cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
UPS: Universal Protocol Stack for emerging wireless networks

Recent devices developed for emerging wireless networks, such as 4G cellular networks, wireless mesh networks, and mobile ad hoc networks, support multiple communication substrates and require execution of multiple protocols within a layer, which cannot be supported efficiently by traditional, layered protocol stack approaches. While cross-layer approaches can be designed to support these new requirements, the lack of modularity makes cross-layer approaches inflexible and hence difficult to adapt for future devices and protocols. Thus, there is a need for a new protocol architecture to provide universal support for cross-layer interactions between layers, while also supporting multiple communication substrates and multiple protocols within a stack. In this paper, we propose Universal Protocol Stack (UPS), which provides such support in a modular way through packet-switching, information-sharing and memory management. To show that UPS is realizable with very low overhead and that it enables concurrent and independent execution of protocols of the same stack layer, first, we present a wireless sensor network test-bed evaluation, where UPS is implemented in TinyOS and installed on individual sensor motes. Two cross-layer routing protocols are implemented and evaluated with UPS and without UPS. We also implemented UPS in the OPNET simulator, where the IP (e.g., Routing Information Protocol (RIP)) and AODV routing protocols are executed concurrently to support networks with both static and mobile wireless nodes. Our implementation shows that the overhead incurred to implement UPS is very low, and little or no modification is required to adapt existing protocols to the UPS framework. Both studies also show the advantage of enabling concurrent protocol execution within a stack layer, improving the successful packet delivery ratio or the total number of packets sent for the investigated scenarios.
Eimeria nieschulzi and Trichinella spiralis: Analysis of concurrent infection in the rat

Abstract The effects of concurrent primary infection of the rat with Eimeria nieschulzi and Trichinella spiralis on the number of oocysts of E. nieschulzi shed by the host and on the number, distribution, and fecundity of adult T. spiralis were analyzed. When rats were initially infected with E. nieschulzi followed 9 days later by infection with T. spiralis there occurred a significant decrease in the total numbers of adult worms in the small intestine, a significant shift in the position of these worms along the length of the small gut, a decrease in the fecundity of adult female worms, and a decrease in muscle parasitism when compared with rats infected with T. spiralis alone. When rats were initially infected with T. spiralis , followed 9 days later by infection with E. nieschulzi , there occurred a significant decrease in the numbers of oocysts shed over 24 hr on Days 7, 9, and 11 postinfection below that seen with rats infected only with Eimeria . These changes are discussed in terms of the enteropathophysiologic lesions and enteric inflammation known to occur during infections with these two parasites.
Confining phase of superstrings and axionic strings.

In the four-dimensional effective field theory of the heterotic superstring compactified on a C.alabi- Yau manifold, we find a new class of spacetime string instantons in the gravity sector that involves graviton, dilaton, and Kalb-Ramond (axion) fields. The instantons satisfy generalized (anti)self-duality equations, and saturate a Bogomolnyi bound provided by the underlying supersymmetry. The instantons lead to several intriguing nonperturbative phenomena to low-energy string theory. A mass gap is generated to the Kalb-Ramond gauge fields, and results in the confinement of superstrings into Kalb-Ramond domain walls below the compactification scale. More interestingly, they provide a new example of the nonperturbative breakdown of the superpotential nonrenormalization theorem. Together with the world-sheet string instantons, this implies that all would-be Peccei-Quinn symmetries that arise in four-dimensional string theories are completely broken around the string compactification scale. Being self-dual, the instantons provide precisely two gravitino zero modes, thus might induce dynamical supersymmetry breaking. We also point out an underlying analogy with the invisible-axionic domain walls bounded by axionic strings.
Stability limit of charged drops

Abstract An apparatus was built for measuring the charge and mass of individual liquid drops at the Rayleigh stability limit. The drops used were made of n -octanol and had a size range from about 15 μ to about 40 μ. The measured charge to mass ratios of the drops at breakup were the same as the Rayleigh stability limit within a standard deviation of 4%. Experiments showed that a drop loses about 23% of its charge and approximately 5% of its mass at breakup leaving a mother drop which is not highly charged relative to the Rayleigh stability limit.
Computed tomography of gas-filled bladder Method of staging bladder neoplasms

Abstract Current methods of staging bladder carcinoma have many disadvantages. A new method of staging bladder tumors employing computed tomography (CT) of the gas filled bladder is presented. Representative cases are demonstrated. Direct visualization of the extent of the tumor and adjacent soft tissue structures is possible. CT scanning of the gas filled bladder is a promising new method for staging bladder tumors and following their response to therapy.
Vertical carbon nanofiber arrays and nanomechanical resonators with potential for resonant sensing

This digest paper presents experimental demonstration of new resonant nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) based on sub-100nm thin carbon nanofibers (CNFs) that are synthesized by using a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process. Beyond careful and extensive materials characterization of the CNFs, we have prototyped few-μm-long, cantilever-like CNF mechanical resonators with measured flexural resonances in the range of ~3-15 MHz and with quality (Q) factors of ~200-800. We further investigate the effects of electron beam irradiation upon the CNFs, and we have observed resonance frequency shift due to electron beam induced amorphous carbon deposition on the CNFs. The results suggest that these very small CNFs have interesting potential for enabling NEMS that can be employed for resonant sensing and detection of radiation, adsorption, and other physical and/or biochemical processes.
Hydrogeochemistry of Big Soda Lake, Nevada: An alkaline meromictic desert lake

Big Soda Lake, located near Fallon, Nevada, occupies an explosion crater rimmed by basaltic debris; volcanic activity apparently ceased within the last 10,000 years. This lake has been selected for a detailed multidisciplinary study that will ultimately cover the organic and inorganic hydrogeochemistry of water and sediments because the time at which chemical stratification was initiated is known (~1920) and chemical analyses are available for a period of more than 100 years. Detailed chemical analyses of the waters show that the lake is at present alkaline (pH = 9.7), chemically stratified (meromictic) and is extremely anoxic (total reduced sulfur—410 mg/L as H2S) below a depth of about 35 m. The average concentrations (in mg/L) of Na, K, Mg, Ca, NH3, H2S, alkalinity (as HCO3), Cl, SO4, and dissolved organics (as C) in waters of the upper layer (depth 0 to 32 m) are 8,100, 320, 150, 5.0, < 0.1, < 0.5, 4,100, 7,100, 5,800, and 20 respectively; in the deeper layer (depth 37 to 64 m) they are 27,000, 1,200, 5.6, 0.8, 45, 410, 24,000, 27,500, 6,800, and 60, respectively. Chemical and stable isotope analyses of the waters, δ13C and Δ14C values of dissolved total carbonate from this lake and surface and ground waters in the area together with mineral-water equilibrium computations indicate that the waters in the lake are primarily meteoric in origin with the present chemical composition resulting from the following geochemical processes: 1. (1) evaporation and exchange with atmosphere, the dominant processes, 2. (2) mineral-water interactions, including dissolution, precipitation and ion exchange, 3. (3) inflow and outflow of ground water and 4. (4) biological activity of macro- and microorganisms, including sulfate reduction in the water column of the deeper layer at a very high rate of 6.6 μmol L−1 day−1.
New findings about auroras confirm importance of ionosphere in space weather

A series of recent findings about the aurora has made it clear that the ionosphere is not merely a passive recipient of magnetospheric dynamics, or space weather, but plays an important—at times even controlling—role in shaping the unfolding of those dynamics. Although some researchers have been stressing the coupling between the ionosphere and the magnetosphere for many years [see, e.g., Atkinson, 1970], the only aspect of this coupling which seems to be widely accepted is the role of the ionosphere in supplying plasma to the magnetosphere. Eight recent statistical studies have now amply demonstrated that background ionospheric conductivity is a crucial determinant of whether intense auroral arcs form. In retrospect, this probably should not have been surprising—a fluorescent light will not fluoresce if a highly conducting alternate path such as a piece of copper wire exists. However, the results reviewed here did surprise the space physics community, and there are clear implications forsubstorm development and other magnetospheric processes which have not yet been thought through.
Society for Airway Management

SAM is no longer being asked to sponsor or endorse a specific product. Dr. Aghababian and Max Zayaruszny requested that SAM approve a moderate sedation course to precede the 2013 Annual SAM meeting in Philadelphia. They proposed that this take place on the Thursday prior to–ideally at a simulation center. No commercial interest at all. Drs. Aghababian and Zayaruszy made their presentation, answered questions and after proposing a motion for acceptance. The main question is, is this in the best interest of SAM? The possibility of offering two concurrent satellite programs—moderate sedation and clinical simulation of airway management was suggested. Both should be consistent with the SAM Mission. Joe Quinlan will prepare a proforma to the BOD at the ASA Meeting at which time a final decision will be made regarding both sessions.
Ejection characteristics in primary pulmonary hypertension

Abstract Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a progressive vasculopathy of the pulmonary circulation which results in marked elevations of pulmonary artery (PA) pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance.1–3 Cardiac output, initially preserved at rest, does not increase appropriately with exercise.2,4,5 This combination of features explains the clinical symptoms of fatigue and dyspnea frequently present in these patients. Although considerable data exist characterizing central hemodynamics in patients with PPH, most of these studies have focused on nonpulsatile measures. Characterization of the phasic, or dynamic, nature of ejection not only provides detailed measures of instantaneous ejection performance but also can provide important insight into pathogenetic mechanisms.6 Alterations in external vascular load will predictably affect ventricular ejection performance. The present study compares and contrasts right-sided dynamic ejection behavior at rest and during exercise in patients with PPH with an age-matched control population. Our intent was to demonstrate that phasic hemodynamics in the pulmonary circulation reflect the magnitude and nature of the PA vascular hydraulic load.
Development of glucose-6-phosphate, malate, and glutamate dehydrogenase activities in the ventral half of the chick spinal cord in the absence of extrinsic neuronal connections.

Abstract Microsurgical operations were performed on the neural tube of chick embryos after 50–53 hr of incubation. As a result of the operation, the ventral half of the brachial spinal cord developed in the absence of extrinsic neuronal connections. The levels of activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, and glutamate dehydrogenase were measured in the ventral half of the brachial spinal cord of both experimental and control embryos 11–21 days of development. The experimental values for both glucose-6-phosphate and malate dehydrogenases were similar to those of control embryos. The level of glutamate dehydrogenase activity was significantly less in the experimental embryos of 19, 20, and 21 days of development. These findings, when considered in the light of other studies, suggest that the differentiation of malate and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities is not regulated either by extrinsic neuronal connections, and hence the level of neuronal stimulation, or by the over-all level of motor activity. The reduced levels of glutamate dehydrogenase activity, however, may be a direct reflection of the operative deficit, a reduction in the number of synaptic terminals.
Phenylcamphoric acid: Stereochemistry and epimerization

Since it was first prepared in 1894, phenylcamphoric acid has been assigned a variety of structures and configurations. We have been led to revise the presently accepted stereochemistry on the basis of difference NOE experiments. Our new assignment is confirmed by x-ray crystallography. Base treatment of methyl phenylcamphorate results in equilibration with its previously unknown epimer, methyl epiphenylcamphorate.
Retention of dormant copepods in deep basins of the Southern California Bight

The vertical distribution and abundance of dormant Calanus pacificus were described in deep basins and at deep, non-basin locations in waters off Southern California in October 1999 and 2000 and January 1999. Dormant C. pacificus were present in deep water at all stations sampled. In each month, vertical distributions were similar across the region sampled. The abundance of dormant C. pacificus was higher and their depth range was broader and deeper in October than in January. There was no difference in the abundance of dormant C. pacificus in basins and at deep, non-basin locations in October. Except for the Santa Barbara Basin, Southern California Bight basins were too deep relative to the vertical distribution of dormant C. pacificus to trap dormant copepods. Migration to deep water during dormancy in this region removes copepods from equatorward flow in surface waters. Dormant copepods are exposed either to poleward flow at the shallow end of their depth range in the continental borderlands of Southern California, or to very low current velocities in deeper water, both at basin and non-basin locations. The broad horizontal distribution of dormant C. pacificus in this region implies that non-point sources are dominant in re-seeding surface waters at the end of the dormant season.
Reggeon amplitudes satisfying good finite-mass sum rules

We develop a set of sufficiency conditions which guarantee that certain Reggeon amplitudes satisfy good finite-mass sum rules. We present and analyze a specific and simple model amplitude which embodies these conditions.
Polyoxometalate-stabilized Pt nanoparticles and their electrocatalytic activities

The synthesis of long-term stable polyoxometalate (POM)-stabilized Pt nanoparticles (NPs) is described here. By means of controlled bulk electrolysis, the reduced POM anions, SiW12O404− (or SiW12) and H2W12O406− (or H2W12), respectively, served the dual role of reductant and protecting/stabilizing ligand for the Pt NPs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images confirmed the formation of 3 to 4 nm sized Pt NPs, which coincidently was in the same size range of the commercial Pt black that was used as a reference. Elemental XPS analyses showed W/Pt ratios of 0.12 for the SiW12- and 0.18 for the H2W12-stabilized Pt NPs, but found no evidence of the presence of Cl− anion in the samples. Controlled electrochemical (EC), UV-Vis, and IR data provided unambiguous evidence for the structural integrity of the POM anions on the Pt NP surface. CO stripping, methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) were used to assess their electrocatalytic activities. It was found that both SiW12- and H2W12-stablized Pt NPs showed enhanced activities in MOR and ORR as compared to that of Pt black, with the latter having higher enhancement. These observations clearly demonstrated that the stabilizing POM anions have a profound influence on the electrocatalytic activity of the underlying Pt NPs.
Architectures of ‘the Good Life’: Queer Assemblages and the Composition of Intimate Citizenship:

This paper examines how the practices and events of queer collectivity might encourage us to think differently about the relationship between sexuality, intimacy, and citizenship. Through the expos...
Parent training techniques: Effects of lecture-roleplaying followed by feedback and self-recording☆

Abstract A group parent training program was applied in an analog situation to five mothers of learning disabled children to assess its effect upon three classes of verbal responses (i.e. reinforcements, commands and questions). The training was conducted in two phases. The first phase, lecture-roleplaying, employed written material, lectures, and roleplaying as training techniques. The second phase, feedback, utilized post-interaction feedback from experimenters, self-recording from audiotapes, and recording of other parent-child interactions. Behavioral measures after the first phase showed small changes from baseline, while the same measures taken after the feedback phase revealed significant differences for each of the target behaviors. Behavioral changes observed at the end of training were maintained over a 30-week follow-up. The results suggest that, although other training techniques may increase parental knowledge of how to respond, immediate feedback and self-recording appear necessary to ensure the acquisition of these responses.
Another possible source of wage stickiness

Abstract A number of hypotheses have been advanced to explain wage stickiness. This article explores another reason why wage stickiness might be in an employer's interest: the relationship between productivity and the wage rate. If the wage enters the short-run production function, a cost-minimizing firm will leave its wage offer unchanged, no matter how its output varies, if and only if the wage enters the production function in a labor-augmenting way.
A Conserved Antioxidant Response Element (ARE) in the Promoter of Human Carbonyl Reductase 3 (CBR3) Mediates Induction by the Master Redox Switch Nrf2

Carbonyl reductase activity catalyzes the two electron reduction of several endogenous and exogenous carbonyl substrates. Recent data indicate that the expression of human carbonyl reductase 3 (CBR3) is regulated by the master redox switch Nrf2. Nrf2 binds to conserved antioxidant response elements (AREs) in the promoters of target genes. The presence of functional AREs in the CBR3 promoter has not yet been reported. In this study, experiments with reporter constructs showed that the prototypical Nrf2 activator tert-butyl hydroquinone (t-BHQ) induces CBR3 promoter activity in cultures of HepG2 (2.7-fold; p<0.05) and MCF-7 cells (22-fold; p<0.01). Computational searches identified a conserved ARE in the distal CBR3 promoter region ((-2698)ARE). Deletion of this ARE from a 4212-bp CBR3 promoter construct impacted basal promoter activity and induction of promoter activity in response to treatment with t-BHQ. Deletion of (-2698)ARE also impacted the induction of CBR3 promoter activity in cells overexpressing Nrf2. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) demonstrated increased binding of specific protein complexes to (-2698)ARE in nuclear extracts from t-BHQ treated cells. The presence of Nrf2 in the specific nuclear protein-(-2698)ARE complexes was evidenced in EMSA experiments with anti-Nrf2 antibodies. These data suggest that the distal (-2698)ARE mediates the induction of human CBR3 in response to prototypical activators of Nrf2.
Effective buffer insertion of clock tree for high-speed VLSI circuits

Abstract Clock delay and skew minimization is an important problem in design and layout of high speed VLSI circuits. Clock delay and skew can be minimized either by a good routing strategy, or by inserting buffers in the clock tree. In this paper we develop an effective buffer insertion algorithm for high speed clock layout to minimize the clock delay and skew. Our approach is based on a new interconnection delay model, in which several practical factors such as crossunders and vias are considered in the delay calculation; furthermore, both minimum-size buffers and cascaded clock buffers are used to minimize the total clock delay. The algorithm runs in O ( n ) time, where n is the number of legal buffer positions in the clock tree, and obtains up to 95% clock delay reduction on practical examples.
Geology and petrogenesis of lavas from San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Archipelago

Volcanism became emergent on San Cristobal Island 2.3 m.y. B.P. in the eruption of floods of alkaline basalt. Volcanism then coalesced in a central shield volcano, which erupted continually until 0.6 m.y. B.P. At 0.9 m.y. B.P., activity began to jump to the northeast, and the style of volcanism changed to fissure-fed eruptions that have continued almost to historical time. Three distinct magma series occur on San Cristobal: an alkaline series, a series of MORB-like tholeiites, and a series of incompatible-element–enriched tholeiites that are typical of oceanic islands. Each series is represented by very primitive basalts that have been little modified since segregation from their sources. Each series also has more-evolved lavas, which range from low-Mg basalts to hawaiites and icelandites. These evolved lavas are the result of simple fractional crystallization of magmas which produces major- and compatible-element compositions similar to those of observed primitive lavas. The isotope and trace-element data suggest that the different series are generated by different degrees of partial melting and mixing of both a depleted and an enriched source. The first source is thought to be the depleted asthenosphere which generates the MORB9s of the Galapagos Spreading Center, and the enriched source is the mantle plume associated with the Galapagos hotspot.
The Nevada mental health courts

The deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill which started in the 1960s greatly contributed to the overcrowding of judicial systems throughout the world. In the ensuing years, the actors involved in the adversarial system present in United States courts, a system that is primarily interested in assessing the culpability of the offender, have come to realize that the system is lacking therapeutic and reintegrative approaches to offenders, especially those who are mentally ill. Therapeutic jurisprudence, an interdisciplinary science, addresses this problematic situation of the mentally ill. It offers a fresh insight into the potentially beneficial and detrimental effects of legal decisions and views one of the roles of law as that of a healing agent. At present, many states have instituted mental health courts based on these concepts, incorporating previous drug court experiences. Their goal is to avoid the criminalization of the mentally ill and their recidivism through the creation of special programs. This article describes the mental health court programs of Washoe County and Clark County, Nevada, their organization, their therapeutic goals, and their success in keeping mentally ill offenders out of the correctional system, while improving their mental condition. In so doing, the program has lightened the load of the overburdened courts and has greatly diminished the financial burden incurred for court trials and jail and prison stays.
The effect of husbands’ and wives’ fertility preferences on the likelihood of a subsequent pregnancy, Bangladesh 1998–2003

Using cross-sectional and longitudinal data from 3,052 rural Bangladeshi couples, we investigated the influence of husbands’ and wives’ fertility preferences on the likelihood of a subsequent pregnancy in the period 1998–2003. Although reproductive behaviour is relatively consistent with fertility preferences, 17 per cent of couples who reported they did not want more children in 1998 had a subsequent pregnancy by 2003. Wives in this setting appear to be more pronatalist than those in other less developed countries. Moreover, wives’ rather than husbands’ fertility preferences appear to have dominated over the 5-year study period. As expected, the incidence of pregnancy decreased over the study period for most couples, but increased among couples in which only the husband wanted more children. This finding suggests that wives who disagree with their husbands about having more children are either less likely to prevent pregnancy through consistent use of contraception or acquiesce to their husbands’ desire ...
Least-squares center-to-center and mean object ellipse fabric analysis

Abstract The subjectivity of ellipse fitting in many strain techniques has hindered the determination of fabric anisotropy and tectonic strain. However, many sets of x , y co-ordinates can be approximated as an ellipse using a least-squares algorithm to calculate a best-fit ellipse and associated average radial error. For instance, the two dimensional shape of many objects can be approximated as an ellipse by entering digitized co-ordinates of the object margin into the ellipse algorithm. The rim of maximum point density in a normalized Fry diagram is defined by normalized center-to-center distances between touching or nearly touching objects. The enhanced normalized Fry (ENFry) method automates ellipse fitting by entering center-to-center distances between these “touching” objects into the least-squares ellipse algorithm. For homogeneously deformed populations of 200 objects, the ENFry method gives an accurate and precise measure of whole-rock fabric anisotropy, particularly for low ellipticities. When matrix strain exceeds clast strain, manual ellipse fitting of normalized Fry plots gives more accurate matrix anisotropies. The mean object ellipse (MOE) method calculates the best-fit ellipse from the geometry of the objects. Three points from the margin of each object ellipse, centered at the origin and expanded or reduced to unit volume, are used to calculate the best-fit fabric ellipse. The MOE method is very precise for small data sets, making it a good method for mapping heterogenous object strain. However, least-squares calculations maximize the influence of distal and spurious ellipticities, causing the MOE method to overestimate the fabric ellipticity of most aggregates.
The annealing behavior of the g=2.0026 ESR line in a-Si:H

Abstract The ESR line at g=2.0026 is shown to be due to carbon incorporated into the a-Si:H film during the deposition process. Results for different films, both doped and undoped, give similar results. The annealing results suggest that this resonance is due to a dangling bond on a carbon atom. It is also seen that contamination from vacuum pumps can give a similar signal which can mask the Si dangling bond line.
Electromechanical mode estimation validation using recursive residual whiteness testing

In a power system, it would be valuable to obtain reliable estimates of the electromechanical modes in real time. This requires that the system has been properly modeled. The model becomes inappropriate when there is a mismatch between the assumed model and the true system, e.g. when model parameters are not carefully chosen or when the power system experiences unexpected changes. Therefore, model validation is equally important for it can indicate the validity of the model, and thus, the modal estimation. To carry out model validation, this paper proposes a recursive whiteness testing method that exploits the statistical property of residuals. Compared to the conventional whiteness testing method, the new approach is better at tracking the model behavior in real time. Tests have been performed on simulation models under different conditions.
Lidocaine and seizures.

Lidocaine has a concentration-dependent effect on seizures. At lower concentrations it has anticonvulsant properties, whereas concentrations above 15 microg/mL frequently result in seizures in laboratory animals and man. Seizures induced by lidocaine in experimental conditions invariably start in the amygdala. Despite the clear focal onset in these experimental models, the seizures emerging in patients given intravenous (i.v.) lidocaine are almost invariably generalized and without any clear signs of focality. Given the prevalence of partial seizures and the frequent use of lidocaine, a higher incidence of partial seizures would be expected with its use. Yet this is clearly not the case. These facts suggest that a history of partial seizures is not a major risk factor for the precipitation of partial seizures in patients treated with intravenous lidocaine.
Melanoma-intrinsic β-catenin signaling prevents T cell infiltration and anti-tumor immunity

Meeting abstracts A subset of melanoma patients has evidence for spontaneous anti-tumor immune responses and T cell infiltration into tumor sites, which has important prognostic value and is associated with clinical responses to immunotherapies. However, the molecular mechanisms explaining absence
Burying beetles: intraspecific interactions and reproductive success in the field

. 1. The discovery and utilization of small carcasses by burying beetles (Silphidae, Nicrophorus) was studied by placing dead mice at random points on large grids at two Iocations in Michigan, U.S.A. 2. The majority of mice are found within 24 h by more beetles than ultimately will utilize the carcass. If a carcass is likely to be usurped by a larger species of beetle or by a vertebrate, then intraspecific competition may be postponed until the carcass is concealed and buried. 3. Both males and females practice parental care. Maturing broods are tended by no adults, a single female, a single male, or a male—female pair. No differences in brood success were observed among these categories. 4. The female lays a larger clutch than ultimately will survive. Brood size is regulated after the egg stage, such that offspring number varies, but individual offspring size does not. 5. A large amount of unexplained variation exists in brood size, in both the laboratory and the field. This variation is probably caused by the environment, and not the reproductive physiology of the beetles. Competition with microbes is a likely candidate. 6. Differences exist not only between Nicrophorus species, but also between localities for a single species, suggesting adaptation to local environments.
Deformation twins in a shock-loaded Ta-2.5w/o W precursor plate and a recovered, Ta-2.5w/o W explosively formed penetrator

The effect of shock-loading on microstructural evolution and mechanical response of various metals and alloys has been studied for almost five decades. However, BCC metals and alloys, with the exception of iron and ferritic steels, have received much less attention than have FCC materials. Recently, high density BCC materials like tantalum and tantalum-tungsten alloys have generated a lot of interest due to their armor-defeating capability in such applications as shaped charges and explosively formed penetrators (EFPs). High-explosive generated shock waves interact with the metallic liners and form these penetrators in flight. Consequently, the shock-wave parameters and initial liner microstructures can play an important role in both macro- and microstructural development of these ballistic devices. In this study, the authors observed deformation twins in an annealed, shock-loaded Ta-2.5wt%W precursor plate and, for the first time,m in the tail section of a soft-recovered, six-finned Ta-2.5wt%W EFP.
Systematic review of studies of staffing and quality in nursing homes.

Purpose To evaluate a range of staffing measures and data sources for long-term use in public reporting of staffing as a quality measure in nursing homes. Method Eighty-seven research articles and government documents published from 1975 to 2003 were reviewed and summarized. Relevant content was extracted and organized around 3 themes: staffing measures, quality measures, and risk adjustment variables. Data sources for staffing information were also identified. Results There is a proven association between higher total staffing levels (especially licensed staff) and improved quality of care. Studies also indicate a significant relationship between high turnover and poor resident outcomes. Functional ability, pressure ulcers, and weight loss are the most sensitive quality indicators linked to staffing. The best national data sources for staffing and quality include the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and On-line Survey and Certification Automated Records (OSCAR). However, the accuracy of this self-reported information requires further reliability and validity testing. Conclusions A nationwide instrument needs to be developed to accurately measure staff turnover. Large-scale studies using payroll data to measure staff retention and its impact on resident outcomes are recommended. Future research should use the most nurse-sensitive quality indicators such as pressure ulcers, functional status, and weight loss.
The use of corticosteroids in the management of herpes zoster.

Editors' Note: This month we continue the new featureSTEPped Care: An Evidence-BasedApproach to Drug Therapy. These articles are designed to provide concise answers to the drug therapy questions that family physicians encounter in their daily practice. The format of the feature will follow the mnemonic STEP: safety (an analysis of adverse effects that patients and providers care about), tolerability (pooled dropout rates from large clinical trials), effectiveness (how well the drugs work and in what patient population[sj), and price (costs of drug, but also cost-effectiveness of therapy).l Hence, the name STEPped Care. Since the informatics pioneers at McMaster University introduced evidence-based medicine,2 Slawson and ShaughnessyJ,4 have brought it to mainstream family medicine education and practice. This feature is designed to further the mission of searching for the truth in medical practice. Authors will provide information in a structured format that allows the readers to get to the meat of a therapeutic issue in a way that can help physicians (and patients) make informed decisions. The articles will discourage the use of disease-oriented evidence to make treatment decisions. Examples of diseaseoriented evidence include blood pressure lowering, decreases in hemoglobin A 1" ond so on. We will include studies thot provide POEMs-patient-oriented evidence that matters (myocardial infarctions, pain, strokes, mortality, etc)-with the goal of offering patients the most practical, appropriate, and scientifically substantiated therapies. Whenever possible, number needed to treat to observe benefit in a single patient will also be included as a way of defining advantoges in terms that are relatively easy to understand. 5,6 At times this effort will be frustrating. Even as vast as the
Exposure to Violence in Early Adolescence: The Impact of Self-Restraint, Witnessing Violence, and Victimization on Aggression and Drug Use

This study examined the relation between self-restraint and exposure to violence (witnessing violence and victimization) in predicting increased frequencies of aggression and drug use among an ethnically diverse sample of sixth graders attending four rural middle schools (n = 913). Lower levels of self-restraint predicted higher rates of witnessing violence and victimization, but neither witnessing violence nor victimization was related to changes in self-restraint over time. Indirect effects of self-restraint on aggression and drug use were found through increased witnessing violence and victimization. Gender differences were tested using multiple-group structural equation modeling, and for all models, a constrained model in which paths and correlations were fixed to be equal for boys and girls best fit the data. These findings provide information about the generalizability of prior research and have important implications for intervention efforts.
Does the regulation of intracellular protein degradation require protein synthesis

Abstract Temperature-sensitive mutants of mammalian cells were used to show that regulation of protein degradation occurs in the absence of protein synthesis.
Modeling of transients in permanent magnet generators with multiple damping circuits using the natural abc frame of reference

A computer-aided method for modeling the transient performance of permanent magnet generators and determining their parameters is presented. The method is based on the development and use of state models in the natural abc frame of reference, in which the abc machine-winding parameters were determined from combined energy-current perturbation and finite-element magnetic field computation methods. The method is applied to a two-pole, 75 kVA, 208 V, 24000 r/min permanent-magnet generator with multiple damping circuits, to study the effects of various generator faults on generator transient characteristics, starting from no-load and rated-load initial conditions. >
Student Reaction to Local vs. Published Cases: Is there a Difference?

This study examines a proposed method to increase student interest in a case course in marketing management. Cases involving local business firms were introduced to the class as a supplement to cases in the required textbook. Student reaction to the use of local cases is described.
Can ability‐achievement regression to the mean account for MDT discretionary decisions?

The test scores of 153 referred students who received inconsistent placements according to California's discrepancy criterion, which does not take regression into account (standard score distribution procedure), were reanalyzed using a procedure that accounts for regression. Students involved in these MDT discretionary decisions were placed into one of three groups: ineligible (originally met discrepancy criterion, but not placed), resource class (originally did not meet discrepancy criterion, but placed in a less restrictive pull-out program), and special day class (originally did not meet discrepancy criterion, but placed in a more restrictive, essentially full-time special education class). All of these placements were inconsistent with the nonregressed ability-achievement discrepancy criterion the MDTs used at the time of the IEP meeting. To evaluate how many of these students could be considered to be underachieving when regression is considered, regressed discrepancy scores were computed using the students' scores on the WISC-R and one or more of the following achievement tests: WRAT, PIAT, and W-J. Regression “accounted” for a significant proportion of the inconsistent placements in all three groups: ineligible (25.0%), resource class (31.5%), and special day class (46.9%). Implications for professional practice and public policy are discussed.
Detailed Heat Transfer Measurements Inside Rotating Ribbed Channels Using the Transient Liquid Crystal Technique

Coolant flow in rotating internal serpentine channels is highly complex due to the effects of the Coriolis force and centrifugal buoyancy. Detailed knowledge of the heat transfer over a surface will greatly enhance the blade designers' ability to predict hot spots so coolant may be distributed effectively. The present study uses a novel transient liquid crystal technique to measure heat transfer on a rotating two-pass channel surface with chilled inlet air. The present study examines the differences in heat transfer distributions on channel surfaces with smooth walls, 90 deg rib and W-shaped rib turbulated walls. The test section is made up of two passes to model radially inward and outward flows. To account for centrifugal buoyancy, cold air is passed through a room temperature test section. This ensures that buoyancy is acting in a similar direction to real turbine blades. The inlet coolant-to-wall density ratio is fixed at 0.08, Re = 16,000, and Ro = 0.08. The present study shows that the W-shaped ribs enhance heat transfer in all cases (stationary and rotating) approximately 1.75 times more than the 90 deg ribs. The W-shaped rib channel is least affected by rotation, which may be due to the complex nature of the secondary flow generated by the geometry. A higher pressure drop is associated with the W-shaped ribs than the 90 deg ribs, however, the overall thermal-hydraulic performance of the W-shaped ribs still exceeds that set by the 90 deg ribs.
Minimizing human error in radiopharmaceutical preparation and administration via a bar code-enhanced nuclear pharmacy management system.

The objective of this project was to ensure correct radiopharmaceutical administration through the use of a bar code system that links patient and drug profiles with on-site information management systems. This new combined system would minimize the amount of manual human manipulation, which has proven to be a primary source of error. The most common reason for dosing errors is improper patient identification when a dose is obtained from the nuclear pharmacy or when a dose is administered. A standardized electronic transfer of information from radiopharmaceutical preparation to injection will further reduce the risk of misadministration. Methods: Value stream maps showing the flow of the patient dose information, as well as potential points of human error, were developed. Next, a future-state map was created that included proposed corrections for the most common critical sites of error. Transitioning the current process to the future state will require solutions that address these sites. To optimize the future-state process, a bar code system that links the on-site radiology management system with the nuclear pharmacy management system was proposed. A bar-coded wristband connects the patient directly to the electronic information systems. Results: The bar code–enhanced process linking the patient dose with the electronic information reduces the number of crucial points for human error and provides a framework to ensure that the prepared dose reaches the correct patient. Although the proposed flowchart is designed for a site with an in-house central nuclear pharmacy, much of the framework could be applied by nuclear medicine facilities using unit doses. Conclusion: An electronic connection between information management systems to allow the tracking of a radiopharmaceutical from preparation to administration can be a useful tool in preventing the mistakes that are an unfortunate reality for any facility.
Effects of Relative Host Plant Abundance, Density and Inter-Patch Distance on Associational Resistance to a Coastal Gall-Making Midge, Asphondylia borrichiae (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

ABSTRACT Associational resistance (AR) is an emergent property of ecological communities and may play an important role in their assembly and structuring. Gall densities of the midge Asphondylia borrichiae Rossi & Strong (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on the coastal plant Iva frutescens L. (Asteraceae) are reduced in the presence of a second host, Borrichia frutescens (L.) (Asteraceae). In this system associational resistance is mediated by parasitoid natural enemies that emerge from Borrichia galls and attack galls on Iva, thereby reducing gall densities on Iva. We quantified distances between patches of Iva and Borrichia and the relative abundances of both plant species and predicted that gall densities would be reduced and parasitism rates elevated on Iva closer to Borrichia compared with more distant patches and on Iva occurring with relatively greater Borrichia abundance in comparison to reduced ratios of Borrichia to Iva abundance. Although gall densities were elevated on Iva more distant from Borrichia, ...
American Cancer Society lung cancer screening guidelines

Findings from the National Cancer Institute’s National Lung Screening Trial established that lung cancer mortality in specific high-risk groups can be reduced by annual screening with low-dose computed tomography. These findings indicate that the adoption of lung cancer screening could save many lives. Based on the results of the National Lung Screening Trial, the American Cancer Society is issuing an initial guideline for lung cancer screening. This guideline recommends that clinicians with access to high-volume, high-quality lung cancer screening and treatment centers should initiate a discussion about screening with apparently healthy patients aged 55 years to 74 years who have at least a 30–pack-year smoking history and who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. A process of informed and shared decision-making with a clinician related to the potential benefits, limitations, and harms associated with screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography should occur before any decision is made to initiate lung cancer screening. Smoking cessation counseling remains a high priority for clinical attention in discussions with current smokers, who should be informed of their continuing risk of lung cancer. Screening should not be viewed as an alternative to smoking cessation. CA Cancer J Clin 2013;000:000-000. V C 2013 American Cancer Society.
A comparison of iopamidol and metrizamide for cervical myelography in the dog.

Cervical myelography using iopamidol, a new nonionic contrast medium, was studied in nine dogs. Postmyelographic seizure activity, motor evoked potentials, and rectal temperatures were monitored, and myelographic quality was subjectively evaluated. The results were compared with data from eight dogs that had metrizamide myelography. The iopamidol group had fewer seizures (p < 0.01) but exhibited no difference in motor evoked potential or rectal temperature recordings. Myelographic quality was similar for iopamidol and metrizamide. The study suggests that iopamidol was less neurotoxic than metrizamide for canine cervical myelography.
Towards a comprehensive computational model foraesthetic assessment of videos

In this paper we propose a novel aesthetic model emphasizing psycho-visual statistics extracted from multiple levels in contrast to earlier approaches that rely only on descriptors suited for image recognition or based on photographic principles. At the lowest level, we determine dark-channel, sharpness and eye-sensitivity statistics over rectangular cells within a frame. At the next level, we extract Sentibank features (1,200 pre-trained visual classifiers) on a given frame, that invoke specific sentiments such as "colorful clouds", "smiling face" etc. and collect the classifier responses as frame-level statistics. At the topmost level, we extract trajectories from video shots. Using viewer's fixation priors, the trajectories are labeled as foreground, and background/camera on which statistics are computed. Additionally, spatio-temporal local binary patterns are computed that capture texture variations in a given shot. Classifiers are trained on individual feature representations independently. On thorough evaluation of 9 different types of features, we select the best features from each level -- dark channel, affect and camera motion statistics. Next, corresponding classifier scores are integrated in a sophisticated low-rank fusion framework to improve the final prediction scores. Our approach demonstrates strong correlation with human prediction on 1,000 broadcast quality videos released by NHK as an aesthetic evaluation dataset.
Automated anthropometric phenotyping with novel Kinect-based three-dimensional imaging method: comparison with a reference laser imaging system.

Automated anthropometric phenotyping with novel Kinect-based three-dimensional imaging method: comparison with a reference laser imaging system
Trajectory of a ringless piston within the cylinder of an internal combustion engine with a crosshead design

A theoretical analysis is presented for calculating the trajectory of a ringless piston within the cylinder clearance of an I.C. engine with a crosshead design. The flexible polytope unconstrained minimization method is used to find the equilibrium between the piston rod structural elasticity and the gas-film hydrodynamics at the piston-cylinder interface