cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with ease of using community-based systems of care for CSHCN in Hawai'i.

Objectives: To study factors contributing to difficulty using community-based services by families of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) in Hawai’i. Methods: Data source was the 2001 National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs. The study population included the 449 respondents who were surveyed after additional items were added to the original questionnaire. Outcome of interest was “% of CSHCN whose families report community-based service systems are organized so they can use them easily.” Explanatory variables included child health conditions (functional limitation, degree of severity, types of service needs), child and family characteristics (child age, maternal education, poverty level), and health services characteristics (partnership of family in decision making, family-centered coordinated care, adequate health insurance). Results: Children with special health care needs comprised 11.0% of < 18 years old children. Overall, 69% of respondents reported that community-based services could be used easily. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of reporting difficulties in using community-based services were almost 5 times higher for families who did not partner in decision making, 2.9 times higher for families who did not receive family-centered coordinated care, and 2.7 times higher for families who did not have adequate health insurance compared with families who were satisfied with the care received. Need for services contributed independently to reporting difficulties in community-based service use. Contrary to the hypothesized associations, severe health conditions or limited functionality did not contribute significantly to reporting difficulties in service use. Conclusions: Families who reported difficulties in using community-based services were those who have children who need extensive and varied services. Lack of involvement in decision making, lack of coordinated care in a medical home, and insufficient health insurance were the main obstacles to their ability to use community-based services easily.
Disruptive Innovation Strategy Effects on Hard-Disk Maker Population: A System Dynamics Study

To encourage premium-quality information systems IS research in areas where dynamic complexity rules, this article combines disruptive innovation strategy DIS theory with the system dynamics SD modeling method. It presents a computer simulation model of the hard disk HD maker population overshoot and collapse dynamics. Data from the HD maker industry help calibrate the parameters of the SD model and replicate the HD makers' overshoot and collapse dynamics, which DIS allegedly caused from 1973 through 1993. SD model analysis entails articulating exactly how the structure of feedback relations among variables in a system determines its performance through time. The analysis of the HD maker population model shows that, over five distinct time phases, four different feedback loops might have been most prominent in generating the HD maker population dynamics. The article shows the benefits of using SD modeling software, such as iThink®, and SD model analysis software, such as Digest®. The latter helps detect exactly how changes in loop polarity and prominence determine system performance through time. Strategic scenarios computed with the model also show the relevance of using SD for IS research and practice.
Kindergarten Skills and Fifth Grade Achievement: Evidence from the ECLS-K

Abstract Children enter kindergarten with disparate rudimentary reading and mathematics skills; capabilities for paying attention, sitting still and making friends; mental health; and inclinations for aggressive behavior. The role of these characteristics in producing fifth-grade school achievement is the subject of this paper. We find considerable impacts for school-entry academic skills but, with the exception of a kindergartener's capacity to pay attention, virtually no impacts for the collection of socioemotional skills. This finding holds both for the overall sample and for subgroups defined by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. The most powerful pre-school avenue for boosting fifth-grade achievement appears to be improving the basic academic skills of low-achieving children prior to kindergarten entry.
Abstract 245: Consumption of a high-fat diet abrogates inhibitory effects of selenium on spontaneous metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma in mice

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with selenium (Se) on spontaneous metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) in mice fed a high-fat diet using a 2x2 design. Three-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed the AIN93G diet or that diet modified with 45% calories from fat supplemented with or without 2.5 mg Se/4029 kcal as methylseleninic acid for 6 weeks, at which time they were injected subcutaneously with 2.5x105 LLC cells. The resulting primary tumor was removed surgically 10 days later, and the experiment was terminated after an additional 10 days. Consumption of the high-fat diet significantly increased the body fat mass, regardless of Se supplementation, compared to the AIN93G diet (p<0.01). The high-fat diet increased lung metastases by 17% compared to the AIN93G diet (p<0.01). Selenium supplementation reduced the metastases by 11% compared to non-supplemented controls (p<0.05); however, the reduction was greater in AIN93G-fed mice (18%) than in mice fed the high-fat diet (5%). Supplemental Se reduced plasma concentrations of proteolytic proteases (uPA, p<0.01; MMP-9, p<0.05) and angiogenic factors (VEGF, p<0.01; TIMP-1, p<0.01) compared to non-supplemented controls. The high-fat diet significantly increased plasma concentrations of adipokines PAI-1, MCP-1, TNF-α and leptin regardless of the level of dietary Se; however, supplemental Se reduced plasma PAI-1 (p≤0.05) and MCP-1 (p≤0.05) in AIN93G-fed mice. These results demonstrate that consumption of a high-fat diet abrogated the anti-metastatic effects of Se, and that such an abrogation may involve adipose-derived inflammatory cytokines. Citation Format: Lin Yan. Consumption of a high-fat diet abrogates inhibitory effects of selenium on spontaneous metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma in mice. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 245. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-245
PERSPECTIVES ON MENTAL RETARDATION

(1976). PERSPECTIVES ON MENTAL RETARDATION. The Review of Education: Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 240-255.
Factors influencing the shift of patients from one proton pump inhibitor to another: the effect of direct-to-consumer advertising.

Abstract Background: Switching from one proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to another is common, and may be related to factors other than efficacy and tolerability. Objectives: The purposes of this study were to describe the incidence of therapeutic switching among PPI users, quantify direct ambulatory medical costs of switching, and characterize the relationship between product switching and variables hypothesized to influence a switch (eg, direct-to-consumer [DTC] advertising, structure of insurance coverage, disease diagnosis). Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of health plans using 1998 data. The subjects were employees and dependents with employer-sponsored health insurance contributing to the Medstat Market-Scan administrative dataset. Using a commercially available database to quantify DTC advertising by marketing area, market-specific expenditures were matched to eligible subjects. Among PPI users, we identified those who switched from one product to another (switchers) and compared their utilization and spending with nonswitchers. We then evaluated the relationship between drug use and variables hypothesized to affect switching: DTC advertising, insurance characteristics, patient diagnosis, diagnostic procedures, comorbidities, age, and sex. Results: The analysis used data for 396,500 individuals from 47 unique markets that were geographically well distributed, with population density similar to that of the United States overall. The sample was also comparable with US census estimates for age and sex among working adults and their dependents. Only 620 (6.3%) of PPI users switched products during the 1998 calendar year. Annual diagnostic and drug costs were >US $400 higher for switchers than nonswitchers. Subjects in areas with high levels of DTC advertising were 43% more likely to switch from lansoprazole to omeprazole than those in the low-expenditure areas. Additionally, patients paying prescription drug copayments >US $5 were 12% less likely to switch from lansoprazole to omeprazole than patients paying lower copayments. Conclusions: In these privately insured patients using PPIs, product switching was associated with increased treatment costs. DTC advertising and patient cost-sharing were important predictors of product switching.
Control of contact interactions with acatastatic nonholonomic constraints

A robot arm performs many tasks by interacting with objects or other robots in the environment. It is important for the robot arm to be able to exhibit controlled interactions with the objects and other robots. The contact motion between the robot arm and an object can be rolling, sliding, or separation. In this article, we address the problem of maintaining rolling contact between the robot arm and an external moving object. We assume that a nominal model of the motion of the moving object is available. The dynamic system that characterizes the motion of the robot arm and the moving object in this case is acatastatic and nonholonomic. We have designed a nonlinear feedback for the control of such a system that successfully maintains rolling contact. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the system.
Health effects resulting from exercise versus those from body fat loss.

Objective: The purpose of this review was to assess whether body weight confounds the relationships between physical activity and its health benefits, Methods: The review includes 80 reports from population-based studies (Evidence Category C) of physical activity or fitness and cardiovascular disease (CVD) or coronary heart disease (CHD). Results: Eleven of 64 reports on activity found no relationship between physical activity and disease. Of the remaining 53 reports 11 did not address the possible confounding effects of body weight, nine cited reasons that weight differences should not explain their observed associations, and 33 statistically adjusted for weight (as required). Only three of these changed their associations from significant to nonsignificant when adjusted. Ten of 16 reports on cardiorespiratory fitness and CHD or CVD used statistical adjustment, and none of these changed their findings to nonsignificant. Population studies show that vigorously active individuals also have higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol concentration, a major risk factor for CHD and CVD, than sedentary individuals when statistically adjusted for weight. In contrast, intervention studies, which relate dynamic changes in weight and HDL, suggest that adjustment for weight loss largely eliminates the increase in HDL-cholesterol in sedentary men who begin exercising vigorously. Adjusting the cross-sectional HDL-cholesterol differences for the dynamic effects of weight loss eliminates most of the HDL-cholesterol difference between active and sedentary men. Conclusion: Population studies show that the lower incidence of CHD and CVD and higher HDL of fit, active individuals are not because of lean, healthy individuals choosing to be active (i.e., self-selection bias), Nevertheless, metabolic processed associated weight loss may be primarily responsible for the HDL differences between active and sedentary men, and possibly also their differences in CHD and CVD.
Fatty acid methyl ester biofuels produced from canola oil with honeycomb monolithic catalysts

Abstract Honeycomb monolithic catalysts were used to convert efficiently vegetable oils to fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) as biodiesel fuels. Honeycomb monolithic catalysts were formulated by impregnating honeycomb γ-alumina-wash-coated monolithic catalyst supports with various catalytically active metals such as ZnO, Na 2 O, MgO, and CaO. Canola oil in methanol was converted to FAME biofuels in a vertical honeycomb monolithic catalysts flow reactor to test catalytic activities and stabilities of formulated catalysts. Initial conversion of canola oil to FAMEs increased with decreased reaction temperatures, but catalytic activities of monolithic catalysts were deactivated severely at 250 °C. Catalysts deactivated at 250 °C can be regenrated by heating them in atmosphere for 4 h at 400 °C. Multi-layers of various active metals impregnated onto honeycomb monolithic catalyst supports stabilize and increase catalytic activities of monolithic catalysts. Order of loading catalytically active metals on honeycomb monolithic catalyst supports affects catalytic activities and stabilities of honeycomb monolithic catalysts. Calcium oxide stabilizes catalytic activities of formulated monolithic catalysts. Conversion of canola oil fluctuates repeatedly with increased reaction times in the honeycomb monolithic catalyst flow reactor.
The consistency of individual-selected versus rater-determined angle and base of gait

Background: Several studies have reported the necessity of using a standardized foot placement to improve reliability when performing standing foot posture measurements. The intent of this study was to determine whether individuals can reliably place their feet in the same standing position after marching in place or whether the standing position must be determined by a rater observing the angle and base of gait during walking to ensure the consistency of foot placement. Methods: Twenty individuals (12 women and 8 men; mean age, 24.8 years) consented to participate. All of the participants were asked to march in place for 10 sec and then to stop in their preferred angle and base foot placement. Participants then walked over an 8-m walkway so that one of two raters could observe the participant's angle and base while walking. An angle and base of gait tracing was then made for each participant's foot placement. Results: The two raters and all of the participants demonstrated high levels of reliability for ...
Regulation of the expression of adhesion molecules by human synoviocytes

Abstract The capacity of synoviocytes to participate in inflammatory responses may be altered by the cytokine-enhanced expression of adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). To examine this possibility, the ability of selected cytokines to enhance ICAM-1 expression was examined. The data indicated that each of these cytokines (interleukin-1β > tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ ⪢ interleukin-6) can up-regulate synoviocyte ICAM-1 expression. This can potentially increase the ability of these cells to interact with infiltrating inflammatory cells, thereby propagating immunologically mediated inflammation such as occurs in rheumatoid synovitis.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Older Adults

The "typical" presentation of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is chronic loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness in middle-aged obese men. OSA can result in increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The diagnostic features of OSA in older adults are similar to those in younger adults; however, the older adult may be less likely to seek medical attention or have the sleep disorder recognized because symptoms of snoring, sleepiness, fatigue, nocturia, unintentional napping, and cognitive dysfunction may be ascribed to the aging process itself or to other disorders. This article reviews the basic terminology and pathophysiology of sleep-disordered breathing, discusses why OSA may be even more prevalent in older adults than in the middle-aged group, and reviews similarities and differences between the two groups in the manifestations, consequences, and treatments of OSA.
Nonlinear voltage profiles and violation of local electroneutrality in ordinary surface reactions.

It is normally assumed that ordinary surface reactions, which involve no charge transfer between the surface and electrolyte, have no effect on voltage. The present work shows, on the contrary, that nontrivial voltage profiles can be produced by ordinary surface reactions. Poisson's equation then implies a nonzero bulk charge density, so that local electroneutrality is violated. The specific system considered is a planar lead-acid cell, but the results apply more generally, so long as the electrolyte charge-carrier diffusivities are not all the same. For slow steady reactions the carrier fluxes vary linearly across the cell, which produce linearly varying electric field and density gradients. As a consequence the voltage profile varies quadratically, and the volume charge density is nonzero and uniform. This result has broad implications (e.g., to steady-state oxygen loading of high T c materials) and may provide a contributing mechanism for the origin of the electric fields observed during biological growth.
Is Fiscal Adjustment More Durable When The IMF is Involved

This paper investigates fiscal developments in 112 countries during the 1990s. It finds that while the overall fiscal balance improved in most of them, the composition of this improvement differed. In countries without IMF-supported programmes, revenues increased modestly and expenditure declined sharply, while in programme countries both post-programme revenue and expenditure declined. However, in countries with programmes that included fiscal structural conditions, the adjustment was effected primarily through sharp expenditure compression. No evidence of a statistically significant impact of IMF conditionality was found. Moreover, fiscal developments were influenced by cyclical factors and by the general stance of macroeconomic policies.
The Fortune's of One's Birth: Relative Cohort Size and the Youth Labor Market in the United States

Using two different measures of relative cohort size-one indicating the size and placement of an individual's own birth cohort, and the other, the ratio of young to prime age adults in the United States. in that year-it has been possible to isolate strong effects of the population age structure on wages in the United States over the past 33 years. These effects have been strong enough that virtually all of the observed change in the experience premium, and a substantial proportion of the changes in the college wage premium, can be explained by the relative cohort size variables alone. Even changes in the amount of within-group variance in wages appear to be largely a function of changing age structure, and absolute wage levels have been strongly affected by these demographic changes, suggesting that population growth can have positive effects on the economy.
Adrenal masses: CT characterization with histogram analysis method

PURPOSE: To evaluate a histogram analysis method for differentiating adrenal adenoma from metastasis at computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective review of 2 years of clinical CT records, 223 adrenal adenomas in 193 patients (115 with contrast material–enhanced CT, 43 with unenhanced and enhanced CT, and 35 with unenhanced CT) and 31 metastases (25 patients with enhanced CT) were found. In 158 patients with adenomas at enhanced CT, diagnosis was based on stable mass size for more than 1 year (n = 135) and characteristic signal intensity decrease at chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging (n = 23). In 35 patients with adenomas at unenhanced CT, mean attenuation was 10 HU or less. Diagnosis of all metastases was based on rapid growth of a mass or new mass in less than 6 months in patients with cancer. Adrenal metastases with extensive necrosis were excluded. Histogram analysis was performed in a circular region of interest (ROI) for mean attenuation, number of pixels, and range o...
Stent Thrombosis After Successful Sirolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation

Background— Stent thrombosis (ST) is a rare but devastating complication of coronary stent implantation, occurring in 0.5% to 1.9% of patients with bare metal stents. The incidence of ST with drug-eluting stents is less well studied, particularly among patients outside of clinical trials. Methods and Results— The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and potential risk factors for ST in patients receiving sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) in the “real world” after commercial release in the United States in April 2003. All 652 patients who underwent SES implantation (776 lesions treated) at our institution between April and October 2003 were followed up prospectively after the procedure (median follow-up 100 days). During that period, 7 patients (1.1%, 95% CI 0.4% to 2.2%) developed ST within a range of 2 to 13 days, and 1 patient had an ST-elevation myocardial infarction on day 39 with evidence of thrombus within the SES at angiography. Patients with an ST had significantly smaller final nominal ba...
THE SARCOSOMES OF THE HEART

The electron microscopic picture of the heart muscle differs from that of the skeletal muscle of the same animal, not so much by significant differences in the structure of the myofibrils, but rather by the amount of sarcosomes (1) present in the muscle fiber. In the skeletal muscle there are only a few sarcosomes in each field between the myofibrils, whereas in the heart muscle at the same magnifications there are innumerable masses, filling the space between the individual myofibrils and the space between sarcolemma and myofibrils. This may explain the ability of the heart muscle to work for a lifetime without longer rest, because the sarcosomes contain most important metabolic enzymes. It also explains why, in the electron microscopic picture, the myofibrils of the heart are never seen so tightly packed as in the skeletal muscle of the same animal. As a rule, these sarcosomes are of irregular, spherical, or ellipsoid shape in the heart, whereas in the skeletal muscle they are more frequently oblong, or ribbon-shaped. The inner structure of the sarcosomes of the heart shows the usual lamellae or cristae of osmiophilic material in a less osmiophilic matrix. These cristae are normally tightly packed, parallel, sometimes concentrically arranged. In some of the sarcosomes no definite lamellar structure can be found, which may reflect functional changes in the sarcosomes. A certain difference seems to exist between the sarcosomes of the ventricles and the auricles of the same animal. In the auricles, in addition to the sarcosomes resembling those of the ventricles (diameter up to 1 micron), there are a great number of much smaller sarcosomes, whose electron microscopic investigation is still in progress. In the auricle of the heart we have also found much more frequently than in the ventricle, sarcosomes of the ribbon-like, mitochondrial type. The inner structure of these can be seen in Fig~ 4. In striated muscle (leg muscle) of the rat very small spherical sarcosomes with a diameter of about 1~ micron have been seen, besides the usual normal sized sarcosomes. These small sarcosomes are typically located near the Z-bands, singly or in twos, between the individual myofibrils. It cannot yet be decided
Acceptance of communication media in organizations: richness or features?

This study focuses on people's choices between electronic mail and voice mail. We found that users generally preferred electronic mail over voice mail for most communication purposes. These results do not support a hypothesis derived from media richness theory that voice mail would be preferred to e-mail for ambiguous situations. A more important finding is that other medium features besides richness influence individuals' media choices, specifically, medium features useful for retrieving and preparing messages and for working In group settings. From this and other evidence, we conclude that a complex set of social factors governs organizational media use in ways that neither theory can fully explain. Our findings have some interesting implications for designers of multimedia communication systems and for people like human resources specialists who are concerned with improving the effectiveness of professional work and the quality of working life.
Cumulative Risk and Low-Income Children's Language Development

This study utilized an electronic data linkage method to examine the effects of risk factors present at birth on language development in preschool. The Preschool Language Scale-3 (PLS-3) was administered to 853 low-income children, and cumulative risk data were abstracted from linked birth records. At least one risk factor was present in 94% of this sample, while 39% were exposed to three or more risk factors. On average, a girl's PLS-3 Total Score decreased by 2.3 points with each risk factor; the average decrease for boys was 1.1 point per risk factor. The accumulation of multiple risk factors thus appears to increase the negative effects of poverty. Researchers are encouraged to use historical administrative data sets to support prevention and early identification efforts.
Asymmetric Thickness Of Pettnal Nerve Fiber Layer Measured By Photogrammetry

Visual defects of glaucoma have been associated with retinal nerve fiber layer (NFL) defects, which can be detected as color and texture difference compared to normal NFL using photographs of NFL. Frequently these defects are asymmetric. A large defect exists in one eye while the other eye maintains its normal features. These evaluations of NFL defects, however, are subjective and two-dimensional. We have quantitated NFL thickness using photogrammetry and have measured its asymmetry in the eyes of human subjects.
THE TOXIC ACTION OF PREPARATIONS CONTAINING THE OXYGEN-LABILE HEMOLYSIN OF STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES III. INDUCTION IN MICE OF TEMPORARY RESISTANCE TO THE LETHAL EFFECT OF THE TOXIN

1. The susceptibility of mice to the lethal effect of preparations containing the oxygen-labile hemolysin (streptolysin O) of group A hemolytic streptococci has been studied. Injection of a single sublethal dose of the streptococcal preparation causes the development of resistance to the effect of a lethal dose injected subsequently. 2. Resistance is demonstrable 3 to 6 hours after the injection of the streptococcal preparation, persists for approximately 30 hours, and then disappears. 3. Resistance induced by the streptococcal preparation, although relatively specific, is directed not only against the streptococcal preparation but also against saponin. Mice made refractory to the streptococcal preparation and to saponin exhibit normal susceptibility to a number of other toxic agents, with the possible exception of the alpha toxin of Cl. welchii . 4. Mice injected with a sublethal dose of saponin develop resistance to the effect of a lethal dose of either saponin or the streptococcal preparation. 5. Resistance depends upon processes distinct from those underlying classical antitoxic immunity.
Practice Evaluation and Social Group Work in Elementary Schools

Abstract The year-end reports of the group work practice of 15 elementary school social workers were analyzed to determine clarity of goals, intervention methods, and evaluation strategies. It was found that goals were articulated but not quantified. Purposes and intervention methods were clearly documented. Goals for individual members were identified more frequently than group goals. Evidence of group processes was commonly used as markers of group success. Social workers used a variety of activities and discussion to accomplish these goals. Pragmatic outcome indicators, such as member, parent, and teacher statements about goal accomplishment, improved quality of life, and increased ability to cope, were used more often to assess outcomes than empirical indicators. Identification of group processes and member enjoyment of the group were indicators of group success that emerged from the reports. These pragmatic indicators appeared to be somewhat useful in evaluating group work processes in these elementa...
A Single Ring Is Sufficient for Productive Chaperonin-Mediated Folding In Vivo

Facilitated protein folding by the double toroidal bacterial chaperonin, GroEL/GroES, proceeds by a "two-stroke engine" mechanism in which an allosteric interaction between the two rings synchronizes the reaction cycle by controlling the binding and release of cochaperonin. Using chimeric chaperonin molecules assembled by fusing equatorial and apical domains derived from GroEL and its mammalian mitochondrial homolog, Hsp60, we show that productive folding by Hsp60 and its cognate cochaperonin, Hsp10, proceeds in vitro and in vivo without the formation of a two-ring structure. This simpler "one-stroke" engine works because Hsp60 has a different mechanism for the release of its cochaperonin cap and bound target protein.
GABA and picrotoxin alter expression of a maternal effect that influences pupal diapause in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga bullata

A maternal effect that operates in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga bullata Parker (Diptera: Sarcophogidae), prevents the expression of pupal diapause in the progeny of females that have been reared under short day conditions. This set of experiments tests the possibility that the maternal effect can be prevented by the use of various environmental stresses or chemical treatments administered to the mother. High and low temperature shocks, food deprivation and reducing the size of the mother were all ineffective in altering transmission of the diapause-suppressing maternal effect. Several chemical agents, however, were effective. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and one of its antagonists, picrotoxin, elicited opposite responses when injected into female flies. Whereas GABA suppressed the incidence of diapause in the female’s progeny, picrotoxin increased the diapause incidence, thus suggesting the possibility of a central role for GABA in regulation of the maternal effect. Octopamine and pilocarpine injected into females also were effective in countering the maternal effect and thus permitting expression of diapause in the female’s progeny.
Analysis of CCN activity of Arctic aerosol and Canadian biomass burning during summer 2008

Abstract. The NASA DC-8 aircraft characterized the aerosol properties, chemical composition, and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations of the summertime Arctic during the 2008 NASA Arctic Research of the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites (ARCTAS) campaign. Air masses characteristic of fresh and aged biomass burning, boreal forest, Arctic background, and anthropogenic industrial pollution were sampled. Observations were spatially extensive (50–85° N and 40–130° W) and exhibit significant variability in aerosol and CCN concentrations. The chemical composition was dominated by highly oxidized organics (66–94% by volume), with a water-soluble mass fraction of more than 50%. The aerosol hygroscopicity parameter, κ, ranged between κ = 0.08–0.32 for all air mass types. Industrial pollution had the lowest κ of 0.08 ± 0.01, while the Arctic background had the highest and most variable κ of 0.32 ± 0.21, resulting from a lower and more variable organic fraction. Both fresh and aged (long-range transported) biomass burning air masses exhibited remarkably similar κ (0.18 ± 0.13), consistent with observed rapid chemical and physical aging of smoke emissions in the atmosphere, even in the vicinity of fresh fires. The organic hygroscopicity (κorg) was parameterized by the volume fraction of water-soluble organic matter (eWSOM), with a κ = 0.12, such that κorg = 0.12eWSOM. Assuming bulk (size-independent) composition and including the κorg parameterization enabled CCN predictions to within 30% accuracy for nearly all environments sampled. The only exception was for industrial pollution from Canadian oil sands exploration, where an external mixture and size-dependent composition was required. Aerosol mixing state assumptions (internal vs. external) in all other environments did not significantly affect CCN predictions; however, the external mixing assumption provided the best results, even though the available observations could not determine the true degree of external mixing and therefore may not always be representative of the environments sampled. No correlation was observed between κorg and O : C. A novel correction of the CCN instrument supersaturation for water vapor depletion, resulting from high concentrations of CCN, was also employed. This correction was especially important for fresh biomass burning plumes where concentrations exceeded 1.5×104 cm−3 and introduced supersaturation depletions of g25%. Not accounting for supersaturation depletion in these high concentration environments would therefore bias CCN closure up to 25% and inferred κ by up to 50%.
A U.S. Energy System Model for Disruption Analysis: Evaluating the Effects of 2005 Hurricanes

We refer to the national infrastructure necessary to provide electric energy in the U.S. as the National Electric Energy System (NEES). It includes the three primary energy production and transportation subsystems: electric, natural gas, and coal. In order to facilitate the study of very large-scale disruptions within the NEES, we have developed a multiperiod network flow model able to simulate the movements of bulk energy flows through the network and represent large-scale disruptions on critical infrastructure. This paper describes the model with focus on special features necessary to analyze large-scale disruptions. In order to validate our approach, we have collected disruption data following the 2005 Gulf-coast Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and then incorporated these data into the model. By comparing the results with and without the hurricanes, the additional operational costs as a result of them are estimated to be $10.5 billion from September to December 2005.
Aspects of higher training in emergency medicine.

Objectives: To devise and develop a structured questionnaire addressing important issues relating to specialist registrar training in emergency medicine in the UK, and to then administer this questionnaire nationally to higher trainees in order to establish current practice and opinion regarding those issues. Methods: Informal interviews with current trainees were undertaken to identify themes which might be of wider importance in relation to training. The transcriptions were incorporated into a discussion questionnaire which was circulated to other trainees and to members of the Joint Committee on Higher Training in Accident and Emergency. A postal survey was developed from this draft and distributed to all trainees currently registered with the Faculty of Accident and Emergency Medicine. Results: The response rate was 75%. Collective responses to certain aspects of training are demonstrated in order to reflect current practice and opinion among UK specialist registrars and to allow further debate. Conclusion: Development of a structured questionnaire allows issues in relation to training in emergency medicine to be assessed. The findings of the survey allow national data to be presented which will be of interest to trainees and trainers in the UK as well as overseas.
Using ultrafiltration to analyze the molar mass distribution of kraft lignin at ph 13

We used deliberately calibrated ultrafiltration membranes to analyze the molar mass distribution (MMD) of kraft lignin in alkaline solution. The membranes were first tested with probe macromolecules to obtain sieving curves at the same conditions as the lignin analysis. Using a restricted transport model, we calculated the average effective membrane pore sizes. The results were different from the nominal cut-off values. The MMD of a lignin sample at pH 13 was analyzed by separating the lignin solution into five fractions; the MMD using the calibrated cut-off values was confirmed by gel permeation chromatography. Nous avons utilise des membranes d'ultrafiltration volontairement calibrees afin d'analyser la distribution massique molaire (DMM) de lignine kraft en solution alcaline. Les membranes ont d'abord ete testees avec des macromolecules etalons pour obtenir des courbes de tamisage pour les měmes conditions que dans l'analyse de la lignine. A l'aide d'un modele de transport restraint, nous avons calcule les tailles moyennes reelles des pores de membranes. Les resultats sont differents des valeurs de coupure nominates. On a analyse la DMM d'un echantillon de lignine a un pH de 13 en separant la solution de lignine en cinq fractions: la DMM utilisant les valeurs de coupure nominates calibrees a ete confirmee par chromatographie de permeation sur gel.
On transforming Petri net model to Moore machine

The absence of satisfactory methods for verifying the liveness and fairness properties limits the analysis power of Petri net theories. An approach is introduced to connect the Petri net model with the Model Checker. A translator is used to transform the reachability graph of the Petri net to the Moore machine. The Moore machine and the behaviors specified by temporal logic are the inputs of the Model Checker, which is able to verify the properties of liveness and fairness. During the transformation, local and global behaviors of the Petri net model are separated, which means that a certain modularity can be achieved. An optimization technique is presented to trim the unnecessary local information from the local reachability graphs. The space complexity of manipulating the global reachability graph, which is generated by combing the trimmed local reachability graph, can be reduced. Moreover, a new approach is proposed to verify the concurrency behavior by using the Model Checker. >
A beam-RF simulation technique based on evolutionary amplification equations

Summary form only given. Present TWTA beam-RP simulation techniques fall into roughly two categories, particle-in-cell (PIC) and "envelope." The PIC methods tend toward "full-physics/ geometry" and usually require considerable computational resources. The "envelope" methods are usually parametric physics/geometry and assume a priori knowledge of the solution, e.g. harmonic time and/or space dependence, in conjunction with an amplitude/phase function which depends solely on z or t. The gulf between these two approaches can sometimes be considerable and unacceptable. This paper will present a computational methodology which bridges the simulation cost/accuracy gap.
Persistence of circadian rhythmicity in hibernating ground squirrels

The body temperatures (Tb) of golden-mantled ground squirrels maintained under constant dim light (< 20 1x red light) at an ambient temperature of 10 degrees C were monitored via telemetry throughout the hibernation season. During euthermia, when Tb ranged from 34 to 39 degrees C, these animals exhibited robust circadian Tb rhythms. During bouts of hibernation, when Tb rhythms persisted, although the amplitudes of the rhythms were considerably dampened compared with euthermia. The periods of the intrabout Tb rhythms were within the ranges observed during euthermia and were stable within an individual bout but varied between hibernation bouts. Arousals from hibernation occurred at a fixed phase angle of the Tb cycle. Once the period of an intrabout Tb rhythm was determined, it was possible to predict the timing of arousal from the hibernation bout to within 1 h of any 24-h period. This study confirms previous speculation about the persistence of circadian rhythms in golden-mantled ground squirrels during deep hibernation and demonstrates that the circadian system is involved in the timing of periodic arousals from hibernation.
Dispersion studies of agglomerates in steady and dynamic flows of polymeric materials

Abstract The hydrodynamic dispersion of spherical calcium carbonate agglomerates was studied under both steady and oscillatory shear-flow conditions. For a given intensity of steady shear flow, erosion rates were strongly influenced by the cohesive strength of the agglomerates with less cohesive, low-density agglomerates exhibiting faster erosion than high-density agglomerates. The dispersion kinetics were also affected by the extent of matrix infiltration within the agglomerate, with more infiltration resulting in reduced erosion rates. Experiments conducted in oscillatory shear flow fields provided new insights on local mechanisms of erosion.
'Stronger than Ever': Remnants of the Third Convention

In the mid-1930s Mexican Mormons held a series of conventions to express dissatisfaction with estrangement from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. After the Third Convention many Latter-day Saints in the Central Valley of Mexico separated from the LDS Church and remained independent for nearly a decade. Historians had previously reported that a schism within the Third Convention led by the author Margariot Bautista had fizzled and nearly disappeared. The author reports his surprising ethnographic discovery during the summer of 1996 of a thriving community of 700 followers of Bautista in Ozumba, Mexico calling themselves El Reino de Dios en su Plenitud.
Drivers of Channel Equity: Linking Strategic Marketing Decisions to Market Performance

The channel relationships offer strategic value and can provide opportunities to increase firm performance. Marketing strategy based on channel equity provides a new approach in which channel relationships are included in the firm's strategic planning and implementation. A conceptual framework for generating channel equity from the perspective of an individual supplier is proposed. The author proposes five key drivers of channel equity-communication, trust, commitment, dependence, and customer orientation. The paper proposes that relationshipspecific investments will have favorable impact on the drivers of channel equity and would enable the firms to build their channel equity. The favorable impact of relationship-specific investments is proposed to be moderated by relationship phase, and external uncertainty. The article makes an important contribution to marketing theory by examining theoretical perspectives from the field of relationship marketing and strategic management in conjunction to illuminate the value of channel equity in improving firm performance.
A comparison of two models of theρ-meson

A renormalization of theρ-propagator is presented. It is shown that if theρ-wave, isovector π-π amplitude is assumed to be dominated by this renormalizedρ, many scattering parameters are predicted that agree well with experimental data. The model is compared with one presented by Tschang and Parkinson. It is shown that the predictions of the two models are the same, but that the renormalization model does not contain some of the theoretical problems of the Tschang and Parkinson scheme.
Impact of GPS and ADS-B Reported Accuracy on Conflict Detection Performance in Dense Traffic

In this paper, we present preliminary results on the impact of GPS and ADS-B reported position on the performance of a novel conict/collision alerting algorithm primarially intended for General Aviation (GA). For this purpose, we analyze the dynamics of GA trac using 6 months of trac in the San Francisco bay terminal area and several representative airport trac areas. The observed standard proximity of GA aircraft to each other and their maneuvring dynamics indicate that existing collision avoidance systems such as TCAS would have unacceptably high nuiscence alarm rates for low altitude GA operations. We then present a novel collision alerting algorithm, based on ADS-B. This algorithm uses a buer zone, the Collision Airspace Zone (CAZ), around the target/intruder aircraft and alerts the pilot of the ownship aircraft of the predicted penetration of the CAZ by the ownship. The size of the CAZ is determined by the reported ownship GPS and target ADS-B position accuracies. Our analysis suggests that the CAZ should be a cylinder of radius 528 ft and semi-height 200 ft. This is very close to the traditional near mid-air collision cylinder dimensions (500 ft radius, 200 ft sem-height) . Simulations are presented which analyze the performance of the algorithm, in terms of detection time, as a function of the CAZ dimension.
Yesterday’s Gains Versus Today’s Realties: Lessons From 10 Years of Economic Development Practice

The past decade has been one of the more turbulent in terms of the economic pressures felt by localities. Through three national-level surveys taken at five-year intervals over the previous decade, the authors examine changes in the use of economic development strategies employed by localities with populations more than 10 000. Despite reporting having moved away from a reliance on business incentives to a broader set of strategies, we find that after the recent recession, localities are relying on business incentives at their highest levels in 10 years. Moreover, the most recent survey results suggest that there are observable patterns among localities and their use of first-, second-, and third-wave strategies.
Field assessment of oxidative aging in asphalt concrete pavements with unknown acoustic properties

Abstract Because in the field asphalt concrete acoustic properties ( i . e ., velocities and corresponding attenuations) are unknown, a modified version of the non-collinear wave mixing method is proposed to evaluate oxidative aging levels. Longitudinal transducers mounted on angle wedges are employed to launch subsurface dilatational waves to allow evaluation when there is only access to one side of the asphalt concrete pavement. For the mixture used, one fixed incident angle was found, which is suitable for the range of oven-aged asphalt concrete specimens, i . e ., 0–36 h. Theoretical explanation and experimental evidence supporting the validity of the proposed approach is presented.
The management of the diabetic patient with prior cardiovascular events.

Patients with diabetes are at high risk for cardiovascular (CV) events and heart failure. Approximately 2-3 million diabetics in the U.S. have had a history of prior CV events. The prevalence of diabetes in patients with heart failure ranges from 24% reported in clinical trials to 47% among hospitalized patients, and an estimated 1-2 million persons in the U.S. have diabetes and heart failure. Diabetes substantially increases the risk of mortality after acute coronary syndromes and also increases the risk of hospitalizations and mortality in patients with heart failure. It is now recognized that activation of multiple neurohormonal systems is central in the pathophysiology of diabetes, CV events, and heart failure. Pharmacologic intervention in these systems (eg, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, aldosterone-receptor antagonism, and beta-blockade) has been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality in diabetics with prior CV events and/or heart failure. Despite this awareness, ACE inhibitors, aldosterone antagonists, and beta-blockers are underutilized, and deaths and hospitalizations caused by CV events and heart failure in diabetic patients have steadily increased. Concerns about an increased incidence of hypoglycemia, worsening dyslipidemia, and decreased insulin sensitivity resulting from the use of beta-blockers may be preventing physicians from prescribing these agents for diabetic patients. Beta-blockade in conjunction with ACE inhibition should be standard therapy for all diabetic patients. Optimal glycemic control therapy for patients with heart failure has not been well-defined, and there is an urgent need for randomized clinical trials to determine optimal treatment.