cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of an End-Use Disaggregation Algorithm for Obtaining Building Energy-Use Data

Metered end-use data for most Department of Defense (DoD) facilities are scarce. The authors discuss the application of a method (end-use disaggregation algorithm, EDA) to disaggregate short-interval (hourly) whole-facility electrical load into major end uses. Hourly load data, hourly load-temperature regression coefficients, and simulated end-use data comprise the algorithm input. The algorithm produces hourly load profiles for air conditioning, lighting, fans and pumps, and miscellaneous loads. In previous studies, the EDA has been applied to both individual and prototypical buildings to estimate energy use by end use for two major California utilities. In this study, they have refined the EDA for application to DoD facilities where typically only the hourly electricity use data are available for the entire facility.
3,2′-Dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl-DNA Adduct Formation in Tumor Target and Nontarget Organs of Rapid and Slow Acetylator Syrian Hamsters Congenic at theNAT2Locus

Abstract DNA adduct formation is an important step in initiation of the carcinogenic process. 3,2′-Dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl (DMABP) is a well-documented multiorgan carcinogenic aromatic amine in rodents. In the present study, DMABP-DNA adduct levels were measured in rapid (Bio. 82.73/H-Patr) and slow (Bio. 82.73/H-Pats) acetylator Syrian hamsters congenic at theNAT2locus following a single injection of 33 or 100 mg/kg body wt DMABP. Two DNA adducts,N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-DMABP and 5-(deoxyguanosin-N2-yl)-DMABP, were identified and quantitated by32P-postlabeling assay. After injection of 33 mg/kg, DMABP-DNA adducts were detected in urinary bladder at 6, 18, 24, and 48 hr with adduct levels increasing up to 48 hr postinjection. DMABP-DNA adducts were not detected in liver, colon, and heart. After injection of 100 mg/kg, DMABP-DNA adducts were detected in urinary bladder, liver, prostate, colon, and heart at 48 hr postinjection. DMABP-DNA adduct levels were significantly higher in urinary bladder (primary tumor target organ) than in the other organs of both rapid and slow acetylator congenic hamsters.N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-DMABP levels were significantly higher in liver and prostate than in colon and heart of rapid and slow acetylator congenic hamsters, whereas 5-(deoxyguanosin-N2-yl)-DMABP levels were significantly higher in prostate than in colon and heart of rapid and slow acetylator congenic hamsters. DMABP-DNA adduct levels in each tissue examined did not differ significantly between rapid and slow acetylator hamsters following either 33 or 100 mg/kg injection. The tissue-dependent differences in DMABP-DNA adduct levels observed in the Syrian hamster differ from those reported in the rat and are consistent with previous studies that show DMABP induces primarily urinary bladder tumors in the Syrian hamster.
Agonistic behavior in mice, strain differences as a function of test illumination.

In each of two experiments, C57BL (pigmented) mice were paired with members of the BALB/c (albino) strain under either high or low illumination and their agonistic behavior observed. In both experiments, under high illumination, C57BL Ss won approximately 90% of the bouts that resulted in submission. In contrast, under low illumination, C57BL mice won about 40% of the bouts, resulting in highly significant interactions between strain and level of test illumination. These results may explain the apparent inconsistency in the literature concerning the agonistic behavior of these two inbred strains.
Curriculum development in Internet and multimedia technology

Employers in business, entertainment, and education seek employees to help them meet the demands for web-based interactive technologies. This paper describes a thirty-credit, community college certificate program in Internet and Multimedia Technology (I/MMT), and plans to expand it to an associate's degree program. Detailed descriptions of two courses, Multimedia Authoring I and Internet Programming, central to the program are provided. The program immerses students in a technology-rich environment for their general education courses, and provides internships with local multimedia and web firms.
Formaldehyde in indoor air: Sources and toxicity

Abstract Formaldehyde, a highly reactive gas with a pungent odor, is released from a variety of sources including urea-formaldehyde foam insulation, particle board, and plywood, as well as various combustion processes. Concentrations of formaldehyde associated with the presence of these products are higher indoors than outdoors. Under controlled conditions, formaldehyde causes eye and nasal irritation at air concentrations of 0.24 mg/m 3 and above. Exposure, residential or occupational, has been associated with eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, skin rashes, nausea, and other symptoms. Formaldehyde is also a sensitizer; Individuals who are allergic to formaldehyde, or who suffer from respiratory diseases, are likely to suffer the effects of formaldehyde at even lower concentrations. Based on its known metabolism, reactivity with DNA and other marcomolecules, as well as its mutagenic effects in many test systems, formaldehyde is thought to be genotoxic. Recent studies have indicated that formaldehyde is also a carcinogen in rats and probably in mice. Epidemiological studies to date have been inadequate to determine whether or not formaldehyde is a human carcinogen. Formaldehyde seems to be a direct acting carcinogen and it is likely to pose a carcinogenic risk to humans.
The Scheduling of Knowledge of Results

Abstract The experiments outlined in this article were performed so that the acquisition effects of KR scheduling on no-KR retention could be determined. In Experiment 1, the group that alternated between 12 KR and 12 no-KR responses produced better retention than both the group that alternated between 6 KR and 6 no-KR responses and an all-KR group. The partial KR group that performed the best on retention also received the least number of reversals from KR to no-KR responses and from no-KR to KR responses, however. In Experiment 2, when acquisition KR reversals were held constant for partial KR groups, groups that received either random KR scheduling or all KR produced similar and better retention than groups who received blocked KR scheduling. These results were reconciled with KR frequency experiments by proposing that memory processes invoked by KR protocols decrease from KR frequency, to reversal, to scheduling conditions.
PREDICTED VERSUS ACTUAL NUTRIENT CONSUMPTION IN THE DIET OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

College students may not understand the nutrient content of their diet. The study objective was to assess students' knowledge regarding the amount of individual nutrients in their diet. Subjects consisted of nutrition and nonnutrition undergraduates and graduates. Students received information on the actual dietary standards for each nutrient. Students completed a twenty-four hour diet record and then predicted their intake of seventeen nutrients, based on dietary recommendations. Predicted intake was measured as a percentage of recommendations on a 0% to 200% linear scale using 10% intervals. Nutrition recommendations were compiled from the DRI's, RDA's, and the USDA Dietary Guidelines. The subjects' food records were analyzed using Nutritionist V (First DataBank 1998) and compared to predicted values. The results of the study found that college students do not correctly estimate the nutrient content of their diets. Subjects consumed significantly more (P<0.05) than predicted for protein, total fat, saturated fat, fiber, calcium, iron, sodium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. Subjects consumed significantly less (P<0.05) than predicted for polyunsaturated fatty acid, potassium, and cholesterol. University foodservice operators can help educate students by listing the nutrient content of the food items they serve. Nutrition education materials must focus on teaching the nutrient content of specific foods in order for students to benefit from published nutrition recommendations. It may be more effective to educate college students in proper nutrition by utilizing food groups rather than teaching about individual nutrients.
Thrust Measurements of Different Gases in a Micro Nozzle

It is sought to determine the suitability of fluorine based gases, i.e. 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R-134a), for use in a micronozzle. Several experimental thrust measurements have already been made for micronozzles using air or nitrogen. However, air and nitrogen are too prohibitive in terms of transportation in nano/pico satellites. Fluorine based gases, although not as efficient, offer a huge payoff in terms of transportability. The efficiency of R-134a was found to be about 27% lower than that of nitrogen, while being multitudes better in terms of transportability. Unsteady flow was encountered for air and nitrogen, while completely unexpected behavior was exhibited by R-134a.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Synthesis of Conjugated α‐D‐Hexenopyranosiduloses

α-Enone sugars such as 2,3-dideoxy-α-D-hex-2-enopyranasid-4-uloses I and 3,4-dideoxy-α-D-hex-3-enopyranosid-2-uloses II involving the corresponding C-2 and C-4 methylated sugars 5, 10a and 10b were successfully synthesized from D-glucose in high yields by simple laboratory processes.
Variations in predicting domain switching of ferroelectric ceramics

In this article, a set of equivalent variational formulations for computing the driving forces for domain switching in ferroelectric materials is presented. It is proven that these formulations allow the free adoption of any couple of mechanical and electric fields as independent variables while obtaining consistent results. In addition, explicit expressions are provided for each formulation which allows for the study of the phase transformation process under different constraints.
Spectrum of multicystic renal dysplasia: Diagnosis and management

Abstract Multicystic renal dysplasia represents a spectrum of pathologic states, from unilateral multicystic kidney through segmental and focal multicystic dysplasia to bilateral multicystic kidney. Diagnosis can be established with low-risk procedures with reasonable accuracy. Treatment may be nonoperative in selected cases, but the physician must be responsible for long-term fallow-up of the child until more is known about the natural history of this process.
Terbium doped strontium cerate enabled long period fiber gratings for high temperature sensing of hydrogen

Abstract This paper reports on a novel optical fiber based sensor for hydrogen detection at high temperatures (>600 °C). The optical sensor consists of a perovskite-type ceramic, SrCe0.95Tb0.05O3−δ, as the sensing material, which is coated on the cladding layer of long period fiber gratings. Upon exposure to hydrogen, the reduction of Ce4+ to Ce3+ on the surface of SrCe0.95Tb0.05O3−δ particle causes decrease in its refractive index. As a result, the resonance wavelength of long period fiber gratings shifts to a higher value. The rate of the shift is dependent on the hydrogen partial pressure and can be used as the sensing signal. The high temperature optical H2 sensor exhibits high sensitivity for H2 detection at a partial pressure of 0.005 atm, and a short response time. The sensor is reversible as exposing the sensor to air oxidizes Ce3+ to Ce4+.
Estimation after adaptive allocation

Abstract In recent years a vast number of adaptive designs have been proposed, often in the context of clinical trials or industrial applications. The adjective adaptive refers to the feature that, in such designs, the current allocation may depend on data already collected. When analyzing such designs, proving consistency and asymptotic normality of estimators is of fundamental importance. For some designs, this has not yet been done. When it has, the proofs have been tailored to the particular design being analyzed, often utilizing martingale arguments. In this paper independence properties of the allocated sequence are proved and then used to provide a simple method for proving consistency and asymptotic normality of estimators for a wide class of designs.
The cortical cytoskeleton and its role in sperm penetration of the mammalian egg.

Abstract In this study isolated cortical regions of both penetrated and nonpenetrated Syrian hamster eggs were examined in whole mounts and platinum replicas of detergent-extracted cortical patches. Two types of cytoskeletal organization were observed in the egg cortex: Loose networks (LN regions) with integrated localized dense networks (LDN regions). Decoration with heavy meromyosin and labeling with antiactin/protein G gold both indicate that the cortical cytoskeleton consists mainly of a LN of actin microfilaments and several types of nonactin filaments, whereas LDN regions dispersed within the LN were comprised of nonactin filaments. Cortical patches and replicas of eggs incubated with sperm for 10–15 min provide evidence that cortical microfilaments may be intimately associated with penetrating spermatozoa. The results of this investigation provide the first high resolution view of the cortical cytoskeletal domain of a mammalian egg and suggest that actin microfilaments might play a role in sperm penetration of the egg cortex.
Cadmium, a metallic inhibitor of antibody-mediated immunity in mice

Chronic administration of cadmium chloride to B10-A-2R mice was discovered to severely depress the numbers and to delay the onset of appearance of splenic IgG and IgM plaque-forming cells (PFC) following injection of sheep erythrocytes. A recovery period of at least 1 month following cessation of administration of CdCl2 resulted in no increase in IgM PFC and only a minimal increase in IgG PFC. An apparent cadmium-induced splenomegaly was also noted in the intoxicated mice. Application of immune adherence and rosetting techniques as well as immunofluorescence to study the cellular morphology of these spleens indicated that the cell type most responsible for the increased spleen size had Fc and complement receptors as well as surface or cytoplasmic immunoglobulins. Populations of polymorphs and macrophages were not found to significantly contribute to the hyperplasia observed.
Peptide Mapping Studies of the Chromogranins and of Two Chromaffin Granule Proteoglycans

The chromogranins, a family of related acidic glycoproteins, and two chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate proteoglycans were isolated from the soluble contents of bovine adrenal chromaffin granules by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. These chromaffin granule matrix glycoconjugates were treated with trypsin, and the resulting peptides were fractionated by HPLC. The two proteoglycans, which differ in their concentration of glycosaminoglycans and glycoprotein oligosaccharides, yielded almost identical peptide patterns and would both appear to have the same protein moiety. The peptide profile of the proteoglycans differs, however, from that of the chromogranins, which they closely resemble in terms of amino acid composition. The various chromogranin fractions obtained by gel filtration were also found to have significant differences in the chromatographic patterns of their tryptic peptides.
Requests for outpatient mental health services: a comparison of whites and blacks.

Abstract Service requests by 267 whites and 42 blacks registering through an outpatient psychiatric clinic were compared. Blacks requested relatively more direct and immediate types of services including medication and administrative action. The larger patterns of requests by whites and blacks bore a high similarity.
INDUCTION OF PHEROMONE PRODUCTION IN FEMALES OF HELIOTHIS VIRESCENS (F.) AND H. SUBFLEXA (GN.) (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) DURING THE PHOTOPHASE

Production of sex pheromone was induced during the photophase, a time during which pheromone is not normally produced, in females of Heliothis virescens (F.) and H. subflexa (Gn.) by injection of homogenates and partially purified extracts of the brain – subesophageal ganglion complex of conspecific females or H. zea (Boddie) females or synthetic pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN). The amount of (Z)-11-hexadecenal, the major component of the pheromone of both species, increased during the first 60 min after injection of PBAN then leveled off and declined in H. virescens. In H. subflexa, the amount of this aldehyde increased during the first 120 min and declined after 240 min. Studies indicated that extracts of the brain – subesophageal ganglion complex that did not contain neurally produced biogenic amines induced production of as much pheromone as did homogenates containing these compounds. Dose-response studies indicated that the optimal dose of synthetic PBAN for induction of pheromone during a 60-min incubation was 5.0 pmol. In vivo maintenance of pheromone production required continuous stimulation of the pheromone gland.
Arterial wall MRI characteristics are associated with elevated serum markers of inflammation in humans.

Inflammation contributes to atherosclerosis, but assessment in humans is largely restricted to measurement of markers in blood. We determined whether MRI properties of large arteries were associated with markers of inflammation in serum. Double inversion recovery, fast spin-echo images of the common carotid arteries and infrarenal aorta were obtained at 1.5 T both before and after gadolinium-DTPA (0.1 mmol/kg) in 52 subjects >40 years of age, 17 of whom had no risk factors for atherosclerosis and thus served as controls. Twenty-two study participants had increases in wall thickness (14), T2-weighted signal intensity (11), and/or contrast enhancement values (7) that were >2 standard deviations (SDs) from control group mean values. Ten subjects in this group had evidence of focal plaques in the carotids (5) and/or aorta (6). Compared with the remaining 30 subjects, these 22 had significantly higher levels of interleukin-6 (3.53 6 2.46 vs. 1.97 6 1.37 pg/mL, P 5 0.004), C-reactive protein (0.56 6 0.98 vs. 0.30 6 0.52 mg/dL, P 5 0.019), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (572 6 153 vs. 471 6 130 ng/mL, P 5 0.012), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (244 6 80 vs. 202 6 45 ng/mL, P 5 0.015), and nonsignificant differences in levels of E-selectin (46.1 6 18.9 vs. 42.3 6 11.3 ng/mL, P 5 0.369). Thus, MRI characteristics of the aorta and carotid arteries were associated with elevated serum markers of inflammation, frequently in the absence of definite atheroma. MRI of large arteries may provide a new approach to investigate the contribution of inflammation to atherogenesis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;14:698‐704. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Do Psychologists Adhere to the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Tobacco Cessation? A Survey of Practitioners.

Practicing psychologists are well positioned to provide at least minimal interventions for tobacco dependence among their clients. Because smoking covaries with psychopathology, a substantial proportion of psychologists' clients are likely to be smokers. Psychologists have expertise in motivating behavior change, and they have greater contact and stronger relationships with their patients than do most other health providers. Despite these advantages, the current study found that psychologists were less likely to intervene for tobacco use than for other client behaviors, such as alcohol or illicit drug abuse. Psychologists do not regularly ask their clients whether they smoke, advise them to quit, assess their willingness to quit, assist them with quitting, or arrange follow-up. Recommendations for additional training are provided.
Current technological advances of bipolar coagulation

Background Heat has been used to control bleeding for thousands of years. In the 1920s, this concept was applied to the development of electrosurgical instruments and was used to control hemorrhage during surgical procedures. In the time that has passed since its first use, electrosurgery has evolved into modern-day bipolar technology, involving a diverse group of coagulation instruments. Methods We review the evolution and advances in electrosurgery, specifically bipolar coagulation, and the current technologies available for intraoperative hemorrhage control. Results Electrosurgery has evolved to include highly accurate devices that deliver thermal energy via nonstick and noncontact methods. Over time, the operative range of coagulation instruments has increased dramatically with the incorporation of irrigating pathways, a wide range of instrument tips to perform various functions, and the application of bipolar technology to microforceps and microscissors for minimally invasive procedures. Conclusion Electrosurgical devices and techniques, especially bipolar coagulation, have developed significantly with the availability of new technologies. This has led to better intraoperative coagulation control while minimizing iatrogenic damage associated with heat spread and tissue adherence, thus potentially improving outcomes for neurosurgical procedures.
Reflections on boundaries.

In the form of a loose series of reflections and reminiscences from the life and career of the author, this paper examines the regulatory function of the scientific community. Structures, boundaries, and the fate of innovative practice—and of innovative practitioners—are considered.
Antioxidant defenses in lung lining fluid of broilers: impact of poor ventilation conditions

Lung lining fluid antioxidants represent a potentially important protective barrier of lung epithelial cells to damaging effects of air pollutants, yet no information is apparently available concerning lung lining fluid antioxidants in broilers. Therefore, goals of this study were to establish uric acid, ascorbic acid, reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, and protein concentrations in lung lining fluid obtained from male broiler chickens maintained for 6 to 7 wk within environmentally controlled rooms (Control) or chronically exposed to high levels of dust and ammonia within a broiler rearing house (House). The entire respiratory tract was carefully removed following an overdose of anesthetic and lavage fluid was collected after flushing the lungs with heparin-saline (10 mL per lung). There was no difference in GSH, but GSSG, uric acid, and protein concentrations were higher in House birds than in Controls. An increase in the GSSG to total glutathione (GSx) ratio, an indicator of oxidative stress, was also observed in birds maintained in the House environment. Ascorbic acid was not detected in House-reared birds and detected in only 4 of 12 Controls. Regression analysis revealed positive correlations between lung lining fluid protein and uric acid (r = 0.71; P < 0.01), protein and GSSG (r = 0.73; P < 0.01), and uric acid and GSSG concentrations (r = 0.69, P < 0.01). Additionally, GSSG was positively correlated (r = 0.66; P < 0.01) with the right ventricular weight ratio, an index commonly used in identifying the development of pulmonary hypertension syndrome in broilers. These data, the first to document lung lining fluid antioxidants in avian species, indicate an oxidative stress can be detected in fluid of broilers exposed to high levels of dust and ammonia in a simulated poultry house environment.
Therapeutic Camps and Their Impact on the Family of Children with Special Health Care Needs: A Mixed Method Study

Respite care through therapeutic summer day camps is a service used to relieve the physical and mental strains placed on caregivers of children with special health care needs while also creating unique opportunities to benefit the child. The purpose of this study is to determine how respite care in the form of a therapeutic summer day camp for children with special needs impacts a family’s ability to manage their child’s special health care needs within their family. This research study used mixed methodology combining quantitative data collection through pre- and post-survey and qualitative data collection through interviews that worked to answer questions relating to the effects of a therapeutic summer day camp on parents’ perspective and management of their child’s condition. The theoretical framework used to guide the study is the Family Management Style Framework. Twenty-two parents completed The Family Management Measure that was administered prior to and at the conclusion of an 8-week therapeutic summer day camp program. Qualitative interviews with 11 parents helped to better understand specific interventions and experiences of the therapeutic camp that benefitted their child and family. Although the quantitative analysis did not yield statistically significant changes in the family’s ability to manage their child’s condition as a result of attendance at the camp, the qualitative interviews demonstrated robust evidence that the camp provided meaningful experiences for the campers and parents while alleviating stress within the family. Themes include: 1) Family-Child themes of loss of normalcy, relationships affected, increased stress, family adaptations, and love for the child; 2) Camp-Child themes of meeting individual needs, creating happiness, and behavior changes; and (3) Camp-Parent themes of improved perception of the child, decreased stress, parent involvement with staff, and need for specific environment at camp. Implications of the results are discussed, along with recommendations for future research.
OVERSMART A Solution Monitoring And Reporting Tool for the OVERFLOW Flow Solver

A new software tool has been developed to provide a comprehensive report of solution convergence of flow computations over large complex grid systems. The new tool produces a one-page executive summary of the behavior of flow equations residuals, turbulence model equations residuals, and component forces and moments. Under the automatic option, a matrix of commonly-viewed plots such as residual histograms, composite residuals, sub-iteration bar graphs, and component forces and moments is automatically generated. Specific plots required by the user can also be prescribed via a command file or a graphical user interface. Output is directed to the user’s computer screen and to an html file for archival purposes. The current implementation has been targeted for the OVERFLOW flow solver but the framework allows easy extension to other flow solvers. The software has been demonstrated to rapidly process large residual history files with millions of lines of data.
Interleukin-10 inhibits angiotensin II-induced decrease in neuronal potassium current

Previously we demonstrated that viral-mediated increased expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus significantly reduces blood pressure in normal rats made hypertensive by infusion of angiotensin II. However, the exact cellular locus of this interleukin-10 action within the paraventricular nucleus is unknown. In the present study we tested whether interleukin-10 exerts direct effects at its receptors located on hypothalamic neurons to offset the neuronal excitatory actions of angiotensin II via its type 1 receptors. The results indicated the presence of immunoreactive interleukin-10 receptors on neurons in normal rat paraventricular nucleus and that receptors for this cytokine were also expressed in neurons cultured from the hypothalamus. Patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings from these cultures revealed that extracellular application of interleukin-10 alone did not exert any alterations in neuronal membrane delayed rectifier or transient potassium currents. However, angiotensin II elicited a significant decrease in delayed rectifier potassium current, an effect that was abolished by interleukin-10 application. Since decreases in delayed rectifier potassium current contribute to increased neuronal excitability, this result is consistent with a direct inhibitory action of interleukin-10 on angiotensin-induced excitation of hypothalamic neurons. As such, these data are the first indication of a neuronal locus of action of interleukin-10 to temper the actions of angiotensin II in the hypothalamus.
Clinical Significance of Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia on Routine Monitoring of Pacemaker Patients

Background Permanent pacemakers (PPMs) are capable of recording tachyarrhythmic events including nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), though the clinical significance of NSVT on routine PPM evaluation is unknown. Our goals: assess the prevalence of NSVT on routine PPM follow-up and survival of PPM patients with NSVT, without NSVT, and with ventricular high rate (VHR) episodes of undefined origin. Methods A single-center retrospective, cohort study was performed on patients implanted with PPMs capable of recording NSVT, defined as ≥5 consecutive ventricular beats at ≥170/minutes lasting <30 seconds. Patients were categorized: (1) no NSVT; (2) NSVT; or (3) VHR episodes of uncertain etiology. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality within 6 months of last follow-up. Results Note that in 1,125 enrollees (51.8% male, age 74.2 ± 15.5 years, ejection fraction 57.0 ± 9.0%), 742 (66%) had no NSVT, 223 had NSVT (20%), and 160 (14%) had VHR. There were no differences in ejection fraction, diabetes, hypertension, coronary disease, prior myocardial infarction, baseline creatinine, QRS duration, prevalence of left bundle branch block, or β-blocker use among groups. “No NSVT” patients were older (P = 0.013), NSVT patients had more males (P = 0.012); atrial fibrillation and digoxin use were more prevalent in VHR patients (P < 0.01). During median follow-up of 2.8 years there were 93 deaths within 6 months of last follow-up with no differences in survival among groups (log rank P = 0.47). Age, ejection fraction at time of implant, and β-blocker use were independent predictors of survival. Conclusion NSVT detected on routine PPM follow-up in this patient population with a preserved ejection fraction is not associated with long-term mortality.
Measurements of Stability Limits for a Space-Charge-Dominated Ion Beam in a Long a. G. Transport Channel

The Single Beam Transport Experiment at LBL consists of 82 electrostatic quadrupole lenses arranged in a FODO lattice. Five further lenses provide a matched beam from a high-current high-brightness cesium source for injection into the FODO channel. We call the transport conditions stable if both the emittance and current remain unchanged between the beginning and end of the channel, and unstable if either the emittance grows or the current decreases because of collective effects. We have explored the range of single-particle betatron phase advance per period from ?0 = 45° to 150° to determine the stability limits for the space-charge depressed phase advance, ?. No lower limit for ? (down to 7°) has been found at ?0= 60°, whereas limits have clearly been identified and mapped in the region of ?0 above 90°.
Cognitive and Mathematical Profiles for Different Forms of Learning Difficulties

The purpose of this study was to compare subgroups of students with various forms of learning difficulties (< 25th percentile) on cognitive and mathematics characteristics. Students with mathematics difficulty (MD, n = 105), reading difficulty (RD, n = 65), both (MDRD, n = 87), or neither (NoLD, n = 403) were evaluated on an array of cognitive measures (e.g., working memory and language) and on mathematics measures of foundational numerical competencies, computation, and problem solving. Results revealed expected level differences among groups in both domains: NoLD outperformed RD, and MD outperformed MDRD. Profile differences were noted among pairs of subgroups on cognitive measures. On mathematics measures, profile differences were noted between RD and other subgroups, but not between MD and MDRD subgroups. The most discriminating cognitive measures were processing speed and language; the most discriminating mathematics measures depended on the subgroups being compared. Results were further evaluated according to more severe (< 10th percentile) criteria for MD and RD, which generally affected level differences more than the profile patterns. Results have implications for understanding comorbid MD and RD and for conceptualizing core deficits in MD.
Speedup-Precision Tradeoffs in Time-Parallel Simulation of Wireless Ad hoc Networks

In this paper, we report on a series of experiments involving the speedups obtainable with time-parallel simulation of wireless ad hoc networks. A mobile ad hoc network scenario involving the AODV and DSDV routing protocols was simulated. The results and the performance of the serial NS-2 simulator was compared to the time-parallel simulation method for wireless ad hoc networks, previously introduced by the authors. The results of the time-parallel simulation are approximations, and we find that there is a tradeoff between the precision of the simulation and the achievable speedup. However, it is possible to find compromises where a precision of the range of 95- 98%, sufficient for most applications, can be obtained up to 10 times faster than the time needed by a serial simulation.
A sliding mode observer based controller for switched reluctance motor drives

In this paper a second order sliding mode observer is proposed for state estimation in a switched reluctance machine (SRM). The estimated rotor position obtained from the observer is used for the electronic commutation of the machine phases. The proposed sliding mode observer provides a robust method of indirect rotor position sensing using terminal measurements of phase voltage and currents. The paper includes detailed simulations of a closed loop controller based on the proposed sliding mode observer. >
Human assisted capture-the-flag in an urban environment

This paper describes a new multi-agent test-bed developed to support research in multi-agent systems that incorporate both autonomous operation and human input. Teams compete in a modified version of the game of capture-the-flag in a maze-like environment of arbitrary complexity. Each team consists of a number of mobile robots, a human commander, and a UAV that provides essential position information. The makeup of each team, the motion constraints, and the nature of the game present a significant challenge to any multi-agent coordination scheme. This paper describes the rules of the game and the hardware and software infrastructure we have developed to play it. The paper further describes some of our work in devising an effective technique for planning paths through the maze for the ground-based robots.
A pseudo rail-to-rail chopper-stabilized instrumentation amplifier in 0.13 µm CMOS

This paper presents a CMOS chopper-stabilized instrumentation amplifier based on a compact differential difference amplifier (DDA). The DDA itself is based on a high gain and robust two-stage class-AB amplifier. Simulation results show that with chopping frequency at 250 KHz, both the noise density and offset can be reduced by a factor of 10. Detailed practical application considerations of the proposed In-Amp as a current-sensing amplifier in a power management chip are presented.
Nanotechnology, Enhancement, and Human Nature

Is nanotechnology-based human enhancement morally permissible? One reason to question such enhancement stems from a concern for preserving our species. It is harder than one might think, however, to explain what could be wrong with altering our own species. One possibility is to turn to the environmental ethics literature. Perhaps some of the arguments for preserving other species can be applied against nanotechnology-based human enhancements that alter human nature. This paper critically examines the case for using two of the strongest arguments in the environmental ethics literature to show that nanotechnology-based human enhancements are impermissible: 1) Our species, like many other naturally occurring species, has aesthetic value. So, nanotechnology-based human enhancements that alter our species should be prohibited. 2) Our species plays valuable ecological roles. Nanotechnology-based human enhancements that alter our species are likely to interfere with our species playing our ecologically valuable roles. So, such enhancements should be prohibited. Neither argument, ultimately, proves conclusive. The paper concludes, however, that considerations underlying both arguments may show us that some nanotechnology-based human enhancements are impermissible.
2-dimensional coherent arrays of photonic crystal vertical cavity defect lasers

We report the first coherently coupled photonic crystal vertical cavity surface-emitting 2-dimensional laser arrays. The array elements, which are defined by single photonic crystal defect apertures, exhibit out-of-phase coupling.
An assessment framework for identifying information technology programs

What is an IT Bachelor program and how can one be identified? In recent years, specific IT programs have arisen in the US to fill an industry need not directly provided for by other computing disciplines. IT programs are growing in number and influence yet can be hard to identify for several reasons: They are not always titled "Information Technology." They are housed in various colleges and schools - such as engineering, business, computing, and information science. Also, they may not have associated themselves with ABET and hence may not be accredited. We have undertaken research that uses the ACM IT 2008 model curriculum to identify the "fit" between a set of minimum criteria and published university undergraduate curriculum regardless of the title, college, or professional association of the program. Our results show three groups of IT-related programs: 1. Programs that meet all the ACM IT 2008 model curriculum guidelines. 2. Programs that only partially meet the ACM IT 2008 model curriculum guidelines because they require a significant amount of courses from unrelated disciplines like business, psychology, engineering, etc. 3. Programs that partially meet the ACM IT 2008 model curriculum guidelines because the program specializes in an IT-related major such as networking, embedded systems, database administration, HCI, etc. This paper will present the criteria we propose to use as we attempt to identify all the 4-year IT programs in the USA.
Mailed personalized normative feedback as a brief intervention for at-risk college drinkers.

Objective: The current study examined the efficacy of mailed personalized normative feedback (PNF) as a brief alcohol intervention for at-risk college drinkers, and investigated discrepancy as a possible mediator of the intervention effect. Method: Participants consisted of 100 at-risk college drinkers who completed an alcohol-use assessment at baseline, 6-week posttest and 6-month follow-up. Measures included number of drinks consumed per heaviest drinking week, frequency of heavy-drinking episodes, peak blood alcohol concentration and number of alcohol-related problems, all for the last month. Participants were randomly assigned to either a mailed brief intervention (MBI; n = 49) or attention-control (C; n = 51) group. The MBI group received mailed PNF that was based on baseline responses to the drinking measures; the C group received a psychoeducational brochure about alcohol. Results: Mixed-model, repeated measures ANOVAs were used to examine the effects of time, group and gender on discrepancy and th...
Client-perpetrated and husband-perpetrated violence among female sex workers in Andhra Pradesh, India: HIV/STI risk across personal and work contexts

Objectives This study examines violence experienced in work and personal contexts and relation to HIV risk factors in these contexts among female sex workers (FSW) in Andhra Pradesh, India. Methods FSW at least 18 years of age (n=2335) were recruited through three rounds of respondent-driven sampling between 2006 and 2010 for a survey on HIV risk. Using crude and adjusted logistic regression models, any sexual/physical violence (last 6 months) perpetrated by clients and husbands were separately assessed in association with accepting more money for sex without a condom (last 30 days), consistent condom use with clients and husbands (last 30 days), and sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms (last 6 months). Results The mean age among participants was 32, 22% reported being currently married, and 22% and 21% reported physical/sexual violence by clients and husbands, respectively. In adjusted logistic regression models, FSW who experienced client violence were more likely to report accepting more money for unprotected sex trades (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.7; 95% CI 1.4 to 2.2), less likely to report consistent condom use with clients (AOR=0.6; 95% CI 0.5 to 0.7) and more likely to report STI symptoms (AOR=3.5; 95% CI 2.6 to 4.6). Women who reported husband violence were more likely to report accepting more money for unprotected sex trades (AOR=2.1; 95% CI 1.2 to 3.7), less likely to report consistent condom use with clients (AOR=0.5; 95% CI 0.3 to 0.8) and more likely to report STI symptoms (AOR=2.6; 95% CI 1.6 to 4.1). Conclusions Among FSW, experiences of violence in work and personal contexts are associated with sexual HIV risk behaviours with clients as well as STI symptoms.
The Examination of Diffusing Materials on Rubber Surfaces by Photoacoustic Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract Minor amounts of diffusing materials can be beneficial or detrimental to the performance of elastomeric components. Methods to study these materials have been nonexistent or extremely time-consuming and insensitive for routine use. This report shows that photoacoustic detection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (PAS-FTIR) is a simple method for in situ characterization of diffusing materials in elastomers. In this study, PAS-FTIR was used to monitor the appearance and diffusion of two vulcanization by-products to the surface of a carbon-black-filled natural rubber matrix. The compounds were identified from the PAS-FTIR spectra as a salt of stearic acid (most likely zinc stearate) and dimorpholinyl thione. Three rubber formulations, differing only in the particle size and surface activity of the carbon blacks used, were monitored by PAS-FTIR for a 135-day period to investigate the effect of carbon black on the diffusion of the compounds cited above. Diffusion of the dimorpholinyl thione was ...
Evolutionary Models in Foreign Policy Analysis

There is a tension in the social sciences between rational choice models and decision-making data, often drawn from psychological experiments. Rational choice models assume that decision makers behave as if they were unitary actors, meeting formal criteria of rationality. The empirical results from psychology, as well as case studies of foreign policy decisions, show that humans rarely act as if they were rational. Nevertheless, there is also strong empirical support for rational choice models, and this approach has generated a number of important insights about international politics. Evolutionary models show how a collective actor, such as a state, can appear to behave rationally, even if the individuals who comprise that actor are not rational themselves.
Research Productivity of Law Enforcement Scholars: Are Those with Practical Experience Equal to Their Peers without Practical Experience?

The present study examines the research productivity of criminal justice scholars with a declared specialisation in law enforcement. Focus is on distinguishing and comparing the productivity, measured as publications, citations and grant dollars received, for law enforcement scholars who do and do not have a minimum of 5 years of practical experience in law enforcement. Using the membership of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences' Policing Section, data are drawn from members' curriculum vitae to assess total publications, publication of refereed articles, books, textbooks and grant dollars received. When looking at the research productivity — measured as publications, citations and receipt of grant dollars — the results suggest that law enforcement scholars with significant, real-world experience are research productive, but in different ways and at different levels than law enforcement scholars who do not bring significant real-world law enforcement experience to their work.
Client Registries: Identifying and Linking Patients

To integrate patient-centric data from multiple, separate sources, individual patient records must be accurately identified and linked. The absence of a universally applied unique patient identifier as well as heterogeneity of data format, availability, quality, and completeness across different eHealth systems and organizations hinders consistent patient identification. A client registry implements matching algorithms using available, unique patient identifiers and demographic attributes to link patient records residing in separate health care organizations within a health information exchange. The linkage process provides a single coherent, longitudinal health record for each patient, supporting tasks such as care coordination and research efforts. This chapter focuses on the issues related to developing unique patient identifiers, matching patient records, and the role the client registry plays in the process.
Utilization of Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification of DNA to the HBs Region of Hepatitis Virus B

Objective To set up a method of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the rapid and sensitive detection of HBV which is suitable for basic medical institution.Methods According to the reporting of the genbank,the gene sequence of HBV surface antigen (accession number:V00867) was chosen,and LAMP forward primer and LAMP backward primer were designed.DNA was extracted as the amplification template,the reaction system of LAMP was optimized,and the amplification characters were estimated by eyeball or electrophoresis after the reaction was in thermostatic water bath at 65℃ for 60 minutes.A couple of specific primers were simultaneously designed to amplify the target gene of HBV from 35 samples through polymerase chain reaction.The specificity and sensitivity of the two methods were compared.Results Among the 35 serum samples selected from hepatitis B patients,there were 20 positive samples detected by LAMP,which was as the same as the PCR.The template was diluted by multi-proportion;the lowest limit of LAMP was 10-8,while that of the PCR was 10-6.Conclusions The LAMP assay is a quick,specific and sensitive method in detecting the HBV and is suitable for primary medical detection institutions.