cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The FARS Data and Side-Impact Collisions

Information on side impact fatal accident cases has been extracted from the NHTSA's 1977 Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) files, combined with parallel information from the National Crash Severity Study (NCSS), and used to estimate the relative frequency of various kinds of side impact collisions. A principal purpose of this analysis was to assess the value of the FARS data in providing an understanding of a particular accident type, and the conclusion is drawn that FARS is useful now, and is likely to be more so in the future. Since it contains the census of fatal highway accidents in the US, conclusions drawn from this file are limited only by inaccuracies in the data and not by statistical sampling considerations.
Brain-computer interfaces: progress, problems, and possibilities

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have a promising future, with researchers in laboratories all over the world using many different brain signals, recording methods, and signal processing approaches to realize increasingly capable systems. These BCI systems can control a variety of external devices, from cursors and avatars on computer screens, to televisions and wheelchairs, to robotic arms and neuroprostheses. People with and without disabilities have tested these systems, and a few people who are severely disabled are already using them for important purposes in their daily lives. Furthermore, several groups are beginning to explore BCI-based methods for improving rehabilitation for people with strokes and other neuromuscular disorders. Thus, BCIs are poised to become a major new technology for people with disabilities, and possibly for the general population as well. At the same time, the realization of this bright future depends on advances in four critical areas. First, both non-invasive and invasive BCIs need better signal-acquisition hardware. Second, the real-life usefulness of BCI systems for people with disabilities requires convincing clinical validation. Third, effective strategies for BCI dissemination and ongoing support must be developed. Fourth, and perhaps most important, if non-invasive or invasive BCIs are to be widely used for anything more than the most basic communication functions, their reliability must be greatly improved. Better reliability may be achieved with BCI design strategies that are based on the principles underlying the excellent reliability of natural neuromuscular actions. These strategies include: effective engagement of brain adaptive capacities; task-appropriate distribution of control between the brain and the BCI; and BCI use of signals from multiple brain areas. Effective attention to these critical areas by scientists and engineers throughout the world can realize the exciting future envisioned for BCI technology.
Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver: a sequela of tumor therapy

Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) of the liver occurs with increased frequency in oncology patients after completion of tumor therapy. Its development may be related to the vascular damage induced by such therapy. We present three children who developed FNH after undergoing antineoplastic therapy for non-hepatic primary tumors. Recognition of this association in the appropriate patient population might obviate the need for biopsy.
Predictive modeling of localized corrosion: An application to aluminum alloys

Abstract Corrosion prevention in light-weight alloys is currently an area of major research for civilian, aerospace, and defense applications. In order to understand thoroughly the complex corrosion system and hence develop effective and “green” corrosion prevention strategies, predictive modeling is believed to be an essential tool. This work presents a new finite element method (FEM)-based corrosion model, specifically tailored for localized pitting corrosion of aluminum alloys. The model distinguishes itself from existing ones by its strong predictive power and high generality. By resorting to this methodology, not only corrosion rate but also pit stability can be quantitatively evaluated for a wide range of systems involving heterogeneous alloy microstructure, complex pit morphology, and versatile solution chemistry. Moreover, the knowledge discovered can shed light on the control of pit repassivation, which will eventually lead to effective corrosion inhibition approaches. A thorough investigation of pitting corrosion of aircraft aluminum alloys is presented in order to demonstrate the efficacy and attractiveness of our method.
Transformative Learning in Intraorganization Partnerships Facilitating Personal, Joint, and Organizational Change

This research examines transformative learning in intraorganization cross-profession partnerships. Partnerships can enhance individual and organizational success through more effective problem solv...
A comparative analysis of international tourists' satisfaction in Mongolia.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine international tourism development in Mongolia in the last decade and analyze international tourists’ satisfaction of their travel experience with tourist attractions, facilities, services and prices. This study identified the demographic characteristics of international tourists from four regions: Europe, the US, Japan and other Asia/Pacific countries by surveying a sample of 530 visitors by air travel. Satisfaction level of international tourists from these four different regions were analyzed and compared to find regional similarities and differences. Recommendations were made for the Mongolian tourism authority to target efficiently its international tourism markets and improve tourism services in Mongolia.
Optimal GSTDN/TDRSS bit error rate evaluation using limited sample sizes

Statistical studies of telemetry errors were made on data from the Solar Mesosphere Explorer (SME). Examination of frame sync words, as received at the ground station, indicated a wide spread of Bit Error Rates (BER) among stations. A study of the distribution of errors per station pass, however, showed that there was a tendency for the station software to add an even number of spurious errors to the count. A count of wild points in science data, rejecting drop-outs and other system errors, yielded an average random BER of 3.1 x 10 to the -6 with 99% confidence limits of 2.6 and 3.8 x 10 to the -6. The system errors are typically 5 to 100 times more frequent than the truly random errors.
Delay analysis for symmetric nodes in mobile ad hoc networks

Different deployments of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) can have widely varying characteristics that greatly impact the behavior of different routing protocols created for these networks. Before applications can be deployed in such environments, it is important for developers to understand the potential quantitative behavior of the protocols that support their applications. Analytical models exist to describe the behavior of MANETs, but they are restricted to simplistic statistical models that represent either node mobility or link connectivity individually without considering the interplay of the two and other important aspects of MANETs. Our previous work has begun developing an integrated analytical framework which considers the impact the physical environment, network characteristics, protocols' behaviors, and the applications' communication patterns have on performance. In this paper, we focus specifically on analytical model to account for the subtleties of message queueing in MANETs. Our analysis explains a delay of a data packet in a mobile node under homogeneous conditions in a node mobility and traffic. This resulting model is expressed with parameters which are obtainable from systems, application designers and a operating environment. We describe our system and derive the delay model. We validate our analytical result through network simulation and discuss potential limitations of the model and future works.
The welcome reassessment of research ethics: is "undue inducement" suspect?

The field of bioethics has been enlivened in recent years by a much-needed reassessment of some basic concepts in research ethics. Moreno (2001) has pointed out the apparent reversal of the old eth...
Characterization of THB1, a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii truncated hemoglobin: linkage to nitrogen metabolism and identification of lysine as the distal heme ligand.

The nuclear genome of the model organism Chlamydomonas reinhardtii contains genes for a dozen hemoglobins of the truncated lineage. Of those, THB1 is known to be expressed, but the product and its function have not yet been characterized. We present mutagenesis, optical, and nuclear magnetic resonance data for the recombinant protein and show that at pH near neutral in the absence of added ligand, THB1 coordinates the heme iron with the canonical proximal histidine and a distal lysine. In the cyanomet state, THB1 is structurally similar to other known truncated hemoglobins, particularly the heme domain of Chlamydomonas eugametos LI637, a light-induced chloroplastic hemoglobin. Recombinant THB1 is capable of binding nitric oxide (NO•) in either the ferric or ferrous state and has efficient NO• dioxygenase activity. By using different C. reinhardtii strains and growth conditions, we demonstrate that the expression of THB1 is under the control of the NIT2 regulatory gene and that the hemoglobin is linked to ...
Seven Office Evaluations A Review

The designed environment of an office, as experienced and used by people, is part of a dynamic system which influences the user's performance and well being. The case studies reported here-based upon extensive interviews, questionnaires, group interviews, and observations at 14 companies repre senting a variety of physical environments-document some of the ways in which the designed environment affects behavior and the user's perception of his environment. The designed environment affects, both positively and nega tively, morale, communication patterns, perceived privacy, and workers' re lationships with others. Similarly, social processes and task variables influence a user's perception of and reaction to the environment in which he works. These findings are reviewed and implications for design are discussed.
Preparation of carrier free radiofluoride with a new estimate of the half-life of F18☆

A method for producing carrier free radiofluoride in aqueous solution using proton bombardment of O/sup 18/ en riched water is described togetber with a new estimate of 109.7 minutes for the half life of F/sup 18/. (auth)
Interfacial properties of self-reinforced composite poly(methyl methacrylate)

Total joint prostheses are often fixed in the bone using bone cement. The cement mantle, however, is prone to fatigue fracture that can lead to failure of the mantle, evolution of bone cement particles, and eventual loosening and failure of the prosthesis. A new material, self-reinforced composite poly(methyl methacrylate) (SRC-PMMA) was developed previously by the authors. This material has a similar chemical composition to bone cement, with the matrix and reinforcing fibers both fabricated from PMMA. One potential use for this material is as a precoat for hip prostheses or other stemmed prostheses. This study sought to examine the strength of the bonds that SRC-PMMA forms with simulated prostheses and bone cement. SRC-PMMA was woven about Co-Cr rods and push out tests were performed. Samples were tested in air as processed or after immersion in saline for 30 days at 37 degrees C. Three different weaves were investigated and compared to bone cement. Bone cement and SRC-PMMA formed interfacial bonds with Co-Cr rods that failed at an average load (stress) of 980 N (2.0 MPa). After saline immersion, the bone cement's interfacial bond strength was 642 N (1.23 MPa) and the tight weave SRC-PMMA was statistically stronger at 973 N (1.86 MPa). The shear strength within bone cement alone as measured by push out tests was an order of magnitude higher at 9210 N (15.2 MPa) in air and 9900 N (15.7 MPa) after saline immersion. The bond between SRC-PMMA and bone cement was 10,900 N (17.9 MPa) in air and 9610 N (15.8 MPa) after immersion in saline. Woven SRC-PMMA performed as well or better than bone cement in these push out tests.
A rediagnosis of the genus Australopithecus

Abstract A rediagnosis of the genus Australopithecus has become desirable because of the recent increase of both cranial and post cranial specimens, and new analyses of functional morphology. The diagnosis proposed here builds on previous diagnoses through the addition of new criteria and the reemphasis of certain features already known to characterize the genus.
Undergraduate military flight officer training: Increasing training effectiveness through job task and training media analysis

To enhance interoperability, leverage strengths, and minimize costs, the Department of Defense has emphasized joint training across military services. To support this effort, the Undergraduate Military Flight Officer (UMFO) program is a joint aviation training program for Navy flight officers and Air Force combat systems officers. As part of the UMFO program development, the Navy Human Performance Center was engaged to support the development of training systems requirements and completed a media and fidelity analysis as part of this effort.
Brittle fracture in materials with random defects.

We study the failure properties of a defected square lattice of Born springs under uniaxial tensile strain. The springs fail completely and irreversibly once a critical strain energy is exceeded. The Born potential provides an effective bending force that yields realistic crack microstructures, which are analyzed in detail. As the defect density increases, the crack becomes increasingly ramified, even though fewer spring failures are required for complete breakdown. The failure stress and Young's modulus approach zero as the system approaches the percolation threshold. Cumulative failure-stress distributions appear consistent with both Weibull and Duxbury-Leath forms. The size and composition of the crack (in terms of initial defects and broken springs) are analyzed as functions of defect density, lattice size, and bending constant.
Treatment of metronidazole-refractory Clostridium difficile enteritis with vancomycin.

ABSTRACT Background: Clostridium difficile infection of the colon is a common and well-described clinical entity. Clostridium difficile enteritis of the small bowel is believed to be less common an...
In vitro mutagenesis as a result of 60Co-γ-ray-induced base damage

Abstract We utilized a model system to study the mechanism(s) of mutation resulting from γ-ray-induced DNA base damage. 60 Co-irradiated, uracil-containing M13mp2 DNA was hybridized to normal (non-uracil) linearized double-stranded virus DNA minus the lac reporter region. Only DNA without strand breaks in the reporter region will circularize. This DNA was used as a substrate for a modified T7 DNA polymerase with no residual 3′ → 5′ exonuclease activity (Sequence 2). The reaction product was transfected into a rec − bacterial host to minimize the occurrence of bypass events in vivo, and mutant progeny were selected. DNA irradiated with 400 or 800 Gy from a 60 Co γ-source gave about a 5-fold increase in the percentage of mutants recovered after synthesis with Sequenase as compared to the recovery of mutants using control DNA. About 20% of the mutants recovered from both irradiated and control templates contained multiple mutations in the target area sequenced. The irradiated samples had an excess of mutations which resulted from changes at pyrimidines. C → T transitions were most common. Mutations at T were mostly (−1) and (−2) frameshifts, particularly at sequences of repeated T's.
Establishing Prenatal Classes In a Small Community: Overcoming the Opposition

The author established the first expectant parent classes to be offered in her small, rural community. The reasons for the medical staff's initial opposition to the class are explored, steps taken to overcome this opposition are explained, methods of publicizing the class are presented, and reactions of the medical staff to the class arc discussed. Resources and the class outline are included.
FURTHER WITHIN-SETTING EMPIRICAL TESTS OF THE SITUATIONAL SPECIFICITY HYPOTHESIS IN PERSONNEL SELECTION

The situational specificity hypothesis in personnel selection holds that variation in observed validity coefficients across studies for the same test and job is due to subtle variations from setting to setting in what constitutes job performance. This hypothesis therefore predicts that, if the setting does not vary, validity will not vary. Using data from a single large-sample validity study (A^ = 1,455), this research generated numerous small-sample studies for which the setting (organization, job, test, criterion measure, applicant pool, time period, and sample size) was held constant. It was found that even under these circumstances there was substantial variability across studies in (a) observed validity coefficients, (b) significance levels, and (c) (using traditional data analytic methods) conclusions about the presence or absence of validity. These findings disconfirm the situational specificity hypothesis and argue strongly against traditional data-analytic procedures and the practice of reliance on single small-sample studies. In contrast to the erroneous conclusions produced by traditional data-analytic procedures, meta-analytic methods correctly estimated the population observed validity at .22 and correctly indicated that all between-study variance in observed validities was due to sampling error alone.
SU-E-I-30: Simulation of the Scatter Energy Spectrum for Multiple C-Arm/patient Thickness Configurations Using MCNPX

Purpose: Lead‐free composite aprons consist of a mixture of relatively low atomic number materials with K shell absorption edges that have been selected to provide maximum X‐ray attenuation per unit mass of the apron for common x‐ray energy spectra encountered in fluoroscopy. The purpose of this study was to simulate and then analyze several factors that may influence the energy spectrum encountered by a physician near the fluoroscopy table. Methods: Dose curves were determined on a Siemens Artis Zee C‐arm system using varying thicknesses of PMMA. A model energy spectrum was generated using SPEKTR for patients of varying size based on the filtration and kVp described by the dose curves. The energy spectrum was imported into MCNPX v2.5.0 and a Monte Carlo simulation performed. Simulated geometries included both AP and lateral, with the physician standing on both the tube and detector side of the bed. Multiple flux tallies were created to generate an energy fluence histogram as a function of physician location for each fluoroscopy geometry. Plots of the energy spectrum were generated from the resultant MCNPX tallies. Results: The average energy of the scatter spectrum varied weakly as a function of C‐arm orientation and physician location relative to C‐arm isocenter. The average energy was the highest at a location of 40 cm inferior at the detector side for a lateral exam at 43.67 keV. The average energy was the lowest at 160 cm inferior on the source side for a lateral exam at 39.82 keV. Conclusion: The influence of physician location and C‐arm geometry on the scatter spectrum was, at its largest, 3.9 keV. The difference in energy was relatively small and provides a well‐defined target region for material‐composite aprons to optimally attenuate scattered photons.
Predicted Combined Effects of Purge Flow and Rotor-Casing Eccentricity on Ingress Heating

The combined effect of purge/coolant e ow rate and nonwhirling, rotor-casing radial eccentricity on the gasturbinewheelspace cavity thermal environmentwas determined from a computational study. In this study, a series ofReynolds-averaged,Navier ‐Stokesnumericalexperimentswasundertakentoobtainanimprovedunderstanding ofmassingresscavityheating.Arecentlydevelopedandheavilytestedthree-scale k-"turbulencemodelwasutilized. The temperature, pressure, Mach number, and Reynolds number of a typical commercial gas-turbine engine were specie ed as appropriate for the mainstream, purge/coolant stream, and turbine wheel. At engine nominal conditions, no mass ingress (100% rim seal effectiveness ) was found for the concentric-rotor case. However, for 50% rotor-casing eccentricity, large mass ingress and only 53% rim seal effectiveness were found. In addition, the minimum purgee ow to prevent mass ingress increased markedly, i.e., from 8000 to 23,500 as the rotoreccentricity increased from 5 to 50%.
Genetic Determinants of Circulating Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)-I, IGF Binding Protein (BP)-1, and IGFBP-3 Levels in a Multiethnic Population

Context: Both circulating levels and genetic variation of IGFs have been associated with cancer risk, yet the relationship between the two is not well understood. Objective: To investigate whether common genetic variation in IGF1, IGF binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), and IGFBP3 influences circulating levels of IGF-I, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-3, we conducted a cross-sectional study of African-American, Native Hawaiian, Japanese-American, Latino, and white men and women in the Multiethnic Cohort. Design: Plasma levels of IGF-I, IGFBP-1, and IGBFP-3 were measured by ELISA in a random sample of 837 Multiethnic Cohort participants. Previously identified tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for IGF1 (29 tag SNPs) and IGFBP1/IGFBP3 (23 tag SNPs) were genotyped among the 837 participants. Analysis of covariance was conducted to test for differences in mean IGF-I, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-3 levels across respective IGF1, IGFBP1, and IGFBP3 genotypes, adjusting for previously identified dietary and lifestyle correlates. Resul...
Popliteal and mesenteric lymph node injection with methylene blue for coloration of the thoracic duct in dogs.

Objective— To describe and compare the time of onset and intensity of thoracic duct coloration after injection of methylene blue into a mesenteric or popliteal lymph node. Study Design— Experimental study. Animals— Twenty adult dogs. Methods— A right tenth intercostal thoracotomy, a right paracostal laparotomy, and an approach to the right popliteal lymph node were performed on each dog. Methylene blue (0.5 mg/kg of a 1% solution, maximum 10 mg) was injected into either a mesenteric (group M, 10 dogs) or popliteal (group P, 10 dogs) lymph node. Thoracic duct color was graded (0 to 3) every 5 minutes for 60 minutes. Statistical analysis was performed on mean thoracic duct color grade data, on number of successful outcomes between groups M and P, and between weight groups. Results— Coloration of the thoracic duct occurred in all group M dogs and 6 group P dogs. Coloration was first recorded 0 to 10 minutes after injection in all dogs and persisted for 60 minutes in 15 dogs. Mean thoracic duct color grade was significantly increased postinjection compared with preinjection at all times in group M. More successful outcomes occurred in group M (P= .03). Conclusions— Methylene blue injected into mesenteric or popliteal lymph nodes was successful in coloring the thoracic duct, but both mean grade and number of successful outcomes were significantly higher after mesenteric injection. Clinical Relevance— Thoracic duct coloration after lymph node injection occurred within 10 minutes and persisted for 60 minutes. This information is useful in planning thoracic duct ligation in cases of chylothorax when observation of the duct is desired. Injection of both lymph node sites was successful, but mesenteric node injection was a more reliable technique.
The Acquisition of Sight-Singing Skills in Second-Grade General Music: Effects of Using Solfege and of Relating Tonal Patterns to Songs.

This study was designed to examine two aspects of sight-singing instruction: (1) solfege syllables versus the syllable loo for singing patterns and (2) the use of related songs (songs that began wi...
Follicular hybrid cysts with infundibular, isthmic-catagen, and pilomatrical differentiation: a report of 2 patients

The term hybrid cyst was originally coined to describe combination follicular cysts with both epidermoid and trichilemmal (pilar) epithelial zones, separated by an abrupt transition. The concept has since expanded to include many different combinations of pilosebaceous unit differentiation. Entities previously reported also include infundibular and pilomatricomal cyst, trichilemmal and pilomatricomal cyst, eruptive vellus hair cyst combined with steatocystoma or trichilemmal cyst, and trichilemmal, sebaceous, and pilomatricomal cyst. We report 2 cases of follicular hybrid cysts, all mixtures of epidermoid, trichilemmal, and matrical differentiation. The cysts, involving the ear and abdomen, occurred in one woman and one man.
Determination of leukotriene A4 stabilization by S100A8/A9 proteins using mass spectrometry

Leukotriene A4 (LTA4) is the precursor for the formation of bioactive leukotrienes, but is highly susceptible to nonenzymatic hydrolysis. Although it is chemically reactive, LTA4 participates in the process of transcellular metabolism, which requires the transfer of LTA4 from one cell to another for the production of additional leukotrienes. Due to the susceptibility of LTA4 to hydrolysis, various methods have been used to measure the half-life of LTA4 in the presence of different proteins in efforts to understand how it is transported between cells. In this work, a new liquid chromatography mass spectrometry technique was developed to improve upon these previous assays that analyzed LTA4 directly. The new technique derivatizes LTA4 to stable compounds for analysis and removes the potential for sample decomposition between analytical runs. This assay was used in measuring the capabilities of the S100A8/A9 protein complex isolated from human neutrophils to stabilize LTA4. It was determined that the S100A8/A9 protein complex protects LTA4 from hydrolysis in a Ca2+ dependent manner and increases LTA4 half-life to in excess of 35 and 5 min at 4°C and 37°C, respectively.
Causally ordered multicast: the conservative approach

Process group toolkits provide methods to structure a system as a set of groups of cooperating processes, to detect process failures, and to order events (by ordering messages). Such tools have a performance cost for applications, particularly when a system is built using a large number of overlapping groups. We built an event-driven simulation to study performance of causally ordered message delivery in large systems composed of overlapping groups. Our studies, the first ever of multiple group systems, reveal some conditions under which the delays can be very large: two orders of magnitude greater than when delays are not required. Further, in a large system these delays can lead to increased system burstiness which limits system scalability. These results suggest that a system supporting multiple overlapping groups needs to be carefully designed and the system should often provide users with control over when to apply ordering guarantees.
Detection of functional ligand-binding events using synchrotron x-ray scattering.

Small-molecule ligands that change the structure of a protein are likely to affect its function, whereas those causing no structural change are less likely to be functional. Wide-angle x-ray scattering (WAXS) can be easily carried out on proteins and small molecules in solution in the absence of chemical tags or derivatives. The authors demonstrate that WAXS is a sensitive probe of ligand binding to proteins in solution and can distinguish between nonfunctional and productive binding. Furthermore, similar ligand-binding modes translate into similar scattering patterns. This approach has high potential as a novel, generic, low-throughput assay for functional ligand binding. (Journal of Biomolecular Screening 2007:994-998)
Tools for studying low-mass dark matter at neutrino detectors

We determine the neutrino spectra arising from low-mass ($4--10\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$) dark matter annihilating in the sun. We also determine the low-mass dark matter capture rates (element by element in the sun), assuming dark matter interacts either through elastic contact interactions, elastic long-range interactions, or inelastic contact interactions. These are the non-detector-specific data needed for determining the sensitivity of a neutrino detector to dark matter annihilating in the sun. As an application, we estimate the sensitivity of a one kiloton liquid scintillation neutrino detector (such as KamLAND) and LBNE (LAr-based) to low-mass dark matter with long-range interactions and compare this to the expected CDMS sensitivity. It is found that KamLAND's sensitivity can exceed that obtainable from the current CDMS data set by up to two orders of magnitude.
Small ring metallocycles

Abstract The structure of the cyclo-metalladisiloxane, Me2SiOSiMe2Ir(H)(CO)(PPh3)2, has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction using Mo-Kα radiation. Data were collected to 20 = 45 ° giving 6060 unique reflections,of which 4582 had I ⩾3σ(I). The latter were used in the full-matrix refinement. Crystallographic data: space group, P 1 ; cell constants: 12.604(7),12.470(4), 15.821(6) A, 66.93(6)°, 105.34(7)°, 112.41(8)°;V 2095(3) A3; p(obs) 1.45 g/cm3; p(calc) 1.46g/cm3 (Z=2). The asymmetric unit consists of one iridium complex and one molecule of ethanol of salvation. The structure was solved by standard heavy atom methods and refined with all non-hydrogen atoms anisotrophic to final R factors, R1 0.034 and R2 0.042. The iridium metallocycle has approximate Cs symmetry with the mirror plane passing through the four-membered IrSiOSi ring. The average IrP, IrSi and SiO bond lengths are 2.38, 2.41, and 1.68 A, respectively. The IrCO and CO bond lengths are 1.903(8) and 1.133(8). The H atom bonded to Ir was not located.The Ir atom is raised out of the basal, P2Si2 plane toward the carbonyl by about 0.26 A. The most striking feature of the structure is the strain apparent in the four-membered ring. The internal angels are: 64.7 (SiIrSi), 96.8 (IrSiO), 97.8 (IrSiO), and 99.8 (SiOSi). In an unstrained molecule, the SiOSi angle is normally in the 130–150° range. It is proposed that the strain in the ring is consistent with the catalytic activity of the metallocycle.
Basinwide Considerations for Water Quality Management: Importance of Phosphorus Retention by Reservoirs

Abstract : Reservoirs are designed and operated to control the flow of rivers to achieve flood control, water storage, power generation, irrigation, navigation, and other beneficial uses. From a water control or water quantity standpoint, reservoirs within the same drainage basin are often viewed as an integrated system to be optimized to achieve authorized reservoir uses and basinwide water control objectives. While methods for accomplishing this are well established, similar basinwide considerations for water quality are less common. This technical note provides a theoretical basis for implementing basinwide water quality management by considering the water quality influences of reservoirs on regulated rivers, specifically, the retention of phosphorus.
Aero-optics of subsonic turbulent boundary layers

Compressible large-eddy simulations are carried out to study the aero-optical distortions caused by Mach 0.5 flat-plate turbulent boundary layers at Reynolds numbers of , 1770 and 3550, based on momentum thickness. The fluctuations of refractive index are calculated from the density field, and wavefront distortions of an optical beam traversing the boundary layer are computed based on geometric optics. The effects of aperture size, small-scale turbulence, different flow regions and beam elevation angle are examined and the underlying flow physics is analysed. It is found that the level of optical distortion decreases with increasing Reynolds number within the Reynolds-number range considered. The contributions from the viscous sublayer and buffer layer are small, while the wake region plays a dominant role, followed by the logarithmic layer. By low-pass filtering the fluctuating density field, it is shown that small-scale turbulence is optically inactive. Consistent with previous experimental findings, the distortion magnitude is dependent on the propagation direction due to anisotropy of the boundary-layer vortical structures. Density correlations and length scales are analysed to understand the elevation-angle dependence and its relation to turbulence structures. The applicability of Sutton’s linking equation to boundary-layer flows is examined, and excellent agreement between linking equation predictions and directly integrated distortions is obtained when the density length scale is appropriately defined.
Low-Cost and Readily Available Tissue Carriers for the Boston Keratoprosthesis: A Review of Possibilities

The Boston keratoprosthesis (B-KPro), currently the most commonly used artificial cornea worldwide, can provide rapid visual rehabilitation for eyes with severe corneal opacities not suitable for standard corneal transplantation. However, the B-KPro presently needs a corneal graft as a tissue carrier. Although corneal allograft tissue is readily available in the United States and other developed countries with established eye banks, the worldwide need vastly exceeds supply. Therefore, a simple, safe, and inexpensive alternative to corneal allografts is desirable for the developing world. We are currently exploring reasonable alternative options such as corneal autografts, xenografts, noncorneal autologous tissues, and laboratory-made tissue constructs, as well as modifications to corneal allografts, such as deep-freezing, glycerol-dehydration, gamma irradiation, and cross-linking. These alternative tissue carriers for the B-KPro are discussed with special regard to safety, practicality, and cost for the developing world.
The politics of smoke-free policies in developing countries: Lessons from Africa

Summary The public health rewards of smoke-free policies are well documented. But in their enthusiasm to achieve such policies, public health advocates and policymakers frequently underestimate the political complexity of passing laws, and then implementing and enforcing them. Using 12 African countries as the focus of discussion, this research examines the basic political process for and the barriers to achieving smoke-free policies. Moreover, in addition to the obstacles, it examines why some countries have been experiencing comparatively more success in the smoke-free policy area. The findings of the research suggest strongly that the presence of a vigorous tobacco control civil society movement, some will on the part of government institutions, and active research support contribute significantly to successful smoke-free policies. It is also apparent that the emerging battle fronts in smoke-free policies are in the areas of implementation and enforcement, and while similar variables that affect the passing of new laws also condition these outcomes, there are the added distinct challenges of policy fatigue and additional resource constraints.
Evaluation of Performance and Potential Clinical Impact of ProSpecT Shiga Toxin Escherichia coli Microplate Assay for Detection of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli in Stool Samples

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria (STEC) are emerging pathogens capable of producing sporadic and epidemic diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and potentially life-threatening hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Although the presence of E. coli O157 can be readily detected in stool by sorbitol-MacConkey agar culture (SMAC), STEC non-O157 serotypes cannot. In contrast to culture, testing for the presence of Shiga toxins 1 and 2 in stool detects both O157 and non-O157 STEC serotypes capable of causing disease. Over two consecutive summers, we evaluated the performance of the ProSpecT Shiga toxin E. coli Microplate assay (Alexon-Trend, Ramsey, Minn.), an enzyme immunoassay for the detection of Shiga toxins 1 and 2, on all stools submitted for culture of enteric pathogens, and the potential clinical impact of Shiga toxin detection. Twenty-nine stool specimens were STEC positive by ProSpecT assay. Twenty-seven of 29 STEC-positive isolates were confirmed by SMAC and serotyping or by a second enzyme immunoassay and PCR (positive predictive value, 93%). Thirteen of 27 confirmed Shiga toxin-producing strains were serotype O157. The remaining 14 strains represented 8 other serotypes. The ProSpecT assay was 100% sensitive and specific for detection of E. coli O157 in stool (7 of 7) compared to SMAC. In addition, the ProSpecT assay detected twice as many STEC as SMAC. Fifty-two percent of confirmed STEC-positive stools were nonbloody. Thus, in our population, screening strategies that test only visibly bloody stools for STEC would miss a majority of cases. Eleven (41%) STEC-positive patients were hospitalized, and eight (30%) developed severe disease (two developed hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and six developed hemorrhagic colitis). Prior to detection of STEC infection, seven (26%) and eight patients (30%) underwent unnecessary diagnostic procedures or received potentially deleterious empirical treatment, respectively. We propose that establishing a specific diagnosis of STEC may have prevented these potentially harmful interventions. We conclude that the ProSpecT assay is sensitive and specific for the detection of Shiga toxins 1 and 2 in stool and has potentially significant clinical impact for the individual patient and public health. Shiga toxin assays should be considered for routine use in settings where prevalence of STEC disease warrants testing.
Optimized electroabsorption in asymmetric double quantum wells for broadband electric-field sensing

Electroabsorption in GaAs/AlGaAs asymmetric double quantum wells (ADQW) was theoretically optimized for optical detection of RF fields. The calculated maximum sensitivity of the optimized ADQW is more than 0.2% (cm/kV)-1 per layer at room temperature.
Couples Exploring Nonmonogamy: Guidelines for Therapists

A population that is potentially challenging for couple and family therapists to work with is that of couples who want to explore nonmonogamy. For many therapists, nonmonogamy challenges personal values and beliefs, and there is little in the literature to support therapists in achieving cultural competency in this area. Based on a review of Western clinical literature over the past 20 years and on the author's clinical experience, the author provides therapists with guidelines to use with couples who want to explore the possibility of becoming nonmonogamous. The guidelines include (a) educating oneself about nonmonogamy; (b) identifying one's own values and beliefs related to nonmonogamy;
Ethical reflections on becoming teachers

AbstractThis study analyzes narratives written in a culminating graduate seminar on reflective practice by 36 new secondary teachers who were asked to consider their moral beliefs, moral values and system of ethics as they reflected on their recent student teaching experiences. The findings explore how the participants depicted their constructed moral identities and felt obligated to critically reflect on them, affirmed values that guided their practice, and desired to be role models. Implications include attending to novice teachers’ moral identity development, infusing moral language into teacher education and recognizing teachers’ moral purposes, introducing curriculum to cultivate moral imagination, and helping teachers to realize their potential as moral agents by preparing them to become moral educators. The study also suggests the need to allow for broader ethical and political conceptions of the moral dimensions of teaching.
Effect of mandibular tori on glottic exposure during simulated suspension microlaryngoscopy.

Objectives:Mandibular tori have been identified as a contributing factor in difficult exposure during intubation. However, no investigation has measured the effect of mandibular tori on glottic exposure during suspension microlaryngoscopy (SML). The objective of this study was to measure how the size and location of mandibular tori affect glottic exposure during simulated SML at different thyromental distances.Methods:Suspension microlaryngoscopy was modeled on an anatomically accurate skull and larynx with thyromental distances between 6 and 12 cm. Mandibular tori were simulated by protruding screws 5 to 15 mm from the lingual aspect of the mandible. The tori were positioned either 15 mm (anterior) or 25 mm (posterior) from the midline of the symphysis. The glottic exposure for the various-size tori in each location was measured by recording the displacement of the glottiscope tip relative to the most anterior exposure achievable without tori. The glottiscope angle relative to the horizontal plane was me...
Childhood fractures requiring open reduction and fixation. 2. Elbow and epiphyseal fractures.

If a fracture of the head of the radius is displaced or angulated more than 35 to 40 degrees, closed reduction is indicated. If that fails, the surgeon should reduce it openly and fixate the bone with a Kirschner wire. Fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus are treated similarly, but medial epicondyle fracture can be reduced directly. Epiphyseal fractures pose special problems which are discussed here.
Advanced ELLPACK Features

This chapter presents features of ELLPACK which give one more control over the problem solving process. These features provide: 1. the capability to handle more general problems, 2. means to construct iterative methods (e.g., for nonlinear problems), 3. the ability to reduce computer resource usage, 4. means to study the methods in ELLPACK, 5. more convenient programming in certain applications.
High-resolution adaptive nulling performance for a lightweight agile EHF multiple beam antenna

The design and experimental performance of a lightweight high-resolution adaptive nulling extremely high-frequency multiple beam antenna (MBA) are addressed. A 127-beam MBA and a four-channel RF nulling network operating over the 43.5-to-45.5-GHz band were used to adaptively null a jammer in anechoic chamber measurements. Lightweight waveguide transmission lines together with ferrite switches were used to select beam ports from the 127-beam MBA. The MBA was designed to provide simultaneous coverage for three communications system users while providing pattern discrimination or nulling of jammers located within 0.1 degrees of the user. Cancellation greater than 30 dB when operating in a wideband mode was experimentally demonstrated. >
Bank risk in a decade of low interest rates

A low interest rate regime remains in place in the U.S. after the Financial Crisis of 2008. Banks nevertheless need to find ways to boost the economic value to shareholders. This research examine whether it is possible for banks to stay the course and pursue profitable yet riskier assets or investments regardless of the fact that regulators have put restrictions on banks’ asset portfolio formation and capital ratio. This study hypothesizes that banks still engage in highly risky yet profitable investments or services to offset low interest income even after the 2008 Financial Crisis. A panel VAR model and a dynamic GMM model incorporating two structural breaks are employed to examine bank data obtained from the FFIEC from 2003 thru 2014. This study suggests that banks, especially larger banks, still have strong incentives to undertake riskier projects with higher expected returns in order to increase their performance. This has implications for policy makers examining risks inherent to the banking system.
On the validity of the Onsager reciprocal relations

This article examines the conditions under which the Onsager reciprocal relations hold for the matrix of transport coefficients in the constitutive laws for heat and mass transport in continuous systems. For a K component system and a suitable choice of reference frame, those laws may be expressed in the form vector J/sub i/ = summation from j = 0 to K (H/sub ij/vector F/sub j/) summation from j = 0 to K (H/sub ij/grad h/sub i/ where vector J/sub 0/ is the energy flux, vector J/sub i/ for i = 1,. . .,K is the mass flux of the i/sup th/ species, and the vector F/sub j/ = grad h/sub j/ are thermodynamic driving forces in which the h/sub j/ are potentials that are functions of the local thermodynamic state; and H/sub ij/, also functions of the local state, are the transport coefficients whose symmetry is under consideration. All terms in Equation 1 will depend in general on position.
OBSERVATION OF SHORT ICRF WAVES IN MICROTOR/MACROTOR*

ABSTRACT Density fluctuations from driven waves were measured by coherent scattering of far infrared and microwave beams. The waves were excited by loop couplers near the ion cyclotron, two-ion hybrid, second and third harmonic frequencies. Mode conversions and transformation points were identified by the Doppler shift due to induced motions of the individual resonant layers. The results are compared to theoretical predictions.
Discrete mathematics interactive activities: nifty assignment

Web Automated Grading System, from Appalachian State University, is a web-based learning tool consisting of various interactive programming and logical reasoning labs. Recently, the author has used the tool for two semesters in teaching a course in Discrete Mathematics. The students were first assigned to perform tasks in various labs in WAGS. They then took a test using WAGS. The test result shows that the students using WAGS had a significant understanding of the subjects. In this nifty assignment talk, the author will show how WAGS was assigned as a homework assignment and used as a testing tool. The author will also show the class performance improvement achieved by using WAGS, and the student feedback in using WAGS.
Off-Label Prescribing for Children with Migraines in U.S. Ambulatory Care Settings.

Background: Migraines, Which Affect About 10% Of School-Age Children In The United States, Can Significantly Impair Quality Of Life. Despite Potential Disability, Many Children Do Not Receive Treatment Or Prophylaxis, Since Medications Specifically Approved For Children Are Significantly Less Than For Adults. There Is Also Controversy Surrounding The Apparent Widespread Practice Of Prescribing Off-Label Medications For Children With Migraines. However, Little Research Has Been Done To Identify Physician-Prescribing Patterns Of Migraine Medication For Children. Objective: To Investigate The Prevalence And Pattern Of Off-Label Prescribing For Children With Migraines. Methods: A Secondary Data Analysis Was Conducted Using The Pooled National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (Namcs) 2011 And 2012. Patients Aged 17 Years Or Younger With A Migraine Diagnosis Were Included. A Series Of Weighted Descriptive Analyses Were Used To Estimate The Prevalence Of Migraine Drugs Prescribed During Pediatric Office Visits. A ...