cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CPAP compliance: video education may help!

Abstract Background : CPAP remains the treatment of choice for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS), but compliance with CPAP is poor. Of many interventions tried to improve CPAP compliance, only education and humidification have been shown to be of benefit. Our purpose was to develop and pilot test a video to enhance patient understanding of obstructive sleep apnea and of the purpose, logistics, and benefits of CPAP use in patients newly diagnosed with OSAHS. A patient's CPAP compliance in the first few weeks after starting its use is predictive of long-term compliance with CPAP treatment. It is imperative that patients grasp at the outset both the severity of OSAHS and the effectiveness of CPAP therapy. Methods : An educational video script was written based on recommendations for patient educational video materials and covering identified misconceptions about OSAHS and perceived barriers to CPAP use. The videotape is 15min in length and features two middle-aged males, one African-American and one Euro-American, discussing OSAHS and CPAP in a factory break room. Results : In a randomized two-group design with a control group, patients with newly diagnosed OSAHS, and who viewed the CPAP educational video on their first clinic, were significantly more likely to use their machine and to return for a 1-month clinic visit than were those in the control group. Conclusion :Viewing of a patient education video at the initial visit was found to significantly improve the rate of return for the follow-up visit.
Forget Colonialism? Sacrifice and the Art of Memory in Madagascar.

Forget Colonialism? Sacrifice and the Art of Memory in Madagascar. Jennifer Cole. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2001. 357 pp.
The Origin and Turnover of D-Serine in Brain

The origin of D-serine was investigated using microdialysis probes to administer radiolabeled glucose, glycine, and L-serine directly into rat brain. In these experiments the labeling of D-serine was found to be determined only by the radioactivity present in the L-serine pool, regardless of the precursor employed, indicating that L-serine is the direct precursor of the D-isomer. Its rate of synthesis was 4.6 +/- 1.2 %/h; 9.2 nmol/g/h). This rate of synthesis is in agreement with that found in the mouse after a loading dose of intraperitoneally injected L-[3H]-serine (4.1 %/h). These rates are also consistent with the degradation rates of D-serine in rat and mouse brain, determined in pulse labeling experiments (4.1 and 3.8 %/h, respectively). Synthesis within the brain from L-serine therefore is adequate to account for the turnover of the brain D-serine pool: contributions from other sources, including the diet, must be minimal. Independence from dietary sources was also demonstrated by the failure of labeled D-serine administered in the drinking water to label the brain pool unless very high doses were given. These results suggest that D-serine in the brain is formed directly by the racemization of L-serine.
Human lymphocyte response to selected infectious agents in Reiter's syndrome and ankylosing spondylitis

Reiter's syndrome (RS) and idiopathic ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have been associated with certain infections and the histocompatibility antigen HLA-B27. The proliferative responses of peripheral mononuclear cell preparations from 18 patients with RS, 6 with AS, and 22 unaffected subjects were studied toward Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhimurium, Yersinia enterocolitica, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Chlamydia trachomatis. Although RS, AS, and HLA-B27-positive normal subjects had generally higher mean responses than HLA-B27-negative controls, no significant differences were demonstrated. Using a chromium release assay, the cytotoxicity of an HLA-B27 antiserum was not altered by preincubation of lymphocytes with these organisms for several individual subjects in each study group.
Two-Dimensional Rotating Heat Pipe Analysis

A detailed transient numerical simulation of rotating heat pipes is presented. This two-dimensional, axisymmetric formulation accounts for the thin liquid condensate film on the inner surface of the rotating pipe wall, the vapor flow in the vapor space, and the unsteady heat conduction in the pipe wall. The thin liquid film is coupled to the vapor velocity at the liquid-vapor interface, and the effects of the vapor pressure drop and the interfacial shear stress are included in the Nusselt-type condensation analysis. 12 refs., 7 figs.
Multi-objective vehicle refueling planning using mixed integer programming

For point-to-point direct delivery over the transportation network, timely delivery of commodity and reduction of total fuel cost are both important objectives to consider. Since fuel prices can vary significantly over a broad region, often there is a tradeoff between fuel cost and travel time. A short path may not be economical in terms of fuel cost while routing through areas with lower fuel prices may take more time. In this paper, we address multi-objective refueling optimization problems in the context of two priority models regarding fuel cost and travel time. Unlike the shortest path problem, optimal refueling paths may not be simple paths, which complicates the setup of mixed integer programs. We first start with arbitrage-free vehicle refueling planning that restricts refueling paths to simple paths in the network only. We then show how we can augment the mixed integer formulation for vehicle refueling planning without the arbitrage-free assumption.
The effect of injections of β-ecdysone on the bimodal emergence of Hyalophora cecropia

Abstract The emergence of adult Hyalophora cecropia is bimodal in the field. Part of the central Illinois population begins pharate adult development in late March and emerges in May; most begin to develop in late May and emerge in late June. In the present experiments wild pupae and pupae of a strain selected for early emergence were transferred from an outdoor insectary to the laboratory when chilling was about one-half completed, or when it was complete and the early emergers were just beginning to develop. These pupae were either untreated or injected with Ringer's alone or with Ringer's containing doses of β-ecdysone of 1.0, 2.5 or 10.0 μg/g of pupa. The 10.0 μg/g dose usually caused hyperecdysonism and death before emergence. In the partly-chilled wild pupae 1.0 μg/g had a small effect, but 2.5 μg/g caused 58% early emergence compared to 10% or less in the controls. In the partly-chilled early emerging strain 1.0 μg/g had a moderate effect but 2.5 μg/g caused over 90% of the pupae to begin developing immediately and to emerge much earlier than the corresponding controls. In the fully-chilled wild cecropia, 21% of the uninjected controls emerged early. β-Ecdysone at 1.0 μg/g caused almost 60% to emerge early and 2.5 μg/g caused over 90% to emerge early.
Detection of penicillin, cephapirin, and cloxacillin in commingled raw milk by the Spot test.

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare Spot Test results with the results of the Bacillus stearothermophilus disc assay. Commingled raw milk samples were subdivided and spiked with penicillin, cephapirin, or cloxacillin. All subsamples, including unspiked subsamples, were analyzed by the Spot Test (3 or 9 replicates) and disc assay (9 replicates). Mean zone diameter for every subsample was calculated; subsamples having a mean zone diameter⩽16mm were considered positive. At penicillin concentrations ⩽ 3.7ng/ml, agreement between the Spot Test and disc assay was 83.4%, and false positive and negative percentages were 14.4 and 2.2%, respectively. Above 3.7ng/ml, agreement was 100%. At cephapirin concentrations ⩽ 12ng/ml, agreement between the two tests was 67.9%, and false positive and negative percentages were 28.8 and 3.3%, respectively. Above 15ng/ml, agreement was 99.3% with .7% false negatives. At cloxacillin concentrations ⩽ 50 mg/ml agreement between the two tests was 54.5 with 45.5% false positives. At cloxacillin concentrations≤62.5ng/ml, agreement between the two tests was 87.2% and false positive and negative percentages were 12.6 and .2%, respectively. In a field trial consisting of 823 bulk samples, Spot Test and disc assay agreement was 100%. The Spot Test is a rapid and reliable method for detecting penicillin, cephapirin, and cloxacillin residues in raw milk at concentrations that will produce a 16-mm zone.
Decay Correlations of Heavy Leptons in e + + e − → l + + l −

Assuming that leptons heavier than muons exist in nature, we consider their decay modes and the correlations between the decay products of ${l}^{+}$ and ${l}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ in the colliding-beam experiment: ${e}^{+}+{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{l}^{+}+{l}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. Far above the threshold, the helicities of ${l}^{+}$ and ${l}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ tend to be opposite to each other. Near the threshold the directions of spins of ${l}^{+}$ and ${l}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ prefer to be parallel to each other, and the sum of the two spins prefers to be either parallel or anti-parallel to the direction of the incident electron. Because the parity conservation is violated maximally in the decays of ${l}^{+}$ and ${l}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, the angular distributions of decay products depend strongly on the spin orientation of the heavy leptons. Since the spins of ${l}^{+}$ and ${l}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ are strongly correlated in the production, we found a strong correlation between the energy-angle distributions of the decay products of ${l}^{+}$ and ${l}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. The decay widths of ${l}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ into channels ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{l}{\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{e}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{l}{\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{l}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{l}{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{l}{\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{l}{K}^{*}$, ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{l}{A}_{1}$, ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{l}Q$, and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{l}+\mathrm{hadron}$ continuum as functions of the mass of ${l}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ are estimated.
Temporal fluctuations in regional myocardial flows

Considerable spatial heterogeneity has been observed in regional myocardial blood flow in isolated hearts and in both anesthetized and conscious animals. In order to study how local blood flow varies with time, the data obtained by King et al. (1985) from ten awake, healthy baboons were analyzed to estimate the role of temporal fluctuations. Four to six distributions of regional flows were estimated at intervals of 4 min to 27 h, using 15 μ diameter microspheres and dividing each heart into 204 locatable pieces (average piece mass=0.17 g). The technique averages over the 40 s of the injection giving no measure of fluctuations over a few seconds. The temporal variation in regional blood flow, expressed as the relative dispersion (SD/mean) of the temporally separated measurements about the mean flow for each piece and corrected for methodological noise, was 12% for the whole heart (10828 observations). For the left ventricle, the temporal variation was 10% (8806 observations), for the right ventricle 14% (1455 observations), and for the atria 22% (567 observations). On a relative basis, temporal fluctuation was greatest in regions having low flows. Since the magnitude of the changes in flow distributions was the same after 4 min as it was in several hours, we conclude that much of the “twinkling” is a high frequency phenomenon occurring over seconds to a few minutes. Further, it is concluded that regional myocardial blood flow in conscious primates is relatively stable with time, temporal fluctuations causing only about one third of the variation between regions.
A fast algorithm for finding the compact sets

Abstract We define and investigate the problem of finding all compact sets in a complete, weighted, undirected graph with n vertices. An algorithm with worst-case complexity of O(n2 log N) is given for the problem.
Plasmodium berghei NK65 in the Inbred A/J Mouse: Age Immunity in the Female Retired Breeder A/J Mouse*

SYNOPSIS. Death rates of A/J and CF1 female mice 4 weeks and 6 months of age were compared after the mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65C deme (population) and NK65RR deme. Death rates were compared also when female A/J retired breeder mice were infected with blood passages 18 and 40 of NK65C. NK65C was found to be less virulent than NK65RR. The 40th blood passage of NK65C was more virulent than the 18th passage, but still not as virulent at the NK65RR deme. A/J retired breeders were clearly more resistant to infection than 4 week old A/J mice, while little difference was found in the different age groups of the CF1 mice.
State of the “life span revolution” between 1980 and 2000

Abstract Using data for 163 countries, state of the “life span revolution” over the period 1980–2000 is studied in terms of measures of cross-country inequality and through least-squares and quantile-regression estimation of simple convergence models. Four main points are noted. First, dynamics of the cross-country distribution of life expectancy during these 20 years seem markedly different from those for the preceding decades: instead of the sharp “convergence” noted until the 1980s, there is lack of convergence and an indication of “divergence”. Second, the divergence is particularly marked during the 1990s. Third, spread of HIV/AIDS has probably been a significant factor in generating divergence during the 1990s. Fourth, besides the sizable temporal heterogeneity, quantile-regression estimates of convergence models reveal a substantial heterogeneity across the top and the bottom quartiles within each period.
Comparative Effectiveness of External-Beam Radiation Approaches for Prostate Cancer

Abstract Background Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is increasingly used to treat localized prostate cancer. Although allowing for the delivery of higher doses of radiation to the prostate, its effectiveness compared with the prior standard three-dimensional conformal therapy (3D-CRT) is uncertain. Objective To examine the comparative effectiveness of IMRT relative to 3D-CRT. Design, setting, and participants We performed a population-based cohort study using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data to identify men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2001 and 2007 who underwent either 3D-CRT ( n =6976) or IMRT ( n =11 039). Outcome measurements and statistical analysis We assessed our main outcomes (ie, the adjusted use of salvage therapy with androgen-deprivation therapy [ADT] and risk of a complication requiring an intervention) using Cox proportional hazards models. Results and limitations The percentage of men receiving IMRT increased from 9% in 2001 to 93% in 2007. Compared with those treated with 3D-CRT, low-risk patients treated with IMRT had similar likelihoods of using salvage therapy with ADT and similar risks of having a complication requiring an intervention (all p >0.05). Conversely, a subset of higher risk patients treated with IMRT who did not receive concurrent ADT were less likely to use salvage therapy ( p =0.02) while maintaining similar complication rates. Because our cohort includes Medicare beneficiaries, our findings may not be generalizable to younger patients. Conclusions For a subset of higher risk patients, IMRT appears to show a benefit in terms of reduced salvage therapy without an increase in complications. For other patients, the risks of salvage therapy and complications are comparable between the two modalities.
Prime-like Elements and Semi-direct Products in Commutative Banach Algebras

We develop results which show that elements in the radical of a commutative Banach algebra are often precluded from having prime-like properties if we avoid certain exceptional situations involving torsion elements. This makes the proof of the Singer-Wermer conjecture conceptually much clearer. It also motivates the definition of an element havingregular powersand allows us to strengthen our previous results concerning necessary conditions for a commutative Banach algebra A to be the semidirect product of some subalgebra together with a specified principal idealsA#, or, equivalently, concerning necessary conditions for there to be an algebraicsplittingof the short exact sequence0→sA#→A→(A/sA#)→0for some given elementsin A. In particular, we show that if A is aradicalBanach algebra andshas regular powers then no such splitting is possible.
Development of communication skills in healthcare: Perspectives of new graduates of undergraduate nursing education

Background : Communication between healthcare providers and patients affects patient care and safety. Nurses develop communication skills at the undergraduate level, after graduation and throughout their practice. This study explored perspectives of new graduates on the development and implementation of communication skills within the first six months after graduation. Methods : Descriptive study using an electronic survey to three cohorts of recent graduates. Surveys were sent within six months after graduation. Results : A total of 700 surveys were sent to three cohorts of recent graduates with 206 surveys completed (response rates ranged from 26%-35%). Participants reported always feeling confident communicating with patients and families 27% of the time, and 23.5% of the time with interdisciplinary teams. Only 50.8% reported always feeling confident to provide safe care all of the time with 44.5% reported feeling always able to ask colleagues for help with challenging situations. Conclusions : Undergraduate nursing programs should incorporate more didactic communication skills training and simulation to prepare nursing students and increase their confidence to provide safe care and consult with colleagues for help. Communication skills training in practice settings after graduation to increase skill development and confidence during independent clinical practice.
The one-dimensional monoenergetic time-dependent transport equation in infinite media (revisited)

Classical integral transform methods are used to solve the monoenergetic time-dependent transport equation for the angular distribution and density in an infinite plane geometry with isotropic scat...
Development and Implementation of C4NP Technology for 300 mm Wafers

Considerable work is ongoing worldwide on developing lead-free solutions for electronics industry to meet the needs of RoHs requirements. This paper describes the development and implementation of lead-free C4 interconnects for 300 mm wafers using, C4NP technology at IBM with equipment partnership with Suss MicroTech Inc. Key process modules of C4NP technology are: (a) UBM pads fabrication using simple unit processes in back end of the line semiconductor manufacturing facility, (b) Solder melt filling of glass molds with cavities in solder fill tool and inspection, (c) C4 bump transfer to UBM pads on wafers using vaporized flux process in solder transfer tool, (d) Final inspections and electrical tests. This process technology for C4 bumping eliminates the need for solder or solder alloy plating and provides wider latitude for selecting solder composition. For example, solders can be selected for improved mechanical properties and, or low alpha emission requirements. This can be accomplished by simple changing of mold fill head. Primary efforts of this study are focused on four key elements: (1) Development of unit processes for UBM pad patterning and solder transfer processing, (2) chip/organic laminate module builds, using industry standard bond and assembly processes, (3) selection of specific test vehicle wafers with 200 um pitch pads and over 1.25 million C4 bumps, and (4) extensive reliability testing of modules with JDEC and IBM internal standards. Modules with test vehicle chips as well as product chips have shown excellent reliability data, comparable to that of high lead electroplated C4 bumps, and meet application requirements. In order to assess manufacturing robustness and yields, sector partitioning studies were undertaken to understand the effects of unit process windows and defect densities. Results show that C4NP technology can produce yields comparable to that of electroplated C4 Bumps. Technology qualification studies have been successfully completed. Thus, enabling the path for manufacturing ramp up. This technology is extendable to higher density C4 interconnects and product qualifications studies on C4 bumps on 150 um pitch are ongoing. IBM is adapting this technology for 300 mm lead-free applications.
Consider your clutter: Perception of virtual object motion in AR

Background motion and visual clutter are present in almost all augmented reality applications. However, there is minimal prior work that has investigated the effects that background motion and clutter (e.g., a busy city street) can have on the perception of virtual object motion in augmented reality. To investigate these issues, we conducted an experiment in which participants' perceptions of changes in overlaid virtual object velocity were evaluated on a black background and a high clutter/motion background. Results offer insights into the impact that background clutter and motion has on perception in augmented reality.
Spinal cord transcriptional profile analysis reveals protein trafficking and RNA processing as prominent processes regulated by tactile allodynia

Since partial peripheral injury does not necessarily lead to the development of neuropathic pain it is possible that a set of genes is directly regulated by the development of neuropathic pain independent of the genes regulated by nerve injury. This study identifies the genes expressed within the spinal cord that are uniquely regulated by tactile allodynia in rats. Using subtractive methods, genes regulated by allodynia were differentiated from those of nerve injury. Gene ontology analysis identified that allodynic genes are involved in a variety of processes including myelination, actin cytoskeleton reorganization, dephosphorylation, phosphorylation, response to stress, as well as protein trafficking and RNA processing. The processes of protein trafficking and RNA processing were found to be as statistically significant as other processes that have been associated with neuropathic pain development such as response to stress, phosphorylation, and cell migration. Trafficking and transcription are linked and undergo activity dependent regulation which results in both rapid and gradual synaptic changes (plasticity). The data presented here greatly expand the list of genes regulated by the development of tactile allodynia and reveal protein trafficking and RNA processing as prominent biological processes that may be involved in synaptic plasticity changes within the spinal cord in response to allodynia.
Improving care in nursing homes using community advocacy.

Abstract Community organizations have often focused their campaigns for social change on the health care system. While the techniques of Saul Alinsky and to a lesser extent Paulo Friere have provided the theoretical backbone for most community organizing efforts, these campaigns frequently are characterized by a rather eclectic synthesis of different methodologies. The nursing home industry has been one of the most severely publicly criticized components of the American health care system, and during the last decade consumer groups have sought to achieve fundamental improvements in the quality of life and care available to nursing home residents. However, the standard Alinsky and Friere techniques have limitations in organizing efforts directed toward nursing home reform. One case study is presented which describes a relatively successful community organizing project for better care in a San Francisco Bay Area nursing home. The organizing method used in this project was one of community advocacy. This method is described in detail, and the limitations and potentials of community advocacy are analyzed.
A novel embedded system curriculum with portable hands-on labs in a box

The rapid growth of embedded systems has resulted in a shortage of professionals in embedded software development. Despite the high demand of embedded system professionals, the embedded system curriculum is not well represented in current academic programs. Existing instruction models rely on two prerequisites: 1) significant investment in resources (e.g., embedded system labs), and 2) a higher knowledge base requirement for instructors (e.g., faculty whose expertise not in this area). The universities and colleges lacking in the resources and build-ups in this field are difficult to meet such requirements to offer embedded systems curriculum. We are developing a new embedded system curriculum with real hands-on "Labs In A Box" (LIAB) that is portable, modular, and easy to be adopted worldwide. The modern technologies including wireless and smart sensor network are infused into the courseware to meet the industrial demand. The proposed courseware targets on universities/colleges that have limited resources for teaching undergraduate embedded system curriculum. The new courseware includes teaching modules on foundational and emerging topics, real hands-on lab modules, and projects based on the inexpensive portable LIAB. Accompanying with the LIAB is a textbook entitled "Embedded Software Development with C" published by the Springer publisher.
Argument comprehension and retrieval for editorial text

OpEd is a prototype editorial comprehension and question-answering system in the domain of politico-economic protection. Editorial comprehension in OpEd involves the application of: domain-specific knowledge, abstract knowledge of argumentation, and strategies for mapping input editorial text into conceptual structures. OpEd's model of domain-specific knowledge includes four major elements: authority triangles and social acts, to represent explicitly all the information associated with conflicts in international trade, including beliefs, goals, and conflict-resolution methods: goals and plans, to represent political and economic actions in terms of desired economic states; a trade graph, to represent causal relationships among the economic quantities associated with products and consumers; and reasoning scripts, to represent common chains of cause-effect relationships in editorials. OpEd's central, organizing constructs of argument knowledge are termed argument units (AUs). AUs consist of configurations of support and attack relationships among beliefs, where the content of each belief refers to goal/plan situations. The knowledge of argumentation encoded by AUs is highly abstract and independent of any particular domain. As a result, argument comprehension in OpEd requires instantiating AUs with the aid of politico-economic knowledge. Associated with each knowledge construct in OpEd are one or more processing strategies. These strategies are invoked to recognize knowledge constructs that are not explicitly stated in the text, but which must be inferred to understand the argument, planning and causal structure of the text. The result of processing strategies is the construction of an argument graph, organized in terms of beliefs, belief relationships, and AUs. Question answering in OpEd requires retrieving appropriate beliefs, belief relationships, or AUs from the editorial's argument graph. Intial entry to the argument graph is provided by indexing structures associated with argument participants, plans and goals. To answer belief-related questions, OpEd analyses the contents of each question into one of six conceptual question categories. Each conceptual question category leads to the selection of a specific search and retrieval strategy.
The changing concepts of allergy.

I T IS, indeed, gratifying to have been accorded the honor of having been asked to give the first Robert A. Cooke Memorial Lecture. Inasmuch as Dr. Cooke and I had been friends for a very long time-over 40 years-it is tempting to speak of him as a friend or as an individual, but it would seem more fitting to this occasion to a.ttempt to portray the important role that he played, both in the establishment and in the development of clinical allergy. Not only was hc a pioneer in this field, but the first ha.lf century of its exis’tence fell within the span of his medical lifetime. Since many of his important contributions were made in the earlier j-ears, I shall dwell briefly on this period. Clinical allergy made its debut in June, 1911, in London with the publicat,ion in the La,ncet of an article by Dr. Noon entitled ” The Prophylactic Inoculation Against Hay Fever.” Whereas there had been numerous published expressions of human hypcrscnsitivity previous to this time, they had dealt largely with serum sickness, anaphylactic shock, a.nd drug idiosyncrasies. Noon’s communication was the first that introduced conventional concepts. He made a watery extract of grass pollen; he standardized bhis by an arbitrary unit of weight, tested patients with it by instilling the cxt,ract into the conjunctival sac, garc inoculations with increasin, m doses and secured successful results. It is of interest that Noon’s concept of this clinical experiment was based on a fallacy in that he believed t,hat hey fcrcr was caused by a pollen toxin. This was the prevailing understanding of that day. He interpreted the positive conjunctival reaction as a sensitivity to the toxin and surmized that inoculation of this material would produce an antitoxin. The treatment of ha\fever by injection of pollen extracts apparently o(:(*ilrrcd to several individuals about this time, for, whereas Noon gave inoculations first in the autumn of 1910, (lookc was then designing his experiments, ant1 Koessler was also engaged with the same problem. Within a few y-cars, a dozen or more reports of treatment with pollen extracts appeared in the lit,erature, both here and abroad. The successes obtained were attributed, largely, to the presumable production of an antitoxin. Cooke presented the result,s of his experience before the section of Rhinology and Larynology of the New York Academy of Medicine late in the year 1914.
Learners' Epistemic Criteria for Good Scientific Models.

Epistemic criteria are the standards used to evaluate scientific products (e.g., models, evidence, arguments). In this study, we analyzed epistemic criteria for good models generated by 324 middle-school students. After evaluating a range of scientific models, but before extensive instruction or experience with model-based reasoning practices, students generated lists of criteria of good scientific models. Students' individual lists of criteria were compared to expert criteria, identified by philosophers of science, and with findings from previous research on students' understanding of modeling. The most commonly listed criteria referred to the clarity, pictorial form, and explanatory function of models. Almost a quarter of the students included criteria relating to model fit with evidence. Students' criteria provided insights into their understanding of the explanatory and descriptive goals of models; the constitutive, communicative, and epistemic features of models; and the role of evidence in supporting models. Collectively, students demonstrated familiarity with a wide range of modeling ideas that can be leveraged in instruction to promote deeper understandings of the modeling practice. We argue that inquiry-based science instruction should include a strong emphasis on epistemic criteria. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Inc. J Res Sci Teach 48: 486–511, 2011
Assessment of fatigue in adults with disabilities.

Fatigue is common among patients presenting to physicians. Fatigue can lead to serious public health consequences and may be caused by a vast array of etiologies. This article reviews the assessment of fatigue from the physical medicine and rehabilitation physician's perspective. The importance of a history and physical examination is emphasized, complemented by the use of laboratory studies. Rating scales used to assess fatigue from different etiologies are discussed, and patient-friendly Internet resources about fatigue are included.
Mutations in the K+ channel signature sequence

Potassium channels share a highly conserved stretch of eight amino acids, a K+ channel signature sequence. The conserved sequence falls within the previously defined P-region of voltage-activated K+ channels. In this study we investigate the effect of mutations in the signature sequence of the Shaker channel on K+ selectivity determined under bi-ionic conditions. Nonconservative substitutions of two threonine residues and the tyrosine residue leave selectivity intact. In contrast, mutations at some positions render the channel nonselective among monovalent cations. These findings are consistent with a proposal that the signature sequence contributes to a selectivity filter. Furthermore, the results illustrate that the hydroxyl groups at the third and fourth positions, and the aromatic group at position seven, are not essential in determining K+ selectivity.
Geminal dehydrogenation of a C(sp3) CH2 group by unsaturated Ru(II) or Os(II)

Dimeric [RuHClL2]2 (L = PPr3i), a source of the 14-electron fragment RuHClL2, reacts at reflux in THF to cleanly form equimolar L2HClRuC(CH2)3O and RuHCl(H2)L2, the products of stoichiometric geminal dehydrogenation of the α-C of THF. The same products are produced slowly at 25 °C by reaction of the transient RuHClL2. Double dehydrogenation of the sp3 α-C of THF is also effected at 25 °C by Os(H)3ClL2 if two H ligands are removed with But(H)CCH2.
Fault-tolerant design strategies for high reliability and safety

Several fundamental results related to reliability and safety are analyzed. Modular redundant systems consisting of multiple identical modules and an arbiter are considered. It is shown that for a given level of redundancy, a large number of implementation alternatives exist with varying degree of reliability and safety. Strategies are formulated that achieve a maximal combination of reliability and safety. The effect of increasing the number of modules on system reliability and safety is analyzed. It is shown that when one considers safety in addition to reliability, it does not necessarily help to simply add modules to the system. Specifically, increasing the number of modules by just one does not always improve both reliability and safety. To improve reliability and safety simultaneously, at least two additional modules are required when the outputs of the individual modules do not have any redundant information (e.g., coding for error detection). However, it is shown that if the modules themselves have built-in error detection capability, addition of just one module may be sufficient to improve both reliability and safety. >
Small-signal analysis using harmonic balance methods

A small-signal analysis method is described for piecewise-linear circuits that have periodic operating trajectories. The approach is general and accurate up through one-half the switching frequency. The method is oriented toward use in general computer simulation tools, and is demonstrated by comparisons with measurements from several circuits. >
Design and Performance Evaluation of a Service-Oriented Robotics Application

Service-Oriented Computing (SOC) is becoming increasingly important and is being adopted by more and more organizations. However, the applications and research of SOC have been limited to web services and enterprise systems. Embedded systems and robotics applications are recent domains that SOC has been applied to. This paper provides an insight about the application of SOC for robotics, event-driven paradigm of designing robotics system, and a model for publishing and utilizing the artifacts that are required for building SOC-based robotics applications. The main benefit of SOC robotics application is to have a layer of common services with standard interfaces. The invocations of the services are device-independent. In this way, we can deploy the same application to different robotics platforms, as long as we rebind the service invocation to the services that are built for the robotics platform. Sponsored by Intel, we have developed a number of prototypes using different boards, processors, and drive systems. We have measured the performance and power consumption of these prototypes.
Random breakage and reunion chromosome aberration formation model; an interaction-distance version based on chromatin geometry.

Abstract. Purpose : Using published FISH data for chromosome aberration production in human fibroblasts by hard X-rays to test a breakage-and-reunion model. Methods : The model assumed pairwise misrejoining, random apart from proximity e ffects, of DNA double-strand break (DSB) free ends. CAS (chromosome aberration simulator) Monte Carlo computer software implementing the model was modified to use a distance algorithm for misrejoining instead of using DSB interaction sites. The modification (called CAS2) allowed a somewhat more realistic approach to large-scale chromatin geometry, chromosome territories and proximity effects. It required adding a third adjustable parameter, the chromosome territory intersection factor, quantifying the amount of intertwining among different chromosomes. Results : CAS2 gave somewhat better results than CAS. A reasonable fit with a few discrepancies was obtained for the frequencies at three different radiation doses of many different aberration types and of aberrations invol...
Prophylaxis in rare coagulation disorders — Factor XIII deficiency

Factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency is a very rare form of haemophilia resulting in different manifestations of bleeding disorders, but characterised by umbilical stump bleeding in up to 80% of patients. Although originally described as the final enzyme in the clotting cascade, FXIII is now recognised to play a role throughout the clotting process. Treatment with FXIII concentrate (Fibrogammin P, ZLB Behring) results in the re-establishment of a normal clotting pattern. Prophylaxis studies in France and the USA have demonstrated an excellent response following monthly prophylaxis with this plasma-derived, pasteurised concentrate. Patients with FXIII deficiency have good control of bleeding, with no development of inhibitors, or viral seroconversion. The development of registries such as that in the USA will enable the different manifestations of the disease to be explored.
An analysis of consumers' reactions to travel websites' discrimination by computer platform.

A study of 124 consumers found distinct differences in the consumers’ responses to a policy once used by Orbitz, in which prices were determined according to the computer platform used to search fo...
Current plate motions

A global plate motion model, named NUVEL-1, which describes current plate motions between 12 rigid plates is described, with special attention given to the method, data, and assumptions used. Tectonic implications of the patterns that emerged from the results are discussed. It is shown that wide plate boundary zones can form not only within the continental lithosphere but also within the oceanic lithosphere; e.g., between the Indian and Australian plates and between the North American and South American plates. Results of the model also suggest small but significant diffuse deformation of the oceanic lithosphere, which may be confined to small awkwardly shaped salients of major plates.
Cooperative Dehydration of 1,1′,2,2′-Ferrocenetetramethanol

Abstract 1,1′,2,2′-ferrocenetetramethanol ( 1 ) undergoes a remarkable acid-catalyzed tandem dehydration in aqueous solvents to give 1,l′:2,2′-bis(oxybismethylene)ferrocene ( 2 ).
Foraging energetics of Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets

Abstract We studied the prey base, foraging behavior, and energetics of Snowy Egrets (Egretta thula) and Great Egrets (Ardea alba) in the Arthur Kill region of New York–New Jersey during the 2002 breeding season. Prey density increased 10-fold, from 0.12 to 12.0 items/m2 between May and August, with the greatest increase occurring in young-of-the-year mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus). Despite increases in prey biomass, birds had higher foraging success in May (47%) than in August (28%). This decrease may have been the result of predator confusion and/or foraging inexperience by newly fledged birds. As a result, birds experienced a net gain of 227.0 W in May and 52.5 W in August. Striking at prey was more costly for Great Egrets (4.15 J, 4.88 W/strike) than for Snowy Egrets (0.34 J, 0.30 W/strike). Pursuing prey by walking and running was relatively inexpensive; Snowy Egrets and Great Egrets spent 0.04 W and 0.06 W, respectively. Snowy Egrets averaged 0.13 m/s while foraging, while Great Egrets moved at ...
Cardiogenic shock: have we really found the magic potion?

See doi:10.1016/S1095-668X(03)00193-3for the article to which this editorial refers The aetiology of cardiogenic shock following an acute myocardial infarction is multi-factorial. It predominantly arises in the setting of a large myocardial infarction that results in diminished stroke volume and a cardiac output that does not meet ensuing demand. Patients with prior myocardial infarction and extensive coronary artery disease are especially vulnerable due to the inability of the remote myocardium to compensate. Strategies to enhance outcome are focused on early definition of coronary anatomy and emergent revascularization while simultaneously providing haemodynamic support with intra-aortic balloon pulsation and vasopressor therapy. The goal of this approach is to restore infarct artery patency, salvage jeopardized myocardium; and prevent irreversible vital end-organ injury. The NHLBI supported SHOCK trial conclusively established the utility of this invasive strategy in a randomized prospective trial.1At 12-months an early revascularization strategyresulted in a treatment benefit of 13 lives saved per 100 patients treated.2An interaction between treatment strategy; outcome and age <75 vs ≥75 years was also noted (interaction P =0.03). An 18% absolute difference in survival in favour of an early revascularization strategy was observed for patients aged <75 years. Consequently the ACC/AHA guidelines recommend the adoption of an early revascularization strategy as a Class IA indication for patients aged <75 years with cardiogenic shock within 36h of an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.3 Despite the utilization of an aggressive early revascularization strategy mortality with cardiogenic shock remains staggering. The 30-day mortality rate for patients in the early revascularization arm of the SHOCK trial receiving percutaneousintervention was 45%.1A similar 46% mortality rate was reported in the SHOCK registry4with consistent results observed in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction …
Addressing cardiovascular disease in women: focus on dyslipidemia.

Background: There is a need to better diagnose and treat women who may be at risk for cardiovascular disease. This is emphasized by the impending release of evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in women. Dyslipidemia is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) and is the focus of the current literature review. Methods: Medical literature on treating cardiovascular disease and cholesterol disorders in women was reviewed by searching Medline, including a selective search for randomized controlled clinical trials of lipid therapy. In addition, current dyslipidemia treatment guidelines were reviewed. Results and Conclusions: Subgroup analyses of both primary and secondary prevention trials have shown that lipid-modifying drugs offer benefits to women comparable with those seen in men. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is the primary target of lipid-modifying therapy for the reduction of coronary risk. However, there are differences between the sexes in the lipid profile that may have clinical implications. In women, changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride levels are better predictors of coronary risk than LDL-C or total cholesterol. Thus, treatment beyond LDL-C may be of greater importance in women than in men. Furthermore, treatment options that provide improvement in all aspects of the lipid profile should be considered.
Guests and Hosts Revisited Prejudicial Attitudes of Guests toward the Host Population

This study evaluates the impact of all-inclusive trip experiences of tourists on their prejudicial attitudes toward their host. All-inclusive German travelers were probed for their attitudes toward their host at the time of arrival and before departure. Reasons for the differences between arrival and departure attitude scores were explored via multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and regression analyses. As opposed to the intergroup contact hypothesis that tourism would reduce prejudice and increase cross-cultural understanding, the findings indicate that structured, all-inclusive tour experiences of this sample of tourists increase prejudicial attitudes toward their host. Exploring potential reasons for such differences in pre- and post-arrival scores, the study reports that overall satisfaction with the vacation, service quality factors and the nature of all-inclusive tour might be responsible for such results. Enhanced with qualitative data from key informants, likely reasons are cautiously sp...
Bayesian parameter estimation with informative priors for nonlinear systems

The estimation of parameters for nonlinear process models is often accomplished through optimization routines that search for a global optimum with respect to a least squares or weighted least squares criterion. While such an approach is often reasonable, it fails to account for all of the information that is available from the data and practitioner. Here we focus on the inclusion of prior knowledge in the estimation of parameters in nonlinear dynamic systems. We use the Bayesian paradigm to define the probability distribution over process model parameters, called the Bayesian posterior. The quantities associated with this posterior distribution (e.g., credible regions, means, modes) are estimated via Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) integration. We first give a short introduction to Bayesian parameter estimation and the role of MCMC in evaluating arbitrary probability distributions. Bayesian parameter estimation (via MCMC) is then applied to three case studies. The first case study shows the basic methodology of assigning and evaluating a Bayesian posterior to a simple problem that consists of estimating the mean and variance of a sample. The second case study uses prior information that specifies a preference for a particular type of reaction mechanism over another for a simulated fermentation system; the inclusion of such prior information is shown to improve the estimated values of the model parameters in situations where data are sparse or noisy (compared to the more common weighted least squares approach). The third case study develops a hybrid semi-parametric neural network (NN) model to predict time-dependent observed state variables (cell and protein concentration) in Escherichia coli fermentations. An integral step in the development of this hybrid model is parameter estimation of a nonlinear dynamic model. A hybrid model developed from the Bayesian parameter estimates is shown to outperform a hybrid model developed from the weighted least squares parameter estimates for predicting the final protein yield of a test set. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006