cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bottom currents in the western Atlantic Ocean between the Lesser Antilles and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Abstract Examination of bottom photographs taken from the corehead of a piston corer during November and December, 1967, between the Lesser Antilles and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, as well as from earlier cruises, indicate that southerly bottom currents flow over the western Guiana Basin. Deviations from the general southward flow occur near the Lesser Antilles and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Velocities were of the order of 1–3 cm/sec, or less.
Targeting the Development of Content Knowledge and Scientific Reasoning: Reforming College-Level Chemistry for Nonscience Majors

A liberal education curriculum requires discipline-specific courses that develop intellectual and practical skills. With this promise of development, it is crucial that instruction focuses on content knowledge as well as the thinking patterns associated with the content. In chemistry, scientific reasoning is one such skill that students should improve; however, this is a tall order for a traditional lecture course. Through the use of student-centered, content-driven, and reasoning skill-focused interventions, this development may be more likely to occur. This article describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of instructional materials for a chemistry class for non-science majors and makes the materials available to the chemistry education community for broader dissemination.
Key Factors Influencing Student Satisfaction Related to Recruitment and Retention

ABSTRACT In order to attract and retain students, universities must identify and meet student expectations. This article examines which aspects of a student's educational experience are more important in influencing student satisfaction. The findings show that “student centered-ness,” “campus climate,” and “instructional effectiveness,” have a strong impact on how satisfied a student is with his/her overall educational experience. The results also suggest that recruitment strategies may require emphasizing different aspects of a student's educational experience than retentio strategies.
Selection and preprocessing of factors for simplex optimization

Abstract Factor selection and preprocessing are important aspects of optimization studies. When simplex optimization is used, as many factors as can be handled conveniently should be included in the optimization; additional factors do not greatly increase the number of experiments required to reach the optimum. If the risk associated with poor response is minimal, a large initial simplex will provide information about a larger volume of the factor space. It is unnecessary to assign to each of the factors a step size that is inversely proportional to the factor's significance. The vertices of the initial simplex can be easily calculated by a minor modification of a published algorithm.
The acquisition of before and after reconsidered: What develops?

Abstract When describing familiar events, preschoolers spontaneously and correctly use a number of relational terms (e.g., before, after, if, so, because, or, and but) which investigators using comprehension paradigms have concluded children do not comprehend until several years later ( L.A. French & K. Nelson (1981) , Papers and Reports on Child Language Development, 20, 61–69; (1983) unpublished manuscript, University of Rochester). L.A. French ((in preparation) The Language of Events, in K. Nelson (Ed.), Event Knowledge and Cognitive Development; French & Nelson, 1983 ) suggested that this production/comprehension disparity may result from the fact that in production, children generally already have a mental representation of the relationship they wish to describe, whereas in comprehension, they must create a representation on the basis of verbal input. This study assesses the possibility that the ease of comprehending relational terms may vary depending upon whether the relationship being described is one with which the child is already familiar. Three- and four-year-olds answered before-, after-, and when-questions that referred to pictured event sequences having invariant or arbitrary real-world temporal orders. It was assumed that the children had prior knowledge of the temporal structure of the invariant sequences. While 4-year-olds performed well with both types of sequences, 3-year-olds performed well with invariant sequences only. The results support a conclusion that within the age range tested, it is not lexical knowledge which develops, but rather the ability to coordinate this lexical knowledge with the cognitive demands associated with responding to the questions referring to arbitrary sequences. These results are discussed in terms of their implications regarding (1) preschoolers' knowledge of temporal relationships and the lexical means for describing these relationships, and (2) the validity of models of lexical development derived from previous studies of preschoolers' comprehension of relational terms.
Measurement of the Cosmic Microwave Background Temperature at 1.5-cm Wavelength

Abstract : This report discusses the measurement of the cosmic microwave background temperature at 1.5 cm. wavelength; the result is 2.0 plus or minus 0.8 degrees K. Experimental techniques and the sources of error are mentioned.
Effect of Keystone Mine Effluent on Colonization of Stream Benthos

Colonization cages were filled with organism-free, standardized, stone substrate and placed in the stream bed above and below the effluent from an inactive lead and zinc mine in western Colorado. A significantly higher proportion of the total individuals colonizing cages from an upstream direction were dead below the effluent compared with the controls above the effluent. The percent ''mortality'' of the mayfly, Baetis bicaudatus, the dominant species in Coal Creek, was also consistently higher below the effluent. Total numbers of live insects colonizing cages were generally higher above the effluent; but results were not as consistent as ''mortality'' data. A diversity index (H'), species richness, and equitability (J') of the samples were not reliable indices of responses to stress by the benthic community. Given cages with contaminated substrate in uncontaminted water, the community recovered remarkably quickly. Colonizing populations were indistinguishable from those of control cages with uncontaminated substrate within 9 days. We conclude that the substrate habitat below the mine effluent is unsuitable for most benthic invertebrates and that the colonization technique that allows determination of percent mortality is more consistent and reliable than conventional measures of diversity for assessing the response of benthic invertebrates to stress. If water qualitymore » can be restored to a pristine state, the benthos may rapidly recover from the effects of previous acid mine drainage stress.« less
Texture analysis of cerebral white matter in SIV-infected macaque monkeys

Image texture analysis is used in a wide variety of applications in medical research. Neurovirulent simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in monkeys is considered a good model for HIV-1 infection in humans and causes neuropathological changes in white matter which can include diffuse myelin pallor, subtle white matter astrocytosis, perivascular macrophage infiltrates, and microglial nodules with multinucleated giant cells. The ability of image texture analysis to quantify these changes was evaluated. Sections of thionin-stained brain tissue from eight male rhesus macaques ranging in age from 42-59 months were used. Four animals served as controls and four animals were infected with neurovirulent SIVmac239/17E-R71 by bone marrow inoculation. Images of cerebral white matter were captured and analyzed by calculating 13 textural features based on statistical analysis of spatial co-occurrence matrices. Statistical analysis of the results included multiple comparisons using the Newman-Keuls multiple range test. The effect of variation in background illumination used at image acquisition was also evaluated. Ten of the 13 textural features used in this study successfully discriminated between tissue from control and SIV-infected animals and were consistent with independent neuropathological assessment. Three textural features were highly sensitive to variation in background illumination and found not useful in this application.
A review of the validity and reliability of smokeless tobacco dependence measures.

Abstract Introduction With the growing marketing of alternate tobacco products, advocacy of harm reduction, and smoke free air policies, an overall increase in Smokeless Tobacco (ST) use has been observed since the 1970s. Numerous studies have been published addressing nicotine dependence measures for smokers; however, research in the field of ST dependence measures is scarce. Purpose The aim of this study is to summarize the psychometric properties of ST dependence measures by evaluating the reliability and validity of these scales through peer review research. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted within the databases of PubMed and OVID Medline. Four publications reporting on the psychometric properties of ST dependence measures were identified; two regarding FTQ based scales, one regarding an FTND based scale, and one comparing two of these modified scales. A predefined set of criteria was used to assess the psychometric properties of these measures. Results ST dependence measures depend heavily on two underlying factors, heaviness of tobacco use and withdrawal. The internal consistency of the measures was low to moderate, Cronbach's α ranging from 0.30 to 0.52 Cotinine was used as criterion variable to validate the results of the dependence measures. Concurrent validity against DIS-IV-ND based diagnosis was not established for modified FTQ scale. Predictive validity of these ST dependence scales was measured as abstinence of ST use at three and six months. FTQ-ST was predictive of abstinence at three months however failed to predict six months abstinence. Conclusion FTQ and FTND based measures have inherited shortcomings and have limited psychometric properties. With ease of use and wide application in tobacco research, these measures provide preliminary foundation for studying ST dependence. However, the complexity of tobacco dependence requires a multidimensional measure with high validity and reliability for effective prevention care and for research purposes.
SERS-active nanoaggregates observed with near-infrared laser excitation

Using wide-field illumination, optically active 'hot' particles can be screened from a heterogeneous colloid using a near-IR excitation source. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) correlated with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements reveal that the majority of these particles are small nanoparticle aggregates. This finding indicates a strong dependence between particle size and Raman enhancement. Furthermore, these 'hot' nanoaggregates display an intermittent on-off emission behavior similar to 'blinking' SERS exhibited at 488 nm and 514 nm laser excitation. This behavior, not observed in bulk SERS studies, can only be examined at the single particle level because of variations in particle size, shape, and surface defects. Further examination at the single particle level using a near-IR excitation source could led to new insights regarding the fundamental nature of 'hot' particles as well as the SERS mechanism.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cobalamin-dependent 1,2-propanediol utilization by Salmonella typhimurium

SUMMARY: The enteric bacterium Salmonella typhimurium utilizes 1,2-propanediol as a sole carbon and energy source during aerobic growth, but only when the cells are also provided with cobalamin as a nutritional supplement. This metabolism is mediated by the cobalamin-dependent propanediol dehydratase enzyme pathway. Thirty-three insertion mutants were isolated that lacked the ability to utilize propanediol, but retained the ability to degrade propionate. This phenotype is consistent with specific blocks in one or more steps of the propanediol dehydratase pathway. Enzyme assays confirmed that propanediol dehydratase activity was absent in some of the mutants. Thus, the affected genes were designated pdu (for defects in propanediol utilization). Seventeen mutants carried pdu:: lac operon fusions, and these fusions were induced by propanediol in the culture medium. All of the pdu mutations were located in a single region (41 map units) on the S. typhimurium chromosome between the his (histidine biosynthesis) and branch I cob (cobalamin biosynthesis) operons. They were shown to be P22-cotransducible with a branch I cob marker at a mean frequency of 12%. Mutants that carried deletions of the genetic material between his and cob also failed to utilize propanediol as a sole carbon source. Based upon the formation of duplications and deletions between different pairs of his:: Mu dA insertions, the pdu genes were transcribed in a clockwise direction relative to the S. typhimurium genetic map.
Orbital exenteration for invasive skin tumours

Orbital exenteration aims at local control of disease invading the orbit that is potentially fatal or relentlessly progressive. Of all exenterations presenting to ophthalmologists, 40-50% are required for tumours in the eyelid or periocular skin. 99% of these are basal cell carcinomas and 4-6% each are squamous cell carcinomas or sebaceous gland carcinomas. Orbital invasion results in progressive fixation of the tumour to bone and reduced ocular motility. Perineural invasion of branches of the trigeminal nerve leads to numbness or pain, and that the facial nerve, to weakness. Biopsy identifies the cell type and the presence of perineural invasion. CT and MRI scanning help in the assessment of tumour spread within the orbit. Management should be in collaboration with an oncologist. Exenteration may be total-the removal of all orbital contents-or lid-sparing if the tumour is placed posteriorly. The socket may be allowed to heal by granulation or lined with a split skin graft or local flap. Complications may be seen following 20-25% of exenterations and include fistulae, tissue necrosis, exposed bone, and infection. Incomplete clearance of tumours occurs in about 38% of total exenterations and 17% of subtotal. The overall 5-year survival is 55-65%, but significantly worse if there was perineural spread. Facial prostheses may be mounted on glasses or secured with tissue glue or osseointegrated implants. Excellent cosmetic results can be achieved but many patients prefer to wear a patch.
Precise interferometric tracking of spacecraft at low sun-earth-probe angles

When a spacecraft is at low sun-earth-probe (SEP) angle, phase perturbations induced in the spacecraft's signal by the solar plasma can impede the acquisition of meaningful spacecraft Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) measurements. This phenomenon imposes limitations on our ability to successfully acquire the spacecraft signal, and also introduces unmodeled errors into data that are successfully acquired. In this paper, an analysis of the solar plasma induced error on interferometric delay rate as a function of SEP angle is performed. In addition, the probability of correct signal phase connection as a function of SEP angle and plasma variability is calculated for 2.3 GHz and 8.4 GHz signals. In December 1986, an experiment was conducted to demonstrate VLBI navigation at low SEP angles, using the Voyager 2 spacecraft. The results of this experiment are consistent with the conclusions reached in the low SEP analysis and are also consistent with a theoretical error model for water vapor fluctuations in the earth's troposphere.
At the intersection of technology and pedagogy: considering styles of learning and teaching

In considering those forms of teaching and learning that most favor the use of information and communication technologies, this article explores assumptions related to technology use and education;...
Effects of diurnal cyclic growing temperatures on broiler performance.

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of diurnal cyclic temperature ranges during the growing period (3 to 8 weeks of age) on broiler performance. Twelve temperature cycles, varying between three minimum (15° C., 18.3° C. and 23.9° C.) and four maximum (23.9° C., 29.4° C., 35.0° C. and 40.6° C.) air temperatures, were examined. Highest body weight gain and feed consumption for broilers grown at minimum temperatures of 18.3° C. and 23.9° C. were attained with no cycle or with the cycle of least variation. A linear decrease in body weight gain and feed consumption was observed for these two minimum temperatures as maximum temperature increased from 23.9° C. to 40.6° C. At a minimum temperature of 15° C. no linear response was evident. No significant effects on feed efficiency were noted.
Measurement of Soft Tissue Overlying Bone Utilizing Broad Band Energy Spectrum Techniques

A system is described for measuring the amount of bone and soft tissue in a path through any point in a radiograph. The basic information required is the transmitted intensity with two different source spectra. It is shown experimentally that this data may be used to accurately calculate the bone and soft tissue thicknesses.
R&D effort and US exports and foreign affiliate production of manufactures

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between US R&D expenditures and the pattern of US manufacturing exports and foreign affiliate sales across industries and regions for the years 1966 and 1976. While differences in relative research capability between the United States and the rest of the world have narrowed over this period, research effort still significantly explains the pattern of US sales in foreign markets. For any region, the export and foreign affiliate sales performance of research-intensive industries exceeds that of non-research-intensive industries. The relative performance of the formed is greater in regions with larger market size and high per capita income. The analysis also reveals that over the time period studied the ratio of US exports to foreign affiliate sales has generally fallen for all industries and foreign markets. These observations accord with a broad interpretation of the product cycle theory. While the United States has lost its uniqueness as a location of innovation, the ability to develop and market new products through R&D expenditures is still a strong force behind its exports and sale abroad. The decrease in exports relative to foreign affiliate sales may reflect a more rapid shift in comparative advantage in the production of such products to foreign locations. Hence the positive effect on US exports of development of any given new product may be becoming more short-lived.
The escape of Tritonia: dynamics of a neuromuscular control mechanism.

A dynamic model is presented, in which co-operative phenomena in populations of neurons are shown to account for the mechanisms that have been observed to control the swimming escape sequence of the mollusk Tritonia . The system was chosen because of the relatively large amount of information available on its structure and function. The model is based on prior theoretical work on the dynamics of probabilistic neural nets and incorporates the structural and physiological data that have been reported. Dynamic characteristics of the escape sequence, accounted for by the model, include the initiation of the sequence by a single triggering burst, cyclic alternation of activities in the neuron groups controlling dorsal and ventral flexions, and the spontaneous cessation of the sequence. The possible extension of the model to other neuromuscular control mechanisms is discussed.
Naltrexone–Buprenorphine Interactions: Effects on Cocaine Self-Administration

An opioid mixed agonist-antagonist analgesic, buprenorphine, significantly reduces cocaine self-administration by rhesus monkeys, but the relative contribution of buprenorphine's agonist and antagonist properties to this effect is unclear. This study examined the effects of concurrent treatment with naltrexone, a long-acting mu opioid antagonist, on buprenorphine's effects on cocaine and food self-administration by five rhesus monkeys. Cocaine (0.5 mg/kg per injection) and food self-administration (1 gm banana pellet) were maintained on a second order fixed ratio 4 (FR4) variable ratio (VR) 16:S schedule of reinforcement. Buprenorphine treatment alone (0.40 mg/kg/day) and in combination with ascending doses of naltrexone (0.05, 0.10, 0.20, and 0.40 mg/kg/day) was compared with naltrexone alone (0.40 mg/kg/day) and saline control treatment. Naltrexone was administered simultaneously or 20 minutes before buprenorphine administration. Each treatment condition was in effect for 10 days. Buprenorphine alone significantly reduced cocaine self-administration by an average of 53% in comparison to the saline treatment baseline (p < .01). When saline was substituted for buprenorphine, each monkey rapidly returned to its prebuprenorphine level of cocaine self-administration. Food self-administration in all conditions was equivalent to or significantly higher (p < .05) than food-maintained responding during the saline baseline. When buprenorphine and naltrexone were administered simultaneously, naltrexone significantly attenuated buprenorphine's suppressive effects on cocaine self-administration (p < .05 to .01). When naltrexone was administered 20 minutes before buprenorphine, there was a significant naltrexone dose-dependent (p < .01) decrease in buprenorphine's reduction of cocaine self-administration in comparison to the initial saline baseline. These data suggest that naltrexone antagonizes the partial mu agonist component of buprenorphine, which may be important for buprenorphine's effects on cocaine self-administration. Moreover, the addition of an opioid antagonist to reduce illicit diversion of buprenorphine might also compromise its effectiveness for treatment of dual dependence on cocaine and opiates.
Cramer-Rao bounds for nonparametric surface reconstruction from range data

The Cramer-Rao error bound provides a fundamental limit on the expected performance of a statistical estimator. The error bound depends on the general properties of the system, but not on the specific properties of the estimator or the solution. The Cramer-Rao error bound has been applied to scalar- and vector-valued estimators and recently to parametric shape estimators. However, nonparametric, low-level surface representations are an important tool in 3D reconstruction, and are particularly useful for representing complex scenes with arbitrary shapes and topologies. We present a generalization of the Cramer-Rao error bound to nonparametric shape estimators. Specifically, we derive the error bound for the full 3D reconstruction of scenes from multiple range images.
The economic impact of learning and flexibility on process decisions

The perception that software projects have unusually high failure rates has fueled the debate on software process. In the 1990s, the Standish Group estimated that the total economic toll of cancelled or overrun software projects could reach several tens of billions of dollars in terms of wasted effort and opportunity costs. Worse yet, even when delivered on time and on budget, software rarely has any significant salvage value when it fails to meet user needs. This article argues for an economic basis for rationalizing process selection decisions. It demonstrates how, under conditions of uncertainty, learning and flexibility affect such decisions. Uncertainty is a critical driver in process selection because it's ubiquitous in software development and it determines the degree of flexibility and learning needed to maximize economic value.
A comparison of TCP automatic tuning techniques for distributed computing

Rather than painful, manual, static, per-connection optimization of TCP buffer sizes simply to achieve acceptable performance for distributed applications, many researchers have proposed techniques to perform this tuning automatically. This paper first discusses the relative merits of the various approaches in theory, and then provides substantial experimental data concerning two competing implementations-the buffer autotuning already present in Linux 2.4.x and "dynamic right-sizing." The paper reveals heretofore unknown aspects of the problem and current solutions, provides insight into the proper approach for different circumstances, and points toward ways to further improve performance.
Better to Own or to Regulate? The Case of Alcohol Distribution and Sales:

Alcohol-related income generation is compared across monopoly and license off-premise alcohol regulatory models in U.S. states, 1977-2010. An optimum organizational-ownership mix is found when stat...
Optimization of polymer synthesis through distributed control of polymerization conditions

An optimal control methodology is applied to the goal of lowering polydispersity while increasing conversion in polymerization reactions. An illustration using initiator, heat, and monomer flux control profiles for free-radical polymerization of styrene in a plug flow reactor is provided and compared with available experimental data. The design calculations use a kinetic model that includes the gel effect. The reactor designs show that distributed initiator, heat, and monomer fluxes along the length of the reactor lower the polydispersity of the styrene polymers and increase conversion for a given reaction time. The monomer flux maintains a nearly constant monomer concentration in the reactor. The initiator and heat fluxes are highly correlated. The temperature rises as a result the heat flux; but the initiator flux results in a lower initiator concentration relative to the initiator cofeed case. At a reaction time of 120 min, a conversion of 44% and a polydispersity of 1.73 have been achieved. The theoretical designs, although not proven to be globally optimal, are of high quality. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 2922–2928, 2002
Polynomial Chaos Expansion with Latin Hypercube Sampling for Estimating Response Variability

A computationally efficient procedure for quantifying uncertainty and finding significant parameters of uncertainty models is presented. To deal with the random nature of input parameters of structural models, several efficient probabilistic methods are investigated. Specifically, the polynomial chaos expansion with Latin hypercube sampling is used to represent the response of an uncertain system. Latin hypercube sampling is employed for evaluating the generalized Fourier coefficients of the polynomial chaos expansion. Because the key challenge in uncertainty analysis is to find the most significant components that drive response variability, analysis of variance is employed to find the significant parameters of the approximation model. Several analytical examples and a large finite element model of a joined-wing are used to verify the effectiveness of this procedure.
Modeling caregivers' perceptions of children's need for formal care: Physical function, intellectual disability, and behavior

Abstract Background Like most caregivers, informal caregivers for children (typically parents) with special needs supply the majority of the care provided. Formal care is sometimes needed to supplement informal caregivers' efforts. For those interested in children with special needs, there is a paucity of research on those factors affecting the amount of formal care that caregivers' request. Objectives/Hypotheses This research investigates factors affecting the amount of Medicaid personal care services (PCS) requested by primary caregivers for children with special needs. The research focuses especially on the roles played by the child's functional status, intellectual abilities, and behaviors in determining the level of assistance requested by caregivers. Methods The data used in this research are cross-sectional information on 262 children with special needs who were Medicaid recipients in a single southwestern state. These data were collected in 2007 by master's trained social workers or registered nurses using a standardized assessment instrument. Results The results indicate that a child's ability to independently perform activities of daily living (ADLs) tasks plays the major role in determining caregivers' perceptions of the need for PCS. The severity of a child's intellectual disability, like some other factors investigated, has an effect on caregivers' perceptions, but it is an indirect effect that operates through the level of the child's ADL impairment. A child's age and behaviors have direct effects on caregivers' perceptions of need, as does the presence of barriers to the caregiver providing care. Discussion Much of the research on children with special needs has emphasized the importance of the child's medical or behavioral diagnoses. Little attention has been given to modeling caregivers' perceptions of children's needs. This analysis of caregivers' requests for formal PCS brings to the forefront the role of ADL or functional status in this process. Many factors that one would expect to directly affect caregivers' perceptions of need, instead, have indirect effects filtered through their impact on the child's functional status.
Characterization of restricted area searching behavior following consumption of prey and non-prey food in a cursorial spider, Hibana futilis

Cursorial spiders are important predators of crop pests in a variety of agricultural systems. Their survivorship, growth, and fecundity can be enhanced by the consumption of extra-floral nectar. We recently showed that Hibana futilis (Banks) (Araneae: Anyphaenidae) engages in restricted area search following contact with nectar, is stimulated by nectar aroma, and can learn to recognize novel aroma cues. Studies have shown that H. futilis is also responsive to solvent extracts of the eggs and scales of the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea Boddie (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), one of its primary prey insects in cotton. The arrestment behavior of cursorial spiders following consumption of prey and non-prey food has not been characterized. In the present study, the responses of spiders were measured following consumption of prey (H. zea eggs) or non-prey (droplets of dilute honey) food items and compared with individuals tested without food items. The food items were presented to the spiders in test arenas constructed from the top of an inverted glass Petri dish cover. A combination of real time and recorded observations were made via a video camera attached to a computer. The behaviors and movement patterns of individual spiders were analyzed with behavioral tracking software. Significant differences in the behaviors and motion paths of spiders tested in the different treatments were observed. Hibana futilis displayed significantly more dispersal behavior on a blank test arena, than on test arenas supplied with honey droplets or moth eggs. Likewise, spiders tested on the blank arena crawled faster and their motion paths were significantly less tortuous than those of spiders tested in the arenas with honey or moth eggs. Following consumption of both the honey droplets and moth eggs, spiders showed elevated levels of restricted area search and lowered levels of dispersal behavior. The analysis showed that these spiders could crawl rapidly for extended distances. Behaviors such as restricted area search and learned recognition of food-based stimuli would facilitate efficient location of the food resources needed to maintain their high activity levels.
Comparison of comorbidity collection methods.

Background Multiple valid comorbidity indices exist to quantify the presence and role of comorbidities in cancer patient survival. Our goal was to compare chart-based Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 index (ACE-27) and claims-based Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) methods of identifying comorbid ailments and their prognostic abilities. Study Design We conducted a prospective cohort study of 6,138 newly diagnosed cancer patients at 12 different institutions. Participating registrars were trained to collect comorbidities from the abstracted chart using the ACE-27 method. The ACE-27 assessment was compared with comorbidities captured through hospital discharge face sheets using ICD coding. The prognostic accomplishments of each comorbidity method were examined using follow-up data assessed at 24 months after data abstraction. Results Distribution of the ACE-27 scores was: "none" for 1,453 (24%) of the patients; "mild" for 2,388 (39%); "moderate" for 1,344 (22%), and "severe" for 950 (15%) of the patients. Deyo's adaption of the CCI identified 4,265 (69%) patients with a CCI score of 0, and the remaining 31% had CCI scores of 1 (n = 1,341 [22%]), 2 (n = 365 [6%]), or 3 or more (n = 167 [3%]). Of the 4,265 patients with a CCI score of zero, 394 (9%) were coded with severe comorbidities based on ACE-27 method. A higher comorbidity score was significantly associated with higher risk of death for both comorbidity indices. The multivariable Cox model, including both comorbidity indices, had the best performance (Nagelkerke's R 2 = 0.37) and the best discrimination (C index = 0.827). Conclusions The number, type, and overall severity of comorbid ailments identified by chart- and claims-based approaches in newly diagnosed cancer patients were notably different. Both indices were prognostically significant and able to provide unique prognostic information.
On locally optimal breaking of nondisjoint cyclic vertical constraints in VLSI channel routing

Locally optimal breaking strategy was already developed for disjoint directed circuits in the vertical constraint graph. The paper reports extensions to two classes of nondisjoint circuits: with a common vertex, and with a common path. The significance of this is that the demonstration of general applicability of the locally optimal breaking concept opens a new approach to improving the channel router heuristics for automatic and interactive routers, using parallel architectures.
Random walks for circuit clustering

The authors introduce a fast, parallelizable approach to circuit clustering based on analysis of random walks in the netlist. The method yields good clustering solutions for classes of 'difficult' inputs in the literature as well as for industry benchmark circuits. The authors characterize their results using a new clustering metric which facilitates comparison with future work. Extensions to a number of other CAD applications are proposed. >
Medical pearl: permethrin can prevent arthropod bites and stings.

P ermethrin is a synthetic insecticide. It resembles natural pyrethrins found in chrysanthemums, but it is made chemically. It is neurotoxic to insects, and has ‘‘knock down’’ capabilities, so that it can be sprayed directly on insects with a very rapid effect. The insect is first paralyzed, and then dies rapidly. Permethrin is well known to dermatologists. It is found in Elimite (Allergan, Inc, Irvine, CA) or Acticin (Bertek Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Research Triangle Park, NC) products containing 5% permethrin, which are used to treat scabies. The advantage of these products in treating scabies is that the products remain active on the skin for 7 days. Therefore, if the patient comes in contact with someone with scabies again, the permethrin that is already on their skin will protect them from re-infection! Although resistance in scabies has not been reported, there is evidence of resistance to permethrin in lice. Uniforms treated with permethrin are effective against body lice. In addition to scabies, permethrin is toxic to other insects, including bees, chiggers, mosquitoes, black flies, and ticks. In addition, permethrin, used to treat mosquito netting, reduced malaria in Kenya. Permethrin has been used on clothing and on uniforms. During ‘‘Operation Desert Storm,’’ in 1990, treated uniforms were used. Properly treated uniforms may give protection for 2 weeks, through two washings. Ticks which crossed only 10 inches of treated fabric fell from the cloth as if repelled! Most
The Jurisprudence of American Slave Sales

An analysis of all appellate cases involving slave-sales reveals that southern courts helped minimize the costs of trading in slaves. Slave-sales law also surpassed other contemporaneous commercial law in sophistication. Why? Greater information gaps between slave buyers and sellers called for more complex institutional support. The enormous property value embodied by slaves also led to more litigation, greater need for settled law, and a more even match of power between plaintiff and defendant. Additionally, legal rules surrounding slave sales substituted for the employment law governing free-labor markets.
Pulse-Width Modulation for Five-Phase Converters Based on Device Turn-on Times

High power, high reliability electric motor drives in such applications as electric ship propulsions, electric locomotives and hybrid electric vehicles require the use of high order phase electric machines run with multi-phase converters. Presently, five and asymmetrical six-phase machines with their associated converters are emerging industry standards. This paper presents a novel carrier-based pulse-width modulation technique for the five phase converters, which in applications is required to generate five phase fundamental frequency voltages with or without a third harmonic (of the fundamental frequency) component voltages. The modulation waveforms required to switch the devices in the converter legs are obtained by summing the turn-on times of the switching devices, which are calculated using the space vector representations of the converter switching states. The determination of the carrier-based modulation waveforms which with a high frequency sine-triangle generate the switching functions for the converter is set forth explicitly. The resulting carrier-based PWM modulation scheme is experimentally implemented with a TMS DSP for converter operation in the linear and over-modulation regions. Experimental results are presented to confirm theory.
Simplified metho ds for the inelastic analysis and reliability assessment of stiffe ned shells

Simplified methods for predicting the resistance of stiffened axisyranetric shells are presented. A uniform internal static pressure is considered and strain ductility is taken as the failure criteria. The development of these methods is based upon limit analysis theory and takes into account the effects of large deformations. Twelve axisymmetric models are analyzed using the finite element technique and the results are used in the calibration of the simplified solution. An analysis of a typical pressure vessel is performed by the proposed and the finite element methods. The results of the pressure vessel analy­ sis, as well as those for the twelve models, illustrate the agreement between the finite element and the simplified methods. Introduction The problem of evaluating the resistance of stiffened axisymmetric shells under uniform internal pressure is an important one, particular­ ly with regard to steel containment vessels for nuclear power plants. The solution could require a three-dimensional finite element analysis which takes into account material and geometric nonlinear effects. While this is theoretically possible, it would be expensive in terms of computer time; therefore, another alternative is useful. Additional­ ly, finite element models are difficult to incorporate into reliability predictions. An alternative approach is to use basic shell theory in conjunction with the limit analysis techniques to solve for the result­
Treatment completion on an inpatient detoxification unit: Impact of a change to sublingual buprenorphine–naloxone

Abstract Purpose Buprenorphine is commonly used for opioid detoxification. The goal of this study was to determine whether a change from the intramuscular (IM) buprenorphine to the sublingual (SL) formulation of buprenorphine–naloxone was associated with improved treatment completion rates on an inpatient detoxification unit. Methods This study was conducted at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center (JHBMC) Chemical Dependence Unit (CDU), a 26-bed, 3-day inpatient detoxification unit providing detoxification from opioids, alcohol, and sedatives. The opioid detoxification protocol was changed from IM buprenorphine (0.3 mg bid for 3 days) to SL buprenorphine–naloxone (8, 8, and 6 mg on sequential days, plus 2 mg on the morning of discharge). For the 3 months prior to and after the change in protocol, data were collected retrospectively on demographics, type of dependence being treated, and type of discharge. Findings A total of 1,168 patients were admitted to the JHBMC CDU during the period studied. In the 3 months prior to the change in buprenorphine protocol, 353 of 483 patients admitted for treatment of opioid dependence (73.1%) completed treatment, compared with 407 of 473 patients admitted after the change (86.0%); this difference was highly significant ( p p = .208). Conclusions A change from IM buprenorphine to SL buprenorphine–naloxone for opioid detoxification was associated with a significant improvement in completion rates at this inpatient treatment program.
Coexistence of Real-Time and Interactive & Batch Tasks in DVS Systems

Interactive and batch tasks typically have aperiodic random demands and arrival patterns. Generally, interactive tasks are assigned high priority for high responsiveness. Batch tasks with less timing criticality are scheduled in background. Unfortunately, most real-time DVS algorithms focus only on the real-time task workload and timing constraints in determining the operating power-optimized clock frequency. This approach can often leave insufficient cycles for servicing interactive and batch tasks and lead to unacceptable tardiness in conventional applications. We present a power-management framework which ensures that conventional applications will obtain acceptable response times and workload throughput without breaking the temporal constraints of real-time tasks that use resource reservation. We propose two solutions: Background-Preserving and Background-On-Demand algorithms. The first scheme is straightforward and increases the clock frequencies of all tasks to accommodate a future non-real-time workload. The second scheme assigns two modes of frequencies to each task, normal mode and turbo mode. The turbo mode is triggered by the presence of a pending non-real-time task in the system. We also provide the integrated versions of both schemes with our dynamic slack reclamation DVS scheme, called the Progressive algorithm. The integrated versions exploit the slack time from underused reserves for saving more power without performance degradation in all applications.
Immunogenicity of Biotherapeutics—An Overview

With the recent increase in the approval and use of biotherapeutics in clinical practice, management of the development of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) has become a key issue for effective long-term use of these drugs. In most instances, the clinical benefit derived from the use of the therapeutics outweighs the risk of developing ADA. In rare instances, however, safety issues accompany development of ADA. Although it is unclear why certain individuals generate an immune response while others tolerate the drug, growing experience from the clinic has facilitated a better appreciation of many patient-, disease- and product-related factors that contribute to immunogenicity. Furthermore, improvements in protein production, purification and delivery methods along with use of humanized or fully human recombinant proteins have helped to reduce the rates of immunogenicity considerably. This document provides an overview of the scientific reasons for developing an immunogenic response, factors that contribute to the immunogenicity of biotherapeutics, clinical impact of immunogenicity and general strategies used to manage this risk.
The Relationship of Competency to Stand Trial and Criminal Responsibility

Mental health professionals have been accused of confusing the constructs of competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility with each or with a third construct such as psychosis. This investigation examined the relationship between decisions about competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility in a sample of 121 defendants admitted to a state hospital for pretrial evaluation. In addition, the investigation examined correlates of the two kinds of decisions using demographic data, measures of cognitive functioning and psychopathology, and a rating of crime severity. Conclusions about the empirical relationship between competency and responsibility judgments were precluded because examiners classified most incompetent defendants as “undetermined” on the issue of criminal responsibility. Nevertheless, interesting differences in the correlates of the two legal decisions were obtained. Competency decisions showed modest but significant correlations with performance on a test of competency abilitie...
The Use of Value Engineering in the Evaluation and Selection of Digitization Projects

Objective - The authors describe a simple and effective tool for selecting digitization projects from competing alternatives, providing decision makers with objective, quantitative data. Methods - The paper adopts the value engineering methodology for the selection, evaluation and ranking of digitization project proposals. Project selection steps are described. Selection criteria are developed. Digitization costs are presented as an equation. Project value is determined by calculating projected performance of digital collections based on the established criteria over cost. Results - Scenarios are presented that evaluate and rank projects based on an evaluation of performance criteria and cost. The communication and use of rating criteria provides selectors with information about how proposed collections are evaluated. The transparency of the process output is easily communicated to stakeholders. Conclusions - Value engineering methodology provides a tool and a process that gives decision makers a set of objective, quantitative data upon which selection of digitization projects is based. This approach simplifies the selection process, and creates transparency so that all stakeholders are able to see why a decision was made.
Virtual musical performance and improvisation on Internet2

Several projects involving audio and video transmission between the University of Cincinnati and other sites over the high bandwidth Internet2 have ranged from the simple transmission of video material, to more complex interactive improvisation. A performance of Clotho, the life of Camille Claudel, a musical monodrama collaboration, was streamed in September 2000 over Internet2 to a widely distributed audience. The second project involved my real-time contribution from Cincinnati to a performance happening at Yale University of The Ankle Diver, with music by Matthew Suttor. A network improvisation project with the Soundmesh (formerly Internet Sound Exchange) software resulted in a number of improvisations involving the University of Cincinnati, Columbia University, Yale University and the Fall Internet2 Meeting at the University of Southern California. High-quality audio and flexibility of sound sources and processing is a strength of these improvisations.