cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Firearm Storage Practices of Officers in a Law Enforcement Agency in the South

Abstract Background: Law enforcement officers play an important role in promoting firearm safety. This study examined their firearm-related attitudes and practices. Methods: We conducted an anonymous, self-administered survey of law enforcement officers in an agency in the South concerning firearm ownership, storage practices, and opinions. Results: The 207 respondents (response rate=71%) were primarily white (60%) and male (89%). The proportions of respondents with (55%) and without (45%) children were similar. Eighty percent of the officers had firearms in addition to the one they were issued for work. Most stored firearms unlocked (59%) and loaded (68%); almost half (44%) reported storing firearms both unlocked and loaded. Eighty-five percent indicated that they felt an added need to protect themselves and family because of their job. Those who reported having firearms for self-protection were less likely than those who had firearms for recreation to store firearms securely. As compared to those without children, law enforcement officers with children were more likely to store firearms safely, and were especially likely to store firearms locked up (χ 2 =12.72, p Conclusions: Despite the law enforcement officers’ prominent role in firearm safety promotion and support for initiatives that limit unauthorized access, our study found that many do not practice safe storage. Apparently, many officers keep their firearms stored unlocked and loaded for the purpose of protecting themselves and their families. Addressing concerns about personal safety is a necessary step in promoting safe storage to law enforcement officers.
Nonlinear Behavior of a Parametric Resonance-Based Mass Sensor

The ability to detect mass change of the order of femtograms (10e-15g) opens up implementations of various precise chemical and biological sensors. Micro-scale oscillator based mass sensors are promising due to their small mass and high sensitivity. Many such sensors detect mass change by measuring the shift of natural frequency. We have reported previous work introducing the idea of using parametric resonance to detect mass change. This method utilizes stability behavior with mass variation as the detection criterion and high sensitivity is expected. This paper presents theoretical and experimental research on nonlinearity effects on the dynamic behavior of a MEMS oscillator, which is the prototype of such a mass sensor. A Duffing equation and a nonlinear Mathieu equation are used to model the behavior of nonlinear harmonic resonance and parametric resonance. Experimental results agree with the theoretical analysis very well. Some bulk equivalent parameters, such as Q factor, cubic stiffness and linear electrostatic stiffness can be estimated by studying the nonlinear behavior. The estimation of the parameters is important for design of the optimal mass sensor. The potential effects of nonlinearity on mass sensor application are discussed.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Pyridostigmine in the Treatment of Orthostatic Intolerance

Objective:To review the efficacy of pyridostigmine bromide for the treatment of orthostatic intolerance.Data Sources:MEDLINE and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts were searched (1966–December 2006) using the terms pyridostigmine, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, orthostatic intolerance, orthostatic hypotension, neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, postural tachycardia syndrome, tachycardia, and orthostatic tachycardia.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Pertinent English-language human clinical trials, case reports, and background material were evaluated for safety and efficacy data. The references of reviewed articles were reviewed and used to identify additional sources.Data Synthesis:Pyridostigmine bromide has been associated with improved baroreceptor sensitivity and presents a novel approach to treatment of orthostatic intolerance. Four single-dose trials and a follow-up survey encompassing a total of 106 patients were identified. One open-label and one placebo-controlled single-dose trial in pati...
The weak generative capacity of parenthesis-free categorial grammars

We study the weak generative capacity of a class of parenthesis free categorial grammars derived from those of Ades and Steedman by varying the set of reduction rules. With forward cancellation as the only rule, the grammars are weakly equivalent to context free grammars. When a backward combination rule is added, it is no longer possible to obtain all the context-free language. With suitable restriction of the forward partial rule, the languages are still context-free and a push-down automaton can be used for recognition. Using the unrestricted rule of forward partial combination, a context sensitive language is obtained.
Fishing out proteins that bind to titin

Another giant protein has been detected in cross-striated muscle cells. Given the name obscurin, it was discovered in a yeast two-hybrid screen in which the bait was a small region of titin that is localized near the Z-band. Obscurin is about 720 kD, similar in molecular weight to nebulin, but present at about one tenth the level (Young et al., 2001). Like titin, obscurin contains multiple immunoglobulin-like domains linked in tandem, but in contrast to titin it contains just two fibronectin-like domains. It also contains sequences that suggest obscurin may have roles in signal transduction. During embryonic development, its localization changes from the Z-band to the M-band. With these intriguing properties, obscurin may not remain obscure for long.
Architectural design of a three dimensional FPGA

The design and evaluation of a 3-dimensional FPGA architecture called Rothko are described. Rothko takes advantage of a novel 3-dimensional VLSI circuit technology developed at Northeastern University that is based on transferred circuits with interconnections between layers of circuits. The Rothko 3-D FPGA architecture is based on a sea-of-gates FPGA model first proposed in the Triptych architecture (a 2-D architecture) in which individual cells have the dual functions of routing and logic implementation. Our 3-D VLSI technology allows metal interconnections to be made between cells on different layers so that Rothko is truly 3-D. A very fine-grain interconnection scheme is provided with each cell connected to the one above/below it. In this paper we present the architectural design of this 3-D FPGA. The 3-D technology that supports the Rothko architecture is also described. An example of mapping a combinational multiplier to both the Rothko and Triptych architectures is provided to demonstrate the advantages of Rothko.
Effect of Density upon Larval Survival and Pupal Yield of the Olive Fruit Fly

The effect of larval density upon larval survival, pupal weight, length of developmental time for pupation and adult emergence was studied in 3 stocks of the olive fruit fly, Dacus oleae (Gmelin). Densities of 5-100 eggs/g diet were tested. Hatchability was not affected by egg densities. Larval mortality was high during the 1st 4 days of development but it was not affected by larval density. The percentage of neonate larvae which survived to pupal and adult stage was reduced in the higher densities. In general, high densities produced larval mortality beyond the 4th day, lower pupal weights and a reduction in adult emergence. A difference in pupal weight was recorded between 2 stocks at high densities. Developmental time period for pupation increased by one day when high densities were used.
COMPARISON OF THE IMMUNE RESPONSIVENESS OF NZB AND NZB x NZW F1 HYBRID MICE WITH THAT OF OTHER STRAINS OF MICE

The immune responsiveness of (NZB x NZW) F1 hybrid mice (NZB/W) has been compared with that of three other strains of mice, A/J, BALB/c, and CBA/J. The antigens used included sheep red blood cells (SRBC), keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and human γ-globulin (HGG). It was found that important strain differences existed in the amount of antibody produced, but the relative immune responsiveness depended very much upon the nature of antigen. By comparison with the other strains tested, NZB/W mice had a higher antibody production to some antigens (SRBC and BSA) but were low responders to others (KLH). Induction of unresponsiveness to HGG by treatment with ultracentrifuged HGG was studied in the strains cited above. NZB/W mice became tolerant after injection of HGG ultracentrifuged at 100,000 g for 2 hr. Similar experiments carried out with another preparation of HGG (centrifuged at 20,000 g for 30 min) failed to reveal any abnormal behavior of NZB/W mice as compared to BALB/c or A/J mice. These results do not support the concept that NZB/W mice possess a general immune hyperreactivity or a relative inability to be made tolerant to protein antigens. However, they do not rule out the possibility that these mice have a genetically determined hyperresponsiveness to some antigens, in particular to nuclear antigens.
The state and responsiveness of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in patients with type II diabetes mellitus*

We have recently reported a combination of renal features that suggests independent angiotensin-mediated control of the renal circulation in the majority of hypertensive patients with type II diabetes. To ascertain whether other tissue elements of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) also were activated, we examined the adrenal response to angiotensin II (AngII) infusion on a low salt diet. We assessed also the renin response to the upright position in patients on a low salt diet and renin suppression in patients on a high salt diet. We compared responses in 42 hypertensive patients with type II diabetes (53.1 +/- 1.4 years, mean +/- SEM), 25 healthy controls (52.6 +/- 4.4 years); and 137 essential hypertensives without diabetes (43.3 +/- 1.2 years). A low renin state, defined as a plasma renin activity (PRA) <2.5 ng angiotensin I (AI)/mL/h after 5 to 7 days on a 10-mmol Na diet and 2 h of upright posture, was found in 21% of the essential hypertensives, but in only 14% of patients with type II diabetes. On this diet, PRA increased from 2.7 +/- 0.4 supine to 10.1 +/- 1.3 ng AI/mL/h upon standing in healthy subjects. In patients with type II diabetes, PRA was 3.6 +/- 0.4 and increased to 9.1 +/- 1.0 ng AI/mL/h. On a high salt (200 mmol) diet, healthy subjects showed the expected PRA suppression (0.3 +/- 0.1), but in patients with type II diabetes the PRA was less suppressed (1.2 +/- 0.3 ng AI/mL/h; P = .003). Thus, in most hypertensive patients with type II diabetes the RAAS shows normal activation, but is poorly suppressible. AngII infused intravenously to assess adrenal responsiveness in patients on a low salt diet caused an essentially identical increase in aldosterone concentration in patients with type II diabetes (21.1 +/- 1.7 to 44.0 +/- 5.9 ng/dL) and in essential hypertension (20.6 +/- 1.4 to 43.7 +/- 2.8 ng/ dL). The frequency of nonmodulation assessed as a blunted adrenal response to AngII infusion was identical in type II diabetes (47%) and in essential hypertension (46%) after exclusion of the low renin patients. Thus, at the level of one tissue renin system, the adrenal glomerulosa, responses were unaltered in patients with type II diabetes. The relative unresponsiveness of the renal blood supply to infused AngII in type II diabetes in association with an enhanced renal vasodilator response to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition probably reflects local, intrarenal actions secondary to the diabetic state. The infrequency of a low renin state, and the inappropriately high renin levels on a high salt intake, provide a rational basis for pharmacologic interruption of the renin system to treat patients with type II diabetes.
Semigroup linearization for nonlinear parabolic equations

We present an algorithm for nonlinear parabolic equations that uses a linear semigroup approach to decouple the nonlinearity, thus allowing simpler techniques to be used for the solution. The basic method is applicable only to a restricted class of problems, but can be extended with little loss of utility. Stability and error estimates are given, along with example computations.
Remotely controlled high voltage capacitor charging

High voltage capacitor charging systems are often used in environments where it is not desirable to have personnel within close proximity to the energy storage devices, nor the charging system itself. This can present difficulties or logistical inconveniences when charge parameters need to be modified or system adjustments need to be performed. In the design of capacitor charging power supplies, much effort is often spent in the areas of energy density, cooling, stability, efficiency and other operational parameters. However when it comes to the actual operation of the system users are often presented with a very basic user interface, or left to design their own remote control interface. Recent advances in programmable automation controllers along with the wide acceptance and market saturation of the Ethernet standard for personal computer data connections has made possible a design for an Ethernet-based remote control system for capacitor charging power supplies. The new system can, in most cases, also work with existing installations. The control system solves several challenges with high voltage charging systems and at the same time offers additional capabilities to existing systems via a programmable, customizable user interface. Issues such as relatively imprecise voltage settings via a front panel knob are solved via precise keyboard input of desired charge voltage. Operation and control can be performed alongside of the system, or via a Secure connection in a remote room, or if desired, anywhere an internet connection is possible. Control may be initiated via secure, private local area network, or in an open system accessible to a range of people. New features such as data logging or modified charge profiles may be added via software and graphical user interface (GUI) modifications. This paper describes the design and operation of a remotely controlled high voltage capacitor charging system, its advantages over existing designs, and how its use can improve and facilitate R&D efforts for pulsed power systems.
Computer usage and access in low-income urban communities

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of home computer access on low-income families participating in the Computer for Families program. The study focused on participants (1) general computer usage, access and knowledge; (2) employment; (3) education; and (4) their children's-computer access, usage and academic performance. The study methodology consisted of a quasi-experimental design using qualitative and quantitative approaches, including focus groups, pretests and post-tests, and self-reported surveys with experimental and control groups. Statistically significant findings suggest that participants in the Computers for Families program were more likely than non-participants to have access to the Internet from home, use a computer for more than 1h per day, complete online job applications, and submit job applications and resumes electronically. Social and behavioral implications regarding computer access and usage in low-income urban communities are discussed.
Metacontrast Masking and Attention

Metacontrast masking is generally considered an effect of preattentive processes operative in early vision. Because of the growing evidence of the role of attention in other phenomena previously considered low level and preattentive, its possible role in masking was explored in three experiments in which meaningful target stimuli known to capture attention (one's own name or a happy-face icon) were compared with control stimuli identical in spatial frequency and luminance. Not only were these salient stimuli significantly more resistant to masking than the control stimuli, but when one of the meaningful stimuli served as a mask, its strength was increased relative to a less meaningful variant, documenting the strong influence of attention on masking.
Management of malignant tracheobronchial obstruction

Malignant airway obstruction produces symptoms of dyspnea, cough, and stridor with a significant impact on quality of life. With progressive airway narrowing, a critical stenosis is life threatening, due to impending suffocation. Bronchoscopy provides the mainstay of establishing the diagnosis as well as defining the extent and degree of airway obstruction. Therapeutic bronchoscopy provides the ability to achieve prompt airway stabilization while completing a patient evaluation and workup. Patients may have malignant airway obstruction from primary tracheobronchial tumors, adjacent primary tumors with airway invasion, or metastatic disease to the airway. Surgical resection is the preferred definitive therapy for primary airway tumors. A subset of lung or thyroid malignancies that invade the airway may also be amenable to primary surgical resection, as long as a complete resection of tumor can be obtained along with primary airway reconstruction. The majority of patients with malignant airway obstruction will be unresectable due to locally advanced disease, metastatic disease, or contraindicating comorbidity. In these patients, therapeutic bronchoscopy provides a prompt and reliable palliation of the airway obstruction. The simplest and most immediately reliable strategy for endoluminal tumor is mechanical core-out of the tumor. Laser vaporization, photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy, and endobronchial brachytherapy all are adjuncts to the coring out of endoluminal tumor that may prolong the period of palliation achieved. Airway stenting is the only endoluminal therapy available for the management of malignant obstruction from extrinsic disease, and is also a useful adjunct to providing coverage of endoluminal tumor. Flexible and creative application of these techniques provides the best chance for successful airway palliation. Although the long-term outlook in these patients is often dismal, relief of airway obstruction results in a marked improvement in quality and length of life.
Shortnose Gar (Lepisosteus platostomus) Foraging on Periodical Cicadas (Magicicada spp.): Territorial Defense of Profitable Pool Positions

Abstract Shortnose gar foraged on spent periodical cicadas floating on the surface during a mass coemergence of 13- and 17-y broods. The largest gar in each pool of an observed stream reach was positioned at the upstream pool lip. Ambient cicada drift was observed and increased feeding trials were used to investigate the observed pattern. The largest gar defended the upstream pool lip from other gar in the pool and consistently consumed more cicadas than any other single gar.
MODELING OF GAMMA-RAY PULSAR LIGHT CURVES USING THE FORCE-FREE MAGNETIC FIELD

Gamma-ray emission from pulsars has long been modeled using a vacuum dipole eld. This approximation ignores changes in the eld structure caused by the magnetospheric plasma and strong plasma currents. We present the rst results of gamma-ray pulsar light curve modeling using the more realistic eld taken from three-dimensional force-free magnetospheric simulations. Having the geometry of the eld, we apply several prescriptions for the location of the emission zone, comparing the light curves to observations. We nd that when the emission region is chosen according to the conventional slot-gap (or two-pole caustic) prescription, the model fails to produce double-peak pulse proles, mainly because the size of the polar cap in force-free magnetosphere is larger than the vacuum eld polar cap. This suppresses caustic formation in the inner magnetosphere. The conventional outer-gap model is capable of producing only one peak under general conditions, because a large fraction of open eld lines does not cross the null charge surface. We propose a novel \separatrix layer" model, where the high-energy emission originates from a thin layer on the open eld lines just inside of the separatrix that bounds the open ux tube. The emission from this layer generates two strong caustics on the sky map due to the eect we term \Sky Map Stagnation" (SMS). It is related to the fact that the force-free eld asymptotically approaches the eld of a rotating split monopole, and the photons emitted on such eld lines in the outer magnetosphere arrive to the observer in phase. The double-peak light curve is a natural consequence of SMS. We show that most features of the currently available gamma-ray pulsar light curves can be reasonably well reproduced and explained with the separatrix layer model using the force-free eld. Association of the emission region with the current sheet will guide more detailed future studies of the magnetospheric acceleration physics. Subject headings: MHD | pulsars: general | gamma-rays: theory | stars: magnetic elds
Recall Bias: A Proposal for Assessment and Control

Probably every major text on epidemiology offers atleast some discussion of recall bias in retrospectiveresearch. A potential for recall bias exists wheneverhistorical self-report information is elicited fromrespondents. Thus-, the potential for its occurrence isgreatest in case-control studies or cross-sectionalstudies which include retrospective components.Recall bias is said to occur when accuracy of recallregarding prior exposures is different for cases versuscontrols.The current paper will describe the process and con-sequences of recall bias. Most critically, it will suggestmethods for assessment and adjustment of its effects.WHAT IS RECALL BIAS?Generally, recall bias has been described in terms of'embroidery' of personal history by those respondentswho are cases. For example, Mausner and Kramer
Imaging of Bowel Obstruction

Small bowel obstruction is the most common disorder of the small bowel which requires hospital admission and surgical intervention. Small bowel obstruction leads to progressive increase in the intraluminal pressure which can exceed the venous pressure and result in bowel ischemia.
Remodulation of the tumor microenvironment by regulatory T cells

Meeting abstracts The tumor microenvironment is a complex system, which is composed of various types of non-tumor cells including stromal fibroblasts, the blood and lymphatic vascular networks, the extracellular matrix and notably, the infiltrating immune cells. Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) play
Multicenter Phase II Study to Evaluate a 28-Day Regimen of Oral Fluorouracil Plus Eniluracil in the Treatment of Patients With Previously Untreated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of fluorouracil (5-FU) plus eniluracil when administered to patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this single-arm phase II study, patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer received oral eniluracil plus 5-FU (10:1 dose ratio), at 5-FU doses of 1.00 mg/m2 or 1.15 mg/m2 twice daily (every 12 hours) for 28 consecutive days repeated every 5 weeks (one cycle). Treatment continued until there was documented disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. RESULTS: Thirty and 25 patients were enrolled at a starting dose of 1.00 mg/m2 and 1.15 mg/m2, respectively. Fourteen (25%) of 55 patients (95% confidence interval, 15% to 39%) had a partial response, and 20 patients (36%) had stable disease. The median durations of the partial responses and stable disease were 23.9 weeks (range, 12.3 to 52.1+ weeks) and 24.1 weeks (range, 17.1 to 55.6+ weeks), respectively. The median durations of progression-free and over...
Neurons are the Primary Target Cell for the Brain-Tropic Intracellular Parasite Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii, a common brain-tropic parasite, is capable of infecting most nucleated cells, including astrocytes and neurons, in vitro. Yet, in vivo, Toxoplasma is primarily found in neurons. In vitro data showing that interferon-γ-stimulated astrocytes, but not neurons, clear intracellular parasites suggest that neurons alone are persistently infected in vivo because they lack the ability to clear intracellular parasites. Here we test this theory by using a novel Toxoplasma-mouse model capable of marking and tracking host cells that directly interact with parasites, even if the interaction is transient. Remarkably, we find that Toxoplasma shows a strong predilection for interacting with neurons throughout CNS infection. This predilection remains in the setting of IFN-γ depletion; infection with parasites resistant to the major mechanism by which murine astrocytes clear parasites; or when directly injecting parasites into the brain. These findings, in combination with prior work, strongly suggest that neurons are not incidentally infected, but rather they are Toxoplasma's primary in vivo target.
Sub-nationals' risk premia in fiscal federations: Fiscal performance and institutional design

The recent debt crisis in Europe highlighted the importance of institutional design and, in particular, bail-out clauses in determining States' risk premia in fiscal or quasi-fiscal federations. This paper examines the determinants of sub-national governments' risk premia in fiscal federations using secondary market data for the USA, Canada, Australia and Germany. It finds that, as for central governments, fiscal fundamentals matter in the pricing of risk, and sub-national governments with higher public debt and larger deficits pay higher premia. However, this relationship is not uniform across federations and it differs with institutional arrangements. In particular, market pricing mechanisms are less effective in presence of explicit or implicit guarantees from the central government. We show that when sub-national governments depend on high transfers from the central government (i.e., when there is some form of implicit guarantee from the center), markets are less responsive to sub-national governments' fiscal fundamentals. Using primary market data, the paper also shows that high transfer dependency lowers the probability of sub-national governments to borrow on capital markets.
BM-12CEREBRAL INFARCTION SECONDARY TO PULMONARY VEIN COMPRESSION AND LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE TUMOR INFILTRATION AS THE PRESENTING SIGN OF METASTATIC SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE BASE OF THE TONGUE

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue has been documented to metastasize to the lungs and rarely involve the heart. The majority of documented cases of cardiac metastases are from postmortem analysis. Cases of sudden death, syncope, and dyspnea have been reported. However, stroke and tumor embolization to the brain as the initial clinical presentation has not been documented in the English literature. METHODS: Case Report. RESULTS: This case addresses a 61-year-old male with Stage IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the left tongue base, believed to be in remission after systemic chemotherapy and local radiation, who presented with acute cerebral infarctions involving multiple vascular territories. Cardiac CT obtained during stroke etiology evaluation displayed metastatic disease compressing the pulmonary vein resulting in virtual pulmonary vein thrombus. Transthoracic echocardiogram was negative for cardiac valvular pathology. Anticoagulation was initiated. Twelve days later he returned with recurrent strokes and suspected tumor embolization to the brain. Imaging displayed left atrial appendage structural abnormality highly suggestive of tumor infiltration. CONCLUSION: Cardiac metastases are rare and non-myxomatous tumor embolization to the brain even rarer especially in the setting of cerebral infarction due to pulmonary vein thrombus. Here we describe a case of multiple acute cerebral infarctions appearing from a proximal source refractory to anticoagulation. Thromboembolism from the pulmonary vein and tumor embolization from cardiac metastases are the likely mechanisms for his clinical presentation and radiographic findings. This case demonstrates the complexity of multiple stroke etiologies in one patient and the importance of cardiac imaging in stroke evaluation, particularly in the setting of a patient with a history of cancer.
A Comparative Investigation of Dye-Sensitized Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Nanorods Grown on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) Substrates by Direct and Seed-Mediated Hydrothermal Methods

We report a comparative investigation of the characteristics of modified TiO2 nanorods grown on conducting indium tin oxide glass (ITO) substrates by two different hydrothermal methods: the direct method by which rutile TiO2 nanorods were grown directly on plain ITO substrates and the seed-mediated one using which a thin film of anatase TiO2 seed layer was laid down by spin coating and annealing prior to the growth of TiO2 nanorods on it. Microstructural analysis of the samples using X-ray diffraction confirmed their rutile nature. The average crystallite size estimated using Scherrer’s formula was found to fall in the range of 11–17 nm in both cases. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed the nanorod morphologies of a dandelion arrangement in the case of directly grown ones and a proper vertical orientation in the case of the seed-mediated method. UV–Vis spectroscopy analysis of both the samples exhibited redshifts with intense absorption of visible radiation, and the seed-mediated one was found to possess an increased bandgap. The transport nature of the samples was characterized by significant increase in both dark and photocurrents. The results show that the dark and photocurrent values of the directly grown TiO2 nanorods were greater than those of the seed-mediated ones by ~seven and five folds, respectively, and therefore, it could serve as efficient photoelectrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells.
Supervising Dentists’ Perspectives on the Effectiveness of Community-Based Dental Education

The Commission on Dental Accreditation recently implemented new predoctoral standards that require dental schools in the United States to provide students with community-based dental education (CBDE) experiences. The objective of this study was to examine the perspectives of supervising dentists (also known as dental preceptors) at rural CBDE sites regarding the University of Nebraska Medical Center program's effectiveness in improving the competencies of dental students. Surveys were sent to all forty-three preceptors in two subsequent years: nineteen responded to all questions in 2012 and sixteen in 2013, for a total of thirty-five participants. These preceptors evaluated the effectiveness of the program based on the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Competencies for the New General Dentist. Overall, these preceptors rated the CBDE program as effective (excellent or very good) in improving the students' competence in five of the six ADEA domains: Critical Thinking, Professionalism, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Health Promotion, Patient Care: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning, and Patient Care: Establishment and Maintenance of Oral Health. Practice Management and Informatics was found to be the least effective domain of competence. CBDE provides a unique opportunity to develop a competent dental workforce with an appreciation for the value of community service. Applying a competency-based framework to program evaluation can provide valuable information on program effectiveness to program administrators, educators, and the dental preceptors.
Infant mortality reviews in the Aberdeen Area of the Indian Health Service: strategies and outcomes.

SYNOPSIS Objective. To determine cause and manner of death for consecutive infant deaths in the Aberdeen Area of the Indian Health Service (AAIHS) from 1998 to 2002 and to identify risk markers for infant mortality. Methods. Infant deaths in the AAIHS were identified from four data sources: death certificates from the four states in the AAIHS, deaths reported by local IHS Service Units, from obituaries in local and regional newspapers, and deaths reported by area hospitals. Each infant death is then sent to the local IHS service unit for review, where data from the infant and mother's chart is extracted and recorded. Local community factors, birth and death certificates, and autopsy reports are collected. The case is then reviewed at the Perinatal Infant Mortality Review (PIMR) meeting and a cause and manner of death is assigned. Summary data for the cohort was examined and then compared by mortality category and three age-at-death groups. Results. Sudden infant death syndrome accounted for 33% of all infant deaths in the AAIHS. Prematurity was the second most prevalent cause-specific mortality category, accounting for 22% of all infant deaths. The authors found that infant mortality was surprisingly recurrent, with 32% of mothers of this infant having had a previous infant death. Conclusions. The PIMR committee requires substantial resources to support a review committee with appropriate expertise and their travel. Participation of local IHS staff and tribal members provides an important cultural and community perspective for the review process. Quality improvement changes are currently being implemented. These include increasing data on substance use, mental health needs, and reviews of fetal deaths. The process of mortality review has been very helpful in public education in the AAIHS.
Expanding the view of a standard colonoscope with the Third Eye Panoramic cap.

AIM: To evaluate a new imaging device for colonoscopy that adds two side viewing CMOS lenses, the Third Eye® Panoramic™ cap. METHODS: In this prospective observational feasibility study, 33 patients, 18 male and 15 female, underwent routine screening, surveillance or diagnostic colonoscopy with the new Third Eye® Panoramic™ cap clipped on to the distal tip of a high definition Fuji EC530-LS Slim Colonoscope®. All procedures were performed at the New York Presbyterian-Queens Endoscopy unit by two experienced endoscopists (Rubin M and Kim SH). Main outcome measurements included evaluation of the image quality of the Third Eye® Panoramic™ cap, adenoma detection rate, cecal intubation rate, withdrawal time and total procedure time. RESULTS: The Third Eye® Panoramic™ cap enabled enhanced views without affecting the quality of the colonoscope’s image or its handling characteristics through the colon. Ileal intubation was accomplished in most cases, but was more challenging. The side view lenses detected polyps and diverticula hidden behind folds and in flexures not seen on the standard view. The side view lenses were easily cleaned utilizing an Endogator® Irrigation Pump (Medivators, Minneapolis, MN, United States) by angling the scope tip against the mucosa while washing. The cecum was reached in all 33 patients. Mean cecal intubation time was 8.19 ± 2.17 min, mean withdrawal time was 10.15 ± 5.56 min and mean total procedure time was 20.31 ± 5.14 min. The overall adenoma detection rate was 44%. CONCLUSION: The Third Eye® Panoramic™ cap enables wide view colonoscopy with enhanced visualization utilizing standard forward view colonoscopes.
Quantum Nuclear Effects in Stishovite Crystallization in Shock-Compressed Fused Silica

Quantum nuclear effects include zero-point energy for each vibrational mode and potentially significant deviations of the heat capacity from classical values. While these effects play important roles in shock-induced chemical reactions and phase transitions, they are absent in classical atomistic shock simulations. To address this shortcoming, we have studied the quantum nuclear effects for stishovite crystallization in shock-compressed fused silica by employing the quantum bath multiscale shock technique, which couples the shock simulation with a colored-noise Langevin thermostat. We find that this semiclassical approach gives shock temperatures as much as 7% higher than classical simulations near the onset of stishovite crystallization in silica. We have also studied the impact of this approach on the kinetics of stishovite crystallization and the position of high-pressure silica melt line. We further describe a systematic way of setting up the parameters for the quantum thermal bath and quantum bath mu...
Nonlinear Inter-Band Subcarrier Intermodulations of Multi-RAT OFDM Wireless Services in 5G Heterogeneous Mobile Fronthaul Networks

Nonlinear impairments of OFDM signals in 5G multi-radio access technology (multi-RAT) heterogeneous mobile fronthaul (MFH) networks are investigated. Although nonlinear subcarrier intermodulations (IMs) of OFDM signals have been studied extensively, inter-band interferences among multiple OFDM services in multi-RAT heterogeneous systems have not been evaluated yet. In this paper, for the first time as we know, inter-band IMs among subcarriers of multiband OFDM services in a multi-RAT heterogeneous MFH network are investigated. A millimeter wave MFH testbed is used to evaluate the nonlinear interferences among multiple OFDM services from various radio access technologies (RATs). Both theoretical analysis and experiments are carried out, and it is verified that inter-band IMs among different OFDM services actually play a more important role in the MFH performance degradation than the well-known intra-band IMs of each individual service. Finally, nonlinearity compensation of MFH networks is demonstrated by predistortion technique, and effective mitigation of both intra- and inter-band subcarrier IMs are realized.
Coal as Fuel

This chapter presents a brief history of the use of coal, including a comparison to other energy sources. Although the concentration here is on coal use in the United States, a global perspective is also presented, especially with regard to comparing overall energy consumption. Types of technologies used in the past and developed as part of the Industrial Revolution are also discussed. A more in-depth discussion of major coal technologies, however, is provided in subsequent chapters
Long-term Consequences of Finasteride vs Placebo in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial

Background: Finasteride has been found to reduce the risk of low-grade prostate cancer but to have no impact on overall survival. The long-term adverse and beneficial consequences of finasteride have not been examined. Methods: We used a linkage between data from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) and Medicare claims. Patients were examined by randomized study arm (finasteride vs placebo for 7 years) for long-term consequences of the intervention, including cardiac, endocrine, and sexual dysfunction, depression, diabetes, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)–related events. To examine time to events, we used cumulative incidence and Cox regression, adjusting for covariates. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: A total of 13 935 of 18 880 participants (73.8%) in the PCPT were linked to Medicare claims, with median Medicare follow-up assessment time of 16 years from trial registration. There were no differences between finasteride and placebo participants with respect to important baseline factors or amount of Medicare follow-up assessment time. Finasteride patients had a 10% higher risk of new claims for depression (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01 to 1.19, P = .04) and a 6% lower risk of procedures for BPH-related events (primarily lower urinary tract symptoms; HR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.89 to 1.00, P = .03). No other differences were found in rates of long-term consequences of intervention in the two study arms. Conclusions: Finasteride use is associated with reduced need for procedures for relief of BPH-related events and a modest increase in depression. Overall, there is little need to worry about long-term noncancer consequences of finasteride use in those who use it for treatment of symptomatic BPH, hair growth, or prevention of cancer.
Refined big bang nucleosynthesis constraints on Omega B and N nu.

We include correlations between elemental abundances in a Monte Carlo statistical analysis of BBN predictions, which, along with updated reaction rates and an improved BBN code, lead to tightened constraints on $\Omega_{B}$ and $N_{\nu}$. Observational upper limits on the primordial \he and $\rm {D + {^3He}}$ fractions of $24 \%$ (by weight) and $ 10^{-4}$ respectively lead to the limits: $0.015 \le \Omega_{B} \le 0.070$, and $N_{\nu} \le 3.04$. The former limit appears to be incompatible with purely baryonic galactic halo dark matter, while the latter puts qualitatively new constraints on neutrinos, and physics beyond the standard model.
Secondary phase formation in (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 thin films grown by three-stage co-evaporation

Abstract (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 thin films deposited by a three-stage co-evaporation process have shown potential as mid- and wide-bandgap absorber materials for solar cell devices. Further growth optimization requires a thorough understanding of secondary phases formed in addition to the primary chalcopyrite phase, during the group-I rich growth near the end of the second stage. In this study, we investigate how the composition ratio Ag/(Ag+Cu) controls the formation of the secondary phases containing Ag, Cu and Se. Group-I rich [composition ratio (Ag+Cu)/(In+Ga) > 1 ] ACIGS films with varying silver content—Ag/(Ag+Cu)=0, 0.1 and 0.5—are grown until the end of the second stage of three-stage processes. Secondary phases are found to locate near film surfaces. However, they intermix with the chalcopyrite phase in the surface layer when Ag/(Ag+Cu) > 0 , while they form a separate layer if no Ag is alloyed. The crystal structures of the secondary phases shifts along the Cu2Se - Ag2Se pseudo-binary tie-line as Ag/(Ag+Cu) increases. Concurrently, the film surfaces become smoother with reduced facets and voids, the accumulation of sodium is suppressed, and both the degree of In and Ga gradient and the film emissivity are reduced, all of which affect the subsequent deposition process and final solar device performance.
Lessons outside of the classroom: Examining the effectiveness of service learning projects at achieving learning objectives.

This paper investigates how the delivery of course material affects student learning. It explores whether service learning projects are more effective than traditional classroom assignments at achi...
Asymptotic distribution of ∆AUC, NRIs, and IDI based on theory of U‐statistics

The change in area under the curve (∆AUC), the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and net reclassification index (NRI) are commonly used measures of risk prediction model performance. Some authors have reported good validity of associated methods of estimating their standard errors (SE) and construction of confidence intervals, whereas others have questioned their performance. To address these issues, we unite the ∆AUC, IDI, and three versions of the NRI under the umbrella of the U-statistics family. We rigorously show that the asymptotic behavior of ∆AUC, NRIs, and IDI fits the asymptotic distribution theory developed for U-statistics. We prove that the ∆AUC, NRIs, and IDI are asymptotically normal, unless they compare nested models under the null hypothesis. In the latter case, asymptotic normality and existing SE estimates cannot be applied to ∆AUC, NRIs, or IDI. In the former case, SE formulas proposed in the literature are equivalent to SE formulas obtained from U-statistics theory if we ignore adjustment for estimated parameters. We use Sukhatme-Randles-deWet condition to determine when adjustment for estimated parameters is necessary. We show that adjustment is not necessary for SEs of the ∆AUC and two versions of the NRI when added predictor variables are significant and normally distributed. The SEs of the IDI and three-category NRI should always be adjusted for estimated parameters. These results allow us to define when existing formulas for SE estimates can be used and when resampling methods such as the bootstrap should be used instead when comparing nested models. We also use the U-statistic theory to develop a new SE estimate of ∆AUC. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular Structure, Equilibrium Conformation, and Ring-Puckering Motion in 1,1,3,3-Tetramethylcyclobutane. An Electron-Diffraction Investigation Augmented by Molecular Orbital and Normal Coordinate Calculations.

The molecule cyclobutane (CB) has a nonplanar carbon skeleton folded around a line connecting diagonally opposite atoms. The puckering angle (the change from planarity) of ∼30° is generally attributed to steric repulsion between the four sets of adjacent methylene groups that would be opposed in a planar ring and is relieved by the puckering. According to this criterion, a similar molecule, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylcyclobutene (TMCB), in which adjacent methylene groups do not exist, would be expected to have a planar ring in the equilibrium form. We have investigated the structure of TMCB to test this expectation. Two models were designed for the tests: one having D2h symmetry (planar ring) and one of C2v symmetry (nonplanar ring). Each model incorporated the dynamics of large-amplitude bending around a line joining the methylene groups. Our results suggest the D2h model is to be preferred. Dynamic averages (rg/A; ∠g/deg) of the more important distances and angles in the D2h model with estimated 2σ uncertaintie...
Triangular Confluence: Islam and Modernity in Bangladesh:

This paper attempts to investigate modernity in contemporary Bangladesh, going beyond the Secularism–Islamism binary, and arguing that modernity in Bangladesh should be understood by considering th...
Teaching What You Practice: The Need for Self-Reflection in Academic Settings

Public administration academics—scholars and teachers—should consider discussing, documenting, and disseminating their organizational experiences. Most academics are aware of their administrative a...
Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation: Tissue Oxygen Sensor for Regulation of Coronary Flow

The observation that mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in vivo is dependent on oxygen tension throughout the physiological range (Wilson et al., 1979a , 1979b ) has made this metabolic pathway the most probable candidate for the tissue oxygen sensor in the regulation of local blood flow. We have utilized the oxygen dependent regulatory system for coronary blood flow to examine this possibility. Alterations in coronary flow were induced by: 1. Varied work load; 2. Infusion of Amytal (an inhibitor of mitochondrial respiration); 3. Infusion of DNP; 4. Hypoxia. Increased work load caused increased coronary flow with no decrease in effluent oxygen tension while Amytal infusion and hypoxia caused vasodilation with increased and decreased O2 tension respectively. This indicates that oxygen tension per se cannot be responsible for the observed vasodilation. Tissue energy metabolism was evaluated by measuring metabolite levels in hearts which were freeze-clamped in each state of perfusion. In all four methods of vasodilation, a decrease in cellular energy state ratio ([ATP]f/[ADP]f[Pi]) expressed as the calculated ratio of free adenine nucleotides, was observed for conditions which increased flow. Systematic variation of work load, Amytal or DNP concentration resulted in quantitatively the same correlation between tissue [ATP]f/[ADP]f[Pi] and coronary flow. It is concluded that mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation is the oxygen sensor for the regulation of coronary blood flow by tissue oxygen tension. Infusion of adenosine, a known coronary vasodilator, induced vasodilation which was completely blocked by theophylline.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)