cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving Delivery of Care through Standardized Monitoring in Children with Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Introduction Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, antigen-driven disorder for which endoscopic monitoring and multidisciplinary care are recommended to achieve histologic remission. The EoE team at our large academic center developed a quality improvement (QI) initiative aimed to reduce variability in monitoring. This QI project focused on completing 3 process metrics within 6 months of diagnosis: (1) outpatient follow-up with a gastroenterologist; (2) referral to an allergist; and (3) Follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Methods In January 2015, our QI team developed a registry of newly diagnosed EoE patients and maintained ongoing, weekly tracking of the process measures. Interventions to increase the completion of the process metrics included educational sessions, proactive reminders to providers, and targeted communications with patient families. Missed opportunities were evaluated by more in-depth chart review and categorized as provider- or patient-driven. Results We tracked 6-month process metrics from 2015 through 2018. During this interval, follow-up visit rates in GI improved from 77% to 86%, and the percentage of referrals placed to allergy increased from 65% to 77%. The percentage of patients completing a repeat EGD improved from 33% to 61%. Among patients without a repeated EGD, nearly 70% of those missed opportunities were provider-driven. Conclusions In patients newly diagnosed with EoE, QI interventions, including patient registry development, implementation of a local standard of care, and creating a patient tracking system, improved adherence with national EoE monitoring guidelines.
Visioning and Hope: A Longitudinal Study of Two Teachers from Preservice to Inservice

Researchers have found that teachers who have a strong vision for teaching can overcome obstacles in their classrooms. A teacher’s vision is what he or she sees as his or her mission as an educator...
MR fingerprinting: concepts, implementation and applications

Abstract Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) is a powerful quantitative imaging technique that allows simultaneous measurement of multiple tissue properties in a single and time-efficient scan. Its innovation comes from a fundamentally different way of designing MR acquisition, reconstruction, and quantification, which attracts widespread active research for technical development and clinical translation. A growing number of studies have demonstrated robust implementation, fast scan time and high reproducibility of MRF scans in a clinical setting. Clinical applications of MRF in different parts of the body have also started to show promising results for disease diagnosis and monitoring. This chapter will review the basic concept, implementation, and current neural imaging applications of the MRF technology.
The Need to Revisit Legal Education in an Era of Increased Diagnoses of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity and Autism Spectrum Disorders

The ever-fluctuating rhetoric from experts, in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders, has led to outdated notions and perplexity surrounding attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This Article tries to clarify some of the confusion. Better understanding of these disorders is imperative for today’s law professor, since law schools are likely admitting more students diagnosed with ADHD and ASD. This Article discusses the need for change in legal instruction and explores the link between the two disorders. An examination of recent history illuminates some of the commonly held misunderstandings and highlights the disparity in the diagnoses of ADHD and ASD among women and people of color. In addition, the Article delves into what an instructor can expect when he or she has a student with these disorders in the classroom. An illustration helps practically convey how these students may differ from their neurotypical classmates. Finally, the Article discusses what measures a law professor can adopt to assist students with ADHD and ASD in facing their many challenges. There are examples of teaching measures that assist struggling students with their organization, set shifting, focus and social skills. Thus, this Article aids today’s law professors by increasing their understanding of ADHD and ASD and the issues facing these differently gifted students and provides some recommendations for supporting their educational efforts.
The Impact of Country of Origin and Consumer Ethnocentrism on Perceptions of Product Quality and service Cost

The current study investigates the perceptions of quality and service cost for six brands of automobile, three Japanese brands and three U.S. brands. The first research proposition is: RP1 : Consumers will discriminate between brands of automobiles on the basis of COO associations for "quality" and "cost of service."
Libido, hormone concentrations in blood plasma and semen characteristics in Holstein bulls.

Relationships among bull libido, serum hormone concentrations and semen characteristics were studied using 18 Holstein bulls that were 4 to 5 yr old. The hormones studied included testosterone, estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), LH and cortisol. Two ejaculates were collected three times per week from each bull during a 5-wk trial. During the last week of the trial, on a day semen was not collected, blood was collected from indwelling catheters every 15 min for 6 h to determine the hormonal profiles of each bull. On the following day, blood was sampled every 10 min before and after the time of semen collection. Libido factors were quantified, and semen volumes and sperm concentrations were recorded. The libido factors included reaction time to first service, latency time between the first and second semen collections, and duration of time the bull mounted the teaser prior to the first (TM1) and second (TM2) semen collection. Average reaction and latency times were correlated (r = .524; P = .026), as were TM1 and TM2 (r = .597; P = .015). Latency times were correlated with average TM2 (r = .669; P = .003). Average PRL concentrations were correlated with average latency times (r = .467; P = .05). Low libido bulls tended to have higher E2:testosterone ratios than did high libido bulls. Both PRL and cortisol concentrations increased at semen collection.
Exchange Rate Regime Choice and Country Characteristics: an Empirical Investigation into the Role of Openness

In choosing an exchange rate regime for a small open economy, the common wisdom (Friedman (1953), Meade (1950)) calls for a ∞oating regime to outperform a peg because of the ability of the former to cope with relative price changes without major output efiects. With balance sheet efiects in mind, doubts have been raised about it, though. I test for this, using a near VAR approach. The 32 country sample for the period 1980-2001 was split according to the degree of openness of the economy. The results show that for relatively open economies the common wisdom holds; on the contrary, for relatively closed economies it does not. In fact, the evidence documents that to absorb real shock, flxed exchange rate regimes perform better for relatively closed economies, while ∞exible exchange rate regimes do a better job for relatively open economies.
Using Venn Diagrams to Perform Logic Reasoning: An Algorithm for Automating the Syllogistic Reasoning of Categorical Statements

I describe a Venn diagramming technique used to perform syllogistic reasoning on categorical statements. The notation uses overlapping circles to represent relationships among two or three sets, shadings to represent emptiness, and x sequences to represent nonemptiness. These notations allow one to easily visualize logic problems. I then discuss rules of manipulation that can be used to transform one Venn diagram into another valid Venn diagram. These rules provide us with a formal procedure for performing syllogistic reasoning—that is to say, they provide us with an algorithm for proving or disproving the validity of a syllogism. I extend the Venn diagramming algorithm for syllogistic reasoning to allow for more than three sets of information at a time. This technique makes use of tables, which is also very intuitive and highly visual. The tabular technique described is capable of processing a much larger variety of logic statements. C � 2013
High efficiency transgene segregation in co-transformed maize plants using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens 2 T-DNA binary system.

For regulatory issues and research purposes it would be desirable to have the ability to segregate transgenes in co-transformed maize. We have developed a highly efficient system to segregate transgenes in maize that was co-transformed using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens 2 T-DNA binary system. Three vector treatments were compared in this study; (1) a 2 T-DNA vector, where the selectable marker gene bar (confers resistance to bialaphos) and the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene are on two separate T-DNA's contained on a single binary vector; (2) a mixed strain treatment, where bar and GUS are contained on single T-DNA vectors in two separate Agrobacterium strains; (3) and a single T-DNA binary vector containing both bar and GUS as control treatment. Bialaphos resistant calli were generated from 52 to 59% of inoculated immature embryos depending on treatment. A total of 93.4% of the bialaphos selected calli from the 2 T-DNA vector treatment exhibited GUS activity compared to 11.7% for the mixed strain treatment and 98.2% for the cis control vector treatment. For the 2 T-DNA vector treatment, 86.7% of the bialaphos resistant/GUS active calli produced R0 plants exhibiting both transgenic phenotypes compared to 10% for the mixed strain treatment and 99% for the single T-DNA control vector treatment. A total of 87 Liberty herbicide (contains bialaphos as the active ingredient) resistant/GUS active R0 events from the 2 T-DNA binary vector treatment were evaluated for phenotypic segregation of these traits in the R1 generation. Of these R0 events, 71.4% exhibited segregation of Liberty resistance and GUS activity in the R1 generation. A total of 64.4% of the R0 2 T-DNA vector events produced Liberty sensitive/GUS active (indicating selectable-marker-free) R1 progeny. A high frequency of phenotypic segregation was also observed using the mixed strain approach, but a low frequency of calli producing R0 plants displaying both transgenic phenotypes makes this method less efficient. Molecular analyses were then used to confirm that the observed segregation of R1 phenotypes were highly correlated to genetic segregation of the bar and GUS genes. A high efficiency system to segregate transgenes in co-transformed maize plants has now been demonstrated.
Monetary policy and the dangers of deflation: Lessons from Japan

This paper investigates how monetary policy can help to avoid the liquidity trap by studying the experience of Japan. First, I analyze how the Bank of Japan conducted interest rate policy over the 1990s as the economy entered a deflationary slump. I use a new method of estimating the policy rule with a time-varying inflation target and a time-varying natural rate of interest. The estimation strategy reveals that the Bank’s implicit inflation target declined to about 1% in the 1990s from about 2.5% in the 1980s. I also find that the policy rule respects the Taylor principle and is forward looking. Such a Taylor rule does not depart from what was perceived as current best practice. It thus seems that the problem arose because of a series of adverse shocks and not because of an extraordinary monetary policy mistake. Next, I investigate whether an alternative monetary policy rule could have avoided the liquidity trap despite these shocks. I find that targeting a higher rate of inflation of 2-3% would not have provided much protection against hitting the zero bound on nominal interest rates. Similarly, a policy of responding more aggressively to the inflation gap while keeping the low inflation target would have provided little improvement in economic performance. The economy also still enters the trap under a nonlinear policy rule that commits the central bank to keeping interest rates at zero even after the economy begins to recover. However, I find that a rule that combined both (i) a higher inflation target of about 3%, and (ii) a more aggressive response to the inflation gap would have improved the economy’s performance and avoided the zero bound.
Base Sequence Homology and Renaturation Studies of the Deoxyribonucleic Acid of Extremely Halophilic Bacteria

The genetic relatedness among various strains of halophilic bacteria has been assessed by deoxyribonucleic acid-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA-DNA) duplex formation and ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA) hybridization. All of the strains of extremely halophilic rods are closely related, and the extent of divergence of base sequence is similar for the major and minor DNA components. Parallel experiments with ribosomal RNA revealed a relationship between the extremely halophilic rods and cocci and a more distant relationship to moderate halophiles and to a photosynthetic extreme halophile. Renaturation studies of halophile DNA exclude the possibility that the satellite DNA represents multiple copies of a small episomal element. The kinetics of DNA renaturation show that the genome size of the extreme and moderate halophiles is similar to that of Escherichia coli.
A feasibility study using a stereo-optical camera system to verify Gamma Knife treatment specifications

The Gamma Knife, Model B, treatment unit has no independent record and verify system, but requires human intervention to double-check critical treatment settings prior to irradiation of a patient. One may double-check approximately 50 settings for an average treatment. Human errors made when adjusting and verifying the Leksell stereotactic frame settings and/or failure to select the correct collimator helmet could result in a misadministration. As a safeguard, a stereo-optic camera system was employed to independently measure most of the critical Gamma Knife settings prior to irradiation. Those that are monitored and recorded by the system include: Leksell stereotactic frame x, y, and z coordinates, /spl gamma/ angle, and the treatment collimator aperture. The irradiation time setting could not be monitored prior to irradiation and remains to be double-checked by the operator. The treatment verification hardware consists of a computer workstation that is connected to a stereo-optic camera system, which consists of a wand having LEDs embedded in the handle. The positions of the LEDs are recorded by the camera system to locate the pointed tip of the wand. Prior to irradiation, the camera system is directed toward the head of the patient in treatment position. The wand tip is touched to a set of known locations on the Leksell frame and the collimator helmet. The position of the stereotactic frame relative to the collimator helmet can then be determined and its treatment settings calculated. Our results show agreement within 1 mm in any axis.
Effect of intratonsillar injection of steroids on the palatine tonsils of rabbits

Objectives/Hypothesis Nasal steroids may significantly improve nasal obstructive symptoms with a reduction of adenoid size in children, but they do not consistently yield the same concurrent effect on enlarged palatine tonsils. Failure of nasal steroids to decrease the size of palatine tonsils is believed to be attributable to location and washout by saliva. The purpose of this study was to determine if direct application of steroid via intratonsillar injection would reduce the size of palatine tonsils in the rabbit model. Study Design Prospective animal study. Methods Eight rabbits (16 tonsils) were administered intratonsillar injections of fluticasone (n = 8, 1 mg/ml) or saline (n = 8, 0.1 ml) on days 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, and 17. Two rabbits (4 tonsils) received a single steroid injection to compare single versus multiple steroid injections. The rabbit's tonsil size was measured before each injection. After the fifty injections, the tonsils were harvested for histologic analysis. Results A total of 16 tonsils were analyzed. After five steroid injections, the reduction (−7.7 mm2 ± 4.27) in size was statistically significant when compared to reduction (6.12 mm2 ± 6.57) in the saline injected group (P = 0.001). Repeated steroid injection was more potent than a single injection (−3.00 mm2 ± 3.08) in reducing the size (P = 0.006). In histologic analysis, tonsils after repeated steroid injections were significantly smaller than saline-injected tonsils (P = 0.014), without obvious lymphoid follicles. Conclusion Repeated focal tonsillar injections of corticosteroids significantly reduced the size of palatine tonsils as compared to saline-injected controls. A single injection of corticosteroids appears to be effective, but not as effective, as multiple injections. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 124:2811–2817, 2013
Distribution Effect and Idiosyncratic Volatility Discount

Based on information signaling theory, this paper empirically shows that distribution effect matters for idiosyncratic volatility discount. Idiosyncratic volatility discount arises primarily among stocks with non-cash distributions. Such stocks show a significant idiosyncratic volatility discount, measured by the return difference between high and low idiosyncratic volatility portfolios. For stocks with cash distributions, this discount is statistically insignificant. We attribute these effects to the fact that the information content of cash distributions reduces the uncertainty of future capital gains, which in turn drives out the idiosyncratic volatility discount. We test several explanations of idiosyncratic volatility discount under the framework of distribution effect and find evidence contrary to those explanations. In addition, our empirical results suggest that extreme values may obscure some of the extant explanations on idiosyncratic volatility discount.
Interaction of permanently charged analogs of dopamine with the D-2 dopaminergic receptor

Dopamine can exist in both charged and uncharged forms at physiological pH. At present it is unclear which of these forms is responsible for dopaminergic agonist activity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether permanently charged structural analogs of dopamine containing either a nitrogen, sulfur, or selenium atom in the side chain can bind to and activate the D-2 dopamine receptor. Binding to and activation of the D-2 dopamine receptor were measured by determining the abilities of the permanently charged dopamine analogs to inhibit [3H]spiperone binding to striatal homogenates and to inhibit K+-stimulated [3H]acetylcholine release from striatal slices respectively. The quaternary ammonium, dimethylsulfonium and dimethylselenonium analogs of dopamine were all found to inhibit [3H]spiperone binding to the same extent and in a manner qualitatively similar to the parent amines, dopamine and dimethyldopamine. Thus, [3H]spiperone inhibition curves for dopamine, dimethyldopamine and the permanently charged dopamine analogs were generally shallow and fit best to a two-site binding model as indicated by computer-assisted analyses. The addition of 125 mM NaCl to the incubation medium resulted in a significant decrease in the proportion of high affinity binding sites for both the permanently charged analogs and the parent amines. Similarly, the permanently charged dopamine analogs were found to maximally inhibit the K+-stimulated release of [3H]acetylcholine to the same extent as dopamine and dimethyldopamine. However, the permanently charged analogs were less potent in inhibiting both [3H]spiperone binding and K+-stimulated [3H]acetylcholine release than dopamine and dimethyldopamine. These results show that dopamine analogs possessing a permanent positive charge in the side chain can bind to and activate the D-2 dopamine receptor. The lower potencies of the permanently charged analogs in binding to and activation of the D-2 dopamine receptor suggest that, while the ability of a compound to exist in an uncharged form is not a requirement, both charged and uncharged forms of the agonist molecule appear to play a role in D-2 dopamine agonist activity.
On the relative frequency of depth effects in real versus illusory figures.

Illusory depth in an outlined square and in an illusory square was assessed by requiring subjects to choose among phenomenological descriptions and to report the relative sizes of dots located inside and outside these squares. Contrary to previous suggestions, results obtained with the two measures were not mutually contradictory regarding depth and neither measure suggested that depth effects are less frequent in illusory figures.
Mobility of Cr(VI) anions in the phase of the amphoteric inorganic ion exchanger

The method of impedance spectroscopy has been used to investigate hydrogel and xerogel of hydrated zirconium dioxide containing Cr(VI) obtained from cation-and anion-substituted forms of an ion exchanger. It is shown that a complex composition of the amphoteric inorganic ion exchanger as well as protonization of its functional groups producing a substantial impact on the value of its electrical conductivity do not make it possible to assess mobility of sorbed ions. Nonetheless, the effective values of internal diffusion mobility of Cr(VI) may be obtained by the kinetic method: diffusion coefficients corresponding to the Cr(VI) → OH constitute 8.57 × 10−12−6.85 × 10−11 m2/s or hydrogel and 3.33 × 10−13−5.45 × 10−12 m2/s for xerogel depending on the sorbate concentration.
Concept of a combined short circuit limiter and series compensator (power lines)

A novel concept for a combined short circuit limiter and dynamic series compensator is presented. The device consists of a fixed capacitor, thyristor switched capacitors, and a thyristor switch inductance. The circuit is designed to regulate the impedance in steps. The series compensation is controlled by the capacitors switching on and off, while the current limitation is achieved by the insertion of a resonant LC circuit in the transmission line. The thyristor switches are operated at zero current crossing, which eliminates the harmonics generation. The system operation has been analyzed and realistic components have been selected. The results have demonstrated that the device can regulate the short circuit current. It can be built with commercially available components; the significant operation improvement is expected to justify the cost of the new device. >
Venom exonuclease (phosphodiesterase) immobilized on concanavalin-A-sepharose.

Abstract Highly purified, immobilized venom exonuclease was prepared by a two step procedure. No significant contamination with monophosphatases or endonuclease was detected. The immobilized exonuclease hydrolyzed to completion Poly A and ApAp, and was stable for at least a month.
Increased Early RNA Replication by Chimeric West Nile Virus W956IC Leads to IPS-1-Mediated Activation of NF-κB and Insufficient Virus-Mediated Counteraction of the Resulting Canonical Type I Interferon Signaling

Although infections with "natural" West Nile virus (WNV) and the chimeric W956IC WNV infectious clone virus produce comparable peak virus yields in type I interferon (IFN) response-deficient BHK cells, W956IC infection produces higher levels of "unprotected" viral RNA at early times after infection. Analysis of infections with these two viruses in IFN-competent cells showed that W956IC activated NF-κB, induced higher levels of IFN-β, and produced lower virus yields than WNV strain Eg101. IPS-1 was required for both increased induction of IFN-β and decreased yields of W956IC. In Eg101-infected cells, phospho-STAT1/STAT2 nuclear translocation was blocked at all times analyzed, while some phospho-STAT1/STAT2 nuclear translocation was still detected at 8 h after infection in W956IC-infected mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), and early viral protein levels were lower in these cells. A set of additional chimeras was made by replacing various W956IC gene regions with the Eg101 equivalents. As reported previously, for three of these chimeras, the low early RNA phenotype of Eg101 was restored in BHK cells. Analysis of infections with two of these chimeric viruses in MEFs detected lower early viral RNA levels, higher early viral protein levels, lower early IFN-β levels, and higher virus yields similar to those seen after Eg101 infection. The data suggest that replicase protein interactions directly or indirectly regulate genome switching between replication and translation at early times in favor of translation to minimize NF-κB activation and IFN induction by decreasing the amount of unprotected viral RNA, to produce sufficient viral protein to block canonical type I IFN signaling, and to efficiently remodel cell membranes for exponential genome amplification.
Extended model variety analysis for integrated processing and understanding of signals

The authors extend their previous work (Nawab and Lesser, 1991; Weiss et al., 1991) on model variety analysis of a signal processing algorithm with respect to the class of all input signals that may potentially arise in a given signal understanding application. This analysis has two related objectives. The first objective is to partition the set of all possible signals in the application domain into two sets according to whether each signal is correctly or incorrectly processed by the signal processing algorithm under consideration. The second objective of model variety analysis is to characterize the nature of the distortions in the signal processing output for the cases where the input signal is incorrectly processed. The results of model variety analysis are useful for designing signal understanding systems for applications where it is necessary for the signal processing to be carried out in a situation-dependent manner. Model variety analysis and its usefulness for the design of signal understanding systems are illustrated through examples involving the use of short-time Fourier transform (STFT) processing for a sound understanding application. >
Verification tests of durable thermal protection system concepts

Titanium multiwall, superalloy honeycomb, and advanced carbon-carbon multipost thermal protection system (TPS) concepts are being developed to provide durable protection for surfaces of future space transportation systems. Verification tests (thermal, vibration, acoustic, environmental exposure, lightning strike, and aerothermal) are described. Preliminary results indicate that the three TPS concepts are viable up to a surface temperature in excess of 2300°F.
The last subconstituent of a bipartite Q -polynomial distance-regular graph

Let Γ denote a bipartite distance-regular graph with diameter D ≥ 3. Fix any vertex x and let ΓD = ΓD(x) denote the set of vertices at distance D from x. Let ΓD2 = ΓD2(x) denote the graph with vertex set ΓD, and edge set consisting of all pairs of vertices in ΓD which are at distance 2 in Γ. In this paper, we assume Γ is Q-polynomial and show ΓD2 is distance-regular and Q-polynomial. We compute the intersection numbers of ΓD2 from the intersection numbers of Γ. To obtain our results, we use a characterization of the Q-polynomial property due to Terwilliger.
Peptidylarginine deiminases in citrullination, gene regulation, health and pathogenesis

Peptidylarginine deiminases are a family of enzymes that mediate post-translational modifications of protein arginine residues by deimination or demethylimination to produce citrulline. In vitro, the activity of PADs is dependent on calcium and reductive reagents carrying a free sulfhydryl group. The discovery that PAD4 can target both arginine and methyl-arginine for citrullination about 10years ago renewed our interest in studying this family of enzymes in gene regulation and their physiological functions. The deregulation of PADs is involved in the etiology of multiple human diseases, including cancers and autoimmune disorders. There is a growing effort to develop isoform specific PAD inhibitors for disease treatment. However, the regulation of the activity of PADs in vivo remains largely elusive, and we expect that much will be learned about the role of these enzymes in a normal life cycle and under pathology conditions.
PRESIDENTIAL IMAGE and ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE: A Dynamic Analysis

How do people form and revise their images of the president's personal characteristics? While analysts have made considerable progress in uncovering the content, structure, and political impact of images of political figures—especially presidential candidates—we know very little about how these beliefs develop and change over time. This study of change and stability in presidential images is based on two contrasting theoretical perspectives. Research by several rational choice theorists suggests that individuals base their images of the president's personal characteristics on observations of presidential performance and these images remain open to revision, based on new performance evaluations. Research on social cognition, however, suggests that early impressions tend to maintain themselves by biasing performance evaluations. These perspectives guide an examination of five-wave panel data in an effort to determine the extent to which people's evaluations of the president's handling of economic problems influence, and are influenced by, general images of the president's competence.
Double resonance surface enhanced Raman scattering substrates: an intuitive coupled oscillator model

The strong coupling between localized surface plasmons and surface plasmon polaritons in a double resonance surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate is described by a classical coupled oscillator model. The effects of the particle density, the particle size and the SiO2 spacer thickness on the coupling strength are experimentally investigated. We demonstrate that by tuning the geometrical parameters of the double resonance substrate, we can readily control the resonance frequencies and tailor the SERS enhancement spectrum.
SATISFACTION MAY NOT SUFFICE! A Commentary on 'A Patient's Perspective'

There are inherent limitations in using assessments of patient satisfaction to make inferences about the quality of medical care. Such evaluations tend to be subjective, subject to reporting biases, and difficult to interpret when they are being used to motivate and guide quality improvement efforts. Newer methods of eliciting both reports and ratings from consumers, such as the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans (CAHPS) project, can provide reliable, valid, interpretable, and actionable data about selected aspects of health care. The use of these methods and continued use of new qualitative methods, such as cognitive interviewing, should allow us to continue increasing the prominence of consumer-based information in quality assessment and improvement efforts.
A Method for Extracting Aerodynamic Coefficients from Free-Flight Data

Aerodynamic coefficients from observed motion of body in flight, eliminating need for closed form solutions by employing numerical solutions to equations of motion
Reality and technology.

Is it possible to have a wide and deep theory of technology? Commodification provides a helpful clue. It refers to the width of the economy and suggests incisive criticism. Although it is economically precise, its moral and cultural force needs explication. In that sense it refers to the detachment of a thing or practice from its context of engagement with a time, a place, and a community. Engagement is replaced by a technological machinery. The conjunction of commodity and machinery sheds light on consumption and labour and on the discontents of life in an advanced industrial society. It also suggests a disjunctive view of the future--still more commodification or a recovery of engagement.
Through Silicon Vias and thermocompression bonding using inkjet-printed gold nanoparticles for heterogeneous MEMS integration

We present a novel technique for heterogeneous integration using gold filled Through Silicon Vias (TSV) and thermocompression bond bumps formed in a single fabrication step, using gold nanoparticles dispensed by inkjet printing. Gold-filled TSV arrays (12 × 12, via radius 50μm, pitch 250μm) have been demonstrated using this method. Void free, filled TSVs are reported, and thermocompression bonding yielded seamless interfaces. Die shear tests show good bond strength, and sub-Ω via resistances were measured. The presented integration process exhibits a low temperature budget (≤250°C), allows good alignment, and is compatible with substrates of different sizes and materials, enabling the heterogeneous integration of known-good-dies (KGD) which may have been fabricated in different technologies.
A PATTERN OF EPIDERMAL CELL MIGRATION DURING WOUND HEALING

Epidermal repair during wound healing is under investigation at both the light and electron microscopic levels. Suction-induced subepidermal blisters have been employed to produce two complementary model wound healing systems. These two model systems are: (a) intact subepidermal blisters, and (b) opened subepidermal blisters (the blister roof was removed immediately after induction, leaving an open wound). From these studies a pattern of movement for epidermal cells in wound healing is proposed. This pattern of movement is the same for both model systems. Epidermal cells appear to move by rolling or sliding over one another. Fine fibers oriented in the cortical cytoplasm may play an important role in the movement of these epidermal cells. Also instrumental in mediating this movement are intercellular junctions (desmosomes) and a firm attachment to a substrate through hemidesmosomes. In the intact subepidermal blisters hemidesmosomal attachment is made to a continuous and homogeneous substrate, the retained basal lamina. In the opened subepidermal blisters contact of epidermal cells is made to a discontinuous substrate composed of sporadic areas of fibrin and underlying mesenchymal cells.
Spectroscopic mapping of Mars CO mixing ratio: Detection of north‐south asymmetry

[1] The CO mixing ratio on Mars was mapped in early northern summer (LS = 112°) using the IRTF/CSHELL long-slit spectrograph. The spatial resolution of 500 km is intermediate between those from the Phobos orbiter and the previous ground-based observations. The spectral resolving power of 4 × 104 is high enough to measure equivalent widths of individual lines. The R8-R13 lines of the CO (3-0) band at 1.57 μm and some CO2 lines of comparable strength were observed. This made it possible to determine the CO mixing ratios and to cancel out the effects of air mass and dust opacity. Extraction of the CO and CO2 abundances from the observed line equivalent widths was made using the standard curve of growth approach with a special care for the CO2 lines with high lower level energies. Some formulas, which describe the effects of the low-level energy on weak absorption lines in Mars' reflection spectra, have been derived. The MGS MOLA and TES data on the surface elevation and thermal structure of the atmosphere during the observation were applied to improve the uncertainty of the derived CO mixing ratios, which was equal to 28% for 520 individual points on the disk. Isolines of the CO mixing ratio on Mars' disk and the latitude-longitude map were used to study the local time, elevation, and latitudinal variations of CO on Mars. The CO mixing ratio is constant within ±7% relative to local time from 700 to 1800. A decrease by a factor of 1.18 in the CO mixing ratio from elevation of −6 km to 3 km was observed. Probably, it is due to a systematic error. The most interesting result is the detection of a seasonal (winter-summer) asymmetry in the CO mixing ratio. This asymmetry is displayed as a latitudinal increase in the CO mixing ratio from a constant value of 8.3 × 10−4 northward of the subsolar latitude at 23°N to the south from this latitude where CO reaches a value of 12.5 × 10−4 at 50°S. This asymmetry is explained by the intense condensation of CO2 on the south polar cap at LS = 112°. General circulation models predict a weak meridional circulation in southern winter, which cannot prevent the buildup of the CO mixing ratio. The amount of CO2 ice accumulated on the south polar cap is equal to ≈1 mbar of global-mean CO2 gas according to the general circulation models of the polar processes. If this gas were released and mixed in the southern atmosphere up to the subsolar latitude, then the CO mixing ratio would be equal in both hemispheres. Photochemical accumulation of CO during the southern winter due to freezing out of water vapor does not exceed 4%, that is, an order of magnitude weaker than the observed effect. Further study of seasonal variations of the CO asymmetry should be made by observations and simulated by general circulation models.
A simple, rapid, aseptic method for filling micropipettes by centrifugation.

Abstract A centrifugation method for sterilizing, storing, and filling micropipettes is described. Each micropipette is held in a centrifuge tube by a rubber stopper which clamps the butt end of the micropipette. The pipettes are sterilized and aseptically stored. A pipette is filled by injecting solution into the butt end of the micropipette. The micropipette is returned to a suspended position in the centrifuge tube and the liquid is rapidly forced into the micropipette tip by centrifugation. The technique is simpler and more rapid than presently used centrifugation methods.
Percutaneous Right and Left Heart Catheterization in Children: Experience with 1,000 Patients

One thousand patients, ranging in age from 4 months to 26 years, underwent percutaneous catheterization of the femoral artery and femoral vein. Cardiac catheterization was combined with selective angiocardiography in all patients. The catheter entered the right ventricle in 972 of 990 patients (98%) and the left ventricle in 832 of 856 (97%), including 82 of 89 patients (92%) with aortic stenosis. There were no deaths, perforations of the heart, or loss of tissue. The peripheral pulse was decreased in 6% (49 of 856) and absent in 2% (17 of 856). Other complications included two uneventful perforations of the aortic arch, two lacerations of the femoral artery, three lacerations of the femoral vein, a false aneurysm of the femoral artery, and a cerebrovascular accident. Our findings indicate that, in children more than 2 years old and weighing more than 10 kg, the percutaneous method is safe, informative, and associated with less arterial circulatory complications than the approach from the surgically expos...
Tailoring to Customers’ Needs: Understanding How to Promote an Adaptive Service Experience With Frontline Employees

For most organizations, the ability to adapt a service experience is the responsibility of frontline employees (FLEs). Previous research on adapting or customizing a service has focused much of its attention on the internal motivations or predispositions of FLEs to adapt a service. However, the ability to adapt a service experience is often a function of management setting expectations and allocating appropriate resources. Regardless of the FLE’s internal motivation, service providers need to educate employees on how and when to adapt a customer’s service experience. Drawing on role theory, our study focuses on how mangers can promote adaptive behaviors with FLEs. Our findings identify two major processes in adapting a service experience: (1) recognition of customer needs through employee empathy and anticipation and (2) creation of alternatives to meet those needs through employee creativity. To further examine the managerial influence on adapting a service, we explore how the perceived service climate o...
Heat as Cancer Therapy

Recent clinical reports of hyperthermic tumor regression revitalize an old interest in heat as an anticancer therapy. The clinical observations are supported by experimental data demonstrating that hyperthermia as a single modality kills tumor cells in animal models and in vitro. While the mechanism of injury is imperfectly understood, it is clear that heat induces selective lethal injury to malignant cells, and that this effect is critically dependent on temperature and time of heat exposure. Giovanella et al 1 found that temperatures from 37 to 40 C had little effect on the viability and subsequent ability to metastasize of L1210 leukemia cells, whereas temperatures higher than 41 C killed the tumor cells. Palzer and Heidelberger 2 further defined a critical temperature-time relationship in the 41.0 to 43.0 C temperature range using HeLa cells. Overgaard and Overgaard 3 showed that temperatures of 41.5 to 43.5 C destroyed mouse mammary-tumor implants without
Bilingual Discourse Markers in Indigenous Languages

This review of research considers the occurrence and function of Spanish discourse markers and other particles in indigenous speech. I discuss important research that has examined these phenomena and refer to studies of bilingual discourse markers in other non-indigenous language contact situations to address unresolved issues concerning the form and function of these particles in indigenous languages. Based on an analysis of this work, I conclude that the status of such markers in indigenous languages depends on the relationship between language dominance and the frequency and type of borrowing. I also assess that only time will determine whether or not the use of borrowed elements implies an eventual replacement of native language discourse markers or a coexistence of two systems.
Logarithmic rate dependence of force networks in sheared granular materials

Many models of slow, dense granular flows1,2,3,4,5 assume that the internal stresses are independent of the shearing rate. In contrast, logarithmic rate dependence is found in solid-on-solid friction6,7,8, geological settings9,10,11 and elsewhere12,13,14,15. Here we investigate the rate dependence of stress in a slowly sheared two-dimensional system of photoelastic disks, in which we are able to determine forces on the granular scale. We find that the mean (time-averaged) stress displays a logarithmic dependence on the shear rate for plastic (irreversible) deformations. However, there is no perceivable dependence on the driving rate for elastic (reversible) deformations, such as those that occur under moderate repetitive compression. Increasing the shearing rate leads to an increase in the strength of the force network and stress fluctuations. Qualitatively, this behaviour resembles the changes associated with an increase in density. Increases in the shearing rate also lead to qualitative changes in the distributions of stress build-up and relaxation events. If shearing is suddenly stopped, stress relaxations occur with a logarithmic functional form over long timescales. This slow collective relaxation of the stress network provides a mechanism for rate-dependent strengthening.
The corrosion of Alloy 718 during 800 MeV proton irradiation

Abstract The real-time polarization resistance of Alloy 718 during high energy proton irradiation (measured with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) decreased from 1.7×103 ohm m2 in the absence of irradiation to 8.2 ohm m2 at a proton beam current of 0.4 mA. Because the proton beam spot size was smaller than the sample (that is, proton flux decreased radially from the beam center), two methods for determing corrosion rate from polarization resistance were employed. The first method assumed that the distribution of corrosion was uniform across the entire probe surface. With this assumption, the corrosion rate was found to vary from 0.041 μm/yr at an average proton current of 0.001 mA–3.1 μm/yr at an average proton current of 0.40 mA. The second method used proton flux as a criterion for determining the area of highest damage. At a peak proton flux of 1.77×1018 p/m2 s, calculated at an average proton current of 0.40 mA, the corrosion rate was 60.9 μm/yr. These results are discussed within the context of water radiolysis and direct 718/proton interactions.
Resistance of Selected Potato Genotypes to the Potato Psyllid (Hemiptera: Triozidae)

The characterization of resistance of selected potato, Solanum tuberosum L., breeding clones to the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) was investigated. Antixenosis was assessed in choice tests in which a single plant of each genotype was placed inside a rearing cage, where 60 female psyllid adults were released and the number of adults and eggs on each genotype was counted 24 h later. Antibiosis was evaluated in no-choice tests in which adults (five males and five females) were confined in a cage fixed to the upper side of leaves. After 4 h of exposure, adults were removed and the number of eggs counted. The developmental time and survival of offspring were recorded until all insects became adults. All the resistant genotypes showed strong antibiotic effects to B. cockerelli. These results show promise for incorporation into an IPM program against B. cockerelli.
Opioids in Headache

Opioid analgesics have long been used to treat head pain of various types. This has been increasing to a significant degree over the past 25 years because of a trend for more liberal use of opioids in non-malignant pain. Opioid treatment for acute headache, as well as prophylactically for refractory chronic headache, is controversial. There are a number of adverse effects associated with acute and chronic opioid treatment. Tolerance, dependence, and addiction are prominent issues. This article attempts to analyze the benefits and disadvantages for opioids in the management of migraine and other headache disorders, relying on known properties of this class of medication as well as clinical data. It will mainly focus on 2 topics: the use of opioid medication for the acute treatment of migraine attacks and continuous prophylactic use for refractory chronic migraine.
Pictures and anaphora: Evidence for independent processes

Pictures enhance our comprehension of written texts, but the perceptual and cognitive processes that underlie this effect have not been identified. Because integrating the information contained in a text places demands on working memory, the effect of a picture may be to expand the functional capacity of working memory and thereby to facilitate comprehension. Reasoning thus, we predicted that the availability of a diagram would interact with the difficulty of resolving anaphoric references in texts. The resolution of an anaphor distant from its antecedent (which should stress working memory) should benefit greatly from the presentation of a picture, whereas the resolution of an anaphor near to its antecedent should benefit less from the presentation of a picture. Picture availability and distance separating the anaphor from its antecedent were manipulated in experiments involving both cumulative and moving window presentations of texts. Although picture presence and ease of anaphor resolution significantly improved comprehension of the material, no evidence was found for an interaction of these factors. The results are interpreted as consistent both with dual code theory and with aspects of working memory management that do not involve anaphor resolution.
Quantum chaos and thermalization in gapped systems.

We investigate the onset of thermalization and quantum chaos in finite one-dimensional gapped systems of hard-core bosons. Integrability in these systems is broken by next-nearest-neighbor repulsive interactions, which also generate a superfluid to insulator transition. By employing full exact diagonalization, we study chaos indicators and few-body observables. We show that with increasing system size, chaotic behavior is seen over a broader range of parameters and, in particular, deeper into the insulating phase. Concomitantly, we observe that, as the system size increases, the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis extends its range of validity inside the insulating phase and is accompanied by the thermalization of the system.