anti-influenza antibody levels in the supernatants were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Optimal conditions for production of anti-influenza antibody in this serum-free medium were: influenza concentration, 0.032–0.125 HAU/ml; day of harvest, 10; and cell concentration, 3.0–4.0×10 5 cells in 200 μl of medium per well. Use of serum-free medium will allow examination of the effects of various additives to tissue culture without concern for unknown factors or potential interaction with serum.
Biography: Envy and power

A balanced biography brings out the many contradictions of nuclear physicist Edward Teller, finds Robert P. Crease.
Information integration in price-quality tradeoffs: the effect of missing information.

Support for averaging processes in information integration has relied on experimental designs in which the amount of information to be integrated was varied. The usual interpretation is that subjects balance the values of the various stimuli presented on a given trial. An alternative interpretation is that subjects may use their perceptions of the relationship between stimulus dimensions to infer the value of missing information. In the present study, subjects were asked to rate their expected satisfaction with purchases of ground beef on the basis of quality and/or price information. The responses of some subjects appeared to be based on the inference that high prices imply high quality and low prices imply low quality when no quality information is given. Other subjects appeared to assign a constant value to missing information. An averaging model that incorporates inferred as well as presented stimulus values is proposed.
A Computer-Based Methodology for the Form Synthesis and Optimal Design of Robot Manipulators

The study reported in this paper deals with the development of a generalized computer-based methodology for the form synthesis and optimal design of robot manipulators. The developed computer program to implement the methodology operates in two separate modes. The first deals with the synthesis of user defined topologies and in the second mode, the designer provides only the required task, then the program will generate optimum manipulator configuration by systematic evaluation and ranking of plausible alternatives. The methodology simultaneously incorporates kinematic and dynamic synthesis as well as optimal actuation and stress analysis in an integrated design process. The procedure relies on the systematic composition of manipulator configurations from tabulated basic elements. The optimization strategy for synthesis and control utilizes a dynamic programming approach which makes it possible to select the optimum parameters in a stage-wise manner without sacrificing the interactions inherent in such highly coupled nonlinear systems.
Mathematical Clothing Modeling in a Digital Human Environment

A new motivation for mathematical clothing modeling, namely to quantify the impact of clothing on digital human models in virtual environments, is discussed. After a brief review of previous mathematical clothing modeling works, a nonlinear finite element approach with contact is exercised with good results on a variety of draping problems. A micromechanical approach for predicting fabric effective mechanical properties based on fiber properties and texture is proposed.Copyright © 2004 by ASME