cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aluminum, Fe, Ca, Mg, K, Mn, Cu, Zn and P in above- and belowground biomass. II. Pools and circulation in a subalpine Abies amabilis stand

Elemental concentrations of above- and belowground tissues were determined in anAbies amabilis stand in the Cascade Mountains, Washington, USA. These data were used to calculate the pools and circulation of trace elements and micronutrients on a stand level. For all elements except Al, a greater proportion (from 62 to 87%) was distributed in above- rather than belowground tissues. This contrasted sharply with the biocirculation of elements where 97% of the Al and Fe, 88% of the Cu and 67–84% of the Ca, P, and Mg of total detrital cycling was from the belowground components. Aboveground tissues, however, contributed 69% of the Zn, 65% of the K and 68% of the Mn found in annual detritus production. The proportion of total element pool circulated annually was the highest for Al (82%) and Fe (32%) followed by 13% and less for the remaining elements. Copper, Fe and Al were accumulated in root tissues, while Mn and Zn accumulated in foliage.
Adenosine and deoxyadenosine metabolism in lymphocytes from horses, Equis cabalus

Abstract 1. 1. The toxic effects of adenosine and deoxyadenosine on lymphocytes from horses were evaluated. 2. 2. Mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were found to be more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of adenosine than were lymphocytes from spleen, lymph node and thymus. 3. 3. Adenosine deaminase activity was approximately 10 times lower in horse lymphoid tissue in comparison to that found in human lymphoid tissue. In horse, the highest activity was in spleen while the lowest activity was in thymus. 4. 4. Adenosine inhibition of mitogenesis in PBL was prevented by uridine or cytidine, suggesting pyrimidine starvation as the major mechanism for adenosine toxicity. 5. 5. Deoxyadenosine inhibition of mitogenesis in PBL was not prevented by the addition of various ribo- or deoxyribonucleosides. This and the finding that treated cells show no increase in deoxyATP suggest that some other mechanism for deoxyadenosine toxicity other than deoxyATP inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase operates in horse PBL.
Surfactant-free liquid films under gravity and microgravity conditions

S INCE 1984, Utah State University, through support funding by Thiokol Corporation, has been studying gossamer films under low-gravitational conditions. 1 Much of this research focused on curable fluid systems for application to large, lightweight space structures. One of the major problems in this research was overcoming the need to modify liquids with surfactant (soap) in order that films could be drawn. The presence of the surfactant modifies the properties of the cured films. Mostly, these effects are adverse. In the liquid state, the surfactant can form micelles, which can severely modify the effective liquid viscosity making this basic fluid parameter very difficult to define. This then complicates scientific study of the liquid. A series of experiments was conducted onboard NASA's KC-135 aircraft in conjunction with their Reduced Gravity Program. This aircraft has been modified to provide intervals of up to 30 s of microgravity (0.02 g).2 Our experiments have shed new light on the role of surfactant in liquid films in the KC-135 microgravity environment. In these microgravity environments, liquid films are stable for tens of seconds without a surfactant being present in the liquid.
A Characterization of Astral (n4) Configurations

A conjecture of Branko Grunbaum concerning what astral (n 4 ) configurations exist is shown to be true.
The Impact of Need for Achievement Components on Goal Commitment and Performance

A laboratory study examined the effects of components of need for achievement on goal commitment and performance. It was predicted that need for mastery and need for work are related to goal commitment. It was also predicted that need for mastery and need for work are more highly related to goal commitment than competitiveness, given the characteristics of the task environment. Finally, goal commitment was expected to mediate the effects of need for mastery and need for work on performance. Fifty-four undergraduate students performed nine trials of a complex task and completed a need for achievement scale composed of four subscales. Support was obtained for the first two predictions, and evidence of a sequential model partially supported the third prediction.
Case Study: Jack Welch's Creative Revolutionary Transformation of General Electric and the Thermidorean Reaction (1981–2004)

This case study draws a parallel between the French Revolution and the GE ‘revolution’, according to three waves of transformation. We discuss the ‘hard’ effects on GE employees (strategy, structure, employment, rewards) and the ‘soft’ effects (culture, work climate, indoctrination). In parallel with the French Revolution, the retirement of CEO Jack Welch was followed by a ‘Thermidorean reaction’ characterized by the relaxation of Welch's professional and ethical standards, lassitude and indecision in the GE organization, and the fall of GE stock price by 45 percent. Welch's role as revolutionary leader and driving force is highlighted.
Searching for the Sense of Humor: Stereotypes of Ourselves and Others

Researchers have made consistent claims that people do not have an awareness of their humor competence and that the vast majority of people claim to have an above-average sense of humor. In this study, we examined whether people’s self reports of humor competence matched an independent measurement of sense of humor. We also investigated participants’ self-reported personality characteristics to see if they attributed to themselves the same characteristics that participants in earlier research attributed to hypothetical others that shared their level of humor competence. Participants completed the Multidimensional Sense of Humor Scale (MSHS) and inventories based on the Big Five model of personality. The results revealed that participants had a realistic view of their humor competence. Their self-perceived humor competence correlated reliably with their scores on the MSHS. In addition, they characterized themselves on the personality inventories in the way that previous research participants evaluated others. Participants’ self-reports matched the stereotypes they had of imaginary others for extraversion and neuroticism, but not for agreeableness and openness. The findings suggest that people hold implicit theories of the link between humor and personality and apply it reliably both to themselves and to others. Results are discussed in terms of the need to study humor as multidimensional construct and in light of expectations of evolutionary theory.
Behaviour of the double concave Friction Pendulum bearing

The double concave Friction Pendulum (DCFP) bearing is an adaptation of the well-known single concave Friction Pendulum bearing. The principal benefit of the DCFP bearing is its capacity to accommodate substantially larger displacements compared to a traditional FP bearing of identical plan dimensions. Moreover, there is the capability to use sliding surfaces with varying radii of curvature and coefficients of friction, offering the designer greater flexibility to optimize performance. This paper describes the principles of operation of the bearing and presents the development of the force–displacement relationship based on considerations of equilibrium. The theoretical force–displacement relationship is then verified through characterization testing of bearings with sliding surfaces having the same and then different radii of curvature and coefficients of friction. Lastly, some practical considerations for analysis and design of DCFP bearings are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production of relativistic antihydrogen atoms by pair production with positron capture

A beam of relativistic antihydrogen atoms, the bound state ($\overline{p}{e}^{+}$), can be created by circulating the beam of an antiproton storage ring through an internal gas target. An antiproton that passes through the Coulomb field of a nucleus of charge $Z$ will create ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ pairs, and antihydrogen will form when a positron is created in a bound rather than a continuum state about the antiproton. The cross section for this process is calculated to be $\ensuremath{\sim}4{Z}^{2}$ pb for antiproton momenta above 6 GeV/c. The gas target of Fermilab Accumulator experiment E760 has already produced \ensuremath{\sim}34 unobserved antihydrogen atoms, and a sample of \ensuremath{\sim}760 is expected in 1995 from the successive experiment E835. No other source of antihydrogen exists. A simple method for detecting relativistic antihydrogen is proposed and method outlined of measuring the antihydrogen Lamb shift to \ensuremath{\sim}1%.
Comparison of the diameter consistency and dilating force of the controlled radial expansion balloon catheter to the conventional balloon dilators.

OBJECTIVES: Balloon dilation of a luminal narrowing is classically performed with a single-diameter balloon. A new multidiameter balloon that allows three progressively larger, controlled radial expansion diameters of a single-balloon catheter (controlled radial expansion, CRE) has been developed. The purpose of this study was to test the diameter consistency and dilating force at increasing pressure of the CRE balloon-dilating catheter and to compare these features with the conventional balloon-dilating catheters. METHODS: The CRE balloon catheter was compared with the Achiever, Eliminator, and Max Force using in vitro testing to determine their dilating diameters and dilating forces. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This in vitro study has shown that the new CRE balloon catheter with increasing diameter delivers consistently reproducible and progressively greater dilating force. This dilating force of the CRE balloon catheter at its third and maximum diameter inflation was similar to that of the Max Force TTS and significantly greater than that of the conventional balloon dilators, Eliminator and Achiever.
Effects of Blackbirds (Agelaius phoenicius) on Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Populations, Damage, and Yield in Florida Rice

ABSTRACT Blackbirds are important agricultural pests that can cause major economic losses in a variety of crops. Although birds in other agro-ecosystems may perform biological control services by controlling insect pests, the potential of blackbirds to provide these services in rice had not been evaluated. We used bird exclosures to evaluate the effects of blackbirds on stink bugs in rice and on crop damage and yields in the Everglades Agricultural Area in southern Florida. Experiments were conducted in both the main rice crop and the ratoon crop. We found no difference in the abundance of rice stink bugs (Oebalus spp.) in exclosures vs. controls, indicating that predation by birds did not reduce stink bug populations. Damage to rice by stink bugs (pecky rice) was similar between exclosures and controls, as well. However, bird damage, quantified as the percentage of panicles damaged, differed by as much as an order of magnitude in exclosures vs. controls. Mean damage estimates were 3.5% in the bird exclos...
Metabolic determinants of electrical failure in ex-vivo canine model of cardiac arrest: evidence for the protective role of inorganic pyrophosphate

Rationale Deterioration of ventricular fibrillation (VF) into asystole or severe bradycardia (electrical failure) heralds a fatal outcome of cardiac arrest. The role of metabolism in the timing of electrical failure remains unknown.
Fine structure in field emission resonances at surfaces

SUMMARY We have measured field-emission resonances (FER) to much higher quantum states than previously observed enabling fine structure in the resonance amplitudes to be investigated. We show that this electron wave interference effect carries additional information in the resonance amplitudes and energies and is sensitive to lateral tip position in a scanning tunnelling microscope experiment. We propose a new method of data analysis that can distinguish between some of the possible origins of the fine structure.
An analog CCD Pipeline for ZEUS

Abstract The ZEUS detector at HERA must have a fundamentally different trigger and data acquisition structure than other existing colliders. A pipelined structure is required because of the short (96 ns) bunch crossing interval, and the presence of a high, proton-related background. A beam-gas event rate > 10 kHz is expected in the vicinity of the detector. The trigger and data acquisition pipelines for the calorimeter are described. A custom integrated circuit is required for the data acquisition pipeline, and both a CCD and a switched capacitor design effort is described.
A comparison of the proximal negative response and ganglion cell responses to sinusoidal flicker

Abstract In the mudpuppy retina, sinusoidal light stimulation of the proximal negative response (PNR) demonstrates two main components whose phases are essentially the same as those of the spike discharges of ON/OFF ganglion cells. Oscillations super-imposed upon these components are synchronized with the spike discharges of ON/OFF cells, but not of ON or OFF cells. Intracellular recordings from ON/OFF ganglion cells reveal slow potentials with nearly identical waveforms and phases to those of the PNR. These results, together with previously published comparisons between the flash-evoked PNR and amacrine cell responses, support the suggestion that the PNR arises from activity in the on/off system (amacrine and/or ganglion cells).
The 3-D Spring–Mass Model Reveals a Time-Based Deadbeat Control for Highly Robust Running and Steering in Uncertain Environments

Over the past three decades, the spring-mass model has developed into the basic behavior model to study running in animals and robots. In the planar version, this model has helped to reveal and understand the passive stabilization of running in the horizontal and sagittal planes, and to derive from this knowledge control strategies for running robots. However, only few attempts have been made to transfer the knowledge to 3-D locomotion. Here, we show that the 3-D spring-mass model reveals a deadbeat control that does not require feedback about the actual ground level to produce highly robust running and steering in uncertain environments. The control naturally extends the time-based control derived for the planar version of this model and allows it to navigate rough terrain, while stabilizing running and steering. Using this control strategy, we demonstrate in simulation that a human-like system running at 5 ms-1 tolerates frequent ground disturbances up to 30% of the leg length. Moreover, we find that the control outperforms a classical leg-placement strategy in terms of turning rate and disturbance rejection if the relative errors in system energy and the other model parameters stay small ( 10%). Our results suggest that the time-based control can be a powerful alternative for leg-placement strategies in highly maneuverable running robots.
Prenatal ultrasonic diagnosis of epignathus

This case demonstrated a mass seen on an ultrasound scan performed prior to amniocentesis to determine fetal maturity. It emphasizes the importance of scanning the entire contents of the amniotic sac rather than simply looking at the portion for which the examination was ordered. It is important to recognize such lesions to prepare for adequate management of the airway in the neonate, to prepare for surgical excision as soon as feasible, and to prepare the family for the birth of a baby with a congenital abnormality.
Comparative Scaling of Humeral Cross-Sections of Felids and Canids Using Radiographic Images

The cortical thickness of long bones can be an effective indicator of locomotor modes and other stresses encountered by bone. Felids and canids are two carnivoran families that have similar levels of phylogenetic diversity and overlap in body size, but differ in their locomotor habits. Many canids and felids are cursorial, but felids also climb more frequently than canids. Felids also display a secondary use for their forelimbs not observed in any canids: they use their forelimbs to grasp and subdue prey. Large felids use their forelimbs much more extensively to subdue prey than do large canids and, therefore, should have proportionately greater forces applied to their forelimbs. This study uses a non-invasive radiographic approach to examine the differences in cortical thickness in the humerus between the Felidae and Canidae, as well as between size groups within these two families. Results show few significant differences between the two families, with a slight trend toward more positive allometry in the felids. Overall, radiographic measurements were found to be better predictors of body mass than either prey killing behavior or locomotor mode in these two carnivoran families. One canid that demonstrated exceptionally high cortical area was the bush dog, Speothos venaticus. The rarely observed bush dog has been postulated to swim and dig regularly, and it may be that the thickened cortical bone reflects these behaviors.
Do Families Cope Communally With Breast Cancer, or is it Just Talk?:

Cancer experiences are sites of transition and struggle that are made meaningful through communication with others. As such, they are events in which communal coping might occur as survivors and families deal with cancer collectively. I conducted 64 interviews with family members who had coped with breast cancer. Using relational dialectics theory, I analyzed data for discursive struggle and competition via a contrapuntal analysis. Thematic and discourse analyses revealed that communal coping was not highly prevalent in family member talk of their experiences. Individual coping by female breast cancer survivors typified the experience, and family members depicted coping as an individual identity disruption as opposed to a communal experience. This article contributes to a more comprehensive theoretical understanding of communal coping within a context of cancer. I offer suggestions for a reconceptualization of communal coping to benefit health practitioners and researchers.
Learning from Japanese Approaches to Professional Development: The Case of Lesson Study

This article first describes the Japanese professional development practice of lesson study and its articulation within the Japanese educational system. Next, insights gained from an empirical study that explored the feasibility of lesson study in a U.S. setting are discussed. More specifically, challenges to lesson study practice are highlighted, with particular attention paid to the difficulties faced by American teachers in trying to adopt the research focus that is inherent in lesson study. The article concludes with reflections about what the study of lesson study can teach us about efforts to improve teaching, which, like lesson study, center on having teachers examine their practice or that of others.
A strategy for selecting among alternative models for continuous longitudinal data

Linear mixed models (LMMs) can be used to analyze continuous longitudinal response variables of research studies. Speci?c aims are then addressed through tests of ?xed effects comparing means. However, generated ?xed effects results can vary according to the choice of the covariance structure, and so strategies for selecting a model should be utilized ?rst to identify an appropriate covariance structure. We describe alternative LMMs for analyzing continuous longitudinal data and discuss a strategy for using model selection criteria to choose among those models. This is accomplished through the analysis of an exemplar data set considering a wide variety of alternative models for the means, variances, and correlations.
Nanoceria: factors affecting its pro- and anti-oxidant properties

Nanoceria redox properties are affected by particle size, particle shape, surface chemistry, and other factors, such as additives that coat the surface, local pH, and ligands that can participate in redox reactions. Each CeO2 crystal facet has a different chemistry, surface energy, and surface reactivity. Unlike nanoceria's industrial catalytic applications, biological and environment exposures are characterized by high water activity values and relatively high oxygen activity values. Electrochemical data show that oxygen levels, pH, and redox species affect its phase equilibria for solution and dissolution. However, not much is known about how the many and varied redox ligands in environmental and biological systems might affect nanoceria's redox behaviour, the effects of coated surfaces on redox rates and mechanisms, and whether the ceria solid phase undergoes dissolution at physiologically relevant pH and oxygen levels. Research that could answer these questions would improve our understanding of the links between nanoceria's redox performance and its morphology and environmental conditions in the local milieu.
On automating atomic force microscopes: An adaptive control approach

Abstract In this paper, modeling and experimental results are given to reveal the structure of atomic force microscope (AFM) dynamics and uncertainties which are strongly impacted by the user's choice of scan and controller parameters. A robust adaptive controller is designed to eliminate the need for the user to manually tune controller gains for different sample cantilever combinations and compensate for uncertainties arising from the user choice of different scan parameters. The performance of the designed adaptive controller is studied in simulation and verified through experiments. A substantial reduction in contact force can be achieved with the adaptive controller in comparison with an integral controller.
Age and taphonomy of abandoned penguin rookeries in the Antarctic Peninsula region

Investigations on the age and taphonomy of modern and abandoned penguin rookeries were completed in the Antarctic Peninsula region, 1992–1994. Systematic collection and identification of bones from modern rookeries of Adelie ( Pygoscelis adeliae ), chinstrap ( P. antarctica ), and gentoo ( P. papua ) penguins indicate a bias in element preservation for humeri, furcula, femora, and tibiotarsi. More than 73% of the individuals represented by these elements are juveniles. Bones from abandoned rookeries show similar patterns that can help identify old breeding sites and the species that occupied them. Radiocarbon dates completed on 13 chinstrap and Adelie penguin bones, feathers, and eggshell fragments from five abandoned rookeries suggest that occupation of these sites occurred only during warm intervals of the Little Ice Age (AD 1500–1850). These data also provide information on the paleoecology and paleobiogeography of penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula region, which help explain modern distribution patterns and demography.
The role of intrinsic motivation in the academic pursuits of nontraditional students

This article examines the role of intrinsic motivation in the academic pursuits of nontraditional students. The Academic Motivational Scale (AMS) was administered to 35 undergraduate students, 6 males and 29 females, aged 25 to 49 to explore their motivational orientations in choosing to attend college. The results of the study show that respondents endorsed more items of intrinsic motivation than extrinsic motivation or amotivation. Hence, the desire to demonstrate competence, a need for a sense of self determination, and the pleasure and satisfaction derived from the college experience played a greater role in nontraditional students’ academic pursuits than the external rewards such as career advancement. This information is important for college administrators in developing programs that cater to the needs of nontraditional students and facilitate degree attainment.
The effect of pH levels on nonlatex vs latex interarch elastics

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the force decay characteristics of nonlatex vs latex interarch elastics within the normal range of salivary pH levels. Materials and Methods: Two nonlatex groups and one latex quasi-control group were tested. Elastics were stretched to 15 mm and were held for 10 seconds (baseline), 4 hours, 8 hours, and 12 hours in artificial saliva solutions with pH levels of 5.0, 6.0, and 7.5. Force magnitudes were measured at 25 mm of activation. Each specimen was used once. Measurements were assessed using three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The three-way interaction between group, pH, and time was not significant (P = .13); the group-by-pH interaction also was not significant (P = .70). However, pH-by-time (P = .0179) and group-by-time (P = .0001) interactions were significant. American Orthodontics nonlatex generated significantly higher loads than Auradonics nonlatex. American Orthodontics nonlatex produced significantly higher forces than American Orthodontics l...
Effects of local reduction in pressure on endothelium-dependent responses of cerebral arterioles.

The goal of this study was to examine effects of local reductions in intravascular pressure and dP/dt on endothelium-dependent responses of cerebral arterioles in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP).WKY and SHRSP underwent clipping of one carotid artery at 1 month of age. At 6 months of age, responses of pial arterioles were examined in vivo in anesthetized rats. Bilateral craniotomies were performed to expose pial arterioles in the sham-operated and clipped cerebral hemispheres. Pressure (servo-null) was measured in sham-operated and clipped pial arterioles, and arteriolar diameter was measured before and during suffusion with bradykinin, A23187, and nitroprusside.Carotid clipping normalized pial arteriolar pulse pressure but not mean pressure in SHRSP. Responses of sham-operated pial arterioles to bradykinin and A23187 were less in SHRSP than in WKY. Responses of sham-operated pial arterioles to nitroprusside were greater in SHRSP than in WKY. Ca...
A New Test for Checking the Equality of the Correlation Structures of two time Series

An order selection test is proposed to check the equality of two independent stationary time series in their correlation structures. The asymptotic distribution of the order selection test statistic under the null hypothesis is obtained. Furthermore, it is shown that the proposed test is consistent not only under any fixed alternative hypothesis but also under a sequence of local alternative hypotheses. A simulation study is conducted to examine the finite sample performance of the test in comparison to some existing methods. The proposed test is also applied to an analysis of a biomedical data set.
Reduction of the UV burden to indoor tanners through new exposure schedules: a pilot study

Background: The development of new pigmentation (tan) in human skin after UV exposure requires several days. Once it is developed, the tan can last for weeks. Current recommendations for tanning exposure schedules in the USA (FDA Letter to Manufacturers: Policy on maximum timer interval and exposure schedule for sunlamps, August 21, 1986) allow exposures three times per week for the development of a tan, and one to two times per week for maintenance exposures. However, this policy is often interpreted in the indoor tanning industry as allowing three exposures per week on a continuous basis. We believe that the reduction of the recommended cumulative dose to indoor tanners should be explored. Two approaches for achieving this are (1) decreasing the number of exposures and (2) increasing the time interval between exposures. To explore such changes, we conducted a pilot study. Methods: The pilot study involved three exposure schedules (evaluated on each of six subjects) that evolved throughout the course of the study. Digital photography, visual assessment and diffuse reflectance spectrometry were used to assess skin color changes. The six pilot subjects were studied for 8–18 weeks. The changes in skin color obtained through the use of the different exposure schedules were compared with changes reported by Caswell (Caswell M, The kinetics of the tanning response to tanning bed exposures, Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2000: 16: 10–14) who used schedules based on current recommendations. Results: Two out of the three experimental schedules produced tans comparable with those reported by Caswell. In these two schedules, cumulative doses were a factor of 2–3 below doses from current schedules. Conclusion: The UV burden to indoor tanners can be substantially reduced without compromising the cosmetic effect. These results need to be confirmed in a larger study.
Significance tests as sorcery: Science is empirical— significance tests are not

Since the 1930s, many of our top methodologists have argued that significance tests are not conducive to science. Bakan (1966) believed that "everyone knows this" and that we slavishly lean on the crutch of significance testing because, if we didn't, much of psychology would simply fall apart. If he was right, then significance testing is tantamount to psychology's "dirty little secret." This paper will revisit and summarize the arguments of those who have been trying to tell us— for more than 70 years—that p values are not empirical. If these arguments are sound, then the continuing popularity of significance tests in our peer-reviewed journals is at best embarrassing and at worst intellectually dishonest.
SOME RESULTS ON THE BIAS AND MEAN SQUARED ERROR IN THE METHOD OF FREQUENCY MOMENTS

Let f (x) be a probability density function. The problem of estimating the functional ∫f2(x) dx by the Method of Frequency Moments is considered. An expression for the asymptotic mean squared error of the proposed estimator is given. The results are applied to the estimation of the reciprocal of the scale parameter in the Cauchy and Pareto distributions. An approximation for the bias in the Method of Frequency Moments is given, and a two step estimation procedure is discussed.
Optical properties of DAST in the THz range

We report the far-infrared properties of the organic crystal DAST, a popular terahertz emitter, from 0.6-12 THz through use of a THz spectrometer incorporating air-plasma THz generation and electro-optic (EO) sampling in a poled EO polymer. We identify absorption features at 1.1, 3.1, 5.2, 7.1, 8.4, 11, and 12.3 THz and at 1.1, 1.3, 1.6, 2.2, 3, 5.2, 7.2, 9.6 and 11.7 THz for a-axis and b-axis polarized THz radiation respectively. These results allow for more accurate prediction of the optimum crystal thickness for broadband THz emission via optical rectification and difference frequency generation.
Limits of the HEDIS criteria in determining asthma severity for children.

Objective. Although the Health Plan Employer Data Information Set (HEDIS) is a common method for evaluating the quality of asthma care, its accuracy in characterizing persistent asthma in children is unknown. The objective of this study was to compare the assessment of asthma severity (persistent vs nonpersistent asthma) using the HEDIS criteria versus clinical criteria using National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) guidelines. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, we analyzed baseline data from interviews with the parents of 896 children who had asthma and participated in a randomized controlled trial. Patients had an active clinical diagnosis of asthma, were between 2 and 12 years of age, and had no other pulmonary diseases. Patients had persistent asthma by parent report according to the HEDIS criteria when, within the last year, they had 1 asthma inpatient admission or emergency department visit or 4 asthma medication dispensing events, or 4 outpatient asthma visits and at least 2 asthma medication dispensing events. Patients had persistent asthma by parent report according to the NHLBI criteria when, within the last 2 months, they had nighttime asthma symptoms >2 nights/mo or daytime asthma symptoms >2 days/wk. We calculated the sensitivity of each HEDIS criterion, separately and then combined, using the NHLBI criteria as a gold standard. Results. On the basis of HEDIS criteria, 656 (73%) patients had persistent asthma, compared with 338 (38%) using NHLBI criteria. Although the HEDIS criteria for persistent asthma were fairly sensitive (0.89), they were not very specific (0.70). For children without daily controller medications (n = 346), the sensitivity was even lower (0.45), but the specificity was similar (0.68). We found that the test characteristics were fairly consistent across different age group strata (2–4, 5–9, and 10–12 years of age). Conclusions. HEDIS criteria used to determine the quality of asthma care should be interpreted with caution. Although the criteria for persistent disease—used to determine which children require daily controller medications—are fairly sensitive, they are not very specific and include children who may not require such medications.
The Lag Screw

The lag screw is the basic implant for stable interfragmental fixation. A 1.5 mm (0.062 or 1/16) cortical screw has the same thread diameter as the largest Kirschner wire used in the United States. The thread diameter of a 2.0 mm cortical screw is equal to the diameter of the largest Kirschner wire used in Europe. From this, it can be seen that cortical screws designed for the hand are only slightly larger, in general, than Kirschner wires that might be chosen for the same fixation. Whereas Kirschner wires can only splint the fracture and provide coaptive fixation, screws can provide firm fixation by compression. Screws, in addition, can be measured precisely for the desired length required and do not protrude through the bone.
Effect of left atrial pressure on bronchial vascular hemodynamics

We studied the bronchial vascular response to downstream pressure elevation by increasing left atrial pressure (Pla) and mean airway pressure (Paw) with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). In seven pentobarbital-anesthetized ventilated sheep, we cannulated and perfused the bronchial branch of the bronchoesophageal artery. Steady-state bronchial artery pressure- (Pba) flow (Qba) relationships were obtained as Pla was increased by inflating a balloon catheter in the left atrium. Bronchial vascular resistance (BVR), determined by the inverse slope of the Pba-Qba relationship, increased significantly from 3.2 +/- 0.3 (SE) mmHg.ml-1.min-1 at a Pla of 2.9 +/- 0.7 mmHg to 5.1 +/- 0.5 mmHg.ml-1.min-1 at a Pla of 20.1 +/- 2.0 mmHg (P = 0.0007). Under control Qba (23.3 +/- 1.2 ml/min), these changes in BVR represent a 3.6 +/- 0.7-mmHg increase in Pba per mmHg increase in Pla. The zero-flow pressure increased 1.3 +/- 0.2 mmHg/mmHg increase in Pla. After infusion of papaverine, a smooth muscle paralytic agent, directly into the bronchial artery, BVR decreased significantly to 1.3 +/- 0.7 mmHg.ml-1.min-1 (P = 0.0004). Under these dilated conditions, BVR was unaltered by increases in Pla. After papaverine administration, Pba increased 0.9 +/- 0.1 and 1.2 +/- 0.1 mmHg/mmHg increase in Pla during control and zero-flow conditions, respectively. Thus the effect of Pla elevation on BVR appears to be dependent on active smooth muscle responses. Paw elevation had similar effects on Pba. Under control Qba, Pba increased 2.2 +/- 0.4 mmHg/mmHg increase in Paw.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Psychiatric Aspects of AIDS

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a recently described epidemic form of immunodeficiency primarily affecting several defined high-risk groups. The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta has defined AIDS as a “reliably diagnosed disease that is at least moderately indicative of an underlying cellular immunodeficiency in a person who has no known underlying cause of cellular immunodeficiency nor any other cause of reduced resistance reported to be associated with that disease” (Centers for Disease Control, 1983). Others, however, have postulated that AIDS represents a complex syndrome with a spectrum of clinical manifestations including the following: the full AIDS syndrome; a form of persistent lymphadenopathy with other associated symptoms— sometimes called ARC or AIDS-related complex; and an asymptomatic state (Seligmann et al., 1984).
Using a Troubling Innovation in Real Estate Finance to Teach Loan Amortization Mechanics

This paper describes an innovation in mortgage finance that may reduce the benefits of making extra mortgage payments. Specifically, some loan servicers may not be using such payments to immediatel...
Mechanically activated combustion synthesis of molybdenum borosilicides for ultrahigh-temperature structural applications

Abstract The thermal efficiency of gas-turbine power plants could be dramatically increased by the development of new structural materials based on molybdenum silicides and borosilicides, which can operate at temperatures higher than 1300 °C with no need for cooling. A major challenge, however, is to simultaneously achieve high oxidation resistance and acceptable mechanical properties at high temperatures. Materials based on Mo 5 SiB 2 (called T 2 ) phase are promising materials that offer favorable combinations of high temperature mechanical properties and oxidation resistance. In the present paper, T 2 phase based materials have been obtained using mechanically activated self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (MASHS). Upon ignition, Mo/Si/B/Ti mixtures exhibited a self-sustained propagation of a spinning combustion wave, but the products were porous, contained undesired secondary phases, and had low oxidation resistance. The “chemical oven” technique has been successfully employed to fabricate denser and stronger Mo 5 SiB 2 –TiC, Mo 5 SiB 2 –TiB 2 , and Mo–Mo 5 SiB 2 –Mo 3 Si materials. Among them, Mo 5 SiB 2 –TiB 2 material exhibits the best oxidation resistance at temperatures up to 1500 °C.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Global Supply Chain Management: A Normative Perspective

Integrated supply chains are becoming an integral part of the competitive landscape as firms seek to create strategic advantages. Yet, along with the economic benefits derived from these more coordinated supply chains come certain social obligations. Many buying firms are developing codes of conduct as a way of managing a number of partner behaviors within the supply chain. The issues addressed here converge on the extent to which buyers ought to be responsible for the ethical behaviors of their suppliers. While the management of partner-corporate social responsibility is an important issue for firms, extant research offers little guidance. This paper develops a framework for considering the obligations of the more powerful supply chain member to the other members of the supply chain. We examine the extent to which one supply chain member should exert governance as it relates to social responsibility on the members of the extended supply chain. We provide both managerial and theoretical insight.
Spatial and temporal variability of central Indian Ocean salinity fronts observed by SMOS

Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) Sea Surface Salinity (SSS) measurements, in addition to other data, are used to study the occurrence of salinity fronts in the poorly sampled Indian Ocean, which exhibits unique seasonal wind and current reversals. The strength and extent of salinity fronts are analyzed to understand their variabilities. Salinity fronts computed from SMOS compare favorably with those computed from Argo floats data, with SMOS showing higher magnitudes and more detailed structure of the fronts than Argo. Strong salinity fronts are observed along the equatorial region, with meridional migration of the fronts following the migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and meridional ocean currents. Linked with these fronts are less saline subsurface waters that are sustained by the ITCZ-influenced precipitation and warm near-surface layer. During the 2010 negative Indian Ocean Dipole event, the equatorial front was influenced more by the increased SSS along the equator rather than precipitation. Additional factors, such as advective processes, aid the dynamics of fronts in the tropical Indian Ocean. Zonal currents advect less saline waters from the eastern Indian Ocean into the central Indian Ocean. Additionally the Indonesian Throughflow transports less saline waters to the region south of the equator, which eventually influence SSS front dynamics.
Polymer Modifications for Improved Textured Nylon 66 Yarns and Processes

Increased molecular weight and branching agents are used in melt spinning partially oriented nylon 66. The fiber solidifies more rapidly during spinning and has larger crystallites and increased elongation-to-break versus conventional PON, consistent with a stress-induced crystallization mechanism. When textured, the fiber produces higher crimp. Gains in both spinning and texturing productivity are documented.
A Decision Support System for Infrastructure Rehabilitation Planning

More and more state and local communities are relying on maintaining, operating, and refining the existing infrastructure systems instead of new large capital programs to improve the performance of infrastructure. Therefore, it is important for every governing agency to plan effectively for rehabilitation of existing facilities within the constraints of the capital program. This paper presents a computer based tool called the Model for Infrastructure Rehabilitation Planning (MIRP) to help governing agencies plan, select, and make decisions on infrastructure rehabilitation. With a group evaluation module and a flexible evaluation criteria database, the Model for Infrastructure Rehabilitation Planning can evaluate the facilities for rehabilitation needs at five different levels: (1) technical/social evaluation including functional criteria and social/community/political criteria; (2) group evaluation that allows multiple user evaluation; (3) cost evaluation, which includes cost estimates for partial and full rehabilitation of facilities with respect to functional and social/political criteria; (4) funding sources and constraints; and (5) management considerations. The paper also describes the software package and illustrates a hypothetical example to explain the model and software
Genotypic detection of wild-type measles viruses circulated in Kunming

Objective To investigate genotype of wild-type measles viruses circulated in Kunming,and provide scientific evidences for surveillance and prevention of measles.Methods A total of 30 cases of measles were enrolled,male 18,female 12,aged 51-day to 3-year,19 cases of 0-1(≤ 1) year,9 cases of 1-2(≤ 2) years,and 2 cases of 2-3(≤ 3) years,mean aged 15-month.The 2 mL venous blood specimens of 30 cases during the acute contagious period were collected,then IgM antibody against measles virus in serum specimens was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Meanwhile,urine specimens of the children were collected and the COOH-terminal 543 nucleotide of nucleoprotein(N) gene of these isolates were amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The amplified products were sequenced and sequences were compared with references viruses from Genebank.Results The 7 measles viruses were isolated from 30 cases of pattents and the virues could be detected in the urine specimen within 6-day after rash.Sequence of COOH-terminal 543 nucleotides of N gene from 4 wild strains of measles viruses were compared with that from 23 reference stains and it was found that the average genetic distances of 4 stains to H1 genotype and H2 genotype reference strains of China 93-7,China 94-1 and H1a were 0.031-0.047,0.332-0.398 and 0.010-0.033,respectively.The homology of nucleotide sequences of 4 strains were 96.0 %-98.9 %.The homology of nucleotide sequences were 95.9 %-99.7 % and 96.9 %-99.8 % when compared with that of H1 genotype(China 93-7) and H1a genotype(China 93-2).Conclusion It is demonstrated that the major genotypes of wild-type measles viruses investigated in Kunming in 2008 are H1a genotype.
G159(P) A national survey: Pacemaker setting in one year old and younger in United Kingdom

Aims To establish the preferred pacemaker mode and rate in one year old and younger amongst paediatrics electrophysiologists in United Kingdom. To assess the occurrence of pacemaker induced cardiomyopathy in the same group of patients in United Kingdom Methods Fifteen paediatrics electrophysiologists in United Kingdom were indentified. Nine of them were interviewed either face to face or by phone. The same survey was sent to five other paediatric electrophysiologists by post and written responses were receivedfrom four individuals. Thus we have total thirteen responses for our survey. Three questions were asked in the survey: Question 1: What is the initial pacing mode do you use for patients that are one year old and younger? Question 2: What is your usual initial rate setting when a pacemaker inserted in a patient of one year old and younger? Question 3: Have you got any patient with pacemaker induced cardiomyopathy in one year old patient and younger? If yes, what was the predominant mode? If yes, what was the predominant rate? Results See tables attached. Conclusions There are wide variations in pacemaker settings in one year old and younger preferred amongst paediatrics electrophysiologists in United Kingdom. VVI is the most popular mode of pacemaker. Pacemaker rates preferred were ranging between 70–120 beat per minute. Only small number of pacemaker induced cardiomyopathy were reported. The best pacemaker setting for under one year old is still debated and further research in this area is needed.
Hydroureteronephrosis after spinal cord injury : effects of lower urinary tract dysfunction on upper tract anatomy

SUMMARY The hypothesis that upper tract changes in the absence of vesicoureteral reflux are a function of chronically elevated intravesical pressure has had increasing impact on the management of the lower urinary tract in patients with lower tract dysfunction secondary to neurogenic bladder disease. The application of our growing ability to measure bladder and bladder outlet function objectively and in a more physiologic manner through expanding urodynamic techniques will continue to provide information that can be applied to the diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction and hydroureteronephrosis after spinal cord injury. Current methods of classifying lower urinary tract behavior have not provided the ability to identify accurately those patients at greatest risk for upper tract deterioration. The application of new techniques and the use of new measures may increase our ability to identify these patients.
Predictors of psychotropic medication adherence among HIV+ individuals living with bipolar disorder.

ObjectiveHIV infection and bipolar disorder are highly comorbid and associated with frontostriatal disruption, emotional dysregulation, and neurocognitive impairment. Psychiatric and cognitive factors have been linked to antiretroviral nonadherence; however, predictors of psychotropic adherence among HIV+ individuals with psychiatric comorbidities have not been explored. We evaluated predictors of psychotropic adherence among individuals with HIV infection and bipolar disorder.MethodPsychiatric medication adherence of 50 participants with HIV infection and bipolar disorder was tracked for 30 days using Medication Event Monitoring Systems. Participants completed neurocognitive, neuromedical, and psychiatric batteries.ResultsMean psychotropic adherence rate was 78%; 56% of participants achieved ≥90% adherence. Younger age and onset of depressive symptoms, more severe current depressive symptoms, number of previous psychiatric hospitalizations and suicide attempts, poorer neurocognition, and more negative at...