cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Limited Health Literacy on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Objective Health disparities in patient-reported outcomes by income and education are well documented; however, the impact of health literacy on patient-reported outcomes has received less attention. We examined independent effects of income, education, and health literacy on patient-reported outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Data from the California Lupus Epidemiology Study (n = 323 participants) were used. Health literacy was assessed with a validated 3-item measure (ability to understand written information, reliance on others to understand written information, confidence in completing written forms). Patient-reported outcomes were administered by interview in English, Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Generic and disease-specific patient-reported outcomes were examined using the following: 10 Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) short forms; the 8 Short Form 36 (SF-36) health survey subscales; and 3 patient-reported SLE disease activity and damage measures. We conducted 2 sets of multivariable analyses: the first examined education, income, or health literacy individually; the second included all 3 simultaneously. All multivariable models included age, sex, race/ethnicity, language, disease duration, and physician-assessed disease activity and damage. Results More than one-third of participants (38%) had limited health literacy (LHL), including >25% with greater than high school education. In multivariable analyses simultaneously considering education, income, and health literacy, LHL was associated with significantly worse scores on all patient-reported outcomes except disease damage. In contrast, disparities by income were seen in only 3 PROMIS scales, 3 SF-36 subscales, and 1 disease activity measure. No disparities by education level were noted. Conclusion We found significantly worse patient-reported outcome scores among individuals with LHL, even after controlling for disease activity and damage. Whether disparities are due to actual differences in health or measurement issues requires further study.
Insights into the evo-devo of plant reproduction using next-generation sequencing approaches

The development of plant model organisms has traditionally been analyzed using resource-heavy, tailored applications that are not easily transferable to distantly related non-model taxa. Thus, our understanding of plant development has been limited to a subset of traits, and evolutionary studies conducted most effectively either across very wide [e.g. Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa (rice)] or narrow (i.e. population level) phylogenetic distances. As plant biologists seek to capitalize on natural diversity for crop improvement, enhance ecosystem functioning, and better understand plant responses to climate change, high-throughput and broadly applicable forms of existing molecular biology assays are becoming an invaluable resource. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is increasingly becoming a powerful tool in evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo) studies, particularly through its application to understanding trait evolution at different levels of gene regulation. Here, I review some of the most common and emerging NGS-based methods, using exemplar studies in reproductive plant evo-devo to illustrate their potential.
Microbial interactions with silicate glasses

Glass alteration in the presence of microorganisms has been a topic of research for over 150 years. Researchers from a variety of disciplines, including material science, biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and cultural heritage materials preservation have conducted experiments in this area to try and understand when, how, and why microorganism may interact and subsequently influence the alteration of glass. The breadth and depth of these studies are the topic of this review. This review presents a detailed history and a comprehensive overview of this field of research, while maintaining focus on the terrestrial alteration of anthropogenic silicate glasses. Within this manuscript is a schema for bio-interaction with silicate glasses and an outline of an evidence-based hypothesis on how these interactions may influence glass alteration processes. Topics discussed include microbial colonization of glass, development, and interactions of biofilms with glass surface, abiotic vs. biotic alteration processes, and signatures of bio-alteration. Future research needs and a discussion of practical drivers for this research are summarized.
The Fontan Pathway: Change in Dimension and Catheter-Based Intervention over Time.

An unobstructed Fontan pathway is essential for optimal hemodynamics. We hypothesize that more extracardiac conduit (ECC) Fontan pathways develop obstruction compared to lateral tunnel (LT) Fontans and that the dilation typically observed in LTs results in similar mid-term clinical outcomes. A single-center, retrospective study was done including all Fontan cardiac catheterizations from 2006 to 2019. Angiography and medical records were reviewed to define Fontan pathway dimensions, interventions, and clinical outcomes. 232 patients underwent cardiac catheterization, where 60% were ECCs and 30% LTs. The minimum cross-sectional area (CSA) of ECCs was significantly smaller than LTs and LTs dilated over time. 13% of patients had Fontan pathway stenting at a median age of 16.2 years. The minimum CSA for patients who underwent intervention was significantly smaller than patients who did not. Lower weight at Fontan surgery was associated with intervention on the Fontan pathway, with a threshold weight of 15 kg for patients with an ECC. The median follow-up was 3.3 years. Patients who had Fontan pathway intervention were not more likely to experience the composite adverse clinical outcome. LTs were more likely than ECCs to have worse clinical outcome, when liver fibrosis was included. This is the first study to describe angiographic dimensions of the Fontan pathway in a large number of patients over time. ECCs tend to become stenotic. Lower weight at Fontan surgery is a potential risk for Fontan pathway intervention. LTs may experience worse clinical outcomes in follow-up. This information can help inform the optimal timing and method of post-Fontan surveillance.
Investigating the dielectric properties of barium titanate nanocomposites using transmission electron microscopy image processing

Barium titanate (BTO) is a ferroelectric perovskite material used in energy storage applications because of its high dielectric constant. A previous study showed that the dielectric constant for BTO nanoparticles drastically increases to over 15,000 at a particle size of 70 nm. This result is highly contested, but its implications to energy storage motivated our investigation into the dielectric constants of BTO nanoparticles that are incorporated into a polymer matrix. We developed a novel method of using image processing techniques on transmission electron microscope images of BTO-polymer nanocomposites. Data on the positions, shapes, sizes, and orientations of BTO nanoparticles were used to build more realistic computational models that simulate the dielectric behavior of the nanocomposites. Here, we investigate the relationship between regions of enhanced electric field and the composite dielectric constant.
Lecture Evaluations by Medical Students: Concepts That Correlate With Scores

Abstract Purpose The didactic lecture remains one of the most popular teaching formats in medical education; yet, factors that most influence lecturing success in radiology education are unknown. The purpose of this study is to identify patterns of narrative student feedback that are associated with relatively higher and lower evaluation scores. Methods All student evaluations from our core radiology elective during 1 year were compiled. All evaluation comments were tagged, to identify discrete descriptive concepts. Correlation coefficients were calculated, for each tag with mean evaluation scores. Tags that were the most strongly associated with the highest- versus lowest-rated (> or Results A total of 3,262 comments, on 273 lectures, rated by 77 senior medical students, were analyzed. The mean lecture score was 8.96 ± 0.62. Three tags were significantly positively correlated with lecture score: "interactive"; "fun/engaging"; and "practical/important content" ( r = 0.39, r = 0.34, and r = 0.32, respectively; all P r = –0.44, r = –0.39, and r = –0.36, respectively; all P Conclusions Several factors were identified that were strongly associated with lecture score. Among the actionable characteristics, interactive lectures with appropriately targeted content (ie, practical/useful) were the most highly rated.
Microbiological Metabolism of Naphthyridines

Penicillium adametzi and seven other species convert nalidixic acid, 1,4-dihydro-1-ethyl-7-methyl-4-oxo-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid, to 1,4-dihydro-1-ethyl-7-hydroxymethyl-4-oxo-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid. Forty-seven other species from six orders of fungi seem to achieve the same conversion as judged by chromatographic and spectral evidence. Under special conditions, P. adametzi also produces a second metabolite which was identified as the corresponding 7-carboxylic acid. The metabolic attack on the ring substituent is identical with the pathway previously established with humans. No evidence was obtained for metabolic attack on the naphthyridine nucleus itself.
From Local Search to Global Behavior: Ad Hoc Network Example

We introduce the Consensual N-Player Prisoner's Dilemmaas a large-scale dilemma. We then present a framework for cooperative consensus formation in large-scale MAS under the N-Person Prisoner's Dilemma. Forming consensus is performed by demonstrating the applicability of a low-complexity physics-oriented approach to a large-scale ad hoc network problem. The framework is based on modeling cooperative MAS by a physics percolation theory. According to the model, agent-systems inherit physical properties, and therefore the evolution of the computational systems is similar to the evolution of physical systems. Specifically, we focus on the percolation theory, the emergence of self-organized criticality, and the exploitation of phase transitions. We provide a detailed low-ordered algorithm to be used by a single agent and implement this algorithm in our simulations. Via these approaches we demonstrate effective message delivery in a large-scale ad hoc network that consists of thousands of agents.
GBS next generation architecture

The global broadcast service (GBS) provides a worldwide, high-capacity, one-way transmission of classified and unclassified video, imagery, and other information as required to support joint military forces in garrison, in transit, and in theater. GBS enables real-time information product delivery to the warfighter by providing satellite resources that are shared based on CINC/JTF commanders' priorities, operational locations, and the platform capabilities of the deployed users. The rapid technological evolution of the commercial satellite Internet service provider (ISP) market over the past decade has enabled the GBS JPO and the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to re-evaluate the suitability of commercial technology and equipment for an enhanced GBS architecture. Led by the GBS JPO systems engineering team, the DoD is subsequently planning to perform a technology refresh of the GBS architecture, focusing on DVB open standards, IP data transport, and commercial communications technology. This technical re-design of the GBS architecture will significantly enhance the capabilities and real-time services that GBS provides to the deployed warfighter. This paper explores the design principles, engineering strategies, and key technologies that will enable the transition of GBS to a next generation military SATCOM system.
From mantle to atmosphere: magma degassing, explosive eruptions, and volcanic volatile budgets

Abstract Over the past 25 years there has been a growing body of evidence based on petrologic, remote sensing, and volcanic gas data that andesitic, dacitic, and rhyolitic magmas in crustal reservoirs are saturated with a multicomponent C-O-H-S vapor phase before eruption. A key piece of evidence for magmatic vapor saturation is the “excess” S problem: the common observation that much more S is released by explosive eruptions than was originally dissolved in the erupted volume of silicate melt. If all of the “excess” S is derived from a magmatic vapor phase, then intermediate to silicic magmas must commonly contain several wt% exsolved vapor prior to eruption. The large amounts of volatiles implied by these estimates suggest that exsolved vapor accumulates in the apical regions of magma bodies during repose periods between eruptions. A major uncertainty in understanding volcanic SO2 emissions has been lack of information on S partitioning between silicate melt and coexisting hydrous vapor. Recently published experimental data on melt-vapor partitioning show that S partitions strongly into the vapor phase under conditions relevant for most dacitic and rhyolitic magmas. Thermodynamic modeling based on these results suggest that the pre-eruptive magmatic vapor phase for dacitic to rhyolitic magmas typically contains 0.5 to 6 mol% total S. Andesitic, dacitic, and rhyolitic magmas in crustal reservoirs are probably vapor saturated due to recharge and underplating by vaporsaturated basaltic magma. CO2 is particularly important because it is abundant in mantle-derived basaltic magma but has low solubility in silicate melts at crustal pressures. Understanding budgets of the major volatiles requires integrating remote sensing and volcanic gas data for volatile fluxes from volcanoes with petrologic data for both differentiated magma stored in crustal reservoirs and mafic magma recharging these systems. Comparison of respose times, eruptive volumes, and basaltic magma supply rates for a spectrum of volcanic systems suggests that the flux of S, CO2 and H2O from explosive eruptions is approximately balanced by the mantle-derived supply rate of these volatiles provided by mafic recharge into the crust.
Abstract W P347: Correlation Between Follow-up Phone Call Post Discharge and Patient Satisfaction Scores

Background/Purpose: Today’s health care systems track patient satisfaction to evaluate care delivery. Traditional quality measures have included mortality and re-admissions, but patient satisfaction is fast becoming an important measure. The stroke program of a large academic center began post discharge phone calls in 2013 on patients who were discharged home after a stroke. The purpose of the phone calls was to assess understanding of the discharge instructions, reinforce the discharge instructions, and care transition post hospitalization to home. Patient satisfaction scores were tracked as a secondary process measure. Methods: Call-backs utilized a standard template that focused on the patient’s understanding of medications, importance of the follow-up visit, signs and symptoms of a stroke, risk factors, and clarification of issues or concerns. The sample included all stroke patients who were discharged home. The call-back occurred within 7 days of discharge and two attempts were made to reach the pati...
Rechargeable Battery Basics

This chapter discusses the basic concepts related to batteries for automotive applications including hybrid and electric vehicles. The construction and operation of cells are discussed in detail as well as the laboratory testing of the cells and modules. Test data for lithium batteries of several chemistries are given from which it can be seen that the performance of lithium batteries is now suitable for hybrid and electric vehicle applications. In addition, it is shown that lithium batteries can be fast charged in <1 h and that their cycle life can be several thousand deep discharge cycles. The cost ($/kWh) of the lithium batteries varies with cell chemistry, but the projected costs are in the range $300–400/kWh. When these batteries are used in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV), life cycle vehicle cost analyzes indicate effective break-even gasoline cost to consumers in the range $3–4/gal when the cost of the battery is recovered over the battery lifetime of 10 years. Keywords: battery chemistry; energy density; power density; testing, cost; cycle life
مدخل في نظريّة المزج (Elements of Blending)

يضم هذا الكتاب عددا من المداخلات التي قدمها الأستاذ مارك تورنر لطلبة اللسانيات في كلية الآداب والفنون والإنسانيات بجامعة منوبة خلالنوفمبر 2010، وقد جمعت في مقدمة ومحاضرتين بحكم القضايا التي طرحت فيها. ومدارها ملكة المزج الذهني (التصوري) التي بها ينشئالذهن البشري الجديد الحادث من الأشياء والمفاهيم والأبنية في جميع المجالات انطلاقا من المتوفر فيه منها من حيث الموارد البيولوجية واللغوية والثقافية على امتداد العصور. يتناول المؤلف في المقدمة أصول نظرية المزج من حيث تبلورها فكرة فمشروع بحث لا تنفك مجالات الإفادة منه تتوسع في دراسة الذهن والفكر واللغة والأدب وما إلى ذلك من الأنشطة الرمزية التي تتجلى فيها قدرة الذهن البشري على التجديد السريع العفوي أو اللاواعي في إحداث المفاهيم والأشياء. تتضمن المحاضرة الأولى تحليلا لمختلف المظاهر التي تتجلى فيها ملكة المزج جارية في السلوك العفوي اليومي وفي الأنشطة الذهنية العليا وبيان لآليات المزج التي تعمها جميعا فبلورة لنظرية عامة في اللسانيات وفي الذهن. ومدار المحاضرة الثانية اشتغال المزج في اللغة بنية ومعنى من خلال جملة من الأبنية النحوية (المعجمية والإعرابية والصرفية والعبارات الجاهزة) المتنوعة تطرح فيها جملة من القضايا المتعلقة بالإضافة، والافتراض، والتعدية بأنواعها والجعلية، والمزج الصرفي في أبنية الأفعال ومشتقاتها، إلخ. ويخلص الكاتب إلى أن المزج ملكة متجذرة في النحو الكوني بحكم ما تتضمن من تكرارية في آلياتها في مختلف المستويات اللغوية عامة والإعرابية على وجه التحديد.English Abstract: This book is based on a series of presentations given by Mark Turner (Institute Professor and Professor of Cognitive Science at Case Western Reserve University) at the University of Manouba, November 2010. It is divided into an introduction and two lectures:In the introduction, the origins of Blending Theory and its development are presented. Lecture one is an introduction to Blending Theory, where the author deals with a variety of general fundamental issues such as Cognitive Linguistics and the Human Mind, and Conceptual Integration (The Range of Conceptual Integration Networks, Packing and Unpacking, Vortex Networks, Theory of Self, and Theory of Mind.) The analysis is based on data taken from everyday speech, poetic, and narrative discourse(s): The Riddle of the Buddhist Monk, Mythic Race, Debate With Kant, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Death is the Mother of Beauty, etc.Lecture Two is devoted to Blending and Language. The analysis bears on general issues such as Universal Grammar and Blending, Blending in Syntax and Morphology. It bears also on some other particular constructions in Grammar: Y-of Constructions, Composition, Nominal Compounds, Adjective Noun, Clausal Constructions (Caused Motion , Resultative, and Ditransitive), Morphological integrations in a single word, Causatives in French and Hebrew.
Computational biology – the new frontier of computer science

In 1952, the transistor was invented. In 1953, the double helix structure of DNA was discovered. These two milestones have revolutionized the respective fields of computer science and biology. Biology is now on the verge of another revolution in which computation is playing a central role.
A single chip high-speed M-to-B arbiter for multiple bus multiprocessor systems

An M-user B-server synchronous arbitration circuit is built on a single chip using NMOS technology. The VLSI layout is modular which consists of 3 basic blocks: Type-1, Type-2, and Type-3. For VLSI layout of each block, one has to perform a few interconnections in order to build M-user B-server arbiter on a single chip. We have justified this statement by building arbiters for 16-user 4-server, 4-user 2-server, and 8-user 2-server. This arbiter design on a single chip can considerably reduce the space for total arbitration circuit in any multiprocessor system. At the same time it is faster and consumes less power. >
ELECTRON BEAM IRRADIATION ON NALIDIXIC ACID‐RESISTANT SALMONELLA MONTEVIDEO IN COOKED TOMATO PUREE OF VARIOUS pH VALUES

Electron beam (e-beam) is a technology that uses ionizing radiation to destroy bacteria in a nonthermal manner. D10 values were obtained for nalidixic acid (NA)-resistant Salmonella Montevideo in autoclaved Roma tomato puree pH adjusted to pH 3.4, 3.9, 4.4 and 4.9 and subjected to e-beam at 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 kGy. Survivors were enumerated using standard spread-plating method. NA-resistant S. Montevideo was not recovered in puree at pH 3.4 or 3.9. Significant reductions (P < 0.05) were determined at both pH 4.4 and 4.9 between the control (0 kGy) and samples exposed to≥1.5 kGy. D10 values were 1.07 and 1.50 kGy, respectively, which are greater than previously published D10 values for other Salmonella strains in various media. Tomato puree has antioxidant potential which may have provided protection against the e-beam radiation. Radiation resistance as a result of acid adaptation may have also contributed to this effect. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Electron beam (e-beam) irradiation is a nonthermal technology that uses ionizing radiation to destroy bacteria and spoilage microorganisms. Several studies have shown this technique effective for the reduction of bacterial pathogens on fruits and vegetables with no changes in texture, color or sensory quality. Some studies have suggested that the food matrix may influence sensitivity of bacterial strains to irradiation; therefore, the objective of this experiment was to determine the e-beam radiation dose needed to achieve a one log reduction in population (D10 value) for nalidixic acid-resistant Salmonella Montevideo in a tomato puree at low and high pHs.
Impact of exogenous glucocorticoid use on salivary cortisol measurements among adults with asthma and rhinitis.

The diurnal rhythm of cortisol secretion in chronic disease can reflect the interactions between exogenous and endogenous factors. Exogenous glucocorticoid use may impact salivary cortisol measurements, but this has not been well-studied in ambulatory settings. In this report salivary cortisol levels were used to evaluate aspects of the diurnal rhythm of cortisol secretion within an ambulatory population of patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis. 183 persons with asthma with or without concomitant rhinitis and 34 persons with rhinitis alone were asked to collect at home, two saliva samples, 30 min after awakening and 12h later. The salivary cortisol levels were quantified by enzyme immunoassay. The recent use of glucocorticoids in the study group was determined by interview and direct examination of medications. We report that the median salivary cortisol levels 30 min post-awakening significantly differed by exogenous steroid status: no glucocorticoid use (n = 91), 10.1 nmol/l; nasal gluco-corticoid use alone (n = 25), 11.4 nmol/l; inhaled glucocorticoids (with or without concomitant nasal glucocorticoids; n = 76), 9.0 nmol/l; systemic glucocorticoids (n = 17), 4.0 nmol/l; (P = 0.02). 12-h post-awakening salivary cortisol values among the groups were similar (P = 0.85). The median 30-min post-awakening cortisol differed significantly by type and amount of inhaled steroid used: non-fluticasone users (n = 21), 11.5 nmol/l; lower dose fluticasone ( or =800 microg, n=20), 5 nmol/l; (P=0.01). We conclude that in an ambulatory setting, exogenous glucocorticoid use can decrease the 30 min post-awakening but not the 12-h post-awakening salivary cortisol levels, an effect that should be taken into account in assessing the effects of other potential determinants on cortisol secretion.
Pharmacological studies on nitrogen mustard-N-oxides.

The halogenated alkylamines, so called nitrogen mustards (NM) investigated during the last World War as a potential warfare agent, have become useful tools in biology and medicine for their ability to increase the spontaneous mutation rate in plants and animals (1) and to palliate leukemia, lymphoma and lung carcinoma (2).Recently, Ishidate et al, (3) have paid attention to the lower toxicity of nitrogen mustard-N-oxides (NMO) which had been prepared by Stahmann (4) in 1946 comparing to their original amines, and demonstrated that methyl-bis-β-chloroethylamine-N-oxide (MBAO, Nitromin) had an equal inhibitory potency to methyl-bis-β-chloroethylamine (MBA) on Yoshida-sarcoma.Meanwhile, on the pharmacology of NM, many studies had been done, as seen in the review of Phillips (5), but no pharmacological research has yet been made about NMO.The purpose of the present paper is to determine the pharmacological properties of NMO, especially of Nitromin, and of the correlation with their original amines.
A Microscopist Views The Environment

Paper not available for publication.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Social determinants and the classification of disease: descriptive epidemiology of selected socially mediated disease constellations

BACKGROUND: Most major diseases have important social determinants. In this context, classification of disease based on etiologic or anatomic criteria may be neither mutually exclusive nor optimal. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Units of analysis comprised large metropolitan central and fringe metropolitan counties with reliable mortality rates - (n = 416). Participants included infants and adults ages 25 to 64 years with selected causes of death (1999 to 2006). Exposures included that residential segregation and race-specific social deprivation variables. Main outcome measures were obtained via principal components analyses with an orthogonal rotation to identify a common factor. To discern whether the common factor was socially mediated, negative binomial multiple regression models were developed for which the dependent variable was the common factor. RESULTS showed that infant deaths, mortality from assault, and malignant neoplasm of the trachea, bronchus and lung formed a common factor for race-gender groups (black/white and men/women). Regression analyses showed statistically significant, positive associations between low socio-economic status for all race-gender groups and this common factor. CONCLUSIONS: Between 1999 and 2006, deaths classified as "assault" and "lung cancer", as well as "infant mortality" formed a socially mediated factor detectable in population but not individual data. Despite limitations related to death certificate data, the results contribute important information to the formulation of several hypotheses: (a) disease classifications based on anatomic or etiologic criteria fail to account for social determinants; (b) social forces produce demographically and possibly geographically distinct population-based disease constellations; and (c) the individual components of population-based disease constellations (e.g., lung cancer) are phenotypically comparable from one population to another but genotypically different, in part, because of socially mediated epigenetic variations. Additional research may produce new taxonomies that unify social determinants with anatomic and/or etiologic determinants. This may lead to improved medical management of individuals and populations. Language: en
Managing radiation risk in the evaluation of the pediatric trauma patient

Pediatric trauma is usually a nonoperative experience for the pediatric general surgeon. The pediatric trauma surgeon resuscitates the child and then evaluates and triages the identified injuries. A common diagnostic tool is the computed tomography (CT) scan. Most children who require evaluation for significant trauma will get a CT scan, but there are no national guidelines directing the assessment. Injuries to the head, cervical spine, chest, and abdomen can all be imaged with a CT scan; the question is whether the liberal approach to imaging children is appropriate. Over the past decade, concern has arisen about the radiation dose delivered by CT. This concern has generated a national campaign to "image gently." This article reviews the data involving the risk of medical radiation exposure and discusses strategies for managing the risk.
Polarization of the recoil nucleus in μ−-capture

Abstract The complete expression is calculated for the allowed, non-relativistic transition rate of μ − -capture from the atomic K-shell. It is used to obtain the expression for the polarization of the recoil nucleus. As is well known, the polarization term governs the asymmetry in the subsequent beta decay. If the incident μ are unpolarized, the polarization of the recoil following μ-capture in a Gamow-Teller transition can in principle distinguish between the coupling constants suggested by Lee and Yang and by Feynman and Gell-Mann.
Uniform Random Number Generators

Abstract : This paper discusses the testing of methods for generating uniform numbers in a computer--the commonly used multiplicative and mixed congruential generators as well as two methods. Tests proposed here are more stringent than those usually applied, because the usual tests for randomness have passed several of the commonly used pprocedures which subsequently gave poor results in actual Monte Carlo calculations. The principal difficulty seems to be that certain simple functions of n-tuples of uniform random numbers do not have the distribution that probability theory predicts. Two alternative generating methods are described, one of them using a table of uniform numbers, the other one combining two congruential generators. Both of these methods passed the tests, whereas the conventional multiplicative and mixed congruential methods did not.
Fracture-induced subbandgap absorption as a precursor to optical damage on fused silica surfaces.

The optical damage threshold of indentation-induced flaws on fused silica surfaces was explored. Mechanical flaws were characterized by laser damage testing, as well as by optical, secondary electron, and photoluminescence microscopy. Localized polishing, chemical leaching, and the control of indentation morphology were used to isolate the structural features that limit optical damage. A thin defect layer on fracture surfaces, including those smaller than the wavelength of visible light, was found to be the dominant source of laser damage initiation during illumination with 355nm, 3ns laser pulses. Little evidence was found that either displaced or densified material or fluence intensification plays a significant role in optical damage at fluences >35J/cm2. Elimination of the defect layer was shown to increase the overall damage performance of fused silica optics.
Analysis of population diversity: measures of qualitative variation

Defining population diversity to be the distribution of population elements along a continuum of homogeneity to heterogeneity with respect to one or more variables, measures are described with vari...
Growth of Carbon Nanotubes on Carbon Toray Paper for Bio-Fuel Cell Applications

In recent years carbon nanotubes have emerged as excellent materials for applications in which high surface area is required e.g. gas sensing, hydrogen storage, solar cells etc. Ultra-high surface to volume ratio is also a desirable property in the applications requiring enhanced catalytic activity where these high surface area materials can act as catalyst supports. One of the fastest developing areas needing such materials is fuel-cell. Here we investigate the process through which carbon nanotubes can be manufactured specifically to be used to increase the surface area of a carbon paper (Toray™). This carbon support is used in bio-catalytic fuel cell as an electrode to support enzyme which catalyzes the redox reaction. Deposition of nanotubes on these carbon fibers can result in great enhancement in the overall surface area to support the enzyme, which increases the reaction rate inside the fuel cell. The present paper describes a method to achieve ultra-thick growth of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) on a carbon Toray™ paper using a joule heating process and gas-phase catalyst. Using this method, we are able to achieve rapid, high-density, and uniform MWNT growth. This method is also potentially scalable toward larger-scale production.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Persistent Eustachian Valves in Infants: Course and Management in Symptomatic Patients

Although commonly found on echocardiograms, persistent Eustachian valves rarely result in clinical symptoms in newborns and infants without other significant structural heart disease. Previous reports have suggested that such patients require surgical treatment. The goal of this study is to delineate better the clinical course in infants presenting with symptoms that are a result of persistent Eustachian valves. A review of all patients with symptoms attributed to persistent Eustachian valves over a 10-year period at Riley Hospital for Children showed 3 of 4 patients improved, with eventual resolution of symptoms, with conservative management alone. This suggests that, contrary to previous reports, clinical observation may be warranted in many of these infants.
Solid state effects on core electron cross-sections used in microanalysis

Abstract In quantitative electron energy loss spectroscopy, there has been some controversy as to whether fine structure due to solid state effects leads to errors in quantitative analysis. We consider the oxygen K edges in MnO and MnO 2 , which are different environments for the oxygen fine structure. We show that the partial cross-sections as a function of energy window for the oxygen K edge oscillate about the isolated atom partial cross-section. For an energy window larger than 20 eV, the worst-case error is of the order of 5%.
Experimental determinations of cutmark orientation and the reconstruction of prehistoric butchery behavior

The frequency, anatomical location, and orientation of stone tool cutmarks have all been widely employed in reconstructions of ancient butchery practices. Cutmark orientation in particular has great potential to inform on various aspects of past behavior, and here we provide experimentally derived orientations with novice butchers in two contexts. The first models the butchery of a carcass part by a single individual, and the second the butchery of a carcass part by several individuals simultaneously. Our goal is to test the following hypothesis: do butchers working alone produce less variation in cutmark orientation than several working at once? Preliminary data indicate that, at least with the novices involved in this experiment, variation in cutmark angles does not differ significantly between the two scenarios. Although further experimental work is warranted, we suggest that while the number of individuals may play some role in determining cutmark orientations, experience and skill are also important factors.
Identification of a Multicomponent Complex Required for Outer Membrane Biogenesis in Escherichia coli

Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane (OM) that functions as a barrier to protect the cell from toxic compounds such as antibiotics and detergents. The OM is a highly asymmetric bilayer composed of phospholipids, glycolipids, and proteins. Assembly of this essential organelle occurs outside the cytoplasm in an environment that lacks obvious energy sources such as ATP, and the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. We describe the identification of a multiprotein complex required for the assembly of proteins in the OM of Escherichia coli. We also demonstrate genetic interactions between genes encoding components of this protein assembly complex and imp, which encodes a protein involved in the assembly of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the OM. These genetic interactions suggest a role for YfgL, one of the lipoprotein components of the protein assembly complex, in a homeostatic control mechanism that coordinates the overall OM assembly process.
Electrochemical and AFM study of nickel nucleation mechanisms on vitreous carbon from ammonium sulfate solutions

Abstract Reaction and nucleation mechanisms of nickel in ammoniacal solutions have been investigated as a function of nickel concentration, solution pH, deposition potential, temperature and conditioning potential. Electrochemical mechanisms of nickel reduction were found to be pH dependent, while their kinetics was concentration dependent. A surface film formed by anodic oxidation passivates nickel clusters preventing their further oxidation. Nickel nucleation on vitreous carbon, which proceeds according to the progressive nucleation model, shows a large degree of inhibition at both pH 6 and pH 9. Cluster sizes were larger when electrodeposition was carried out from solutions with higher nickel concentrations. The clusters were also larger at more negative deposition potentials and at higher solution pH. Cluster population density increased with the increasing solution temperature. Different activation energies for the nickel–aquo and nickel–ammino complexes calculated from Arrhenius diagram indicate that electroreduction of nickel–ammino complex is energetically more demanding. All electrochemical results were further verified by the atomic force microscopy investigations.
From bench to bedside: Targeting epigenetics for cancer therapy

The initiation and progression of cancer not only involves genetic abnormalities, but also epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. Epigenetics refers to the heritable changes that do not involve any structural changes in the target gene, i.e., DNA sequence and protein sequence. Thus, these epigenetic aberrations are potentially reversible, allowing the malignant cells to revert to a state with more normal characteristics. The use of epigenetics is emerging as an effective and promising approach to treat cancer. Epigenetic drugs, which target two wellknown epigenetic pathways, namely, DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases, are already being applied for the cancer treatment. In the current study, an overview regarding the understanding of epigenetic alterations in the development of cancer and the current state of epigenetic drug discovery is provided.
Emotional Competence and its Influences on Teaching and Learning

This article provides an interdisciplinary review of theory and research linking aspects of emotional competence to learning and school-related outcomes across childhood. Drawing upon work in developmental psychology, educational psychology, and teacher education, this review also discusses the role of teachers in socializing students’ emotions and considers the strategies and the challenges they face in regulating their own emotions in the classroom context. Future directions for research in this area are proposed.
Staff Involvement in a Site-Based Curriculum Development Model:

Principals of the 21st century will playa vital role in curriculum and staffdevelopment. They need not master all disciplines to lead effectively; however, they must master the pro cess models and ...
The Senior Authors' Response: Factor Analysis as a Tool for Evaluating Eating Patterns

SUMMARY On the basis of our results (1), we believe that factoranalysis has applications in epidemiology that willimprove our understanding of many of the inconsis-tencies that exist in the literature. Wade HamptonFrost's characterization of epidemiology in 1936 (6)applies to many of our current attempts to understanddisease, often through the use of relatively new meth-ods. He described epidemiology as "something morethan the total of its established facts": It includes their orderly arrangement into chains ofinference which extend more or less beyond thebounds of direct observation. Such of those chains asare well and truly laid guide investigation to the factsof the future; those that are ill made fetter progress.But it is not easy, when divergent theories are pre-sented, to distinguish immediately between thosewhich are sound and those which are merely plausible(6, p. 120). The soundness of using factor analysis to identifyeating and lifestyle patterns that give us insight intodisease etiology will be better understood when moreepidemiologists have begun to use this method.
The Structures of the Bulky Basic Phosphine Sulfides Tris(2,6-Dimethoxyphenyl)Phosphine Sulfide (DMPP[dbnd]S) and Tris(2,4,6-Trimethoxyphenyl)Phosphine Sulfide (TMPP[dbnd]S)

Abstract The structures of the title compounds (DMPP[dbnd]S = [2,6-(OCH3)2C6H3]3P([dbnd]S), TMPP[dbnd]S = [2,4,6-(OCH3)3C6H2]3P([dbnd]S)) have been determined from X-ray diffractometer data. DMPP[dbnd]S: orthorhombic, Pbca; a = 15.377(2), b = 17.756(2), c = 17.921(1) A; V = 4893(1) A3; Z = 8; Dcalc. = 1.34 g cm−1; T = 294 ± 1 K; R = 0.044 for 2456 unique observed reflections of 5306 total data. TMPP[dbnd]S: monoclinic, P21/c; a = 9.067(1), b = 28.001(3), c = 11.299(1) A, β = 109.16(1)° V = 2710(1) A3; Z = 4; Dcalc. = 1.38 g cm−3; T = 193 ± 1 K; R = 0.042 for 2886 unique observed reflections of 5507 total data. Both molecules have a distorted propeller geometry, one of the aryl groups being close to coplanar with the P[dbnd]S bond. In both cases the P[dbnd]S bond is long (DMPP[dbnd]S, 1.969(1) A; TMPP[dbnd]S, 1.962(1) A).
Interpregnancy body mass index change and success of term vaginal birth after cesarean delivery.

Objective We investigated the effect of interpregnancy body mass index (BMI) change on success of term vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) among normal, overweight and obese women. Study Design Using 1992-2009 Washington State birth certificate data linked with hospitalization records, we conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of nulliparous women (BMI ≥18.5 kg/m 2 ) with a primary cesarean in their first birth and a term trial of labor in their second. Interpregnancy weight change (difference between first and second prepregnancy BMIs) was categorized as maintenance ( Results Among 8302 women who attempted a term trial of labor, 65% had a successful VBAC. Women with normal BMI before their first pregnancy experienced an 8% decrease in VBAC success with moderate gain (relative risk [RR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87–0.98) and a 12% decrease in success with high gain (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.83–0.93), compared with normal weight women who maintained weight. Weight loss increased VBAC success in women who were overweight (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01–1.25) or obese before their first delivery (RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04–1.49), compared with overweight and obese women, respectively, who maintained weight. Conclusion Women can improve their chance of successful VBAC through interpregnancy weight management.
Effect of muralytic enzyme degradation of streptococcal cell wall on complement activation in vivo and in vitro.

Rats given a single intraperitoneal injection of an aqueous suspension of peptidoglycan-polysaccharide polymers derived from group A streptococcal cell wall (PG-APS) develop a severe, chronic, erosive arthritis which resembles human rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment of PG-APS-mjected rats with a single intravenous injection of 0.4 mg of mutanolysin prevents the development of chronic arthritis, even when administration of the enzyme is delayed until severe acute arthritis has developed. PG-APS activates complement both in vitro and in vivo. Digestion of PG-APS with mutanolysin in vitro destroys the ability to activate both the alternate and classical pathways of human serum complement, and the loss of complement activation parallels the extent of PG-APS degradation. There is also a reduction in the in vivo complexing of C3 with PG-APS in the limbs of PG-APS-injected rats treated with mutanolysin, compared to control rats injected with PG-APS and treated with phosphate-buffered saline. This association between loss of arthropathic activity and loss of activation of complement is consistent with the hypothesis that activated complement products form a part of the inflammatory mediators involved in the acute and chronic phases of bacterial cell wall-induced arthritis. This may also partially explain how mutanolysin treatment alleviates cell wall-induced arthritis in the rat.
Energy flow in progressive collapse of steel framed buildings

This paper provides the methodology for an energy-based progressive collapse assessment of multistory buildings. The progressive collapse of steel-framed buildings is analyzed based on an energy flow perspective. The energy based assessment of structural members is introduced, and compared with conventional force and deformation approaches discussed in the literature. Consecutively, the advantages of energy flow analysis in interpretation of extreme dynamic events are discussed. On the global level, a building can arrest the collapse, and achieve its stable configuration only if the kinetic energy is completely dissipated by the structure. Otherwise, the remaining kinetic energy will cause the collapse to continue. In a conventional building, kinetic energy is dissipated within structural members by the transformation into their deformation energy. Structural members can dissipate finite amounts of energy before becoming unstable. The column deformation energy was shown to be a better stability indicator under dynamic loading than the maximum dynamic force. The energy flow analysis is illustrated with a collapse assessment of a typical steel building. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
A formulation for correlating properties of peptides and its application to predicting human immunodeficiency virus protease-cleavable sites in proteins

A mathematical frame has been established to generally formulate the correlating properties of peptides. The formulation can be used to study the specificity of multisite enzymes, particularly in predicting the susceptible sites in proteins by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) proteases, and hence can serve as a supplementary means in designing HIV protease inhibitors as potential drugs against acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Pseudo Compressible Mixed Interpolation Finite Element Method for Solving Three Dimensional Navier-Stokes Equations

A pseudo compressible finite element method for solving three dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes equations is presented. A physical problem discretized using tetrahedral elements with linear and quadratic interpolation functions for pressure and velocity variables respectively is then marched in time by using implicit time marching scheme based on finite differencing. The possible formation of indefinite matrix due to incompressibility constraint is avoided by inserting an artificial/pseudo time dependent term (Chorin, 1974) into the continuity equation that is eliminated when steady state is reached. This definite matrix system can then be solved using standard pre-conditioners and iterative solvers. Solutions for pressure driven flows obtained using this method are validated with the ones obtained from a standard problem of flow over a cylinder and also with numerical benchmark case of a 3-D laminar flow around an obstacle. An object oriented C++ program was developed which uses exact integrals of shape functions in its calculations rather than numerical integrations. This program was tested with different values of artificial compressibility factor (β), Reynolds numbers (Re) and grid sizes (number of Elements) and time steps (dt). The effect of these parameters on the the number of linear solver iterations required for convergence is studied efficiently using the non-dimensional numbers Pseudo Compressibility Number (PCN) and Elemental Reynolds Number (ERe). Although the relationship between the linear solver performance and these two non dimensional numbers remain complicated, it is found that there exists an optimum range of PCN as a function of ERe for which the solution convergence can be obtained with the minimum number of iterations.Copyright © 2013 by ASME