cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The election of women under proportional representation: The case of Malta

It has often been noted that women's opportunities for a legislative career are enhanced in countries using proportional representation. But in Malta, which uses a variant of proportional representation, there are fewer women in parliament than in any other Western democracy. A detailed analysis of voting data shows that what accounts for the paucity of women legislators in Malta is not a shortage of ballot positions; nor a lack of qualified women candidates; nor significant voter prejudice against female candidates. Rather, Malta's exceptional performance results from the unwillingness or inability of party elites to recruit a substantial number of women candidates, even though voting patterns create an incentive for political parties to maximize the number of candidates. Since the cause of this failure to mobilize more women candidates can be ascribed neither to the workings of the electoral system nor to voter behaviour, it will have to be sought in contextual factors that still work to stifle women's ...
Fieldwork and Subjectivity: On the Ritualization of Seeing a Burned Child

Field research, an exercise undertaken to generate descriptive and analytic studies of human activity in varying social and cultural contexts, is a complex process of framing and unframing undifferentiated experiences. As such, field studies are conditioned by the immediate play of subjectively arrayed cognitive, emotional, perceptual, and linguistic processes even as they are designed for future objective accounts. This article offers a redescription of an emotionally laden encounter with a burned child. The article presents a phenomenological account of the encounter which, as a highly charged event, focuses attention on reflexive processes related to introspection, intersubjectivity, and sensory perception as ritualized aspects of fieldwork. Finally, the concept of ritual is examined in terms of its rhetorical function as a frame for writing lived experience in the field.
A declining rate of completion axillary dissection in sentinel lymph node-positive breast cancer patients is associated with the use of a multivariate nomogram.

At many centers in the United States and worldwide, sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has largely replaced axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for breast cancer staging. Compared with ALND, the staging accuracy of SLN biopsy is greater,1 and the morbidity of SLN biopsy (while not zero) is less.2–4 The SLN is falsely negative in about 5% of node-positive patients,5 but the observed rate of axillary local recurrence (LR) after a negative SLN biopsy is vanishingly small (0.3% in 10 clinical series and 0.12% in our own experience6), and SLN-negative patients do not require ALND. In contrast, among SLN-positive patients about half have metastases in the remaining non-SLN,5 and completion ALND is still considered to be standard care in this setting.7,8 A growing literature has asked whether completion ALND can be avoided in a low-risk subset of SLN-positive patients,9 and in general demonstrates that those factors which predict metastases to the non-SLN are the same as those that predict metastases to the SLN: tumor size, tumor grade, and lymphovascular invasion (LVI). Additional predictors include volume of SLN metastasis, number of positive SLN, and number of negative SLN. While most such studies use relatively few predictive factors, typically two or three, the risk of non-SLN involvement is best predicted on the basis of multiple variables and a carefully validated multivariate nomogram developed at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) by Van Zee et al9 (“MSKCC nomogram”) has proven particularly useful for this purpose. Here we examine in detail 1673 SLN-positive patients who had ALND (“SLN+/ALND”) and 287 who did not (“SLN+/no ALND”), comparing clinicopathologic features, nomogram scores, and rates of axillary LR. Over time a growing proportion of SLN-positive patients in our practice have chosen not to have ALND, and we hypothesize that this trend may in part reflect increasing clinical application of the MSKCC nomogram. Accordingly, we also compare, across our entire service and by individual surgeon, the rates of completion ALND for the “prenomogram” and “postnomogram” time periods.
A review of the wall problem and conditioning techniques for tokamaks

Abstract A variety of conditioning techniques have been applied to tokamaks to control low Z impurities originating from vacuum vessel surface contaminants and to modify working gas recycling properties. After chemical or physical treatment of the vacuum vessel hardware, in-situ vacuum vessel treatments are usually applied, including: (1) vacuum baking; (2) discharge cleaning; and (3) gettering. As the magnetic fusion program moves to the next generation of large test reactors, the implementation of any of the above techniques becomes a costly procedure. It is therefore prudent to understand the mechanisms and physical-chemical effects of a particular conditioning procedure and maximize the efficiency. A review is given of the present understanding of the physical mechanisms, the resulting surface effects, and benefits to plasma performance of the various conditioning procedures. Particular attention is given to the application of hydrogen glow discharge cleaning and the use of titanium gettering as conditioning procedures.
Meeting Physicians’ Responsibilities in Providing End-of-Life Care

Despite many clinical examples of exemplary end-of-life care, a number of studies highlight significant shortcomings in the quality of end-of-life care that the majority of patients receive. In part, this stems from inconsistencies in training and supporting clinicians in delivering end-of-life care. This review describes the responsibilities of pulmonary and critical care physicians in providing end-of-life care to patients and their families. While many responsibilities are common to all physicians who care for patients with life-limiting illness, some issues are particularly relevant to pulmonary and critical care physicians. These issues include prognostication and decision making about goals of care, challenges and approaches to communicating with patients and their family, the role of interdisciplinary collaboration, principles and practice of withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining measures, and cultural competency in end-of-life care.
Oral report of words and word approximations presented to the left or right visual field

Abstract Subjects reported letter strings forming words, pronounceable high approximations to words, and unpronounceable low approximations to words presented tachistoscopically to the left or right visual field (LVF, RVF). (a) For number of strings totally correct, the same RVF superiority was obtained with high approximations as with words, the field difference with low approximations being negligible. (b) In contrast, for letter scores from partially correct strings, RVF superiority did not vary with string type. Finding (a) is interpreted to indicate that the left hemisphere is differentially specialized for processing words as units and that requiring oral report makes pronounceable strings processable as word-like units. Finding (b) suggests that the left hemisphere is not specialized for processing subword fragments.
The repressible metabolism of sorbitol (d-glucitol) by intact cells of the oral plaque-forming bacterium Streptococcus mutans

Sorbitol metabolism of Streptococcus mutans was studied. Cocci adapted to growth in sorbitol, glucose or both were challenged to grow on and to ferment those carbohydrates in pH-controlled defined media with intact cells capable of metabolic inductions and regulations. Glucose degradation when in high concentration did not depend upon induction of glucose-specific phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase activity, as it did at low glucose concentrations. Sorbitol utilization was signalled by the induction of sorbitol-specific phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase and sorbitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities which persisted throughout the growth cycle. However, when even low levels of glucose were present, sorbitol transport and catabolic activities were rapidly repressed and they were not de-repressed until essentially all glucose had been utilized. Metabolism of sorbitol thus relies on the sorbitol phosphotransferase/sorbitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase pathway whose activity is sensitively repressed in the presence of glucose.
When's a Smile a Smile? Or how to Detect a Message by Digitizing the Signal:

What's in a smile? Why do we respond so powerfully to this visual display? Or, phrased in information processing terms: What characteristics of the signal define the boundaries of the social message? We have used digital image analysis and subject ratings to answer this question for videotaped smiles. A simple measure of the information provided by facial movement—the entropy of the distribution of pixel intensities in the subtracted or difference images—traced the changing facial expression (the signal) through time. Raters categorized the individual videoprints in order to locate message boundaries. We found a remarkable coincidence between changes in signal entropy and message. In each smile, rapid increases in positive messages occurred within entropy crests. We conclude that quantitative measures of information transmission can be used to locate message boundaries and provide insight into how receivers parse the behavioral stream.
Exporting: Does Sales Volume Make a Difference?

This research examines the effect that the size of a firm has on export activities, perceived problems in exporting, and attitudes toward exporting. The results indicate that broad generalizations concerning the size of firms and exporting appear to be inappropriate.
The selection efficiency of tournaments

Abstract We discuss tournaments in terms of their efficiency as probabilistic mechanisms that select high-quality alternatives (“players”) in a noisy environment. We characterize the selection efficiency of three such mechanisms – contests, binary elimination tournaments, and round-robin tournaments – depending on the shape of the distribution of players’ quality, the number of players, and noise level. The results have implications as to how, and under what circumstances, the efficiency of tournament-based selection can be manipulated.
Pituitary and ovarian responses of postpartum dairy cows to progesterone priming and single or double injections of gonadotropin-releasing hormone

Abstract Utilizing single or double pulses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), with or without progesterone pretreatment, we induced ovulation in dairy cows on day 14 postpartum. In experiment 1, neither progesterone priming nor repetitive injection of GnRH enhanced pituitary LH or FSH secretion compared to a single GnRH injection. However, pretreatment with 100 mg progesterone tended (P
Mutations in ooc-5 and ooc-3 disrupt oocyte formation and the reestablishment of asymmetric PAR protein localization in two-cell Caenorhabditis elegans embryos.

The early development of Caenorhabditis elegans embryos is characterized by a series of asymmetric divisions in which the mitotic spindle is repeatedly oriented on the same axis due to a rotation of the nuclear-centrosome complex. To identify genes involved in the control of spindle orientation, we have screened maternal-effect lethal mutants for alterations in cleavage pattern. Here we describe mutations in ooc-5 and ooc-3, which were isolated on the basis of a nuclear rotation defect in the P(1) cell of two-cell embryos. These mutations are novel in that they affect the asymmetric localization of PAR proteins at the two-cell stage, but not at the one-cell stage. In wild-type two-cell embryos, PAR-3 protein is present around the entire periphery of the AB cell and prevents nuclear rotation in this cell. In contrast, PAR-2 functions to allow nuclear rotation in the P(1) cell by restricting PAR-3 localization to the anterior periphery of P(1). In ooc-5 and ooc-3 mutant embryos, PAR-3 was mislocalized around the periphery of P(1), while PAR-2 was reduced or absent. The germ-line-specific P granules were also mislocalized at the two-cell stage. Mutations in ooc-5 and ooc-3 also result in reduced-size oocytes and embryos. However, par-3 ooc double-mutant embryos can exhibit nuclear rotation, indicating that small size per se does not prevent rotation and that PAR-3 mislocalization contributes to the failure of rotation in ooc mutants. We therefore postulate that wild-type ooc-5 and ooc-3 function in oogenesis and in the reestablishment of asymmetric domains of PAR proteins at the two-cell stage.
SCANS-system description and comparison with PERT

The name SCANS is an acronym derived from Scheduling and Control by Automated Network System. The system is based upon the network techniques developed for PERT and might well be considered to be one of the many versions of PERT which have evolved since its introduction. Although SCANS is described as an automated system and as a man-machine system, it is the men in the system who perform the most important functions of planning, decision making, and control. The machines only perform the functions which would have to be delegated to clerical and computational personnel if the machines were not available. SCANS is not intended to be a substitute for the human mental process. It can only hope to facilitate this process and improve its effectiveness by providing the best information in an efficient format at the time it is required.
Channeling and related effects in the motion of charged particles through crystals

The motion of energetic charged particles inside a monocrystalline solid can be strongly influenced by channeling and blocking effects. The present article reviews the theory, the experimental studies, and some of the applications of these effects. The coverage of the published literature extends through June 1973.
Plate height in coiled columns

Abstract The main approximations used by the author in an earlier treatment of coiled columns are justified. This refutes the recent arguments of Matsen and Harding on this matter. A corrected equation for plate height in coiled columns is given.
Non-line-of-sight ultraviolet link loss in noncoplanar geometry

Various path loss models have been developed for solar blind non-line-of-sight UV communication links under an assumption of coplanar source beam axis and receiver pointing direction. This work further extends an existing single-scattering coplanar analytical model to noncoplanar geometry. The model is derived as a function of geometric parameters and atmospheric characteristics. Its behavior is numerically studied in different noncoplanar geometric settings.
Family Matters : Founding Family Firms and Corporate Political Activity

This study explores the impact of publicly traded founding family firms (FFFs) on their propensity for corporate political activity (CPA) and their choice of political approaches. Based on the behavior and characteristics of publicly traded FFFs, the author expected a positive association between FFFs and corporate political activity and a preference for relational, or long-term, over transactional, or short-term, corporate political activity. It was found that publicly traded FFFs are more likely to engage in CPA only when the firm's founder is in an executive position. Furthermore, publicly traded FFFs show a preference for relational versus transactional corporate political activity. These findings are examined in light of FFF and corporate political strategy literatures.
Renal Venous Renin Determinations in the Diagnosis of Surgically Correctable Hypertension

Renin activity in renal vein plasma was measured in six normal subjects and 59 hypertensive patients. The average renin value in renal venous plasma in normal subjects was the same as that found in patients with essential hypertension and renal parenchymal hypertension. Renal venous renin levels were markedly elevated in patients with significant renal lesions who were improved by surgery but were normal in patients with insignificant renal artery stenosis. We defined an abnormal renal vein renin level as one which is higher than 4.1 ng/ml of plasma, the highest normal, and which is also more than twice as great as the level obtained from the opposite kidney. On 19 patients who were operated upon for renal hypertension, there were no "false positive tests," and two "false negative tests." One patient with essential hypertension had abnormal values by these standards. Since occasional "false positive" and "false negative" results occur, we presently recommend that this test be used with, but not to the exclusion of, other tests of renal function in preoperative evaluations. As experience with the test increases, and as more prospective studies are done, it may prove to be the single most useful device to predict surgical success in patients with renal artery and renal parenchymal hypertension.
Use of the NIST-developed water calibrator for the Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) mass spectrometer

The absolute measurement of low-density gases of interest in space experiments recently underwent a major advanced when the National Institute of Standards and Technology developed a primary standard for low-density water vapor. This standard, which features arrays of laser-drilled holes, was used to calibrate and characterize the performance of several vacuum instruments and the MSX neutral mass spectrometer. The neutral mass spectrometer will be used to measure the absolute densities of molecules outgassing from the MSX spacecraft during orbit and, thus, to validate the MSX contamination models and the effectiveness of the contamination control plan. The residual gas analyzers and the flight mass spectrometer were tested over a large range of partial pressures of H2O, H2He, N2, O2, and Ar. In certain cases, water vapor caused significant changes in the sensitivity of vacuum instruments and generated several other gaseous species.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A flume study of drift in marine infaunal amphipods (Haustoriidae)

Amphipods of the infaunal family Haustoriidae are characteristic of high-energy marine sands and occur both in the sediment and the overlying water column. Sediments in this habitat are subject to constant reworking by tidal currents, suggesting that resident amphipod populations are affected by this disturbance in a phenomenon similar to freshwater invertebrate drift. A controlled-velocity laboratory flume was used to examine the effect of haustoriid density, current velocity, illumination, and food availability on drift rates to determine a causal basis for drift. Drift is densityindependent and greatest at night and during high current flow; it is also greater at night from sterile sediment than from untreated sand. Flume transport was usually less than 10% of amphipods present in the sediment. Haustoriids captured downstream were mostly adults occurring in a 1:1 sex ratio, suggesting no obvious function of drift in reproduction. Current-induced displacement of haustoriids may produce the patchiness in distribution observed in nature. Disturbance of the bed could also function to keep amphipod densities below the carrying capacity of the local environment. In certain cases, food limitation may cause amphipods to actively leave the substrate. Under all conditions, greater drift rates in darkness are probably adaptive in avoidance of predators. Despite the nature of sediment movement in a high-energy environment, haustoriid drift may have an active as well as passive component.
LDPC Codes from Triangle-Free Line Sets

We study sets of lines of AG(n, q) and PG(n, q) with the property that no three lines form a triangle. As a result the associated point-line incidence graph contains no 6-cycles and necessarily has girth at least 8. One can then use the associated incidence matrices to form binary linear codes that can be considered as LDPC codes. The relatively high girth allows for efficient implementation of these codes. We give two general constructions for such triangle-free line sets and give the parameters for the associated codes when q is small.
Gonadal vein recruitment in renal cell carcinoma: incidence, pathogenesis and clinical significance.

Abstract Objective: Gonadal vein recruitment by collateral veins in patients with renal cell carcinoma is not routinely searched for during abdominal computed tomography. We performed a retrospective view to determine the incidence of gonadal vein recruitment for collateral venous drainage in patients with renal cell carcinoma and we discuss its potential importance. Patients and methods: Abdominal CT examinations were available for 58 of 95 patients with renal cell carcinoma identified during a 3-year-period. The presence of collateral veins and recruitment of the ipsilateral gonadal vein was recorded and correlated with the estimated blood loss at surgery. Results: Eighteen of 58 tumours were small (less than 5 cm). Multiple (greater than three) collateral renal capsular veins were noted in 26 of 58 patients and few (less than three) were noted in 11. Recruitment of the gonadal vein (range 4–18 mm, mean 8 mm) was seen in 18 of 58 patients (31%) who all had multiple collaterals. Gonadal vein recruitment was only seen in patients with tumours greater than 5 cm. Mean estimated blood loss at surgery was significantly different (P Conclusion: Gonadal vein recruitment signifies well-developed arteriovenous shunting and high flow collateral venous drainage pathways and may be used as an index of tumour vascularity. This finding may have clinical potential in triaging patients toward pre-operative renal embolization.
A framework for supporting distributed group decision-making

Abstract Group decision support systems (GDSS) have been proposed as tools for aiding the group decision making process. Research in GDSS has focused primarily on facilitating group meetings. However, meetings form only one aspect of the group decision problem solving process. In fact it is desirable to reduce the number of meetings, especially if the group members are in geographically distant locations. The need for meetings can be reduced if the group is provided with a system which will allow the group members to exchange information and expertise on a continuous basis rather than only during meetings. In this paper we propose a framework for such a system which we designate a distributed group decision support system (DGDSS). The DGDSS works in conjunction with an organizational information system composed of a network of knowledge based systems. This network is utilized to support information and expertise exchange between group members on a continuous basis.
Complementarianism as Doctrine and Governance: Narratives on Women’s Leadership Among Second-Generation Asian Americans

The role of women in evangelical churches remains contested as different groups attempt to shape the gender subculture. Included is a growing population of second-generation immigrants who have the potential to influence future debates. I explore how 23 second-generation Asian American congregants in a multi-lingual Taiwanese evangelical church that experienced a schism over women in pastoral leadership discuss the complementarian belief as it relates to doctrine and governance. Further, I examine narratives used to describe the schism and find that doctrinal narratives predominated over narratives of inter-generational conflict. Last, I find that the complementarian belief also informed understandings and participation in lay leadership. Findings suggest patterns for how doctrine and governance may interact and have implications for the relationship among ethnicity, gender, and religion. I propose further research interrogating the relationship between doctrine and governance and the way religious, gender, ethnic, and immigrant identities may or may not interact.
Mannose binding lectin (mbl2) haplotype frequencies in solid organ transplant patients and correlation with MBL protein levels — Evaluation of complement-mediated effector pathway deficiency

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a protein critical in activating complement. Patients with wild-type and variant mbl2 genotypes have high or low concentrations of MBL protein, which is known to increase susceptibility to transplant rejection or infection, respectively. Our objective was to determine mbl2 genotype frequencies in future solid organ transplant recipients in order to optimize their induction and maintenance immunosuppressive therapies, and to provide MBL reference data for this unique population. We genotyped 1687 patients, and concurrently measured protein in 807 of them, during 2010-2011. Frequencies of the structural allele SNPs in our population were similar to those of other studied populations; however, Black patients with the same intermediate and deficient mbl2 genotypes as Caucasians produced significantly lower levels of MBL protein; therefore, within this population more genotypes should be considered MBL-deficient. Overall, the most critical parameter in determining serum MBL protein concentration was genotype, which was independent of other factors including ethnicity, gender, or diseased native organ type.
Using sediment `fingerprints' to assess sediment-budget errors, North Halawa Valley, Oahu, Hawaii, 1991-92

Reliable estimates of sediment-budget errors are important for interpreting sediment-budget results. Sediment-budget errors are commonly considered equal to sediment-budget imbalances, which may underestimate actual sediment-budget errors if they include compensating positive and negative errors. We modified the sediment ‘fingerprinting’ approach to qualitatively evaluate compensating errors in an annual (1991) fine (<63 μm) sediment budget for the North Halawa Valley, a mountainous, forested drainage basin on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, during construction of a major highway. We measured concentrations of aeolian quartz and 137Cs in sediment sources and fluvial sediments, and combined concentrations of these aerosols with the sediment budget to construct aerosol budgets. Aerosol concentrations were independent of the sediment budget, hence aerosol budgets were less likely than sediment budgets to include compensating errors. Differences between sediment-budget and aerosol-budget imbalances therefore provide a measure of compensating errors in the sediment budget. The sediment-budget imbalance equalled 25 per cent of the fluvial fine-sediment load. Aerosol-budget imbalances were equal to 19 per cent of the fluvial 137Cs load and 34 per cent of the fluvial quartz load. The reasonably close agreement between sediment- and aerosol-budget imbalances indicates that compensating errors in the sediment budget were not large and that the sediment-budget imbalance is a reliable measure of sediment-budget error. We attribute at least one-third of the 1991 fluvial fine-sediment load to highway construction. Continued monitoring indicated that highway construction produced 90 per cent of the fluvial fine-sediment load during 1992. Erosion of channel margins and attrition of coarse particles provided most of the fine sediment produced by natural processes. Hillslope processes contributed relatively minor amounts of sediment. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detecting and Treating Common Foot and Ankle Fractures

Some of the most common and potentially serious ankle and hindfoot fractures seen in a primary care sports medicine practice are fractures of the tibial plafond, malleolus, calcaneus, and talus (including osteochondral lesions). Making a careful physical exam to detect for sites of tenderness and ordering the appropriate diagnostic images—usually plain films—are important in pinpointing the diagnosis, but some injuries, like Maisonneuve fractures, can be difficult to detect. Certain injuries, like many fractures of the lateral process of the talus, can be managed conservatively with casting, but severe or displaced fractures usually require surgery. Rehabilitation typically focuses on rest and proper strengthening and stretching exercises.
Shifts in North Atlantic planktic foraminifer biogeography and subtropical gyre circulation during the mid-Piacenzian warm period

Abstract The mid-Piacenzian (MP) warm period (3.264–3.025 Ma) has been identified as the most recent time in geologic history during which mean global surface temperatures were considerably warmer than today for a sustained period. This interval has therefore been proposed as a potential (albeit imperfect) analog for future climate change and as such, has received much scientific attention over the past two decades. Central to this research effort is the Pliocene Research, Interpretation, and Synoptic Mapping (PRISM) project, an iterative paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the MP focused on increasing our understanding of warm-period climate forcings, dynamics, and feedbacks by providing three-dimensional data sets for general circulation models. A mainstay of the PRISM project has been the development of a global sea surface temperature (SST) data set based primarily upon quantitative analyses of planktic foraminifer assemblages, supplemented with geochemical SST estimates wherever possible. In order to improve spatial coverage of the PRISM faunal data set in the low and mid-latitude North Atlantic, this study provides a description of the MP planktic foraminifer assemblage from five Ocean Drilling Program sites (951, 958, 1006, 1062, and 1063) in the subtropical gyre, a region critical to Atlantic Ocean circulation and tropical heat advection. Assemblages from each core provide evidence for a temperature- and circulation-driven 5-10° northward displacement of MP faunal provinces, as well as regional shifts in planktic foraminifer populations linked to species ecology and interactions. General biogeographic trends also indicate that, relative to modern conditions, gyre circulation was stronger (particularly the Gulf Stream, North Atlantic Current, and North Equatorial Current) and meridionally broader. A comparison of mid-Piacenzian and modern North Atlantic planktic foraminifer assemblages suggests that low latitude western boundary currents were less than 1 °C warmer while eastern boundary currents were ~ 1–2 °C warmer, supporting the hypothesis of enhanced northward heat advection along western boundary currents and warming of high latitude Northeast Atlantic source regions for the Canary Current. These findings are consistent with a model of reduced meridional SST gradients, with little-to-no low latitude warming, and more vigorous ocean circulation. Results therefore support the theory that enhanced meridional overturn circulation and associated northward heat advection made an important contribution, in conjunction with elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations, to the 2–3 °C global surface temperature increase (relative to today) and strong polar amplification of SST warmth during the MP warm period.
Migration of Central Venous Catheters: Implications for Initial Catheter Tip Positioning

Purpose To evaluate the change in position of chest wall central venous access catheters (CVACs) after placement. Complication rates associated with catheter tip position were reviewed. Patients and Methods Fifty patients (36 women, 14 men) with chest wall CVACs placed in the angiography suite were studied. Catheter migration was calculated as the difference between the carina-catheter tip measurements on immediate supine and upright postprocedure (within 24 hours) chest radiographs. Catheter-related complication data were gathered via telephone interview and review of the medical records. Results Peripheral catheter migration occurred in 49 of 50 patients (average, 3.2 cm ± 1.8); central catheter migration occurred in one of 50 patients (3.9 cm). Catheter type was the only significant factor that affected the amount of migration; side of insertion or the patient's gender were not significant. Catheter malfunction and symptomatic upper extremity venous thrombosis rates tended to be lower in patients with right atrial versus superior vena cava catheters (18% vs 34%), but differences were not significant ( P = .202). Conclusion Catheter migration after chest wall CVAC placement is a common event. The catheter tip should be initially positioned approximately 3–4 cm more centrally than the desired final position. Further study is necessary of catheter-related complication rates relative to the final position of the catheter tip.
An observational study of the health benefits of yoga or tai chi compared with aerobic exercise in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults.

Mood and sleep disturbances are common problems in middle-aged and older adults. This observational study explored whether participation in mind-body exercise classes (e.g., yoga and Tai Chi) that have elements of both physical activity and mindfulness is associated with better mood, mental health, and sleep compared to aerobic physical exercise.
Protective Factors for School Readiness Among Children in Poverty

The economic status of families and their children's learning outcomes are closely related. For example, children living in poverty tend to score worse on measures of reading and math performance than their more affluent peers, and this achievement gap is present by kindergarten. In this study, we identified protective factors associated with school readiness among an Arizona sample of children living at or below the federal poverty line (N = 230). Using multiple linear regression, we examined the association between assessments of school readiness, health status, childcare hours, home language, parent engagement, and parent education. We found that increased weekly childcare hours and better health were associated with higher proficiency in math, literacy, and approaches to learning, and may serve as resilience factors for children in poverty that may contribute to closing the achievement gap.
EpiFast: a fast algorithm for large scale realistic epidemic simulations on distributed memory systems

Large scale realistic epidemic simulations have recently become an increasingly important application of high-performance computing. We propose a parallel algorithm, EpiFast, based on a novel interpretation of the stochastic disease propagation in a contact network. We implement it using a master-slave computation model which allows scalability on distributed memory systems.EpiFast runs extremely fast for realistic simulations that involve: (i) large populations consisting of millions of individuals and their heterogeneous details, (ii) dynamic interactions between the disease propagation, the individual behaviors, and the exogenous interventions, as well as (iii) large number of replicated runs necessary for statistically sound estimates about the stochastic epidemic evolution. We find that EpiFast runs several magnitude faster than another comparable simulation tool while delivering similar results.EpiFast has been tested on commodity clusters as well as SGI shared memory machines. For a fixed experiment, if given more computing resources, it scales automatically and runs faster. Finally, EpiFast has been used as the major simulation engine in real studies with rather sophisticated settings to evaluate various dynamic interventions and to provide decision support for public health policy makers.
Long-term responses of disturbance-associated birds after different timber harvests

Abstract Timber harvest provides favorable habitat for many species of shrub-dependent birds. Because of historical dominance, effect of clearcutting on early successional birds has been widely studied, but less information is available on alternatives such as shelterwood and group selection, which have become a more dominant means of regenerating pines ( Pinus spp.) on federal lands of the southeastern US. We compared detection of 12 species of early successional forest birds prior to harvest and at various intervals for 16 years after harvest in stands subjected to clearcutting, shelterwood, single-tree selection, and group-selection harvests. We also compared detection rates of these species between harvested and unharvested control stands. Detection rate for all early successional species combined peaked 5 years after harvest and was greatest in clearcuts 5–12 years after harvest. Clearcuts retained some species for longer periods than other treatments. Hooded warbler ( Setophaga citrine ) and Kentucky warbler ( Oporornis formosus ) benefitted more from partial harvesting than clearcutting; partially harvested areas had increased understory shrub abundance but retained overstory trees. Detections of many species were lower in group selection stands than other harvested treatments, likely because openings were too small for area-sensitive species. Due to the level of overstory removal, shelterwoods likely provided the closest alternative to clearcutting and retained all the species found in clearcuts; shelterwoods also provided habitat to species rare in clearcuts, including hooded and Kentucky warbler. In terms of presence and absence, regeneration methods other than clearcutting provided habitat for most early successional species, but densities of birds are likely lower. Thus, greater expanses of harvesting may be needed to sustain populations of some early successional birds at levels similar to those under even-aged systems that use clearcutting as the primary regeneration method.
An unusual broad line profile in the QSO + 144 - Evidence for an optical jet?

Narrow components in the profiles of the broad Balmer and Mg II emission lines were observed in the QSO 0054 + 144 (PHL 909). The redshift given by the narrow permitted lines is smaller than that of the narrow forbidden O III lines, by an amount corresponding to a velocity difference of about 1000 km/s. There was a possible change in both the broad and narrow permitted lines between 1980 and 1986. It is suggested that the narrow Balmer component may have been produced in a short-lived jetlike structure moving outward from the center of the QSO with this relative line-of-sight velocity.
Using architecture to change code: studying information needs

While architecture is widely viewed as important, the mechanisms by which understanding architecture helps developers better change code are less clear. We are conducting a laboratory study to gather requirements for the design of future tools and techniques for making architecture more explicit while interacting with code.
Examination of Colored Alkali Halides for Photoelectric Hall Effect

Five additively colored alkali halides have been examined for photoelectric Hall effect by means of two different arrangements, a single cross-electrode set-up and Tartakowsky's divided electrode method. The consistently null results obtained were checked by using zincblende, a substance of known photoelectric galvanomagnetic properties, in both arrangements. From the upper limit assigned to the Hall effect, it was computed that the mean free path of photoelectrons in rocksalt is not much greater than the dimensions of a lattice cell---in agreement with Von Hippel's result for the electronic mean free path on the basis of electrical breakdown experiments. This interpretation of the null result was supported by the fact that the large initial surge of electron current in KCl and KBr at the outset of illumination also showed no Hall effect. The magnetic deflection of photoelectric current reported in rocksalt by Tartakowsky was not found, either for additively or photochemically colored specimens.
Impact of demand load size on strategies for reliable process heat supply

Abstract When providing high-temperature process steam to a user such as a chemical plant, high availability and reliability are necessary to maintain production and avoid sudden, unscheduled shutdowns with potentially adverse investment consequences. Therefore, the availability and reliability requirements are expected to be higher than those applicable to dedicated electric power plants. This paper evaluates the impact of the size of the process steam demand on the effectiveness of different approaches for meeting these high reliability requirements using High Temperature Reactor (HTR) process steam supply systems. Such systems will require significant backup redundancy, since individual reactor modules have inherently lower availability than that required by a process heat plant. Systems using additional HTRs and systems using traditional gas-fired boilers for backup capacity are both analyzed. Potential system configurations are analyzed for a wide range of process heat plant steam demands, from 200 MWt to 1500 MWt. The analysis includes availability analysis, assessment of overall redundancy, and economic evaluation. Consideration is also given to the benefit of selling surplus electricity generated with excess steam. Finally, the sensitivity of different plant configurations to fossil fuel price volatility is discussed briefly.
Panacea or Pandora's Box? The Program Manager Reform

Reform is the primary focus of this article, which points out that although perfecting the way we govern ourselves has been a consistent tendency in the twentieth century, we know little about the effectiveness of these efforts. Using the acquisition of major weapon systems in the Department of Defense as its case in point, this article examines one reform initiative from the standpoint of its relevance and effect on the governmental operations with which it is concerned It argues that this investigation demonstrates two factors that hamper meaningful reform: the complexity of government bureaucracies and the general lack of knowledge concerning their operations.
Single-particle structure in the lead region

Abstract The single-particle structure in 209Bi and 209Pb is studied using the particle-core coupling model. The 4+ core excitation of 208Pb is found to be important for splitting the 3 p 1 2 single-proton state, and this explains the strong 3.64 and 4.43 MeV levels in 209Bi.
Nature, nurture and first sexual intercourse in the USA: fitting behavioural genetic models to NLSY kinship data

Fisher (1930) presented both theoretical and empirical results concerning genetic influences on fertility. Since then, only sparse research has been done on the genetics of fertility, although more sophisticated methodogy and data now exist than were available to Fisher. This paper presents a behavioural genetic analysis of age at first intercourse, accounting for genetic, shared environmental, and selected non-shared environmental influences. The data came from the nationally representative National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY). A newly developed kinship linking procedure was used that identifies links for cousins, half-siblings, full-siblings and twins in the NLSY. The results suggest a genetic influence in the overall dataset, and also among whites and in male-male and opposite-sex pairs. Genetic influences were extremely small or non-existent for blacks and for female-female pairs. Shared environmental influences were small for most subsets of the data, but moderate for female-female pairs. Two specific non-shared environmental influences--self-esteem and locus of control--were ruled out as accounting for any meaningful variance, although other general sources of non-shared environmental influence appear potentially important. Analysis of selected samples from upper and lower tails suggested that genetic influences are important in accounting for both early and late non-virginity. These findings are consistent with work reported by Miller et al. (1999), who used molecular genetic methods. Generally, these findings support the existence of genetic influences and implicate non-shared environmental influences as being important determinants of the timing of loss of virginity among US adolescents and young adults.
Spatial stress and strain distributions of viscoelastic layers in oscillatory shear

One of the standard experimental probes of a viscoelastic material is to measure the response of a layer trapped between parallel surfaces, imposing either periodic stress or strain at one boundary and measuring the other. The relative phase between stress and strain yields solid-like and liquid-like properties, called the storage and loss moduli, respectively, which are then captured over a range of imposed frequencies. Rarely are the full spatial distributions of shear and normal stresses considered, primarily because they cannot be measured except at boundaries and the information was not deemed of particular interest in theoretical studies. Likewise, strain distributions throughout the layer were traditionally ignored except in a classical protocol of Ferry, Adler and Sawyer, based on snapshots of standing shear waves. Recent investigations of thin lung mucus layers exposed to oscillatory stress (breathing) and strain (coordinated cilia), however, suggest that the wide range of healthy conditions and environmental or disease assaults lead to conditions that are quite disparate from the ''surface loading'' and ''gap loading'' conditions that characterize classical rheometers. In this article, we extend our previous linear and nonlinear models of boundary stresses in controlled oscillatory strain to the entire layer. To illustrate non-intuitive heterogeneous responses, we characterize experimental conditions and material parameter ranges where the maximum stresses migrate into the channel interior.
Enteroviruses as agents of emerging infectious diseases.

Although the enteroviruses as a group are ubiquitous and not normally considered as “emerging pathogens,” the many different serotypes circulate at different frequencies in any given year and the prevalence of a given serotype may fluctuate wildly from year to year. As a result, several enterovirus serotypes have been associated with the emergence of specific diseases (for example, pandemic acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis) and specific serotypes have emerged to cause outbreaks of major public health concern. Enterovirus 71 is a recognized cause of epidemic severe central nervous system disease in Southeast Asia. Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis was a newly described disease in the 1970s associated with emergence of enterovirus 70 and coxsackievirus A24 variant. In addition, the impending eradication of poliovirus and some of the challenges currently faced by the eradication program present the possibility that poliomyelitis could emerge in the posteradication era. These links between enterovirus infections and emerging diseases are reviewed.
Does higher voter turnout among the poor lead to more equal policy representation

Abstract The belief that elected officials are most responsive to the opinions of the wealthiest members of society is often assumed but has only recently begun to be tested. This paper examines a common explanation for why this disparity in political representation occurs: wealthy citizens vote at much higher rates than citizens with low incomes. Utilizing variation across states in voter turnout levels among the rich and poor, there is little evidence that increased voting among citizens with low incomes improves representation of their political opinions in the Senate. These findings cast doubt on the proposition that increased voter turnout among the poor is an avenue for promoting greater political equality in the United States.
Factor B polymorphism in North American Blacks: Study of a new variant Bf F1.35

A “new” variant of the factor B (Bf) system has been found in the serum of three individuals of a North American Black family. This variant migrates faster than Bf F1 and has been designated Bf F1.35 on account of the relative electrophoretic mobility using reference Bf typed sera. This new factor B variant (F1.35) was found to be functionally active using a specific hemolytic overlay technique and was inherited on an HLA-A28;Bw35;C4 A3,B1;C2C;DR3;GLO2 haplotype.