cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Problem Solving: Teachers' Perceptions, Content Area Models, and Interdisciplinary Connections

Features of common problem-solving models in mathematics and science, as well as those found in business and industry today, are discussed. Commonalties in the models are used to advance a case for interdisciplinary or integrated instruction in mathematics, science and technology. The Integrated Mathematics, Science and Technology (IMaST) program's problem-solving model is presented as an example of a curriculum project that draws upon the commonalties in the problem-solving models as a basis for a seventh grade integrated curriculum.
Investigation of human frontal cortex under noxious thermal stimulation of temporo-mandibular joint using functional near infrared spectroscopy

According to American Academy of Orofacial Pain, 75% of the U.S. population experiences painful symptoms of temporo-mandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJMD) during their lifetime. Thus, objective assessment of pain is crucial for efficient pain management. We used near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a tool to explore hemodynamic responses in the frontal cortex to noxious thermal stimulation of temporomadibular joint (TMJ). NIRS experiments were performed on 9 healthy volunteers under both low pain stimulation (LPS) and high pain stimulation (HPS), using a temperature-controlled thermal stimulator. To induce thermal pain, a 16X16 mm 2 thermode was strapped onto the right TMJ of each subject. Initially, subjects were asked to rate perceived pain on a scale of 0 to 10 for the temperatures from 41°C to 47°C. For the NIRS measurement, two magnitudes of temperatures, one rated as 3 and another rated as 7, were chosen as LPS and HPS, respectively. By analyzing the temporal profiles of changes in oxy-hemoglobin concentration (HbO) using cluster-based statistical tests, we were able to identify several regions of interest (ROI), (e.g., secondary somatosensory cortex and prefrontal cortex), where significant differences (p<0.05) between HbO responses to LPS and HPS are shown. In order to classify these two levels of pain, a neural-network-based classification algorithm was used. With leave-one-out cross validation from 9 subjects, the two levels of pain were identified with 100% mean sensitivity, 98% mean specificity and 99% mean accuracy to high pain. From the receiver operating characteristics curve, 0.99 mean area under curve was observed.
Morphology and Collapse Transitions in Binary Phospholipid Monolayers

We have concurrently studied the microscopic phase behavior, morphology, and surface pressure−area isotherms of Langmuir monolayers of a 7:3 mixture of DPPC (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine) and POPG (palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylglycerol) at various temperatures between 20 and 40 °C. The manner in which the monolayer, under compression, explores the third dimension at monolayer collapse correlates with the monolayer morphology prior to collapse. At temperatures below 28 °C, the monolayer is biphasic and collapses by forming large-scale folds, which reliably unfold upon expansion. These folded structures can be five to several hundred micrometers wide and up to millimeters long. Above 33.5 °C, the monolayer is homogeneous and, upon further compression, prefers to collapse through micron-scale vesicular structures that are globular or tubular in shape. Collapse occurs via both folding and vesiculation at temperatures between 28 and 33.5 °C, leading to the coexistence of the monolayer with both folds and vesic...
Morphisms for resistive electrical networks

This paper presents a notion of morphism for resistive electrical networks. One can regard symmetries of a resistive network as morphisms, but they are trivial in the sense that they do not reduce the size of the problem. However, symmetries do induce a nontrivial quotient. We extend this result to arbitrary morphisms in a suitable categorical framework. Our principal application is to solve Kirchoff's problem for certain products of paths.
Physical and neural entrainment to rhythm: human sensorimotor coordination across tasks and effector systems

The human sensorimotor system can be readily entrained to environmental rhythms, through multiple sensory modalities. In this review, we provide an overview of theories of timekeeping that make this neuroentrainment possible. First, we present recent evidence that contests the assumptions made in classic timekeeper models. The role of state estimation, sensory feedback and movement parameters on the organization of sensorimotor timing are discussed in the context of recent experiments that examined simultaneous timing and force control. This discussion is extended to the study of coordinated multi-effector movements and how they may be entrained.
Evidence for slip partitioning and bimodal slip behavior on a single fault: Surface slip characteristics of the 2013 Mw7.7 Balochistan, Pakistan earthquake

Abstract Deformation is commonly accommodated by strain partitioning on multiple, independent strike-slip and dip-slip faults in continental settings of oblique plate convergence. As a corollary, individual faults tend to exhibit one sense of slip – normal, reverse, or strike-slip – until whole-scale changes in boundary conditions reactivate preexisting faults in a new deformation regime. In this study, we show that a single continental fault may instead partition oblique strain by alternatively slipping in a strike-slip or a dip-slip sense during independent fault slip events. We use 0.5 m resolution optical imagery and sub-pixel correlation analysis of the 200 + km 2013 M w 7.7 Balochistan, Pakistan earthquake to document co-seismic surface slip characteristics and Quaternary tectonic geomorphology along the causative Hoshab fault. We find that the 2013 earthquake, which involved a ∼6:1 strike-slip to dip-slip ratio, ruptured a structurally segmented fault. Quaternary geomorphic indicators of gross fault-zone morphology reveal both reverse-slip and strike-slip deformation in the rupture area of the 2013 earthquake that varies systematically along fault strike despite nearly pure strike-slip motion in 2013. Observations of along-strike variations in range front relief and geomorphic offsets suggest that the Hoshab fault accommodates a substantial reverse component of fault slip in the Quaternary, especially along the southern section of the 2013 rupture. We surmise that Quaternary bimodal slip along the Hoshab fault is promoted by a combination of the arcuate geometry of the Hoshab fault, the frictional weakness of the Makran accretionary prism, and time variable loading conditions from adjacent earthquakes and plate interactions.
A Performance Model of Gossip-Based Update Propagation

We consider the problem of propagating an update to nodes in a distributed system using two gossiping protocols. The first is an idealized algorithm with static and dynamic knowledge of the system, and the second is a simple randomized algorithm. We construct a theoretical model that allows us to derive work and completion time statistics under varying transmission delay distributions. Numerical results are obtained for both exponential and nonexponential transmission times using linear-algebraic queueing theory techniques. Additionally, we present the results of simulation experiments showing that under node churn assumptions, the randomized algorithm's performance is qualitatively different than in a fault-free system.
The Presence of Academic Health Sciences Libraries on Facebook: The Relationship Between Content and Library Popularity

Social networks such as Facebook allow libraries to be proactive in reaching their users. While some libraries have popular Facebook pages, it remains unclear what attracts users to these pages. This study evaluates relationships between libraries’ Facebook page content and popularity. An analysis of 72 academic health sciences libraries’ Facebook pages showed positive correlations between number of library fans and number of tabs, photos, events, and wall posts on Facebook. Libraries posting videos had significantly more fans than libraries without them. This study contributes to an understanding of correlations between content and popularity on Facebook, with implications for library outreach.
The endoplasmic reticulum stress-responsive protein GRP78 protects neurons against excitotoxicity and apoptosis: suppression of oxidative stress and stabilization of calcium homeostasis.

The 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and its expression is increased by environmental stressors in many types of nonneuronal cells. We report that levels of GRP78 are increased in cultured rat hippocampal neurons exposed to glutamate and oxidative insults (Fe2+ and amyloid beta-peptide) and that treatment of cultures with a GRP78 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide increases neuronal death following exposure to each insult. GRP78 antisense treatment enhanced apoptosis of differentiated PC12 cells following NGF withdrawal or exposure to staurosporine. Pretreatment of hippocampal cells with 2-deoxy-d-glucose, a potent inducer of GRP78 expression, protected neurons against excitotoxic and oxidative injury. GRP78 expression may function to suppress oxidative stress and stabilize calcium homeostasis because treatment with GRP78 antisense resulted in increased levels of reactive oxygen species and intracellular calcium following exposure to glutamate and oxidative insults in hippocampal neurons. Dantrolene (a blocker of ER calcium release), uric acid (an antioxidant), and zVAD-fmk (a caspase inhibitor) each protected neurons against the death-enhancing action of GRP78 antisense. The data suggest that ER stress plays a role in neuronal cell death induced by an array of insults and that GRP78 serves a neuroprotective function.
Precise estimation of passive environmental microwave brightness temperatures in the presence of weak digital interfering signals

Summary form only given. Passive microwave remote sensing of naturally occurring thermal emissions is used to measure a wide variety of environmental parameters. For example, the ability to accurately estimate the power in such emissions directly impacts the reliability and precision of weather forecasts and data for environmental management. A leading contributor to the disability to accurately measure radiometric power for environmental applications is contamination of the signal by anthropogenic radio frequency interference.
Tracing axons in the human brain: A method utilizing light and TEM techniques

The neuroanatomy of experimental animals has been investigated through a variety of histological and physiological techniques. Recently, more sophisticated methods have permitted a better understanding of the complex connections of animal brains. In contrast, the methods available for the direct examination of the human brain have remained relatively primitive. We have developed a staining method (paraphenylene-diamine method: PPD) which bridges the techniques of light and electron microscopy. The method permits the tracing of degenerated fibers in the human brain even after very long survival periods. With this method we have documented several visual pathways not previously described in man. We have also demonstrated, in several species, that products of axonal degeneration remain far longer than previously supposed. The PPD technique is relatively simple, reliable, provides high resolution, works in human brains, and can be used in conjunction with TEM.
Exchange-correlation energy of a three-dimensional electron gas in a magnetic field.

We present the results of random-phase-approximation calculations of the ground-state exchange and correlation energy of a uniform electron liquid in strong and intermediate magnetic fields (one or several Landau subbands populated), including arbitrary spin polarization. Applications for the current and spin-density-functional theory are discussed and appropriate effective potentials are constructed. We investigate the exchange and correlation effects on the nondissipative currents, the Landau subband occupation, and on the shape of the exchange-correlation hole. In an appendix we present a numerical fit for the exchange-correlation energy.
Design of reactive crystallization systems incorporating kinetics and mass‐transfer effects

A coherent approach for the design of reactive crystallization systems is presented by incorporating reaction and crystallization kinetics, and mass transfer, into an existing equilibrium-based conceptual design method. A generic model for a well-mixed crystallizer is developed; it is applicable to reacting systems with any number of components. The reaction, mass-transfer and dissolution Damhoehler numbers, and the nucleation and growth numbers which result from the generic model, represent the relative rates of the individual steps, and their effect on the resulting crystal-size distribution and the crystallizer productivity is discussed. Estimates are provided for the typical values of the dimensionless numbers. To describe the solubility behavior of solid-liquid systems, a generalized equation for the isothermal solubility of a solute in the presence of an arbitrary number of other components is presented. The effects of the dimensionless numbers on the process paths are shown on the phase diagrams for systems involving up to four components. The utility of this integrated approach in the design of reactive crystallization systems is discussed using examples involving single and coprecipitation systems, and a salting out crystallization system.
Fostering HOPE: A Narrative Case Analysis of One Teenage Mother’s Pursuit of a College Education

In this article, the authors analyze the experiences of one participant in HOPE, a pilot program that supports teenage mothers who want to pursue a college education. Using feminist standpoint and social capital theories, the analysis explores the meaning of themes that are interwoven throughout four narratives about family, education, college/dreams, and HOPE. Some emergent themes, such as key relationships and client-centered learning environments, are well known; others, like the client’s perception of ambivalent social messages about mother-student roles and the function of mentoring in the development of critical thinking, are less recognized but essential to extending theory about academic decision making
Acrodysostosis: report of a 13-year-old boy with review of literature and metacarpophalangeal pattern profile analysis

We report on a 13-yr-old boy with acrodysostosis, a review of 30 cases in the literature, and metacarpophalangeal pattern profile (MCPP) analysis. The prominent manifestations (present in greater than 75% of cases) of this condition include nasal and maxillary hypoplasia, peripheral dysostosis, first ray hyperplasia of the foot, acromesomelic brachymelia, decreased interpedicular distance, advanced skeletal maturation and mental retardation. Results of chromosome studies have been normal. An autosomal dominant inheritance pattern was reported in two families. Maternal and paternal ages were 2 and 3 yr, respectively, above the average age of the general parent population, which suggests that advanced parental age may be a factor in the cause of this condition. A characteristically abnormal MCPP was found in our patient and in 16 additional cases studied from the literature. A mean MCPP was developed for the syndrome. MCPP analysis may be useful as a diagnostic tool in patients suspected to have acrodysostosis.
The Heat of Reaction Dependence of Energy Feedback from Small Laminar Diffusion Flames

Abstract This paper presents the results of calorimetrically measured energy feedback from steady-state diffusion flames above a small water-cooled burner transpiring from its top surface a uniform flux of ethane, propane, or carbon monoxide, both pure and diluted with inert gases. The burner was operated in a small low-speed tunnel in which the “ambient” nitrogen/oxygen volume ratio was varied from 3.17 to 4.56. The experiments involved independent variation of the parameter b, a dimensionless heat of reaction per unit stoichiometric mixture of burner gas and ambient gas. The results show that the energy feedback variation with b may be described as proportional to bn with n in the range 2.0 to 3.4. No clear dependence of the exponent n on the fuel identity is discernible.
STATUS OF STANDARD MODEL PARAMETERS

Recent experimental progress in determining the parameters of the electroweak sector of the Standard Model is summarized. The principal topics addressed include the precision determination of electroweak parameters using LEP and SLD data at the Z0 pole, measurements of the W mass by LEP-II, CDF, and D0, and determination of the elements of the CKM matrix using a variety of experimental methods.
The Enrichment of the Heavier of Two Gaseous Isotopes by Enhanced Diffusion (example H2 2/H1 2)

Abstract Gaseous isotopes may be separated by enhanced diffusion in oscillatory flow. This paper evaluates the application of this method to the enrichment of deuterium. The oscillations of the carrier raise the diffusional flux without changing the diffusional character of the transport. The process has been well studied and is derived from primary principles. It follows Pick's law. Experimental work shows excellent agreement with the theory. The maximal increase of diffusional flux of H2 2 in water vapor as the carrier by the oscillations reaches 1200 times. The process is tuned for optimal separation from H1 2. Some modifications of the standard diffusion setup were introduced: The separation ratio was raised 50 times by having the diffusion take place against a low velocity, constant, upstream current of the carrier; the yield was raised 60-fold by concentrating the feed within the reservoir at the high concentration end of the diffusing path. These combined modifications improve the cost effectivenes...
Diurnal Variation in Cyclic Nucleotide Levels in Normal and Phorbol Myristate Acetate Treated Mouse Epidermis

The diurnal variations in cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP and cyclic GMP/cyclic AMP were determined in mouse epidermis. Slight (60%) diurnal fluctuations were observed in the levels of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP/cyclic AMP while cyclic GMP showed a more substantial (250%) variation. All 3 parameters showed peaks between 10 AM and 2 PM. The tumor promoter phorbol myristate acetate had no effect on the variation in either cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP, but did appear to reduce the extent of diurnal variation in cyclic GMP/cyclic AMP ratios. The diurnal variation in epidermal mitosis in these mice showed a maximum at 2 PM and a minimum at 10 PM to 2 AM.
Major problems of MeV and GeV gamma-ray astrophysics

A short summary of the major problems of MeV and GeV gamma ray astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology is given with particular emphasis on search for Dark Matter, and study of the Large Scale Structure of the Universe. The scientific goals of the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO), and recent results on gamma ray bursts obtained by BATSE are discussed.
Distinct groups of repetitive families preserved in mammals correspond to different periods of regulatory innovations in vertebrates

Background Mammalian genomes are repositories of repetitive DNA sequences derived from transposable elements (TEs). Typically, TEs generate multiple, mostly inactive copies of themselves, commonly known as repetitive families or families of repeats. Recently, we proposed that families of TEs originate in small populations by genetic drift and that the origin of small subpopulations from larger populations can be fueled by biological innovations.
Design and implementation of a general tracking controller for Friction Stir Welding processes

This paper establishes a method for force filtering, develops a dynamic process model, and designs and implements a general tracking controller to regulate the axial force for a variety of reference signals in Friction Stir Welding processes. Steady state and dynamic models are used to relate the input process parameters to the axial force. The general tracking controller is implemented in a Smith Predictor-Corrector Structure to compensate for a pure communication delay. The controller successfully performs bead-on-plate welds using a 6061 aluminum alloy. Both constant and sinusoidal reference forces are tracked.
Intermolecular β-Sheet Results from Trifluoroethanol-Induced Nonnative α-Helical Structure in β-Sheet Predominant Proteins: Infrared and Circular Dichroism Spectroscopic Study

Abstract 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol (TFE)-induced nonnative α-helical structure in peptides and proteins has been extensively studied with circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. However, to date, complementary information from infrared (IR) spectroscopy has not been reported. Using both IR and CD spectroscopy, we demonstrate here that the TFE-induced nonnative α-helical structure in two β-sheet-predominant proteins, β-lactoglobulin and α-chymotrypsin, is unstable in comparison with those found in the α-helix-predominant proteins myoglobin and cytochrome c under identical conditions. IR spectra showed that, immediately after dissolution of the β-sheet proteins in 50% (v/v) TFE, a strong amide I band component appears at 1654 cm −1 in H 2 O and at 1650 cm −1 in D 2 O, which is ascribed to α-helical structure. However, the intensities of the α-helical bands decrease as a function of time, concomitant with the appearance of two new band components near 1620 and 1695 cm −1 in H 2 O and 1612 and 1684 cm −1 in D 2 O, a typical IR spectral pattern for an intermolecular β-sheet aggregate. Clear gels begin to develop within 30 min. No similar spectral changes were observed for the α-helical proteins. CD spectra suggested initially that the TFE-induced α-helix was retained in the gelled state. However, further analysis of the spectra, and Gaussian function modeling with basic spectra, indicated that the apparent α-helix signal was actually due to a combination of signals from intermolecular β-sheet and residual α-helix. These results indicate that the TFE-induced nonnative α-helix structure in predominantly β-sheet proteins is unstable and readily converts to an intermolecular β-sheet aggregate.
Azulene‐Moiety‐Based Ligand for the Efficient Sensitization of Four Near‐Infrared Luminescent Lanthanide Cations: Nd3+, Er3+, Tm3+, and Yb3+

The ML(4) complexes formed by reaction between the bidentate azulene-based ligand diethyl 2-hydroxyazulene-1,3-dicarboxylate (HAz) and several lanthanide cations (Pr(3+), Nd(3+), Gd(3+), Ho(3+), Er(3+), Tm(3+), Yb(3+), and Lu(3+)) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR vibrational spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. Spectrophotometric titrations have revealed that four Az(-) ligands react with one lanthanide cation to form the ML(4) complex in solution. Studies of the luminescence properties of these ML(4) complexes demonstrated that Az(-) is an efficient sensitizer for four different near-infrared emitting lanthanide cations (Nd(3+), Er(3+), Tm(3+), and Yb(3+)); the resulting complexes have high quantum yield values in CH(3)CN. The near-infrared emission arising from Tm(3+) is especially interesting for biologic imaging and bioanalytical applications since biological systems have minimal interaction with photons at this wavelength. Hydration numbers, representing the number of water molecules bound to the lanthanide cations, were obtained through luminescence lifetime measurements and indicated that no molecules of water/solvent are bound to the lanthanide cation in the ML(4) complex in solution. The four coordinated ligands protect well the central luminescent lanthanide cation against non-radiative deactivation from solvent molecules.
Calcium Concentration Effects on the Mechanical and Biochemical Properties of Chondrocyte-Alginate Constructs

Alginate gel crosslinked by calcium ions (Ca(2+)) has been widely used in cartilage tissue engineering. However, most studies have been largely performed in vitro in medium with a calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]) of 1.8mM, while the calcium level in the synovial fluid of the human knee joints, for example, has been reported to be 4mM or even higher. To simulate the synovial environment, the two studies in this paper were designed to investigate how the alginate scaffold alone, as well as the chondrocytes seeded alginate gel responds to variations in medium [Ca(2+)]. In Study A, the mechanical properties of 2% alginate hydrogel were tested in 0.15M NaCl and various [Ca(2+)] (1.0mM, 1.8mM, and 4mM). In Study B, primary bovine chondrocytes was seeded in alginate gel, and biochemical contents and mechanical properties were determined after incubation for 28 days in three [Ca(2+)] (1.8mM, 4mM, and 8mM). For both studies, it was found that the magnitude of the complex shear modulus (|G*|) at 1Hz doubled and the corresponding phase angle shift angle (δ) increased > 2° as a result of the approximate 4-fold change in [Ca(2+)]. At high [Ca(2+)], the chondrocyte glycosaminogylcan (GAG) production inside the chondrocyte-alginate constructs was suppressed significantly. This is likely due to a decrease in the porosity of the chondrocyte-alginate constructs as a result of compaction in structure caused by an increased crosslinking density with [Ca(2+)]. These may be important considerations in the eventual successful implementation of cartilage tissue-engineered constructs in the clinical setting.
You're getting warmer: Level of construal affects the impact of central traits on impression formation.

Abstract Construal Level Theory argues that psychologically distant information will be processed conceptually, while psychologically near information will be processed concretely. Such theorizing implies that in the classic Asch (1946) paradigm in which participants make trait judgments of targets after viewing lists of trait words describing the targets, the words “warm” and “cold” should have more impact on impressions when targets are psychologically distant than when they are psychologically near. Results from two studies, indeed, found that the “warm–cold” effect reported by Asch was moderated by psychological distance. We interpret these findings as providing support both for the idea that the processes used to form impression of others can vary across situations and they do so in accord with the tenets of Construal Level Theory.
A purge and trap integrated microGC platform for chemical identification in aqueous samples

The majority of current micro-scale gas chromatography (μGC) systems focus on air sampling to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, purging the VOCs from a water sample using microsystems is an unchartered territory. Various organic compounds used in everyday life find their way to water bodies. Some of these water organic compounds (WOCs) persist or degrade slowly, threatening not just human existence but also aquatic life. This article reports the first micro-purge extractor (μPE) chip and its integration with a micro-scale gas chromatography (μGC) system for the extraction and analysis of water organic compounds (WOCs) from aqueous samples. The 2 cm × 3 cm μPE chip contains two inlet and outlet ports and an etched cavity sealed with a Pyrex cover. The aqueous sample is introduced from the top inlet port while a pure inert gas is supplied from the side inlet to purge WOCs from the μPE chip. The outlets are assigned for draining water from the chip and for directing purged WOCs to the micro-thermal preconcentrator (μTPC). The trapped compounds are desorbed from the μTPC by resistive heating using the on-chip heater and temperature sensor, are separated by a 2 m long, 80 μm wide, and 250 μm deep polydimethylsiloxane (OV-1) coated μGC separation column, and are identified using a micro-thermal conductivity detector (μTCD) monolithically integrated with the column. Our experiments indicate that the combined system is capable of providing rapid chromatographic separation (<1.5 min) for quaternary WOCs namely toluene, tetrachloroethylene (PCE), chlorobenzene and ethylbenzene with a minimum detection concentration of 500 parts-per-billion (ppb) in aqueous samples. The proposed method is a promising development towards the future realization of a miniaturized system for sensitive, on-site and real-time field analysis of organic contaminants in water.
Leukocyte–Epithelial Interactions and Mucosal Homeostasis:

Many common inflammatory disorders are characterized by the infiltration of neutrophils across epithelial lined (mucosal) surfaces resulting in disruption of critical barrier function that protects from microbes and noxious agents. In such conditions, disease symptoms are complex but directly related to leukocyte effects on the barrier and epithelial cell function. It is now highly regarded that cellular factors such as cytokines and receptor-ligand interactions mediating adhesion of leukocytes to epithelial cells have potent effects on epithelial homeostasis, defined by coordinated proliferation, migration, differentiation, and regulated cell shedding. Certain cytokines, for example, not only alter leukocyte interactions with epithelia through changes in expression of adhesion molecules but also affect barrier function through alterations in the composition and dynamics of intercellular junctions. In particular, inflammation-induced loss of many tight junction molecules, in part, can account for dysregulated cellular proliferation, migration, survival, and barrier function. This review will highlight how neutrophils interact with epithelial cells with particular focus on adhesion molecules involved and signaling events that play roles in regulating mucosal homeostasis and pathobiology. A better understanding of these molecular events may provide new ideas for therapeutics directed at attenuating consequences of pathologic inflammation of mucosal surfaces.
Health USA. A national health program for the United States.

The Health USA Act of 1991 addresses two fundamental health services financing problems: the more than 30 million uninsured persons and the rising costs for health care and for health insurance. Health USA would provide coverage of the entire resident population for comprehensive medical and preventive health and long-term care services through a universal tax-funded financing system. The federal government would contribute an average of 87% of program costs to each state, which would establish, under federal guidelines, a state health program. Each individual or family may enroll in any health plan approved by the state program, including many private plans, or a plan run by the state program. Through the approved plan of their choice, enrollees would receive covered services and obtain their care from participating physicians and other professional practitioners, hospitals, and other facilities. The state program would pay approved plans a capitation payment for every person enrolled. The plans would pay professional providers fees, as part of an all-payer system of fee schedules and expenditure targets, or capitation payments or salary. Hospitals would be financed through global budgets negotiated by the state program with each hospital. The plan run by the state program would pay the health care costs of any person who does not enroll in an approved plan, making the state plan the payer of last resort and eliminating uncompensated care and cost shifting by providers. Health USA would separate health care coverage from employment, ensuring uninterrupted coverage and eliminating employers' administrative role in providing coverage. Federal and state taxes would replace present methods of financing by private insurance premiums and large out-of-pocket expenditures. Building on the present system of health plans, Health USA would offer all persons a wide choice of competing plans in which to enroll and offer professional providers a wide choice of plans in which to practice. It would control costs by increasing financial accountability of providers and health plans, reducing present reliance on intrusive utilization review and on patient cost sharing. By controlling health care and administrative costs, Health USA would cover the entire population and, according to independent cost estimates, reduce national health expenditures by $11.5 billion in 1991. (JAMA. 1992;267:552-558)
Patterning dewetting in thin polymer films by spatially directed photocrosslinking

In this report we examine the dewetting of spin-cast poly (styrene) films in a confined geometry. We designed a platform for laterally confining PS by photo-patterning crosslinks in spin-coated thin films. Heating the patterned film above the glass transition temperature of PS results in localized dewetting patterns in regions that were not crosslinked, while the crosslinked pattern serves as a rigid barrier that confines the retraction of the uncrosslinked polymer in micron-sized domains. The barriers also provide a favorable surface that the liquid PS wets onto, forming a rim at the boundary of crosslinked and uncrosslinked polymer. The resulting patterns are shown to be dependent on the irradiation and annealing time, the dimensions of the uncrosslinked region and the thickness of the film.
Comparison of the Esophageal Obturator Airway and Endotracheal Intubation in Prehospital Ventilation during CPR

The esophageal obturator airway (EOA), esophagogastric tubular airway (EGT) and endotracheal (ET) intubation are compared as they relate to blood gases during CPR. Although statistically better levels of gases are obtained with the endotracheal tube in patients who had an EOA inserted previously, no difference in survival is noted in a separate prospective and retrospective series of patients in whom the devices were used in the field. Furthermore, there was no difference in morbidity, neurologic deficit, or functional capacity. In three of five series in which physician-directed CPR was carried out, there was no difference observed in Po 2 levels when the EOA and ET tube were used consecutively, and patients with fixed volume ventilators on 100 percent oxygen have statistically similar blood gas levels with the EOA as they do with the endotracheal tube. It would appear that patients with a Po 2 of less than 60 mm Hg do not tend to survive. The endotracheal tube remains the gold standard, although its universal use is impractical, while the EOA would appear to be an effective alternative and an important airway adjunct in the prehospital phase of CPR.
Analysis of thermal stress induced void growth during thermal cycling

Recent work in thermal stress induced voiding in passivated lines has focussed on the isothermal, quasi-steady state growth of existing voids. In this work, the transient growth and shrinkage of voids during the thermal cycling of narrow, passivated lines was studied. Analysis of experimental data for passivated lines demonstrates the quick buildup and evolution of a backstress at the grain boundary during heating and cooling. This backstress greatly reduces the driving force for void growth at higher temperatures and must be accounted for in stress induced void growth models for the case of appreciably varying temperatures in short time scales.
Turkana pastoralism: A case against the Tragedy of the Commons

This paper examines land-use practice among the Turkana pastoralists of Kenya. Drawing on work of both ecologists and anthropologists, it examines the argument that posits that pastoralism is inherently destructive to the environment, commonly referred to as the “Tragedy of the Commons.” Results of this research suggest that the livestock management practices of East African pastoralists do not degrade the environment, that livestock numbers do not exceed the carrying capacity of the land, and that social institutions successfully function to cope with environmental problems.
Hurricane Effects on South Florida Water Management System: A Case Study of Hurricane Wilma of October 2005

An unprecedented eight hurricanes (Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, Dennis, Katrina, Rita and Wilma) affected South Florida in 2004 and 2005. These storms resulted in high property losses, high rainfall, high surface water flows, rise in lake water levels and damage to water management infrastructure. The last storm to hit was Hurricane Wilma which passed through the central section of South Florida from the west to the east as a Category 2 hurricane with gust wind speed as high as 180 km h-1 and widely affected the area. Apart from the extensive costly wind damage, rainfall from Wilma affected the South Florida Water Management System. One of the risks associated with hurricanes in South Florida is the potential for wave erosion damage to the Herbert Hoover Dike on Lake Okeechobee and consequences of a breach. The Herbert Hoover Dike was damaged by Hurricane Wilma. Analysis of wind direction and speed over the region and estimated storm surge and wave setup of 4.68 m on the Lake Okeechobee levee corresponds with water mark and levee damage observations. Water level data is presented showing the lake drawdown at upwind and the wave setup downwind. Atmospheric pressure change over the region during the hurricane is presented. Water quality of the lake was affected due to settled sediment re-suspension and increase in phosphorus in the water column. Spatial monthly mean total suspended solids concentration increased from 19 mg L-1 to 131 mg L-1 (689 percent), while spatial monthly mean total phosphorus concentration increased from 201 µg L-1 to 305 µg L-1 (152 percent). The hurricane uprooted and dislocated vegetation from wetlands and littoral zones of lakes. Canals and water control structures were filled with uprooted vegetation and other debris resulting in limited flood conveyance.
International Rankings of Infant Mortality and the United States' Vital Statistics Natality Data Collecting System—Failure and Success

Background. International rankings of infant mortality rates have been consistently lower for the US than other industrialized countries, and this ranking has been falling. This study examines the influence of birth registrations among very low birthweight infants on these international rankings. Methods. Birth rates of infants weighing <1500 g (VLBW) reported by Japan, Sweden, the Netherlands, France, the UK and Canada were compared to the rates of infants of this weight born in the US, and these rates were correlated with the infant mortality rates reported by these countries. Also, deaths in the first 24 hours after birth were correlated with the reported mortality rates. Results. Countries with the lowest infant mortality rates tended to have the lowest incidence of births <500 g (correlation coefficient, r = 0.73) and of births 500-999 g (correlation coefficient, r = 0.81). When white and black newborns in the US were reported separately, the correlation coefficients were 0.96 and 0.97 for these weights. Furthermore, the countries with the lowest infant mortality rates registered the fewest number of deaths in the first 24 hours after birth, correlation coefficient, r = 0.78 ; when white and black newborns were reported separately, r = 0.95. In addition, the international rankings of the US, 1969-1988, when correlated with the annual birth rate of white infants <500 g registered in this country was r = 0.78. Conclusion. Differences in birth registration practices for infants weighing <1500 g are primarily responsible for the poor, deteriorating performance by the US in the international rankings of neonatal mortality rates.
The Missing Discourse of Gender

Gender theories provide a critical framework for considerations of heterosexual identity. Patriarchal power rests on the social meanings given to biological sex differences and to their reproduction as societal discourses regarding what it means to be a woman or a man. This is a crucial point and one that we believe is not fully recognized in the proposed models. Implications for practice—namely, the need to recognize the interplay of gender with the power dynamics between men and women, and between therapists and clients—are briefly explored. In addition, the contributions of the proposed models—their combined attempt to address a critical gap in the sexual identity development literature, to deprivilege heterosexuality, and to disrupt heterosexist practice—are also noted and lauded.
Modularity and Specialized Learning: Mapping between Agent Architectures and Brain Organization

This volume is intended to help advance the field of artificial neural networks along the lines of complexity present in animal brains. In particular, we are interested in examining the biological phenomena of modularity and specialized learning. These topics are already the subject of research in another area of artificial intelligence. The design of complete autonomous agents (CAA), such as mobile robots or virtual reality characters, has been dominated by modular architectures and context-driven action selection and learning. In this chapter, we help bridge the gap from neuroscience to artificial neural networks (ANN) by incorporating CAA. We do this both directly, by using CAA as a metaphor to consider requirements for ANN, and indirectly, by using CAA research to better understand and model neuroscience. We discuss the strengths and the limitations of these forms of modeling, and propose as future work extensions to CAA inspired by neuroscience.
Laser eye surgery for refractive errors

Several laser and non-laser refractive surgical procedures have been used to modify the shape of the cornea and correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Introduction of the excimer laser to reshape the cornea has resulted in remarkable developments in the correction of these refractive errors. Combined with other advanced ophthalmological instruments, laser refractive eye surgery has resulted in a substantial rise in the safety, efficacy, and predictability of surgical outcomes. Despite these advances, certain limitations and complications persist. In this review, we describe the history, preoperative assessment, surgical techniques, outcomes, and complications of laser refractive surgery.
Individual Moral Philosophies and Ethical Decision Making of Undergraduate Athletic Training Students and Educators

Abstract Context: Ethics research in athletic training is lacking. Teaching students technical skills is important, but teaching them how to reason and to behave in a manner that befits responsible health care professionals is equally important. Objective: To expand ethics research in athletic training by (1) describing undergraduate athletic training students' and educators' individual moral philosophies and ethical decision-making abilities and (2) investigating the effects of sex and level of education on mean composite individual moral philosophies and ethical decision-making scores. Design: Stratified, multistage, cluster-sample correlational study. Setting: Mailed survey instruments were distributed in classroom settings at 30 institutions having Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)–accredited athletic training programs. Patients or Other Participants: Undergraduate students and educators (n = 598: 373 women, 225 men; mean age = 23.5 ± 6.3 years) from 25 CAAHEP-ac...
Legal standards, ethical standards, and responses to social–sexual conduct at work

When individuals investigate a sexual harassment claim that stems from a dissolved workplace romance, their responses to the claim are likely influenced by their ethical standards and legal standards. We propose a person–situation interactionist decision-making process through which investigators' ethical standards may override legal standards when responding to social–sexual conduct at work. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A regulatory gene (use) affecting the expression of pyrA and certain other pyrimidine genes.

The use-1 mutation in Salmonella typhimurium confers a complex and pleiotrophic phenotype which is primarily characterized as a temperature-dependent sensitivity to uracil. This sensitivity can be reversed by arginine or citrulline, but not by ornithine, suggesting that the use-1 mutation affects the synthesis or the activity (or both) of carbamoylphosphate synthetase or ornithine carbamoyltransferase (or both). Activity measurements showed that use-1 caused superrepression of both of these enzymes, especially when uracil was present in the medium. Dihydro-orotase and dihydro-orotate oxidase were also superrepressed, but aspartate carbamoyltransferase and orotate phosphoribosyltransferase were not. Lowered nucleotide triphosphate and guanosine tetra- and pentaphosphate pools in use-1 strains indicated that the mutation affected synthesis or breakdown of all of these phosphorylated compounds, but the UTP pool increased by a larger relative factor in use-1 strains in the presence of uracil. The uracil-sensitive phenotype of the use-1 mutation is a complex response to several environmental factors: temperature, aerobiosis, carbon sources, and uracil concentration. Uracil sensitivity was eliminated by alteration of one or more of these factors. Uracil sensitivity was suppressed by several genetic alterations. These include introduction into use-1 strains of a multi-copy ColE1 derivative which carries the structural gene(s) for carbamoylphosphate synthetase, episomes that carry use, mutations including argR and pyrH, and various unclassified intergenic suppressor mutations. These genetic changes increased significantly the expression of carbamoylphosphate synthetase or ornithine carbamoyltransferase (or both). The activity of use-1 is not known, but the facts that it altered expression of at least four unlinked genes (pyrA, pyrC, pyrD, and argI) and that the Escherichia coli F′133 complemented it establish it as a trans-acting regulatory factor.
Template matching analysis of unipolar and bipolar electrograms in the differentiation of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation from sinus rhythm

The failure of automated morphologic detection of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or fibrillation (VF) is a limitation of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. As an adjunct to rate-based criteria, this study evaluated the use of waveform analysis of intracardiac electrograms with correlation waveform analysis (CWA). Using digital signal processing, unipolar and bipolar electrograms were evaluated in sinus rhythm (SR), VT, and VF at 1-500 Hz and 10-80 Hz in 15 patients. There was complete differentiation of SR from VF in 13/15 patients and VT in 14/15 with unipolar and 14/15 patients with bipolar electrograms at 1-500 Hz; at 10-80 Hz SR was differentiated from VF in 12/15 patients and VT in 13/15 with unipolar and from VF in 14/15 patients and VT in 13/15 with bipolar electrograms. It is concluded that differentiation of intracardiac waveforms by CWA is independent of electrode configuration and is not significantly altered by moderate signal filtering. >