cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solitary intraoral keratoacanthoma

Abstract A case of keratoacanthoma of the maxillary gingiva in a 12-year-old boy is presented. Only three previous cases of solitary intraoral keratoacanthoma have been reported in the English-language literature. The rarity of this lesion in the oral mucosa and the age of the patient warrant this case report. The characteristic histology of the keratoacanthoma and the possible histogenesis of mucosal lesions are discussed. A brief review of the English-language literature with regard to solitary and multiple mucosal keratoacanthomas is also included.
Host Response to Treponema pallidum in Intradermally-Infected Rabbits: Evidence for Persistence of Infection at Local and Distant Sites

Intradermal infection of rabbits with Treponema pallidum imitiates rapid and active cellular response at the site of injection. During the first 2weeks following infection, there is a marked increase in the numbers of organisms at the site of infection. Systemic dissemination of treponemes occurs during the early stage of infection, presumably before the immune response is fully mobilized. The mononuclear infiltration, which is apparent at the lesion site one week postinfection, becomes more pronounced at 2weeks. The infiltrating cells are predominantly T lymphocytes and mactophages. By 4weeks postinfection, most of the organisms have been cleared from the primary site; however, low numbers of treponemes survive locally and in distant tissues. Thus, whereas infection with T. pallidum appears to activate immune mechanisms which are capable of clearing most of the organisms from the primary lesion, some organisms are able to evade these mechanisms and persist in vivo .
Processing microstructure property relationships in severely deformed tantalum

Abstract Bars of as-cast, large grained and highly textured Ta were deformed by multipass equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) at room temperature to strains of 4.6 through 90° die-angle tooling. The ability of ECAE processing to produce a uniform fine-grained microstructure with homogenous deformation characteristics is investigated. Comparisons of the microstructure and mechanical properties after four consecutive extrusions via route C (180° rotation between passes) and E (2C, 90° rotation then 2C) are made in both the as-worked (submicron-scale grains) and recrystallized (micron-scale grains) states. It is shown that the as-worked grain size levels out at 200–300 nm after four passes. The recrystallized grain size after two to four passes is ∼10–15 μm with microstructural uniformity that is dependent on the microstructural uniformity in the starting material. It is also demonstrated that four pass ECAE processing of as-cast large grained BCC materials is not necessarily enough to homogenize texture. A pre-processing step with combined severe plastic deformation and recrystallization improves microstructural uniformity and lessens texture gradients in subsequent deformation processing steps.
Individual differences in the perception of optimism and disease severity: A study among individuals with Parkinson's disease

The extent to which individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) show lability in optimism was explored in the present study. The relationship between optimism and perceived disease severity was examined as well. Twelve individuals diagnosed with PD completed self-report measures for 70 consecutive days. All individuals in this study showed lability in optimism over short time periods; however, 67% of the sample showed no pervasive negative changes in optimism over time. Increased levels of optimism on one day were predictive of decreased perceived disease severity the next day for one-fourth of the sample, after controlling for negative affect. Individual differences in the relationship between optimism and disease severity provided support for the idea that living with chronic illness has no monolithic meaning. More optimistic individuals reported less need for assistance with basic functional abilities than less optimistic individuals. The usefulness of lability in optimism among individuals with PD is discussed.
Design Space of Single-Loop Planar Folded Micro Mechanisms With Out-of-Plane Motion

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are usually fabricated using planar processing methods Such as surface micromachining, bulk micromachining, or LIGA-type fabrication. If a micro mechanism is desired that has motion out of the plane of fabrication, it can be a folded mechanism in its fabricated position. The desire to design MEMS for a wide range of out-of-plane motions has led to the need for a better theoretical understanding of the design space for folded mechanisms. Thus, this paper derives the design space of arbitrary planar folded mechanisms. This results in the definition of the orientation set measures equality condition (OSMEC) which can be used in constructing adjacency set patches and joining them to construct the design space. The results can be used to explore different properties of the mechanisms in the design space. One such property, the mechanisms folded length, is given as an example. Although MEMS provide the primary motivation for the work, the results are general and apply to other areas of application.
Clinical Pharmacology of Midazolam in Infants and Children

Midazolam is a parenteral benzodiazepine with sedative, amnesic, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant properties. The drug exerts its clinical effect by binding to a receptor complex which facilitates the action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Midazolam has a faster onset and shorter duration of action than other benzodiazepines such as diazepam and lorazepam. The most serious adverse events associated with midazolam in children include hypoventilation, decreased oxygen saturation, apnoea and hypotension. It is water soluble in the commercially prepared formulation but becomes lipid soluble at physiological pH and can then cross the blood brain barrier. It is metabolised in the liver by the cytochrome P450 system, and its chief metabolite is 1-hydroxymethyl midazolam. The latter is conjugated to the glucuronide form, and it has only minimal biological activity. Midazolam is excreted primarily by the kidney. Its half-life in children over 12 months is reported to be 0.8 to 1.8 hours, with a clearance of 4.7 to 19.7 ml/min/kg. Doses given to children must be calculated on a mg/kg basis. For children 6 months to 5 years of age the initial dose is 0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg. A total dose up to 0.6 mg/kg titrated slowly may be necessary to achieve the desired endpoint. For children 6 to 12 years of age the initial dose is 0.025 to 0.05 mg/kg with a total dose up to 0.4 mg/kg to achieve the desired end-point.
Medical Management of Refractory Status Epilepticus

This review discusses the medical management of pediatric refractory status epilepticus, defined here as persistent seizures of any type after the administration of 2 appropriate anticonvulsants. The use of both nonanesthetic and anesthetic anticonvulsants is discussed along with the relative strengths and weaknesses of each agent. Appropriate treatment goals and the use of electroencephalographic monitoring are described as are reasonable treatment algorithms. Finally, ethical considerations are briefly discussed in the context of available outcome data.
Infrared Transmission of Synthetic Atmospheres.* III. Absorption by Water Vapor

The total absorption ∫Aνdν has been measured for the water vapor bands at 6.3, 3.2, 2.7, 1.87, 1.38, 1.1, and 0.94μ under simulated atmospheric conditions. The water vapor absorber concentrations studied ranged from 0.004 to 3.8 cm of precipitable water. Nitrogen was added to give total pressures up to atmospheric; the effects of nitrogen and oxygen on total absorption were found to be similar. The experimental data can be satisfactorily represented by two types of empirical relations:(1)For small values of total absorption,∫Aνdν=cw12(P+p)k;(2)For large values of total absorption,∫Aνdν=C+D Logw+K Log(P+p),where w is the H2O absorber concentration, p is the H2O partial pressure, and P is the total pressure. Values of the empirically determined constants c, k, C, D, and K are given for each of the spectral regions of characteristic absorption. The results are compared with those of other experimentalists.
Self-heating thermal drift control of a polystyrene-water calorimeter

Abstract The method of self-heating thermal drift control utilizes the known thermal properties of a polystyrene-water calorimeter, which is used in standardizing clinical dosimetry (high-energy photon and electron beams for cancer theraphy). The immersed polystyrene detector assembly under-goes thermal cooling as a result of irradiation, because its temperature is raised above that of the surrounding water due mainly to the difference in the specific heat of the two media. This thermal cooling effect can be reduced if a thermal heating drift of approximately the same magnitude is superimposed upon it. This can be effected by setting the ambient air temperature above that of the water calorimeter temperature, thus producing a self-heating thermal drift throughout the calorimeter system. The result is a set of calorimeter runs with little thermal drift occurring in the polystyrene discs. This concept of controlling the troublesome thermal drift was applied in a clinical 10 MV x-ray beam and was found to be a useful and extremely simple technique.
Enhancing ionic conductivity of bulk single-crystal yttria-stabilized zirconia by tailoring dopant distribution

We present an ab initio–based kinetic Monte Carlo model for ionic conductivity in single-crystal yttria-stabilized zirconia. Ionic interactions are taken into account by combining density functional theory calculations and the cluster expansion method and are found to be essential in reproducing the effective activation energy observed in experiments. The model predicts that the effective energy barrier can be reduced by 0.15–0.25 eV by arranging the dopant ions into a superlattice.
Grammaticality judgements in adolescents with and without language impairment.

Background: Existing evidence suggests that young children with specific language impairment have unusual difficulty in detecting omissions of obligatory tense‐marking morphemes, but little is known about adolescents' sensitivity to such violations.Aims: The study investigated whether limitations in receptive morphosyntax (as measured by grammaticality judgements) were present at age 16 years, and, if so, whether participants' profiles showed less sensitivity to omissions of tense and agreement morphemes than to (1) inappropriate uses (intrusions) of these same morphemes, and (2) omissions of morphemes that do not encode tense and agreement. The study also compared adolescents with language impairment and non‐verbal IQ more than 1 standard deviation (SD) below the mean (non‐specific language impairment) to adolescents with specific language impairment.Methods & Procedures: Adolescents with specific language impairment (n = 48), adolescents with non‐specific language impairment (n = 25), and adolescents wi...
The vectorial specificity for calcium binding to the CaATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum is controlled by phosphorylation, not by an E‐E* conformational change

Abstract The E—E* model for calcium pumping by the CaATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum includes two distinct conformational states of the enzyme, E and E*. Exterior Ca 2+ binds only to E and interior Ca 2+ binds only to E*. Therefore, it is expected that there will be competition between the binding of calcium to the unphosphorylated enzyme from the two sides of the membrane. The equilibrium concentration of c E Ca 2 , the enzyme with Ca 2+ bound at the exterior site, was measured at different Ca 2+ concentrations with empty sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles (SRV) and with SRV loaded with 40 mM Ca 2+ by reaction with 0.5 mM [γ- 32 P]ATP plus 20 mM EGTA for 13 ms (100 mM KCl, 5 mM MgSO 4 , 40 mM Mops/KOH, pH 7.0, 25°C). The sigmoidal dependence on free exterior calcium concentration of the concentration of c E Ca 2 , measured as [ 32 P]phosphoenzyme, is identical with empty and loaded SRV, within experimental error. The value of K 0.5 is 2.8 μM, and the Hill coefficient is 2. This result shows that there is no competition between binding of Ca 2+ to the outside and the inside of the membrane. This is consistent with a model in which the vectorial specificity for calcium binding is controlled by the chemical state of the enzyme, rather than a simple conformational change. It is concluded that there are not two interconverting forms of the free enzyme, E and E*, instead the vectorial specificity for binding and dissociation of Ca 2+ is determined by the state of phosphorylation of the CaATPase.
Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma versus T-Cell/Histiocyte-Rich Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Diagnostic Challenge

Lymphomas with overlapping histological features of two distinct entities cause difficulty in classification. Their classification is of particular significance when the two alternatives require different treatment modalities. We present a diagnostically challenging case of a nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) with features of T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (THRLBCL). Our patient is a 39-year-old woman who presented with painless subclavicular and axillary lymphadenopathy. The biopsied lymph node showed diffuse architectural effacement and scattered large neoplastic cells with large irregular nuclei and prominent nucleoli. These cells were positive for CD20 and Bcl-6 and negative for CD15, CD30, IgD, and Bcl-2. The background cells were predominantly T lymphocytes, whereas B cells were markedly depleted. The lymph node was interpreted as NLPHL, consistent with THRLBCL-like variant. NLPHL, especially THRLBC-like variant, and de novo THRLBCL are characterized by significant morphologic and immunophenotypic overlap. Our case demonstrates a rare predominance of background T-cells in NLPHL and emphasizes the importance of thorough evaluation of multiple morphologic and immunophenotypic features as an essential approach for arriving at the correct diagnosis.
Calcium-dependent chronotropic action of bovine parathyroid hormone (1-34) in isolated atria of Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica.

Abstract The involvement of extracellular calcium in the chronotropic action of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in isolated quail atria was studied. Bovine (b) PTH-(1–34) caused dose-dependent increases in the atrial beating rate. The PTH-induced positive chronotropism was significantly attenuated by lowering the extracellular calcium concentration or by using the calcium channel antagonists verapamil and D600. This suggests the importance of calcium influx in the cardiac action of PTH. β-Adrenergic blockade with propranolol did not affect the responses to bPTH-(1–34). This further substantiates the previous findings that the PTH action is independent of cardiac β-adrenoceptor stimulation.
Temporal variations and scaling of streamflow and baseflow and their nitrate-nitrogen concentrations and loads

Abstract The patterns of temporal variations of precipitation ( P ), streamflow (SF) and baseflow (BF) as well as their nitrate-nitrogen (nitrate) concentrations ( C ) and loads ( L ) from a long-term record (28 years) in the Raccoon River, Iowa, were analyzed using variogram and spectral analyses. The daily P is random but scaling may exist in the daily SF and BF with a possible break point in the scaling at about 18 days and 45 days, respectively. The nitrate concentrations and loads are shown to have a half-year cycle while daily P , SF, and BF have a one-year cycle. Furthermore, there may be a low-frequency cycle of 6–8 years in C . The power spectra of C and L in both SF and BF exhibit fractal 1/ f scaling with two characteristic frequencies of half-year and one-year, and are fitted well with the spectrum of the gamma distribution. The nitrate input to SF and BF at the Raccoon watershed seems likely to be a white noise process superimposed on another process with a half-year and one-year cycle.
Comment on "Convective and Radiative Heat Transfer to an Ablating Body"

T treatment of the momentum equation in Ref. 1 is identical to that employed in Ref. 2, where additional details are presented. In this regard, boundary conditions are applied at the vehicle wall and immediately behind the shock. The shock-boundary conditions used are the usual Rankine-Hugoniot relations expressed by Eqs. (23) of Ref. 2. The validity of these boundary conditions appears to be questionable for the following reasons. Physically, the Rankine-Hugoniot relations are valid only if the flowfield downstream as well as upstream of the shock is in translational equilibrium. Since the flowfield behind the shock is assumed viscous in Refs. 1 and 2, it is out of translational equilibrium. The Rankine-Hugoniot relations are therefore not strictly applicable here. Mathematically, Bush, as well as Cheng, has already ruled out the "viscous layer" regime, in which the viscous shock-layer equations are solved subject to the Rankine-Hugoniot relations at the outer edge. A clarification of this point seems to be desirable.
Do fermion-pseudoparticle interactions generate quark masses

It is shown that pseudoparticle solutions with integer winding number do not generate mass terms or breaking of chiral SU(N) in theories with a nontrivial flavor group.
The endogenous opioid system in neurological disorders of the basal ganglia

The endogenous opioid peptides have for some time been implicated in the regulation of motor behavior in animals. Recently, however, there is increased evidence to suggest a role for these peptides in the control of human motor functions as well as in the pathophysiology of abnormal movement disorders. Degeneration of opioid peptide-containing neurons in the basal ganglia has been demonstrated in Parkinson's disease and Huntington's chorea, but the clinical significance of these findings is largely unknown. On the other hand, there is evidence that excessive opioid activity may be important in the pathophysiology of some movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia, progressive supra-nuclear palsy, and a subgroup of Tourette's patients. These findings indicate that diseases of the basal ganglia are possibly associated with alterations in opioid peptide activity, and that these alterations may be useful in designing experimental therapeutic strategies in these conditions.
Ultra-Efficient Solid-State Lighting: Likely Characteristics, Economic Benefits, Technological Approaches

Technologies for artificial lighting have made tremendous progress over the centuries. At this point in time, there is virtually no question that solid-state lighting (SSL) will eventually displace its predecessor technologies. A remaining question, however, is what the final efficiency of SSL will be. In this talk, we give a perspective on the future of SSL, with a focus on ultra-high(>70%) efficiencies. We ask, and sketch answers to, three questions. First, what are some of the likely characteristics of ultra-efficient SSL? Second, what are some of the economic benefits of ultraefficient SSL? And, third, what are some of the challenges associated with various possible technological approaches to ultra-efficient SSL?
Anténor Firmin: Haitian Pioneer of Anthropology

Antenor Firmin published De I'Egalite des Races Humaines in 1885 in Paris as a response both to Arthur de Gobineau's racist tome L'lnegalite des Races (1853-55) and to the racialist anthropology of the nineteenth century. This pioneering work of anthropology has been translated for the first time into English by Assclin Charles as The Equality of the Human Races (Firmin [1885]2000). In 662 pages of the original text, Firmin systematically critiqued the anthropometry and craniometry that dominated the anthropology of his day, while he envisioned a broad, synthetic discipline that would follow once this narrow approach to the study of man was abandoned. He challenged virtually every extant racial myth and laid a basis for the understanding of human variation as adaptation to climate and environment. Contrary to the polygenist doctrines of the infertility of interracial matings, Firmin extolled the value of racial mixture, especially in the vigorous New World hybrid populations. He developed a critical view of racial classifications and of race that foreshadowed much later social constructions of race. In the book he also articulated early Pan-Africanist ideas as well as an analytical framework for what would become postcolonial studies. The Equality of the Human Races is a text that lies historically at the foundations of the birth of the discipline of anthropology, yet it is unknown to the field. It is a pioneering work in critical anthropology that awaits recognition 115 years after it was first published. [Antenor Firmin, history of racism, antiracism, historical texts, Haitian anthropologist, critical anthropology, nineteenth-century pioneer]
Studies on Macronuclear DNA from Paramecium aurelia.

Macronuclear DNA was isolated from purified macronuclei of Paramecium aurelia and the size distribution was determined with regard to growth phase and method of extraction. DNA molecules as long as 105 microns and as short as 0.2 microns were observed. It was concluded that the method of extraction affected the observed length of DNA extracted and that macronuclear DNA isolated from cells in balanced growth was less susceptible to nuclease degradation than was DNA isolated from cells in stationary phase. Renaturation studies were performed on macronuclear DNA and a kinetic complexity of 22-times E. coli DNA was determined. This value was similar to those values reported for Tetrahymena and Stylonychia macronuclear DNA. Correcting for GC base content yielded a kinetic complexity for Paramecium macronuclear DNA of 11-times E. coli DNA which corresponded to 3×1010 daltons. There would be about 1400 copies of a unit genome of this complexity within each newly replicated macronucleus. Density gradient analysis indicated that the genes coding for ribosomal RNA had a greater density in CsCl than the bulk DNA. Molecular hybridization studies indicated that the genes coding for 25 S RNA represented 0.14 percent of the total macronuclear DNA. Correcting for GC base content, this corresponded to 30–35 25 S RNA genes per unit genome. These results on Paramecium are discussed in relationship to other ciliate macronuclear DNA.
Third quantization and the Wheeler-DeWitt equation

Beginning with a proposal for the normalization of solutions to the Wheeler-DeWitt equation put forth by DeWitt we argue that the Wheeler-DeWitt equation naturally lends itself to a second quantization in analogy to the second quantization of the Klein-Gordon equation. We identify a conserved current, as well as DeWitt's proposal for normalization, as coming from a Lagrangian which is the analog of a second-quantized string theory whose spatial coordinates parametrize the coset manifold SL(3,R)/SO(3). We derive a mode decomposition of the second-quantized Wheeler-DeWitt field in the linearized approximation to quantum gravity, the zero modes of which are given by the total three-volume as well as various anisotropy parameters. We discuss the possibility of adding topological interactions for the linearized theory and find a representation in terms of vertex operators. In a two-dimensional setting we discuss a connection between our formalism and a proposal by Green which may shed light on some of the interpretational problems of string theory.
Effects of nitrogen and Douglas-fir allelochemicals on development of the gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar.

Two experiments were conducted to examine the influence of foliar nitrogen, terpenes, and phenolics of Douglas-fir on the development of gypsy moth larvae. In the first experiment, foliar concentrations of nitrogen and allelochemicals were manipulated by fertilizing 3-year-old potted seedlings with 0 or 200 ppm nitrogen. Concentrations of foliar nitrogen (0.33–2.38%) were negatively correlated with the phenolics (15.8–24.4 mg/g). Sixth-instar larvae previously reared on current-year Douglas-fir needles were allowed to feed on these seedlings. Pupal weights (312.8–995.6 mg) were positively correlated with levels of foliar nitrogen, negatively correlated with amounts of foliar phenolics, and uncorrelated with terpene concentrations. In the second experiment, terpene and phenolic extracts from Douglas-fir foliage were incorporated at natural levels into artificial diets with high and low levels of protein nitrogen. Neonate larvae grew faster and were larger on the high nitrogen control diet (4.1–4.5%), however, fourth instars performed better on the control diet with low nitrogen levels (2.5–2.7%). Foliar terpenes incorporated into diet had little effect on neonate fitness, but may induce subtle physiological changes in later instar larvae. Phenolics, alone or in combination with terpenes, excessively suppressed growth and survival, with no individuals living through the fourth instar, regardless of the nitrogen level. Incorporating foliar phenolic extracts into artificial diet caused unnatural levels of toxicity and failed to clarify the effects of Douglas-fir phenolics on gypsy moth fitness. Foliar nitrogen is a key factor influencing gypsy moth development on Douglas fir, but may be mitigated to some degree by phenolics.
The Response of Balls Undergoing Oscillatory Motion: Crossing From Boundary to Mixed Lubrication Regimes

There are many applications where determining the response of a slowly oscillating ball bearing becomes crucial. Many instrument pointing mechanisms, in particular those used for aerospace applications, contain ball bearings which sinusoidally oscillate at very slow rates over small angles. Prediction of the frictional response of these bearings is essential to designers, as the friction torque which they develop is an important factor for controlling space instruments. The friction torque associated with the motion of sinusoidally oscillating ball bearings has been found to trace out hysteresis loops. These loops can be separated into two regions: the steady rolling region and the pre-rolling region. The steady rolling friction torque, Ts , characterizes the steady rolling region, while the rest slope, σ, characterizes the pre-rolling region. The speed of a ball bearing in sinusoidal motion varies from rest to a maximum velocity, changing velocity at instantaneous increments. It is found that while moving toward this maximum velocity, a bearing may cross from boundary to mixed lubrication regimes. As a result, the prediction and interpretation of σ and Ts in sinusoidal oscillating systems becomes more difficult than their counterparts in constant rate systems, which ordinarily operate in only one lubrication regime. To establish the velocity boundaries associated with the onset of different lubrication regimes, a series of experiments were conducted at a constant rotation rate. Starting at the ultra-low-speed of .01 deg/s, the angular velocity was gradually increased to 72 deg/s. In this velocity range, the balls traveled from boundary lubrication, crossing the mixed lubrication regime, into the elastohydrodynamic lubrication regime. Sinusoidal hysteresis curves were also generated experimentally and characterized. The rest slope and steady rolling friction torque were investigated in both rolling regions using two different lubricants.
Impact of an intergenerational program on 4th graders' attitudes toward elders and school behaviors

Abstract The rapid growth of the elderly population coupled with research demonstrating the existence of ageist stereotypes even among very young children have led to the rise of intergenerational programs. Very limited research has been conducted, however, to demonstrate the effectiveness of these programs in producing attitudinal change or other beneficial outcomes for at-risk children. This study examined the impact of an intergenerational program on children's attitudes toward elders and on their school-based behaviors. Eighty-one 4th grade children enrolled in an inner-city school participated in the study. Forty-one children, with matched seniors partners, engaged in activities based on the 4th grade core curriculum within an outdoor classroom environment, while the remaining 40 children participated in usual core curriculum activities. At the conclusion of the program those children who participated in the program had significantly more positive attitudes towards the elderly and significantly bette...
Gradient analysis in a riparian landscape: contrasts among forest layers

Abstract We used standard vegetation sampling techniques to characterize species associations in a riparian forest of the Buffalo National River, Arkansas, USA. Species associations were influenced by environmental gradients dominated by pH and elevation, but secondary gradients differed among forest layers. Distinct groups of sampling plots within each vegetation layer were strongly supported, but the number and composition of the clusters did not correspond well among forest layers. The independence of forest layers may be promoted by response to different patterns of environmental factors operating at different levels in the forest. Traditional methods of plant community ecology rely on the dominance of overstory trees to define species associations and establish plant community boundaries, however species associations in the overstory are not necessarily good predictors of understory associations. Ecosystem management relies on accurately identifying components of the forest landscape, but traditional use of canopy dominants as community indicators may be inaccurate and imprecise for the majority of forest species.
Human factors study on the usage of BCI headset for 3D CAD modeling

Since its inception, computer aided 3D modeling has primarily relied on the Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointer (WIMP) interface in which user input is in the form of keystrokes and pointer movements. The brain-computer interface (BCI) is a novel modality that uses the brain signals of a user to enable natural and intuitive interaction with an external device. In this paper we present a human factors study on the use of an Emotiv EEG BCI headset for 3D CAD modeling. The study focuses on substituting the conventional computer mouse- and keyboard-based inputs with inputs from the Emotiv EEG headset. The main steps include (1) training the headset to recognize user-specific EEG/EMG signals and (2) assigning the classified signals to emulate keystrokes which are used to activate/control different commands of a CAD package. To assess the performance of the new system, we compared the time taken by the users to create the 3D CAD models using both the conventional and BCI-based interfaces. In addition, to exhibit the adaptability of the new system, we carried out the study for a set of CAD models of varying complexity. We present a novel BCI based user interface for conceptual 3D modeling.The BCI performs CAD functions such as 3D shape creation and manipulation.Video abstract: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GATQUVgLLYY.A human factors study to assess intuitiveness of BCI in 3D modeling is presented.
Confusing extrication with immobilization: the inappropriate use of hard spine boards for interhospital transfers.

Abstract Introduction: To determine if air medical interhospital transport of patients with spinal injuries is done with techniques that minimize ischemic skin damage Methods: A formal telephone survey instrument was given to all U.S. flight services accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS). Results: Thirty-seven active services were listed by CAMTS; the author's service was excluded from the survey. One service did only scene responses; one was unreachable by phone; four were unwilling to complete the form, leaving 30 services for evaluation. Twenty-nine services used metal, plywood, or plastic "spine" boards for immobilization during interhospital transport. Eight services padded boards with blankets or cloth for patients immobilized for "extended periods." Eighteen services routinely reimmobilized all major trauma patients even if cleared by the sending physician, and four others reimmobilized patients not "cleared" by a radiologist. No service moved patients with known spinal injuries to softer, more conforming devices before transport. Only three services followed patients for complications throughout hospitalization. Two services reported cases of skin breakdown thought to be a result of prolonged immobilization. Conclusion: Air medical services often transport patients several hours after injury. Patients, particularly those unable to move because of their injuries, medication, or paralysis, are at risk for ischemic necroses of their skin. Decubitus ulcers are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and preventing ulcers requires a very soft, conforming surface. Despite these facts, the highly select services surveyed continue to use hard, slippery boards designed for extrication at trauma scenes to immobilize patients for transport.
Characterization of a Compliant-Backplate Helmholtz Resonator for An Electromechanical Acoustic Liner

Passive acoustic liners are currently used to reduce the noise radiated from aircraft engine nacelles. This study is the first phase in the development of an actively-tuned electromechanical acoustic liner that potentially offers improved noise suppression over conventional multi-layer liners. The underlying technical concept is based on the idea that the fundamental frequency of a Helmholtz resonator may be adjusted by adding degrees of freedom (DOF) via substitution of a rigid wall with a piezoelectric composite diaphragm coupled to a passive electrical shunt network. In this paper, a Helmholtz resonator containing a compliant aluminum diaphragm is investigated to provide a fundamental understanding of this two DOF system, before adding complexity via the piezoelectric composite material. Using lumped elements, an equivalent circuit model is derived, from which the transfer function and acoustic impedance are obtained. Additionally, a mass ratio is introduced that quantifies the amount of coupling betwe...
User-Defined Inverted Index in Boolean, Rule-Based Entity Resolution Systems

This paper discusses the user-defined inverted index design, analysis and measurement in Boolean rule-based entity resolution (ER) systems. The features of Boolean rule-based ER system will be described first and followed by how to design user-defined inverted index for better performance. An illustration of alignment of index and matching rules will be given. Also, there will be a discussion of three index measurements: reduction ratio, index precision and recall. The final part gives two suggested strategies for designing the index.
Particle size distributions, size concentration relationships, and adherence to hands of selected geologic media derived from mining, smelting, and quarrying activities.

Abstract Hand-to-mouth activity, especially in children, is a potentially significant pathway of exposure to soil contaminants. Hand-mouthing behavior is of particular concern in areas impacted by mining, smelting, and quarrying activities as these activities may lead to elevated levels of heavy metals in soil. In order to estimate potential exposures to contaminated geologic media attributable to hand-to-mouth contact, it is useful to characterize adherence of those media to skin, as contaminant concentrations in adhered media may differ greatly from unfractionated, whole media concentrations. Such an investigation has been undertaken to aid estimation of exposures to arsenic, cadmium, lead, and zinc in nine different geologic media collected in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. After establishing the particle size distribution of each medium (fractions
Baccalaureate nursing education development in 2 Baltic countries: Outcomes 10 years after initiation

Abstract Background: Baccalaureate nursing education began in the Baltic countries of Latvia and Lithuania ten years ago to prepare nursing teachers and leaders. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the outcomes of the initial baccalaureate programs for nurses in Latvia and Lithuania from the perspective of program graduates. Method: The method was an alumni survey developed by the authors in English and translated into the respective languages. Discussion: Most of the Latvian and Lithuanian alumni respondents were staff nurses on entering the baccalaureate programs, but after graduation were making a contribution as nursing leaders and teachers. Conclusions: The initial baccalaureate programs for nurses have been followed by increasing opportunities for nurses to pursue graduate study and careers in and outside of nursing. The infusion of prepared local nursing faculty to replace physician faculty and foreign short-term guest faculty promises continued development of nursing education. Nurs Outlook 2001;49:142-7.
Radiolarian evidence of late cenozoic oceanic paleotemperatures, Ross sea, Antarctica

Abstract Radiolarian and paleomagnetic studies of 59 Antarctic piston cores reveal that since the middle Gauss ( t ≊ 3 m.y. ) radiolarian faunas from the southern Ross Sea consistently have lacked certain species commonly found just to the north in the Southern Ocean. Common Antarctic species generally absent from southern Ross Sea sediments include: Spongopyle osculosus, Cenosphaera nagatai, Chromyechinus antarctica, Stylatractus neptumus, Diploplegma banzare, Prunopyle titan, and Desmospyris spongiosa. These species appear to have consistently preferred water slightly warmer than that of the southern Ross Sea. Their occurrence at intervals in cores from the northern Ross Sea and from north of the Ross Sea has been used as a quantitative paleoclimatic indicator. The resulting paleoclimatic curves reveal that the early Gauss was warmer than the late Gauss, the Matuyama and the Brunhes. Warm and cold periods during the Matuyama and the Brunhes appear to be of equal amplitude. Temperatures in the region since the early Gauss were never warmer by more than about 3°C than they are today. Radiolarian abundance and diversity appear to have been controlled primarily by changes in factors affecting their production.
Small gas turbine combustor study - Fuel injector performance in a transpiration-cooled liner

The effect of fuel injection technique on the performance of an advanced reverse flow combustor liner constructed of Lamilloy (a multilaminate transpiration type material) was determined. Performance and emission levels are documented over a range of simulated flight conditions using simplex pressure atomizing, spill return, and splash cone airblast injectors. A parametric evaluation of the effect of increased combustor loading with each of the fuel injector types is obtained.
Molecular dynamics equation of state for nonpolar geochemical fluids

Abstract Remarkable agreement between molecular dynamics simulations and experimental measurements has been obtained for methane for a large range of intensive variables, including those corresponding to liquid/vapor coexistence. Using a simple Lennard-Jones potential the simulations not only predict the PVT properties up to 2000°C and 20,000 bar with errors less than 1.5%, but also reproduce phase equilibria well below 0°C with accuracy close to experiment. This two-parameter molecular dynamics equation of state (SOS) is accurate for a much larger range of temperatures and pressures than our previously published EOS with a total fifteen parameters or that of Angus et al. (1978) with thirty-three parameters. By simple scaling, it is possible to predict PVT and phase equilibria of other nonpolar and weakly polar species.
1/f Noise Measurement in CMOS Image Sensors

This paper describes an in-situ pixel source follower power spectral density (PSD) measurement method that does not require any specialized test equipment. This method requires a dual port CMOS image sensor with analog outputs that allow differential time series noise measurements. We describe the sensor circuits and measurement techniques used for collecting data. We derive an estimator for the PSD based on the measured data. We also present a technique for estimating the confidence interval of the PSD based on Bootstrap re-sampling. Using our estimate of the PSD, we derive estimators for the SPICE NLEV3 1/f noise model parameters AF and KF. We also determine confidence intervals for these estimators. Using this method we present the estimated source follower PSD for a CMOS image sensor fabricated in a 0.18μm CMOS process with 3.3μm X 3.3μm pixels. We also present the estimated values of AF and KF based on the estimated PSD.
A value oriented analysis of proposed collegiate athletic reform legislation.

The purpose of this study was to conduct a value oriented analysis of the National Collegiate Athletics Accountability Act (NCAA Act), the Collegiate Student Athlete Protection Act (CSAP Act), and the College Athlete Protection Act (CAP Act). Based on Kohlberg’s (1963) theory of moral development and Rawls (1971) logical moral reasoning criteria three value classifications served as the orientational framework. A content analysis was conducted to evaluate the value orientation of the entity’s mission putting forth the bill, the purpose of the bill, the content within the bill, and the degree to which the value orientations were aligned. So as to offer improvements to the bills, a formative evaluation was conducted. Results revealed that the CSAP Act presented the most principled case for collegiate athletic reform.
Self-Assembled Student Interactions in Undergraduate General Chemistry Clicker Classrooms.

Student interviews, focus groups, and classroom observations were used in an exploratory study of the nature of student interactions in a large (300+ students) general chemistry course taught with clickers. These data suggest that students are self-assembling their learning environment: choosing ways in which to interact with one another during the clicker question discussions. Some of these interaction types appear to be beneficial to student learning, while others appear to be less beneficial. Suggestions are made on how instructors of large-enrollment general chemistry courses might choose to encourage the more useful types of student interactions.
The Information Society, by Robert Hassan. Cambridge: Polity, 2008. xiii + 266 pp. $24.95 paper. ISBN 978-0-7456-4179-9 (paper)

“This society eliminates geographical distance only to reap distance internally in the form of spectacular separation.” (Debord 1995) In some ways, Robert Hassan's The Information Society is decide...
Population Change among the Elderly: International Patterns

this essay is in the spirit of the first type of study. rather than dealing with the entire population, however, it restricts its attention to ages above 65, where population changes reflect, amplify, and reshape the broad patterns associated with the demographic transition. in this study, we develop and apply a demographic accounting model adapted to the segment of the population above age 65. through an assessment of the terms in this model, we estimate the contribution of contemporaneous factors and their historical antecedents to rates of growth of the older population.
Estimating Lifetime Risk from Spot Biomarker Data and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC)

Human biomarker measurements in tissues including blood, breath, and urine can serve as efficient surrogates for environmental monitoring because a single biological sample integrates personal exposure across all environmental media and uptake pathways. However, biomarkers represent a "snapshot" in time, and risk assessment is generally based on long-term averages. In this study, a statistical approach is proposed for estimating long-term average exposures from distributions of spot biomarker measurements using intraclass correlations based upon measurement variance components from the literature. This methodology was developed and demonstrated using a log-normally distributed data set of urinary OH-pyrene taken from our own studies. The calculations are generalized for any biomarker data set of spot measures such as those from the National Health and Nutrition Evaluation Studies (NHANES) requiring only spreadsheet calculations. A three-tiered approach depending on the availability of metadata was developed for converting any collection of spot biomarkers into an estimated distribution of individual means that can then be compared to a biologically relevant risk level. Examples from a Microsoft Excel-based spreadsheet for calculating estimates of the proportion of the population exceeding a given biomonitoring equivalent level are provided as an appendix.
Determination of molecular conformation in the solid state without diffraction data

A simple method for the determination of molecular conformations for molecules in molecular crystals based on inelastic neutron scattering (INS) vibrational spectra is described. This method is based on the dependence of low frequency vibrations on molecular conformation and the reliability of INS intensity calculations. Diffraction data is not required. The objective of the method is determination of the molecular structure for the solid state. It uses isolated molecule calculations to establish which conformation of the isolated molecule is the best approximation to the conformation present in the crystal. This is done by comparing the INS spectra computed for the isolated molecule model with the experimental spectrum. The direct relationship between the computed normal modes and INS intensity, in addition to the full coverage of the low frequency part of the spectrum, make INS the vibrational spectroscopy of choice for this method.
Two distinct types of neuronal asymmetries are controlled by the Caenorhabditis elegans zinc finger transcription factor die-1

Left/right asymmetric features of animals are either randomly distributed on either the left or right side within a population ("antisymmetries") or found stereotypically on one particular side of an animal ("directional asymmetries"). Both types of asymmetries can be found in nervous systems, but whether the regulatory programs that establish these asymmetries share any mechanistic features is not known. We describe here an unprecedented molecular link between these two types of asymmetries in Caenorhabditis elegans. The zinc finger transcription factor die-1 is expressed in a directionally asymmetric manner in the gustatory neuron pair ASE left (ASEL) and ASE right (ASER), while it is expressed in an antisymmetric manner in the olfactory neuron pair AWC left (AWCL) and AWC right (AWCR). Asymmetric die-1 expression is controlled in a fundamentally distinct manner in these two neuron pairs. Importantly, asymmetric die-1 expression controls the directionally asymmetric expression of gustatory receptor proteins in the ASE neurons and the antisymmetric expression of olfactory receptor proteins in the AWC neurons. These asymmetries serve to increase the ability of the animal to discriminate distinct chemosensory inputs.
THE STOMATA AND TRANSPIRATION OF OAKS

Stomata and transpiration are of fundamental importance in the water relations of plants. It is evident that the loss of moisture in transpiration is equally as important as absorption of water by the root system in plant survival. Our mesophytic plants must have stomatal protection against excessive loss of moisture during drought. This is of paramount importance to us in our conservation work, where trees are being used as windbreaks, and to conserve moisture. Most of our knowledge regarding stomata has to do with herbaceous plants, as indicated by texts in plant physiology (Miller, 7, and others). Growth habits and therefore soil conditions are not the same for leaf formation on herbaceous plants as on trees. On trees most of the leaves grow simultaneously in the spring while on herbaceous plants they appear over a longer period. In herbaceous plants stomata are commonly on both leaf surfaces, but tree leaves have them usually only on the lower surface.