cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The use of think-aloud and instant data analysis in evaluation research

Display Omitted We present the use of a quick method for usability testing with a case exemplar.The method presented in this study gives good insight into usability issues.Others can benefit from this method as it is faster and requires less commitment. While health information technologies have become increasingly popular, many have not been formally tested to ascertain their usability. Traditional rigorous methods take significant amounts of time and manpower to evaluate the usability of a system. In this paper, we evaluate the use of instant data analysis (IDA) as developed by Kjeldskov et al. to perform usability testing on a tool designed for older adults and caregivers. The IDA method is attractive because it takes significantly less time and manpower than the traditional usability testing methods. In this paper we demonstrate how IDA was used to evaluate usability of a multifunctional wellness tool, discuss study results and lessons learned while using this method. We also present findings from an extension of the method which allows the grouping of similar usability problems in an efficient manner. We found that the IDA method is a quick, relatively easy approach to identifying and ranking usability issues among health information technologies.
Cryptococcus neoformans serotype A glucuronoxylomannan-protein conjugate vaccines: synthesis, characterization, and immunogenicity.

We synthesized Cryptococcus neoformans serotype A glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) conjugate vaccines under conditions suitable for human use to prevent disseminated cryptococcosis. The purified, sonicated GXM was derivatized with adipic acid dihydrazide through either hydroxyl or carboxyl groups and then covalently bound to tetanus toxoid (TT) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa exoprotein A (rEPA). The immunogenicity of these conjugates was evaluated in BALB/c and general purpose mice by subcutaneous injection in saline. The conjugates elicited higher GXM antibody responses than GXM alone. Booster immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM responses were elicited by all conjugates in BALB/c mice. The conjugates prepared through hydroxyl activation (GXM-TT2 and GXM-rEPA) were more immunogenic than the one prepared through carboxyl activation (GXM-TT1). GXM antibody response was enhanced by the administration of monophosphoryl lipid A 2 days following the injection of GXM-TT2 (P less than 0.03). The conjugates also elicited IgG antibodies to the carrier proteins. Gel diffusion tests using conjugate-induced hyperimmune sera and chemically modified GXMs suggested that the specificity of GXM-TT1-induced antibodies was conferred by the O-acetyl groups. Hyperimmune sera generated by GXM-TT2 precipitated with the chemically unmodified and the de-O-acetylated GXMs but not with the carboxyl-reduced and de-O-acetylated GXM. GXM-TT2-induced hyperimmune serum also precipitated with the capsular polysaccharides of C. neoformans serotypes D, B, and C. The conjugate vaccines prepared through hydroxyl activation of the GXM are sufficiently immunogenic and appear to be suitable for clinical evaluation. Images
Bounding the processing time of forward-chaining rule-based systems

The authors propose an analytical method for evaluating the processing time of forward-chaining rule-based systems. An upper bound on the computations is presented. Numerical examples are presented which point out the importance of rule and data structures in the efficient implementation of rule-based systems. It is concluded that very similar rule-base implementations can have significantly different computational characteristics. Thus, careful analysis should be applied to an online rule-based system, such as the Voltage Control Expert System for which fast response is important. >
X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Light Elements, Aluminum-Chromium:

The best conditions obtainable from available equipment for x-ray fluorescence analysis of the elements aluminum through chromium are presented. Approximate limits of detection of aluminum, silicon, and titanium in iron alloys are given. A chromium target tube was compared with a tungsten tube and was found to give a several-fold improvement over the tungsten tube in the analysis of the elements aluminum through titanium. A lithium fluoride analyzing crystal has been shown to be superior to an ethylenediamine ditartrate crystal for the elements from chromium to potassium, the lightest element that may be analyzed with a LiF crystal.
A review of skin ageing and its medical therapy

Intrinsic (chronological) skin ageing is characterized by atrophy of the skin with loss of elasticity and slowed metabolic activity. The superposition of environmental damage, particularly exposure to ultraviolet radiation (photodamage), on the intrinsic ageing process results, at least initially, in a hypertrophic repair response, with a thickened epidermis and increased melanogenesis. Even more striking changes occur in the dermis: massive elastosis (deposition of abnormal elastic fibres), collagen degeneration, and twisted, dilated microvasculature. Regular use of a sunscreen alone appears to allow some repair as well as protection from further photodamage. Topical tretinoin has been shown to partially reverse the clinical and histological changes induced by the combination of sunlight exposure and chronological ageing. A formulation of tretinoin in an emollient cream (Retinova, Renova), developed specifically for the treatment of photodamaged skin, has been extensively investigated in multicentre, double-blind trials and has been shown to produce significant improvement within 4-6 months of daily use, compared with vehicle alone, as part of a regimen including sun protection and moisturizer use. Histological changes in the epidermis and dermis noted after 12 months suggest tretinoin repairs photodamage by reconstitution of the rete pegs, repair of keratinocyte ultrastructural damage, more even distribution of melanocytes and melanin pigment, deposition of new papillary dermal collagen, and improvements in vasculature. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) have also been widely used for therapy of photodamaged skin, and these compounds have been reported to normalize hyperkeratinization and increase viable epidermal thickness and dermal glycosaminoglycans content. The single randomized controlled study now available appears to substantiate AHA efficacy and safety. In summary, recent work has substantially elucidated the ageing processes that affect the skin and has demonstrated that many of the unwanted changes can be improved by topical therapy.
Recombinant IL-7/HGFβ Hybrid Cytokine Enhances T Cell Recovery in Mice Following Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation

T cell immunodeficiency is a major complication of bone marrow (BM) transplantation (BMT). Therefore, approaches to enhance T cell reconstitution after BMT are required. We have purified a hybrid cytokine, consisting of IL-7 and the β-chain of hepatocyte growth factor (HGFβ) (IL-7/HGFβ), from a unique long-term BM culture system. We have cloned and expressed the IL-7/HGFβ gene in which the IL-7 and HGFβ genes are connected by a flexible linker to generate rIL-7/HGFβ protein. Here, we show that rIL-7/HGFβ treatment enhances thymopoiesis after allogeneic BMT. Although rIL-7 treatment also enhances the number of thymocytes, rIL-7/HGFβ hybrid cytokine was more effective than was rIL-7 and the mechanisms by which rIL-7 and rIL-7/HGFβ increase the numbers of thymocytes are different. rIL-7 enhances the survival of double negative (DN), CD4 and CD8 single positive (SP) thymocytes. In contrast, rIL-7/HGFβ enhances the proliferation of the DN, SP thymocytes, as well as the survival of CD4 and CD8 double positive (DP) thymocytes. rIL-7/HGFβ treatment also increases the numbers of early thymocyte progenitors (ETPs) and thymic epithelial cells (TECs). The enhanced thymic reconstitution in the rIL-7/HGFβ-treated allogeneic BMT recipients results in increased number and functional activities of peripheral T cells. Graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) is not induced in the rIL-7/HGFβ-treated BMT mice. Therefore, rIL-7/HGFβ may offer a new tool for the prevention and/or treatment of T cell immunodeficiency following BMT.
Tuning ranges of 266 nm pumped dyes in the near UV

Abstract Power tuning curves are presented for several dyes pumped with the fourth harmonic of a Nd: YAG laser (266 nm). Efficient, continuously tunable laser radiation from 390 nm to 333 nm is obtained with these dyes.
Quadrupole interactions at ruthenium impurities in beryllium metal

We have performed time differential perturbed angular correlation measurements on99Ru impurities in hexagonal beryllium metal over a temperature range from 77K to 808 K. The observed quadrupole interaction frequency decreases with temperature and is consistent with aT 3/2 power law dependence.
Virtual Reality Development for Engineering Applications

Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging technology that creates a computer-generated immersive environment to provide users a realistic experience. VR has been applied to an increasing number of fields across different disciplines. Considerable progress has been made to apply VR to the engineering field, allowing the user to interpret data. However, the implementation of VR in complex simulation applications requires further and specific developments to more effectively and efficiently visualize the numerical models. The present study focuses on developing a solution to convert and visualize simulation results as well as constructing virtual engineering processes for industrial training in a VR system. By integrating and customizing multiple software packages, several functionalities have been designed and introduced to the VR package for interactive visualization. The newly developed integration of VR and engineering simulation has provided an efficient means of visualizing and analyzing huge amounts of numerical data in a virtual environment. This integration offers a technology to aid the design and optimization of industrial processes by empowering people to work collaboratively and intuitively to reduce design time for better engineering solutions. The VR based applications provide a virtual operating environment for the purpose of research and development as well as education and training.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Categorizing Post-Deployment IT Changes: An Empirical Investigation

Although it has been widely recognized that post-deployment changes of information technology (IT) are unavoidable, little attention has been paid to the management of post-deployment IT changes. This study intends to advance our knowledge in this area. It first introduces a general framework for technology change in use, developed in an organizational study. Then, through tracking the post-deployment changes of a large workflow application, this study develops an enhanced and expanded categorization of post-deployment IT changes. The findings suggest that even custom-developed software can be plagued by misfit and that a learning-in-working perspective should be added to understand and resolve the misfit between IT and the organization. For future study, the findings of this study suggest that more efforts should be directed toward the issues of balancing system stability and volatility and continuous post-deployment communication between IT management and users.
Osteochondromas of the hand in hereditary multiple exostosis: Report of a case presenting as a blocked proximal interphalangeal joint

Blocking of motion of an interphalangeal joint in the hand by an osteochondroma has not been reported previously. Osteochondromas, which are uncommon in the hand, are encountered most frequently in patients with hereditary multiple exostosis. They can occur away from the epiphyseal plate region at the distal end of the proximal and middle phalanges. Osteochondromas that occur in these locations characteristically cause angular and rotational deformities. Early recognition and prompt surgical treatment in this child resulted in full motion with minimal angular deformity.
Update on Research and Development Pipeline: Tuberculosis Vaccines

Current tuberculosis (TB)-control methods, which do not include an adequate vaccine, do not effectively block transmission of TB. Modeling studies show that mass vaccination campaigns using new vaccines could prevent 85.9 million new cases and 14.5 million deaths from 2015 through 2050 in southern Asia alone. After a dearth of many years, the development pipeline now includes 7 vaccine candidates that are being tested in humans. Two nonreplicating viral vectored vaccines have very recently entered the first phase IIb efficacy trial in infants (the first such trial in 80 years) and in human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults. Science is moving forward, but the scientific advancements need to be accompanied by political mobilization to ensure that the resources are available to develop, manufacture, and distribute the new vaccines and, thus, save millions of lives.
Cell fate in the Drosophila ommatidium

Lesions in the Drosophila gene sevenless cause the cell normally destined to differentiate as photoreceptor 7 of the ommatidium to become an accessory lens-secreting cell, the equatorial cone cell. In both P-element- and EMS-induced alleles, the developmental transformation occurs identically. The mutation is cell autonomous, showing that the developmental failure is intrinsic to the transformed cell. Histological and immunological analyses indicate that the cell fails to operate any photoreceptor differentiation machinery prior to adopting the cone cell pathway.
Ab initio studies of the reaction between diazonium ions and water

Ab initio calculations, using the 6-31G* basis set, were performed in order to study the energetics of the electrophilic attack on water by such diazonium ions as methyl-, ethyl- and fluoroethyldiazonium. For the first case, an indication of a transition state appears at the Hartree-Fock level, whereas for the other two, the energy is continuously decreasing from reactants to products. When correlation energy was taken into account via single-point MP2/6-31G* calculations, a deep ion-dipole energy minimum was observed for the methyldiazonium ion followed by a low transition state, whereas the other two did not change their energy pattern. On performing the MP2/6-31G* optimization for the methyl species, the Hartree-Fock results were confirmed, with a slight displacement of the transition state toward a shorter CO distance
The effects of the thermal protection system on the Space Shuttle S-band quad antennas

A theory is presented to determine the effects of the multiple dielectric thermal protection system on the Space Shuttle orbiter's S-band quad antennas. A ray optics approach is developed which indicates internal reflections from the orbiter metallic skin and multiple dielectric layers. The results of the computer program developed show that the beamwidth of the two upper quad antennas is narrowed by a thermal protection system. The results also show that the thermal protection system will cause significant depolarization of a circularly polarized signal as the angle from the normal to the antenna surface is increased. Heating of the thermal protection surface or degradation due to multiple missions may also be predicted by incorporating changes in the complex permittivity as a function of temperature. Heating and multiple mission effects are found to be less than 1 dB. >
Effect of flaws on the strength of Si3N4

Fracture-mechanics analysis and fractographic studies were performed to assess the effect of surface flaws on the strength of Si3N4. The critical surface-flaw size calculated from fracture-mechanics analysis was in agreement with the fractographically observed flaw size. A comparison of the results of fracture-mechanics calculations with fractographic observations indicates that the failure-initiating flaws grow subcritically before failure. The subcritical growth of these flaws and hence the strength is greatly influenced by the microstructure and grain-boundary phases.
Crime Laboratory Personnel as Criminal Justice Decision Makers: A Study of Controlled Substance Case Processing in Ten Jurisdictions

Abstract The crime laboratory has not typically been thought of as a decision stage within the criminal justice process. However, increasing reliance on forensic evidence has led to necessary discretion about what types of cases to accept, what evidence to analyze, and how to prioritize workload. This article reports the results of semi-structured interviews conducted with state and local police agencies, prosecutors, and crime laboratory personnel in ten U.S. jurisdictions. The focus is on controlled substances cases, which represent a substantial proportion of the case workload for crime laboratories, as well as for the police and prosecutors. Results demonstrate that communication between crime laboratories, the police, and prosecutors is essential to maximizing the efficient use of limited laboratory resources. Poor communication can contribute to overflowing police evidence rooms, confusion about evidence retention policies, rushed and unnecessary laboratory requests, and the generation of “artificia...
Identifying policy target groups with qualitative and quantitative methods: the case of wildfire risk on nonindustrial private forest lands

Abstract Designing policies to harness the potential of heterogeneous target groups such as nonindustrial private forest owners to contribute to public policy goals can be challenging. The behaviors of such groups are shaped by their diverse motivations and circumstances. Segmenting heterogeneous target groups into more homogeneous subgroups may improve the chances of successfully identifying policy strategies to influence their behavior. Findings from a multimethod study of nonindustrial private forest owners in eastern Oregon suggest four unique subgroups of owners with different fuel management motivations and suitabilities for policy tools: commodity managers could benefit from market-based incentives; amenity managers could benefit from capacity building programs paired with symbolic campaigns; recreational managers could benefit from public incentives provided through consultants or contractors who can help plan the work; and passive managers may benefit from opportunities to respond to the policy strategies designed for the other groupings until more information can be gathered. Incorporating qualitative analysis of interview data with statistical analysis of survey data improved understanding of the groupings and appropriate policy strategies for them.
TEMPERATURE VARIATION OF THE PSEUDOGAP IN UNDERDOPED CUPRATES

We consider thermal evolution of the spectral function $A(\ensuremath{\Omega},T)$ in underdoped cuprates at $Tg{T}_{\mathrm{c}}.$ We find that in the strong-coupling limit, the fermionic Green's function near $(0,\ensuremath{\pi})$ behaves as ${G}^{\ensuremath{-}1}(\ensuremath{\Omega})\ensuremath{\propto}\sqrt{\ensuremath{\Omega}}$ in the whole frequency range relevant to photoemission experiments. The analysis of the pairing problem with this form of $G$ yields a leading edge gap in $A(\ensuremath{\Omega})$ and a broad maximum at larger frequencies. We find that classical fluctuations predominantly add a frequency independent term to ${G}^{\ensuremath{-}1}(\ensuremath{\Omega})$. This term destroys the leading edge gap at ${T=T}^{*}(\mathbf{k})$ which has a maximum value of about 200 K near $(0,\ensuremath{\pi})$.
Geologic composition influences distribution of microbiotic crusts in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts at the regional scale

Abiotic and biotic factors influencing distribution of microbiotic crusts within hot deserts, such as the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, are poorly known. Our objective was to examine microbiotic crust distribution with reference to soil and parent material characteristics as well as plant functional groups in wilderness areas of Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP). A total of 75 sites were visually assessed for crust abundance and plant community composition; soil physical and chemical factors also were measured. Microbiotic crusts of JTNP, in particular lichen and moss crusts, were not as well-developed or as widely distributed as in other arid regions of North America. Algal crusts were most prevalent, lichen crusts were sparse, and crusts containing mosses were rare, with average percent land surface absolute (and relative) cover for these three cover categories being 11.4% (17.4%), 1.7% (2.7%), and 0.02% (0.02%), respectively. Previously reported individual drivers of crust development, such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and soil texture, did not appear to strongly influence crust development in this study of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. Proximity to granitic bedrock and grusy granitic soils associated with it were the key determinants of microbiotic crust distribution in the wilderness areas of JTNP. In particular, crusts were best developed in grusy granitic soils. Overall, our study emphasized the importance of geology in driving crust distribution and its potential value as a predictor of where crusts may occur in the hot deserts of North America.
Teachers' Ability to Estimate Item Difficulty: A Test of the Assumptions in the Angoff Standard Setting Method

The Angoff (1971) standard setting method requires expert panelists to (a) conceptualize candidates who possess the qualifications of interest (e.g., the minimally qualified) and (b) estimate actual item performance for these candidates. Past and current research (Bejar, 1983; Shepard, 1994) suggests that estimating item performance is difficult for panelists. If panelists cannot perform this task, the validity of the standard based on these estimates is in question. This study tested the ability of 26 classroom teachers to estimate item performance for two groups of their students on a locally developed district-wide science test. Teachers were more accurate in estimating the performance of the total group than of the “borderline group,” but in neither case was their accuracy level high. Implications of this finding for the validity of item performance estimates by panelists using the Angoff standard setting method are discussed.
PIC method for a two-dimensional elastic-plastic-hydro code

Abstract A second-order particle-in-cell (PIC) method is used to model hydro-elastic flow in two dimensions. Solid material properties, such as shear modulus, yield strength, material melting and spall, are included in the model. An operator splitting method is used to solve the equations. Numerical results from a hemispherical, copper-lined, shaped charge calculation are presented and compared with experimental data and other numerical results.
Distribution and Characterization of Luminescent Bacteria in a Temperate Estuary

The effect of temperature and salinity on numbers of luminescent bacteria present in waters of the Mystic (Conn.) River estuary was evaluated. Counts decreased with decreasing salinity; none were detected at freshwater stations. A population maximum of 35 per ml was noted at the highest salinity station (30±2‰). Highest counts were observed during winter and spring and lowest numbers occurred during summer and fall months. Isolates (111) were identified and compared with previously-described luminescent bacteria; i.e.,Beneckea (Vibrio) harveyi, Photobacterium (V.) fischeri, P. phosphoreum, andP. leiognathi. All species were isolated but distinct seasonal differences were noted.P. (V.) fischeri andB. (V.) harveyi represented 93% of the luminous population on an annual basis. Only the former was found during the period December through March (highest count 7 per ml) whileB. (V.) harveyi was the dominant species noted between May and October (maximum count 11 per ml).P. leiognathi andP. phosphoreum were found only during July and August as 7% of the total luminous population. All isolates grew at NaCl concentrations between 6 and 30‰; none grew below 6‰
The Coupling of Surface and Internal Gravity Waves: Revisited

Abstract A new investigation is made of internal wave generation by surface waves. Previous theories are put into a unified form that includes a model of surface wave damping. Calculations using the complete theory, which do not seem to have been made previously, indicate that for wind speeds between 7 and 20 m s−1 the internal wave field loses about 10−4 W m−2 to the surface wave field. This would lead to a decay time of about 10 days for the high frequency portion of the internal wave field if an energy source were not available to maintain it. Possible sources for this energy are discussed. In contrast to this result for wind waves, a strong highly collimated ocean swell can lead to rapid growth of high frequency internal waves. The effects of nonlinear surface wave modulation and wave blocking are also discussed.
GABAERGIC ATTENUATION OF COCAINE-INDUCED DOPAMINE RELEASE AND LOCOMOTOR ACTIVITY

GABA modulates dopamine concentrations in the nucleus accumbens and corpus striatum. Using in vivo microdialysis techniques we examined this modulatory role and the extent to which three different GABAergic drugs can attenuate cocaine's ability to increase extracellular dopamine concentrations and gross locomotor activity. Ethanol, lorazepam (Ativan), and gamma-vinyl GABA (GVG) significantly and dose-dependently attenuated cocaine-induced dopamine release in the corpus striatum of freely moving animals. Unlike ethanol or lorazepam, however, GVG is not a sedative hypnotic in the doses used, and hence the strategy of selectively increasing GABAergic activity by suicide inhibition of the catabolic enzyme, GABA-transaminase, offers the unique advantage of attenuating cocaine-induced dopamine release without the apparent side effects typically associated with sedative hypnotics.
Effect of age on outflow resistance washout during anterior chamber perfusion in rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys

When aqueous humour outflow resistance is measured by two-level constant pressure perfusion in non-human primate eyes, a progressive decrease in outflow resistance, known as the 'washout effect' occurs with time. The effect of age on total outflow resistance washout (the reciprocal of outflow facility (OF)) was determined in rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys. In cynomolgus monkeys, the effect of time between exchange of the anterior chamber (AC) contents and post-exchange OF measurements on outflow resistance was also examined. Total OF was determined at baseline in one eye of 35 rhesus monkeys aged 4-29 yrs, and in 27 cynomolgus monkeys, aged 3-17 yrs, at baseline and after 10 min AC exchange with 1 or 2 ml Barany's perfusand or in Barany's containing 0.01-1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or Tris base. Resistance washout did not differ with age at baseline in rhesus or cynomolgus monkeys. Similarly, no changes were found when comparing post-exchange resistance washout vs. age in cynomolgus monkeys that had undergone AC exchange with Barany's perfusand only or Barany's containing 0.01-1% DMSO or Tris base. Rate of resistance washout decreased with increased length of time between exchange of the AC contents and post-exchange outflow facility readings (-0.0004+/-0.0092 mmHg min(-1) microl(-1) yr(-1); p = 0.016). Several explanations for these findings are plausible.
The use of stable isotopes in the study of photosynthesis in freshwater plants

Abstract The ratio of 13 C/ 12 C for photosynthetic tissues of 22 aquatic species was unrelated to photosynthetic pathway. In three aquatic environments CAM and non-CAM species were shown to have similar δ 13 C values. Although these CAM species derive up to half of their net carbon gain through dark fixation their δ 13 C values are similar to associated non-CAM species in part because the carbon source for dark CO 2 uptake is CO 2 released, through respiration or decomposition, from organic carbon. Thus, the carbon source for CAM reflects previous isotope discrimination events. As carbon isotopes are not able to distinguish the photosynthetic pathway, there is good evidence that they may prove invaluable in the study of diffusional resistance to photosynthesis. Such evaluations require careful analysis of the photosynthetic pathway, carbon species utilized and δ 13 C value of the source carbon. Although stable carbon isotope values do not allow differentiation between CAM and non-CAM aquatic species, there is evidence that hydrogen isotopes may be able to distinguish these two groups. Aquatic CAM species were shown to accumulate greater levels of deuterium than associated non-CAM species.
THE EFFECTS OF PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, POPULATION AGEING, AND CHANGING FERTILITY RATES ON THE LIVE BIRTH PREVALENCE OF DOWN SYNDROME IN NEW YORK STATE, 1983–1992

The incidence of Down syndrome (DS) at conception is highly dependent on the maternal age distribution and age-specific pregnancy rates. The live birth prevalence of DS reflects these factors and fetal deaths. This study examined DS live birth prevalence from 1983 to 1992 in New York State and analysed the effects of demographic changes and prenatal diagnosis use on the observed live birth prevalence. Expected DS live birth prevalence without prenatal diagnosis was calculated and compared with observed. Data were obtained from birth defects registries, vital records, and population data maintained by the New York State Department of Health. Over time, DS live birth prevalence was stable at about 10.4 per 10,000 live births. The percentage and number of women in the population above age 30 increased, as did birth rates among these women. Birth rates among younger women decreased. The proportion of DS babies born to women aged 35 and over increased from 27.1 to 34.1 per cent. Use of prenatal diagnosis by this age group ranged from 39.6 to 43.2 per cent, and increased steadily from 1.8 to 4.3 per cent among women under 35. Detection of DS fetuses increased from 82 in 1985 to 233 in 1992. Without prenatal diagnosis, DS live birth prevalence in 1992 would have reached 15.3 per 10,000 live births compared to the 10.2 observed. Prenatal diagnosis has prevented an increase in DS live birth prevalence but has not been sufficient to reduce live birth prevalence significantly.
Formation and quenching of XeF and KrF electronic excited states

Electron collisional quenching of the KrF* and XeF* electronically excited state populations in e‐beam‐excited plasmas has been observed. Also, significant enhancement of both XeF* and KrF* fluorescence was obtained in low‐pressure (p<225 Torr) Xe (or Kr)/F2 mixtures with the addition of 12.5–200 Torr helium. Spectral measurements show that this enhancement is not due to helium collisional relaxation of the exciplex vibrational manifold. These effects prohibit a straightforward estimate of the XeF* or KrF* spontaneous radiative lifetimes.
Remembering the sacred tree: Black women, nature and Voodoo in Zora Neale Hurston's Tell My Horse and Their Eyes Were Watching God

(1996). Remembering the sacred tree: Black women, nature and Voodoo in Zora Neale Hurston's Tell My Horse and Their Eyes Were Watching God. Women's Studies: Vol. 25, Women and Nature, pp. 465-482.
Experimental and simulation studies on mineral trapping of CO2 with brine

Abstract The reaction of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) with brine samples collected from the Oriskany Formation in Indiana County, PA, was investigated in an autoclave reactor under various conditions. A geochemical code, PHREEQC, was used as to simulate the reaction in the autoclave reactor. The combined experimental and modeling data suggests that pH (pH > 9) plays a key role in the formation of carbonate minerals. The effects of temperature and CO 2 pressure have a lesser impact on the formation of carbonate minerals.
Integrating Top-Down Control With Intermediate-Level Vision: A Case Study

The AI approach to vision has been heralded as reducing the computational burden of traditional bottom-up systems by ap-plying knowledge-based control. AI-style systems use knowledge to focus attention and processing resources on the most promising hypotheses and combine information from multiple knowledge sources and/or sensors. Our case study compares the complexity of an intermediate-level grouping task with and without top-down control. The results provide clear empirical support for the claim that knowledge-directed control reduces the computation required for object identification. The Rectilinear Line Grouping System (RLGS) is a bottom-up line grouping system designed to extract manmade structures from static images. The Schema System is a knowledge-based system shell for controlling computer vision tasks. In this paper we consider the task of finding instances of two objects (telephone poles and road signs) in complex natural scenes. First we apply the RLGS in the original bottom-up manner in which it was designed, noting the number of line relations that must be computed, as well as the complexity of the graph matching task that must be performed. Then we place the RLGS primitives under the direction of the Schema System, noting the reduction in required computation.
On the modeling of multi-body interaction problems in tribology

Abstract Almost all tribological applications include processes which involve interaction of at least three-bodies: the interacting bounding surfaces form two of the bodies and the lubricant is the third body. There are many applications where the lubricant itself contains microstructure by design. Examples include dispersion of solid lubricants in a carrier liquid at a variety of concentrations: from a very dilute concentration (on the order of 1% by weight) to a slurry mixture. In addition, there are applications where the carrier fluid is simply air and solid lubricants are in the form of fine powder. The modeling aspect of lubrication performance of such fluids—which can be classified as the multi-body interaction of fluids with microstructure—is, indeed, a very complex subject. This paper focuses primarily on applications involving of hydrodynamic and elastohydrodynamic lubrication of bearings with fluids containing microstructure. Examples include lubrication of journal bearings with variety of additive concentrations, slurry lubrication of rolling element bearings, and powder lubrication of thrust bearings.
The effect of terrestrial herbicides on the community structure of stream periphyton

Abstract The influence of 0·1, 1 and 10 mg kg −1 of the terrestrial herbicides atrazine, trifluralin, MSMA and paraquat on the species composition and standing crop of algal periphyton was assessed using artificial streams. For each herbicide, two experiments were performed: one using algae from a pristine spring and another using algae from a stream heavily influenced by agricultural runoff. Also, in each experiment, 0·01 mg kg −1 of the test herbicide was maintained in the water of half the streams during a three-week period prior to the application of the 0·1/1/10 mg kg −1 treatments in an attempt to induce development of a resistant community. Atrazine caused the most extensive damage. Rhopalodia, Phormidium and Cladophora were severely inhibited by 1 and 10 mg kg −1 , and these treatments caused a large biomass reduction. Trifluralin decomposed rapidly in the streams and had no toxic effect. MSMA and paraquat caused reductions in several filamentous cyanobacteria, but these effects were less serious than those of atrazine. Contrary to expectation, the spring community seemed more resistant than the stream community to both atrazine and paraquat. Also, while the 0·01 mg kg −1 treatment caused detectable reductions in several species, there was no evidence that it induced resistance to any of the herbicides.
Nuclear motion correction to exotic atom level widths

Abstract The effect of nuclear motion on exotic atom radiation rates is discussed. The inclusion of this effect is essential if nuclear absorption rates are to be derived from experimental X-ray yields.
Variations in rigidity and ligand density influence neuronal response in methylcellulose-laminin hydrogels.

Abstract Cells are continuously sensing their physical and chemical environment, generating dynamic interactions with the surrounding microenvironment and neighboring cells. Specific to neurons, neurite outgrowth is influenced by many factors, including the mechanical properties and adhesive signals of the growth substrata. In designing biomaterials for neural regeneration, it is important to understand the influence of substrate material, rigidity and bioadhesion on neurite outgrowth. To this end, we developed and characterized a tunable 3-D methylcellulose (MC) hydrogel polymeric system tethered to laminin-1 (MC-x-LN) across a range of substrate rigidities ( G ∗ range = 50–565 Pa) and laminin densities. Viability and neurite outgrowth of primary cortical neurons plated within 3-D MC hydrogels were used as cell outcome measures. After 4 days in culture, neuronal viability was significantly augmented with increasing rigidity for MC-x-LN as compared to control non-bioactive MC; however, neurite outgrowth was only observed in MC hydrogels with complex moduli of 565 Pa. Varying LN while maintaining a constant MC formulation ( G ∗ = 565 Pa) revealed a threshold response for neuronal viability, whereas a direct dose-dependent response to LN density was observed for neurite outgrowth. Collectively, these data demonstrate the synergistic play between material compliance and bioactive ligand concentrations within MC hydrogels. Such results can be used to better understand the adhesive and mechanical factors that mediate neuronal response to MC-based, tissue-engineered materials.
When Bad Things Happen in Good Places: Pastoralism in Big-City Newspaper Coverage of Small-Town Violence.

An examination of big-city newspaper coverage of violent crimes in small towns during a recent five-year period reveals a remarkable degree of uniformity in the language reporters use to characterize life in these places. The cliches signal an underlying set of stereotypes of small-town life: They are safe, close-knit communities where bad things are "not supposed to happen." Yet the point of the stories is that bad things do happen. Drawing upon culturological and sociological approaches to the study of news production, this paper argues that the small towns described in the news are symbolic landscapes that reflect a pastoral orientation among journalists and in the culture at large. Language: en
Differential Associations between Domains of Sibling Conflict and Adolescent Emotional Adjustment.

Issues of equality and fairness and invasion of the personal domain, 2 previously identified topic areas of adolescent sibling conflict (N. Campione-Barr & J. G. Smetana, 2010), were examined in 145 dyads (Mfirst-born = 14.97, SD = 1.69 years; Msecond-born = 12.20, SD = 1.90 years) for their differential effects on youths' emotional adjustment over 1 year. The impact of internalizing symptoms on later sibling conflicts also was tested. Invasion of the personal domain conflicts were associated with higher levels of anxiety and lower self-esteem 1 year later, whereas Equality and Fairness issues were associated with greater depressed mood. Conversely, greater internalizing symptomatology and lower self-esteem predicted more of both types of conflict. Moderating influences of gender and ordinal position were also examined.
The effects of different magnitudes of threat upon interpersonal bargaining

Abstract The rationale underlying this study was that the success of threat is a positive function of the threatener's deterrent force. Deterrent force was said to increase as the absolute magnitude of threat potential increases, and as the discrepancy between one's own and one's opponent's threat potential increases. However, the data do not support this view of deterrence. They do suggest that certain distributions of threat potential increase the likelihood of agreement. Also, the data support the notion that threat and aggression tend to lessen the probability of agreement. It was suggested that S s′ perception of each other as equals or the fact that profits were fictional may have caused S s to resist showing deferent behavior.
Singlet-triplet energy separation of cyclobutylidene

Ab initio (MP2, CCSD(T)) and density functional theory (BLYP, B3LYP) calculations provide insight concerning novel aspects of structure and bonding in cyclobutylidene (1). Singlet cyclobutylidene (...
Mobilization regimens for the prevention of jaw hypomobility in the radiated patient: A comparison of three techniques

This study evaluated and compared the Therabite Jaw Motion Rehabilitation System (Therabite Corporation, Bryn Mawr, PA) to tongue blades as a technique for maintaining and/or improving mandibular range of motion in post-irradiated patients. Three groups of patients were evaluated and compared: 1) unassisted exercise, 2) mechanically assisted mandibular mobilization with stacked tongue depressors combined with unassisted exercise, and 3) the Therabite System combined with unassisted exercise. The initial average maximum incisal opening (MIO) for the study population was 21.6 mm, and did not vary significantly among the groups. Measurements were recorded at 2-week intervals for 10 weeks. At week 6 and thereafter, the net increase in MIO of group 3 (13.6 mm [+/- 1.6 mm]) was significantly greater than group 1 (6.0 mm [+/- 1.8 mm]) and group 2 (4.4 mm [+/- 2.1 mm]) (P < .05). The rate of improvement leveled after 4 week in group 1 and group 2. However, the rate of gain in MIO in the Therabite group (group 3) remained constant at 10 weeks. There was no statistical difference between groups 1 and 2.
Challenges in Retaining Privacy in Smart Spaces

Abstract Advances in mobile computing, sensors, controls, ubiquitous networking, and other indoor automation infrastructure enable buildings to operate more intelligently, providing new levels of energy efficiency, safety, convenience, and quality of life. However, many features of these “smart spaces” require sensing, aggregation, analysis, and storage of potentially sensitive information about room occupants. The privacy of the information manipulated by smart spaces quickly becomes a key barrier in realizing the full value of ambient systems and is the focus of this paper. We approach this challenge first by surveying current privacy definitions and mechanisms (access control, fc-anonymity, and differential privacy) under the assumption of ambient sensors and networking found in smart spaces. We then identify how existing approaches are not suitable for smart spaces under major smart space privacy scenarios and propose adaptations with strong potential for addressing these scenarios.
Calculating sprinkler actuation time in compartments

Abstract A generalized method is presented for determining the response time for thermally actuated sprinklers installed near the ceiling of both large and small compartments. A substitute source for the actual fire is calculated to account for the effects of a warm gas layer in the upper portion of the enclosure on ceiling-layer flow temperatures. Illustrative examples are given for the change in response time for sprinklers with RTI values of 25, 100, and 400 m 1 2 , s 1 2 , to a given fire in a series of compartments ranging in floor area from 23.8 m2 (256 ft2) to 24 300 m2 (262 000 ft2). For comparative purposes sprinkler response is also calculated for the limiting case of an unconfined ceiling.
Effect of CYP3A5 genotype, steroids, and azoles on tacrolimus in a pediatric renal transplant population.

Background Numerous studies have described the impact of cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) genotype on Tacrolimus (TAC) exposure. The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of genetic and non-genetic factors affecting the TAC dose–exposure relationship over the first year post pediatric renal transplant.
Premarital Sexual Attitudes and Behavior at a Religiously-Affiliated University: Two Decades of Change

Decades of increases in premarital sexual involvement of college students have been related to numerous variables, one of which is religiosity. This investigation sought to determine any change in the premarital sexual attitudes and behaviors of students enrolled at a private religiously-affiliated university over a two-decade period of time. Using anonymous questionnaires administered in social science classes in 1981, 1991, and 2000, a total sample of 1,545 never-married undergraduates, 791 women and 754 men, was obtained. Significant behavioral differences were found between time intervals for women and men in age at first intercourse, number of sex partners, and demographic and personal characteristics. Among women, significant attitude changes concerned acceptance of sexual intercourse with casual and serious dating partners. Religiosity and participation in sexual intercourse were inversely related for women and men.
Microparticles for Inhalational Delivery of Antipseudomonal Antibiotics

Chronic pseudomonal bronchopulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis patients are frequently controlled with inhaled antibiotics. Dry-powder inhalable antibiotics are an attractive alternative to nebulized medications. We produced and evaluated microparticles composed of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, albumin, and lactose as a model system for intrapulmonary delivery of ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and several combinations of the two, none of which is presently available for inhalation. Microparticles containing one or both antibiotics were prepared by spray-drying. Their Anderson cascade impactor deposition profiles showed 10–30% fine particle fractions of the nominal dose. Microparticles containing varying amounts of each antibiotic showed statistically different deposition profiles. Aerodynamics and deposition of microparticles co-encapsulating both antibiotics were similar to those of single-drug microparticles with the same proportion of ciprofloxacin alone. The antipseudomonal activities of microparticles co-encapsulating half of the 50% effective concentration (EC50) of both ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin (5 mg of particles containing 5% ceftazidime and 10% ciprofloxacin) were at least additive compared to particles containing the EC50 of each antibiotic separately (5 mg of particles containing 10% ceftazidime or 5 mg of particles containing 20% ciprofloxacin). Co-encapsulation of the antibiotics in microparticles ensures co-deposition at desired ratios, improves the particles’ aerodynamics and fine particle fraction, as compared to microparticles with equivalent amounts of ceftazidime alone, and achieves additive antipseudomonal activity.
Rectangular dielectric resonator antenna

An antenna which consists of a resonant rectangular parallelepiped dielectric on top of a ground plane is described. Calculated radiation patterns and measured impedances are presented, and the effects of feed probe length variations are discussed.
Using reflective writing to promote metacognition [engineering education]

Meta-analysis, metalanguage, metalevel, metamessage, metacognition are part of the recent proliferation of "meta" words in education which is daunting to many engineering educators. This paper addresses "metacognition", a difficult word to define in precise, concise language without resorting to other educational jargon. Here, the author defines metacognition through examples, aiming to give the reader a feel for the concept before a dictionary definition.