cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Middle school students' conceptions of engineering

This study investigated middle school students' conceptions of engineering. Participants were sixth through eighth grade members of afterschool engineering clubs. Thus, the study contributes to understanding middle school students' knowledge of engineering, and also to how afterschool activities shape students' conceptions of engineering. Researchers have increasingly attended to students' perceptions of themselves as engineers, and their attitudes towards engineering majors and careers. However, little research has investigated middle school students' conceptions of engineering- what engineering is and what engineers do. The purpose of this study was to understand how middle school students who join afterschool engineering clubs conceptualize engineering and how engineering afterschool club experiences influence students' conceptions of engineering. The results of our study indicate that many participants had limited conceptions of engineering and suggest a need to connect design activities with knowledge of engineering.
Enzyme engineering for nonaqueous solvents. II. Additive effects of mutations on the stability and activity of subtilisin E in polar organic media

Single amino acid substitutions increase the activity and stability of subtilisin E in mixtures of organic solvents and water, and the effects of these mutations are additive. A variant of subtilisin E that exhibits higher activity in mixtures of dimethylformamide (DMF) and water (Q103R) was created by random mutagenesis combined with screening for improved activity (K. Chen and F. H. Arnold, in preparation). Another mutation, N218S, known to improve both the activity and stability of subtilisin BPN′, also improves the activity and stability of subtilisin E in the presence of DMF. The effects of the two substitutions on transition-state stabilization are additive. Furthermore, the Q103R mutation that improves activity has no deleterious effect on subtilisin stability. The double mutant Q103R+N218S is 10 times more active than the wild-type enzyme in 20% (v/v) DMF and twice as stable in 40% DMF. Although the effects of single mutations can be impressive, a practical strategy for engineering enzymes that function in nonaqueous solvents will most likely require multiple changes in the amino acid sequence. These results demonstrate the excellent potential for engineering nonaqueoussolvent-compatible enzymes.
Staphylococcus Lugdunensis Gluteal Abscess in a Patient with End Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis

A 57-year-old end stage renal disease patient on hemodialysis (HD) presented with sepsis secondary to right buttock abscess and overlying cellulitis. She was started on broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and underwent incision and drainage with marked improvement. Her cultures grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus lugdunensis. This bacterium is more virulent than other coagulase negative staphylococci and has been implicated in causing a variety of serious infections but it has been underreported as a cause of skin infections in HD patients and possible other patient populations.
Dynamic behavior of cylindrical membranes

Abstract An often encountered difficulty in non-linear membrane theories, is that of discussing static or dynamic solutions to the non-linear membrane equations when the equilibrium tensions are small. In this paper a theory of cylindrical membranes is formulated, which is essentially the dynamic equivalent of the Bromberg-Stoker theory. It is shown that a cylindrical membrane may develop compressions in the course of its vibration, unless the axial equilibrium tension exceeds a definite positive value. In addition, a short discussion is given of the dynamic behavior of cylindrical membranes.
Possible role of interleukin-17 in a prime/challenge model of multiple sclerosis

No one single pathogen has been identified as the causative agent of multiple sclerosis (MS). Alternately, the likelihood of an autoimmune event may be nonspecifically enhanced by different infectious agents. In a novel animal model of MS, SJL/J mice primed through infection with a recombinant vaccinia virus (VV) encoding myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) (VV(PLP)) were susceptible to a central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory disease following administration of a nonspecific immunostimulant [complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) plus Bordetella pertussis (BP)]. Mononuclear cells isolated from the brains, but not the spleens, of VV(PLP)-primed CFA/BP challenged mice produced interleukin (IL)-17 and interferon-γ and transferred a CNS inflammatory disease to naive SJL/J mice. Administration of curdlan, a T helper 17 cell inducer, unexpectedly resulted in less severe clinical and histological signs of disease, compared to CFA/BP challenged mice, despite the induction of IL-17 in the periphery. Further examination of the VV(PLP)-prime CFA/BP challenge model may suggest new mechanisms for how different pathogens associated with MS can protect or enhance disease.
Dose escalation and pharmacokinetic study of irinotecan in combination with paclitaxel in patients with advanced cancer.

Purpose: Based on preclinical data demonstrating synergy between camptothecin analogues and taxanes, we determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of irinotecan that could be given in combination with a fixed dose of paclitaxel of 75 mg/m2, when both drugs were delivered on a weekly schedule. The pharmacokinetics of this combination were explored to determine whether the sequence of administration affected the elimination of irinotecan. Methods: For the first cycle patients with advanced cancer were treated with irinotecan given as a 90-min infusion followed immediately by paclitaxel given at a dose of 75 mg/m2 over 1 h. The sequence of drug administration was reversed in subsequent cycles for most patients. Chemotherapy was given weekly for 4 weeks, followed by a 2-week rest. In selected patients, plasma concentrations of irinotecan were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography during the first 24 h of cycle 1 and after the first dose of cycle 2 to determine whether the order of drug administration affected the elimination of irinotecan, or the toxicologic effects of the chemotherapy. Results: A total of 53 cycles were delivered to 21 patients. Reversible neutropenia was dose-limiting. Suppression of the other blood cell elements was modest. There was one partial response in a man with a previously treated cholangiocarcinoma that lasted 26 weeks. Prolonged stabilization of disease (6 months or more) was observed in five of the patients (24%). At the recommended dose of irinotecan (50 mg/m2), transfusions of red cells and platelets were not required. The sequence of drug administration produced no significant differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters of irinotecan or SN-38, which were similar to the values reported when irinotecan is administered alone. The most prominent nonhematologic toxicities were mild diarrhea and fatigue. Conclusions: The recommended dose of irinotecan on this schedule is 50 mg/m2. The sequence of drug administration affects neither the elimination of irinotecan nor the chemotherapy-related toxicity. This combination is well tolerated and causes minimal clinical side effects.
THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE IRON INDUSTRY IN ELEVENTH-CENTURY CHINA

Robert Hartwell's research in the early 1960's into the iron industry of Song China (960-1279) showed, using a variety of evidence, that the applications of iron expanded greatly in the early Song. He then calculated from tax data the annual iron production of China in the 11th century. This article argues that, while Hartwell's qualitative conclusions hold, his specific calculation of annual production is flawed: no reliable calculation is possible based on presently available sources. Les recherches de Robert Hartwell au debut des annees 1960 sur l'industrie du fer en Chine a l'epoque Song (960-1279) ont montre, en exploitant un large eventail de faits evidents, que les demandes en fer ont fort augmente dans la premiere periode de l'epoque Song. Il avait alors calcule, d'apres les donnees tirees des registres d'imposition, la production annuelle de ce minerai en Chine au XI eme siecle. Cet article releve que, si les conclusions qualitatives de Hartwell paraissent correctes, son evaluation de la production annuelle s'avere infondee: aucun calcul fiable ne peut etre effectue en exploitant les donnees actuellement disponibles.
The relevance of modern organization theory to organizational communication

The developing field of organization theory is examined from the perspective of speech‐communication scholarship and the extent to which certain implications of overlooked theories in organizational communication have impact for our discipline.
Coexistence of Haldane-gap excitations and long-range antiferromagnetic order in mixed-spin nickelates R 2 BaNiO 5

The spin dynamics of the $S=1$ Ni chains in mixed-spin antiferromagnets ${\mathrm{Pr}}_{2}{\mathrm{BaNiO}}_{5}$ and ${\mathrm{Nd}}_{x}{\mathrm{Y}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{BaNiO}}_{5}$ is described in terms of a simple Ginzburg-Landau Lagrangian coupled to the sublattice of rare-earth ions. Within this framework we obtain a theoretical explanation for the experimentally observed coexistence of Haldane-gap excitations and long-range magnetic order, as well as for the increase of the Haldane-gap energy below the N\'eel point. We also predict that the degeneracy of the Haldane triplet is lifted in the magnetically ordered phase. The growth of both gaps are shown to follow from the magnon repulsion. The theoretical results are consistent with the available experimental data.
An exoribonuclease in bovine brain

An exonuclease which degrades RNA to yield 3′-mononucleotides has been purified 300-fold from an acetone powder of bovine brain white matter. The enzyme preparation does not contain detectable quantities of RNase A, DNase, 2′,3′-cyclic phosphodiesterase, 5′-nucleotidase, and acid and alkaline phosphatase activities and requires sulfhydryl compounds for maximal activity. The exoribonuclease degrades yeast-RNA, yeast tRNA, phage f2 mRNA, poly-A, poly-I, poly-U, and poly-C but does not degrade poly-G or poly-dihydro U. The enzyme preparation also hydrolyzes poly-I · poly-C, poly-A · poly-U, and the DNARNA hybrid poly-rA · poly-dT. Poly-dG · poly-dC and native calf thymus DNA are resistant to the action of the exoribonuclease.
A new species of Psilostrophe (Compositae) from Mexico

Psilostrophe mexicana is described as new and compared with the closely related speciesP. gnaphalodes. Chromosome numbers forP. mexicana are reported asn = 32, a tetraploid number. This new species is the seventh and only polyploid species in the genus.
StpC-based gene therapy targeting latent reservoirs of HIV-1

The ability of HIV-1 to form latent reservoirs presents a major obstacle to eradication. One approach to elimination of the latent reservoir is induction therapy, whereby cells harboring latent virus are activated and therefore initiate virus replication. We have constructed a lentiviral vector encoding Herpesvirus saimiri subgroup C saimiri transformation-associated protein (StpC), which has been shown to modulate HIV-1 replication, under the control of a cytomegalovirus promoter in order to determine the ability of StpC to upregulate latent HIV-1. We have included a suicide gene, herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK), under the control of the HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter. We hypothesized that upon StpC expression in latently infected cells induction of virus replication and subsequent production of viral transactivators of the LTR will activate expression of the tk gene, sensitizing the cells to the nucleoside analogue ganciclovir (GCV). Transduction of the latently infected cell line J1.1 resulted in increased virus replication. In the presence of GCV transduced cells exhibited decreased HIV-1 replication, inhibition of cell proliferation, and increased apoptosis. This prototype vector serves as a proof of concept of the utility of gene-based induction agents and suicide genes as a new method for targeting reservoirs of latent HIV-1.
The medical indemnity crisis, medical negligence and the urgent need for reform.

W is an error, negligence? This is the basic, and unanswered, question in the current medical indemnity insurance dilemma. In this issue, Mr. Michael Gorton has succinctly summarized the current legal status of ‘informed consent’ and Dr. Paul Nisselle has outlined the historical passage from mutual providential societies to the now Australian Providential Regulatory Authority (APRA) regulatedcommercial insurance scenario.Dr.Nisselle also addresses areas of possible reform. Dilemma is an appropriate word to use in this context, it beingdefined as ‘a state of indecision between two equally undesirable alternatives,’#1 namely, the APRA regulated contracts of insurance combined with the Federal Government’s planned legislation regarding incurred but not reported claims (IBNRs); high cost claims scheme and exceptional claims scheme and the proposed (in some cases enacted) State legislative reforms to Tort Law and the legal test formedical negligence. Theword ‘crisis’ is definedas a ‘turning point’ or in the alternative ‘a decisive moment.’#2 We have now reached the latter despite the Federal Government’s recent sidewise shift of the goal posts by delaying the IBNR payments for 18 months. The impact of this crisis is profound. It includes the early retirement of doctors, in particular surgeons, a probable lessening of the appeal of a career inmedicine for secondary school graduates and the direction of specialist training away from the perceived high profile, high risk specializations such as obstetrics, neurosurgery and cardiothoracic surgery. All of this is occurring at a time when there is an acknowledged shortage of doctors in Australia. Mr. Michael Gorton has concentrated on the current legal status of informed consent.His commentswith respect to public hospital junior medical staff providing and obtaining informed consent are apt. We already have a system where operations are performed by trainees and the supervising surgeonmayonly see thepatient onceor twice in an 8-day stay. Many resident medical officers have not seen the planned operation and have no first hand knowledge of its potential complications. The ‘reasonable patient’ test enunciated by the High Court of Australia in
Thermal fracture of zirconia–mullite composite thermal barrier coatings under thermal shock: An experimental study

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are used in many high temperature applications to allow components to sustain high temperatures and severe temperature gradients while improving performance. However, TBCs have a limited life due to crack nucleation and propagation, which leads to coating delamination and loss of thermal protection. Thermally activated time-dependent behavior of the coating is a major cause of surface and interface fracture in thick TBCs. This study investigates the reduction of time-dependent deformation through the addition of mullite to YSZ based TBCs. Fracture mechanics analyses were performed for three coating architectures: monolithic YSZ, monolithic mullite and a mullite-YSZ composite. The effect of coating architecture and surface crack morphology on interface fracture was investigated. It was found that mullite and YSZ combined to influence the thermal shock behavior of the composite coatings which experienced a reduced driving force for interface fracture compared to monolithic YSZ coatings while having a higher thermal resistance compared to monolithic mullite coatings.
Option Value: Theory and Measurement

In this paper, the authors provide a theoretical review of option value and its relationship to a more familiar concept in decision analysis, the value of information. They further show how option value might be measured with the aid of a partly realistic and partly hypothetical example. The authors also consider how contingent valuation techniques might be used to estimate option value. Copyright 1990 by Oxford University Press.
Surface-Based Observations of Mesoscale Cumulus–Stratocumulus Interaction during ASTEX

Abstract Data obtained from the island of Santa Maria in the Azores, during the Atlantic Stratocumulus Transition Experiment (ASTEX) are used to describe cloud and boundary-layer structure for a 24-h period on 15 June 1992 over the east-central Atlantic (37°N, 25°10′W). The evolution of the mesoscale cloud structure during a 24-h period in the vertical column above the surface site was characterized using a 94-GHz radar, a laser ceilometer, 3-h radiosonde ascents, and surface micrometeorological instrumentation. Mesoscale circulations and drizzle were found to be key elements of the boundary-layer clouds observed in this region. During the late-night and predawn hours of the study period, a single layer of stratocumulus that averaged ∼200 m in thickness topped a well-mixed marine boundary layer. Mesoscale cellular convection (MCC), which had ascending regions with horizontal dimensions of ∼7 km, was observed during this period. At sunrise, decoupling was imposed on this MCC, and extreme mesoscale variatio...
A World Without Ice

[1] The nearly global retreat of the Earth's ice cover is a matter of concern to people everywhere. The changes are most marked in northern latitudes with accelerated melting of the Greenland ice sheet, widespread thawing of the permafrost, and the rapid decrease of summer sea ice in the Arctic Ocean. Most mountain glaciers and ice caps are wasting away. In high southern latitudes, changes in the ice are more muted except for the land ice of the Antarctic Peninsula and the Pine Island Bay region. In the Southern Ocean, by contrast, the sea ice cover is slowly expanding. Do these large changes represent early warning signs of rapid global warming, recovery from the Little Ice Age, or the natural evolution of the present interglacial period?
Market entry barriers in China: A commentary essay

Abstract Overcoming market entry barriers (MEBs) and outperforming first movers are important considerations in competitive strategy. These outcomes are especially relevant in rapidly growing, dynamic markets, such as China, where Western market entrants face barriers erected by their Chinese counterparts, the Chinese government, and the social and cultural context in which they need to operate. Thus, Niu, Dong, and Chen's (2011) study on market entry barriers in China serves as a refreshing window on this important phenomenon by addressing the nature and degree of entry barriers that firms need to overcome when entering China. Many questions on this problem remain, however, especially in other emerging market contexts. This commentary essay speaks to the merits of Niu et al. (2011) and offers promising questions for future research.
Computer Simulation of Laser-Induced Ultrarapid Phase Changes

The results of a molecular dynamics study of phase change in a system of condensed Lennard-Jones atoms is presented. These molecular dynamics results are compared to the rates of phase change predicted by two analytical phase change models. Both analytical models are supported by the molecular dynamics results.
Chronic phenytoin administration alters the metabolic profile of superficial gastrocnemius muscle fibers in dystrophic mice.

Abstract Phenytoin is known to reduce neural overactivity (pseudomyotonia) affecting the hind limb musculature in C57B1 6J dystrophic ( dy 2J dy 2J ) mice. This study reports a change in the metabolic profile of superficial gastrocnemius muscle fibers from dy 2J dy 2J animals after chronic phenytoin treatment. The superficial gastrocnemius muscle region from normal mice is composed of 98% fast-twitch glycolytic muscle fibers. In dystrophic mice these fibers (FG) show increased oxidative capacity without evidence of morphologic degeneration during the first few months ex utero. Many of these fibers also store abnormally large amounts of glycogen as determined by periodic acid-Schiff histochemistry. After 104 days of phenytoin treatment, the dy 2J dy 2J FG muscle fibers showed a reduction in abnormally high oxidative capacity as monitored by succinic dehydrogenase activity; there was also a reduction of glycogen storage in a number of dy 2J dy 2J fibers. One hypothesis suggests that the increase in oxidative capacity of the dy 2J dy 2J superficial gastrocnemius muscle fibers is the expected result of overstimulation by the pseudomyotonia. Our experiments indicated that the abnormal metabolic profile observed in those fibers can be altered simply by a reduction in pseudomyotonia. These results mimic those seen after short-term denervation of the same dy 2J dy 2J muscle. After phenytoin treatment the mean dy 2J dy 2J superficial gastrocnemius muscle fiber cross-sectional area was significantly increased compared with untreated animals. Cursory examination of the degenerated deep region of this same muscle suggested that similar changes did not occur after drug treatment. This suggests that the pseudomyotonia was partially different from the factor(s) causing early degeneration of the oxidative muscle fibers in the dy 2J dy 2J animals.
Comparison between Aspergillus fumigatus conidia and hyphae susceptibilities to amphotericin B, itraconazole, and voriconazole by use of the mold rapid susceptibility assay

Although hyphae are the morphological form observed in tissue during invasive Aspergillus fumigatus infections, antifungal susceptibility testing for A. fumigatus utilizes conidial inocula. Previous studies have yielded conflicting results as to whether conidia adequately reflect antifungal susceptibility of hyphae, but the ease of handling and quantification of conidia have prompted their use in such assays. The mold rapid susceptibility assay, which utilizes a conidial inoculum (cRSA), was adapted as a novel method to assess the utility of conidial versus hyphal inocula (hRSA) to further evaluate the susceptibility of A. fumigatus conidia and hyphae to amphotericin B (AMB), itraconazole (ITC), and voriconazole (VRC). Conidial inocula were prepared as previously described for the cRSA and minimum inhibitory values (MIC) were determined. For the hRSA, microtiter test wells lacking antifungal drug were inoculated with a standardized conidial inoculum and incubated for 12 h at 35-37 degrees C to allow formation of hyphae. Following addition of antifungal drug and 48 h incubation at 35-37 degrees C, hRSA antifungal minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined by analysing the pattern of residual glucose levels in hRSA test wells. hRSA MIC values of each strain were influenced by hyphal inoculum size, with increasing hyphal inoculum size corresponding to increased AMB, ITC and VRC MIC values. Comparisons between the hRSA and cRSA MIC values demonstrated insignificant differences in conidial and hyphal susceptibility to drug, thus justifying the use of either fungal form in RSA-based susceptibility testing of A. fumigatus isolates. The RSA may be adapted for use of similar testing of other invasive molds that predominate as hyphal forms in tissue.
Sorption of the antibiotic tetracycline to humic-mineral complexes.

Humic substances, by altering the surface properties and/ or competing for available reaction sites, can either suppress or promote sorption of organic compounds to mineral surfaces. Limited literature evidence points to the reduction in sorption of the antibiotic tetracycline to clay minerals in the presence of humic substances. We investigated the surface interaction of Elliott soil humic acid (ESHA) with hydrous Al oxide (HAO) and the effect of this association on tetracycline sorption. Strong interaction between ESHA and HAO led to ESHA-promoted dissolution of HAO and surface charge reversal. The ESHA-HAO sorption-desorption isotherms were successfully described using a modified Langmuir model that accounted for the heterogeneity of HAO surface and ESHA Ligand exchange was proposed as the major interaction mechanism, and the edge Al atoms on HAO surface were considered as the sorption sites for ESHA macromolecules. ESHA was coated onto HAO to achieve two different organic content (f oc ) levels of 0.81 and 1.52%. Sorption results were compared for the binary ESHA-tetracycline and HAO-tetracycline systems, and the ternary ESHA-HAO-tecracycline system. The coating of ESHA on HAO significantly suppressed tetracycline sorption levels, attributable to altered HAO surface charge characteristics and/or direct competition between ESHA and tetracycline for potential sorption sites. Higher f oc level, besides increasing the extent of sorption suppression, also resulted in greater ionic strength dependence and increased nonlinearity of sorption behavior. It, therefore, appears that the presence of humic substances, in both dissolved and mineral-bound forms, is likely to increase the environmental mobility of tetracycline compounds.
Biopolymer scaffolds for use in delivering antimicrobial sophorolipids to the acne-causing bacterium Propionibacterium acnes.

Sophorolipids (SLs) are known to possess antimicrobial properties towards many species (particularly Gram-positive, or Gram + ) of bacteria. However, these properties can only be exerted if the SLs can be introduced to the bacterial cells in an acceptable manner. Propionibacterium acnes is the common bacterial cause of acne. It is a Gram + facultative anaerobe that is susceptible to the antimicrobial effects of SLs. In this study we demonstrated that different biopolymer matrices could be used to produce SL composite films that exert various antimicrobial efficiencies against P. acnes . Increasing SL concentrations in poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and PHB- co -10%-3-hydroxyhexanoate (PHB/HHx) resulted in noticeably improved (PHB/HHx was best) antimicrobial activity based on the size of the zones of inhibition using an overlay plating technique on synthetic growth medium. However, increasing concentrations of SLs in PHB and PHB/HHx films also increased film opacity, which diminishes the appeal for use especially in visible (facial) areas. Pectin and alginate improved the transparent character of SL composite films while also acting as successful carriers of SLs to P. acnes . The lactone form of the SLs proved to exhibit the best antimicrobial action and in concert with either pectin or alginate biopolymers provided a comparatively transparent, successful means of utilizing SLs as a renewable, environmentally benign anti-acne solution.
Research at the U. of Illinois

The following people now have appointments to work on NL research at CSL: Dave Waltz, Associate Professor, CSL and Electrical Engineering; Jerry DeJong, Assistant Professor, CSL and Electrical Engineering; La Raw Maran, Research Associate, CSL; Rick Dinitz, Research Assistant: Jeff Gibbons, Research Assistant (as of 1/1/82); Jordan Pollack, Research Assistant; Alberto Segre, Research Assistant (as of 1/21/82); David Spoor, Research Assistant.
Controlled Vapor Phase Growth of Single Crystalline, Two-Dimensional GaSe Crystals with High Photoresponse

Compared with their bulk counterparts, atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) crystals exhibit new physical properties, and have the potential to enable next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, controlled synthesis of large uniform monolayer and multi-layer 2D crystals is still challenging. Here, we report the controlled synthesis of 2D GaSe crystals on SiO2/Si substrates using a vapor phase deposition method. For the first time, uniform, large (up to ~60 μm in lateral size), single-crystalline, triangular monolayer GaSe crystals were obtained and their structure and orientation were characterized from atomic scale to micrometer scale. The size, density, shape, thickness, and uniformity of the 2D GaSe crystals were shown to be controllable by growth duration, growth region, growth temperature, and argon carrier gas flow rate. The theoretical modeling of the electronic structure and Raman spectroscopy demonstrate a direct-to-indirect bandgap transition and progressive confinement-induced bandgap shifts for 2D GaSe crystals. The 2D GaSe crystals show p-type semiconductor characteristics and high photoresponsivity (~1.7 A/W under white light illumination) comparable to exfoliated GaSe nanosheets. These 2D GaSe crystals are potentially useful for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices such as photodetectors and field-effect transistors.
The inward approach in the design of control systems

The inward approach in the design of control systems is introduced. This approach differs from the root-locus and the Bode-plot methods in that it involves first searching for an overall transfer function to meet design specifications and then computing the required compensator. The method is simple and straightforward and can easily be carried out with the aid of a digital computer simulator program. >
Approximate selection queries over imprecise data

We examine the problem of evaluating selection queries over imprecisely represented objects. Such objects are used either because they are much smaller in size than the precise ones (e.g., compressed versions of time series), or as imprecise replicas of fast-changing objects across the network (e.g., interval approximations for time-varying sensor readings). It may be impossible to determine whether an imprecise object meets the selection predicate. Additionally, the objects appearing in the output are also imprecise. Retrieving the precise objects themselves (at additional cost) can be used to increase the quality of the reported answer. We allow queries to specify their own answer quality requirements. We show how the query evaluation system may do the minimal amount of work to meet these requirements. Our work presents two important contributions: first, by considering queries with set-based answers, rather than the approximate aggregate queries over numerical data examined in the literature; second, by aiming to minimize the combined cost of both data processing and probe operations in a single framework. Thus, we establish that the answer accuracy/performance tradeoff can be realized in a more general setting than previously seen.
An experimental analysis of spot defects in SRAMs: realistic fault models and tests

In this paper a complete analysis of spot defects in industrial SRAMs will be presented. All possible defects are simulated, and the resulting electrical faults are transformed into functional fault models. The existence of the usually used theoretical memory fault models will be verified and new ones will be presented. Finally, a new march test detecting all realistic faults, with a test length of 14n, will be introduced, and its fault coverage is compared with other known tests.
Visual Diagnosis: Pearling: a case study

We present the case of a patient who attempted to perform a type of body modification known as "pearling" or "genital beading" while in prison. This patient unfortunately caused severe trauma to his penis, requiring surgical intervention. Photographs of the traumatic injuries are presented.
Not My Marriage Third-Person Perception and the Effects of Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage

Third-person perception (TPP) refers to the belief that others are more influenced by the media than you yourself are. This theory was extended to people's perceptions of the effects of legalizing same-sex marriage (SSM). It was predicted that people might believe that legalizing SSM would affect others' marriages, but not their own. It was also predicted that high right-wing authoritarians (RWAs) would display TPP more than low RWAs. Participants (135 undergraduate heterosexual students) estimated the effect of legal- izing SSM on their own as well as other people's attitudes about marriage and sexuality. Results indicated that participants displayed TPP. The hypothesis about a link between RWA and TPP was supported. Implications of these findings and future research directions are discussed.
The time burden of overweight and obesity in primary care

Overweight and obesity are associated with many conditions treated in primary care. Our objectives were: 1) to determine the frequency of weight-related conditions in a national sample of outpatient visits in the United States; 2) to establish the percentage of diagnosis codes and visit codes attributable to overweight and obesity; and 3) to estimate time spent to address these conditions, including time attributable to overweight and obesity itself. We analyzed primary care visits from the 2005 and 2006 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) in the United States. Weight-related conditions included diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and low back pain. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate an odds ratio for each weight-related condition, which we then converted to an attributable fraction (AF). The AF represents the percentage of diagnosis codes and visit codes attributable to excess weight for that condition. We then divided total visit time among all diagnoses and clinical items addressed at the primary care visit. Finally, to calculate the time attributable to overweight and obesity, we multiplied the AFs by the time spent on each weight-related condition. The total number of clinical items (diagnoses + medications + tests + counseling) was estimated to be 7.6 per patient, of which 2.2 were weight-related. Of a total visit time of 21.77 minutes, time spent addressing weight-related conditions was 5.65 minutes (30%), including 1.75 minutes (8.0%) attributable to overweight and obesity. Approximately 8% of time from primary care visits is attributable to overweight and obesity. This estimate is conservative because the NAMCS only allows for coding of three diagnoses addressed per visit. Estimates of the time burden of overweight and obesity provide data to prioritize weight management for prevention and treatment.
Noise suppression in cellular communications

FIR Wiener-like filters are applied to time trajectories of cubic-root compressed short-term power spectrum of noisy speech recorded over cellular communications. Informal listenings indicate that the technique brings a noticeable improvement in quality of noisy speech in the overlap-add analysis-synthesis system while not causing any significant degradation on clean speech. >
Cone-Beam CT with Fluoroscopic Overlay Versus Conventional CT Guidance for Percutaneous Abdominopelvic Abscess Drain Placement.

Abstract Purpose To compare technical success and procedure time for percutaneous abscess drain placement with fluoroscopic cone-beam computed tomography (CT) and two-axis needle guidance versus conventional CT guidance. Materials and Methods A total of 85 consecutive patients undergoing abdominopelvic abscess drain placement guided by fluoroscopic cone-beam CT or conventional CT were retrospectively reviewed over a 2-year period. Forty-three patients underwent drain placement with cone-beam CT using XperGuide navigation and 42 underwent placement with conventional 64-slice CT. Patient characteristics, median abscess size (6.8 cm vs 7.8 cm; P = .14), and depth to abscess (7.2 cm vs 7.7 cm; P = .88) were similar between groups. Results Technical success rates were 98% (42 of 43) in the cone-beam CT group and 100% (42 of 42) in the conventional CT group ( P = .32), with a 10-F pigtail drainage catheter inserted in the majority of cases. There were no complications in either group. There was no significant difference in effective dose between groups (9.6 mSv vs 10.7 mSv; P = .30). Procedure times were significantly shorter in the cone-beam CT group (43 min vs 62 min; P = .02). In addition, during the study period, there was a gradual improvement in procedure time in the cone-beam CT group (50% reduction), whereas procedure time did not change for the conventional CT group. Conclusions Cone-beam CT guidance appears to be equivalent to conventional CT guidance for drain placement into medium-sized abdominopelvic collections, yielding similar technical success rates and radiation doses, with the additional benefit of reduced procedure times.
The Interplay of Concepts, Data, and Methods in the Development of the Family Management Style Framework

This article describes the process of development of the Family Management Style Framework. The FMSF is a conceptual representation of family response to a child's condition that takes into account the views of individual family members to conceptualize overall patterns of family response. The FMSF provides a more complete understanding of family life in the context of a child's chronic condition and directs researchers' and clinicians' efforts to assess family response, especially with regard to how condition management is incorporated into everyday family life. Framework development has included conceptual analyses of the literature, empirical studies of family management of childhood illness, and methodological work directed to treating the family as a unit of study and analysis. This article highlights how the interplay of conceptual, empirical, and methodological work advances knowledge development and presents lessons learned over the course of developing the FMSF.
Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predicts short- and long-term mortality following revascularization therapy for ST elevation myocardial infarction

Background: Several inflammation biomarkers have been implicated in the pathogenesis and prognosis of acute coronary syndromes. However, the prognostic role of the neutrophil-lymphocyte white cell interactive response to myocardial injury in predicting short- and long-term mortality after ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains poorly defined. Methods: We evaluated 250 consecutive STEMI patients presenting acutely for revascularization to our tertiary care center over 1 year. Patients with acute sepsis, trauma, recent surgery, autoimmune diseases, or underlying malignancy were excluded. Data gathered included demographics, clinical presentation, leukocyte markers, electrocardiograms, evaluations, therapy,major adverse cardiac events, and all-cause mortality. Results: Mean age was 62 ± 15 years, 70.4% of subjects were males while majority (49.4%) were Caucasians. Mean duration of follow-up was 571 ± 291 days (median 730 days). Univariate analysis of several inflammatory biomarkers including C-reactive protein, revealed white cell count (OR = 1.09, p < 0.001) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (OR = 1.05, p = 0.011) as predictors of short- and long-term mortality; but not mean neutrophil count (OR = 1.04, p = 0.055) or lymphocyte count alone (OR = 0.96, p = 0.551). Multivariate analysis using backward stepwise regression revealed NLR (OR = 2.64, p = 0.026), female gender (OR = 5.35, p < 0.001), cerebrovascular accident history (OR = 3.36, p = 0.023), low glomerular filtration rate (OR = 0.98, p = 0.012) and cardiac arrest on admission (OR = 17.43, p < 0.001) as robust independent predictors of long-term mortality. NLR was divided into two sub-groups based on an optimal cut off value of 7.4. This provided the best discriminatory cut off point for predicting adverse mortality outcome. Both short-term (≤ 30 days) and long-term (≤ 2 years) mortality were predicted with Kaplan-Meier survival curve separation best stratified by a NLR cut off value of 7.4. Conclusions: NLR based on an optimal cut off value of 7.4, was an excellent predictor of short- and long-term survival in patients with revascularized STEMI and warrants larger scale multi-center prospective evaluation, as a prognostic indicator. NLR offers improved prognostic capacity when combined with conventional clinical scoring systems, such as the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction risk score.
Average connectivity properties of wireless ad hoc networks

We consider the average radio coverage area size of a connected cluster /spl Omega/(/spl alpha/, r) in a uniformly randomly deployed wireless network over a D-dimensional infinite field (D /spl ges/ 1), where r is the radio distance, and /spl alpha/ the nodal deployment density. We show that /spl Omega//sub N/(y)=/spl utri//spl alpha//spl Omega/(/spl alpha/, r) is a function of y=/spl utri//spl alpha//spl Phi/(r) only, where /spl Phi/(r) denotes the volume of a sphere with radius r. We provide an explicit form of /spl Omega//sub N/(y) for arbitrary D as the sum of three terms, dominated by one that exhibits exponential behavior. For D = 1, we show that /spl Omega//sub N/(y) = exp (y/2) + (y/2) - 1. Our simulations validate our 1-d solution, and show that the exponent for 2-d deployment is smaller than y.
State-Based Regression with Sensing and Knowledge

This paper develops a state-based regression method for planning domains with sensing operators and a representation of the knowledge of the planning agent. The language includes primitive actions, sensing actions, and conditional plans. We prove the soundness and completeness of the regression formulation with respect to the definition of progression and the semantics of a propositional modal logic of knowledge. It is our expectation that this work will serve as the foundation for the extension of recently successful work on state-based regression planning to include sensing and knowledge as well.
Regional planning as a strategy.

Abstract In landscape planning the emphasis up till now has been predominantly on the preservation of historic values. A shift in attention to the moulding of new landscapes requires focusing on the analysis of elements and forces that underlie the formation of the existing landscapes and also an understanding of their potential for future development. This new course must be taken for the sake of future rural landscapes. In view of the uncertain developments in future land use the new landscapes need to be planned in a flexible way, allowing for dynamic development without damage to stable systems. This sort of planning is most viable when prepared and implemented at a regional level.
Hierarchies and the Survival of Prisoners of War During World War II

Using a comprehensive database of American prisoners of war during World War II, we find that survival from captivity generally declines as the hierarchy of a prisoner's group becomes steeper or more closely matches the military's established hierarchy. There is no evidence that survival is enhanced by being held in more hierarchical groups. One interpretation of these findings that is consistent with survivors' accounts is that the military's hierarchy was too inflexible to adapt from the battlefield to captivity and this inflexibility impeded trading among the prisoners. This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, finance.
Emphasis on the Role of PF4 in the Incidence, Pathophysiology and Treatment of Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia

Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) is caused by antibodies that recognize platelet factor 4 (PF4) associated with polyanionic glycosaminoglycan drugs or displayed on vascular cell membranes. These antibodies are elicited by multimolecular complexes that can occur when heparin is administered in clinical settings associated with abundant PF4. Heparin binding alters native PF4 and elicits immune recognition and response. While the presence of heparin is integral to immunogenesis, the HIT antibody binding site is within PF4. Thus HIT antibodies develop and function to cause thrombocytopenia and/or thrombosis only in the presence of PF4. Future emphasis on understanding the biology, turnover and regulation of PF4 may lead to insights into the prevention and treatment of HIT.
Impact of Plasma-Assisted Atomic-Layer-Deposited Gate Dielectric on Graphene Transistors

We report for the first time on graphene transistors that incorporate a remote plasma-assisted atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3 gate dielectric that is directly deposited to chemical-vapor-deposited monolayer graphene at 100°C. Following dielectric formation, atomic force microscopy and Raman measurements show apparently uniform conformal coverage and retention of a nearly intact film with a slightly increased level of disorder and some signs of additional doping. Using this process, 3-μm gate length transistors with sub-10-nm gate insulator thickness are constructed, and electrical measurements demonstrate a drive current of 0.6 A/mm and a peak transconductance in excess of 90 mS/mm with Vgs = 0 V and Vds = 1 V, which is greatly improved over coprocessed devices with SiO2 interfacial layer with the same bias. With optimization, the plasma-assisted ALD of high-k dielectrics to graphene may potentially be useful for the design of future graphene-based technology.
Edmond Halley’s Discovery of the Secular Acceleration of the Moon

Edmond Halley was born in 1656 at Haggerston outside of London and was educated at St Paul’s School, London and Queen’s College, Oxford. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1678. The following year Halley published a catalogue of the stars of the southern sky (the result of a year observing on the island of St Helena off the coast of South-West Africa). He subsequently visited Hevelius in Danzig and Cassini in Paris, two of the best astronomical observers in Europe at the time, and on his return to London began his own programme of astronomical observation. Probably soon after his return, Halley met Isaac Newton and would become instrumental in the publication of Newton’s Principia in 1687.
Industry expectations for engineering graduates

Engineering employers are discovering that their workforce requires certain skills which seem to be in short supply. Rapid technological change, participative management and employee empowerment, global competition, and other workplace innovations have created a demand for a higher skill level for engineering graduates. Identifying industry expectations for engineering graduates are an important step in developing university curricula which are responsive to the needs of the profession. The present study identifies specific industry expectations for new engineering graduates and provides practical recommendations for strategically aligning engineering curricula with the professional community. By identifying specific skills requisite for career success, universities can provide an improved service for their graduates and the engineering industry.