cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protocols for Adaptation in Cognitive Radio

This chapter discusses protocols for adaptation in cognitive radio. The protocols described and reviewed are primarily for point-to-point, session-oriented traffic that is being sent over a communication link from one cognitive radio (CR), the “source,” to another cognitive radio, the “destination”. The protocols are suitable for mobile ad hoc networks in which packets must be relayed to reach their destinations, but it focuses on the transmissions between two radios that are within communication range of each other. These transmissions may take place on a link that is part of a route through the network. Two-way simultaneous transmissions are not required by any of the protocols, which permits each of them to be used in half-duplex radios. A typical session between the source and destination may involve the transfer of a file the size of which might range from about 50 KB to 10 MB or more. Depending on the code rates that are used for the session, a session for the transfer of files with sizes in this range requires the source to send between a few hundred and nearly a hundred thousand packets, each consisting of approximately 4000 binary code symbols.
Simultaneous use of neurostimulators in patients with a preexisting cardiovascular implantable electronic device.

Object: Neurostimulation is widely accepted for the treatment of refractory Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and chronic pain. The presence of a cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) might be considered a contraindication for neurostimulators due to the possible interaction between the two devices. The purpose of this study is to report the feasibility and safety of concomitant use of neurostimulators and CIED, and to review surgical and clinical precautions needed to avoid possible interference between the two systems. Methods: A retrospective institutional review board approved chart review of six patients having both a neurostimulator(s) and a CIED was performed. Diagnosis included Parkinson's disease (two) and intractable pain (four). All implantable cardiac devices were set on bipolar sensing mode and bipolar stimulation was chosen for the neurostimulators. In general, both systems were implanted at sites seven inches apart. Electrocardiogram monitoring was observed throughout implantation. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 31.7 months (ranging from 14 to 67 months). An extensive chart review was done and cases from previous reports were compiled. Results: In all six patients, no acute events occurred during surgery with no interaction or interference noted during implantation of the second device. Subsequent follow-up visits continued to exhibit a lack of interference between the two systems, including normal electrocardiogram studies. Both systems were noted to function at optimal levels. An extensive literature review revealed 57 unique cases previously published reporting the simultaneous use of neurostimulators and a CIED in the same patient. A table summarizing previously cited cases from the literature is provided. Conclusion: The concomitant use of neurostimulator(s) and permanent pacemaker(s) can be safely performed. Permanent pacemaker should not be considered a general contraindication for neurostimulation therapy. Current literature lacks evidence to determine the safety of concomitant use of neurostimulator(s) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator(s).
Are Children Born to Young Mothers at Increased Risk of Maltreatment

Previous case-control or cross-sectional studies have provided conflicting results about whether children of teenage mothers are at increased risk of maltreatment compared with children of older mothers. This study is the first to examine this question using a longitudinal, cohort design and the first to address important methodologic issues such as detection bias. Subjects were 219 consecutive index children born to inner-city women who were 18 years or younger and 219 sociodemographically similar comparison children born to women 19 years or older. Data were collected by reviewing the medical records of each child through the fifth birthday. Three outcomes were examined: maltreatment, poor growth, and a change in the child9s primary caretaker. Maltreatment was ascertained by having two experts, one of whom was blind to the group status, review each injury documented in the records. Predefined criteria were used to distinguish unintentional injuries from maltreatment (abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse). Maltreatment occurred more frequently in the children of young mothers (12.8%) than in the comparison group (6.4%) (risk ratio [RR] = 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17, 3.64). Poor growth, defined by growth criteria, occurred in 6.9% of the index group and in 4.1% of comparison children (RR = 1.67; 95% CI = 0.75, 3.73). A change in the child9s primary caretaker, either because of placement in foster care or because the mother left the home, occurred in 12.8% of the index group and in 3.2% in comparison children (RR = 4.00; 95% CI = 1.80, 8.87). Children of teenage mothers, compared with children of older mothers, are at increased risk of maltreatment and of changes in their primary caretakers.
Approximating a finite metric by a small number of tree metrics

Y. Bartal (1996, 1998) gave a randomized polynomial time algorithm that given any n point metric G, constructs a tree T such that the expected stretch (distortion) of any edge is at most O (log n log log n). His result has found several applications and in particular has resulted in approximation algorithms for many graph optimization problems. However approximation algorithms based on his result are inherently randomized. In this paper we derandomize the use of Bartal's algorithm in the design of approximation algorithms. We give an efficient polynomial time algorithm that given a finite n point metric G, constructs O(n log n) trees and a probability distribution /spl mu/ on them such that the expected stretch of any edge of G in a tree chosen according to /spl mu/ is at most O(log n log log n). Our result establishes that finite metrics can be probabilistically approximated by a small number of tree metrics. We obtain the first deterministic approximation algorithms for buy-at-bulk network design and vehicle routing; in addition we subsume results from our earlier work on derandomization. Our main result is obtained by a novel view of probabilistic approximation of metric spaces as a deterministic optimization problem via linear programming.
Trends in Health Insurance Status of US Children and their Parents, 1998–2008

In the United States (US), a parent’s health insurance status affects their children’s access to health care making it critically important to examine trends in coverage for both children and parents. To gain a better understanding of these health insurance trends, we assessed the coverage status for both children and their parents over an 11-year time period (1998–2008). We conducted secondary analysis of data from the nationally-representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. We examined frequency distributions for full-year child/parent insurance coverage status by family income, conducted Chi-square tests of association to assess significant differences over time, and explored factors associated with full-year insurance coverage status in 1998 and in 2008 using logistic regression. When considering all income groups together, the group with both child and parent insured decreased from 72.4 % in 1998 to 67.2 % in 2008. When stratified by income, the percentage of families with an insured child, but an uninsured parent increased for low-income families from 12.4 to 25.1 % and from 3.8 to 7.1 % for middle-income families when comparing 1998–2008. In regression analyses, family income remained the strongest characteristic associated with a lack of full-year health insurance. As future policy reforms take shape, it will be important to look beyond children’s coverage patterns to assess whether gains have been made in overall family coverage.
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL CONTROL OF LINGUISTIC SCHOLARSHIP

This article is a survey of the broad field of bibliographical control of linguistic scholarship in the Indo‐European languages, although some titles described here are also pertinent for non‐Indo‐European languages. Improvement of bibliographies in this field as well as desiderata are noted. Special attention is given to the characteristics of existing or needed bibliographies which will permit computerization; but the need for scholarly insight in planning and supervising the compilation of bibliographies is also emphasized. Major works such as the Linguistic Bibliography and the MLA International Bibliography are reviewed in some detail; and the linguistic bibliographies of individual Indo‐European languages, ranging from the rather extensive literature on Germanic and Romance languages to areas with smaller circles of interest such as the Celtic languages, also receive appropriate attention. Bibliographical coverage of both descriptive and historical linguistics is noted. The survey indicates duplication of effort in certain fields and suggests the need for co‐operative effort.
Prospective, Double-Blind, Concurrent, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Intravenous Ribavirin Therapy of Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, concurrent, placebo-controlled clinical trial of intravenous ribavirin (loading dose of 33 mg/kg, 16 mg/kg every 6 h for 4 days, and 8 mg/kg every 8 h for 3 days) was conducted in 242 patients with serologically confirmed hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in the People's Republic of China. Mortality was significantly reduced (sevenfold decrease in risk) among ribavirin-treated patients, when comparisons were adjusted for baseline risk estimators of mortality (P = .01; two-tailed). HFRS typically consists of five consecutive but frequently overlapping clinical phases. Only occurrence of oliguric phase and hemorrhage was associated with severity of clinical disease in the placebo group. Ribavirin therapy also resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of entering the oliguric phase and experiencing hemorrhage. The only ribavirin-related side effect was a well-recognized, fully reversible anemia after completion of therapy.
Effects of denervation and reserpine on nexuses in the rat vas deferens.

Abstract Permanganate-fixed vasa deferentia from rats were examined for the presence of nexal-like contacts by electron microscopy. There was a significantly greater incidence of nexuses (2×) in chronically denervated tissues (5–7 days) but not in tissues from reserpine-pretreated animals (1.0 mg/kg/day for 5–7 days). The results suggest that an increase in nexal regions may not be a general feature of postjunctional supersensitivity but rather may contribute to other denervation-induced changes in contractile response.
Online Trust and Health Information Websites

Health care websites are important to people managing their health. But the quality of the information on health care websites varies, so it's hard for users to decide whether to trust their information. This study develops and tests a model of the factors influencing users' initial trust of a health care website. The factors are perceived credibility, risk, and ease of use. A survey instrument was developed to test the model with 176 participants who interacted with a health care website. It had strong statistical reliability and validity, and the model showed a statistically strong fit to the data. Users' website trust was significantly explained by users' perceptions of website credibility, ease of use, and risk. Ease of use directly predicted trust, and affected trust indirectly through credibility. Credibility was a direct predictor of trust and an indirect predictor of trust through risk. Variance explained by the model was high, 0.73.
Juvenile hormone: Modulation of cryoprotectant synthesis in Eurosta solidaginis by a component of the endocrine system

Abstract The role of juvenile hormone as a possible modulator of insect cold-hardiness has been investigated in the gall fly larvae of Eurosta solidaginis. The 3rd-instar larva is freezing tolerant and survives the rigours of winter by producing carbohydrate cryoprotective agents (i.e. glycerol and sorbitol). Since cold-hardening frequently occurs in conjuntion with developmental processes under endocrine control, a study of these possible interrelationships was made. Third-instar larvae collected during autumn were allatectomized by ligation of the head. Experimental larvae received topical applications of synthetic juvenile hormone, methoprene, a potent juvenile hormone analogue, or precocene II, an anti-juvenoid. Following treatment, all larvae were then subjected to one of two temperature acclimation protocols at 5 or 15°C for up to 5 days. Ligation resulted in a 20% decrease in glycerol and up to a 40% increase in sorbitol levels vs controls following 5°C exposure. At 15°C, deprivation yielded a 13% decrease in glycerol and up to a 47% increase in sorbitol. Ligation resulted in decreased glycerol levels independent of temperature especially in early autumn. Cryoprotectant synthesis/accumulation was responsive to juvenile hormone replacement with peak sensitivity observed in October. Ligated larvae were generally insensitive to juvenile hormone replacement in September and December. These responses were temperature dependent; polyol accumulation was reduced by 50% at +5°C and enhanced by 22% at +15°C (2 and 8 μg glycerol/mg larvae, respectively). This study provides the first evidence suggesting an association between juvenile hormone and regulation of cryoprotectant accumulation in insects.
Front Sensor and GPS-Based Lateral Control of Automated Vehicles

This work proposes an automated steering control system for passenger cars. Feasibility of a control strategy based on a front sensor and a Global Positioning System (GPS) has been evaluated using computer simulations. First, the steering angles can be estimated by using the driving data provided by the front sensor and GPS. Second, the road curvature estimator for real-time situation is designed based on its relationship with the steering angle. Third, accurate and real-time estimation of the vehicle's lateral displacements with respect to the road is accomplished. Finally, a closed-loop controller is used to control the lateral dynamics of the vehicle. The proposed estimation and control algorithms are validated by computer simulation results. They show that this lateral steering control system achieves good and robust performance for vehicles to follow a reference path.
Prognostic Factors in Breast Cancer

There are several independent but interrelated prognostic factors predictive of recurrence and survival in breast cancer. These include axillary nodal status, histopathology, steroid receptors, proliferative rate, ploidy, and oncogene amplification. Axillary nodal status has been the traditional mainstay predictor for recurrence and survival in primary breast cancer. In addition, the presence of the estrogen and progesterone receptors has correlated with longer disease-free interval and overall survival in stage I and II breast cancer. Thymidine-labeling index and percent S-phase as measured by flow cytometry are indices of cell proliferation that correlate with relapse rate in pre- and postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Estrogen and progesterone receptor-negative tumors are more commonly aneuploid, and have higher percent S-phase, factors that predict for recurrence in Stage I breast cancer.
Spin dynamics of a magnetic antivortex: Micromagnetic simulations

We report on a study of the dynamics of a magnetic antivortex in a submicrometer, asteroid-shaped, permalloy ferromagnet using micromagnetic simulations. As with vortex states in disk and square geometries, a gyrotropic mode was found in which a shifted antivortex core orbits about the center of the asteroid. Pulsed magnetic fields were used to generate azimuthal or radial spin wave modes, depending on the field orientation. The degeneracy of low-frequency azimuthal mode frequencies is lifted by gyrotropic motion of the antivortex core, and restored by inserting a hole in the center of the particle to suppress this motion. We briefly compare the dynamics of the vortex state of the asteroid to the antivortex. The size dependence of the antivortex modes is reported.
A Very Solid Fuel: Ferrous Iron Oxide as a Geochemical Energy Source

Ferrous iron oxides, present in abundant minerals such as olivines, can be oxidized to ferric iron oxide to produce more energy per unit oxygen than carbon and hydrogen. These “geofuels” are essentially inexhaustible. Energy might be extracted from geofuels by using the ferrous iron oxide to reduce fluids for use in a fuel cell. Water can be reduced by geofuels, producing hydrogen fuel. Ferrous iron oxide containing rocks are abundant, but diluted with inert oxides. Exploiting them requires new technologies to extract the energy and handle the oxidized mineral residues.
One Enzyme Makes a Fungal Pathogen, But Not a Saprophyte, Virulent on a New Host Plant

Certain genes of Nectria haematococca , a fingal pathogen of pea ( Pisum sativum ), encode pisatin demethylase (pda), a cytochrome P-450 monoxygenase that detoxifies the phytoalexin pisatin. Because pda is required by N.haematococca for pathogenicity on pea, pisatin helps defend pea against N. haematococca . The possibility that pisatin is a general defense factorµthat is, that pda can confer pathogenicity to fungi not normally pathogenic on peaµwas investigated. Genes encoding pda were transformed into and highly expressed in Cochliobolus heterostrophus , a fungal pathogen of maize but not of pea, and in Aspergillus nidulans , a saprophytic fungus, neither of which produces a significant amount of pda. Transformants contained at least as much pda as did wild-type N. haematococca . Recombinant C. heterostrophus was normally virulent on maize, but it also caused symptoms on pea, whereas recombinant A. nidulans did not affect pea. Thus, phytoalexins can function in nonspecific resistance of plants to microbes; saprophytes appear to lack genes for basic pathogenicity.
Parenteral glycerol enhances gluconeogenesis in very premature infants

We have previously demonstrated that very premature infants receiving total parenteral nutrition maintain normoglycemia primarily by glucose produced via gluconeogenesis and that the lipid emulsion is most important in supporting gluconeogenesis. It is, however, not clear whether this is a result of the glycerol or the fatty acid constituent. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of intravenous supplemental glycerol alone on glucose production and gluconeogenesis. Twenty infants (birth weight, 1014 +/- 32 g; gestational age, 27 +/- 1 wk) were studied on d 4 +/- 1 (mean +/- SE). All infants received glucose at 17 micromol/kg x min for 9 h (after an initial study hour with 33 micromol/kg x min). Eight infants received no additional substrate during the study, and 12 infants received supplemental glycerol at 5 (n = 6) or 10 micromol/kg x min (n = 6) over the last 5 h of study. In infants receiving glucose alone, between period 1 (study hours 4-5) and period 2 (study hours 9-10), rates of glucose production ([U-13C]glucose) decreased from 12.9 +/- 1.2 to 7.4 +/- 0.9 micromol/kg x min (p < 0.01). This was the result of decreased glycogenolysis but no change in gluconeogenesis ([U-13C]glucose mass isotopomer distribution analysis) (5.1 +/- 0.6 versus 5.7 +/- 0.4 micromol/kg x min) (ns). Glycerol infusion at 5 and 10 micromol/kg x min, respectively, maintained glucose production (despite comparable decrease in glycogenolysis) by increasing gluconeogenesis from 4.3 +/- 0.2 to 6.3 +/- 0.5 (p < 0.03), and 6.0 +/- 0.7 to 8.8 +/- 0.8 micromol/kg/min (p < 0.01). In very premature infants, parenteral glycerol enhances gluconeogenesis and attenuates time dependent decrease in glucose production.
The energy crisis: An electrochemical viewpoint

Abstract The energy crisis currently consists largely of the effect of oil supply and cost on the economy on one hand, and the capital requirements for developing replacement energy sources (either environmentally-acceptable fossil or non-fossil) on the other. This paper explores the role of electrochemistry in replacing oil with other energy sources at a minimum capital cost. This role may be very important in developing a new energy economy in which heat-engines are replaced by fuel cell devices at much higher second-law efficiencies, and in which energy utilization is optimized by storage. The effects of electrochemistry on nontraditional energy sources (primary or secondary solar energy), and also on chemical processes are considered in some detail.
The feasibility of using the sterile insect technique against Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae) infesting greenhouse chrysanthemum

Summary Liriomyza trifolii is a serious pest of chrysanthemum greenhouses and other crops around the world. The larvae feed within the leaves of the host plants and create serpentine mines. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) has been successfully used against some Dipteran species in the field, and it is especially efficient against isolated populations like those on islands. Therefore, SIT against pest populations in confined environments such as greenhouses should have high potential for success. The objectives of this study were to determine the optimum gamma-irradiation dosage required for the sterilisation of L. trifolii adults, and to determine the quality (emergence percentage, flight ability, longevity, copulatory success, and sperm transfer) of the irradiated males compared with that of non-irradiated (normal) males. We found that sterility (< 0.7 mine per female) was achieved with the dose of 170 ± 5% Gy. The copulatory success and sperm transfer during copulation of the sterile males were not significantly different from those of normal males. Moreover, the longevity, emergence percentage and flight ability of irradiated males were also not significantly different from normal males. The SIT experiments suggest that the release of sterile L. trifolii can significantly reduce the reproductive capacity of a wild leafminer population. Our studies indicate that sterilisation of L. trifolii flies is feasible and that sterile males are of high quality and competitive with normal males. Based on these data, research on the use of SIT against L. trifolii populations in greenhouses is ongoing.
Universal anharmonic vibrator description of nuclei and critical nuclear phase transitions.

A new analysis of yrast energies in collective medium and heavy even-even nuclei shows two startling results. First, although these nuclei exhibit widely varying structure [the ratio [ital E](4[sub 1][sup +])/[ital E](2[sub 1][sup +]) ranges from [similar to]2.0 to [similar to]3.33], they show a universal behavior of an [ital anharmonic] [ital vibrator] with [ital nearly] [ital constant] [ital anharmonicity] in which the multiphonon interactions are independent of the internal structure of the vibration. Second, the transition from anharmonic vibrator to rotor can be described by [ital critical] [ital phase] [ital transitional] [ital behavior]. These results suggest a reexamination of very basic ideas of structural evolution in finite-body nuclear systems.
Implementing practice changes: walk before you run.

We can learn a lot from the practice improvement literature (Langley, Nolan, Nolan, Norman, & Provost, 1996) about how to walk before we run when implementing evidence-based innovations in our health care organizations. Specifically, the cycle known as PDSA-Plan, Do, Study, Act-informs us about how to conduct "small tests of change" before implementing a larger pilot test or spreading a change throughout an organization. This RTNP issue's Evidence-Based Practice column focuses on describing the components of PDSA cycles, suggesting how they fit into an EBP approach to improving the quality of care, and providing an actual example of how the PDSA cycle was used to implement a nursing practice change in a hospital. A PDSA cycle (see Figure 1) consists of the four components or phases stated above (Langley et al., 1996). During the first Plan phase, a project team develops specific objectives for the cycle, makes predictions about how the project will turn out, and develops a protocol for implementing the small test of change. In the second or Do phase, the test of the innovation is conducted, process issues are elicited from participants, problems or issues with implementation are shared with the project team, and, finally, team members begin to analyze initial feedback or data. Data accumulated during phase two is evaluated completely during the Study phase of the PDSA cycle. This data is then compared to the predicted or hoped for implementation processes and outcomes. If the desired processes or outcomes are not achieved, the team needs to glean the lessons learned from the Do and Study phases of the cycle. Based on the initial feedback and evaluation of data, the team determines what changes (Act) need to be made to the implementation protocol and what the next PDSA cycle will encompass. Perhaps here we should pause for a moment to talk about small tests of change. Over the past few years working with agencies to implement evidence-based practice, I learned that long pilot tests of practice changes are inefficient. My initial lessons came from attempting to implement a pilot study in an acute care agency (Fineout-Overholt, Levin, & Melnyk, 2005), and later lessons came from a home care agency. In the latter case, the author worked with home care nurses to implement a practice change in the traditional EBP research utilization model of conducting a pilot study in an entire office of the home care agency. As it turned out, had we tried a small test first-limited to a few nurses and clients for a short (perhaps a week or two) period of time-we would have picked up process issues that we could have addressed early and that would have led to a more successful outcome. Process issues can be picked up and addressed early using a PDSA approach. Learning about practice improvement models from colleagues in the home care agency who are specialists in that approach (please see acknowledgement), I was able to transfer that learning to the acute care setting with success. …
Role of opioids in acute and delayed preconditioning.

Abstract A number of endogenous mediators, including opioids, adenosine and bradykinin, which act on cardiac cell membrane receptors have been demonstrated to trigger the phenomenon termed ischemic preconditioning (IPC). IPC is an endogenous protective mechanism, whereby a brief period of ischemia or hypoxia protects a cell or organ, in this review the heart, against injury from a subsequent more prolonged stressful insult. Recent data suggest that opioid receptors are important triggers and/or mediators of this protective response. Selective pharmacological antagonists of the δ-or κ-opioid receptor have been shown to block IPC, and agonists of these same receptors have been shown to mimic IPC in intact animals, isolated hearts or isolated cardiomyocytes. This review will summarize the current state of knowledge, which exists defining the role and cellular signaling pathways by which endogenously or exogenously administered opioids produce their cardioprotective response. The potential clinical application and evidence to suggest that opioids produce a similar protective effect in man will also be discussed.
Target/Blanket Design for the Accelerator Production of Tritium Plant

The Accelerator Production of Tritium Target/Blanket (T/B) system is comprised of an assembly of tritium-producing modules supported by safety, heat removal, shielding, and retargeting systems. The T/B assembly produces tritium using a high-energy proton beam, a tungsten/lead spallation neutron source and {sup 3}He gas as the tritium-producing feedstock. The supporting heat removal systems remove the heat deposited by the proton beam during both normal and off-normal conditions. The shielding protects workers from ionizing radiation, and the retargeting systems remove and replace components that have reached their end of life. All systems reside within the T/B building, which is located at the end of a linear accelerator. For the nominal production mode, protons are accelerated to an energy of 1030 MeV at a current of 100 mA and are directed onto the T/B assembly. The protons are expanded to a 0.19- x 1.9-m beam spot before striking a centrally located tungsten neutron source. A surrounding lead blanket produces additional neutrons from scattered high-energy particles. A total of 27 neutrons are produced per incident proton. Tritium is produced by neutron capture in {sup 3}He gas that is contained in aluminum tubes throughout the blanket. The {sup 3}He/tritium mixture is removed on amore » semi-continuous basis for purification in an adjacent Tritium Separation Facility. Systems and components are designed with safety as a primary consideration to minimize risk to the workers and the public. Materials and component designs were chosen based on the experiences of operating spallation neutron sources that have been designed and built for the neutron science community. An extensive engineering development and demonstration program provides detailed information for the completion of the design.« less
Industry appraises and develops the engineer of today

Industry and engineering are dependent on one another. What the young engineer can give to industry and get from it is discussed by Past President Lee.
Action of ionizing radiation on lipid-protein interaction

Laser Raman spectroscopy has been used to investigate the effect of 137 Cs γ -rays (100 rad) on the interaction of proteolipid apoprotein in liposomes prepared from dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine + linoleic acid. Thermal transitions have been derived from the temperature-dependent CH-stretching features of the lipids. The low temperature transition (T c ∼14°) assigned to a proteolipid apoprotein-linoleic acid phase, disappears upon irradiation (2 h after 100 rad). The mid-temperature transition (T c ∼32°), assigned to a dipalmitoylphosphatidyl choline-proteolipid apoprotein phase, remains almost unchanged after ∼ 2 h of 100 rad 137 Cs. We postulate that ionizing radiation preferentially alters the protein-bound linoleic acid-rich phase.
A Woman's Life Before Serving Life: Examining the Negative Pre-Incarceration Life Events of Female Life-Sentenced Inmates

Despite the increase in the number of females incarcerated, there is a paucity of research concerning female life-sentenced inmates in the United States. Using a nationally representative data set containing the largest known sample of this population, the present research examines the pre-incarceration traumatic experiences of female life-sentenced inmates. The results indicate that these women are more likely to experience traumatic events, in particular abuse, than either male life-sentenced inmates or female inmates in general. Logistic regression analyses reveal a significant association between abuse and a life sentence in both gender-specific models.
Liquid–solid flows using smoothed particle hydrodynamics and the discrete element method

Abstract This study presents a computational method combining smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and the discrete element method (DEM) to model flows containing a viscous fluid and macroscopic solid particles. The two-dimensional numerical simulations are validated by comparing the wake size, drag coefficient and local heat transfer for flow past a circular cylinder at Reynolds numbers near 100. The central focus of the work, however, is in computing flows of liquid–solid mixtures, such as the classic shear-cell experiments of Bagnold. Hence, the simulations were performed for neutrally buoyant particles contained between two plates for different solid fractions, fluid viscosities and shear rates. The tangential force resulting from the presence of particles shows an increasing dependence on the shear rate as observed in the Bagnold experiments. The normal force shows large variations with time, whose source is presently unclear but independent of the direct collisions between particles and the walls.
Physical and chemical properties of randomly interesterified blends of soybean oil and tallow for use as margarine oils

Refined, unhydrogenated soybean oil and edible beef tallow were interesterified with sodium methoxide. This was done as an alterna-tive to hydrogenation for the production of plastic fats for use as margarine oils. Using 0.5% sodium methoxide at 80 C, interesterifi-cation was complete in 30 min as determined by lipase hydrolysis. A blend of 60% soybean oil and 40% edible beef tallow was found to have physical characteristics (melting point, solid fat index) similar to those of commercial tub margarine oils. The level of poly-unsaturated fatty acids was slightly lower and the level of saturated fatty acids slightly higher than the commercial margarine oils. Iodine value andtrans fatty acid determinations indicated no dis-cernible effect on the degree of unsaturation or the level of isomeric fatty acids by the interesterification process. The interesterified blend did contain 3.0%trans fatty acids which were originally present in the tallow. Oxidative stability of the interesterified oils was estimated by peroxide value determinations over several days on samples stored at 60 C. Experimental blends treated with 0.1% citric acid had poorer stability than the partially hydrogenated margarine oils; however, 0.01% BHA significantly delayed oxidation of the experimental samples.
Time: a method of detecting the dynamic variances of trust

Given that interactions are dynamic, we propose that trust is also a dynamic, unfolding, and a deeply contextual phenomenon that must be evaluated as such. The central argument of this paper is that there is a need to measure trust iteratively and in situ. This measurement of trust can provide a deeper insight into the construct of trust and the design elements that influence it. In this paper we present a review of trust evaluation methods. We then propose our method, the TIME Method, using repeated measures of trust across multiple pages of a website to tie design elements to increases or decreases in user trust. We then evaluate user trust with the TIME Method to demonstrate the degree of trust variability. Last, we discuss future methods for evaluating trust.
Decision-theoretic estimation of generalized variance and generalized precision

Consider a random data matrix X=(X1,...,Xk):pXk with independent columns [sathik] and an independent p X p Wishart matrix [sathik]. Estimators dominating the best affine equivariant estimators of [sathik] are obtained under four types of loss functions. Improved estimators (Testimators) of generalized variance and generalized precision are also considered under convex entropy loss (CEL).
Mixed reasons, missed givings: The costs of blending egoistic and altruistic reasons in donation requests☆

Abstract Do people give more when benefits to others and oneself are emphasized? We propose that mixing egoistic and altruistic reasons reduces the likelihood of giving by increasing individuals' awareness that a persuasion attempt is occurring, which elicits psychological reactance. In Experiment 1, university alumni were less likely to give money to their alma mater when an electronic donation request emphasized both egoistic and altruistic reasons, compared to either reason alone. In Experiment 2, undergraduates reported lower giving intentions when a donation request emphasized an altruistic and an egoistic reason, compared to either altruistic or egoistic reasons alone. In Experiment 3, undergraduates reported lower intentions to give to the Make-A-Wish Foundation when the donation request featured both egoistic and altruistic reasons; this effect was mediated in two stages by increased persuasion awareness and heightened psychological reactance. This research sheds light on when messages that purport to align self-interest and other-interest can backfire.
Synthesis of control systems

FEEDBACK CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN is most effective when both steady-state and transient performance specifications can be realized. One approach, synthesis, proceeds from a set of closed-loop specifications to an appropriate open-loop system which, upon closure of the feedback path, satisfies the specifications. Almost without exception, a compensation network must be used in conjunction with the fixed portion of the system G 2 (s). In many cases it is desirable that the compensation network consist of resistance and capacitance elements. To be R-C realizable, the poles of the transfer function describing the compensation network must be simple on the negative real axis, the origin and infinity excluded, i.e., its pole-zero excess must be equal to or greater than zero.
Sticks used by chimpanzees in Rio Muni, West Africa.

Goodall1–3 and Suzuki4 have reported seeing wild chimpanzees use objects as tools to obtain food. Goodall has also summarized previous reliable reports, and Hall5 has summarized data and discussed several aspects of the use of natural objects as tools by several groups of animals.
Sensory response following knee joint damage in rabbits

Altered sensory information arising from damaged knee joint structures has been hypothesized as a contributing factor to persistent muscle dysfunction following injury. Composite femoral nerve sensory signal was measured in 24 rabbits randomly allocated (8 per group) to receive surgical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transection with or without autograft reconstruction or nothing (control). Two-weeks after the intervention composite afferent signals were recorded from the femoral nerve. Side-to-side ratios (surgical side vs contralateral healthy side) for peak femoral nerve afferent composite signal were used for comparison. Femoral nerve afferent signal ratios were significantly higher in the ACL-R (2.21 ± 0.74) group when compared to the ACL-T (1.28 ± 0.61, P = 0.02) group and Control group (1.31 ± 0.78, P = 0.03). The magnitude of sensory information recorded on the femoral nerve is increased following ACL injury and reconstruction surgery, but not after an isolated ACL injury in rabbits.
Transducer-based measurements of Terfenol-D material properties

Quantification of Terfenol-D material properties is not readily achieved through standard stress-strain test procedures due to the sensitivity of material properties to changes in magnetic and mechanical loads. A Terfenol-D transducer can be used to measure material properties under varied operating conditions. The development of the measurement and calculation procedures used to obtain material properties is based on the model of low signal, linear magnetostriction, linear transduction equations for a transducer, and a one degree of freedom mechanical model of the transducer. Vector impedance and admittance analysis is used to determine the transducer resonant, anti-resonant, and half power point frequencies. Using these frequencies, acceleration from an accelerometer mounted on the transducer, readily measurable transducer and Terfenol-D rod parameters (mass, length, etc.), and the calculation procedures described, pertinent material properties such as the Young's moduli, permeabilities, magnetomechanical coupling factor, and the linear coupling coefficient (d33) can be determined. The subtleties of applying this theory to real world non-linear Terfenol-D operated in a transducer are addressed, including proper design and operation of a transducer to achieve circular Nyquist mobility loops. Experimental results from this method are compared with other research and the material property trends are found to be consistent.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The postnatal development of the human temporomandibular joint.

Fifty-one temporomandibular joints (24 male, 27 female) obtained at autopsy were used in the study. Forty-four specimens were younger than ten years while others ranged to 21 years. These joints were radiographed, sectioned sagittally or frontally, and slide-mounted as decalcified and undecalcified sections using conventional histologic techniques. The slides were examined microscopically in whole, polarized, and ultraviolet light. Two of the specimens surveyed exhibited fluorescent labeling as a consequence of therapeutic tetra cycline application. Throughout the postnatal developmental period the articular tissue and disc consist of fibrous connective tissue. Cartilage cells were not observed in these structures at any time during the twenty-one year age-span studied. At birth the disc is flat and develops an accentuated S-shaped profile as the articular tubercle develops. The articular tubercle is only a small elevation at birth and is formed by a combination of endochondral, immature, and ordinary intramembranous bone formation. The characteristic profile of the temporal portion of the joint is achieved during the first two or three years of life, after which gradual enlargement and compaction of bony structures occur. While the mandibular condyle grows in a constant posterior, superior, and lateral direction, it does not attain its mature contour until the late mixed dentition age. Condylar growth cartilage is approximately 1.5 mm thick at birth but it thins down in a short time to about 0.5 mm. During the first two years of life the growth cartilage is penetrated by vascularized connective tissue septa whose function appears to be nourishment of the cartilage. The growth cartilage does not show the columnar arrangement of chondrocytes seen in epiphyses, nor are isogenous groups observed. At 16 to 17 years, the growth cartilage becomes thinner and a closing plate of bone is beginning to coalesce below it.
Understanding the Charter School Concept in Legislation: The Cases of Arizona, Michigan and Georgia.

This article explores the ways in which policy‐makers in Arizona, Michigan and Georgia understood the charter concept when adopting charter legislation. Drawing on literature on policy formation, the paper traces both the creation of the charter law in each state, and the underlying rationales that led policy‐makers to support the legislation. The author compares the rationales found in each state based on the goals of the legislation and the means to reaching those goals (including various interpretations of the concepts of autonomy and accountability). This analysis helps to explain why the idea of charter schools has received support from individuals and organizations that span the ideological spectrum.
A Meditation on Metadata

Summary Metadata, or “data about data,” have been created and used for centuries in the print environment, though the term has its origins in the world of electronic information management. The close relationship between traditional library cataloging and the documentation of electronic data files (known as “metadata”) is presented, showing that cataloging is changing under the influence of information technology, but also that metadata provision is essentially an extension of traditional cataloging processes. Metadata
The influence on a stability analysis involving a prototype solidification problem of including an interfacial surface entropy effect in the heat balance relationship at the interface

Abstract A reexamination of the conservation of heat boundary condition usually imposed at the solid-liquid interface during controlled solidification by means of a careful application, to energy conservation at that interface, of a general balance equation from continuum mechanics for surfaces of discontinuity yields a new conservation of heat condition containing an extra term involving interfacial curvature and surface entropy. A standard linear stability analysis by a normal mode technique of the uniform growth of a planar interface of a pure solid into a thermally undercooled liquid shows that the consideration of this extra term has a destabilizing effect on a model which does not include it for this prototype priblem if surface entropy is negative and a stabilizing influence if it is positive.
Reasons for smoking among extremely heavy smokers

Abstract Four factors describing reasons for smoking were identified in 200 heavy smokers. When these four factor scores were correlated with other variables, the Addictive/Habitual Needs factor correlated most often with increased used of tobacco, alcohol, and coffee. The Pleasure factor was associated with obesity and the Stress Reaction factor with more perceived stress. The Stress Reaction factor was consistently correlated with more unfavorable ratings on psychological adjustment. Persons who smoked to alleviate stress or for addictive/habitual needs had tried to stop more often, whereas those who smoked for pleasure had little motivation to stop smoking. Findings suggest that there are individual differences in reasons for smoking among extremely heavy smokers and that these need to be taken into account in trying to help such individuals.
Emotion Expression, Emotionality, Depressive Symptoms, and Stress: Maternal Profiles Related to Child Outcomes

This study investigated the relationships between various maternal characteristics and child outcomes in preschool age children. Participants included 128 mother-child pairs. Mothers and children participated in two observational tasks, clean-up and Tickle-Me-Elmo, which were coded for expressions of emotion, and mothers completed self-report surveys. A person-centered latent profile analysis was applied, identifying distinct maternal profiles defined by observed positive emotion expression and reported positive and negative emotionality, depressive symptoms, and parenting stress. Four profiles were identified, labeled Happy, Melancholic, Stressed, and Struggling. These profiles were found to be associated with child outcomes, including observed positive and negative emotion expression and problem behaviors. Specifically, the Melancholic and Struggling profiles tended to be negatively related to child emotion expression, while the Stressed and Struggling profiles tended to be related to greater child problem behaviors. The results highlight meaningful distinctions between concurrent, interacting maternal characteristics that contribute to child emotion socialization, and they suggest significant differentiations in the factors that contribute to child risk.
Surface plasmon and photonic mode propagation in gold nanotubes with varying wall thickness

Gold nanotube arrays are synthesized with a range of wall thicknesses (15 to >140 nm) and inner diameters of ∼200 nm using a hard-template method. A red spectral shift (>0.39 eV) with decreasing wall thickness is observed in dark-field spectra of nanotube arrays and single nanowire/nanotube heterostructures. Finite-difference-time-domain simulations show that nanotubes in this size regime support propagating surface plasmon modes as well as surface plasmon ring resonances at visible wavelengths (the latter is observed only for excitation directions normal to the nanotube long axis with transverse polarization). The energy of the surface plasmon modes decreases with decreasing wall thickness and is attributed to an increase in mode coupling between propagating modes in the nanotube core and outer surface and the circumference dependence of ring resonances. Surface plasmon mode propagation lengths for thicker-walled tubes increase by a factor of ∼2 at longer wavelengths (>700 nm), where ohmic losses in the metal are low, but thinner-walled tubes (30 nm) exhibit a more significant increase in surface plasmon propagation length (by a factor of more than four) at longer wavelengths. Additionally, nanotubes in this size regime support a photonic mode in their core, which does not change in energy with changing wall thickness. However, photonic mode propagation length is found to decrease for optically thin walls. Finally, correlations are made between the experimentally observed changes in dark-field spectra and the changes in surface plasmon mode properties observed in simulations for the various gold nanotube wall thicknesses and excitation conditions.