cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local Air Service and Economic Impact of Small Airports

The purpose of this study is to investigate some concepts regarding the role played by local airports in the economies of the regions they serve. The writers attempt to formulate a conceptual frame...
Communication of intent in assistive free flyers

Assistive free-flyers (AFFs) are an emerging robotic platform with unparalleled flight capabilities that appear uniquely suited to exploration, surveillance, inspection, and telepresence tasks. However, unconstrained aerial movements may make it difficult for colocated operators, collaborators, and observers to understand AFF intentions, potentially leading to difficulties understanding whether operator instructions are being executed properly or to safety concerns if future AFF motions are unknown or difficult to predict. To increase AFF usability when working in close proximity to users, we explore the design of natural and intuitive flight motions that may improve AFF abilities to communicate intent while simultaneously accomplishing task goals. We propose a formalism for representing AFF flight paths as a series of motion primitives and present two studies examining the effects of modifying the trajectories and velocities of these flight primitives based on natural motion principles. Our first study found that modified flight motions might allow AFFs to more effectively communicate intent and, in our second study, participants preferred interacting with an AFF that used a manipulated flight path, rated modified flight motions as more natural, and felt safer around an AFF with modified motion. Our proposed formalism and findings highlight the importance of robot motion in achieving effective human-robot interactions. Categories and Subject Descriptors H.1.2 [Models and Principles]: User/Machine Systems— human factors, software psychology; H.5.2 [Information Interfaces and Presentation]: User Interfaces— evaluation/ methodology, user-centered design General Terms Design, Human Factors
Nitric oxide synthase-dependent responses of the basilar artery during acute infusion of nicotine

INTRODUCTION Our goals were to determine whether acute exposure to nicotine alters nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-dependent responses of the basilar artery and to identify a potential role for activation of NAD(P)H oxidase in nicotine-induced impairment in NOS-dependent responses of the basilar artery. METHODS We measured in vivo diameter of the basilar artery in response to NOS-dependent (acetylcholine) and NOS-independent (nitroglycerin) agonists before and during an acute infusion of nicotine (2 microg/kg/min intravenously for 30 min followed by a maintenance dose of 0.35 microg/kg/min). In addition, we measured superoxide anion production (lucigenin chemiluminescence) by the basilar artery in response to nicotine in the absence or presence of apocynin. RESULTS We found that NOS-dependent, but not NOS-independent, vasodilation was impaired during infusion of nicotine. In addition, treatment of the basilar artery with apocynin (100 microM, 30 min prior to infusion of nicotine) prevented nicotine-induced impairment in NOS-dependent vasodilation. Further, the production of superoxide anion was increased in the basilar artery by nicotine, and this increase could be inhibited by apocynin. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that acute exposure to nicotine impairs NOS-dependent dilation of the basilar artery by a mechanism that appears to be related to the release of superoxide anion. A possible source of superoxide may be via the activation of NAD(P)H oxidase.
Insulin infusion with parenteral nutrition in extremely low birth weight infants with hyperglycemia

From Nov. 7, 1983, to Nov. 6, 1986, all infants with birth weight ≤1000 gm admitted to Oregon Health Sciences University who had persistent hyperglycemia and glycosuria were treated with graded insulin infusion while energy intake was increased to at least 100 kcal/kg/day (419 kilojoules/kg/day). The records of these infants were reviewed to define the clinical characteristics of infants likely to develop hyperglycemia and to see whether insulin administration would allow goals for energy intake to be met. There were 76 surviving infants; 34 received insulin and 42 did not. Treated infants were smaller (767±161 vs 872±98 gm; p =0.0004), were more immature (26.8±1.4 vs 27.7±2.0 weeks; p =0.0115), and required mechanical ventilation longer (28±19 vs 17±15 days; p =0.0196). There were no significant differences between the groups at 3, 7, 10, or 14 days for intravenously administered glucose or for total nonprotein energy intake at 3, 7, 10, 14, 28, or 56 days. Treated infants achieved an intake of 100 kcal/kg/day (419 kilojoules/kg/day) at 15±8 vs 17±11 days and regained birth weight at 12±6 vs 13±6 days (NS). There was no difference in percent change from birth weight at 7, 14, 28, or 56 days. Treated infants had a glucose concentration of 195±60 mg/dl (10.8±3.3 mmol/L) while receiving 7.9±3.0 mg/kg/min (43±17 μmol/kg/min) of glucose at the start of insulin infusion on days 1 to 14. Insulin was given for 1 to 58 days. The initial dose was 40 to 100 mU/gm of dextrose infused (57 to 142 nmol/mol) and then gradually decreased. Less than 0.5% of blood glucose values were 25 to 40 mg/dl (1.4 to 2.2 mmol/L). We conclude that insulin infusion improves glucose tolerance in extremely low birth weight infants and allows hyperglycemic infants to achieve adequate energy intake similar to that of infants who do not become hyperglycemic.
Effects of mental practice on affected limb use and function in chronic stroke.

Abstract Page SJ, Levine P, Leonard AC. Effects of mental practice on affected limb use and function in chronic stroke. Objective To determine the efficacy of a mental practice (MP) protocol in increasing the function and use of the more affected limb in stroke patients. Design Randomized, controlled, multiple baseline, pre-post, case series. Setting Outpatient rehabilitation hospital. Participants Eleven patients who had a stroke more than 1 year before study entry (9 men; mean age, 62.3±5.1y; range, 53–71y; mean time since stroke, 23.8mo; range, 15–48mo; 10 strokes exhibiting upper-limb hemiparesis on the dominant side) and who exhibited affected arm hemiparesis and nonuse. Intervention All patients received 30-minute therapy sessions 2 days a week for 6 weeks. The sessions emphasized activities of daily living (ADLs): 6 subjects randomly assigned to the MP condition concurrently received sessions requiring daily MP of the ADLs; 5 subjects (control group) received an intervention consisting of relaxation techniques. Main outcome measures The Motor Activity Log and Action Research Arm (ARA) test. Results Affected limb use as rated by MP patients and their caregivers increased (1.55, 1.66, respectively), as did patient and caregiver ratings of quality of movement (2.33, 2.15, respectively) and ARA scores (10.7). In contrast, the controls showed nominal increases in the amount they used their affected limb and in limb function. A Wilcoxon test on the ARA scores revealed significantly ( P =.004) greater changes in the MP group's scores. Conclusions Participation in an MP protocol may increase a stroke patient's use of his/her more affected limb. Data further support that the protocol resulted in correlative, MP-induced, motor function improvements. The mechanisms whereby MP increases affected arm use are unknown. Perhaps using the more affected limb becomes more salient through MP, or perhaps motor schema are altered during MP to integrate limb use.
Respiratory Symptoms, Spirometric Respiratory Impairment, and Respiratory Disease in Middle-Aged and Older Persons

Objectives To evaluate whether a novel definition of spirometric respiratory impairment from the Global Lung Initiative (GLI) is strongly associated with respiratory symptoms and, in turn, frequently establishes symptomatic respiratory disease. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants Community-dwelling individuals aged 40 to 80 (N = 7,115). Measurements GLI-defined spirometric respiratory impairment (airflow obstruction and restrictive pattern), dyspnea on exertion (DOE), chronic bronchitis (CB), and wheezing. Results Prevalence rates were 12.7% for airflow obstruction, 6.2% for restrictive pattern, 28.6% for DOE, 12.6% for CB, and 12.9% for wheezing. Airflow obstruction was associated with DOE (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.42–2.02), CB (aOR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.62–2.29), and wheezing (aOR = 2.50, 95% CI = 2.08–3.00), and restrictive pattern was associated with DOE (aOR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.36–2.25), CB (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.08–1.78), and wheezing (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.15–2.04). Nonetheless, among participants who had airflow obstruction and restrictive pattern, only a minority had DOE (38.6% and 45.5%), CB (23.3% and 15.9%), and wheezing (24.4% and 19.1%), yielding a positive predictive value (PPV) of only 53% for any respiratory symptom in the setting of any spirometric respiratory impairment. In addition, most participants who had DOE (73.0%), CB (67.8%), and wheezing (66.8%) did not have airflow obstruction or restrictive pattern, yielding a PPV of only 26% for any spirometric respiratory impairment in the setting of any respiratory symptom. The results differed only modestly when stratified according to age (40–64 vs 65–80). Conclusion GLI-defined spirometric respiratory impairment increased the likelihood of respiratory symptoms but was nonetheless a poor predictor of respiratory symptoms. Similarly, respiratory symptoms were poor predictors of GLI-defined spirometric respiratory impairment. Hence, a comprehensive assessment is needed when evaluating respiratory symptoms, even in the presence of spirometric respiratory impairment.
Periprocedural Complication Rates Are Equivalent between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients Undergoing Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting

Patients with neurologic symptoms who undergo carotid endarterectomy (CEA) have a higher incidence of stroke and death in the perioperative period than those with asymptomatic carotid disease. This study examines the outcomes of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients undergoing carotid stenting (CAS). From 2002 to 2006, 201 CAS procedures were performed in 193 patients (117 men, mean age 73 ± 10 years), of whom 142 were for asymptomatic (AS) and 59 for symptomatic (S) disease. Preoperative neurologic symptoms included recent ipsilateral cerebrovascular accident (CVA, 29%), transient ischemic attack (50%), and amaurosis fugax (22%). There were 201 carotid stents placed (107 Acculink, 43 Wallstent, 23 Precise, 21 NexStent, 3 Exponent, 3 Xact, 1 Herculink) and 198 protection devices used (79 Accunet, 53 EPI Filterwire, 43 PercuSurge, 20 Angiogard, 3 EmboShield). Mean follow-up was 41 weeks. The groups were matched in terms of demographics and comorbidities (carotid artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, smoking, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; p = nonsignificant [NS]). There was no significant difference in anatomic risk factors (neck irradiation, S 3%, AS 6%; prior CEA, S 14%, AS 14%; bovine arch, S 22%, AS 16%; p = NS), and the types of embolic protection devices and stents used were similar between groups. The mean percentages of preintervention carotid stenosis were equal (S 88%, AS 88%), and the technical success rate was 99%. Incidence rates of CVA (S 3.4%, AS 1.4%), myocardial infarction (S 1.7%, AS 1.4%), and death (S 0, AS 0.7%) were equivalent between groups (p = NS). CAS with cerebral protection can be performed safely in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The presence of preoperative neurologic symptoms does not significantly increase the risk of adverse events in the perioperative period in this study.
Quercetin and Isorhamnetin Glycosides in Onion (Allium cepa L.): Varietal Comparison, Physical Distribution, Coproduct Evaluation, and Long-Term Storage Stability

During onion processing, the outer dried protective layer (outer paper layer) and first two fleshy leaf layers are removed. This coproduct material is a potential commercial source of flavonoids es...
Management accounting in global European corporations: Anglophone and continental viewpoints

Abstract The Anglophone financial culture is stock market and shareholder driven. The continental culture, particularly the German, is more stockholder driven. U.K. auditors have high status, while continental auditors are more specifically concerned with statutory accounts and tax, and the control function is regarded as the more important. Management accountancy is a term hardly known on the continent where controllership is regarded as part of management (particularly planning) and not part of the accounting continuum (as in Britain), and where costing relates to engineering. The practice of controllership/management accountancy is very much the same, however, and is particularly sophisticated in Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands, where the small domestic markets have forced companies to expand internationally. It is impossible to predict future developments. Educational differences between Anglophone and continental countries will remain, but one can note a coming together of the cultures: the importance of business English, the influence of the international auditors, the international accounting standards, the pressure from American shareholders and the U.S. capital markets. The biggest factor, perhaps, is that major multinationals regard themselves as international and not tied to any particular country.
A new feasibility condition for distance-regular graphs

Abstract Our main result in this paper is the following Theorem: Let Λ be a distance-regular graph with valency k (k ⩾ 2) and diameter at least 2, and denote by λ1 and λmin the second largest and least eigenvalue of Λ, respectively. Assume the multiplicity m(λ of some eigenvalue λ (λ ≠ k). Then λ = λ1 or λmin and either 1. (i) λ is an integer such that 1 + λ divides the intersection number b1, or 2. (ii) λ and b1 (1 + λ)−1 are algebraic integers, m(λ1) = m(λmin), and λ1 and λmin are algebraic conjugates over Θ. We also obtain bounds on the second largest and least eigenvalue of subgraphs of γ induced by vertex neighborhoods.
On the minimum scale of surface fronts

Abstract A series of numerical experiments of a surface front forced by stretching deformation using Clark's nonhydrostatic model at very high resolution is presented. These simulations are compared to those reported by Williams who used hydrostatic models at lower resolution. The main purpose was to determine whether this front would collapse (in the absence of friction) to a scale similar to that reported by Shapiro et al. (most of the temperature gradient contained in 200 m). The question is whether there is a natural physical process in the frontal dynamics which limits the frontal collapse in the absence of diffusion processes. For this front we could not find a natural limiting process, although the mechanism discussed by Orlanski et al. appears to be operating. The minimum scale is determined by the vertical resolution. At the vertical and horizontal resolutions we tried, the vertical resolution determined the scale because the slope of the front is so shallow. Some of the structure found by Cullen...
Titus: Epistle of Religious Revitalization

James D. Miller (138) contends that the Epistle of Titus has "no driving concern, no consistent focus of interest" and appears "like an anthology of traditions, many arranged mechanically together by topic, some simply juxtaposed." The purpose of this study is to ascertain to what extent the Epistle of Titus demonstrates some concise strategy or logical ordering to the materials presented. It is assumed that writers have some overarching purpose in mind in order to decide what should be included or excluded in a manuscript to achieve the intended objective. Thus, this analysis is concerned with the text as text rather than any literary, historical, or other method of interpretation. This analysis suggests that the Epistle of Titus is organized in the same six-phase-sequence that is found in thousands of case studies of "revitalization movements" around the world.
Laser-patterned interconnect for thin-film hybrid wafer-scale circuits

High-performance electronic systems are often constrained by conventional packaging and interconnection technologies. A new technique is described for electrically connecting integrated circuit chips to a silicon wafer interconnection substrate, enabling future fabrication of hybrid wafer-scale circuits to be performed exclusively with thin-film interconnection technology. Thin-film wiring is fabricated down beveled edges of the chips and patterned using discretionary laser etching techniques. Interconnections on a 25-µm pitch (1600 wires around a 1-cm square chip) were achieved with this approach. Functioning hybrid memory modules have been fabricated to demonstrate feasibility of the technology.
Effect of magnetic field on the spin resonance in FeTe 0.5 Se 0.5 as seen via inelastic neutron scattering

Inelastic neutron scattering and susceptibility measurements have been performed on the optimally doped Fe-based superconductor ${\text{FeTe}}_{0.5}{\text{Se}}_{0.5}$, which has a critical temperature, ${T}_{c}$ of 14 K. The magnetic scattering at the stripe antiferromagnetic wave vector $\mathbf{Q}=(0.5,0.5)$ exhibits a ``resonance'' at $\ensuremath{\sim}6\text{ }\text{meV}$, where the scattering intensity increases abruptly when cooled below ${T}_{c}$. In a 7-T magnetic field parallel to the $a\text{\ensuremath{-}}b$ plane, ${T}_{c}$ is slightly reduced to $\ensuremath{\sim}12\text{ }\text{K}$, based on susceptibility measurements. The resonance in the neutron-scattering measurements is also affected by the field. The resonance intensity under field cooling starts to rise at a lower temperature $\ensuremath{\sim}12\text{ }\text{K}$, and the low-temperature intensity is also reduced from the zero-field value. Our results provide clear evidence for the intimate relationship between superconductivity and the resonance measured in magnetic excitations of Fe-based superconductors.
Organizational size and the use of firm internal labor markets in high growth establishments

Abstract Common to all accounts of firm internal labor markets (FILMs) is the primary role they assign to organizational size. Despite the importance attached to size, the size-FILM relationship has remained rather ambiguous. More importantly, the relationship has been examined only for static measures of size. In addition to the time at which size is measured, other unresolved issues include the conceptualization of the size-FILM relationship and the level at which size is measured. The results of an analysis of FILM use in high growth establishments confirm the importance of size in predicting the use of FILMs, but only as it interacts with the prior level of growth. In particular, the evidence highlights the significance of the dynamic aspects of organizational structure for the use of FILMs.
A history of simulation-enhanced interprofessional education

This article explores the evolution and history of interprofessional education (IPE) using healthcare simulation (HCS). The evolution described here demonstrates an achievement of patient safety efforts as a consequence of the historical roots of healthcare and highlights HCS as a progressive method synergistic with IPE. This paper presents a descriptive review that covers the HCS and IPE literature, indicating factors that led to the use of HCS in IPE. Understanding the history of simulation-enhanced IPE provides healthcare educators with fertile ground to support future IPE. A number of benefits in using HCS to address common challenges to IPE are outlined, including natural relevance and engagement for learners, faculty attraction to its use, and the opportunity to explore socio-historical issues in teams. Several promising directions for future research are suggested.
Relative Growth and Sexual Maturity of the Texas Ghost Crab, Ocypode Quadrata (Fabr.) (Brachyura, Ocypodidae)

La taille a la puberte du Crabe Ocypode quadrata (Fabr.), de la cote centrale du Texas, a ete determinee d'apres quelques donnees histologiques et la croissance relative. Les relations de la largeur de la carapace a la longueur et a l'epaisseur de la carapace, la longueur du pedoncule oculaire et la longueur totale de la troisieme patte ambulatoire sont lineaires dans les deux sexes, et ne montrent pas des changements en rapport avec la puberte. Les femelles sont aptes a la copulation lorsque la longueur de la carapace atteint 26 mm. L'abdomen femelle s'elargit isometriquement par rapport a la carapace jusqu'a ce que celle-ci ait 26 mm de large, puis continue a s'accroitre isometriquement apres un changement distinct de pente. A cette taille meme, le cinquieme segment abdominal devient et demeure le plus grand. Les spermatozoides murs sont trouves dans les canaux spermatiques des mâles lorsque la largeur de la carapace est superieure a 24 mm. Les gonopodes s'allongent relativement plus vite que la carapace jusqu'a ce que celle-ci atteigne une largeur de 25 mm, ensuite, ils s'accroissent isometriquement. La longueur et la largeur de la plus grande pince du mâle s'accroissent d'abord irregulierement, jusqu'a une largeur de carapace de 24 mm, puis suivent une allometrie positive. Chez les femelles, ces dimensions s'accroissent, la vie durant, suivant une allometrie positive, avec des coefficients moins grands que ceux des mâles. Apres la puberte, dans les deux sexes, la carapace s'accroit de plus de 200%. Les mâles sont en moyenne environ 3% plus grands que les femelles pour les dimensions de la carapace, du pedoncule oculaire et de la troisieme patte ambulatoire. La plus grande pince du mâle est d'environ 12% plus grande que celle de la femelle pendant la periode de vie posterieure a la puberte.
Three-dimensional, transient model for laser machining of ablating/decomposing materials

A three-dimensional conduction model has been developed to predict the transient temperature distribution inside a thick solid that is irradiated by a moving laser source, and the changing shape of a groove carved into it by evaporation of material. The laser may operate in CW or in pulsed mode with arbitrary temporal as well as spatial intensity distribution. The governing equations are solved using a finite difference method on an algebraically-generated boundary-fitted coordinate system. The accuracy of the present transient model was verified by comparison with previous three-dimensional codes that were limited to quasi-steady CW operation. Groove shapes and temperature distributions, as well as their transient development, for various machining conditions are presented, demonstrating the differences in the ablation process between CW, pulsed and Q-switched (or other pulses of extremely short duration) laser operation.
A Multivariate Reanalysis of Data from ‘Parenting Behaviors: A Content Analysis of Situational Comedies Based on TV Fictional Families’:

Data presented by Bundy, Zvonkovic, and Thompson (1997) are reanalyzed, using multivariate logit analysis. While results similar to those found in their bivariate analyses were obtained in multivar...
Quantifying microartifacts using a personal computer

Microartifact analysis is a worthwhile endeavor in archaeological research. A recurring problem, however, has been the time invested in sample quantification. In this paper we offer an interactive way to quantify microartifact samples using a computer program called MMCOUNT. When the technique is applied during the point counting process, the time required to acquire reliable proportions of material classes can be reduced to approximately 25 minutes per sample, significantly less than usual counting times reported in other studies.
The teletraffic analysis of the multi-server loss model with renewal distributions

This paper presents a loss model in which a general renewal arrival stream is served by any number of general renewal servers, i.e., theGI/GI/s/s model. Using linear algebraic queueing theory (LAQT), we provide the exact steady-state solution of the number of customers in theGI/GI/s/s model at general, arrival, and departure times. We show that the steady-state solution at arrival times can be used to approximate those at general times and that the third moment of the arrival process significantly affects this approximation. Finally, we show that a conjectured inequality does not hold.
The September 11 Tragedy and the Muslim World: Living with Memory and Myth

The September 11 attacks on the United States have resurrected old fears, created new myths, and constructed enduring images and memories. These terrorist attacks also demonstrate that September 11 trauma was not simply a transient story, but rather it was rooted in deep and widespread resentment toward U.S. foreign policy. With the intensifying Palestinian crisis, new myths and memories have domi nated the Muslim world. While the September 11 tragedy brought to mind horrifying images and realities of terrorism, the messy and wan tonly cruel Israeli policies in the occupied territories represent another chapter in the contested narrative about the struggle between two peo ples. The images of the tragic events of September 11 and recurrent suicide bombings in Palestine shape the minds of many in the United States and Israel. Similarly, the memories of the massacre at the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps following the 1982 Israeli invasion of Leba non' and the 2002 Jenin killings live on in the minds of many Palestinians.
A cost-effectiveness analysis of infrainguinal bypass in the absence of great saphenous vein conduit

Background Good-quality great saphenous vein (GSV) is the preferred conduit for infrainguinal surgical revascularizations, but it is not available in all patients. We sought to identify the alternative conduit that would maximize cost-effectiveness in the context of infrapopliteal bypass for critical limb ischemia and nonhealing foot wounds. Methods A Markov model was used to create a detailed simulation of 10-year outcomes in a hypothetical Edifoligide for the Prevention of Infrainguinal Vein Graft Failure (PREVENT) III-type patient cohort undergoing infrainguinal bypass for nonhealing foot wounds. The following management options were evaluated: (1) conservative therapy (local wound care, amputation as needed); (2) primary amputation; (3) bypass with autologous alternative vein (AAV), including arm or lesser saphenous vein; (4) bypass with GSV Results Bypass with AAV had the highest effectiveness as measured in median years of ambulation. After primary amputation, bypass with PTFE had the lowest total costs. With incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of $5325 and $21,228, bypass with PTFE or AAV appeared to be cost-effective alternatives to conservative therapy for nonhealing ischemic wounds. Primary amputation, GSV Conclusions Bypass with PTFE or AAV appears to be a cost-effective option for the management of critical limb ischemia and nonhealing foot wounds when good-quality GSV is not available.
Design and status of the NGNP fuel experiment AGR-3/4 irradiated in the advanced test reactor

Abstract The United States Department of Energy's Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) advanced gas reactor (AGR) Fuel Development and Qualification Program will be irradiating up to seven separate low enriched uranium (LEU) tri-isotopic (TRISO) particle fuel (in compact form) experiments in the advanced test reactor (ATR) located at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). These irradiations and fuel development are being accomplished to support development of the next generation reactors in the United States, and will be irradiated over the next several years to demonstrate and qualify new TRISO coated particle fuel for use in high temperature gas reactors. The goals of the irradiation experiments are to provide irradiation performance data to support fuel process development, to qualify fuel for normal operating conditions, to support development and validation of fuel performance and fission product transport models and codes, and to provide irradiated fuel and materials for post irradiation examination (PIE) and safety testing. The experiments, which will each consist of at least six separate capsules, will be irradiated in an inert sweep gas atmosphere with individual on-line temperature monitoring and control of each capsule. The sweep gas will also have on-line fission product monitoring on its effluent to track performance of the fuel in each individual capsule during irradiation. The first experiment (designated AGR-1) started irradiation in December 2006 and was completed in November 2009. The second experiment (AGR-2) started irradiation in June 2010 and is currently scheduled to be completed in April 2013. The third and fourth experiments have been combined into a single experiment designated AGR-3/4, which started its irradiation in December 2011 and is currently scheduled to be completed in November 2013. Since the purpose of this experiment is to provide data on fission product migration and retention in the NGNP reactor, the design of this experiment is significantly different from the first two experiments, though the control and monitoring systems are very similar. The purpose and design of this experiment will be discussed followed by its progress and status to date.
Quantum Fact and Fiction III

Electron diffraction was shown in Part I to be due to the quantum-mechanical activity of the diffractor rather than to a fictional wave-picture manifestation of the diffracted particles. Part II aims at eliminating further fictional elements, most of them based on inconsistency of interpretation. The controversy between the extremist views of Schrodinger and Born, either frequency resonance or quantum jumps, is removed by showing that consistency compels one to admit both to occur simultaneously. Attempts at saving duality and other fictions are criticized, such as the contention that (1) “duality is a fact” seen in the contrast of obvious particle effects and not so obvious particle effects, (2) that particles are material and waves are expectations by observing subjects, (3) that statistical law means the end of the sharp separation between subject and cbject, (4) that Heisenberg’s empirical rule for the uncertainty of predicticn means indeterminacy of existence. It is pointed out that quantum mechanics can be derived as a necessary consequence of general nonquantal postulates, known from deterministic mechanics, but applied now to the construction of a probabilistic schema of connection between events.
PULMONARY INVOLVEMENT IN COMMON RHEUMATOLOGIC DISEASES IN THE ELDERLY

The combination of an older patient, rheumatic disease, and pulmonary lesions can be an important clue to clinical diagnosis and have a major impact on treatment decisions. Although most rheumatic diseases can occur in the elderly, age can have an important effect on the incidence and clinical manifestations of the disease. For example, certain diseases almost never begin in the elderly: Still's disease, Kawasaki disease, and rheumatic fever are virtually unheard of in that population. Other rheumatic diseases, such as the spondyloarthropathies and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), uncommonly present in the elderly, although their consequences may persist into old age. On the other hand, some diseases are far more likely to present after 60 years of age, and some almost exclusively so: these include osteoarthritis, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (pseudogout), polymyalgia rheumatica, and temporal arteritis/giant cell arteritis. Some diseases can begin at any phase of adult life, but their presentations may differ in the young and old: SLE and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fit this category. This variability may be due in part to the presence of comorbid conditions, which can mimic, accentuate, or ameliorate some of the manifestations of the underlying rheumatic disease. Finally, end-organ damage sustained at a young age may become clinically manifest or significant only when the patient is older. For example, the inflammation and destruction of the joints in RA likely occurs in the early phases of the disease, but the severe deformity that results may become apparent only when the patient is older and the inflammation has "burned out." Many of the rheumatic diseases seen in the elderly do not affect the lung, including osteoarthritis, gout, and pseudogout. On the other hand, the lung is a common target organ for a number of rheumatic diseases (Table 1). It can be difficult to use these relationships in the differential diagnosis of rheumatic disease, however, because the lung can respond to injury in only a limited number of ways. Many of the rheumatic diseases can cause pulmonary fibrosis or pleural effusions; several can cause pneumonitis, pulmonary hypertension, and bronchiolitis obliterans. Finally, a number of the drugs used to treat rheumatic diseases can themselves cause lung toxicity, which can be difficult to distinguish from that of the underlying illness. In this article we briefly review the common rheumatic diseases that can occur in the elderly and that can have clinically significant lung involvement.
Tandem Electrostatic Accelerators

Abstract In this type of accelerator a constant potential is applied to the acceleration of the ion beam, however, not as conventionally with just one voltage application, but instead with a number of applications made in succession by means of a tandem arrangement of high voltage tubes. This number of voltage applications, which is the number of the so-called “stages” of a tandem accelerator, may be two, three, or four, depending on the design chosen. The principles of this type of accelerator are described, and a brief account is given of the design and performance tests of a two-stage accelerator for an output rating of 10 MeV and one-half microampere of protons. Some possibilities for future development are discussed for reaching greater energies by means of three and four-stage tandem arrangements. Preliminary experimental results show the feasibility of operating these by means of the injection of a beam of neutral particles, thus retaining the use of an external ion source at ground potential, as in the present two-stage tandem accelerators.
Infection of Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) with Ichthyophonus-like Organisms in Virginia

Ichthyophonus-like organisms were found in two free-ranging adult spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) captured within two different vernal ponds in the Virginia Commonwealth University Rice Center for Environmental Life Sciences in Charles City County, Virginia. Histopathologic examination of necropsied specimens revealed large spores, often enclosed by granulomas. These enclosed spores resembled those caused by the fish pathogen Ichthyophonus hoeferi. One salamander displayed an externally visible large swelling beneath the jaws. The other lacked macroscopic abnormalities, but histologic sections of ventral muscle revealed early-stage Ichthyophonus-like organisms and minimal granulomatous reactions. This is the first report of Ichthyophonus-like infection of Ambystoma maculatum in Virginia.
The mechanical properties of a surface-modified layer on polydimethylsiloxane

Surface-modification of the elastomer poly(dimethylsiloxane) by exposure to oxygen plasma for four minutes creates a thin, stiff film. In this study, the thickness and mechanical properties of this surface-modified layer were determined. Using the phase image capabilities of a tapping-mode atomic-force microscope, the surface-modified region was distinguished from the bulk PDMS; specifically, it suggested a graded surface layer to a depth of about 200 nm. Load-displacement data for elastic indentation using a compliant AFM cantilever was analyzed as a plate bending on an elastic foundation to determine the elastic modulus of the surface (37 MPa). An applied uniaxial strain generated a series of parallel nano-cracks with spacing on the order of a few microns. Numerical analyses of this cracking phenomenon showed that the depth of these cracks was in the range of 300-600 nm and that the surface layer was extremely brittle, with its toughness in the range of 0.1-0.3 J/m(2).
Dextrous Telerobotics with Force Feedback – An Overview. Part 1: Human Factors†

Complex tasks that need to be performed through teleoperation led to the development of multifinger robot hands. A dextrous master is a multi-DOF controller which is worn by the operator in order to teleoperate these anthropomorphic hands. Force feedback is very useful when there is interaction with the environment. Providing force feedback to dextrous masters is an area of active research. We outline some of the human factors that influence the design of such masters. Of obvious importance is the hand geometry and the desired number of degrees of freedom. Additional criteria relate to the force perception of the hand. Finally, the man-machine impedance is of importance, since at the man/machine interface there are two impedances acting in series. One is the effective impedance of the human operator holding the master controller, the second is the impedance of the master controller being manipulated.
Varicella vaccination during early pregnancy: a cause of in utero miliary fetal tissue calcifications and hydrops?

BACKGROUND: It is the purpose of this article to describe a suspected association of inadvertent vaccination with varicella vaccine during early pregnancy with the subsequent development of in utero miliary fetal tissue calcifications and fetal hydrops detected by sonogram at 15 weeks of gestation. CASE: This is a case presentation of a pregnant patient who received varicella vaccination during the same menstrual cycle that she became pregnant, and is supplemented by a literary review. The fetus developed miliary fetal tissue calcifications and fetal hydrops detected by a targeted sonogram at 15 weeks gestation. CONCLUSION: Varicella vaccination during early pregnancy may be a cause of miliary fetal tissue calcifications and fetal hydrops.
Prediction of HIV Virologic Failure Among Adolescents Using the Pediatric Symptom Checklist

Psychosocial dysfunction is a risk factor for treatment non-adherence among children and adolescents. A previous study showed that high scores on the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) were associated with a history of HIV virologic failure. We assessed whether high scores on the PSC could predict virologic failure in HIV-infected youth. Caregivers of 234 adolescents between the ages of 10 and 16 years were asked to complete a PSC at baseline. Elevated PSC scores were associated with virologic failure in the subsequent 6 months. PSC scores may help guide resource utilization when viral load monitoring is limited.
The practical benefits of pharmacokinetics in the use of antineoplastic agents.

Clinical pharmacokinetics has clearly had an important impact on the use of antineoplastic agents, but this influence has primarily been the result of comprehensive analyses conducted at the time of initial clinical trial. Such studies have often determined the dose, schedule, and route of administration, and have provided general guidelines for dose adjustment in patients with organ dysfunction. On the other hand, routine pharmacokinetic monitoring, while a highly effective adjunct to drug therapy in clinical specialties other than cancer, has not yet had an important effect on clinical oncology, with the obvious exception of high-dose methotrexate therapy. A number of potentially important applications of routine monitoring are pointed out in this paper, and will certainly be examined in the future as a means of dealing with pharmacokinetic variability. However, major impediments in this effort are posed by complexity of antineoplastic pharmacology and the lack of suitably sensitive, specific, and rapid assays for routine clinical use. Radioimmunoassays and competitive binding methods offer considerable hope in this effort, but the widespread application of these methods has not yet been realized in clinical practice.
Atomic collisions at ultrarelativistic energies

At ultrarelativistic energies, atomic collisions between heavy, highly-charged atoms produce extremely intense, rapidly varying electromagnetic fields that, in turn, give rise to very large ionization cross sections, diminished normal three-body electron capture cross sections, and copious lepton pair formation. Availability of beams of ultrarelativistic heavy ions at the CERN SPS enabled experimental studies of a variety of basic atomic collision phenomena in gases and solids, including radiative electron capture and electron capture from pair production, total energy loss, ionization and electron loss to continuum, and ion channeling. Results of some of these measurements and comparisons with theoretical treatments will be presented, as well as a number of remaining puzzles presented by the data.
Management of resistant prolactinomas

Resistance to dopamine agonists occurs in a subset of patients with prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors. The resistance is mediated by loss of pituitary D2 receptors and occurs in both microadenomas and macroadenomas. Cabergoline is the most effective dopamine agonist and tumors that do not respond to bromocriptine or quinagolide frequently respond to cabergoline. Treatment options include maximizing the dose of the dopamine agonist, changing agonists, trans-sphenoidal surgery and radiation therapy. The goal of therapy is to restore and maintain gonadal and neurologic function, and this might occur in the absence of a normal prolactin level or a significant change in tumor size. Trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery should be reserved for patients who are intolerant of medical therapy, or in whom this has failed. Radiation therapy has a limited role in treatment of resistant prolactinomas and should be reserved for patients in whom medical and surgical therapy has failed.
Peculiar and Queer: Spiritual and Emotional Salvation for the LGBTQ Mormon

Clients who are lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgendered, or queer (LBGTQ) and members or former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes referred to as the Mormon or LDS Church) face a distinctive spiritual conundrum. Often people see LDS members as having “peculiar” beliefs. These “peculiar” beliefs and the social system of the Latter-day Saints distinguish them from other forms of Christianity, and create a paradigm of conflict for those who do not fit in the mold of the Mormon doctrine. In this article the authors examine issues of spirituality and religiosity, examine the literature with regard to effective counseling for LGBTQ Mormons, and review LDS Church doctrines, extracted from seminal works of the LDS Church. These are examined to better explore the difficulties of LGBTQ people and explore the meanings of peculiar and queer and their relevance to the issues of LGBTQ Mormons. Finally the authors address how oppression relates to spirituality and orientation as well as ...
Long term deformation time series: 10 years of Earth observation through ENVISAT multi-mode ASAR sensor

We present some of the main advances on long term deformation time series analysis achieved thanks to the 10 years of operation of ENVISAT ASAR sensor. This is done by considering a number of selected case studies, which are mostly based on the use of the Small BAseline Subset (SBAS) technique. In particular, we show how we benefit from the ENVISAT data availability to extend the ERS time series, thus allowing us to obtain almost 20 years of deformation history. Moreover, we demonstrate how the multi-mode capability of ENVISAT permits improving the temporal sampling in SBAS time series. Finally, we introduce a novel technique, tested on ENVISAT data, to generate displacement time series in areas affected by large deformation phenomena.
Elimination of the friction effects in unconfined compression tests of biomaterials and soft tissues.

AbstractThe mechanical properties of biomaterials and soft tissues are determined conventionally using unconfined compression tests. In such tests, frictionless specimen/platen contact in unconfined compression tests has to be assumed in determining the material properties of the materials. Previous theoretical analysis demonstrated, however, that the effects of the friction at the specimen/platen contact interface on the measured stress responses are non-negligible. In this study, a computational approach was proposed to eliminate the effects of friction. The friction coefficient between the specimen and the compression platens is measured first. Using a finite element model, the stress strain relationship, without the influence of the friction effects, can be derived from the experimental data obtained in conventional unconfined compression tests. In order to validate the proposed approach, unconfined compressive tests of rubber have been performed.
Three-dimensional computations of cross-flow injection and combustion in a supersonic flow

A low-storage version of the SPARK3D code which is based on the temporally second-order accurate MacCormack (1969) explicit scheme is used to solve the governing equations for three-dimensional chemically reacting flows with finite-rate chemistry. The code includes a fourth-order compact spatial scheme capable of providing higher order spatial accuracy, and it is used to study two-dimensional linear advection, two-dimensional Euler flow, and three-dimensional viscous flow. Also considered are the injection, mixing, and combustion of hydrogen in a supersonic cross stream.
Conformational Changes in the α-Fibrous Protein of Epidermis

The conformational changes that can be induced in the fibrous protein of human epidermis, hair, and nail were studied. The α-fibrous protein of epidermis changes to a cross-β configuration when heated to 85° C in water, but hair and nail proteins remain in their initial α-helical configuration with this treatment. The natural cross-β fibrous protein of epidermis cannot be converted to an conformation. Slow extension of epidermis without heating results in the formation of a parallel-β structure. The cross-β conformation when formed in intact tissue was stable to a variety of experimental procedures, but some interconversion between parallel-β and cross-β conformations was possible. The reasons for the differing stability of the α-configuration in hair, nail, and epidermis appear to be related to the number and nature of disulfide bonds and other cross-links.
An audiovisual test of divided attention.

A description is given of an audiovisual reaction time task, performance of which was maximal after 15 min. practice and which lasted at this level for 1 wk. Sensitivity of the test was shown in an adverse effect of inhalation of traces of anesthetic gases. Comparing responses to auditory and visual stimuli, the control auditory reaction times were faster but were lengthened more in the presence of anesthetics than were the visual ones. This test may be useful in other studies of subtle depressant drug effects. Language: en
Textile pigment printing binders prepared by modifying wheat gluten with methyl acrylate

A pigment printing binder for textiles was prepared by adding methyl acrylate groups to wheat gluten. A set of cotton/polyester blend poplin control fabrics were printed with four print paste formulations that differed in binder type: acrylic, vinyl acetate, and two types of butadiene acrylic binders. A second set of fabrics were printed with print paste formulations containing modified gluten cobinders in combination with each of the commercial binders. The print paste formulations were prepared with two types of pigments, diarylide yellow and azoic scarlet. The printed fabrics were evaluated according to standard ASTM and AATCC test methods to determine if the addition of gluten cobinders to print pastes yielded equivalent or improved performance properties. Results showed that the modified gluten cobinder did not affect the fastness to laundering, dry cleaning, perspiration, and light but slightly lowered the fastness to crocking and made the fabrics slightly stiffer. A benefit of the modified gluten cobinder was that it slightly increased the viscosity of many of the print paste formulations and reduced the amount of thickener that was needed.