cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy administered during pregnancy for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

Abstract Background Ovarian cancer diagnosed during pregnancy is uncommon. Most chemotherapy use reported has been in combination with cisplatinum. Paclitaxel in combination with carboplatin during pregnancy has not yet been reported. Case A right adnexal mass was diagnosed during pregnancy at 5 weeks' gestational age in a 30-year-old woman. A laparotomy was performed 2 weeks later because of the worsening nature of her symptoms and the possibility of ovarian torsion. At surgery, the patient was diagnosed with stage IIIC ovarian papillary serous cystadenocarcinoma. She was treated with six cycles of paclitaxel and carboplatin beginning at 16–17 weeks' gestation. At 35.5 weeks' gestation, a cesarean hysterectomy, left salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic and paraaortic nodal sampling with multiple peritoneal biopsies was performed without incident. However, the patient had refractory disease present in the remaining ovary. She was treated with further chemotherapy and is currently doing well. The patient experienced no adverse reactions during her treatment, and the infant has normal growth and development at 15 months of age. Conclusion Paclitaxel used in combination with carboplatin for the treatment of ovarian cancer during pregnancy caused no adverse effects in the infant.
On the quality and value of information in sensor networks

The increasing use of sensor-derived information from planned, ad-hoc, and/or opportunistically deployed sensor networks provides enhanced visibility to everyday activities and processes, enabling fast-paced data-to-decision in personal, social, civilian, military, and business contexts. The value that information brings to this visibility and ensuing decisions depends on the quality characteristics of the information gathered. In this article, we highlight, refine, and extend upon our past work in the areas of quality and value of information (QoI and VoI) for sensor networks. Specifically, we present and elaborate on our two-layer QoI/VoI definition, where the former relates to context-independent aspects and the latter to context-dependent aspects of an information product. Then, we refine our taxonomy of pertinent QoI and VoI attributes anchored around a simple ontological relationship between the two. Finally, we introduce a framework for scoring and ranking information products based on their VoI attributes using the analytic hierarchy multicriteria decision process, illustrated via a simple example.
Demolition of High-Rise Public Housing Increases Particulate Matter Air Pollution in Communities of High-Risk Asthmatics

Public housing developments across the United States are being demolished, potentially increasing local concentrations of particulate matter (PM) in communities with high burdens of severe asthma. Little is known about the impact of demolition on local air quality. At three public housing developments in Chicago, IL, PM with an aerodynamic diameter < 10 microm (PM10) and < 2.5 microm were measured before and during high-rise demolition. Additionally, size-selective sampling and real-time monitoring were concurrently performed upwind and downwind of one demolition site. The concentration of particulates attributable to demolition was estimated after accounting for background urban air pollution. Particle microscopy was performed on a small number of samples. Substantial increases of PM10 occurred during demolition, with the magnitude of that increase varying based on sampler distance, wind direction, and averaging time. During structural demolition, local concentrations of PM10 42 m downwind of a demolition site increased 4- to 9-fold above upwind concentrations (6-hr averaging time). After adjusting for background PM10, the presence of dusty conditions was associated with a 74% increase in PM10 100 m downwind of demolition sites (24-hr averaging times). During structural demolition, short-term peaks in real-time PM10 (30-sec averaging time) occasionally exceeded 500 microg/m(3). The median particle size downwind of a demolition site (17.3 microm) was significantly larger than background (3 microm). Specific activities are associated with realtime particulate measures. Microscopy did not identify asbestos or high concentrations of mold spores. In conclusion, individuals living near sites of public housing demolition are at risk for exposure to high particulate concentrations. This increase is characterized by relatively large particles and high short-term peaks in PM concentration.
Stark-Zeeman effect of metastable orthohydrogen and parahydrogen

The Stark effect of the $N=1$ rotational level in the metastable $c^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}_{u}$ electronic state of orthohydrogen has been measured using the molecular-beam magnetic-resonance method. The Stark-shift coefficients of orthohydrogen, unlike those of parahydrogen, are strongly dependent on static magnetic field strength. The measured magnetic field dependence of these coefficients agrees with a calculation in which we assume that the major contribution to this phenomenon is the mixing of hyperfine levels by the Zeeman-effect perturbation. The extrapolated zero-magnetic-field values of the Stark-shift coefficients are in reasonable agreement with the corresponding theoretical values. The Stark effect of the $N=2$ rotational level of parahydrogen has been remeasured with considerable reduction in the experimental uncertainties. This allows a more meaningful comparison with theory. At large magnetic field strengths (100-150 G) the Stark effect of para-${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ exhibits a small dependence on magnetic field which is due to mixing of the fine-structure levels by the Zeeman-effect perturbation.
A Remark on the Poroelastic Center of Dilation

In the original derivation due to Dougall (Proc. Edinb. Math. Soc. 16(1):82–98, [22]), the center of dilation is constructed from the superposition of orthogonal force dipoles. However, it can also be built by combining dislocation dipoles. While the two representations are equivalent in elasticity, the different nature of the force and dislocation dipoles leads to different transient behaviors in poroelasticity, when the response evolves from undrained to drained. Indeed, we show that the poroelastic solution of a center of dilation is obtained by superposing the corresponding elastic solution and either an instantaneous fluid sink or an instantaneous fluid source, depending on whether the center of dilation is treated as a singular stress or displacement discontinuity. A simple explanation to the instantaneous injection or withdrawal of a finite volume of fluid from/to the singularity is given by adopting an exploded view of the poroelastic center of dilation. The exploration of the drained, undrained and transient responses of this singularity also requires to clarify the close relationship between an instantaneous fluid source and a continuous fluid dodecapole, an object constructed by collapsing onto a point three orthogonal pairs of fluid dipoles.
INFLUENCE OF DIETARY PROTEIN CONCENTRATION ON GROWTH, FEED CONVERSION AND GENERAL METABOLISM OF JUVENILE PRAWN (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)1

Juvenile Macrobrachium rosenbergii cultured in closed systems were offered one of four dietary protein concentrations, each containing a 1.65:1 ratio of menhaden fish meal to soy proteinate. After 6 and 10 weeks, the 40 and 49% protein treatments promoted significantly higher weight gain than those individuals offered 32 and 23% protein. Additionally, during the same time intervals, the 32% protein treatment resulted in better growth of prawn than the 23% protein treatment. After 14 weeks, prawn fed the 40% protein concentration produced a significantly higher cumulative weight gain than prawn offered 49, 32 and 23% protein. Feed conversion ratios were significantly lower (i.e., better) in the 40% protein treatment compared to the 23% protein treatment after 10 and 14 weeks (P ≤ 0.05). Survival rates were similar for all dietary treatments within any one time interval (6, 10 and 14 weeks). Protein efficiency ratio was lower in prawn fed 49% protein vs 40% proten after 10 weeks. The 40% protein treatment was more cost-effective than 49% protein treatment throughout the study when considering growth, feed conversion ratios and protein efficiency ratios. Although these results indicate a higher total dietary protein requirement for this species than that reported for most other prawns (27–35% protein), exact requirements will undoubtedly vary with alterations of the amino acid profile, variation in dietary supplementation of macro-and micronutrients other than protein, and changes in selected environmental factors.
Waste and Yet Want Not

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Shachrai et al. (2010) demonstrate that the cost of wasteful protein expression in E. coli is specific to the transition from stationary phase to balanced exponential growth, probably because of a shortage of ribosomes during this growth phase.
Using POGIL to teach students to be better problem solvers (abstract only)

POGIL is a learning method that encourages students to learn coursework material in cooperative groups. Instead of passively listening to a traditional lecture, POGIL students work together on activities that guide students to discover programming concepts and algorithms for themselves. For example, instead of being told in lecture that a return statement ends the execution of a method, students might be asked what happens if two lines in their program are reversed (so that a line of code appears after the return statement). This emphasis on the process of discovery teaches students to become better problem solvers. POGIL has been used for over 15 years in science classrooms, where studies have shown it to be more effective than traditional lectures, measured both in student mastery of the material and in student retention.This poster provides examples of how traditional programming assignments can be transformed into POGIL lessons that emphasize problem solving and critical thinking skills. A POGIL activity on loops has students working through iterations of Newton's method by hand before writing the code. Critical thinking questions guide students to manipulate the code to experiment with infinite loops, initialization statements and conditionals. Two other activities on recursion and writing pseudocode are detailed on the poster. Information on facilitating a POGIL activity and writing your own POGIL activities can be found online at http://pogil.org/resources. Additional examples of computer science POGIL activities can be found at http://cspogil.org.
Weighted and regularity estimates for nonlinear equations on Reifenberg flat domains

Abstract Global weighted L p estimates are obtained for the gradient of solutions to nonlinear elliptic Dirichlet boundary value problems over a bounded nonsmooth domain. Morrey and Holder regularity of solutions are also established, as a consequence. These results generalize various existing estimates for nonlinear equations. The nonlinearities are of at most linear growth and assumed to have a uniform small mean oscillation. The boundary of the domain, on the other hand, may exhibit roughness but assumed to be sufficiently flat in the sense of Reifenberg. Our approach uses maximal function estimates and Vitali covering lemma, and also known regularity results of solutions to nonlinear homogeneous equations.
Child health in the United States: Recent trends in racial/ethnic disparities

In the United States, race and ethnicity are considered key social determinants of health because of their enduring association with social and economic opportunities and resources. An important policy and research concern is whether the U.S. is making progress toward reducing racial/ethnic inequalities in health. While race/ethnic disparities in infant and adult outcomes are well documented, less is known about patterns and trends by race/ethnicity among children. Our objective was to determine the patterns of and progress toward reducing racial/ethnic disparities in child health. Using nationally representative data from 1998 to 2009, we assessed 17 indicators of child health, including overall health status, disability, measures of specific illnesses, and indicators of the social and economic consequences of illnesses. We examined disparities across five race/ethnic groups (non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, non-Hispanic Asian, and non-Hispanic other). We found important racial/ethnic disparities across nearly all of the indicators of health we examined, adjusting for socioeconomic status, nativity, and access to health care. Importantly, we found little evidence that racial/ethnic disparities in child health have changed over time. In fact, for certain illnesses such as asthma, black–white disparities grew significantly larger over time. In general, black children had the highest reported prevalence across the health indicators and Asian children had the lowest reported prevalence. Hispanic children tended to be more similar to whites compared to the other race/ethnic groups, but there was considerable variability in their relative standing.
Two- and three-dimensional segmentation and measurement of particles in the analysis of microscopic digital images of biological samples

The authors present a Hough transform based image segmentation algorithm for automated detection, counting, and measurement of particles in two- and three-dimensional microscopic digital image data sets. The algorithm has proven to be both sensitive and specific for the particles of interest, even in the presence of noise and blurring. We apply the algorithm to the problem of automated compilation of population statistics on the size and mass of zymogen granules in pancreatic acinar cells. We present results describing the performance of the algorithm on digital phantoms, and image data from conventional fluorescence and confocal microscopes.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Coronary artery disease in giant cell arteritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To investigate the association between giant cell arteritis (GCA) and risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies that reported relative risks, hazard ratios, or standardized incidence ratios with 95% confidence interval comparing CAD risk in patients with GCA versus non-GCA controls. Pooled risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random-effect, generic inverse variance of DerSimonian and Laird. Result: Six studies with 10,868 patients with GCA and 245,323 controls were identified and included in our data analysis. The pooled risk ratio of CAD in patients with GCA was 1.51 and did not achieve statistical significance (95% CI: 0.88–2.61). The statistical heterogeneity was high with an I 2 of 97%.
Assessing the Accuracy of Decisions

Much research demonstrates that people's choices do not conform to utility theory, a model of rational decision-making (Baron, 1988; Kahneman & Tversky, 1979; Slovic, Lichtenstein, & Fischhoff, 1988). Researchers have begun to question the normative status of utility theory in light of the many empirical violations of the theory. We argue that consistency with a formal model is not an appropriate standard for evaluating the quality of decisions. Rather, we propose that accuracy is a more useful standard. We define an accurate decision as one in which there is a one-to-one correspondence between the factors that affect a decision and those that affect experience. Based on our definition, we address the question of whether violations of normative models such as expected value theory and expected utility theory reflect inaccurate decisions. We argue that some violations of normative models do lead to inaccurate decisions. However, many violations may arise because the normative models prohibit factors from a...
Encrypting messages in 3D photonic crystals with patterned surface chemistry

We demonstrate a 3D porous photonic crystal whose inner surfaces are chemically functionalized in arbitrary spatial patterns with micro-scale resolution. We use this platform to demonstrate a method for solvent-specific multi-layer message encryption.
Electronic Democracy and the Diffusion of Municipal Web Pages in California

Although the Internet has been touted as a means to improve democratic governance, there has been little systematic analysis of its use. The authors analyze the diffusion of municipal Web sites that include information concerning a specific locality. The analysis is based on demographic and fiscal data from 454 California cities and two surveys of Web site adoption. The authors’ theoretical framework draws from the political economy and technology diffusion literatures. City size, government resources, concentration of social-economic elites, and voter registration levels are the most significant predictors of adoption. In contrast to previous adoption studies, the authors find that liberal political ideology and experience with advanced communication technologies do not appreciably increase the probability of adoption.
Coherent Raman Spectroscopy For Combustion Applications

At Sandia Laboratories a number of non-linear optical spectroscopies are being applied to combustion-related problems. A principal long term goal is to obtain the temperature and concentration of major species in highly luminous, particulate-laden combustion environments. With the use of pulsed lasers and crossed beam geometries, these techniques can provide excellent temporal, spatial, and species resolution. In addition, these methods can generate relatively strong signals with high rejection of background radiation. Thus, non-linear spectroscopy promises to provide valuable information in hostile environments where spontaneous Raman scattering is of limited utility or not feasible. Recently the detection of stimulated Raman gain/loss signals produced by a single (10 ns) laser pulse in gaseous methane and nitrogen has been demonstrated. Implications of these preliminary results on combustion research are discussed.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Readability of documentation for end user searchers

Measures of readability, which assess the expected difficulty in reading a specific text, provide one means of assessing the quality of documentation for computer‐based systems. In this study documentation designed for physicians searching the PDQ cancer database was analyzed using readability formulae in AT&T's Writer's Workbench software package. The user manuals' reading grades ranged from tenth to thirteenth grade levels. This should be appropriate under normal circumstances for sophisticated searchers such as physicians. However, the distractions that are common in many online environments can decrease reader comprehension at any level.
Hamiltonian suspensions of symplectomorphisms: an alternative approach to design problems

Abstract We solve the problem that often arises in optics and charged particle transport design tasks of finding a time-dependent Hamiltonian system that produces a given symplectic map. In addition, we show how, given a particular Hamiltonian, to produce many Hamiltonians that have the same time-one map so that one has a large class of Hamiltonians from which to choose the ‘best’ design. We also show how to produce many symplectic maps that are given explicitly rather than implicitly so that the design problem is more tractable.
Institutions, choices, and outcomes: A comparative analysis of the 1997 financial crisis experience in South Korea and Taiwan

South Korea and Taiwan have similar experiences as to political and economic development, i.e., rapid economic growth and democratization. However, the 1997 financial crisis experiences were quite different South Korea was hit hard by the crisis whereas Taiwan was barely touched. Why were the experiences different between South Korea and Taiwan? We argue that economic fundamentals were differential leading up to the crisis. More importantly, the differences in the pace of financial liberalization and the method that South Korea financed its growth particularly in the 1990s were much different than Taiwan's. We also argue that the differential impact of the crisis on the two countries can be attributed to the institutions of their respective political economy, decentralized vs. concentrated industrial structure, and interest group structure that helped in the creation of an autonomous state. Given the dominance of SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises) and the state's control of critical resources along...
A Q3D spectrometer with a helix detector system

Abstract A spectrometer of the Q3D type with a 50% energy range has recently gone into operation at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. Initial operation of the spectrometer indicated a resolution ( E / ΔE ) of 3200 at 14 msr is obtainable. Kinematic corrections are easily performed for reaction such as 27 Al(t,t) 27 Al. The focal plane detector system is a 50 cm long helix detector with 0.5 mm spatial resolution. This detector also is used to give particle identification information as the anode signal is proportional to the particle energy loss. A scintillator is used behind the helix for a measurement of total energy. A computer program permits the setting of particle gates using a 3-dimensional display of position versus energy loss in the counter as well as an additional restriction on the energy signal.
The economic impact of feeding restrictions on US catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), aqafuaculture operations

Increasing stocking densities in catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), aquaculture are making maintenance of water quality a crucial element of production strategy. A bioeconomic simulation model for catfish has been adapted to assess alternative feeding restriction management strategies for US catfish aquaculture operations. The current model includes five decision variables: feeding rate, diet quality, stocking weight, stocking date, and length of growing season. The growth model follows a bioenergetics approach, where the balance between energy intake and energy expenditure determines fish growth. The purpose of this analysis was to simulate changes in production practices resulting from water quality restrictions. Model simulations indicate that restricting maximum daily feeding allowance to maintain higher water quality will actually increase feed requirements to reach a harvestable fish size. In addition, as producers increasingly attempt to spread harvests throughout the year, both for their own cash flow needs and the consistent supply requirements of processors, restricting daily feed allowance will make summer harvests particularly difficult.
Operator-valued Fourier Haar multipliers

Abstract Criteria are given to ensure the boundedness of Fourier Haar multiplier operators from L p ( [ 0 , 1 ] , X ) to L q ( [ 0 , 1 ] , Y ) where the Fourier Haar multiplier sequences come not from R , as in the classical setting, but rather from the space of bounded linear operators from a Banach space X into a Banach space Y.
Marker-Assisted Selection to Improve Drought Resistance in Common Bean

Breeding for a quantitative trait like drought resistance would be facilitated by the development of a method of marker-assisted selection (MAS) that is capable of identifying high performing genotypes in early generations. Two recombinant inbred populations were grown from 1990 to 1994 at eight locations in Michigan and Mexico under stress and nonstress conditions to identify random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers associated with drought resistance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L). Six-hundred random decamer primers were screened against the parents of the two populations, 50% of which were polymorphic. Seventy of these polymorphic primers were screened against each population. Using one-way analysis of variance and multiple regression, four RAPD markers were identified in one population and five in another that were consistently and significantly associated with yield under stress, yield under nonstress, and/or geometric mean yield across a broad range of environments. To test the effectiveness of MAS for drought resistance, markers were used to select genotypes from either extreme. Yield data from three locations were examined to evaluate the effectiveness of these markerbased selections. Marker-assisted selection in the Sierra/AC 1028 population was found to be effective in Michigan under severe stress and ineffective in Mexico under moderate stress. The five RAPD markers used for MAS in the Sierra/Lef-2RB population improved performance 11% under stress and 8% under nonstress, whereas conventional selection based on yield performance failed to increase performance. Response to conventional selection was three times greater in the Sierra/ AC1028 population, supporting the conclusion that the effectiveness of MAS is inversely proportional to the heritability of the trait under examination.
Modulation of tight junction properties relevant to fluid transport across rabbit corneal endothelium

Paracellular junctions could play an important role in corneal endothelial fluid transport. In this study we explored the effects of different reagents on the tight junctional barrier by assessing the translayer specific electrical resistance (TER) across rabbit corneal endothelial preparations and cultured rabbit corneal endothelial cells' (CRCEC) monolayers, the paracellular permeability (Papp) for fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) dextrans across CRCEC, and fluid transport across de-epithelialized rabbit corneal endothelial preparations. Palmitoyl carnitine (PC), poly-L-lysine (PLL), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (dB-cAMP) were used to modulate corneal endothelial fluid transport and tight junctions (TJs). After seeding, the TER across CRCEC reached maximal values (29.2+/-1.0 Omega cm2) only after the 10th day. PC (0.1 mM) caused decreases both in TER (by 40%) and fluid transport (swelling rate: 18.5+/-0.3 microm/h), and an increase in Papp. PLL resulted in increased TER rose and Papp but decreased fluid transport (swelling rate: 10+/-0.3 microm/h). dB-cAMP (0.1 mM) and ATP (0.1 mM) decreased TER by 16% and 6%, increased Papp slightly, and stimulated fluid transport; the rates of de-swelling (in microm/h) were -5.4+/-0.3 and -12.1+/-0.4, respectively. PC might cause the junctions to open up unspecifically and thus increase passive leak. PLL is a known junctional charge modifier that may be adding steric hindrance to the tight junctions. The results with dB-cAMP and ATP are consistent with fluid transport via the paracellular route.
An automated, laser light-scattering photometer (0.1 to 170° range) with a single photon counting system

Abstract A light-scattering photometer has been developed which is particularly useful for the determination of particle sizes (0.1 to 50 μm). The light sources for the photometer are a 6-mw helium-neon laser with wavelength of 0.6328 μm and a 10-mw argon laser that provides wavelengths of 0.5480, and 0.4880 μm. A typical two-pinhole receiving system provides angular resolution of 0.2°. The photomultiplier output pulses from single photoelectrons are fed into an amplifier, discriminator, and high speed scaler that handle rates of up to 10 7 counts/sec. The digital data are obtained automatically as a function of angle on punched paper tape at a teletype terminal which is also used as a time sharing device for the computer processing of the data. Experimental scattering curves for several latex standards agree well with the Lorentz-Mie theoretical curves. The Sloan method was used to obtain particle diameters for latex standards which are in agreement with the certified values; this method of data analysis is rather insensitive to differences in particle shape, to concentration, and to refractive index. The measurement of the molecular weight (51,000) of a polystyrene standard in 2-butanone with the small pinhole system mentioned above shows the versatility and high sensitivity of this photometer.
SU-E-I-33: Advances in Dose Metrics and Dose Reduction Strategies for Interventional Fluoroscopy.

Purpose: To explore recent advances in available dose metrics and dose reduction features and their impacts during various fluoroscopy procedures. Methods: Besides traditional dose metrics (cumulative dose, DAP, etc), recent methods such as real time dose mapping and dose calculation from DICOM information and their relevance to entrance skin exposure (ESE) are demonstrated. Dose reduction features and their potential effects on ESE are explored for different interventional procedures, including dose setting options, frame rate settings, wedges, software options and how these help reduce patient dose, etc. Real time dose monitoring techniques such as DoseAware are investigated. Dose alert such as flagging higher doses at about half of the Joint Commission sentinel event limit, Dose Index Registry and their impacts are discussed. Habit related practices, such as a physician leaning over patients, are highlighted, also taking foot off the fluoroscopy pedal when not needed, and best places to stand are illustrated. A practice improvement procedure involving measurement, analysis and improvement actions is instituted. We also discuss the impact of physician follow up letters to patients who might not have reached the JC Sentinel Event limits but may still have skin issues. Results: In our institutes, these efforts have led to reduction of both patient dose and personnel exposure for interventional procedures. The recording of technical parameters and fluoroscopydose by the staff has led to a better understanding of appropriate dose levels and technique settings for each procedure. Conclusions: This article can serve as a refresher for radiological staff on how to protect patients and themselves from high doses, while providing the best care possible. It can also serve as criteria for health care providers to institute changes and make quality improvement in interventional practices.
Sources of Phenotypic and Genetic Variation for Seawater Growth in Five North American Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar, Stocks

In 2003, pedigreed families were obtained from two St. John's River sources, Penobscot River, Gaspe, and landlocked salmon stocks. Eyed eggs were disinfected upon arrival, and incubated in separate hatching jars. Fry were transferred prior to first feeding into individual 0.1-m3 tanks receiving 8 L/min of oxygen-saturated freshwater from a recirculating biological filtration system. At approximately 30 d after the initiation of feeding, fish densities were equalized to 250 fish/tank, fed 5% of the tank's total biomass in 3–4 daily feedings. When the fish were approximately 40 g, approximately 30 fish from each family were pit tagged and stocked communally into three replicated 10-m3 smolt tanks. Approximately 1 mo prior to stocking into sea cages for performance evaluations, evaluations of serum chloride levels and gill Na+, K+-ATPase activity were measured on subsamples from all stocks in freshwater and following seawater challenge. Smolts were stocked into sea cages in June 2005, harvested in February 2007, and evaluated for carcass weight, sex, and stage of sexual maturity. Data were analyzed by the mixed model ANOVA to determine the random effects of sire and dam (sire), and the fixed effects of sex, salmon stock, ploidy level, and replicate smolt tank on carcass weight with smolt weight as a covariate. Sire and dam variance components were significantly different from zero, and the fixed effects of salmon stock, sex × stock interaction, and smolt weight at stocking were significant (P 4.1 kg compared with the slowest growth in landlocked fish at 1.7 kg. Grilsing was also highest in St. John's River fish (ca. 4–6%) and lowest in Penobscot River fish (0%). The sire heritability for carcass weight calculated from the sire variance component using the mixed model ANOVA or MTDFREML was 0.26 ± 0.14. Data were used to calculate breeding values on captive sibling adult brood fish, and a line selected for carcass weight was spawned in the fall of 2007, and eggs from these fish were released to industry.
Simulation of axisymmetric piezoelectric devices

A numerical model for axisymmetric piezoelectric devices recently was developed and used to simulate various bimorph capsules. These capsules are made of a layered, composite material, one layer made of brass or aluminum, and the other made of a piezoelectric ceramic. An inbound pressure field produces a mechanical deformation of the capsule inducing an electrical field, which in turn reduces the mechanical deformation that would take place in absence of the electrical field. Conductive elements or electrodes are installed on the upper and lower surfaces of the ceramic thus determining the boundary conditions for the electrical field. The analysis includes both static and dynamic problems. The numerical model uses the classical finite element method to solve the coupled differential equations for different boundary conditions involved after having included the piezoelectrical-related terms into an equivalent purely-mechanical set of equations without loss in the simulation of the coupled system. The paper discusses the differential equations, the boundary conditions, the numerical model, and results obtained. The numerical model computes the mechanical displacements and electrical potential, and subsequently the strains, stresses, electrical field, and electrical displacements over the domain. The model determined, for the device simulated, a strong dependency of the resulting natural frequencies of vibration upon the conditions at the support on the outer rim of the device
Impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on vascular imaging.

Passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act legislation will impact vascular surgery in many ways. As imaging accounts for 23% of Vascular Surgery Medicare Part B revenues, vascular surgeons will be negatively affected by changes in reimbursement schemes and methodologies proposed by various agencies. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission is an agency charged by Congress for reviewing Medicare payment policies and recommending changes. Although current recommendations are directed toward “advanced” and more costly imaging services, vascular surgeons and the ultrasound community are advised to watch out for any recommendations that may adversely impact patient access and convenience.
Fundamental Issues in Implementing an Ambulatory Care Electronic Health Record

Background: The use of a fully functional electronic health record (EHR) system is linked to improved quality measures. However, almost half of ambulatory providers with an EHR do not use the full functionality. Attempts to encourage optimal use of EHRs must address barriers associated with the need to change medical practice. Methods: Our primary research question was, what are the fundamental issues associated with the need to change medical practice that created barriers to electronic health record (EHR) implementation and use? In this qualitative study we analyzed the data from 47 interviews with administrative and physician informants and 6 focus groups including 35 practicing physicians across 6 health care organizations that were deemed to be successful with ambulatory EHR implementation. Results: Comments from informants revealed 6 fundamental issues: (1) need to change practice style; (2) threat to professionalism; (3) shift of expertise; (4) required changes to interactions with patients; (5) concern about the impact on medical education and training; and (6) concern about effects on clinical care. Conclusion: The physician experience must be at the forefront of efforts to increase the rate of ambulatory physician use of the full functionalities of an EHR. The issues highlighted here illuminate potential points of intervention when engaging physicians to ensure optimal use of EHRs.
Halo vest effect on balance.

Abstract Richardson JK, Ross ADM, Riley B, Rhodes RL. Halo vest effect on balance. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2000;81:255-7. Objective: To determine the effect of a halo vest, a cervical orthosis, on clinically relevant balance parameters. Design: Subjects performed unipedal stance (with eyes open and closed, on both firm and soft surfaces) and functional reach, with and without the application of a halo vest. Subjects: A convenience sample of 12 healthy young subjects, with an equal number of men and women. Outcome Measures: Seconds for unipedal stance (maximum 45); inches for functional reach. Results: Both unipedal stance times and functional reach (mean ± standard deviation) were significantly decreased with the halo vest as compared to without it (29.1 ± 5.8 vs 32.8 ± 6.4 seconds, p =.002; 12.9 ± 1.4 vs 15.1 ± 2.1 inches, p Conclusion: A halo vest causes an acute impairment in balance in the healthy young. It is likely that the impairment would be greater in older or injured patients, thus increasing their risk for a fall, which could have devastating consequences. © 2000 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Sanctified and Commercially Successful Curses: On Gangsta Rap and the Canonization of the Imprecatory Psalms:

The imprecatory psalms cause problems for modern theological sensibilities, raising the question (among others) of why they were canonized in the first place. The present article compares a similar...
Use of clinical practice guidelines by executive directors of optometric associations.

Abstract Background The process of developing the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) Optometric Clinical Practice Guidelines began in 1989 under the direction of John F. Amos, O.D., M.S., then chair of the AOA’s Clinical Care Center. The guideline development process used by the AOA was modeled after the recommendations established by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research in response to the federal government encouraging health care groups to develop clinical guidelines to enhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of health care. The guideline topics were chosen for their importance in the education of members, health care payers, and state legislators. A principal author and a consensus panel of experts then were chosen for each subject area. This group was responsible for transforming the latest scientific research and expert judgment into a document that would apply to everyday optometric practice. Thirteen guidelines were developed and mailed to AOA members in 1994 and 1995. Additional guidelines were mailed as they were approved. Currently, there are 20 guidelines available. Methods A survey was mailed to the executive director of the optometric association of each state and the District of Columbia and to the chief of optometry of each of the federal services. Telephone follow-up was made to nonrespondents, and an additional copy of the survey was mailed to them with telephone follow-up again taking place for those who did not respond. Result Forty-three of the surveys were returned for a response rate of 78%. Seventy-six percent of the respondents stated that they had received the guidelines. The sections that were found most useful to the respondents were those related to Description and Classification, Basis of Treatment, and Treatment Options. The guidelines were most often used by these groups to improve the quality of eye care, expand optometric involvement in health programs, affect public policy, and overcome problems with insurance groups. Discussion Optometric organizations have found the clinical practice guidelines useful beyond their primary goal of enhancing the quality of patient care. They have been used effectively to help educate other parties about optometry and its role as a primary health care profession.
Picosecond transient-IR absorption of unsaturated transition metal complexes

We report transient infrared spectra for the addition of perfluoroheptane to Cr(C0)5 which is created by the ultraviolet photodissociation of Cr(C0)6 in liquid perfluoroheptane. We compare both 266 nm and 297 nm excitation wavelengths and demonstrate that two product vibration bands at 1971 and 1938 cm1 are forming with a nominal 60 p5 rate constant, while fast rising and slowly decaying (80-220 ps) transients have absorption over the 1920-1983 cm1 range. These transient absorption features are assigned to Cr(C0)5 with vibrational quanta of 0,1,2 which are broadened from geometric distortions. These features decay from reaction, vibrational relaxation of GO, and vibrational relaxation of low frequency vibrational modes.
Trunk rigidity and limb hypotonia produced in squirrel monkeys by direct cholinergic stimulation of the globus pallidus.

Carbachol and dopamine were injected into the medial and lateral segments of the globus pallidus in 11 freely moving squirrel monkeys, Saimiri sciureus. Injection of 2 μg carbachol into the medial segment produced severe rigidity of the contralateral paravertebral musculature and moderate to severe hypotonia of the contralateral extremities accompanied by mild choreiform movements. Injection of 1 μg carbachol into the lateral segment produced no change in tone of the trunk muscles, but produced severe hypotonia in the contralateral extremities accompanied by strong choreiform movement. Injection of 100 μg dopamine or control volumes of acidic saline into either segment produced no change in gross motor activity. Clearly, increase of cholinergic input to the globus pallidus has profound influence on gross voluntary motor activity while increase of dopamine appears to have no effect. Observations of activity suggest that the medial segment is functionally associated with trunk and limb tonic mechanisms while the lateral segment is associated with limb activities. Anatomical correlation with injection sites producing the most severe changes in trunk tone suggest that the ansa lenticularis is a phylogenetically older pathway mediating pallidal influences on trunk postural mechanisms.
Metamodel estimation using integrated correlation methods

This paper develops a generalized approach for combining the use of the Schruben-Margolin correlation induction strategy and control variates in a simulation experiment designed to estimate a metamodel that is linear in the unknown parameters relating the response variable of interest to selected exogenous decision variables. This generalized approach is based on standard techniques of regression analysis. Under certain broad assumptions, the combined use of the Schruben-Margolin correlation induction strategy and control variates is shown to give a more efficient estimator of the metamodel coefficients than each of the following conventional correlation-based variance reduction techniques: independent streams, common random numbers, control variates, and the Schruben-Margolin strategy.
Materials and Their Weldability for the Power Generation Industry

The development and utility of modern materials for the power generation industry for the 1990’s and beyond is discussed together with their weldability The need for additional base material research is highlighted along with the requirements for filler metal evolution.
Intelligent negotiation agent with learning capability for energy trading between building and utility grid

In this paper, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) based negotiation agent with learning capability is proposed to facilitate the bi-directional energy trading between the building and the utility grid. A comprehensive set of factors in the integrated smart building and utility grid system is taken into account in developing the negotiation model. In addition, the learning capability of the negotiation agent is developed to adaptively adjust the trader's decisions according to the opponent's behaviors. The feasibility of the proposed negotiation agent is evaluated by the simulation results. It turns out that the proposed intelligent agent is capable of making rational deals in bi-directional energy trading by maximizing the trader's payoffs with reduced negotiation time.
Is the Body Special? Review of Cécile Fabre, Whose Body is it Anyway? Justice and the Integrity of the Person

Both left libertarians, who support the redistribution of income and wealth through taxation, and right libertarians, who oppose redistributive taxation, share an important view: that, looming catastrophes aside, the state must never redistribute any part of our body or our person without our consent. Cecile Fabre rejects that view. For her, just as the undeservedly poor have a just claim to money from their fellow citizens in order to lead a minimally flourishing life (here Fabre sides with left libertarians), the undeservedly ‘medically poor’ have a just claim to help from fellow citizens in order to lead such a life. Such obligatory help may in principle involve even the supply of body parts for transplantation. The state ought to exact such resources from the medically rich whenever doing so would secure the prospect of a minimally flourishing life to the medically poor without denying that prospect to anyone else. Fabre criticizes Ronald Dworkin's belief in ‘a prophylactic line that comes close to making the body inviolate, that is, making body parts not parts of social resources at all’. For her, ‘Duties to help . . . do not stop at material resources: they involve the body . . . in invasive ways’ (p. 119).
Comparison of Adjoint and Analytical Bayesian Inversion Methods for Constraining Asian Sources of Carbon Monoxide Using Satellite (MOPITT) Measurements of CO Columns

[1] We apply the adjoint of an atmospheric chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem CTM) to constrain Asian sources of carbon monoxide (CO) with 2° × 2.5° spatial resolution using Measurement of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) satellite observations of CO columns in February–April 2001. Results are compared to the more common analytical method for solving the same Bayesian inverse problem and applied to the same data set. The analytical method is more exact but because of computational limitations it can only constrain emissions over coarse regions. We find that the correction factors to the a priori CO emission inventory from the adjoint inversion are generally consistent with those of the analytical inversion when averaged over the large regions of the latter. The adjoint solution reveals fine-scale variability (cities, political boundaries) that the analytical inversion cannot resolve, for example, in the Indian subcontinent or between Korea and Japan, and some of that variability is of opposite sign which points to large aggregation errors in the analytical solution. Upward correction factors to Chinese emissions from the prior inventory are largest in central and eastern China, consistent with a recent bottom-up revision of that inventory, although the revised inventory also sees the need for upward corrections in southern China where the adjoint and analytical inversions call for downward correction. Correction factors for biomass burning emissions derived from the adjoint and analytical inversions are consistent with a recent bottom-up inventory on the basis of MODIS satellite fire data.