cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Effects of Interference and Sealant on Riveted Lap Joints

Much of the fatigue damage in aircraft structures can be linked to the stress concentration arising at the rivet/skin interface in fuselage lap joints. Fatigue damage can degrade the strength of the structure and reduce structural integrity. Elastomeric adhesives and sealants are applied to the lap joints before riveting to prevent entry of moisture, thus, preventing corrosion. The effect of the sealant on the residual stress state resulting from the rivet interference and subsequent load transfer has not been investigated. A three-dimensional finite element model of the riveting process is simulated to determine the effects of interference and sealant on the induced stresses. Both implicit and explicit finite element techniques are utilized to model the process. The finite element simulation is validated initially for both techniques with experiment. The analysis with sealant shows an increase in the residual hoop stress for the majority of the cases in comparison to the results without sealant.
Lessons learned becoming a framework developer

When we began developing frameworks we were naive about what was involved in developing a framework versus other software. We had experience in object-oriented development, but even that did not prepare us for some of what we learned as we developed frameworks. This paper captures some of the lessons that we learned as we became framework developers. If you have already developed frameworks these will validate what you have already learned, but for someone just starting out these are the areas where we believe you will be surprised. For example, are you ready to become comfortable exposing your work completely, since almost everything might be part of the framework product? Are you ready to become more disciplined so you can manage and deliver all these pieces? Other lessons will validate and enhance what you learned developing object-oriented software; for example, the value of patterns, especially to define customization points. All are part of the biggest lesson of all, that as a framework developer you are no longer independently developing an application for an end-user, instead you are on the many diverse customer teams using the framework--helping them deliver their applications.
Hypogastric and subclavian artery patency affects onset and recovery of spinal cord ischemia associated with aortic endografting.

Objective Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) is a devastating complication associated with aortic aneurysm repair. The aim of the current study was to evaluate factors affecting outcomes from SCI associated with endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Methods A total of 1251 patients underwent endovascular repair of aortic aneurysm as part of a device trial between 1998 and 2010 utilizing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (n = 351), thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (n = 201), fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (n = 227), and visceral branched endografts (n = 472). Records and imaging studies were reviewed to supplement prospective outcome data. Demographics, type of repair, collateral bed (hypogastric/subclavian) patency, clinical presentation, and outcomes were evaluated on patients with SCI. Survival was calculated using life-table analysis. Results SCI occurred in 2.8% (n = 36) of patients: abdominal aortic aneurysm, 0.3%, juxtarenal, 0.4%, thoracic aortic aneurysm, 4.6%, and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, 4.8%). Four (11%) required carotid-subclavian bypass prior to endografting, and two underwent coverage of the left subclavian artery. Unilateral hypogastric artery occlusion was present in 11 (31%) patients prior to endograft placement, and three had bilateral occlusions. An additional seven patients had occlusion of at least one hypogastric artery during surgery. SCI was apparent immediately in 15 (42%) patients. Immediate onset of symptoms was observed in 73% of patients with at least one occluded collateral bed but in only 24% of those with patent collateral beds ( P = .021). Of those presenting in a delayed fashion, nine (43%) had a clear precipitating event prior to onset of SCI (hypotension, n = 6, and segmental artery drain removal, n = 3). Recovery occurred in 24 (67%) patients, most within 7 days. Immediate presentation was a negative predictor of recovery ( P = .025), as was occlusion of at least one collateral bed ( P = .035). Mean follow-up was 22 ± 4 months with 30-day and 1-year survival of 92 ± 4.6% and 56 ± 8.3%. Survival was only 36% at 3 months in those with permanent SCI compared with 92% ( P Conclusions SCI continues to complicate aortic surgery despite the advent of endovascular therapy. Occlusion of a single collateral bed is associated with an increased risk for immediate onset of SCI and lack of recovery. These factors are harbingers of poor outcomes and increased short-term mortality. This may be prevented by preserving collateral bed patency in patients undergoing extensive endovascular procedures.
Autonomic failure and proximal skeletal myopathy in a patient with primary Sjögren syndrome.

Autonomic failure and proximal skeletal myopathy are rare features of the Sjogren syndrome (SS). We describe a 51-year-old woman with primary SS who had development of esophageal dysmotility, urinary retention, severe orthostatism, and skeletal myopathy during a 3-month period after the diagnosis of SS. Her symptoms and signs responded well to corticosteroid therapy. Although dysfunction of the peripheral nervous system has a prevalence rate of 20% in patients with SS, most commonly the nerve dysfunction is a sensory deficit, and autonomic neuropathy is less frequent. Autonomic neuropathy due to SS may be underreported. The cause of our patient's myopathy remains undetermined. We speculate that the myopathy was due to either a form of polymyositis or an immune-mediated neuropathy with muscle involvement.
Specialty-specific trends in the prevalence and distribution of outpatient surgery: implications for payment and delivery system reforms.

Background. With nearly 53 million ambulatory procedures performed annually, future efforts to achieve greater value in surgical care should include a focus on outpatient surgery. To inform such efforts, a better understanding of specialty-specific trends in outpatient surgery is required. Objectives. To assess the prevalence and distribution of outpatient surgery across specialties. Research design. Repeated cross-sectional. Measures. Using all-payer data from Florida (1998-2008), we identified physicians who performed one or more procedures. We assigned a specialty to each physician based on his procedure mix. After measuring the proportion of procedures performed on an outpatient basis, we assessed for specialty-specific changes over time in this proportion. Finally, we determined the frequency with which individual specialties used surgery centers for their outpatient care. Results. More than two thirds (67.8%) of all surgical procedures are carried out on an outpatient basis. The popularity of outpat...
Combined modality program with possible organ preservation for invasive bladder carcinoma: Results of rtog protocol 85-12

Abstract Purpose: This Phase II study was designed to test the tolerance and effectiveness of concurrent cisplatin-radiotherapy in the treatment of invasive bladder cancer. Objectives were to determine toxicity, complete response rate, bladder preservation rate, and survival. Methods and Materials: Patients with invasive bladder cancer, clinical Stages T2–4, NO-2 or NX, MO were treated with pelvic radiotherapy 40 Gy in 4 weeks and cisplatin 100 mg/m 2 on days 1 and 22. Complete responders were given an additional 24 Gy bladder boost plus a third dose of cisplatin; patients with residual tumor after 40 Gy were assigned radical cystectomy. were assigned radical cystectomy. Results: The complete remission rate following cisplatin and 40 Gy for evaluable cases was 3147 (66%). Acute toxicity was acceptable with only two patients not completing induction therapy. Patients with poorly differentiated tumors were more likely to achieve complete remission. Of fully evaluable patients, 2842 (67%) achieved complete remission with induction therapy, 11 remain continuously in remission, and eight have relapsed with bladder as the only site of failure. Five of these eight cases relapsed with noninvasive tumor. Of the 14 patients who failed to achieve complete remission, only three remain disease-free. Median survival is not reached, with 1742 (1948) deaths reported. Actuarial survival is 64% at 3 years. Conclusion: This combined cisplatin-radiotherapy regimen was moderately well-tolerated and associated with tumor clearance in 66% of patients treated. Isolated bladder recurrences with invasive carcinoma are infrequent. Better definition of pretreatment selection criteria is needed if combined modality treatment is to achieve disease control and organ preservation for patients with bladder cancer.
Metastable phase formation in Be-Nb intermetallic compounds

Amorphous structures or metastable crystalline phases are produced in sputter-deposited Beryllium-Niobium (Be-Nb) alloys (5-15 at. % Nb) depending on the substrate temperature. The metastable phases transform to the stable Be{sub 12}Nb, Be{sub 17}Nb{sub 2}Nb phases on annealing at temperatures >800{degree}C. No Be{sub 5}Nb phase was found and the Be{sub 17}Nb{sub 2} phase is stable to low temperature. The Be{sub 12}Nb phase appeared to have a stoichiometric range of about 5.5 to 7.7 at. % Nb. The formation of the metastable phases is consistent with current models and theories. 17 refs., 1 fig., 2 tabs.
Domes of East Texas: ABSTRACT

Data have been collected in the last 5 yr on the 15 salt diapirs that extend upward to shallow depths (4,000 ft or 1,220 m) in the East Texas basin. These salt diapirs penetrate Jurassic and younger units and have controlled their deformation in the central part of the basin. Both primary and secondary data have been gathered. Primary data are observations of dome shape, depth, structure, and resources. Examples of primary data are depths to cap rock and salt, cross-sectional area, axial ratio, crestal area and percentage of planar crest, axial plunge, tilt azimuth and distance, structural symmetry, side convergence, and overhang azimuth and percentage, as well as a new quantitative classification of dome shape. The structural styles of strata around each dome can be desc ibed in terms of the size of the rim syncline and drag zone around the diapir, angular relations between the strata and the salt, and style of faulting. Secondary data include deductions and inferences based on the primary data. The growth evolution developed from the pillow stage, through the diapir stage, to the post-diapir stage. Unconformities resulted from erosional breaching of the dome in the past. The structural stability and hydrologic integrity of each dome have been assessed in terms of the age of the most recent deformation. Geomorphic and hydrologic evidence for dome uplift, subsidence, or brine leakage are included in a new classification of drainage patterns above domes. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1213------------
Revising the consumer price index

Abstract This article calls attention to a new Consumer Price Index (CPI) and how it differs from its predecessor, and offers additional sources of information on the revision.
Illuminating Zinc in Biological Systems

Zinc is the second most abundant transition metal in the human body, fulfilling a multitude of biological roles, but the mechanisms underlying its physiology are poorly understood. The lack of knowledge is, in part, due to the hitherto limited techniques available to track zinc in biological systems. The recent emergence of a number of zinc-specific molecular sensors has provided a new tool to image zinc in live cells and tissue samples. This contribution highlights the concepts behind using zinc-specific fluorescent molecular sensors to gain information about zinc action in biological samples, and provides representative examples of images recorded.
Home-built Nd:YAG laser for general laboratory use

A pulsed Nd:YAG laser has been built suitable for dye laser pumping, photoionization, and other purposes. Its peak output is more than 110 mJ IR and 40 mJ of frequency-doubled green in a 10-nsec pulse. The beam profile has almost a pure Gaussian shape.
Scheduling with agreeable release times and due dates on a batch processing machine

Abstract We consider the problem of scheduling semiconductor burn-in operations, where burn-in ovens are modeled as batch processing machines. The job release times and due dates are assumed to be agreeable. Two different objective functions are considered: minimize the maximum tardiness and minimize the number of tardy jobs. We study the complexity of the problems. Efficient algorithms are also provided for the case when the job release times, due dates, and processing times are agreeable, which generalize those provided by Lee, Uzsoy and Martin-Vega (1992).
A Modular Telerobotic Architecture for Waste Retrieval and Remediation

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has developed and de ployed a telerobotic approach for the remote retrieval of hazardous and radioactive wastes from underground storage tanks. The teler obotic system, built by SparAerospace Ltd., is capable of dislodging and removing sludge and gravel-like wastes without endangering the human operators through direct contact with the environment. Working in partnership with Washington University, ORNL is im plementing an event-based planner/Function-Based Sharing Con troller (FBSC) as an integral part of their overall telerobotic archi tecture. These aspects of the system enable the seamless union of the human operator and an autonomous controller in such a way as to emphasize safety without loss of performance. The cooperation between ORNL, Spar, and Washington University requires an open and modular control software architecture to enable the parallel de velopment of various components of the system. ControlShell has been used as the underlying software archite...
REGIONAL LEVELS OF LACTATE AND NOREPINEPHRINE AFTER EXPERIMENTAL BRAIN INJURY

The recently developed controlled cortical impact model of brain injury in rats may be an excellent tool by which to attempt to understand the neurochemical mechanisms mediating the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury. In this study, rats were subjected to lateral controlled cortical impact brain injury of low grade severity; their brains were frozen in situ at various times after injury to measure regional levels of lactate, high energy phosphates, and norepinephrine. Tissue lactate concentration in the injury site left cortex was increased in injured animals by sixfold at 30 min and twofold at 2.5 h and 24 h after injury (p < 0.05). At all postinjury times, lactate concentration was also increased in injured animals by about twofold in the cortex and hippocampus adjacent to the injury site (p < 0.05). No significant changes occurred in the levels of ATP and phosphocreatine in most of the brain regions of injured animals. However, in the primary site of injury (left cortex), phosphocreatine concentration was decreased by 40% in injured animals at 30 min after injury (p < 0.05). The norepinephrine concentration was decreased in the injury site left cortex of injured animals by 38% at 30 min, 29% at 2.5 h, and 30% at 24 h after injury (p < 0.05). The level of norepinephrine was also reduced by approximately 20% in the cortex adjacent to the injury site in injured animals. The present results suggest that controlled cortical impact brain injury produces disorder in the neuronal oxidative and norepinephrine metabolism.
Effect of Power and Ground Co-Reference to Performance of Memory Interface I/Os in FPGA and Structural ASIC Device Packages

In this paper, we present a summary of FPGA package development with focus on PDN and I/O co-design for optimal performance. Extensive simulation and characterization study are performed to address the effect of power and ground co-reference to memory interface I/O performance in large scale FPGA and structural ASIC devices.
Self-reversal and apparent magnetic excursions in Arctic sediments

The Arctic oceans have been fertile ground for the recording of apparent excursions of the geomagnetic field, implying that the high latitude field had unusual characteristics at least over the last 1–2 Myrs. Alternating field demagnetization of the natural remanent magnetization (NRM) of Core HLY0503-6JPC from the Mendeleev Ridge (Arctic Ocean) implies the presence of primary magnetizations with negative inclination apparently recording excursions in sediments deposited during the Brunhes Chron. Thermal demagnetization, on the other hand, indicates the presence of multiple (often anti-parallel) magnetization components with negative inclination components having blocking temperatures predominantly, but not entirely, below ~ 350 °C. Thermo-magnetic tests, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicate that the negative inclination components are carried by titanomaghemite, presumably formed by seafloor oxidation of titanomagnetite. The titanomaghemite apparently carries a chemical remanent magnetization (CRM) that is partially self-reversed relative to the detrital remanent magnetization (DRM) carried by the host titanomagnetite. The partial self-reversal could have been accomplished by ionic ordering during oxidation, thereby changing the balance of the magnetic moments in the ferrimagnetic sublattices.
Natural Coal Gas in West Virginia: ABSTRACT

A quantity of methane approximately equal to the state's production of natural gas escapes to the air from West Virginia coal mines. It is very important that a technology of production of this gas be developed. Natural coal gas occurs sorbed in the coal except where there are feeders, squeezes and drainage belts due to mining operations. The gas consists of 90 per cent methane, most of the remainder being nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Methane was produced by biochemical processes during coal formation. In some instances, a considerable quantity of methane is now being formed by bacterial action in mine waters. End_of_Article - Last_Page 911------------
Comparative uptake kinetics of N2O and O2 chemisorption on GaAs(110)

Using surface sensitive photoemission we have measured oxygen uptake versus gas exposure to N2O and O2 on cleaved GaAs(110) surfaces in the coverage range from 0 to 1.5 monolayers, focusing on the reaction variables of surface temperature and visible light illumination. As would be expected given the greater ease of dissociation for N2O compared with O2 (bond strengths of 1.7 and 5.1 eV, respectively), we found that N2O reacts much more readily than O2 at room temperature in the dark, with sticking coefficients at 0.4 ML of 3×10−7 and 7×10−10, respectively. This observation is also supported by a truer measure of reactivity, the chemisorption activation energy, which at 0.15±0.08 eV for N2O is only one-third of the value 0.47±0.02 eV for O2 when corrected for the molecular physisorption energies. These results confirm the fact that the breakup of oxygen molecules physisorbed on the GaAs surface is a major rate-limiting step in the chemisorption reaction. The similarity which we have observed between the kinetics of N2O and optically enhanced O2 uptake furthermore suggests strongly that it is that step—the breakup of O2—which is assisted by visible light.
A New Method of Solution of the Eigenvalue Problem for Gyroscopic Systems

1 Hoffman, W. C, Zvara, J., and Bryson, A. E., Jr., "A Landing Approach Guidance Scheme for Unpowered Lifting Vehicles," Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 7, No. 2, Feb. 1970, pp. 196-202. 2 Duiven, E. M., "Quadratic Cost-Re-Entry Guidance Laws," Internal Memo 2-5482-0100-020, Dec. 1969, Aerospace Group, Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash. 3 Kovatch, G., "Optimal Guidance and Control Synthesis for Maneuverable Lifting Space Vehicles," Transactions of the 9th Symposium on Ballistic Missile and Space Technology, Vol. 1, Air Force Command, San Diego, Calif., 1964, pp. 327-379. 4 Glover, L. A. and Hagan, J. C, "The Motion of Ballistic Missiles," TG1164, July 1971, The Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Lab., Baltimore, Md. 5 White, J. S. and Lee, H. Q., "Users Manual for the Variable Dimension Automatic Synthesis Program (VASP)," TM X-2417, Oct. 1971, NASA. 6 Anderson, B. D. O. and Moore, J. B., Linear Optimal Control, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., 1971. 7 Bryson, A. E. and Ho, H. C, Applied Optimal Control, Blaisdell, Waltham, Mass., 1969. 8 Kwakernaak, H. and Si van, R., Linear Optimal Control Systems, Wiley, New York, 1972.
Relations among neighborhood social networks, home literacy environments, and children’s expressive vocabulary in suburban at-risk families

In response to increasing research and policy interest in the neighborhood context of early school success, this study examined relations among neighborhood social networks, home literacy practices...
The maximum power principle predicts the outcomes of two-species competition experiments

The maximum power principle (MPP) states that biological systems organize to increase power whenever the system constraints allow. The MPP has the potential to explain a variety of ecological patterns because biological power (metabolism) is a component of all ecological interactions. I empirically tested the MPP by reanalyzing three two-species competition experiments by Gause, Vandermeer, and Fox and Morin. These experiments investigated competitive outcomes in microcosms of heterotrophic protists. I introduce metabolic state-space graphs to portray the metabolic trajectories of the communities and show that the steady-state outcomes of these experiments are consistent with the MPP. Winning species were successfully predicted a priori from their status as the species with the highest power when alone. In addition, periods of coexistence, although not predictable a priori, were consistent with the MPP because coexistence states had community-level power that was higher than either species could achieve alone. Thus, the outcomes of all ten trials were the maximum power states, given the options. The results suggest that the maximum power principle may represent a useful energetic organizing principle for communities.
Anatomy of the Greater Trochanteric ‘Bald Spot’: A Potential Portal for Abductor Sparing Femoral Nailing?

Soft tissue injury occurs when using a piriformis portal for femoral nailing. Standard trochanteric portals also can injure the gluteus medius and external rotator tendons, which may be a source of hip pain after nailing. On the lateral facet of the greater trochanter, a “bald spot” may exist that is devoid of tendon insertion. This may be a potential portal for intramedullary nail insertion. We defined the dimensions and location of this region. Cadaveric specimens were dissected to expose the tendon insertions on the greater trochanter. A computer navigation system was used with a stylus and bone morphing to determine the tendon insertions and bald spot anatomy. The greater trochanteric bald spot is covered by the subgluteus medius bursa and has no tendon insertions. Its center lies 11 mm distal to the tip of the greater trochanter and 5 mm anterior to the midline. The shape is ellipsoid with a diameter of 21 mm. This region is large enough to accommodate the size of most nailing system reamers without tendon footprint infringement. Use of this modified entry site may reduce soft tissue injury with nailing procedures and minimize subsequent hip pain.
Measuring the Benefits of HPV Vaccination

On the face of it, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination seems expensive: The cost is $130 per dose ($390 for the full series) compared with $23.20 per dose for the Hepatitis B vaccine ($69.69 for the series). But in balancing the costs and benefits of HPV vaccination, a first step is to assess the annual costs of HPV disease in the United States. Now, Chesson and colleagues perform this cost estimation from the perspective of the health service. HPV infection is the precursor for many cancers of the anal and genital tracts—cervical cancer among women and anal cancer among men and women—and some head and neck cancers. In addition, HPV causes genital warts, a common reason for patients to seek care from primary care providers, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP)—growths that can block the airways or change one’s voice. Efforts to prevent cervical cancer include widespread screening (Pap smear) and treatment of cancer precursor lesions to prevent cancer development. Among men who have sex with men, the field is moving forward to define the role of anal Paps to identify cancer early. In their analysis, Chesson and colleagues included the costs of cervical cancer screening and follow-up and treatment of HPV-related health states. Using the number of cases of each health state per year and cost estimates from the literature and health insurance companies, the authors estimated the total direct medical costs of HPV disease per year and found that the overall annual direct medical cost of preventing and treating HPV-associated disease is about $8.0 billion, of which 82% is for cervical cancer screening. About 12% of the costs are for cancer treatment, and therapies for genital warts and RRP account for 3.6%. Vaccine costs were excluded from the analysis. This full picture of the costs permits one to estimate the potential benefits of HPV vaccination. In addition to averting many of the costs of cancer treatment, HPV vaccination—through prevention of HPV infection—will likely reduce cervical cancer screening intensity and follow-up, resulting in further savings. Published at the same time, a paper by Houlihan and colleagues estimated that HPV infection may increase the risk of HIV infection twofold. If this finding is confirmed by further studies, then the benefits of HPV prevention through vaccination could extend beyond HPV disease to averting HIV infection and its associated costs. Understanding the costs and benefits will help inform decisions about health-care spending. H. W. Chesson et al ., Estimates of the annual direct medical costs of the prevention and treatment of disease associated with human papillomavirus in the United States. Vaccine 4 August 2012 (10.1097/QAD.0b013e328358d908). [[PubMed]][1] C. F. Houlihan et al ., HPV infection and increased risk of HIV acquisition. A systematic review and meta-analysis. AIDS 7 August 2012 (10.1097/QAD.0b013e328358d908). [[PubMed]][2] [1]: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22867718 [2]: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22874522
Transient signal detection using the Wigner bispectrum

The authors present a novel scheme, based on a generalized maximum likelihood ratio theory and the Wigner bispectrum, for the adaptive detection of transient signals in low SNR (signal-to-noise ratio). They review the definition of Wigner high-order spectra (WHOS), compare the moment-oriented definition of WHOS with a cumulant-based definition, and apply the Wigner bispectrum (a particular case of WHOS for order k=2) in the problem of transient signal detection. Reduced interference higher-order distributions are introduced. >
Reliability and Validity of Goniometric Measurements at the Knee

The purposes of this study were to assess the intertester reliability of goniometric measurements at the knee and the validity of the clinical measurements by comparing them to measurements taken from roentgenograms. Thirty healthy subjects between the ages of 20 and 60 years were studied. The subjects were positioned on their right side on a roentgenographic table with their left lower extremity on a stabilizing board that was elevated 15 cm above the table's surface. For standardization of the position, an assistant placed the posterior aspect of the subject's left thigh in contact with two 15-cm pegs, which had been inserted perpendicularly into the stabilizing board. The assistant then moved the left leg to achieve an arbitrary angle of the knee joint and held the limb in that position. Two physical therapists then independently used a standard plastic goniometer to measure the knee joint angle in the sagittal plane using the greater trochanter, the lateral condyle of the femur, the head of the fibula, and the lateral malleolus as bony landmarks. A roentgenogram was taken of the extremity before the subject was moved. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients (r's) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to analyze the data. The data analysis revealed that the intertester reliability (r = .98; ICC = .99) and validity (r = .97-.98; ICC = .98-.99) were high. The results of this study indicate that goniometric measurements of the knee joint are both reliable and valid.
3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA Carboxylase Deficiency: Metabolic Decompensation in a Noncompliant Child Detected Through Newborn Screening

We report a 19-month-old girl with a 3-methylcrotonyl-coenzyme A carboxylase deficiency that was detected through newborn screening. She was treated for the first 12 months but was lost to follow-up after the initial year. Her parents did not comply with the recommendations for management during periods of illness or for regular medical evaluations. During an acute illness, she presented with severe acidosis, hypoglycemia, and a low plasma carnitine level at 19 months of age. This report highlights the importance of more extensive follow-up plans to improve parental compliance.
Primary hyperparathyroidism: a current perspective.

Abstract Context.—Primary hyperparathyroidism (P-HPT) is one of the most common of all endocrine disorders. Eighty percent to 85% of cases are due to parathyroid adenomas while hyperplasia and carc...
Ozone and short-term mortality in 95 US urban communities, 1987-2000.

Design and Setting Using analytical methods and databases developed for the National Morbidity, Mortality, and Air Pollution Study, we estimated a national average relative rate of mortality associated with short-term exposure to ambient ozone for 95 large US urban communities from 1987-2000. We used distributed-lag models for estimating community-specific relative rates of mortality adjusted for time-varying confounders (particulate matter, weather, seasonality, and long-term trends) and hierarchical models for combining relative rates across communities to estimate a national average relative rate, taking into account spatial heterogeneity. Main Outcome Measure Daily counts of total non–injury-related mortality and cardiovascular and respiratory mortality in 95 large US communities during a 14-year period. Results A 10-ppb increase in the previous week’s ozone was associated with a 0.52% increase in daily mortality (95% posterior interval [PI], 0.27%-0.77%) and a 0.64% increase in cardiovascular and respiratory mortality (95% PI, 0.31%-0.98%). Effect estimates for aggregate ozone during the previous week were larger than for models considering only a single day’s exposure. Results were robust to adjustment for particulate matter, weather, seasonality, and long-term trends. Conclusions These results indicate a statistically significant association between shortterm changes in ozone and mortality on average for 95 large US urban communities, which include about 40% of the total US population. The findings indicate that this widespread pollutant adversely affects public health. JAMA. 2004;292:2372-2378 www.jama.com
Decreased PARP and procaspase-2 protein levels are associated with cellular drug resistance in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Drug resistance in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with impaired ability to induce apoptosis. To elucidate causes of apoptotic defects, we studied the protein expression of Apaf-1, procaspases-2, -3, -6, -7, -8, -10, and poly(adenosine diphosphate [ADP]-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in cells from children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; n = 43) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML; n = 10). PARP expression was present in all B-lineage samples, but absent in 4 of 15 T-lineage ALL samples and 3 of 10 AML cases, which was not caused by genomic deletions. PARP expression was a median 7-fold lower in T-lineage ALL (P < .001) and 10-fold lower in AML (P < .001) compared with B-lineage ALL. PARP expression was 4-fold lower in prednisolone, vincristine and L-asparaginase (PVA)-resistant compared with PVA-sensitive ALL patients (P < .001). Procaspase-2 expression was 3-fold lower in T-lineage ALL (P = .022) and AML (P = .014) compared with B-lineage ALL. In addition, procaspase-2 expression was 2-fold lower in PVA-resistant compared to PVA-sensitive ALL patients (P = .042). No relation between apoptotic protease-activating factor 1 (Apaf-1), procaspases-3, -6, -7, -8, -10, and drug resistance was found. In conclusion, low baseline expression of PARP and procaspase-2 is related to cellular drug resistance in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Asymmetric surplus distribution and the price convergence path in posted-offer markets: A note☆

Abstract We report results from five Posted-Offer experiments with firm-specific quotas. The average contract price converges from below the competitive equilibrium. Thus, the independence of the contract price convergence path from surplus distribution is questioned in our results.
THE APPLICABILITY OF “CLIMATOLOGY FOR GEOGRAPHERS”

jF an object of Werner Terjung's recent article is to reawaken thoughts on the goals and objectives of geographical climatologists then, in my case at least, it certainly succeeded.1 The article is most timely and hopefully will generate much meaningful dialogue. As a contribution to such dialogue, this communication raises questions on the potential utility of the proposed methodology. I think that most climatologists working in geography would concur with many of Terjung's introductory comments and generalized conclusions. The call for concentration on applied effects of energy and mass budgets studies (p. 201) and the need for a training of geographers in mathematics, physics, and the like (p. 221) is a sound one. What is more controversial is the manner in which the substance of climatology is approached. Terjung's proposals raise at least two important areas of concern. First, what of the proposed methodological classification? As Terjung acknowledges (footnote 9) it is a partial reiteration of the approach provided by Chorley and Kennedy.2 In fact, the ideas given cause me to suggest that the paper is mistitled. A more appropriate heading might be "Physical Geography: A Systems Approach: Climatological Applications." Terjung is calling for a new approach to all subject matter falling within the rubric of physical geography, using climate as the vehicle of presentation. The likelihood that such a revolution could ever occur is minimal. As a case in point, I wanted to use the Chorley-Kennedy
Relational cognitive structures for intelligent agent and robot control

Based on Brooks' subsumption architecture, we introduce a relational definition of a layered module architecture. We present two straightforward implementations following the declarative and the procedural meaning of such architectures. Based on these representations and the notion of state snapshots we then explain how to learn relational, discrete descriptions of asynchronous and possible non-deterministic behaviour. We conclude with an outlook of how relational learning can be used to optimise module behaviour, how to prune redundant connections and how to induce functionalities of higher level competence.
Methods for Analysis of Longitudinal Data: Blood-Lead Concentrations and Cognitive Development

Abstract This article reports results from a longitudinal study investigating the effects of low-to-moderate prenatal and postnatal lead exposure on the cognitive development of children during the first 18 months of life. Study hypotheses are expressed as a sequence of linear models for the outcome variable adjusted score on the Bayley Scales of Mental Development (MDIA), as a function of cord blood-lead concentration, infant blood-lead concentration at semiannual examinations, and other characteristics of study participants. These models are fitted to MDIA measurements on three occasions for as many as 214 infants, first assuming an arbitrary multivariate covariance structure for the repeated measurements and then with covariance structure arising from a random-effects model for errors. Estimates of the effects of lead exposure are not sensitive to the assumed covariance structure. The article describes several approaches to residual analysis and outlier detection in the longitudinal setting. In particu...
A broadband monolithic S-band class-E power amplifier

This paper describes what is believed to be the first successful design and fabrication of a highly efficient broadband monolithic class-E power amplifier that operates at S-band and employs a 0.3 /spl mu/m /spl times/ 1000 /spl mu/m pHEMT device. The amplifier measured performance shows a peak Power Added Efficiency (PAE) of 90% and a peak output power of greater than 23 dBm at 3.25 GHz.
Looking for a solution … to the solution?

Emergency physicians and other emergency health care workers are well aware of crowding issues in our emergency departments (EDs). Multiple factors contribute to ED crowding, including those that affect patient throughput. Previous reports have described some of the issues and their relative importance. Inability or failure tomatch resources to needs elsewhere in a hospital may adversely affect the ED. For example, difficulty in providing ICU beds for patients coming from the operating room or in accommodating elective admissions can translate to ED patients being held in queue. The capacity of the ED to treat new patients thereby effectively decreases, resulting in its own unmet demand. The all-too-familiar results include patients lining hallways and overflowing waiting rooms. When there is a mismatch between ED resources and demand for service, part of the staff’s natural response is to attempt to control demand. Ambulance diversionmay be used in efforts to reduce patient inflow. Ambulance diversion is often part of the solution to a single ED’s crowding problem. Each of us is familiar with the trickle-down effect of problems and solutions. Eventually, the lowest step in the staircase is affected. For the current discussion, the hospital cannot match resources to demand. The short-term solution is for ED patients who need service elsewhere in the hospital to wait. The ED becomes more crowded, and other patients wait or receive delayed care because the ED can’t match resources to continuingdemand. The immediate solution
Return to contact sports after spinal surgery

✓ Decisions regarding the return of injured athletes to contact sports after spinal surgery can be complicated. The authors offer a brief overview of the return-to-play guidelines used successfully at their institution for the past two decades when caring for professional and amateur athletes after spinal surgery.
Area minimization for general floorplans

Two methods for the area minimization problem in floorplanning are presented. These methods can be viewed as generalizations of Stockmeyer ’s algorithm [7] in the sense that they reduce to Stockmeyer’s algorithm for floorplans that are slicing. Our methods can also be applied to general floorplans. Compared with the branch-and-bound algorithm [9] which is enumerative in nature and does not have any non-trivial performance bound for general floorplans, our methods are provably better than exhaustive methods for all the floorplans we experimented with.
Evaluation of prophylaxis against hepatitis B in a large municipal hospital.

Background: Perinatal transmission of hepatitis B can be interrupted by the administration of hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B globulin to the infants of carrier mothers. Universal screening of pregnant women makes this strategy possible. Methods: To evaluate the implementation of universal hepatitis B surface antigen screening of women giving birth at Kings County Hospital Center during 1988, we reviewed laboratory records to find all women with a positive test result who might give birth. We also randomly reviewed records of women who gave birth to live infants to determine the percentage of screening in the population. Infants' charts were reviewed for documentation of maternal hepatitis B surface antigen status and administration of hepatitis B immune globulin and vaccine. Results: Sixty infants who lived long enough to receive antihepatitis B prophylaxis were distinguished out of a total of 5146 births. Screening was done for from 66.8% to 80.4% (95% confidence interval) of the mothers of these infants. Although 44 of 60 infants received hepatitis B immune globulin and 39 of 60 infants received vaccine, only 27 of 60 received vaccine within 12 hours in combination with immune globulin (Centers for Disease Control-recommended therapy). Conclusions: Documentation of hepatitis B surface antigen in the infant's delivery room record was present in 23 of 60 infants. Those infants all received hepatitis B immune globulin and vaccine; 21 received hepatitis B immune globulin within 12 hours. Hepatitis B immune globulin was given within 12 hours to 8 of 37 infants who lacked documentation of hepatitis B surface antigen status on the delivery room record. These differences were highly significant (p
The U.S. housing crisis and suicide rates: an examination of total-, sex-, and race-specific suicide rates

The US housing crisis affected millions of people nationwide. One recent study found a connection between foreclosure and suicide, and prior research showed an association between macro-level economic hardship and suicide rates. Using data from 142 US metropolitan statistical areas and a measure of housing stress that accounts for limitations of prior measures, we tested the association between the housing crisis and overall and sex- and race-specific suicide rates. Weighted least squares regression results indicated that housing-mortgage stress had no effect on suicide rates in our sample. We discuss the theoretical and social implications of these findings and areas for future research.
Giant Magnetoresistance in Granular Magnetic Systems

Since the discovery of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) in Fe/Cr multilayers1, the magneto-transport properties of magnetic multilayers have received considerable attention over the past few years2–12. The GMR effect is of fundamental importance in that it reveals the interplay between electron transport and magnetism. It has been associated with the existence of antiferromagnetic exchange coupling between the ferromagnetic layers across the non-magnetic layers2, 3. Furthermore, the electrical resistivity of some of these multilayers can be reduced by as much as a factor of two upon the application of an external magnetic field1; the sheer size of this effect makes these materials potential candidates for magneto-resistive applications. A number of other magnetic multilayer systems, such as Co/Ag4and (Ni81Fe19)/Cu5, have also been found to exhibit the GMR effect as the result of extensive research efforts.
Field Evaluation of a Kudzu/Cottonseed Oil Formulation on the Persistence of the Beet Armyworm Nucleopolyhedrovirus

Abstract A plant extract from kudzu, Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi (Fabaceae), was tested as a UV protectant for the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV), with and without the addition of an oil/emulsifier (cottonseed oil/lecithin) formulation. Aqueous and oil emulsion formulations of SeMNPV were applied to collards and the residual virus activity was determined for 7 d. Sunlight exposure of SeMNPV resulted in an activity loss of 42%, 85%, and 95% at days 2, 4, and 7, respectively. The addition of the oil/emulsifier to SeMNPV did not provide UV protection. At days 2, 4, and 7, activity losses were 67%, 84%, and 92%, respectively. Whereas the addition of kudzu (5%) to SeMNPV provided significant UV protection during the sunlight exposure period, activity losses of 17%, 62%, and 76% occurred at days 2, 4, and 7, respectively. The greatest UV protection for SeMNPV was achieved when cottonseed oil/lecithin were used in conjunction with kudzu. In thi...
Transient Synaptic Potentiation in the Visual Cortex. I. Cellular Mechanisms

Harsanyi, Krisztina and Michael J. Friedlander. Transient synaptic potentiation in the visual cortex. I. Cellular mechanisms. J. Neurophysiol. 77: 1269–1283, 1997. The cellular mechanisms that unde...
Glucose-Based Poly(ester amines): Synthesis, Degradation, and Biological Delivery

Herein, the synthesis and characterization of two glucose-based degradable poly(ester amines), GluN3 and GluN4, are described. Data from gel shift assays, PicoGreen dye exclusion, and dynamic light scattering studies reveals that these polycations can form polyplexes with plasmid DNA at a relatively low N/P ratio and that the polymers degrade rapidly at physiological pH conditions. Assessment of in vitro data via flow cytometry and live cell fluorescence microscopy indicated that GluN3 and GluN4 polyplexes can be internalized by HeLa cells in a highly effective manner with low cytotoxicity profiles.
Tailoring the structure of polymer networks with iniferter-mediated photo-growth

Using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD), we developed a computational approach to capture the photo-controlled radical polymerization (“photo-growth”) of polymer gels containing trithiocarbonate (TTC) groups within the network strands. Using this model, we focused on a “primary gel” and illuminated the sample to activate the TTCs, which then interacted with monomer and cross-linker in the solution. At low TTC concentrations, gels composed of compatible monomers formed two distinct, spatially separated layers. Conversely, at high TTC concentration, gels formed from incompatible components displayed a well-intermixed structure. Hence, in the presence of light, variations in the TTC concentration provide a new approach for controllably tailoring the structure of polymer gels, and thereby tailoring the functionality of the network.
Magnetically Tuned Superconducting Filters

We have demonstrated magnetically tunable superconducting filters consisting of microwave circuits coupled to ferrite substrates in monolithic structures using both niobium at 4 K and YBCO at 77 K. A three-pole 1% bandwidth filter with 10-GHz center frequency, 1-dB insertion loss, and greater than 10% tunability has been demonstrated. Operation of the ferrite in the partially magnetized state prevents degradation of the surface resistance of the superconductor. This technology has the potential for compact, light weight, multipole filters with very low insertion loss, <0.5 dB, and very rapid tunability, <1 μs, due to the low inductance of the magnetic circuits. We also discuss the use of lightly coupled ferroelectric films to introduce trimming of the individual resonators in the magnetically tuned filters. The materials issues that limit performance and means to improve present performance are discussed.