cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Health and Nutritional Status Related To Socioeconomic Conditions and Environmental Health In Honduras, Central America

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To identify conditions associated with poor health and nutritional status in children living in Honduras in order to plan future outreach and intervention programs in similar underdeveloped communities. The interwoven nature of poverty, illness, malnutrition, and unsanitary environmental conditions common in underdeveloped communities of the world contribute to inadequate health and nutritional status of children. The purpose of this research was to analyze data from a comprehensive demographic study conducted in rural Honduras as a joint project of the Honduran Ministry of Health and a United States university. A total of 611 households were surveyed to examine the relationship of health and nutrition to socioeconomic, environmental and behavioral conditions. Each survey provided a profile of household members six years of age and older (n=2759), children under six years of age (n=591), household conditions, and family patterns of behavior. Data collected for each child included current illness and observed nutritional status. Forty-six percent of children surveyed (n=269) were reported as currently ill, or ill during the two weeks prior to survey. Fifty-five percent of children (n=325) were observed to have been in good nutritional status. Chi-square tests were used to investigate relationships between household conditions and behavior patterns related to children's current illness and observed nutritional status. Current illness was significantly related to water source (p=.024), family excrement habits (p= 001), total number of children in household (p=.002), and construction materials of the house walls (p=.002), roof (p=.050), and floor (p
Evaporated Zinc Sulfide Films

A study was made of evaporated ZnS films oil glass, including method of preparation, optical properties, and aging effects. The influence of rate of evaporation and pressure during evaporation was noted. Thicknesses and indexes of refraction of the films were determined from measurements of reflected intensity as a function of wavelength. ZnS films are quite soft just after preparation but become harder if aged in a dry atmosphere.
A Unified Approach to the Error Analysis of Augmented Dynamically Exact Inertial Navigation Systems

A model for pure inertial navigation systems is defined which describes a wide class of dynamically exact systems for terrestrial and space applications. Based on this model a standard error block diagram is described and it is shown how the conventional simplifying assumptions lead to the specific version used for slow moving terrestrial applications. To efficiently treat augmented inertial systems, a generalized approach to error analysis of estimation systems is introduced. This approach, discussed in an earlier paper, is amplified as it pertains to augmented inertial systems. It is shown how the standard error propagation block diagram can be used to place the augmented inertial navigation system error analysis in the canonical form necessary for a generalized error analysis. Augmentations considered are position, velocity and attitude fixes. Specific examples are given.
Direct separation of two-dimensional vector fields into irrotational and solenoidal parts

Abstract An iterative technique is given for separating a two-dimensional vector into irrotational and solenoidal parts. In contrast to classical methods, the procedure operates directly on the orthogonal scalar components of the vector field, and gives the two separate fields as the result of a single sequence of operations. The manipulations are somewhat similar to a relaxation process. An example of the decomposition of a meteorological wind field is given.
Dependence of Entamoeba histolytica upon associated streptobacillus for metabolism of glucose.

Abstract E. histolytica (F-22, streptobacillus associate) contains relatively large amounts of glucosamine. The amoeba cannot synthesize glucosamine, but is dependent upon the bacterial associate for its supply of this aminosugar. This amoeba does not utilize glucose as such, but only the products of glucose metabolism of the mono-associate. A definite metabolic link is believed to occur between this amoeba and its associated organism.
Voices of the Vulnerable: Community health centres and the promise and peril of consumer governance

AbstractVarious efforts to give health care consumers a voice in decision-making have been attempted since at least the mid-twentieth century, with little success. In this article, I focus on one form of consumer participation: the requirement for community health centres in the United States to be governed by a consumer majority board. I examine the historical origins and theoretical assumptions motivating the requirement, summarize recent research that demonstrates how these assumptions are violated in practice, and suggest some prescriptive policy guidelines for the effective use of consumer participation in health care decision-making.
Water-Repellent Soils, Fire, and Annual Plant Cover in a Desert Scrub Community of Southeastern California

Surveys relating soil wettability and the establishment of annual plants were conducted on soil hummocks under burned and unburned shrubs and trees in a desert scrub community 4 years following a fire. Hummocks under burned and unburned individuals of Larrea divaricata, Prosopis juliflora, and Cercidium floridum were nearly devoid of established annual vegetation, whereas the surrounding soil was densely populated with several species of annual plants, predominately Sphaeralcea emoryi. Hydrophobic (water—repellent) layers of soil were found at various depths in the barren hummocks. In general, the layers were further below the soil surface under burned shrubs or trees, and the degree of water repellency was greater. The soil surrounding the hummocks did not contain hydrophobic layers. The mosaic of annuals in the desert scrub vegetation is probably the result of a reduction of available soil moisture due to the formation of water—repellent soils under the shrubs. The effect was more pronounced following fire.
Performance of continuum and discrete three-dimensional vibration analyses of twisted cantilevered parallelepipeds

Abstract The natural frequencies of twisted cantilevered parallelepipeds are determined using the Ritz method. Assumed displacement functions are in the form of algebraic polynomials which satisfy the fixed face conditions exactly, and which are mathematically complete. Reasonably accurate nondimensional frequencies are calculated for low aspect ratio, thick and thin parallelepipeds having arbitrary degrees of initial twist. Detailed numerical studies show that a three-dimensional analysis is essential in monitoring coupled flapwise-sideways bending, coupled thickness-shear-bending, coupled thickness-twist-bending, and torsional sensitivities in the variation of nondimensional frequencies with increasing twist angles and decreasing thickness ratio ranging from the limits of classical thin-plates to very thick parallelepipeds. Results obtained using the present method are compared with those obtained in a detailed three-dimensional finite element study, where the suitability and limitations of h-version solid element discretizations are discussed.
Effect of lumbar extensor fatigue on paraspinal muscle reflexes

Low back disorders are a frequent medical problem. Altered neuromuscular control of the spine has been associated with low back pain, and may contribute to its occurrence. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lumbar extensor fatigue on reflex delay and amplitude in the paraspinal muscles. Ten healthy males (20-22 years of age) were subjected to an anteriorly-directed perturbation applied at the inferior margin of the scapulae while standing quietly before and after a lumbar extensor fatiguing protocol. The fatiguing protocol consisted of multiple sets of back extensions and intermittent isometric maximum voluntary contraction on a Roman chair for 14 min until 60% of unfatigued lumbar extensor MVC was reached. Reflexes were recorded from the paraspinal muscles at the level of L4. Results indicated the mean reflex delay was 60+/-18 ms and was not affected by fatigue (p=0.278). Reflex amplitude increased 36+/-32% with fatigue (p=0.017). The increase in reflex amplitude may reflect an attempt to compensate for losses in muscle force capacity with fatigue in order to maintain sufficient spinal stability. However, additional studies are necessary to investigate the mechanisms of this fatigue-related change in paraspinal reflex.
Resting CD8 T cells recognize β‐galactosidase expressed in the immune‐privileged retina and mediate autoimmune disease when activated

Although the expression of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in retina is extremely low, it is an established fact that activated CD4 T cells, specific for retinal antigens (Ags), mediate experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). Conversely, CD8 T cells have not been shown to recognize Ag in the retina. This study investigated whether retinal-specific Ags are detected by class I MHC-restricted CD8 T cells. Using a CD8 T-cell clone (beta3) specific for an immunodominant epitope of beta-galactosidase (beta-gal), local Ag recognition was shown by transfer of activated beta3 cells into beta-gal transgenic (Tg) mice expressing beta-gal in the retina (hi-arr-beta-gal mice), or in the brain and eye (GFAP-beta-gal mice). Beta-gal-positive photoreceptor cells were damaged in the retina of hi-arr-beta-gal mice, and anterior segment disease was found in the eyes of GFAP-beta-gal mice. Ag recognition by resting CD8 T cells was also evaluated. Recovery of 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate N-succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-labelled beta3 cells from hi-arr-beta-gal mice was slightly decreased compared to recovery from B10.A mice, while recovery from GFAP-beta-gal mice was transiently increased. Conversely, recovery of CFSE- cells increased in hi-arr-beta-gal mice, consistent with an Ag-dependent response. The CFSE content of the CFSE+ population was unchanged relative to beta3 cells recovered from controls. Intracellular cytokine responses of beta3 cells recovered from hi-arr-beta-gal and GFAP-beta-gal mice correlated with the number of cells recovered, regardless of CFSE content. Even though their production of interferon-gamma and tumour necrosis factor-alpha was affected little by transfer into hi-arr-beta-gal recipients, the ability of beta3 cells to mediate delayed-type hypersensitivity was inhibited in hi-arr-beta-gal mice. These results show that resting CD8 T cells are affected by the presence of Ag that originates in retina and, when activated prior to transfer, mediate pathogenic autoimmunity against retinal and other ocular targets.
A genetic link between remagnetization and potassic metasomatism in the Devonian Onondaga Formation, Northern Appalachian Basin

Whole-rock chemical analyses indicate that the Onondaga Formation along a Rochester-Syracuse (New York) transect has a marked eastward increasing trend in K/Al ratio, which correlates with an increase in authigenic magnetite content and degree of diagenetic illitization. An eastward increase in the content of some authigenic minerals including K-feldspar, quartz, and Fe-rich chlorite in the rocks is indicated by petrographic and X-ray diffraction studies. These observations suggest a link between remagnetization and potassic alteration of Fe-bearing silicates in the Onondaga. Two hypothetical reactions are proposed in which magnetite authigenesis is related to the breakdown of Fe-bearing smectite in the presence of potassium. Products of these reactions include authigenic K-feldspar, illite, quartz and chlorite, as well as magnetite. Our results suggest that remagnetization was triggered by a basin-wide migration of K-rich fluids during the Alleghenian Orogeny.
Hazard assessment of selenium and other trace elements in wild larval razorback sucker from the Green River, Utah

Contaminant investigations of the Green River in northeastern Utah have documented selenium contamination at sites receiving irrigation drainage. The Green River provides critical habitat for four endangered fishes including the largest extant riverine population of endangered razorback sucker. Although 2175 larval razorback suckers were collected from the river between 1992 and 1996, very few juveniles have been captured within recent decades. Selenium concentrations were measured in larval razorback suckers collected from five sites in the Green River (Cliff Creek, Stewart Lake Drain, Sportsman's Drain, Greasewood Corral, and Old Charlie Wash) to assess the potential for adverse effects on recruitment of larvae to the juvenile stage and the adult population. Larvae from all sites contained mean selenium concentrations ranging from 4.3 to 5.8 μg/g. These values were at or above the proposed toxic threshold of 4 μg/g for adverse biological effects in fish, which was derived from several laboratory and field studies with a wide range of fish species. At two sites, Cliff Creek and Stewart Lake Drain, selenium concentrations in larvae increased over time as fish grew, whereas selenium concentrations decreased as fish grew at Sportsman's Drain. Evaluation of a 279-larvae composite analyzed for 61 elements demonstrated that selenium and, to a lesser extent, vanadium were elevated to concentrations reported to be toxic to a wide range of fish species. Elevated selenium concentrations in larval razorback suckers from the five sites suggest that selenium contamination may be widespread in the Green River, and that survival and recruitment of larvae to the juvenile stage may be limited due to adverse biological effects. Selenium contamination may be adversely affecting the reproductive success and recruitment of endangered razorback sucker.
The Subinertial Mixed Layer Approximation

Abstract The density of the mixed layer is approximately uniform in the vertical but has dynamically important horizontal gradients. These nonuniformities in density result in a vertically sheared horizontal pressure gradient. Subinertial motions balance this pressure gradient with a vertically sheared velocity. Systematic incorporation of shear into a three-dimensional mixed layer model is both the goal of the present study and its majority novelty. The sheared flow is partitioned between a geostrophic response and a frictional, ageostrophic response. The relative weighting of them two components is determined by a nondimensional parameters μ≡1/fτU, where τU is the timescale for vertical mixing of momentum and f−1 is the inertial timescale. If μ is of order unity, then the velocity has vertical shear at leading order. Differential advection by this shear flow will tilt over vertical isosurfaces of heat and salt so as to “unmix” or “restratify” the mixed layer. The unmixing process is balanced by intermit...
Between Scylla and Charybdis: antithrombotic therapy in hematopoietic progenitor cell transplant patients

Between Scylla and Charybdis: antithrombotic therapy in hematopoietic progenitor cell transplant patients
Unitarity, breit-like amplitudes, and low-energy approximations to dispersion corrections

Abstract The unitarity of the Breit-like dispersion amplitude is investigated and found to be deficient. A non-Breit-like correction term, previously found, corrects for this deficiency. This term also contributes to dispersion corrections calculated in the low-energy approximation.
Newer Methods for Diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus Infection

Recently developed techniques have greatly increased the sensitivity and speed of detection of CMV and of host antibody responses to it. Newer serologic assays such as enzyme immunoassay or latex agglutination assay are accurate and efficient for screening donors and recipients and for determining susceptibility to primary infection. Available IgM antibody assays have occasional utility in recognition of recent infection. The slow process of isolating CMV in cell culture has prompted development of effective rapid techniques that utilize CMV-specific monoclonal antibodies and DNA sequences. Immediate-early viral antigen can be detected in infected cell cultures within hours of specimen inoculation. CMV antigens can also be detected directly in cells within clinical specimens. DNA hybridization has been used for CMV analysis in dot-blot, Southern blot, and in situ hybridization assays; the use of the latter is increasing for the detection of virus in fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Antigen or nucleic acid detection procedures, when applied directly to relevant clinical specimens, aid in the recognition of tissue invasive disease for which antiviral therapy might be considered. DNA amplification, using the polymerase chain reaction, achieves new levels of sensitivity in viral detection and should be useful for clinical diagnosis and for investigation of CMV pathogenesis and latency.
Potential of discrete Gaussian edge feathering method for improving abutment dosimetry in eMLC-delivered segmented-field electron conformal therapy.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to investigate the potential of discrete Gaussian edge feathering of the higher energy electron fields for improving abutment dosimetry in the planning volume when using an electron multileaf collimator (eMLC) to deliver segmented-field electron conformal therapy (ECT). Methods: A discrete (five-step) Gaussian edge spread function was used to match dose penumbras of differing beam energies (6–20 MeV) at a specified depth in a water phantom. Software was developed to define the leaf eMLC positions of an eMLC that most closely fit each electron field shape. The effect of 1D edge feathering of the higher energy field on dose homogeneity was computed and measured for segmented-field ECT treatment plans for three 2D PTVs in a water phantom, i.e., depth from the water surface to the distal PTV surface varied as a function of thex-axis (parallel to leaf motion) and remained constant along the y-axis (perpendicular to leaf motion). Additionally, the effect of 2D edge feathering was computed and measured for one radially symmetric, 3D PTV in a water phantom, i.e., depth from the water surface to the distal PTV surface varied as a function of both axes. For the 3D PTV, the feathering scheme was evaluated for 0.1–1.0-cm leaf widths. Dose calculations were performed using the pencil beamdose algorithm in the Pinnacle3treatment planning system. Dose verification measurements were made using a prototype eMLC (1-cm leaf width). Results: 1D discrete Gaussian edge feathering reduced the standard deviation of dose in the 2D PTVs by 34, 34, and 39%. In the 3D PTV, the broad leaf width (1 cm) of the eMLC hindered the 2D application of the feathering solution to the 3D PTV, and the standard deviation of dose increased by 10%. However, 2D discrete Gaussian edge feathering with simulated eMLC leaf widths of 0.1–0.5 cm reduced the standard deviation of dose in the 3D PTV by 33–28%, respectively. Conclusions: A five-step discrete Gaussian edge spread function applied in 2D improves the abutment dosimetry but requires an eMLC leaf resolution better than 1 cm.
Testing for nonadditivity in log-linear and logit models

Abstract In this paper we present a simple diagnostic two-stage test for nonadditivity in log-linear and logit models. The rationale and procedure are similar to that of tests presented by Milliken and Graybill (1970) for linear models. We show that the test is asymptotically chi-squared and we present an example comparing the test procedure to one based on maximum likelihood. An advantage of the new test procedure is that no special software is required, since it can be performed using generalized linear model software.
Dual modes of CLOCK:BMAL1 inhibition mediated by Cryptochrome and Period proteins in the mammalian circadian clock

The mammalian circadian clock is based on a transcription-translation feedback loop (TTFL) in which CLOCK and BMAL1 proteins act as transcriptional activators of Cryptochrome and Period genes, which encode proteins that repress CLOCK-BMAL1 with a periodicity of ∼ 24 h. In this model, the mechanistic roles of CRY and PER are unclear. Here, we used a controlled targeting system to introduce CRY1 or PER2 into the nuclei of mouse cells with defined circadian genotypes to characterize the functions of CRY and PER. Our data show that CRY is the primary repressor in the TTFL: It binds to CLOCK-BMAL1 at the promoter and inhibits CLOCK-BMAL1-dependent transcription without dissociating the complex ("blocking"-type repression). PER alone has no effect on CLOCK-BMAL1-activated transcription. However, in the presence of CRY, nuclear entry of PER inhibits transcription by displacing CLOCK-BMAL1 from the promoter ("displacement"-type repression). In light of these findings, we propose a new model for the mammalian circadian clock in which the negative arm of the TTFL proceeds by two different mechanisms during the circadian cycle.
Nerve growth factor effects on cholinergic neurons of neostriatum and nucleus accumbens in the adult rat

Abstract Following intraventricular nerve growth factor infusion in adult rats, the choline acetyl-transferase immunostaining of the neuropil and neuronal cell bodies of the neostriatum (caudate-putamen) and nucleus accumbens was more intense on the side of the infusion. Furthermore, the average cross-sectional size (μm 2 ) of the cholinergic somata was increased by about 40 and 20% in the striatum and accumbens, respectively. This unilateral response could be elicited in intact rats as well as in rats receiving a prior aspirative transection of the fimbria fornix. The reported lack of (low-affinity) nerve growth factor receptor immunostaining in these neurons suggests that the nerve growth factor effects are most likely transduced by high-affinity receptors. The ability of these apparently undamaged cholinergic interneurons to respond to exogenous nerve growth factor with an increase in choline acetyltransferase content and cell body size suggests that they are benefiting from a less-than-maximal support by endogenous nerve growth factor in the normal young adult rat.
Conditioned aversion, bitter taste and the avoidance of natural toxicants in wild guinea pigs.

Abstract Wild cavies injected with lithium chloride following a first exposure to 0.008 M sodium saccharin did not consume measurable amounts of this tastant upon a second exposure. Only a slight depression of intake of 0.00025 M sucrose octaacetate was produced by lithium induced illness. Cavies were able to distinguish toxic from non-toxic plants. Animals accepted crabgrass, common plantain and a sedge species but quickly rejected Japanese honeysuckle. Common nightshade was first accepted and later totally rejected by some animals. Others continued to eat some nightshade, primarily stem tissue. A glycoalkaloid analysis of nightshade tissues revealed much lower concentrations of these toxic compounds in stem tissue than in leaf blade or petiole tissues. These results indicate that cavies can form conditioned aversions to foods as well as to pure tastants in laboratory experiments. Conditioned aversion formation is offered as the likely mediator of poison avoidance by this species in the wild.
Surface Photopolymerization of Vinyl and Diene Monomers

WHITE has shown that gaseous 1,3-butadiene in contact with metallic substrates polymerizes under the influence of ultra-violet light1. In contrast to surface photopolymerization induced by electron beams2–5 or in glow discharges6–10, little has been published about the process induced by photons. I have obtained results on deposition from butadiene and on the extension of this method for surface polymerization from the gas to other monomers, with concomitant formation of novel materials in thin film form.
Leukocytosis: a new look at an old marker for acute myocardial infarction.

Objective: To determine the test performance of leukocytosis for identifying acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with nondiagnostic ECGs, admitted to rule out AMI. Methods: A retrospective, comparative test performance study was conducted using patients admitted to a university teaching hospital to rule out AMI. Clinical and laboratory information was reviewed and hospital laboratory ranges were used to define threshold elevations: total creatine kinase (CK), 275 U/L; CK-MB, 7.5 μg/L; white blood cell (WBC) count, 11.5 × 109/L; and absolute neutrophil count (ANC), 8.0 × 109. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the total CK, CK-MB, WBC count, and ANC were calculated, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves constructed. Test performances of marker combinations also were determined. Results: The initial WBC count was significantly higher for the subjects who had AMI (11.1 vs 8.8 × 109/L, p < 0.001). For the 688 subjects who had nondiagnostic ECGs, sensitivities for the initial total CK, CK-MB, WBC, and ANC were 39%, 73%, 35%, and 36%, respectively, while the corresponding specificities were 94%, 93%, 85%, and 86%. Logistic regression analysis confirmed leukocytosis as an independent predictor of AMI (adjusted odds ratio 4.08, 95% CI 1.73–9.63). While CK-MB alone was 73% sensitive for AMI, the decision rule of either an elevated CK-MB or an elevated WBC count increased this sensitivity to 88% (corresponding specificity 79%). Similarly, while CK-MB alone was 93% specific for AMI, the combination of an elevated CK-MB and an elevated WBC count increased this specificity to 99% (corresponding sensitivity 20%). Conclusions: Leukocytosis is significantly associated with AMI, and is a weak but independent laboratory predictor of this condition. In this preliminary study of admitted patients suspected of AMI, the combination of the WBC and the CK-MB may have, additional diagnostic value over an isolated CK-MB result. Neither parameter in isolation was satisfactorily sensitive for AMI. Prognostic assessment of the role of the WBC count in clinical decision making should address its complementary role to that of other clinical and ancillary test parameters.
La importancia de los orígenes del cambio constitucional

Gabriel Negretto, profesor de Estudios Politicos en el CIDE de Mexico, publico en 2013 el libro Making Constitutions: Presidents, Parties, and Institutional Choice in Latin America con la editorial de la Universidad de Cambridge. En este libro, Negretto nos ofrece una teoria para el analisis sistematico de los origenes del cambio constitucional. Como se vera, Negretto abre una linea de investigacion de gran pertinencia para aquellos interesados en comprender las particularidades de las instituciones politicas en America Latina. En la primera parte del libro, Negretto muestra cuales son las tendencias y las particularidades del cambio constitucional en America Latina y elabora una teoria en dos niveles (en adelante, teoria dual) que busca responder a las limitaciones propias de la ciencia politica contemporanea frente al estudio de las instituciones politicas. Segun esta teoria, la adopcion de nuevas estructuras constitucionales esta determinada por el funcionamiento pasado del regimen constitucional y por los intereses partidistas y el poder relativo de los actores politicos reformistas en el momento del cambio. Para demostrar el poder explicativo de su teoria, Negretto acude a dos metodos de analisis empirico que, aunque diferentes, son complementarios. Negretto cierra la primera parte del libro con un analisis estadistico dirigido a demostrar la forma como los intereses partidistas y el poder relativo de los actores politicos involucrados en procesos de cambio constitucional impactan las decisiones sobre la adopcion de nuevas instituciones politicas. Sin embargo, la teoria dual de Negretto va mas alla de este analisis tradicional sobre la distribucion del poder politico y su impacto en momentos de La importancia de los origenes del cambio constitucional
Site-Specific Chemistry of Ethylene on Si(114)-(2 × 1)

Si(114)-(2 x 1) is a stable high-index surface with a single domain-like surface reconstruction composed of parallel rows of 3-fold coordinated rebonded atoms (resembling adatoms), dimers, and tetramers (dimers combined with non-dimerized atoms in diene-like structures). The distinct chemical properties expected for the oriented array of different structural motifs make this surface an interesting template for direct, comparative studies of structure-dependent reactions. We have studied the room-temperature adsorption of ethylene on rebonded atoms, dimers, and tetramers on Si(114)-(2 x 1) by atomic-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations of structure, energetics, and simulated STM images. Ethylene chemisorbs in four distinct geometries on Si(114), all of which are di-σ-bonded structures, with all adsorption sites occupied in a well-ordered monolayer at saturation coverage. In order of decreasing adsorption probability, the ethylene-Si reaction products were ethylene-bridged rebonded atoms, dimer [2 + 2] adducts, tetramer [4 + 2] adducts on one side of the tetramer, and (at high coverages only) tetramer [2 + 2] adducts on the dimer component of the tetramer. The calculations indicate that adsorption is kinetically limited at room temperature, with one energetically favorable reaction on the tetramer inhibited by an adsorption barrier. A particularly interesting aspect of the Si(114)-(2 x 1) surface demonstrated by this work is that it can act as both a dienophile (dimer sites) and a diene (tetramer sites) in cycloaddition adsorption reactions.
Confidence intervals on the among group variance component in the unbalanced one-fold nested design

A new method is proposed for constructing a confidence interval on the among group variance component in an unbalanced one-fold nested design. Computer simulation is used to compare this method with alternative procedures. The results indicate that the method performs well over a wide range of design conditions.
Laparoscopic donor distal pancreatectomy for living donor pancreas and pancreas-kidney transplantation.

With the proliferation and expanding applications of laparoscopic techniques, we determined the applicability of the laparoscopic approach to living pancreas donation. We performed the first laparoscopic donor distal pancreatectomy in 1999. We herein present our initial experience with five hand-assisted laparoscopic donor pancreatectomies. Three donors underwent distal pancreatectomy alone; two underwent a simultaneous left nephrectomy. The mean donor age was 48.4 ± 8.7 years with a body mass index of 23.7 kg/m 2 . The donor and recipient survival rate was 100% at up to 3 years of follow-up. There were no episodes of pancreatitis, leaks, or pseudocysts. All donors returned to their preoperative state of health and to work. None of the donors have required oral anti-diabetic medications or insulin. We conclude that laparoscopic donor distal pancreatectomy is a safe and efficient procedure; hand-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy appears to be preferable, because of the added margin of safety from increased tactile feedback and ease of pancreatic dissection. The procedure can be accomplished with a single 6-cm periumbilical incision and only two 12-mm ports, resulting in excellent cosmesis and high donor satisfaction.
The investigation of hydrocarbon cracking reaction energetics with composite energy methods

Hydrocarbo cracking reactions are one of the most commonly encountered reactions in the petroleum industry, and the energetics of the reactions are crucial in understanding the reaction mechanisms and predicting reaction rates. In this work, a modified composite energy method (CBS-RAD(MP2)) is created as a version of the CBS-RAD method which gives accurate energetics for hydrocarbon free radical reactions. It replaces the time consuming QCISD(fc)/6-31g* method in the geometry optimization and frequency calculation steps with MP2(full)/6-31g* level calculations. The accuracy of the new CBS-RAD(MP2) method is compared with the widely used G2, G3 and CBS-QB3 composite methods for predicting heats of reaction and activation barriers of 14 hydrocarbon cracking reactions. We find that the new CBS-RAD(MP2) method has the second least RMS error of 1.22 kcal/mol for heats of reaction calculations. For activation energy calculations, the new CBS-RAD(MP2) method has the least RMS error of 1.37 kcal/mol. Moreover, th...
Economic inequality, status perceptions, and subjective well-being in China's transitional economy

Abstract Situated in the dynamic institutional environment of China's transitional economy, this study investigates the intricate relationships among economic inequality, status perceptions, and subjective well-being. Empirical evidence is drawn from national survey data collected from urban China. Statistical analyses show that multiple indicators of economic well-being exert a significant effect on self-perceived social status and status change and on subjective well-being. Positive status perceptions further enhance one's subjective well-being. Some of these effects are also moderated by contextual inequality. This study advances the literature by moving beyond income-based measures to examine the consequences of economic disparity. It also shows that status perceptions are the key nexus to probe the impacts of economic well-being and the sources of life satisfaction. Findings further direct our attention to important interplays between the individual-level socioeconomic conditions and the contextual inequality in achieving a deeper understanding of the consequences of socioeconomic inequality.
A generalized method of morphological analysis (the (R,S) method)

Abstract Two methods to describe particle shape using a truncated Fourier series to represent the particle profile are presented. These are the (R,θ) and the (φ,l) methods. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed and a new third method, called the (R,S) method, is proposed. The (R,S) method is shown to include advantages not common to the (R,θ) and the (φ,l) methods. The (R,S) method may have physical applications most pronounced in dendritic problems. Analogous size and shape terms [4] in the (R,S) method are presented. The mathematical and statistical interpretations of the size and shape terms are presented and analoged with those proposed [4] in the (R,θ) method. The disadvantages of the (R,S) method are discussed.
Mathematical programming models for some smallest-world problems

Abstract Given a weighted graph G , in the minimum-cost-edge-selection problem (MCES), a minimum weighted set of edges is chosen subject to an upper bound on the diameter of graph G . Similarly, in the minimum-diameter-edge-selection problem (MDES), a set of edges is chosen to minimize the diameter subject to an upper bound on their total weight. These problems are shown to be equivalent and proven to be NP-complete. MCES is then formulated as a 0–1 integer programming problem. The problems MCES and MDES provide models for determining smallest-world networks and for measuring the “small-worldness” of graphs.
Export Orientation of Nonmanufacturing Businesses in Nonmetropolitan Communities

Efforts to expand the economic base in nonmetropolitan communities traditionally focus on manufacturing. The case for a nonmanufacturing focus is presented in this paper, and survey data used to determine the actual basic role of these industries in nonmetropolitan communities. Community and firm characteristics are examined by regression analysis to determine factors associated with higher export levels. While only a minority of the nonmanufacturing businesses surveyed were export oriented, these were strongly so. Larger size, nonlocal ownership, and larger nonmetropolitan markets are associated with higher export levels but nearness to a metropolitan market is not.
Aircraft measurements of vertical profiles of aerosol mixing states

[1] To examine the overall impact of aerosols on climate, direct measurements of the size-resolved mixing states of atmospheric particles are needed as a function of altitude. During the Ice in Clouds Experiment-Layer Clouds, the recently developed aircraft aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer directly measured the vertical profiles of size-resolved single-particle chemistry in cloud-free air over Wyoming and northern Colorado. These represent the first aircraft-based, dual polarity mass spectrometry measurements, allowing a detailed examination of in situ single-particle mixing state as a function of altitude. Measurement of both positive and negative ions for each individual particle provides the ability to identify the primary particle type/source, such as biomass burning, organic carbon, or soot, and examine the extent of mixing with secondary species, such as ammonium, nitrate, sulfate, and sulfuric acid. For the primary particle cores, biomass burning represented the largest source of submicron particles: ∼33–39% by number from 1 to 7 km. Organic carbon particles were the second most abundant type (maximum of ∼33% by number from 1.2 to 2.0 km) with elemental carbon (soot) particles comprising 14–22% by number from 1 to 7 km. In general, biomass burning, organic carbon, and soot particles were frequently internally mixed with ammonium, nitrate, and sulfate at lower altitudes, switching to sulfate and sulfuric acid mixtures at higher altitudes. Further, the number fraction of externally mixed sulfuric acid particles increased with altitude from 1 to 9%, likely because of cloud processing of SO2. The variance of particle mixing state with altitude significantly changes absorption and hygroscopic properties, and must be taken into account in models calculating aerosol direct and indirect radiative forcings.
Trading off Cache Capacity for Reliability to Enable Low Voltage Operation

One of the most effective techniques to reduce a processor’s power consumption is to reduce supply voltage. However, reducing voltage in the context of manufacturing-induced parameter variations cancause many types of memory circuits to fail. As a result, voltage scaling is limited by a minimum voltage, often called Vccmin, beyond which circuits may not operate reliably. Large memory structures (e.g., caches) typically set Vccmin for the whole processor. In this paper, we propose two architectural techniques that enable microprocessor caches (L1and L2), to operate at low voltages despite very high memory cell failure rates. The Word-disable scheme combines two consecutive cache lines, to form a single cache line where only non-failing words are used. The Bit-fix scheme uses a quarter of the ways in a cache set to store positions and fix bits for failing bits in other ways of the set. During high voltage operation, both schemes allow use of the entire cache. During low voltage operation, they sacrifice cache capacity by 50% and 25%, respectively, to reduce Vccmin below 500mV. Compared to current designs with a Vccmin of 825mV, our schemes enable a 40% voltage reduction, which reduces power by 85% and energy per instruction (EPI) by 53%
Reliability challenges for 45nm and beyond

Scaling, for enhanced performance and cost reduction, has pushed existing CMOS materials much closer to their intrinsic reliability limits.This will require that designers will have to be very careful with: high current densities,voltage overshoots, localized hot spots on the chip, high duty-cycle applications, and high thermal-resistance packaging.In addition to the reliability issues, interconnect RC time-delay will worsen with scaling because Cu resistivity is expected to increase due to surface and grain boundary scattering in very narrow interconnects.Also, the low-k interconnect-dielectric introduction rate has been much slower than ITRS roadmap forecasts.
Rumination Mediates the Association Between Cyber-Victimization and Depressive Symptoms

The current study examined the 3-week prospective associations between cyber-victimization and both depressive symptoms and rumination. In addition, a mediation model was tested, wherein rumination mediated the association between cyber-victimization and depressive symptoms. Participants (N = 565 college-age young adults) completed online surveys at two time points 3 weeks apart. Results indicated that cyber-victimization was associated with increases in both depressive symptoms and rumination over time. Furthermore, results of the path analysis indicated that cyber-victimization was associated with increases in rumination over time, which were then associated with greater depressive symptoms, providing support for the proposed mediation effect for women, but not men. Findings extend previous correlational findings by demonstrating that cyber-victimization is associated with increases in symptomatology over time. Findings also suggest that the negative consequences of cyber-victimization extend beyond mental health problems to maladaptive emotion regulation. In fact, rumination may be a mechanism through which cyber-victimization influences mental health problems, at least for women. Mental health professionals are encouraged to assess cyber-victimization as part of standard victimization assessments and to consider targeting maladaptive emotion regulation in addition to mental health problems in clients who have experienced cyber-victimization.
Remote Control of Neuronal Activity with a Light-Gated Glutamate Receptor

Summary The ability to stimulate select neurons in isolated tissue and in living animals is important for investigating their role in circuits and behavior. We show that the engineered light-gated ionotropic glutamate receptor (LiGluR), when introduced into neurons, enables remote control of their activity. Trains of action potentials are optimally evoked and extinguished by 380 nm and 500 nm light, respectively, while intermediate wavelengths provide graded control over the amplitude of depolarization. Light pulses of 1–5 ms in duration at ∼380 nm trigger precisely timed action potentials and EPSP-like responses or can evoke sustained depolarizations that persist for minutes in the dark until extinguished by a short pulse of ∼500 nm light. When introduced into sensory neurons in zebrafish larvae, activation of LiGluR reversibly blocks the escape response to touch. Our studies show that LiGluR provides robust control over neuronal activity, enabling the dissection and manipulation of neural circuitry in vivo.
A Brief History of Quaternions and of the Theory of Holomorphic Functions of Quaternionic Variables

In this paper I will give a brief history of the discovery (Hamilton, 1843) of quaternions. I will address the issue of why a theory of triplets (the original goal of Hamilton) could not be developed. Finally, I will discuss briefly the history of various attempts to define holomorphic functions on quaternionic variables.
Exploring story grammar structure in the book reading interactions of African American mothers and their preschool children: a pilot investigation

The aim of this investigation was to identify the book reading behaviors and book reading styles of middle class African American mothers engaged in a shared book reading activity with their preschool children. To this end, the mothers and their children were videotaped reading one of three books, Julius, Grandfather and I, or Somewhere in Africa. Both maternal and child behaviors were coded for the frequency of occurrence of story grammar elements contained in their stories and maternal behaviors were also coded for their use of narrative eliciting strategies. In addition, mothers were queried about the quality and quantity of book reading/story telling interactions in the home environment. The results suggest that there is a great deal of individual variation in how mothers use the story grammar elements and narrative eliciting strategies to engage their children in a shared book reading activity. Findings are discussed in terms of suggestions for additional research and practical applications are offered on ways to optimally engage African American preschool children and African American families from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds in shared book reading interactions.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A FECAL PCR ASSAY FOR NOTOEDRES CATI AND APPLICATION TO NOTOEDRIC MANGE CASES IN BOBCATS (LYNX RUFUS) IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, USA

Notoedric mange in felids is a devastating disease caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to the mite Notoedres cati. The burrowing of the mite causes intense pruritis resulting in self-mutilation, secondary bacterial infection, and often death of affected felids if left untreated. Our understanding of how notoedric mange is maintained in felid populations, and the true geographic extent of infestations, has been hampered because wild felids are elusive and, thus, traditional diagnostic methods are difficult to implement. To create a noninvasive diagnostic test, we developed and validated a novel PCR assay to detect N. cati DNA in fecal samples of bobcats (Lynx rufus) and used this assay to investigate a recent outbreak of mange in northern California, United States. Although the fecal PCR assay was 100% specific and could detect as few as 1.9 mites/200 μg of feces, it had a moderate sensitivity of 52.6%, potentially due to intermittent shedding of mites in feces or fecal PCR inhibitors. In a field investigation, 12% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06, 0.23) of fecal samples (n=65) collected from Rancho San Antonia County Park and Open Space Preserve in Santa Clara County, California were PCR-positive for N. cati. When this estimate was adjusted for test sensitivity, the corrected proportion for fecal samples containing N. cati was 23% (95% CI: 0.14, 0.36), suggesting widespread mange in this area. This novel PCR assay will be an important tool to assess the distribution and spread of notoedric mange in bobcats and could be validated to test other wild felids such as mountain lions (Puma concolor). The assay could also be used to detect notoedric mange in domestic cats (Felis catus), particularly feral cats, which may also suffer from mange and could represent an important contributor to mange in periurban bobcat populations.
A fully distributed state estimation using matrix splitting methods

In this paper, we propose a fully distributed state estimation algorithm for the electric power grid using matrix splitting methods. Our method incorporates both traditional SCADA measurements as well as new PMU data. The proposed distributed scheme relies only on local information and a minimal amount of information from neighboring areas which reduces communication burdens and increases the robustness of state estimation. The distributed estimate is guaranteed to exponentially converge to the centralized optimal estimate. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated in various numerical experiments.