cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of amorphous layers on silicon by backscattering and channeling effect measurements

Abstract Backscattering and channeling of MeV 4He ions in single crystals covered with amorphous layers are discussed with the particular purpose of employing this nondestructive method to determine depth dependence of the composition, density and the total thickness of such layers. The analysis shows that the ratio of concentrations (and a relative depth scale) can be found directly from the experimental curves. To determine the absolute concentrations and depth scale independent measurement of stopping powers or layer thickness is required. Oxide layers grown on single crystal Si were used to verify the analytical results and, furthermore, we show illustrative analyses for samples with unknown characteristics. This technique may be applied rather extensively to the analysis of thin films.
Low effective population size and survivorship in a grassland grouse

Assessments of census size (Nc) and effective population size (Ne) are necessary for the conservation of species exhibiting population declines. We examined two populations (Oklahoma and New Mexico) of the lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus), a declining lek-breeding bird, in which one population (Oklahoma) has larger clutch size and more nesting attempts per year but lower survival caused by human changes to the landscape. We estimated demographic and genetic estimates of Ne for each population and found that both populations have low Ne estimates with a risk of inbreeding depression. Although Oklahoma females produce a larger number of offspring, the proportion of females successfully reproducing is not higher than in New Mexico. Higher reproductive effort has likely reached a physiological limit in Oklahoma prairie-chickens but has not led to a higher Ne or even a larger Nc than New Mexico. We propose that future conservation efforts focus on maximizing survivorship and decreasing the variance in reproductive success because these factors are more likely than increasing reproductive output alone to yield population persistence in lek-breeding species.
Textural Properties of Yogurt Made with Encapsulated Nonropy Lactic Cultures

The effects of encapsulated strains of lactic acid bacteria on the textural properties of yogurt were determined. Yogurt made with encapsulated nonropy single strains of lactobacilli exhibited the lowest firmness and lowest curd tension. Yogurt made with encapsulated cultures of mixed strains was less firm and had lower curd tension than that made with unencapsulated cultures. Although firmness of yogurt at pH 4.6 made with a single ropy strain was similar to that made with unencapsulated cultures, ropy yogurt at pH 4.2 made with a combination of ropy Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and nonropy Streptococcus thermophilus was significantly less firm. Yogurt made with encapsulated nonropy cultures bound more water than did yogurt made with unencapsulated cultures but less water than did the ropy yogurt. Both ropy yogurt and yogurt made with encapsulated nonropy cultures were less susceptible to syneresis than yogurt made with unencapsulated culture.
The development of a modified spectral ripple test

Poor spectral resolution can be a limiting factor for hearing impaired listeners, particularly for complex listening tasks such as speech understanding in noise. Spectral ripple tests are commonly used to measure spectral resolution, but these tests contain a number of potential confounds that can make interpretation of the results difficult. To measure spectral resolution while avoiding those confounds, a modified spectral ripple test with dynamically changing ripples was created, referred to as the spectral-temporally modulated ripple test (SMRT). This paper describes the SMRT and provides evidence that it is sensitive to changes in spectral resolution.
Reliability of a point‐based VTE risk assessment tool in the hands of medical residents

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) are a significant cause of mortality in hospitalized medical and surgical patients. Despite recommendations and guidelines, current evidence demonstrates that VTE prophylaxis remains underutilized in at-risk patients. The process of providing VTE prophylaxis begins with assessing each patient's VTE risk. Using an individualized, point-based protocol in the assessment process is a complex task, and might contribute to variability in VTE prescribing behavior. There are no published data on how reliably residents can perform risk assessment and prophylaxis using a point-based VTE risk assessment tool. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine inter-rater reliability of a point-based risk assessment tool by residents early in the academic year. DESIGN: The design was a cross-sectional-cohort observational study. SETTING: The site was an academic medical center. PATIENTS: Case-based clinical vignettes were used. INTERVENTIONS: Verbal instructions were given to medical residents about how to apply our hospital's point-based VTE risk assessment tool. MEASUREMENTS: Interobserver agreement was measured of: 1) risk score, 2) risk-stratification, 3) identification of contraindications, 4) VTE prophylaxis plan, and 5) resident adherence to the protocol. RESULTS: The intra-class correlation (ICC) for the total risk score was 0.66 and the kappa coefficient for risk stratification was 0.51. The kappa scores for absolute and relative contraindications were 0.29 and 0.23, respectively. The kappa score for the VTE plan was 0.28. CONCLUSIONS: We determined that, following brief instructions early in the academic year, a point-based VTE risk assessment tool has only fair to moderate inter-rater reliability, with suboptimal adherence to the protocol. Both might lead to underutilization of VTE prevention strategies. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.
A colorimetric method for the determination of silicon in biological materials.

Abstract A heteropoly blue method for determination of silicon in biological samples is outlined. Sensitive at the 0.5-μg level, the procedure provides for the elimination of metallic ions interfering in color development, and is found to be totally nonreactive to phosphate, arsenate, iodate, chromate, zinc, calcium, and copper ions. Concentrations as high as 10,000 μg per test sample of the latter ions were found to be nonreactive. Si values obtained by this colorimetric method are compared with those obtained by standard gravimetric procedures and superiority of the color technique described here is discussed.
A general equilibrium analysis of foreign direct investment and the real exchange rate

Modern theories of foreign direct investment claim that foreign direct investment occurs because certain domestic assets are worth more under foreign control. This view developed by industrial organization theorists is indifferent to the financing mode of a foreign acquisition as well as to the interaction between foreign direct investment (FDI) and real exchange rates. However, empirical research has uncovered a significant relationship between FDI and exchange rates. Second, partial equilibrium models of FDI have focused on FDI as foreign acquisitions of existing assets but not on new capital formation initiated by foreigners. We complement these contributions by developing a welfare-maximizing, general equilibrium model of the interaction between FDI as cross-border acquisitions, and the real exchange rate. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of indoor concentrations of carbon monoxide and ozone in an urban hospital

Carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3) were monitored in an office and two intensive care units of an urban hospital for 1 year. Annual average indoor CO concentrations averaged 0.2 to 1.3 ppm higher than outdoor concentrations (significant at P < 0.05), with indoor levels of 2.2 to 3.1 ppm. These differences were the result of indoor sources, probably smoking. Annual average indoor O3 concentrations averaged 0.005 ppm less than those outdoors (significant at P < 0.05), with a range of indoor means from 0.007 to 0.013 ppm. Indoor concentrations of both pollutants were modeled by performing a mass balance for each area. The predicted and observed annual average indoor concentrations were within 0.3 ppm for CO for areas with identified sources and 0.003 ppm for O3. Because of a relatively unsophisticated characterization of indoor sources, comparisons of hourly predictions were less accurate, although correlation coefficients between observed and predicted were as high as 0.71 for CO and 0.91 for O3.
Lysozyme for capture of microorganisms on protein biochips

Abstract Lysozyme placed on the SiO2 surfaces that have previously been derivatized with C18 coating will capture both Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes cells from PBS buffer at pH 7.2. This phenomenon is of significance for the design and fabrication of protein biochips that are designed to capture bacteria from buffer or water so that these can be further interrogated with respect to possible pathogenicity. Fluorescent microscopy shows that two types of bacteria (gram-negative E. coli and gram-positive Listeria spp.) will be adsorbed by lysozyme placed on the surface of the biochip but that strong adsorption of the bacteria is reduced but not eliminated when Tween 20 is present (at 0.5%) in the PBS buffer in which the cells are suspended. In comparison, Tween 20 and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) almost completely block adsorption of these bacteria on C18 coated surfaces. The combination of a lysozyme surface with Tween 20 gives a greater degree of adsorption of L. monocytogenes than E. coli, and hence suggests selectivity for the more hydrophobic E. coli may be reduced by the Tween 20. This paper presents protocols for preparing protein-coated, SiO2 surfaces and the effect of buffer containing Tween 20 on adsorption of bacteria by SiO2 surfaces coated with C18 to which BSA, lysozyme or C11E9 antibody is immobilized at pH 7.2 and ambient temperature.
Anisotropy of thermal infrared exitance in sunflower canopies

Anisotropy of thermal infrared exitance above and within a relatively closed fully irrigated sunflower canopy is detailed. Azimuthal variation in thermal infrared exitance above canopies was weakly (statistically) related to solar position and was comparable to or larger than errors in satellite-based canopy estimates. Anisotropy within canopies was significantly lower and decreased with canopy closure and depth into the canopy. Measured azimuthal isotropy within canopies supports the use of this assumption in radiative transfer models. Significant differences in canopy temperature measurements were found depending upon whether the instruments were within or above the canopy. These differences could produce errors of 20-35 percent in latent energy estimates during periods of high evapotranspiration (ET) and greater errors in periods of restricted ET.
The cohesive and surface energies of some crystals possessing the fluorite structure

Hitherto the calculation of the surface energies of ionic crystals has been confined almost exclusively to the alkali halides (Born & Stern i919; Lennard-Jones & Taylor I925; Shuttleworth I949; van Zeggeren & Benson I957), possibly because the experimental and theoretical data necessary to extend the calculations to other crystals have not been readily available. The basis for most of the work has been the investigations of Born and his co-workers on the cohesive energies of crystals possessing the sodium chloride structure; these have given fairly acceptable values for the data important in the corresponding surface energy calculations. Unfortunately, detailed cohesive energy calculations have not been carried out for many other structures or crystals. The most elaborate of the classical models which have been used for cohesive energy computations is that of Born & Mayer (I932) in which the ionic electrostatic energy is balanced against an exponential repulsive energy expression containing two adjustable parameters. By making use of experimentally measured lattice constants and thermodynamic data for particular crystals, values of the two parameters may be determined and the cohesive energies obtained. The full treatment includes a number of other terms in the energy expression and this tends to improve the agreement between the theoretical values for the cohesive energy and the experimental values calculated via the Born-Haber cycle; in general, however, these additional terms make minor contributions to the total cohesive energies. Since the experimental and theoretical cohesive energies for the crystals investigated agree very closely and since for different members of a given series of ionic crystals, possessing chemically similar constituents, the values of the two repulsive parameters vary relatively little, the Born-Mayer model may be said to be reasonably
Pulsed electrochemical detection of thiocompounds following microchromatographic separations

Abstract Pulsed electrochemical detection (PED) following microchromatographic separations has been applied to the determination of thiocompounds (e.g., methionine, cystamine, glutathione, glutathione disulfide) under typical reversed-phase conditions. Both reduced and oxidized thiol moieties are detected with high selectivity and sensitivity without the need of derivatization. The anodic responses of model thiol redox couples are shown to be based upon oxide-catalyzed anodic oxygen transfer reactions at noble metal electrodes. The mechanism of detection and optimization of PED waveform parameters are studied using cyclic and pulsed voltammetry at rotated disk electrodes. In a comparative study of pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) and integrated pulsed amperometric detection (IPAD), IPAD is determined to be better suited to manage the large oxide-formation (background) currents, which accompany the Faradaic signal of the analyte. IPAD results in more stable baselines, eliminates oxide-induced artifacts, and yields lower limits of detection. The higher frequency waveforms (1 Hz) needed to define the narrow peaks of microchromatographic separations and the fast scan rates (1000 mV s−1) of the IPAD waveform require the use of microelectrodes (≤ 1 mm), which exhibit reduced capacitance effects. Mass detection limits for thiocompounds are typically 0.2–3 pmole for microbore chromatography and 0.1-0.3 pmole for capillary liquid chromatography. The high selectivity of PED for thiocompounds reduces sample preparation and produces simpler chromatograms of complex mixtures, such as liver extracts.
Manifestly Lorentz-Invariant Baryon Chiral Perturbation Theory

The straightforward application of dimensional regularization and minimal subtraction leads to problems with the power counting in a manifestly Lorentz-invariant formulation of baryon chiral perturbation theory. These complications can be avoided by using alternative renormalization schemes, such as infrared regularization and the extended on-mass-shell scheme. Some recent applications of these formalisms are discussed, including the chiral expansion of the nucleon mass and nucleon form factors. The extension of these methods to include additional degrees of freedom is also addressed.
Phenylalanine-pyruvate aminotransferase in immature and adult mammalian tissues. Induction in fetal rat liver.

Abstract Normal human fetal liver contains little phenylalanine-pyruvate aminotransferase: between the 11th and 22nd week of gestation its activity (per g) is 8.8% of that in adult liver. In rat liver this enzyme begins to rise a few hours before birth. Precocious increases in the phenylalanine-pyruvate aminotransferase activity of fetal rat liver (but not kidney or brain) were evoked by premature delivery and also by the administration of thyroxine or glucagon in utero. These results, Discussed in relation to related observations on other enzymes, suggest that thyroxine secreted by the fetus, and also another factor relaesed at the beginning of labour, may be the natural stimuli for the developmental formation of phenylalanine-pyruvate aminotransferase. The regulation of hepatic phenylalanine-pyruvate aminotransferase and phenylalanine hydroxylase (L-phenylalanine, tetrahydropteridine:oxygen oxidoreductase (4-hydroxylating), EC 1.14.16.1) during fetal development is different: in both man and rat, phenylalanine hydroxylase begins to rise earlier and is unaffected by the treatments which enhanced the formation of phenylalanine-pyruvate aminotransferase. In suckling rats (but not in fetuses and adults), an injection of cortisol increased the levels of both enzymes. Hepatocarcinomas of the adult rat were devoid phenylalanine hydroxylase as well as phenylalanine-pyruvate aminotransferase. However, suppression in vivo by substrate analogues (α-methylphenylalanine and p -chlorophenylalanine) was unique for phenylalanine hydroxylase.
Hydrogen Storage Properties of Rigid Three-Dimensional Hofmann Clathrate Derivatives: The Effects of Pore Size

The effects of pore size on the hydrogen storage properties of a series of pillared layered solids based on the M(L)[M‘(CN)4] structural motif, where M = Co or Ni, L = pyrazine (pyz), 4,4‘-bipyridine (bpy), or 4,4‘-dipyridylacetylene (dpac), and M‘ = Ni, Pd, or Pt, has been investigated. The compounds all possess slitlike pores with constant in-plane dimensions and similar organic functionality. The pore heights vary as a function of L and provide a means for a systematic investigation of the effects of pore dimension on hydrogen storage properties in porous materials. Hydrogen isotherms were measured at 77 and 87 K up to a pressure of 1 atm. The pyz pillared materials with the smallest pore dimensions store hydrogen at a pore density similar to that of liquid hydrogen. The adsorbed hydrogen density drops by a factor of 2 as the relative pore size is tripled in the dpac material. The decreased storage efficiency diminishes the expected gravimetric gain in capacity for the larger pore materials. The heats ...
Preparation and electrochemical response of 1-3 nm Pt disk electrodes.

The preparation and characterization of Pt nanoelectrodes in the range of 1 to 3 nm in radii are reported. A Pt microwire is sealed into a bilayer quartz capillary and pulled into an ultrasharp Pt nanowire sealed in a silica tip using a laser-assisted pulling process. The ultrasharp tip is then sealed into a piece of glass tubing, which is manually polished to expose the Pt. Transmission electron microscopy and steady-state voltammetry are utilized to characterize the nanoelectrodes. The results show that the minimum size of the Pt nanoelectrode is determined by the size of the Pt microwire and parameters used in the pulling process. The heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant for the oxidation of ferrocene, ferrocenemethanol, and potassium hexachloroiridate (III) are determined from steady-state voltammetry using the method of Mirkin and Bard and are found to be k° = 7.6 ± 3.4 cm/s and α = 0.85 ± 0.06 for ferrocene, k° = 7.4 ± 6.9 cm/s and α = 0.78 ± 0.16 for ferrocenemethanol, and k° = 6.0 ± 4.2 c...
The role of biogenic amines in the reserpine-induced alteration of minimal electroshock seizure thresholds in the mouse

A single injection of reserpine (1 mgkg i.p.) produced an increased susceptibility to minimal electroshock seizures, as well as a decrease in whole brain levels of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT). The return to normal seizure susceptibility correlated well with the return of the ability of whole brain tissue to synthesize and retain 3H-amine formed from either 3H-3,5-l-tyrosine or 3H-5-hydroxy-dl-tryptophan. Selective inhibition of catecholamine synthesis with α-methyl-p-tyrosine, following reserpine administration, prevented the return to normal both of seizure susceptibility and NE and DA levels. The combination of disulfiram and reserpine also prevented the return to normal seizure susceptibility. After the latter treatment, levels of DA were elevated while NE remained depressed. Selective inhibition of 5-HT synthesis following reserpine similarly prevented the return of normal seizure susceptibility. Our study suggests that NE and 5-HT, but not DA, are important in regulating minimal electroshock seizure susceptibility.
Developmental Toxicity of Inhaled trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene in the Rat

The developmental toxicity of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (t-DCE), a component of certain Freon cleaning agents, was examined in pregnant rats. t-DCE was administered by inhalation 6 hr daily on Days 7-16 of gestation (the day copulation was confirmed was termed Day 1 of gestation) at exposure levels of 0, 2000, 6000, or 12,000 ppm. The offspring were then examined on Day 22 of gestation. Overt maternal toxicity was expressed as a significant reduction in weight gain at 12,000 ppm and in feed consumption at 6000 and 12,000 ppm. During the exposure period, lacrimation and stained periocular hair, and signs of ocular irritation, were observed in all groups. In addition, increased incidences of alopecia, lethargy, and salivation were observed in the high-dose dams. Significant increases in the mean number of resorptions per litter were seen in the litters of dams exposed to 6000 and 12,000 ppm of t-DCE; however, these values are within the range of historical controls and not considered to be treatment related. The mean combined and female fetal weights were significantly reduced in the litters of dams exposed to the highest concentration (12,000 ppm) of t-DCE. Marginal effects on feed consumption, unaccompanied by other changes and reflective of the pattern seen at higher doses, were seen at 2000 ppm. Thus, marginal maternal toxicity was seen at 2000 ppm and exposures to 6000 ppm t-DCE or higher caused frank maternal toxicity while the fetus was affected only at 12,000 ppm. Therefore, t-DCE is not considered to be uniquely toxic to the rat conceptus.
Extrudate character and post-extrusion shrinkage of rheologically characterized rubber-carbon black compounds and their interpretation

Abstract An experimental study of extrudate swell and post-die shrinkage is presented for a series of rheologically characterized butadiene styrene copolymer rubber-carbon black compounds with varying carbon black level and particle size. The compounds with 20 vol.% carbon black exhibit yield values which increase with decreasing particle size. Extrusion was investigated at 100°C. Decreasing particle size and increasing particle loading reduce extrudate swell and improve extrudate quality. The post-die shrinkage of the extrudates at 20°C has been examined as a function of time. It is found that there is little additional shrinkage beyond the initial rapid swell. The delayed shrinkage as well as the instantaneous swell order inversely with carbon black particle size and loading. This is interpreted in terms of the rheological properties of the rubber compounds.
Phonons, Polaritons, and Oblique Phonons in LiIO3by Raman Scattering and Infrared Reflection

A detailed Raman-scattering investigation of LiI${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, combined with the polarized infrared-reflectivity measurements, is reported. The dielectric constants determined by the Lyddane-Sachs-Teller (LST) relation (${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{\mathrm{xx}}=6.7,{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{\mathrm{zz}}=6.1$) do not reveal any large contribution by the lattice dynamics to the low-frequency dielectric response. The high-temperature study of the TO Raman modes (till 220 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C) does not show any mode "softening," which could explain the critical dielectric behavior observed at very low frequencies. The study of the $A$-symmetry polariton curves has reconfirmed the LST dielectric values. The angular dispersion of the two upper oblique phonons of the $A$ and ${E}_{1}$ symmetry is compared with theory. The intensity dependence of these oblique phonons enables the determination of the second-harmonic-generation coefficient ${d}_{13}$ and the linear electro-optic coefficient ${r}_{13}$ in LiI${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. These values are compared with other published data.
Failure mechanisms in thick composites under compressive loading

Abstract Failure mechanisms were studied in a unidirectional carbon/epoxy composite under uniform and linearly varying longitudinal compression. The first failure mechanism is shear yielding or shear failure in the matrix precipitated by initial fiber misalignment. It was shown how an initial fiber misalignment of 1.5° can produce the measured compressive strength of 1725 MPa (250 ksi). Matrix failure is followed by fiber buckling and fracture, resulting in the formation of a kink band. The kink band orientation is constant in the range of β = 20–30°, whereas the kink angle a varies from a small initial value to a maximum value of 2β. Kink band widths varied between 4 and 20 fiber diameters. Kink bands can occur on different planes which can rotate along the band. Kink band multiplication or broadening with increasing stress was observed at points where the maximum kink angle α was reached.
Vibrations due to Walking in a Long-Cantilevered Office Building Structure

AbstractInnovative architectural designs create new challenges for structural designers such as annoying vibrations because of the everyday occupant activities such as walking. The designer needs to predict the excitation levels to evaluate the structural response and assess the resulting vibrations for acceptable human exposure. This paper uses a long-cantilevered office building structure to study the floor response subjected to various measured and Fourier series-based forcing functions representing human walks suggested in standards, design guides, and research studies. In addition, the vibration evaluation parameters proposed by several standards are computed and compared by using computer analyses and field measurements. For the majority of the cases studied in this paper, use of the Fourier series-based forcing functions resulted in an overestimation of the structural response. In addition, the in-place marching excitations to represent walking recommended in some design guides can grossly overesti...
Bounds on the throughput of congestion controllers in the presence of feedback delay

We consider decentralized congestion control algorithms for low-loss operation of the Internet using the ECN bit. There has been much analysis of such algorithms, but with a few exceptions, these typically ignore the effect of feedback delays in the network on stability. We study a single node with many flows passing through it, with each flow (possibly) having a different round-trip delay. Using a fluid model for the flows, we show that even with delays, the total data rate at the router is bounded; and this bound shows that the (peak) total rate grows linearly with increase in system size, i.e., the fraction of overprovisioning required is constant with respect to N, the number of flows in the system. Further, for typical user data rates and delays seen in the Internet today, the bound is very close to the data rate at the router without delays. Earlier results by Johari and Tan have given conditions for a linearized model of the network to be (locally) stable. We show that even when the linearized model is not stable, the nonlinear model is upper bounded, i.e., the total rate at the bottleneck link is upper bounded, and the upper bound is close to the equilibrium rate for TCP.
Comparison of Reversed-Phase HPLC Separation Using Carbon Dioxide and Fluoroform for Enhanced-Fluidity Liquid Mobile Phases

Lowering the viscosity of an HPLC mobile phase using liquid CO2/organic solvent mixtures has proven to be an effective means of increasing chromatographic efficiency, shortening analysis time, and ...
Template End-to-End Transposition by RNA Polymerase II

Abstract On 5′-template strand protruding templates, promoter-initiated run-off transcription by RNA polymerase II generates discrete, 15–16-nucleotide (nt) longer than expected products whose production is abrogated by elongation factor SII (Parsons, M. A., Sinden, R. R., and Izban, M. G. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 26998–27008). We demonstrate that template terminal complexes produce these RNAs and that transcript extension is a general and salt-sensitive (250 mm) feature of run-off transcription. On 5′-overhung templates the extended run-off transcripts appear to be retained within an RNA-DNA-enzyme ternary complex, and SII facilitates resumption of transcript elongation via a dinucleotide truncation intermediate. Moreover, on one of the 5-overhung templates, the initially extended complexes spontaneously resumed transcript extension and were uniquely resistant to salt (250 mm) challenge. However, SII did not facilitate this long distance extension on all template ends. Run-off transcripts on a blunt-ended template were initially extended by 2–11 nt (roughly in 2-nt increments); SII addition either before or after extension resulted in the accumulation of a 4–5-nt extension product. Based on these findings, we propose that the initial and continuously extended RNAs reflect intermediates and successful completion of template end-to-end transposition (template switching) by RNA polymerase II, respectively. Both the template end sequence and structure influenced the success of such an event.
A deadly digital dressing: a case of surgical decompression for finger ischemia due to circumferential finger dressing.

Abstract Background Tubular gauze dressings are commonly used, but have potential to cause iatrogenic finger ischemia. Objectives To inform health care providers of an avoidable complication and to discuss appropriate methods of prevention and treatment. Case Report We discuss a teenage female's finger that narrowly avoided amputation after a tubular gauze dressing caused iatrogenic ischemia. Surgical decompression using a novel technique successfully salvaged the finger. Operative intervention for this complication has previously been unreported. Conclusion It is important that circumferential digital dressings are applied correctly. Vascular insufficiency from an occlusive dressing is an iatrogenic and avoidable complication. Successful operative decompression may be indicated to minimize tissue loss and improve circulation.
Role of open lung biopsy in lung transplant recipients in a single children's hospital: a 13-year experience.

Background There are few data in the literature regarding the utility of open lung biopsy for the assessment of graft dysfunction after pediatric lung transplantation. The aim of this study is to review our experience with diagnostic open lung biopsy in lung transplant recipients in a children's hospital. Methods Records of lung transplant recipients from January 1990 through December 2002 were reviewed to identify the indications, outcomes, and complications of open lung biopsy. Results Two hundred twenty-four patients (mean age, 9.9 ± 6.2 years; median age, 11 years; age range, 0.01-19.6 years) underwent 249 lung transplantations: 231 bilateral, 8 single, and 10 heart-lung transplantations. Mean follow-up was 3.4 years. One hundred three open lung biopsies were performed in 89 (40% of all recipients) patients. Thirteen recipients underwent open lung biopsy twice, and 1 recipient had 3 open lung biopsies. The indications for open lung biopsy were suspicion of bronchiolitis obliterans (n = 70), posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (n = 15), infection (n = 8), and unexplained respiratory failure (n = 10). A new diagnosis was made in 49 biopsies (48%), 50 biopsies (49%) confirmed the preoperative clinical diagnosis, and 4 biopsies (3%) were nondiagnostic. Bronchiolitis obliterans was confirmed in 40 (57%) of 70 open lung biopsies, posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder was confirmed in 4 (27%) of 15 open lung biopsies, and infection was confirmed in 6 (75%) of 8 open lung biopsies. A change in therapy occurred in 69% of the cases as a result of the diagnosis made from open lung biopsy. There was no mortality as a direct result of open lung biopsy. Eleven major complications and 22 minor complications occurred in 103 procedures. Conclusion Open lung biopsy can be performed safely, and established or confirmed a diagnosis in 97% of the cases. A change in therapy occurred in 69% of the cases as a result of the diagnosis made from open lung biopsy. In our experience open lung biopsy appears to be a useful tool.
Multi-sensor data fusion for estimating forest species composition and abundance in northern Minnesota

The magnitude, duration, and frequency of forest disturbance caused by the spruce budworm and forest tent caterpillar in northern Minnesota and neighboring Ontario, Canada have increased over the last century due to a shift in forest species composition linked to historical fire suppression, forest management, and pesticide application that has fostered increased dominance of host tree species. Modeling approaches are currently being used to understand and forecast potential management effects in changing insect disturbance trends. However, detailed forest composition data needed for these efforts is often lacking. We used partial least squares (PLS) regression to integrate different combinations of satellite sensor data including Landsat, Radarsat-1, and PALSAR, as well as pixel-wise forest structure information derived from SPOT-5 sensor data (Wolter et al., 2009), to determine the best combination of sensor data for estimating near species-level proportional forest composition (12 types: 10 species and 2 genera). Single-sensor and various multi-sensor PLS models showed distinct species-dependent sensitivities to relative basal area (BA), with Landsat variables showing greatest overall sensitivity. However, best results were achieved using a combination of data from all these sensors, with several C-band (Radarsat-1) and L-band (PALSAR) variables showing sensitivity to the composition and abundance of specific species. Pixel-level forest structure estimates derived from SPOT-5 data were generally more sensitive to conifer species abundance (especially white pine) than to hardwood species composition. Relative BA models accounted for 68% (jack pine) to 98% (maple spp.) of the variation in ground data with RMSE values between 2.46% and 5.65% relative BA, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the effective lower limits of usefulness of species relative BA estimates which ranged from 5.94% (jack pine) to 39.41% (black ash). These estimates were then used to produce a dominant forest species map for the study region with an overall accuracy of 78%. Most notably, this approach facilitated discrimination of aspen from paper birch as well as spruce and fir from other conifer species which is crucial for the study of forest tent caterpillar and spruce budworm dynamics in the Upper Midwest. We also demonstrate that PLS regression is an effective data fusion strategy for mapping composition of heterogeneous forests using satellite sensor data.
Conformational analysis of polysilanes by the empirical force field method

Abstract Empirical force field (EFF) parameters have been developed for molecules containing Si-Si bonds. These parameters have been adjoined to those of a standard EFF and the extended force field has been used to calculate structures and relative conformational energies for a variety of acyclic and cyclic catenated polysilanes.
Biochemical discrimination of heterozygotes for cystathionine β-synthase (CβS) deficiency

Direct metabolite analyses would be a useful screen to discriminate CβS heterozygotes from non-carriers. We recently found that homocysteine-related metabolite ratios discriminated obligate heterozygotes for CβS deficiency from a control population. In the current study, samples from 55 first and second-degree relatives of probands with CβS deficiency were analyzed for total plasma homocysteine (tHcy), cysteine (tCys), folate (fol), cobalamin (B12), after fasting for 8 hours, and after 100 mg/kg methionine load (PL). Vitamin & smoking histories were obtained. Molecular genotypes were determined and compared to respective biochemical phenotypes. Metabolite differences, between genotyped carriers (n=26) and non-carriers (n=29) were: folate, [(9.7 +/- 1.5 vs 15.6 +/- 1.9μM, p<0.02), erythrocyte folate (efol) (581 +/- 49 vs 372 +/- 48μM, p=0.004) and tHcy [(fasting) and (PL)], [(13.9 +/- 1.1 versus 10.4 +/-1.0 μM, p=0.01) and (58.8 +/- 2.9 vs 34.5 +/- 1.9μM, p=0.013)]. The ratio of [tHcy / (efol X tCys)] after an oral methionine load, provided 100% discrimination of carriers from noncaniers (102 +/- 14.5 vs 30 +/- 2.3, p=0.0001), in non vitamin-takers. Smoking elevated ratios of carriers and noncaniers (159 +/- 19 vs 40 +/- 5, p=0.0002). Smoking increased the sensitivity and specificity of this ratio, and negated the confounding effects of vitamins. Conclusion: the ratio of [tHcy / (efol X tCys)] can discriminate carriers from noncaniers of CβS deficiency.
Predation by Alewives on Lake Trout Fry in Lake Ontario: Role of an Exotic Species in Preventing Restoration of a Native Species

Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) restoration efforts in Lake Ontario have resulted in an abundance of spawning fish of hatchery-origin but virtually no detectable natural recruitment. One explanation has been predation by non-native alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) on lake trout fry. The purpose of this study was to determine if alewives could be important predators on lake trout fry. In the laboratory, fry behavior was examined to ascertain when fry would be present in the water column during a 24-hour period and to determine the acceptability of fry as food for alewives. In aquaria exposed to ambient light regimes, sac fry activity in the water column was much greater at night than during day-light hours (P < 0.001). In laboratory tanks, lake trout fry (15-34 mm) were aggressively eaten by alewives (118-175 mm). Field studies were conducted at Stony Island Reef, Lake Ontario in 1989-1993 to determine whether alewives and fry were present at the same time on the reef, if alewives fed when on the reef, and if alewives fed upon naturally-produced lake trout fry. Lake trout fry captured in traps indicated that sac and emergent fry were available as prey from the middle of April through the third week of May. The first capture of alewives in gillnets set adjacent to the fry traps was typically in early May and corresponded to the peak capture of sac fry in traps. Food was present in 86% of the 1,239 alewives captured after sunset over the 5-year period. Ten lake trout fry were found in 6 of the 62 alewives captured after sunset on 20 May 1993 at Stony Island Reef; no fry were found in alewife stomachs caught on other dates. Predation by alewives might have caused substantial mortality of lake trout fry from spawning areas in Lake Ontario where alewives were abundant and could also be an important source of mortality in similar areas of Lakes Michigan and Huron. Increased stocking of predatory salmonids to suppress the alewife could enhance survival of fry and speed restoration in Lake Ontario, but suppression seems unlikely under current strategies to manage the alewife as forage for non-native salmonids. In this context, lakewide goals should be re-focused on restoration in localized areas where alewives do not congregate during the spring and predation on lake trout fry would be minimal—such as at offshore shoals.
Cryogenic Double Beta Decay Experiments: CUORE and CUORICINO

Cryogenic bolometers, with their excellent energy resolution, flexibility in material, and availability in high purity, are excellent detectors for the search for neutrinoless double beta decay. Kilogram-size single crystals of TeO2 are utilized in CUORICINO for an array with a total detector mass of 40.7 kg. CUORICINO currently sets the most stringent limit on the halflife of 130Te of T 1 / 2 0 ν ⩾ 2.4 × 10 24 yr (90% C.L.), corresponding to a limit on the effective Majorana neutrino mass in the range of 〈 m ν 〉 ⩽ 0.2 – 0.9 eV . Based on technology developed for CUORICINO and its predecessors, CUORE is a next-generation experiment designed to probe 〈 m ν 〉 in the range of 10–100 meV. Latest results from CUORICINO and overview of the progress and current status of CUORE are presented.
Management of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis

Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis is an infection of the nasal epithelium and paranasal sinus mucosa, usually caused in children by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and, less frequently, group A Streptococcus species. The clinical diagnosis is based on daytime cough that may be worse at night or purulent rhinorrhea, or both, lasting at least 10 days, often worsening after a period of initial improvement after initial symptoms of the common cold, and often associated with facial or dental pain, facial fullness, or swelling, headache, and fever. Sinusitis is diagnosed clinically; radiographic evaluation is not indicated for diagnosis. When the disease persists despite treatment, or is complicated by potential intracranial or orbital extension, CT is the preferred imaging modality. Initial therapy should be amoxicillin in a high dosage (80-90 mg/kg/day). Treatment is generally for 10 to 14 days and for at least 7 days beyond the time of substantial improvement in symptoms. Complications of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in children are rare.
Effect of Non-Normality on the Power Function of the Sign Test

Abstract The power function of the one sided, one-sample sign test is studied for populations which deviate from exact normality, either by skewness, kurtosis, or both. The terms of the Edgeworth asymptotic expansion of order more than N −3/2 are used to represent the population density. Three sets of hypotheses and alternatives, concerning the location of (1) the median, (2) the mean, and (3) the median as approximated by the mean and coefficient of skewness, are considered in an attempt to make valid comparisons between the power of the sign test and Student's t test under the same conditions. Numerical results are given for samples of size 10, significance level .05, and for several combinations of the coefficients of skewness and kurtosis. The computations reveal that in general the sign test performs well in comparison with the t test, and in the case of leptokurtic distributions, there is almost no difference in power.
The Effect of Correlated Failure on the Reliability of HPC Systems

High Performance Computing (HPC) system utilization can be maximized and sustained if one understands the failure behavior. In general, Time to Failure (TTF) of HPC systems has been long studied and showed that the Wei bull distribution gives the best fit. In addition, in many cases, TTF of such systems exhibit correlations. In our previous study, we developed a reliability model of an HPC system where failures among nodes are independent. However, some studies have clearly shown that in some cases nodes do not fail independently of one another. Therefore, it is of importance to develop a reliability model for an HPC system based on the occurrence of simultaneous failures. In this paper, we develop such a model and derive expressions for the probability density function of time to failure, system reliability, system failure rate, and mean time to failure (MTTF). Results show that if the failure of the components (nodes) in the system possesses a degree of dependency, the system reliability decreases.
Optimizing reconstruction of oncologic sternectomy defects based on surgical outcomes.

Background The optimal strategy for oncologic sternectomy reconstruction has not been well characterized. We hypothesized that the major factors driving the reconstructive strategy for oncologic sternectomy include the need for skin replacement, extent of the bony sternectomy defect, and status of the internal mammary vessels. Study Design We reviewed consecutive oncologic sternectomy reconstructions performed at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center during a 10-year period. Regression models analyzed associations between patient, defect, and treatment factors and outcomes to identify patient and treatment selection criteria. We developed a generalized management algorithm based on these data. Results Forty-nine consecutive patients underwent oncologic sternectomy reconstruction (mean follow-up 18 ± 23 months). More sternectomies were partial (74%) rather than total/subtotal (26%). Most defects (n = 40 [82%]) required skeletal reconstruction. Pectoralis muscle flaps were most commonly used for sternectomies with intact overlying skin (64%) and infrequently used when a presternal skin defect was present (36%; p = 0.06). Free flaps were more often used for total/subtotal vs partial sternectomy defects (75% vs 25%, respectively; p = 0.02). Complication rates for total/subtotal sternectomy and partial sternectomy were equivalent (46% vs 44%, respectively; p = 0.92). Conclusions Despite more extensive sternal resections, total/subtotal sternectomies resulted in equivalent postoperative complications when combined with the appropriate soft-tissue reconstruction. Good surgical and oncologic outcomes can be achieved with defect-characteristic–matched reconstructive strategies for these complex oncologic sternectomy resections.
What Leads to Wellness? The Role of Psychological Resources in Well-Being

An expanding literature reveals that personality traits and psychological resources (PRs) are important in human well-being. In this article, the author reviews the literature regarding four PRs (positive thoughts, hardiness, generalized self-efficacy, and optimism), discusses the relationships among PRs and between PRs and personality characteristics, and proposes a theory that helps to account for current findings. Specific hypotheses are proposed, and implications for the practice of counseling psychology are discussed.
Nonlinear refractive index coefficient for Nd phosphate laser glasses

Intensity-dependent changes in the refractive index of three low-index Nd phosphate laser glasses (LHG-5, LHG-6, EV-1) and one Nd fluorophosphate laser glass were measured at 1064 nm using time-resolved interferometry. The nonlinear refractive index coefficients of these phosphate glasses are all smaller than for Nd silicate laser glass (ED-2).
On the Turing degrees of minimal index sets

Abstract We study generalizations of shortest programs as they pertain to Schaefer’s MIN ∗ problem. We identify sets of m -minimal and T -minimal indices and characterize their truth-table and Turing degrees. In particular, we show MIN m ⊕ 0 ″ ≡ T 0 ‴ , MIN T ( n ) ⊕ 0 ( n + 2 ) ≡ T 0 ( n + 4 ) , and that there exists a Kolmogorov numbering ψ satisfying both MIN ψ m ≡ tt 0 ‴ and MIN ψ T ( n ) ≡ T 0 ( n + 4 ) . This Kolmogorov numbering also achieves maximal truth-table degree for other sets of minimal indices. Finally, we show that the set of shortest descriptions, SD , is 2-c.e. but not co-2-c.e. Some open problems are left for the reader.