cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Violence between women in an urban emergency department patient population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine what percentage of women presenting to an urban emergency department (ED) for any reason had been the victims of violence committed by another woman in the previous year. METHODS: This was a prospective study of a consecutive sample of female patients of legal age presenting to the ED between 8 AM and 12 midnight over an 11-week period. Patients were asked a series of questions adapted from the George Washington University Universal Violence Prevention Screening Protocol. Non-English-speaking patients, those unable to give informed consent, and those meeting regional criteria for major trauma were excluded. RESULTS: One thousand six hundred seventy-six women participated; 426 (25%) refused. Of the 1,250 women interviewed, 118 (9.4%; 95% CI = 7.8% to 11.1%) reported being assaulted by another woman in the previous 12 months. Compared with the nonvictims, the victims were more frequently younger and single. The most common forms of assault were slapping, grabbing, and shoving (54.7% of victims). These were followed by being choked, kicked, bitten, or punched (46.2%). Eighteen percent of the assaults involved a weapon or an object. Five percent of the victims described being forced to have sex. Thirty-seven percent of the victims contacted the police, 13% required medical attention, 17% pursued legal action, and 10% sought follow-up counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Nine percent of the women in the study sample had been assaulted by another woman in the previous year. Further attention to the recognition and management of violence committed by women against other women may be warranted to ensure that patients receive appropriate treatment and referral. Language: en
Composing trustworthy context-dependent services

The two key issues in service-oriented applications should be that every provided service meets the expected trust level set by the service requester, and the provided service satisfies its contract in the context of service provision. In order to enforce these issues, it is necessary to specify in the service its trustworthiness properties, and the relationship between its contracts and the contexts in which it is to be provided. However, current approaches have failed to specify them. To remedy this situation, we have presented a new service model (ConfiguredService) and a new service provision framework (FrSeC). In this paper, we focus on the composition of trustworthy context-dependent services as supported by ConfiguredService and FrSeC.
Fractal Probability Measures of Learning

Herein we introduce a technique for determining the fractal dimension of time series obtained from complex systems, in particular brain-wave data in which the fractal dimension is arguably a measure of awareness and learning. The technique is based on determining the probability distribution for the degree of irregularity in random time series and has been shown to be superior in terms of efficiency and reliability to more commonly used methods that rely on the correlation function. We speculate that the scaling behavior of the probability measure is an indicator of an allometric relation between learning and brain-wave activity.
Traffic-related air pollution and asthma hospital readmission in children: a longitudinal cohort study.

Objective To examine the association between exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and hospital readmission for asthma or bronchodilator-responsive wheezing. Study design A population-based cohort of 758 children aged 1-16 years admitted for asthma or bronchodilator-responsive wheezing was assessed for asthma readmission within 12 months. TRAP exposure was estimated with a land use regression model using the home address at index admission, with TRAP dichotomized at the sample median (0.37 μg/m 3 ). Covariates included allergen-specific IgE, tobacco smoke exposure, and social factors obtained at enrollment. Associations between TRAP exposure and readmission were assessed using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models. Results The study cohort was 58% African American and 32% white; 19% of the patients were readmitted within 12 months of the original admission. Higher TRAP exposure was associated with a higher readmission rate (21% vs 16%; P = .05); this association was not significant after adjusting for covariates (aOR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.9-2.2). Race modified the observed association; white children with high TRAP exposure had 3-fold higher odds of asthma readmission (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.1-8.1), compared with white children with low TRAP exposure. In African American children, TRAP exposure was not associated with increased readmission (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.6-1.8). In children with high TRAP exposure, TRAP exposure was associated with decreased time to readmission in white children (hazard ratio, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.5-6.7) compared with African American children (hazard ratio, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.7-1.4). African American children had a higher readmission rate overall. Conclusion TRAP exposure is associated with increased odds of hospital readmission in white children, but not in African American children.
Comparative performance of human and mobile robotic assistants in collaborative fetch-and-deliver tasks

There is an emerging desire across manufacturing industries to deploy robots that support people in their manual work, rather than replace human workers. This paper explores one such opportunity, which is to field a mobile robotic assistant that travels between part carts and the automotive final assembly line, delivering tools and materials to the human workers. We compare the performance of a mobile robotic assistant to that of a human assistant to gain a better understanding of the factors that impact its effectiveness. Statistically significant differences emerge based on type of assistant, human or robot. Interaction times and idle times are statistically significantly higher for the robotic assistant than the human assistant. We report additional differences in participant’s subjective response regarding team fluency, situational awareness, comfort and safety. Finally, we discuss how results from the experiment inform the design of a more effective assistant.Categories and Subject DescriptorsH.1.2 [Models and Principles]: User/Machine Systems;I.2.9 [Artificial Intelligence]: RoboticsGeneral TermsExperimentation, Performance, Human Factors
The use of track registration detectors to reconstruct contemporary and historical airborne radon (222RN) and radon progeny concentrations for radon-lung cancer epidemiologic study

Abstract Epidemiologic studies that investigate the relationship between radon and lung cancer require accurate estimates for the long-term average concentrations of radon progeny in dwellings. Year-to-year and home-to-home variations of radon in domestic environments pose serious difficulties for reconstructing an individual's long-term radon-related exposure. The use of contemporary radon gas concentrations as a surrogate for radon-related dose introduces additional uncertainty in dose assessment. Studies of glass exposed in radon chambers and in a home show that radon progeny deposited on, and implanted in, glass hold promise for reconstructing past radon concentrations in a variety of atmospheres. We developed an inexpensive track registration detector for the Iowa Radon Lung Cancer Study (IRLCS) that simultaneously measures contemporary airborne radon concentrations, surface deposited alpha activity density, and implanted 210Po activity density. The implanted activity is used to reconstruct the cumulative radon and radon progeny exposure from the age of the glass and the ratios of the contemporary deposited activiteis to airborne radon gas activity. We placed over 2500 of these detectors in more than 1000 homes and retrieved 97% of them after a one-year exposure period. A preliminary analysis of the 1280 detectors that have undergone quality assurance review shows that the modules are meeting their accuracy and precision goals (10%). There is good correlation (r2∼0.5) between the total radon exposure estimated from contemporary radon gas measurements and historical average reconstructed from the implanted 210Po surface activity. The linear regression slope of the airborne radon exposure to implanted activity is the same as the room model slope based on typical room parameters. This correlation improves (r2∼0.7) when the deposited surface activity measurements are added to the linear regression. Thus, track-registration detectors can contribute to accurate radon-related dose assessment in epidemiologic studies. Additional work is planned to incorporate the deposited activities in a more sophisticated reconstruction model.
Interferometric investigation of a diode laser source.

Diode lasers provide a coherent light source in the near IR. They have many desirable characteristics such as small size, high efficiency, a single-longitudinal mode output as large as 15 mW, and can be modulated at high pulse rates. An AlGaAs diode laser operating at 840 nm with an output of 5 mW was evaluated with a Smartt point diffraction interferometer. The wave front observed had astigmatism of ∼2 λ present over the output beam divergence angle. In a modified Twyman-Green interferometer, the coherence length measured was >15 m with high visibility fringes. This source was found to be stable and highly linearly polarized. When used as an interferometric source, many possibilities for small scale interferometers and test equipment are now viable.
Guidance on environmental vulnerabilities of unattended ground sensors

Operational guidance on reliability as a function of site conditions is essential to unattended ground sensors (UGS) effectiveness. For physical security/force protection sensor systems, the Weather Vulnerability Assessment Tool (WVAT) will fill this need. WVAT is a computer application that will warn of situations in which the likelihood of detecting an intruder falls below a specified probability of detection (Pd). Both Pd and the likelihood of nuisance alarms are predicted for diurnal and seasonal variability in weather, state of the ground, and ground cover. A follow-on computer applications, the Force Protection Sensor Selector, will guide the selection of sensor systems for deployment as a site, based on its prediction of weather-induced variation in site conditions.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Polymerization Activity of [Bis(4,4‘-bis(neophyldimethylsilylmethyl)-2,2‘-bipyridyl)copper(I)]+CuBr2- and Implications for Copper(I) Catalyst Structures in Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

A series of 4,4‘-disilyl-substituted-2,2‘-bipyridine ligands were prepared using a metathesis reaction of the dianion of 4,4‘-dimethyl-2,2‘-bipyridine with several trialkylsilyl chlorides: 4,4‘-bis(tert-butyldimethylsilylmethyl)-2,2‘-bipyridine (dTBDMSbipy), 4,4‘-bis(dimethylthexylsilylmethyl)-2,2‘-bipyridine (dTHEXbipy), and 4,4‘-bis(neophyldimethylsilylmethyl)-2,2‘-bipyridine (dNEObipy). It was observed that the side chain length correlated with the ability of the ligand to form hydrocarbon soluble complexes of copper(I) bromide, with dNEObipy forming the most soluble and easily crystallized complexes. The atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene using dNEObipy as the ligand displayed molecular weight control equivalent to other ATRP systems in which solubilizing ligands, such as 4,4‘-di-5-nonyl-2,2‘-bipyridine or 4,4‘-di-n-heptyl-2,2‘-bipyridine, were used. The one-to-one complex of dNEObipy with CuBr was prepared and its crystal structure was determined. The resulting complex had the io...
Information policies: yesterday, today, tomorrow

This article presents a brief history of the development of ideas about national and organizational information policies, from the first establishment of a UK Ministry of Information in the First World War to the present day. The issues and tensions that have characterized attempts to develop and implement policies on the national and organizational scale are discussed, with particular reference to: the power relations between the parties to them; the relative significance accorded to information technology and information content; the transition from formulating policy to acting on it; and the threats to the survival of those policies that get as far as implementation. In conclusion, the contribution to date of information science to the theory and practice of information policies is assessed, and suggestions are offered on directions for future efforts, in the light of the past of this interesting field.
Nucleus of the Trapezoid Body: Dual Afferent Innervation

Lesions of the anterior ventral cochlear nucleus caused degeneration of synaptic endings in the anterior half of the nucleus of the trapezoid body. Lesions of the posterior ventral cochlear nucleus caused similar degeneration in the posterior half of the nucleus of the trapezoid body. Thus, the cochlea projects twice upon the nucleus of the trapezoid body.
Separation of polychlorobiphenyls from chlorinated pesticides in sediment and oyster samples for analysis by gas chromatography

Abstract Polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) have been separated from DDT and its analogs and from the other common chlorinated pesticides by adsorption chromatography on columns of alumina and charcoal. Elution from alumina columns with incresing fractionl amounts of hexane first isolates dieldrin and heptachlor epoxide from a mixture of chlorinated pesticides and PCBs. The remaining fraction, when added to a charcoal column, can be separated into two fractions, one containing the chlorinated pesticides, the other containing the PCBs, by eluting with acetone—diethyl ether (25:75) and benzene, respectively. The PCBs and the pesticides are then determined by gas chromatography on the separate column eluates without cross interference. The method is applicable to samples prepared by multi-pesticide residue methodology and should be applicable to sample extracts prepared for gas chromatography. Recoveries of the PCBs (Arocolors) and the chlorinated pesticides are good and the method is applicable to sedimnt and marine biota samples.
Regulation of hepatic innate immunity by hepatitis C virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global public health problem involving chronic infection of the liver, which can cause liver disease and is linked with liver cancer. Viral innate immune evasion strategies and human genetic determinants underlie the transition of acute HCV infection to viral persistence and the support of chronic infection. Host genetic factors, such as sequence polymorphisms in IFNL3, a gene in the host interferon system, can influence both the outcome of the infection and the response to antiviral therapy. Recent insights into how HCV regulates innate immune signaling within the liver reveal a complex interaction of patient genetic background with viral and host factors of innate immune triggering and control that imparts the outcome of HCV infection and immunity.
The Role of the Community College Library in the Curriculum Development Process

Abstract Community college libraries are frequently represented on college curriculum councils. The representation may range from a simple informational role to one of active participation in the approval of courses. This article will specifically consider where within the curriculum development process does the library have a role, and what should that role be?
The pH Hypothesis of Postconditioning Staccato Reperfusion Reintroduces Oxygen and Perpetuates Myocardial Acidosis

Background— It is unclear how reperfusion of infarcting hearts with alternating cycles of coronary reperfusion/occlusion attenuates infarction, but prevention of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) formation is crucial. Acidosis also suppresses MPTP formation. We tested whether postconditioning protects by maintaining acidosis during early reoxygenation. Methods and Results— After 30-minute regional ischemia in isolated rabbit hearts, reperfusion with buffer (pH 7.4) caused 34.4±2.2% of the risk zone to infarct, whereas 2 minutes of postconditioning (6 cycles of 10-second reperfusion/10-second occlusion) at reperfusion resulted in 10.7±2.9% infarction. One minute (3 cycles) of postconditioning was not protective. Hypercapnic buffer (pH 6.9) for the first 2 minutes of reperfusion in lieu of postconditioning caused equivalent cardioprotection (15.0±2.6% infarction), whereas 1 minute of acidosis did not protect. Delaying postconditioning (6 cycles) or 2 minutes of acidosis for 1 minute aborted ...
The Doctor's Role in Discussing Advance Preferences for End-of-Life Care: Perceptions of Physicians Practicing in the VA

OBJECTIVES: Although previous studies have shown physicians support advance directives, little is known about how they actually participate in decision-making. This study investigates (1) how much experience physicians have had discussing and following advance preferences and (2) how physicians perceive their role in the advance decision-making process. DESIGN: Mail survey conducted in 1993. SETTING: The Department of Veterans Affairs. PARTICIPANTS: A national probability sample of 1050 VA internists, family physicians, and generalists. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Questionnaires were returned by 67% of participants. In the last year, 79% stated they had discussed advance preferences with at least one patient, and 19% had talked to more than 25. Seventy-three percent had used a written directive to make decisions for at least one incompetent patient. Younger age, board certification, spending less time in the outpatient setting, and personal experience with advance decision-making, were all associated independently with having advance preference discussions. Among physicians who had discussions, 59% said they often initiated the discussion, 55% said discussions often occurred in inpatient settings, and 31% said discussions often occurred in outpatient settings. Eighty-two percent of those responding thought physicians should be responsible for initiating discussions. Most would try to persuade a patient to change a decision that was not well informed (91%), not medically reasonable (88%), or not in the patient's best interest (88%); few would attempt to change decisions that conflicted with their own moral beliefs (14%). CONCLUSIONS: Physicians report that they are actively involved with their patients in making decisions about end-of-life care. Most say they have had recent discussions with at least some of their patients and feel that as physicians they should play a large and important role in soliciting and shaping patient preferences.
Closed-form approach to design of all-pass digital filters using cepstral coefficients

A simple method for the design of all-pass digital filters is described. In this method, given a desired group delay, the cepstral coefficients corresponding to the denominator of a stable all-pass filter are determined using a least-squares approach. The coefficients of the all-pass filter are then obtained from the cepstral coefficients using a recursive relation.
Pregnancy in spinal cord injured women

The management of pregnancy, labor, and delivery in women with spinal cord injury (SCI) has received increased attention by investigators and clinicians in recent years. Physicians who care for women with SCI need to become familiar with the general principles of care during pregnancy. This article presents a summary of publications identified by a MEDLINE search of the topics spinal cord injury, paraplegia, tetraplegia, and pregnancy, and by reviewing the reference lists of these articles. The current medical literature suggests excellent overall maternal and neonatal outcome. Certain medical complications such as urinary tract infections and autonomic hyperreflexia are predictable and can be managed successfully. Obstetrical management is changed little by SCI but needs to account for the risk of unattended delivery in the patient with a high level of lesion.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Barium Alkali Silicate Glasses for SOFC Sealing Applications

The physical and mechanical properties of two barium alkali silicate glasses were determined as a function of temperature. Their Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio were determined by resonant ultrasound spectroscopy; their viscosity, thermal expansion, and glass transition temperature were determined using a thermomechanical analyzer. The wetting behavior of the two glasses on alumina and 8 mol% yttria stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) substrates was determined by measuring contact angles in air as a function of temperature and time. Values of Young's modulus for both glasses were in good agreement with those predicted by the Makishima and MacKenzie model. The physical and mechanical properties of these glasses are discussed in the context of their potential use for sealing applications in solid-oxide fuel cells.
Interactions of inorganic nitrogen in the uptake and assimilation by marine phytoplankton

The effect of ambient ammonium concentration on the nitrate uptake rate of marine phytoplankton was investigated. These studies consisted of laboratory experiments using unialgal species and field experiments using natural phytoplankton communities. In laboratory experiments, ammonium suppressed the uptake rates of nitrate and nitrite. Approximately 30 min were required for ammonium to exhibit its fully inhibitory effect on nitrate uptake. At high ammonium concentration (>3 μg-at/l), a residual nitrate uptake rate of approximately 0.006 h-1 was observed. When the ambient ammonium concentration was reduced to a value less than 1 μg-at/l, the suppressed nitrate uptake rate subsequently attained a value comparable to that observed before the addition of ammonium. A range of 25 to 60% reduction in the nitrate uptake rate of natural phytoplankton communities was observed at ambient ammonium concentrations of ∼1.0 μg-at/l. A mechanism is proposed for the suppression of nitrate uptake rate by ammonium through feedback control of the nitrate permease system and/or the nitrate reductase enzyme system. The feedback control is postulated to be regulated by the level of total amino acids in the cell.
Simplified T-tube replacement with two-piece retrievable catheters.

A new two-piece T tube has been developed for easy reinsertion over a guide wire, usually without the need for tract dilation. It is introduced as a single unit over a removable introducer cannula and is formed in situ within the common bile duct by manipulation of guiding sutures. The self-retaining T configuration is maintained by a suture-locking device. The T tube can be easily retrieved, repositioned, or exchanged. It can be modified distally with either a long limb or a "T loop" to provide internal biliary drainage via the T-tube tract. These low-profile catheters improve the safety of tube replacement through immature tracts ( n = 6) and have also been introduced through transhepatic tracts ( n = 6). Thirty-three catheters have been placed in 21 patients without significant complications.
Minority-spin states for V and Mn on Ag(111) by inverse photoemission.

Unoccupied states have been observed with momentum-resolved inverse photoemission for thin layers of V and Mn on Ag(111) ranging from 0.2 monolayer to thick bulklike films. An assignment in terms of exchange- and crystal-field-split 3d states is given by comparison with similar data from the Mn-in-Ag spin glass and with first-principles calculations. The states are located at 0.9 and 1.8 eV above ${E}_{F}$ for Mn and at 0.5 and 1.7 eV above ${E}_{F}$ for V. The data are consistent with large magnetic moments for V and Mn films up to a monolayer, in contrast to the absence of ferromagnetism in the bulk materials.
Spin Density Waves in an Electron Gas

It is shown rigorously that the paramagnetic state of an electron gas is never the Hartree-Fock ground state, even in the high-density---or weak-interaction---limit. The paramagnetic state is always unstable with respect to formation of a static spin density wave. The instability occurs for spin-density waves having a wave vector $Q\ensuremath{\approx}2{k}_{F}$, the diameter of the Fermi sphere. It follows that the (Hartree-Fock) spin susceptibility of the paramagnetic state is not a monotonic decreasing function with increasing $Q$, but rather a function with a singularity near $Q=2{k}_{F}$. Rather convincing experimental evidence that the antiferromagnetic ground state of chromium is a large-amplitude spin density wave state is summarized. A number of consequences of such states are discussed, including the problem of detecting them by neutron diffraction.
Management of high-risk localized prostate cancer: the integration of local and systemic therapy approaches

Using a combination of PSA, Gleason score, and clinical stage, it is possible to identify a group of patients with prostate cancer who have a high risk of relapse following initial treatment (e.g., radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy). For these patients, multi-modal therapy may result in improved outcomes. We reviewed published literature to identify methods to identify high-risk patients as well as options for adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy to reduce risk of disease recurrence. At the present time, the most promising adjuvant therapy is hormonal therapy following radiotherapy for locally advanced disease (T3-T4, or N1). In phase III trials in these patients, survival is improved. For all other applications, including adjuvant and neoadjuvant hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, the benefits are unclear. Perhaps most promising at this time, and the subject of a current phase III trial, is the utility of adjuvant chemotherapy in high-risk patients. It will be through the conduct of phase III trials that the benefits of multi-modal therapy will be evaluated. Patients with high-risk prostate cancer undergoing radiotherapy or surgery should be offered participation in these clinical trials.
The Effect of Food Safety Education and Work Experience on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of University Students

This study investigates whether food safety education, work experience, and ServSafe' certification affect the food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices of university students. The results showed significant differences in knowledge and attitudes between respondents with higher levels of food safety education and ServSafe' certification than students with less education and no certification. Having three or more years work experience affected knowledge more than attitudes. However, there were very few significant differences in practices based on the three factors thus indicating a continuing need to search for methods of producing food safety behavioral change.
Developing a Partnership Model for Cancer Screening with Community-Based Organizations: The ACCESS Breast Cancer Education and Outreach Project

There is growing enthusiasm for community-academic partnerships to promote health in underserved communities. Drawing upon resources available at a comprehensive cancer center, we developed the ACCESS program to guide community based organizations through a flexible program planning process. Over a three-year period, ACCESS partnered with 67 agencies serving various medically underserved populations. Organizations included hospitals, parishes, senior centers, harm reduction programs, and recreational facilities. Program outcomes at the organizational level were quantified in terms of introduction of new cancer information, referral or screening programs, as well as organizational capacity building. ACCESS represents a viable model for promoting partnership to transfer behavioral health programs and adapt interventions for new audiences. Plans to further evaluate and enhance this model to promote cancer screening efforts are discussed. We argue that, ultimately, formation and development of community partnerships need to be understood as a fundamental area of practice that must be systematically integrated into the mission of major academic medical institutions in every area of public health.
Aqueous leachability of lanthanide and plutonium titanates

Abstract The leachabilities of titanate and zircono-titanate solid solutions, Ce 2 Ti 2 O 7 , Er 1.78 Ce 0.22 Ti 2 O 7 , Er 1.78 Pu 0.22 Ti 2 O 7 (9.5 wt% Pu) Er 1.78 Ce 0.22 Ti 0.5 Zr 1.5 O 7 , SrCe 2 Ti 4 O 12 , SrPu 2 Ti 4 O 12 (50.7 wt% Pu) and Sr 2 Ce 2 Ti 5 O 16 , have been investigated in WIPP ‘A’ brine, 0.1 M NaCl, and 0.1 M HCl solutions using a modified MCC-3 procedure with a duration of 60 days. The concentrations of plutonium leached by the brine were less than 1 ppm. Where cerium was used as a surrogate for plutonium, its concentration in WIPP brine was below the limit of detection (10 ppm) established for the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectrometer used. Concentrations of strontium leached by WIPP brine from stable strontium-containing titanate compounds, considered as possible immobilizers of both 90 Sr and actinide elements, were on the order of 30–60 ppm.
Influences of family and friends on client progress during drug abuse treatment

Relationships with family and friends by 439 heroin addicts during the first 3 months of drug abuse treatment were examined in relation to behavioral improvements of clients. Family conflict and peer deviance were significant predictors of injection frequency and illegal activity during treatment, and reductions in family conflict were associated with lower drug use, injection frequency, and illegal activity during treatment. These results provide support for treatment emphasis on helping clients reduce conflict among family members, improve dysfunctional relationships with peers, and replace deviant friendships with others that encourage treatment participation and conformance to social norms.
Effects of site characteristics and release history on establishment of Agapeta zoegana (Lepidoptera: Cochylidae) and Cyphocleonus achates (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), root-feeding herbivores of spotted knapweed, Centaurea maculosa.

Abstract We evaluated several factors to identify features or practices that might increase the probability of establishment following the release of two root-feeding insects (the cochylid moth Agapeta zoegana L. and the weevil Cyphocleonus achates Fahraeus) that attack the invasive plant, spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa Lamarck). At each of 99 sites where releases had been made in previous years, we assessed (1) the number of insects of each species released, (2) the number of years in which releases were made, (3) the number of years since the first release, (4) the size of the knapweed infestation, (5) its shape (linear, large single patch, many small patches), (6) the knapweed plant density, and (7–18) 12 physical site characteristics: habitat type, elevation, percentage slope, aspect, topographic type, forest structure at or by the site, disturbance factors, land use category, percentage forest canopy at or near site, percentage bare soil, annual precipitation, and soil type. We found that continuous, nonlinear patches of spotted knapweed on loamy soil that were surrounded by even-age forest stands had the highest rates of establishment for A. zoegana, but likelihood of establishment was not greater for larger releases (>200 adults). This suggests that roadside strips of knapweed should not be selected as release sites and that many, smaller releases (100–200 adults) are better than fewer, larger releases (300–500 adults or greater). For the weevil C. achates, we found that the probability of establishment was also greatest in continuous knapweed patches, rather than in strips, and that larger infestations (>2 ha) were better than smaller infestations. Establishment was also highest at mid-elevations (750–1500 m), compared to higher or lower locations.
Pose and Motion from Contact

In the absence of vision, grasping an object often relies on tactile feedback from the fingertips. As the finger pushes the object, the fingertip can feel the contact point move. If the object is known in advance, from this motion the finger may infer the location of the contact point on the object, and thereby, the object pose. This paper primarily investigates the problem of determining the pose (orientation and position) and motion (velocity and angular velocity) of a planar object with known geometry from such contact motion generated by pushing.A dynamic analysis of pushing yields a nonlinear system that relates through contact the object pose and motion to the finger motion. The contact motion on the fingertip thus encodes certain information about the object pose. Nonlinear observability theory is employed to show that such information is sufficient for the finger to “observe” not only the pose, but also the motion of the object. Therefore, a sensing strategy can be realized as an “observer” of the...
High-throughput top-down fabrication of uniform magnetic particles.

Ion Beam Aperture Array Lithography was applied to top-down fabrication of large dense (108–109 particles/cm2) arrays of uniform micron-scale particles at rates hundreds of times faster than electron beam lithography. In this process, a large array of helium ion beamlets is formed when a stencil mask containing an array of circular openings is illuminated by a broad beam of energetic (5–8 keV) ions, and is used to write arrays of specific repetitive patterns. A commercial 5-micrometer metal mesh was used as a stencil mask; the mesh size was adjusted by shrinking the stencil openings using conformal sputter-deposition of copper. Thermal evaporation from multiple sources was utilized to form magnetic particles of varied size and thickness, including alternating layers of gold and permalloy. Evaporation of permalloy layers in the presence of a magnetic field allowed creation of particles with uniform magnetic properties and pre-determined magnetization direction. The magnetic properties of the resulting particles were characterized by Vibrating Sample Magnetometry. Since the orientation of the particles on the substrate before release into suspension is known, the orientation-dependent magnetic properties of the particles could be determined.
The development of a monoclonal antibody to a human gamma crystallin

A monoclonal antibody to human lens 21,000 molecular weight gamma crystallin has been produced in rat x mouse hybridoma cell lines. The antibody reacts specifically with the 24,000 molecular weight gamma crystallin and does not cross react with the 21,000 or the 19,000 gamma crystallins. The antibody reacts with protein from dog, mouse, monkey and bovine lenses but does not react with proteins from chick lens. The 24,000 molecular weight gamma protein increases from 2% of the soluble protein in the fetal lens to 14% in the 2 month old lens to 25? in the adult lens. No difference was observed in the amount of this crystallin between the nuclear and cortical regions of the adult lens. In one hypermature cataractous lens, the amount of this crystallin decreased to a value of about 5% of the total soluble protein.
Training the Personal and Home Care Aide Workforce Challenges and Solutions

Personal care aides (PCAs) are critical to meeting the need for low-cost, high-quality care for frail older adults at home. Developing this workforce entails not only increasing its size but also ensuring that PCAs possess the skills necessary to deliver competent, safe, and respectful care. Yet, no federal PCA competencies or training requirements exist, and state requirements vary widely. In 2010, a 77-hour PCA model training program was developed as part of a national demonstration. However, a key finding of this study was that many enrollees faced serious socio-economic challenges that prevented them from graduating. This report details findings from a survey sent to all non-completers to ascertain reasons for attrition and improve program success. It offers recommendations for future program planners.
Laser propulsion for the orbital transfer mission

America's space activities in the 1990s and beyond will partly consist of missions involving the transportation of cargo from low earth orbit (LEO) to higher orbits or to an escape trajectory. Such missions are to be performed with the aid of an orbit transfer vehicle (OTV). The operation of the OTV can be based on different propulsion concepts. A chemical OTV is characterized by a high thrust and low specific impulse. The result is a short trip time at the cost of large quantities of propellant. On the other hand, low-thrust systems such as electric propulsion units, consume very little propellant, but would have a long trip time. The present paper is concerned with a compromise between these two extremes. The employed propulsion system utilizes laser thermal propulsion, in which a ground or space-based laser is used to beam energy to a thruster on the OTV. The laser light is absorbed by a propellant. The resulting heating of the propellant causes an expansion of the propellant through a nozzle to produce thrust. Details regarding this propulsion concept are discussed, taking into account operational questions and missions.
Melt-processed all-polymer distributed Bragg reflector laser

We have assembled and studied melt-processed all-polymer lasers comprising distributed Bragg reflectors that were fabricated in large sheets using a co-extrusion process and define the cavities for dye-doped compression-molded polymer gain core sheets. Distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) resonators consisting of 128 alternating poly(styrene) (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) layers were produced by multilayer co-extrusion. Gain media were fabricated by compression-molding thermoplastic host poly notmers doped with organic laser dyes. Both processing methods can be used in high-throughput roll-to-roll manufacturing. Optically pumped DBR lasers assembled from these components display single and multimode lasing in the reflection band of the resonators, with a slope efficiency of nearly 19% and lasing thresholds as low as 90microJ/cm(2). The lasing wavelength can be controlled via the layer thickness of the DBR resonator films, and variation of the laser dye. Studies of threshold and efficiency are in agreement with models for end-pumped lasers.
Territoriality, social boundaries and ancestor veneration in the central Andes of Peru

Abstract This article examines the relationship between social boundaries, territoriality and ancestor veneration during the Late Intermediate Period (1000–1450 AD) in the Rapayan Valley of the Central Andes of Peru. Constructing upon recent theoretical work on social boundaries and territoriality combined with the analyses of early historical sources, I argue that the distribution of various types of above-ground mortuary structures across the landscape was a powerful mechanism of social control through space that not only served to assess territorial rights, but also to confine or exclude people from a bounded space by the delimitation of social boundaries. I sustain that above-ground mortuary structures reflected a growing concern for territorial behaviors during the LIP that allowed household members, kinship groups and/or political units, according to varying contexts, to draw social boundaries between insiders and outsiders by reifying identity and social solidarity through ancestors worship. Within the broader Andean context, I suggest that the widespread distribution of mortuary monuments across the landscape provided the political landscape with an ideology of fragmentation which encouraged the distinction between insiders and outsiders and thus promoted group identity through social exclusion from a geographical point of view at many different levels.
Association of HLA-linked factor B with gestational diabetes mellitus in black women

The factor B BfF allele was found significantly less frequently in nonobese black women with gestational diabetes mellitus than in the control group. The BfS allele was found more frequently, although not significantly so. These data suggest similar genetic associations among nonobese black women with gestational diabetes mellitus and those with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Optimal budget allocation when response is S-shaped

We consider the profit maximizing allocation of a budget among n activities when the revenue from each activity is an S-shaped function of the budget allocated to it. Results are obtained for functions that cross only in the convex part. A simple computational procedure based on these results is presented. The results are specialized to cases where the functions do not cross, are multiples of the same function, are identical, and are piecewise linear.
Swelling-induced phosphorylation of ERK 1,2 requires beta-1 integrin

Abstract Background: Following injury, changes in the microcellular environment induce cell volume change and initiate cellular signaling. We have previously shown that rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton and phosphorylation of ERK 1,2 are early events following osmotic-induced cell swelling. Integrins are intimately associated with the cytoskeleton and extracellular environment, and may serve as mechanoreceptors to sense changes in cell volume. We therefore hypothesized that loss of β1 integrin function would alter cell signaling following hypoosmotic stress. Methods: Disruption of integrin function was achieved using retroviral overexpression of chimeric molecules Tac-β1 or Tac-α5; which encode the transmembrane and extracellular domains of the Tac subunit of the IL-2 receptor, fused to an integrin cytoplasmic domain. Stable cells were exposed to serum-free hypoosmolar MEM (200 mOsm) for 0, 2, 5, or 10 minutes. Parallel experiments were performed using TNF-α (400 u/ml) in serum-free MEM as a positive control. Western blots of whole cell lysate were probed with antibodies specific to total or phosphorylated ERK 1,2. Results: (1) Tac-β1 expressing cells displayed no detectable ERK 1,2 phosphorylation in response to TNF-α or hypoosmotic swelling, while Tac-α5 control cells had significant phosphorylation of ERK 1 and 2 that was maximal at 10 minutes in hypoosmotic treated cells. TNF-α control cells exhibited ERK 1,2 phosphorylation at all time points. (2) Total ERK was unchanged in all conditions. Conclusions: (1) β1 integrin signaling in response to hypoosmotic swelling is essential for ERK 1, 2 phosphorylation. (2) Loss of ERK 1,2 activation following β1 integrin silencing indicates that β1 integrin is a critical component by which cells perceive changes in cell volume. Download high-res image (70KB) Download full-size image
Atomic layer epitaxy of AlxGa1−xAs and device quality GaAs

Recent progress of III–V compounds grown by ALE was mainly focused on binary alloys with very little activity on ternary alloys. This has limited the usefulness of ALE in the growth of heterojunction device structures. We report the ALE growth of AlxGa1−xAs (0 <x < 0.4) and AlGaAs/GaAs quantum wells. The ALE growth cycle consisted of the simultaneous exposure of the substrate to the TMGa and TMAl fluxes followed sequentially by an AsH3 exposure. Atomic layer epitaxy was carried over a temperature range from 550 to 700°C, and monolayer growth was only observed over a fairly narrow range of column III flux. Al incorporates during ALE film growth more efficiently than during MOCVD growth in the same reactor. The ALE films show better composition uniformity than the MOCVD ones. AlGaAs/GaAs quantum wells were also grown solely by ALE at the same temperature with very uniform well thickness. High quality ALE grown GaAs was also achieved. Background carrier concentration in 1014-1015 cm-3 range was obtained with 77 K mobility about 30,000 cm2/V·s for 2 μm thick films. The 4 K photoluminescence displayed well resolved bound excitonic transitions characteristics of high purity GaAs. The material quality improved with increasing V/III ratio and growth temperature.
Validity and reliability of liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection for measuring plasma levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine in man.

Abstract Liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LCEC) provides a rapid, sensitive, and specific technique for measuring human plasma norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) levels. We tested the reliability and validity of this technique against that of the catechol-O-methyl-transferase radioenzymatic (COMT-RE) assay. In healthy, resting humans, mean NE and E values were similar using the LCEC and COMT-RE techniques (311 vs. 300 pg/ml for NE; 57 vs. 52 pg/ml for E). In a series of 25 plasma samples obtained from a variety of sources, the correlation between the two methods was 0.99 for both NE and E. Coefficients of variation were similar for catecholamine levels above 100 pg/ml, but below this, the COMT-RE technique appeared to be more reliable. The advantages of the LCEC method are its speed, simplicity of sample preparation, low cost per assay, lack of use of radionuclides, and ease in trouble-shooting. The COMT-RE technique is preferable for small sample sizes or large numbers of samples. LCEC offers a reasonable alternative to the COMT-RE technique for measuring plasma norepineprhine and epinephrine.
Cardiogenic shock: “going to the mat” — Is it needed and does it work?

Cardiogenic shock remains a highly lethal event. Fortunately, recent data indicate that some of these high risk patients derive particular survival benefit from aggressive treatment strategies. As yet, there are no randomized trial data, although two trials are currently being performed. Selection bias can affect results, as pointed out by Hockman et al., who found that selection for angiography was associated with improved outcome irrespective of whether revascularization was performed. That not withstanding, in aggregate, the expanding data set indicates that the outcome of cardiogenic shock can be improved with measures to raise blood pressure (therapy improving coronary perfusion), restore persistent flow to the infarct territory (PTCA, stents, or coronary bypass graft surgery) or support the circulation more optimally. The wider spread use of stents may be particularly important. Preliminary data indicate that stenting improves outcome compared to conventional PTCA using the endpoints of TIMI 3 flow, reocclusion, and mortality. Accordingly, stents and other aggressive therapy may be particularly important. These measures will not result in immortality for all patients with cardiogenic shock but do show that the high mortality can be significantly reduced in carefully selected patients. Intense efforts are underway to identify those patients at risk for developing shock or those patients who could benefit from 'going to the mat' with expensive resources to optimize outcome.