cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A high-sensitivity paramagnetic salt second-sound detector

We describe a second sound detector based on the observation of temperature-dependent magnetization changes in paramagnetic materials. The sensitive element consists of a small pill of powdered paramagnetic salt placed in a region of high magnetic field and surrounded by a superconducting pickup loop connected to a SQUID magnetometer. At 10 Hz, the ac sensitivity was estimated to be 3×10−9 K/√Hz, increasing to 1×10−10 K/√Hz for dc signals. The device is particularly useful for experiments near the lambda point, which can be approached much more closely than with superleak transducers.
Time course of the acute alcoholic fatty liver and concomitant mitochondrial function in fasted rats.

SummaryPyrazole, an inhibitor of liver alcohol dehydrogenase and ethanol metabolism, was used to distinguish between acute biochemical responses produced directly by alcohol and secondarily by its metabolic effects. Over the 40 hr period studied, accumulation of hepatic triglvcerides was dependent upon an initial uptake of fattv acids from adipose stores and continued oxidation of ethanol by the liver. The increased efficiency of mitochondrial function, as monitored by the magnitude of respiratory control ratios, followed a time course isochronous with the blood alcohol curve and was dependent upon in situ exposure of the organelle to the alcohol molecule, not its metabolic seauelae. These relatively short-term responses are not sustained in well nourished animals receiving ethanol chronically.The technical assistance of Mrs. Regina Foster is gratefully acknowledged.
Ventricular Septal Defect Repair

Twelve dogs and one cat were operated to close a ventricular septal defect. The method of patient selection, associated lesions, techniques used to correct the defect and significance to the total population of small animals with congenital lesions is discussed. Ten of 13 animals survived surgery. When indicated, this procedure can be safely performed to correct ventricular septal defect.
Critical masses for three Coulombic particles

Three masses M1, M2, M3 bearing charges +Q, -Q, +Q, respectively, are stable (have at least one energy eigenvalue below the continuum) if the lighter of the two like-charged particles is more massive than a certain critical mass, Mc. Bounds for Mc over the full range of masses for the other two particles have been computed using the full non-relativistic Hamiltonian for three particles interacting by Coulomb potentials. The global map of all masses covers molecule-like systems and atom-like systems, as well as exotic systems. The authors use a non-adiabatic method which applies over the whole range of masses. The author's results are compared with well known critical masses of a positron binding with a hydrogen atom. Independent estimates of critical masses are also found in three special cases using first-order perturbation theory. Although the Born-Oppenheimer approximation is not adequate to estimate critical masses, it does provide a useful interpretation and satisfactory estimates of generalised critical masses.
Two Decades of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation: Anatomy, Variations, Extremes, Prediction, and Overcoming Its Limitations

The zonally integratedmeridional volumetransport in the North Atlantic [Atlantic meridionaloverturning circulation (AMOC)] is described in a 19-yr-long ocean-state estimate, one consistent with a diverse global dataset. Apart from a weak increasing trend at high northern latitudes, the AMOC appears statistically stable over the last 19yr with fluctuations indistinguishable from those of a stationary Gaussian stochastic process. This characterization makes it possible to study (using highly developed tools) extreme values, predictability, and the statistical significance ofapparenttrends. Gaussianbehaviorisconsistentwith the central limittheorem for a process arising from numerous independent disturbances. In this case, generators include internal instabilities, changes in wind and buoyancy forcing fields, boundary waves, the Gulf Stream and deep western boundary current transports, the interior fraction in Sverdrup balance, and all similar phenomena arriving as summation effects from long distances and times. As a zonal integral through the sum of the large variety of physical processes in the three-dimensional ocean circulation, understanding of the AMOC, if it is of central climate importance, requires breaking it down into its unintegrated components over the entire basin.
Stochastic representation of nearly-Gaussian, nonlinear processes

The use of polynomial functionals of the white noise process is discussed for the treatment of nonlinear random processes. It is noted that such treatments are useful for nearly-Gaussian processes. Applications of such representations to nonlinear systems and to nonlinear fluid mechanics problems (turbulence) are reviewed.
Measurement of the passive attitude control performance of a recovered spacecraft

A novel silver detector incorporated in the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) has been used to measure the attitude stability of the vehicle. It is thereby established that the LDEF spacecraft maintained a very stable attitude during its nearly 6-year-long flight, notwithstanding a small offset yaw of 8.0 +/- 0.4 deg clockwise from nominal attitude (as viewed from space) and a +/- 0.2-deg oscillation about this offset yaw. LDEF experiments which depend on orientation relative to the forward direction may need to be corrected for the angular offset.
The origin of chain entanglement : correlations between entanglement and chain structure

A pseudotopological theory of chain entanglement has recently been developed, which shows that the entanglement junction is a binary hooking contact between two chains, and explicitly relates the entanglement behavior to chain structure. On the other hand, many empirical correlations between entanglement and chain structure have also been proposed to date, including those of Fox and Allen, Porter and Johnson, Privalko and Lipatov, Boyer and Miller, Graessley and Edwards, Aharoni, Lin, and Zang and Carreau. In this work, we show that the various empirical equations cited are variations of the same function, and can be derived as special cases from the theoretical pseudotopological equation. The various forms of the function nevertheless reveal different essential aspects of the chain entanglement behavior, and show that the traditional hooking view of chain entanglement is correct, and also provides a basis for the recent reptation-tube model.
Continuous ion exchange separation of zirconium and hafnium using an annular chromatograph

Abstract A pressurized continuous annular chromatograph (CAC) has been developed for truly continuous ion exchange preparative separations. This device utilizes a slowly rotating annular bed of sorbent material, fixed multiple feed points, and fixed withdrawal locations. Most of our investigations have been performed with a CAC of 280 mm diameter and 600 mm in length, but a larger model has recently been designed and constructed. A detailed study has been made of the separation of copper, nickel, and cobalt components from a simulated carbonate leach liquor of the Caron process for recovering nickel and cobalt from laterite ores. Recent studies have investigated the ion exchange separation of zirconium and hafnium from a sulfate feed solution. Nuclear reactor-grade zirconium, containing
Grassroots campaign trail methods to recruit for clinical trials: recruitment lessons learned from trail to trial.

Background: Literature reviews have identified recruitment as the single most challenging obstacle in conducting pediatric trials. This paper describes a paradigm shift in recruitment design, developed from experience with grassroots campaigns through the DRINK study (Decreasing the Rates of Illness in Kids). The objective of this study was to explain a new method for recruiting in clinical trials based on lessons learned from grassroots political campaigning. Methods and findings: The study described is a randomized controlled trial of 638 3–6 year olds from the Washington, DC Area. The design involved a comparison between new recruiting approaches modeled after grassroots campaigns and traditional techniques. Traditional techniques for the purpose of this paper are defined by the use of physician referral, mass media such as radio and television advertisements, along with posters in public places like the subway. Grassroots approaches alternatively developed and utilized community contacts and employed targeted small market media community. The main outcome measures were the percentage of budget used and the number of eligible participants recruited. Conclusions: The results showed that the grassroots recruitment approach saved 30% of the budget, recruited 638 kids in 4 months and retained over 90% for the 90 day trial. New techniques need further exploration as community studies are stressed.
Modeling of nonlinear piezoceramics for structural actuation

An ab initio model describing the nonlinear behaviors of polycrystalline piezoceramics during polarization reversal is proposed. The model is based on a description of polarization reversal behaviors of a single piezoelectric crystallite in a piezoceramic. The polarization of the single crystallite can be switched among the six allowable directions in the lattice if the work done by the external electrical and/or mechanical loads exceeds the internal energy barriers. The piezoceramic is then modeled as an aggregate of these crystallites rotated into random orientations. The macroscopic responses of the piezoceramic were calculated in two ways. The first method is to calculate the average crystallite response in global coordinates. The second is to use Taylor expansions of the macroscopic strain and electrical displacement in terms of external loads and the internal alignment of the crystallites. Finally, the experimental results from free and clamped PZT wafers were compared with the model predictions.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fast two-phased initial search technique for arbitrary-shaped queries

Most content-based image retrieval techniques are not able to eliminate noise from similarity matching since they capture the features of the entire image area or pre- perceived objects at the database build time. Recent approaches address this outstanding issue by allowing users to arbitrarily exclude noise in formulating their queries. This capability has resulted in high retrieval effectiveness for a wide range of queries. However, implementing these techniques for large image collections presents a great challenge since we can not assume any shape for queries defined by users. In this paper, we propose an efficient indexing/retrieval technique for arbitrarily-shaped queries which is able to eliminate a majority of unqualified images. Moreover, we improve the retrieval process with a filtering phase to prune out additional false matches before the detailed similarity measure is carried out. We have implemented the proposed technique in our image retrieval system for a large image collection. Our experimental results show that our technique is capable of handling image matching very well and 70 times on average faster than the straightforward sequential scanning.
Proteus: a direct forcing method in the simulations of particulate flows

A new and efficient direct numerical method for the simulation of particulate flows is introduced. The method combines desired elements of the immersed boundary method, the direct forcing method and the lattice Boltzmann method. Adding a forcing term in the momentum equation enforces the no-slip condition on the boundary of a moving particle. By applying the direct forcing scheme, Proteus eliminates the need for the determination of free parameters, such as the stiffness coefficient in the penalty scheme or the two relaxation parameters in the adaptive-forcing scheme. The method presents a significant improvement over the previously introduced immersed-boundary-lattice-Boltzmann method (IB-LBM) where the forcing term was computed using a penalty method and a user-defined parameter. The method allows the enforcement of the rigid body motion of a particle in a more efficient way. Compared to the ''bounce-back'' scheme used in the conventional LBM, the direct-forcing method provides a smoother computational boundary for particles and is capable of achieving results at higher Reynolds number flows. By using a set of Lagrangian points to track the boundary of a particle, Proteus eliminates any need for the determination of the boundary nodes that are prescribed by the ''bounce-back'' scheme at every time step. It also makes computations for particles of irregular shapes simpler and more efficient. Proteus has been developed in two- as well as three-dimensions. This new method has been validated by comparing its results with those from experimental measurements for a single sphere settling in an enclosure under gravity. As a demonstration of the efficiency and capabilities of the present method, the settling of a large number (1232) of spherical particles is simulated in a narrow box under two different boundary conditions. It is found that when the no-slip boundary condition is imposed at the front and rear sides of the box the particles motion is significantly hindered. Under the periodic boundary conditions, the particles move faster. The simulations show that the sedimentation characteristics in a box with periodic boundary conditions at the two sides are very close to those found in the sedimentation of two-dimensional circular particles.
Effectiveness of the Cryogenic Treatment of Tungsten Carbide Inserts on Tool Wear When in Full Production Operations

As a cutting tool wears, the quality of the parts being produced by the tool are reduced. Therefore, it is important to change cutting tools whenever the wear on the tool begins to cause unacceptable or out-of-specification parts. However, frequent replacement of tooling is not only expensive, it also results in a loss of production throughput. Therefore, in order to lower tooling costs and increase production rates, it is vital to extend cutting tool life. Thus, this research focuses on establishing the effect that cryogenically treating carbide inserts has on the overall tool life when the tools are operating in production. To validate the effectiveness, multiple treated and untreated cutting tools for five styles of inserts are examined. The cutters are tested in production lines that are fabricating parts for an industrial partner where the only process variable that is changed is the cryogenic treatment of the tooling. For the five insert styles tested, each style provided very consistent changes in overall tool life. However, the amount of improvement was dependent on the tool style. One style was found to have its life doubled, whereas, another style had its life decreased. Possible causes for this difference in effectiveness of the treatment are presented, along with a discussion concerning the actual costs savings that the treatment represents for the industrial partner.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Graftskin Treatment of Difficult to Heal Diabetic Foot Ulcers: One Center's Experience

background. Chronic diabetes-related foot ulcers result from predisposition, tissue injury, and inadequate reparative mechanisms. Standard care for diabetes-related foot ulcers includes weight off-loading, pressure-relieving footwear, aggressive surgical debridement, and frequent dressing changes. Graftskin is a recently developed living skin construct. objective. To compare Graftskin and standardized wound care to standardized wound care alone in the treatment of difficult to heal diabetes-related neuropathic foot ulcers, and to assess the handling and application characteristics of Graftskin. methods. A university dermatology clinic was part of a 24-center prospective, randomized, controlled, parallel group comparative trial of Graftskin for the treatment of difficult to heal neuropathic diabetes-related foot ulcers. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with Graftskin with aggressive debridement and standardized wound care, or aggressive debridement and standardized wound care alone. Blinding was not feasible due to device visibility during application. results. Five of nine patients (56%) treated with Graftskin therapy had complete healing. Three of eight control patients (37%) had complete healing. conclusion. Graftskin as an adjunct to aggressive debridement and standardized wound care appears to be a valuable treatment adjunct in patients with difficult to heal diabetes-related neuropathic foot ulcers. The application learning curve was steep and the ease of application exceptional.
The Formation Mechanism of Carrot Defects in SiC Epifilms

Carrot-like defects in a 7 off-cut (from [0001] toward direction) 4H-SiC wafer with a 36μm thick 4H-SiC epilayer have been investigated using Nomarski optical microscopy, synchrotron white beam x-ray topography (SWBXT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-ray topographs confirm that threading screw dislocations are often associated with the carrots. Cross-sectional TEM observation confirms that a prismatic stacking fault exists below the carrot. This fault was found to show contrast in all observed diffraction geometries except for g=0004. A model for the mechanism of formation of this type of defect during epitaxial growth is proposed.
Architecting Dynamic Power Management to be Formally Verifiable

Many computer systems employ dynamic power management (DPM) to maximize power efficiency. DPM offers great opportunities, but deploying it carries significant risks if the DPM scheme is not completely verified. We propose architecting the DPM scheme such that it can be formally verified regardless of the size of the system.
Switching and locking of magnetostatically coupled ferromagnetic thin films

Magnetostatically coupled films with an internal conductor were studied using a dual-beam Kerr apparatus which enabled the magnetization of both the top and the bottom films of the structure to be monitored. The easy- and hard-axis components of the magnetizations were recorded in succession with sampling techniques during the switching processes, and the traces were combined to provide trajectories of M throughout the switching. In the case of easy-axis coupled films, certain trajectories lead to a stable multidomain state (locking); a new technique using current pulses through the Ag conductors in conjunction with an externally applied variable hard-axis field provides a quick method of determining the locus of applied fields for which locking occurs. The locked-state trajectories and complete-switching trajectories are found to be composed of three regions of switching: 1) a coherent rotation of the magnetization, 2) an incoherent rotation, and 3) wall motion. From the data used to construct the trajectories, the times to reach a locked state and the durations of each different switching mechanism is determined.
Mo1486 Risk Stratification for the Development of Post-ERCP Pancreatitis by Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction Classification

Context Patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) who undergo manometry are at substantially higher risk (15-30%) for developing post-ERCP pancreatitis compared with patients undergoing ERCP for other disease states (2%-5%). Objective To explore if there is a difference in the frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients with manometrically confirmed SOD I, II and III. Methods A retrospective review of all patients who underwent an ERCP with SOD I or patients with manometrically confirmed SOD II or III (mean basal sphincter pressure ≥40 mm Hg) from 2006 to 2010 was performed. The primary outcome measure was development of post-ERCP acute pancreatitis in each of the SOD groups. Factors associated with acute pancreatitis in each group were examined by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: We identified 147 patients with SOD. Biliary sphincterotomy was performed in all patients and pancreatic sphincterotomy was performed in 68/147 (46%) patients. All patients underwent stenting of the pancreatic duct. PostERCP pancreatitis occurred in 27% of the study cohort. Patients with SOD III had a higher frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis compared to the SOD II and SOD I group (37% vs. 21% vs. 13%, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that the type of SOD was then strongest predictor of pancreatitis with SOD III having the greater frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis (OR=7.68; P=0.05) compared to those with SOD I. Patients with SOD III had a 4 times greater frequency of developing post-ECRP pancreatitis compared to those with SOD II. Conclusions SOD III is strongly associated with the development of post-ERCP pancreatitis compared to SOD I and SOD II.
Kinematical Aspects of Levi-Civita Transport of Vectors and Tensors Along a Surface Curve

The concept of parallelism along a surface curve, which was introduced by Levi-Civita in the context of n-dimensional Riemannian manifolds, is re-examined from a kinematical viewpoint. A special type of frame, whose angular velocity is determined by the rate at which the tangent plane turns as one moves along a surface curve, is defined and is called a Levi-Civita frame. The surface may be orientable or not. Vectors and tensors fixed on Levi-Civita frames are parallel transported. Covariant differentiation of vectors and tensors along a surface curve can be expressed in terms of the corresponding corotational rates measured on Levi-Civita frames. Relevant results on ruled surfaces are also included.
The Demand for Broiler Meat

Abstract This study presents alternative estimates of quantity-price relationship for broiler meat at the ratil level with respect to source and nature of the data. In particular, since the data came from a cross-sectional sample, “own” and “other” prices of meat items in different cities can be included in the analysis. Thus, the role that prices play in reflecting the differences of demand patterns may be ascertained. The methods employed in estimating the parameters are straightforward; the results seem quite reasonable, and generally exhibit a high degree of statistical reliability. Covariance analysis suggested that one regression line would not appropriately represent the demand relations for the entire set of observations. Thus, models were developed to allow for differences in consumption pattern due to geographic location. The estimated coefficients indicated that price and income elasticities of demand for broiler meat at retail level were generally consistent with expectations and available evidence. The consumption patterns of the two markets studied differ with respect to their response to the price of substitutes and population characteristics, but not to own price and income elasticities.
Urea additions and defoliation affect plant responses to elevated CO2 in a C3 grass from Yellowstone National Park.

A common grass from Yellowstone National Park, Stipa occidentalis, was grown in a factorial experiment to determine if its response to the direct effects of elevated CO2 would be affected by defoliation, and urea additions simulating the N in a urine hit. Plants were grown in tall pots (to mimic rooting depth in the field) in growth chambers under elevated (700 ppm) and ambient (370 ppm) CO2, were defoliated or left undefoliated, and given N-supply rates based on field mineralization rates (untreated) or with an additional 40 g N/m2. Growth increases in response to elevated CO2 were largest when plants remained unclipped and received urea additions, and were found primarily in crowns and roots (storage organs). Aboveground biomass, which is the part of the plant consumed by grazing mammals, was not affected by elevated CO2. The elevated CO2 treatment caused a reduction in leaf percent N. However, there was a significant interaction between the CO2 and urea treatments, resulting in a larger difference in leaf percent N between urea-treated and control plants under elevated than under ambient CO2. Hence, elevations in atmospheric CO2 may cause an increase in the amount of urine-hit-induced spatial variability in temperate grasslands. Since food quantity remained largely unchanged in response to elevated CO2, and forage N content went down, grazing mammals may be negatively affected by increases in atmospheric CO2.
When science and medicine are ignored: the case of US drug policy

themselves at that period (Worboys, 1988; Petty, 1989). In the UK context, nutrition science had an important role in redefining the dietary effects of unemployment as simple vitamin deficiencies; in the colonies, the 'dietary survey' helped suppon a view of malnutrition based on native 'ignorance' and backwardness. Scientific knowledge here also shaped and was shaped by wider political debates. The eclipse in knowledge about the harmful effects of alcohol was much more than a simple reaction against temperance science. We need to look outside that primary alcohol focus, for modes of scientific enquiry and explanation are rooted in their social context, gaining their legitimacy through the policy interests they express.
Expression of ribosomal protein genes in mouse oocytes and early embryos.

The quantitative changes in the mRNAs for ribosomal proteins L7a, L18a, and S15 were assayed in slot hybridization experiments using labeled cRNA probes with total RNA from late growth-phase oocytes, ovulated eggs, and early embryos through the blastocyst stage. All three mRNAs showed a similar developmental pattern of prevalence, but their copy numbers per oocyte or embryo fluctuated according to developmental stage. There are on an average about 17,000 copies of each mRNA in the late growth-phase oocyte; this number drops to one-fifth to one-tenth in the ovulated egg and two-cell embryo but increases rapidly during cleavage to about 25,000 in the eight-cell embryo and about 42,000 in the blastocyst. A comparison of the levels of these mRNAs with the reported rates of ribosomal protein synthesis (LaMarca and Wassarman, 1979) suggests that, in late growth-phase oocytes, ribosomal protein synthesis is regulated primarily at the translational level and is kept low by some factor limiting mRNA utilization. On the other hand, the high rate of ribosome biosynthesis during early embryogenesis from the two-cell stage onward appears to involve the coordinate activation and transcription of ribosomal RNA and ribosomal protein genes coupled with the immediate translational utilization of ribosomal protein mRNAs.
Sub-micron position measurement and control on precision machine tools with laser interferometry

Abstract The trend towards tighter part tolerances from precision machine tools is placing increased demands on position transducers on these machines. Improved accuracy, repeatability and resolution from the position transducers is required to match this trend. This paper describes a new performance modelling technique for laser interferometer systems. Each error affecting the measurement accuracy and repeatability is described in detail, along with the method to determine these performance measures. Two products from Hewlett-Packard — wavelength tracking compensation and the high resolution interferometer — are also described that will help meet the future measurement requirements for precision machine tools.
Cubic cryptates. A molecular mechanics study

Molecular mechanics calculations on cubic [222] cryptand conformations derived from the coordinates of Mn2+/222 are reported. The cubic cryptates are unusual in that the metal-nitrogen distance is equal to the metal-oxygen distance. The calculations show that the cubic conformation is achieved with no increase in strain energy compared with the more usual elongated cryptand conformations. The relatively short metal-nitrogen distance in cubic cryptates is attributed to the strong metal-nitrogen bonds in d-block transition-metal ion inclusion complexes. Results of calculations using starting coordinates from the Ca2+/222 and Sm3+/222 structures are also presented and discussed.
Some results from the demonstration of indoor radon-reduction measures in block-basement houses

Active soil ventilation techniques have been tested in 26 block-wall basement houses in eastern Pennsylvania with significantly elevated indoor radon concentrations, generally above 740 Bq/m3, and the results indicate that radon levels can be reduced substantially often below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guideline of 148 Bq/m3, if effective suction can be drawn on the soil underneath the concrete slabs of these houses. Such effective suction appears achievable when either: 1) the house has a complete loop of drain tile around its footings for water drainage purposes, and suction is drawn on that loop; or 2) a sufficient number of suction pipes can be inserted at the proper locations into the crushed rock or the soil underneath the slab.
The impact of emerging standards adoption on automated quality reporting

Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted HighlightsÂ? We demonstrate the use of draft standards for automated quality reporting. Â? We present a quality measure concept framework and activities within the framework. Â? Some existing quality measure standards and artifacts require future development. Â? Significant stakeholder coordination is necessary for automated quality reporting. Current quality measurement processes are labor-intensive, involving manual chart reviews and use of paper-based quality measures that vary in format and definitions from measure to measure. Automated quality reporting is considered by many to be an important tool that will help close the gaps in the quality of US health by increasing the timeliness, effectiveness, and use of quality assessment. In 2007, the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) funded three Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN) health information exchanges (HIE) to demonstrate the feasibility of automated quality reporting by using existing or emerging standards to aggregate information from multiple providers, transmit patient-level quality data in standardized formats, perform an automated quality assessment, and generate a quality report document for electronic transmission. Long Beach Network for Health (LBNH), a NHIN Cooperative HIE, developed a web-based, real-time quality assessment service that calculates quality of care measure using clinical data aggregated through a HIE. LBNH used a set of draft standards to demonstrate automated quality reporting, but noted three important recommendations for future work. First, greater coordination is needed around initiatives that address the gaps in electronic quality measurement standards and processes, including strong Federal involvement and guidance. Second, a harmonized, evergreen quality use case is needed to provide stakeholders with a common understanding on the constantly evolving approaches towards automated quality measurement and reporting. Finally, there needs to be substantial investment in building on existing work and developing a comprehensive set of data and messaging standards to preserve semantic interoperability of quality measure data.
Quality of and patient satisfaction with primary health care for anxiety disorders.

BACKGROUND Most patients with anxiety disorders receive their care from primary care practitioners (PCPs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate quality of and patient satisfaction with primary health care for anxiety disorders. METHOD A survey was performed among 1,004 outpatients with anxiety disorders (diagnosed according to DSM-IV) referred by their PCPs from 17 primary care clinical settings (3 of which were university-affiliated) in 4 regions of the United States for participation in the Coordinated Anxiety Learning and Management (CALM) study, a therapeutic trial. Participating research institutions were the University of Washington at Seattle, the University of California at San Diego and Los Angeles, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences at Little Rock. Enrollment took place between June 2006 and April 2008. Patients were contacted by telephone after enrollment to provide information about previous care received (during the 6 months prior to referral) and satisfaction with that care. Quality-of-care indicators were self-reported type, dose, and duration of antianxiety medication treatment and self-reported psychotherapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) elements. RESULTS A total of 576 patients (57.4%) had received an appropriate antianxiety medication in the previous 6 months, but only 289 patients (29.4% of 983 who answered this question) had received the medication at adequate dose for at least 2 months. A total of 465 patients (46.3%) had received some counseling with at least 1 element of CBT, but only 213 patients (21.2%) had received counseling with a strong (3+ elements) CBT focus. Overall, 416 patients (41.4%) had received quality pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy, and 81 patients (8.1%) had received both. Only 432 patients (44.8% of 964 who answered this question) were at least somewhat satisfied with their mental health care. Receipt of quality psychotherapy was the sole positive predictor (adjusted odds ratio = 2.71; 95% CI, 1.94-3.80; P < .0005) of satisfaction with mental health care for anxiety. Moreover, there was a dose-response relationship between the number of CBT elements consistently delivered and satisfaction with care (test for trend, z = 4.06, P < .0005). CONCLUSIONS Despite recognition of these patients' anxiety disorders and referral by their PCPs to an anxiety treatment study, fewer than half of the patients had in the prior 6 months received quality pharmacologic and/or psychosocial mental health care. Receipt of CBT-oriented, quality psychosocial (but not pharmacologic) care showed a strong dose-response relationship with satisfaction with mental health care.
Imaging the lymphatic system

Visualization of the lymphatic system is clinically necessary during diagnosis or treatment of many conditions and diseases; it is used for identifying and monitoring lymphedema, for detecting metastatic lesions during cancer staging and for locating lymphatic structures so they can be spared during surgical procedures. Imaging lymphatic anatomy and function also plays an important role in experimental studies of lymphatic development and function, where spatial resolution and accessibility are better. Here, we review technologies for visualizing and imaging the lymphatic system for clinical applications. We then describe the use of lymphatic imaging in experimental systems as well as some of the emerging technologies for improving these methodologies.
Improved GC/MS Methods for Measuring Hourly PAH and Nitro-PAH Concentrations in Urban Particulate Matter

Abstract This study presents two methods for the quantification of nitro-substituted and parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAH and PAH, respectively), respectively, utilizing large volume injection gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Both methods (PAH and NPAH, respectively) employed a programmed temperature vaporization injector (PTV) in solvent vent mode, optimized using standard solutions. For the PAH method, the precision of the PTV was comparable to hot splitless injection for exhibiting a percent relative standard deviation (%RSD) consistently below 8% for 100 pg injections. Compound %RSDs for the NPAH method were consistently below 5% using the PTV. Microgram quantities (30–500 μg) of particulate matter Standard Reference Materials (SRM 1649 and 1650, National Institutes of Standards and Technology) were analyzed to simulate PAH and NPAH quantification on small aerosol mass loadings. The method detection limits from this study suggest PAHs and NPAHs can be easily quantified using low-volume samplers (>5 Lpm) on hourly timescales. In addition, this technique enabled the quantification of 12-h NPAH size distributions in the Baltimore, MD, atmosphere.
Geometric sumrule and the reduced partitioning procedure

From the partitioning technique, a formulation has been developed that suggests certain linear combinations of functions in an n-particle space as being important contributors to the energy. Using these combinations allows a drastic reduction in the number of functions that are necessary to give the energy to a desired accuracy; a fact which has implications for full CI calculations. These features are illustrated by some results obtained from full CI studies on H2 and HeH+. In the examples studied, it is found that the first-order combination, which corresponds to a “geometric” approximation, gives about two-thirds of the energy that is obtainable from a given basis set. The geometric sumrule is shown to also have other useful properties.
Microtubule Organization: Cell Shape Is Destiny

A simple self-assembly pathway generates cytoplasmic microtubule bundles that can locate the cell center and guide spindle assembly in fission yeast. The cylindrical cell shape automatically corrects spindle orientation errors, rendering a checkpoint unnecessary.
Electrochemical and NMR studies of molybdenum-flavin model compounds in aprotic solvents

Abstract The electrochemistry of molybdenum(V) and of a 2:2 dimeric molybdenum(V)-riboflavin anion radical complex has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry, controlled potential electrolysis, u.v.-visible spectrophotometry and e.s.r. spectroscopy. On the basis of the electrochemical results and associated spectroscopic and e.s.r. studies, mechanisms for the electron transfer sequence of the molybdenum—riboflavin combination are proposed. The dimeric complex appears to be a useful model for xanthine oxidase and related molybdo—flavoprotein enzymes. The structures of the molybdenum(V, VI) complexes with 8-quinolinol (Q) and 2-methyl-8-quinolinol (2-MeQ) in dimethyl sulphoxide solution have been investigated by proton n.m.r. and infrared spectroscopy. The metal oxo oxygens of the Mo(VI) O 2 Q 2 complex are cis to each other, as are the oxygens of the oxo-bridged dimeric Mo(V) 2 O 3 Q 4 complex. The n.m.r. results indicate the existence of strong, covalent metal-to-ligand oxygen bonding but, by virtue of the trans effect exhibited by the oxo oxygens, only weak, labile metal—nitrogen interactions. The implications of the weak Mo-N bonding for the molybdenum-flavin interaction in metalloflavoenzymes are discussed.
Dynamic analysis of piezoelectric stack actuators including thermal and pyroelectric effects

Piezoelectric stack actuators have been used in structural acoustic controls, and active vibration isolation systems. In recent tests of heavy duty vibration isolation systems, it has been found that piezoelectric stack actuators under large loadings and high driving voltages can produce substantial heat to cause failure. This paper presents preliminary results of a research effort that was set out to investigate the heat production and thermal effects on the actuator performance In the paper, a general constitutive formulation of piezoelectric materials is presented starting from the first law of thermal dynamics. the constitutive equations involve thermoelastic, pyroelectric and, of course, piezoelectric effect. A variational principle based on Oden's approach is then developed. As a special case, the equations of motion for a circular multilayer stack piezoelectric actuator are derived from the variational principle. Numerical results of blocked force and free stroke of the actuator are presented in the paper. The effects of various parameters on these two common specifications of solid state actuators are studied.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Telling math: Origins of math aversion and anxiety.

Existing empirical research on math aversion and anxiety is examined to determine the prevelance of negative dispositions toward math. The main characteristics of math instruction in American elementary schools are described using results from our observations in fifth-grade classrooms as well as other published descriptive studies. In contrast to other school subjects (e.g., social studies which we also observed and describe briefly), math instruction provides students with only one route to learning: teacher explanation followed by student practice. Other routes, such as cooperative learning with peers, use of manipulative and concrete materials, and genuinely instructional textbooks are not usually available to elementary math students. A strong link is proposed between the instructional conditions students repeatedly experience in elementary school and their later attitudes, expectations, and conceptions of math learning.
Induction and regulation of monocyte procoagulant activity

Monocyte (MO) procoagulant activity (PCA) is induced by various stimuli including allogeneic stimulation, immunocomplexes, and bacterial products. Antigen-antibody complex stimulation therefore represents a pathway for MO PCA induction. Activation of MO PCA has been demonstrated in immunocomplex disease and could represent a major pathology in transplanted immunocomplex disease patients. Stimulation of monocytes via their FcRI receptor has been demonstrated to induce TNF and PGE2. This report demonstrates that stimulation of the high-density FcRI receptor-bearing (FcRI+) MO by resetting with anti-Rh coated erythrocytes also induces significant PCA levels (P less than 0.001). Muramyl dipeptide (MDP), a Gram-positive bacterial cell wall analogue, further increased PCA levels in the FcRI stimulated MO subpopulation (P less than 0.003). Although increased PCA levels were also induced in the FcRI- MO subpopulation by MDP (P less than 0.003), the FcRI+ MO responded with much greater levels of PCA and PGE2 (P less than 0.001). Greater PCA levels in the FcRI-positive MO subpopulation may indicate that stimulation of MO through their FcRI represents a different pathway from allogenic PCA activation, which can be augmented by subsequent bacterial challenge. A novel inhibitory effect of IL-4 on MO PCA induction is also demonstrated. IL-4 downregulated MO PCA levels either after isolation stimulation (55 +/- 19%), FcRI stimulation (57 +/- 12%), or FcRI plus MDP stimulation (60 +/- 13%). PCA and PGE2 levels were concomitantly downregulated by IL-4 both in the FcRI-stimulated, FcRI+ and in the MDP-stimulated FcRI- MO subpopulations. Since indomethacin blocked MDP induced MO PGE2 production without affecting MO PCA levels, PGE2 production is not required for FcRI-stimulated PCA induction.
Contribution of Behavioral Aspects of Older Drivers to Fatal Traffic Crashes in Florida

Fault in a set of fatal traffic crashes that occurred on state roadways in Florida, primarily in the year 2000, was examined. A case-study approach by a team of trained investigators was taken to examine data compiled from a variety of sources, including traffic homicide reports and crash scene photographs. Crash types were identified in which older drivers were significantly over- and underrepresented in fault. Finally, for crashes in which older drivers were at fault, various contributing factors were identified, including driver errors. Older drivers were overrepresented in fault by a factor of 1.37 compared with younger drivers in the data set. Older drivers were significantly overrepresented in fault in left turn crashes versus oncoming traffic and cross-traffic. Consistent with other work, older drivers were responsible for more intersection than nonintersection crashes. Among other factors, misjudging speeds of other vehicles, failure to observe other vehicles, disregarding traffic signals, and imp...
Simultaneous Determination of Glucose and L-Glutamate Using a Capillary Enzyme Reactor with Electrochemical Detection

An electrophoresis capillary that incorporates two enzymes for the simultaneous determination of glucose and L-glutamate is described. The enzymes deposited along the separation capillary walls react with their respective substrate as they are separated during the electrophoresis to produce hydrogen peroxide that is detected by amperometry as the hydrogen peroxide zone emerges from the end of the capillary. Even though both enzyme reactions produce a common product, hydrogen peroxide, the hydrogen peroxide produced by each enzyme reaction stays in narrow zones that migrate the length of the capillary at different rates. The rate of migration for the individual H2O2 zones is consistent with the expected mobility of neutral glucose and of anionic L-glutamate, respectively. This property allows each enzyme substrate to be characterized in a single experiment and in the presence of other electroactive substances.
Production by Bacillus pumilus (MSH) of an antifungal compound that is active against Mucoraceae and Aspergillus species: preliminary report

A compound produced by Bacillus pumilus (MSH) that inhibits Mucoraceae and Aspergillus species is described. Fungicidal activity was demonstrated by lawn-spotting and by diffusion through 0.45 μm Millipore membranes placed on 5 % sheep-blood agar, nutrient agar, trypticase soy agar and Mueller–Hinton agar, followed by spore inoculation of the bacterium-free underlying agar surface. With either technique, zones of fungal inhibition correlated with the zone of haemolysis produced by B. pumilus (MSH). The active compound inhibited Mucor and Aspergillus spore germination and aborted elongating hyphae, presumably by inducing a cell-wall lesion. Antifungal activity was stable in agar for a minimum of 8 days, resistant to Pronase degradation, and partially inactivated by chloroform exposure and at pH 5.6. Its molecular mass was determined by diffusion through dialysis membrane to be 500–3000 Da. Attempts at further isolation of the compound have proven unsuccessful to date.
Regulation of Virulence Gene Transcripts by the Francisella novicida Orphan Response Regulator PmrA: Role of Phosphorylation and Evidence of MglA/SspA Interaction

Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis is the etiologic agent of tularemia and has been designated a category A biothreat agent by the CDC. Tularemia is characterized by replication and dissemination within host phagocytes. Intramacrophage growth is dependent upon the regulation of Francisella pathogenicity island (FPI) virulence genes, which is poorly understood. Two-component regulatory systems (TCS) are widely employed by Gram-negative bacteria to monitor and respond to environmental signals. Virulent strains of F. tularensis subsp. tularensis are devoid of classical, tandemly arranged TCS genes, but orphaned members, such as that encoding the response regulator PmrA, have been identified. In the F. novicida model system, previous work has shown that a pmrA mutant shows decreased expression of FPI genes, is deficient for intramacrophage growth, and is avirulent in the mouse model. Here, we determine that phosphorylation aids PmrA binding to regulated promoters pmrA and the FPI-encoded pdpD, and KdpD is the histidine kinase primarily responsible for phosphorylation of PmrA at the aspartic acid at position 51 (D51). A strain expressing PmrA D51A retains some DNA binding but exhibits reduced expression of the PmrA regulon, is deficient for intramacrophage replication, and is attenuated in the mouse model. With regard to virulence gene induction, PmrA coprecipitates with the FPI transcription factors MglA and SspA, which bind RNA polymerase. Together, these data suggest a model of Francisella gene regulation that includes a TCS consisting of KdpD and PmrA. Once phosphorylated, PmrA binds to regulated gene promoters recruiting free or RNA polymerase-bound MglA and SspA to initiate FPI gene transcription.
Toxicity of Imidazolium-based Ionic Liquids to Industrial Wastewater Treatment Bacteria

A series of experiments have been conducted using relevant assays to estimate the toxicity of selected imidazolium-based ionic liquids. Our results show that these compounds will be toxic to wastewater treatment bacteria. A discussion of new developments will also be covered.