cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uremic and Dialysis Encephalopathies

Because of advancements in dialysis therapy and renal transplantation, and their medical management, patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) rarely develop severe clinical manifestations before the institution of therapy. In the USA, there are currently about 450,000 patients receiving dialysis therapy (Meyer & Hostetter, 2007). Although uncommon in the USA and Canada, patients who have chronic renal failure (GFR below 30 ml/min) and have not yet received dialysis therapy may develop a symptom complex characterized by fatigue, mild sensorial clouding, decreased mental acuity, tremor, anorexia, nausea and sleep disturbances (Gusbeth-Tatomir et al., 2007; Perl et al., 2006;). However, the institution of apparently adequate maintenance dialysis therapy does not eliminate central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of uremia. CSN disorders of both untreated renal failure and those persisting despite dialysis are referred to as uremic encephalopathy. The treatment of end stage renal disease with dialysis has itself been associated with the emergence of several distinct disorders of the central nervous system. These disorders are: dialysis disequilibrium syndrome, dialysis dementia, stroke, sexual dysfunction and a new syndrome of chronic dialysis-dependent encephalopathy (Arieff, 2004).
Challenges of CMOS scaling at below 0.1 /spl mu/m

Over the last two decades, CMOS scaling has been the main driver of the electronics industry. During the last few years, the pace of scaling has been accelerating, and we are approaching some fundamental limits. In this paper, some of the key challenges of CMOS scaling, as we move into the 0.1 /spl mu/m generation and beyond, are reviewed. They include challenges faced in short channel effects, gate oxide scaling, I/sub off/ and low voltage operation, metallization, and reliability. A few of the potential solutions to some of these problems are discussed. They include introduction of SOI and novel structures, high-k gate dielectrics, strained Si layers on SiGe, and low-T operation.
Marketing Electronic Reserves to the Faculty

SUMMARY An electronic reserves committee was appointed in April 2005 by the Ashland University Library director and charged with researching and recommending an electronic reserve system. Support and interest for this endeavor was immediate from various faculty members. However, it became evident the comprehensive changeover from paper to electronic reserves would require positive marketing to bring reluctant faculty members on board. The initial roll-out of electronic reserves began with the fall 2005 semester and continued throughout the 2005-2006 academic calendar year. This article describes marketing and publicity efforts undertaken to introduce electronic reserves to the Ashland University community.
Molecular beam study of N2 scattering from Si(100)

The scattering of N2 from Si(100) was studied using state-selective detection and molecular beam techniques. Both trapping-desorption and direct inelastic scattering channels were observed. For an incident N2 energy of 0.08 eV, the trapping-desorption probability was found to be essentially unity for surface temperatures between 93 K and 573 K. The velocity and rotational state distributions of the desorbing molecules show that the nitrogen is fully accommodate with the surface. For an incident energy of 0.29 eV, a direct inelastic channel as well as the trapping-desorption channel was present. The rotational state distributions of both channels were studied as a function of surface temperature and incident energy.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Design and modeling of a compact imaging spectrometer

A novel low- f -number, wide-field-of-view imaging spectrometer has been designed for measuring the day-glow spectrum over the wavelength range of 260 to 870 nm with spectral resolutions of 0.5 and 0.03 nm. The zero-obscuration all-reflective design is an f /2.0 imaging spectrograph using commercial gratings. The field of view along the spatial direction is 6 deg, with a spatial resolution of 0.1 mrad. The spectrometer is designed to work with a commercially available 1037 x 1340 CCD detector with 6.8 x 6.8-μm pixel size. The imaging spectrometer optics consists of an aspheric toroidal telescope, a slit, an aspheric toroidal collimator, a planar reflective grating, and three off-axis higher-order aspheric imaging mirrors. Significant improvements in the performance have been achieved by introducing aspheric toroidal elements in the design. The weight and size have been reduced by a factor of 20 as compared to previous similar instruments. A virtual prototype of the instrument has also been modeled by using integrated optical and mechanical design software.
Fat in Control

Female Fertility and the Body Fat Connection . Rose E. Frisch. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2002. 206 pp. $20. ISBN 0-226-26545-5. Frisch's account for a popular audience weaves together a review of research on the relation between body composition and fertility and the story of her own work in this field.
"I Didn't Do Anything Unethical, Illegal, or Immoral"

This case study explores the conditions and circumstances in which public officials in a professionally managed American county became ensnared in an ethics thicket. The thicket was woven of ethical illiteracy and blind spots among high-level officials. The central questions are: Why did the county's highly educated, politically smart, experienced officials fail to recognize the rocky ethical road they were on? Why was there a collective ethical blind spot? What lessons can be drawn that could enable local government officials to recognize and avoid an ethical quagmire that damages public trust and confidence?
Motor stereotypies in fragile X syndrome

The purpose of this study was to quantify the type and frequency of stereotypies in fragile X syndrome and to determine the relationship of observed stereotypies with gender, level of cognitive function, and parent-reported scores for repetitive behaviors. Subjects with fragile X syndrome were videotaped during the administration of a standardized conversation task, a standardized narrative task, and sitting alone. Two individuals rated the stereotypies on the videotapes (10 min each) using the stereotyped behavior scale. Intelligence quotient scores were collected and parents/guardians completed the Vineland adaptive behavior scale and the aberrant behavior checklist – community edition. Thirty-eight subjects were tested (mean age 17.1 ± 7.1 yr). The mean total of stereotypies was 11 ± 11.7 movements in 10 min and the mean stereotyped behavior scale score was 5.8 ± 5.5. The most common type of movement was rubbing him/herself, followed by body movement and repetitive movement. There were correlations between the stereotyped behavior scale score and intelligence quotient ( P = 0.0006), the aberrant behavior checklist total score ( P = 0.01), and the stereotypy subscore ( P = 0.0007). Stereotypies are common in fragile X syndrome and more frequent in individuals with lower intelligence quotients and more severe behavior. The stereotyped behavior scale measure correlated with parent completed checklists, but showed poor to moderate reliability for measurement of stereotypies by a single rater and test retest in fragile X syndrome.
Sozialmedizinische Nachsorge in der pädiatrischen Diabetologie

Die Versorgung von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Diabetes mellitus Typ I hat sich in Deutschland im medizinischen Bereich deutlich gebessert, allerdings sind immer mehr Familien so hoch belastet, dass sie uber die medizinische Versorgung hinaus zusatzliche Hilfen benotigen. Sie konnen durch Nachsorge im Ubergang von der stationaren zur ambulanten Versorgung unterstutzt werden. Nachsorgemitarbeiter vernetzen, koordinieren, klaren auf, beraten, unterstutzen in der Krankheitsbewaltigung und begleiten die Patientenfamilie zu Helfern im Sozial- und Gesundheitswesen. Nachsorge wird nach dem Konzept des Case Managements durchgefuhrt und ist oft eine aufsuchende Hilfe. Die sozialmedizinische Nachsorge wird von den Krankenkassen gefordert, Leistungserbringer mussen von den Kassen zur Durchfuhrung anerkannt sein. Die Nachsorge nach dem Modell Bunter Kreis ist wissenschaftlich evaluiert, von den Krankenkassen akzeptiert und gilt als Modell fur inzwischen 40 Nachsorgeeinrichtungen in Deutschland. Diese haben sich im Qualitatsverbund Bunter Kreis zusammengeschlossen.
Energy deposition and first wall response in the SIRIUS-T target chamber

The response of the first wall of the SIRIUS-T inertial confinement fusion (ICF) target chamber to high-gain target explosions has been investigated numerically. Calculations were performed for 100-MJ target explosions in target chambers filled with a 1-torr Xe background gas and lined with a graphite-tile first wall. X-ray and debris ion spectra consistent with single-shell direct-drive targets were used. A 1-D radiation-hydrodynamics code was used to study the target energy deposition in the cavity gas and the graphite tiles, the growth of and radiative emission from the microfireball, expansion of the shock front, and vaporization of and thermal conduction through the first wall. The results indicate that the inner radius of the target chamber must be at least 3.7 m to prevent premature degradation of the tiles due to vaporization. >
Nanoelectromechanical systems and nanomachines: biomimicking and prototyping

Complex nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) exist in nature in enormous variety and sophistication. These NEMS are built from various nanoscale structures, devices and subsystems. Complex nanodevices can be devised and designed through biomimetics. Living organisms and systems, which consist of atoms, molecules, molecular structures and molecular systems can be examined and prototyped using the corresponding theories. The ability of organisms to function in a particular way depends on the presence, absence, concentration, location, interaction, and architectures of integrated structures, components and systems. Bioelectromechanics and bioelectronics are the synergy of science, engineering and technology to compliment and enhance fundamental research and applied developments in complex nano- and microscale systems. For example, one can apply complex biological patents and processes to devise and fabricate nanomachines. Biomimicking can be performed in researching structures, architectures and biological materials of biomolecules, cells, tissues, membranes, biomotors, biosystems, etc. This paper aims to provide a focused study of bioelectromechanics, which is a far-reaching frontier of modern science and engineering. The results are illustrated by devising high-performance transducers (actuators and sensors) via synthesis of novel topologies which are discovered when prototyping bionanomotors.
Chloroquine stimulation of insulin binding to IM-9 lymphocytes: evidence for action at a nonlysosomal site.

Abstract Chloroquine has been shown to both increase insulin binding and decrease intracellular insulin degradation in several target cells. However, whether this increased binding is a consequence of decreased degradation is unclear. Accordingly, we studied the effects of chloroquine on insulin binding to IM-9 cultured lymphocytes, a cell type that does not degrade insulin in the cell interior. In these cells, chloroquine enhanced insulin binding in a dose dependent manner over the concentration range of 100 μM to 1 mM; at 1 mM binding was increased by 70%. Scatchard analysis indicated that chloroquine acted to increase receptor affinity. These studies indicate, therefore, that chloroquine can enhance the binding of insulin to its receptor via a mechanism that is independent of effects on intracellular insulin degradation.
Oxygen and hydrogen isotope fractionation in serpentine–water and talc–water systems from 250 to 450 °C, 50 MPa

Abstract Oxygen and hydrogen isotope fractionation factors in the talc–water and serpentine–water systems have been determined by laboratory experiment from 250 to 450 °C at 50 MPa using the partial exchange technique. Talc was synthesized from brucite + quartz, resulting in nearly 100% exchange during reaction at 350 and 450 °C. For serpentine, D–H exchange was much more rapid than 18O–16O exchange when natural chrysotile fibers were employed in the initial charge. In experiments with lizardite as the starting charge, recrystallization to chrysotile enhanced the rate of 18O–16O exchange with the coexisting aqueous phase. Oxygen isotope fractionation factors in both the talc–water and serpentine–water systems decrease with increasing temperature and can be described from 250 to 450 °C by the relationships: 1000 ln α talc – water 18 O – 16 O = 11.70 × 106/T2 − 25.49 × 103/T + 12.48 and 1000 ln α serpentine – water 18 O – 16 O = 3.49 × 106/T2 − 9.48 where T is temperature in Kelvin. Over the same temperature interval at 50 MPa, talc–water D–H fractionation is only weakly dependent on temperature, similar to brucite and chlorite, and can be described by the equation: 1000 ln α talc – water D / H = 10.88 × 106/T2 − 41.52 × 103/T + 5.61 where T is temperature in Kelvin. Our D–H serpentine–water fractionation factors calibrated by experiment decrease with temperature and form a consistent trend with fractionation factors derived from lower temperature field calibrations. By regression of these data, we have refined and extended the D–H fractionation curve from 25 to 450 °C, 50 MPa as follows: 1000 ln α serpentine – water D – H = 3.436 × 106/T2 − 34.736 × 103/T + 21.67 where T is temperature in Kelvin. These new data should improve the application of D–H and 18O–16O isotopes to constrain the temperature and origin of hydrothermal fluids responsible for serpentine formation in a variety of geologic settings.
Bering Glacier resumes its surge

Bering Glacier has started to surge again following a 7-month period of minor retreat and near-stagnation. Part of the terminus advanced about 750 m between May 19 and June 1. Bering—the largest surging temperate glacier on Earth—recently experienced a major, 17-month-long surge that ended in September 1994. That surge displaced the terminus by a maximum of about 9 km and caused a substantial increase in iceberg production. It also covered the islands within Vitus Lake completely or partially with ice [Eos, 74, 321–322, 521; Eos, 75, 549] and caused significant changes in the lake's size, bathymetry, hydrology, and water chemistry. The latest surge is overriding two of these islands, which are home to many species of waterfowl, including the endangered dusky snow goose, at the peak of the nesting season.
Nanoscale magnetic sensing with an individual electronic spin in diamond

Detection of weak magnetic fields with nanoscale spatial resolution is an outstanding problem in the biological and physical sciences. For example, at a distance of 10 nm, the spin of a single electron produces a magnetic field of about 1 muT, and the corresponding field from a single proton is a few nanoteslas. A sensor able to detect such magnetic fields with nanometre spatial resolution would enable powerful applications, ranging from the detection of magnetic resonance signals from individual electron or nuclear spins in complex biological molecules to readout of classical or quantum bits of information encoded in an electron or nuclear spin memory. Here we experimentally demonstrate an approach to such nanoscale magnetic sensing, using coherent manipulation of an individual electronic spin qubit associated with a nitrogen-vacancy impurity in diamond at room temperature. Using an ultra-pure diamond sample, we achieve detection of 3 nT magnetic fields at kilohertz frequencies after 100 s of averaging. In addition, we demonstrate a sensitivity of 0.5 muT Hz(-1/2) for a diamond nanocrystal with a diameter of 30 nm.
Canonical Visual Size for Real-World Objects

Real-world objects can be viewed at a range of distances and thus can be experienced at a range of visual angles within the visual field. Given the large amount of visual size variation possible when observing objects, we examined how internal object representations represent visual size information. In a series of experiments which required observers to access existing object knowledge, we observed that real-world objects have a consistent visual size at which they are drawn, imagined, and preferentially viewed. Importantly, this visual size is proportional to the logarithm of the assumed size of the object in the world, and is best characterized not as a fixed visual angle, but by the ratio of the object and the frame of space around it. Akin to the previous literature on canonical perspective, we term this consistent visual size information the canonical visual size.
Impact of Body Mass Index on Markers of Left Ventricular Thickness and Mass Calculation: Results of a Pilot Analysis

UNLABELLED Specific correlations between body mass index (BMI) and left ventricular (LV) thickness have been conflicting. Accordingly, we investigated if a particular correlation exists between BMI and echocardiographic markers of ventricular function. METHODS A total of 122 patients, referred for routine transthoracic echocardiography, were included in this prospective pilot study using a 3:1 randomization approach. Patient demographics were obtained using a questionnaire. RESULTS Group I consisted of 80 obese (BMI was >30 kg/m2), Group II of 16 overweight (BMI between 26 and 29 kg/m2), and Group III of 26 normal BMI (BMI < 25 kg/m2) individuals. No difference was found in left ventricular wall thickness, LV end-systolic cavity dimension, fractional shortening (FS), or pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) among the groups. However, mean LV end-diastolic cavity dimension was greater in Group I (5.0 +/- 0.9 cm) than Group II (4.6 +/- 0.8 cm) or Group III (4.4 +/- 0.9 cm; P < 0.006). LV mass indexed to height(2.7) was also significantly larger in Group I (61 +/- 21) when compared to Group III (48 +/- 19; P < 0.001). Finally, left atrial diameter (4.3 +/- 0.7 cm) was also larger (3.8 +/- 0.6 and 3.6 +/- 0.7, respectively; P < 0.00001). DISCUSSION We found no correlation between BMI and LV wall thickness, FS, or PASP despite the high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in obese individuals. However, obese individuals had an increased LV end-diastolic cavity dimension, LV mass/height(2.7), and left atrial diameter. These findings could represent early markers in the sequence of cardiac events occurring with obesity. A larger prospective study is needed to further define the sequence of cardiac abnormalities occurring with increasing BMI.
Levels of Death Anxiety in Terminally Ill Persons: A Cross Validation and Extension

In order to explore the viability of the distinction between overt and covert levels of death fear, 141 individuals (32 HIV positive who had full-blown AIDS, 39 HIV positive without full-blown AIDS, 70 age-matched controls) were administered measures of conscious and unconscious death anxiety as well as a variety of self-report scales assessing life satisfaction, well-being, regrets about one's life, and hopelessness. While results suggested minimal differences to exist between the above groups for measures of conscious death fear, there were substantive, though in some respects, unanticipated differences across groups in aspects of covert fear tapping concerns about the interruption of goals and achievements, isolation from others, and pain, disease, and suffering. Results also suggested that there were both adjustment-related advantages and disadvantages associated with the appearance of symptoms signaling the appearance of full-blown AIDS. Neither gender nor the duration of time one had been living wit...
3H-imipramine binding in the frontal cortex of suicides

Imipramine binding (desipramine- and serotonin-sensitive) was determined in the frontal cortex of suicide victims and nonpsychiatric controls who died due to medical disease or accidents. There were no differences in Kd or Bmax of imipramine binding between controls and suicides. The Kd and Bmax values of serotonin-sensitive imipramine binding were significantly lower than desipramine-sensitive imipramine binding, both in controls and suicides. There were significant correlations between Kd and Bmax of serotonin-sensitive imipramine binding and desipramine-sensitive imipramine binding in suicides but not in controls.
Differential orexin/hypocretin expression in addiction-prone and -resistant rats selectively bred for high (HiS) and low (LoS) saccharin intake

Rats that have been selectively bred for high (HiS) saccharin intake demonstrate elevated drug-seeking behavior in several phases of addiction compared to those bred for low (LoS) saccharin intake. HiS rats also consume greater amounts of highly palatable substances compared to LoS rats; however, little is known about the neurobiological substrates moderating the divergent behaviors found between the HiS and LoS lines. Orexins are neuropeptides that have been implicated in the conditioned cue aspects of drug abuse and overconsumption of palatable substances, and differential orexin activity in the HiS and LoS phenotypes may enhance our understanding of the close relationship between food and drug reward, and ultimately food and drug addiction. The lateral hypothalamus (LH) and perifornical area (PFA) are brain regions that have been implicated in regulating feeding behavior and addiction processes, and they contain orexinergic neurons that project broadly throughout the brain. Thus, we investigated orexin and c-Fos expression in the LH and PFA using immunohistochemistry in HiS and LoS rats following either control or cocaine (15 mg/kg) injections. Results indicated that HiS rats have higher orexin-positive cell counts compared to LoS rats in both the LH and PFA, regardless of cocaine (vs. saline) treatment. In contrast, neuronal activity indicated by c-Fos expression did not differ in either of these brain areas in HiS vs. LoS rats. These results suggest that the orexin system may be involved in aspects of genetically-mediated differences in vulnerability to compulsive, reward-driven behaviors.
Archaeology: The earliest musical tradition

Music is a ubiquitous element in our daily lives, and was probably just as important to our early ancestors. Fragments of ancient flutes reveal that music was well established in Europe by about 40,000 years ago.
Marital, educational, employment, income and general financial status prior to and one to six years post-spinal cord injury.

Marital, educational, employment, income and general financial status prior to and one to six years post-spinal cord injury
Spinal epidural abscess presenting as intra-abdominal pathology: A case report and literature review

Spinal epidural abscess is a rare infectious disease. However, if left unrecognized and untreated, the clinical outcome of spinal epidural abscess can be devastating. Correctly diagnosing a spinal epidural abscess in a timely fashion is often difficult, particularly if the clinician does not actively consider the diagnosis. The most common presenting symptoms of spinal epidural abscess include backache, radicular pain, weakness, and sensory deficits. However, early in its course, spinal epidural abscess can also present with vague and nondescript manifestations. In this report, we describe a case of spinal epidural abscess presenting as abdominal pain, and review the literature describing other cases of spinal epidural abscess presenting as intra-abdominal pathology.
Partial polar decomposition inverse method applied to determination of internal stresses in an elastic complex structure

An inverse method is developed to evaluate a distribution of internal-stress tractions on an internal surface of an elastic complex structure. The traction distribution is evaluated by measuring a remote displacement field generated when the surface of interest is sectioned. This formulation employs partial polar decomposition (PPD) of a rectangular matrix within the global finite element stiffness matrix for the process of inversion. A systematic regularization process is also provided for the PPD inverse method. This method avoids cumbersome rigid body displacement control required in the formalism of compliance matrix inversion. The method is robust in measuring residual stresses in an elastic complex structure, in particular, multiply connected regions. The inversion method has been tested experimentally by using electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) with a specimen of multiply connected regions. Experimental results show that the regularized solution using partial polar decomposition converges quickly with a small number of series terms.
Reframing national locality: religious minorities using history to transform local experience in Georgia

In the Republic of Georgia, Baptists are marginalized minorities vis-a-vis the powerful Georgian Orthodox Church. In recent years, Baptists have adopted ‘culturally relevant’ reforms, incorporating Orthodox symbols and sensibilities into worship and administration. These reforms also include the deployment of a historical narrative identifying them as authentic members of the ostensibly Orthodox national community. Based on ethnographic fieldwork among Georgian Baptists, I investigate how they use history to constitute new frames for interpreting themselves as appropriate to local contexts. Revising their history has helped constitute a viable national identity by ‘localizing’ Baptist faith and experience in the Georgian Orthodox milieu.
International Comparative Perspective of Police in Schools Resulting from a Fulbright Alumni Initiatives Award

This article outlines the results of a Fulbright Alumni Initiatives Award 2005–8, which provided resources and support for an international school police officer exchange programme between officers in the United States and the United Kingdom. This multi-year exchange programme had several outcomes including exchange opportunities for 11 officers from London and Colorado; the development of a school/community safety curriculum; international collaborative school safety research project planning and implementation; and programme dissemination opportunities. Extensive knowledge and idea sharing resulted from this exchange programme and current as well as future school policing programmes around the world can benefit from the details outlined in this case study.
Research drilling at the Salton Sea Geothermal Field, California: The Shallow Thermal Gradient Project

During November and December 1985, a series of shallow (80-m or 250-ft.) holes were drilled in the southern Salton Sea. Temperatures in these holes will be logged for at least 3 months after drilling to establish equilibrium temperatures. The intent is to close the thermal gradient contours of the field and thus define the width of the transition zone between the locations exhibiting high thermal gradients and those exhibiting regional thermal gradients in the area north of the volcanic domes. These observations will allow competing models [e.g., Riney et al., 1977; Rex, 1983; Kasameyer et al., 1984] for the circulation of the hydrothermal system to be tested and will provide a more accurate assessment of the size of the geothermal resource.
Effects of state cigarette excise taxes and smoke-free air policies on state per capita alcohol consumption in the United States, 1980 to 2009.

Background Increasing state cigarette excise taxes and strengthening smoke-free air (SFA) laws are known to reduce smoking prevalence. Some studies suggest that such policies may also reduce alcohol use, but results for cigarette taxes have been mixed, and associations with smoke-free air policies have been limited to some demographic subgroups. To shed further light on the potential secondary effects of tobacco control policy, we examined whether increases in cigarette taxes and strengthening of SFA laws were associated with reductions of per capita alcohol consumption and whether any reductions were specific to certain beverage types. Methods State per capita alcohol consumption from 1980 to 2009 was modeled as a function of state price per pack of cigarettes and SFA policy scores while controlling for secular trends and salient state covariates. Both policy measures also accounted for local policies. Total alcohol, beer, wine, and spirits consumption per capita were modeled separately. For each type of beverage, we used a nested models approach to determine whether the 2 policies together were associated with reduced consumption. Results For total alcohol consumption, and for beer or spirits (but not wine), one or both tobacco policies were associated with reductions in consumption. A 1% increase in cigarette price per pack was associated with a 0.083% decrease in per capita total alcohol consumption (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.0002 to 0.166, p = 0.0495), and a 1-point increase in SFA policy score, measured on a 6-point scale, was associated with a 1.1% decrease in per capita total alcohol consumption (95% CI 0.4 to 1.7, p = 0.001; p < 0.001 for the hypothesis that the 2 policies are jointly associated with reduced alcohol consumption). Conclusions The public health benefits of increasing cigarette taxes and smoke-free policies may go beyond the reduction of smoking and extend to alcohol consumption, specifically beer and spirits.
Experimental evaluation of the Hewlett-Parkard exemplar file system

This article presents results from an experimental evaluation study of the HP Exemplar file system. Our experiments consist of simple micro-benchmarks that study the impact of various factors on the file system performance. These factors include I/O request/buffer sizes, vectored/non-vectored access patterns, read-ahead policies, multi-threaded (temporally irregular) requests, and architectural issues (cache parameters, NUMA behavior, etc.). Experimental results indicate that the Exemplar file system provides high I/O bandwidth, both for single- and multi-threaded applications. The buffer cache, with prioritized buffer management and large buffer sizes, is effective in exploiting temporal and spatial access localities. The performance of non-contiguous accesses can be improved by either using vectored I/O interfaces or tuning the read-ahead facilities. The file system performance depends on the relative locations of the computing threads and the file system, and also on various Exemplar design parameters such as the NUMA architecture, TLB/data cache management and paging policies.
Axillary artery insertion of an intraaortic balloon pump

We describe a technique for insertion of an intraaortic balloon pump through the axillary artery. This approach is useful in patients requiring intraaortic balloon pump support before cardiac transplantation in that it dramatically increases patient mobility while awaiting a donor heart.
NWOAIDS.ORG: an HIV/AIDS information resource for consumers and health professionals

HIV/AIDS is a significant health issue for which consumers need access to current and accurate information. Consumers need information on aspects of HIV/AIDS, including transmission, risk, and treatment, as Well as methods of obtaining HIV/AIDS services in their area. This paper describes a project that utilizes a Web site to provide consumers with this information. The web site lists Northwest Ohio HIV/AIDS service providers, resources available through the Medical College of Ohio's Mulford Library, and provides links to authoritative, high-quality Web sites that deal with HIV and AIDS.
Widowhood in Los Robles: Parent-child relations and economic survival in old age in urban Mexico

In rural Mexico the burden of care for widowed and elderly mothers has traditionally fallen on sons; but Mexico is now more than 70% urban and, in the city, patterns of support for aging parents vary widely. In the face of steep inflation, widespread unemployment and economic stagnation, young people are increasingly hesitant to offer support, while older people feel less entitled to and more ambivalent about requesting it.
Composite system reliability assessment using dynamically directed Particle Swarm Optimization

This paper introduces a novel technique to evaluate composite system reliability indices using dynamically directed Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (BPSO). A key point in using BPSO in power system reliability evaluation lies in selecting the weighting factors associated with the objective function. Such weighting factors are, in fact, system dependent, thereby their appropriate values should be carefully selected in order to prevent the swarm from being trapped to one corner of the state space. In this context, the work presented here proposes a solution method to adjust such weighting factors in a dynamic fashion so that the swarm would always fly on the entire search space rather of being trapped to one corner of the search space. Therefore, in every single iteration, reliability indices are tackled and weighting factors are tuned up accordingly. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been demonstrated on the IEEE RTS. In this test case, it has been shown that the results obtained by the proposed method correspond closely to those obtained using Monte-Carlo simulation, while requiring lower computational burden.
Microstructural study of titanium palladium nickel base thin film shape memory alloys

Abstract A new generation of thin film shape memory alloys has been developed with 1.65 μm thickness for micro-actuator applications. In this work, the microstructure of thin film Titanium–Palladium–Nickel (TiPdNi) shape memory alloys deposited using ion beam assisted deposition from a Ti50Pd30Ni20 target is studied. The TiPdNi thin films were deposited with and without substrate heating during deposition. As-deposited films without substrate heating were found to be amorphous. Deposition on heated substrate produced a dense, columnar crystalline structure. Microstructures of bulk TiPdNi thin films as well as the interfacial region between the film and substrate were characterized by various techniques including transmission electron microscope, scanning transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A transition layer with 70 nm thickness is observed at the interface between the bulk film and silicon substrate. It is composed of three layers; two amorphous layers above the silicon substrate and a 50 nm thick twin absent layer, which was identified as B2 austenite phase by Fourier spectra analysis. In the bulk film, nano-scale grains in the range of 80–200 nm were observed. The width of twin band of the film was very narrower in the range of ∼5 nm.
The cascade theory of metastatic spread: Are there generalizing sites?

The term „cascade spread,” with regard to metastases, is being used ambiguously. Some workers take it to mean that cancers metastasize along preferred pathways, others infer that some sites are seeded first and that further metastases proceed from these sites rather than from the primary tumor. It is our opinion that the statistical arguments used to support the second approach have serious flaws. Given our present understanding of the metastatic process, a spread along preferred pathways is supported both by physiologic as well as statistical considerations. However, the contribution „generalizing sites” to the spread of metastases remains unproven.
hCDC5: A HUMAN HOMOLOG OF Schizosaccharomyces pombe cdc5 .• 119

In the course of a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify proteins that associate with the cytoplasmic face of the cloned thrombin receptor, we identified a 1.45kb partial cDNA based on the interaction of its protein product with the second cytoplasmic loop and carboxy tail of the receptor. This was used to isolate a 2.87kb cDNA containing a complete coding sequence from an independent HeLa cell cDNA library. Efforts are underway to test whether the association between this novel protein and human thrombin receptor is physiologic. The sequence of this cDNA, however, was of intrinsic interest as it encoded an open reading frame of 803 amino acids that was 61% homologous to S. pombe cdc5. The cdc5 gene product in fission yeast is a putative transcription factor, thought to be important for entry into mitosis. Like cdc5, the amino terminus of the human protein (hCDC5) contained two tandem repeats of a helix-turn-helix DNA binding motif. This was followed by several, potential nuclear localization signals. A central, proline-rich, hydrophilic region, which may confer a transactivating activity, also was identified based on its similarity to known transactivating domains (e.g., AP-2, Jun, SRF). Epitope-tagged hCDC5 was located primarily in the nucleus of NRK cells by immunostaining. hCDC5 appears to be widely expressed. Northern analysis detected a 3.4 kb mRNA in DAMI cells, as well as in normal human heart, brain, skeletal muscle, placenta, liver, and pancreas. The fact that hCDC5 is a human homolog of fission yeast cdc5 suggests that hCDC5 may be a transcription factor with a role in regulating the transition from G2 to mitosis in the mammalian cell cycle. Of note, both the nuclear localization signals and the transactivation domain contained potential substrates for phosphorylation by protein kinase C and MAP kinase family members. This suggests the possibility that hCDC5 function may be regulated by intracellular kinase cascades in response to extracellular growth factors.
Growth of Single Crystal Yig Fibers by the Laser Heated Pedestal Growth Method

Yttrium iron garnet (YIG) single crystal fibers of nominal composition Y3Fe5O12 were grown by the laser heated pedestal growth (LHPG) technique, a miniaturized floated-zone process. YIG which melts incongruently, was grown at a temperature below the peritectic decomposition temperature under self-adjusting conditions even though it has very narrow solidification region according to the Y2O3-Fe2O3 phase diagram. YIG fibers in diameter ranges from 100 to 750 μm were grown at various growth rates and conditions, and analyzed by x-ray diffraction, electron microprobe, and IR-VIS spectroscopy. Infrared transparent YIG fibers were grown at rates below 12 mm/h in air. At these growth rates, yttrium orthoferrite and iron-oxide inclusions within the YIG fiber, which act as IR scattering centers, were significantly reduced. The transparency of the fibers was more dependent on the growth rate than the stability of the molten zone. Surface ridges containing an Fe-rich composition were observed at all growth rates. These were associated with molten zone instability.
RIX4414 (Rotarix™): a live attenuated human rotavirus vaccine

Rotaviruses are recognized as the single most important cause of severe infantile gastroenteritis worldwide. On a world scale rotaviruses are estimated to be responsible for over 600000 deaths annually. For these reasons rotaviruses have received a high priority as a target for vaccine development. Incorporation of an effective rotavirus vaccine into the infant immunization schedule in developed countries could reduce hospitalizations due to dehydrating diarrhea in young children by 40 to 60%. More important the worldwide use of such vaccine could decrease the total number of deaths caused by diarrhea by approximately 10 to 20%. Transmission of rotaviruses occurs by the fecal-oral route providing a highly efficient mechanism for universal exposure that has circumvented regional and national cultural practice differences. The symptoms associated with rotavirus disease typically are diarrhea and vomiting accompanied by fever nausea anorexia cramping and malaise that can be mild and of shortduration or produce severe dehydration. Severe disease occurs primarily in young children most commonly among those aged 6 to 24 months. Approximately 90% of children in both developed and developing countries experience a rotavirus infection by the time they reach 3 years of age. (excerpt)
Treatment of chitin effluents by coagulation–flocculation with chitin and aluminum sulfate

Abstract Chitin is a natural copolymer found in crustacean shells and has potential for use in a wide range of faculties. During the chitin obtainment process, effluents with high organic charge are generated. These should be treated before discharge in order to avoid environmental problems. This work aimed to investigate the treatment of effluents from chitin obtainment process using chitin (CH) and aluminum sulfate (Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 ) as coagulants. The effects of coagulant type (CH and Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 ), coagulant concentration (150 and 300 mg L −1 ) and pH (6.0 and 8.5) were evaluated by a full 2 3 experimental design. The considered responses were: total solids reduction (TSR), suspended solids reduction (SSR) and turbidity reduction (TR). It was found that the use of 300 mg L −1 of Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 under pH 6.0 or 8.5 favored the treatment of effluents from chitin obtainment process. The proposed treatment provided reductions of 20, 89 and 85% in the total solids, suspended solids and turbidity respectively.
Dramatic stiffening of ultrathin polymer films in the rubbery regime

Recently, we (P.A. O'Connell, G.B. McKenna, Science 307, 1760 (2005)) introduced a novel nano-bubble inflation method to measure the absolute creep compliance of nanometer thick polymer films. In that work it was shown that even at film thicknesses as small as 27.5nm the glass temperature was unchanged for poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc). Perhaps more importantly, and the subject of the present work, was the observation that these ultrathin films show a dramatic stiffening in the rubbery plateau regime, i.e., the compliance was reduced by over two orders of magnitude compared to the bulk material. In the present work we substantiate the previous results in a study of the thickness dependence of the rubbery compliance of PVAc and polystyrene (PS) films for thicknesses from 13nm to 276nm. We show the substantial stiffening of the plateau region for both materials. Furthermore, the rubbery compliance (inverse of stiffness) scales with approximately the second power ( 1.8±0.2) in the film thickness for both materials.
Peep show establishments, police activity, public place, and time: a study of secondary effects in San Diego, California

An empirical study was undertaken in San Diego, California, to test assumptions made by the government and by conservative religious policy advocates that there is a greater incidence of crime in the vicinity of peep show establishments. We asked two questions: (a) Is criminal activity in San Diego particularly acute at peep show establishments compared to surrounding control locations? and (b) Is criminal activity in San Diego disproportionately greater at or near peep show establishments between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. compared to other times of the day? The levels of crime activity and the expenditure of police resources were examined by measuring the number of calls-for-service (CFSs) to the police within a 1,000-ft. area on either side of the peep show establishments and comparably-sized control areas beyond the immediate 1,000-foot area. A more focused late-night (2 a.m. to 6 a.m.) analysis was also undertaken. The results showed no reliable evidence of differences in crime levels between the control and test areas, nor was there any evidence of disproportionately greater amounts of crime within the 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. time period in the areas surrounding the peep show establishments. We concluded that San Diego does not have a problem with crime at the peep show establishments generally, nor is there a heightened problem with crime during the 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. period. We discuss the implications of assuming that peep show establishments are associated with negative effects in the community and the possibility of viewpoint discrimination against sex communication.
Toxocara infection and diminished lung function in a nationally representative sample from the United States population

Abstract The relevance of parasitic infection for the increasing incidence of asthma is a topic of considerable debate. Large population-based studies examining the association between helminth infection and specific measures of lung function in humans are lacking. This report sought to examine this association by exploring the differences in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ) among participants with and without infection with Toxocara spp. using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, undertaken by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, during 1988–1994. The results showed a significant association between diminished lung function and previous infection with Toxocara spp. Those with antibody evidence of Toxocara infection displayed FEV 1 that was 105.3 mL less than those without previous infection. This relationship persisted while controlling for age, sex, education level, BMI, smoking status, ethnicity, immigration, rural residence and dog ownership (fully-adjusted difference = 73 mL). These findings suggest diminished lung function in the presence of Toxocara infection and illustrate the urgent need for longitudinal data to more clearly define the immunological relationship with helminth infection and its potential influence on lung function.
A front-capture scheme for the simulation of homogeneous and particle-laden gravity currents

This paper presents a new finite volume scheme to efficiently simulate gravity currents flowing over complex surfaces. The two-dimensional shallow-water equations, with terms to account for friction and particle transport, are solved using a non-oscillatory technique. By applying a form drag at the front or head of the dense current, the scheme also implicitly captures the correct Froude number condition at the moving front as it intrudes into the less dense ambient fluid. The Froude number of the head region predicted by the numerical simulation is in good agreement with experimental results for a homogeneous current over a horizontal surface if a realistic profile drag coefficient is chosen. This new scheme avoids the development complexities of a general front-tracking scheme (e.g., handling merging fronts and multiple currents) and the computational cost of solving the full three-dimensional Euler equations while providing a fast, accurate simulation of gravity currents.
Be an Active Co-teacher

Co-teaching, the pairing of general and special education teachers in a general education classroom, requires a high degree of expertise on the part of both teachers. Done well, it can be compared to a strong marriage— partners sharing and planning, reflecting and changing. Done poorly, it can be described as a blind date— co-teachers just waiting for the year to end. Each day, co-teachers must balance their roles as content and process specialists to deliver the appropriate services to their students. Although co-teachers can employ certain techniques, such as dividing the class into two or more groups and each teacher presenting either the same material (parallel teaching) or different material (station teaching) to a group (Cook & Friend, 1995), many times one co-teacher, usually the general education teacher, is the primary instructor and presenter for the entire class (Magiera & Zigmond, 2005). The other coteacher is then left to take on a seemingly less important supportive role. In fact, one of the downsides of coteaching is that one co-teacher, usually the special education teacher, feels less essential (Austin, 2001). For there to be a high level of efficiency and effectiveness, the co-teacher who is not leading instruction needs to know a variety of activities to employ (Murawski & Dicker, 2004). Although this co-teacher might not be directly presenting material, the role, nonetheless, should be essential and important, and observers should see how unique a co-taught classroom can be (Wilson, 2005). The following 20 ways illustrate meaningful activities for co-teachers to employ while their partners are presenting whole-class instruction.