cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Out-of-seam dilution: Economic impacts and control strategies

Abstract Out-of-seam dilution (OSD) is the result of mining strata above and below the coal seam. While technological advances in mechanized mining equipment have greatly enhanced coal mine productivity, they have also increased the amount of OSD that is produced. Furthermore, because the cost impacts of dilution are not well understood, many coal mine operators believe that since dilution is rejected in coal processing, it does not have any impact on final clean coal quality. This chapter shows that although OSD cannot be prevented entirely when striving to achieve full seam extraction, taking steps to reduce it can significantly improve mine economics and lessen environmental impacts. Studies conducted on 13 mechanized mining units at five Illinois coal mines found that OSD strongly influences clean coal quality by increasing ash, sulfur, mercury, and other trace elements in the clean coal product. The economic impact of this quality deterioration was estimated to be approximately $5.09 per ton of mined roof and $1.26 per ton of mined floor material. When considering total combined costs for mining, processing, and waste disposal, it was estimated that OSD-related costs were $3.95 per clean ton for an average Illinois coal mine. Thus, if the amount of OSD extracted can be reduced by just 50%, cost savings of $2.00 per clean ton may be realized. (All reported cost estimates are in 2010 US dollars.) The conclusion is that controlling OSD provides an outstanding opportunity for mines to improve their competitive position in the marketplace. One strategy for achieving OSD control is educational awareness programs (EAPs). Documentation of one EAP showed positive results immediate afterward, followed by a gradual return to pre-EAP practices. The conclusion is that EAPs have to be frequent and ongoing to be effective. A second approach to OSD control is coal interface detection (CID) technology. Several CID options have been tested, and some appear promising; however, variability in coal seam characteristics has hampered efforts to commercialize any of them.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in plasma from E-waste recyclers, outdoor and indoor workers in the Puget Sound, WA region.

Abstract Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were widely used as flame retardants in consumer products including electronic devices. Important routes of human exposure are contaminated food and contact with dust. In this study, we measured twelve PBDEs in household/workplace dust and blood plasma samples provided by 113 volunteers living in the Puget Sound region, WA and working at electronic waste (E-waste) recycling sites (n = 29) or non-specific indoor (n = 57) or outdoor occupations (n = 27). The volunteers in the outdoor group were also selected because of a history of high seafood consumption habits. Results indicated the sum PBDE levels varied between
Implementation of an educational intervention to optimize self-management and transition readiness in young adults with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND The transition from the pediatric setting to adult care is a well-described period of morbidity and mortality for persons with sickle cell disease (SCD). We sought to measure the feasibility and effectiveness of providing skill-based educational handouts on improving self-management and transition readiness in adolescents with SCD. METHODS This was a single-center study in which participants completed a self-assessment, the Adolescent Autonomy Checklist (AAC), to assess transition readiness and self-management skills at baseline. After results were reviewed by the study coordinator, participants were provided with skill-based handouts on noted areas of deficit. The AAC was subsequently completed at a follow-up visit. All data were stored electronically and transferred into SAS for statistical analyses. RESULTS Sixty-one patients completed the AAC at baseline and postintervention. At baseline, patients reported needing the most help with skills in money management, living arrangements, vocational skills, and emergency and healthcare skills. Postintervention, statistically significant improvements (P < 0.05) occurred in skills related to laundry, housekeeping, healthcare, and sexual development. A regression model exploring the time to follow-up showed that most improvements could not be attributed to maturation alone. CONCLUSION This study showed that educational handouts are a readily implementable and well-accepted intervention among adolescents with SCD who identify challenges with skills necessary to successfully transition to adult care. Distinguishing which transition needs are best improved with this type of intervention will help to strengthen the multidisciplinary approach necessary to support adolescents and young adults with SCD as they matriculate to adult care.
The use of minimally invasive surgery in spine trauma: a review of concepts

Traumatic injuries to the spine can be common in the setting of blunt trauma and delayed diagnosis can have a deleterious effect on patients' health. The goals of treatment in managing spine trauma are prevention of neurological injury, providing stability to the spine, and correcting post-traumatic deformity. Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) techniques are an alternative to open spine surgery for treatment of spine fractures. MISS is also a viable treatment in the setting of damage control orthopedics, when patients with multiple traumatic injuries may be unable to tolerate a traditional open approach. MISS techniques have been used in the treatment of unstable fractures with or without spinal cord injury, flexion and extension-distraction injuries, and unstable sacral fractures. Traditional open surgeries have been associated with increased blood loss, longer operative times, and a higher risk for surgical site infection (SSI). MISS techniques have the potential to reduce open approach-associated morbidity, and improve postoperative care and rehabilitation. MISS techniques for spine trauma are an indispensable option in the treatment armamentarium of spine surgeons.
Terrorism Effects on Businesses Post 9/11

Discussions regarding terrorism are more relevant today than ever before. Terror threats can take on many forms from physical violence against military forces, individual companies, and ordinary ci...
Stochastic inventory control modelling for large satellite constellations

As space technologies mature, the cost of inserting materiel into orbit continues to decrease. Advances in the miniaturization of hardware and decreasing launch costs have resulted in space becoming increasingly accessible to nations and organizations. This is especially the case with the low Earth orbit, which is used as a staging environment for satellite constellations that provide imaging, communications, and other services. While very large satellite constellations were previously fielded by only a handful of nations, with increasing ease of access to space, many more space-faring organizations are designing systems of hundreds or thousands of satellites. This has led to the emergence of a new problem: how to manage satellite inventories in an optimal manner. To address this challenge, we propose the use of Markov decision process (MDP) models to compute the optimal fielding policy for satellites within a constellation, given the current state. We apply this model to the Global Positioning System (GPS), a system which requires a minimum of 24 satellites to provide system-level operations, but which consists of approximately 30 satellites in medium Earth orbit. Our analysis, performed entirely independently from the GPS sustainment rationale, suggests that the mathematically optimal steady-state inventory level for the GPS constellation is 31 satellites, which provides affirmation for both the GPS sustainment policy and our proposed model. In addition, we perform sensitivity analysis on various parameters such as the risk aversion of the decision makers and ordering limits of additional satellites.
Radiographic correlation of clinical shoulder deformity and patient perception following scapula fracture

Abstract Background Interest in operative management of scapular fractures is increasing based upon defined radiographic displacement criteria and growing awareness that certain extra-articular fractures will not do well and result in dysfunction and deformity (slumped shoulder). We intend to quantify clinical deformity, analyze correlations of these novel measures with defined radiographic measures of fracture displacement and with the patients’ reported perception of their deformity. Methods Prospectively enrolled patients underwent standardized questioning regarding their perception of the deformity. Radiographs were utilized to measure glenopolar angle medial/lateral displacement, and angulation of the displaced scapula fracture. Novel measurements of clinical deformity (shoulder area, shoulder angle and shoulder height difference) were calculated. All measurements were repeated post-operatively for patients undergoing operative treatment. Results Fifty-one patients (39 operative) were examined within 30 days of injury. Follow-up (≥2 months post-op) was obtained for 31/39 (79%). Medial–lateral displacement significantly correlated with all measures of clinical deformity and with patient reported shoulder appearance bothersome score. Angulation significantly correlated with patient perception and two clinical measures (shoulder area and shoulder angle difference). All post-operative radiographic measures, clinical measures of deformity, and patient reported scores statistically improved from baseline measures. Discussion Patients with scapula fracture do perceive deformity, and there is a significant correlation between the patients’ perception, radiographic and clinical measurements of deformity after scapula fracture. All measures statistically improved in patients with operative treatment compared to baseline measurements. This study reinforces the importance of the clinicians’ clinical examination and observation of shoulder deformity in the scapula fracture patient. Level of evidence IV
Barley: Genetics and Breeding

Barley breeding is essential for the provision of varieties optimized for disease resistance, agronomic performance and for utilization as malting, food or feed barleys. Selection for malting quality is difficult as there are many genes involved. Nevertheless, much is now known about the genetics of the barley genome, and marker-assisted selection is proving valuable in increasing the efficiency of barley breeding.
Bel/la y S/Z: la reformulación de Honoré de Balzac en ‘Cuarta versión’ de Luisa Valenzuela

Este articulo analiza los elementos de la novela corta ‘Sarrasine’ (1830) de Honore de Balzac presentes en ‘Cuarta version’ (1982) de Luisa Valenzuela. Especificamente, este estudio analiza las alusiones y los ecos al texto de Balzac en el uso similar de Valenzuela de los cuadros narrativos, los espacios fisicos, el performance de genero, la ambiguedad y la antitesis. Este articulo propone una lectura queer de la re-elaboracion que hace Valenzuela de una autoridad europea canonica y asi, una afirmacion de su propia autoridad como escritora y cuestionamiento de las relaciones de poder heteronormativas. Por ende, la inclusion de Balzac, y el estudio de Roland Barthes S/Z (1970), abre el texto a una interpretacion queer de los elementos simbolicos en ‘Cuarta version’.
A risk index for COVID-19 severity is associated with COVID-19 mortality in New York City.

New York City (NYC) was the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is home to underserved populations with higher prevalence of chronic conditions that put them in danger of more serious infection. Little is known about how the presence of chronic risk factors correlates with mortality at the population level. Here we determine the relationship between these factors and COVD-19 mortality in NYC. A cross-sectional study of mortality data obtained from the NYC Coronavirus data repository (03/02/2020–07/06/2020) and the prevalence of neighborhood-level risk factors for COVID-19 severity was performed. A risk index was created based on the CDC criteria for risk of severe illness and complications from COVID-19, and stepwise linear regression was implemented to predict the COVID-19 mortality rate across NYC zip code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) utilizing the risk index, median age, socioeconomic status index, and the racial and Hispanic composition at the ZCTA-level as predictors. The COVID-19 death rate per 100,000 persons significantly decreased with the increasing proportion of white residents (βadj = − 0.91, SE = 0.31, p = 0.0037), while the increasing proportion of Hispanic residents (βadj = 0.90, SE = 0.38, p = 0.0200), median age (βadj = 3.45, SE = 1.74, p = 0.0489), and COVID-19 severity risk index (βadj = 5.84, SE = 0.82, p < 0.001) were statistically significantly positively associated with death rates. Disparities in COVID-19 mortality exist across NYC and these vulnerable areas require increased attention, including repeated and widespread testing, to minimize the threat of serious illness and mortality.
Wirtschaftsmodell und Integrationsprozess der baltischen Staaten. Die Finanzkrise und ihre Konsequenzen

Die drei baltischen Republiken sind geographisch eine mittelgrose und bevolkerungsmasig eine kleine Wirtschaftsregion im nordostlichen Teil der EU. Mit sieben Millionen Einwohnern und einem Territorium von 173 000 km2 sind sie aber in ihrer Gesamtheit mit dem benachbarten Finnland vergleichbar (entsprechend 5,2 Millionen Einwohner und 304 500 km2). Wirtschaftlich haben alle drei Lander einen grosen Nachholbedarf: Der Lebensstandard, gemessen am Pro-Kopf-Einkommen zu Kaufkraftstandards in Estland, Lettland und Litauen wird von der EU-Kommission aktuell mit jeweils 56, 44 und 51 % des Durchschnitts der alten EU-Mitgliedsstaaten beziffert (Finnland: 102 %). Damit liegen sie in der Mitte der Gruppe der ost- und sudosteuropaischen Transformationslander. 2 Allerdings haben die drei Volkswirtschaften seit der Erlangung der Unabhangigkeit von der ehemaligen Sowjetunion eine gute Wachstumsleistung erbracht. Der Einkommensabstand zum Durchschnitt der Altmitglieder hat sich zwischen 1993 und 2010 am sichtbarsten in Estland verringert, gefolgt von Lettland und Litauen. Dabei hatten die drei baltischen Republiken einen ungunstigen Start in die Marktwirtschaft: Nach 1993 vergroserte sich im Zuge der Neuausrichtung der Wirtschaftsintegration – weg von der GUS – der Abstand zu der damaligen EG erst einmal. Erst ab Mitte der 1990er Jahre setzte der echte Aufholprozess ein und der relative Abstand zum Durchschnittseinkommen der Altmitglieder verringerte sich kontinuierlich.
Part sojourn time distribution in a two-machine line

Abstract The time that a part may spend in a buffer between successive operations is limited in some manufacturing processes. Parts that wait too long must be reworked or discarded due to the risk of quality degradation. In this paper, we present an analytic formulation for the steady-state probability distribution of the time a part spends in a two-machine, one-buffer transfer line (the part sojourn time). To do so, we develop a set of recurrence equations for the conditional probability of a part’s sojourn time, given the number of parts already in the buffer when it arrives and the state of the downstream machine. Then we compute the unconditional probabilities of the part sojourn time using the total probability theorem. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate how the shape of the distribution depends on machine reliability and the buffer size. The analytic formulation is also applied to approximately compute the part sojourn time distribution in a given buffer of a long line. Comparison with simulation shows good agreement.
Taxing Speculative Land Gains: The Vermont Experience

Proponents of land conservation have become increasingly con-cerned about escalating land prices and the rapid conversion of openspace for more intensive land use. This concern has caused a re-newed interest in taxation as a technique of land use control.'Since 1973, Vermont has used taxation for land use control by im-posing a stiff graduated tax
Ellipsoid algorithms for parameter set estimation of time-varying systems

In this paper, we extend an optimum volume ellipsoid algorithm for parameter set estimation (PSE) of time-invariant systems to time-varying systems. We show how knowledge of dependencies in the parameter variations can be exploited to reduce the number of computations in the resulting algorithm. Finally, scalar bound inflation, a second strategy for PSE of time-varying systems, is optimized, and a comparison of the two algorithms is made.
The basophilic granulocyte.

1. The history, morphology and technics of counting of basophils have been briefly reviewed. 2. A marked relative and absolute increase of basophils was always found in chronic myelogenous leukemia. Moderate relative and absolute increases of basophils usually occurred in myeloid metaplasias (including polycythemia vera with leukocytosis). In some cases of iron-deficiency, hemolytic and toxic anemias of long standing there may be moderate increases of blood basophils. 3. Marked relative and absolute decreases of basophils occurred in almost all cases of neutrophilic leukocytosis or leukemoid reaction, associated with infection, neoplasia, tissue necrosis or acute anemia. Patients with chronic lymphatic leukemia, monocytic leukemia or acute leukemia almost always have relative and absolute decreases of circulating basophils. 4. In our experience there is no evidence that basophils possess any peculiar radioresistant qualities. In general, the basophils fall proportionately with the decline of leukocyte counts during Myleran, P32 and x-ray therapy of chronic myelogenous leukemia and myeloid metaplasia. The suppressing action of these therapeutic agents seems to be on the proliferating blast cell. 5. The function of the basophils is not known, but it has been postulated that they might act as "heparinocytes," inhibiting clotting and stasis of blood and lymph in areas of inflammation. 6. There is suggestive evidence that the basophilopenia in cases of infection, neoplasia, tissue necrosis and acute anemia is analogous to the eosinophilopenia of the "stress reaction" mediated via the adrenal glands; however, it must be admitted that this has not been unequivocally established, and other mechanisms may play a role in controlling the levels of circulating basophils.
Suggestive evidence for the two-neutrino double- beta decay of 76Ge.

A dramatic reduction in background was achieved in the latest Pacific Northwest Laboratory--University of South Carolina germanium detectors. Two 1.05-kg natural-isotopic-abundance detectors were operated for 1.92 kg yr. The residual spectrum, after straightforward corrections, has a significant region resembling the theoretical spectrum of the two-neutrino {beta}{beta} decay of {sup 76}Ge. A fit to the data yields {ital T}{sub 1/2}{sup 2{nu}}({sup 76}Ge)=(1.1{sub {minus}0.3}{sup +0.6}){times}10{sup 21} yr at the 95% C.L., which agrees with shell-model predictions.
Photodetachment and Photodissociation of Ions

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses a number of especially interesting results— cases where either photodissociation or photodetachment may occur for a particular negative ion; the startling effect an autoionizing state of a negative ion may have on photodetachment; photodissociation or photodetachment from excited states of molecules; and photodetachment at vacuum ultraviolet wavelengths. The chapter classifies the various experimental methods in the following manner: drift tubes, crossed beams, inclined and coaxial beams, ion traps, and plasma studies. Few examples will be given here of the tests of theoretical threshold laws. The measurements of angular distributions of photodetached electrons are discussed. A few representative examples of the specific advances in the study of atomic and molecular electron affinities, atomic and molecular electronic states, and molecular structure are given. The chapter presents the Two-Photon experiments for photodetachment. The simplest ionic photodissociation problem is that of photoabsorption by a ground-state homonuclear diatomic ion into an antibonding state, followed by the separation of the fragments is discussed. Most of the literature on photodissociation deals with polyatomic molecular ions. The chapter examines a few of the more well-studied cases. Much research in photodissociation has focused on the ionic clusters that dominate the ion chemistry of the atmosphere. The chapter discusses the future work for photodetachment and photodissociation.
On Approximating the Longest Path in a Graph (Preliminary Version)

We consider the problem of approximating the longest path in undirected graphs and present both positive and negative results. A simple greedy algorithm is shown to find long paths in dense graphs. We also present an algorithm for finding paths of a logarithmic length in weakly Hamiltonian graphs, and this result is the best possible. For sparse random graphs, we show that a relatively long path can be obtained. To explain the difficulty of obtaining better approximations, we provide some strong hardness results. For any e 0, then NP has a quasi-polynomial deterministic time simulation.
Patient Preparation and Stress Protocols for Cardiac PET and Integrated PET/CT Imaging

In the operation of a stress test laboratory, the foremost concerns are patient safety, study quality, and efficiency. In addition to quality of care, customer service also plays a significant role in ensuring that patients have a satisfying experience and that the referring physicians continue to utilize services. Myocardial positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/computed tomography (CT) perfusion imaging are noteworthy for high efficiency, rapid throughput, and, in a high-volume setting, low operational costs. This chapter reviews the requirements regarding equipment, personnel, patient screening and preparation, and stress protocols used in a cardiac PET and integrated PET/CT imaging laboratory.
Physical Activity, Sport, and Health: Toward the Next Century.

(1996). Physical Activity, Sport, and Health: Toward the Next Century. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 67, Selected papers from the International Pre-Olympic Scientific Congress, Dallas, Tx., July 1996, pp. S-37-S-47.
Future of IEEE standard for Ada PDL to be considered

The ANSI/IEEE standard describing Ada as a Program Design Language was approved by the IEEE in 1986 and reaffirmed in 1992. Normal IEEE procedures would require that it next be reconsidered for withdrawal, revision or reaffirmation in 1997. The completion of the Ada 95 language revision, though, suggests that reconsideration of the standard should be accelerated. After a quick overview of IEEE standardization, this article briefly describes the history of the Ada/PDL standard and its contents. It poses some of the issues relevant to reconsideration of the standard. Finally, it solicits volunteers to help determine the future of the standard.
Chlorophyll a in bilayer membranes. II. Interaction with distearoylphosphatidylcholine by NMR

Abstract Bilayer membranes containing distearoylphosphatidylcholine and chlorophyll a have been investigated via 1 H- and 31 P-NMR. Measurements as a function of temperature and composition support the basic interpretation of the phase diagram for this mixed bilayer system advanced in the preceding report. The 31 P-NMR spectrum of mixed vesicles above the solidus temperature of the phase diagram shows a single resonance, but below the solidus two peaks are observed. Observation of two distinct 31 P resonances from the phospholipid at 46°C conclusively demonstrates that phase separation occurs at temperatures below the solidus. Observation of a 5.8 ppm upfield shift for one of the 31 P resonances at low temperature provides strong evidence for an interaction between the phospholipid headgroup and chlorophyll a in one of the low-temperature phases. This conclusion is supported by the observation of increased 1 H linewidths for the lipid and a longer 1 H T 1 for the choline N -methyl resonance of the lipid below the solidus temperature, indicating that headgroups of lipid molecules in at least one of the phases are motionally restricted. The observation of an interaction between chlorophyll a and lipid molecules in a bilayer membrane lends considerable support to the idea that chlorophyll molecules in the chloroplast antenna are physically separated from each other by strongly coordinating lipid molecules.
Adherence to glaucoma medication: the effect of interventions and association with personality type.

Purpose To determine whether multiple interventions influence adherence to glaucoma medication and to study the relationship between personality type and adherence. Methods Eighty patients with glaucoma using prostaglandin monotherapy were prospectively randomized to an intervention or a nonintervention group. Over a 5-month period, the intervention group received monthly automated telephone calls reminding them to take their glaucoma medications. At month 3, the intervention group had an office visit with their physician and received education regarding their disease and treatment. The nonintervention group returned at the end of the study period. Adherence was directly measured with an electronic monitoring cap. Outcome measures were adherence rate and therapeutic coverage. Patients completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2. Results Thirty-eight patients were randomized to the intervention group and 42 were randomized to the nonintervention group. Mean adherence rate for the intervention group over 5 months was 76% and for the nonintervention group, 81%. For the intervention group, adherence did not change significantly after the midstudy visit (P=0.233). No difference existed between the intervention and nonintervention groups before (P=0.456) or after (P=0.134) the midstudy intervention visit. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 personality scales for depression (P=0.01) and hypochondriasis (P>0.0001) were significantly associated with poorer adherence. Conclusions Monthly automated telephone reminders, a 1-time educational session, and increased contact with a physician did not improve adherence rate with glaucoma medications. Depression and hypochondriasis personality types were related to poor adherence and highlight the role of psychosocial factors in medication adherence.
Expression and function of the neuronal gap junction protein connexin 36 in developing mammalian retina.

With the advent of transgenic mice, much has been learned about the expression and function of gap junctions. Previously, we reported that retinal ganglion cells in mice lacking the neuronal gap junction protein connexin 36 (Cx36) have nearly normal firing patterns at postnatal day 4 (P4) but many more asynchronous action potentials than wild-type mice at P10 (Torborg et al. [2005] Nat. Neurosci. 8:72–78). With the goal of understanding the origin of this increased activity in Cx36–/– mice, we used a transgenic mouse (Deans et al. [2001] Neuron 31:477–485) to characterize the developmental expression of a Cx36 reporter in the retina. We found that Cx36 was first detected weakly at P2 and gradually increased in expression until it reached an adult pattern at P14. Although the onset of expression varied by cell type, we identified Cx36 in the glycinergic AII amacrine cell, glutamatergic cone bipolar cell, and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). In addition, we used calcium imaging and multielectrode array recording to characterize further the firing patterns in Cx36–/– mice. Both correlated and asynchronous action potentials in P10 Cx36–/– RGCs were significantly inhibited by bath application of an ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonist, indicating that the increase in activity was synaptically mediated. Hence, both the expression patterns and the physiology suggest an increasing role for Cx36-containing gap junctions in suppressing RGC firing between waves during postnatal retinal development. J. Comp. Neurol. 493:309–320, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Evidence of Aqueous Iron Sulfide Clusters in the Vadose Zone

Iron and sulfur cycling is an important control on contaminant fate and transport. We present the effects of soil structure, specifically the presence of a soil layer, on linked biogeochemical and hydrological processes involving Fe and S cycling in the vadose zone using repacked soil columns. Synthetic rainwater was applied to a homogenized medium-grained sand column, a homogenized organic-rich loam column, and a sand-over-loam layered column. Water samples were voltammetrically analyzed for total sulfide, Fe 2+ , and aqueous FeS clusters (FeS aq ) using a mercury drop electrode. Aqueous FeS clusters were observed in the loam and layered columns, with the greatest concentrations of FeS aq occurring at the sand–loam interface in the layered column. Redox potential (Eh) measurements showed rapid cycling of redox conditions at the interface (hours to days) suggesting that FeS aq formation was favored under conditions of disequilibrium. However, the relative stability and aqueous nature of FeS aq allowed for it to be transported, which has broader implications for chemical fate and transport in the vadose zone. The co-occurrence of FeS aq with iron-rich soil aggregates near the sand-loam interface in the layered column suggest that FeS aq may act as a precursor to the formation of aggregates that, in our column, subsequently caused an order of magnitude decrease in hydraulic conductivity. These findings suggest that FeS aq should be considered when predicting the transport of contaminants, particularly metals that may associate with FeS aq , in systems with prominent iron and sulfur cycling.
Obesity influences transitional states of disability in older adults with knee pain.

Objectives: This study employed relatively new statistical methods to understand how many states are needed to describe disability in older adults with knee pain, describe the relative probability of transitioning between states over time, and examine whether obesity influences the probability of transitioning between states. Design: Prospective epidemiologic study of older adults with knee pain. Setting: Community. Participants: The participants, 245 women and 235 men, were 65 years or older, had chronic knee pain on most days, and had difficulty with at least 1 mobility-related activity caused by knee pain. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure: The primary instrument, the Pepper Assessment Tool for Disability, evaluated self-reported difficulty with mobility, basic activities of daily living (ADLs), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Results: The Hidden Markov Model yielded 6 states reflecting changes in mobility, ADLs, and IADLs. There is evidence that loss in more demanding mobility-related activities such as stair climbing is an early sign for the onset of disability and that functional deficits in the lower extremities are critical to the early loss of ADLs. Overall the trend is for older adults to experience greater progression than regression and for obesity to be important in understanding severe states of disability. Conclusions: These data provide a strong rationale for characterizing disability on a continuum and underscore the fluid nature of disability in older adults. As expected, lower-extremity function plays a key role in the disablement process; obesity is also particularly relevant to understanding severe states of disability.
Acute pulmonary exacerbation is not associated with increased energy expenditure in children with cystic fibrosis

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to document alterations in resting energy expenditure (REE), energy intake, and body composition that occur during admission for management of a pulmonary exacerbation in children with cystic fibrosis. Study design: A prospective study of 14 children with cystic fibrosis (8 male, 12.5 ± 3.3 years) was conducted throughout a 14-day hospitalization and again 3 weeks after discharge. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine the change in variables across time. Results: Significant increases were documented from days 1 to 14 in weight (37.1 ± 13.1 kg to 38.4 ± 13.5 kg) and pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second: 67.6% ± 19.8% to 78.5% ± 24.5%). Energy intake was not different between hospitalization and follow-up and averaged 175% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance. REE on day 1 was elevated (122% ± 11% predicted); however, when expressed with fat free mass as a covariate, no significant changes were noted in REE throughout the eight measurements. Conclusions: These data suggest that an acute pulmonary exacerbation is not associated with an increase above a subject's baseline REE in children with cystic fibrosis with mild to moderate lung disease. Management of an acute pulmonary exacerbation should be associated with sustained improvement in pulmonary function and nutritional status; in contrast, weight loss or failure to improve pulmonary function should be seen as atypical. (J Pediatr 1998;132:493-9)
Reference Calibration of Body-Voltage Sensing Circuit for High-Speed STT-RAMs

With the continuing scaling of MTJ, the high-speed reading of STT-RAM becomes increasingly difficult. Recently, a body-voltage sensing circuit (BVSC) has been proposed for boosting the sensing speed. This paper analyzes the effectiveness of using the reference calibration technique to compensate for the device mismatches and improve the read margin of BVSC. HSPICE simulation results show that a 2-bit reference calibration can improve the worst-case read margin in a 1-Mb memory by over 3 times. This leads to up to 30% higher yield across all process corners. In order to maintain the yield improvement even in the worst-case corner, independent calibration circuitry has to be deployed for each memory array.
Direct construction of mesoscopic models from microscopic simulations

Starting from microscopic molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations of constrained Lennard-Jones (LJ) clusters (with constant radius of gyration ${R}_{g}$), we construct two mesoscopic models [Langevin dynamics and dissipative particle dynamics (DPD)] by coarse graining the LJ clusters into single particles. Both static and dynamic properties of the coarse-grained models are investigated and compared with the MD results. The effective mean force field is computed as a function of the intercluster distance, and the corresponding potential scales linearly with the number of particles per cluster and the temperature. We verify that the mean force field can reproduce the equation of state of the atomistic systems within a wide density range but the radial distribution function only within the dilute and the semidilute regime. The friction force coefficients for both models are computed directly from the time-correlation function of the random force field of the microscopic system. For high density or a large cluster size the friction force is overestimated and the diffusivity underestimated due to the omission of many-body effects as a result of the assumed pairwise form of the coarse-grained force field. When the many-body effect is not as pronounced (e.g., smaller ${R}_{g}$ or semidilute system), the DPD model can reproduce the dynamic properties of the MD system.
Random centroid optimization of phosphatidylglycerol stabilized lutein-enriched oil-in-water emulsions at acidic pH

Abstract Lutein has been identified by various studies as a dietary compound that may help delay the onset of macular degeneration. Random centroid optimization was applied to design, prepare and characterize lutein-enriched oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions containing corn oil (15–25%), whey proteins (1.5–3.5%), phosphatidylglycerol (0.03–0.3%), KC1 (80–100 mM), lutein (0.025–0.031%), and pH at 3.8–4.8. After nine experiments in the first random cycle and four experiments in the centroid cycle, optimal conditions for the preparation of stable lutein-enriched oil-in-water emulsion were: corn oil, 20%; whey proteins, 2%; phosphatidylglycerol, 0.157%; KCl, 93.7 mM; lutein, 0.0282%, and pH 4.55. The half life stability, stability index, and zeta potential values for freshly prepared emulsions were higher when stabilized with phosphatidylglycerol than with phosphatidylcholine. Phosphatidylcholine-stabilized emulsions collapsed after heating at 90 °C for 5 min. Emulsion parameters for phosphatidylglycerol-stabilized emulsions heated at 90 °C for 5 min or stored at 4 °C for 24 h were not significantly different from values obtained with freshly prepared emulsions. Lutein remained stable in fresh and heat-treated emulsions. The potential of phosphatidylglycerol and lutein as health enhancing bioactive compounds is discussed.
Advanced CT bone imaging in osteoporosis

Non-invasive and/or non-destructive techniques can provide structural information about bone, beyond simple bone densitometry. While the latter provides important information about osteoporotic fracture risk, many studies indicate that BMD only partly explains bone strength. Quantitative assessment of macro- and microstructural features may improve our ability to estimate bone strength. Methods for quantitatively assessing macrostructure include (besides conventional radiographs) DXA and CT, particularly volumetric quantitative CT (vQCT). Methods for assessing microstructure of trabecular bone non-invasively and/or non-destructively include high-resolution CT (hrCT), microCT (μCT), high-resolution magnetic resonance (hrMR) and microMR (μMR). vQCT, hrCT and hrMR are generally applicable in vivo; μCT and μMR are principally applicable in vitro. Despite recent progress made with these advanced imaging techniques, certain issues remain. The important balances between spatial resolution and sampling size, or between signal-to-noise and radiation dose or acquisition time, need further consideration, as do the complexity and expense of the methods vs their availability and accessibility. Clinically, the challenges for bone imaging include balancing the advantages of simple bone densitometry vs the more complex architectural features of bone or the deeper research requirements vs the broader clinical needs. The biological differences between the peripheral appendicular skeleton and the central axial skeleton must be further addressed. Finally, the relative merits of these sophisticated imaging techniques must be weighed with respect to their applications as diagnostic procedures, requiring high accuracy or reliability, compared with their monitoring applications, requiring high precision or reproducibility.
Spatial structure of sprites

A theory of the electrical breakdown (EB) above thunderstorms is developed. The streamer type of the EB is proposed for the explanation of recent observations of fine spatial structures and bursts of blue optical emissions associated with sprites.
The mechanism and clinical implication of improved left ventricular videointensity following intravenous injection of multi-fold dilutions of albumin with dextrose

The left ventricular ultrasound videointensity of an intravenous injection of sonicated albumin is improved if the agent is diluted with dextrose prior to sonication. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanism for improved left ventricular ultrasound contrast with intravenous sonicated multi-fold dilutions of albumin with dextrose compared to sonicated albumin alone. Epicardial short axis images of the left ventricle were obtained in 11 mongrel dogs and incremental one part sonicated dilutions (up to 10-fold) of albumin with 5 or 50% dextrose were given intravenously to determine which dilution and dextrose concentration produced optimal left ventricular videointensity. Microbubble size and concentration of these dilutions were measured.
Market-based resource allocation for distributed data processing in wireless sensor networks

In recent years, improved wireless technologies have enabled the low-cost deployment of large numbers of sensors for a wide range of monitoring applications. Because of the computational resources (processing capability, storage capacity, etc.) collocated with each sensor in a wireless network, it is often possible to perform advanced data analysis tasks autonomously and in-network, eliminating the need for the post-processing of sensor data. With new parallel algorithms being developed for in-network computation, it has become necessary to create a framework in which all of a wireless network's scarce resources (CPU time, wireless bandwidth, storage capacity, battery power, etc.) can be best utilized in the midst of competing computational requirements. In this study, a market-based method is developed to autonomously distribute these scarce network resources across various computational tasks with competing objectives and/or resource demands. This method is experimentally validated on a network of wireless sensing prototypes, where it is shown to be capable of Pareto-optimally allocating scarce network resources. Then, it is applied to the real-world problem of rupture detection in shipboard chilled water systems.
Favorable Conditions for the Development of a Heavy Rainfall Event over Oahu during the 2006 Wet Period

AbstractDuring the 2006 wet period, as eastward-moving transient disturbances passed through a semipermanent low pressure system west of Hawaii, southerly winds east of the low strengthened bringing in higher than usual amounts of moisture from the deep tropics to Hawaii. All five heavy rainfall episodes during the wet period occurred during a southerly wind regime. Favorable conditions for the development of the Kahala Mall flood case on 31 March 2006 are examined. A high low-level θe axis across Hawaii indicated the existence of convective instability over Hawaii. A transient midlatitude trough extending southward merged with the semipermanent subtropical trough. The tropopause folding associated with the deepening subtropical trough contributed to the spinup of the Kona low. The advection of high-PV air in the upper troposphere enhanced upward motion downstream over Hawaii. The Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) simulation shows that latent heat release contributed to an eastward shift of the...
A decision support system for production scheduling and its application

A decision support system for a wide class of production scheduling problems has been developed in this paper. It comprises 3 main components, i.e. the shell, knowledge acquisition mechanism and inference engine. The inference engine is based on a two level optimization model. Because there are several objectives in general production scheduling problems, the preference order dynamic programming is adopted. This system has been applied to the production scheduling of the Anshan Iron and Steel Works, China.
Acyl histamines and a rare protopine-type alkaloid from leaves of Zanthoxylum dipetalum.

Abstract Three new and one previously known natural acyl histamines, along with the rare protopine-type alkaloid thalictricine, were isolated from leaves of several Zanthoxylum dipetalum populations from the Hawaiian islands. The acyl histamine and thalictricine content was essentially identical in populations from Hawaii from Kauai, but different in a population from Oahu.
Sister-chromatid exchange induction by sodium selenite: Reduced glutathione converts Na2SeO3 to its SCE-inducing form

Abstract Sodium selenite (Na 2 SeO 3 ) is an anticarcinogenic/antimutagenic agent that exhibits carcinogenic/mutagenic properties in some short-term test systems used for the detection of DNA-damaging agents. One such test system is sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) induction. Na 2 SeO 3 induces SCEs only if red blood cells (RBCs) are present to ‘activate’ it to its SCE-inducing form. Here, the ability of reduced glutathione, a major component of RBCs, to serve as an RBC substitute in the activation of Na 2 SeO 3 was determined. Reduced glutathione (10 −4 and 10 −3 M) was shown to be as capable as RBCs in activating Na 2 SeO 3 (7.95 × 10 −6 M) to its SCE-inducing form. These data suggest strongly that the pathway normally utilized by RBCs in the metabolism of Na 2 SeO 3 is the same as that in which Na 2 SeO 3 is converted to its SCE-inducing form.
The x-ray delineation of ingested enteric-coated substances.

Summary A case of ferrous gluconate ingestion in a 15-month-old boy is recorded. The use of the x-ray as an aid toward rapid diagnosis and of alkaline solutions for lavage of any suspected poisoning via enteric-coated tablets is advocated.
Demography and Conservation of an Endangered Primate, Brachyteles arachnoids

: Demographic data were obtained on one group of muriquis (Brachyteles arachnoides) over an 8-year period at Fazenda Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. During this period, the group rapidly increased in size, growing from 22 to 43 individuals due to 21 births. Eight disappearances or emigrations were offset by eight immigrations. The group also maintained a stable age-sex class distribution. Inter-birth intervals averaged 33.8 months, and age at first reproduction was 71/2% years, or 2.7 interbirth intervals. The high birth rate and low mortality rate, along with increased group fissioning and increased home range size, indicate that this group of muriquis is in a stage of expansion. These demographic data also suggest that some small populations of endangered primates can expand in well-protected babitats without apparent signs of overcrowding or deleterious effects of close inbreeding. These data, as well as the documentation of female migration and male philopatry, provide important guidelines for future management plans for this species. Resumen: Se obtuvieron datos demograficos sobre un grupo de Brachyteles arachnoides durante un preido de ochos anos en Fazenda Monte Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Durante este periodo, este grupo mostro un rapido aumento en su tamano, pasando de 22 a 43 individuos debido a 21 nacimientos. Ocho desapariciones o emigraciones fueron compensadas por ocho inmigraciones. El grupo tambien ha mantenido una distribucion de clase estable en la edady el sexo. El intmalopromedio entre los nacimientosfue de 33.8 meses y la edad de la primera reproduccion fue de 7 1/2 anos o de 2.7 intervalos entre los nacimientos. La alta proporcion de nacimientos y el bajo rango de mortalidad junto con las obseruaciones del aumento en la fision de los grupos y el aumento en el tamano del territorio, indican que este grupo de primates esta en estado de expansion. Estos datos demograficos tambien sugieren que algunas poblaciones pequenas de primates en peligro de extincion se pueden ex-pandir en habitats bien protegidos sin signos aparentes de amontonamiento o de efectos detrimentes por el entrecruzamiento consanguineo. Estos datos, asi como la doc-umentacion de migracion de las hembras y de la filopatria de los machos, dan lineamientos importantes para los fu-turos planes de manejo de esta especie.