cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Survey of regional anesthesiology fellowship directors in the USA on the use of simulation in regional anesthesiology training.

Background Despite a growing interest in simulated learning, little is known about its use within regional anesthesia training programs. In this study, we aimed to characterise the simulation modalities and limitations of simulation use for US-based resident and fellow training in regional anesthesiology. Methods An 18-question survey was distributed to regional anesthesiology fellowship program directors in the USA. The survey aimed to describe residency and fellowship program demographics, modalities of simulation used, use of simulation for assessment, and limitations to simulation use. Results Forty-two of 77 (54.5%) fellowship directors responded to the survey. Eighty per cent of respondents with residency training programs utilized simulation for regional anesthesiology education, while simulation was used for 66.7% of fellowship programs. The most common modalities of simulation were gel phantom models (residency: 80.0%, fellowship: 52.4%) and live model scanning (residency: 50.0%, fellowship: 42.9%). Only 12.5% of residency programs and 7.1% of fellowship programs utilized simulation for assessment of skills. The most common greatest limitation to simulation use was simulator availability (28.6%) and funding (21.4%). Conclusions Simulation use for education is common within regional anesthesiology training programs, but rarely used for assessment. Funding and simulator availability are the most common limitations to simulation use.
Assessing the Efficacy of a PhotoVoice-Informed HIV Stigma Training for Health Care Workers

HIV stigma is a harmful social phenomenon present in United States (US)-based health care settings. This study assessed the efficacy of a participatory PhotoVoice-informed stigma reduction training program focusing on people living with HIV (PLWH) and targeting health care workers. Seventy-three (N = 73) participants were assessed at baseline (T1), within approximately a week of the training (T2), and at a 3-month follow-up (T3) regarding their HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes towards PLWH, and observations of enacted HIV stigma. Findings indicated that the training increased knowledge and improved attitudes (β = 0.56, p 0.05; β = − 0.29, p > 0.05, respectively). The training did not, however, have an impact on observations of enacted stigma at T2 (β = 0.10, p > 0.05) or at T3 (β = 0.02, p > 0.05). Additional participatory stigma reduction programs that involve diverse groups of health care workers, offer salient study incentives, include time-saving training methods, and comprise a variety of stigma measures, may be particularly beneficial.
Comparisons of patellar bone mineral density between individuals with and without patellofemoral pain.

Abstract Background Although bone stress injuries have been reported in individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP), especially within the lateral patella, it remains unclear whether persons with PFP exhibit altered patellar regional bone mineral density (BMD). The primary purpose of this study was to compare BMD of the patella (lateral, medial, and total regions) between individuals with and without PFP using quantitative computed tomography (QCT). The secondary aim was to examine the associations between patellar regional BMD and patellofemoral joint (PFJ) alignment. Methods Ten individuals with retropatellar pain and 10 sex, age, weight, height, and activity matched pain-free controls underwent a QCT scan to obtain patellar BMD. To quantify PFJ alignment, patellar lateral displacement was measured using bisect-offset (BSO) index and patellar mediolateral tilt was quantified using patellar tilt angle (PTA). A two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare BMD across the three patellar regions and between the two groups. Pearson correlation coefficient analyses were used to evaluate the associations between BMD and PFJ alignment of all participants. Results There was no difference in BMD between the two groups. However, BMD was highest within the lateral patella and was lowest within the medial patella across both groups. There were significantly moderate to large correlations between BSO index/PTA and BMD within lateral, medial, and total regions. Conclusions While individuals with PFP and pain-free controls have similar patellar BMD, the lateral patella exhibits the highest BMD. Additionally, higher patellar regional BMD is related to increased patellar lateral displacement and lateral tilt.
Topological edge states at single layer WSe2 1T′–1H lateral heterojunctions

Transition metal dichalcogenides can be epitaxially grown at the single layer limit, which also adopt a variety of structural polymorphs with significantly different electronic properties. Lateral heterostructures of different polymorphs can be further synthesized for emergent functionality. Here, we selectively grow semiconducting 1H and metastable 1T′ phases of WSe2 on epitaxial graphene/SiC(0001) by molecular beam epitaxy and further show that the 1T′ phase is a two-dimensional topological insulator. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, we determine that 1T′–WSe2 exhibits a large bulk bandgap of 120 meV, and edge states at the 1T′–1H lateral heterojunction extend within 1.6 nm from the heterointerface at the 1T′ side. These edge states are robust and persist regardless of the fact that if the edge is (1 × 1) zigzag or (3 × 1) reconstructed, confirming their topological nature. This further facilitates the epitaxial growth of 1T′–1H lateral junction superlattices with multiple helical edge channels, underpinning ultrahigh-density 2D topological nano quantum devices.
Generating from the Strauss Process using stitching.

The STrauss process is a point process with unnormalized density with respect to a Poisson point process, where each pair of points within a specified distance $r$ of each other contributes a factor $\lambda \in (0, 1)$ to the density. Basic Acceptance Rejection works spectacularly poorly for this problem, which is why several other perfect simulation methods have been developed. these methods, however, also work poorly for reasonably large values of $\lambda$. *Acceptance Rejection Stitching* is a new method that works much faster, allowing the simulation of point processes with values of $\lambda$ much larger than ever before.
Normative Accounts of International Environmental Migration in Latin America and the Religious Component of Intangible Loss

This paper describes incipient international and regional Latin American deliberations concerning normative frameworks for addressing environmentally-induced migration, and the role attributed to religion in these accounts. It begins by sketching the history of international normative instruments in support of refugees, highlighting Latin America’s leadership in successive efforts to advance refugee protections and to broaden inclusion in that category. It goes on to discuss reasons for the eventual failure of efforts to legally recognize “climate refugees,” and to survey renewed approaches to the issue, building on multilateral instruments about climate change as opposed to refugees. Finally, this paper explores implications of the decision by secular multilateral agencies to recognize faith-based actors as partners in the humanitarian response to rapid-onset environmental disasters, and the challenges this choice introduces for a more comprehensive appreciation of religion’s importance to communities affected by the long-term disruptions of environmentally-induced displacement.
How safe is Covishield (ChAdOx1nCoV-19) Vaccine? Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Background: Coronavirus disease vaccine has been recently rolled out for health care workers in India. We aimed to determine the incidence of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) among healthcare workers (HCWs) after their first dose of the ChAdOx1nCoV-19 vaccine. Methodology: We recruited 218 HCWs for this cross-sectional study. We circulated a google form on the hospital and asked them to self-report their vaccination experience. Results: Two-thirds (69.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 63.1–75.7) had minor AEFI, and none had severe AEFI. Body ache (46.8%, 95% CI: 40–53.6) was the most common symptom followed by headache (30.3%, 95% CI: 24.2–36.8). Most of them (39.4%, 95% CI: 32.9–46.2) experienced symptoms within 4–24 h after taking the vaccine. Majority (78.9%) were anxious before the vaccination. The younger age group and female gender were significantly associated with AEFI. Conclusion: HCWs experienced minor, self-limiting AEFI with the first dose of ChAdOx1nCoV-19. The hospital reported no serious AEFI following the vaccination.
Melanoma and other Skin Cancers: A Contrast in Solar Radiation Carcinogenesis

Exposure to sunlight of the poorly pigmented skin of people of European descent leads to neoplastic change in both the cells that give rise to the squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas, to the lentigo maligna melanomas, and to the nodular and superficial spreading melanomas. However, the dose relationships, timing, and precursor lesions are quite different. Thus an opportunity for studying carcinogenesis in humans where different cell types are exposed to the same carcinogen.
Receiving Help: Management Strategies of the Handicapped

The social act of helping is presented from the recipient's viewpoint. Interview material from handicapped adults and contributions from the literature on helping provide insight to the helped person's management and interpretation of being helped. Techniques employed in the management of help are described. Alternative strategies and interpretations are available to the helped person; receiving help is not necessarily demeaning as social norms suggest. The interaction between helper and helped person is the central concern. As more people with disabilities become active in their communities more occasions are likely to arise which will require able-bodied strangers to give assistance to those with handicaps. How can the handicapped manage these helping situations without being demeaned? Most studies of helping situations have emphasized the perspective of the helper rather than of the recipient. Factors such as sex, social class, and power of helpers have been studied (Berkowitz and Friedman, 1967; Schopler, 1967; Bryan and Test, 1967; and Schopler and Bateson, 1965), but the assumption has generally been that persons receiving help are passive recipients of whatever help might come their way. An exception to this view of the recipient has been contributed by Davis (1961). He has examined the methods by which handicapped persons cope with stigmatization and found that they attempt to direct social interaction with the able-bodied in ways which will encourage equal relationships. However, in helping situations the limitations of the handicapped are likely to be emphasized. Resolving the conflicting needs of acquiring help while maintaining equality calls for management of the situation. In order to explore the elements of helping situations from the handicapped person's viewpoint the literature on helping was reviewed and in-depth interviews with handicapped individuals were conducted. As informants they described how they manage the
Demonstration of an intermediate-scale lens-to-channel waveguide solar concentrator

Solar concentrating photovoltaic systems have the potential to reduce total cost and achieve higher efficiency by replacing a large solar cell surface with cheaper optical devices, in which a large area of light can be efficiently collected and concentrated to a small optical device and guided to an array of co-located photovoltaic cells with high optical efficiency. We present an experimental demonstration for a lens-to-channel waveguide solar concentrator using a commercially-available Fresnel lens array. In this work, a 60 mm by 60 mm lens to channel waveguide system is used for demonstration. A separate, aluminum-coated 45° coupler is fabricated and attached to the waveguide to improve the coupling efficiency and to avoid any inherent decoupling loss. The fabrication details and component performance of the prototype device are discussed.
Securing intelligent adjuncts using trusted computing platform technology

In [1], Balacheff et al described a new paradigm for smartcard usage called the Intelligent Adjunct model. The current increasing programmability of smartcards and development of the Internet is enabling new flexible and dynamic platforms for electronic commerce and services. In particular, the Intelligent Adjunct model combined with the use of a Trusted Computing Platform enables more flexible and more reliable network-based service development. This paper describes such a method using a hardware-based component in a computing platform to enable the establishment of a trust relationship between a smartcard and the terminal to which it is connected.
Prediction of regional water balance components based on climate, soil, and vegetation parameters, with application to the Illinois River Basin

[1] This paper presents a framework for studying regional water balance in which the physical processes are first described at the local instantaneous scale and then integrated to the annual, basin-wide scale. The integration treats the relative soil saturation (i.e., the soil moisture divided by the porosity) and precipitation intensities as stochastic variables in space and time. A statistical equilibrium characterizes the annual water balance, resulting in a specific relation that predicts the space-time average of soil saturation in terms of soil, climate, and vegetation parameters. Specific relationships are proposed to relate the space-time average soil saturation to runoff, groundwater recharge, and evapotranspiration. This framework is applied to the Illinois River Basin. The shape of the spatial and temporal distributions of soil saturation are determined from observations. The other parameters are determined from the physical characteristics of the basin and calibration procedures. The resulting model is able to reproduce an observed relation between the space-time average soil saturation and precipitation. It is also able to reproduce observed relations between space-time average soil saturation and space-time average evapotranspiration, surface runoff, and groundwater runoff. INDEX TERMS: 1836 Hydrology: Hydrologic budget (1655); 1866 Hydrology: Soil moisture; 1854 Hydrology: Precipitation (3354); 1860 Hydrology: Runoff and streamflow; KEYWORDS: Illinois River, probabilistic methods, soil moisture, water balance
Opponent modeling in scrabble

Computers have already eclipsed the level of human play in competitive Scrabble, but there remains room for improvement. In particular, there is much to be gained by incorporating information about the opponent's tiles into the decision-making process. In this work, we quantify the value of knowing what letters the opponent has. We use observations from previous plays to predict what tiles our opponent may hold and then use this information to guide our play. Our model of the oppoent, based on Bayes' theorem, sacrifices accuracy for simplicity and ease of computation. But even with this simplified model, we show significant improvement in play over an existing Scrabble program. These empirical results suggest that this simple approximation may serve as a suitable substitute for the intractable partially observable Markov decision process. Although this work focuses on computer-vs-computer Scrabble play, the tools developed can be of great use in training humans to play against other humans.
A Rare Case of Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Secondary to Acute Pulmonary Histoplasmosis

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a rare presentation of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis. While histoplasmosis has been reported to cause hemoptysis and alveolar hemorrhage in children, the English language literature lacks any adult case reports documenting this association. We report a case of pulmonary histoplasmosis where the initial presentation was pneumonia with a subsequent diagnosis of DAH.
The Effects of Citizens United on Corporate Contributions in the 2012 Presidential Election

The 2012 presidential election saw a 426% increase in independent expenditures from the 2008 election ($202.8 million in 2008 to $1067 million in 2012), leaving little doubt that the Supreme Court’s landmark 2010 Citizens United decision opened the campaign spending floodgates. To what extent are corporations, the main subject of the ruling, the source of the increase? We argue that while Citizens alters the ability of corporations to contribute to campaigns, it does not alter their substantial risk in doing so. As a result, we do not expect major corporations to be a source of the dramatic increase in independent spending in the 2012 election. In fact, contrary to popular opinion we expect Citizens United to have very little effect on corporations’ overall contribution strategies. We test our expectations utilizing an original dataset of political activity and campaign contributions to political action committees (PACs) and Super PACs by Fortune 500 companies. Our findings support our expectation; corporate spending did not change as result of the Citizens United ruling.
Use of genomic data in risk assessment.

A report on the Contemporary Concepts in Toxicology workshop 'Use of Genomic Data in Risk Assessment: State of the Art 2001' held by the Society of Toxicology, Washington DC, USA, 7-8 November 2001.
Patient comprehension of discharge instructions from the emergency department: a literature review

Purpose To examine research published from 1995 to 2010, evaluating patient comprehension of discharge instructions from emergency department (ED) or urgent care (UC) settings. Specifically, we examined: (a) the interventions utilized to provide discharge instructions, (b) the methods used to assess patient comprehension, and (c) the most effective strategies for assuring patient comprehension of ED discharge instructions. Data sources A comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing the following databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Health Reference Center Academic, Medline, Cochrane, and Ovid. English language peer-reviewed articles published between 1995 and 2010 were reviewed. Search terms included patient, comprehension, understanding, discharge instructions, health education, and emergency medicine. Conclusions Increases in patient comprehension of ED discharge instructions are identified with alternative teaching interventions (multimedia) in comparison to traditional standardized written discharge instructions (usual care). Literature suggests clinicians seldom clarify patient comprehension in practice, though effective methods are noted in research. Future research is needed to explore innovative teaching interventions and their impact upon patient comprehension and patient outcomes. Implications for practice To ensure patient comprehension of discharge instructions, the simplification of discharge material is paramount. Nurse practitioners working in ED or UC settings can improve upon “usual care” by exploring more innovative teaching interventions.
Assessment of altered three-dimensional blood characteristics in aortic disease by velocity distribution analysis.

Purpose To test the feasibility of velocity distribution analysis for identifying altered three-dimensional (3D) flow characteristics in patients with aortic disease based on 4D flow MRI volumetric analysis. Methods Forty patients with aortic (Ao) dilation (mid ascending aortic diameter MAA = 40 ± 7 mm, age = 56 ± 17 years, 11 females) underwent cardiovascular MRI. Four groups were retrospectively defined: mild Ao dilation (n = 10; MAA 45 mm); Ao dilation+aortic stenosis AS (n = 10; MAA > 35 mm and peak velocity > 2.5 m/s). The 3D PC-MR angiograms were computed and used to obtain a 3D segmentation of the aorta which was divided into four segments: root, ascending aorta, arch, descending aorta. Radial chart displays were used to visualize multiple parameters representing segmental changes in the 3D velocity distribution associated with aortic disease. Results Changes in the velocity field and geometry between cohorts resulted in distinct hemodynamic patterns for each aortic segment. Disease progression from mild to Ao dilation + AS resulted in significant differences (P < 0.05) in flow parameters across cohorts and increased radial chart size for root and ascending aorta segments by 146% and 99%, respectively. Conclusion Volumetric 4D velocity distribution analysis has the potential to identify characteristic changes in regional blood flow patterns in patients with aortic disease. Magn Reson Med 74:817–825, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Axial and Torsional Dynamic Responses of Tubular Joints With an Annular Void

Dynamic responses of adhesively bonded tubular joints subjected to a harmonic axial and torsional load are investigated. Adherents are assumed elastic and the adhesive is taken to be a linear viscoelastic material. The effects of adherents and adhesive properties on the joint response as well as on the shear stress amplitude distribution along the overlap are investigated for each case of harmonic loading. Furthermore, the effects of defects such as an annular void in the bond area on the axial and torsional dynamic responses and shear stress amplitude distributions in the bond area are studied. The results indicate that for tubular joint geometries and properties investigated the axial and torsional resonant frequencies of the joint are little affected with the adhesive loss factor. These resonant frequencies initially increase rapidly with increasing adhesive shear modulus. However, the resonant frequencies asymptotically approach a constant value with further increase in adhesive shear modulus. The results further show that the resonant frequencies of the joint may not get affected with the presence of a central void in the bond area. The distribution of shear stress amplitude in the joint area is obtained. The maximum shear stress is confined to the edge of the overlap for all applied loading frequencies. For the adhesive and adherents’ properties and geometries investigated, the maximum shear stress amplitude in the joint area is little affected by the presence of a central annular void covering up to 40% of the overlap length. However, a central void larger than 40% of the overlap length may be detrimental or beneficial to the joint strength. This depends on the applied loading frequency. A central void reduces the system axial and torsional resonant frequencies. This may depart the system further away from the applied loading frequency or may bring it closer. A system excited closer or further from to its resonant frequency will develop higher or lower shear stress amplitude in the bond area.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Binding Energies of Gas-Phase Metal Ions with Pyrrole: Experimental and Quantum Chemical Results

Binding energies to pyrrole were determined for a number of main-group and transition-metal cations (both monomer complexes with one pyrrole ligand and dimer complexes with two ligands). Experimental data were obtained by radiative association kinetics measurements in the Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance ion trapping mass spectrometer, along with ligand exchange equilibrium determinations (for the Mg+ and Al+ cases) using benzene as the reference ligand. Density functional calculations using the B3LYP hybrid functional were carried out on all complexes. The calculations indicated binding only to the π site of pyrrole, with no significantly stable binding site being found for binding of any metal ion in the vicinity of the nitrogen. Experimental binding energies for the transition-metal monomer complexes were parallel to previously reported benzene values. Mg+ and Al+ were more strongly bound to pyrrole than benzene, presumably due to the dipole moment of pyrrole. The quantum chemical binding ener...
The future of therapy for nonseminomatous germ cell tumors

This article has reviewed recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of germ cell transformation, germ cell tumor differentiation, and germ cell tumor chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance. Future developments should include the following: The use of high-throughput techniques to assess tumor biology and evaluate new markers will allow more sophisticated assessment of prognosis. Future therapy will use oligonucleotide chips, perhaps specific to germ cell tumors or gene products associated with drug resistance, to assign treatment (radiation, RPLND, chemotherapy). The pathways associated with metastases and resistance will either replace or amplify the current risk algorithms and the clinician's ability to select therapy. The same high-throughput techniques will identify critical molecules and pathways, providing new specific treatment targets. Cell cycle-specific targets are an ideal focus of study, because genes abrogating normal cell cycle control and promoting germ cell tumorigenesis are increasingly identified. In germ cell tumors, CCND2 and KIT are open to study. Molecular and genetic markers of differentiation are additional resistance markers and should be a focus of study. In this context, the treatment of malignant transformation and the prediction of teratoma at metastatic sites will take on a greater importance. Over the past 2 decades, the treatment of germ cell tumors has become well-defined. Further improvement requires that investigators find new markers corresponding to tumor phenotype. This achievement will prevent unnecessary treatment in patients destined to have a favorable outcome, and will target biologically unfavorable or resistant disease for new therapy developed specifically to target the molecular or genetic defects that disrupt normal cell cycle control.
Association of Prolonged Rupture of Membranes (Prom) With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) in Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) Infants in The Post-Surfactant ERA 1287

To investigate factors associated with BPD, we performed a retrospective cohort analysis to identify factors associated with BPD in 290 ELBW infants admitted to our hospital between 1/1/92 and 12/31/96. 33 infants who died before one month of age, and 26 late admission (>one month) were excluded from analysis. The remaining infants' birth weight (BW) and gestational ages(GA) were 779±137 gm and 26.1±1.6 wks. BPD was defined as oxygen dependence at postconceptional age of 36 wks. 91% of the infants received surfactant. 49% of infants in PROM group and 30.5% in non-PROM group developed BPD. The data were analyzed by backward stepwise logistic regression entering the following variables: GA, BW, gender, outborn, 5' apgar score, PROM, and antenatal steroid use. PDA, air leaks, compliance and resistance during the first four days and culture proven sepsis during the first month were also included. Conclusion: PROM is an independent predictor of BPD after controlling for antenatal steroid use, gender, BW, respiratory illness severity and sepsis. Table
Universal Application of Colonoscopy Mitigates Unnecessary Laparotomy in Patients with Pelvic Tumors of Unknown Origin

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish the utility of universal colonoscopy in patients with giant pelvic masses of unknown origin. Design: The study was designed as a retrospective case review. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent laparotomy for pelvic tumors of unknown origin with a discharge diagnosis of colorectal cancer were identified. Records were reviewed to determine whether sufficient data had been present preoperatively or if further evaluation would have established a definitive preoperative diagnosis. Results: Over an 8-year period, 10 patients were originally thought to have gynecologic cancer and later found to have colorectal cancer. Three patients had had preoperative endoscopy: one negative, one misinterpreted by the pathologist, and one misinterpreted by the gastroenterologist. The 7 remaining patients had had mucosal abnormalities in their gross surgical specimens, suggesting that colonoscopy would have been diagnostic. Five patients had seven additiona...
Circulatory Adjustments to the Hypoxemia of Congenital Heart Disease of the Cyanotic Type

In a limited number of subjects having hypoxemia related to congenital malformations of the heart, no evidence was obtained of a correlation between the degree of hypoxemia or the extent of the polycythemia and the systemic blood flow. The circulatory response to exercise was characterized by a greater increase in the arteriovenous oxygen difference than in the systemic blood flow. A syncopal reaction in one patient was preceded by a greatly increased systemic blood flow and a small arteriovenous oxygen difference.
Scalable Cage-Driven Feature Detection and Shape Correspondence for 3D Point Sets

We propose an automatic deformation-driven correspondence algorithm for 3D point sets of non-rigid articulated shapes. Our approach uses simple geometric cages to embed the point set data and extract and match a coarse set of prominent features. We seek feature correspondences which lead to low-distortion deformations of the cages while satisfying the feature pairing. Our approach operates on the simplified geometric domain of the cage instead of the more complex 3D point data. Thus, it is robust to noise, partial occlusions, and insensitive to non-regular sampling. We demonstrate the potential of our approach by finding pairwise correspondences for sequences of acquired time-varying 3D scan point data.
Theoretical interpretation of the 0.7820 μm CO2 band and 0.8226 μm H2O line on Venus

Abstract We have analyzed the P6, P8, and P10 lines in the 0.7820 μm CO2 band of Venus using a scattering model. Our new results compare favorably with previous results from the 1.05 μm CO2 band. We considered nonabsorbing and absorbing clouds. We found that the anisotropic scattering mean free path for both models at the 0.2atm level is between 0.55 and 0.73km, a range close to the value of 1 km for terrestrial hazes. We used our scattering models to synthesize the 0.8226 μm H2O line, assuming that the clouds are composed of sulfuric acid drops, and found our nonabsorbing cloud required a sulfuric acid concentration of 82% by weight, while our thicker absorbing cloud required a concentration of 89%. A comparison of the variation of optical depth with height for our cloud models with the variation reported by Prinn (1973, Science 182, 1132–1134) showed that, within a factor of 2, the variation for Prinn's thinnest cloud agreed with ours. Whitehill and Hansen (1973, Icarus 20, 146–152) have recently confirmed the work of Regas et al. (1973a, J. Quant. Spectry. Radiative Transfer 13, 461–463) which showed that two cloud layers are not required to explain the CO2 phase variation of Venus. Prinn's recent photochemical study of sulfuric acid clouds further supports a single, continuous cloud layer in the line formation region instead of two cloud layers with an extensive clear region between. The single layer model appears more likely because the maximum particle density in Prinn's cloud occurs in the clear region between the two layers in the models of Hunt (1972, J. Quant. Spectry. Radiative Transfer 12, 405–419) and Carleton and Traub (1972, Bull. Amer. Astron. Soc. 4, 362.).
Informative estimation and selection of correlation structure for longitudinal data

Identifying an informative correlation structure is important in improving estimation efficiency for longitudinal data. We approximate the empirical estimator of the correlation matrix by groups of known basis matrices that represent different correlation structures, and transform the correlation structure selection problem to a covariate selection problem. To address both the complexity and the informativeness of the correlation matrix, we minimize an objective function that consists of two parts: the difference between the empirical information and a model approximation of the correlation matrix, and a penalty that penalizes models with too many basis matrices. The unique feature of the proposed estimation and selection of correlation structure is that it does not require the specification of the likelihood function, and therefore it is applicable for discrete longitudinal data. We carry out the proposed method through a groupwise penalty strategy, which is able to identify more complex structures. The ...
Repression of Tissue Culture Growth by Visible and Near Visible Radiation.

5. LAUSBERG, T. 1935. Quantitative Untersuchungen uiber die kutikulare Exkretion der Laubbiiatter. Jahrb. Wiss. Botan. 81: 769-806. 6. SCHOCH, K. 1955. Erfassung der kutikularen Rekretion von K and Ca. Ber. Schweiz. Botan. Ges. 65: 205-50. 7. TUKEY, H. B., JR. AND J. V. MORGAN. 1964. The occurrence of leaching from above-ground plant parts and the nature of the materials leached. Proc. XVI Intern. Hort. Cong. 4: 146-53. 8. TUKEY, H. B., JR. AND H. B. TUKEY. 1962. The loss of organic and inorganic materials by leaching from leaves and other above-ground plant parts. In: Radioisotopes in Soil-Plant Nutrition Studies. Intern. At. Energy Agency, Vienna. p 289-302. 9. TUKEY, H. B., JR., H. B. TUKEY, AND S. H. WITTWER. 1958. Loss of nutrients by foliar leaching as determined by radioisotopes. Proc. Am. Soc. Hort. Sci. 71: 496-505.
A Sensitized Emission Based Calibration of FRET Efficiency for Probing the Architecture of Macromolecular Machines

Macromolecular machines participate in almost every cell biological function. These machines can take the form of well-defined protein structures such as the kinetochore, or more loosely organized protein assemblies like the endocytic coat. The protein architecture of these machines—the arrangement of multiple copies of protein subunits at the nanoscale, is necessary for understanding their cell biological function and biophysical mechanism. Defining this architecture in vivo presents a major challenge. High density of protein molecules within macromolecular machines severely limits the effectiveness of super-resolution microscopy. However, this density is ideal for Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET), which can determine the proximity between neighboring molecules. Here, we present a simple FRET quantitation scheme that calibrates a standard epifluorescence microscope for measuring donor–acceptor separations. This calibration can be used to deduce FRET efficiency fluorescence intensity measurements. This method will allow accurate determination of FRET efficiency over a wide range of values and FRET pair number. It will also allow dynamic FRET measurements with high spatiotemporal resolution under cell biological conditions. Although the poor maturation efficiency of genetically encoded fluorescent proteins presents a challenge, we show that its effects can be alleviated. To demonstrate this methodology, we probe the in vivo architecture of the γ-Tubulin Ring. Our technique can be applied to study the architecture and dynamics of a wide range of macromolecular machines. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12195-013-0290-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans genotypes in relation to serotypes and periodontal status

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is prevalent in periodontitis but is found in some periodontally healthy individuals as well. The arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) was used to fingerprint clinical A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates of different serotypes to determine the association between individual clonal types and periodontal conditions. Fifteen different AP-PCR genotypes were distinguished among 93 A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates from 86 uncohabiting individuals with adult periodontitis, localized juvenile periodontitis or no periodontal destruction. The 3 most common AP-PCR genotypes accounted for 68% of the isolates. Seven of the remaining AP-PCR genotypes were found only in periodontitis. The isolates of a given AP-PCR genotype usually belonged to the same serotype. The distribution of the AP-PCR genotypes among serotype b isolates seemed to differ among the subject groups. The results revealed a major genetic dissimilarity between A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes and suggested a relationship between some A. actinomycetemcomitans clones and periodontal disease.
Moisture isotherms of a processed meat product—Bologna

Summary A study was carried out to obtain moisture isotherms of an intermediate-moisture processed meat product at a refrigerated and three ambient temperatures. Results showed that the isotherms were sigmoidal in shape. The Henderson equation was applied and analysed. It was found that the storage stability of the product is maintained at 5°C. Heats of desorption were presented.
The United States 2012 General Election: Making Children's Health and Well-Being a Priority for the Candidates

From the Department of Pediatrics, Mattel Children’s Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (Drs Coker and Chung), Los Angeles, Calif; RAND (Drs Coker andChung), SantaMonica, Calif; Department of Health Services, UCLASchool of Public Health (Dr Chung), Los Angeles, Calif; and Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (Dr Minkovitz), Baltimore, Md Address correspondence to Tumaini R. Coker, MD, MBA, UCLA/RAND Prevention Research Center, 10960 Wilshire Ave, Suite 1550, Los Angeles, CA 90024 (e-mail: tcoker@mednet.ucla.edu).
Progress in Distributed Generation in Korea

This paper presents the progress in distributed generation in Korea. The government policy has emphasized mainly on three different renewable energy sources, namely, hydrogen and fuel cell, photovoltaic, and wind power. Concerning renewable energy, the government plans to replace 5% of the primary energy source by the year 2011. The road map for the three major renewable energy sources is presented.
What is Curriculum Theory? A Special Problem in Social Theory.

Education is a practical profession. Like other professions, such as criminal justice, social work, and public administration, it takes as its task the production of some social good. The social good being promoted in this case is learning, whether it is thought of in the restricted sense of schooling or the more extended sense of education (Bereiter, 1972). Curricular phenomena are central to education and are characterized by Walker (1981) as follows:
Two-stage decision-making under uncertainty and stochasticity: Bayesian Programming

This paper develops a new method for decision-making under uncertainty. The method, Bayesian Programming (BP), addresses a class of two-stage decision problems with features that are common in environmental and water resources. BP is applicable to two-stage combinatorial problems characterized by uncertainty in unobservable parameters, only some of which is resolved upon observation of the outcome of the first-stage decision. The framework also naturally accommodates stochastic behavior, which has the effect of impeding uncertainty resolution. With the incorporation of systematic methods for decision search and Monte Carlo methods for Bayesian analysis, BP addresses limitations of other decision-analytic approaches for this class of problems, including conventional decision tree analysis and stochastic programming. The methodology is demonstrated with an illustrative problem of water quality pollution control. Its effectiveness for this problem is compared to alternative approaches, including a single-stage model in which expected costs are minimized and a deterministic model in which uncertain parameters are replaced by their mean values. A new term, the expected value of including uncertainty resolution, or EVIUR, is introduced and evaluated for the illustrative problem. It is a measure of the worth of incorporating the experimental value of decisions into an optimal decision-making framework. For the illustrative problem, the two-stage adaptive management framework extracted up to approximately 50% of the gains of perfect information. The strength and limitations of the method are discussed and conclusions are presented.
The extraction of uranium (VI) from sulphuric acid solutions by di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phosphoric acid

Abstract The partition of zirconium(IV) between sulphuric acid solutions and solutions of DEHPA in an organic solvent has been investigated. I.R. and high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra have been obtained for the organic phase, and the apparent molecular weight of the compound prepared by drying the zirconium-saturated organic phase has been determined in benzene. The mechanism of the extraction is discussed on the basis of these results.
The Seroagglutination Test in the Study of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

The Schaefer seroagglutination test is useful in epidemiologic studies of nontuberculous mycobacteria, especially the Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare-scrofulaceum complex. Serovars 8, 16, 4, 19, 9, 42, and 1 were isolated most frequently from patients in the United States in the period 1976 to mid-1978. Several so-called double serovars were found serologically. It appears that this is an artifact due to cross-reacting antigens, because only one antigen is seen using chromatographic analyses. Further development of this system and its use in conjunction with other methods offer a valuable method for the study of nontuberculous mycobacteria.
Combinatorial optimization: current successes and directions for the future

Our ability to solve large, important combinatorial optimization problems has improved dramatically in the past decade. The availability of reliable software, extremely fast and inexpensive hardware and high-level languages that make the modeling of complex problems much faster have led to a much greater demand for optimization tools. This paper highlights the major breakthroughs and then describes some very exciting future opportunities. Previously, large research projects required major data collection efforts, expensive mainframes and substantial analyst manpower. Now, we can solve much larger problems on personal computers, much of the necessary data is routinely collected and tools exist to speed up both the modeling and the post-optimality analysis. With the information-technology revolution taking place currently, we now have the opportunity to have our tools embedded into supply-chain systems that determine production and distribution schedules, process-design and location-allocation decisions. These tools can be used industry-wide with only minor modifications being done by each user.
Star formation rates and the far-infrared luminosity of Galactic molecular clouds

The CO luminosity, far-IR luminosity, and virial mass of 55 molecular clouds are determined and related to star formation rates (SFRs) in the clouds. The SFR of OB stars per unit of available molecular mass is found to be independent of cloud mass and varies widely over a range of about 100 for clouds of mass between 30,000 and five million solar masses. The far-IR luminosity is proportional to the first power of the CO luminosity for clouds undergoing high-mass star formation. There are massive clouds without any current high-mass star formation. The average gas depletion time is about 2.5 billion yr. The far-IR luminosity-to-mass ratio for isolated or weakly interacting spiral galaxies observed by IRAS is twice that for the average Galactic molecular cloud. The star formation mechanism operating in strongly interacting galaxies is five times more efficient than that of the most active Galactic cloud and 30 times that of the average Galactic cloud.
Process variation in near-threshold wide SIMD architectures

Near-threshold operation has emerged as a competitive approach for energy-efficient architecture design. In particular, a combination of near-threshold circuit techniques and parallel SIMD computations achieves excellent energy efficiency for easy-to-parallelize applications. However, near-threshold operations suffer from delay variations due to increased process variability. This is exacerbated in wide SIMD architectures where the number of critical paths are multiplied by the SIMD width. This paper provides a systematic in-depth study of delay variations in near-threshold operations and shows that simple techniques such as structural duplication and supply voltage/frequency margining are sufficient to mitigate the timing variation problems in wide SIMD architectures at the cost of marginal area and power overhead.
Differential Expression of the Transcripts of Spartina alterniflora Loisel (Smooth Cordgrass) Induced in Response to Petroleum Hydrocarbon

Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC) in soil are potentially toxic to plants and exert negative effect on the environment and human health. To understand the effect of PHC on the gene expression profile of a wetland plant Spartina alterniflora in the coastal Louisiana, plants were subject up to 40% PHC under greenhouse conditions. The plants exposed to PHC showed 21% reduction of leaf total chlorophyll after 2 weeks of stress. Using 20 annealing control primers, 28 differentially expressing genes (DEGs) were identified in leaf and root tissues of S. alterniflora in response to PHC stress. Eleven of these 28 DEGs had role in either molecular function (chlorophyll a-b binding protein, HSP70, NADH, RAN1-binding protein, and RNA-binding protein), biological processes (cell wall protein, nucelosome/chromatin assembly factor) or cellular function (30 S ribosomal protein). This indicated that genes in different regulatory pathways of S. alterniflora were involved in response to PHC. All DEGs showed reduced transcript accumulation in root under oil stress, whereas they showed up- or down-regulation in their transcript abundance in leaf depending on the concentration of the PHC. The genes identified through this study could be used in the genetic screen of S. alterniflora for resistance to PHC.
Effect of enteral gavage feeding rate on pulmonary functions of very low birth weight infants.

To compare the effects of intermittent and continuous feedings on pulmonary function, we studied 24 very low birth weight neonates (mean±SD: birth weight, 1.2±0.3 kg; gestational age, 30.5±1.1 weeks) at 2 to 4 weeks of age. All infants had a previous diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome but no subsequent diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Pulmonary mechanics were measured before the beginning of intermittent or continuous feedings and 10 minutes after each meal was completed. Twelve infants were randomly assigned to intermittent and 12 to continuous feedings. These infants had similar birth weight, gestational age, study age, and baseline lung function. After intermittent feedings, there was a significant decrease in tidal volume (38%), minute ventilation (44%), and dynamic compliance (28%), whereas pulmonary resistance increased significantly (100%). In comparison, the pulmonary function data remained unchanged after continuous feedings. These data demonstrate that intermittent feeding of very low birth weight infants can lead to airflow and respiratory instability. These adverse effects appear to be dependent on the rate that feedings are administered. A slower pace of feeding may be more advantageous for infants prone to respiratory instability.