cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a rainwater harvesting system for increasing soil moisture in arid rangelands of Pakistan

Soil moisture can be significantly increased with microcatchments that have 4 to 5 m long water catchment aprons and 7 to 15% slope gradients. The increase was by 59% (from 10·9 to 17·3% vol/vol) from the surface to 15 cm depth, by 63% (from 11·5 to 18·8% vol/vol) from 15 to 30 cm depth, and by 80% (from 11·3 to 20·3% vol/vol) from 30 to 45 cm depth. Increases in soil moisture were found in both the late summer and the late winter season when the highest precipitation is received. There are some year-to-year differences depending on how much precipitation is received each year. Rill erosion on the aprons increased with apron length and gradient. Erosion volumes were quite low (14·9 1 to 26·3 1) considering the amount of area of an apron (120 and 150 m2).
Folding patterns and shape optimization using SMA-based self-folding laminates

Origami engineering, a discipline encompassing the creation of practical three-dimensional structures from two- dimensional entities via folding operations, has the potential to impact multiple fields of manufacturing and design. In some circumstances, it may be practical to have self-folding capabilities instead of creating folds by external manipulations (as in morphing structures in outer space or on the ocean floor). This paper considers the use of a self-folding laminate composite consisting of two outer layers of thermally actuated shape memory alloy (SMA) wire meshes separated by an inner compliant insulating layer. Methods for designing folding patterns and determining temperature fields to obtain desired shapes and behaviors are proposed. Sheets composed of the self-folding laminate are modeled via finite element analysis (FEA) and the proposed methods are implemented to test their capabilities. One method uses a previously developed and freely available software called Freeform Origami for folding pattern design. The second method entails the use of optimization to determine the localized activation temperatures required to obtain desired shapes or to perform specific functions. The proposed methods are demonstrated to be applicable for the design of folding patterns and determination of activation temperatures for the self-folding laminate by showing successful examples of their implementation. This exploratory study provides new tools that can be integrated into the design framework of self-folding origami structures.
Getting Involved: My Experience With Medicare's Advisory Panel on APC Groups

B a physician requires leadership. Whether it is convincing patients to take prescribed treatments or convincing ongress to enact a bill, being a leader is part of the career. The ay-to-day work of clinical medicine often leaves us with little o give the enterprise of leading our own industry, and as a esult, a select few are the voice of clinical physicians. That voice s often drowned out in the heated discussions about healthare policy. Health-care policy in the United States is complicated, and o fully understand and participate in it requires a commitment hat can eat into other parts of our work or home life. I have ong felt it is my duty to be involved in health-care policy and ave tried to maintain political involvement in my institution, ocal government, and more recently, on a national level. In early 2010, I was honored in being nominated by the merican Gastroenterological Association to serve on the Adisory Panel on Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) roups for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CMS) and was confirmed to a 4-year federal appointment to his Panel. Any organization or individual can nominate somene for this and other federal advisory committees. Typically, peciality organizations are aware of spots being vacated for dvisory panel positions and will submit nominations for conideration. To explain the APC panel, I must provide a brief background f CMS and the health-care system as a whole. First, calling our ndustry a “system” is a misnomer. It is not a system at all. It as not conceived as a system to begin with, there are no system ngineers, and there is no one governing body for all aspects of he industry. Our industry involves the US government (with MS as one of the most significant payers), the pharmaceutical nd device industry, the insurance industry, hospitals and clincs and providers, all of whom might have competing interests. Before the 1930s, health-care delivery was a private enterprise n which patients paid a fee for services rendered. Improved echnology, quality of health-care providers, and a rising econmy all led to a shift in the medical system from being one that ad few treatments and mostly rendered prognoses to one that ad real solutions to disease. With these changes came inreased costs for health care, and the notion of a compulsory
Psychological comparison of patients with nutcracker esophagus and irritable bowel syndrome

Recent evidence suggests that psychological factors may affect esophageal as well as intestinal motility. To study this further, we compared the psychological profiles of 20 irritable bowel patients and 20 patients with recurrent noncardiac chest pain associated with high-amplitude peristaltic contractions in the distal esophagus, the “nutcracker esophagus.” Three control groups with 20 patients each also were evaluated. The Millon Behavioral Health Inventory was administered to all subjects. This is a 150-item self-report instrument developed to assess psychological impact of medical illnesses in nonpsychiatric populations. The nutcracker and irritable bowel patients differed significantly (P<0.05) from controls on scales of gastrointestinal susceptiblity and somatic anxiety, suggesting that these patients react to psychological stress with an increase in symptom frequency and severity. They also tend to be hypochondriacal and seek early medical care. Irritable bowel patients, however, have a more generalized disorder, as they also scored significantly higher (P<0.05) than the other groups on three general measures of depression and anxiety. Conclusion: as previously observed in the irritable bowel syndrome, emotional factors may modulate pain perception in the nutcracker esophagus. Simple psychometric instruments like the Millon Behavioral Health Inventory may be useful in identifying these patients who may benefit from psychotropic drugs or behavior modification.
Lipoproteins and blood pressure as biological pathways for effect of moderate alcohol consumption on coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUNDSeveral epidemiological studies have shown light-to-moderate alcohol consumption to have a net protective effect on the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD).METHODS AND RESULTSMajor components of this effect, both positive and negative, may be explored using models that include both alcohol and variables expected to mediate the observed alcohol effect. Such modeling in a cohort of men of Japanese descent followed in the Honolulu Heart Program indicates that about half of the observed protection against CHD afforded by moderate alcohol consumption is mediated by an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol. An additional 18% of this protection is attributable to a decrease in low density lipoprotein cholesterol, but it is counterbalanced by a 17% increase in risk due to increased systolic blood pressure. The explanation for the residual 50% benefit attributable to alcohol is unknown but may include interference with thrombosis. The results in this population replicate those in the Lip...
Poly(glycerol-dodecanoate), a biodegradable polyester for medical devices and tissue engineering scaffolds.

Abstract In this paper we describe the mechanical and biological features of a thermosetting polyester synthesized from glycerol and dodecanedioic acid named Poly-Glycerol-Dodecanoate (PGD). This polymer shows a glass transition temperature (Tg) around 32 °C, and this accounts for its mechanical properties. At room temperature (21°) PGD behaves like a stiff elastic-plastic material, while at body temperature (37 °C), it shows a compliant non-linear elastic behavior. Together with biodegradability and biocompatibility PGD has distinct shape memory features. After the polymer is cured, no matter what the final configuration is, we can recover the original shape by heating PGD to temperatures of 32 °C and higher. The mechanical properties together with biocompatibility/biodegradability and shape memory features make PGD an attractive polymer for biomedical applications.
The Protein Data Bank and Its Uses in Structural Biology Education

The Protein Data Bank (PDB) is a repository for the structures of proteins and nucleic acids. Itcontains les of their 3-dimensional coordinates, information on how these structures were determinedand references to the journal articles describing them. The PDB was established in 1971 by HelenBerman (it s present director) and has grown exponentially so that it now contains 25,000 data lesrepresenting X-ray crystallographic, NMR and other structure determinations. Database queryingand data miningtools and resources at the PDB make it possible to search, compare and infer orpredict the function of newly identied proteins. Computer graphics capabilities make it possible foranyone to easily visualize and study the structural data. The capability to present beautiful graphicrepresentations of the 3-dimesnional structures of proteins and nucleic acids has been a boon to theeducation community. Communicating an understanding of these structures and the chemical forcesdetermining them and their interactions is one of the major aims of biochemistry and molecular biologyeducation. The ability to teach these principles visually has made a great dierence in our abilityto excite our students and provide them with physical interpretations for some abstract concepts inbiochemistry and molecular biology. In this talk we will explore some of the ways that the education community uses the PDB.
Endovascular repair of ruptured pseudoaneurysm of left internal mammary graft following redo aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting.

Pseudoaneurysm of internal mammary arteries may be asymptomatic or present within weeks following a sternotomy procedure with features such as chest swelling, atypical chest pain, and angina or rarely with rupture and exsanguination [(1,2,3)][1]. A 62-year-old man status post-coronary artery
Can suicide be a good death

The issue of whether suicide can be a good death was separated into two different questions: (1) can suicide be an appropriate death, and (2) can suicide be a rational death? Several definitions of an “appropriate” death were proposed, and suicide was seen as potentially appropriate. Similarly, several criteria for rationality were proposed and suicide was seen as sometimes meeting these criteria. Thus, suicide can be sometimes conceptualized as a “good” death.
Rapid condition assessment of structural condition after a blast using state-space identification

After a blast event, it is important to quickly quantify the structural damage for emergency operations. In order improve the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of condition assessments after a blast, the authors have previously performed work to develop a methodology for rapid assessment of the structural condition of a building after a blast. The method involved determining a post-event equivalent stiffness matrix using vibration measurements and a finite element (FE) model. A structural model was built for the damaged structure based on the equivalent stiffness, and inter-story drifts from the blast are determined using numerical simulations, with forces determined from the blast parameters. The inter-story drifts are then compared to blast design conditions to assess the structures damage. This method still involved engineering judgment in terms of determining significant frequencies, which can lead to error, especially with noisy measurements. In an effort to improve accuracy and automate the process, this paper will look into a similar method of rapid condition assessment using subspace state-space identification. The accuracy of the method will be tested using a benchmark structural model, as well as experimental testing. The blast damage assessments will be validated using pressure-impulse (P-I) diagrams, which present the condition limits across blast parameters. Comparisons between P-I diagrams generated using the true system parameters and equivalent parameters will show the accuracy of the rapid condition based blast assessments.
Computed tomography in Behçet disease.

In Behcet disease, CT may demonstrate low attenuation mass lesions with or without contrast enhancement. Since neurologic involvement may precede the typical dermatologic manifestations, Behcet disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of intracranial mass lesions. A case is presented with central nervous system involvement.
Associating protein activities with their genes: rapid identification of a gene encoding a methylglyoxal reductase in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Methylglyoxal is associated with a broad spectrum of biological effects, including cytostatic and cytotoxic activities. It is detoxified by the glyoxylase system or by its reduction to lactaldehyde by methylglyoxal reductase. We show that methylglyoxal reductase (NADPH-dependent) is encoded by GRE2 (YOL151w). We associated this activity with its gene by partially purifying the enzyme and identifying by MALDI-TOF the proteins in candidate bands on SDS-PAGE gels whose relative intensities correlated with specific activity through three purification steps. The candidate proteins were then purified using a glutathione-S-transferase tag that was fused to them, and tested for methylglyoxal reductase activity. The advantage of this approach is that only modest protein purification is required. Our approach should be useful for identifying many of the genes that encode the metabolic pathway enzymes that have not been associated with a gene (about 275 in S. cerevisiae, by our estimate).
Hyperfemininity: Further definition of the construct

The purpose of the current study was to explicate the definition of hyperfemininity. College women (n = 270, M age = 18) and nursing students (n = 56, M age = 33) completed measures of sexual attitudes and experiences, psychological symptomatology, and antisocial tendencies. In addition, the college women received a measure of assertiveness, read scenarios describing sexually coercive men, and responded to rationalizations for the man's behavior. Women high in hyperfemininity held more permissive sexual attitudes, had more antisocial tendencies, and had more consensual sexual experiences but were not different than women low in hyperfemininity on a measure of assertiveness. Hyperfemininity was negatively correlated with giving socially desirable responses and positively correlated with self‐reported symptoms of psychopathology in the college sample. Women low in hyperfemininity were less likely to rationalize the behavior of sexually coercive men in certain situations and reported being less likely to dat...
The automatic measurement of resonator Q factor

An automatic loop suitable for the measurement of microwave resonator Q factors is described. The technique enables an oscillator to be locked to a predefined point on the resonator curve. An accuracy of better than +or-0.1% has been obtained with the Q loop.
Part II: Consumer Satisfaction During One Year

The birthing room concept (BRC) at Phoenix Memorial includes personal involvement in birth plans; labor and delivery in the same bed; no separation of infant and family; discharge within 12 to 24 hours after the birth; unlimited sibling, family, and friend visitation; and the option of having family, friends, and children, in addition to the coach, attend the birth. In Part I, BRC development via medical and nursing channels, the physical remodeling, descriptive data on consumers, and morbidity and transfer statistics are detailed. In Part II, results of a consumer questionnaire are presented: why consumers chose the birthing room, overall consumer satisfaction, home births averted, impact of children's presence at birth, value of the Visiting Nurse Service, and changes consumers would make to enhance future births. Data for the two papers were collected during separate but overlapping time periods. No correlations were made as the data were initially collected for separate purposes. (See, also, separate abstract for each article.) To evaluate the birthing room concept and its implementation at Phoenix Memorial Hospital, questionnaires were mailed to all consumers using it during a one-year period. There was an 89.3% return rate of the 122 deliverable questionnaires. The purposes of averting the rise in home births and providing enhanced consumer satisfaction were being met. A total of 33% of home births were apparently averted; however, 19.3% indicated they would still consider home birth in the future. Overall response to the birthing room concept was rated as positive by 98.2%.
Prophets and Profits: On Economies of Economic Goods in Economies of Salvation

Pierre Bourdieu suggested that religion is an example of what he called an "economy of symbolic goods," a field of social practice governed by the logic of disinterestedness, in which successful participants must disavow self-interest and the pursuit of economic goods and profits. Bourdieu argued that within such economies, symbolic as well as economic profits can only be accrued through such strategies as refusals to calculate, taboos against making costs and values explicit, and choreographing of exchanges to make them appear discontinuous and gratuitous. This essay uses the New Testament writings of Paul and Protestant texts by the German Reformer Martin Luther and American Presbyterian William Speer, in each of which economic interests are openly expressed and economic strategies and values promoted, to suggest modifications to Bourdieu's understanding of how economies of symbolic goods and economies of economic goods are mutually defined and interrelate.
Brittle fracture considerations of two external notches under combined loading

Abstract The interaction behavior of two external notches, modeled by plane hyperbolas, is analyzed using the strain energy density failure criterion[1,2]. It is shown that the pure shear and normal loadings may be combined to the case of inclined or off-axis loading of this double-notch geometry. The crack trajectory emanating from the notch surface is assumed for most cases to follow a path along which the material elements experience more volume change than shape change. This is determined by taking the minimum values of the strain energy density function. The failure loads are obtained by holding the critical strain energy density function constant and are shown to vary with the angle between the inclined load and the major axis of the notch. The variations will depend on the aspect ratios of the notches. Graphical plots of the crack trajectories for different loading angles are displayed. The double-notch geometry is such that only local trajectory information can be gleaned from the initial state. Numerical results of failure load, fracture angle, etc. are given for notches with different degrees of bluntness.
Coherent control of multipartite entanglement

Quantum entanglement between an arbitrary number of remote qubits is examined analytically. We show that there is a non-probabilistic way to address in one context the management of entanglement of an arbitrary number of mixed-state qubits by engaging quantitative measures of entanglement and a specific external control mechanism. Both all-party entanglement and weak inseparability are considered. We show that for $N\ge4$, the death of all-party entanglement is permanent after an initial collapse. In contrast, weak inseparability can be deterministically managed for an arbitrarily large number of qubits almost indefinitely. Our result suggests a picture of the path that the system traverses in the Hilbert space.
Optimization of Fe/Cr/C base structural Steels for improved strength and toughness

Optimization of the composition and the heat treatments to provide a microduplex structure of dislocated-autotempered lath martensite and thin film retained austenite for good combinations of mechanical properties has been attained for Fe/Cr/C base steels. Substituting 0.5 wt pct Mo to reduce Cr from 4 pct to 3 pct did not affect the microstructures nor the properties. It was found that air melting as compared to vacuum melting does not cause deterioration of toughness in Mn containing alloys but does so in Ni containing alloys. Tempered martensite embrittlement was confirmed as being due to the decomposition of retained austenite. Further improvements in the fracture toughness are achieved by double heat treatments which provide grain refinement. These alloys are considered to be very promising for structural applications.
Numerical analysis of heat transfer in pulsating turbulent flow in a pipe

Abstract Convection heat transfer in pulsating turbulent flow with large velocity oscillating amplitudes in a pipe at constant wall temperature is numerically studied. A low-Reynolds-number (LRN) k – e turbulent model is used in the turbulence modeling. The model analysis indicates that Womersley number is a very important parameter in the study of pulsating flow and heat transfer. Flow and heat transfer in a wide range of process parameters are investigated to reveal the velocity and temperature characteristics of the flow. The numerical calculation results show that in a pulsating turbulent flow there is an optimum Womersley number at which heat transfer is maximally enhanced. Both larger amplitude of velocity oscillation and flow reversal in the pulsating turbulent flow also greatly promote the heat transfer enhancement.
Ultrasonic processing influences rheological and optical properties of high-methoxyl pectin dispersions

Abstract The effect of high-intensity ultrasound on the rheological and optical properties of high-methoxyl pectin dispersions was studied. Pectin solutions (1.15 wt% pectin, 41.4 wt% sucrose) were treated with high-intensity ultrasound at intensity levels ranging from 0 to 40 W cm −2 for various times (0–60 min). Samples were adjusted to pH 1.5 to initiate gelation and their dynamic rheological properties ( G ′, G ″) were recorded as a function of time using a rotational rheometer. Ultrasonically pretreated pectin dispersions formed weaker gels with increasing sonication power and time. After 4 h, log G ′ of the pectin dispersion that was pretreated at the highest intensity level (40 W cm −2 and 30 min) was approximately five times lower than log G ′ of the untreated dispersion. The change in phase angle [arctan ( G ′/ G ″)] with time indicated that the rate of gelation decreased as ultrasonic intensity and application time increased. The turbidity of ultrasonically pretreated pectin dispersions decreased by 50% yielding more transparent gels. Results were attributed to an overall reduction in the average molecular weight of pectin due to cavitational effects. A power law model was fitted to the flow curves of ultrasonically pretreated pectin dispersions to determine both flow behavior index n and consistency coefficient K . With increased sonication power and application time, n increased from 0.6 to 0.97 indicating that the flow behavior changed from viscoelastic to Newtonian.
Maximal aerobic capacity for repetitive lifting: comparison with three standard exercise testing modes.

A multi-stage, repetitive lifting maximal oxygen uptake ( $$\dot V_{O_{2max} }$$ ) test was developed to be used as an occupational research tool which would parallel standard ergometric $$\dot V_{O_{2max} }$$ testing procedures. The repetitive lifting $$\dot V_{O_{2max} }$$ test was administered to 18 men using an automatic repetitive lifting device. An intraclass reliability coefficient of 0.91 was obtained with data from repeated tests on seven subjects. Repetitive lifting $$\dot V_{O_{2max} }$$ test responses were compared to those for treadmill, cycle ergometer and arm crank ergometer. The mean±SD repetitive lifting $$\dot V_{O_{2max} }$$ of 3.20±0.42 l · min−1 was significantly (p<0.01) less than treadmill $$\dot V_{O_{2max} }$$ (Δ = 0.92 l · min−1) and cycle ergometer $$\dot V_{O_{2max} }$$ (Δ = 0.43 l· min−1) and significantly greater than arm crank ergometer $$\dot V_{O_{2max} }$$ (Δ = 0.63 l · min−1). The correlation between repetitive lifting oxygen uptake and power output wasr = 0.65. $$\dot V_{O_{2max} }$$ correlated highly among exercise modes, but maximum power output did not. The efficiency of repetitive lifting exercise was significantly greater than that for arm cranking and less than that for leg cycling. The repetitive lifting $$\dot V_{O_{2max} }$$ test has an important advantage over treadmill or cycle ergometer tests in the determination of relative repetitive lifting intensities. The individual curves of $$\dot V_{O_2 }$$ vs. power output established during the multi-stage lifting $$\dot V_{O_{2max} }$$ test can be used to accurately select work loads required to elicit given percentages of maximal oxygen uptake.
An Opportunity for Cancer Prevention During Preadolescence and Adolescence: Stopping Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-Related Cancer Through HPV Vaccination

Abstract Objective We conducted a descriptive study of the correlates of refusal and acceptance of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination by rural parents of preadolescent and adolescent children. We hypothesized that the correlates of parents who allow their children aged 9 to 13 years to get the HPV vaccine and those of parents who do not allow vaccination would differ significantly. Methods This cross-sectional study was implemented during the school years 2009–2011 in the elementary and middle schools of three rural counties in Georgia. Parents were recruited at school functions to complete an anonymous validated survey. Results Parents who chose to vaccinate their children or intended to vaccinate were twice as likely to be from a race other than African American and 2.7 times more likely to have a religion other than Baptist. Using stepwise logistic regression and after adjustment for race and religion, we found that parents who had vaccinated or intended to vaccinate had significantly higher scores on perceived barriers (1.02 times more likely to vaccinate) and lower scores on perceived benefits (1.01 times more likely to vaccinate) (model p Conclusions The results suggest that healthcare providers in rural areas can increase HPV vaccine uptake and reduce HPV-related cancers by using a multifaceted approach to educating their patients within the context of the patients' cultural values, geographic location, and economic situation. Such an approach could dispel misinformation and increase vaccine uptake.
Pathologic analysis of sentinel and nonsentinel lymph nodes in breast carcinoma: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND Axillary lymph node status is a powerful prognostic factor in breast carcinoma; however, complications after axillary lymph node dissection are common. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is an alternative staging procedure. The sentinel lymph node postulate is that tumor cells migrating from the primary tumor colonize one or a few lymph nodes before colonizing subsequent lymph nodes. To validate this hypothesis, the distribution of occult and nonoccult metastases in sentinel and nonsentinel lymph nodes was evaluated. METHODS Original pathology material was reviewed from 431 patients enrolled on a multicenter validation study of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast carcinoma patients. Paraffin embedded tissue blocks of sentinel and nonsentinel lymph nodes were obtained for 214 lymph node negative patients. Additional sections from 100 and 200 μm deeper into the paraffin block were examined for the presence of occult metastatic carcinoma. Both routine and cytokeratin immunohistochemical stains were employed. RESULTS Metastases were identified in 15.9% of sentinel lymph nodes and 4.2% of nonsentinel lymph nodes (odds ratio [OR] 4.3[ P < 0.001]; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 3.5–5.4). Occult metastases were identified in 4.09% of sentinel lymph nodes and 0.35% of nonsentinel lymph nodes (OR 12.3 [P < 0.001]; 95% CI, 5.6–28.6). The overall case conversion rate was 10.3%. All the occult metastases identified were ≤ 1 mm in greatest individual dimension. The likelihood (OR) of metastases in nonsentinel lymph nodes was 13.4 times higher for sentinel lymph node positive than for sentinel lymph node negative patients (P < 0.001; 95% CI, 6.7–28.1). CONCLUSIONS The distribution of occult and nonoccult metastases in axillary lymph nodes validates the sentinel lymph node hypothesis. In addition, pathology review of cases confirmed the authors' previously reported finding that the sentinel lymph nodes are predictive of the final axillary lymph node status. Occult metastatic disease is more likely to be identified in sentinel lymph nodes, allowing future studies to focus attention on one or a few sentinel lymph nodes. However, the relation between occult metastatic disease in sentinel lymph nodes, disease free survival, and overall survival must be evaluated prior to endorsing the intensive analysis of sentinel lymph nodes in routine practice. [See editorial on pages 971–7, this issue.] Cancer 2000;88:1099–1107. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Scope: automated generation of graphical interfaces

We describe the design and prototype implementation of Scope, a system that generates graphical user interfaces for applications programmed in C++. The programmer chooses application data objects and functions that define the capabilities of the interface. At runtime, an interface design component, implemented as a set of production system rules, transforms this semantic specification into an interface built using a window system, an associated user interface toolkit, and the hardware input devices available on the system. The rules match application requirements against a semantic description of the toolkit, selecting virtual devices for input, output, and layout. Thus, Scope uses design rules to create interfaces from high-level programming semantics that are customized both for the application and the run-time environment.
The Meaning and Practice of Self- Care by Older Adults: A Qualitative Assessment

Drawing on material from qualitative interviews, this article examines self-care as a response to physical symptoms commonly experienced by older people. The analysis indicates that older persons approach, interpret, and treat their symptoms within both biomedical and psychosocial frameworks. Self-care responses appear to be learned early in life, reinforced throughout the life cycle, and formed in consultation with professional as well as lay persons. Symptom responses reflect and reinforce the meaning of social relations in individuals' lives, providing a symbolic medium for the assessment of present and past relationships, cross-generational connections, and past troubles and issues of personal identity. Findings suggest that categorizing sources of care into professional, informal, or self overly simplifies the symptom experience of older adults. Self-care goes beyond the acknowledgment of discomfort and subsequent treatment of symptoms; it involves the representation and interpretation of the self.
VEGF inhibitors in the treatment of cerebral edema in patients with brain cancer

Most brain tumors oversecrete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which leads to an abnormally permeable tumor vasculature. This hyperpermeability allows fluid to leak from the intravascular space into the brain parenchyma, which causes vasogenic cerebral edema and increased interstitial fluid pressure. Increased interstitial fluid pressure has an important role in treatment resistance by contributing to tumor hypoxia and preventing adequate tumor penetration of chemotherapy agents. In addition, edema and the corticosteroids needed to control cerebral edema cause significant morbidity and mortality. Agents that block the VEGF pathway are able to decrease vascular permeability and, thus, cerebral edema, by restoring the abnormal tumor vasculature to a more normal state. Decreasing cerebral edema minimizes the adverse effects of corticosteroids and could improve clinical outcomes. Anti-VEGF agents might also be useful in other cancer-related conditions that increase vascular permeability, such as malignant pleural effusions or ascites.
Enhancing undergraduate control education

Education must be both conceptual and experiential. Abstract concepts are elegant and powerful, but learning is always enhanced by direct experience, concrete examples, and real-world relevance. Control theory and much of control education is highly conceptual. In fact, control engineering tends to be the least tangible of all subjects in the engineering curriculum. In the hope of tipping the balance from the conceptual to the experiential, I offer the following modest suggestions. These suggestions encompass modeling, control, technology, and cultural issues. By discussing these issues in an undergraduate control course, the instructor can emphasize some of the more practical aspects of the subject. My hope is that these suggestions will enhance the teaching and appreciation of a rich and intellectually exciting subject.
High efficient solution processed yellow phosphorescent iridium emitters

A new small molecular yellow iridium complex was synthesized (PO-01-TB). A solution process OLED prepared using 6% of PO-01-TB as dopant in blend of PVK exhibits yellow emission with current efficiency of 35 cd/A.
Evaluating the efficiency of Internet banner advertisements

Abstract In this paper the authors present an approach for measuring the efficiency of banner advertisements. Their approach, using data envelopment analysis (DEA), accommodates multiple inputs and multiple outputs and estimates a relative measure of efficiency. In an illustrative example, the authors evaluate the efficiency of banner advertisements using click-through data and respondent recall and attitude data.
A protocol for constructing gene targeting vectors: Generating knockout mice for the cadherin family and beyond

A protocol for constructing gene targeting vectors: generating knockout mice for the cadherin family and beyond
Tolerance and Withdrawal in the DSM-Ill-R Diagnosis of Substance Dependence Utility in a Cocaine-Using Population

Proposed DSM-IV revisions to psychoactive substance dependence include emphasizing the physiological symptom of tolerance and withdrawal by requiring the presence of either symptom to diagnae psychoactiw substance dependence or Ly subtyping the diagnosis according to presence or absence of physiological symptoms. mis article is an empirical evaluation of the tolerance and withdrawal criteria in a sample of 399 cocaine abusers. The required use of tolerance or withdrawal to make a dependence diagnosis had a comparatively small impact on rates of diagnosis because most of the subjects who meet DSM-III-R criteria for dependence report tolerance as one of their symptoms. In contrast, withdrawal or withdrawal atmidance are reported by a much smaller number. Compared with other DSM-III-R dependence syndrome criteria, tolerance and withdrawal showed no superiority in test-retest agreement, concurrent validity, or predictive validity.
Performance of atmometers in estimating reference evapotranspiration in a semi-arid environment

Abstract Evapotranspiration (ET) based irrigation scheduling requires accurate measurements of reference evapotranspiration. Mathematical formulas with localized weather data can be used to accurately predict alfalfa reference ET rates (mm h −1 and mm d −1 ). When local meteorological data are unavailable, a physical measurement of ET can be taken with an atmometer. The objective of this study was to determine if a Model E atmometer (ETgage Company, Loveland, CO), equipped with a canvas #54 cover, could be used to effectively estimate alfalfa reference ET. The ASCE Standardized Alfalfa Reference ET Equation (ASCE ET rs ) was used as the standard for comparison of atmometer ET values to determine atmometer performance. Four years of alfalfa ET, as determined by an atmometer (ET gage ), were compared to ASCE ET rs . Daily as well as 2, 3, 5, and 7 day sums of daily ET gage and ASCE ET rs were compared using simple least-squares linear regression. Coefficients of determination ( R 2 ) between daily ET gage and ASCE ET rs for all years were greater than or equal to 0.80. Throughout the study, the atmometer tended to underestimate ASCE ET rs . Average seasonal underestimation of ASCE ET rs measured by the atmometer ranged from 9.06% to 18.9%. Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Bias Error (MBE) ranged from 1.14 to 1.82 mm d −1 and −0.66 to −1.51 mm d −1 , respectively. The atmometer underestimated daily ASCE ET rs 88% of the time, with an average underestimation of 1.30 mm d −1 . Underestimation of ASCE ET rs measured by the atmometer occurred most often on days when mean daily horizontal wind speeds were greater than 2 m s −1 and/or when mean daily air temperatures were below 20 °C. The atmometer performed best when the alfalfa was at reference condition. Localized calibration equations for reference and non-reference conditions with a temperature correction were developed to improve accuracy, with average magnitude of MBE reduced from −0.97 mm d −1 to 0.13 mm d −1 .
Estimation of the Frequency of Sinusoidal Signals in Laplace Noise

Accurate estimation of the frequency of sinusoidal signals from noisy observations is an important problem in signal processing applications such as radar, sonar, and telecommunications. In this paper, we study the problem under the assumption of non-Gaussian noise in general and Laplace noise in particular. We prove that the Laplace maximum likelihood estimator is able to attain the asymptotic Cramer-Rao lower bound under the Laplace assumption which is one half of the Cramer-Rao lower bound in the Gaussian case. This provides the possibility of improving the currently most efficient methods such as nonlinear least-squares and periodogram maximization in non-Gaussian cases. We propose a computational procedure that overcomes the difficulty of local extrema in the likelihood function when computing the maximum likelihood estimator. We also provide some simulation results to validate the proposed approach.
Thermal structure and circulation in the great lakes

Abstract Large enough to include many oceanic phenomena, the Laurentian Great Lakes are more accurately described as inland seas. With the exception of the shallow Western Basin of Lake Erie, the lakes are thermally stratified in summer, homogeneous in winter, with average temperatures passing through the temperature of maximum density of fresh water (4°C) in both the spring and the fall. The circulation is mainly powered by the wind but is strongly modified by thermal stratification and basin geometry. Effects of the earth's rotation are present in all large‐scale flows. Current speeds are typically 10 cm s−1; they are too small, with rare exceptions, to present difficulties to navigation but a knowledge of the patterns of water movement is essential for interpreting the behaviour of these valuable lakes as complex ecosystems. This paper will review more than a century of physical study of the Great Lakes.
Threshold and pattern of electroshock seizures after 250 r whole-body x-irradiation in rats.

SummaryThe effects of single doses of 250 and 500 r whole-body X-irradiation on threshold and pattern of electroshock seizures were followed in rats for 20 post-irradiation days. Irradiated rats had lower electro-shock seizure thresholds than controls. Total duration of the maximal electroshock seizures was shorter in the irradiated rats than in controls. This was due to a significant shortening of the clonic phase of the seizure. These findings are interpreted as indicating that brain excitability is increased by irradiation at 250 and 500 r. However. heightened seizure activity cannot be sustained as long in irradiated rats as in controls. The magnitude of the changes in brain convulsability was the same for the 2 doses of X-irradiation while the effects on body growth were dose-dependent in this range.
Cooling Flows and the Stability of Radio Jets

This paper considers what happens to radio jets which, propagating out from the nucleus of an elliptical galaxy, encounters a point at which the ambient gas pressure increases very rapidly. The pressure variation within the sonic radius of a cooling flow is calculated, and a semianalytical calculation of the stability of a jet which encounters a rapidly increasing pressure gradient is given. The results of numerical hydrodynamic simulations which test the results of the analytic calculations are shown. The case where the jet encounters the sonic region at an oblique angle is considered, and it is suggested that this may provide an explanation for jets which are bent on small scales. These results are applied to radio sources associated with central dominant cluster galaxies and with more normal elliptical galaxies.
Constructing heterogeneous hash families by puncturing linear transversal designs

Constructions that use hash families to select columns from small covering arrays in order to construct larger ones can exploit heterogeneity in the numbers of symbols in the rows of the hash family. For specific distributions of numbers of symbols, the efficacy of the construction is improved by accommodating more columns in the hash family. Known constructions of such heterogeneous hash families employ finite geometries and their associated transversal designs. Using thwarts in transversal designs, specific constructions of heterogeneous hash families are developed, and some open questions are posed.
Vitamin D and immune function: Understanding common pathways

Vitamin D, acting through its active metabolite 1,25(OH)2D3, exerts its influence on many physiologic processes in addition to the regulation of calcium and phosphate homeostasis. These processes include the immune system. Both the adaptive and innate immune systems are affected by 1,25(OH)2D3 and its receptor, and the cells involved express not only the vitamin D receptor but also, in most cases, the enzyme CYP27B1, which produces 1,25(OH)2D3. Both the vitamin D receptor and CYP27B1 can be constitutive or induced by the ligands that activate the immune processes in these cells, providing feedback loops that help regulate the immune response. In general, 1,25(OH)2D3 suppresses most elements of the adaptive immune system while inducing most elements of the innate immune system. Thus 1,25(OH)2D3 may be protective against various autoimmune diseases and may limit graft rejection by suppressing adaptive immunity while enhancing the first line of defense against invading microorganisms via upregulation of innate immunity.
The biology and ecology of the epifaunal scallop Adamussium colbecki on the west side of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica

The biology and ecology of the Antarctic scallop Adamussium colbecki has been investigated on the west side of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, principally at Explorers Cove, during the austral summer of 1981–1982. This conspicuous benthic invertebrate exhibits highest densities, 85 individuals m-2, in shallow (4 to 6 m) water. Densities decrease to 20 m-2 at 30 m. Biomass levels are highest in shallow water, 1 600 g wet wt m-2. Provisional growth information suggests that 8 cm individuals are about 12 yr old. Mortality is apparently caused chiefly by a hyposaline lens of seawater, which forms under the sea ice during the summer melt; predators do not appear to be important. High biomass levels and a short generation time suggest that A. colbecki is an important species in a very productive community on the west side of McMurdo Sound. The shallow benthos of Explorers Cove is an important exception to the generalization that Antarctic ecosystems are dominated by indigestible filter-feeders.
A leap forward with UTK's Cray XC30

This paper shows a significant productivity leap for several science groups and the accomplishments they have made to date on Darter - a Cray XC30 at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. The increased productivity is due to faster processors and interconnect combined in a new generation from Cray, and yet it still has a very similar programming environment as compared to previous generations of Cray machines that makes porting easy.
Blood lead by furnace-Zeeman atomic absorption spectrophotometry

Abstract A quick, accurate graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrophotometric method for blood lead in the range 5 to 50 μg/dl was evolved by adding a 0.100-ml blood sample to 0.400 ml of aqueous 0.2% (w/v) Triton X-100, followed by the addition of 0.500 ml of Type I water. After shaking, a 10-μl aliquot was inserted into a pyrolytically coated graphite furnace tube in a Zeeman atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The method was validated by the method of standard additions, by mixing bloods of known lead content in known ratios, by two independent methods of isotope dilution/mass spectrometry, and by two independent methods involving anodic stripping voltammetry. Mixing bloods of known lead content in defined ratios is an acceptable substitute for the standard additions method.
DEVS-Based Dynamic Model Reconfiguration and Simulation Control in the Enhanced DoDAF Design Process

The combination of DoDAF operational views, which capture the requirements of an architecture, and System views, which provide its technical attributes, forms the basis for semi-automated construction of simulation models. In this paper, we describe an enhanced Model-View-Controller paradigm that works in tandem with the DEVS M&S framework. We also employ the recently introduced DoDAF extensions that incorporate new operational views to allow DoDAF specifications to be written in the Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) formalism and, in the process, refine these new extensions. This paper describes a DEVS-based network modeling and simulation environment with dynamic reconfiguration and simulation control. The DEVS modeling and simulation framework with its separation of model, experimental frame, and simulator facilitates the development of a simulation framework supporting run-time simulation tuning. We present a layered simulation architecture that provides the capability to control and reconfig...
Sedimentary facies in an incised valley in the Pennsylvanian of Beaver County, Oklahoma

ABSTRACT The fill of an incised valley in the subsurface beneath Beaver County, Oklahoma, preserves the sedimentary response to a major cycle of change in relative sea level that took place in the Anadarko basin at the end of the Mississippian and the beginning of the Pennsylvanian (Morrowan). The valley-fill sequence includes heterolithic clastic sediments of the lowstand systems tract (LST) and estuarine and marine sediments of the transgressive system tract (TST). Deltaic sediments within the TST record a minor cycle of base-level change and a small drop in relative sea level within the major cycle of sea-level change that marks the Mississippian-Pennsylvanian boundary in the Anadarko basin. Conglomerates above the heterolithic facies of the LST formed as a transgressive lag on the ravinement surface at the base of the TST. Siliciclastic tidal sediments overlie the conglomerates and in turn are overlain by crinoidal limestones that record relative deepening of the water and establishment of open marine conditions within the estuary. Above the limestones are deltaic deposits indicating a minor drop in relative sea level during which fluvial conditions were established within the estuary. The sediments of the LST and the initial stages of the TST are confined to the axis of the paleovalley and do not extend high onto its walls. The LST does not extend upstream into the higher reaches of the paleovalley. In most places, shales deposited as shelf muds overlie the unconformity between the Mississippian and Pennsylvanian. The shales represent the later stages of the TST when sea-level rise resumed following the episode of deltaic sedimentation, and marine waters flooded and drowned the pre-existing topography.