cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carrier Dynamics in Skutterudites

Ultrafast spectroscopy was used to measure the transient reflectance signal of skutterudites excited by femtosecond laser. By utilizing optical parametric amplifier (OPA), probe laser with various wavelengths was generated to detect the dynamics of varying electronic energy level, which provides information about the electronic band structure. The wavelength dependence of the relaxation process is discussed.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A Peripherally-Located Virtual Instrument Landing Display Affords More Precise Control of Approach Path during Simulated Landings than Traditional Instrument Landing Displays

We compared the precision of simulated fixed-wing aircraft landing approaches with three different head-up display (HUD) formats: a) MIL-STD-1787B Cruise Mode, b) MIL-STD-1787B Instrument Landing System (ILS) Mode, and c) a virtual ILS HUD presented to the visual periphery. Non-pilot participants used simplified controls to guide a landing simulation under both day and night visual meteorological conditions. Experiment 1 confirmed that testing non-pilots with our experimental setting could induce the black-hole illusion, in which the approach is lower than appropriate at night. Experiment 2 compared landing performance aided by the three HUD formats under the same visual conditions. We found that both ILS displays improved approach path precision as compared to the MIL-STD Cruise Mode, and that the peripherally-located virtual ILS HUD reliably afforded the greatest precision. These results suggest that ILS approaches may be better supported by presenting a virtual ILS display to the visual periphery.
Pharmacological preservation of the ischemic heart.

Abstract This study was based on the concept that intracellular accumulation of calcium plays a role in mediating ischemic myocardial injury and that inhibition of entry of calcium into cells may have a salutary effect on the ischemic heart. Nifedipine, a potent vasodilator and inhibitor of transmembrane calcium flux, was infused into the aortic root of 6 dogs (5 μg/kg/hr) during 2 hours of myocardial ischemia while on cardiopulmonary bypass. Seven control animals received normal saline at the same flow rate and temperature (20°C). The results showed that none of the 7 control animals were able to maintain adequate aortic pressure or cardiac output after 30 to 60 minutes of normothermic reperfusion. All had marked left ventricular failure and were unresponsive to large doses of inotropic agents. In contrast, the 6 dogs treated with nifedipine were weaned from bypass either without difficulty or requiring small doses of calcium chloride and norepinephrine. Light microscopy demonstrated more marked ischemic damage in the control group than in the group of drug-treated dogs. We conclude that the concept of inhibition of transmembrane calcium flux offers a new and potent method for myocardial preservation during ischemia.
The Statistical Objective Analysis of Scalar Data Fields

Abstract Most current objective analysis schemes require a rather subjective pre-specification of “weight curves” in their interpolation formulae. This has the effect of preordaining, to a certain extent, the manner in which the variance will be distributed among the component perturbations. An objective analysis technique is presented wherein the data define their own “weight curves” and, consequently, their own variance partitioning procedures. The possible stochastic or periodic nature of the data field is discussed by means of the power spectrum. As a companion map to the final analysis, a map estimating the accuracy of the analysis at each grid point is presented.
Modeling Statistics Achievement among Graduate Students

The purpose of the present investigation was to develop a model for predicting statistics achievement. Participants were 130 graduate students enrolled in a quantitative-based educational research course at a southeastern university. A path analysis revealed that statistics anxiety and achievement expectation played a central role in the model, mediating the relationship between statistics achievement and the following variables: research anxiety, study habits, course load, and the number of statistics courses taken. Findings are interpreted with respect to Onwuegbuzie, Bailey, and Daley’s Anxiety-Expectation Mediation model of foreign language learning.
Pivoting analyses of the selective entrainment of sediments by shape and size with application to gravel threshold

Measured variations of pivoting angles with grain size, shape (‘reliability’ and angularity) and imbrication are employed in analyses of grain threshold to examine how these factors influence selective grain entrainment and sorting. With a bed of uniform grain sizes, as employed experimentally to establish the standard threshold curves such as that of Shields, the threshold condition depends on grain shape and fabric. The analysis demonstrates quantitatively that there should be a series of nearly-parallel threshold curves depending on grain pivoting angles. For a given grain size, the order of increasing flow strength required for entrainment is spheres, smooth ellipsoids (depending on their ‘reliability’), angular grains, and imbricated ellipsoids (depending on their imbrication angles). The relative threshold values for these different grain shapes and fabric are predicted according to their respective pivoting angles, but remain to be directly tested by actual threshold measurements. The pivoting angle of a grain also depends on the ratio of its size to those it rests upon. This dependence permits an evaluation of selective entrainment by size of grains from a bed of mixed sizes, the condition generally found in natural sediments. The pivoting model predicts systematic departures from the standard threshold curves for uniform grain sizes. Such departures have been found in recent studies of gravel threshold in rivers and offshore tidal currents. The pivoting model is compared with those threshold data with reasonable agreement. However, more controlled measurements are required for a satisfactory test of the model. It is concluded that variations in pivoting angles for grain entrainment are significant to the processes of selective sorting by grain size and shape.
Molecular events involved in cellular invasion by Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum.

Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum are obligatory intracellular bacteria that preferentially replicate inside leukocytes by utilizing biological compounds and processes of these primary host defensive cells. These bacteria incorporate cholesterol from the host for their survival. Upon interaction with host monocytes and granulocytes, respectively, these bacteria usurp the lipid raft domain containing GPI-anchored protein to induce a series of signaling events that result in internalization of the bacteria. Monocytes and neutrophils usually kill invading microorganisms by fusion of the phagosomes containing the bacteria with granules containing both antimicrobial peptides and lysosomal hydrolytic enzymes and/or through sequestering vital nutrients. However, E. chaffeensis and A. phagocytophilum alter vesicular traffic to create a unique intracellular membrane-bound compartment that allows their replication in seclusion from lysosomal killing. These bacteria are quite sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS), so in order to survive in host cells that are primary mediators of ROS-induced killing, they inhibit activation of NADPH oxidase and assembly of this enzyme in their inclusion compartments. Moreover, host phagocyte activation and differentiation, apoptosis, and IFN-γ signaling pathways are inhibited by these bacteria. Through reductive evolution, lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan that activate the innate immune response, have been eliminated from these gram-negative bacteria at the genomic level. Upon interaction with new host cells, bacterial genes encoding the Type IV secretion apparatus and the two-component regulatory system are up-regulated to sense and adapt to the host environment. Thus dynamic signal transduction events concurrently proceed both in the host cells and in the invading E. chaffeensis and A. phagocytophilum bacteria for successful establishment of intracellular infection. Several bacterial surface-exposed proteins and porins are recently identified. Further functional studies on Ehrlichia and Anaplasma effector or ligand molecules and cognate host cell receptors will undoubtedly advance our understanding of the complex interplay between obligatory intracellular pathogens and their hosts. Such data can be applied towards treatment, diagnosis, and control of ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis.
Microfluidic Integration of Aperiodic Gold Nanoparticle Arrays for Local Refractive Index Sensing

We present microfluidic integration of a novel optical sensing technique based on distinctive structural color modifications in aperiodic nano-structures. The liquid-induced index sensitivity of the proposed devices is quantified by autocorrelation analysis in the visible spectral range.
Fluorescence-lifetime-based sensors: oxygen sensing and other biomedical applications

Murine hybridomas were cultivated in tissue culture flasks. Dissolved oxygen tensions in the gas and liquid phases during cell growth were measured non-invasively by an optical oxygen sensor. Readings were made with caps both cracked open and completely closed. During cell growth, gas phase oxygen concentrations remained near atmospheric levels, while the oxygen tension at the bottom of the flasks eventually reached zero. These results suggest that the widespread practice of cracking open tissue culture flask caps during cell growth with a view to supplying adequate oxygen to cells is ineffective and unnecessary. The mass transfer characteristics of the tissue culture flask indicate the dominant resistance to oxygen mass transfer to the cells was the liquid media. The mass transfer rates through the liquid layer under standard laboratory conditions were found to be greater than those predicted by diffusion alone, suggesting microscale mixing. Volumetric and specific oxygen consumption rates were calculated from the sensor data, and were comparable to published values. A recently developed single fiber optic oxygen sensor is described. This new sensor will provide oxygen concentrations at various levels in the tissue culture flasks, allowing more accurate modeling of oxygen diffusion.
Relativistic quantum transport theory approach to multiparticle production

The field-theoretic description of multiparticle production processes is cast in a form analogous to ordinary transport theory. Inclusive differential cross sections are shown to be given by integrals of covariant phasespace distributions. The single-particle distribution function F(p, R) is defined as the Fourier transform of a suitable correlation function in analogy with the nonrelativistic (Wigner) phase-space distribution function. Its transform F(p, q) is observed to be essentially the discontinuity of a multiparticle scattering amplitude. External-field problems are studied to exhibit the physical content of the formalism. When q=0 one recovers the single-particle distribution exactly. The equation of motion for F(p, R) generates an infinite hierarchy of coupled equations for various distribution functions. In the Hartree approximation one obtains nonlinear integral equations analogous to the Vlasov equation in plasma physics. Such equations are convenient for exhibiting collective motions; in particular it appears that a collective mode exists in a φ^4 theory for a uniform infinite medium. It is speculated that such collective modes could provide a theoretical basis for clustering effects in multiparticle production.
Damage Relationships for BGA Reliability in Harsh Environments

Fine-Pitch BGAs and underfills have been used in benign office environments and wireless applications for a number of years, however their reliability in automotive underhood environment is not well understood. In this work, the reliability of fine-pitch PBGA packages has been evaluated in the automotive underhood environment. Experimental studies indicate that the CTE as measured by TMA typically starts to change at 10–15°C lower temperature than the Tg specified by DSC potentially extending the change in CTE well into the accelerated test envelope in the neighborhood of 125°C. High Tg substrates with glass-transition temperatures much higher than the 125°C high temperature limit are therefore not subject to the effect of high coefficient of thermal expansion close to the high temperature of the accelerated test. Darveaux’s damage relationships [1992, 1995, 2000] were derived on CBGA assemblies, with predominantly SMD pads and 62Sn36Pb2Ag solder. In addition to significant differences in the crack propagation paths for the two pad constructions, SMD pads fail significantly faster than NSMD pads in thermal fatigue. The thermal mismatch on CBGA’s is much larger than PBGA assemblies. Crack propagation in CBGA’s is often observed predominantly on the package side as opposed to both package and board side for PBGAs. In the present study, crack propagation data has been acquired on assemblies with 15 mm, 17 mm, and 23 mm size plastic BGAs with NSMD pads and 63Sn37Pb on high-Tg printed circuit boards. The data has been benchmarked against Darveaux’s data on CBGA assemblies. Experimental matrix also encompasses the effect of BT substrate thickness on reliability. Damage constants have been developed and compared against existing Darveaux Constants. Prediction error has been quantified for both sets of constants.© 2003 ASME
Three-dimensionalist’s semantic solution to diachronic vagueness

A standard response to the problem of diachronic vagueness is ‘the semantic solution’, which demands an abundant ontology. Although it is known that the abundant ontology does not logically preclude endurantism, their combination is rejected because it necessitates massive coincidence between countless objects. In this paper, I establish that the semantic solution is available not only to perdurantists but also to endurantists by showing that there is no problem with such ubiquitous and principled coincidence.
Higher mean arterial pressure with or without vasoactive agents is associated with increased survival and better neurological outcomes in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest

The 2010 AHA Guidelines for Post-Cardiac Arrest Care recommend immediate treatment of hypotension to maintain adequate tissue perfusion with a goal of mean arterial pressure (MAP) of ≥65 mmHg. However, no studies exist examining the relationship between early hemodynamic goals and outcomes in post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) patients undergoing therapeutic hypothermia (TH). In this investigation, we examined the relationship between MAP, vasoactive agents, and survival or neurologic outcomes. Consecutive PCAS patients treated with algorithmic post-arrest care between 2005 and 2011 were included in this retrospective study. MAP and number of vasoactive agents were analyzed at 1, 6, 12, and 24 h after arrest. Primary outcome was survival at discharge. Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis and ANOVA. Of 168 patients, 45 % (75/168) survived, and 35 % (58/168) had cerebral performance category (CPC) scores 1–2. Survivors had higher MAPs at 1 h (96 vs. 84 mmHg, p < 0.0001), 6 h (96 vs. 90 mmHg, p = 0.014), and 24 h (86 vs. 78 mmHg, p = 0.15) than non-survivors. Increased requirement for vasoactive agents was associated with mortality at all time points. Among those requiring vasoactive agents, survivors had higher MAPs than non-survivors at 1 h (97 vs. 82 mmHg, p = <0.0001) and 6 h (94 vs 87 mmHg, p = 0.05). Higher MAPs are associated with better outcomes in PCAS patients undergoing TH. Vasoactive agent requirement is associated with poor outcomes. Further prospective studies with specific MAP goals and hemodynamic optimization algorithms need to be performed.
Enthalpy of ionization of aqueous glycinium ion (+HGly = H+ + Gly) at 298 K, dependence on ionic strength, and thermodynamics of ionization

Abstract Previous investigations have led to considerably different enthalpy values (3891-5983 J mol −1 ) for the first ionization of aqueous glycine ( + HGly = H + + Gly) at T = 298.15 K. To resolve this uncertainty, new measurements of the enthalpy of solution of glycine in water and in excess dilute hydrochloric acid have been made. Results of these measurements lead to values of Δ H XXX 1 = 4.1±0.1 kJ mol −1 , and thence Δ S XXX 1 = −131.2±0.3 J K −1 mol −1 , for the first ionization of glycine at T= 298.15 K. It has been noted that there is an unusually large dependence of Δ H 1 on the ionic strength of the solution.
Absolute cross section for D(4He, D)4He forward scattering

Abstract The D(4He, D)4He differential cross section for forward scattering of deuterons by helium ions has been measured, with an estimated precision of ± 5%, in the range 1–3 MeV at the scattering angles of 20°, 25°, 30°, 35° and 40°. Deuterated polystyrene (C8D8)n films spun on Si wafers were used for the measurements, enabling the forward scattering cross section to be determined directly with reference to the 4He backscattering cross section of carbon (which was, in turn, referenced to the Rutherford cross section for 4He on Cu). The D(4He, D)4He cross section exhibits a resonance at 2.135 ± 0.01 MeV, with ∼ 60 keV FWHM, the amplitude of which is strongly dependent on scattering angle. For the rest of the energy range, the cross section is featureless, and can be fitted well by a simple polynomial.
Neuropsychological predictors of decision-making capacity over 9 months in mild-to-moderate dementia.

BACKGROUND: Older adults with dementia may have diminished capacity to make medical treatment decisions.
Influence of Prolonged Hypothermia and Hyperthermia On Myocardial Sodium, Potassium and Chloride

In dogs cooled to 25 C. and in animals maintained at this rectal temperature for 2 and 4 hours there was a progressive increase in K and decrease in Na content of the left ventricular muscle, with no change in total Cl and H2O. Animals heated to a rectal temperature of 41.5 C. for 1 hour exhibited an elevated total K and no change in total Na, Cl and H2O contents of the myocardium.
Seawater reverse osmosis — an economic alternative to distillation

Abstract During the last 10 years RO has achieved growing acceptance as an economical and viable alternative to MSF for seawater desalting. The acceptance of this technology is further increasing as a result of plant performance histories and membrane improvements. The abundance of electricity in the Middle East combined with increasing demands for water and restraints on capital spending point to seawater RO as the technology whose time has come. Either alone or in combination with MSF, seawater RO can claim several benefits over MSF: Lower operating costs primarily as the result of energy cost savings. These savings are greater as energy cost increases. Flexibility of operation by the ability to use grid electricity, diversification of plant location and greater load following capability. Replacement of aging MSF plants at minimum capital cost. The ability for power plants to be efficiently designed and operated for power production rather than being controlled by water demands. Combined RO/MSF plants have synergistic benefits through efficiency of plant operation, load following capability, use of excess electricity, product water blending, and lower operating costs than MSF alone. Environmental effects are reduced for a specified quantity of power and water produced due to less fuel burned and warm water discharged to the sea.
Liquefaction evidence for strong earthquakes of Holocene and latest Pleistocene ages in the states of Indiana and Illinois, USA

Abstract Sand- and gravel-filled clastic dikes of seismic liquefaction origin occur throughout much of southern Indiana and Illinois. Nearly all of these dikes originated from prehistoric earthquakes centered in the study area. In this area at least seven and probably eight strong prehistoric earthquakes have been documented as occurring during the Holocene, and at least one during the latest Pleistocene. The recognition of different earthquakes has been based mainly on timing of liquefaction in combination with the regional pattern of liquefaction effects, but some have been recognized only by geotechnical testing at sites of liquefaction. Most paleo-earthquakes presently recognized lie in Indiana, but equally as many may have occurred in Illinois. Studies in Illinois have not yet narrowly bracketed the age of clastic dikes at many sites, which sometimes causes uncertainty in defining the causative earthquake, but even in Illinois the largest paleo-earthquakes probably have been identified. Prehistoric magnitudes were probably as high as about moment magnitude M 7.5. This greatly exceeds the largest historic earthquake of M 5.5 centered in Indiana or Illinois. The strongest paleo-earthquakes struck in the vicinity of the concentration of strongest historic seismicity. Elsewhere, paleo-earthquakes on the order of M 6–7 have occurred even where there has been little or no historic seismicity. Both geologic and geotechnical methods of analysis have been essential for verification of seismic origin for the dikes and for back-calculating prehistoric magnitudes. Methods developed largely as part of this study should be of great value in unraveling the paleoseismic record elsewhere.
Core myofibers and related alterations induced in rats' soleus muscle by immobilization in shortened position

Experimental induction of core myofibers by tenotomy or local tetanus suggests that mechanical factors such as muscle tension loss, shortening or immobilization may play a role in core fiber formation. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the morphologic alterations induced in soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles following immobilization of rats' hindlimb in various positions. The SOL and EDL muscles were immobilized in either shortened or lengthened state by applying wire-meshed plaster cast for 1, 2 and 3 weeks. The muscles were dissected out, measured, weighed and examined by histochemistry and electron microscopy. Gross atrophy was noted in all muscles but was greatest in shortened SOL. The SOL atrophy was diffuse and associated with relative increase in type 2 fibers. In EDL, the atrophy selectively involved fibers with low oxidative enzyme activity. Core myofibers were seen mainly in shortened SOL and consisted of myofibrillar derangement, loss of myofilaments and streaming of Z bands. The preferential involvement of shortened SOL (tonic, fatigue-resistant, slow-twitch muscle) suggests that the functional length, loss of tension subsequent to shortening and intrinsic biochemical properties of the muscle are important in core fiber formation.
Informatics Competence in the EHR Era

WHAT ARE YOU looking forward to in 2014? For the informatics and information technology (IT) world, 2014 is the year in which all Americans are required to have an electronic health record (EHR). It will ideally mark the end of the paper health record and the beginning of the full digitization of the health care system. As many clinical agencies transition to EHRs or upgrade their current systems, perhaps the better question is, ‘‘will you be ready?’’
Myelin basic protein arginine methyl transferase: wide distribution among both neurogenic and non-neurogenic tissues.

Abstract A methyl transferase catalyzing the transfer of methyl groups from S-adenosyl-methionine specifically to an arginine residue at position 107 of the nervous system specific myelin basic protein from beef brain was detected not only in neurogenic, but also in non-neurogenic rat organs and tumor cell lines. The products of methylation were identified as N-monomethylarginine and N,N′-dimethylarginine. The specific activity of crude enzyme preparation towards myelin basic protein was greater than that towards histones type III or type IV. Studies on competition of the substrates for the enzyme(s) indicated that at least part of the methylation of histones type III and type IV was probably catalyzed by the enzyme(s) methylating myelin basic protein.
From single cell model to battery pack simulation for Li-ion batteries

A practical universal modeling and simulation approach is presented in this paper to show that accurate battery pack simulation can be achieved if cell-to-cell variations were taken into account. A generic equivalent circuit model was used in the approach with parameters deduced from cell testing with proper protocols, which could come from live cell monitoring in a control circuitry. Using a single cell model, which was validated against experimental data and demonstrated with validity of high accuracy in predicting cell performance, we showed that such a high accuracy in single cell model is essential for a high fidelity pack simulation. It is also important to derive statistical confidence intervals accurately from experiments to characterize intrinsic cell-to-cell variations in capacity and internal resistance, which need to be considered in the pack model. If parameters for each individual cell were correctly approximated and used in the pack model, the accuracy in the prediction of pack performance could be significantly improved.
Lipoprotein spectrum analysis of uremic patients maintained on chronic hemodialysis.

Abstract It is known that patients maintained on chronic hemodialysis have elevated plasma lipids. In order to establish whether the type of kidney pathology is related to a specific lipoprotein abnormality, we measured plasma lipoproteins in eight patients with glomerulonephritis, two patients with polycystic kidney disease and nine patients that had been surgically nephrectomized. The concentration and composition of plasma very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) in patients were compared to plasma lipoproteins in a control group. In all patient groups, the lipoprotein alterations appeared identical. VLDL were elevated 3 to 4 fold, LDL were decreased 15–35% and HDL were decreased 30–45% when compared to values of our control group. Since no differences in the lipoprotein spectrum were found among the patient groups, it appears that the hypertriglyceridemia of chronic uremia is due to the uremie state per se and is not related to a specific pathology of the kidney.
The applicability of Holland's typology to clients

Abstract Holland, 1966 , Holland, 1973 has generated a vast amount of research seeking to validate or to challenge the hexagonal model and the associated constructs of consistency and differentiation. A review of the studies related to Holland's typology, however, reveals a very small number of studies with clients as subjects. The present study was an evaluation of Holland's model using the General Occupational Themes of the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory (SCII) ( D. P. Campbell & J. C. Hansen, Manual for the SVIB-SCII, 3rd ed., Stanford, Calif.: Stanford Univ. Press, 1981 ) obtained from college students who had sought vocational counseling. The use of the hexagonal model as a framework for the interpretation of relationships among the SCII General Occupational Themes was supported, and the SCII was found to be a valid instrument for vocational counseling in a client population.
Virtual Meetings: Improving Impact and Accessibility of CME

INTRODUCTION Historically, continuing medical education (CME) has been the primary way for medical health professionals to gain upto-date knowledge and skills to improve health care and patient outcomes [1]. CME educational credits are required for physician certification in most states. In California, the annual requirement is approximately 25 hours of credit [2]. The typical format of CME has been attendance at an inperson meeting, where experts give didactic lectures on a focused topic. Recent educational research has questioned whether this method of physician education improves medical care. Criticisms of the traditional didactic model include concerns that there is little opportunity for audience interaction or discussion, which improves retention [3-5]; little formal assessment of the impact on participant knowledge and actual practice [5]; and a lack of audit and feedback tools to characterize optimal versus actual care provided, shown to be an effective educational intervention [4,5]. An online CME format was chosen for the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Virtual Symposium on Radiation Safety in Computed Tomography because it was widely accessible and offered customization, adaptability, several interactive features, and the ability to host speakers from diverse backgrounds, providing an array of concrete strategies for lowering the radiation used in everyday practice. Our speakers came from a broad range of background and industries, and included academic leaders in radiology, community hospital physicians, professional organizations, researchers, and educators. By creating an online meeting that required no travel, we were able to maintain low overhead costs while bringing together diverse stakeholders who would have otherwise been difficult to bring together.
Ecosystem responses to extreme natural events: impacts of three sequential hurricanes in fall 1999 on sediment quality and condition of benthic fauna in the Neuse River Estuary, North Carolina.

A study was conducted in November 1999 to assess sediment quality and condition of benthic fauna in the Neuse River Estuary (NRE), North Carolina, USA, following the passage of three Atlantic hurricanes during the two months prior. Samples for analysis of macroinfauna (>0.5 mm sieve size), chemical contamination of sediments, and other abiotic environmental variables (salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, depth, sediment granulometry) were collected at 20 sites from the mouth of the Neuse River at Pamlico Sound to approximately 90 km upstream. Results were compared to those obtained from the same area in July 1998 using similar protocols. Depressed salinity, caused by extreme rainfall and associated high freshwater flow, persisted throughout much of the estuary, which had experienced periods of water-column stratification and hypoxia of underlying waters. Fifteen of the 20 sites, representing 299 km2 (76% of the survey area), also showed signs of benthic stress based on a multi-metric benthic index of biotic integrity (B-IBI). Benthic impacts included reductions in the abundance, diversity, and numbers of species and shifts in taxonomic composition, with a notable increase in dominance of the opportunistic polychaete Mediomastus ambiseta as other former dominant species declined. There was no significant increase in the extent of chemical contamination compared to pre-hurricane conditions. Storm-related reductions in dissoved oxygen and salinity were the more likely causes of the observed benthic impacts, though it was not possible, based on these results, to separate storm effects from seasonal changes in the benthos and annual episodes of summer anoxia and hypoxia.
Synthesis of well-defined multigraft copolymers

This short review article focuses on significant developments made in the pursuit of well-defined graft copolymers over the past decade or so. The state-of-the-art for synthesis of the complex copolymers has been greatly advanced over this time period. Anionic polymerization techniques now allow for synthesis of narrow polydispersity multigraft copolymers with control over branch spacing, number of branch points, and branch point functionality. Other controlled/living polymerization techniques are being exploited to increase the chemical diversity of these materials. Future work in this area will focus on synthesis of more complex architectures and incorporation of three or more chemical building blocks into the materials.
Observation of anomalous positive correlation of product rotational and vibrational excitation in the H+CD4→HD(ν′,J′)+CD3 reaction

Abstract We report measurement of the rotational state distribution for the HD product of the H+CD 4 →HD(ν′, J ′)+CD 3 reaction at a collision energy of 1.5 eV. The rotational energy of the HD (ν′=1) product, E rot (ν′=1) >=0.173±0.016 eV, is significantly greater than the rotational energy of the HD (ν′=0) product, E rot (ν′=0) > =0.126±0.006 eV, indicating an unusual positive correlation of product rotational and vibrational excitation.
Self-Focusing Effects Associated with Laser-Induced Air Breakdown.

Sparks produced by focusing the beam from a single-mode ruby laser have been investigated, and photographs of radiation scattered at 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to the incident beam show that breakdown occurs in filaments or points having a diameter of 5 \ensuremath{\mu} or less. Intense pulses of coherent radiation scattered in the forward direction have also been observed, and the measured divergence of this light indicates the presence of self-focused regions having a diameter of \ensuremath{\sim}1.7 \ensuremath{\mu}. These observations support the hypothesis that self-focusing of the beam may initiate laser-induced breakdown.
Viscosity of Binary Mixtures

THE equation1 which is advanced by Dr. Lederer to give η, the viscosity of an ideal binary mixture, assumes that N1 and N2 are the physical molecular weights of the liquids 1 and 2 the viscosities of which are respectively η1 and η2.
Computing sunspot equilibria in linear rational expectations models

Abstract We provide a computationally simple method of analyzing the effects of fundamental and sunspot shocks in linear rational expectations models when the equilibrium is indeterminate. Under indeterminacy sunspots can affect model dynamics through endogenous forecast errors. Moreover, the effect of fundamental shocks on forecast errors is not uniquely determined. The solution method is illustrated with a New Keynesian dynamic stochastic equilibrium model that can be solved analytically. Under a passive interest-rate rule, the response of inflation to an unanticipated interest rate cut is ambiguous: there are some equilibria in which inflation increases and others in which prices fall.
The rat's failure to anticipate regularly scheduled daily shock

In Experiment 1 rats were given an electric shock at the same time each day, either at noon or at midnight, for 30 days to see if they would anticipate shock by making a learned escape response before a scheduled shock. In Experiment 2 subcutaneous temperature was recorded before a regularly scheduled daily shock to see if there was anticipatory conditioned emotional reaction. Both experiments showed an absence of anticipation. It is suggested that diurnal anticipation may be limited in the rat to the hunger-feeding system.
A simultaneous access design for idle processor reactivation and the detection of the termination of a parallel activity

Abstract The problems of idle processor reactivation and the detection of the termination of a parallel activity are investigated. We have proposed a simultaneous access design to handle both problems. The design allows n processors to access it at every constant time cycle, and both problems are solved in O(log n ) time. The hardware overhead for the design is O( n ). We have also proved the correctness of our design in reactivating idle processors and detecting the termination of a parallel activity.
A note on hierarchies in weighted voting games and partitions

Weighted voting games (WVGs) model situations where voters, possibly controlling different numbers of votes, vote yes or no on a proposition. A proposition passes if and only if the number of yes votes meets or exceeds a quota \(q\). Each winning coalition is a partition of an integer greater than or equal to \(q\), with parts taken from the set of all weights for that game. Results about WVGs are here interpreted as results about partitions.
Impact of a second semen analysis on a treatment decision making in the infertile man with varicocele

Objective To evaluate the impact of second semen analysis (SA) on a treatment decision in infertile men with varicocele and abnormal first SA. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting University hospital. Intervention None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Standard clinical semen analysis. Patient(s) A total of 160 infertile men with varicocele and abnormal first SA were evaluated. Two SA were performed in the same andrology lab 3 to 8 weeks apart. Exclusion criteria were azoospermia, low semen volume, leukocytospermia, febrile illness within 3 months, and habitual heat exposure. Result(s) Despite fluctuation in absolute values of sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, the second SA remained abnormal in 111 out of 112 men (99.1%) with abnormal first SA. Conclusion(s) Initial abnormal SA is a sufficient indication for varicocele treatment because in most patients the second SA remains abnormal and does not change treatment decision. This approach will expedite treatment of infertile men with varicocele and increase its cost effectiveness.
Multiscale modeling and distributed computing to predict cosmesis outcome after a lumpectomy

Surgery for early stage breast carcinoma is either total mastectomy (complete breast removal) or surgical lumpectomy (only tumor removal). The lumpectomy or partial mastectomy is intended to preserve a breast that satisfies the woman's cosmetic, emotional and physical needs. But in a fairly large number of cases the cosmetic outcome is not satisfactory. Today, predicting that surgery outcome is essentially based on heuristic. Modeling such a complex process must encompass multiple scales, in space from cells to tissue, as well as in time, from minutes for the tissue mechanics to months for healing. The goal of this paper is to present a first step in multiscale modeling of the long time scale prediction of breast shape after tumor resection. This task requires coupling very different mechanical and biological models with very different computing needs. We provide a simple illustration of the application of heterogeneous distributed computing and modular software design to speed up the model development. Our computational framework serves currently to test hypothesis on breast tissue healing in a pilot study with women who have been elected to undergo BCT and are being treated at the Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX.
Service-Learning's Impact on College Students' Commitment to Future Civic Engagement, Self-Efficacy, and Social Empowerment

Information from surveys of undergraduate college students is used to investigate whether or not service-learning affects students' commitment to future civic engagement, self-efficacy, and social empowerment. Results indicate that some applications of service-learning do have positive effects on students' commitment to future community involvement, efficacy, and empowerment. Analysis reveals that higher levels of commitment to be engaged are mediated by students' experiences of social empowerment. The findings can be used to improve the practice of service-learning as a pedagogical tool to strengthen students' commitment to becoming active citizens in their communities.
Acetylcholine response in guinea pig outer hair cells. II. Activation of a small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel

The type of K+ channel involved in the acetylcholine (ACh) evoked response (Ksub; sub stands for suberyldicholine) in guinea pig outer hair cells (OHCs) is still uncertain. The present study tests the hypotheses that Ksub is one of the following: a big conductance Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channel (BK), a small conductance Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channel (SK), a KA type of K+ channel, or a Kn type of K+ channel. Patch-clamp technique in the whole-cell mode was used to record from single guinea pig OHCs. ACh (100 microM) was applied to voltage-clamped OHCs and the ACh-induced currents (IACh) were measured. Charybdotoxin (100 nM) had no effect on IACh, while apamin (1 microM) blocked more than 90% of IACh. Lowering the external Ca2+ concentration caused a hyperpolarizing shift of the IACh monitored as a function of the prepulse voltage. Increasing internal Mg2+ (Mgi2+) concentration caused a reduction in the outward IACh without affecting the inward IACh. The Ksub channel was found to be permeable to Cs+. In Cs+ solutions, IACh was 45% of the IACh in K+ solutions. The block of IACh by apamin, the dependence on extracellular Ca2+, the incomplete block of IACh by Cs+, and the ACh-induced Cs+ currents favor the hypothesis that Ksub belongs to the SK type of channels. An ionotropic/nicotinic nature of the ACh mechanism of action is favored. It is suggested that, in vivo, the amplitude of the ACh-induced hyperpolarization may depend on the Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio inside and outside the cell.
Direct-Process NMR Relaxation by Spin Waves in a One-Dimensional Antiferromagnet

Measurements of the proton relaxation time ${T}_{1}$ in ${(\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{H}}_{3})}_{4}$NMn${\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$ are reported as a function of temperature between 4.0 and 1.2 K. Results are interpreted in terms of a direct relaxation process with spin waves in a one-dimensional antiferromagnet. They represent the first observation of direct-process NMR relaxation by magnons in any system and show that any gap in the spectrum at $q=\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{a}$ has to be less than 0.07 meV.
Resolution of Hypoprothrombinemia-Lupus Anticoagulant Syndrome (HLAS) after multidrug therapy with rituximab: a case report and review of the literature

Summary Hypoprothrombinemia associated with a lupus anticoagulant (LA) was first reported in the literature over 50 years ago. The hypoprothrombinemia-lupus anticoagulant syndrome (HLAS) is a rare bleeding diathesis that has been associated with LAs in adult and paediatric patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and with transient LAs due to other causes. There are no standard recommendations for treating haemorrhage associated with this syndrome. Herein, we report a patient with SLE and HLAS who achieved a durable remission following treatment with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), prednisone and rituximab.
Short‐term in‐home intervention reduces depressive symptoms in Early Head Start Latina mothers of infants and toddlers

Depressive symptoms may compromise the ability of low-income Latina mothers with limited English language proficiency to parent their infants or toddlers. Eighty Early Head Start Latina mothers with limited English language proficiency were randomized to an advanced practice nurse-delivered, culturally tailored, in-home psychotherapy intervention, or to usual care. Repeated measures regression analysis showed a significantly greater decrease in depressive symptoms for intervention mothers compared to the usual care group at 22 and 26 weeks (4 weeks post intervention). Intervention mothers' reports of their child's aggression diminished significantly from T1 to T4 compared to usual care mothers (p = .03). Self-efficacy appeared to only partially mediate the intervention effect, and maternal health moderated the intervention impact. Results indicate that the intervention reduced depressive symptoms and, compared to previous studies in this population, retention of mothers in both intervention and control conditions was improved. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:60–76, 2010
Ultrasonic near-field optical microscopy using a plasmonic nanofocusing probe

Ultrasonic waves are sensitive to the elastic properties of solids and have been applied in a variety of nondestructive materials characterization and metrology applications. The spatial resolution of established ultrasound techniques is limited to the order of the ultrasound wavelength, which is insufficient for nanomechanical characterization and imaging of nanoscale aspects of a material microstructure. Here, we report of an ultrasonic near-field optical microscopy (UNOM) technique that enables local mapping of ultrasound with deep sub-optical wavelength spatial resolution. In this technique, ultrasonic waves generated by a pulsed laser are detected by a scanning near-field optical probe over a broad frequency bandwidth. The scanning probe features a plasmonic nano-focusing lens that concentrates light to a strongly localized focal spot at the tip of the probe. The plasmonic probe enhances the scattering of evanescent light at the probe-tip and enables reliable measurement of the dynamic motion of a vibrating surface. The measurements made by the UNOM are purely optical; therefore, it is independent of mechanical coupling between the probe and the sample, which is one of the limitations of force based scanning probe microscopy methods. The UNOM technique allows for spatially and temporally resolved optical measurements of ultrasound with greater penetration depth, and it combines the benefits of local sensitivity to elastic and optical properties. Experimental results are presented, which demonstrate the potential of the technique for local mapping of subsurface optical absorbers in a soft material with high spatial resolution.
On the measurement and use of time-varying communication channels.

In this paper the beginnings of a theory are established concerning time-varying a nd random linear channels with the intent of characterizing classes of channels which can be determined exact]y or approximately by measurement, showing how the measurements can be made, analyzing the errors, and applying the results to the theory of signal detection. The notion of a determinable class of channels is defined and general examples are given. These include classes of channels that are time-invariant, periodic, and which vary with a known trend. The measurement of slowly-varying channels by approximation by time-invariant ones belonging to a known determinable class is discussed. Relation between almost-time-inva rianee of a channel a nd the correlation properties of a kind ef stationary random channel are developed and tied-in with the ehanne! measurement theory. An application is made to the problem of detecting sure signals in noise when the channel is slowly-varying.
Facts on Alcohol and Alcoholism for Courtroom Testimony

Knowledge of alcoholism and alcohol-related phenomena is cssential for the independent social worker as well as all other professionals who are involved in legal proceedings. This paper summarizes facts relevant to alcohol consumption within the context of the adversary system of decision-making.
DO MEGAMERGERS MAKE SENSE

Megamergers often do not benefit shareholders, managers, or the public. One does not need to have acquisitions followed by divestiture or dismemberment, followed by more acquisitions. Unless corporate managers learn from a decade of experience, one can expect a continuing parade of profitless megamergers.
Murine subrenal capsule assay: Prediction of chemoresponsiveness in head and neck cancer

If chemotherapy is to be used with the greatest efficacy in head and neck cancer, a predictive test that will indicate tumor sensitivity or resistance in individual patients may be desirable. This report demonstrates that the in vivo murine subrenal capsule assay was an efficient, sensitive method for retrospectively predicting the clinical response of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck to chemotherapy. Twenty-five courses of chemotherapy in 22 patients were compared to responses in the in vivo assay. The assay correctly identified sensitivity to chemotherapy in 86% of clinically responding patients. The specificity of the assay was 78%. A 60% efficiency for predicting clinical response and a 93% efficiency for predicting clinical resistance were demonstrated. Eighty percent of the results were correctly classified. The murine subrenal capsule assay has potential in planning of chemotherapy for selected patients.