cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Caught in the Continuum: A Critical Analysis of the Principle of the Least Restrictive Environment

This article presents a critical analysis of the principle of the least restrictive environment (LRE). The article begins with a review of the origins of LRE in professional writings and law and mo...
Optimization of Cryogen Spray Cooling for Port Wine Stain Laser Therapy Using Photoacoustic Measurement of Epidermal Melanin

Treatment of vascular skin lesions, such as port wine stain (PWS) birthmarks, uses laser energy to thermally damage the hypervascular regions in the dermis. Delivery of sufficient laser energy to the dermis can be confounded by the more superficial epidermal melanin layer, a broadband optical absorber. Laser pulses directed at skin lesions may result in excessive heating and scarring of the epidermis, resulting also in limiting the energy available to treat the dermal lesion. Cryogen spray cooling is used to selectively cool the epidermis, allowing the use of higher laser fluences which cause thermal damage in the deeper lesion, while preventing hypertrophic scarring of the epidermis. In order to optimize cryogen cooling and laser pulse parameter for treatment, the depth profile of the epidermal melanin layer and vascular lesion must be known. We use a photoacoustic probe to determine this depth profile. A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser emitting 532 nm light pulses of 4 ns duration is used to excite acoustic waves in epidermal melanin and hemoglobin in the vascular lesions via a miniature probe incorporating a piezoelectric detector. We used acoustic propagation time to determine the spatial relationship of the absorbing structures, thereby giving the necessary means to determine cryogen spurt and laser pulse timing. We present a finite difference thermal model along with data from tissue phantoms showing the effectiveness of the photoacoustic method.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Management of Pain in the Elderly at the End of Life

Pain is one of the symptoms most frequently encountered in elderly patients at the end of life. The management of pain in the elderly in general has been associated with undertreatment. The geriatric population has been identified as a challenging population with respect to pain management because of issues related to co-morbidities, polypharmacy and cognitive dysfunction. In the geriatric population, the assessment of pain requires measurement of pain intensity, delineation of opioid responsiveness, and clarification of the impact of pain on patients' psychological, social, spiritual and existential domains. Effective pain management is guided by the World Health Organization (WHO) analgesic stepladder, which categorizes pain intensity according to severity and recommends analgesic agents based on their strength and works effectively in the elderly patient population. Step 1 is reserved for mild pain. Patients in this category are treated with nonopioid analgesics such as acetaminophen, or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, with consideration of an adjuvant analgesic if necessary. Step 2 is reserved for patients experiencing mild to moderate pain who are already taking a nonopioid analgesic, with or without an adjuvant analgesic, but are still experiencing poor analgesic control. Step 2 agents include acetaminophen products containing hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine and tramadol. Patients with moderate to severe pain require strong analgesics belonging to step 3 of the WHO analgesic stepladder. Step 3 opioids include morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl, levorphanol, methadone and oxycodone. Familiarity with opioid pharmacokinetics, equianalgesic dosing and adverse effects is necessary for the safe and effective use of these drugs. The appropriate use of adjuvant analgesics such as antiepileptic drugs, antidepressants and local anaesthetics can enhance the use of opioids, especially in cases where opioid responsiveness may be in question, such as with neuropathic pain. This paper will provide an overview of the analgesic considerations for elderly patients at the end of life.
The Effect of Clozapine on Self-Injurious Behavior.

Traditional neuroleptic drugs like thioridazine and haloperidol have not proven to be systematically effective with the treatment of self-injurious behavior (SIB). These drugs may be ineffective because they primarily block D2 dopamine receptors. Based on research with humans and other animals, it appears that another dopamine receptor, D1, may be responsible for mediating some SIB. Clozapine, a neuroleptic recently introduced in the United States, has proven effective in treatment of refractory cases of schizophrenia and is known to have an affinity for blocking D1 receptors. The drug was used to complete a 93-week double-blind crossover trial with a client displaying chronic SIB. Though clozapine is known to affect other neurotransmitter systems, the successful treatment of the participant is consistent with the D1 hypothesis of self-injurious behavior and suggests the possibility that clozapine could be an effective pharmacological intervention for some cases of SIB.
Direct sum behavior of lattices over sigma-I rings

Abstract This paper studies the lattice structure of a class of commutative rings called sigma- I ( Σ I ) rings, whose finitely generated torsionfree modules are direct sums of ideals. In particular, those Σ I rings that satisfy the Krull–Schmidt condition for lattices, those that satisfy cancellation and power cancellation and those that have the property that every lattice has a unique number of indecomposable direct summands are determined.
Users' Hazard Perceptions of Warning Components: An Examination of Colors and Symbols

This study examined color and symbol hazard ratings among participants whose primary language was English and who were monolingual. Participants rated perceived hazards of ten ANSI safety colors and six symbols. RED, followed by YELLOW, BLACK, and ORANGE, were given the highest hazard ratings. The skull, prohibition (circle-slash), and the shock symbols produced the top three hazard ratings. The results of this study were compared to a previous study by Wogalter et al. (1997) which examined hazard ratings among participants whose primary language was Spanish. Comparisons supported general similarities between certain color and symbol hazard ratings among Spanish and English language users.
Design analysis of a truss pontoon semi-submersible concept in deep water

Truss pontoon semi-submersible (TPS) is a new offshore structure concept in industry, where a truss spar is used to create the added mass by the heave plates. In the present paper, the effect of the heave plates on the vertical motion of the floating structure is demonstrated. A TPS is analyzed by utilizing the linear diffraction theory as well as the linear part of the Morison equation. The close agreement of the analysis results with the experimental results suggests that the simplified Morison equation can be used for the present analysis without sacrificing the quality of the results. However, good engineering judgment is required for estimating the values of the hydrodynamic coefficients as well as the amount of damping introduced in the structure. It is also found that the heave plates indeed introduce large added mass and considerable damping in the system motion in the vertical direction such that the resonant oscillation becomes less of a problem. This suggests that the TSP concept may have merits as a heave-controlled floating production structure in the deepwater development.
Keratinocyte but not endothelial cell-specific overexpression of Tie2 leads to the development of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is initiated and maintained through a multifaceted interplay between keratinocytes, blood vessels, gene expression, and the immune system. One previous psoriasis model demonstrated that overexpression of the angiopoietin receptor Tie2 in endothelial cells and keratinocytes led to the development of a psoriasiform phenotype; however, the etiological significance of overexpression in each cell type alone was unclear. We have now engineered two new mouse models whereby Tie2 expression is confined to either endothelial cells or keratinocytes. Both lines of mice have significant increases in dermal vasculature but only the KC-Tie2-overexpressing mice developed a cutaneous psoriasiform phenotype. These mice spontaneously developed characteristic hallmarks of human psoriasis, including extensive acanthosis, increases in dermal CD4+ T cells, infiltrating epidermal CD8+ T cells, dermal dendritic cells and macrophages, and increased expression of cytokines and chemokines associated with psoriasis, including interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukins 1α, 6, 12, 22, 23, and 17. Host-defense molecules, cathelicidin, β-defensin, and S100A8/A9, were also up-regulated in the hyperproliferative skin. All of the phenotypic traits were completely reversed without any scarring following repression of the transgene and were significantly improved following treatment with the anti-psoriasis systemic therapeutic, cyclosporin A. Therefore, confining Tie2 overexpression solely to keratinocytes results in a mouse model that meets the clinical, histological, immunophenotypic, biochemical, and pharmacological criteria required for an animal model of human psoriasis.
Psychosocial correlates of adolescent marijuana use: Variations by status of marijuana use

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the associations between psychosocial factors and status of marijuana use: former experimentation, current occasional, and current frequent use. METHODS: Data were collected from a nationally-representative sample of U.S. tenth-graders who participated in the 2005/6 Health Behavior in School-aged Children Study (n=1465). Multinomial regressions, run separately by gender, examined the association of risk and protective factors from the individual (life satisfaction; academic achievement; aggression, bullying) and contextual (mothers and fathers' knowledge of adolescents' activities, school climate) domains with status of marijuana use (former experimentation, current occasional use, current frequent use). RESULTS: Former experimental and current marijuana uses were negatively associated with protective factors such as academic achievement, mothers' and fathers' knowledge of adolescents' activities, and life satisfaction, but not with positive school climate. Former experimental and current marijuana uses were positively associated with aggression and bullying perpetration. Most associations varied by gender and status of marijuana use. In adjusted analyses, aggression emerged as the sole risk factor and fathers' knowledge as the sole protective factor associated with most statuses of marijuana use, across gender. CONCLUSION: Fathers may be particularly important in preventing adolescent marijuana use, and interventions promoting fathers' knowledge of adolescents' activities are warranted. Language: en
Characterization of a phenylglyoxal-sensitive passive Ca2+ permeability in human erythrocytes.

In viable human erythrocytes, passive downhill entry of Ca2+ through the plasma membrane is opposed by an active extrusion Ca2+-pump mechanism which maintains a free [Ca2+]i≈10−7m. This passive Ca2+ permeability can be determined reliably in cells with a completely arrested Ca2+ pump, as can be achieved in cells which are both ATP-depleted and vanadate-treated. With this approach, whole-cell preparations from banked human erythrocytes exhibited passive net uptake of Ca2+ that has characteristics of a carrier-mediated process which could be shunted by the addition of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. Passive Ca2+ uptake was apparently independent of extracellular Na+, K+ or Cl− and was not responsive to a variety of Ca2+ channel entry blockers. However, in the presence of phenylglyoxal, a specific, covalent modifier of arginyl residues, the initial (0 to 60 min) rate of passive Ca2+ uptake was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. This can be taken in support of a proteinaceous carrier-mediated passive Ca2+ entry mechanism that involves one or several functional arginyl residue(s) and may represent Ca2+ back-diffusion through the arrested Ca2+ translocation pump.
Forest Fire: Effects on Phosphorus Movement to Lakes

After a wildfire in the virgin forest of a lake-watershed region in northeastern Minnesota, the phosphorus concentration in the runoff was elevated for 2 years and decreased in the third year. However, there was no increase in the phosphorus concentrations of a lake and its input stream. This indicates that, under similar circumstances, controlled burning will not damage streams or lakes by elevating phosphorus levels.
Transsection aortique et pontage comme traitement de faux anévrismes rompus itératifs chez un patient atteint de maladie de Behcet

Des faux anevrysmes aortiques abdominaux ont ete rapportes frequemment chez les patients presentant une maladie de Behcet et traites avec succes par divers procedes ; cependant, on a souvent rapporte que des faux anevrysmes anastomotiques se produisent apres l’operation. Dans cet article, nous rapportons un cas de rupture iterative a quatre reprises de faux anevrysmes de l’aorte abdominale supra-renale sur 7 ans. Il n’etait pas facile de reparer le site de cet anevrysme non seulement par chirurgie ouverte mais aussi par stentgraft parce que la lesion aortique etait trop proche des branches arterielles viscerales. La derniere intervention etait une reparation primaire du defect aortique, avec transsection de l’aorte abdominale au niveau de l’aorte supracoeliaque avec fermeture du moignon, et pontage entre l’aorte thoracique et l’aorte abdominale avec une prothese en Dacron. Un suivi a huit ans ne montrait plus de recidive d’anevrysme de l’aorte abdominale.
Numerical methods for an ion transport problem

Abstract We consider the numerical solution to the nonlinear differential equation v′′+ 1 2 ξv′+ 1 2 ∫ 0 ∞ v(ξ) d ξh(v)′=0, with boundary conditions v(0)=1 and v(∞)=0. This problem arises from a model for ion transport. An iterative scheme is developed for this problem and convergence is proved. Finally, Sinc methods are used to implement the numerical scheme for this problem and computation of the current response term ∫ 0 ∞ v(ξ) d ξ.
Spiritual Care Needs and Expectations in Outpatient Palliative Care

Objectives 1. Recognize the spiritual needs of palliative care outpatients. 2. Identify the expectation for spiritual care among palliative care outpatients. I. Background. Spiritual and existential concerns may have a significant impact on quality of life among community-dwelling persons living with advanced illness. The spiritual care needs of palliative care outpatients are not well-characterized in the literature, yet are widely recognized as important components in developing a patient centered palliative care plan. To better guide the development of services needed to provide spiritual care to palliative care outpatients we undertook a qualitative study of the spiritual needs and expectations of a representative population. II. Research Objectives. We sought to understand the spiritual care needs and preferences among palliative care outpatients in the Southeastern United States. III. Methods. All study activities received IRB approval through UAB. Twenty individuals were recruited from among palliative care outpatients seen at the UAB Supportive and Palliative Care Outpatient Clinic. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with volunteers by research personnel who were not involved in the clinical care of patients. Descriptive analyses were undertaken to describe the population, and frequencies, proportions, and means were generated for responses. Qualitative responses are reported verbatim. IV. Results. Seventeen participants (85%) identified themselves with an organized religion or spiritual organization, 2 participants (10%) did not. The majority (16, 80%) of participants felt that their physician should be aware of their spiritual beliefs and needs, but 3 individuals (15%) did not. Similarly, 16 participants (80%) felt the physician should take their spiritual beliefs into account in the development of a care plan, and 3 participants (15%) did not. Ten participants (50%) indicated that they felt it would be helpful for their palliative care provider to pray for them. All respondents (n 1⁄4 19, 95%, 1 missing) indicated that their spiritual beliefs helped them cope with their illness. V. Conclusion. The majority of participants in this assessment both affiliated themselves with an organized religion, and felt that it was important that their palliative care provider be aware of their spiritual beliefs and incorporate them in the development of a care plan. A minority of participants did not have an interest in formal spiritual care through palliative care. VI. Implications for Research, Policy, or Practice. Routine screening for spiritual needs is indicated in palliative care, and measures for the incorporation of the patients’ spiritual beliefs in a palliative care plan should be developed.
Homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 plays an important role in normal terminal erythroid differentiation

Gene-targeting experiments report that the homeodomain-interacting protein kinases 1 and 2, Hipk1 and Hipk2, are essential but redundant in hematopoietic development because Hipk1/Hipk2 double-deficient animals exhibit severe defects in hematopoiesis and vasculogenesis, whereas the single knockouts do not. These serine-threonine kinases phosphorylate and consequently modify the functions of several important hematopoietic transcription factors and cofactors. Here we show that Hipk2 knockdown alone plays a significant role in terminal fetal liver erythroid differentiation. Hipk1 and Hipk2 are highly induced during primary mouse fetal liver erythropoiesis. Specific knockdown of Hipk2 inhibits terminal erythroid cell proliferation (explained in part by impaired cell-cycle progression as well as increased apoptosis) and terminal enucleation as well as the accumulation of hemoglobin. Hipk2 knockdown also reduces the transcription of many genes involved in proliferation and apoptosis as well as important, erythroid-specific genes involved in hemoglobin biosynthesis, such as α-globin and mitoferrin 1, demonstrating that Hipk2 plays an important role in some but not all aspects of normal terminal erythroid differentiation.
Secularism: Conceptual Genealogy or Political Dilemma?

If we step back and consider the words around which critiques and debates have crystallized in recent years, some have been relatively clear, while others have been constantly in need of disambiguation. Even during the most drawn-out of debates over “nationalism” or “revolution,” and despite the arguments over definitions and typologies, we had the sense that we were all talking about the same thing—that is why the debates could move along, adding new perspectives, disputing whether this or that author had placed enough stress on class position, or industrialization, or ideas.
Hybrid Elastic and Discrete-Particle Approach to Biomembrane Dynamics with Application to the Mobility of Curved Integral Membrane Proteins

We introduce a simulation strategy to consistently couple continuum biomembrane dynamics to the motion of discrete biological macromolecules residing within or on the membrane. The methodology is used to study the diffusion of integral membrane proteins that impart a curvature on the bilayer surrounding them. Such proteins exhibit a substantial reduction in diffusion coefficient relative to "flat" proteins; this effect is explained by elementary hydrodynamic considerations.
Impact of Ventilation Frequency and Parenchymal Stiffness on Flow and Pressure Distribution in a Canine Lung Model

To determine the impact of ventilation frequency, lung volume, and parenchymal stiffness on ventilation distribution, we developed an anatomically-based computational model of the canine lung. Each lobe of the model consists of an asymmetric branching airway network subtended by terminal, viscoelastic acinar units. The model allows for empiric dependencies of airway segment dimensions and parenchymal stiffness on transpulmonary pressure. We simulated the effects of lung volume and parenchymal recoil on global lung impedance and ventilation distribution from 0.1 to 100 Hz, with mean transpulmonary pressures from 5 to 25 cm H2O. With increasing lung volume, the distribution of acinar flows narrowed and became more synchronous for frequencies below resonance. At higher frequencies, large variations in acinar flow were observed. Maximum acinar flow occurred at first antiresonance frequency, where lung impedance achieved a local maximum. The distribution of acinar pressures became very heterogeneous and amplified relative to tracheal pressure at the resonant frequency. These data demonstrate the important interaction between frequency and lung tissue stiffness on the distribution of acinar flows and pressures. These simulations provide useful information for the optimization of frequency, lung volume, and mean airway pressure during conventional ventilation or high frequency oscillation (HFOV). Moreover our model indicates that an optimal HFOV bandwidth exists between the resonant and antiresonant frequencies, for which interregional gas mixing is maximized.
Microcontroller Compatible Clock Chip Design Using Field Programmable Gate Array

The design and implementation of a microcontroller-compatible real-time clock using a field programmable gate array are presented. The advantage of rapidly prototyping an IC chip design according to user-defined specifications is demonstrated. The chip design is directly interfaced with 10 seven-segment light-emitting diodes for displaying time and calendar information. Translating the clock function to an external peripheral allows the microcontroller to perform other tasks more efficiently. The relatively short cycle time to develop a product from concept to the final chip is described. >
A Floating CDAC architecture for high-resolution and low-power SAR A/D converter

A novel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) architecture based on the principle of successive approximation register (SAR) is described. An algorithm is developed, which allows the conversion of high voltage input signals with a low voltage analog core and without a significant attenuation of the input signal. With this technique the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) can be improved by up to 10 dB at constant power consumption, or the power dissipation of the ADC can be reduced at constant SNR value. Design considerations and simulation results are presented.
Current and future Internet transmission methods: technical challenges and practical solutions for widespread acceptance of ADSL

The high data rates required to properly support emerging multimedia internet applications far exceed the capabilities of voiceband modems. For example, seamless real-time delivery of digital video clips might require connections up to 100 times faster. Asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) modems provide residential internet users with a much-needed solution to this remote access bandwidth shortage. ADSL modems connected directly to the internet are installed in the telephone company central office, allowing remote access over the copper twisted pair telephone line by remote transceivers in the homes of residential customers. Because the internet data does not have to pass through the telephone switching network, the ADSL link can provide data rates in the Mbit/sec range. However, for ADSL modems to gain broad acceptance an displace their low rate voiceband counterparts, low cost, ease of installation, and high quality of service must be achieved.
Childhood leukemias: initial oral manifestations.

A study was made of oral findings in children admitted to St. Jude Children’s Hospital for diagnosis and treatment of leukemia. Data are presented on all patients in whom any oral finding commonly considered suggestive was recorded. Leukemia remains one of the most dreaded and emotion-provoking diseases of childhood. Any dentist treating children should be aware of oral manifestations of childhood leukemia and assume an active role in the care of children undergoing treatment for the disease.
Impact of ambiguity reduction about performance expectations on audience anxiety

Anticipatory audience anxiety refers to the anxiety experienced by a speaker before an oral presentation. According to the CA literature, a major cause of this anxiety is ambiguity about what is expected of the speaker. In the present study, audio‐taped versions of either successful or unsuccessful models were presented in an effort to reduce anxiety due to uncertainty about performance expectation. Results indicate that successful models were ineffective in reducing anticipatory audience anxiety, especially for students who are apprehensive about public speaking. The use of unsuccessful models might be helpful for moderate to low apprehensives.
Analytical Inflow Performance Relationships

The performance of oil wells producing during boundary-dominated flow was investigated to develop a better understanding of multiphase flow and its effects on single well performance. This understanding can assist the petroleum engineer in predicting the pressure-production behavior of oil wells producing under boundary-dominated flow conditions. An analytical inflow performance relationship (IPR) was developed from the multiphase flow equations. This relationship is based on the physical nature of the multiphase flow system and contributes to a better understanding of the pressure-production behavior of an individual well. The analytical IPR was verified using simulator information and provides a method for the petroleum engineer to develop individual IPRs for each reservoir.
Electron Scattering by H2 with and without Vibrational Excitation. I. Quantum‐Mechanical Theory

A quantum‐mechanical model of elastic and inelastic electron scattering by a homonuclear diatomic molecule in its electronic ground state is presented. The model should be especially useful in the intermediate energy range (about 10–100 eV). It is applied to the calculation of differential and integral cross sections for elastic scattering and for excitation of the first, second, and third vibrational states of molecular hydrogen for impact energies in the 1–912‐eV range. The theory assumes plane waves for the scattering electron wavefunctions; it includes electron exchange effects by use of the Born–Ochkur–Rudge approximation, and it incorporates an electron–H2 interaction potential containing a semiempirical polarization potential and a static potential which includes a semiempirical quadrupole interaction. These potentials are adjusted to agree with available ab initio calculations of these potentials. The effects on the cross sections of electron exchange and the scattering by the various potential te...
North polar hood observations during Martian dust storms

The 1956, 1971, and 1973 major dust storms on Mars affected the apparent contrast and extent of the northern polar hood. A survey of photography from seven apparitions indicates that this seasonal feature is consistently prominent and identified in the absence of major storms throughout half of the Martian year. During the 1956 dust storm, the hood was not seen for a period of over one month on Lowell photographs. The effects of a storm are also seen in 1971 International Planetary Patrol photographs; the hood quickly became faint and tenuous even in ultraviolet light, which normally shows it as very bright. Patrol photographs of 1973 cover the complete progression from a prominent and extensive hood before the storm, to an intermittent disappearance at the height of the storm, to the subsequent return of a normal hood as the storm died out.
EARLY WRIST ARTHRODESIS FOR IRREPARABLE INTRA-ARTICULAR DISTAL RADIAL FRACTURES

When articular restoration and congruity cannot be accomplished in distal radial fractures owing to severe articular bone loss or comminution, early wrist arthrodesis should be considered. This procedure rapidly restores wrist alignment and stability and controls pain. Arthrodesis is a highly reliable and definitive procedure that optimises the opportunity for early functional and occupational recovery while minimising the risks of developing stiff digits or chronic pain in injuries otherwise doomed from the start of treatment to result in severe wrist stiffness and post-traumatic arthritis. Simultaneous proximal row carpectomy or the use of ipsilateral local bone graft donor sites, such as the distal radius or proximal ulna, decrease both initial treatment and hospital costs and morbidity. Wrist arthrodesis is also effective when polytrauma or multiple fractures co-exist. Successful early treatment may expedite return to work and reduce lost time and wages resulting from the injury.
Characterization and comparison of hydrophilic and hydrophobic room temperature ionic liquids incorporating the imidazolium cation

A series of hydrophilic and hydrophobic 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) have been prepared and characterized to determine how water content, density, viscosity, surface tension, melting point, and thermal stability are affected by changes in alkyl chain length and anion. In the series of RTILs studied here, the choice of anion determines water miscibility and has the most dramatic effect on the properties. Hydrophilic anions (e.g., chloride and iodide) produce ionic liquids that are miscible in any proportion with water but, upon the removal of some water from the solution, illustrate how sensitive the physical properties are to a change in water content. In comparison, for ionic liquids containing more hydrophobic anions (e.g., PF6− and N(SO2CF3)2−), the removal of water has a smaller affect on the resulting properties. For a series of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium cations, increasing the alkyl chain length from butyl to hexyl to octyl increases the hydrophobicity and the viscosities of the ionic liquids increase, whereas densities and surface tension values decrease. Thermal analyses indicate high temperatures are attainable prior to decomposition and DSC studies reveal a glass transition for several samples. ILs incorporating PF6− have been used in liquid/liquid partitioning of organic molecules from water and the results for two of these are also discussed here. On a cautionary note, the chemistry of the individual cations and anions of the ILs should not be overlooked as, in the case of certain conditions for PF6− ILs, contact with an aqueous phase may result in slow hydrolysis of the PF6− with the concomitant release of HF and other species.
City Orientations and Privatization

What types of cities use privatization? Could the same city-level orientations that affect local economic development also influence a city's propensity to use privatization? This paper finds broader application for a model developed in the local economic development literature by Bowman and Pagano. This model is useful because it classifies cities based on two factors that are important in the decision to privatize services: fiscal stress and politics. These two factors produce four city-level orientations: sur-vivalist, market, expansionist, and maintenance. This inquiry compares the amount of privatization used by the cities included in the Bowman and Pagano study. The findings suggest that privatization levels vary significantly among the four city-level orientations.
Critical Care of the Morbidly Obese in Disaster

The prevalence of obesity in the United States is increasing, with extreme morbid obesity of body mass index greater than 40 increasing twice as fast as obesity in general. With the increased weight comes an increased risk of comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems such as obstructive sleep apnea or restrictive lung disease, skin disorders such as intertrigo and cellulitis, and urinary incontinence. Thus, patients exposed to a variety of disasters not only are increasingly overweight but also have an associated number of coexistent medical conditions that require increased support with medical devices and medications. This article focuses on management of the morbidly obese patients during disasters.
A Cloud-Based Approach to GNSS Augmentation for Navigation Services

The proliferation of services and applications requiring user positioning through a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is driving the need of more accurate and reliable positioning systems, especially for safety-critical applications such as Disaster Alerting. Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) could achieve this goal by compensating for certain disadvantages of GNSS in terms of accuracy, integrity, continuity and availability. In this paper, we propose a novel cloud-based architecture that centrally computes position augmentation and position integrity by using the European SBAS system, i.e., EGNOS/EDAS. We implement our solution in a real test-bed, demonstrating the feasibility of our proposal and obtaining performances that can support real-time applications.
Hepatocellular carcinoma arises in an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment

Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and is the third most common cause of cancer deaths. Various cancers have been shown to evade host anti-tumor immune responses by a number of mechanisms. We hypothesized that HCC development depends on an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Methods A preclinical mouse model of HCC was studied in which transgenic expression of the human MYC proto-oncogene in hepatocytes is controlled by administration of oral doxycycline. The resulting liver tumors in HCC mice are grossly and histologically similar to human HCC. Livers, spleens, and portal draining lymph nodes (DLN) were harvested from HCC mice and wild type (WT) littermates and were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results Liver tumors had a dramatic increase in CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T (T reg) cells compared to WT livers (22% vs. 5% of CD4+ T cells, p Conclusions MYC overexpression in hepatocytes produces an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in HCC. Antagonism of MYC or its downstream targets presents an attractive target for antitumor therapy via immune modulation.
A study of photopolarimeter system UV absorption data on Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune: Implications for auroral haze formation

The present investigation of the dark hazes of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune on the basis of Voyager 2 UV data notes a geographic correlation between the auroral zones of Jupiter and Saturn and UV-dark polar regions. While the auroral fluxes and penetration depths on Jupiter and Saturn may suffice for a darkening of the polar regions by auroras' action on methane, Uranus and Neptune are found to be bright at all latitudes. In the former case, this brightness is in keeping with auroral electron energies too small to reach the CH4 homopause at which haze production occurs; in the latter case, a UV-dark band exists from 30 deg S to 5 deg N which is probably unrelated to auroral processes.
Deformation twinning in AZ31: Influence on strain hardening and texture evolution

Abstract This paper describes the main results from an experimental investigation into the consequences of deformation twinning in AZ31 on various aspects of plastic deformation, including the anisotropic strain-hardening rates, the tension/compression yield asymmetry, and the evolution of crystallographic texture. It was seen that AZ31 exhibited unusually high normalized strain-hardening rates compared to α-Ti that occurred beyond the strain levels where extension twins have completely altered the underlying texture. This observation challenges the validity of the generally accepted notion in the current literature that the high strain-hardening rates in AZ31 are directly caused by extension twins. It is postulated here that the thin contraction twins are very effective in strain hardening of the alloy by restricting the slip length associated with pyramidal 〈c + a〉 slip. This new hypothesis is able to explain the major experimental observations made in this study and in the prior literature. We have also presented a new hypothesis for the physical origin of the observed differences in the thicknesses of the extension and contraction twins. The stress fields in selected matrix–twin configurations were modeled using crystal plasticity finite element models. The contraction twin ( 0 1 ¯ 1 1 ) [ 0 1 ¯ 1 2 ¯ ] was predicted to form an internal extension twin ( 0 1 1 ¯ 2 ) [ 0 1 ¯ 1 1 ] , resulting in the commonly observed “double twin” sequence. The extension twin is suggested to inhibit thickening of this double twin by loss of twin–matrix coherency. Extension twins were predicted to retain their coherency and thus thicken.
Prognostic importance of clinic and home blood pressure recordings in patients with chronic kidney disease

Blood pressure (BP) measured only in the clinic substantially misclassifies hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The role of out-of-clinic recordings of BP in predicting end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and death in patients with CKD is unknown. A prospective cohort study was conducted in 217 Veterans with CKD. BP was measured at home and in the clinic by 'routine' and standardized methods. Patients were followed over a median of 3.5 years to assess the end points of total mortality, ESRD or the composite outcome of ESRD or death. Home BP was 147.0+/-21.4/78.3+/-11.6 mmHg and clinic BPs were 155.2+/-25.6/84.7+/-14.2 mmHg by standardized method and 144.5+/-24.2/75.4+/-14.7 mmHg by the 'routine' method. The composite renal end point occurred in 75 patients (34.5%), death in 52 patients (24.0%), and ESRD in 36/178 patients (20.2%). One standard deviation (s.d.) increase in systolic BP increased the risk of renal end point by 1.27 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.60) for routine clinic measurement, by 1.69 (95% CI 1.32-2.17) for standardized clinic measurement and by 1.84 (95% CI 1.46-2.32) for home BP recording. One s.d. increase in home systolic BP increased the risk of ESRD by 1.74 (95% CI 1.04-2.93) when adjusted for standardized clinic systolic BP, proteinuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and other risk factors. In patients with CKD, BPs obtained at home are a stronger predictor of ESRD or death compared to BPs obtained in the clinic. Systolic home BP is an independent predictor for ESRD.
A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Study on the Use of a Topical Anesthetic, Vasoconstrictor, and Placebo During Transnasal Flexible Fiberoptic Endoscopy

The purpose of the present study was to compare patient comfort levels following administration of a topical anesthetic, vasoconstrictor, placebo, or nothing to the nasal mucosa prior to flexible f...
Effects of stimulus variability on perception and representation of spoken words in memory

A series of experiments was conducted to investigate the effects of stimulus variability on the memory representations for spoken words. A serial recall task was used to study the effects of changes in speaking rate, talker variability, and overall amplitude on the initial encoding, rehearsal, and recall of lists of spoken words. Interstimulus interval (ISI) was manipulated to determine the time course and nature of processing. The results indicated that at short ISIs, variations in both talker and speaking rate imposed a processing cost that was reflected in poorer serial recall for the primacy portion of word lists. At longer ISIs, however, variation in talker characteristics resulted in improved recall in initial list positions, whereas variation in speaking rate had no effect on recall performance. Amplitude variability had no effect on serial recall across all ISIs. Taken together, these results suggest that encoding of stimulus dimensions such as talker characteristics, speaking rate, and overall amplitude may be the result of distinct perceptual operations. The effects of these sources of stimulus variability in speech are discussed with regard to perceptual saliency, processing demands, and memory representation for spoken words.
A Nuclear magnetic resonance investigation of fluorinated oxide catalysts: I. Fluorinated silica

Pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques have been used as direct spectroscopic probes of the local chemical environments of the hydroxyl groups and fluorine atoms of fluorinated silica. Hydroxyl groups and fluorine atom concentrations were obtained from NMR data. The line shapes of the hydroxyl group spectra are narrow (<3 kHz) and asymmetric. The fluorine spectra can be described by isolated SiF groups. The anisotropy of the fluorine chemical shift powder pattern is 96 ppm. The hydroxyl groups do not exist as closely spaced pairs. The same is true of the fluorine atoms. Fluctuations occur in the local magnetic fields of the nuclei. The changes that occur in the line shapes of the hydroxyl group and fluorine spectra when observed at various temperatures depend upon the concentration of the surface species and upon the calcining temperature.
Color Associations of Children

Summary Free color associations were collected from a total of 337 children in the fourth through sixth grades to 12 concepts: hope, anger, sadness, honesty, fear, happiness, pain, love, death, strength, school, and life. Their responses showed a predominant color in the cases of love (red), death (black), and anger (red, closely followed by black). Colors were much varied in life, honesty, happiness, and school but, across all concepts, blue, red, white, and black were salient. Overall, these color choices of children were quite similar to those reported of adults.
Electron capture rates in a plasma

A new general expression is derived for nuclear electron capture rates within dense plasmas. Its qualitative nature leads us to question some widely accepted assumptions about how to calculate the effects of the plasma on the rates. A perturbative evaluation, though not directly applicable to the strongly interacting case, appears to bear out these suspicions.
Friction Process Diagrams for Analyzing Interfacially-Complex Sliding Contacts

Kinetic friction force varies with time in many sliding systems. In some poorly-lubricated tribosystems, or unlubricated systems in which significant interfacial adhesion occurs, this variation can be as large as the nominal value of the friction force itself. Time-varying friction arises from changing combinations of interfacial processes. The changing contribution of frictional processes in complex sliding interfaces can be represented using graphical constructions called friction process diagrams (FPDs). Using FPDs, the frictional changes within a tribosystem are analyzed on the process level, without the need to know exactly how detailed mechanisms, such as deformation, fracture, diffusion, defect generation, and tribochemcial reactions, interact within each process. Binary and ternary forms of FPDs are used to explain the causes of frictional behavior observed in studies of metallic and ceramic sliding. Extensions of FPDs to more complex cases, for example involving elevated temperatures, are also di...
The synthesis of (trimethylstannyl)phosphine: The observation of phosphorus—tin nuclear spin-spin coupling

Abstract (Trimethylstannyl)phosphine, (CH 3 ) 3 SnPH 2 , has been prepared in high yield by the reaction of LiAl(PH 2 ) 4 with (CH 3 ) 3 SnCl. The product has been characterized by elemental analysis, 1 H and 31 P NMR, IR, and mass spectral data. Reactions between (CH 3 ) 3 SnPH 2 and acidic reagents have been studied. The first measurement of 1 J (Sn P) has been made.
From First Reich to Third Reich: German Imperialism and Early Medieval Scholarship in the Southeastern Alpine Region (c. 1919–1945)

This article explores how the early medieval past was used to justify Germanic political and cultural hegemony across East Central Europe during the first half of the 20th century. It highlights the ways in which medieval historians and archaeologists contributed to, and were influenced by, the program of “Ostforschung” (Eastern Research). A close reading of the work of two prominent German archaeologists during the interwar and National Socialist periods suggests that their conception of the early medieval eastern Alps was not only influenced by national chauvinism, but also reveals striking parallels with Western imperial ideologies typical of overseas colonial contexts.
Adverse life events and depressive symptoms in African American youth: the role of control-related beliefs

The association between experiences of adverse life events and adolescent depressive symptoms has been well documented. However, this association is not consistently observed in urban and low income African American youth. In addition, mechanisms linking life event stress and African American adolescents' depressive symptoms have received little attention. This study examined past year violent and nonviolent life events assessed in 6th grade as predictors of 7th grade depressive symptoms among a community epidemiologically defined sample of 447 (47% girls) urban African American adolescents. Depressive symptoms were assessed twice, at a 1-year interval, and initial depressive symptoms were controlled in the analyses. Control-related beliefs were examined as mediators of the association between life events and depressive symptoms, and gender was examined as a moderator of the association between control-related beliefs and depressive symptoms. Associations among study variables were examined in a series of models, from general to more specific. A model in which nonviolent and violent life events were examined separately and control and contingency beliefs examined as one latent variable was the most informative about the etiology of depressive symptoms in a sample of urban, African American youth. Implications of the findings for preventive interventions and future research are discussed.
Methods for determining the internal thrust of scramjet engine modules from experimental data

Methods for calculating zero-fuel internal drag of scramjet engine modules from experimental measurements are presented. These methods include two control-volume approaches, and a pressure and skin-friction integration. The three calculation techniques are applied to experimental data taken during tests of a version of the NASA parametric scramjet. The methods agree to within seven percent of the mean value of zero-fuel internal drag even though several simplifying assumptions are made in the analysis. The mean zero-fuel internal drag coefficient for this particular engine is calculated to be 0.150. The zero-fuel internal drag coefficient when combined with the change in engine axial force with and without fuel defines the internal thrust of an engine.
Genetic programming for moment capacity modeling of ferrocement members

Abstract In this study, a robust variant of genetic programming called gene expression programming (GEP) is utilized to predict the moment capacity of ferrocement members. Constitutive relationships were obtained to correlate the ultimate moment capacity with mechanical and geometrical parameters using previously published experimental results. A subsequent parametric analysis was carried out and the trends of the results were confirmed. A comparative study was conducted between the results obtained by the proposed models and those of the plastic analysis, mechanism and nonlinear regression approaches, as well as two black-box models: back-propagation neural networks (BPNN) and an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Three GEP models are developed to capture the effect of randomizing the test data subsets used to develop the models. The results indicate that the GEP models accurately estimate the moment capacity of ferrocement members. The prediction performance of the GEP models is significantly better than the plastic analysis, mechanism and nonlinear regression approaches and is comparable to that of the BPNN and ANFIS models.