cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Consumer Health Education Center: An Overview of Library Services

ABSTRACTThis paper provides a brief review of the development and history of the Community Health Education Center (CHEC), a library for patients and their family members over its past 14 years. Over time, CHEC management recognized new patient needs and evolved to meet the needs of its users through a variety of value-added services. This article discusses current services that CHEC offers including reference, business services, and health and wellness programs. Libraries planning to provide consumer health information services to patients and their family members can learn valuable lessons from the history, development, challenges, and services of CHEC.
Diborane Interactions with Pt7/alumina: Preparation of Size-Controlled Borated Pt Model Catalysts

Bimetallic catalysts provide the ability to tune catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. Model catalysts with size-selected bimetallic clusters on well-defined supports offer a useful platform for studying catalytic mechanisms; however, producing size-selected bimetallic clusters can be challenging. In this study, we present a way to prepare bimetallic model (PtnBm/alumina) cluster catalysts by depositing size-selected Pt7 clusters on an alumina thin film, then selectively adding boron by exposure to diborane, and heating. The interactions between Pt7/alumina and diborane were probed using temperature-programmed desorption/reaction (TPD/R), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), low-energy ion scattering (ISS), plane wave density functional theory (PW-DFT), and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. It was found that the diborane exposure/heating process does result in preferential binding of B in association with the Pt clusters. Borated Pt clusters are of interest because they are known to exhibit...
The Sword of Damocles: Whither the Next Pandemic

This chapter discusses the nature and characteristics of infectious diseases, the particular circumstances in which they can produce epidemics, and how outbreaks can be detected and mitigated in a timely manner. Factors favoring epidemics include the innate capability of the infectious agent to infect individuals, the ease with which the agent is transmissible from one individual to another, and the susceptibility of the population for outbreaks to occur. Susceptibility to outbreaks is increased when the immune defense mechanisms of individuals are degraded through malnutrition and stress, and large numbers of people are crowded together in an environment lacking basic public health protections. Such circumstances often accompany disasters and complex emergencies. The public health community worldwide has developed mechanisms for earlier recognition and response to epidemics, and is striving to refine techniques and approaches to better anticipate them. To describe the historical impact of epidemics and pandemics To understand risk factors and conditions favourable for pandemics, epidemics, including natural disasters To describe responsibilities and activities of the World Health Organization and other international bodies in preparing for and responding to pandemics and epidemics To describe actions to be taken in responding to these events, including the discrimination of “naturally occurring” outbreaks from synthetic, or man-made ones
Single-Cell, Time-Lapse Reactive Oxygen Species Detection in E. coli

Detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in bacteria has been limited to bulk biochemical assays. Although they are powerful and quantitative tools to understand the overall production of ROS in E. coli, such assays provide limited spatial and temporal information when correlating cellular phenotype with perturbations such as antibiotics or other treatments. We have developed single-cell, time-lapse assays to detect ROS in live E. coli. The assays utilize flow systems on a fluorescence microscope to correlate symptoms aroused from biological or chemical perturbations with the in situ detection of ROS. ROS is detected by fluorogenic dyes that accumulate inside the cell, allowing detection of ROS in single cells in both homogeneous and heterogeneous samples using CellROX Green and Amplex® Red/APEX2. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Constraints on the anisotropic parameters for pseudoelastic vertical transverse isotropy wave equations and the applications on imaging carbonate reservoirs

ABSTRACTSeismic anisotropy is an intrinsic elastic property. Appropriate accounting of anisotropy is critical for correct and accurate positioning seismic events in reverse time migration. Although...
Discovery and Optimization of a Series of Sulfonamide Inverse Agonists for the Retinoic Acid Receptor-Related Orphan Receptor-α.

Background Despite a massive industry endeavor to develop RORγ-modulators for autoimmune disorders, there has been no indication of efforts to target the close family member RORα for similar indications. This may be due to the misconception that RORα is redundant to RORγ, or the inherent difficulty in cultivating tractable starting points for RORα. RORα-selective modulators would be useful tools to interrogate the biology of this understudied orphan nuclear receptor. Objective The goal of this research effort was to identify and optimize synthetic ligands for RORα starting from the known LXR agonist T0901317. Methods Fourty-five analogs of the sulfonamide lead (1) were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to suppress the transcriptional activity of RORα, RORγ, and LXRα in cell-based assays. Analogs were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and LC-MS analysis. The pharmacokinetic profile of the most selective RORα inverse agonist was evaluated in rats with intraperitoneal (i.p.) and per oral (p.o.)dosing. Results Structure-activity relationship studies led to potent dual RORα/RORγ inverse agonists as well as RORα-selective inverse agonists (20, 28). LXR activity could be reduced by removing the sulfonamide nitrogen substituent. Attempts to improve the potency of these selective leads by varying substitution patterns throughout the molecule proved challenging. Conclusion The synthetic RORα-selective inverse agonists identified (20, 28) can be utilized as chemical tools to probe the function of RORα in vitro and in vivo.
Business Attire Fashion or Appropriateness: What Should Marketers Emphasize? An Abstract

Work attire is often advertised as being professional, appropriate, and smart, while fashion-forwardness takes a back seat; but is this the best way to appeal to consumers? The purpose of this study was to determine what aspect of work attire matters most to working professionals, fashion-forwardness or appropriateness.
Receptor-mediated mechanisms for drugs of abuse and brain development

Abstract Both legal and illegal drugs of abuse, acting through receptors or transporters, have detrimental effects on the developing brain. Cocaine acts primarily by blocking presynaptic dopamine receptors in the nucleus accumbens, the brain’s pleasure center, thereby causing the postsynaptic neurons to be stimulated. Amphetamine’s action also causes activation of these neurons. Constant stimulation of the pleasure center produces drug dependency. Both drugs have relatively limited direct effects on brain development. Opioids’ site of action is the μ receptor, which is part of the γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA A ) receptor complex. By inhibiting this receptor, opioids also activate dopaminergic neurons in the pleasure center. Children born to opioid-addicted mothers are dependent on opioids at birth. Alcohol also activates the GABA A receptor, causing inhibition of excitatory neurons as well as stimulation of the pleasure center. Fetal alcohol syndrome, which produces negative behavioral and cognitive effects, is caused by heavy drinking during pregnancy. Nicotine, the most addictive compound in tobacco, binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and stimulates the brain’s pleasure center. Smoking during pregnancy can cause small birthweight and brain weight as well as numerous cognitive and behavioral problems.
PYY-3-36

Peptide YY (PYY) is a 34 amino acid peptide, and a member of the pancreatic polypeptide family that includes neuropeptide Y and pancreatic polypeptide. PYY is secreted from L cells of the gastrointestinal tract, and exerts endocrine effects, such as vasoconstriction, decreased secretion of gastric acid and GI exocrine secretions, and decreased GI motility …
A new species of stygobitic snail in the genus Antrorbis Hershler & Thompson, 1990 (Gastropoda, Cochliopidae) from the Appalachian Valley and Ridge of eastern Tennessee, USA

A new species of cave snail (Littorinimorpha: Cochliopidae) in the genus Antrorbis is described from the dark zone of two caves in the Appalachian Valley and Ridge province in eastern Tennessee, United States. The Tennessee Cavesnail, Antrorbis tennesseensis Perez, Shoobs, Gladstone, & Niemiller, sp. nov. is distinguished from its only known congener, Antrorbis breweri, by the absence of raised tubercles on its finely spirally striate protoconch, and its unique radular formula. Moreover, A. tennesseensis is genetically distinct from A. breweri based on substantial divergence at the mitochondrial CO1 locus. This is the first cavesnail to be described from the Appalachian Valley and Ridge (AVR) physiographic province in the state of Tennessee, which previously represented a substantial gap in the distribution of stygobitic (i.e., aquatic, subterranean-obligate) gastropods.
Entropy and Free Energy

In thermodynamics a quantity known as the free energy plays a central role. Changes in free energy determine the direction of chemical reactions and the values of equilibrium constants. In this chapter it is shown that a free energy change is just a different way of expressing the total entropy change, and that it consists of two distinct entropic components, spatial and kinetic.
Clinical presentation and initial management critically ill patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in Brescia, Italy.

Abstract Purpose An ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 that started in Hubei, China has resulted in massive strain on the healthcare infrastructure in Lombardy, Italy. The management of these patients is still evolving. Materials and methods This is a single-center observational cohort study of critically ill patients infected with COVID-19. Bedside clinicians abstracted daily patient data on history, treatment, and short-term course. We describe management and a proposed severity scale for treatment used in this hospital. Results 44 patients were enrolled; with incomplete information on 11. Of the 33 studied patients, 91% were male, median age 64; 88% were overweight or obese. 45% were hypertensive, 12% had been taking an ACE-inhibitor. Noninvasive ventilation was performed on 39% of patients for part or all or their ICU stay with no provider infection. Most patients received antibiotics for pneumonia. Patients also received lopinivir/ritonavir (82%), hydroxychloroquine (79%), and tocilizumab (12%) according to this treatment algorithm. Nine of 10 patients survived their ICU course and were transferred to the floor, with one dying in the ICU. Conclusions ICU patients with COVID-19 frequently have hypertension. Many could be managed with noninvasive ventilation, despite the risk of aerosolization. The use of a severity scale augmented clinician management.
Health Insurance Surcharges For Tobacco Use Declined Among Small Employers In 2018

Use of increased premiums for tobacco users in the small-group market fell to 4.1 percent in 2018 from 17.8 percent in 2017 and 16.2 percent in 2016. This decline, possibly due to increased governm...
A Pilot Study Comparing Aortic Valve Area Estimates Derived from Fick Cardiac Output with Estimates Based on Cheetah-NICOM Cardiac Output.

Cardiac output during cardiac catheterization is often estimated using the modified Fick method (COFick). In this proof-of-concept, prospective non-randomized study carried out in a single academic healthcare centre, we examined whether replacing COFick in the Gorlin formula with Cheetah-NICOM monitor cardiac output (COCheetah) could produce an accurate and precise estimate of aortic valve area in patients with severe aortic stenosis. In twenty-six subjects, COFick and COCheetah were obtained concurrently. A spot and 3-minute running average of COCheetah was used. Bland and Altman analysis was used to derive bias, 95% limits of agreement (LOA) and confidence intervals (CI). The mean difference (bias) between AVACheetah (average) and AVAFick was 0.11 cm2 and the 95% LOA were ±0.42 cm2. The 95% CI of the bias was 0.02–0.2 cm2. The bias and 95% LOA of AVACheetah (spot value) were 0.14 ± 0.42cm2, with a 95% CI of 0.06–0.23 cm2. No proportional bias was present. AVACheetah thus appears to be a reasonably accurate measure of AVA in patients with severe aortic stenosis compared to AVAFick measured using a modified Fick CO. However, the limits of agreement were not narrow enough to consider AVACheetah and AVAFick interchangeable.
An Overview: What We Know About Incarcerated Women and Girls

While women and girls do not constitute the majority of the incarcerated population anywhere in the world, their numbers are increasing. Research has shown that women and girls are different and do not respond well to programs designed for only men and boys, leading scholars to call for gender-responsive efforts. This chapter provides an overview of what we know about incarcerated women and girls, including their personal characteristics, crimes, lives on the outsides, experiences on the inside, and efforts that might improve their experiences and reduce their likelihood of recidivism.
A market diffusion potential (MDP) assessment model for residential energy efficient (EE) technologies in the U.S.

Abstract The Diffusion of Residential Energy Efficient (EE) Technologies has been studied for many years. Finding ways to bridge the energy efficiency gap and increase the diffusion of these technologies have been of much interest to researchers and practitioners alike. However, in most studies, diffusion is equated to adoption of EE technologies by consumers. The present study tries to break this mindset and develops a model to assess the diffusion of residential EE technologies from the market's perspective. The model assesses diffusion of an EE technology based on the market's ability to provide benefits to customers that are identified to be most important. The research contributes in several ways to the existing knowledge bank of residential EE technology diffusion. It provides an elaborate literature review on market attributes with associated components that help to develop the market attributes. The model allows to identify low rating attributes and helps to improve Market Diffusion Potential (MDP) MDP of technology cases by taking appropriate actions. Also, sensitivity analysis provides a snapshot of hypothetical situations that help decision makers to realize what to expect in case of extreme market situations and improve MDP of residential EE technologies by selecting appropriate business inclination strategy for excelling. The model can have several practical applications. The results of MDP assessment would aid in market transformation, utility program selection, as well as feed in information for R & D on prospective EE technologies and a wide array of other organizations with diversified interests in energy savings, climate change and sustainability.
Chronic tophaceous gout causing lumbar spinal stenosis

Gout is a common cause of inflammatory arthritis, typically affecting the joints of the appendicular skeleton. In this report, we present the relatively less common scenario of chronic tophaceous gout affecting the lumbar spine and pelvis, complicated by compressive neuropathy, and notable for its advanced initial presentation in a young patient. We review the pathophysiology underlying gout and discuss its clinical and laboratory presentation. We also use our case as an example to present the radiographic, CT, and MR imaging features of gout affecting the lumbar spine, which can often present a diagnostic dilemma. Finally, we discuss therapeutic options for gout resulting in spinal canal compromise, which include interventions not commonly performed for gout elsewhere in the body.
Perceived ethnic discrimination, race-related stress, and coping styles

Abstract Racism is an international phenomenon that has been constructed by years of historical, social, political and economic factors. This study examined 250 college students’ experiences of race-related stress and perceived general stress, their perceived ethnic discrimination, and coping styles. While many of these variables have been studied separately, this study examined them simultaneously to determine if coping styles provides additional variance to perceived ethnic discrimination after accounting for race-related stress. Results of the study indicated that seeking social support was significantly correlated with perceived stress and race-related stress. In addition, denial and disengagement coping styles were significantly correlated with race-related stress and perceived ethnic discrimination. Race-related stress and behavioral disengagement coping style contributed significantly to the variance in perceived ethnic discrimination. Male students were found to experience higher levels of perceived discrimination, as is in line with previous research. The finding in relation to gender in this study calls for different intervention strategies to help men to deal with ethnic discrimination they perceive. By examining which coping styles may be effective or ineffective in dealing with racial and ethnic stressors, prevention and educational strategies can be developed and put in place to prevent further mental and/or physical harm from coming to minority populations.
Comprehensive Comparison of Right and Left Recurrent Laryngeal Nerves in the Tracheoesophageal Groove

ObjectiveA left-sided cervical approach to esophageal mobilization is considered safer given the perceived oblique path and more lateral orientation of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in ...
Immune-Based Anti-Staphylococcal Therapeutic Approaches

Widespread methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections within community and healthcare settings are responsible for accelerated development of antibiotic resistance. As the antibiotic pipeline began drying up, alternative strategies were sought for future treatment of S. aureus infections. Here, we review immune-based anti-staphylococcal strategies that, unlike conventional antibiotics, target non-essential gene products elaborated by the pathogen. These strategies stimulate narrow or broad host immune mechanisms that are critical for anti-staphylococcal defenses. Alternative approaches aim to disrupt bacterial virulence mechanisms that enhance pathogen survival or induce immunopathology. Although immune-based therapeutics are unlikely to replace antibiotics in patient treatment in the near term, they have the potential to significantly improve upon the performance of antibiotics for treatment of invasive staphylococcal diseases.
Characterization of a Regional Childhood Obesity Prevention and Treatment System

This project characterized the system of childhood obesity-related programs and functions based on a socioecological framework within the Kansas City region to determine strengths, weaknesses, and leverage points for informing collective impact. A mixed-method approach was employed to identify and collect data ∼260 childhood obesity-related programs provided by 89 organizations. Findings indicated no major gaps in population or location served although few programs specifically focused on service to minority groups or neighborhoods. The region has many programs working within the system, yet the distribution of programs does not occur as expected throughout the dimensions of a standard socioecological model or community health system. In addition, several organizations perform certain leadership functions such as coordination, resource allocation, or monitoring, but none perform all, indicating the lack of a traditional "backbone" organization. These findings demonstrate how a region's childhood obesity prevention and treatment programs can be evaluated using a socioecological framework.
When Worlds Collide: Can Cybersecurity and Cyberprivacy Peacefully Coexist?

It seems that although at first glance cybersecurity and cyberprivacy should work in conjunction, this is not always the case. This paper discusses whether that is always the case, and the circumstances under which cybersecurity and cyberprivacy may end up diverging.
Advances in Swallowing Neurophysiology Across Pediatric Development: Current Evidence and Insights

This review article analyzes current evidence on the neurophysiology of swallowing during development and offers expert opinion on clinical implications and future research directions. In the past 5 years, basic and clinical research has offered advances in our understanding of pediatric swallowing neurophysiology. Animal models have elucidated the role of brainstem circuits and the peripheral and central nervous systems in neonatal swallowing. Recent human studies have further showcased that fetal and infant swallowing require cerebral inputs in order to develop functionally. Finally, neurophysiological and neuroimaging studies are starting to better define these cerebral inputs, as well as neuroplastic adaptations that may be needed for optimal feeding development. The neural development of swallowing is a complex and dynamic process. Continued research is needed to better understand influences on swallowing neural development, which can be essential for improving prevention, diagnosis, and interventions for pediatric dysphagia.
Switching flow-graph nonlinear model of active power filters

In this paper a large signal model is developed based on the switching flow-graph method to study the steady-state and dynamic response of three-phase active power filters (APF). This method translates switching converters directly to graphic dynamic large signal models and uses graphic representation to reveal the causes and effect relationship of the dynamics within an APF. Three-phase APF circuits with one-cycle control are used to test this modeling method. APF switching flow-graph is general, easy to use, and accurate. It provides deep physical insight for engineering design and dynamic analysis of active power filters.
A Biographical Dictionary of Albanian History: Robert Elsie. London: I. B. Tauris, 2013. x, 541 pp. ISBN: 9781780764313.

The Biographical Dictionary of Albanian History consists of an Introduction (vii–ix), biographical entries (3–512), a Glossary of Place Names (513–516), a Bibliography (517–537), and a biographical...
Fast Algorithms for solving electromagnetic scattering problems

A review of various methods to solve electromagnetic wave-scattering Problems efficiently is presented. Electromagnetic scattering problems are divided into surface scattering problems and volume scattering problems. Different methods have to be used depending on the nature of the scatterer. We review several fast methods to solve scattering problems of volumetric type and surface type.
Evolving Artificial Neural Networks that Develop in Time

Although recently there has been an increasing interest in studing genetically-based development using Artificial Life models, the mapping of the genetic information into the phenotype is usually modeled as an abstract process that takes place instantaneously, i.e. before the creature starts to interact with the external world and is tested for fitness. In this paper we show that the temporal dimension of development has important consequences. By analyzing the results of simulations with temporally developing neural netwoks we found that evolution, by favouring the reproduction of organisms which are efficient at all epochs of their life, selects genotypes which dictate early maturation of functional neural structure but not of nonfunctional structure. In addition, we found that development in time forces evolution to be conservative with characters that mature in the first phases of development while it allows evolution to play more freely with characters that mature later in development. Finally, characters that mature in the first phases of development tend to be phylogenetically older than characters that mature later.
Evaluation of various soil water samplers for virological sampling

Two commercially available soil water samplers and a ceramic sampler constructed in our laboratories were evaluated for their ability to recover viruses from both tap water and secondary sewage effluent. The ceramic sampler consistently gave the best recoveries of viruses from water samples. Soil columns containing ceramic samplers at various depths provide a simple method for studying virus transport through sewage-contaminated soils.
Effect of Cyanide on NADPH Oxidation by Granules From Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes

Cyanide has been shown to stimulate both oxygen uptake and hexose monophosphate shunt activity in phagocytizing human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. It also stimulates the oxidation of NADPH by a particulate fraction derived from phagocytizing cells. This stimulation of NADPH oxidase is not observed in the presence of exogenous Mn2+. Studies with purified enzymes have shown that CN- also stimulates NADPH oxidation by horseradish peroxidase or lactoperoxidase, suggesting that the respiratory burst might be initiated by activation of a peroxidase-like enzyme in the human polymorphonuclear leukocyte. Based on studies of others, however, it does not appear as though the enzyme is identical to myeloperoxidase. The mechanism of the CN- stimulation appears to involve an oxidatic chain reaction, since it stimulates markedly NADPH oxidation in the presence of an artificial superoxide-generating system.
Implications of Massive Open Online Courses for Higher Education: Mitigating or Reifying Educational Inequities?.

The proliferation of massive open online courses (MOOCs) has stirred a fervent debate about global access to higher education. While some commentators praise MOOCs for expanding educational opportunities in a more open and accessible fashion, others criticize this trend as a threat to current models of higher education and a low-quality substitute for traditional learning. Drawing on a comprehensive literature review of both academic and popular media sources, this article will explore the impact of MOOCs on the field of higher education, with a particular emphasis on their promise to enhance educational opportunities worldwide. Specifically, the analysis will focus on the four issues that have – so far – proven to be most significant in shaping the future of MOOC as an equalizing force in higher education: credit, pedagogy, internationalization, and, finally, legal and financial aspects.
Robust model predictive control for nonlinear systems

A technique is introduced for the design of a robustly stabilizing model predictive output feedback controller for continuous time-varying nonlinear constrained systems. The controller is easily implementable and computationally inexpensive. A family of first order approximations of the plant is used for computation of the optimal control moves, which allows the optimization problem to be posed as a quadratic programming problem (QP). Through the use of a "stability constraint" the resulting control algorithm can be made asymptotically stable and is able to handle unknown time-varying disturbances, measurement bias and structural model/plant mismatch. >
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AS IMPLEMENTORS OF PUBLIC POLICY

This study expands the growing literature in comparative public policy that examines welfare services. By now, it is accepted that a combination of economic, social, and political factors are influential in the delivery of these services by the 60 states. This paper finds that similar factors are also operating at the county level in New York state. Most notably, political factors affect the distribution of welfare benefits–despite federal and state mandates that require distribution to be based solely on need. This raises a number of issues. concerning the nature of political influence and the autonomy of local bureaucracies, which require further exploration.
Probabilistic analysis of a parallel algorithm for finding maximal independent sets

We consider a natural parallel version of the classical greedy algorithm for finding a maximal independent set in a graph. This version was studied in Coppersmith, Raghavan, and Tompa* and they conjecture there that its expected running time on random graphs of arbitrary edge density of 0 (log n). We prove that conjecture.
A Fusion Approach to XML Structured Document Retrieval

In this paper we evaluate the application of data fusion or meta-search methods, combining different algorithms and XML elements, to content-oriented retrieval of XML structured data. The primary approach is the combination of a probabilistic methods using Logistic regression and the Okapi BM-25 algorithm for estimation of document relevance or XML element relevance, in conjunction with Boolean approaches for some query elements. In the evaluation we use the INEX XML test collection to examine the relative performance of individual algorithms and elements and compare these to the performance of the data fusion approaches.
Geostatistical Modeling of Heterogeneity in Glaciofluvial, Buried-Valley Aquifers

In the buried-valley aquifers of the western and central glaciated plains of North America, assemblages of permeable outwash facies may form large and productive regional aquifer systems. In glacially derived aquifers it is common to have low-permeability facies (e.g., till or lacustrine clay) juxtaposed with high-permeability facies (e.g., sand and gravel outwash). The heterogeneity in the Miami buried-valley aquifer system in southwestern Ohio was examined as an example. Practical approaches for evaluating the lithological uncertainty were explored in the areas lacking data. The facies types were represented by an indicator random function, which exhibited an isotropic, exponential covariance structure. A comparative, quantitative analysis of the facies boundaries was accomplished using three different indicator geostatistical methodologies: (1) hydrostratigraphic analysis with indicator point kriging and probability cutoff, (2) hydrostratigraphic analysis with conditional indicator simulation, and (3) leakance zonation with indicator block kriging and grid-cell averaging. With the first method, it was shown in a theoretical analysis that the 0.5 probability level computed by indicator point kriging may or may not correspond to the boundary between high- and low-permeability facies, depending upon the level of data support. With the data support for the Miami aquifer system, the 0.65 probability contour gave an areal distribution of low-permeability facies that honored both the original data and the declustered global mean of the original indicator data. The first and third methods gave rise to a single model, in which the facies distribution was best in some local accuracy sense. The second method gave rise to many alternative models, in which the global texture of the facies distribution took precedence over local estimation of the expected value. The first two methods involved evaluating the geometry of the boundaries between the facies types in advance of creating the grid of the numerical ground-water model, so that grid cell boundaries could be made to correspond to facies boundaries. The third method was useful when updating an existing ground-water model that has grid cell boundaries not necessarily corresponding to facies boundaries.
Pharmacokinetic allometric scaling of antibodies: Application to the first‐in‐human dose estimation

The objectives of this study are: (i) to evaluate the predictive performance of interspecies scaling for antibodies to predict clearance, volume of distribution at steady state, and half-life in humans from animal data and (ii) to estimate first-in-human dose based on the predicted human clearance. Four methods were used to predict clearance in humans: (1) clearance versus body weight (simple allometry), (2) the product of clearance and maximum life-span potential (MLP) versus body weight, (3) the product of clearance and brain weight versus body weight, and (4) the application of a fixed exponent of 0.75. Based on the predicted human clearance, six methods were used to estimate the first-in-human dose. The predicted pharmacokinetic parameters and the estimated first-in-human dose of antibodies were compared with the observed human values. The results of the study indicated that the clearance of antibodies can be predicted with reasonable accuracy in humans and a good estimate of first human dose can be obtained from the predicted human clearance.
Sibling tutoring and other explanations for intelligence discontinuities of only and last borns

A critical review of the sibling-tutoring explanation for the intelli gence discontinuity of onlyand last-borns evaluates the evidence supporting this explanation and presents alternatives. Conceptualized within the confluence model, the alternative explanation offered for the intelligence discontinuity of only children is that they are more likely to come from single-parent homes. Age spacing is presented as the alternate explanation for the intelligence discontinuity of last borns. A developmental stage explanation for the age shifts in the relative positions of only, first, and second borns is offered as an alternate to the expanded version of the confluence model. Evidence is provided to support these alternate explanations.
The Kinematics Analysis of the 3-PTT Parallel Machine Tools

This paper presents the kinematics for 3-PTT parallel machine tools, the kinematic is analytically performed, the forward and inverse position kinematic equations are explicit functions and workspace is derived and there is no singularity configuration and kinematic coupling in the whole workspace. The manipulability analytical of the parallel machine tool is investigated by the Jacobian matrix.
Heat disinfection of polysulfone hemodialyzers

Reprocessing of hemodialyzers has been a clinical practice since the beginning of chronic hemodialysis therapy in the 1960's. This practice was performed initially with Kiil dialyzers for time efficiency as well as cost of the membranes [1]. When the hollow fiber dialyzer was developed at San Francisco General Hospital in the late 1960's by Gotch et al [2], it was reused from the very beginning because of shortages in dialyzer supply as well as cost considerations [3]. As the hollow fiber dialyzer gradually became the most widely used device, and cost decreased, there was a shift away from reuse because of concern regarding the use of hazardous chemicals and their potential for clinical complications in both patients and staff. When synthetic, high flux membranes became available in the 80's, cost again became a factor and reuse has steadily grown in practice throughout the world except in those countries where high dialysis reimbursement still allows for single use.
A Multitrait-Multirater Analysis of a Behaviorally- Anchored Rating Scale for Sales Personnel

Behaviorally-anchored rating scales (BARS) have grown in popularity among researchers and practi tioners. There have been reports and studies of BARS being used to evaluate the performance of nurses, engineers, grocery clerks, managers, and teachers. An important issue in using BARS con cerns the validity of the instrument. This study of the development and validity evaluation by the multitrait-multirater approach of a BARS for sales personnel suggests (1) moderate convergent validity and (2) little or no discriminant validity.
Variability of the tropical and subtropical ocean surface latent heat flux during 1989-2000

[1] We assess the consistencies and discrepancies of the interannual variability and decadal trend of the ocean surface latent heat flux (LHF) for the period 1989–2000 among two satellite-based data sets and two reanalysis products over the tropics and subtropics. The data sets show encouraging agreement on the spatial/temporal variations of the LHF, particularly during 1992–1997, but some discrepancies are noticed. These discrepancies are primarily caused by the differences of the input meteorological state variables used to calculate LHF, particularly for the air specific humidity. Both the satellite-based data sets and reanalysis products show a statistically significant decadal-scale positive trend in the LHF, which is independent of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, with the strongest trends in the subtropical Southeast Pacific and Southeast Indian Ocean. This trend in the LHF is associated primarily with an increasing trend of the surface wind speed.
The 65 MeV helium ion-induced fission of 194Pt, 195Pt and 196Pt

Abstract The 65 MeV helium ion-induced fission of enriched platinum isotopes 194Pt, 195Pt, and 196Pt reported here is consistent with the previous trends found in this laboratory. The fission fragment mass distribution curves are all Gaussian in shape with the even-even species 194Pt and 196Pt, yielding curves which appear to be just slightly wider (24±1 mass units wide) than the even-odd species 195Pt (22±1 mass units wide). The slope of the width at half maximum, W 1 2 function is almost constant for the even-odd 195Pt over the energy range studied whereas the slope of the half width function for the even-even nuclides appears to be reaching a plateau at higher excitation energies.
Electric field mapping in the ionosphere at the equatorial plane

Abstract The relationship between the components of electric field perpendicular to the magnetic field line in the ionosphere and at the equator is computed for dipole and distorted magnetic field models under the assumption that magnetic field lines are electric equipotentials. Since the electric field direction is not preserved in this mapping process one can resolve the apparent conflict between electric fields measured in the ionosphere and convection patterns in the equatorial plane. The possible error in the assumption that magnetic field lines are electric equipotentials is discussed.
Plane-based calibration of cameras with zoom variation

Plane-Based calibration algorithms have been widely adopted for the purpose of camera calibration task. These algorithms have the advantage of robustness compared to self-calibration and flexibility compared to traditional algorithms which require a 3D calibration pattern. While the common assumption is that the intrinsic parameters during the calibration process are fixed, limited consideration has been given to the general case when some intrinsic parameters maybe varying, others maybe fixed or known. We first discuss these general cases for camera calibration. Using a counting argument we enumerate all cases where plane-based calibration may be utilized and list the number of images required for each of these cases. Then we extend the plane-based framework to the problem of cameras with zoom variation, which is the most common case. The approach presented and may be extended to incorporate additional varying parameters described in the general framework. The algorithm is tested using both synthetically generated images and actual images captured using a digital camera. The results indicate that the method performs very well and inherits the advantage of robustness and flexibility from plane-based calibration algorithms.
The Lecompte maneuver for relief of airway compression in absent pulmonary valve syndrome.

Background Congenital absence of the pulmonary valve syndrome (APVS) is a rare cardiac defect characterized by aneurysmal pulmonary arteries, hypoplastic pulmonary valve cusps, and tracheobronchial abnormalities. Absence of the pulmonary valve syndrome usually occurs in conjunction with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO). Surgical mortality rates as high as 16% to 56% have been reported. Here, we describe the surgical results using the Lecompte maneuver, reduction pulmonary arterioplasty, and a valved right ventricle to pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit. Methods Medical records and operative and echocardiography reports for all surgical APVS cases were retrospectively examined for pertinent clinical variables. A patient with left bronchial compression due to enlarged pulmonary arteries associated with totally anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (TAPVD) is included to illustrate the value of the Lecompte maneuver. Results From January 2002 to December 2004, 4 children with APVS had surgery at a median age of 5 months (range, 3 months to 3.5 years). Three had malalignment VSD and RVOTO. Four had respiratory signs (cough, wheeze, tachypnea, oxygen dependence, ventilator dependence), and all 5 had evidence of tracheobronchial compression by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Repair included a Lecompte maneuver, a valved conduit with reduction pulmonary arterioplasty, and VSD closure as necessary. The TAPVD patient had repair of the anomalous veins and a Lecompte maneuver. There have been no deaths, and all patients were discharged in good condition. Follow-up is complete at a median of 24 months (range, 9 to 35). Echocardiography has shown no progressive enlargement of the pulmonary arteries. Conclusions Use of the Lecompte maneuver, reduction arterioplasty, and a valved conduit for repair of APVS provides favorable early and midterm results.
On over-specialization and concentration bias of recommendations: probabilistic neighborhood selection in collaborative filtering systems

Focusing on the problems of over-specialization and concentration bias, this paper presents a novel probabilistic method for recommending items in the neighborhood-based collaborative filtering framework. For the probabilistic neighborhood selection phase, we use an efficient method for weighted sampling of k neighbors that takes into consideration the similarity levels between the target user (or item) and the candidate neighbors. We conduct an empirical study showing that the proposed method increases the coverage, dispersion, and diversity reinforcement of recommendations by selecting diverse sets of representative neighbors. We also demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms popular methods in terms of item prediction accuracy, utility-based ranking, and other popular measures, across various experimental settings. This performance improvement is in accordance with ensemble learning theory and the phenomenon of "hubness" in recommender systems.
A bird is a bird is a bird: making reference within and without superordinate categories.

Abstract Adults with localized cerebral insult often err in their use of a word to refer to an object or an idea. It is important to assess, then, the patients' appreciation of what a word can refer to, and the way in which they may violate the borders around a referential field. Nonfluent aphasics, fluent aphasics, and nonaphasic patients with insult to the right hemisphere were asked to provide names of items which could be referred to by familiar superordinate terms like “bird.” The principal results revealed that the nonfluent aphasics are anchored to the central portions of a superordinate's referential field (naming items like “robin” and “sparrow,” for instance). While fluent aphasics often violate the borders around a referential field (e.g., providing “beaver” in response to “birds”), it was nevertheless possible to characterize some limits to their choice of a superordinate's referents. These findings were independent both of the absolute number of responses provided and the frequency of occurrence of the response. Further, the patients with insult to the left hemisphere produce few consecutive items whose referents hold attributes in common. When these clusters are produced by aphasics, they consist primarily of subordinates whose referents exhibit many overlapping features (e.g., “bald eagle, black eagle, golden eagle” in response to “bird”). The right-hemisphere-damaged subjects, in contrast, produce many clusters of related items. These consist of less central, basic object level words whose referents hold less obvious features in common (e.g., “albatross, crane, gull” in response to “bird”). Aphasics, then, may be limited in their ability to analyze referents for critical features. Taken together, these data contribute to a more precise characterization of the nonfluent aphasics' and the fluent aphasics' referential deficits, and lend support specifically to the notion that neither group of aphasics relies on definition-like features to determine what a word can refer to.
Effects of reinforcer magnitude on data-entry productivity in chronically unemployed drug abusers participating in a therapeutic workplace

The Therapeutic Workplace is a substance abuse treatment wherein patients are hired and paid to work in a job contingent on daily drug-free urine samples. The present study examined data-entry productivity of 6 unemployed methadone patients who demonstrated relatively variable and low data-entry response rates. A within-subject reversal design was used to determine whether increasing reinforcement magnitude tenfold could increase response rates. Four of the 6 participants showed the highest rates of responding in the high magnitude reinforcement condition. Two participants, who had the lowest overall response rates, showed less robust changes to the magnitude manipulation. The results suggest that reinforcement magnitude can be used to improve productivity in Therapeutic Workplace participants. Chronic unemployment is a common problem among individuals with long histories of drug abuse. Unemployment rates among methadone maintenance patients have been estimated to be 50% to 80% (French, Dennis, McDougal, Karuntzos, & Hubbard, 1992). It is not surprising that unemployment among drug abusers has been shown to be associated with continued drug use, poor treatment outcome, and criminal activity (Platt, 1995).
Electrochemistry of solutes in microemulsions: Electrostatically bound aqueous ions, surfactant-like ions and oil soluble molecules☆

Abstract Electrochemical measurements of the diffusion coefficients ( D ) of ferricyanide and cadmium ions in ionic microemulsions have shown that electrostatically bound aqueous ions have the same value of D as do surfactant-like ions such as long alkyl-chain pyridinium ions. Cd(II) has been shown to be bound at a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) interface, presumably as a cadmium bromide complex anion. Non-ionic oil-in-water microemulsions have been shown to exhibit percolation behavior as has been previously observed in water-in-oil systems. Ferrocene exhibits behavior similar to that of an oil molecule. Data obtained from NMR self-diffusion measurements of oil, water and surfactant as a function of composition in a CTAB microemulsion are in accord with those previously obtained for an anionic system by means of a salinity scan. These results suggest that the ferrocene is distributed between the oil and interface regions.
Bifurcations of circle maps: Arnol'd tongues, bistability and rotation intervals

We study the bifurcations of two parameter families of circle maps that are similar tof b,w (x)=x+w+(b/2π) sin (2πx) (mod1). The bifurcation diagram is constructed in terms of setsT r , whereT r is the set of parameter values (b, w) for whichf b, w has an orbit with rotation numberr. We show that the known structure whenb<1 (forr rational,T r is an Arnol'd tongue and forr irrational, it is an arc) extends nicely into the regionb>1, wheref b, w is no longer injective and can have an interval of rotation numbers. Specifically, the tongues overlap in a uniform, monotonic manner and forr irrational,T r opens into a tongue. Our other theorems give information about the dynamics off b, w (e.g., bistability or aperiodicity) for (b, w) in various subsets of parameter space.