cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
First-principles investigation of size-dependent piezoelectric properties of bare ZnO and ZnO/MgO core-shell nanowires

Abstract Using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we evaluate and compare the piezoelectric properties in bare ZnO and ZnO/MgO core-shell nanowires. The study confirms that effective piezoelectric coefficient in bare ZnO nanowires is a highly diameter sensitive parameter. In the thinnest ZnO nanowire, with only one layer of atoms, the effective piezoelectric coefficient attains a maximum value of 12.21 C/m2. On the other hand, for the first time, we report that piezoelectricity in MgO-passivated ZnO nanowires exhibits a lesser size dependence than in the bare ones, a finding that may prove useful in the design of emerging ultraviolet optoelectronic devices.
A critique of three methodologies for estimating the probability of containment failure due to steam explosions

At least three distinct approaches have been employed for estimating the conditional probability of containment failure due to steam explosions within the pressure vessel of a water-cooled nuclear reactor. These approaches, which involve varying degrees of subjectivity and objectivity, are reviewed in this article. It is concluded that, given the current state of knowledge, all approaches involve significant uncertainties; no method is currently capable of credibly defending any given value of failure probability or a narrow uncertainty range.
Emotional and Social Intelligence and Behavior

Emotional intelligence, or more accurately emotional and social intelligence (EI and SI) manifest themselves at many levels within a person. Of the various levels at which EI and SI exist within a person, the behavioral level has received the least amount of attention in academic research but holds the most promise for a concept and measurement approach that relates to job and life outcomes. It also allows others to “see” EI and SI in action. In the past, discussion of EI was often focused on the different theoretical models and different ways of assessing EI. In this chapter, we will review the major models or theories which constitute levels of EI and SI and the tests appearing in research publications. This chapter will then focus on the behavioral level and the particular measure at this level currently most in use. Statistical results showing CFA model fit, convergent and discriminant validity of the measure, the ESCI and ESCI-U, at both the self-assessment and behavioral “other” (i.e., informant) assessment will be reported. Studies showing validation of this behavioral measure in predicting job and life outcomes are then reviewed.
“A Kind of Sacred Place”: The Rock-and-Roll Ruins of AIR Studios, Montserrat

Between 1979 and 1989, AIR Studios on the Caribbean island of Montserrat was a premier recording destination for a galaxy of top rock-and-roll stars. Forced to close by Hurricane Hugo, the property has suffered further damage from the ongoing eruptions of the Soufriere Hills volcano since 1995. Access is now restricted, but it has nonetheless become a virtual and actual place of tourist pilgrimage. In 2010 archaeologists from the Survey and Landscape Archaeology on Montserrat project (SLAM) surveyed the ruins of AIR Studios, carefully recording the spatial layout of the studio, documenting remnant material culture abandoned at the time of the studio’s closure, and excavating ash-covered pavement slabs inscribed by musicians during the studio’s heyday. Further research revealed that certain elements of the studios had been systematically stripped from the premises after 1989 and, in some cases, have since been reincorporated into other buildings across the island.
Apical and basolateral membrane mechanisms that regulate pHi in bovine retinal pigment epithelium.

pH regulation was studied in fresh explant bovine retinal pigment epithelium-choroid using the pH-sensitive dye 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein and intracellular microelectrodes. Ac...
Magnesium, zinc, and copper in dialysis patients.

Magnesium, zinc, and copper of plasma and erythrocytes have been measured in patients with renal disease using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The data revealed increased magnesium and copper but decreased zinc in the plasma of dialysis patients compared with normal adult controls. Erythrocytic magnesium was greatly elevated in the patients on dialysis. Plasma magnesium was maintained at nearly normal levels when patients were dialyzed against a bath which was essentially free of magnesium. Nondialyzed uremic patients shared some, but not all, of the abnormalities of the dialysis group. The etiology of these abnormalities remains obscure.
Space-Time Consumer Modelling, Store Wars, and Retail Trading Hour Policy in Australia

Space-time modelling of aggregate consumer shopping behaviour has been put on the political agenda across Australia with the predictions of significant changes of `when’ and `where’ consumers, on aggregate, undertake their shopping trips in a deregulated trading hour environment. Originally conceived in Baker (1985), the retail aggregate space-time trip (RASTT) model is constructed around a differential equation of spatial and temporal operators, where space is partially differentiated once and time twice. The gravity model of trip distance and a periodic shopping-time function appear in the solutions of this equation. For the boundary conditions, the trading period was assumed constant, which was the case in the regulated pre-1992 Sydney shopping environment. Baker (1994a) showed that the gravity coefficient, P, and average visits per week k to a planned centre, were theoretically and empirically linked (as shown in the regression analysis of fifteen samples of five such centres in Sydney during 1980/81 and 1988/89). Furthermore, centre scale produced non-linearities in both the trip distance and frequency constructs, which allowed for the definition of a number of characteristics for aggregate consumption at smaller community planned centres (or ‘small’ centre behaviour) and larger regional planned centres (or ‘large’ centre behaviour).
Thermal spikes from the urban heat island increase mortality and alter physiology of lizard embryos.

ABSTRACT Effects of global change (i.e. urbanization, climate change) on adult organisms are readily used to predict the persistence of populations. However, effects on embryo survival and patterns of development are less studied, even though embryos are particularly sensitive to abiotic conditions that are altered by global change (e.g. temperature). In reptiles, relatively warm incubation temperatures increase developmental rate and often enhance fitness-relevant phenotypes, but extremely high temperatures cause death. Due to the urban heat island effect, human-altered habitats (i.e. cities) potentially create unusually warm nest conditions that differ from adjacent natural areas in both mean and extreme temperatures. Such variation may exert selection pressures on embryos. To address this, we measured soil temperatures in places where the Puerto Rican crested anole lizard (Anolis cristatellus) nests in both city and forest habitats. We bred anoles in the laboratory and subjected their eggs to five incubation treatments that mimicked temperature regimes from the field, three of which included brief exposure to extremely high temperatures (i.e. thermal spikes) measured in the city. We monitored growth and survival of hatchlings in the laboratory for 3 months and found that warmer, city temperatures increase developmental rate, but brief, thermal spikes reduce survival. Hatchling growth and survival were unaffected by incubation treatment. The urban landscape can potentially create selection pressures that influence organisms at early (e.g. embryo) and late life stages. Thus, research aimed at quantifying the impacts of urbanization on wildlife populations must include multiple life stages to gain a comprehensive understanding of this important aspect of global change.
The impact of a molecular tumor board on treatment decisions for 35 patients: The Dartmouth experience.

1550 Background: Genetic profiling of tumors is a powerful approach to predict drug sensitivity and resistance. However, oncologists are often unfamiliar with interpretation of genetic data. We est...
Large-scale purification of functional human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1).

Abstract Human P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ATP-binding cassette transporter that has been implicated in altering the pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs in normal tissues and development of multidrug resistance in tumor cells via drug efflux. There is still no definitive explanation of the mechanism by which P-gp effluxes drugs. One of the challenges of large-scale purification of membrane transporters is the selection of a suitable detergent for its optimal extraction from cell membranes. In addition, further steps of purification can often lead to inactivation and aggregation, decreasing the yield of purified protein. Here we report the large-scale purification of human P-gp expressed in High-Five insect cells using recombinant baculovirus. The purification strategies we present yield homogeneous functionally active wild type P-gp and its E556Q/E1201Q mutant, which is defective in carrying out ATP hydrolysis. Three detergents (1,2-diheptanoyol-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, dodecyl maltoside and n-octyl-β- d -glucopyranoside) were used to solubilize and purify P-gp from insect cell membranes. P-gp purification was performed first using immobilized metal affinity chromatography, then followed by a second step of either anion exchange chromatography or size exclusion chromatography to yield protein in concentrations of 2–12 mg/mL. Size exclusion chromatography was the preferred method, as it allows separation of monomeric transporters from aggregates. We show that the purified protein, when reconstituted in proteoliposomes and nanodiscs, exhibits both basal and substrate or inhibitor-modulated ATPase activity. This report thus provides a convenient and robust method to obtain large amounts of active homogeneously purified human P-gp that is suitable for biochemical, biophysical and structural characterization.
Dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline: The Philadelphia police school diversion program

Abstract Exclusionary discipline practices have made schools among the primary referral sources to the juvenile justice system, helping create and perpetuate the school-to-prison pipeline. To dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline in Philadelphia, the City's police department initiated the Philadelphia Police School Diversion Program and collaborated with the City's school district, Department of Human Services (DHS), and other child-serving agencies to design and implement the program. This program diverts at-risk youth from school-based arrest and into community-based services to address identified needs. All students, ages 10 and older, without prior adjudications or open cases, who have committed designated summary or misdemeanor offenses on school grounds, are enrolled in this program and connected with a DHS-sponsored service provider—rather than facing arrest and automatic removal from school through suspension, expulsion, or disciplinary transfer. The Philadelphia Police School Diversion Program has been cited as a model of collaborative partnerships to address the school-to-prison pipeline. This paper describes the school-to-prison pipeline's creation; established diversionary efforts to keep students out of the justice system; and the development, procedures, implications, and limitations of the Philadelphia Police School Diversion Program.
Independent Association Between Type of Intraoperative Blood Transfusion and Postoperative Delirium After Complex Spinal Fusion for Adult Deformity Correction.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE To determine whether type of intraoperative blood transfusion used is associated with increased incidence of postoperative delirium after complex spine fusion involving five levels or greater. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Postoperative delirium after spine surgery has been associated with age, cognitive status, and several comorbidities. Intraoperative allogenic blood transfusions have previously been linked to greater complication risks and length of hospital stay. However, whether type of intraoperative blood transfusion used increases the risk for postoperative delirium after complex spinal fusion remains relatively unknown. METHODS The medical records of 130 adult (≥18 years old) spine deformity patients undergoing elective, primary complex spinal fusion (more than or equal to five levels) for deformity correction at a major academic institution from 2010 to 2015 were reviewed. We identified 104 patients who encountered an intraoperative blood transfusion. Of the 104, 15 (11.5%) had Allogenic-only, 23 (17.7%) had Autologous-only, and 66 (50.8%) had Combined transfusions. The primary outcome investigated was the rate of postoperative delirium. RESULTS There were significant differences in estimated blood loss (Combined: 2155.5 ± 1900.7 mL vs. Autologous: 1396.5 ± 790.0 mL vs. Allogenic: 1071.3 ± 577.8 mL vs. None: 506.9 ± 427.3 mL, P < 0.0001) and amount transfused (Combined: 1739.7 ± 1127.6 mL vs. Autologous: 465.7 ± 289.7 mL vs. Allogenic: 986.9 ± 512.9 mL, P < 0.0001). The Allogenic cohort had a significantly higher proportion of patients experiencing delirium (Combined: 7.6% vs. Autologous: 17.4% vs. Allogenic: 46.7% vs. None: 11.5%, P = 0.002). In multivariate nominal-logistic regression analysis, Allogenic (odds ratio [OR]: 24.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] [3.930, 156.702], P = 0.0002) and Autologous (OR: 6.43, 95% CI [1.156, 35.772], P = 0.0335) transfusions were independently associated with postoperative delirium. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that there may be an independent association between intraoperative autologous and allogenic blood transfusions and postoperative delirium after complex spinal fusion. Further studies are necessary to identify the physiological effect of blood transfusions to better overall patient care and reduce healthcare expenditures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Gyroscopic Tensegrity Robots

Mechanics and control of innovative gyroscopic structural systems are detailed in the paper. By adding controllable spinning wheels to a network of controllable, axially loaded strings and bars, it is shown that the mobility and manipulation of the structural system are enhanced. Using principles of mechanics, a nonlinear dynamic model is presented to modulate the torque produced by the network of spatially distributed gyroscopes. Equations of motion, formulated as a second-order matrix differential equation, provide a trajectory for the nodal displacement of the bars, along with the wheel's spin degree of freedom. While the gyroscopic robotics concept is scalable to an arbitrarily large network, this research aims to identify elemental modules to override fundamental design principles of the innovative structural systems. Dynamic simulation and experimental verification on a planar D-bar tensegrity structure are used to demonstrate the utility of one such fundamental building block of the gyroscopic robotic system.
Optimal Controller Synthesis and Dynamic Quantizer Switching for Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian Systems

In networked control systems, often the sensory signals are quantized before being transmitted to the controller. Consequently, performance is affected by the coarseness of this quantization process. Modern communication technologies allow users to obtain resolution-varying quantized measurements based on the prices paid. In this paper, we consider optimal controller synthesis of a Quantized-Feedback Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian (QF-LQG) system where the measurements are to be quantized before being transmitted to the controller. The system is presented with several choices of quantizers, along with the cost of operating each quantizer. The objective is to jointly select the quantizers and the controller that would maintain an optimal balance between control performance and quantization cost. Under certain assumptions, this problem can be decoupled into two optimization problems: one for optimal controller synthesis and the other for optimal quantizer selection. We show that, similarly to the classical LQG problem, the optimal controller synthesis subproblem is characterized by Riccati equations. On the other hand, the optimal quantizer selection policy is found by solving a certain Markov-Decision-Process (MDP).
Fashioned Bodies in Roller Derby League Logos: An Intersectional Analysis of Race, Gender, Body Size, and Aesthetics

Roller derby began as a sport in the 1920s, fell out of popularity in the 1970s, and garnered interest again in the 2000s, with 1500 leagues worldwide today. In the United States today, the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) serves as governing body for 236 leagues, each with a unique logo that serves as a visual representation of the team. In this study, we critically analyzed roller derby logos for WFTDA-member leagues (N=296, 100%) across the United States over a period of three weeks in January 2019. WFTDA-member league logos represent mostly cisgender, youthful bodies that were both feminized and violent, with more than half of the logos white- and thin-appearing. Given the power of imagery, WFTDA and roller derby leagues should think through the messages they are sending and whether or not they reflect the women who play the sport and the inclusivity they are trying to create.
An Adaptive Low-Rank Modeling-Based Active Learning Method for Medical Image Annotation

Abstract Active learning is an effective solution to interactively select a limited number of informative examples and use them to train a learning algorithm that can achieve its optimal performance for specific tasks. It is suitable for medical image applications in which unlabeled data are abundant but manual annotation could be very time-consuming and expensive. However, designing an effective active learning strategy for informative example selection is a challenging task, due to the intrinsic presence of noise in medical images, the large number of images, and the variety of imaging modalities. In this study, a novel low-rank modeling-based multi-label active learning (LRMMAL) method is developed to address these challenges and select informative examples for training a classifier to achieve the optimal performance. The proposed method independently quantifies image noise and integrates it with other measures to guide a pool-based sampling process to determine the most informative examples for training a classifier. In addition, an automatic adaptive cross entropy-based parameter determination scheme is proposed for further optimizing the example sampling strategy. Experimental results on varied medical image datasets and comparisons with other state-of-the-art multi-label active learning methods illustrate the superior performance of the proposed method.
Using Predicted Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk for Discrimination of Awake or Nocturnal Hypertension

BACKGROUND Several atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factors are associated with awake and nocturnal hypertension. METHODS We assessed the association between a composite ASCVD risk score and awake or nocturnal hypertension using data from participants aged 40-79 years who completed ambulatory blood pressure monitoring at the Year 30 Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study exam in 2015-2016 (n = 716) and the baseline Jackson Heart Study exam in 2000-2004 (n = 770). Ten-year predicted ASCVD risk was calculated using the Pooled Cohort risk equations. Awake hypertension was defined as mean awake systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥135 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥85 mm Hg and nocturnal hypertension was defined as mean asleep SBP ≥120 mm Hg or DBP ≥70 mm Hg. RESULTS Among participants with a 10-year predicted ASCVD risk <5%, 5% to <7.5%, 7.5% to <10%, and ≥10%, the prevalence of awake or nocturnal hypertension as a composite outcome was 29.5%, 47.8%, 62.2%, and 69.7%, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, higher ASCVD risk was associated with higher prevalence ratios for awake or nocturnal hypertension among participants with clinic-measured SBP/DBP <130/85 mm Hg but not ≥130/85 mm Hg. The C-statistic for discriminating between participants with vs. without awake or nocturnal hypertension was 0.012 (95% confidence interval 0.003, 0.016) higher when comparing a model with ASCVD risk and clinic-measured blood pressure (BP) together vs. clinic-measured BP without ASCVD risk. CONCLUSIONS Using 10-year predicted ASCVD risk in conjunction with clinic BP improves discrimination between individuals with and without awake or nocturnal hypertension.
Understanding the relationship between family functioning and health-related quality of life in very young children with moderate-to-severe TBI

Objective: To investigate the relationship of pre-injury and concurrent family functioning with health-related quality of life (HR QoL) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) or orthopedic injury (...
Advances in Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis: Echocardiographic, Pathophysiologic, and Hemodynamic Considerations.

Echocardiography is the primary imaging modality used in patients with mitral stenosis. Doppler-derived measurements of mitral pressure half-time are commonly used to calculate mitral valve area, but a number of hemodynamic confounders associated with advanced age limit its utility. Planimetry remains the gold standard for determining mitral valve area and may be performed using two- or three-dimensional imaging. Although the Wilkins score has been used for >30 years to predict balloon mitral valvuloplasty outcomes, newer scoring systems have been proposed to improve predictive accuracy. Some patients undergoing technically successful balloon mitral valvuloplasty may not have satisfactory clinical outcomes. These individuals may be identified by the presence of reduced net atrioventricular compliance, which can be measured echocardiographically. Exercise testing may be useful in patients with mitral stenosis whose symptomatic status is incongruous their mitral valve area. Last, reduced left atrial systolic strain, an indicator of poor left atrial compliance, has been shown to reliably predict adverse outcomes in patients with mitral stenosis. The author discusses the hemodynamics and path ophysiology of mitral stenosis and reviews current and emerging roles of echocardiography in its evaluation.
Advanced cognitive impairment among older nursing home residents

Though work has been done studying nursing home (NH) residents with either advanced Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or Alzheimer’s disease related dementia (ADRD), none have distinguished between them; even though their clinical features affecting survival are different. In this study, we compared mortality risk factors and survival between NH residents with advanced AD and those with advanced ADRD. This is a retrospective observational study, in which we examined a sample of 34,493 U.S. NH residents aged 65 and over in the Minimum Data Set (2011–2013). Incident assessment of advanced disease was defined as the first MDS assessment with severe cognitive impairment (Cognitive Functional Score equals to 4) and diagnoses of AD or ADRD. Demographics, functional limitations, and comorbidities were evaluated as mortality risk factors using Cox models. Survival was characterized with Kaplan-Maier functions. Of those with advanced cognitive impairment, 35 % had AD and 65 % ADRD. At the incident assessment of advanced disease, those with AD had better health compared to those with ADRD. Mortality risk factors were similar between groups (shortness of breath, difficulties eating, substantial weight-loss, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia; all p < 0.01). However, stroke and difficulty with transfer (for women) were significant mortality risk factors only for those with advanced AD. Urinary tract infection, and hypertension (for women) only were mortality risk factors for those with advanced ADRD. Median survival was significantly shorter for the advanced ADRD group (194 days) compared to the advanced AD group (300 days). There were distinct mortality and survival patterns of NH residents with advanced AD and ADRD. This may help with care planning decisions regarding therapeutic and palliative care.
Frequency-dependent hybridization contributes to habitat segregation in monkeyflowers

Spatial segregation of closely related species is usually attributed to differences in stress tolerance and competitive ability. For both animals and plants, reproductive interactions between close relatives can impose a fitness cost that is more detrimental to the rarer species. Frequency-dependent mating interactions may thus prevent the establishment of immigrants within heterospecific populations, maintaining spatial segregation of species. Despite strong spatial segregation in natural populations, two sympatric California monkeyflowers (Mimulus nudatus and M. guttatus) survive and reproduce in the other9s habitat when transplanted reciprocally. We hypothesized that a frequency-dependent mating disadvantage maintains spatial segregation of these monkeyflowers during natural immigration. To evaluate this hypothesis, we performed two field experiments. First, we experimentally added immigrants in varying numbers to sites dominated by heterospecifics. Second, we reciprocally transplanted arrays of varying resident and immigrant frequency. Immigrant seed viability decreased with conspecific rarity for M. guttatus, but not M. nudatus. We observed immigrant minority disadvantage for both species, but driven by different factors- frequency-dependent hybridization for M. guttatus, and competition for resources and/or pollinators for M. nudatus. Overall, our results suggest a potential major role for reproductive interference in spatial segregation that should be evaluated along with stress tolerance and competitive ability.
Studies on cytokinesis in neuroblasts of the grasshopper, Chortophaga viridifasciata (De Geer). III. Factors determining the location of the cleavage furrow.

1. 1. Neuroblasts of the grasshopper, Chortophaga viridifasciata (De Geer), were separated from different surrounding cells mechanically and isolated chemically to determine what effects different kinds of separation had on the relative positions (polarity) and sizes of daughter neuroblasts and daughter ganglion cells. 2. 2. After mechanical separation most of the neuroblasts that retained contact with cap cells and ganglion cells or cap cells alone divided quite normally, even though separation occurred at any stage from prometaphase through late anaphase. On the other hand, most neuroblasts that lacked contact with the cap cells, whether or not contact was retained with ganglion cells, divided abnormally, or equally, with exception of those that were separated at late anaphase. The latter completed cytokinesis normally. It is concluded that the cap cells are essential in the determination of neuroblast polarity and normal relative sizes of the daughter cells. 3. 3. Of the chemically isolated neuroblasts only those in which trypsin was a constituent of the solution divided normally to form a large daughter neuroblast and a small daughter ganglion cell. It appears, therefore, that trypsin can substitute for the cap cells in inducing unequal division. 4. 4. The occurrence of normal, unequal division after isolation with a combination of trypsin and trypsin-inhibitor showed that the proteolytic action of the trypsin is not the effective factor in unequal division. 5. 5. An hypothesis involving chemical induction of unequal enlargement of the asters is proposed to account for the anaphase shift of the spindle and the consequent unequal division of the neuroblast.
Densification Kinetics of Shock-Activated Nitrides

In 1966, Bergmann and Barrington1 reported that, for a variety of oxide and carbide powders, improvement in the sintering behavior was obtained when the powders were subjected to explosive shock treatment. They concluded that, for the carbides, the improvement resulted primarily from the reduction in particle size, but for the oxides, the change was associated with a substantial increase in the internal defect population. Subsequent transmission electron microscopy showed high concentrations of dislocations in the shock-modified powders.2 Later work has shown that very high concentrations of point defects are generated in shock-loaded rutile powders.3
Health Communication Message Design: Theory and Practice, by Cho, H

Health messages can and do come from a variety of sources and are exchanged in contexts that can range from face-to-face physician–patient interaction to health campaigns at the national level. Reg...
Instant messaging as a software design project

This paper describes an instant messaging project that has been used effectively in a software design course aimed at sophomore computer science majors. The project is designed to give students an opportunity to apply object oriented design concepts while learning the Java programming language in a project that is completed in several phases through the second half of the semester.
Hybrid System Models of Navigation Strategies for Games and Animations

The virtual worlds of computer games and similar animated simulations may be populated by autonomous characters that intelligently navigate in virtual cities. We concretely apply hybrid system theory and tools to model navigation strategies for virtual characters. In particular, we present hybrid systems for both low-level (local) and high-level (global) navigation strategies, and we describe how we modeled these systems using the hybrid system specification tool Charon. Further, we directly employed our hybrid system models to generate animations that demonstrate these navigation strategies. Overall, our results suggest that hybrid systems may be a natural framework for modeling aspects of intelligent virtual actors. We also present a small verification example for a simple navigation strategy, and we briefly discuss obstacles to widespread practical applicability of verification in this problem domain.
Recent modifications in the HOBO mesh

In its original formulation the two-dimensional free-Lagrangian hydro code HOBO used massless tracer points without a mesh. Later we changed to a median mesh with all quantities cell centered. Now we have shifted pressure to the cell vertices resulting in a staggered mesh in velocity and pressure.
Older Women's Perceptions of Elder Maltreatment and Ethical Dilemmas in Adult Protective Services: A Cross-Cultural, Exploratory Study

In this study, older African American, Latina, and Caucasian women from varying socioeconomic backgrounds participated in eight focus groups that examined their perceptions of elder maltreatment and three ethical dilemmas within adult protective service work: mandatory reporting, involuntary protective services, and criminalization of elder maltreatment. Participants espoused a broad and inclusive view of elder maltreatment. In responding to illustrative case scenarios, participants strongly favored protection over freedom by supporting mandatory reporting and involuntary protective services. Criminalization of elder maltreatment also was supported. This article presents results of each scenario and broad themes across the study, with attention paid to areas of consistency and difference across ethnicity and socioeconomic categories.
Micromachined thin film bulk acoustic resonators

We have fabricated thin film bulk acoustic resonators (FBARS) with measured Q's of over 1000 and resonant frequencies as low as 1.5 GHz and as high as 7.5 GHz. The device, as currently fabricated, consists of the piezoelectric material aluminum nitride (AlN) sandwiched between electrodes all of which lie on a thin low-stress silicon nitride (Si/sub x/N/sub y/) membrane. Integrated on the membrane are small microheaters for frequency tuning and/or temperature stabilization. We have observed frequency shifts of 50 to 80 ppm per degree C depending on relative material thicknesses. Maximum temperature excursions over 580 C could be achieved using the microheaters. We have also observed frequency shifts of 5 to 10 ppm per volt depending on harmonic. >
Anger management or anger expression: Which is most effective?

This study investigated the relative effectiveness of an anger management and anger expression group on various outcome measures of treatment success. The participants in the study were adolescents in residential treatment. The findings suggest better outcome with the use of anger management techniques when compared with anger expression techniques. Furthermore, research reviewed suggests that anger management groups can have a beneficial impact on the overall treatment programming in residential treatment centers.
The Role of the States in a Federal Climate Program: Issues and Options

This paper presents an overview of some of the major issues involving state/federal roles in a federal climate program. It offers four possible means by which states could set more ambitious carbon dioxide reduction targets than those currently being considered for federal legislation. Many states have taken the lead in implementing carbon dioxide emissions reduction strategies. These strategies include region-wide cap-and-trade programs. Two of the major questions that Congress will need to address are: (1) What is the role, in the future, of state climate programs that are already in existence? (2) Will Congress allow the states to reduce emissions beyond which federal legislation endorses?
Coding of quadtree structures using runlength code

The performance of a run-length coding algorithm for transmission of quadtree structures is investigated. The results show that the run-length code always outperforms the label code in encoding quadtree structures.
Hexagonal fractal multiband antenna

The design of a new fractal multiband antenna, based on the hexagon, is presented. Three iterations of the hexagonal fractal multiband antenna, arranged in the dipole configuration, are examined. Experimental results are compared with those obtained using the method of moments and the fractal antenna is found to possess predictable multiband characteristics.
Radical cyclizations of diosphenol ω-haloalkyl ethers to oxabicycloalkanones

Abstract Radical cyclization of diosphenol ω-haloalkyl ethers gives spiro- and fused oxabicycloalkanones.
Support for soft and hard path American energy policies: Does gender play a role?☆

Abstract Women comprise a heterogeneous, issue-oriented voting segment and now represent the majority of United States voters. Energy issues are among a core group of environmental issues, around which political coalitions can form and which are linked theoretically and empirically with gender differences. Univariate and multivariate analyses are used to analyze the relationship between gender and preferences for a variety of energy policy options. Energy policy options are aggregated conceptually as “soft,” “hard,” and “conservation” paths. Women are found to be more opposed to hard path policies such as coal and shale development, than men. Results regarding support for soft and conservation paths vary. Univariate analyses show women to be more supportive of conservation and some soft-path options than men. Multivariate analyses indicate that women and men support soft path options equally and that men are more supportive of conservation policies than women.
Ionic diffusion in voltage-clamped isolated cardiac myocytes. Implications for Na,K-pump studies

The whole-cell voltage-clamp technique employing electrolyte-filled micro-pipette suction electrodes is widely used to investigate questions requiring an electrophysiological approach. With this technique, the ionic composition of the cytosol is assumed to be strongly influenced (as result of diffusion) by the ionic composition of the solution contained in the electrode. If this assumption is valid for isolated cardiac myocytes, the technique would be particularly powerful for studying the dependence of their Na,K-pump on the intracellular [Na+]. However, the relationship between the concentrations of ions in the solution filling the electrode and those in the cytosol has not been established. The relationship was investigated to determine in particular whether the [Na+] at the intracellular cation ligand binding sites for the Na-pump ([ Na+]ps) can be set and clamped by [Na+] in the pipette electrode ([ Na+]pip). If [Na+]pip can set and clamp [Na+]ps, this would provide a means for defining the dependence of the Na,K-pump on intracellular [Na+]. The relationship between [Na+]pip and [Na+]ps was analyzed using two approaches. First, a mathematical model of three-dimensional ionic diffusion within a whole-cell patch-clamped myocyte was developed and the effects of experimental parameters on mean [Na+]ps were investigated. When typical experimental values were simulated, the time course to achieve steady state mean [Na+]ps was found to be most sensitive to variations in electrode pore size, cell length and the Na+ pumping rate, but at steady state, mean [Na+]ps varies from [Na+]pip by 5% or less depending on pump rate. Second, to provide experimental support for the validity of the simulations, isolated ventricular myocytes were voltage-clamped and the reversal potential for the Na current was determined in order to estimate steady state intracellular [Na+]. The results of the mathematical and experimental analyses suggest that steady state [Na+]ps can be regulated by the [Na+] in suction pipette electrodes. These findings, while also having a broader significance, indicate for isolated cardiac myocytes that whole-cell suction micro-electrodes can provide a means to assess the dependence of the Na,K-pump on [Na+]ps.
Superluminal light pulse propagation via rephasing in a transparent anomalously dispersive medium

We study the propagation of light pulses through a transparent anomalous dispersion medium where the group velocity of the pulse exceeds c and can even become negative. Because the medium is transparent, we can apply the Kelvin’s method of stationary phase to obtain the general properties of the pulse propagation process for interesting conditions when the group velocity: U<c,U=±∞, and even becomes negative: U<0. A numerical simulation illustrating pulse propagation at a negative group velocity is also presented. We show how rephasing can produce these unusual pulse propagation phenomena.
Body shape and fit preference in body cathexis and clothing benefits sought for professional African-American women

Little survey research exists that categorises the body shapes of African-American women or attempts to understand how these impact their clothing choices. This study profiled 153 professional African-American women regarding the influence of body shape and fit preference on their perceptions of body cathexis (degree of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with one's body) (Secord, P. and Jourard, S., 1953. The appraisal of body cathexis: body cathexis and the self. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 17, 343–347) and clothing benefits sought (Hwang, J., 1996. Relationships between body-cathexis, clothing benefits sought, and clothing behaviors, and effects of importance of meeting the ideal body image and clothing attitude. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg) for tailored career apparel. The body shapes (hourglass, rectangle, pear and inverted triangle) were self-reported. Fit preference was selected from a set of line drawings depicting a tailored...
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alter the spatiotemporal organization of ras proteins on the plasma membrane

Ras proteins on the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane signal from transient nanoscale proteolipid assemblies called nanoclusters. Interactions between the Ras lipid anchors and plasma membrane phospholipids, cholesterol, and actin cytoskeleton contribute to the formation, stability, and dynamics of Ras nanoclusters. Many small biological molecules are amphiphilic and capable of intercalating into membranes and altering lipid immiscibility. In this study we systematically examined whether amphiphiles such as indomethacin influence Ras protein nanoclustering in intact plasma membrane. We found that indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, induced profound and complex effects on Ras spatial organization, all likely related to liquid-ordered domain stabilization. Indomethacin enhanced the clustering of H-Ras.GDP and N-Ras.GTP in cholesterol-dependent nanoclusters. Indomethacin also abrogated efficient GTP-dependent lateral segregation of H- and N-Ras between cholesterol-dependent and cholesterol-independent clusters, resulting in mixed heterotypic clusters of Ras proteins that normally are separated spatially. These heterotypic Ras nanoclusters showed impaired Raf recruitment and kinase activation resulting in significantly compromised MAPK signaling. All of the amphiphilic anti-inflammatory agents we tested had similar effects on Ras nanoclustering and signaling. The potency of these effects correlated with the membrane partition coefficients of the individual agents and was independent of COX inhibition. This study shows that biological amphiphiles have wide-ranging effects on plasma membrane heterogeneity and protein nanoclustering, revealing a novel mechanism of drug action that has important consequences for cell signaling.
What light scattering can tell about the ordering of collagen fibrils in corneal stroma

Normal cornea transmits greater than 90% of visible light, but its transmission would be less than 30% if the stroma's collagen fibrils scattered independently of one another. Thus modern transparency theories are based on there being sufficient order in fibril positions for destructive interference to cause cancellation among the scattered fields. Two types of structure have been proposed: long-range crystalline order as used in the earliest theory, and short-range liquid-like order such as that depicted by electron microscopy. Of course structures depicted in electron micrographs may be distorted and other tests are required to determine the nature of the order. Light scattering measurements can afford such a test. Specifically, the two types of order produce different dependencies on wavelength for the scattering cross-section (angular or total) in the long-wavelength limit. Measurements must be analyzed appropriately to obtain the long-wavelength limit. The results reported in this paper demonstrate that measurements of both angular and total scattering cross-sections support short-range order of fibril positions.
Lithium safety in fusion systems (ITER)

Accidents postulated to occur involving chemical interactions of lithium with water and air are analyzed for the international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER) blanket test module using two different computer models. Vacuum vessel failure is not predicted for lithium leaks into water, but it is predicted in minutes for water leaks into any amount of lithium if the pressure suppression system fails to work as designed. Calculations for lithium leaks into the reactor vault containing air predict failure in an adiabatic system but not if heat loss is included.
Solid tumors in children.

Solid tumors make up about 30% of all pediatric cancers. The most common types of solid tumors in children include brain tumors, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Wilms' tumor, and osteosarcoma. This article reviews the etiology and treatment of these diseases, and discusses the differences between adult and pediatric solid tumors.
Attempts to prevent disuse osteoporosis by treatment with calcitonin, longitudinal compression and supplementary calcium and phosphate.

Six healthy men were studied during 19 weeks of continuous bed rest and 3 treatment regimens were tested for their effectiveness in preventing bone mineral loss: 1. Synthetic salmon calcitonin (100 MRC U daily) did not prevent the negative calcium and phosphorus balances which are observed during untreated bed rest. The increase in urinary calcium and hydroxyproline excretion was unusually large in one of the two subjects. 2. Intermittent compression in the longitudinal axis was applied by springs attached to a special suit; a force equal to 80% of body wt was applied 45 times per min for 4 hr daily. The negative mineral balances were not substantially affected by this regimen. 3. Calcium and phosphate supplements were administered, increasing daily intake of calcium from 1.0 to 1.8 or 2.3 g, and that of phosphorus from 1.7 to 3.0 g. Calcium balances were significantly less negative than those of control subjects in four of five cases; phophorus balances showed similar patterns. 4. Combined administration...
Symptoms of depression and psychological distress among Hispanics with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective To explore the roles played by Hispanic ethnic background and acculturation to the mainstream English language culture of the United States in the depressive symptoms and mental health of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods Members of a consecutive cohort of patients with RA were studied cross-sectionally. All underwent a comprehensive clinical and psychosocial evaluation. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and psychological distress was measured with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) mental health scale. Results Two hundred thirty-six patients were studied. Women had significantly higher median CES-D scores than men (19 versus 14, P = 0.0004), Hispanics scored higher than non-Hispanics (14 versus 8, P = 0.0002), and foreign-born scored higher than US-born patients (14 versus 10, P = 0.009). Compared with those who were fully acculturated, patients who were partially acculturated were more likely to have a score ≥ 16 on the RA-adjusted CES-D (odds ratio [OR] = 1.79, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.37 to 2.35, P ≤ 0.001). Among unacculturated patients, the likelihood of a score ≥ 16 increased 6-fold (OR = 6.68; 95% CI 3.50 to 12.72; P ≤ 0.001). A similar, inverse pattern was observed for the SF-36 mental health scale. In multivariate models accounting for age, sex, education, income, articular pain, deformity, and the level of disability, low acculturation was independently associated with high depressive symptoms, and a Hispanic background was independently associated with lower SF-36 mental health. Conclusions In this consecutive series of RA patients, Hispanics, particularly those who are not fully acculturated to the mainstream Anglo society, had more depressive symptoms and psychological distress than did non-Hispanics.
Free energies of formation of fluorocarbons and their radicals. Thermodynamics of formation and depolymerization of polytetrafluoroethylene

Enthalpies and free energies of formation of a group of aliphatic fluorocarbons and their radicals for 298.15°K. and the ideal gaseous condition are calculated from the available experimental heat and entropy data, extended by means of empirical series treatments. The polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene and the thermal breakdown of the resulting polymer are recognized as thermodynamically equivalent processes, differing only in the sign of the thermal quantities involved. Free energy changes attending various intermediate steps in the free radical-initiated polymerization are calculated. The heat and free energy of polymerization are highly exothermal at 298.15°K., compared with those for other olefinic compounds. At high temperatures reversal of the synthesis steps is to be expected. Initiation of degradation need not occur merely by reversal of the termination process, although this possibility is not excluded.