cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
INSECTICIDES USED ON DAIRY CATTLE AND IN DAIRY BARNS: TOXICITY TO MAN AND CATTLE, HAZARDS TO THE CONSUMER AND THE ENVIRONMENT1

Insecticides currently in use for pest control on dairy cattle offer little hazard of toxicity to the cow, dairyman, consumer, or the environment. Pesticides that cause significant residues in milk cannot be used on dairy cattle or in dairy barns. Since the cow rapidly excretes pesticides from her circulating blood into milk, it is evident that only pesticides that are metabolized rapidly, and are safe to mammals, may be used. This consideration rules out use of the persistent pesticides that are hazardous by magnification in the food chain. The insecticides we rely on, mainly rapidly degraded organophosphorus compounds, are discussed according to: method of use; toxicity to cattle, laboratory rats, birds, fish, wildlife; degradation time; tolerance in milk; and hazard to the consumer of dairy products. Only a small amount of these insecticides enters soil and water following proper use on dairy farms. Their persistence is short. Degradation products are explored, noting their very low hazard for toxic en...
Modeling and comparative analysis of Forward Error Correction in the context of multipath redundancy

In recent years mobile devices have shown increased computational power as well as simultaneous access to multiple wireless networks that combined with advanced modulation schemes that make better use of the available bandwidth has resulted in faster transmission rates. These facts are the bases that allow for efficient mechanisms to provide more reliable communications; namely through both, Forward Error Correction and the Multipath Real-Time Protocol. In this paper, a mathematical model that accounts for the playback success of media in the context of Real Time Communications is presented. The analytical model relies on a two-state Markov process that is typical of impaired wireless environments subjected to fading. Moreover, the model is validated through an experimental framework that emulates the different loss, latency and burstiness conditions introduced in the Markov process. Specifically both, theoretical and experimental, probabilities of successful playback are compared and contrasted against media quality scores.
Broadband and wideband parametric gain via intermodal four-wave mixing in optical fiber

We demonstrate a novel intermodal four-wave mixing process by dividing a pump at 1047nm between the LP 0,4 and LP 0,5 fiber modes, leading to simultaneously broadband (28nm at 1550nm) and wideband (∼1 octave) spontaneous parametric gain.
Multicomponent Gas Storage in Organic Cage Molecules

Porous liquids are a promising new class of materials featuring nanoscale cavity units dispersed in liquids that are suitable for applications such as gas storage and separation. In this work, we use molecular dynamics simulations to examine the multicomponent gas storage in a porous liquid consisting of crown-ether-substituted cage molecules dissolved in a 15-crown-5 solvent. We compute the storage of three prototypical small molecules including CO2, CH4, and N2 and their binary mixtures in individual cage molecules. For porous liquids in equilibrium with a binary 1:1 gas mixture bath with partial gas pressure of 27.5 bar, a cage molecule shows a selectivity of 4.3 and 13.1 for the CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 pairs, respectively. We provide a molecular perspective of how gas molecules are stored in the cage molecule and how the storage of one type of gas molecule is affected by other types of gas molecules. Our results clarify the molecular mechanisms behind the selectivity of such cage molecules toward different...
Large-scale deposition of weathered oil in the Gulf of Mexico following a deep-water oil spill.

Abstract The blowout of the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) drilling rig in 2010 released an unprecedented amount of oil at depth (1,500 m) into the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Sedimentary geochemical data from an extensive area (∼194,000 km 2 ) was used to characterize the amount, chemical signature, distribution, and extent of the DWH oil deposited on the seafloor in 2010–2011 from coastal to deep-sea areas in the GoM. The analysis of numerous hydrocarbon compounds (N = 158) and sediment cores (N = 2,613) suggests that, 1.9 ± 0.9 × 10 4 metric tons of hydrocarbons (>C9 saturated and aromatic fractions) were deposited in 56% of the studied area, containing 21± 10% (up to 47%) of the total amount of oil discharged and not recovered from the DWH spill. Examination of the spatial trends and chemical diagnostic ratios indicate large deposition of weathered DWH oil in coastal and deep-sea areas and negligible deposition on the continental shelf (behaving as a transition zone in the northern GoM). The large-scale analysis of deposited hydrocarbons following the DWH spill helps understanding the possible long-term fate of the released oil in 2010, including sedimentary transformation processes, redistribution of deposited hydrocarbons, and persistence in the environment as recycled petrocarbon.
Annual Burden of Occupationally-Acquired Influenza Infections in Hospitals and Emergency Departments in the United States

Infections among health-care personnel (HCP) occur as a result of providing care to patients with infectious diseases, but surveillance is limited to a few diseases. The objective of this study is to determine the annual number of influenza infections acquired by HCP as a result of occupational exposures to influenza patients in hospitals and emergency departments (EDs) in the United States. A risk analysis approach was taken. A compartmental model was used to estimate the influenza dose received in a single exposure, and a dose-response function applied to calculate the probability of infection. A three-step algorithm tabulated the total number of influenza infections based on: the total number of occupational exposures (tabulated in previous work), the total number of HCP with occupational exposures, and the probability of infection in an occupational exposure. Estimated influenza infections were highly dependent upon the dose-response function. Given current compliance with infection control precautions, we estimated 151,300 and 34,150 influenza infections annually with two dose-response functions (annual incidence proportions of 9.3% and 2.1%, respectively). Greater reductions in infectious were achieved by full compliance with vaccination and IC precautions than with patient isolation. The burden of occupationally-acquired influenza among HCP in hospitals and EDs in the United States is not trivial, and can be reduced through improved compliance with vaccination and preventive measures, including engineering and administrative controls.
Adjuvant Radiation Therapy for T3N0 Breast Cancer Patients Older Than 75 Years After Mastectomy: A SEER Analysis.

Abstract Introduction Breast cancer patients with tumors > 5 cm but without nodal disease who undergo mastectomy present a clinical challenge regarding the appropriate adjuvant treatment. Traditionally, postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) was the standard of care. However, recent studies have suggested local failure rates without PMRT might be low enough to omit RT. This might be especially true in the elderly. Patients and Methods Women aged ≥ 75 years with a diagnosis of T3N0 breast cancer who had undergone mastectomy were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 18 database. The study period was limited to 2006 to 2009 for more modern sampling. Multivariable proportional hazards modeling was used to examine the association of treatment and mortality, adjusting for demographic and clinicopathologic factors. Results A total of 635 patients were identified. The median follow-up period was 43 months. PMRT was given to 31.2% of the patients aged 75 to 79 years, 21.5% of those aged 80 to 84 years, and 11.7% of the patients aged ≥ 85 years (P Conclusion The results of the present analysis of the SEER database suggest that PMRT might still be beneficial in women aged > 75 years with T3N0 disease but also supports continuing efforts to confirm whether it could be safe to omit. It is likely that efforts to subdivide this population using other factors (eg, comorbidity) will be important. The search for refined inclusion and exclusion criteria for adjuvant RT remains an important field of research both clinically and economically.
The nature of concentrated urban poverty in Canada and the United States

L'examen detaille de la pauvrete urbaine concentree dans les villes canadiennes en 1986 revele que, par rapport aux Etats-Unis, on trouve plus de gens dans un etat de pauvrete urbaine concentree au Canada. La « pauvrete urbaine concentree » signifie bien plus que la pauvrete : ce terme designe aussi de hauts niveaux de maints autres bouleversements sociaux. Dans la deuxieme partie de cet article, on enonce les causes de cette pauvrete urbaine. En utilisant des donnees comparatives, l'A. fait une recherche de l'applicabilite de deux theories : l'une qui trouve la racine de la pauvrete urbaine concentree dans la segregation raciale, l'autre qui la trouve dans une histoire structurale specifique. L'analyse indique que la race et l'appartenance ethnique influent grandement sur la probabilite de se trouver en etat de pauvrete urbaine concentree. Cependant, il est bien clair que, pour la plupart des Canadiens se trouvant dans cette situation -qui sont des Blancs- un modele historique de l'immigration rapide, du declin de l'industrie et du depeuplement des centres-villes fournit une meilleure explication
Elements 43 and 61 in Nature

Element 43, technetium, was discovered in certain stars and a renewed search for this element in rocks and minerals began in the early 1950’s. The results obtained during the 1960’s indicated, however, that the terrestrial abundances of the man-made elements such as technetium and promethium are essentially controlled by their production through spontaneous fission of 238 U. The elements 43 and 61 occur in the earth’s crust in the same sense as, for example, radium and polonium occur in the lithosphere in radioactive equilibria with their long-lived precursor 238U.
Analysis of Thermal Characteristics of Gallium Oxide Field-Effect-Transistors

Gallium oxide (Ga 2 O 3 ) field-effect transistors (FETs) have high potential for future RF and power devices due to their superior power switching capabilities, high breakdown field, and opportunities for single crystal substrate fabrication. However, the high heat dissipation and inefficient heat removal from the channel area of these FETs can limit the device performance and cause reliability issues. In this work, we investigate the thermal characteristics of Ga 2 O 3 based FETs by performing transient temperature measurements using a thermo-reflectance imaging system. The transient temperature distribution in the channel and metallic contacts is obtained at different voltages. We analyze the temperature distribution and the location of hot spots inside the channel, and establish hot spot temperature dependence with the gate voltage. High temperature rise at hot spots is observed in the channel area even at low power levels, which is a consequence of the low thermal conductivity of Ga 2 O 3 . Investigation of thermal characteristics of these FETs is crucial to develop efficient thermal management solution and improving the reliability of Ga 2 O 3 devices. It will also help in better device and package design considering thermal aspects.
Corrections to “A Dual-Band HF and UHF Antenna System for Implanted Neural Recording and Stimulation Devices”

Presents corrections to the paper, “A dual-band HF and UHF antenna system for implanted neural recording and stimulation devices,” (Sharma, A., et al), IEEE Antennas Wireless Propag. Lett., vol. 16, pp. 493–496, 2017.
Oral Considerations for the Head and Neck Cancer Patient

Oral oncology/maxillofacial prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the prevention and treatment of the oral morbidities associated with treatment of cancer, as well as the oral prosthetic rehabilitation following tumor ablative surgery. Treatment of cancer in the head and neck can have substantial posttreatment oral morbidities, decreasing the overall quality of life of survivors. Minimizing or reducing these oral challenges becomes increasingly important as the survivability of these cancers improves, particularly those in the oropharynx. Relatively minor interventions, such as pre-treatment oral examination, judicious/strategic dental extractions, patient education, and daily fluoride treatments, can have a dramatic impact in the prevention or reduction of mucositis, osteoradionecrosis, and postradiation dental caries. This chapter will describe practical approaches for the preventing, recognizing, and treating the oral sequelae associated with cancer therapy. This chapter will also describe the most common oral prostheses using after tumor ablative surgery and their indication for use.
Cryogenic System for TJNAF’s Hall C

A cryogenic system has been operational in TJNAF’s Hall C for four years. The design of this system is presented and the operational and control philosophy is discussed. The system consists of conventional rigid transfer lines and a unique flexible transfer line. The features and heat load measurements of this flexible line are presented. Operational data are stored continously on computer disc. There are typical plots of this data presented to illustrate system stability. The cryosystem for Hall C is used to operate the superconducting magnets of the HMS spectrometer and a cryogenic target for H2, D2 and He.
The Effect of Partial Automation on Driver Attention: A Naturalistic Driving Study:

Objective:This naturalistic driving study investigated how drivers deploy visual attention in a partially automated vehicle.Background:Vehicle automation is rapidly increasing across vehicle fleets...
Uptake of groundwater nitrogen by a near-shore coral reef community on Bermuda

Nutrient enrichment can slow growth, enhance bioerosion rates, and intensify algal competition for reef-building corals. In areas of high human population density and/or limited waste management, submarine groundwater discharge can transfer anthropogenic nutrients from polluted groundwater to coastal reefs. In this case study, we investigate the impact of submarine groundwater discharge on a near-shore reef in Bermuda, where over 60% of sewage generated by the island’s 64,000 residents enters the groundwater through untreated cesspits. Temperature, salinity, pH, and alkalinity were monitored at a groundwater discharge vent, three locations across the adjacent coral reef (0–30 m from shore), and a comparison patch reef site 2 km from shore. Groundwater discharge was characterized by low salinity, low aragonite saturation state (Ωar), high alkalinity, elevated nitrate + nitrite (NO3– + NO2–; hereafter, “NO3–”) concentrations (> 400 µM), and an elevated 15N/14N ratio of NO3– (δ15N = 10.9 ± 0.02‰ vs. air, mean ± SD). Rainfall and tidal cycles strongly impacted groundwater discharge, with maximum discharge during low tide. NO3– concentrations on the near-shore reef averaged 4 µM, ten times higher than that found at the control site 2 km away, and elevated NO3– δ15N at the near-shore reef indicated sewage-contaminated groundwater as a significant nitrogen source. Tissue δ15N of Porites astreoides, a dominant reef-building coral, was elevated by ~ 3‰ on the near-shore reef compared to the control site, indicating that corals across the near-shore reef were assimilating groundwater-derived nitrogen. In addition, coral skeletal density and calcification rates across the near-shore reef were inversely correlated with NO3– concentration and δ15N, indicating a negative coral health response to groundwater-borne nutrient inputs. P. astreoides bioerosion rates, in contrast, did not show an effect from the groundwater input.
The Gale–Nikaido–Debreu lemma with discontinuous excess demand

We provide a generalization of the Gale–Nikaido–Debreu’s lemma for discontinuous excess demand in the light of recent work on the existence of equilibria in games with discontinuous payoffs. The standard upper hemicontinuity property of the excess demand is replaced by the weaker concept of “continuous inclusion property” introduced by He and Yannelis (J Math Anal Appl 450(2):1421–1433, 2017) and we allow for the cone P of admissible prices to be general enough to cover cases for which commodities cannot be freely disposed of.
Reduction in testing and change in testing algorithm associated with decrease in number of nosocomial Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infections.

Objective To evaluate the effects of a best practice advisory (BPA) and a change in the Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile testing algorithm on nosocomial C. difficile infection (CDI) rates. Methods This was a retrospective analysis at a tertiary care hospital of adult patients who tested positive for CDI between July 1, 2017 and September 30, 2019. In June 2018, we implemented a BPA in our electronic health record recommending against testing for CDI in patients receiving laxatives. We reviewed the number of C. difficile tests ordered before and after initiating the BPA. In December 2018, we replaced nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) with a cell cytotoxicity assay (CCA) for stool specimens that were enzyme immunoassay toxin negative and glutamate dehydrogenase positive. Results The number of C. difficile tests ordered per month decreased 14% after implementing the BPA (P = .0001). Following this intervention, the rate of nosocomial CDI (nCDI) decreased by 16.5% (P = .33). Following substitution of CCA for NAAT for enzyme immunoassay toxin−/glutamate dehydrogenase+ specimens, there was a 50% reduction in the rate of nCDI (7.1 cases/10,000 patient days to 3.5 cases/10,000 patient days; P Conclusions Implementing a BPA to reduce inappropriate testing and changing the testing algorithm for C. difficile by substituting CCA for NAAT resulted in a lower rate of diagnosis of nCDI.
Cognition and the Living Condition

Our contemporary era permits a harnessing of fresh contemporary resources to evolutionary biology from the emerging fields of metagenomics (the direct study of genetic material from environmental samples), epigenomics (the complete range of epigenetic factors that influence gene expression), and hologenomics (the complete genetic complement of an organism, including its microbial fraction). None of these fields mattered or were even thought to exist within the twentieth century. With the productive application of critical research from these disciplines, evolutionary biology can now be explored from a vantage that was unavailable to Darwin and the myriad others that followed in the ensuing decades.
The Supreme Court's Reticent Qualified Immunity Retreat

The recent outcry against qualified immunity, a doctrine that disallows damages actions against government officials for a wide swath of constitutional claims, has been deafening. But when the Supreme Court in November 2020 and February 2021 invalidated grants of qualified immunity based on reasoning at the heart of the doctrine for the first time since John Roberts became Chief Justice, the response was muted. With initial evaluations and competing understandings coming from legal commentators in the months since, this Essay explores what these cases appear to say about qualified immunity for today and tomorrow. The Essay traces idealistic, pessimistic, and optimistic impressions of these cases’ importance from the perspective of a qualified-immunity critic. The Essay argues that the optimistic view probably gets things right in that the Court is taking tentative steps forward by precluding some of the doctrine’s most extreme consequences. The Essay then contends that this modest move nevertheless demonstrates why those concerned about qualified immunity should focus not only on the courts, but also on the other branches of government—and not only on one doctrine, but also on constitutional-tort law as a whole. In and beyond the recent reform-minded moment, we should think big about how to improve constitutional enforcement: bigger than the judiciary and bigger than qualified immunity.
Quantum Genetics and Quantum Automata Models of Quantum-Molecular Evolution Involved in the Evolution of Organisms and Species

Previous theoretical or general approaches to the problems of Quantum Genetics and Molecular Evolution are considered in this article from the point of view of Quantum Automata Theory first published by the author in 1971 and further developed in several recent articles. The representation of genomes and Interactome networks in categories of many-valued logic LMn –algebras that are naturally transformed during biological evolution, or evolve through interactions with the environment provide a new insight into the mechanisms of molecular evolution, as well as organismal evolution, in terms of sequences of quantum automata. Phenotypic changes are expressed only when certain environmentally-induced quantum-molecular changes are coupled with an internal re-structuring of major submodules of the genome and Interactome networks related to cell cycling and cell growth. Contrary to the commonly held view of `standard’ Darwinist models of evolution, the evolution of organisms and species occurs through coupled multi-molecular transformations induced not only by the environment but actually realized through internal re-organizations of genome and interactome networks. The biological, evolutionary processes involve certain epigenetic transformations that are responsible for phenotypic expression of the genome and Interactome transformations initiated at the quantum-molecular level. It can thus be said that only quantum genetics can provide correct explanations of evolutionary processes that are initiated at the quantum--multi-molecular levels and propagate to the higher levels of organismal and species evolution.Biological evolution should be therefore regarded as a multi-scale process which is initiated by underlying quantum (coupled) multi-molecular transformations of the genomic and interactomic networks, followed by specific phenotypic transformations at the level of organism and the variable biogroupoids associated with the evolution of species which are essential to the survival of the species. The theoretical framework introduced in this article also paves the way to a Quantitative Biology approach to biological evolution at the quantum-molecular, as well as at the organismal and species levels. This is quite a substantial modification of the 'established’ modern Darwinist, and also of several so-called `molecular evolution’ theories.
Crowdsourcing the curriculum

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to describe the rationale, process and results of an integrated curricular intervention for information literacy instruction in a first-year writing program. Design/methodology/approach – The information literacy coordinator collaborated with writing instructors and the Writing Program Administrator on the initial design of information literacy outcomes. The librarian and instructors created a modular curriculum with multiple lessons and activities aligned to each outcome. The curriculum was housed in the course management system for easy updating and distribution. Finally, instructors taught the embedded information literacy activities for two semesters and measured student improvement through a pre-/post-survey and a rubric-based assessment of students’ citation and documentation. Findings – Students saw significant gains over the course of the semester in their ability to use Boolean operators, identify the purpose of sources and understand citation styles. As a...
Random Walks in Weyl Chambers and the Decomposition of Tensor Powers

We consider a class of random walks on a lattice, introduced by Gessel and Zeilberger, for which the reflection principle can be used to count the number of k-step walks between two points which stay within a chamber of a Weyl group. We prove three independent results about such “reflectable walks”: first, a classification of all such walkss second, many determinant formulas for walk numbers and their generating functionss third, an equality between the walk numbers and the multiplicities of irreducibles in the kth tensor power of certain Lie group representations associated to the walk types. Our results apply to the defining representations of the classical groups, as well as some spin representations of the orthogonal groups.
High-density optical multi-chip module on waveguide-integrated carrier

Optical multi-chip module enables the integration of high-bandwidth density optical I/Os with high-performance CMOS IC for next-generation high-performance computers by mounting optical and electrical chips directly on waveguide-integrated carrier.
Treating kids with cough and cold: Filling the void

The recent FDA voluntary withdrawal of cough and cold OTCs for infants has created a void that pharmacists should fill with patient counseling.
Factors regulating bluegreen dominance in a reservoir directly influenced by the Asian monsoon

Current hypotheses, based on physical and chemical theory, that account for bluegreen-blooms in lakes were evaluated in Taechung Reservoir, Korea, during May 1993–November 1994. Seasonal patterns of chlorophyll (Chl) were similar in 1993 and 1994, but the taxonomic composition and size structure of the phytoplankton communities differed between years. During August–September 1994, bluegreens comprised >80% of total cell numbers and net-Chl (fraction of Chl>35 μm) was 63% of total Chl, whereas in 1993, diatoms (Melosira) were the major taxa, and ultra-Chl ( 25 kg μm−2), high water temperature (>28°C), and reduced silica input. Low N/or N:P ratios and the concentration of monovalent cations (Na+ and K+) were not determining factors in this system, but light and pH seemed to act as secondary factors. Our study suggests that the magnitude and frequency of bluegreen blooms in Asian waterbodies may be reduced during an intense monsoon, but increased during a weak monsoon.
Commercial Data Mining Software

This chapter discusses selected commercial software for data mining, supercomputing data mining, text mining, and web mining. The selected software are compared with their features and also applied to available data sets. The software for data mining are SAS Enterprise Miner, Megaputer PolyAnalyst 5.0, PASW (formerly SPSS Clementine), IBM Intelligent Miner, and BioDiscovery GeneSight. The software for supercomputing are Avizo by Visualization Science Group and JMP Genomics from SAS Institute. The software for text mining are SAS Text Miner and Megaputer PolyAnalyst 5.0. The software for web mining are Megaputer PolyAnalyst and SPSS Clementine . Background on related literature and software are presented. Screen shots of each of the selected software are presented, as are conclusions and future directions.
Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts to myocytes via bacterial injection of MyoD protein.

Abstract Forced exogenous gene expression has been well characterized as an effective method for directing both cellular differentiation and dedifferentiation. However, transgene expression is not amenable for therapeutic application due to potential insertional mutagenesis. Protein-based techniques provide a safe alternative, but current protein delivery methods are quite limited by labor-intensive purification processes, low protein yield, and inefficient intracellular targeting. Such limitations may be overcome by using a naturally occurring bacterial protein injection system, called the type III secretion system (T3SS), which injects bacterial proteins directly into the eukaryotic cell cytoplasm. Using a genetically attenuated strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we have previously described the ability of this system to easily deliver a high quantity of protein to both differentiated and pluripotent cells. MyoD is a key muscle regulatory factor, the overexpression of which is able to induce transdiffere...
Genetic Defects in Copper Metabolism

Genetic defects in copper metabolism highlight the delicate balance mammalian systems have developed to maintain normal copper homeostasis. Menkes disease, the mottled mouse, the Atox-1-deficient mouse and the ctr1 knockout mouse reveal the importance of adequate copper intake during embryogenesis and early development, especially in the central nervous system. The toxicity associated with excess copper as manifest in Wilson disease, the toxic milk mouse, the LEC rat and copper toxicosis in the Bedlington terrier demonstrate the profound cellular susceptibility to copper overload, in particular, in the brain and liver. Ceruloplasmin (Cp) contains 95% of the copper found in human serum, and inherited loss of this protein results in diabetes, retinal degeneration and neurodegeneration. Despite normal copper metabolism, aceruloplasminemic patients and the Cp knockout mouse have disturbed iron homeostasis and mild hepatic copper retention. These genetic disorders of copper metabolism provide valuable insight into the mechanisms regulating copper homeostasis and models to further dissect the role of this essential metal in health and disease.
Maternal Caffeine Intake, Selected Metabolic Gene Variants, and Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)

Purpose Using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, we examined associations between NTDs and maternal caffeine intake, gene variants for caffeine metabolism, and their joint effects. Methods Total average caffeine per day was summed from maternal interview reports of coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate intake. Buccal swab samples from infants and birth parents were genotyped for CYP1A2 ∗ 1F , NAT2 C481T and G590A , NAT1 C1095A and rs13278990 . CYP1A2 ∗ 1F was classified by oxidation status (fast vs. slow) and NAT2 variants were categorized by acetylation status (rapid vs. slow). Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for total caffeine, each caffeine source, and maternal and infant gene variants. We also conducted family-based and hybrid log-linear analyses to examine the association of each gene variant with NTDs, and used case-control, case-only, and family-based methods to assess interaction effects between caffeine intake and each gene variant. Results We found an association between maternal caffeine intake and spina bifida (SB), which varied by caffeine source across multiple and isolated case status. Mothers who consumed caffeine and were CYP1A2 ∗ 1F fast oxidizers and NAT2 slow acetylators had the greatest estimated risk for an NTD-affected pregnancy, although interaction effects were significant only for infant CYP1A2 ∗ 1F fast oxidizer status. There was a significant association of maternal CYP1A2 ∗ 1F fast oxidation status with NTDs that was stronger for isolated cases, non-Hispanic White mothers, and mothers of CYP1A2 ∗ 1F fast oxidizing infants. Infant slow NAT2 acetylator status was significantly associated with an increased NTD risk in the family-based analyses. There was not strong evidence for an increased risk of NTDs associated with infant NAT1 C1095A . Conclusion Maternal caffeine and its metabolites may be associated with increased risk for a NTD-affected pregnancy in certain subgroups. There is an association of maternal CYP1A2 ∗ 1F fast oxidation status with NTDs that should be examined further in the context of its other substrates.
Error propagation in dense wireless networks with cooperation

We study error propagation in wireless cooperative broadcast protocols. In our model, nodes in the network are randomly deployed in a fixed region. The message from a certain source node is relayed by multiple groups of cooperating relays that are located in predetermined consecutive swaths of the network area. We refer to these groups of relays as "levels". Our analysis is based on the derivation of recursive equations that express the error rate at each relay in a given level as a function of the error probabilities of the nodes in the previous levels. To provide analytical results we take the limit as the number of nodes goes to infinity while the relay power goes to zero, so that the relay power density per unit area is constant. In the limit, we show that the relay power density and area of the regions that correspond to the levels lead to fixed points in the error rate that prevent catastrophic error propagation, regardless of the distance the message is transmitted over.
Computational Prediction of Micro-crack Induced Ultrasound Attenuation in CFRP Composites

A computational study is presented of ultrasound attenuation arising from linear elastic scattering by matrix micro-cracking in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. The model considers ultrasound propagation in a unidirectionally reinforced laminate containing randomly distributed matrix micro-cracks, configured such that neither the cracked laminate nor wavefield display dependence on the spatial direction of fiber reinforcement. The resulting 2D scattering formulation is solved using the boundary element method (BEM). Scatter-induced ultrasound attenuation is computed using a fully-interacting scattering matrix, as well as approximate multiple scattering formulations. Through comparison to the fully-interacting computation, the validity of level 1 scattering (independent scattering approximation), level 2 scattering (single neighbor interaction), and level 3 scattering (two neighbor interaction) is noted as a function of micro-crack density. A single parameter estimation of attenuation dependence on micro-crack density is obtained by fitting exponential dependence to the fully-interacting scattering results. Additionally, this single parameter is shown to be extracted equally well by fitting over the limited validity range of the independent scattering formulation. When uniform crack morphology is assumed, the exponential fit to the independent scattering approximation yields a practical estimation of micro-crack induced attenuation over the full range of micro-crack density through consideration of forward scattering by a single micro-crack. Comparison of results to limited experimental data, and to an independent alternate computational approach, lends plausibility to the study’s conclusions.
Minority carrier lifetime variations associated with misfit dislocation networks in heteroepitaxial GaInP

Variations in minority carrier transport properties associated with networks of misfit dislocations have been measured using a unique optical technique in p-type GaInP grown on Ge. The diffusion length L of minority carriers has been measured with a spatial resolution of 0.4 µm in regions showing alternating light and dark luminescence bands. Periodic variations of ±4% from a mean diffusion length of 3.9 µm were measured and found to be anti-correlated to intensity fluctuations. A model based on the coupling between luminescence intensity and minority carrier lifetime allows for the extraction of spatial variation of both radiative and non-radiative lifetimes. For this high quality material, with relatively low concentrations of non-radiative recombination centers, the results indicate variations in radiative recombination lifetime associated with dopant fluctuations.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Progressive Failure Analysis of Composite Laminates Under Axial Extension

A three-dimensional (3D) progressive failure algorithm is developed, where the layerwise laminate theory (LWLT) of Reddy is used for kinematic description. The finite element model based on the layerwise theory predicts both inplane and interlaminar stresses with the same accuracy as that of a conventional 3D finite element model and provides a convenient format for modeling the 3D stress fields in composite laminates. A parametric study is conducted to investigate the effect of out-of-plane material properties, 3D stiffness reduction methods, and boundary conditions on the failure loads and strains of a composite laminate under axial extension. The results indicate that different parameters have a different degree of influence on the failure loads and strains. The predictive ability of various phenomenological failure criteria is evaluated in the light of experimental results available in the literature, and the predictions of the LWLT are compared with those of the first-order shear deformation theory. It is concluded that a 3D stress analysis is necessary to predict accurately the failure behavior of composite laminates.
Trophic Resource Overlap between Age-0 Striped Bass and Largemouth Bass in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Abstract Small body size in fall and low winter survival of fingerling striped bass Morone saxatilis stocked into Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, have been attributed to slow growth during summer months. Although small size at stocking appears to be the primary factor restricting fish prey consumption and rapid growth, trophic competition may also be a contributing factor. We examined the food habits of sympatric populations of age-0 striped bass and largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides over the 1994 and 1995 growing seasons to assess temporal and length-related patterns and similarities in trophic resource use. With increasing predator length, food habits for both species shifted from zooplankton to insect and then to fish as the principal prey items over both growing seasons. Except for fish smaller than 50 mm during June and July 1994, diet overlap was insufficient (Schoener's index value <0.60) to suggest trophic competition. Striped bass between 50 and 100 mm long primarily ate aquatic insects and cy...
Secondary posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in pediatric patients.

Purpose To report results of secondary posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in previously aphakic pediatric patients. Methods In 19 pediatric patients, 19 aphakic eyes (11 after infantile and eight after traumatic cataract surgery) received secondary sulcus-fixated posterior chamber IOL implants. Results Visual acuity of 20/40 or better was achieved with IOL implantation and overrefraction in three of 11 infantile (27%) and six of eight traumatic cataract patients (mean follow-ups, 18.1 months [range, 8 to 29 months] and 18.0 months [range, 6 to 28 months]), respectively. Eighteen of 19 patients (95%) demonstrated postoperative vision equal to or better than preoperative levels; 15 of 19 patients (79%) showed improved vision after IOL implantation. The mean ± SD difference between actual and predicted postoperative refraction at 1 month was -0.97 ± 0.96 diopter. Average refractive error at last examination was -0.40 ± 2.43 diopters. Amblyopia therapy was performed in 14 patients. One IOL required repositioning 8 months postoperatively. Strabismus was present in 14 patients before and 13 patients after IOL implantation, requiring surgery in four patients. Conclusions Secondary IOL implantation can be performed successfully in carefully selected pediatric patients. Visual acuity results are better in eyes with a history of traumatic cataract and are influenced by patient compliance. The short-term risks of the procedure appear no greater than those of primary IOL implantation, and complications resemble those seen in adults.
Electronically tuned pulsed dye laser.

The development of an electronically tuned pulsed nitrogen laser pumped dye laser is described. Tuning of the laser is achieved by electronic coupling of a piezo (“inchworm”) driven grating with a piezo driven etalon. Tuning over a range of 180 GHz has been obtained with a laser line width of 250 MHz. A description of the apparatus and representative spectra obtained with the laser are given.
Investigation of thermal management technique in blue LED airport taxiway fixtures

On airport runways, blue light fixtures denote taxiways between the runway and the airport terminal. Blue optics transmit mostly short-wavelength radiation, which makes traditional incandescent lamps a poor choice of light source; the resulting fixture efficiency could be less than one percent. LEDs are replacing incandescent lamps in this application. But unlike incandescent sources, LEDs do not radiate enough heat to melt ice and snow from the fixture optics. To meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations for weatherability, some LED-based fixtures incorporate electric heaters that, when switched on, nearly negate the energy-savings benefit of converting to LED sources. In this study, we explored methods for conduction and convection of LED junction heat to taxiway fixture optics for the purpose of minimizing snow and ice buildup. A more efficient LED-based system compared to incandescent that would require no additional heaters was demonstrated.
Toward Roundabout Accessibility-Exploring the Operational Impact of Pedestrian Signalization Options at Modern Roundabouts

This paper explores the use of pedestrian signalization options for crosswalks at one- and two-lane roundabouts to enable these facilities to be accessible to pedestrians with vision impairments. Motivated by uncertainties about the safety of roundabouts for blind pedestrians, audible pedestrian signals hold promise for safely regulating the interaction of vehicles and pedestrians at these facilities. However, the use of pedestrian signals at roundabouts is controversial because of the potential for queue spillback into the circulating lane and delays to vehicular traffic. The objective of this work is to quantify pedestrian-induced delays and queuing impacts of a pedestrian signal placed at the busiest approach of a modern roundabout. The analysis is performed using a calibrated microsimulation model and includes assessment of innovative solutions for crossing geometry and phasing scheme at one-lane and two-lane roundabouts. The results suggest that the impact of pedestrian signals at roundabouts is greatest as vehicle volumes approach capacity, but that vehicle delay and queuing can be mitigated through innovative signal configurations. The findings are important in light of recent discourse concerning the accessibility of roundabouts to pedestrians with vision impairments that may ultimately move towards a requirement for signalization for certain facility types.
Econometric models with normal polychotomous selectivity

Abstract The polychotomous extension of the selectivity model of Heckman (1976) is derived. Unlike similar models proposed by Hay (1980) and Lee (1983), this generalization maintains the assumption of joint normality among the errors. In light of recent advances in the theory and estimation of the multinomial probit model, the present derivation is offered as an important first step toward the true generalization of the Heckman estimator.
Vision-guided, semiautonomous system applied to a robotic coating application

This paper describes a new semi-autonomous, calibration-free system which integrates a user-friendly graphical interface, several cameras, a laser pointer mounted on a two-axis pan/tilt unit, and a six degree-of-freedom robot. The details of the system are discussed in reference to the problem of coating a workpiece of unknown geometry that is positioned arbitrarily with respect to the robot and the vision sensors. The remote user specifies the region of the workpiece that is to be coated simply by 'pointing' and 'clicking' on the region of interest as it appears in a single image on the user's computer monitor. By means of a simple and robust control strategy, the laser pointer mounted on the pan/tilt unit is autonomously actuated to a user-specified number of approximate positions in the region of the surface of interest. This is used to create compatible maneuver objectives in the participating vision sensors. Then, using the method of camera-space manipulation, the robot is controlled to make several passes across the region. Regardless of the geometry of the workpiece, the manipulated nozzle always remains perpendicular to the surface at a user- specified distance from the surface. Upon completion of the coating process, the laser pointer is again actuated to pass through a specified number of points on the new surface. This information is used to make a very precise inference of the thickness of the build-up of the coat that has been applied. If the coat is not sufficiently thick, the robot makes more passes as required. The paper also presents experimental results of the high accuracy of position and orientation control of the manipulated tool, as well as the depth inference of the surface coat applied.
Limited imagination: Depictions of computers in science fiction film

Abstract Are speculations about the future ever truly inventive, or are they overly limited by today's reality? Many scholars suggest the latter, and have so for millennia. If this is true, speculations about the future in science fiction film should be closely constrained by today's reality, and truly novel and accurate visions of the future in science fiction must be rare. This paper presents a comparison of how computer technologies have been depicted in popular science fiction films with actual computer technologies that existed when the films were made. The investigation included charting the occurrence of 11 trends in real-world computer technologies and types of computer interaction (e.g., mainframe computers, textual and vector graphic-based interfaces, keyboard and mice) in 10 popular science fiction films spanning four decades (e.g., 2001: A Space Odyssey , Blade Runner , and Minority Report ). The investigation revealed that depictions of computers in science fiction films mirror, for the most part, real world trends in computer technology development. The article concludes with a brief discussion of some implications of this finding.
Office psychotherapy for depression in the primary care setting

Summary Effective medical care is founded on an understanding of what a particular illness means to a particular patient at a particular time in life. This requires a full understanding of the patient's illness dynamics, which inform primary care clinicians as to the specific psychological needs to be addressed during the course of medical treatment. This is extremely relevant when treating patients suffering from depression, either as a primary disorder or con-current to a medical condition. Medical psychotherapy can then be implemented either as a supportive or introspective approach and sometimes supplemented with pharmacotherapy, if the patient's emotional distress is extreme. This comprehensive biopsychosocial regimen is the acceptable medical model if "one is to treat the whole patient and not merely characterize the nature of an illness and impede biological deterioration." 34
Reversible systems with first integrals

Abstract A reversible system of ordinary differential equations (ODE) possessing some first integrals is considered. A simple description of the first integral space is given. It is shown that, under the auxiliary assumption that the integrals are symmetric (i.e., they do not change sign under the action of the reversing involution), the presence of the integrals allows one to bring the problem of dynamical stability for a symmetric equilibrium to the similar problem, but for the reduced system. The reduced system is merely the restriction of the initial system to the intersection of the surfaces of level of the integrals passing through the equilibrium.