cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nursing home oversight during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background/objectives Regulatory oversight has been a central strategy to assure nursing home quality of care for decades. In response to COVID-19, traditional elements of oversight that relate to resident care have been curtailed in favor of implementing limited infection control surveys and targeted complaint investigations. We seek to describe the state of nursing home oversight during the pandemic to facilitate a discussion of whether and how these activities should be altered going forward. Design and setting In a retrospective study, we describe national oversight activities in January-June 2020 and compare these activities to the same time period from 2019. We also examine state-level oversight activities during the peak months of the pandemic. Participants United States nursing homes. Data Publicly available Quality, Certification, and Oversight Reports (QCOR) data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Measurements Number of standard, complaint, and onsite infection surveys, number of deficiencies from standard and complaint surveys, number of citations by deficiency tag, and number and amount of civil monetary penalties. Results The number of standard and complaint surveys declined considerably in the second quarter of 2020 relative to the same time frame in 2019. Deficiency citations generally decreased to near zero by April 2020 with the exception of infection prevention and control deficiencies and citations for failure to report COVID-19 data to the national health safety network. Related enforcement actions were down considerably in 2020, relative to 2019. Conclusion In the months since COVID-19 first impacted nursing homes, regulatory oversight efforts have fallen off considerably. While CMS implemented universal infection control surveys and targeted complaint investigations, other routine aspects of oversight dropped in light of justifiable limits on nursing home entry. Going forward, we must develop policies that allow regulators to balance the demands of the pandemic while fulfilling their responsibilities effectively.
Health impacts of bike-sharing systems in the U.S.

Abstract Background Bike-sharing systems (BSS) are short-term bike rentals that can be borrowed from one location and retired to another at the conclusion of the trip. In 2019, 109,589 BSS trips were made each day in the U.S, and half of those in New York City (NYC). Aim This study aims to quantify the health risks and benefits of BSS in the U.S. and NYC. Methods This study followed a quantitative health impact assessment approach to estimate the risks and benefits of BSS. Specifically, we quantified the health impacts of physical activity, air pollution, and traffic incidents. We analyzed all the trips made by BSS in the U.S. and NYC. Input data on transport, traffic safety, air quality, and physical activity were collated from public records and scientific publications. We modeled the health impacts on adult users related to mortality, disease incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and health economic impacts (related to morbidity and mortality). Results We estimated that in the U.S. BSS trips resulted in an annual reduction of 4.7 premature deaths, 737 DALYs, and 36 million $USD in health economic impacts, mainly derived from the increment in physical activity. In NYC, we estimated an annual reduction of 2 premature deaths, 355 DALYs, and 15 million $USD in health economic impacts. Conclusion BSS in the U.S. and NYC provide a health benefit for bicyclists. Improvements in air quality and traffic safety across U.S. cities will maximize the health benefits of BSS.
Accompaniment as Psychoanalysis in the Community

We live in a violent country; yet violence is rarely acknowledged as emerging from our own psychic lives. Instead, it is split off and enacted in the wars we fund, and the historic, structural, and...
Outcomes of Simplified Lung Ultrasound Exam in COVID-19: Implications for Self-Imaging.

OBJECTIVES: Lung ultrasound B-lines represent interstitial thickening or edema and relate to mortality in COVID-19. As B-lines can be detected with minimal training using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), we examined the frequency, clinical associations, and outcomes of B-lines when found using a simplified POCUS method in acutely ill patients with COVID-19. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, hospital data from COVID-19 patients who had undergone lung imaging during standard echocardiography or POCUS were reviewed for an ultrasound lung comet (ULC) sign, defined as the presence of ≥3 B-lines from images of only the antero-apex of either lung (ULC+). Clinical risk factors, oximetry and radiographic results, and disease severity were analyzed for associations with ULC+. Clinical risk factors and ULC+ were analyzed for associations with hospital mortality or the need for intensive care in multivariable models. RESULTS: Of N = 160 patients, age (mean ± standard deviation) was 64.8 ± 15.5 years, and 46 (29%) died. ULC+ was present in 100/160 (62%) of patients overall, in 81/103 (79%) of severe-or-greater disease versus 19/57 (33%) of moderate-or-less disease (P < .0001) and was associated with mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 2.4 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-5.4], P = .02) and the need for intensive care (OR = 5.23 [95% CI: 2.42-12.40], P < .0001). In the multivariable models, symptom duration and severe-or-greater disease were associated with ULC+, and ULC+, diabetes, and symptom duration were associated with the need for intensive care. CONCLUSIONS: B-lines in the upper chest were common and related to disease severity, intensive care, and hospital mortality in COVID-19. Validation of a simplified lung POCUS exam could provide the evidence basis for a self-imaging application during the pandemic.
COMPUTATION OF RADIATION HEAT TRANSFER IN DIESEL COMBUSTION

A theoretical model of radiation heat transfer has been developed. A computation of radiation heat flux at a particular location in the combustion chamber by using the present model requires in-cylinder time- and space-resolved species data and cylinder pressure. From the species data, the burned fuel/air ratio distribution is inferred to compute space-resolved adiabatic flame temperature. For the computation of the spectral emissivity of an isothermal volume of adiabatic temperature containing soot, the Rayleigh-limit expression is used. The refraction indices in the expression are obtained by using the dispersion equations based on the electronic theory encompassing both free and bound electrons. For the spectral emissivity from the gaseous component in the volume, the semi-empirical band model is used. A parametric analysis of radiation heat transfer in diesel combustion is made by using the present model; a prediction by the model qualitatively compares with some of the reported experimental data.
Darwall's Kantian Argument

In Impartial Reason,1 Stephen Darwall presents an account of rational agency in which reasons to act are both motivational and normative in nature. On the one hand, they are facts about an action reflective awareness of which can genuinely influence preference and conduct. On the other hand, they are also capable of justifying action, of showing in an all-things-considered sense that a particular action is at least as choice worthy as are alternatives to it. Furthermore, these two aspects of reasons to act are intimately related, since, ideally, at any rate, an agent's conduct is motivated by his awareness of himself as a particular subject of a given set of norms. The objective of Impartial Reason is to show that this convincing and almost modest account contains the seeds of an argument in support of an ambitious conclusion: that the norms of rational agency provide reasons to act for any agent and that these reasons outweigh others that might arise from an agent's personal ends, preferences, or conception of the good. As one might suspect, this is a Kantian objective, an attempt to show that practical reason's most basic requirements are 'categorically binding.' Impartial Reason is also Kantian because it must resolve a philosophical antinomy in order to fulfil this objective. The antinomical conflict here is between those who affirm and those who
Secondary neuropsychiatric complications in stroke: implications for acute care.

Abstract Neurologic consequences of stroke and associated disability are widely recognized. Neuropsychiatric sequelae of stroke and the implications of such are less well described. This study reviews 1493 cases of stroke and describes 101 cases with concomitant psychiatric diagnoses in terms of discharge setting and length of stay. Patients with psychiatric diagnoses had greater lengths of stay and were less frequently discharged to their homes. Specific psychiatric diagnoses appeared to have little differential effect upon length of stay. The need for attending to psychiatric morbidity in stroke patients is emphasized, and suggestions include treatment of poststroke depression.
Provenance Challenges for Earth Science Dataset Publication

Modern science is increasingly dependent on computational analysis of very large data sets. Organizing, referencing, publishing those data has become a complex problem. Published research that depends on such data often fails to cite the data in sufficient detail to allow an independent scientist to reproduce the original experiments and analyses. This paper explores some of the challenges related to data identification, equivalence and reproducibility in the domain of data intensive scientific processing. It will use the example of Earth Science satellite data, but the challenges also apply to other domains.
A pulsed field ionization study of the dissociative photoionization reaction CD4+hν→CD3++D+e−

Abstract We have examined the titled dissociation reaction near its 0 K threshold using the pulsed field ionization-photoelectron (PFI-PE) and PFI-PE-photoion coincidence methods. This study yields a value of 14.4184±0.0010 eV for the 0 K threshold. The PFI-PE spectrum for CD 4 exhibits a sharp step at the 0 K threshold, indicating that the dissociation of excited CD 4 in high- n ( n ⩾100) Rydberg states at energies above the dissociation threshold occurs in ⩽10 −7 s. The energetic data for CD 3 / CD 3 + and CD 4 / CD 4 + are found to be in excellent agreement with those for CH 3 / CH 3 + and CH 4 / CH 4 + after taking into account the zero-point-vibrational-energy corrections.
Adolescent development and behavior

Introduction to Adolescence. Explaining Adolescent Behaviour. Biological Change and Adolescent Development. Intellectual and Cognitive Development in Adolescence. Moral Development in Adolescence. Self-Concept, Self-Esteem, and Identity. Sex-Role Socialization. Adolescent Sexuality. Adolescents and Work. Parent and Family Influences. Peer Group Influences on Adolescent Development. School influences on Adolescent Development. Deviant Behaviour During Adolescence.
Digital representation and storage of high quality color images by anisotropic enhancement and subsampling

The application of novel anisotropic filter design techniques based on properties of human vision to the processing of luminance and chrominance components of color images is considered. Applied independently, these anisotropic filters can be used for the sequential digital representation of images by subsampling. By using them with two-dimensional quadrature modulation of chrominance signals, they led to a novel scheme for color composite images in which the skewing of energy due to the anisotropy of the filters improves the juxtaposition of luminance and chrominance in the two-dimensional frequency domain. It is found that the image quality is substantially better than that of NTSC images for either sequential or composite techniques. >
Enabling Healthy Living: Spatiotemporal Patterns of Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Youths in the United States

The increasing burden of overweight and obesity in the United States (U.S.) demands a better understanding of its local and regional spatial patterns and trends. The study examines the hypothesis that there are spatial differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in U.S. youths at regional and local levels. It used spatial, statistical, and spatiotemporal analyses and a synthesis of regionally and locally relevant data from a cohort of large, nationally representative, longitudinal data sets, the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY`97) to analyze overweight and obesity prevalence. Specifically, the methods used included the spatial Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM), spatial interpolation techniques (Inverse Distance Weighting — IDW), and Kulldorf's scan space-time analysis. The paper analyzed 12 waves (1997—2008) of data from the NLSY data sets. Its findings revealed there is an upward trend both in males and in females in obesity prevalence in US youths during the twelve-year period. Youth obesity prevalence was also higher among females than among males. The cohort shows evidence of increase in overweight and obesity prevalence. There are mixed trends in youth obesity prevalence patterns in rural and urban areas. Counties identified as consistently experiencing higher prevalence of obesity and with the potential of becoming an obesogenic environment are Copiah, Holmes, and Hinds in Mississippi; Harris and Chamber, Texas; Oklahoma and McCain, Oklahoma; Jefferson, Louisiana; and Chicot and Jefferson, Arkansas. The twelve-year study indicated spatial variation in obesity and overweight prevalence among U.S. youths, with pockets of clustered prevalence. This information can guide programs, policies, and initiatives for obesity prevention at regional and local levels.
Canavanine death in Escherichia coli.

Canavanine death occurs in Escherichia coli when cells are exposed to canavanine under conditions where the intracellular arginine concentration is low. This structural analog of arginine causes logarithmic death in cultures which have been grown in a complete medium containing arginine, washed and placed in a medium containing canavanine in place of arginine. DNA, RNA and protein synthesis are strongly inhibited under these conditions. Canavanine allows the completion of already initiated DNA chains, a result similar to that observed on depriving the bacteria of an amino acid. However, the analog blocks initiation of any new cycles of DNA synthesis. RNA synthesis is blocked at a time corresponding to the completion of DNA synthesis in the bacteria. There appears to be a direct relationship between the completion of DNA replication and the kinetics of canavanine death. Cells rendered nonviable by exposure to the analog, when washed and placed in complete medium with an excess of arginine, do not make DNA or protein. Canavanine death is prevented by L -arginine and by low concentrations of chloramphenicol. In addition, incorporation of canavanine into E. coli protein in place of arginine was shown. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that canavanine is incorporated into peptides or proteins which are vital to normal replication of the E. coli genome and perhaps also to its transcription. Canavanine alters the normal function of these proteins and prevents these processes.
The Effects of Various Antihypertensive Agents on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients With Renal Failure

Systemic cardiovascular diseases are the most important cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with chronic renal failure. Hypertension, lipid-profile abnormalities, glucose intolerance, and left ventricular hypertrophy are found in most patients with chronic renal failure and are responsible for the increased incidence of atherosclerosis. Hypertension is the risk factor most susceptible to treatment, but consideration must be given in selecting an antihypertensive agent not only to its effect on blood pressure but to its effects on the other risk factors. Improper selection could impair the long-term benefit of good blood pressure control by increasing the severity of the other cardiovascular risk factors and eventually worsening the prognosis of the chronic renal failure. The remaining renal function in patients not yet in end-stage renal failure deserves special consideration; an adequate anti hypertensive regimen could potentially delay the need for dialysis.
Triggering Passively Q-switched Microlasers

We demonstrate triggered operation of a passively Q-switched microlaser at 266nm. For repetition rates between 10Hz and 1kHz, the output performances (mainly pulse energy and build-up time) exhibit remarkably small variations.
Static-transmission-error vibratory-excitation contributions from plastically deformed gear teeth caused by tooth bending-fatigue damage

Abstract To assess gear health and detect gear-tooth damage, the vibratory response from meshing gear-pair excitations is commonly monitored by accelerometers. In an earlier paper, strong evidence was presented suggesting that, in the case of tooth bending-fatigue damage, the principal source of detectable damage is whole-tooth plastic deformation; i.e. yielding, rather than changes in tooth stiffness caused by tooth-root cracks. Such plastic deformations are geometric deviation contributions to the “static-transmission-error” (STE) vibratory excitation caused by meshing gear pairs. The STE contributions caused by two likely occurring forms of such plastic deformations on a single tooth are derived, and displayed in the time domain as a function of involute “roll distance.” Example calculations are provided for transverse contact ratios of Q t = 1.4 and 1.8, for spur gears and for helical-gear axial contact ratios ranging from Q a = 1.2 to Q a = 3.6 . Low-pass- and band-pass-filtered versions of these same STE contributions also are computed and displayed in the time domain. Several calculations, consisting of superposition of the computed STE tooth-meshing fundamental harmonic contribution and the band-pass STE contribution caused by a plastically deformed tooth, exhibit the amplitude and frequency or phase modulation character commonly observed in accelerometer-response waveforms caused by damaged teeth. General formulas are provided that enable computation of these STE vibratory-excitation contributions for any form of plastic deformation on any number of teeth for spur and helical gears with any contact ratios.
Phi Bodies: Peroxidatic Particles that Produce Crystalloidal Cellular Inclusions

Unique, spindle-shaped particles (phi bodies) and rods with peroxidatic activity are found in certain epithelial cells of normal mice, clofibrate-fed rats, and in leukemic leukocytes. The ellipsoidal shape of phi bodies apparently results from the deformation of spherical granules by extrusion of axial crystalloid that subsequently fragments into rods.
Comparative analysis of genetic algorithm implementations

Genetic Algorithms provide computational procedures that are modeled on natural genetic system mechanics, whereby a coded solution is "evolved" from a set of potential solutions, known as a population. GAs accomplish this evolutionary process through the use of basic operators, crossover and mutation. Both the representation of the population and the operators require careful scrutiny, and can change dramatically for different classes of problems. Initial tests were conducted using a GA written in Ada95, and required substantial modifications to handle the changing domains. Subsequent testing was done with a toolbox constructed for Matlab, but the class of problems it can solve is restrictive. Ada95's generic mechanism for parameterization would allow for reuse of existing structures for a broader range of problems. This paper describes the tests performed thus far using both approaches, and compares the performance of the two approaches with regards to optimization.
Characterization of the patterns of diel migration using a Doppler sonar

Abstract Measurements of backscattered intensity and Doppler velocity were made over a depth interval of 60–1200 m using 67 kHz Doppler sonar mounted on the Research Platform FLIP. Data were analysed for a 13-day period during which FLIP drifted over a distance of approximately 115 km. The existence of vertically migrating layers is evident in both the intensity and vertical velocity fields. Analysis of the temporal variations of intensity and vertical velocity from a long-term mean state provides complementary characterizations of migration patterns. Three distinct scattering layers are observed with daytime depts of about 300, 560 and 1000 m. Both intensity and velocity data are consistent with vertical migration rates of between 1.0 and 4.0 cm s−1. The patterns of vertical migration of the three layers show a high degree of persistence over a time period of 13 days and horizontal scales of order 50 km. Day-to-night (12 h) differences in profiles of backscattered intensity are significant compared to difference between successive days or successive nights, confirming a day-to-night resdistribution of scaterers. Day-to-day (24 h) variability in the intensity and velocity fields is generally small compared to the magnitude of the anomalies defining the scattering layers. The exception is an isolated region of high variability between 100 and 250 m depth during daylight hours that is associated with a relative minimum in backscattered intensity.
Differential Growth and Carbohydrate Usage in Switchgrass Ecotypes under Suboptimal Temperatures

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is widely adapted throughout North America, but its pro- ductivity tends to decline with increasing latitude. Little is known about its genetic potential to pho- tosynthetically acclimate to suboptimal growth temperature, although such potential could be useful to enhance productivity. To examine this, a growth chamber study was conducted with two lowland (Alamo and Kanlow) and two upland (Cave in Rock and Sunburst) ecotypes grown under day/night air temperatures of 32/24°C and later switched to 22/14°C. Photosynthesis, growth, and carbohydrates were analyzed before and after temperature switching. Photosynthesis was greater in lowland than upland cultivars at 32°C air temperature. After switching to 22/14°C and allowing plants to adjust, photosynthesis declined with little difference among cultivars. Moreover, photosynthetic capacity among culti- vars slightly decreased or remained similar com- pared to before the temperature switch. However, after switching to 22/14°C, Alamo gained the most dry matter (3.9 g plant -1 ), which was 69, 82, and 152% greater than that of Sunburst, Kan- low, and Cave in Rock, respectively. Total non- structural carbohydrates increased at 22/14°C, but Alamo showed the least change and no difference in leaf sucrose/starch ratio following the switch. Maintenance of carbon metabolism favoring growth, but not photosynthetic acclima- tion, may be a key to enhancing switchgrass pro- ductivity under suboptimal growth temperatures.
Polyhedral object recognition using Hough-space features

Abstract We propose a new technique for three-dimensional (3-D) polyhedral object recognition on the basis of a single two-dimensional (2-D) view of a 3-D scene. The binary gradient image of the captured scene is converted into the Hough-space domain. The cluster patterns originating from straight-line features of the image are explored by reasoning in Hough space. This yields an attributed graph representation of the object to be recognized which is compared to similar representations of CAD-designed wire frame model objects by means of a new attributed subgraph isomorphism algorithm. Simulation experiments illustrate this promising new approach.
Fiber-array based optogenetic prosthetic system for stimulation therapy

Recent advent of optogenetics has enabled activation of genetically-targeted neuronal cells using low intensity blue light with high temporal precision. Since blue light is attenuated rapidly due to scattering and absorption in neural tissue, optogenetic treatment of neurological disorders may require stimulation of specific cell types in multiple regions of the brain. Further, restoration of certain neural functions (vision, and auditory etc) requires accurate spatio-temporal stimulation patterns rather than just precise temporal stimulation. In order to activate multiple regions of the central nervous system in 3D, here, we report development of an optogenetic prosthetic comprising of array of fibers coupled to independently-controllable LEDs. This design avoids direct contact of LEDs with the brain tissue and thus does not require electrical and heat isolation, which can non-specifically stimulate and damage the local brain regions. The intensity, frequency, and duty cycle of light pulses from each fiber in the array was controlled independently using an inhouse developed LabView based program interfaced with a microcontroller driving the individual LEDs. While the temporal profile of the light pulses was controlled by varying the current driving the LED, the beam profile emanating from each fiber tip could be sculpted by microfabrication of the fiber tip. The fiber array was used to stimulate neurons, expressing channelrhodopsin-2, in different locations within the brain or retina. Control of neural activity in the mice cortex, using the fiber-array based prosthetic, is evaluated from recordings made with multi-electrode array (MEA). We also report construction of a μLED array based prosthetic for spatio-temporal stimulation of cortex.
Spectroscopic analysis of the d1Σ+→a1Σ+ and d1Σ+→b1Π green band systems of XeO

Abstract A comprehensive high resolution spectroscopic analysis has been made on the XeO green bands photographed in emission from an RF discharge source. Rotation-vibration constants derived from the analysis of the spectrum of the isotopically enriched species 129Xe16O and 129Xe18O were used to give RKR potential curves for the d1Σ+ and b1Π states. The bond distances and dissociation energies of the d1Σ+ and b1Π states were respectively found to be r e = 2.852 ± 0.002 A , De = 693 ± 10 cm−1 and r e = 2.548 ± 0.002 A , De = 461 ± 10 cm−1. For the a1Σ+ state it was not possible to establish a unique vibrational numbering or to construct an RKR potential curve, since observed bands of the d1Σ+→a1Σ+ system involve only high vibrational levels of the a1Σ+ state, which are severely predissociated. The observations are consistent with a fairly deep well, in agreement with the latest ab initio calculations which give a well depth of 0.7 eV.
Λ-Minimax Estimation of a Scale Parameter

Abstract This note illustrates the application of the Λ-minimax principle (see, e.g., [6, Sect. 6.6]) to the estimation of a scale parameter. In particular, σ Λ-minimax estimator of the variance of a normal distribution is obtained when Λ is a subset of the class of natural conjugate prior distributions. Two cases considered are (1) the mean is known and (2) a fully specified prior distribution is available for the mean. Case 2 is reduced to Case 1.
Chocolate intake and diabetes risk.

Summary Background & aims In-vitro and rodent studies, and short-term human trials suggest that compounds in chocolate can enhance insulin sensitivity. Also, a recent prospective Japanese epidemiological analysis found that long-term chocolate consumption was inversely associated with diabetes risk. The objective of the present analysis was to test the epidemiological association between long-term chocolate consumption and diabetes risk in a U.S. cohort. Methods Multivariable prospective Cox Regression analysis with time-dependent covariates was used to examine data from 7802 participants in the prospective Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Cohort. The data included 861 new diabetes cases during 98,543 person-years of follow up (mean = 13.3 years). Results Compared to participants who ate 1 oz of chocolate less often than monthly, those who ate it 1–4 times/month, 2–6 times/week and ≥1 time/day had relative risks of being diagnosed with diabetes that were lower by 13% (95% confidence interval: −2%, 25%), 34% (18%, 47%) and 18% (−10%, 38%). These relative risks applied to participants without evidence of preexisting serious chronic disease that included diabetes, heart attacks, stroke or cancer. In conclusion, the risk of diabetes decreased as the frequency of chocolate intake increased, up to 2–6 servings (1 oz) per week. Consuming ≥1 serving per day did not yield significantly lower relative risk. Conclusions These results suggest that consuming moderate amount of chocolate may reduce the risk of diabetes. Further research is required to confirm and explore these findings.
Origins of profitability through JIT processes in the supply chain

Purpose – To develop a conceptual model that links specific antecedent improvements in supply chain processes to improved financial performance indicators.Design/methodology/approach – A case study was conducted to document one electronics manufacturing company's evolving integration of JIT‐driven processes in the supply chain. Data were collected by interviewing key members of the senior management team, site visits, and analysis and review of company documents.Findings – Point‐of‐use systems, assemble‐to‐order systems, elimination of physical inventory counts, and the online supplier program are linked to improved processes such as physical plan layout and use, material handling, quality control and manufacturing efficiency, that resulted in improvements in financial performance.Research limitations/implications – A single site case study limits the generalizability of the findings. Additional research is necessary to replicate the findings in other firms/industries.Practical implications – By disaggreg...
Decoherence of electron spin qubits in Si-based quantum computers

Direct phonon spin-lattice relaxation of an electron qubit bound by a donor impurity or quantum dot in SiGe heterostructures is investigated. The aim is to evaluate the importance of decoherence from this mechanism in several important solid-state quantum computer designs operating at low temperatures. We calculate the relaxation rate ${1/T}_{1}$ as a function of [100] uniaxial strain, temperature, magnetic field, and silicon/germanium content for Si:P bound electrons and quantum dots. The quantum dot potential is much smoother, leading to smaller splittings of the valley degeneracies. We have estimated these splittings in order to obtain upper bounds for the relaxation rate. In general, we find that the relaxation rate is strongly decreased by uniaxial compressive strain in a SiGe-Si-SiGe quantum well, making this strain an important positive design feature. Ge in high concentrations (particularly over 85%) increases the rate, making Si-rich materials preferable. We conclude that SiGe bound electron qubits must meet certain conditions to minimize decoherence but that spin-phonon relaxation does not rule out the solid-state implementation of error-tolerant quantum computing.
Synthesis of Polymerizable Superoxide Dismutase Mimetics to Reduce Reactive Oxygen Species Damage in Transplanted Biomedical Devices

A new polymerizable superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic metalloporphyrin macromer was synthesized to minimize inflammatory damage associated with tissue transplantation and biomaterial implantation, such as the use of encapsulated pancreatic islets for the treatment of type I diabetes mellitus (TIDM). This functional SOD mimetic, Mn(III) Tetrakis [1-(3-acryloxy-propyl)-4-pyridyl] porphyrin (MnTPPyP-Acryl), was copolymerized and crosslinked with poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) to form hydrogel networks that may actively reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage associated with biomaterial implantation. Solution phase activity assays with MnTPPyP-Acryl macromers showed comparable SOD activity to MnTMPyP, a non-polymerizable commercially available SOD mimetic. This work also describes the development of a new, simple, and inexpensive solid phase assay system that was developed to assess the activity of MnTPPyP-Acryl macromers polymerized within PEGDA hydrogels, which has the potential to fulfill an existing void with the biochemical tools available for testing other immobilized ROS antagonists. With this new assay system, hydrogels containing up to 0.25 mol% MnTPPyP-Acryl showed significantly higher levels of SOD activity, whereas control hydrogels polymerized with inactive TPPyP-Acryl macromers showed only background levels of activity. The potential for repeated use of such hydrogel devices to consistently reduce superoxide anion concentrations was demonstrated upon retention of ∼100% SOD activity for at least 72 h post-polymerization. These results demonstrate the potential that polymerizable SOD mimetics may have for integration into medical devices for the minimization of inflammatory damage upon transplantation, such as during the delivery of encapsulated pancreatic islets.
Growth and distribution of human fetal brown fat

Macroscopic and microscopic examination of adipose tissue was carried out in a series of 20 human fetuses, ranging in weight from 380–3032 gm, in an attempt to identify all areas of brown (multilocular) fat development and growth. Brown fat distribution in the human fetus takes the form of a highcollared vest affording coverage to the cervical, thoracic and abdominal viscera. Much of this fat lies deep within the body immediately outside the pleural and peritoneal membranes. the remainder overlies or borders muscles of the shoulder girdle and neck as distinct brown fat deposits deep to the subcutaneous layer of white (unilocular) fat. All brown fat bodies contain unilocular cells but they occur in very small numbers in the brown fat bodies of the posterior cervical triangle, anterior mediastinum and perirenal and suprailiac regions. Brown fat bodies usually develop along the course of large blood vessels and several of them develop direct vascular connections with the liver and kidneys. The total weight of fetal brown fat increases at a rate directly proportional to that of the liver and kidneys up to 2134 gm body weight and to that of the liver beyond this weight.
Rotational Vibration Response of Power Transmission Systems

The main goal of monitoring systems for rotary machinery is to provide sufficient time between warning and failure of machine elements so that safety procedures can be implemented. The present study investigates the dynamics of transmission systems by interpreting the interaction dynamic loads of the elements of the system. This phase of the effort concerns itself with the determination of the relationship of the dynamic tooth loads to the crack size of a single cracked tooth of a spur gear pair. A mathematical model of the test rig used for the general study is proposed. In addition to accounting for the time-varying stiffness of the meshing tooth pair, the model also includes gear errors and damping. A Newmark-Beta numerical integration scheme is used to solve the system of non-linear coupled equations. Results for the dynamic tooth loads as a function of crack size are presented for a wide range of rotational speeds. Simulated and experimental vibrational signals are also presented.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Esophagogastric Junction pressure morphology: comparison between a station pull-through and real-time 3D-HRM representation

Background Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) competence is the fundamental defense against reflux making it of great clinical significance. However, characterizing EGJ competence with conventional manometric methodologies has been confounded by its anatomic and physiological complexity. Recent technological advances in miniaturization and electronics have led to the development of a novel device that may overcome these challenges. Methods Nine volunteer subjects were studied with a novel 3D-HRM device providing 7.5 mm axial and 45° radial pressure resolution within the EGJ. Real-time measurements were made at rest and compared to simulations of a conventional pull-through made with the same device. Moreover, 3D-HRM recordings were analyzed to differentiate contributing pressure signals within the EGJ attributable to lower esophageal sphincter (LES), diaphragm, and vasculature. Key Results 3D-HRM recordings suggested that sphincter length assessed by a pull-through method greatly exaggerated the estimate of LES length by failing to discriminate among circumferential contractile pressure and asymmetric extrinsic pressure signals attributable to diaphragmatic and vascular structures. Real-time 3D EGJ recordings found that the dominant constituents of EGJ pressure at rest were attributable to the diaphragm. Conclusions & Inferences 3D-HRM permits real-time recording of EGJ pressure morphology facilitating analysis of the EGJ constituents responsible for its function as a reflux barrier making it a promising tool in the study of GERD pathophysiology. The enhanced axial and radial recording resolution of the device should facilitate further studies to explore perturbations in the physiological constituents of EGJ pressure in health and disease.
Tolerance for ambiguity could influence awareness of breast cancer genetic testing and inform health education.

This exploratory study assessed relationships among education, tolerance for ambiguity, and genetic testing awareness in light of implications for cancer genetics education. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted from self-administered written survey data of a breast cancer risk communication trial, including 899 Women’s Health patients recruited from 2003 to 2005. The modifying effect of tolerance for ambiguity on the relationship between educational background and breast cancer genetic testing awareness was assessed through logistic regression. There was a statistically significant main effect of education (p 1 SD above the mean) and medium tolerance for ambiguity, the relationship between education and awareness was positive and significant (p = 0.048 and 0.002, respectively). Among participants with low tolerance for ambiguity, the association was not significant. Educational background may predict awareness knowledge of breast cancer genetic testing only for those with higher tolerance for ambiguity. These findings could inform future intervention research concerning education about cancer genetic testing.
Abnormally large deuterium uptake on small transition metal clusters

Deuterium uptake experiments on gas phase transition metal cluster cations of Ni, Pt and Rh show that the small (< 10 A dia.) clusters can bind many (up to 8) deuterium atoms per metal atom in the cluster, in contast to (H(D)/M)max ratios near unity typically reported for single crystal metal surfaces and in previous uptake experiments on nickel and iron clusters [11]. Abnormally large (H(D)/M)max ratios appear to be the rule rather than the exception for small transition metal clusters, an effect which has strong implications in chemical and catalytic processes involving hydrogen chemisorption.
Imaging Techniques for Adrenal Lesion Characterization

Imaging of the adrenal gland for characterization of adrenal lesions has made tremendous strides and new technologies continue to evolve. This article highlights the anatomic and physiologic imaging principles that underpin current major adrenal imaging modalities and the new techniques becoming available. This article focuses primarily on incidental adrenal lesions, which are encountered more frequently with increasing use of imaging. This article concludes with a brief discussion of the role of adrenal biopsy, performed less frequently because of the success of these noninvasive adrenal imaging advances.
Lessons from Russia A Neo-Authoritarian Media System

This article seeks to answer two interrelated questions: where does press freedom stand in Russia more than 15 years after Mikhail Gorbachev’s policy glasnost began? and, what does Russia’s media transformation tell us about our understanding of mass political media systems? It is argued that while the Russian media are suffering under the presidency of Vladimir Putin, circumstances are in no way as dire as in the pre-Gorbachev Soviet period, nor even as bad as some journalists’ rights organizations would have it. By using comparative analysis, and incorporating political science literature that offers typologies of non-democratic systems of governance, the article demonstrates that contemporary Russian media find much in common with authoritarian regimes across the world and are not sui generis as some have argued. In the process, the author attempts to resurrect some of the important distinctions made in Siebert et al.’s much maligned FourTheories of the Press, particularly the role of the state as the ...
Fluorescence detection of hydroxyl radicals

Abstract The hydroxyl radical ( OH), a product of water radiolysis, reacts to hydroxylate aromatic organic compounds. In some cases, these hydroxylated products are fluorescent. Examples include the benzoate, coumarin, and phenoxazinone systems. For representative members of these systems, we have determined both the rate constants for reaction with OH and the yields of the fluorescent products. The rate constants all fall in the range 2×109 to 2×1010 L mol−1 s−1, and the yields 5–11% per OH. These results suggest that it may prove feasible to construct a probe consisting of two groups both of which must react with OH to become fluorescent. The efficient process of fluorescence resonance energy transfer implies that such a probe might be able to detect OH clusters, which are generally assumed to be a characteristic feature of energy deposition by ionizing radiation.
Corporation-induced Diseases, Upstream Epidemiologic Surveillance, and Urban Health

Corporation-induced diseases are defined as diseases of consumers, workers, or community residents who have been exposed to disease agents contained in corporate products. To study the epidemiology and to guide expanded surveillance of these diseases, a new analytical framework is proposed. This framework is based on the agent–host–environment model and the upstream multilevel epidemiologic approach and posits an epidemiologic cascade starting with government-sanctioned corporate profit making and ending in a social cost, i.e., harm to population health. Each of the framework’s levels addresses a specific level of analysis, including government, corporations, corporate conduits, the environment of the host, and the host. The explained variable at one level is also the explanatory variable at the next lower level. In this way, a causal chain can be followed along the epidemiologic cascade from the site of societal power down to the host. The framework thus describes the pathways by which corporate decisions filter down to disease production in the host and identifies opportunities for epidemiologic surveillance. Since the environment of city dwellers is strongly shaped by corporations that are far upstream and several levels away, the framework has relevance for the study of urban health. Corporations that influence the health of urban populations include developers and financial corporations that determine growth or decay of urban neighborhoods, as well as companies that use strategies based on neighborhood characteristics to sell products that harm consumer health. Epidemiological inquiry and surveillance are necessary at all levels to provide the knowledge needed for action to protect the health of the population. To achieve optimal inquiry and surveillance at the uppermost levels, epidemiologists will have to work with political scientists and other social scientists and to utilize novel sources of information.
Thermal-hydraulic and structural design for the lithium-cooled TITAN-I reversed-feeld-pinch reactor

A thermal-hydraulic and structural design of the first wall and blanket for the 18 MW/m 2 neutron wall-loading TITAN reversed-field-pinch fusion reactor is presented. The primary coolant is liquid lithium and the structural material is the vanadium alloy, V-3Ti-1Si. Various design limits, which take the operational environment into consideration, for this vanadium alloy for the first wall and blanket are discussed. The first wall is made of small-diameter tubes. The blanket coolant channels are a combination of tubular, square, and rectangular channels. The first-wall and blanket coolant circuits are separate, allowing different coolant exit temperatures. The coolant channels are aligned with the larger poloidal magnetic field to reduce magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) pressure drops. At the design heat flux of 4.6 MW/m 2 on the first wall, MHD turbulent-flow heat transfer is used. Both the separation of the coolant circuits and the use of MHD turbulent-flow heat transfer substantially increase the heat flux limit on the first wall. These are favorable for high-power-density fusion reactors. The inlet temperature of lithium is 320 °C and the exit temperatures are 440 °C and 700 °C for the first wall and blanket, respectively. The pressure drop in the first wall circuit is 10 MPa and is less than 3 MPa for the blanket circuit. The pumping power is less than 5% of electric output. The maximum structure temperature is less than 750 °C and the material stresses are shown to be within the allowable limits. One-dimensional thermal and stress analyses are adequate for the thermal-hydraulic and structural design for TITAN-I. This is verified by two-dimensional, finite element analysis. The use of liquid lithium as the coolant and vanadium alloy as the structural material enables the removal of the reactor thermal energy at high temperature, which has resulted in a gross thermal efficiency of 44%.
Taxisin Aplysia dactylomela (Rang, 1828) to water-borne stimuli from conspecifics

Sixteen reproductively matureAplysia dactylomela were observed in a unidirectional stream under each of four conditions: sea water only, one sea hare, six sea hares, and a copulating sea hare pair. Streams containing conspecific stimulation were significantly more effective in eliciting a positive taxis towards the stimulus source. A copulating pair was not different from one or six animals in producing the approach. The sea hares showed a distinct final head orientation to six sea hares when compared with sea water only; final orientation did not differ in any other comparison.
Measurement of molten salt Raman spectra by the use of fiber optics

A novel all-silica fiberoptic probe is described. Instead of cementing individual optical fibers together, the fibers are fused together within a silica tube. This all-silica probe has been used for obtaining Raman spectra of various molten salt systems at temperatures up to 720 °C. It has also been used for Raman spectral studies of samples at ambient temperatures.
Factors influencing choice between mastectomy and lumpectomy for women in the Carolinas

Background and Objectives The Carolinas have been documented to have a low rate of breast-conserving surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine factors that influence women's choice between mastectomy and lumpectomy. Methods An anonymous questionnaire was designed for the study and was mailed to women on the mailing lists of cancer organizations in North and South Carolina. Women who had initially been treated in 1995–1998 were included. Results The rate of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) was 18% and actually declined from a high of 23% in 1995. The highest rate of BCS was in private hospitals rather than academic health science centers. Fifty-four of the 212 respondents believed they were given a choice between mastectomy and BSC and, of these, only 15% (n = 80) chose BSC. Women in the two treatment groups differed in education and income. Sources of treatment-related information included cancer organizations, popular media, friends, family, and the Internet. The most important factor to both groups was perceived probability of cure. Avoidance of radiation treatments was a factor among the mastectomy group. Conclusions The low rate of BCS for the region was confirmed. Many women are still unconvinced that BSC offers as great a likelihood of cure as mastectomy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2001;76:6–12. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.