cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional Setup for Studying Human Motor Control Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Electromyography, Motion Capture, and Virtual Reality.

The study of neuromuscular control of movement in humans is accomplished with numerous technologies. Non-invasive methods for investigating neuromuscular function include transcranial magnetic stimulation, electromyography, and three-dimensional motion capture. The advent of readily available and cost-effective virtual reality solutions has expanded the capabilities of researchers in recreating “real-world” environments and movements in a laboratory setting. Naturalistic movement analysis will not only garner a greater understanding of motor control in healthy individuals, but also permit the design of experiments and rehabilitation strategies that target specific motor impairments (e.g. stroke). The combined use of these tools will lead to increasingly deeper understanding of neural mechanisms of motor control. A key requirement when combining these data acquisition systems is fine temporal correspondence between the various data streams. This protocol describes a multifunctional system’s overall connectivity, intersystem signaling, and the temporal synchronization of recorded data. Synchronization of the component systems is primarily accomplished through the use of a customizable circuit, readily made with off the shelf components and minimal electronics assembly skills.
Quality Design, Control, and Improvement

A fundamental requirement for the successful operation of a manufacturing or service organization is the embracing of a culture of quality that is pervasive at all levels of the organization. In manufacturing, the phases associated with the making of a quality product start at the design phase. Incorporation of customer needs in product design is fundamental, as are issues associated with a feasible manufacturing process to make the designed product. Monitoring of the production process is dealt with in quality control while improvement of the product and process to meet customer needs is considered in the quality improvement phase, respectively. Keywords: design of experiments; product quality; quality function deployment; design for manufacturability; system reliability
Bartonella quintana aortitis in a man with AIDS, diagnosed by needle biopsy and 16S rRNA gene amplification

A man with newly diagnosed AIDS presented with months of back pain and fever. Computed tomography (CT) results demonstrated aortitis with periaortic tissue thickening. DNA amplification of biopsy tissue revealed Bartonella quintana, and Bartonella serologies were subsequently noted to be positive. The patient improved with prolonged doxycycline and rifabutin treatment. This case illustrates how molecular techniques are increasingly important in diagnosing Bartonella infections.
trans‐2,5‐Bis(methoxymethyl)pyrrolidine

(±) [144993-81-7] C8H17NO2 (MW 159.23) InChI = 1S/C8H17NO2/c1-10-5-7-3-4-8(9-7)6-11-2/h7-9H,3-6H2,1-2H3 InChIKey = HDXYTIYVVNJFLU-UHFFFAOYSA-N (S,S)-(+) [93621-94-4] InChI = 1S/C8H17NO2/c1-10-5-7-3-4-8(9-7)6-11-2/h7-9H,3-6H2,1-2H3/t7-,8-/m0/s1 InChIKey = HDXYTIYVVNJFLU-YUMQZZPRSA-N (R,R)-(−) [90290-05-4] InChI = 1S/C8H17NO2/c1-10-5-7-3-4-8(9-7)6-11-2/h7-9H,3-6H2,1-2H3/t7-,8-/m1/s1 InChIKey = HDXYTIYVVNJFLU-HTQZYQBOSA-N (chiral auxiliary with C2 symmetry;1 used as a chiral auxiliary for alkylations, acylations, reductions, cycloadditions, and radical additions) Physical Data: colorless oil; bp 110–115 °C/15 mmHg; for S,S-form, [α]d = +7.8° (c = 3.0, EtOH). Solubility: sol methylene chloride, chloroform, ethanol. Form Supplied in: not commercially available. Analysis of Reagent Purity: 13C NMR (δ 27.7, 56.7, 58.8, 76.1 ppm). Handling, Storage, and Precautions: irritant; use only in a fume hood.
Some Mathematical Problems Arising in Neurobiology

Outline of Lectures 1. Physiological Background, work of Hodgkin and Huxley, Hodgkin-Huxley equations. 2. Mathematical problems for the Hodgkin-Huxley equations, simplified models. 3. Existence theorems for travelling waves. 4. Stability of travelling waves, multiple pulses. 5. Multi-cellular phenomena, relation to patterns seen in chemistry. 6. Discrete models of excitable media.
Gender difference on adequacy of unsedated screening flexible sigmoidoscopies

Purpose: To test the following hypotheses: 1) The extent of insertion (EOI) of screening flexible sigmoidoscopy (SFS) procedures is deeper in males than in females; 2) Women have inadequate examinations more frequently than males.
Time effects on enzyme activity in the mosquitofish, Gambusia Holbrooki

A study to examine the maximum interval between time of death and enzymatic sampling was conducted to determine the appropriate interval to procure reliable data from electrophoretic analysis of mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki. Dead fish were sampled at regular time intervals (0, 8, 12, 24 hours) and electrophoresed. All 26 of the enzyme systems assayed were reliably scorable 8 hours after death, with a large number remaining scorable up to 24 hours after death.
The 1908 Tunguska explosion - Atmospheric disruption of a stony asteroid

The explosion over Tunguska, Central Siberia, in 1908 released 10 to 20 megatons (high explosive equivalent) of energy at an altitude of about 10 km. This event represents a typical fate for stony asteroids tens of meters in radius entering the Earth's atmosphere at common hypersonic velocities. Comets and carbonaceous asteroids of the appropriate energy disrupt too high, whereas typical iron objects reach and crater the terrestrial surface.
Altered postural responses persist following physical therapy of general versus specific trunk exercises in people with low back pain

Interventions that target trunk muscle impairments in people with LBP have been promoted; however, the treatment effects on muscle activation impairments during postural tasks remain unclear. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the effects trunk stabilization vs. general strength and conditioning exercises on the automatic postural response in persons with chronic low back pain (LBP). Fifty-eight subjects with chronic, recurrent LBP (n ¼ 58) (i.e., longer than six months) were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two, 10-week physical therapy programs: stabilization (n ¼ 29) or strength and conditioning (n ¼ 29). Pain and function were measured at 11 weeks and 6 months posttreatment initiation. To quantify postural following support surface perturbations, surface electrodes recorded electromyography (EMG) of trunk and leg muscles and force plates recorded forces under the feet, to calculate the center of pressure. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain and function out to 6 months. There were also changes in muscle activation patterns immediately post-treatment, but not at 6 months. However, changes in center of pressure (COP) responses were treatment specific. Following treatment, the stabilization group demonstrated later onset of COP displacement, while the onset of COP displacement in the strengthening group was significantly earlier following treatment. Despite two different treatments, clinical improvements and muscle activation patterns were similar for both groups, indicating that the stabilization treatment protocol does not preferentially improve treatment outcomes or inter-muscle postural coordination patterns for persons with LBP.
Toward a Drought Cyberinfrastructure System

Drought chokes ecosystems, strangles economies, and threatens human health [Wilhite, 2005]. In the United States, drought has recently forced states, including economic powerhouses like California and Texas, to declare a state of emergency. Complications such as an increase in fires, rising food prices, and water scarcity further compound the effects of drought [Pozzi et al., 2013; Hao et al., 2014].
Nature and Linkages of the Fatty Acids Present in Lipopolysaccharides from Vibrio metchnikovii and Vibrio parahemolyticus

The lipopolysaccharides of Vibrio metchnikovii and Vibrio parahemolyticus have been analyzed for their fatty acid composition. These fatty acids are probably bound to the hydroxyl and amino groups of glucosamine residues within the lipid A component of the lipopolysaccharides. With regard to nature and to type of linkage of the fatty acids, both lipopolysaccharides are almost identical. Approximately equal amounts of myristic, palmitic and 3-lauroxylauric acid (3-O-lauroyl-3-hydroxylauric acid) are involved in ester linkages. In addition, varying amounts of an unsaturated fatty acid are ester-bound. 3-Hydroxymyristic acid, whose hydroxyl group is free, is exclusively amide-bound. The similarities and differences regarding the nature and distribution of fatty acids in Vibrio lipopolysaccharides as compared to Salmonella lipopolysaccharides are discussed.
Results of a novel screening tool measuring dietary sodium knowledge in patients with chronic kidney disease

Reducing dietary sodium has potential to benefit patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Little research is available defining dietary sodium knowledge gaps in patients with pre-dialysis CKD. We designed a brief screening tool to rapidly identify patient knowledge gaps related to dietary sodium for patients with CKD not yet on dialysis. A Short Sodium Knowledge Survey (SSKS) was developed and administered to patients with pre-dialysis CKD. We also asked patients if they received counseling on dietary sodium reduction and about recommended intake limits. We performed logistic regression to examine the association between sodium knowledge and patient characteristics. Characteristics of patients who answered all SSKS questions correctly were compared to those who did not. One-hundred fifty-five patients were surveyed. The mean (SD) age was 56.6 (15.1) years, 84 (54%) were men, and 119 (77%) were white. Sixty-seven patients (43.2%) correctly identified their daily intake sodium limit. Fifty-eight (37.4%) were unable to answer all survey questions correctly. In analysis adjusted for age, sex, race, education, health literacy, CKD stage, self-reported hypertension and attendance in a kidney education class, women and patients of non-white race had lower odds of correctly answering survey questions (0.36 [0.16,0.81]; p = 0.01 women versus men and 0.33 [0.14,0.76]; p = 0.01 non-white versus white, respectively). Our survey provides a mechanism to quickly identify dietary sodium knowledge gaps in patients with CKD. Women and patients of non-white race may have knowledge barriers impeding adherence to sodium reduction advice.
Implicit Ingroup Favoritism, Outgroup Favoritism, and Their Behavioral Manifestations

Three broad themes that emerge from the social psychological research on unconscious or implicit prejudice and stereotypes are highlighted in this article. First, individuals who belong to socially advantaged groups typically exhibit more implicit preference for their ingroups and bias against outgroups than do members of socially disadvantaged groups. This research suggests that intergroup preferences and prejudices are influenced by two different psychological forces—people's tendency to prefer groups associated with themselves as a confirmation of their high self-exteem versus their tendency to prefer groups valued by the mainstream culture as a confirmation of the sociopolitical order in society. Second, these inplicit prejudices and stereotypes often influence people's judgements, decisions, and behaviors in subtle but pernicious ways. However, the path from implicit bias to discriminatory action is not inevitable. People's awareness of potential bias, their motivation and opportunity to control it, and sometimes their consciously held beliefs can determine whether biases in the mind will manifest in action. Finally, a new line of research suggests that implicit biases exhibited by individuals who belong to socially disadvantaged groups towards their own group may have unintended behavioral consequences that are harmful to their ingroup and themselves.
Stereoselective Synthesis of trans β-Lactams through Iridium-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Imines and Acrylates

Iridium-catalyzed reductive coupling of acrylates and imines provides trans β-lactams with high diastereoselection. The optimal catalyst allows for the synthesis of trans β-lactams bearing aromatic...
IMMUNOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SERUM GLOBULINS OF MAN AND OF OTHER PRIMATES, REVEALED BY A SEROLOGICAL INHIBITION TEST.

By a quantitative inhibition technic chimpanzee serum reacted to almost the same titer as human serum with rabbit anti-human immune serum; gorilla serum reacted in considerably lower titer, while serum from gibbons, orangutans and monkeys gave little or no inhibition. Thus, this test for serum gamma globulin indicates that among non-human primates, chimpanzee is most similar to man. Gorilla is next, while sera of other apes and monkeys show little or no crossreactivity.
Internationalization and the Social Democratic Model: Crisis and Future Prospects

This article examines the crisis of the social democratic model in the four countries (Austria, Norway, Finland, and Sweden) in which social democracy was most successful in maintaining and even extending its two central achievements—full employment and the institutional welfare state—through the end of the 1980s. Four major conclusions emerge from the analysis. First, supply side measures, more so than demand management, were central to the employment and growth models pursued by social democracy prior to the early 1970s. Second, the increasing trade openness contributed little to the recent problems of social democracy. By contrast, financial internationalization and deregulation and the multinationalization of capital undermined important features of the supply and demand sides of the models. Third, changes in the international and domestic economies have weakened centralized bargaining. Fourth, governments in the three Nordic countries made serious mistakes in economic policy, which greatly aggravated...
Standard Gibbs free energy of formation of ZrOS

Abstract The standard molar Gibbs free energy of formation of ZrOS has been determined in the temperature range 824–1246 K using a solid electrolyte galvanic cell of the type Pt¦ZrOS, ZrO2¦ZrO2(Y2O3)¦Ni, NiO¦Pt The measured e.m.f. could be represented by ( E mV ) ± 1.5 = 1591.06 − 0.9251 T Using this equation and the reported standard molar Gibbs free energy of formation of Cu2S, NiO and ZrO2, the standard molar Gibbs free energy of formation of ZrOS was calculated and is given by ΔfG(ZrOS, s)/(J mol−1) ± 30 000 = − 689040 − 44.14 TlogT + 103.88 T
Exploring the no-function-in-structure principle

Abstract Although much of past work in AI has focused on compiled knowledge systems, recent research shows renewed interest and advanced efforts both in model-based reasoning and in the integration of this deep knowledge with compiled problem solving structures. Device-based reasoning can only be as good as the model used; if the needed knowledge, correct detail, or proper theoretical background is not accessible, performance deteriorates. Much of the work on model-based reasoning references the ‘no-function-in-structure’ principle, which was introduced by de Kleer and Brown. Although they were well motivated in establishing the guideline, this paper explores the applicability and workability of the concept as a universal principle for model representation. This paper first describes the principle, its intent and the concerns it addresses. It then questions the feasibility and the practicality of the principle as a universal guideline for model representation.
Physiological consequences of bipolar radiofrequency energy on the atria and pulmonary veins: a chronic animal study.

Abstract Background Alternative energy sources have been proposed for the transvenous and surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. This study examined the physiologic consequences of a novel energy source, bipolar radiofrequency energy, in a chronic animal model in order to determine its ability to produce transmural lesions on the beating heart. Methods Five dogs underwent baseline pacing from the following target areas: right and left atrial appendage, superior and inferior vena cavae, and right and left pulmonary veins. A cuff of atrial myocardium, proximal to the target tissue was clamped and ablated between the arms of the bipolar radiofrequency energy device. Tissue conductance was used as a transmural indicator. After ablation, the pacing protocol was repeated. Baseline and postablation pulmonary vein flows were measured. Animals were survived for 30 days, and permanent electrical isolation was evaluated by pacing, epicardial mapping, and histology. Results Mean ablation time was 5.0 ± 1.8 seconds and mean peak tissue temperature was 46.7°C ± 2.8°C. All lesions (30/30) acutely and permanently isolated atrial tissue. There was no change in pulmonary vein flow. Mapping studies with pacing of atrial tissue on both sides of the lesion confirmed isolation. Histology demonstrated that all lesions were linear, continuous, and transmural with no thrombus formation or stenosis. Conclusions Bipolar radiofrequency energy rapidly produced permanent transmural linear lesions on the beating heart. Measurement of tissue conductance reliably predicted transmural lesions. This new technology may enable the development of a less invasive, surgical approach to atrial fibrillation.
Fiber-Optic Hysteretic Quantizer for Analog-to-Digital Conversion

An optical bistable device that exhibits hysteresis behavior is modeled and experimentally demonstrated. This device is based on cross-gain modulation in two coupled semiconductor optical amplifier ring resonators operating in the C-band region.
Redundant robot control using task based performance measures

The joint velocities required to move the end-effector of a redundant robot with a desired linear and angular velocity depend on its configuration. Similarly, the joint torques produced due to the force and moment at the end-effector also depend on its configuration. When the robot is near a singular configuration, the joint velocities required to attain the end-effector velocity in certain directions are extremely high. Similarly, in some configurations the joint torque produced at certain joints may be high for a relatively small magnitude of external force. An infinite number of trajectories in the joint space can be used to achieve a desired end-effector trajectory for redundant robots. However, a joint trajectory resulting in robot configurations requiring lower joint velocities or joint torques is desired. This may be achieved through a proper utilization of redundancy. Local performance measures for redundant robots are defined in this article as indicators of their ability to follow a desired end-effector trajectory and their ability to apply desired forces at the end-effector. Thus, these performance measures depend on the task to be performed. Control algorithms which can be efficiently applied to redundant robots to improve these performance measures are presented. These control algorithms are based on the gradient projection method. Gradients of the performance measures used in the control schemes result in simple symbolic expressions for “real world” robots'. Feasibility and effectiveness of these control schemes is demonstrated through the simulation of a seven-degree-of-freedom redundant robot derived from the PUMA geometry.
A novel disjoint set division algorithm for joint scheduling and routing in wireless sensor networks

High network connectivity and low energy consumption are two major challenges in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). It is even more challenging to achieve both at the same time. To tackle the problem, this paper proposes a novel disjoint Set Division (SEDO) algorithm for joint scheduling and routing in WSNs. We finely divide sensors into different disjoint sets with guaranteed connectivity based on their geographical locations to monitor the interested area. We propose a class of scheduling and routing algorithms, which sequentially schedule each disjoint set to be on and off and balance the energy consumption during packet transmission. Simulation results show that SEDO outperforms existing schemes with lower packet delivery latency and longer network lifetime.
Adjuvant postoperative radiation therapy for rectal adenocarcinoma

From October 1975 to August 1988, 261 patients at high risk for local recurrence after curative resection of rectal carcinoma underwent high-dose postoperative irradiation. Patients received 45 Gy by a 4-field box usually followed by a boost to 50.4 Gy or higher when small bowel could be excluded from the reduced field. Since January 1986, patients also received 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for 3 consecutive days during the first and last week of radiotherapy. Five-year actuarial local control and disease-free survival decreased with increasing stage of disease; patients with Stage B2 and B3 disease had local control rates of 83% and 87% and disease-free survivals of 55% and 74%, respectively. In patients with Stage C1 through C3 tumors, local control rates ranged from 76% to 23%, and disease-free survivals ranged from 62% to 10%, respectively. For patients with Stage C disease, disease-free survival decreased progressively with increasing lymph node involvement, but local control was independent of the extent of lymph node involvement. For each stage of disease, local control and disease-free survival did not correlate with the dose of pelvic irradiation. Preliminary data from this study suggest a trend toward improved local control for patients with Stage B2, C1, and C2 tumors who receive 5-FU for 3 consecutive days during the first and last weeks of irradiation compared with patients who do not receive 5-FU. Current prospective randomized studies are addressing questions regarding the optimum administration of chemotherapy with pelvic irradiation for patients following resection of rectal carcinoma.
A CSMA/CD-based, integrated voice/data protocol with dynamic channel allocation

Abstract An efficient, fully-distributed protocol for integrated voice/data traffic in a local-area, random-access broadcast network is described in which time frames are dynamically partitioned between voice and data according to the traffic load. The protocol introduces a movable voice-data boundary to framed TDMA/CSMA and eliminates the requirement of system-wide synchronized clocks. The movable boundary is a major advantage in any system where fluctuations in voice and data loads are expected because assignment of idle capacity from one traffic class to the other increases the utilization of the channel. The protoco; provides collision-free virtual circuits for voice and periods of non-persistent CSMA/CD for data traffic and call establishment, and can support multi-party calls as well as two-way conversations. The protocol supports variable-size voice packets with very low overhead, and variable-size data packets that may be much longer than voice packets. This is of significant practical advantage over previous work, which has required fixed-size voice and/or data packets, or voice packets with significantly higher overhead, or severe restrictions on data-packet length. The behavior of framed TDMA/CSMA in general, and movable-boundary framed TDMA/CSMA in particular, is investigated via simulation and analysis. A method of dynamically controlling the movable boundary to balance the voice and data traffic is also proposed; this provides for maximum voice utilization consistent with user-defined constraints on data delay.
Evaluation of learning vector quantization to classify cotton trash

The cotton industry needs a method to identify the type of trash (nonlint material (NLM)) in cotton samples; learning vector quanti- zation (LVQ) is evaluated as that method. LVQ is a classification tech- nique that defines reference vectors (group prototypes) in an N-dimensional feature space (R N ). Normalized trash object features ex- tracted from images of compressed cotton samples defineR N.A n un- known NLM object is given the label of the closest reference vector (as defined by Euclidean distance). Different normalized feature spaces and NLM classifications are evaluated and accuracies reported for correctly identifying the NLM type. LVQ is used to partition cotton trash into: (1) bark (B), leaf (L), pepper (P), or stick (S); (2) bark and nonbark (N); or (3) bark, combined leaf and pepper (LP), or stick. Percentage accuracy for correctly identifying 139 pieces of test trash placed on laboratory pre- pared samples for the three scenarios are (B:95, L:87, P:100, S:88), (B:100, N:97), and (B:95, LP:99, S:88), respectively. Also, LVQ results are compared to previous work using backpropagating neural networks. © 1997 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
Maturational constraints on functional specializations for language processing: Erp and behavioral evidence in bilingual speakers

Changes in several postnatal maturational processes during neural development have been implicated as potential mechanisms underlying critical period phenomena. Lenneberg hypothesized that maturational processes similar to those that govern sensory and motor development may also constrain capabilities for normal language acquisition. Our goal, using a bilingual model, was to investigate the hypothesis that maturational constraints may have different effects upon the development of the functional specializations of distinct sub within language. Subjects were 61 adult Chinese/English bilinguals who were exposed to English at different points in development: 1--3, 4--6, 7--10, 11--13, and after 16 years of age. Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) and behavioral responses were obtained as subjects read sentences that included semantic anomalies, three types of syntactic violations (phrase structure, specificity constraint, and subjacency constraint), and their controls. The accuracy in judging the grammaticality for the different types of syntactic rules and their associated ERPs was affected by delays in second language exposure as short as 1--3 years. By comparison the N400 response and the judgment accuracies in detecting semantic anomalies were altered only in subjects who were exposed to English after 11--13 and 16 years of age, respectively. Further, the type of changes occurring in ERPs with delays in exposure were qualitatively different for semantic and syntactic processing. All groups displayed a significant N400 effect in response to semantic anomalies, however, the peak latencies of the N400 elicited in bilinguals who were exposed to English between 11--13 and >16 years occurred later, suggesting a slight slowing in processing. For syntactic processing. the ERP differences associated with delays in exposure to English were observed in the morphology and distribution of components. Our findings are consistent with the view that maturational changes significantly constrain the development of the neural systems that are relevant for language and, further, that subsystems specialized for processing different aspects of language display different sensitive periods.
FUNCTIONAL UNIDIRECTIONAL BLOCK BETWEEN TWO LAYERS OF CARDIAC CONDUCTING TISSUE

Unidirectional block is a fundamental component in the initiation of a reentrant cardiac arrhythmia. The activation sequences of the adult rabbit (n=10) or canine (n=5) left anterior papillary muscle were mapped two-dimensionally using multiple monopolar extracellular electrodes with computerized data acquisition and analysis. Isochronal maps were then made to determine the activation patterns of the superficial Purkinje (P) layer or the underlying ventricular (V) layer during stimulation of an attached P strand or the apical V surface. The P cell layer extends over most of the surface of the left papillary muscle, but the direct propagation from the P layer into the underlying V layer is limited to several relatively discrete basal sites. We have additionally demonstrated sites located more apically which allow propagation in only one direction; namely, from the underlying V layer into the P layer. This phenomenon occurs because of a proposed resistive barrier between the two layers which is spatially inhomogeneous, with the junctional resistivity between the P and V layer increasing from base to apex. These sites of potential unidirectional conduction could have functional significance under abnormal conditions when the available sites of P-to-V conduction are reduced. This property could, therefore, operate as one of the mechanisms of cardiac reentrant arrhythmias.
A non-linear relationship between terrestrial microwave emission at 1.4 GHz and soil moisture caused by ponding of water

We present an example of a non-linear relationship between terrestrial microwave emission at 1.4 GHz and soil water content. The brightness temperature record of a bare agricultural field exhibited strong variations during a rain event despite a steady increase in soil water content. We show that these variations can be explained by water ponding on the soil surface since ponded water can add coherency to the radiation emitted by a water–soil system.
Risk factors for 1-year mortality after postoperative mediastinitis.

Objective Postoperative mediastinitis after median sternotomy is associated with disability and mortality. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for mortality 1 year after postoperative mediastinitis diagnosis. Methods Postoperative mediastinitis was defined as an organ-space infection involving the mediastinum and necessitating debridement. A total of 183 cases of postoperative mediastinitis were prospectively identified from infection control databases. By using univariate and multivariate analysis, clinical risk factors for 1-year mortality were identified. Results Of 183 patients, 36 (19.7%) died within 3 months of the initial operation. Overall, 51 (33%) died during the study period (the median time to death from the date of diagnosis was 37 days [interquartile range, 11,139 days]). In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of 1-year mortality were a greater than 3-day delay in sternal closure after debridement (hazard ratio, 6.27; P Conclusions Our data suggest that, to improve long-term survival, patients with postoperative mediastinitis should undergo sternal closure within 72 hours after sternal debridement and should receive effective antimicrobial therapy based on operative culture results.
Beer Law Constants and Vapor Pressures of HgI2 over HgI2(s,l)

Optical absorption spectra of the vapor phase over HgI2(s,l) were measured at sample temperatures between 349 and 610 K for wavelengths between 200 and 600 nm. The spectra show the samples sublimed congruently into HGI2 without any observed Hg or I2 absorption spectra. The Beer's Law constants for 15 wavelengths between 200 and 440 nm were derived. From these constants the vapor pressure of HgI2, P, was found to be a function of temperature for the liquid and the solid beta-phases: ln P(atm) = -7700/T(K) + 12.462 (liquid phase) and ln P(atm) = -10150/T(K) + 17.026 (beta-phase). The expressions match the enthalpies of vaporization and sublimation of 15.30 and 20.17 kcal/mole respectively, for the liquid and the beta-phase HgI2. The difference in the enthalpies gives an enthalpy of fusion of 4.87 kcal/mole, and the intersection of the two expressions gives a melting point of 537 K.
Bounds for the number of nodes in Chebyshev type quadrature formulas

Abstract We consider Chebyshev type quadrature formulas on an interval, i.e., quadrature formulas where all nodes are weighted equally. Using a topological method, we give an upper bound for the minimum number of nodes needed in order to achieve a certain degree of precision. We also consider the corresponding problem on the d-dimensional sphere Sd.
Watson’s theorem for low-energy p − d radiative capture

The use of Watson's theorem in the analysis of $p\ensuremath{-}d$ radiative capture measurements at low energies is discussed. The principle of Watson's theorem is outlined, and a detailed description of how the theorem can be used in a matrix element analysis of radiative capture data is presented. It is shown that with Watson's theorem it is possible to reduce the number of unknown parameters in a matrix element analysis by essentially a factor of 2. This is done by employing a representation in which the capture matrix elements are all real. The phase information needed to construct the reaction amplitudes is then obtained from a separate phase shift analysis of elastic scattering data. Details concerning the extension of Watson's theorem to situations in which there is mixing between angular momentum states are given. The paper presents a consistent formulation which facilitates the simultaneous analysis of the elastic scattering and radiative capture channels.
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes are ballistic conductors at room temperature

Following the experiments of Frank et al. (1), which demonstrated quantum transport in multiwalled carbon nanotubes, there have been several experiments that appear to contradict the main conclusion of that paper, which is that the transport of a MWNT at room temperature is ballistic. Here we demonstrate that the intrinsic resistance of clean- arc-produced carbon nanotubes is at most 200 Ω/µm, which implies that the momentum mean free path is greater than 30 µm, which in turn is much larger than the tube length. This implies that these tubes are ballistic, according to the standard definition of ballistic transport. We also show that the contact resistance with mercury is quite large: a nanotube in contact with Hg over 100 nm of its length still represents a 3000 Ω resistance.
RF power extraction from a quantum dot mode locked laser connected to an antenna

A new approach is presented for extracting and transmitting RF power from a Quantum-dot Mode-locked laser that acts as a source for a microstrip antenna. An SMA interface to the laser was created, the output impedance of the laser was measured and matched to 50 ohms and the frequency spectrum of the microwave signal was acquired. Then, a wireless link with microstrip patch antennas was set up to transmit this power.
Determination of the Rate Constant for the NCO(X2Π) + O(3P) Reaction at 292 K

The rate constant for the reaction of the isocyanate radical, NCO(X 2 II), with oxygen atoms, O( 3 P), has been measured at a temperature of 292 ′ 2 K to be (2.1 ′ 0.76) x 10 - 1 0 cm 3 molecule - 1 s, - 1 where the error estimate contains both systematic and random errors. The measurements were carried out in an excess of either Ar or CF 4 at pressures between 1.5 and 7.5 Torr and found to be independent of both the nature of the third body and pressure. Equal concentrations of NCO and O were generated by the CN + O 2 reaction. The temporal dependence of NCO was followed using time-resolved infrared absorption spectroscopy on rotational transitions of the NCO (10 1 1) ← (00 1 0) combination band.
Reduced Diabetic, Hypertensive, and Cholesterol Medication Use with Walking

Purpose: To assess the relationships of walking distance, frequency, and intensity to the prevalence of antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and LDL cholesterol-lowering medications use. Methods: Cross-sectional analyses of 32,683 female and 8112 male participants of the National Walkers' Health Study, of whom 2.8% and 7.4% reported antidiabetic, 14.3% and 29.0% reported antihypertensive, and 7.3% and 21.5% reported LDL cholesterol-lowering medication use, respectively. Results: Weekly walking distance, longest walk, and walking intensity were inversely related to the prevalence of antidiabetic (males: P 2.1 m[middle dot]s-1 had 48% and 52% lower odds for antihypertensive, 68% and 59% lower odds for antidiabetic, and 53% and 40% lower odds for LDL cholesterol-lowering medications, respectively, when adjusted for age, smoking, and diet. The longest usual weekly walk was a better discriminator of medication status than the total cumulative distance per week, particularly in men. Conclusion: These results are consistent with the hypothesis that antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and LDL cholesterol-lowering medication use may be reduced substantially by walking more intensely and farther each week, and by including longer walks.
Robust controller design of automotive valve for purpose of emission regulation

This paper summarizes recent efforts in developing robust controller for automotive valve which is utilized in several key emission regulation components. The closed-loop system will be robust to both parameter uncertainties, sensor noise and unmodeled dynamics. The robustness of such system will provide confidence in satisfying future emission regulations under extreme conditions (noise, parameter drift, aging) and therefore allowing great performance in terms of durability. In order to provide theoretical guarantee of our method, a rigorous analysis is performed to provide stability argument even with measurement noise. Several tests are conducted. The test results demonstrate precise tracking performance of the developed methods.
Parallel optical interconnects in printed circuit boards

Polymer waveguides embedded in a printed circuit board offer a substantial increase in the achievable bandwidth density compared with today's electrical interconnects. We present our results on the polymer waveguide technology and the building blocks that perform the optoelectronic conversion. Specific challenges in integrating optics in a printed circuit board are addressed. Data transfer measurements are presented.
Changing Trends in the Indications for Penetrating Keratoplasty

• The indications for penetrating keratoplasty have changed over the past several years. Nine hundred ninety-nine penetrating keratoplasty specimens from 1981 through 1990 were analyzed. Overall, keratoconus was the most common indication for penetrating keratoplasty (24.2%). This was followed by pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (23.0%), regraft (13.1%), scarring (8.2%), and Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (5.8%). Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy was the most common indication for penetrating keratoplasty in each year from 1984 through 1989 with a peak in 1987 (33%). Since 1987, the number of pseudophakic bullous keratopathy cases has decreased; and in 1990, keratoconus (33.1%) surpassed pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (24.1%) as the most common indication for penetrating keratoplasty. This decreasing incidence of pseudophakic bullous keratopathy may reflect the discontinued use of closed-looped anterior chamber and iris-plane intraocular lenses most commonly associated with this complication.
PAR10: IMPLEMENTING RASCH ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF PATIENT-PHYSICIAN INTERACTION SCALE

OBJECTIVES: The study involved validating the scaling properties of patient-physician interaction scale in a pulmonary specialty clinic using a clinic-specific scale through the implementation of Rasch analysis. DATA: Cross-sectional data from 65 adult asthma patients at the University of Illinois Asthma clinic was used. Physician interaction was measured using eight Likert-type items. Patients responded from “strongly disagree” (1) to “strongly agree” (4). METHODS: Scaling properties were assessed by investigating its fit to a Partial Credit Rasch Rating scale model that enabled item-by-item analysis. Winsteps® was used for analysis. Model determined scale robustness in terms of unidimensionality, additivity and functioning of the rating scale. RESULTS: Analyses found person separation index of 1.86 with reliability of 0.77. The mean patient measure (0.69 logit) was greater than mean difficulty of items (0.00 logit) implying patient ability was greater than item difficulty. On average, ordering of items found item ‘physician instructed patients on home steroid treatment’ (STETX) had the highest logit measure of 0.69, however it misfitted the model. Item ‘physician asked about smoking habits’ (ASKSMOK) had lowest measure of −0.70 logits. Fit statistics revealed high infit and outfit mean square (MNSQ) values (>1.4) for 16 patients. Seven items had MNSQ values within desired range of 0.6–1.4. CONCLUSIONS: Items exhibited adequate reliability in separating persons, but they displayed ceiling and floor effects in measurement. Some evidence of construct validity was established since only one item misfitted the model. Item STETX was the most difficult to endorse (higher on construct), since it might not be applicable to all, but severe asthmatics. Item ‘ASKSMOK’ was easiest to endorse, probably because it is a standard asthma care question. Nevertheless, misfitting persons implied inappropriate measurement of some patient attitudes. Thus, some plausibility in the unidimensionality and validity of the scale existed, and it exhibited moderate scaling properties.
Phagocytic activity and expression of myeloid‐associated cell surface antigens by blast cells in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The malignant cells of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) rarely show phagocytic activity. In this retrospective survey, blasts from 7 of 196 patients with newly diagnosed ALL demonstrated phagocytic activity toward platelets and erythrocytes. The morphology and cytochemical staining properties of the cells were typical of ALL. Immunophenotyes were those of common ALL (CALLA+, HLA-DR+) for six patients and of pre-B-cell ALL (positive cytoplasmic immunoglobulin) for one. However, blast cells from six of the seven patients also reacted with myeloid-associated monoclonal antibodies (MCS.2 and/or SJ-D1). The wide overlap in the percentages of blasts expressing CALLA and those expressing myeloid-associated antigens suggests that some cells possessed both lymphoid- and myeloid-associated surface antigens. By a dual staining technique, two patients tested had blasts expressing antigens of both lineages. Each child achieved a complete remission after treatment with agents effective for ALL and remains in remission for 13+ to 20+ months. These morphologic and immunologic findings may define a distinct subtype of acute leukemia.
Measuring multiple minority stress: The LGBT People of Color Microaggressions Scale.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals who are also racial/ethnic minorities (LGBT-POC) are a multiply marginalized population subject to microaggressions associated with both racism and heterosexism. To date, research on this population has been hampered by the lack of a measurement tool to assess the unique experiences associated with the intersection of these oppressions. To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a three-phase, mixed method empirical study to assess microaggressions among LGBT-POC. The LGBT People of Color Microaggressions Scale is an 18-item self-report scale assessing the unique types of microaggressions experienced by ethnic minority LGBT adults. The measure includes three subscales: (a) Racism in LGBT communities, (b) Heterosexism in Racial/Ethnic Minority Communities, and (c) Racism in Dating and Close Relationships, that are theoretically consistent with prior literature on racial/ethnic minority LGBTs and have strong psychometric properties including internal consistency and construct validity in terms of correlations with measures of psychological distress and LGBT-identity variables. Men scored higher on the LGBT-PCMS than women, lesbians and gay men scored higher than bisexual women and men, and Asian Americans scored higher than African Americans and Latina/os.
Better than native: using virtualization to improve compute node performance

Modified variants of Linux are likely to be the underlying operating systems for future exascale platforms. Despite the many advantages of this approach, a subset of applications exist in which a lightweight kernel (LWK) based OS is needed and/or preferred. We contend that virtualization is capable of supporting LWKs as virtual machines (VMs) running at scale on top of a Linux environment. Furthermore, we claim that a properly designed virtual machine monitor (VMM) can provide an isolated and independent environment that avoids the overheads of the Linux host OS. To validate the feasibility of this approach we demonstrate that given a Linux host OS, benchmarks running in a virtualized LWK environment are capable of outperforming the same benchmarks executed directly on the Linux host.
Emotions and Unlearning in Amway Recruiting Techniques Promoting Change through `Safe' Ambivalence

Based on an ethnography of recruiting methods, this article explains why Amway distributors attempt to generate strong and conflicting emotions among recruits (i.e. ambivalence) to facilitate learn...
Thermoreversible Gelation of Aqueous Methylcellulose Solutions

The thermoreversible gelation of methylcellulose in aqueous solution has been studied by static and dynamic light scattering (DLS), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), and rheology. At 20 °C, dilute solution light scattering establishes the molecular weight, second virial coefficient, radius of gyration, and hydrodynamic radius of the polymer. Semidilute solutions exhibit two relaxation modes in DLS, one reflecting cooperative diffusion and the other attributable to pregel clusters. Rheological measurements in this regime also suggest a weak supermolecular association. The gelation of semidilute solutions proceeds in two stages with increasing temperature above 20 °C, consistent with previous reports. The first stage is attributable to clustering of chains, driven by hydrophobic association, and extends up to approximately 50 °C. This process is accompanied by an increase in the low-frequency dynamic elastic modulus, G‘, and an increase in both light and neutron scattered intensity. The DLS properties ...
Primary Hyperparathyroidism and the Risk of Fracture: A Population-Based Study

While severe primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is clearly associated with osteitis fibrosa cystica, it remains uncertain whether mild, asymptomatic primary HPT adversely affects the skeleton. Thus, we assessed the incidence of age-related fractures in a large, population-based inception cohort of 407 cases of primary HPT (93 men and 314 women) recognized during the 28-year period, 1965-1992. Fracture risk was assessed by comparing new fractures at each site to the number expected from gender- and age-specific fracture incidence rates for the general population (standardized incidence ratios, SIRs). These community patients with primary HPT mostly had mild disease (mean +/- SD serum calcium, 10.9 +/- 0.6 mg/dl). Altogether, 471 fractures occurred during 5766 person-years of follow-up. Overall fracture risk was significantly increased in these patients (SIR 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-1.5). Primary HPT was associated with an increased risk of vertebral (SIR 3.2, 95% CI 2.5-4.0), distal forearm (SIR 2.2, 95% CI 1.6-2.9), rib (SIR 2.7, 95% CI 2.1-3.5), and pelvic fractures (SIR 2.1, 95% CI 1. 1-3.5). The risk of proximal femur fractures was only marginally increased (SIR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-2.0). By univariate analysis, increasing age and female gender were significant predictors of fracture risk, although higher serum calcium levels were also associated with increased fracture risk, and parathyroid surgery may have had a protective effect. By multivariate analysis, however, only age (relative hazard [RH] per 10-year increase, 1.6, 95% CI 1. 4-1.9) and female gender (RH 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.1) remained significant independent predictors of fracture risk. Thus, primary HPT among unselected patients in the community is associated with a significant increase in the risk of vertebral, Colles', rib, and pelvic fractures. These data have important implications for the current trend to recommend nonsurgical management for patients with mild primary HPT.