cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ion-pair interaction in pyridinium carboxylate solutions.

Ion-pair interactions between pyridinium cations and various carboxylate anions are explored using noisy light based coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (I(2)CARS). Binary mixtures of pyridine and various carboxylic acids (including halo-acetic acids, straight-chain carboxylic acids, and pivalic acid) are prepared. A Bronsted type acid−base reaction occurs in these mixtures to create pyridinium and carboxylate ions. Both pyridine, itself, and pyridinium have strong I(2)CARS signals originating from their ring breathing modes. The vibrational frequency of the ring breathing mode for pyridine is blue-shifted by hydrogen bonding, and that same mode for pyridinium is red-shifted by ion-pair interaction. Frequency shift data for the ring breathing mode of pyridine and pyridinium are presented. These data are discussed in terms of a simplistic model for the electronic behavior of these compounds.
Online assessment of the value of information for searchers of a bibliographic data base

Abstract The object of the experiment described in this paper was to assess the value of information for individual searchers in a realistic search environment. An additive linear function, which combined the ratings of information features provided by searchers, was used to model how humans value information. Twenty Industrial Engineering graduate students and faculty, who were attempting to satisfy a genuine information need by searching a data base of technical literature on Operations Research, served as experimental subjects. Included in the data analysis are a comparison of two alternative retrieval methods, an evaluation of how well humans are able to estimate the relevance of a document from the document's features, and an investigation of the value function components (features and coefficients) and functional form.
Spatial dynamics of steady flames 1. Phase space structure and the dynamics of individual trajectories.

The spatial dynamics of steady, one-dimensional premixed H{sub 2}/O{sub 2} flames are studied. The emphasis in this Article is the geometry of the phase space of the dynamical system describing the steady flames. It is shown that steady flames are described by trajectories on the stable manifolds of saddle fixed points. The saddle fixed points correspond to equilibrium points of time-dependent chemical-kinetic systems that are adiabatic and isobaric and whose constant enthalpy matches the asymptotic enthalpy of the flames. The dimensions of the stable manifolds match the dimensions of the chemical-kinetic systems under most conditions, although the dynamics on them are different. It is further shown that the stable manifolds have low-dimensional attractive submanifolds near the saddlepoint. An algorithm for generating trajectories over the spatial domain of these flames is proposed, and it is used to study individual trajectories and trajectory ensembles, whose collective behavior suggests that there are low-dimensional submanifolds away from the saddlepoint.
Microstructure effects for Casimir forces in chiral metamaterials

We examine a recent prediction for the chirality dependence of the Casimir force in chiral metamaterials by numerical computation of the forces between the exact microstructures, rather than homogeneous approximations. Although repulsion in the metamaterial regime is rigorously impossible, it is unknown whether a reduction in the attractive force can be achieved through suitable material engineering. We compute the exact force for a chiral bent-cross pattern, as well as forces for an idealized “omega”-particle medium in the dilute approximation and identify the effects of structural inhomogeneity i.e., proximity forces and anisotropy .W e find that these microstructure effects dominate the force for separations where chirality was predicted to have a strong influence. At separations where the homogeneous approximation is valid, in even the most ideal circumstances the effects of chirality are less than 10 �4 of the total force, making them virtually undetectable in experiments.
Economic Adjustments to Groundwater Depletion in the High Plains: Do Water-Saving Irrigation Systems Save Water?

A common policy prescription for conserving irrigation water is to promote more efficient or “water-saving” irrigation technologies. We develop a risk-programing model to quantify the effect of irrigation efficiency on irrigation water use in the High Plains, taking account of irrigation timing and well capacity limits. We find that optimal irrigation does not respond monotonically to changes in efficiency, although intermediate and high-efficiency systems both result in less water use than an inefficient flood system.
Vegetation controls on the maximum size of coastal dunes

Coastal dunes, in particular foredunes, support a resilient ecosystem and reduce coastal vulnerability to storms. In contrast to dry desert dunes, coastal dunes arise from interactions between biological and physical processes. Ecologists have traditionally addressed coastal ecosystems by assuming that they adapt to preexisting dune topography, whereas geomorphologists have studied the properties of foredunes primarily in connection to physical, not biological, factors. Here, we study foredune development using an ecomorphodynamic model that resolves the coevolution of topography and vegetation in response to both physical and ecological factors. We find that foredune growth is eventually limited by a negative feedback between wind flow and topography. As a consequence, steady-state foredunes are scale invariant, which allows us to derive scaling relations for maximum foredune height and formation time. These relations suggest that plant zonation (in particular for strand “dune-building” species) is the primary factor controlling the maximum size of foredunes and therefore the amount of sand stored in a coastal dune system. We also find that aeolian sand supply to the dunes determines the timescale of foredune formation. These results offer a potential explanation for the empirical relation between beach type and foredune size, in which large (small) foredunes are found on dissipative (reflective) beaches. Higher waves associated with dissipative beaches increase the disturbance of strand species, which shifts foredune formation landward and thus leads to larger foredunes. In this scenario, plants play a much more active role in modifying their habitat and altering coastal vulnerability than previously thought.
Exposing the cancer genome atlas as a SPARQL endpoint

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) is a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional effort to characterize several types of cancer. Datasets from biomedical domains such as TCGA present a particularly challenging task for those interested in dynamically aggregating its results because the data sources are typically both heterogeneous and distributed. The Linked Data best practices offer a solution to integrate and discover data with those characteristics, namely through exposure of data as Web services supporting SPARQL, the Resource Description Framework query language. Most SPARQL endpoints, however, cannot easily be queried by data experts. Furthermore, exposing experimental data as SPARQL endpoints remains a challenging task because, in most cases, data must first be converted to Resource Description Framework triples. In line with those requirements, we have developed an infrastructure to expose clinical, demographic and molecular data elements generated by TCGA as a SPARQL endpoint by assigning elements to entities of the Simple Sloppy Semantic Database (S3DB) management model. All components of the infrastructure are available as independent Representational State Transfer (REST) Web services to encourage reusability, and a simple interface was developed to automatically assemble SPARQL queries by navigating a representation of the TCGA domain. A key feature of the proposed solution that greatly facilitates assembly of SPARQL queries is the distinction between the TCGA domain descriptors and data elements. Furthermore, the use of the S3DB management model as a mediator enables queries to both public and protected data without the need for prior submission to a single data source.
H2O2-induced O⨪2Production by a Non-phagocytic NAD(P)H Oxidase Causes Oxidant Injury

Non-phagocytic NAD(P)H oxidases have been implicated as major sources of reactive oxygen species in blood vessels. These oxidases can be activated by cytokines, thereby generating O(2), which is subsequently converted to H(2)O(2) and other oxidant species. The oxidants, in turn, act as important second messengers in cell signaling cascades. We hypothesized that reactive oxygen species, themselves, can activate the non-phagocytic NAD(P)H oxidases in vascular cells to induce oxidant production and, consequently, cellular injury. The current report demonstrates that exogenous exposure of non-phagocytic cell types of vascular origin (smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts) to H(2)O(2) activates these cell types to produce O(2) via an NAD(P)H oxidase. The ensuing endogenous production of O(2) contributes significantly to vascular cell injury following exposure to H(2)O(2). These results suggest the existence of a feed-forward mechanism, whereby reactive oxygen species such as H(2)O(2) can activate NAD(P)H oxidases in non-phagocytic cells to produce additional oxidant species, thereby amplifying the vascular injury process. Moreover, these findings implicate the non-phagocytic NAD(P)H oxidase as a novel therapeutic target for the amelioration of the biological effects of chronic oxidant stress.
Translation of uncertainty representation formats through a knowledge canonical form

Abstract This paper discusses motivations and methods for the translation of uncertainty representation formats between knowledge bases (KBs) in different expert system building tools (ESBTs). The translation effort is channeled through the Knowledge Canonical Form (KCF), a generic knowledge representation mechanism. A set of KB translations between different ESBTs through the KCF is shown to reduce overhead. A set of fuzzy mapping functions addresses equivalence between different ESBT uncertainty management systems (UMSs). This paper prescribes methods for translation between certainty factor (CF) based UMSs and the scales used to represent uncertainty. Conversion between other UMSs and the uncertainty scales are also discussed. The major benefits from this research are twofold. First, the research demonstrates reuse of KBs in different environments. Second, the methodology from this work can be extended and reused. Some of the problems encountered during automated translation are explained with suggested solutions. A brief survey of commercial ESBTs focuses on the UMSs incorporated in each tool. This work has direct application in industry. Feasibility has been demonstrated through a set of prototype translators which were designed and implemented in C++. Current status of the project is addressing the interface of the KCF to KASE, an existing knowledge acquisition hypertext environment built in KMS [18]. The intent of this interface is to allow flexibility in representing human knowledge without being constrained to a particular knowledge representation mechanism.
Callier Center for Communication Disorders, University of Texas at Dallas

The Callier Center offers a wide variety of services for those with communication disorders, as well as programs for research and academic training. Bringing together clinical and research specialists from a variety of related disciplines, Callier affords an unusual opportunity for interdisciplinary clinical programs, research, and enriched student training.
Hidden GeV-scale interactions of quarks

We explore quark interactions mediated by new gauge bosons of masses in the 0.3 – 50 GeV range. A tight upper limit on the gauge coupling of light Z' bosons is imposed by the anomaly cancellation conditions in conjunction with collider bounds on new charged fermions. Limits from quarkonium decays are model dependent, while electroweak constraints are mild. We derive the limits for a Z' boson coupled to baryon number, and then construct a Z' model with relaxed constraints, allowing quark couplings as large as 0.2 for a mass of a few GeV.
Information literacy and first-year students

This chapter discusses factors to consider when introducing information literacy concepts to first-year university students, including ways to think about the concept of information literacy, the unique nature of first-year students, and the role faculty can play in introducing students to a new information environment.
Wax esters in fish: Turnover of oleic acid in wax esters and triglycerides of gouramis

Methyl U-14C oleate was fed to mature male and female gouramis (Trichogaster cosby) and the radioactivity in lipids measured over a period of four months. Initial incorporations were 70–80% and more than half of that was still in the lipids at the end of the experiment. Very little conversion of the 18∶1 chain had occurred. Main storage of the labeled 18∶1 chain was in the wax esters of the roe and in the triglycerides of the body. In the wax esters, 18∶1 occurred in both the alcohol and acid moieties. Initially the females had less radioactivity in the triglycerides than in the wax esters but at the end of the experiment this was reversed. An appreciable amount of 18∶1 had been transferred from roe to body lipids. The biological half life of 18∶1 in gouramis is estimated to be about four months. This time is equal for males and females although translocation from roe to body and transformation of wax ester to triglyceride take place in the female, whereas wax esters do not play any role in the lipid metabolism of the male.
On affine frames with transcendental dilations

We answer a question of O. Christensen about affine systems in L 2 (R). Specifically, we show that if the dilation factor a > 1 is transcendental, then cancellations cannot occur between different scales, in the conditions for the affine system to form a frame. Such cancellations are known to occur when a is an integer.
Broadening the detection view of high-frequency linear-array-based photoacoustic computed tomography by using planar acoustic reflectors

Photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) with a linear transducer array suffers from limited detection view. To increase the detection aperture, it is possible to circularly scan the linear transducer array around the object at the expense of imaging speed. Here we propose an alternative method to double or triple the detection view angle without sacrificing the imaging speed. By using a planar acoustic reflector which creates a virtual linear transducer array, the detection view angle is doubled. Similarly, by using two planar acoustic reflectors placed at 120 degrees to each other, we can form two virtual linear transducer arrays, and the detection view angle is tripled. This paper comparatively studies the two cases. We found that the planar acoustic reflectors greatly increase the detection aperture and thus significantly enhance the image quality of linear-array-base PACT systems.
Effective moment operator for magnetic moments and M1 transitions in the Pb region

Abstract The effect of core polarization on magnetic moments in the Pb region is investigated using first-order perturbation theory with a central zero-range coupling interaction. The results are expressed in the form of a state-dependent effective moment operator which includes an anomalous orbital g -factor introduced previously. This operator gives a better account of the experimental data than a state-independent operator proposed earlier by Maier et al. , particularly in the case of the M1 transition rates which are quite sensitive to the magnitude of the polarization. The force required to fit the data is somewhat larger than realistic interactions currently in use.
Effects of various admixtures and shear keys in wood–concrete composite beams

Abstract Wood–concrete composite beams are a layered system, which essentially utilize a concrete layer in compression and a wood layer in tension. This layered system offers a way to construct or rehabilitate wood floors in historic timber structures while increasing the floors’ stiffness and load carrying capacity. This research paper investigates past problems with poor consolidation of the concrete, transverse shrinkage cracks in the concrete, swelling of the wood, moisture loss from the concrete, and the resulting reduced composite efficiency. The research presented herein describes how these problems can be mitigated and thereby increase the composite efficiency of the wood–concrete composite system. By painting the specimens with a water proofing paint, the swelling of the wood can be reduced, which helps to maintain a tight interface between the wood and concrete. To improve consolidation, a self-leveling concrete was designed with a 28-day compressive strength of 34.5 MPa and a slump of 279.4 mm. Nylon fibers and Type I steel fibers were used as admixtures to the fresh concrete to determine their effect on the composite efficiency and the reduction of shrinkage cracks. Twelve full size specimens were constructed and tested to failure. It was found that the most common mode of failure was combined bending and tension at mid span in the wood. An average composite efficiency of 83.4% was reached in the full size test specimens when placed in four point bending.
Adam Smith on the Division of Labor and Relative Factor Prices

It is well known that the division of labor was the starting point of Adam Smith's theory of economic growth. Schumpeter (1954, p. 187) observed, with mild exaggeration, that “nobody, either before or after A. Smith, ever thought of putting such a burden upon division of labor. With A. Smith it is practically the only factor in economic progress.” Smith failed to explain the origins of the concept beyond the natural, human “propensity to truck and barter,” but he maintained that division of labor was a natural occurrence in a capitalist economy. Despite some misgivings about the monotony of repetitive tasks occasioned by specialization, which he expressed in Book V of the Wealth of Nations, Smith stressed the effect of division of labor and specialization upon the productive powers of labor. On this bedrock he built a theory of economic development: division of labor leads to increased output, which leads to higher levels of profits, out of which increases in fixed and circulating capital are financed. This leads to an increase in the wages-fund, and higher wages for labor, so long as increases in the demand for labor outstrip increases in the supply.
Concurrent versus Retrospective Verbal Protocol for Comparing Window Usability

A traditional concurrent verbal protocol method was compared to a heavily cued retrospective verbal protocol in which users were presented with a video tape of their performance to help them recall their thoughts after task completion. The two methods of protocol were employed in a comparison of two different size monitors. Subjects were required to complete 12 tasks which varied in the number of windows required simultaneously on the monitor. The subjects' performance, as measured by steps to completion, task completion time, and errors committed, was compared across monitors and protocol methods. Subjective data were also collected in the form of task difficulty ratings, as well as a global measure of user satisfaction. Verbal data were compared to assess any information differences due to the methods of collection or the monitor sizes.No performance or subjective differences were found between the two protocol methods. The kinds of information gathered were quite different for the two methods, with con...
Development of a Dual-Modal Presentation of Texts for Small Screens

Baddeley's (1986) working memory model suggests that imagery spatial information and verbal information can be concurrently held in different subsystems. This research proposed a method to present textual information with network relationships in a “graphics + voice” format, especially for small screens. It was hypothesized that this dual-modal presentation would result in superior comprehension performance and higher acceptance than pure textual display. An experiment was carried out to test this hypothesis with analytical problems from the Graduate Record Examination. Thirty individuals participated in this experiment. The results indicate that users' performance and acceptance were improved significantly by using the “graphic + voice” presentation. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications and limitations of the findings for future research in multimodal interface design.
Using compensations to assess physical performance for ambulatory outpatients.

Abstract White LJ, Straube D, Keehn MT. Using compensations to assess physical performance for ambulatory outpatients. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:1519–24. Objective To construct a physical performance scale for community-dwelling ambulatory outpatients that is linear, includes high functioning tasks, and uses common compensations to assess difficulty levels. Design Calibrated subject performances on 19 tasks were rated by an examiner, timed, and had compensations recorded. Setting Ambulatory outpatient physical therapy (PT) department of a tertiary care center. Participants Convenience sample of 50 community-dwelling patients with difficulties in mobility referred for PT. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures The Community Ambulatory Physical Performance Scale (CAPPS) constructed by using Rasch analysis, the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and the six-minute walk test (6MWT). Results The CAPPS showed construct validity after removal of 3 items. Two additional items were removed for improved clinical utility. The person reliability was .89 and item reliability was .98. Subjects' performance on the CAPPS correlated with the 6MWT ( r =.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], .65–.87) and with the LEFS ( r =.62; 95% CI, .40–.78). Conclusions The CAPPS showed good psychometric properties and has utility for assessments of higher-level physical functioning. This standardized approach to performance testing for ambulatory outpatients appears to be a promising method for articulating the compensations persons use to accomplish common tasks. Use of compensatory strategies to assess difficulties in physical performance may assist in delineating interventions directed toward improving task performance.
The contribution of job satisfaction to the transition from acute to chronic low back pain

Abstract Objective: To determine the extent to which job satisfaction predicts pain, psychological distress, and disability 6 months after an initial episode of low back pain (LBP). Design: A longitudinal design was used to follow an inception cohort experiencing first-episode low back pain with assessment at 2 and 6 months after pain onset. Setting: Urban medical center outpatient orthopedic clinic. Patients: The consecutive sample was comprised of 82 men with initial-onset acute LBP (T6 or below, daily pain for 6 to 10 weeks). Intervention: Usual orthopedic care. Main Outcome Measures: The primary study outcomes were pain (Descriptor Differential Scale, Visual Analog Scales); disability (Sickness Impact Profile, Quality of Well-Being); and psychological distress (Beck Depression Inventory, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire); predictor variables were orthopedic impairment (Waddell Physical Impairment Index) and job satisfaction (Job Descriptive Index, Work APGAR). Results: Measures of job satisfaction, pain, disability, and psychological distress at baseline and 6 months after pain onset were separately reduced into factors using principle components factor analysis. In hierarchical multiple regression analyses, baseline job satisfaction significantly predicted variance in outcome scores at 6 months after pain onset, beyond the variance explained by control factors (demographics; baseline pain, mood, and disability; orthopedic impairment). Zero-order correlations between job satisfaction and orthopedic impairment were small and nonsignificant, suggesting that these two variables act independently in predicting outcome. Although type of work performed (desk work or work requiring light, moderate, or heavy lifting) and social position were correlated with job satisfaction at baseline, neither contributed to the prediction of outcome at 6 months. Conclusions: Satisfaction with one's job may protect against development of chronic pain and disability after acute onset back pain and, alternatively, dissatisfaction may heighten risk of chronicity. Vocational factors should be considered in the rehabilitation of acute back injury.
Modeling and optimization of the DMFC system: Relating materials properties to system size and performance

Abstract In designing a direct methanol fuel cell and evaluating the appropriateness of new materials for inclusion, it is helpful to consider the impact of material properties on the performance of a complete system: to some degree, poor fuel utilization and performance losses from methanol crossover can be mitigated by proper system design. Simple engineering models can be useful tools in facilitating this type of system design. In this paper, an analytical model is developed to determine the oxygen concentration profile in the cathode backing layer and flow channel along a one-dimensional cross-section of the fuel cell. An existing analytical model is then used to determine the methanol concentration profile in the anode backing layer and membrane and the methanol crossover current along the same cross-section. Applying a fixed cell potential and using Tafel kinetics to describe the charge-transfer reactions at the anode and the cathode, the local current density and the rates of methanol and oxygen consumption are determined. The process repeats for a fixed number of cross-sections down the entire length of the flow channels, and the average current density and stoichiometric ratios are calculated at the end. The model is applied to examine the effects of new low-crossover membranes and to suggest new design parameters for those membranes. Also, an analysis is presented in which the tradeoff between stack power and the size of system components is examined for a range of methanol and oxygen flow rates.
Development and evaluation of empirical equations to predict feed passage rate in cattle

Abstract Empirical equations were developed to accurately predict passage rate ( K p ) in ration formulation models for all classes of dairy and beef cattle. The database was comprised of studies that used external markers, and 553, 195 and 766 treatment means were used to develop the K p equations for forages, concentrates and liquid, respectively. A random coefficients model that used each study effect as a random variable was used to select statistically significant input variables to predict rate of passage. The parameters of the variables were estimated using ordinary least square method. The equations developed were: K p forage = (2.365 + 0.0214FpBW + 0.0734CpBW + 0.069FDMI)/100; K p concentrate = (1.169 + 0.1375FpBW + 0.1721CpBW)/100 and K p liquid = (4.524 + 0.0223FpBW + 0.2046CpBW + 0.344FDMI)/100, where K p is the passage rate, h −1 ; FpBW the forage DMI as a proportion of BW, g/kg; CpBW the concentrate DMI as a proportion of BW and FDMI is the forage DMI, kg. These K p equations for forages, concentrates and liquid explained 87%, 95% and 94%, respectively of the variation in passage rates in the database used in equation development after adjustment for random study effect. These and other published equations were evaluated with an independent database. In this evaluation, the R 2 of the new equations were 0.39, 0.40 and 0.25 for prediction of the passage of forages, concentrates and liquid, respectively, which was higher than the R 2 of the previously published equations by 0.03–0.19, 0.01–0.14, and 0.04–0.16 for forages, concentrates and liquid, respectively. The root mean square prediction error (RMSPE) was reduced by 3–22%, 2–33%, and 4–31% in the prediction of K p of forages, concentrates and liquid, respectively, with the new equations. These new empirical equations are suitable for predicting passage rate in cattle, but predictability overall is still low and increases in the accuracy of predicting passage rates requires development of a mechanistic model that accounts for more biologically important variables affecting passage rate ( e.g. physical property of particles, water intake and flux, and within day variation in intake).
Consolidation and permeability characteristics of high-porosity surficial sediments in Eckernförde Bay

Back-pressured, constant-rate-of-deformation consolidation, and permeability tests were conducted on 21 “undisturbed” samples from Eckernforde Bay in the Baltic Sea. The soft fine-grained sediments have very high in-situ void ratios and are highly compressible. The compression index decreases slightly in the upper 40 cm but remains essentially unchanged below 40 cm at an average value of 3.5 to a depth of 260 cm. Recompression indices range from 5 to 19% of the virgin indices. The preconsolidation stress is consistently higher than the overburden stress, particularly near the surface. Permeabilities at in situ void ratios vary between 3 × 10−4 and 10−6 cm s−1, with the relationship between void ratio and the logarithm of permeability being linear.
Gender differences in lower extremity mechanics during running.

Objective. To compare differences in hip and knee kinematics and kinetics in male and female recreational runners. Design. Gait analysis of 20 men and 20 women recreational runners. Background. Female runners are reported to be more likely to sustain certain lower extremity injuries compared to their male counterparts.This has been attributed, in part, to differences in their structure and it has been postulated that these structural differences may lead to differences in running mechanics.It was hypothesized that females would exhibit greater peak hip adduction, hip internal rotation, knee abduction and decreased knee internal rotation compared to their male counterparts.It was also hypothesized that females would exhibit greater hip and knee negative work in the frontal and transverse planes compared to males. Methods. Comparisons of hip and knee three-dimentional joint angles and negative work during the stance phase of running gait were made between genders. Results. Female recreational runners demonstrated a significantly greater peak hip adduction, hip internal rotation and knee abduction angle compared to men.Female recreational runners also demonstrated significantly greater hip frontal and transverse plane negative work compared to male recreational runners. Conclusion. Female recreational runners exhibit significantly different lower extremity mechanics in the frontal and transverse planes at the hip and knee during running compared to male recreational runners. Relevance Understanding the differences in running mechanics between male and female runners may lend insight into the etiology of different injury patterns seen between genders.In addition, these results suggest that care should be taken to account for gender when studying groups of male and female recreational runners. 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd.All rights reserved.
Trajectories of depressive symptoms from adolescence to young adulthood: Chinese Americans versus non-Hispanic whites.

We examined age, sex, and race/ethnicity differences in trajectories of depressive symptom from adolescence to early adulthood; we also tested whether socioeconomic status and acculturation were associated with the differences. The findings suggest that adolescents over age 15 had a higher level and faster decline in depressive symptoms than their younger counterparts; females had higher level and a faster decline in depressive symptoms than males. Chinese American females had the highest depressive symptoms sustained across 7 years; Chinese American males over age 15 had higher depressive symptoms than their White male counterparts. Neither socioeconomic status nor acculturation was significantly associated with the differences in the trajectories. Our findings suggest a need for greater attention to Chinese American adolescents' psychological well-being. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 34:176–191, 2011
Some Aspects of Qualitative Robustness in Time Series

Qualitative robustness in time series is considered. The appropriate stochastic distance measures for its definition are presented and discussed. The breakdown point and the sensitivity of robust operations are defined accordingly. Finally, saddle-point game theoretic formalizations are presented, that are consistent with the theory of qualitative robustness, and a class of robust operations is briefly discussed.
Capacity analysis of automated material handling systems in semiconductor fabs

A critical aspect of semiconductor manufacturing is the design and analysis of material handling and production control polices to optimize fab performance. As wafer sizes have increased, semiconductor fabs have moved toward the use of automated material handling systems (AMHS). However, the behavior of AMHS and the effects of AMHS on fab productivity is not well understood. This research involves the development of a design and analysis methodology for evaluating the throughput capacity of AMHS. A set of simulation experiments is used to evaluate the throughput capacity of an AMHS and the effects on fab performance measures. The analysis uses SEMATECH fab data for full semiconductor fabs to evaluate the AMHS throughput capacity.
Invasive ecosystem engineers on soft sediment change the habitat preferences of native mayflies and their availability to predators

SUMMARY 1. Dreissenid mussels (quagga mussels, Dreissena bugensis, and zebra mussels, D. polymorpha) are invasive species that function as ecosystem engineers in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Dreissena are increasingly abundant on silt, sand and other soft substrates; by altering benthic habitat, these mussels can alter benthic community structure. 2. We used laboratory mesocosm experiments to examine the effects of soft-sediment Dreissena clusters on the habitat preference of Hexagenia, a native burrowing mayfly that is an important food source to fish. We conducted three experiments to test whether Hexagenia: (1) select for bare sediment, soft sediment covered with live Dreissena (added structure and food resources) or soft sediment with clusters made of empty Dreissena shells (added structure only), (2) prefer a specific density of live Dreissena on soft sediment and (3) select for or avoid sediment with an accumulation of empty Dreissena shells. 3. Contrary to initial expectations, we found that Hexagenia selected for sediment covered with live Dreissena clusters, followed by empty Dreissena shells clusters, and lastly what was previously thought to be the preferred habitat, bare sediment. Not only did Hexagenia prefer Dreissena-covered sediment, but they also preferred high densities of Dreissena. 4. We also experimentally tested the effects of Dreissena-covered soft sediment on the availability of Hexagenia to fish. We had three treatment levels representing three distinct habitat types: (1) bare sediment (no Dreissena) treatment in which water was turbid because of mayfly activity, (2) Dreissena-covered sediment treatment in which water was clear because of Dreissena filtration and (3) Dreissena-covered sediment with added turbidity. We found that in low light conditions, similar to many locations where both organisms are found to co-occur, both yellow perch and round goby consumption of Hexagenia significantly decreased when Dreissena covered the bottom sediment. 5. These results suggest that by choosing Dreissena-covered habitat, Hexagenia receive protection from fish predation in turbid ⁄low light systems. However, protection from predation cannot be the only reason Hexagenia select Dreissena-covered sediments, as Hexagenia selected for live clusters more often than empty clusters and may be a result of additional food resources.
Comparison of a space shuttle flight (STS-78) and bed rest on human muscle function

The purpose of this investigation was to assess muscle fiber size, composition, and in vivo contractile characteristics of the calf muscle of four male crew members during a 17-day spaceflight (SF; Life and Microgravity Sciences Spacelab Shuttle Transport System-78 mission) and eight men during a 17-day bed rest (BR). The protocols and timelines of these two investigations were identical, therefore allowing for direct comparisons between SF and the BR. The subjects' age, height, and weight were 43 +/- 2 yr, 183 +/- 4 cm, and 86 +/- 3 kg for SF and 43 +/- 2 yr, 182 +/- 3 cm, and 82 +/- 4 kg for BR, respectively. Calf muscle strength was examined before SF and BR; on days 2, 8, and 12 during SF and BR; and on days 2 and 8 of recovery. Muscle biopsies were obtained before and within 3 h after SF (gastrocnemius and soleus) and BR (soleus) before reloading. Maximal isometric calf strength and the force-velocity characteristics were unchanged with SF or BR. Additionally, neither SF nor BR had any effect on fiber composition or fiber size of the calf muscles studied. In summary, no changes in calf muscle strength and morphology were observed after the 17-day SF and BR. Because muscle strength is lost during unloading, both during spaceflight and on the ground, these data suggest that the testing sequence employed during the SF and BR may have served as a resistance training countermeasure to attenuate whole muscle strength loss.
Freshman courses in electrical and computer engineering

For over a decade freshmen in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Maine have taken courses in their major. They would take digital logic design during the fall semester and then assembly language programming in the spring semester. A new fall semester course, "Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering", has been created to address certain problems with the old course and to help in the transition from high school to college. It replaced the old fall course in digital logic design. However, material was extracted from this course and the spring course and used to create a new spring course, "Logic Systems", that covers both logic design and assembly language programming. These courses are described followed by a discussion of the transition course, Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering. >
A systematic review of transitions between cigarette and smokeless tobacco product use in the United States

Background: Smokeless tobacco use is becoming an increasingly important public health issue in the US and may influence cigarette smoking behavior. Systematic information on transitions between smokeless tobacco and cigarette use in the US is limited. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of published literature on transitions between smokeless tobacco and cigarette use in the US. We searched PubMed, Web of Science and EbscoHost databases for all published articles from January 2000 to March 2014 that presented estimates of transitions in US youth and adult study populations over time between at least one of the following tobacco use states: exclusive cigarette smoking, exclusive smokeless tobacco use, dual use of both products, and use of neither product. We excluded non-English language studies, studies published before 2000, clinical trials, controlled cessation programs, and clinical studies or evaluations of smokeless tobacco cessation programs. Results: The review identified six studies on US populations published since 2000 with longitudinal data on some or all of the transitions that users can undergo between smokeless tobacco and cigarette use. There was considerable heterogeneity across studies in design and tobacco use definitions. Despite these differences, the existing data indicate that switching behaviors from exclusive smoking to exclusive smokeless tobacco use are limited (adults: 0%-1.4%, adolescents: 0.8%-3.8%) but may be more common from exclusive smokeless tobacco use to exclusive smoking (adults: 0.9%-26.6%, adolescents: 16.6%-25.5%). Among adults, exclusive cigarette smoking was generally stable and consistent (79.7% to 87.6%) over follow-up across studies but less stable in adolescents (46.8%-78.7%). Exclusive smokeless tobacco use was less stable than exclusive cigarette smoking over time (adults: 59.4%-76.6%, adolescents: 26.2%-44.8%). Conclusion: This review provides published estimates of the proportions of adults and adolescents transitioning between tobacco use categories from the most recently available studies on longitudinal transitions between smokeless tobacco and cigarettes in the US. These data can be used to track tobacco use behaviors and evaluate their effect on public health; however, the data for these studies were generally collected more than a decade ago. Additional research including nationally representative longitudinal estimates using consistent definitions and designs, would improve understanding of current tobacco transition behaviors.
Modeling and identification of the Sevier River System

This paper deals with the control-oriented MISO system identification process for the Piute Dam and Sevier River. The Sevier River is an open-channel river with long delays and infrequent data measurements. Based upon adaptations of two models commonly used to estimate river flow, we developed a parameterized mass balance model and compared the validation results of the three models. The parameterized mass balance model performed the best during periods of high flow. Since high flow conditions are most important for water conservation efforts, we chose this model as the basis of a robust controller to be designed and implemented on the Sevier River Basin.
Urethral dosimetry and toxicity with high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for vaginal cancer.

Abstract Purpose The tolerance and complication rates of the urethra are unknown for the interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) for vaginal cancer. Methods and Materials Patients with vaginal cancer near/involving the urethra who were treated with HDR-BT between 2008 and 2011 were included. Patients received mean external beam dose of 48.0 Gy followed by mean HDR-BT dose of 4.5 Gy/fraction for five fractions. With CT-based planning, the urethra was contoured from the bladder neck to the meatus. Doses were converted to the biologically equivalent dose in 2 Gy/fraction (EQD2). Results A total of 16 patients were included, and the EQD2 D90 was 74.9 Gy. The urethral volume was 1.31 cm3, and the EQD2 to 0.1 and 1 cm3 were 76.2 and 48.9 Gy, respectively. Two of the 6 patients with urethral involvement developed urethral necrosis. The D90 for these 2 patients was 76.8 Gy, and the urethral doses to 0.1 and 1 cm3 were 95.1 and 45.8, respectively. Those who developed severe urethral toxicity had a trend to urethral EQD2 (95.1 Gy vs. 73.4 Gy, p = 0.1) and significantly higher dose per fraction of HDR-BT to 0.1 cm3 of the urethra (5.7 Gy vs. 3.7 Gy, p = 0.02) when compared with those who did not develop severe urethral toxicity. Conclusions This study is among the first to assess urethral dosimetry for patients treated with HDR-BT for vaginal cancer. Patients who received five fractions of higher than 5 Gy/fraction to 0.1 cm3 of urethra (estimated EQD2 of 85 Gy) are at increased risk of severe urethral toxicity.
Systems without a graphical causal representation

There are simple mechanical systems that elude causal representation. We describe one that cannot be represented in a single directed acyclic graph. Our case suggests limitations on the use of causal graphs for causal inference and makes salient the point that causal relations among variables depend upon details of causal setups, including values of variables.
Accelerated proximity queries between convex polyhedra by multi-level Voronoi marching

We present an accelerated proximity query algorithm between moving convex polyhedra. The algorithm combines Voronoi-based feature tracking with a multi-level-of-detail representation, in order to adapt to the variation in levels of coherence and speed up the computation. It provides a progressive refinement framework for collision detection and distance queries. We have implemented our algorithm and have observed significant performance improvements in our experiments, especially on scenarios where the coherence is low.
Neighborhood, Family and Individual Influences on School Physical Victimization

Few studies on the correlates of school violence include school and neighborhood influences. We use ecological systems theory and social disorganization theory to simultaneously incorporate neighborhood (e.g., concentrated poverty, residential instability, and immigrant concentration), school, family, and individual predictors of physical school victimization longitudinally among a large socio-economically and ethnically diverse (49 % Hispanic; 34 % African American) sample of 6 and 9 year olds (49 % female) from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods. These children were followed up at Wave II at ages 8 and 11 (n = 1,425). Results of Hierarchical Generalized Linear Models reveal neighborhood residential instability increases school victimization net of family and individual correlates. Furthermore, cross-level interactions were also supported where residential family mobility has a stronger risk influence in areas of high residential instability. Also, the influence of residential family mobility is decreased in areas with higher levels of immigrant concentration. We also found cross-context connections where parent-to-child aggression in the home is connected to a higher risk of victimization at school. The role of neighborhood and family residential instability on victimization warrants further research.
Role of MAP kinase phosphatases in GnRH-dependent activation of MAP kinases.

GnRH controls the synthesis and release of the pituitary gonadotropic hormones. MAP kinase (MAPK) cascades, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways, are crucial for GnRH-induced gene activation. In the present study, we investigated the function of GnRH-induced MAPK phosphatases (MKPs) using an in vivo mouse model as well as the T3–1 cell line. Following GnRH agonist stimulation, in vivo gene profiling demonstrated that both MKP-1 and MKP-2 are induced with distinct temporal profiles, suggesting differential roles of these MKPs in the regulation of MAPK activation. Elevated activity of MKP-2 in T3–1 cells, through either overexpression or activation of the endogenous MKP-2 gene, was correlated with inhibition of GnRH-induced activation of ERK and JNK, as well as the expression of ERK- and JNK-dependent proto-oncogenes. These data supported the conclusion that GnRH-induced MKPs likely serve as negative feedback regulators that modulate MAPK activity and function in the GnRH signaling pathway.