cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality of life for children with eosinophilic esophagitis: a comparison of patients’ and parents’ perceptions and associated factors using the PedsQL™ 3.0 Eosinophilic Esophagitis Module

Background Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immunemediated disease of eosinophil-predominant inflammation and esophageal dysfunction. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.0 EoE Module is a validated instrument to measure quality of life (QL) in children ages 2-18 with EoE, but no clinical research studies have been published using this survey. The objectives of this study were to compare QL reported by patients with EoE to that reported by their parents, and to determine which factors predicted QL in this cohort.
Determination of Skeletal Tumor Burden on 18F-Fluoride PET/CT

Since first proposed in 1999 by Larson et al. [1], the use of volumetric quantification techniques on PET/CT exams has become increasingly popular to evaluate tumor burden, especially with 18F-FDG. The volumetric quantification of tumor burden has been shown to correlate with prognosis and is also an objective means to evaluate response to treatment in a variety of cancers [2].
Serum Ascorbic Acid and Cardiovascular Disease Prevalence in U.S. Adults: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III)

Abstract PURPOSE: To examine the relation between serum ascorbic acid concentration, which reflects dietary and supplement intake, and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. METHODS: We analyzed data from 7658 men and women enrolled in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). We calculated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to estimate the relative prevalence of cardiovascular disease, defined as self-reported angina, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Because we detected an interaction between serum ascorbic acid concentration and alcohol intake, we performed analyses stratified by drinking status. RESULTS: Among participants who reported no alcohol consumption, serum ascorbic acid concentrations were not independently associated with cardiovascular disease prevalence. Among participants who consumed alcohol, serum ascorbic acid concentrations consistent with tissue saturation (1.0–3.0 mg/dl) were associated with a decreased prevalence of angina (multivariate odds ratio (OR): 0.48; 95% CI: 0.23% to 1.03; p for trend = 0.06), but were not significantly associated with myocardial infarction or stroke prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest the possibility of a biologic interaction between ascorbic acid and alcohol and that higher intakes of ascorbic acid may be associated with a decreased risk of angina among drinkers.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of a Calcium Carbonate/Calcium Sulfonate Reverse Micelle†

We have investigated the microscopic properties of a reverse micellar aggregate consisting of 102 calcium carbonate, 11 calcium (2-hexadecyl)benzenesulfonate, and 22 water molecules in nonpolar environments (CCl4, octane, and vacuum) using molecular dynamics simulations. The simulated aggregate is a model for the micellar species in detergent additives to automotive and diesel lubricants. From our simulations we conclude that the structure of the micelle is similar in both CCl4 and octane solvents, but the structure of the two solvents in the vicinity of the micelle is different. Both solvents are ordered by the micelle, but CCl4 to a larger extent. In solution, the aggregate is roughly spherical, with an average core diameter of 23 A, surfactant layer thickness of 9 A, and total diameter of approximately 41 A. The crystalline order of the initial core configuration is, for the most part, maintained throughout the solution simulations. Conformational distributions of the hexadecane chains in solution sugg...
Low cost anti-soiling coatings for CSP collector mirrors and heliostats

Most concentrating solar power (CSP) facilities in the USA are located in the desert southwest where open land and sunshine are abundant, but airborne dust is prevalent. The accumulation of dust, sand and other natural pollutants on collector mirrors and heliostats presents a significant operational problem and M&O cost for the CSP facilities in this region. The optical performance of the CSP collectors is key to achieving low electricity costs, where a 1% decrease in reflectance directly leads to a 1% increase in the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) generated by these facilities. In this paper we describe the development of low cost, easy to apply anti-soiling coatings based on superhydrophobic (SH) functionalized nano silica materials and polymer binders that possess the key requirements necessary to inhibit particulate deposition on, and adhesion to, CSP mirror surfaces, and thereby significantly reducing mirror cleaning costs and facility downtime. The key requirements for these coatings are excellent optical clarity with minimal diffuse reflectance, and coating mechanical and exposure durability in harsh desert environments while maintaining SH and dirt shedding properties. The coatings developed to date have excellent SH properties with water contact angles >165° and rolling angles 99% that of uncoated mirror surfaces with coating diffuse reflectance being <1% over this wavelength range. Ongoing mechanical and accelerated solar UVA exposures also indicate these coatings will meet the required durability goals.
New hydrophilic polypropylene membranes; fabrication and evaluation

This article discusses a new method to prepare polypropylene membrane that has hydrophilic surfaces and asymmetric porous structure. This membrane is based on a newly developed hydroxylated polypropylene (PP-OH), which has a “brushlike” microstructure, high molecular weight, high melting point, and relatively high concentration of hydroxy groups. Under the leaching process conditions, various asymmetric hydrophilic PP/PP-OH membranes are prepared with controllable pore structures. The PP-OH polymer becomes the surface modifier of asymmetric PP membrane with flexible functional groups located on the membrane surfaces, including pore surfaces. This new hydrophilic PP/PP-OH membrane is useful in ultrafiltration, not only offering good selectivity and flux but also showing excellence in antifouling property. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 64: 567–575, 1997
Nighttime Valley Waves

Abstract This paper describes a regular oscillation observed in nighttime drainage airflow in a valley under relatively light upper-level wind conditions. The period of these oscillations is about 20 minutes with at least one harmonic at about 10 minutes. A strong coherence between tributary flow and main valley fluctuations was observed, with the phase of the tributary flow leading the valley oscillation; this indicates the importance of tributaries as major contributors to the dynamics of cold air flow in valleys.
Visualization of Pulsed Aerated Liquid Jet in Supersonic Cross Flow

The success of supersonic air-breathing propulsion systems will be largely dependent on efficient injection, mixing, and combustion inside the supersonic combustion chamber. Fuel/air mixing enhancement inside the combustion chamber will depend on the strategies used to control the fuel jet penetration and liquid fuel droplet size, trajectory, and dispersion. We present in these paper experimental results on the mixing of pure liquid jet, aerated liquid jet and pulsed aerated liquid jet in supersonic cross flow. Transverse aerated liquid jet injection will offer relatively rapid near-field mixing, good fuel penetration and better atomization of liquid fuel. Fully modulated or pulsed fuel jet injection will introduce additional supplementary turbulent mixing. High speed imaging system is used in this study for the visualization of the injection of liquid jet in high speed cross flow. The results presented in this paper show the effect of jet/cross flow momentum ratio, the gas/liquid mass ratio and pulsing frequency on the penetration of aerated liquid jet in supersonic cross-flow. The data generated in this study will be used for the development of active control strategies to optimize the liquid fuel jet penetration and supersonic fuel/air mixing.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Investigation of vanadium redox battery dynamics with a single-stage boost inverter for microgrid applications

Analytical results for the utilization of a single-stage boost inverter with a vanadium redox flow battery (VRB) are presented. The objective is to enhance the grid compatibility of renewable energy sources for ac microgrids. Single-stage boost inverters synthesize an output ac voltage that amplifies or attenuates its input dc supply voltage based on the duty cycle or modulation index command. The boost inverter operates as a single stage due to its simple and compact design which has a lower component count and improved reliability compared to the conventional multistage voltage source inverter. A sliding mode controller is employed to ensure robust and transient stability of the inverter in response to load changes. The chemical reaction kinetics of the VRB is included in the evaluation of the battery characteristics and is used to investigate the discharge mode of the battery when integrated with the proposed boost inverter for an energy storage system. Detailed simulation results confirm the benefits to microgrid operation when supplied from a VRB.
Follicular dendritic cell accessory activity crosses MHC and species barriers.

Productive follicular dendritic cell (FDC)-B cell interactions appear to involve critical ligand-receptor interactions. Immune complexes (IC) on FDC activate complement and provide FDC with a complement-derived CD21 ligand (CD21L), which bind CD21, while antigen in the IC binds on the B cell-BCR. Further, FDC-FcγRIIB binds Fc regions of antibodies in IC and reduces coligation of BCR and FcγRIIB minimizing an inhibitor of B cell activation. Given that Fc receptors and complement receptors bind immunoglobulins and complement fragments of other species, we reasoned that FDC accessory activity should cross MHC and species barriers. This prediction was tested using memory lymphocytes from OVA-immune mice and TT-immune humans in combination with FDC from murine lymph nodes and human tonsils. Human and murine FDC converted IC into potent immunogens (specific antibody increased from background to thousands of ng / ml). MHC barriers did not restrict this activity and human FDC worked with murine lymphocytes and murine FDC worked with human lymphocytes. Furthermore, stimulation via MHC-dependent allogeneic or zenogeneic mechanisms did not promote antibody production by FDC. Polyclonal responses stimulated by lipopolysaccharide and pokeweed mitogen were also promoted (10 – 100-fold) and anti-CD21 blocked FDC activity. These results substantiate the hypothesis that FDC are necessary for strong recall responses and that FDC-CD21L is critical.
Optimized Solutions for Kistler K-1 Branching Trajectories Using Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Techniques

Fully reusable two-stage-to-orbit launch vehicle designs that incorporate branching trajectories during their ascent are of current interest in the advanced launch vehicle design community. Unlike expendable vehicle designs, the booster of a two-stage reusable system must fly to a designated landing site after staging. Because of a mutual dependence on the staging conditions, both the booster flyback branch and the orbital branch of the ascent trajectory must be simultaneously optimized to achieve an overall system objective. The optimum solution is often a compromise between the local objectives of the two branches. Current and notable designs in this class include the U.S. Air Force Space Operations Vehicle designs, the Kelly Astroliner, the Kistler K-1, and NASA's proposed liquid flyback booster designs (space shuttle booster replacement). Solution techniques are introduced that are well suited to solving this class of problem with existing single-segment trajectory optimization codes. In particular, these methods originate from the field of multidisciplinary design optimization and include optimization-based decomposition and collaborative optimization. The results of applying these techniques to the branching trajectory optimization problem for the Kistler K-1 launch vehicle are given and conclusions are drawn with respect to computational efficiency and quality of the results. In general, partial optimization-based decomposition was preferred due to its superior robustness, ease of setup, fast execution time, and optimality of the results.
DETERMINATION OF BLOOD ETHER LEVELS BY GAS-LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY.

Abstract A gas chromatographic method for the determination of ether levels in blood is described. Included are procedures for collecting blood samples and for liquid-liquid extraction of the ether. Ether levels are determined from a standard curve prepared from the analysis of blood samples of known ether content. Statistical analysis of the results obtained in the preparation of 93 standard samples and the over-all simplicity of the method indicate its possible use as a routine procedure.
Cellular Differentiation Causes a Selective Down-regulation of Interleukin (IL)-1β-mediated NF-κB Activation and IL-8 Gene Expression in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Interleukin (IL)-1β signals through various adapter proteins and kinases that lead to activation of numerous downstream targets, including the transcription factors including NF-κB. In this study, we analyzed and characterized the effect of the differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells on IL-1β-mediated NF-κB activation and IL-8 gene expression. We report that IL-8 mRNA accumulation and protein secretion were down-regulated in IL-1β- and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated differentiated HT-29 cells (HT-29/MTX, where MTX is methotrexate) compared with undifferentiated cells (HT-29/p), whereas no differential effects were found following tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α or phorbol myristate acetate stimulation. Cross-linking and affinity binding studies reveal that IL-1β exclusively binds the type I receptor (IL-1RI) and not IL-1RII in both HT-29/p and HT-29/MTX cells. IL-1β-mediated IκB kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity were both diminished in differentiated HT-29 cells. DNA binding activity in differentiated HT-29 cells relative to HT-29/p cells was strongly reduced following IL-1β exposure but not after TNF-α stimulation. The proximal IL-1 signaling molecule IL-1 receptor-associated kinase was not degraded in IL-1β-stimulated HT-29 cells, in contrast to Caco-2 cells. κB-luciferase reporter gene activity was 16-fold higher following TNF receptor-associated factor-6 transfection after IL-1β stimulation in HT-29/MTX cells. We conclude that cellular differentiation of HT-29 cells selectively impairs the IL-1β signaling pathway inhibiting both NF-κB and JNK activity in response to IL-1β. This relative unresponsiveness to IL-1β may represent an important regulatory mechanism of differentiated intestinal epithelial cells.
Digital artifacts as legacy: exploring the lifespan and value of digital data

Legacy is the meaningful and complex way in which information, values, and possessions are passed on to others. As digital systems and information become meaningfully parts of people's everyday and social relationships, it is essential to develop new insights about how technology intersects with legacy and inheritance practices. We designed three interactive systems to investigate how digital materials might be passed down in the future. We conducted in-home interviews with ten parents using the systems to provoke discussion about how technology might support or complicate their existing practices. Sessions revealed parents desired to treat their digital information in ways not fully supported by technology. Findings are interpreted to describe design considerations for future work in this emerging space.
Integrated Hollow and Solid-Core Waveguides for Sensor Platforms

We report the fabrication of hollow and solid-core waveguide structures on planar substrates. These structures are suitable for low-loss anti-resonant reflecting (ARROW) and photonic crystal waveguides, and integration with microfluidic or gas-sensing platforms.
The engineering research center for compound semiconductor microelectronics

The long-range vision of the Engineering Research Center for Compound Semiconductor Microelectronics (CCSM) is focused on a new generation of high-speed communications and data-processing technology which exploits the bandwidth, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and connectivity of optical interconnects. In order to realize this vision, it will be necessary to design, fabricate, and integrate high-performance electrical and optical devices in monolithic optoelectronic integrated circuits, OEIC's. The research programs of the CCSM are focused on the development of the engineering science and technology base for fabrication of OEIC's and their application in optical interconnect systems; the education of engineers in this field; and effective transfer of this technology to industry
The ceramide analog, B13, induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cell lines and inhibits tumor growth in prostate cancer xenografts.

BACKGROUND Apoptosis is a therapeutic target for the elimination of cancer cells. As elevations in ceramide levels induce apoptosis, there is much excitement about the use of agents that elevate ceramide levels as novel chemotherapeutic agents. Ceramidases are enzymes involved in degradation of ceramide and inhibition of ceramidase has been proposed as a mechanism to increase ceramide levels. This study provides the first insight into the effect of B13, an inhibitor of acid ceramidase, on human prostate cancer cell lines and xenografts. METHODS Cell death was evaluated by the trypan blue assay; apoptosis by the Apo2.7 apoptosis assay; and glutathione levels by HPLC. Tumors were irradiated with a dose of 5 Gy of X-rays (250 kVp, 15 mA, 2 Gy/min) and tumor volume was measured during the course of the experiment. At the conclusion of the experiment, tumor weight was determined and the tumors were evaluated histologically. RESULTS B13 is an inducer of cell death, by apoptosis, in cultured prostate cancer cells. LNCaP and PC3 cells have different responsiveness to the enantiomers of B13. In LNCaP cells, the R enantiomer of B13 (10 μM) was significantly more effective than the S enantiomer at inducing cell death as determined by the trypan blue assay, culminating in approximately 90% cell death at 48 hr. In contrast, the same concentration of B13S induced <20% cell death at 48 hr. In PC3 cells, the S enantiomer was a more effective inducer of cell death, culminating in ∼30% cell death, relative to 14% for B13R in this model. Evaluation of induction of apoptosis by the Apo2.7 mitochondrial assay confirmed that this induction of cell death was by apoptosis. Concurrent with induction of apoptosis, glutathione levels drop in response to B13. Specifically, B13R caused a significant drop in glutathione levels in LNCaP cells, culminating in a reduction to 40% control values at 48 hr. In PC3 cells, in contrast, the drop in glutathione levels was more dramatic, culminating in a drop to 12% control values in response to B13S at 48 hr. The effects of B13R, however, were not significantly different from control values. In in vivo studies using a model of xenografted androgen-insensitive prostate cancer, B13 sensitized the tumors to the effects of radiation, resulting in a significant reduction in tumor volume and weight after treatment with the combination of B13 and radiation. Microscopic evaluation of the tumors indicated that apoptosis was the primary mechanism of this effect. CONCLUSIONS Targeting ceramide pathways may be a novel treatment strategy for hormone refractory prostate cancer. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Atherosclerosis Burden in Patients with Acute Chest Pain: Obesity Paradox

Obesity paradox has been described in various populations of coronary artery disease, mainly asymptomatic subjects. However, relationship between obesity and coronary artery calcification detected by cardiac CT in symptomatic patients has rarely been demonstrated. This study seeks to investigate whether the paradoxical relationship between obesity and coronary artery calcification exists in patients with acute chest pain. A final cohort of 1030 chest pain patients presenting at our emergency department who underwent coronary evaluation by multidetector cardiac CT were examined. With absent-to-mild coronary calcification (CAC score <path id="x1D443" d="M619 482q0 -69 -40.5 -119t-96 -72.5t-118.5 -26.5h-44l-70 20l-31 -151q-14 -67 0.5 -83t89.5 -22l-5 -28h-287l8 28q65 7 81.5 22t29.5 83l79 398q12 56 0.5 70.5t-78.5 20.5l7 28h255q108 0 164 -43t56 -125zM524 478q0 141 -146 141q-25 0 -47 -8q-16 -6 -20.5 -13.5 t-10.5 -39.5l-43 -241q37 -13 83 -13q67 0 125.5 45t58.5 129z" /> 0.002), body mass index (OR 0.945; 95% CI 0.920, 0.971; <path id="x30" d="M241 635q53 0 94 -28.5t63.5 -76t33.5 -102.5t11 -116q0 -58 -11 -112.5t-34 -103.5t-63.5 -78.5t-94.5 -29.5t-95 28t-64.5 75t-34.5 102.5t-11 118.5q0 58 11.5 112.5t34.5 103t64.5 78t95.5 29.5zM238 602q-32 0 -55.5 -25t-35.5 -68t-17.5 -91t-5.5 -105 q0 -76 10 -138.5t37 -107.5t69 -45q32 0 55.5 25t35.5 68.5t17.5 91.5t5.5 105t-5.5 105.5t-18 92t-36 68t-56.5 24.5z" /> ), body weight (OR 0.987; 95% CI 0.979, 0.995; 0.001), and body surface area (OR 0.582; 95% CI 0.369, 0.920; 0.020) were inversely associated with moderate-to-severe coronary calcification (CAC score ≥ 100). This study extends the concept of obesity paradox to symptomatic patients undergoing coronary artery calcium score assessment. However, biological explanation(s) of this paradox remains unanswered.
Recent developments in HIV-1 drug resistance

Drug resistance is an important contributing factor to the failure of antiretroviral therapy for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV1). The high daily turnover of HIV-1, coupled with the high error rate of reverse transcriptase (RT) results in the rapid emergence of drug-resistant variants when treatment does not fully suppress viral replication. It is not surprising, therefore, that the topic of drug resistance received considerable attention at two recent meetings: the 4th International Congress on Drug Therapy for HIV Infection (Glasgow, 8–12 November 1998) and the 6th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (Chicago, 31 January 4 February 1999). Major resistance topics covered at these conferences included mutational patterns associated with specific drug resistance, refinements in phenotypic and genotypic assays for HIV-1 drug resistance,and further evidence of the clinical utility of such assays.Data were also presented on the prevalence of drug resistance in isolates from newlyinfected individuals, suggesting an increasing incidence of transmission of drug-resistant viruses, and on the observation that failure of a regimen does not equate to resistance to all drugs in that regimen. Highlights from these presentations are briefly reviewed here.
Stability of the flow in a differentially heated inclined box

The effect of sloping boundaries on thermal convection is studied theoretically and in the laboratory in the context of a model in which fluid is contained in a differentially heated rectangular box of small aspect ratio (depth/length), inclined at an angle δ to the vertical. Like its two limiting cases, Benard convection and convection in the vertical slot, a basic state which exists for low Rayleigh numbers becomes unstable as this parameter is increased. The types of instability and indeed the manner in which the motions become turbulent depend crucially on δ. In our work with water the following general picture of the primary instabilities applies: For 90° > δ > 10° with the bottom plate hotter, the instabilities are stationary longitudinal convectively driven rolls with axes oriented up the slope. Near δ = 10° there is an upper and lower Rayleigh number cut off. If the Rayleigh number is too small diffusion damps the instabilities, but if it is too large they are damped by the development of a stable upslope temperature gradient in the mean flow.For 10° > δ > −10° (negative angles imply a hotter upper plate), transverse travelling waves oriented across the slope are the first instabilities of the mean flow. They obtain their kinetic energy via the working of the upslope buoyancy force.For - 10° > δ > −85° longitudinal modes are again observed. These are rather curious in that they may exist when the stratification is everywhere positive. The necessary energy for these modes comes out of the mean velocity field and out of the mean available potential energy.Agreement between the stability theory and the experiments is generally quite good over the whole range of δ, considering the approximations involved in finding a suitable basic flow solution.For Rayleigh numbers less than ∼ 106 turbulence is only possible for positive angles. For 85° > δ > 20° the development of unsteadiness involves the occurrence and the breaking of wavy longitudinal vortices in a manner reminiscent of the development of turbulence in cylindrical Couette flow.
Distributed jammer network: Impact and characterization

In this paper, we introduce a new denial-of-service attack on wireless networks: low-power, distributed jamming network (DJN). DJN is composed of large number of low-power jamming devices, which are deployed in proximity to the target devices. DJN can cause significant damage to target network performance with high energy efficiency. In the paper, we provide a characterization of DJN, demonstrate the effectiveness of DJN and provide a study on the impact of various DJN parameters on jamming effectiveness.1
Abstract 1689: Impact of pre-treatment body mass index on patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiation

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Purpose: Radiation therapy (RT) may lead to difficulty in swallowing and subsequently weight loss in patients with head and neck cancer. We investigated the association of pre-treatment body mass index (preT BMI) with outcomes of head and neck cancer in patients treated with radiation. Methods: All 1562 patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer and treated with curative-intent RT to a dose of 60Gy or higher between 1994 and 2004 were retrospectively studied. Body weight was measured both at entry and at the end of RT. cancer-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), locoregional control (LRC) and distant metastasis (DM) were analyzed by preT BMI (< 25 Kg/m2 vs ≤ 25Kg/m2). The median follow-up was 8.6 years. Results: Patients with higher preT BMI appeared to have earlier T and N stage. Patients with lower preT BMI were statistically significantly associated with poor CSS (p = 0.023) and OS (p < 0.0001) than those with higher preT BMI. There is no significant difference between high and low preT BMI in LRC and DM. Body weight loss (BWL) during radiation did not influence survival outcomes. However, in the group of higher preT BMI, CSS, OS and DM-free survival of patients with less BWL during radiation was statistically longer when compared with greater BWL (p = 0.002, < 0.0001, and 0.033). Conclusion: This study demonstrates preT BMI greater than or equal to 25 Kg/m2 positively influenced survival outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer. Patients with higher preT BMI who were able to maintain their weight during radiation had significantly better survival and distant outcomes than patients experiencing greater BWL. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1689. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1689
Recent trends in paralytic shellfish toxins in Puget Sound, relationships to climate, and capacity for prediction of toxic events

Temporal and spatial trends in paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) in Puget Sound shellfish and their relationships with climate are investigated using long-term monitoring data since 1957. Data are selected for trend analyses based on the sensitivity of shellfish species to PSTs and their depuration rates, and the frequency of sample collection at individual sites. These criteria limit the analyses to the shellfish species Mytilus edulis at 20 sites from 1993 to 2007. Blue mussel toxicity is highly variable, but typically exceeds the regulatory limit for human consumption from July to November annually, with most closures occurring early in fall. Using blue mussel data only, we find no robust evidence to suggest that the frequency, magnitude, duration, or geographic scope of PST events in Puget Sound increased between 1993 and 2007. However, there is a significant basin-wide trend for closures to occur earlier in the year. There are no significant correlations between annual indices of mussel toxicity and aspects of the local and large-scale climate. Case studies of daily variations in local environmental factors leading up to exceptionally toxic events identify a combination of conditions that generally precedes most closures from 1993 to 2007. These results suggest that periods of warm air and water temperatures and low streamflow on sub-seasonal timescales may facilitate toxin accumulation in mussels. No relationships were found between water residence times in the surface layer and either streamflow or mussel toxicity. Recommendations are made for future monitoring to improve forecasting of PST risks in Puget Sound, an important region for recreational, commercial, and tribal subsistence shellfish harvesting.
Specifying and facilitating family involvement in services to persons with developmental disabilities

This paper recognizes the important role of family involvement in services to people with developmental disabilities. The paper presents a conceptualization of involvement that was an outcome of a qualitative study of involvement from the perspective of family members themselves. The authors identify a framework of family involvement the composition of which incorporates four system levels (i.e. the individual, program/agency, community, society) and the five role opportunities for family members (i.e. treatment agent, planner, advocate, evaluator, and consultant/educator). Barriers to involvement are then delineated and the authors autline a process for promoting family involvement: 1) contracting for involvement; 2) developing a support system for involvement; and 3) monitoring and evaluating involvement.
Adult criteria for obstructive sleep apnea do not identify children with serious obstruction.

Although obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs in the pediatric population, diagnostic criteria have not been established. Since criteria for adult OSA are well established, we asked whether commonly used adult criteria, such as the apnea index (based on the number of obstructive apnea [OA] events per hour), would identify children with serious sleep-related upper airway obstruction. Polysomnographic data were analyzed from 20 children (ages 8 months to 16 yr) with clinical evidence of upper airway obstruction during sleep (loud snoring and labored breathing) and who had cyclic oscillations of oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO2) during sleep. The overnight studies included sleep state (EEG, EOG, and EMG), SaO2, ECG, nasal (end-tidal CO2) and oral (thermistor) airflow, chest and abdominal movement (inductance plethysmography), and video camera and behavioral observations. Measurements included the number of obstructive events > or = 10 s, the number of desaturations (> or = 5% decrease lasting > or = 5 s), the number of desaturation episodes to 5 s, and the percentage of sleep time with SaO2 values 5%, with an average minimum SaO2 of 66 +/- 13% (range 30 to 85%). The average number of apnea events was only 1.9 +/- 3.2 events/h (range 0 to 10.4).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Materials for mirror systems: an overview

Mirrors and their supporting structures, the mirror systems, come in many shapes and sizes. Each system must operate in an environment that imposes unique constraints when combined with the operating system dynamics and other requirements. These constraints make the choice of materials for mirror systems a not so simple task. Many materials are available for use in mirror systems. An overview of the available choices, with emphasis on system compatibility and dimensional stability, is presented. Factors influencing the choice include optical and mechanical requirements, the environment, available fabrication methods and economics. Most available materials are discussed with emphasis on aluminum, beryllium, silicon carbide and silicon carbide/aluminum composites. Properties comparisons are made and fabrication methods discussed. Finally, a methodology for materials selection is presented.
Backbone Relaxation Coupled to the Ionization of Internal Groups in Proteins: A Self-Guided Langevin Dynamics Study

Pathways of structural relaxation triggered by ionization of internal groups in staphylococcal nuclease (SNase) were studied through multiple self-guided Langevin dynamics (SGLD) simulations. Circular dichroism, steady-state Trp fluorescence, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy have shown previously that variants of SNase with internal Glu, Asp, and Lys at positions 66 or 92, and Arg at position 66, exhibit local reorganization or global unfolding when the internal ionizable group is charged. Except for Arg-66, these internal ionizable groups have unusual pKa values and are neutral at physiological pH. The structural trends observed in the simulations are in general agreement with experimental observations. The I92D variant, which unfolds globally upon ionization of Asp-92, in simulations often exhibits extensive hydration of the protein core, and sometimes also significant perturbations of the β-barrel. In the crystal structure of the V66R variant, the β1 strand from the β-barrel is domain-swapped; in the simulations, the β1 strand is sometimes partially released. The V66K variant, which in solutions shows reorganization of six residues at the C-terminus of helix α1 and perturbations in the β-barrel structure, exhibits fraying of three residues of helix α1 in one simulation, and perturbations and partial unfolding of three β-strands in a few other simulations. In sharp contrast, very small structural changes were observed in simulations of the wild-type protein. The simulations indicate that charging of internal groups frequently triggers penetration of water into the protein interior. The pKa values of Asp-92 and Arg-66 calculated with continuum methods on SGLD-relaxed structures reached the normal values in most simulations. Detailed analysis of accuracy and performance of SGLD demonstrates that SGLD outperforms LD in sampling of alternative protein conformations without loss of the accuracy and level of detail characteristic of regular LD.
Effects of solvent and structural dynamics on electron transfer reactions of 4-aminonaphthalene-1,8-dicarboximide donor-acceptor molecules in nematic liquid crystals and isotropic solvents

Photoinduced charge separation and thermal charge recombination reactions in a series of structurally related donor−acceptor molecules based on the 4-(N-pyrrolidinyl)naphthalene-1,8-dicarboximide (5ANI) and 4-(N-piperidinyl)naphthalene-1,8-dicarboximide (6ANI) chromophores were studied in the nematic liquid crystals 4-cyano-4‘-(n-pentyl)biphenyl (5CB) and N-(4‘-methoxybenzylidene)-4-(n-butyl)aniline (MBBA) as well as in the isotropic solvents pyridine, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, and pentyl propionate over a temperature range of 293−353 K. The photoexcited 5ANI and 6ANI chromophores donate an electron to pyromellitimide (PI), which is attached to the donors via a N−N single bond between their imide groups to give 5ANI−PI and 6ANI−PI, respectively. The photoexcited 6ANI chromophore also accepts electrons from p-methoxyaniline, which is attached to the 4-position of the naphthalene-1,8-dicarboximide as a N‘-(4‘-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl substituent to give MeOAn−6ANI. Attachment of a secondary PI acceptor to M...
Tongue-thrust in preschool children

Abstract 1. 1. Eighty-four (39 per cent) of the 214 preschool children in this study had a tongue-thrust pattern for saliva swallowing; 117 (55 per cent) for liquid swallowing; and 146 (68 per cent) for swallowing solids, according to the conservative definition of tongue-thrust. 2. 2. One hundred sixty-four (77 per cent) had a thrust for saliva swallowing; 181 (85 per cent) for liquid swallowing; and 190 (89 per cent) for solid swallowing, according to the liberal definition. 3. 3. With the liberal definition of tongue-thrust, a significant χ 2 was obtained comparing large tonsils and small tonsils for liquid and solid swallows, lack of mentalis contraction, or some degree of contraction for saliva swallows. 4. 4. With the conservative definition of tongue-thrust, a significant χ 2 result was obtained comparing large tonsils with small tonsils for solid and liquid swallows, comparing nasal breathing with mouth breathing, and comparing high, narrow palate arches with normal arches. 5. 5. Among these subjects there was a considerable variability of swallowing patterns. This variability was noted in terms of the medium being swallowed. 6. 6. Most of the variables which have been reported in the literature as being causally related to tongue-thrust (feeding patterns, masseter muscle activity, thumb-sucking habits, rugae roughness, and, to a certain degree, mentalis muscle contraction) were not found to be significantly related in these subjects.
Isolation and Characterization of Cardiotonic Steroids from the Bulb of Urginea altissima BAKER

Six cardiotonic steroids were isolated from bulbs of Urginea altissima BAKER and identified as hellebrigenin, scilliglaucosidin, scilliglaucosidin-3-one, altoside, hellebrigenin β-D-glucoside, and scilliglaucosidin α-L-rhamnoside.
Determination of Priority Weights under Multiattribute Decision-Making Situations: AHP versus Fuzzy AHP

AbstractThe analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach has been widely applied in multiattribute decision-making situations since being introduced in 1980. It has been believed that the AHP is appropriate to assist decision-making problems characterized by a number of interrelated factors. Recently, a derivative of the AHP, the so-called fuzzy AHP, has been developed by mixing AHP with a fuzzy set theory. This new method increasingly extends its application areas in construction management. Despite extensive use of the fuzzy AHP, little research has been conducted as to the comparability of calculated priority weight vectors by the fuzzy AHP with those by the traditional AHP. Therefore, this paper mainly focuses on the comparison of two AHP approaches by investigating weight vectors produced from a real case study. From the previous studies, four different fuzzy AHP approaches are prepared by applying different fuzzy fundamental scales and weight aggregations, and are tested to identify which method produc...
The Meaning and Use of the Arrhenius Activation Energy

The nature of the Arrhenius activation energy and frequency factor is reexamined in terms of information now becoming available on the microscopic aspects of collisional reactions. It is pointed out that the activation energy is not generally equal to the threshold for reaction, and its correct conceptual meaning is discussed. The temperature dependence of this quantity and its relation to the threshold energy is developed for a number of representative forms of the energy dependence of the reaction cross-section (excitation function). The uses and limitations of the activation energy as a means of evaluating thresholds, excitation functions, and the presence of tunneling processes are discussed.
Runoff‐conditions in 1940–41 on the South Coast basin, California

Conditions of runoff and rainfall over the South Coast Area of California during the season of 1940–41 were such that the public at large was kept in a state of resigned expectancy. With the memory of the flood of March 1938 still fresh in their minds, people, through the months of February and March, 1941, began noting with growing apprehension the mounting precipitation-figures and the constant and prolonged storms that covered the South Coast Area. Newspapers headlined rainfall as records approached 25-year highs, 40-year highs, and edged toward the all-time recorded high. The layman in this territory, perhaps to a greater extent than elsewhere, instinctively realizes that a continual recurrence of rain is usually an indicator of floods.
Analysis of keratan sulfate oligosaccharides by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

Keratan sulfate (KS) is a glycosaminoglycan consisting of repeating disaccharide units composed of alternating residues of d-galactose and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine linked β-(1−4) and β-(1−3), respectively. In this study, electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) was employed to identify keratan sulfate oligosaccharides. Two nonsulfated disaccharide isomers and two monosulfated disaccharide isomers were distinguished through MS/MS. In MS1 spectra of multiply sulfated KS oligosaccharides, the charge state of the most abundant molecular ion equals the number of sulfates. Subsequent MS2 and MS3 spectra of mono-, di-, tri-, and tetrasulfated KS oligosaccharides and sialylated tetrasaccharides reveal diagnostic ions that can be used as fingerprint maps to identify unknown KS oligosaccharides. Based on the pattern of fragment ions, the compositions of an oligosaccharide mixture from shark cartilage KS and of two enzyme digests of bovine corneal KS were determined directly, without prior isolatio...
Where Are the Faculty

If I had asked the people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses. —Henry Ford (Goodreads, 2010) Dstance, distributed, and online education programs and courses are growing in numbers ...
Experimental test of the [3+2]- and [2+2]-cycloaddition pathways for the bis-cinchona alkaloid-OsO4 catalyzed dihydroxylation of olefins by means of 12C13C kinetic isotope effects

Abstract The 12 C 13 C kinetic isotope effects for the bis-cinchona-OsO4 catalyzed dihydroxylation of 4-nitrostyrene, 4-methoxystyrene and allyl 4-methoxybenzoate have been measured at the olefinic carbons by the method of Singleton. For each olefin, the 12 C 13 C kinetic isotope values are substantial and similar at the two olefinic carbons. These results accord well with prediction based on a [3+2] cycloaddition pathway but not with expectations for a [2+2] cycloaddition process.
Liquid discharge from process and storage vessels

Abstract A generalized model to represent the orifice discharge of liquid from any point on the surface of a storage or process vessel is presented. The model is useful for determining the vessel leakage characteristics for specified geometries or using numerical volume versus height data acquired from the tank. Specific results are presented for vented tank geometries represented by tanks of constant cross-section (vertical cylinders and rectangular tanks), horizontal cylinders and spheres. Both algebraic and numeric results are presented. An interesting result is that the maximum leakage time for the sphere occurs when the leak is 25% of the diameter above the bottom of the tank. For the horizontal cylinder, the maximum leakage time occurs for leak 17% of the diameter above the bottom.
Braze joints of dispersion strengthened copper

Abstract Prior attempts to join alumina dispersion strengthened alloys (GlidCop) to itself, stainless steel (SS) and other materials have been less than successful. Typically these joints show low strength and poor ductility due to the segregation of alumina particles at the braze interface. This paper presents the results of a study undertaken to develop low activation brazing alloys, fluxes and processes for vacuum, argon and air environments to join alumina dispersion strengthened copper alloys to 304 SS. Vacuum and argon experiments were conducted using a Gleeble resistance heated system. Air brazing experiments were conducted in a resistance heated furnace with active fluxes. A reactive braze alloy composition has been developed which eliminates the segregation of Al 2 O 3 particles at the braze interface and produces joints with excellent strength and ductility. Wetting and mechanical properties of the braze alloys were measured. Tensile properties, microstructure, microhardness and measurements of the compositional segregation across the braze joint are discussed.
Stacking dependent electronic structure and transport in bilayer graphene nanoribbons

The stacking-dependent electronic structure and transport properties of bilayer graphene nanoribbons suspended between gold electrodes are investigated using density functional theory coupled with non-equilibrium Green’s functional method. We find substantially enhanced electron transmission as well as tunneling currents in the AA stacking of bilayer nanoribbons compared to either single-layer or AB stacked bilayer nanoribbons. Interlayer separation between the nanoribbons appears to have a profound impact on the conducting features of the bilayer nanoribbons, which is found to be closely related to the topology and overlap between the edge-localized π orbitals.
Analysis of pyrethroids in sediment pore water by solid‐phase microextraction

Sediment toxicity from trace contamination of pyrethroid insecticides is an emerging water quality concern. Pyrethroids are highly hydrophobic, and their sediment toxicity is related to the freely dissolved concentration in pore water. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was evaluated as a selective method to analyze free concentrations of eight pyrethroids in sediment pore water, and SPME measurements were compared to total pore-water concentrations measured using a conventional liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) method. Free pore-water concentrations detected by SPME (Cw-SPME) were 4.1 to 37% of the total concentration given by LLE (Cw-LLE) in pore water prepared from a freshwater sediment and only 3.2 to 13.3% in the pore water of a marine sediment. The difference suggested predominant partitioning of pyrethroids into the dissolved organic matter phase in pore water. The method detection limits of the SPME method were lower than the 10th percentile of the reported median lethal concentrations for aquatic organisms, with relative standard deviation <20% as determined over 200 analyses. The SPME method was further used to analyze field-contaminated sediment samples. Those analyses showed that the phase distribution of pyrethroids in sediment was influenced by sediment type and other conditions. Our results show that SPME provides a sensitive, reproducible, and practical method for screening sediment toxicity from potential pyrethroid contamination.
Expectations of Similarity and Cultural Difference in Conceptual Models of Illness: A Comparison of Medical Staff and Mexican Migrants

Cultural competency has increasingly become a central concept in medical education and practice, focusing on recognizing the variation in patients' health-related beliefs and practices in order to improve cross-cultural communication and health outcomes. While numerous anthropologists critique cultural competency concepts, approaches, and instruments, there is little research regarding the central question of how biomedical providers perceive the health-related beliefs and practices of patients from different cultural backgrounds, how these perceptions compare with patients' own stated beliefs, and how they vary from providers' own concepts of health and illness. Yet, perceptions of difference in conceptual models of health and illness may influence cross-cultural clinical encounters more than measurable variation as they may obscure existing differences while exaggerating others based on notions of cultural difference. We examine these issues by analyzing patterns of variation between Mexican migrants an...