cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Validation of multiple tools for flat plate photovoltaic modeling against measured data

In this validation study, comprehensive analysis is performed on nine photovoltaic systems for which NREL could obtain detailed performance data and specifications, including three utility-scale systems and six commercial-scale systems. Multiple photovoltaic performance modeling tools were used to model these nine systems, and the error of each tool was analyzed compared to quality-controlled measured performance data. This study shows that, excluding identified outliers, all tools achieve annual errors within ±8% and hourly root mean squared errors less than 7% for all systems. Finally, the acceptability of this range of annual error is discussed with regard to irradiance data uncertainty and the use of default loss assumptions, and two avenues are proposed to reduce photovoltaic modeling error.
The isotopic composition of strontium in brines from petroleum fields of southeastern Ohio

Abstract 87 Sr 86 Sr ratios were determined for one oil and fourteen brines collected from three petroleum reservoirs in southeastern Ohio: the North Logan and Triadelphia fields, both of which are contained within the Clinton sandstone; and the Macksburg field which is contained within the Berea and Macksburg sandstones. Only the Clinton sandstone yields brines that could reasonably be assumed to be uncontaminated with other fluids. The data suggest that in the North Logan field this brine has a characteristic value of 0.7103 ± 0.0005 which persists for distances of at least several kilometers. This persistence, however, does not extend to the Triadelphia field 125 km away where the brine from the Clinton sandstone has a somewhat lower ratio of 0.7092 The 87 Sr 86 Sr ratio in one sample of oil from the Clinton sandstone in the North Logan field is identical to that in the associated brine. The data from the brines collected from the Macksburg and Berea sandstones in the Macksburg field indicate that these brines are severely contaminated with other fluids. The ratios in all the brines are generally similar to those in the local ground and stream waters, so that the ratios in all the fluids may be governed by the same factors. In southeastern Ohio, the presence of carbonate minerals in the enclosing rocks seems to be the dominant factor in controlling the 87 Sr 86 Sr ratios of the fluids.
Aspects of fluid dynamics applied to the larger arteries.

A review is given of some of the ideas from fluid mechanics which are considered essential background for researchers in cardiovascular flows. The paper links the topics discussed at a fundamental level with real problems which, in the experience of the author, occur in research. In particular, approximate equations governing the principal phenomena, and which help with understanding, are introduced. A description is given of the equations of motion and the significance of similarity parameters is discussed: it is shown how Reynolds number and the Womersley parameter arise from dimensionless forms of the equations. Steady flow equations and approximations are commented on, including illustrations of their use. Unsteady flow phenomena are introduced and it is shown how Stokes' first and second problems illustrate key aspects of unsteady viscous diffusion and boundary layers in the circulation. Important features of pulsatile pipe flow, as analysed by both Uchida and Womersley, are discussed and linked to Stokes' two-dimensional results. Entrance effects in steady and unsteady pipe flow are compared and contrasted. Other phenomena discussed include the effects of bends in vessels, transition to turbulence and the different time-scales associated with unsteady flows. Computational methods, which are assuming increasing importance in biological fluid mechanics, also receive a brief description. Finally, comments are made on pressure and other measurements and the need for an understanding of various fluid flow phenomena when planning measurements and interpreting the resulting data.
Idiopathic isolated benign non-traumatic inflammatory stricture of the common hepatic duct successfully treated with endoscopic dilatation in a child

Idiopathic isolated benign non-traumatic biliary strictures are a rare cause of obstructive jaundice in children. The treatment has been surgical with resection of the stricture and biliary-enteric anastomosis. We report a case of an idiopathic isolated benign non-traumatic inflammatory biliary stricture successfully treated with endoscopic dilatation in a 26-month-old male with persistent obstructive liver disease after surgical resection of an adjacent lymph node.
Endometrial stromal cells in culture: An attempt to understand the genesis and biologic activity of uterine sarcomas

Abstract The genesis of uterine sarcomas in vivo has been difficult to elucidate. The reasons are multifactorial and are compounded by the rarity of these tumors. In an effort to understand the biologic activity of this disease, normal endometrial tissue was subjected to tissue culture, histochemical study, and hormonal manipulation. Protein markers were used to differentiate endometrial epithelium from endometrial stromal cells in culture. The endometrial stromal cells grew rapidly following subculturing and were responsive to hormonal manipulation. When the stromal cells in culture were treated with the carcinogen N -methyl N′ -nitro- N -nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), the resultant morphologic changes mimicked uterine sarcomas grown in culture. These changes appeared to occur in a sequential manner, somewhat analogous to changes occurring in the endometrial epithelium as it undergoes transformation to endometrial adenocarcinoma. These studies, therefore, may serve as a model system in understanding the genesis and biologic activity of uterine sarcomas.
9.1.9 Decision Metrics Matrix Process

This paper presents a decision metric matrix process to evaluate the stakeholders needs related to their goal for improvement of a process, product or resources. The decision metric matrix gives the system engineer a method to name the components of the decision matrix and provides a process to extract, quantify and evaluate the metrics of the stakeholders' goals. Column one and subsequent rows of the decision matrix contain the decision parameters and the interior rows and columns contain the associated action statements and values. The stakeholder uses the action statements and action values as indicators to make a weighted decision concerning the goal. The decision metrics matrix uses concepts from the Goal-Driven Measurement paradigm (Basili).
Probability Distributions of Natural Frequencies of Uncertain Dynamic Systems

of random eigenvalues commonly encountered in dynamic systems. The method involves a hierarchical decomposition of a multivariate function in terms of variables with increasing dimensions, a broad range of orthonormal polynomial bases consistent with the probability measure for a Fourier-polynomial expansion of component functions, and an innovative dimension-reduction integration for calculating the expansion coefficients. The new decomposition does not require sample points, yet it generates a convergent sequence of lower-variate estimates of theprobabilitydistributionsofeigensolutions.Numericalresults,includingfrequencydistributionsofapiezoelectric transducer, indicate that the decomposition method developed provides accurate, convergent, and computationally efficient estimates of the tail probabilistic characteristics of eigenvalues.
Where's the beef?: incorporating cattle into sustainable agroforestry systems in the Amazon Basin

Low external input agroforestry systems hold great promise as alternative, sustainable production systems for small-to-medium farmers in the Amazon Basin. The design of such systems is considered essential to stabilize agricultural production and avoid the cycle of continuing destruction of primary forest [Anderson A (1990) In: Anderson A (ed) Alternatives to Deforestation: Steps toward Sustainable Use of the Amazon Rain Forest pp 3–23. Columbia University Press, New York]. In order to be successful, these systems must be compatible with local ecological conditions and adoptable by farmers. Currently, many small-to-medium producers in the Amazon Basin use a slash and burn agricultural strategy that combines annual cropping with cattle grazing in mixed farming systems. While cattle play an important role in household economic survival, grazing-induced land degradation threatens the long-term viability of these farms [Loker W (1993) Human Organization 52(1)∶14–24]. This paper presents a model of a low external input agroforestry system that incorporates farmer preferences and practices but uses well-adapted grass-legume pastures, rotational grazing and the management of natural forest regeneration to enhance productivity in an ecologically sound manner. This system provides farmers with the benefits of both annual crops and cattle raising, avoids the land degradation that characterizes current practices and effectively incorporates trees into the production system.
Arsenic Exposure and Epigenetic Alterations: Recent Findings Based on the Illumina 450K DNA Methylation Array

Arsenic is a major public health concern worldwide. While it is an established carcinogen and associated with a number of other adverse health outcomes, the molecular mechanisms underlying arsenic toxicity are not completely clarified. There is mounting evidence from human studies suggesting that arsenic exposure is associated with epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation. In this review, we summarize several recent human studies that have evaluated arsenic exposure using the Illumina HumanMethylation 450K BeadChip, which interrogates more than 485,000 methylation sites across the genome. Many of these studies have observed novel regions of the genome associated with arsenic exposure. However, few studies have evaluated the biological and functional relevance of these DNA methylation changes, which are still needed. We emphasize the need for future studies to replicate the identified DNA methylation signals as well as assess whether these markers are associated with risk of arsenic-related diseases.
Molecular piracy: the viral link to carcinogenesis

The vast majority of the human experience with viral infections is associated with acute symptoms, such as malaise, fever, chills, rhinitis and diarrhea. With this acute or lytic phase, the immune system mounts a response and eliminates the viral agent while acquiring antibodies to that specific viral subtype. With latent or chronic infections, the viral agent becomes incorporated into the human genome. Viral agents capable of integration into the host's genetic material are particularly dangerous and may commandeer the host's ability to regulate normal cell growth and proliferation. The oncogenic viruses may immortalize the host cell, and facilitate malignant transformation. Cell growth and proliferation may be enhanced by viral interference with tumor suppressor gene function (p53 and pRb). Viruses may act as vectors for mutated proto-oncogenes (oncogenes). Overexpression of these oncogenes in viral-infected cells interferes with normal cell function and allows unregulated cell growth and proliferation, which may lead to malignant transformation and tumour formation. Development of oral neoplasms, both benign and malignant, has been linked to several viruses. Epstein-Barr virus is associated with oral hairy leukoplakia, lymphoproliferative disease, lymphoepithelial carcinoma, B-cell lymphomas, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Human herpesvirus-8 has been implicated in all forms of Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphomas, multiple myeloma, angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy, and Castleman's disease. Human herpesvirus-6 has been detected in lymphoproliferative disease, lymphomas, Hodgkin's disease, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. The role of human papillomavirus in benign (squamous papilloma, focal epithelial hyperplasia, condyloma acuminatum, verruca vulgaris), premalignant (oral epithelial dysplasia), and malignant (squamous cell carcinoma) neoplasms within the oral cavity is well recognized. Herpes simplex virus may participate as a cofactor in oral squamous cell carcinoma development by enhancing activation, amplification, and overexpression of pre-existing oncogenes within neoplastic tissues. Because of the integral role of viruses in malignant transformation of host cells, innovative antiviral therapy may prevent tumour development, involute neoplastic proliferations, or arrest malignant progression.
Selective Desensitization of Growth Factor Signaling by Cell Adhesion to Fibronectin

Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix is required to execute growth factor (GF)-mediated cell behaviors, such as proliferation. A major underlying mechanism is that cell adhesion enhances GF-mediated intracellular signals, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk). However, because GFs use distinct mechanisms to activate Ras-Erk signaling, it is unclear whether adhesion-mediated enhancement of Erk signaling is universal to all GFs. We examined this issue by quantifying the dynamics of Erk signaling induced by epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts. Adhesion to fibronectin-coated surfaces enhances Erk signaling elicited by epidermal growth factor but not by bFGF or PDGF. Unexpectedly, adhesion is not always a positive influence on GF-mediated signaling. At critical subsaturating doses of PDGF or bFGF, cell adhesion ablates Erk signaling; that is, adhesion desensitizes the cell to GF stimulation, rendering the signaling pathway unresponsive to GF. Interestingly, the timing of growth factor stimulation proved critical to the desensitization process. Erk activation significantly improved only when pre-exposure to adhesion was completely eliminated; thus, concurrent stimulation by GF and adhesion was able to partially rescue adhesion-mediated desensitization of PDGF- and bFGF-mediated Erk and Akt signaling. These findings suggest that adhesion-mediated desensitization occurs with rapid kinetics and targets a regulatory point upstream of Ras and proximal to GF receptor activation. Thus, adhesion-dependent Erk signaling is not universal to all GFs but, rather, is GF-specific with quantitative features that depend strongly on the dose and timing of GF exposure.
Technetium-99m-labeled mouse-spleen leukocytes: Radiolabeling parameters

Abstract Bouse-spleen leukocytes were radiolabeled with 99m Tc under neutral pH conditions. A low concentration of stannous chloride was used to reduce the sodium pertechnetate to a cell-binding lower-valence state. Cell radiolabeling was measured by radioactivity retention on glass-fiber filters. This procedure is quick and allows the assay of small aliquots of the radiolabeling reaction mixture. A stable cell radiolabel of 24.4% ± 5.2% was obtained which remained attached to the cell up to 27.5 h as measured by in vitro incubation in tissue culture medium. The viability of the cells after 99m Tc-cell-labeling remains as high as the control. The radiolabeling efficiency of the cells with 99m Tc was dependent on the concentration of cells and stannous chloride, but was independent of Na 99m TcO 4 concentration.
A reliable, rapid and inexpensive method for producing and implanting chronic cannulae into brains of small animals.

Abstract A new method for constructing and implanting cannulae into brains of small animals is described. This system allows drug microinjections to be performed on multiple occassions with little tissue damage, at a very low cost.
Development and applications of a mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry method for the quantification of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans

Mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has been demonstrated to be a valuable technique in the analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs, PCDFs). In this study, we demonstrate both the value and limitations of high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and MS/MS in the analysis of PCDDs and PCDFs. We have found that in certain cases, MS/MS can solve analytical problems that cannot be solved by high-resolution mass spectrometry and we demonstrate the reliability and reproducibility of MS/MS in the analysis of PCDDs and PCDFs in environmental matrices.
The NYPD's Compstat: Compare Statistics or Compose Statistics?:

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) introduced Compstat in 1994. Since then, the NYPD and many other law enforcement agencies which have adopted Compstat, have declared dramatic decreases in reported index crime. Indeed, in New York City the claim is that index crime has decreased over 76 per cent. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, this research examines Compstat's managerial environment. Our main concern in this paper is examining the extent (if any) of pressures which managers believe they are exposed to at Compstat, as well as how those pressures might influence unethical crime reporting. Results indicate that managers perceive that they are subject to significantly greater pressure in the Compstat era especially, but not exclusively, with respect to decreasing index crime. Further, these pressures help explain unethical crime reporting in the Compstat era.
Possible role of cyclic AMP and prostaglandin E1 in the dopaminergic control of prolactin release.

In ovariectomized, estrogen-treated rats (10 µg estradiol benzoate (Eb), SC, 48 hr before) bearing a permanent cannula in the third ventricle (3rd V), the third ventricular injection of dopamine (DA) (2 µg), but not of norepinephrine (NE) (2 µg) or of physiological saline solution (4 µl) decreased plasma prolactin titers 15 and 30 min after the injection. Apomorphine (A) (4, 20 or 40 µg in 4 µl) dramatically drecreased prolactin 15, 30 and 60 min later. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (DBC) (93.6 µg; 0.05M, 4 µl) but not 5′ AMP (68.4 µg, 0.05M) mimicked the effect of DA and A. In ovariectomized rats, Pimozide (0.63 mg/kg), a dopaminergic receptor blocker, injected SC 1 hr before prevented the effect of DA but not that of DBC. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) (1 µg, 2 µl) injected intraventricularly did not alter plasma prolactin in ovariectomized, estrogentreated rats. When this dose of PGE1 was injected 5 min before the injection of other agents, it completely prevented the effect of DA and partially that of A, but failed t...
Performance-Based Budgeting: The U.S. Experience

In the United States, it is premature to claim that performance-based budgeting (PBB) will replace line-item budgeting in near future, particularly at the federal and state level. This article attempts to (1) provide a brief historical context of PBB in the U.S.; (2) identify some challenges associated with the theoretical underpinnings and operational principles of PBB; (3) document current practice and research pertaining to designing and implementation; and (4) discuss the prospect of PBB. The locus of PBB in the 21St century will be local, the focus will be comparative, and the impetus will come mainly from the media.
Pain Management in the Hospitalized Patient

Effective management of acute pain should be a primary goal of each health care provider. Acute pain is a complex medical problem with multiple possible etiologies. This article describes the pathophysiology of pain, discusses the ways to assess pain, and reviews the principles of acute pain management, including the use of both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures to treat pain.
Minimum and mixed phase speech analysis-synthesis by adaptive homomorphic deconvolution

In this paper short-time homomorphic analysis, the harmonic representation of speech, and the spectral smoothing interpretation of homomorphic deconvolution are explored, resulting in adaptive time-domain windowing and logmagnitude smoothing techniques for improved spectral estimates and enhanced quality of a minimum phase homomorphic vocoder. With an adaptive window alignment scheme a slowly varying (over successive frames) mixed-phase impulse-response estimate is introduced through the complex cepstrum, yielding somewhat higher quality speech than its minimum phase counterpart. For a cepstral window of unity and exact pitch knowledge, this analysis-synthesis scheme acts as an identity system on stationary periodic waveforms. In addition, results of coding the smooth logmagnitude and a comparative study of conventional and sliding chirp-z transform implementation schemes are briefly presented.
High-NA and low-residual-aberration projection lens for DUV scanner

This paper describes several kinds of new technologies, which are introduced into newly developed 0.78 NA ArF projection lens for Nikon's latest DUV scanner, the NSR- S306C. A new lens configuration for an ArF projection system is obtained as a result of a minute survey of the space of the aspheric optical design. The new configuration uses fewer elements and less volume of calcium fluoride (CaF2) than a conventional type. Lens mounting performance and its stability is another key issue to realizing a high performance imaging system, because lens element deformation due to lens mounting degrades imaging performance severely. Reduction of the number of the elements of a new optical design can increase room for the opto-mechanical system. Even complicated mechanisms, such as kinematic lens mounting, can fit in the space. A pure kinematic lens mounting is developed for the new ArF projection lens system to minimize lens deformation due to lens mounting. The same mechanism is applied to the positioning scheme of a lens element for high precision lens adjustment. Simultaneous use of the new lens positioning system and a lens controller can perform high precision and rather complex lens fine-tuning. Intrinsic birefringence of calcium fluoride (CaF2) is a new item, which is a hot issue in F2 optics. Even for ArF projection lens system, the intrinsic birefringence is one of the most critical issues in terms of impact upon lens performance. Special treatment is required to avoid the degradation of imaging performance due to the intrinsic birefringence effects. Resist image comparison between an ArF lens with the treatment and that without is reviewed. Finally, actual lens performance is shown.
Docosahexaenoic acid complexed to human albumin in experimental stroke: neuroprotective efficacy with a wide therapeutic window.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) complexed to human serum albumin (Alb) is neuroprotective after experimental stroke. Here we tested using lower concentrations of albumin as part of the complex to achieve neuroprotection. We found that lower Alb concentrations extend the therapeutic window of protection beyond 5 h after stroke onset. Sprague–Dawley rats were received 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). The behavior was evaluated on day 1, 2, 3 and 7 after MCAo. In the dose–response study, animals were given either DHA (5mg/kg), Alb (0.63g/kg), DHA-Alb (5mg/kg + 0.32, 0.63 or 1.25 g/kg) or saline, i.v. 3 h after onset of stroke (n=6-8 per group). In the therapeutic window study, DHA-Alb (5mg/kg + 1.25g/kg) was administered i.v. at either 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 h after onset of stroke (n=7-9 per group). Alb (1.25g/kg) was given at 3 h or 5 h and saline at 3h after onset of reperfusion. Seven days after MCAo, infarct volumes and number of GFAP, ED-1, NeuN, SMI-71 positive cells and vessels were counted. Moderate DHA-Alb doses (0.63 and 1.25 g/kg) improved neurological scores compared to albumin-treated rats on days 1, 2, 3 and 7. All DHA-Alb doses (0.32, 0.63 and 1.25 g/kg) markedly reduced cortical (by 65-70%), striatal (by 52-63%) and total infarct volumes (by 60-64%) compared to native Alb group. In the therapeutic window study DHA-Alb led to improved neurological score and significant reductions of infarct volumes (especially in the cortical or penumbral region), even when treatment was initiated as late as 7 hours after onset of MCAo. The DHA-Alb complex affords high-grade neurobehavioral neuroprotection in focal cerebral ischemia, equaling or exceeding that afforded by native Alb or DHA, at considerably moderate doses. It has a broad therapeutic window extending to 7 h after stroke onset. Taken together, these finding support the potential clinical feasibility of administering DHA-Alb therapy to patients with acute ischemic stroke.
A “prospective” and “retrospective” view of the hazards of a career in interventional cardiology

Surveyed interventional cardiologists reported frequent occupation-related health hazards including orthopedic injury (49.4%), radiation-related skin disease (4.8%), cataracts (5.5%), and hematologic and malignant conditions (4.8%) Further advances are needed to increase operator and staff safety to prevent future orthopedic injuries and radiation-related diseases. Each individual interventional cardiologist needs to weigh the hazards of the profession with the benefits which are substantial as well.
The Information Technology (IT) Skills of Hospitality School Graduates as Perceived by Hospitality Professionals

Information technology (IT) applications have become an essential part of hotel operations. Consequently, hospitality schools aim to provide their graduates with the skills and tools that are necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing and developing industry environment. This article investigates perspectives of hotel industry professionals on the IT skills of hospitality school graduates. Based on an in-depth literature review, a questionnaire was developed and data was collected from 110 hospitality industry professionals. Study results indicate that hospitality schools’ students need better preparation in the areas of “using spreadsheet programs” (i.e., Microsoft Excel), “using email systems” (i.e., Outlook Express, Thunderbird), “using word processing programs” (i.e., Microsoft Word), “presenting data in an efficient manner,” “using point of sale systems” (i.e., Micros), and “analyzing numerical data with computers” (i.e., SPSS, Excel). Study results should be useful to hospitality educators in making...
Diagnostic and therapeutic utility of SpyGlass® peroral cholangioscopy in intraductal biliary disease: Single-center, retrospective, cohort study

Background and Aim SpyGlass® cholangiopancreatoscopy system has shown early success in aiding diagnosis and management of pancreaticobiliary diseases. We aimed to assess the technical success, clinical success, diagnostic yield, therapeutic yield, and safety of the SpyGlass® system at a single institution. Methods A retrospective, single-center review of consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with SpyGlass® between January 2008 and August 2013 for a variety of indications. Technical success was defined as the procedure being completed as planned. Clinical success was defined as a successful outcome using diagnostic, clinical, laboratory, or imaging evidence. Results SpyGlass® cholangioscopy was carried out in 88 patients (49 females, mean age 56.9 ± 15.5 years). Indications were diagnostic in 67 and therapeutic in 21. Overall, technical success was seen in 87.5% and clinical success in 77.3%. Thirty-nine patients with indeterminate biliary stricture had technical and clinical success rates of 92.3% and 74.4%, respectively. In this subgroup, malignancy was ultimately diagnosed in 13 with 12 patients diagnosed by SpyGlass® and confirmed by surgical specimens in 12/12 cases; positive predictive value 100%). In the 23 remaining patients with indeterminate biliary strictures, one was later found to have malignancy (negative predictive value 95.8%) after 1 year of follow up. In the 13 therapeutic cases of stone removal, technical and clinical success was seen in 77.0% for both. Overall, adverse events were seen in 15.9%. Conclusions SpyGlass® demonstrated acceptable technical and clinical success rates in both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In particular, it allows for an accurate rate of diagnosis of indeterminate biliary strictures.
RSIR: regularized sliced inverse regression for motif discovery

Motivation: Identification of transcription factor binding motifs (TFBMs) is a crucial first step towards the understanding of regulatory circuitries controlling the expression of genes. In this paper, we propose a novel procedure called regularized sliced inverse regression (RSIR) for identifying TFBMs. RSIR follows a recent trend to combine information contained in both gene expression measurements and genes' promoter sequences. Compared with existing methods, RSIR is efficient in computation, very stable for data with high dimensionality and high collinearity, and improves motif detection sensitivities and specificities by avoiding inappropriate model specification. Results: We compare RSIR with SIR and stepwise regression based on simulated data and find that RSIR has a lower false positive rate. We also demonstrate an excellent performance of RSIR by applying it to the yeast amino acid starvation data and cell cycle data. Availability: Matlab programs are available upon request from the authors. Contact:jliu@stat.harvard.edu; yuzhu@stat.purdue.edu
Pulmonary Artery Catheterization and Esophageal Doppler Monitoring in the ICU

The clinical assessment of cardiac performance and ventricular preload is notoriously unreliable in critically ill patients. Consequently, a number of technologies have been developed to provide the clinician with indexes of cardiovascular function to assist in therapeutic decision making. Foremost among these is the pulmonary artery catheter (PAC). Indeed, the PAC has largely shaped the practice of modern critical care. Yet, the information provided by the PAC is largely misunderstood, and its efficacy is never proven. Recently, continuous esophageal Doppler monitoring has emerged as an alternative to pulmonary artery catheterization. This paper evaluates the clinical utility of the PAC and esophageal Doppler monitoring in assessing the hemodynamic status of ICU patients.
Who Wants to Work for the Government

In an era when everyone wants to be a millionaire, governments struggle to attract and retain highly qualified employees, making it more important than ever to understand what attracts people to the public service. Using contingency table analysis and logistic regression on the 1989 and 1998 General Social Surveys, we explore how individuals' demographic characteristics and the importance they place on various job qualities influence their preference for and employment in the public sector. Job security may still be the strongest attraction of government jobs, but high income and the opportunity to be useful to society also attract some Americans to the public service. Minorities, veterans, Democrats, and older Americans preferred public-sector jobs more than whites, nonveterans, Republicans, and younger Americans, who were otherwise similar. Women and college graduates were more likely than comparable men and less-educated respondents to have government jobs, but no more likely to prefer them. Overall, desire for government jobs declined markedly between 1989 and 1998.
Extra-articular origin of biceps brachii.

Abstract We report a clinically relevant anatomic variation of the tendon of the long head of biceps brachii muscle. The clinical and historically relevant data regarding an anatomic finding observed in 1 patient are reviewed. The clinical outcome of the patient's care was successful. Recognition of the described anatomic variant of the biceps tendon can aid the surgeon in focusing the treatment on the actual pathology and not on aberrant anatomy. Several anatomic variations in the origin of the long head of the biceps brachii have been observed. Some of these anomalies have been implicated as having a role in rotator cuff tendinopathy or in exposure for shoulder surgery. We are reporting the observation that the long head of the biceps tendon may have a mesotendon or be incorporated in the extra-articular side of the glenohumeral joint capsule, making arthroscopic visualization and assessment of the tendon difficult. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 7 (September), 2001: E29
Dryland cropping systems influence the microbial biomass and enzyme activities in a semiarid sandy soil

Indicators of soil quality, such as microbial biomass C and N (MBC, MBN) and enzyme activities (EAs), involved in C, P, N, and S cycling, as affected by dryland cropping systems under conventional (ct) and no tillage (nt) practices were evaluated for 5 years. The soil is sandy loam with an average of 16.4% clay, 67.6% sand, and 0.65 g kg−1 OM at 0–10 cm. The crops evaluated were rotations of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) or forage sorghum (also called haygrazer), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), and winter rye (Secale cereale): grain sorghum–cotton (Srg–Ct), cotton–winter rye–sorghum (Ct–Rye–Srg), and forage sorghum–winter rye (Srf–Rye). The tillage treatments did not affect soil MB and EAs of C cycling (i.e., β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, α-galactosidase), P cycling (alkaline phosphatase, phosphodiesterase), and S cycling (arylsulfatase)—except for separation due to tillage for Srf–Rye and Ct–Rye–Srg observed in PCA plots when all EAs were evaluated together. After 3 years, rotations with a winter cover crop history (Ct–Rye–Srg and Srf–Rye) enhanced soil MBN (up to 63%) and EAs (21-37%) compared to Srg–Ct. After 5 years, Srg–Ct and Ct–Rye–Srg showed similar soil MBC, MBN, EAs, total carbon (TC), and organic carbon (OC). A comparison of Srg–Ct plots with nearby continuous cotton (Ct–Ct) research plots in the same soil revealed that it took 5 years to detect higher TC (12%), MBC (38%), and EAs (32–36%, depending on the enzyme) under Srg–Ct. The significant improvements in MB and EAs found, as affected by dryland cropping systems with a history of winter cover crops and/or higher biomass return crops than cotton, can represent changes in soil OM, nutrient cycling, and C sequestration for sandy soils in the semiarid Texas High Plains region. It is significant that these soil changes occurred despite summer crop failure (2003 and 2006) and lack of winter cover crops (2006) due to lack of precipitation in certain years.
Fulvic acid interferences on ATP determinations in sediments 1

Organic and cationic inhibitions of ATP determination in sedimentary systems are large. Cationic inhibitions are reversible and can be successfully removed by cation exchange resins or by precipitation with oxalic acid. Acid-soluble organic compounds (fulvic acids) complex with extracted ATP; 70 to 80% of the ATP will not react with the luciferin-luciferase complex. Inhibitions by the fulvic acid are not reversible. When combined with other metabolic parameters. ATP concentrations provide a good estimate of the metabolic activity of a community. 3 figures, 6 tables.
From ex-patient alternatives to consumer options: consequences of consumerism for psychiatric consumers and the ex-patient movement.

The psychiatric consumer movement in the United States evolved out of the political activism of a small group of antipsychiatry "ex-patients" (former patients) early in the 1970s. The shift in the movement from radical opposition to the medical model to viewing the latter as a possible choice in treatment occurred gradually under a series of social and political changes (e.g., deinstitutionalization), responses to those changes (e.g., the Community Support Program of the National Institute of Mental Health), and the involvement of new actors on the scene (e.g., the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, a family consumer movement). This article traces the evolution of the psychiatric consumer movement up to the early 1990s in the light of these larger social, political, and economic developments. The author then considers the consequences of that evolution for both consumers and the ex-patient movement in the context of the unique nature of consumerism in the United States and the more recent restructuring of mental health services under managed care.
Overview + detail in a Tomahawk mission-to-platform assignment tool: applying information visualization in support of an asset allocation planning task

Information visualization techniques such as overview + detail displays have traditionally been applied and studied in domains with static data sets supporting information retrieval tasks. This study examines how these techniques can be extended to the design of interfaces for decision support systems (DSSs). Specifically, we developed a computerized decision support tool to assist Naval Tomahawk Strike Coordinators in the complex process of assigning a set of planned missions to a set of available launch platforms based on a number of different constraints and objectives, and compared user performance on two realistic scenarios (a within-subjects factor) across two versions of this tool (a between-subjects factor). The first version of the Mission-to-Platform Assignment Tool provided users with only a set of detail displays when assigning missions, whereas the second version had an additional, abstracted 'overview' display that allowed users to see the effect of early decisions on later decisions. The results showed that subjects performing this planning task with the overview + details display version completed scenarios, on average, 21% faster, with 22% fewer errors and with 74% fewer required workspace navigation activities than a comparable group using just the detail displays version. Subjects in the former group also rated their situational awareness 14% higher than those subjects without the overview display.
Axial Vibration of a Padded Annulus on a Semi-Infinite Viscoelastic Medium

The vibratory punch problem for a viscoelastic half-space indented by a padded annular disk is investigated. By virtue of transform methods, the problem is formulated as a set of triple integral equations which are reducible to a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind. In the formulation the response of a thin buffer which regularizes the load transfer to the semi-infinite solid is approximated via a plane stress-type solution. A set of numerical results is included to demonstrate the effect of padding characteristics on the dynamic system response. Apart from providing an interpretation tool for the nondestructive testing methods involving buffered annular loading systems, the present solution can be used as an effective approximation to the corresponding rigid-punch problem which has so far eluded a rigorous mathematical treatment.
Dispositional factors in internet use: personality versus cognitive style

This study directly tests the effect of personality and cognitive style on three measures of Internet use. The results support the use of personality-but not cognitive style-as an antecedent variable. After controlling for computer anxiety, self-efficacy, and gender, including the "Big Five" personality factors in the analysis significantly adds to the predictive capabilities of the dependent variables. Including cognitive style does not. The results are discussed in terms of the role of personality and cognitive style in models of technology adoption and use.
PS1-31: Processes of Cardiovascular Care Relevant to Complex Patients

Background/Aims Clinicians commonly face decisions about prevention of coronary heart disease following a new diagnosis of cancer. Such decisions must take into account cancer prognosis, cardiovascular risk status, overall burden of morbidity, and the patient’s goals, preferences and values. In cases of favorable cancer prognosis and elevated CHD risk, continued or intensified treatment of risk factors is warranted. In cases of poor cancer prognosis and/or high morbidity burden, a less intensive approach may be appropriate.
An assessment of the total ozone mapping spectrometer for measuring ozone levels in a solid rocket plume

The question whether the total ozone mapping spectrometer (TOMS) is capable of measuring ozone levels in a solid rocket motor plume is examined. Simulated measurements were computed for a chemical kinetics and dispersion model of a Titan IV plume. The principal disadvantage of TOMS for measuring local plume ozone levels is that the detection field-of-view is typically much larger than the column area for ozone loss. A secondary problem is attenuation of backscattered light by plume species and particles that can distort the ozone measurement.
Economic security and value change

Confirming Inglehart's prediction (1971) of an intergenerational shift toward postmaterialist values, a time series analysis controlling for the joint effects of inflation and unemployment demonstrates that there is a statistically significant trend toward postmaterialism in all eight West European countries for which data are available over the past two decades. Evidence from the 1981–83 and 1990–91 World Values Surveys indicates that this value shift occurs in any society that has experienced sufficient economic growth in recent decades so that the preadult experiences of younger birth cohorts were significantly more secure than those of older cohorts. Large intergenerational differences tend to be found in societies that have experienced rapid growth in gross national product per capita, and are negligible in societies that have had little or no growth. Accordingly, postmaterialism increased in 18 of the 20 societies on five continents for which we have comparable data over the past decade.
Military Ground Control Centers, United States

Current military space operations centers grew out of 1950s and early 1960s facilities and missions—some of those missions were quite different from those of today. The military is quite conservative when it comes to innovation and modernization. And nowhere is this more evident than in space operations. The watchword is evolutionary, not revolutionary. Thus, a facility, and even its hardware, has often been adapted from a previous mission in the same facility. Because the old mission, often critical to national security, must continue as new missions are brought on, old hardware and procedures are replaced only when new technologies and hardware are well proven. Similarly, organizations responsible for military space missions tend to be adapted from older, often quite different missions and organizations. In recent years, this is particularly evident in the U.S. Air Force's space organizations that are steadily being evolved out of and in a way that mimics air operations. Organizations such as the Air Force Space Command's 50th Space Wing, the operator of much of the Service's on-orbit satellites, is organized exactly as a flying wing, complete with the assumption of a unit name. As this article unfolds, the reader should keep this conservatism and legacy in mind. The U.S. military currently maintains ground control centers for three related missions: early warning, space surveillance/space control, and on-orbit satellite operations. Early warning and space surveillance/space control evolved from the North American Air Defense mission developed jointly by the United States and Canada in the 1950s, culminating in the construction of the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) Combat Operations Center (COC) in the early 1960s. On-orbit satellite operations centers have a different pedigree. Shrouded in secrecy during most of the Cold War, these facilities began as control centers for the United States space-based intelligence collection mission. As such, they were originally developed and largely operated by the still secretive National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). To understand current military operations centers, it is necessary to understand the history of these missions and organizations. This history is the focus of this article. The future of the military use of space is discussed. Keywords: U.S. space command (NORAD); military ground control centers; National Reconnaissance Office (NRO); Space Surveillance Network; Missile Systems; Cheyenne Mountain; space control
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COMBAT-RELATED POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND THE 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 POLYMORPHISM

Background: Empirical evidence suggests that there is a significant genetic influence in the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene (SLC6A4) has been identified as a prime candidate for the development of the disorder, as 5-HTT is a working target for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), first line treatment agents for PTSD. Several studies have reported associations between 5-HTT-linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) polymorphism variants and increased rates of PTSD in civilian samples. This study investigated the role of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism, triallelically classified, in a sample of combat veterans with and without PTSD. Methods: Rates of PTSD were examined across three genotypes in a sample of 388 combat veterans. The short/long polymorphism of 5-HTTLPR and the A-G polymorphism within the 5-HTTLPR (rs25531) were genotyped, and statistical analyses were conducted. Results: There were significant intergroup (PTSD versus non-PTSD) differences in the genotype frequencies of 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 (χ(2) [1, n = 388] = 16.23, P = 5.62 × 10(-5) ). The 5-HTTLPR S'/S' (low transcriptionally efficient) genotype was also associated with the PTSD severity score in the 228 participants who had combat severity data (r = .15, P = 0.03). Conclusions: The findings are consistent with previous research among civilian populations that have indicated that the low transcriptionally efficient S'/S' genotype of 5-HTTLPR is a risk factor for the development of PTSD after trauma exposure. Our findings are the first to examine this polymorphism and PTSD in a military sample. Additional large-scale investigations are needed to replicate these findings. Depression and Anxiety 0:1-7, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Language: en
Time-resolved optical transients in tetragonal BaTiO3.

We present and analyze the room temperature (T=23.5 °C) time behavior of the transmitted intensities of polarized light passing through an unclamped (100)-type single crystal of barium titanate (BaTiO3) when subject to a time-dependent, externally applied electric field. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported observation and analysis of such time-resolved optical transients. According to a previous [ J. Opt. Soc. Am. A22, 377 ( 2005)] observation by the authors, this original optical technique can, in principle, be used on 18 out of 20 noncentrosymmetric crystal point groups where the first-order (Pockels) and second-order (Kerr) electro-optic effects coexist. Because of its nondestructive nature, this novel optical method would be a useful tool in other fields of condensed-matter physics in which time-behavior observation and characterization of certain physical parameters of crystals are important.
Design Charrette as Methodology for Student Learning Assessment Relative to Building Safety and Security

A clear understanding of design strategies for the enhancement of building safety and security has never been more important for interior designers to comprehend than in recent times. Natural disasters, terrorism, and workplace violence represent but a few of the dangers, which threaten our built environments in unimaginable ways, and jeopardize the foundations of society and personal welfare. The application of building codes and life-safety regulations alone are no longer enough to mitigate for unforeseen disasters. Further practices and methodologies must be introduced in academic institutions to prepare future practitioners for the challenges that await them relative to designing for the safety and security of building occupants, particularly in commercial structures. This exploratory pedagogical study postulates that interior design students who employ safety and security strategies in applied scenarios retain a deeper understanding of the difference between building codes and supplementary techniques relative to enhanced protection of building occupants. This paper advocates for the use of charrette as an instructional method in studio-based coursework to reinforce a contextual understanding of safety and security concepts, and urges educators to be cognizant of charrette as a teaching approach to effectively assess student learning outcomes as well as potentially impact the body of knowledge.