cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Ecological Model to Frame the Delivery of Pediatric Preventive Care.

* Abbreviation: FV — : fluoride varnish Screening and surveillance are integral aspects of child health promotion and disease prevention. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that primary care clinicians screen children and adolescents for a broad array of conditions, conduct surveillance of growth and development, and identify social determinants of health and protective and risk factors that might impact health over time. However, access to and outcomes of preventive services vary on the basis of the features of children’s social ecology, including family and community contexts. The proposed five-stage socio-ecological model considers multiple contextual dimensions of pediatric screening: (1) individual, (2) interpersonal, (3) organizational, (4) community/population, and (5) public policy. Incorporating this model into routine care might improve outcomes at the individual and population level. Future endeavors should focus on integration of this model with validated risk screening tools as part of a supportive electronic health record, culture, and incentive structure. Further research assessing the contributors and outcomes of differences in beliefs, resources, practices, and opportunities among individuals, families, providers, primary care organizations, communities, health systems, and policy partners will be essential in advancing knowledge and policies to improve preventive services delivery. Screening and surveillance are important activities in child health promotion and disease prevention.1–5 The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a wide range of specific preventive services to allow for early implementation of effective interventions to maximize development and quality of life.3 The need is clear; >17% of children are at risk for developmental delay,6 and screening can facilitate entry into critical services. Unfortunately, nearly 40% of pediatricians do not routinely screen … Address correspondence to Corina Graif, Department of Sociology and Criminology, Population Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, 816 Oswald Tower, University Park, PA 16802. E-mail: corina.graif{at}psu.edu
Increasing Motivation among Language Learners through Individualized Assessment

An extensive body of research has shown that motivation is integral to successful and sustained language learning (Carreira, 2005; Cheng & Dornyei, 2007; Crookes & Schmidt, 1991; Dornyei, 1994; Ehrman, Leaver, & Oxford, 2003; Gardner, 2005; Matsumoto & Obana, 2001; Yang, 2008; Yu & Watkins, 2008). Maintaining student motivation in all aspects of language instruction, particularly assessment, can be challenging for multiple reasons, including learner differences, access to technology, and, most recently, reactions to pandemic learning. Instructors therefore face the challenge of creating assessments that not only evaluate students’ performance but also promote their ability and desire to learn. Based on the results of an action research project, this article highlights the benefits of two types of individualized assessment used to improve students’ motivation while evaluating their performance: work cycle projects and a course portfolio. Using qualitative data collected from student reflective statements, I argue, first, that the ability to choose assessment topics and types motivates students to focus closely on course content and work creatively; these choices ultimately improve their desire to learn course material more than traditional assessment types. Second, encouraging learners to utilize and reflect on their strengths using a portfolio as a form of assessment allows students to understand their strengths and weaknesses and empowers them as learners, thereby improving their motivation.
Dermatology in palliative medicine.

Palliative care is a rapidly growing field that has become an important element of holistic and interdisciplinary care for patients with serious illnesses with a goal of improving the quality of life for patients and decreasing caregiver burnout.1 2 As the field of palliative care continues to expand, there is a notable absence of dermatological care of these patients in the literature and in practice.2 Most literature detailing the cutaneous findings in palliative care patients focuses on decubitus ulcers and the role of wound care which is undoubtedly important.3 However, patients receiving palliative care are at a very high risk of developing additional cutaneous pathology due to the prevalence of malnutrition, anorexia, cachexia, immobility, incontinence, anaemia, metabolic alterations, immunosuppression, anti-cancer therapies and primary malignancies.3 4 To date, there have only been three publications examining the cutaneous findings in palliative care patients.2–4 Hansra et al found that 80% of their studied population of palliative care patients had an uncomfortable but treatable skin condition, and of those, 62% were either undocumented or incorrectly documented in the medical record.4 Additionally, Neloska et al found that of their 271 palliative care patients, every patient had at least one dermatological condition, and more than 50 different dermatological conditions were diagnosed. Of these cutaneous …
Cohesive zone model properties for evaluating delamination of spray-applied fire-resistive materials from steel structures

Abstract This paper presents cohesive zone model (CZM) fracture properties of spray-applied fire-resistive material (SFRM) for modeling delamination of fire insulation from steel structures. For characterizing cohesive zone properties, namely cohesive strength, cohesive fracture energy and cohesive displacement ductility, a set of experiments are conducted on three types of commercially available SFRM namely medium density Portland cement-based, medium density gypsum-based and mineral fiber-based. Data from experiments is utilized to develop a cohesive stress–displacement relationships in both mode-I and mode-II delamination. The recorded stress–displacement relationship indicates noticeable strain-softening zone verifying that SFRM is not a completely brittle material, rather, it is quasi-brittle.
Mothers’ Remembrances of Newborn Intensive Care

A compelling reason why a newborn’s intensive care can have a lasting effect on parents’ psychological well-being is that they re-experience this event in memory. Some of the participants in our study, including the mothers quoted next, volunteered that the distress ensuing from their memories even exceeded that which they had felt during theirr child’s hospitalization itself.
BMP gradients: A paradigm for morphogen-mediated developmental patterning

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) act in dose-dependent fashion to regulate cell fate choices in a myriad of developmental contexts. In early vertebrate and invertebrate embryos, BMPs and their antagonists establish epidermal versus central nervous system domains. In this highly conserved system, BMP antagonists mediate the neural-inductive activities proposed by Hans Spemann and Hilde Mangold nearly a century ago. BMPs distributed in gradients subsequently function as morphogens to subdivide the three germ layers into distinct territories and act to organize body axes, regulate growth, maintain stem cell niches, or signal inductively across germ layers. In this Review, we summarize the variety of mechanisms that contribute to generating reliable developmental responses to BMP gradients and other morphogen systems.
Field-portable optofluidic plasmonic biosensor for wide-field and label-free monitoring of molecular interactions

We demonstrate a field-portable optofluidic plasmonic sensing device, weighing 40 g and 7.5 cm in height, which merges plasmonic microarrays with dual-wavelength lensfree on-chip imaging for real-time monitoring of protein binding kinetics.
Estimating Cash Flows of Capital Budgeting Projects

A company invests in capital projects in order to increase stockholder value by investing in projects that generate cash flows in the future whose present value exceeds the present value of the cash flows needed to make the investment. When it invests in new capital projects, it expects the future cash flows to be greater than without this new investment. Hence, in estimating a project's cash flows, the focus is on incremental cash flows. These cash flows must take into account investment costs (that is, acquisition costs adjusted for the cost of asset disposition) and operating cash flows (that is, changes in revenues, expenses, taxes, and working capital). Keywords: incremental cash flows; investment cash flows; asset acquisition; asset disposal; sunk cost; tax basis; capital gain; recapture of depreciation; capital loss; tax shield; operating cash flows; tax credit
GE/Honeywell: The U.S. Merger that Europe Stopped - A Story of the Politics of Convergence

In this forthcoming chapter in Antitrust Stories (Eleanor Fox & Dan Crane, eds., forthcoming 2007 Foundation Press), Eleanor Fox recounts the story of the proposed merger between General Electric and Honeywell that was blessed by U.S. antitrust regulators and then blocked by the European Commission.
Tight bounds for string reconstruction using substring queries

We resolve two open problems presented in [8]. First, we consider the problem of reconstructing an unknown string T over a fixed alphabet using queries of the form “does the string S appear in T?” for some query string S. We show that Ω(e−−1/2n2) queries are needed in order to reconstruct a 1–e fraction of the strings of length n. This lower bound is asymptotically optimal since it is known that O(e−−1/2n2) queries are sufficient. The second problem is reconstructing a string using queries of the form “does a string from $\mathcal{S}$ appear in T?”, where $\mathcal{S}$ is a set of strings. We show that a 1–e fraction of the strings of length n can be reconstructed using O(n) queries, where the maximum length of a string in the queries is $2\log_{\sigma}n+\log_{\sigma}\frac{1}{\epsilon}+O(1)$. This construction is optimal up to constants.
Efficiency comparison of a single-phase grid-interface bidirectional AC/DC converter for DC distribution systems

The focused bidirectional ac/dc converter works as the interface between dc distribution systems (future residential dc system, energy storage system etc.) and the ac utility. The interface converter regulates ac side current and dc side droop voltage. It also limits the current if ac or dc side is short. An design procedure is developed to optimize the efficiency of this interface converter. Different bidirectional 2-level and 3-level topologies with state of the art IGBTs and SiC MOSFETs are compared. The choice of switching frequency, inductor current ripple and passive components are optimized for each candidate. Grid interconnecting standards are used as the design requirements. The result shows the 2-level full-bridge topology with paralleled SiC MOSFETs has the highest efficiency. The 3-level T-type topology with hybrid devices (IGBTs and SiC MOSFETs) has a good trade-off between efficiency and passive volumes.
Overview of vertisols: characteristics and impacts on society.

Publisher Summary Vertisols are clayey soils that shrink and swell extensively upon changing soil moisture conditions. They occur globally under various parent material and environmental conditions. Vertisols exhibit unique morphological properties such as the presence of slickensides, wedge-shaped aggregates, diapir (mukkara), and gilgai. Shrink-swell phenomena are the dominant pedogenic processes in vertisols and are attributed to changes in interparticle and intraparticle porosity with changes in moisture content. This is in contrast to the commonly invoked process of clay interlayer hydration-dehydration to explain shrink-swell phenomena. However, models proposed to explain the genesis of vertisol features have not received universal agreement. Because of their clay content, vertisols are global resources that are resilient to degradation compared to other soils. Degradation of vertisols has occurred and has been reported worldwide regardless of the parent material, environmental conditions, and level of cultural input. Vertisols are significant global resources that serve as the lifeline in subsistence agriculture because of their high productivity. Efforts toward comprehension and successful utilization are imperative for continued productivity and long-term sustainability of these resources for current and future civilizations. This chapter is based on the literature published about vertisols and includes recent developments and concepts concerning vertisols with regard to their distribution, formation, pedogenesis, and classification; their morphological, mineralogical, chemical, biological, and physical properties; and their management as a soil resource in the world.
The integrable KdV6 equations: Multiple soliton solutions and multiple singular soliton solutions

Abstract In this work, the completely integrable sixth-order nonlinear equations KdV6 are studied. Three distinct cases of these equations are selected for a reliable treatment. Multiple soliton solutions and multiple singular soliton solutions are formally derived for these equations. The Cole–Hopf transformation method combined with the Hirota’s bilinear sense are used to determine the two distinct structures of solutions. The resonance relations for the three cases are investigated.
A comparative study on 3-D stereo reconstruction from endoscopic images

Advances in robotic surgery and growing use of robots in minimal access surgery (MAS), has increased the need of adapting computer-vision algorithms for surgical-vision applications. While methods for 3-D reconstruction are extensively investigated on man-made environments, the surgical-vision lacks such studies on 3-D reconstruction methods and their pros and cons on endoscopic images. In this paper we extensively compared several dense stereo reconstruction methods on a mock-up model using videos acquired from the daVinci endoscope. Also, the advantages and disadvantages of each method for different stages of stereo reconstruction are mentioned and supported by exhaustive experiments on endoscopic images.
Use of Hill and Short-Row Plots for Selection of Soybean Genotypes

(...) This experiment was conducted to compare two types of small, unbordered plots, (i) hill plots and (ii) single, short (1.5 m) row plots, for selection of soybean lines, and to determine the optimum allocation of testing resources for each type of plot. The genetic material consisted of 33 F 2 -derived lines, selected only for similar maturity. Small-plot tests were conducted in eight environments, using a split-plot design with plot type as the whole-plot factor. (...)
Development of structural and material clavicle response corridors under axial compression and three point bending loading for clavicle finite element model validation.

Abstract Clavicle injuries were frequently observed in automotive side and frontal crashes. Finite element (FE) models have been developed to understand the injury mechanism, although no clavicle loading response corridors yet exist in the literature to ensure the model response biofidelity. Moreover, the typically developed structural level (e.g., force–deflection) response corridors were shown to be insufficient for verifying the injury prediction capacity of FE model, which usually is based on strain related injury criteria. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop both the structural (force vs deflection) and material level (strain vs force) clavicle response corridors for validating FE models for injury risk modeling. 20 Clavicles were loaded to failure under loading conditions representative of side and frontal crashes respectively, half of which in axial compression, and the other half in three point bending. Both structural and material response corridors were developed for each loading condition. FE model that can accurately predict structural response and strain level provides a more useful tool in injury risk modeling and prediction. The corridor development method in this study could also be extended to develop corridors for other components of the human body.
Bio-oil Analysis Using Negative Electrospray Ionization: Comparative Study of High-Resolution Mass Spectrometers and Phenolic versus Sugaric Components

We have previously demonstrated that a petroleomic analysis could be performed for bio-oils and revealed the complex nature of bio-oils for the nonvolatile phenolic compounds (Smith, E.; Lee, Y. J.Energy Fuels 2010, 24, 5190−5198). As a subsequent study, we have adapted electrospray ionization in negative-ion mode to characterize a wide variety of bio-oil compounds. A comparative study of three common high-resolution mass spectrometers was performed to validate the methodology and to investigate the differences in mass discrimination and resolution. The mass spectrum is dominated by low mass compounds with m/z of 100–250, with some compounds being analyzable by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). We could characterize over 800 chemical compositions, with only about 40 of them being previously known in GC–MS. This unveiled a much more complex nature of bio-oils than typically shown by GC–MS. The pyrolysis products of cellulose and hemicellulose, particularly polyhydroxy cyclic hydrocarbons (or wh...
Euodia costata (Chandler) Tiffney, (Rutaceae) from the Eocene of Southern England

Samen vonPhellodendron costatum Chandler aus eozanen Sedimenten von Hordle, Hants (Sud-England) werden mit solchen der GattungEuodia Forster in Verbindung gebracht und die Art neu kombiniert (beide Gattungen gehoren zu den Rutaceen). RezenteEuodia-Arten finden sich in tropisch bis warm-temperierten Gebieten von China und Indo-Malesian, sudwarts bis Australien und westwarts bis Madagaskar.
Potential environmental neurotoxins related to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium: selective toxicity of 1-methyl-4-(4'-acetamidophenyl)-pyridinium and 1-methyl-4-cyclohexylpyridinium for dopaminergic neurons in culture.

Abstract Mesencephalic cells in culture were exposed to various compounds which we hypothesized to be selective toxins for dopaminergic neurons. The culture system was previously shown suitable for assessing selective dopaminergic neurotoxicity, since 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium (MPP+), the active metabolite of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinium, destroyed dopaminergic neurons without affecting other cells. Some compounds tested were selected to fulfill two criteria believed to underly the selective dopaminergic neurotoxicity of MPP+, i.e., to be a potential substrate for the uptake carrier for dopamine and to possess a strong delocalized positive charge to inhibit the mitochondrial respiratory system. Other compounds were chosen on the basis of clinical or anecdotal evidence linking them to Parkinson's disease. Among the tested compounds two pyridinium analogs, 1-methyl-4-(4′-acetamidophenyl)pyridinium (MACPP+) and 1-methyl-4-cyclohexylpyridinium (MCP+) were found to be selectively toxic toward dopaminergic neurons. Incubation of cultures with both MACPP+ and MCP+ produced a dramatic reduction in the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells and the uptake of [3H]dopamine without reducing the number of cells visualized by phase-contrast microscopy or the uptake of [3H]aminobutyric acid. Besides MACPP+ and MCP+ none of the tested compounds exhibited any selective dopaminergic neurotoxicity. Together with earlier findings, these data suggest that the structural requirements are rather strict for a chemical to be a selective dopaminergic neurotoxin and make it unlikely that there is a wide spectrum of environmental dopaminergic toxins.
A MILP-based flux alternative generation and NMR experimental design strategy for metabolic engineering.

Abstract A mixed-integer linear program (MILP) is described that can enumerate all the ways fluxes can distribute in a metabolic network while still satisfying the same constraints and objective function. The multiple solutions can be used to (1) generate alternative flux scenarios that can account for limited experimental observations, (2) forecast the potential responses to mutation (e.g., new reaction pathways may be used), and (3) (as illustrated) design 13C NMR experiments such that different potential flux patterns in a mutant can be distinguished. The experimental design is enabled by using the MILP results as an input to an isotopomer mapping matrices (IMM)-based program, which accounts for the network circulation of 13C from a precursor such as glucose. The IMM-based program can interface to common plotting programs with the result that the user is provided with predicted NMR spectra that are complete with splittings and Lorentzian line-shape features. The example considered is the trafficking of carbon in an Escherichia coli mutant, which has pyruvate kinase activity deleted for the purpose of eliminating acetate production. Similar yields and extracellular measurements would be manifested by the flux alternatives. The MILP–IMM results suggest how NMR experiments can be designed such that the spectra of glutamate for two flux distribution scenarios differ significantly.
Additive concentration effects on enantioselective separations in supercritical fluid chromatography

Polar additive concentration effects in supercritical fluid chromatography were studied on chiral stationary phases having either a macrocyclic glycopeptide or a derivatized polysaccharide as the chiral selector. Two basic additives, isopropylamine and triethylamine, were incorporated into the methanol modifier at various concentrations and the effects on retention, selectivity, and resolution were monitored. Many of the analytes failed to elute from the macrocyclic glycopeptide stationary phase in the absence of an additive and the most noticeable effect of increasing additive concentration was a significant decrease in retention. On the derivatized polysaccharide stationary phase the additives had little effect on retention, but they did foster significant improvements in peak shape and resolution.
Constraints on neutrino parameters from neutral-current solar neutrino measurements

We generalize the pull approach to define the $\chi^2$ function to the analysis of the data with correlated statistical errors. We apply this method to the analysis of the Sudbury Neutrino Collaboration data obtained in the salt-phase. In the global analysis of all the solar neutrino and KamLAND data we find the best fit (minimum $\chi^2$) values of neutrino parameters to be $\tan^2 \theta_{12} \sim 0.42$ and $\delta m_{12}^2 \sim 7.1 \times 10^{-5}$ eV$^2$. We confirm that the maximal mixing is strongly disfavored while the bounds on $\delta m_{12}^2$ are significantly strengthened.
Acoustic transmission matrix of a variable area duct or nozzle carrying a compressible subsonic flow

The differential equations governing the propagation of sound in a variable area duct or nozzle carrying a one‐dimensional subsonic compressible fluid flow are derived and put in state variable form using acoustic pressure and particle velocity as the state variables. The duct or nozzle is divided into a number of regions. The region size is selected so that in each region the Mach number can be assumed constant and the area variation can be approximated by an exponential area variation. Consequently, the state variable equation in each region has constant coefficients. The transmission matrix for each region is obtained by solving the constant coefficient acoustic state variable differential equation. The transmission matrix for the duct or nozzle is the product of the individual transmission matrices of each region. Solutions are presented for several geometries with and without mean flow.
Turbulent heat transfer in the separated reattached and redevelopment regions of a circular tube

A numerical study is reported on a flow in a circular pipe with an abrupt expansion. In this paper the behavior of flow in the domain including recirculating and redeveloping regions has been reviewed carefully and a new grid system is employed which provides finer grids in the recirculating region and monotonically expanding grids in the redeveloping region. The predicted results were improved for the class of this flow by incorporating and adapting the low-Reynolds number model of turbulence throughout the solution domain. The computational results obtained by the present model generally are better than the former results of the authors, particularly in the prediction of the reattachment points.
Accuracy of Self-reported SAT and ACT Test Scores: Implications for Research

Because it is often impractical or impossible to obtain school transcripts or records on subjects, many researchers rely on college students to accurately self-report their academic record as part of their data collection procedures. The purpose of this study is to investigate the validity and reliability of student self-reported academic performance. As expected the study finds overall validity of self-reported test scores to be high. However, correlations between self-reported and actual SAT scores are significantly lower than correlations for self-reported and actual ACT Composite scores. This study also confirms prior research which found that when students are inaccurate in reporting their scores, a disproportionate number of them over-report their scores. Also consistent with other studies, this study finds that lower achieving students for both tests are much less accurate when reporting their scores.
Characterization of Particle Size Standard NIST 1019b with Synchrotron X-ray Microtomography and Digital Data Extraction

We show that synchrotron x-ray microtomography ({mu}CT) followed by digital data extraction can be used to examine the size distribution and particle morphologies of the polydisperse (750 to 2450 {micro}m diameter) particle size standard NIST 1019b. Our size distribution results are within errors of certified values with data collected at 19.5 {micro}m/voxel. One of the advantages of using {mu}CT to investigate the particles examined here is that the morphology of the glass beads can be directly examined. We use the shape metrics aspect ratio and sphericity to examine of individual standard beads morphologies as a function of spherical equivalent diameters. We find that the majority of standard beads possess near-spherical aspect ratios and sphericities, but deviations are present at the lower end of the size range. The majority (> 98%) of particles also possess an equant form when examined using a common measure of equidimensionality. Although the NIST 1019b standard consists of loose particles, we point out that an advantage of {mu}CT is that coherent materials comprised of particles can be examined without disaggregation.
Increasing concentrations of 17β-estradiol Has differential effects on secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone and amounts of mRNA for gonadotropin subunits during the follicular phase of the bovine estrous cycle

The hypothesis tested was that 17[0-estradiol (E,) would increase amounts of mRNA for oa, LH[, and FSH[ subunits during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle prior to the preovulatory surge of gonadotropins in cows. On Day 16 (Day 0 = estrus) of the estrous cycle, all cows were treated with prostaglandin F,. (PGF,2). Cows served as intact controls (CONT, n = 4) were ovariectomized (OVX, n = 5), or were ovariectomized and administered E, (OVXE, n = 6) in increasing doses starting at the time of treatment with PGF,. Cows were bled for 6 h before and for 40 h after PGF,, treatment to characterize pulsatile secretion of LH and FSH. Forty hours after PGF, treatment, pituitaries were collected for evaluation of amounts of mRNA for ca, LH[i, and FSHI3 subunits. Amplitude of LH pulses was greater (p 0.10). Pituitary weight and content of LH and FSH were not different (p > 0.10) among cows of the different groups. Ovariectomy resulted in enhanced secretion of gonadotropins and increased amounts of mRNA for gonadotropin subunits above values detected in CONT cows. Ovariectomized cows administered E2, in follicular-phase patterns had amounts of mRNA for a and LH[ similar to those in CONT cows even though secretion of LH was enhanced in the OVXE group. We reject our hypothesis and conclude that E, has a divergent role in regulation of gonadotropins. Release of LH is enhanced by E,, but E, reduced mRNA for gonadotropin subunits (tended to reduce mRNA for FSHPI subunit) in ovariectomized cows to amounts detected in intact cows during the follicular phase of the bovine estrous cycle.
Magnetic prospecting at a prehistoric and historic settlement in Maine

Magnetic surveys at a prehistoric and historic site in Maine were performed in order to improve understanding of cultural features identified from excavations that detailed cultural characteristics at discrete locations, but failed to define the geometry and extent of subsurface features. The objective of the magnetic work was to non-invasively define this spatial distribution of features. Such information is required to nominate both sites to the US National Register of Historic Places. Environmental and cultural factors in Maine favour the application of the magnetic method in archaeological prospecting. At the Spiller Farm palaeoamerican site, excavations had revealed a hearth and over 130 fragments of stone tools. The objective of the magnetic survey was to define additional hearths and cultural material within the vicinity. Measurements were made on a 45 by 25 m grid at 1 m intervals. Signal processing improved definition of a +50 nT anomaly that, upon partial excavation, was found to be associated with a sizeable burnt feature. Laminations in the excavated feature, combined with an increase in palaeo-artefact counts around it, indicate that the feature is a palaeo-hearth, rather than a natural burnt feature. At the Fort Hill historic site, previous excavations revealed a hearth, stone debris related to the fort foundations and numerous historic artefacts but did not resolve the fort geometry. Magnetic measurements were performed on a 55 by 45 m grid at 1 m intervals. Linear anomalies (+20 nT) were interpreted primarily as the response to residual metal in the fort foundations. The geometry of the fort and the meeting house, known to exist from historic accounts, were directly inferred from the survey. The hearth location and artefact distribution correlate well with the magnetic data. The dimensions of the fort (41 by 19 m) were found to be considerably larger than that expected from historic references. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma Renin Activity during Infusion of Epinephrine into the Carotid and Vertebral Arteries of Anesthetized Dogs

Previous experiments have demonstrated that increments of epinephrine concentration within the physiological range elevate PRA when epinephrine is infused iv but not when it is infused directly into the renal artery. The present experiments examined whether an elevation of the circulating epinephrine concentration to the head could account for this elevation of PRA by epinephrine. Anesthetized dogs were surgically prepared for blood sampling and blood pressure recording and for the infusion of epinephrine into either a femoral vein (iv) or the carotid and vertebral arteries. After a control period, epinephrine was infused for 45 min at a total rate of 25 ng kg-1 min-1 either iv or into the head vasculature (3.5 ng kg-1 min-1 into each vertebral artery and 9 ng kg-1 min-1 into each carotid artery). PRA (in nanograms per ml h-1) rose from 1.8 ± 0.5 to 5.9 ± 1.2 (mean ± SE) during iv epinephrine infusion. PRA rose similarly (from 1.5 ± 0.4 to 4.8 ± 1.8) during epinephrine infusion to the head. The arterial b...
Spinal and supraspinal modulation of visceral sensation.

In response to perceived or experienced change, which is considered threatening to the individual, the central nervous system mounts a stereotypic response which decreases the sensitivity to somatic pain, modulates autonomic nervous system outflow, and activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Recent experimental evidence obtained in rats suggests that this response can be associated with an increase in visceral sensitivity. This response of the “emotional motor system” may or may not be associated with the conscious experience of feelings of fear or anxiety. Alterations in some of these response systems (antinociception, vigilance) may be responsible for the characteristic visceral hypersensitivity often seen in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder of unknown aetiology characterised by exacerbations and remissions, which presents with symptoms of abdominal pain and discomfort, and alterations in bowel habits. Approximately two thirds of patients report abdominal pain as one of their symptoms, and abdominal pain is reported by 40% of patients when asked for their most bothersome symptom.1The occurrence of certain stressful life events is the most important factor in symptom exacerbation and in the first development of symptoms.2-5 A recent prospective study emphasised that life events of a sustained duration, associated with threats to the patient's security, are most commonly associated with symptom exacerbation.2 In addition to these symptoms referred to the digestive system, clinical experience and recent reports in the literature have demonstrated a variety of extraintestinal symptoms in these patients, including other pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia (FM)6 7 and interstitial cystitis.8Furthermore, there is a close overlap between IBS and anxiety disorders.9 This article reviews evidence for the involvement of supraspinal pain modulation systems in the reported visceral hypersensitivity in IBS patients. For more information on the general topic of visceral hyperalgesia, …
mer-Bis(diethylenetriamine)zinc(II) dichloride

At 93 K, in the title compound, [Zn(C4H13N3)2]Cl2, the ZnII atom is coordinated by six N atoms from two diethyl­enetriamine ligands in a distorted octa­hedral geometry. In contrast to the previously determined chloride and bromide monohydrates, this compound is anhydrous. There is extensive hydrogen bonding between the amine H atoms in the cation and the chloride anions.
Black Encounter of Racism and Elitism in White Academe: A Critique of the System

In attempting to allege or apply the term racism to a social circumstance behavior or act, one has to be cognizant of the inexplicable nature of racism as a concept. Although racism may be perceived as an abstraction, it is, nevertheless, a tangible phenomenon in that it can be apprehended by the mind and senses. Therefore, like any other "feeling" or "sense," racism is capable of affecting the social climate, political ideology, and economic policy within an educational, governmental, or commercial institution. Benedict (1947) contends that racism cannot be scientifically investigated or demonstrated, but must be studied historically. However, Black sociologists have tended to differ with Benedict's assumption. Cox (1970) implies that racism is quite materialistic in its manifestation and that its development arises out of the imperialistic practices of capitalism. George (1984) perceives racism as an ideology of racial privilege that invariably accompanies a colonial situation. Thus institutional racism might be defined or described as one group having relative advantages or disadvantages of another on a racial basis, especially when the disadvantaged group has a colonial
Proportional Navigation on Nonstationary Targets

In a missile flying a proportional navigation course, the missile heading rate is made proportional to the indicated line of sight rate. While for stationary targets the resulting differential equations of motion can be readily integrated, this is no longer the case for moving targets. To obtain closed-form expressions convenient for the evaluation of trajectory parameters, the assumption is made in this paper that for moving targets, the angular rate of the closing velocity vector is made proportional to the line of sight rather than the actual heading rate.
Simulation analysis of interatrial transposition of venous return (Mustard's operation).

Transposition of the great arteries is functionally corrected by Mustard’s operation, an operation in which the atrial septum is removed and the resulting common atrial chamber repartitioned by a baffle to transpose venous return to the heart. To better understand the new physiology, a physically-based mathematical model of the infant circulation following Mustard’s operation was developed and studied with the aid of computer simulation. The model reproduces certain clinical observations, including the tendency for mean pressure in both atria to be equal early postoperatively and for the pressure waveform to exhibit a steep y-descent in the systemic venous atrium. Simulation studies suggest that the mechanism for the former is transbaffle pressure coupling resulting from dynamic motion of the baffle; the mechanism for the latter is limitation of the extent of such baffle excursions. Dynamic volume of the two atria is found in the model to change according to the relative performance of the two ventricles, and stiffening the baffle leads to pressure waveforms characteristic of a small, noncompliant atrium. Mechanisms for venous “obstruction” and decompression were also studied. The baffle and its movements, however, have little effect upon cardiac output in the model, leaving unexplained the clinical observation of low output early postoperatively.
Hardware architecture for high-speed real-time dynamic programming applications

A novel hardware architecture for performing the core computations required by dynamic programming (DP) techniques is introduced. The latter pertain to a vast range of applications that necessitate an optimal sequence of decisions to be obtained. An underlying assumption is that a complete model of the environment is provided, whereby the dynamics are governed by a Markov decision process. Existing DP implementations have traditionally focused on software-based mechanisms. Here, the authors present a method for exploiting the inherent parallelism associated with computing both the value function and optimal policy. This allows for the optimal policy to be obtained several orders of magnitude faster than traditional software implementations, establishing the viability of the approach for demanding, real-time applications. The well-known rental car management problem has been studied as a benchmark for which a field-programmable gate array-based implementation was designed. The results highlight the advantages of the proposed approach with respect to the execution speed and the scalability properties.
Power Calculations for General Linear Multivariate Models Including Repeated Measures Applications

Abstract Recently developed methods for power analysis expand the options available for study design. We demonstrate how easily the methods can be applied by (1) reviewing their formulation and (2) describing their application in the preparation of a particular grant proposal. The focus is a complex but ubiquitous setting: repeated measures in a longitudinal study. Describing the development of the research proposal allows demonstrating the steps needed to conduct an effective power analysis. Discussion of the example also highlights issues that typically must be considered in designing a study. First, we discuss the motivation for using detailed power calculations, focusing on multivariate methods in particular. Second, we survey available methods for the general linear multivariate model (GLMM) with Gaussian errors and recommend those based on F approximations. The treatment includes coverage of the multivariate and univariate approaches to repeated measures, MANOVA, ANOVA, multivariate regression, and ...
The use of intraoperative electrophysiology for the placement of spinal cord stimulator paddle leads under general anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Placement of spinal cord stimulating paddle leads has traditionally been performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation to allow intraoperative confirmation of appropriate placement. It may be difficult to maintain appropriate sedation in certain patients because of medical comorbidities. Furthermore, patients undergoing lead revision frequently have extensive epidural scarring, requiring multilevel laminectomies to place the electrode appropriately. OBJECTIVE: To report our technique of neurophysiologic monitoring that allows these procedures to be performed under general anesthesia. METHODS: Data from 78 patients who underwent electromyography during laminectomy for paddle lead placement were retrospectively reviewed. Seventy patients presented for first-time permanent system placement after a successful trial, and 8 were referred for revision or replacement of previously functioning systems. Surgeries were performed under general anesthesia with fluoroscopic guidance. Electromyography was used to help define the physiological midline of the spinal cord and to guide appropriate lead placement. Somatosensory evoked potentials were used as an adjunct to minimize the possibility of neural injury. RESULTS: Immediately postoperatively, 75 of 78 patients reported that the paresthesia coverage was as good as (or better than) that of the spinal cord stimulation trial. At the long-term follow-up, 1 system was removed for infection, and 6 systems were explanted for lack of efficacy. A total of 64 of the 78 implanted patients reported continued pain relief with stimulator use. Revision surgery was performed in 9 patients. CONCLUSION: The use of intraoperative electrophysiology for the placement of spinal cord stimulation paddle leads under general anesthesia is a safe and efficacious alternative to awake surgery.
The reaction kinetics of dimethyl ether. II: Low-temperature oxidation in flow reactors

Dimethyl ether oxidation has been studied in a variable-pressure flow reactor over an initial reactor temperature range of 550–850 K, in the pressure range 12–18 atm, at equivalence ratios of 0.7 ≤ ϕ ≤ 4.2, with nitrogen diluent of approximately 98.5%. On-line extraction sampling in conjunction with FTIR, NDIR (for CO and CO2), and electrochemical (for O2) analyses were performed to quantify species at specific locations along the axis of the turbulent flow reactor. Product species concentrations were correlated against residence time (at constant inlet temperature) and against temperature (at fixed mean residence time) in the reactor. Formic acid was observed as a major intermediate of dimethyl ether oxidation at low temperatures. The experimental species-evolution profiles were compared to the predictions of a previously published detailed kinetic mechanism [1]. This mechanism did not predict the formation of formic acid. In the current study we have included chemistry leading to formic acid formation (and oxidation). This new chemistry is discussed and is able to reproduce the experimental observations with good accuracy. In addition, this model is able to reproduce low-temperature kinetic data obtained in a jet-stirred reactor [2] and the shock-tube results of Pfahl et al. [3] © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 32: 741–759, 2000
The unique alteration of electrophoretic mobility of fragile-X-expanded fragments in the presence of ethidium bromide

▼The DNA intercalative dye ethidium bromide is commonly added directly to agarose gels and buffer prior to the electrophoresis of restricted DNA to allow visualization of migrated DNA after electrophoresis. Our laboratory routinely used this technique but we recently experienced a significant problem with the electrophoretic migration of specific DNA fragments in the presence of ethidium bromide. Our laboratory employs a simple Southern blot assay for the detection of the CGG triplet repeat expansion associated with the fragile X syndrome (FRAXA). The restriction enzyme PstI is used to cut isolated patient genomic DNA which is run out on a 1% agarose gel in TAE buffer (40 mM Tris-acetate, 1 mM EDTA, pH 8.0), supplemented with 5 µg/ml ethidium bromide. Electrophoresed DNA is next depurinated with 0.75 N HCl for 15 min, denatured with 1 N NaOH for 30 min and finally transferred by vacuum to a nylon membrane. Fragments are detected using a 440 bp BamHI/XhoI subclone of PE5.1 (Ref. 1) which hybridizes downstream of the CGG expansion site and slightly upstream of the second PstI cutting site. This yields restriction fragments containing the expansion region of 1−1.1 kb in normal individuals, greater than 1.7 kb in phenotypically affected individuals and 1.1−1.7 kb among ‘phenotypically normal’ carriers. A typical autoradiogram obtained before any problems arose is shown (Fig. 1a).
Attitudes Towards Breastfeeding in an Adolescent Population in Urban South Carolina

It is known that nourishment with human milk can minimize morbidities associated with high-risk neonates and infants. Nationwide, 54% of all mothers choose to initiate breastfeeding; at our institution that number is 40%. Infants born to adolescent mothers are one of these high-risk groups, yet little is known about the prevalence of breastfeeding, motivators, or effects of intervention in this age group. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken to determine the baseline attitudes towards breastfeeding among 29 nulliparous females, aged 13-19 years, with the goal of elucidating those factors most associated with a decision to breastfeed. The research instrument included 39 statements scored on a 5-point Likert scale, followed by 18 open and closed ended questions administered by the PI. Respondents were primarily single, Afro-American students, 38% insured by Medicaid and 24% uninsured. 45% of respondents would choose artificial milk to nourish their infants, 28% were undecided, 14% would choose both human and artificial milks, and 14% would breastfeed. Data were then examined to detect who or what most influenced this decision, the role of exposure to breastfeeding, concerns regarding quality and/or quantity of breast milk, and breastfeeding's social acceptability. Likert scale questions were divided into the following positive vs. negative categories: self image, process perceptions, emotional perceptions, and outside influences. Negative attitudes were identified in responses to the following statements: “My boyfried/husband wants me to breastfeed.” “Breastfeeding makes your breasts sag.”“I have heard from someone that breastfeeding hurts.” “No one else could feed my baby.” “I would have to eat differently.” “My mother wants me to bottle feed.” 62% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they did not know enough about breastfeeding. We conclude that our population of teenagers suffer from misinformation about breastfeeding and have had little exposure to it. Our data also suggest that breastfeeding prevalence may be increased in this population through education and exposure to positive role models.
Modeling and Control of Backlash in the Drive Mechanism of a Radially Rotating Compliant Beam

The exclusion of the dynamic characteristics of indirect drives, from the controller design, has often led to a degraded performance in precision servomechanisms. In this study, the adverse effects of backlash, in the drive mechanism of a radially rotating flexible beam, are examined. The topological variations of the structure are handled by latent constraint equations which can be rendered active through the monitoring of the contact torque as well as kinematic indicators. A backlash controller is introduced to replace the original controller of the beam only during the period of gear disengagement. The experimental and numerical results provide a qualitative validation of the backlash model. The relationships with which the backlash in gearing would interact with both the servo-loop controller and the structural flexibility of the system are investigated. In addition, the digital simulations have proven that the backlash controller provides a viable approach in reducing the adverse effects of backlash on the overall system response.