cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of Serum Albumin With Apnea in Infants With Bronchiolitis: A Secondary Analysis of Data From the MARC-35 Study.

Importance Apnea is a rare, life-threatening complication of bronchiolitis, the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States. Currently, no objective method exists for identifying which infants will become apneic. Objective To investigate whether serum albumin levels are associated with apnea in infants with severe bronchiolitis. Design, Setting, and Participants A secondary data analysis of the 35th Multicenter Airway Research Collaboration, an ongoing multicenter cohort study of infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis, was conducted from December 11, 2018, to May 30, 2019. Seventeen hospitals across the United States enrolled infants (n = 1016) during 3 consecutive bronchiolitis seasons (November 1 to April 30) between 2011 and 2014. Infants with heart-lung disease or a gestational age less than 32 weeks were excluded. Exposures Serum albumin level was categorized as low ( Main Outcomes and Measures Apnea during the hospitalization. Results Of the 1016 infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 3 (2-6) months, 610 (60.0%) were male, and 186 (18.3%) were born preterm (32-37 weeks’ gestation). Among the 25 infants (2.5%) with apnea while hospitalized, the median (IQR) serum albumin level was 3.5 (3.1-3.6) g/dL, and 22 (88.0%) had low serum albumin levels. The prevalence of apnea was 5.7% among all infants with low albumin levels, compared with 0.5% prevalence in infants with normal serum albumin levels. In unadjusted analyses, apnea was associated with younger age, preterm birth, weight-for-agezscore, and low albumin (odds ratio [OR], 12.69; 95% CI, 3.23-49.82). After adjustment for age, preterm birth, and weight-for-agezscore, low serum albumin levels remained statistically significantly associated with apnea (OR, 4.42; 95% CI, 1.21-16.18). Conclusions and Relevance Low serum albumin levels appeared to be associated with increased risk of apnea after adjustment for known apnea risk factors. This finding provides a path to potentially identifying apnea, a life-threatening complication of bronchiolitis.
Trends of Clinical Outcomes and Health Care Resource Use in Heart Failure in the United States

Background Heart failure (HF) imparts a significant clinical and economic burden on the health system in the United States. Methods and Results We used the National Inpatient Sample database betwee...
Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy: Indications and Adherence to Protocol.

Background: Complications associated with wound management not only increase the morbidity and mortality of surgical interventions but they also increase the cost and decrease the quality of care. Closed incision negative pressure therapy (CINPT) has been proposed as a superior method of wound care compared to the more traditional wound management methods. Since the Food and Drug Administration indications for using CINPT are broad and generally nonspecific, it is unclear whether patients are appropriately screened for and receive this treatment modality.Material and Methods: To identify common clinical indications for CINPT, we conducted a literature review to define a consensus for CINPT candidates and used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database to indicate if certain patient demographics impact decision-making.Results: Based on the literature review, encompassing 57 articles, and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, over 11,000 patients received CINPT. Both the NSQIP data and the literature review commonly reported BMI >30 (47.1% and 39.6%), smoking (22.7% and 29.2%), and diabetes mellitus (22.7% and 47.9) as the most common clinical indications for using CINPT.Discussion: The most common indications for using CINPT according to the literature review and the NSQIP database are BMI > 30, smoking status, and diabetes mellitus. Besides identifying patients who potentially benefit the most from CINPT, the results of this study suggest clinical adherence to the practice guidelines reported in the literature regarding wound management using this treatment modality.
The Economic Impact of Stadia and Teams: The Case of Minor League Baseball

This article uses an extensive unique data set to investigate the efficiency of government subsidies for minor league baseball teams and stadiums by measuring pecuniary gains in a local economy. Specifically, a dynamic panel data model incorporating 238 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) that hosted affiliated or independent minor league teams between 1985 and 2006 shows that AAA teams, AB teams, AA stadiums, and rookie stadiums are all associated with significant positive effects on the change in local per capita income. The presence of positive effects is strikingly different from decades of non-positive results at the major league level.
Rupture of an epidural filter connector during bolus administration of local anesthetic: a case report.

BACKGROUND Epidural catheters are routinely placed for many surgical procedures and to treat various pain conditions. Known complications arising from epidural catheter equipment malfunction include epidural pump failure, epidural catheter shearing, epidural catheter connector failure, epidural filter connector cracking, and loss-of-resistance syringe malfunction. Practitioners need to be aware of these potentially dangerous complications and take measures to mitigate the chances of causing significant patient harm. We report on the complete breakage of an epidural filter connector during epidural bolus administration of local anesthetic by hand with a syringe. CASE PRESENTATION A B. Braun Perifix® epidural catheter was placed in a 73-year-old male scheduled for radical prostatectomy. During the operation, a continuous infusion of local anesthetic was administered through the epidural catheter in addition to general endotracheal anesthesia. At the conclusion of surgery and after extubation, the patient endorsed incisional pain. The epidural filter connector broke in half as a bolus of local anesthetic was administered by hand with a syringe. The local anesthetic sprayed widely throughout the room as the fragmented epidural filter connector became a projectile object that recoiled and struck the patient. CONCLUSIONS This incident placed the patient and surrounding healthcare providers at substantial risk for injury and infection from the fractured epidural filter connector becoming a projectile object and from the local anesthetic spray. The most plausible cause of this event was from a large amount of pressure being applied to the filter connector. This may have occurred by excessive force being applied by hand to the syringe, by the presence of a clogged filter, or by the catheter being kinked or blocked proximal to the filter. Being aware of this deleterious complication and potentially modifying existing epidural bolus techniques, such as using smaller syringes with less applied force and checking all epidural components vigilantly prior to and during bolus administration, can help anesthesia providers deliver the safest possible care to patients with epidural catheters.
CSF and serum inflammatory response and association with outcomes in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage with intraventricular extension: an analysis of the CLEAR-III Trial

Background Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) results in a cascade of inflammatory cell activation with recruitment of peripheral leukocytes to the brain parenchyma and surrounding the hematoma. We hypothesized that in patients with ICH and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), a robust cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inflammatory response occurs with leukocyte subtypes being affected by alteplase treatment and contributing to outcomes. Methods Serum and CSF cell counts from patients in the phase 3 Clot Lysis: Evaluating Accelerated Resolution of Intraventricular Hemorrhage (CLEAR III) trial were analyzed. CSF leukocytes were corrected for the presence of red blood cells. Trends in cell counts were plotted chronologically. Associations were evaluated between serum and CSF leukocyte subtypes and adjudicated functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale; mRS) at 30 and 180 days and bacterial infection according to treatment with intraventricular alteplase versus saline. Results A total of 279 and 292 patients had ≥3 differential cell counts from serum and CSF, respectively. CSF leukocyte subtypes evolved during IVH resolution with a significantly augmented inflammatory response for all subtypes in alteplase- compared to saline-treated patients. CSF leukocyte subtypes were not associated with detrimental effect on functional outcomes in the full cohort, but all were associated with poor 30-day outcome in saline-treated patients with IVH volume ≥20 mL. Higher serum lymphocytes were associated with good functional outcomes (mRS 0-3) in the entire cohort and saline-treated but not alteplase-treated group. Conversely, increased serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the entire cohort and saline group was associated with worse functional outcomes. Higher median serum lymphocytes were associated with the absence of infection at 7 days. Conclusions Aseptic CSF inflammation after IVH involves all leukocyte subtypes. Serum lymphocytes may be associated with better outcomes by mitigating infection. Alteplase augments the inflammatory response without affecting outcomes.
Impact of Obesity on Heart Transplantation Outcomes

Background Patients with obesity and advanced heart failure face unique challenges on the path to heart transplantation. There are limited data on waitlist and transplantation outcomes in this population. We aimed to evaluate the impact of obesity on heart transplantation outcomes, and to investigate the effects of the new organ procurement and transplantation network allocation system in this population. Methods and Results This cohort study of adult patients listed for heart transplant used the United Network for Organ Sharing database from January 2006 to June 2020. Patients were stratified by body mass index (BMI) (18.5-24.9, 25-29.9, 30-34.9, 35-39.9, and 40-55 kg/m2). Recipient characteristics and donor characteristics were analyzed. Outcomes analyzed included transplantation, waitlist death, and posttransplant death. BMI 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2 was used as the reference compared with progressive BMI categories. There were 46 645 patients listed for transplantation. Patients in higher BMI categories were less likely to be transplanted. The lowest likelihood of transplantation was in the highest BMI category, 40 to 55 kg/m2 (hazard ratio [HR], 0.19 [0.05-0.76]; P=0.02). Patients within the 2 highest BMI categories had higher risk of posttransplantation death (HR, 1.29; P<0.001 and HR, 1.65; P<0.001, respectively). Left ventricular assist devices among patients in obese BMI categories decreased after the allocation system change (P<0.001, all). After the change, patients with obesity were more likely to undergo transplantation (BMI 30-35 kg/m2: HR, 1.31 [1.18-1.46], P<0.001; BMI 35-55 kg/m2: HR, 1.29 [1.06-1.58]; P=0.01). Conclusions There was an inverse relationship between BMI and likelihood of heart transplantation. Higher BMI was associated with increased risk of posttransplant mortality. Patients with obesity were more likely to undergo transplantation under the revised allocation system.
SU‐E‐T‐329: Dosimetric Impact of Implementing Metal Artifact Reduction Methods and Metal Energy Deposition Kernels for Photon Dose Calculations

Purpose: To investigate two strategies for reducing dose calculation errors near metal implants: use of CT metal artifact reduction methods and implementation of metal-based energy deposition kernels in the convolution/superposition (C/S) method. Methods: Radiochromic film was used to measure the dose upstream and downstream of titanium and Cerrobend implants. To assess the dosimetric impact of metal artifact reduction methods, dose calculations were performed using baseline, uncorrected images and metal artifact reduction Methods: Philips O-MAR, GE’s monochromatic gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) using dual-energy CT, and GSI imaging with metal artifact reduction software applied (MARs).To assess the impact of metal kernels, titanium and silver kernels were implemented into a commercial collapsed cone C/S algorithm. Results: The CT artifact reduction methods were more successful for titanium than Cerrobend. Interestingly, for beams traversing the metal implant, we found that errors in the dimensions of the metal in the CT images were more important for dose calculation accuracy than reduction of imaging artifacts. The MARs algorithm caused a distortion in the shape of the titanium implant that substantially worsened the calculation accuracy. In comparison to water kernel dose calculations, metal kernels resulted in better modeling of the increased backscatter dose at the upstream interface but decreased accuracy directly downstream of the metal. We also found that the success of metal kernels was dependent on dose grid size, with smaller calculation voxels giving better accuracy. Conclusion: Our study yielded mixed results, with neither the metal artifact reduction methods nor the metal kernels being globally effective at improving dose calculation accuracy. However, some successes were observed. The MARs algorithm decreased errors downstream of Cerrobend by a factor of two, and metal kernels resulted in more accurate backscatter dose upstream of metals. Thus, these two strategies do have the potential to improve accuracy for patients with metal implants in certain scenarios. This work was supported by Public Health Service grants CA 180803 and CA 10953 awarded by the National Cancer Institute, United States of Health and Human Services, and in part by Mobius Medical Systems.
Early stage design tool for marine power interconnect systems

The requirements of a power interconnect system, which includes cables or busbars, are necessary to allow a realistic early stage design of an all electric ship. Characteristics such as the volume and weight for these components cannot be overlooked in a power dense all electric ship such as a naval surface combatant. A “Generic Cable Calculator” has been improved upon and implemented within the Smart Ship System Design (S3D) environment implemented by researchers in the Electric Ship Research and Development Consortium. The calculated cable information supports a space reservation algorithm realized by other ESRDC researchers to provide a more rational representation of the power interconnect system in the size range of 50 to 100 MW.
Diode laser absorption spectra of H12C13CD and H13C12CD at 6500 cm−1

Abstract The absorption spectra of H 12 C 13 CD and H 13 C 12 CD have been observed at high resolution between 6480 and 6610 cm −1 using an external cavity diode laser. The strong 2 ν 1 band has been observed for each species using a sample enriched in deuterium at natural abundance of 13 C. Rotational analyses reveal bands of both species to be essentially unperturbed. Centers of unblended lines are determined with an accuracy of approximately 10 MHz.
EEG monitoring during therapeutic hypothermia in neonates, children, and adults.

Therapeutic hypothermia is being utilized as a neuro-protective strategy in neonates, children, and adults. The most common indications are hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in neonates and post cardiac arrest in adults. Electroencephalographic monitoring use is increasing in critical care units, and is sometimes a component of therapeutic hypothermia clinical pathways. Monitoring may detect non-convulsive seizures or non-convulsive status epilepticus, and it may provide prognostic information. We review data regarding indications for therapeutic hypothermia and electroencephalographic monitoring in neonatal, pediatric, and adult critical care units, and discuss technical aspects related to such monitoring.
As Transformações Socioeconômicas Na Agricultura Familiar No Município De Rubiataba – Go, Decorrentes Das Atividades Da Indústria Canavieira

O presente artigo tem como proposito dar continuidade as discussoes em torno dos efeitos do cultivo da cana- de- acucar para a producao de alcool combustivel, sobre a agricultura familiar, porem, focado nas questoes sociais advindas do impacto socioeconomico consequente da dita (des) ruralizacao a partir da aplicacao da tecnologia na agricultura, justificadora da urbanizacao rural responsavel por consideradas mudancas no perfil social da regiao e seus atores. Ressaltando que o artigo que se apresenta e um recorte das diversas reflexoes contempladas na dissertacao desenvolvida no programa de mestrado e que seu tema ainda se faz atual e portanto merecedor de novas discussoes e abordagens dada a complexidade de se
Oxindoles—II : The products of some michael additions to isatylideneacetic esters and cinnamyl derivatives☆☆☆★

Abstract Structures are proven for the products of Michael addition of malonate esters to methyl and ethyl trans -benzylisatylideneacetate. There are described the reactions of the pyrrolidine enamine of cyclopentanone with cinnamaldehyde and ethyl cinnamate to give the expected Stork condensation products, and its reaction with ethyl benzylisatylideneacetate to give unexpected products.
Corporate Citizenship in den USA

In a 2005 survey of U.S. business executives, 81 percent said corporate citizenship needs to be a priority for companies and 69 percent said the public has a right to expect good corporate citizenship. Yet the international perception is that U.S. businesses, supported and sheltered by laissez-faire policies, laws, and limited public interest, are resisting - if not actively undermining - corporate citizenship.
Identifying factors that predict student success in a community college online distance learning course

The study's purpose was to identify demographics, educational background, finances, formal and informal education and experiences, reading habits, external environmental factors, psychological factors, and computer efficacy factors that predict a student's ability to successfully complete an online (Web-based) distance learning community college course. Major student retention theories and student attrition and persistence research guided the study. Distance learners ( N = 926) completed four surveys, which collected data for 26 predictor variables that included age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, support others, course load, first-time student, last semester attended, student type and location, financial stability, tuition payment, prior learning experiences, reading habits, family support, enrollment encouragement, study encouragement, time management, study environment, employment, extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, locus of control, self-efficacy, computer confidence and skills, and number of prior online courses. Successful or unsuccessful course completion was the dependent variable. Statistical analyses included Cronbach's alpha, Pearson chi-square, two-sample t test, Pearson correlation, phi coefficient, and binary logistic regression. Variables in each factor were entered sequentially in a block using separate binary logistic regression models. Statistically significant variables were course load, financial stability, prior learning experiences, time management and study environment, extrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, and computer skills. Selected predictor variables (N = 20) were entered hierarchically in a logistic regression model of which course load, financial stability, and self-efficacy were statistically significant in the final block. Correlation coefficients were computed for statistically significant predictor variables to determine whether the significance was confined to the control group or an overall level of significance. Findings were supported through cross-validation and forward stepwise entry of variables in logistic regression. Despite having two or more at-risk factors, distance learners who had high levels of self-efficacy, good computer and time management skills, financial stability, a favorable study environment, were enrolled in more than one course, and believed their prior learning experiences helped prepared them for their course were more likely to be successful.
Expansion of a lymphocyte population co-expressing T4 (CD4) and T8 (CD8) antigens in the peripheral blood of a normal adult male

Approximately 2% to 3% of circulating human T cells co-express CD4 and CD8 (CD4+, CD8+) T-cell antigens. These CD4+, CD8+ cells may be immature precursors that function to replenish functional T-cell subsets. We detected a very high level of CD4+, CD8+ cells in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of a healthy white male, ranging from 21% to 36%. The morphology of his peripheral blood lymphocytes was normal, and he has maintained an elevated level of CD4+, CD8+ cells without clinical disease over a 19-month observation period. The CD4+, CD8+ cells did not possess thymocyte membrane antigen (CD6), nor did they have increased Tac (CD25) antigen. His intact, purified blood T cells had a normal proliferative response to phytohemagglutinin and interleukin-2 (IL-2), provided help for B-cell proliferation at control levels and exposure to IL-2 resulted in generation of cytotoxic cells. However, the purified blood CD4+, CD8+ cells were deficient in these latter functions except for help in B-cell function. Despite defective function, the isolated CD4+, CD8+ cells co-expressed CD2 and CD3. Prolonged in vitro culture of CD4+, CD8+ cells was possible in the presence of recombinant IL-2. The cultured CD4+, CD8+ cells retained the double antigens (CD4 and CD8) throughout a 4-week period. It is likely these cells are less mature than CD4+, CD8- or CD4-, CD8+ T cells as the CD4+, CD8+ have less in vitro function than the former cells, but it is not yet clear if they mature into either CD4+, CD8-, or CD4-, CD8+ cells. Finally, the presence of an expanded, hypofunctioning CD4+, CD8+ cell population in a normal adult male is apparently compatible with excellent clinical health.
CD147 expression predicts biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy independent of histologic and pathologic features

CD147 is an MMP-inducing protein often implicated in cancer progression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of CD147 in prostate cancer (PCa) progression and the prognostic ability of CD147 in predicting biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy. Plasma membrane-localized CD147 protein expression was quantified in patient samples using immunohistochemistry and multispectral imaging, and expression was compared to clinico-pathological features (pathologic stage, Gleason score, tumor volume, preoperative PSA, lymph node status, surgical margins, biochemical recurrence status). CD147 specificity and expression were confirmed with immunoblotting of prostate cell lines, and CD147 mRNA expression was evaluated in public expression microarray datasets of patient prostate tumors. Expression of CD147 protein was significantly decreased in localized tumors (pT2; p = 0.02) and aggressive PCa (≥pT3; p = 0.004), and metastases (p = 0.001) compared to benign prostatic tissue. Decreased CD147 was associated with advanced pathologic stage (p = 0.009) and high Gleason score (p = 0.02), and low CD147 expression predicted biochemical recurrence (HR 0.55; 95 % CI 0.31–0.97; p = 0.04) independent of clinico-pathologic features. Immunoblot bands were detected at 44 kDa and 66 kDa, representing non-glycosylated and glycosylated forms of CD147 protein, and CD147 expression was lower in tumorigenic T10 cells than non-tumorigenic BPH-1 cells (p = 0.02). Decreased CD147 mRNA expression was associated with increased Gleason score and pathologic stage in patient tumors but is not associated with recurrence status. Membrane-associated CD147 expression is significantly decreased in PCa compared to non-malignant prostate tissue and is associated with tumor progression, and low CD147 expression predicts biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy independent of pathologic stage, Gleason score, lymph node status, surgical margins, and tumor volume in multivariable analysis.
Calculations of low-lying P1 states of the beryllium atom

High-accuracy nonrelativistic variational calculations employing explicitly correlated Gaussian basis functions have been performed to determine the energies and the expectation values of some operators for the lowest four $^{1}P_{1}$ states of the beryllium atom. The states correspond to the electron configurations $1{s}^{2}2{s}^{1}n{p}^{1}$, where $n=2$, 3, 4, and 5. The calculations were performed for both finite and infinite mass of the Be nucleus. The basis set for each state was grown to the level of $5000$ Gaussians. With that many functions we achieved a tight energy convergence. The reported values, to the best of our knowledge, are the most accurate ever obtained for the four states.
Increased rat mammary tissue vitamin A associated with increased vitamin A intake during lactation is maintained after lactation.

Although increases in dietary vitamin A increase milk vitamin A, little is known about effects of vitamin A intake on mammary tissue vitamin A levels during and after the reproductive cycle. First, we measured vitamin A concentrations in milk, mammary tissue and liver of lactating rats fed 0, 4, or 50 μmol of vitamin A/kg diet during pregnancy and through d 12 of lactation. Liver vitamin A concentration was significantly affected by diet in lactating females and pups 12 d after parturition. Milk vitamin A concentrations were significantly higher (7.1 ± 2.2 μmol/L, n = 8) in dams fed 50 μmol/kg than in those fed 0 or 4 μmol/kg (1.9 ± 0.3, n = 5 and 2.9 ± 0.7 μmol/L, n = 7; P < 0.001), as were mammary tissue vitamin A concentrations (5.1 ± 1.1 versus 2.2 ± 0.4 and 2.4 ± 0.6 nmol/g; P < 0.001). Next, we maintained female rats on 50 or 10 μmol vitamin A/kg diet during pregnancy and lactation and then on 4 μmol/kg diet after pups were weaned on d 21. On d 21, mammary tissue vitamin A concentrations were 3.14 ± 0.75 versus 1.52 ± 0.21 nmol/kg in dams fed 50 versus 10 μmol/kg (n = 4/group; P < 0.001). Mammary tissue vitamin A concentrations were not significantly affected by time from 7 to 49 d after lactation and averaged 8.5 ± 0.4 and 4.9 ± 0.8 nmol/g on d 49 in dams fed 50 versus 10 μmol/kg (n = 4; P < 0.001). We conclude that diet-induced differences in rat mammary tissue vitamin A developed during pregnancy and lactation are maintained for ≥7 wk after lactation.
Hemodynamic changes with posture in calves with total artificial heart.

Hemodynamic changes with posture, sitting versus standing, were analyzed in five Holstein calves with the Cleveland Clinic-Nimbus TAH. This total artificial heart (TAH) has a left master alternate control mode that adjusts the pump rate and consequently pump flow proportional to the pulmonary venous return to the left pump (AUTO period). However, in this series of experiments, the pump reached its maximum beat rate within 1-5 days post operatively, after which pump flow could not increase (MAX period). Hemodynamic parameters (RAP, LAP, PAP, AoP, and pump flow) were obtained every 15-20 min throughout the experiments for as long as 120 days and averaged for each posture for each period. During the AUTO period, the flow while standing was significantly higher than that while sitting (standing: 8.7 +/- 0.2 L/min; sitting: 7.5 +/- 0.4 L/min; p < 0.05), and the systemic vascular resistance (SVR) was significantly lower (standing: 895 +/- 93 dyne.sec.m-5; sitting: 1,041 +/- 124 dyne.sec.m-5; p < 0.05). During the MAX period, the AoP and SVR standing were significantly lower than those sitting (AoP standing: 91 +/- 7 mmHg; AoP sitting: 98 +/- 7 mmHg; p < 0.05; SVR standing: 652 +/- 75 mmHg; SVR sitting: 730 +/- 96 mmHg; p < 0.05). The Cleveland Clinic-Nimbus TAH responded well to these changes in position, increasing pump flow and maintaining the AoP during the AUTO period.
Forced convection from a cylinder at moderate reynolds numbers

Abstract Forced convection from circular cylinders in crossflow at moderate Reynolds numbers shows departures from flow and heat transfer predicted by boundary-layer analysis because of boundary-layer curvature. In the forward stagnation region the velocity gradient and its rate of change in the vicinity of the surface increase as Re decreases. At large Prandtl numbers the change in heat transfer is associated with the increase in wall velocity gradient, and is greater than expected through curvature of the thermal boundary layer itself. For Pr below about 0.1, effects of curvature of the thermal boundary layer exceed effects of change in wall velocity gradient.
Presence in Absence

An account of intentionality should be adequate to the following two theses: (I) "Mental phenomena can succeed in achieving objective reference" and (II) "Mental phenomena are distinguished by the fact that they may be directed upon objects that do not exist."1 The second thesis is sometimes said to involve "the problem of error" or "the problem of presence in absence."2 The first, therefore, might be said to involve "the problem of truth" or "the problem of presence in presence." Just what are these problems? I will discuss them by reference only to judging. But what I will say about judging may also be applied, mutatis mutandis, to other intentional attitudes.
Evaluation of electrical contact materials for mercury switches designed to detect angular rotation

The adherence of mercury to a variety of materials was evaluated for various surface treatments in terms of contact angle and maximum meniscus height on separation. It was found that arcing markedly increased wettability and that roughening produced mercury repellent surfaces.
Explaining Mexican-Immigrant Welfare Behaviors: The Importance of Employment-Related Cultural Repertoires

Social scientists generally seek to explain welfare-related behaviors in terms of economic, social structural, or culture of poverty theories. Such explanations, however, do not account for nativity differences in public assistance receipt among immigrants of Mexican origin. This article draws on the sociology of migration and culture literatures to develop a materialist-based cultural repertoire account and attendant hypotheses to explain the welfare behaviors of Mexican immigrants. We argue that such immigrants arrive and work in the United States under circumstances that foster employment-based cultural repertoires that, compared with natives and other immigrant groups, encourage less welfare participation (in part because such repertoires lead to faster welfare exits) and more post welfare employment. This is particularly true in states with relatively more generous welfare policies. Using individual-level data predating the Welfare Reform Act, from multiple panels of the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) merged with state-level information on welfare benefit levels, we examine immigrant-group differences in welfare receipt, retention, and transition to employment across locales with varying levels of welfare benefits. Findings are largely consistent with our cultural repertoire account: Mexican immigrants tend to utilize welfare not primarily to avoid work, cope with disadvantage, or perpetuate a culture of dependency, but rather to minimize the effects of employment discontinuities. Such findings carry important theoretical and policy implications?implications we outline in our conclusion.
Cassandra: proactive conflict minimization through optimized task scheduling

Software conflicts arising because of conflicting changes are a regular occurrence and delay projects. The main precept of workspace awareness tools has been to identify potential conflicts early, while changes are still small and easier to resolve. However, in this approach conflicts still occur and require developer time and effort to resolve. We present a novel conflict minimization technique that proactively identifies potential conflicts, encodes them as constraints, and solves the constraint space to recommend a set of conflict-minimal development paths for the team. Here we present a study of four open source projects to characterize the distribution of conflicts and their resolution efforts. We then explain our conflict minimization technique and the design and implementation of this technique in our prototype, Cassandra. We show that Cassandra would have successfully avoided a majority of conflicts in the four open source test subjects. We demonstrate the efficiency of our approach by applying the technique to a simulated set of scenarios with higher than normal incidence of conflicts.
Economic dimensions of geological CO2 storage: Key factors in an assessment of sub-seafloor and continental sequestration options

Geological sequestration offers long term storage opportunities that differ in terms of technical capacity and characteristics, and in terms of economic costs and benefits. In this paper we outline a simple economic framework that reflects the planning problem for sequestering CO2 in alternative geological sinks and highlights the differences in the environmental risks and the economic costs of alternative sinks. The marginal costs of alternative geological sequestration options must be compared to measures of marginal benefits that take into account the probability of local and global environmental risks and other regulatory requirements. We direct our discussion of an application of this framework to the case of geological sequestration in deep-sea basalts and provide an initial assessment of how this framework could be implemented to quantify the long-term economic costs relative to other continental geological storage options.
Ethical attitudes of students and business professionals: A study of moral reasoning

A questionnaire on business ethics was administered to business professionals and to upper-class business ethics students. On eight of the seventeen situations involving ethical dilemmas in business, students were significantly more willing to engage in questionable behavior than were their professional counterparts. Apparently, many students were willing to do whatever was necessary to further their own interests, with little or no regard for fundamental moral principles. Many students and professionals functioned within Lawrence Kohlberg's stage four of moral reasoning, the “law and order” stage. Individualism and egoism remain strong patterns in the moral reasoning of many professionals, but they influence moral reasoning patterns among students to a much greater degree.
Probing bus stop for insights on transit co-design

Social computing provides a new way for citizens to engage with their public service. Our research investigates how social computing might support citizens co-design their transit service. We conducted a field study with public transit riders, exploring the issues and controversies that reveal conflicting communities. Our analyses revealed three insights. First, encourage citizens to share what they see as the rationale for current service offerings. Second, encourage citizens to share the consequences of current services and of proposed changes and new designs. Third, focus on producing a shared citizen and service provider understanding of what the goals and mission of the public service should be.
The persistence of the planned landscape: the case of Winter Park, Florida

This study examines the historical evolution of a late nineteenth century planned community in the USA: Winter Park, Florida. Much research has been done on the genesis of planned communities, emphasizing their nature as alternatives to patterns of post‐war suburbanization. Less work has been done in the area of analysing the ways in which planned landscapes and the social relations they engender persist over time. This study maps this socio‐spatial persistence in the case of Winter Park showing the ways in which elements of social organization that were prominent in the town’s late nineteenth century genesis persisted and/or changed over its first century of inhabitation.
H-reflex modulation in the human medial and lateral gastrocnemii during standing and walking.

Introduction The soleus H-reflex is dynamically modulated during walking. However, modulation of the gastrocnemii H-reflexes has not been studied systematically.
Waist Circumference as the Best Predictor of Noninsulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) Compared to Body Mass Index, Waist/hip Ratio and Other Anthropometric Measurements in Mexican Americans—A 7-Year Prospective Study

Although a number of obesity-related variables are recognized risk factors for NIDDM, few studies have addressed which one is the best predictor. A cohort of 721 Mexican Americans aged 25-64 years who were free of NIDDM at baseline were followed for an average of 7.2 years; 105 new cases of NIDDM were diagnosed. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences, waist/hip ratio (WHR), triceps and subscapular skinfolds were all positively predictive of NIDDM independent of age and sex. There were modest to strong correlations between these anthropometric variables, however, waist circumference was the strongest predictor of NIDDM. The predictive power of a single measurement of waist circumference was at least equal to that of WHR and BMI combined. The risk of NIDDM for those in the highest quartile of waist circumference was 11 times greater than for those in the lowest quartile (95% confidence interval: 4.2-28.8). The waist-NIDDM relation was stronger in subjects with BMI 27 kg/m2 (OR: 1.7 for a 1 SD difference). In multivariate analysis, waist circumference was the only significant predictor of NIDDM in models that included other anthropometric variables either separately or simultaneously. WHR and BMI were independent predictors of NIDDM after adjustment for each other, however, their predictive abilities disappeared after adjustment for waist circumference. The data indicate that waist is the best obesity-related predictor of NIDDM. This finding suggests that the distribution of body fat, especially abdominal localization, is a more important determinant than the total amount of body fat of the development of NIDDM in Mexican Americans.
Optimality of certain iterative and non-iterative data extrapolation procedures

Abstract A fundamental aspect of many modern spectral analysis and image restoration procedures is the extrapolation of the measured data to achieve improved resolution. Iterative extrapolation poses some mathematical questions about convergence and about the optimality of the resulting limit. We consider these questions and discuss briefly the optimality of certain non-iterative extrapolation methods.
Chronic daily ethanol and withdrawal: 6. Effects on rat sympathoadrenal activity during "abstinence".

Abstract We have reported that repetitive daily ethanol consumption increased anxiety-like behavior in rats 4 weeks after ethanol consumption had ceased, consistent with the persistently increased anxiety exhibited by abstinent alcoholics. Increased anxiety is associated with sympathoadrenal activation, so we have now also investigated ethanol-induced persistent changes in basal and stress-induced plasma epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) levels. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received liquid diet containing ethanol versus pair-fed isocaloric control liquid diet for 9 weeks. After 5 weeks' subsequent "abstinence" (i.e., no ethanol in the diet), the control rats exhibited low basal plasma E and NE, which were both increased by 150–300% within 5min after transfer to a novel cage in a novel room, returning toward basal levels within 15min. "Abstinent" ethanol-treated rats exhibited elevated basal E levels (195% of controls, P P
New Phases of Water Ice Predicted at Megabar Pressures

Department of Astronomy, University of California, BerkeleyBased on density functional calculations we predict water ice to attain two new crystal structures with Pbcaand Cmcm symmetry at 7.6 and 15.5 Mbar, respectively. The known high pressure ice phases VII, VIII, X,and Pbcm as well as the Pbca phase are all insulating and composed of two interpenetrating hydrogen bondednetworks, but the Cmcm structure is metallic and consists of corrugated sheets of H and O atoms. The H atomsare squeezed into octahedral positions between next-nearest O atoms while they occupy tetrahedral positionsbetween nearest O atoms in the ice X, Pbcm, and Pbca phases.
The Stewardship Science Academic Alliance: A Model of Education for Fundamental and Applied Low-energy Nuclear Science

Abstract The Stewardship Science Academic Alliances (SSAA) were inaugurated in 2002 by the National Nuclear Security Administration of the U. S. Department of Energy. The purpose is to enhance connections between NNSA laboratories and the activities of university scientists and their students in research areas important to NNSA, including low-energy nuclear science. This paper highlights some of the ways that the SSAA fosters education and training of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in low-energy nuclear science, preparing them for careers in fundamental and applied research and development.
Power spectrum of Uplink Array signals with random phase and delay errors

Uplink Array signals emanating from different antennas must be compensated for Doppler and delay in order to achieve the N2 array gain predicted by theory1. However compensation is never perfect, leaving residual errors that cause losses in array gain and degradation in signal quality. Here we develop a mathematical model for Uplink Array signals in the presence of phase and delay errors, similar to well-known multipath analyses but with features unique to this problem. The resulting losses and distortions are described, and the power spectral density of the array signal derived first conditioned on a given error vector, then averaged over distributions deemed suitable for Uplink Array applications. The impact of phase and delay errors on array gain and signal distortion are addressed, and the maximum data throughput is quantified in terms of the assumed error statistics.
Vaterite Sagittal Otoliths in Hatchery-Reared Juvenile Red Drums

Abstract Aberrant otoliths, although uncommon, have been reported in many fish species. We examined sagittae, lapilli, and asterisci from 1,140 wild and 1,723 hatchery-reared juvenile red drums (Sciaenops ocellatus). Aberrant sagittae were found in 20 hatchery-reared fish. These otoliths, which appeared to be formed from a conglomeration of small spheres, were composed of the vaterite polymorph of calcium carbonate instead of the aragonite polymorph normally found in sagittae. No internal ring structure was present; however, gross external morphological features were similar to normal sagittae. Affected red drums had one normal sagitta, and all lapilli and asterisci were normal. No abnormal sagittae were found in wild fish.
Intra-regional residential movement of the elderly: testing a suburban-to-urban migration hypothesis

The majority of the elderly and soon-to-be retired baby boomers live in suburbs in the US. This paper empirically tested an intra-regional residential movement of elderly households, which is postulated based on life course theory. Using data from the Puget Sound Transportation Panel survey in Washington State in the US, this study found that elderly households are less likely to change their residential environments than younger households upon intra-regional residential movement. This study also found that elderly households tend to move from less urbanized neighborhoods to slightly more urbanized neighborhoods, while younger households tend to move from quite urban neighborhoods to substantially less urbanized neighborhoods.
Presence of a partially-coated reticulum in angiosperms

The form and distribution of partially-coated membrane systems and coated vesicles in the leaf glands ofPhaseolus and the root cortical cells ofZea were investigated. Partially-coated membranes exist as a reticulum which is either sparsely branched or extensively anastomosed. Coated vesicles and coated membrane regions may occur at all points that are in the vicinity of such a reticulum. Golgi stack membranes, though associated with the partially-coated reticulum in many cases, show no consistent orientation to it. Occasionally, the reticulum and the associated coated vesicles are located away from any Golgi stack. We examined other plant tissues from such species asAllium cepa, Beta vulgaris andNicotiana tabacum and the partially-coated reticulum was observed in all material. We suggest that membrane flow may be occurring from the partially-coated reticulum to either the Golgi stack or to other intracellular compartments.
FUEL ANALYSIS AND POTENTIAL FIRE BEHAVIOR IN MIXED CONIFER WOODLANDS OF THE GREAT BASIN, NEVADA, USA

The Great Basin contains mountain woodlands characterized by a mixture of conifer species (mainly Pinus monophylla, Pinus ponderosa, and Juniperus osteosperma) whose interaction with wildland fire may be affected by climatic changes. To determine expected wildfire behavior at these semiarid mountain sites, we analyzed fuel conditions at Mount Irish and the Clover Mountains, in southeastern Nevada. Current fuels were quantified by herbaceous and shrub vegetation cover, down dead woody debris, litter and duff bulk density, canopy bulk density (CBD), and biomass. At Mount Irish, CBD was about twice that at the Clover Mountains, indicating a potential crown fire behavior of higher severity. On the other hand, continuity of surface fuels, and associated surface fire spread, were greater at the Clover Mountains. To reconstruct canopy fuels at each site, all woody stems on twelve 0.1 ha plots were mapped, measured, and cored. Increment cores were processed using dendrochronological methods; establishment dates a...
FLUIDIC FLEXIBLE MATRIX COMPOSITES FOR AUTONOMOUS STRUCTURAL TAILORING

In this research, the capability of utilizing fluidic flexible matrix composites (F2MC) for autonomous structural tailoring is investigated. By taking advantages of the high anisotropy of flexible matrix composite (FMC) tubes and the high bulk modulus of the pressurizing fluid, significant changes in the effective modulus of elasticity can be achieved by controlling the inlet valve to the fluid filled F2MC structure. The variable modulus F2MC structure has the flexibility to easily deform when desired (open valve), possesses the high modulus required during loading conditions when deformation is not desired (closed valve - locked state), and has the adaptability to vary the modulus between the flexible/stiff states through control of the valve. In the current study, a closed-form, 3-dimensional, analytical model is developed to model the behavior of a single F2MC tube structure. Experiments are conducted to validate the proposed model. The test results show good agreement with the model predictions. A closed/open modulus ratio as high as 56 times is achieved experimentally thus far. With the validated model, an F2MC design space study is performed. It is found by tailoring the properties of the FMC tube and inner liner, a wide range of modulus and modulus ratios can be attained.