cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimizing social media message dissemination problem for emergency communication

Derive mathematical formulation to model social media message dissemination.Large experimental design using random and real-world (crawled) social media networks.Observe strong correlations between message reception time and node degree.Node delay consistently affects message reception time.Random networks over-estimate message dissemination and model performance. Social media is increasingly being used as a communication bridge between government, emergency responders and managers, and the general public in extreme events. Passing information through social media channels enables individuals to send and receive content in real-time and without limitation of location and geography. While the use of social media in extreme event situations has become prevalent, there is often little strategy involved in message dissemination and too little understanding of the effects that underlying online social networks have on message distribution. In this study, we introduce a formal model for social media message dissemination in social networks through time. Our proposed model includes emphasis on single and multiple message scenarios and examines key communication characteristics in the development of more intentional and targeted social messaging strategies. We present a detailed experimental design on randomly generated networks and real-world sub-networks of the Twitter social graph and discuss our findings. We also include a Tabu Search procedure for solving single-message problem and discuss its potential value for large-scale problems in real-world applications.
Photosynthesis and photorespiration in freshwater emergent and floating plants

Abstract Little is known about photosynthesis and photorespiration in freshwater emergent and floating species even though these plants can be very effective producers of biomass. Species for which carbon fixation has been examined in any detail are generally C3, although more studies are needed to draw firm conclusions. There appear to be no unique biochemical adaptations in the carbon fixation pathways of these species. There may be unusually high CO2 concentrations in the leaf intercellular spaces of at least some of these species. Gas movement from roots or rhizomes to leaves through spaces or aerenchyma produces these high concentrations. As a consequence, photosynthetic rates in situ may be higher than expected for C3 species because ambient CO2 concentrations are normally limiting to photosynthesis. Most emergent species have a relatively vertical leaf orientation and a high leaf-area index (leaf area per unit substrate surface area), characteristics that should optimize canopy carbon fixation. While hypoxia in standing water can severely affect plant physiology, species adapted to these conditions have a relatively unlimited water supply. Other environmental conditions such as temperature and photon flux density are generally favorable for carbon fixation in many of these wet habitats. Therefore, high productivity of at least some of these species may be caused by supplementation of atmospheric CO2 by substrate sources, optimal canopy architecture, and growth under favorable environmental conditions.
Production of formaldehyde and acetone by hydroxyl-radical generating systems during the metabolism of tertiary butyl alcohol

t-Butyl alcohol is not a substrate for alcohol dehydrogenase or for the peroxidatic activity of catalase and, therefore, it is used frequently as an example of a non-metabolizable alcohol. t-Butyl alcohol is, however, a scavenger of the hydroxyl radical. The current report demonstrates that t-butyl alcohol can be oxidized to formaldehyde plus acetone by hydroxyl radicals generated from four different systems. The systems studied were: (a) two chemical systems, namely, the iron catalyzed oxidation of ascorbic acid and the Fenton reaction between H2O2 and iron; (b) an enzymatic system, the coupled oxidation of xanthine by xanthine oxidase; and (c) a membrane-bound system, NADPH-dependent microsomal electron transfer. The oxidation of t-butyl alcohol appeared to be mediated by hydroxyl radicals, or by a species with the oxidizing power of the hydroxyl radical, because the production of formaldehyde plus acetone was (a) inhibited by competing scavengers of the hydroxyl radical; (b) stimulated by the addition of iron-EDTA; and (c) inhibited by catalase. The last observation suggests that H2O2 served as the precursor of the hydroxyl radical in all three systems. A possible mechanism is hydrogen abstraction to form the alkoxyl radical [CH3)3-C-O.), spontaneous fission of the alkoxyl radical to produce acetone and the methyl radical (CH3.), interaction of the methyl radical with O2 to form the methyl peroxy radical (CH300.), and decomposition of the later to formaldehyde. These results extend the alcohol oxidizing capacity of the microsomal alcohol oxidizing system to a tertiary alcohol. Since t-butyl alcohol is not a substrate for alcohol dehydrogenase or catalase, the ability of microsomes to oxidize t-butyl alcohol lends further support for a role for hydroxyl radicals in the microsomal alcohol oxidation system. In view of the production of formaldehyde, and the reactivity as well as further metabolism of this aldehyde, caution should be used in interpreting experiments in which t-butyl alcohol is used as a presumed "non-metabolizable" alcohol. t-Butyl alcohol may be a valuable probe for the detection of hydroxyl radicals in intact cells and in vivo.
A numerical method for computing the stresses around an axisymmetrical inclusion

Abstract A numerical method is described for finding stresses in an elastic solid containing an axisymmetrical inclusion subjected to uniform tension. The method is based on the classical three-function approach in the theory of elasticity in conjunction with an improved point-matching technique. Three problems, namely the rigid spherical inclusion, the rigid cylindrical inclusion of finite length and the elastic cylindrical inclusion of finite length, have been studied. Results are presented in graphical form showing the variations of bond stresses with aspect ratio, corner radius and modulus ratio.
Minimally Invasive Soft-Tissue and Osseous Stabilization (MISOS) Technique for Midfoot and Hindfoot Deformities

The surgical repair of unstable midfoot and hindfoot deformities in the high-risk patient remains a challenge with little guidance available in the literature. The author presents a proposed surgical intervention for midfoot and hindfoot deformities utilizing a minimally invasive soft-tissue and osseous stabilization (MISOS) approach. The article presents a detailed, step-by-step description of the procedure used for these difficult limb salvage cases.
Clinical considerations for allied professionals: Issues in transition to adult congenital heart disease programs

c i s u t w t d 1. Why should patients with congenital heart disease CHD) transition to adult CHD (ACHD) programs? Answer: The 21st century has seen a remarkable shift in he course of care for patients with CHD. Previously, few of hese patients were expected to live to adulthood. With dvances in surgical technique and medical management, he majority of children born with CHD are expected to lead ull adult lives. It is estimated that as many as 500,000 adult atients with CHD live in the United States today and face dult medical issues. They require internal medicine, gasroenterology, gynecology, electrophysiology, and other ubspecialty care. Although the locus of care remains conroversial, the 32nd Bethesda Conference on the Care of dult with CHD provided guidelines and recommends the ransition to adult providers. In addition, adult patients with HD should be cared for in hospitals that have adult nursing xperience in CHD to help maintain and support a successul transition. 2. Who should care for adult patients with CHD? Answer: Ideally, physicians, advanced practice nurses, nd physician assistants with special training in ACHD hould care for the patients, along with support team as utlined in the 32nd Bethesda Conference report on CHD. Other options in many communities without cariologists having an ACHD fellowship background may nclude adult-trained cardiologists with ACHD experience, r pediatric cardiologists with ACHD experience, in conunction with a closely communicating team of adult interal medicine and subspecialty providers. In addition, care ay be shared with a regional center having primary reponsibility in the location of the patient. Although it is true hat in many regions CHD knowledge and clinical experi-
A kinetic study of the reconstitution of azurin from Cu(II) and the apoprotein

Abstract The kinetics of reconstitution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin from its apoprotein and copper(II) salts have been studied using absorbance at 625 nm and fluorescence emission at 308 nm as monitors of the process. At low Cu(II) concentrations the rates of both absorbance and fluorescence changes are linearly dependent on Cu(II) concentration. At higher Cu(II) concentrations the rate of absorbance change is independent of Cu(II) concentration. The rates of both absorbance and fluorescence changes as a function of pH suggest that the titration of a single ionizable group is important for the Cu(II)-dependent reaction. Overall analysis of the kinetics suggests that the fluorescence change and the absorbance change are associated with at least two steps in the overall pathway of the formation of the metal-protein complex, and that the copper(II) and tryptophan environments in this protein, though perhaps spatially close, may be distinct.
An immunohistochemical study of TNF-alpha in optic nerves from AIDS patients.

PURPOSE. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have implicated a role for tumor necrosis factor (TNF-a) in the pathology of demyelinating diseases. The purpose of this study was to address the hypothesis that TNF-a is a mediator of AIDS-related optic nerve injury and to determine the cell types involved in the proliferation of TNF-a in the AIDS optic nerve. METHODS. Ten optic nerves from seven patients with AIDS, and three from persons who were HIV negative were stained, using the indirect immunoperoxidase method. Six of the ten AIDS optic nerves were positive for cytomegalovirus (CMV), but the remainder did not have abnormal fundus findings. RESULTS. In all the optic nerves from AIDS patients with or without CMV retinitis, the vast majority of astrocytes stained strongly for TNF-a. Microglial cells (MPS-derived macrophages) varied from not staining to staining strongly positive for TNF-a. However, oligodendrocytes were not labeled positively for TNF-a. Some endothelial cells also stained for TNF-a. Examinati...
Five Polyostotic Conditions That General Orthopedic Surgeons Should Recognize (or Should Not Miss)

General orthopedic surgeons frequently encounter patients with conditions affecting multiple bones. It is important to recognize common polyostotic diseases. This article describes five polyostotic conditions: Multipe Enchondromatosis (Ollier Disease and Maffucci syndrome), Multiple Hereditary Exostosis (Diaphyseal Aclasis), Fibrous Dysplasia (McCune-Albright syndrome and Mazabraud syndrome), Paget's Disease of bone (Osteitis Deformans), and Skeletal Metastases. This is a survey of the clinical, pathologic and radiographic features that assist in diagnosing these conditions. Also, an overview of the laboratory findings, treatment, follow-up, and prognosis is presented. Recognizing these diseases will aid in prompt and accurate diagnosis and appropriate referral and therapy.
Radiographic contrast media studies in high-risk patients

Patients with prior anaphylactoid reactions (AR) to radiographic contrast media (RCM) are at increased risk for another reaction upon repeat exposure to RCM. One hundred one patients, who had prior AR to RCM, who gave informed consent, and who had an essential need for a repeat RCM study, were pretreated with prednisone, 50 mg orally every 6 hours for 3 doses ending one hour prior to RCM study, and diphenhydramine, 50 mg intramuscularly, one hour prior to RCM study. The repeat RCM study was then carried out using standard procedures with resuscitation equipment readily available. Ninety-six patients had no reaction. Five of the 101 (4.95%) developed AR. These AR consisted only of mild urticaria or pruritus. No significant or life-threatening reactions occurred. Pretreatment decreases the risk in this population of patients and is recommended as standard prophylaxis for patients requiring RCM who have had a previous AR.
A rapid boiling method for the preparation of bacterial plasmids

Abstract A simple and rapid method for preparing plasmids for restriction enzyme analysis has been developed. Bacteria are boiled for 15–40 s and an insoluble clot of genomic DNA and debris is removed by low-speed centrifugation. Plasmids are recovered from the supernatant by isopropanol precipitation and can be resuspended in buffer and immediately restricted. A 5-ml bacterial culture yields enough plasmids for many restriction enzyme digestions, but a single colony on a petri dish or a 0.5-ml miniculture will suffice for a few experiments. In addition, the procedure can be readily adapted for the preparation of plasmids from liter cultures with quantitative yields.
Material coefficients of the strain energy function of pulmonary arteries in normal and cigarette smoke-exposed rats

The effect of cigarette smoke on the stress-strain relationship of pulmonary arteries was studied in 2- and 3-month smoke-exposed rats. The animals were exposed to cigarette smoke in a smoke-generating system 10 times daily with one cigarette each time. The smoke density and the puffing duration and frequency of the system were regulated in accordance with reference values measured from human smokers. The mechanical properties of the pulmonary arteries about 450 μm in external diameter (at zero pressure) were determined in vitro by inflation and deflation tests. The average stress and middle-wall strain of the selected pulmonary arteries were determined on the basis of experimental data including inflation and deflation pressures during loading and unloading processes, respectively, and vessel diameter and length at various pressure levels, and vessel circumferential and longitudinal lengths at zero-stress state. A constitutive equation for the pulmonary arteries was derived from an energy function depending on circumferential and longitudinal Green's strains. The coefficients of the strain energy function of the pulmonary arteries were determined in both the smoke-exposed and control rats by fitting the experimental stress-strain data with the constitutive equation. It was found that the wall stress of the pulmonary arteries at a given strain and most of the coefficients of the strain energy function were increased in both the 2- and 3-month smoke-exposed rats in comparison with those in the corresponding controls. These results indicated that cigarette smoke induced an increase in the wall stiffness of the pulmonary arteries in the rats.
Potentiometric study of molecular complexes of weak acids and bases applied to complexes of α‐Cyclodextrin with para‐Substituted Benzoic Acids

Abstract The theory of the potentiometric method for studying complexes of ionizable substrates was developed, and graphical techniques are described for obtaining stability constant estimations from the data. The method described is for a system in which the conjugate acid and base forms of the substrate (S) are capable of forming 1:1 (SL) and 1:2 (SL 2 ) complexes with the ligand (L). It was applied to complexes of α-cyclodextrin (cyclohexaamylose) with 10 para -substituted benzoic acid derivatives. Letting K 11 a and K 12a be stability constants for the conjugate acid forms of the substrates, and K 11b , K 12b for the conjugate base forms, it was found that K 12b is zero for all substrates, K 12a is zero for seven of the substrates, and K 11 a > K 11b in every case. Hammett plots yielded ρ 11 a and ρ 11 b values of -0.31 and 0.77, respectively, which was interpreted to mean that K 11 a mainly represents binding at the carboxylic acid site, and K 11b describes binding at the site of the pa ra-substituent. This model of the complexing suggests that K 12a represents binding at the para -substituent, and therefore K 12a should vary roughly with substituent as K 11b , does; this trend was observed.
High and Low Glycemic Index Mixed Meals and Blood Glucose in Youth with Type 2 Diabetes or Impaired Glucose Tolerance

This cross-over pilot study tested blood glucose response to low and high glycemic index meals in 12 obese youth with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. Participants demonstrated significantly lower mean daytime blood glucose and a trend toward lower variability, suggesting a clinically relevant impact of reducing glycemic index.
Preliminary Findings of Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Infants Treated With Intravenous Fat Emulsion Reduction for the Management of Parenteral Nutrition–Associated Cholestasis

Introduction: Parenteral nutrition–associated cholestasis (PNAC) is linked with the administration of soybean-based intravenous fat emulsion (IVFE). IVFE reduction (IFER) may be an effective management strategy for PNAC; however, long-term associated neurodevelopmental outcomes (NDOs) for infants undergoing IFER have not been measured previously. This single-institution, prospective study examined the risk for negative NDOs and key predictors of NDOs associated with IFER. Methods: Patients (2–5 years) treated with soybean-based IFER as neonates underwent NDO measurements, including Ages and Stages Questionnaires–3 (ASQ-3), Parents’ Evaluations of Developmental Status (PEDS), and Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition Preschool, Parent (BASC-2 PRS-P). The relationship between NDOs and predictive variables was evaluated. Results: A total of 25 children had a complete PEDS survey, and 17 were found to be “not at risk.” The BASC-2 PRS-P evaluation (n = 18 patients) showed that all 4 composite...
Integration and preliminary evaluation of an Insertable Robotic Effectors Platform for Single Port Access Surgery

In this paper, we present the integration and preliminary evaluation of a novel Insertable Robotic Effectors Platform (IREP) for Single Port Access Surgery (SPAS). The unique design of the IREP includes planar parallel mechanisms, continuum snake-like arms, wire-actuated wrists, and passive flexible components. While this design has advantages, it presents challenges in terms of modeling, control, and telemanipulation. The complete master-slave resolved-rates telemanipulation framework of the IREP along with its actuation compensation is presented. Experimental evaluation of the capabilities of this new surgical system include bi-manual exchange of rings, pick-and-place tasks, suture passing and knot tying. Results show that the IREP meets the minimal workspace and dexterity requirements specified for laparoscopic surgery, it allows for dual-arm operations such as tool exchange and knot tying in confined spaces. Although it was possible to tie a surgeon's knot with minimal training, suture passing was difficult due to the limited axial rotation of the distal wrists.
Sign of the Cross: contexts for the Ivory Cross of San Millán de la Cogolla

This article focuses on the surviving arms of the ivory cross of San Millan de la Cogolla and proposes a new interpretation for its striking Cordoban visual aesthetic. The article rejects an interpretive framework privileging religious divisions between Muslims and Christians. Instead this essay emphasizes the kinship and political ties that connected the Andalusi caliph ‘Abd al- Raḥmān III (r. 912–61) and Toda, Queen of Pamplona. Queen Tota, as she is named in Latin charters, or Tuta bint Asnar, as she is named in the Umayyad court chronicle, has long been recognized as a key figure in the political milieu of tenth-century Iberia. Using the material evidence of the cross as a departure point, the article considers the Arabic and Latin texts that point to Tota's centrality not only to the politics, but also to cultural transfer between al-Andalus and Hispania. The presence of the ivory cross at San Millan, and its Cordoban aesthetic, I argue, are symptomatic of Tota's strategic use of her kinship connecti...
Notes on permanental and subpermanental inequalities

Abstract Let Sn ( Ω n ) be the set of all n × n stochastic (doubly stochastic) matrices, and let Jn denote the n × n matrix whose entries are all 1/n. We denote the sum of all subpermanents of order k of a matrix A by σn(A). We prove that the maximum of σk(tA + (1 − t)J n) on Sn for fixed t in [−1/(n − 1), 0) ∪ (0, 1] is achieved if and only if A is a permutation matrix (k = 2,3,…, n). We also show that if A ∈ Un then σk(tA + (1 − t)Jn) ⩽ tσk(A) + (1 − t)σk (Jn) in some interval [0, tk], where the exact values of t2 and t3 are 1 and 1 2 respectively. The value of tk becomes 1 when A is chosen as a normal matrix whose eigenvalues lie in the sector [−π/2n, π/2n] of the complex plane.
Primary care physicians' perceptions of rates of unintended pregnancy

Background Primary care physicians (PCPs) treat many women of reproductive age who need contraceptive and preconception counseling.
Su1403 The Quality of Bowel Preparation for Screening Colonoscopy in an Inner City Health Care Center

excluded. PEP was diagnosed by typical pancreatic-type abdominal pain and elevation of amylase/lipase 3X ULN following ERCP. Severity of PEP was defined by established criteria4. Results: 549 OLTs with duct-to-duct anastomosis were performed during the study period. Of the OLT recipients, 100 patients (63% male; 89% Caucasian; mean age 51 13) underwent ERCP (122 total ERCPs). ERCP was performed at a median of 96 days (IQ range, 30-387) following OLT. Findings at ERCP included: anastomotic stricture in 29% (35/122), bile leak in 16% (19/122), stones/sludge in 9% (11/122), and papillary stenosis in 6% (7/122). Difficult cannulation was noted in 22% (27/122) and biliary sphincterotomy was performed during 66% (81/122) of the ERCPs. Prophylactic pancreatic stents were placed during 12 procedures (10%). PEP occurred following 5 cases (4 male, 1 female). Of the PEP cases, ERCP finding of anastomotic stricture was observed in 4 of 5 cases. Four cases of PEP occurred after documented difficult cannulation and 2 cases occurred despite pancreatic stent placement. Two patients developed PEP during a repeat ERCP after a post-transplant ERCP had been performed previously without sphincterotomy. There were no episodes of severe acute pancreatitis; three were moderate in severity, and 2 were mild. Conclusions: The rate of PEP in patients following liver transplant is comparable to that previously documented in the general population1,2. However, ERCP evidence of an anastomotic stricture and difficult bile duct cannulation appear to be risk factors for development of PEP in the OLT population. References: 1. Freeman ML, DiSario JA, Nelson DB, et al. Risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis: a prospective, multicenter study. Gastrointest Endosc. 2001 Oct; 54(4):425-34.2. Freeman ML, Nelson DB, Sherman S, et al. Complications of endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy. N Engl J Med. 1996 Sep 26;335(13):909-18.3. Sanna C, Saracco GM, Reggio D, et al. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation: outcomes and complications. Transplant Proc. 2009 May; 41(4):1319-21.
Magnetic field control of fluorescent polymer nanorods

Nanoscale objects that combine high luminescence output with a magnetic response may be useful for probing local environments or manipulating objects on small scales. Ideally, these two properties would not interfere with each other. In this paper, we show that a fluorescent polymer host material can be doped with high concentrations of 20-30 nm diameter magnetic γ-Fe2O3 particles and then formed into 200 nm diameter nanorods using porous anodic alumina oxide templates. Two different polymer hosts are used: the conjugated polymer polydioctylfluorene and also polystyrene doped with the fluorescent dye Lumogen Red. Fluorescence decay measurements show that 14% by weight loading of the γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles quenches the fluorescence of the polydioctylfluorene by approximately 33%, but the polystyrene/Lumogen Red fluorescence is almost unaffected. The three-dimensional orientation of both types of nanorods can be precisely controlled by the application of a moderate strength (∼0.1 T) external field with sub-second response times. Transmission electron microscope images reveal that the nanoparticles cluster in the polymer matrix, and these clusters may serve both to prevent fluorescence quenching and to generate the magnetic moment that rotates in response to the applied magnetic field.
A cautionary note on the use of the Grønnesby and Borgan goodness-of-fit test for the Cox proportional hazards model.

Gronnesby and Borgan (1996, Lifetime Data Analysis 2, 315-328) propose an omnibus goodness-of-fit test for the Cox proportional hazards model. The test is based on grouping the subjects by their estimated risk score and comparing the number of observed and a model based estimated number of expected events within each group. We show, using extensive simulations, that even for moderate sample sizes the choice of number of groups is critical for the test to attain the specified size. In light of these results we suggest a grouping strategy under which the test attains the correct size even for small samples. The power of the test statistic seems to be acceptable when compared to other goodness-of-fit tests.
An automated system for internal friction measurements

The design of an automated internal-friction apparatus employing an inverted torsional pendulum is described. The oscillation amplitude is obtained from a solar cell current produced by a light beam that is cut by a vane on the pendulum. The number of pendulum oscillations and a voltage that is proportional to the peak-to-peak oscillation amplitude of the pendulum are obtained from the solar cell output. On a signal from the timing control the amplitude voltage, cycle number and sample temperature are converted to digital form and printed on a teletype. The data are also recorded on tape for computer application. A temperature programmer is used to control the sample temperature. When the oscillation decays to a specified amplitude, electromagnets located near the pendulum are pulsed by the timing control to increase the oscillation amplitude.
192 IgG-saporin: I. Specific lethality for cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain of the rat.

An immunotoxin (IT) composed of a monoclonal antibody to the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor, 192 IgG, chemically linked to saporin, 192 IgG-saporin, was shown to selectively reduce forebrain choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in the rat brain following intraventricular administration. In order to determine if the IT was killing NGF receptor-positive neurons in the CBF (rather than simply suppressing the cholinergic phenotype in these cells), a population of neurons in the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) was prelabeled by an intracortical injection of the neurotracer Fluoro-Gold (FG) 1 week before intraventricular injections of IT or control substances (reduced IT or phosphate-buffered saline). We found that there were very few double-labeled (i.e. FG-labeled and ChAT-positive) neurons remaining in the NBM of IT-treated animals. The absolute number of FG-labeled neurons in the NBM of IT-treated animals was reduced by a number similar to the counts of double-labeled neurons in the NBM of control animals. Our conclusion is that the IT is preferentially lethal to cholinergic neurons in the NBM. Due to its ability to selectively kill cholinergic neurons in the CBF and concomitantly spare noncholinergic neurons with similar morphology and projections, 192 IgG-saporin can be used to produce a selective model of CBF deficit in the rat.
Visuospatial memory deficits emerging during nicotine withdrawal in adolescents with prenatal exposure to active maternal smoking

Active maternal smoking during pregnancy elevates the risk of cognitive deficits and tobacco smoking among offspring. Preclinical work has shown that combined prenatal and adolescent exposure to nicotine produces more pronounced hippocampal changes and greater deficits in cholinergic activity upon nicotine withdrawal than does prenatal or adolescent exposure to nicotine alone. Few prior studies have examined the potential modifying effects of gestational exposure to active maternal smoking on cognitive or brain functional response to tobacco smoking or nicotine withdrawal in adolescents. We examined visuospatial and verbal memory in 35 adolescent tobacco smokers with prenatal exposure to active maternal smoking and 26 adolescent tobacco smokers with no prenatal exposure to maternal smoking who were similar in age, educational attainment, general intelligence, and baseline plasma cotinine. Subjects were studied during ad libitum smoking and after 24 h of abstinence from smoking. A subset of subjects from each group also underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing a visuospatial encoding and recognition task. Adolescent tobacco smokers with prenatal exposure experienced greater nicotine withdrawal-related deficits in immediate and delayed visuospatial memory relative to adolescent smokers with no prenatal exposure. Among adolescent smokers with prenatal exposure, nicotine withdrawal was associated with increased activation of left parahippocampal gyrus during early recognition testing of visuospatial stimuli and increased activation of bilateral hippocampus during delayed recognition testing of visuospatial stimuli. These findings extend prior preclinical work and suggest that, in human adolescent tobacco smokers, prenatal exposure to active maternal smoking is associated with alterations in medial temporal lobe function and concomitant deficits in visuospatial memory.
Comparison of Biomechanical and Anatomical Effects Following Eccentric and Concentric Exertions

Work place exertions may include muscle shortening (concentric) or muscle lengthening (eccentric) contractions. This study investigates the upper limb mechanical properties and magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the involved muscles following submaximal eccentric and concentric exertions. Twelve participants were randomly assigned to perform at 30° per second eccentric or concentric forearm supination exertions at 50% isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) for 30 minutes. Measurement of mechanical stiffness, isometric MVC, localized discomfort and MRI supinator: extensor signal intensity ratio was done before, immediately after, 1 hour after and 24 hours after the bout of exercise. A 53% average decrease in mechanical stiffness after 1 hour was observed for the eccentric group (p 0.05). Edema, indicative of swelling, was observed 24 hrs after exercise, with an average increase in the MRI supinator: extensor signal intensity ratio...
Creating outcomes with redesign efforts.

ABSTRACT Integrating principles from a variety of theories, managers have developed a conceptual framework for reengineering processes in an endoscopy unit to improve the value of services provided to customers. A major goal of this redesign was to enhance or maintain quality of care, increase efficiency, and maintain or reduce costs. This was accomplished by analyzing data and outcome measures related to patient, physician, and staff member satisfaction, as well as resource allocation. The departmental results were tangible, positive, and visible almost immediately. With the right team and the right techniques, tools, methodologies, and decision-making processes, redesign projects can and do lead to dramatic improvements in productivity, service, customer and staff member satisfaction, cost control, and innovation. AORN J 70 (Sept 1999) 406–413.
Insights on Caring for Early Childhood Professionals and Families.

Caring is the core value that empowers families and early childhood professionals. This article articulates the meaning and power of caring in the lives of children and families. It also explores family, professional, and community strategies for creating caring and nurturing children and families. In particular, insights that show that caring is learned early and that its impact is life long are discussed and applied to the early childhood professional’s identity.
Cost perspectives of laparoscopic and open appendectomy.

Background Despite multiple studies comparing laparoscopic and open appendectomies, the clinically and economically superior procedure still is in question. A cost analysis was performed using both institutional and societal perspectives.
Annealing of Pure Gold Quenched from above 800°C

The decrease of quenched-in resistivity as a function of time of Au wires quenched from above 800\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and then annealed in the vicinity of room temperature, is observed to be an $S$-shaped curve. The time ${t}_{\frac{1}{2}}$ required for half of the initially quenched-in resistivity ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}$ to anneal out decreases from 15 to 0.5 h as quenching temperature is raised from 840 to 1000\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. It is observed that $\frac{1}{{t}_{\frac{1}{2}}}\ensuremath{\propto}{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}}^{(2.60\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)}$. The fraction of ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}$ that remains after infinite annealing times is independent of the quenching temperature with $\frac{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{r}(\ensuremath{\infty})}{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}}=0.074\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.006$. All the $S$-shape annealing data combine into one universal curve if $f=\frac{[\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{r}(\ensuremath{\infty})]}{[{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{r}(\ensuremath{\infty})]}$ is plotted against the reduced time $\frac{t}{{t}_{\frac{1}{2}}}$. The universality of the curves indicates that the supersaturated concentrations of defects in Au disappear by one unique process. The following process is proposed: The defects in freshly quenched specimens are present as single vacancies, divacancies, and trivacancies, which are in thermal equilibrium with one another. The concentration of other complexes is negligible. Tetrahedra of stacking faults, as observed by Hirsch, act as the sinks for singles and divacancies. They are formed during annealing by the collapse of six aggregated vacancies; their nucleation sites are the tetravacancy complexes, which are the smallest vacancy clusters in Au which are not in thermal equilibrium. The tetravacancy converts into a tetrahedron if struck by a divacancy. The remaining resistivity is due to the stacking faults of the tetrahedra. If it is assumed, in addition, that all the quenched-in defects disappear at the tetrahedra, then $\frac{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{r}(\ensuremath{\infty})}{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}}$ is shown to be a constant as observed and the parameter $f$ then represents the fraction of the initially quenched-in defects that has not yet been absorbed. The model predicts that $\frac{1}{{t}_{\frac{1}{2}}}\ensuremath{\propto}{{c}_{0}}^{2.5}$ and that the number of tetrahedron ${n}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}$ at infinite annealing times is ${n}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}\ensuremath{\propto}{{c}_{0}}^{1.5}$ in agreement with the experiments. The resistivity of stacking faults per unit area was calculated to be (1.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ \ensuremath{\Omega}${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$.
Performance of Optical Detection Systems

The power transfer efficiency between a light source and the electrooptical transducer is exceedingly small in ordinary optical detection systems. Any increase in this efficiency would improve the performance considerably. The performance of optical detection systems has been investigated on the rounds of shot-noise limitation. In discussions of means of obtaining high signal-to-noise ratios at wide electronic bandwidth, the importance of a high geometric flux in detection systems becomes apparent. Various methods of determining the rms noise in the signal are compared; also, instrumental parameters of a specific design for fluorescence detection are given. The limitations of the specific design have been determined and discussed, both from the electronic standpoint and from that of the physicochemist, using such an instrument for fast measurements of chemical parameters.
'Employable Mothers' and 'Suitable Work': A Re-Evaluation of Welfare and Wage-Earning for Women in the Twentieth-Century United States

U.S. welfare policy has yet to adequately address a mother's two work rolescare-giving and wage-earning. These two responsibilities have produced conflicting policy responses, sometimes within the same historical period. Citizens and legislators have raised concerns about mothers who worked too much outside their homes; or conversely, mothers who did not work enough to support their families. These contradictions are reflected in the language and practice of welfare policy. During the twentieth century, programs such as mothers' pensions gained public support by promising to subsidize some mothers to raise their children. That language changed after World War II to reflect an expectation that women must enter the workforce to earn, as in the workfare initiatives of the late twentieth century. In contrast to the shift in language over time, the practice of encouraging wage-earning has demonstrated remarkable continuity. Similarly, the scholarship on gender and welfare has focused on one, not both, of women's responsibilities.1 Little scholarly attention has been paid to the relationship between wage-earing and welfare for the years preceding World War II. Instead, the standing interpretation for both mothers' pensions and Aid to Dependent Children explains these programs as policies that supported women to stay at home. Whether viewed as a matemalist policy designed to protect motherhood, as presented in Theda Skocpol's recent work; or as a restrictive policy that regulated women's behavior as described by Linda Gordon, the leading scholarship discusses these programs as a relationship between government and families.2
RELATIONSHIPS AMONG CHEMICAL, COOKING AND COLOR PROPERTIES OF BEEF PATTIES COOKED TO FOUR INTERNAL TEMPERATURES

A study involving five laboratories and nationwide sampling of ground beef was undertaken to determine cooking and color properties of patties cooked to 52.7, 65.6, 71.1 and 79.4C. The design of the study included purchase location (local, distant) and patty handling prior to cooking Pesh, thawed either as patties or bulk ground beef). Purchase location was not a statistically significant influence on cooking and color properties. Patties processed from bulk thawed product had a higher amount of brown cooked color. A strong relationship existed between visual and instrumental measures of red color in cooked patties. However, correlations among other cooking properties were low. Patties with higher fat content were associated with shorter cooking times, lower cooking yields and more brown cooked color. The low relationships between raw and cooked patty properties limits the use of raw ground beef properties as predictors of food safety in cooked beef patties. This further supports the use of instant read meat thermometers in cooking beef patties to at least 71C.
The adoption of the M-form organizational structure: a test of imitation hypothesis

The study of organizational adoption of administrative innovations has been generally guided by the imitation hypothesis. This hypothesis states that, within a relevant population of firms, an innovation is first adopted by a select few innovators who communicate and influence others to adopt it resulting in a predictable diffusion pattern. Using data on the adoption of the M-form organizational structure, this paper reexamines this hypothesis. Based on the reported results, we cannot reject the null hypothesis that organizational adoption of administrative innovations is characterized by a white-noise process. This result brings into question the appropriateness of the imitation hypothesis. Limitations and implications of the results are discussed.
Child Health and Maternal Work Activity: The Role of Unobserved Heterogeneity

This paper investigates the extent to which child health affects maternal work activity. Estimating this causal relationship is complicated because unobserved heterogeneity that affects a child’s health might also affect the mother’s labor market attachment. Using variables that measure a family’s access to care as instruments, the main finding of this paper is that child health does not appear to be a significant determinant of maternal employment.
Denmark: Globalization and the Welfare State

This case describes how Denmark has balanced the impacts of globalization, including outsourcing and movement of labor with its social welfare offerings. Reforms implemented during the past two decades drove down unemployment, promoted new company formation, and put the country at or near the top of international polls on the ease of doing business. The case describes how Danes forged a consensus that embraced international trade and outsourcing while supporting continuous upgrading of workplace skills. In April 2009, the new Prime Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, is balancing short-term responses to a global recession against longer-term planning for the Danish labor market and macroeconomy. Can Denmark keep its borders open to the free movement of goods, services, and labor while also sustaining the breadth of its welfare offerings?
Influence of irrigation management on the abundance of leafhoppers (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) on grapes.

During a 3-yr study, we investigated the effects of grapevine, Vitis vinifera L., irrigation management on the abundance of the western grape leafhopper, Erythroneura elegantula Osborn and a variegated grape leafhopper, E. variabilis Beamer, at two locations in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Irrigation treatments ranged from 40 to 120% replacement of the expected nonstressed crop evapotranspiration (EToc). Densities of both species were significantly lower on vines in the low irrigation treatments (0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 EToc), than on vines that received maximum water allotments (1.0 and 1.2 EToc). Leafhoppers tended to be more numerous on the shaded side of the vines than on the sunlit side. E. elegantula attained a maximum average density of 15 nymphs per leaf at Westside in 1984, whereas a maximum of 23 nymphs per leaf was recorded for E. variabilis at Kearney. There was greater variation in leafhopper densities in response to irrigation treatments at Westside than at Kearney, an effect believed to be the result of differential water holding capacities of the respective soils at each location. Restricted available water can affect vine water status and alter characteristics of the microenvironment, including canopy temperature and humidity. Both transient and long-term irrigation effects can contribute to fluctuations in leafhopper abundance.
Scanning transmission electron microscopy: Seeing the atoms more clearly

This article shows how the scanning transmission electron microscope provides a Z-contrast image (where Z is atomic number) that is often directly interpretable and can show higher resolution than a phase-contrast image. It represents an incoherent mode of imaging, similar to that described by Lord Rayleigh for the optical microscope over a century ago. Today, resolution has reached a half Angstrom, and spectroscopic analysis of individual atomic columns, even of individual atoms in two-dimensional materials, has become possible.
The structure and stability of microtubules

The availability of an atomically-detailed tubulin structure has created new possibilities for investigating many features of microtubule structure and function. Through the use of a newly developed method for large scale electrostatic calculations, we are able to explain several key microtubule properties. This talk will present recent results on microtubule stability, plus and minus end polymerization, as well as the physical basis for the observed helix and seam.
Uncertainty models in information and database systems

Information systems have evolved to the point where it is desirable to capture the vagueness and uncertainty of data that occurs in actuality. Approaches have been taken using various fuzzy set con...
Extended depth-of-field microscopic imaging with a variable focus microscope objective

Increasing the depth-of-field (DOF) while maintaining high resolution imaging has been a classical challenge for conventional microscopes. Extended DOF (EDOF) is especially essential for imaging thick specimens. We present a microscope capable of capturing EDOF images in a single shot. A volumetric optical sampling method is applied by rapidly scanning the focus of a vari-focal microscope objective throughout the extended depths of a thick specimen within the duration of a single detector exposure. An EDOF image is reconstructed by deconvolving the captured image with the response function of the system. Design of a vari-focal objective and algorithms for restoring EDOF images are presented. Proof-of-concept experimental results demonstrate significantly extended DOF compared to the conventional microscope counterparts.
Evaluation of the low temperature slurry catalyst, Copper Zinc oxide, in the conversion of Carbon monoxide using the water gas shift reactionfor hydrogen cleanup from biomass

The Carbon monoxide (CO) present in synthesis gas (syngas) produced by the gasification of biomass is detrimental to the membranes used in Hydrogen (H 2 ) purifiers as well as in proton exchange membranes (PEM) for fuel cells. Thus, CO must be completely removed or considerably reduced in the syngas. The main objective of this paper is to convert CO to Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) using the Water Gas Shift reaction (WGS) for the cleanup of H 2 which is used in PEM fuel cells to produce combined heat and power. In this paper, the conversion performance of a commercially available Copper Zinc oxide (CuZnO) catalyst suspended in Ethylflo-164 oil was evaluated in the WGS reaction using a syngas simulation of 66% H 2 and 34% CO. The temperature and steam to CO ratio inside the reactor were found to affect the catalytic activity of CuZnO; therefore, tests were conducted to achieve maximum CO conversion at175°C, 200°C, and 225°C. The best catalytic activity occurred at 225°C as the CO concentration in the output gas was reduced to 3.46%. An increase in the steam to CO ratio further reduced the CO concentration in the output gas at both 175°C and 200°C.The results of this research will eventually be compared to the performance of other catalysts in order to build the most efficient hydrogen synthesizing and purification biomass system at Farmingdale State College. The system will be composed of a gasifier, a WGS reactor, an H 2 purification system, and a H 2 storage system. The ultra-pure H 2 achieved by the entire biomass system will be fed to Hydrogen Fuel Cell systems generating electrical power.
Application of piezoceramics to vibration suppression of a spacecraft flexible appendage

This paper presents the results of Positive Position Feedback (PPF) control and Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control for vibration suppression of a flexible structure using piezoceramics. Experiments were conducted on the U.S. Naval Postgraduate Schools Flexible Spacecraft Simulator (FSS), which is comprised of a rigid central body and a flexible appendage. To suppress the vibration of the flexible appendage is the objective of the this research. Experiments show that both control methods have unique advantages for vibration suppression. PPF control is effective in providing high damping for a particular mode and is easy to implement. LQG control provides damping to all modes, however, cannot provide high damping for a specific mode. LQG control is very effective in meeting specific requirements, such as minimization of tip motion of a flexible beam but at a higher implementation cost.