cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Objective assessment of swallowing function in head and neck cancer patients.

Swallowing function was evaluated with scintigraphy in 37 patients with head and neck cancer. The patients were examined before and during the course of either surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy. A total of 118 scintigraphic studies were performed. Scintigraphic results of bolus flow and aspiration were correlated with clinical findings. Both scintigraphic and clinical studies indicated a worsened swallowing function in 12 patients. These same studies indicated improvement of swallowing in another 13 patients. In 11 patients, both studies revealed either no apparent change or mixed changes in swallowing function after the course of therapy. In only 1 patient was there disagreement between the scintigraphic and clinical assessment of swallowing function. It is our opinion that scintigraphy is a useful method for objective assessment of swallowing function during and after the course of treatment of head and neck cancer patients.
The Challenge of Forecasting Heavy Rain and Flooding throughout the Eastern Region of the National Weather Service. Part II: Forecast Techniques and Applications

Abstract Over the years, as the recognition and understanding of the structure and climatic frequency of heavy-rain events has expanded, there has been a corresponding improvement in the available forecast guidance on both the national and local level. Numerous operational procedures, forecast applications, and objective techniques have been developed at National Weather Service (NWS) field offices to assess the potential for heavy precipitation and flooding. The use of simple models and operational checklists, as well as the identification of precipitation enhancements due to the effects of terrain and local climatology, provide forecasters with useful tools that help interpret and improve upon the central guidance products. In addition, the NWS Eastern Region has devised and implemented an aggressive and comprehensive program to support the daily formulation of quantitative precipitation estimates appropriate for the production of more timely and accurate river forecasts. Finally, access to high-resolut...
Effects of high-frequency (500-600 Hz), antidromic stimulation on primary and secondary spindle afferents.

The aftereffects of antidromic stimulation at 500 or 600 Hz on the discharge of isolated spindle Ia and II, and tendon organ Ib afferent fibers from the cat medial gastrocnemius muscle were examined to see what proprioceptive disturbances to expect when such "high-frequency," tension-attenuating stimulation is used to modulate contractions in orthotic applications. Three phases of poststimulation depression in spindle discharge were recognized: a complete pause in firing, a rapidly accelerating return of discharge, and a final more gradual approach to the control rate. When steady prestimulation discharge rates of Ia and II endings were equated through adjustment of muscle length, no obvious difference in effect on duration of the pause or position sensitivity was detected. Sensitivity to dynamic change in muscle length was also depressed, but responses returned earlier than when the muscle was held at a steady length. The dynamic responses of tendon organs were similarly depressed.
Low density lipoprotein receptor activity in freshly isolated human blood monocytes and lymphocytes.

Abstract Circulating human monocytes and lymphocytes were isolated by counterflow and density gradient centrifugation. Binding and degradation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) occurred predominantly in monocytes and to a much lesser extent in lymphocytes. The findings are consistent with greater LDL receptor activity in freshly isolated monocytes than lymphocytes, in keeping with differences in other cell surface receptors between these two cell types. Therefore, when freshly isolated mixed mononuclear cells are used to study LDL receptor activity in vivo in humans, careful attention needs to be given to the proportions of monocytes and lymphocytes, or alternatively, relatively pure preparations of monocytes should be used.
Coma expansion and photometry of comet Bowell (1980b)

Abstract Optical and infrared observations of comet Bowell are presented. The optical observations indicate that the solid grain coma is expanding at only 0.9 ± 0.2 m sec−1. This is two orders of magnitude slower than the local gas sound speed and may suggest that gas drag is not responsible for stripping the grains from the nucleus. The hypothesis of “electrostatic snap-off” is tentatively advanced to account for the ejection of the grains. Alternatively, the grains may have an unusual size distribution. The extrapolated motion of the grains suggests that the bulk of the coma was formed when the comet was at a heliocentric distance R ⋍ 10 AU . Any water ice in the nucleus would be too cold to give rise to the observed grain coma by equilibrium sublimation at this R. Further evidence against the production of the grain coma by equilibrium sublimation of the nucleus is provided by broadband (J) photometric observations. Almost all of the observed photometric variations of comet Bowell can be ascribed to geometric effects. Simple models indicate that the total grain cross section has been nearly constant since the time of the earliest observations. The present observations, which suggest that water ice sublimation does not control either the optical morphology or the near infrared photometric behavior of comet Bowell, are contrasted with reported high OH production rates. It is concluded that the grain coma may be largely a relic of activity occurring on the nucleus at R ⋍ 10 AU while the OH may indicate sublimation from the nucleus near perihelion and from coma grains near R ⋍ 4.6 AU .
Impact of Absenteeism on Assembly Line Quality and Throughput

Assembly lines function best when every worker is present. When a worker is absent, management must scramble to quickly find a replacement. Usually, the replacement will not be as proficient as the absent worker. This can reduce quality and throughput. We present two assembly line work-systems models (one for lines with Andon and one for lines without Andon) that show one mechanism whereby absenteeism could impact quality and throughput. We exercise these models to provide insights into absenteeism's impact on quality and throughput. While the paper is written in the concrete terms of automotive assembly, the concepts and results apply to manual assembly lines in general.
Compliance to owner's manual warnings: influence of familiarity and the placement of a supplemental directive

This research examined several methods of directing people to warnings in an owner's manual in order to increase compliance behaviour during the installation of a computer disk drive. Seven conditions were examined. In the control condition, the disk drive was accompanied by a basic manual that contained equipment-safety warnings on pages 6 and 7. In another condition, the manual was identical except that the warnings were also reprinted redundantly on page 2 of the manual (which was blank in the basic manual). The remaining five conditions were identical to the redundant-warning condition, except that they also included a supplemental directive that was placed at various locations (on the shipping box, cover page of the manual, accompanying leaflet, disk drive cable, and front of the drive). The directive stated 'Please Read Page 2 of the Owner's Manual Before Connecting the Equipment’. The results show a trend of greater compliance with the redundant-warning (only) manual compared to the basic manual, b...
The development of chick-embryo-lethal-orphan (CELO) virus T and V antigens in lytically infected chick kidney cells.

The sequential development of the CELO-specific T and virion antigens was studied in lytically infected chick kidney cells using the indirect immunofluorescence technique. The T antigen was detected 6 hours after infection, and rapidly increased until a peak was reached at 20–24 h. The V antigen could not be detected until 20 h after infection. The V antigen, but not the T antigen, was inhibited by cytosine arabinoside. Both antigens were inhibited by cycloheximide. After storage in liquid nitrogen for 3 weeks, the T antigen in fixed cells could not be detected by indirect immunofluorescence tests. Le Developpement des Antlgfines V et T du Virus Celo Dans les Cellules Renales de Poulet Lytiquement Infectees Le diveloppement siquentiel des antigines V (virioniques) et T speicifiques du virus CELO ete par immunofluorescence indirecte sur les cellules renales de poulets lytiquement infectkes. L'antiment T a eete dicelk 6 heures apres infection et a rapidement prolifere jusqu'a ce qu'un maximum soit atteint entre la vingtisme et favingt-quatrieme heure. l'antigene V n'est apparu que 20 heures apres l'infection. Contrairement a l'antigene T, l'antigene V a ete inhibe par la cytosine arabinoside. Les deux antigenes out ete inhibes par le cycloheximide. Les tests d'immunofluorescence indirecte n'ont pas permis de deceler d'antigene T dans les cellules fixees conservees pendant trois semaines dans de l'azote liquide.
Studies on the catalytic and regulatory properties of homoserine dehydrogenase of Zea mays roots.

1. 1. Homoserine dehydrogenase has been isolated and partially purified from the apical centimeter of Zea mays roots. It appears to be a single enzyme possessing dual coenzyme specificity. The apparent Km for NADP+ was significanty lower than that for NAD+, although the υmax with NAD+ was twice that observed with NADP+. Two apparent Km values for homoserine were calculated from double-reciporcal plots of initial velocity and homoserine concentration in the presence of excess NADP+. Enzyme-catalyzed reduction of aspartic semialdehyde could be inhibited by either of the reduced coenzymes. When noninhibitory levels of coenzymes were employed, reaction rates were always greater with NADPH. 2. 2. The enzyme was inhibited by the pathway product threonine, and by three other natural amino acids: serine, aspartic acid and cysteine. The NADP+- and NAD+-linked enzyme activities proved to be differentially sensitive to these amino acids. The results of kinetic and desensitization experiments suggest that the mechanism of action or the enzyme binding site of each inhibitory amino acid may be different. 3. 3. Properties of the enzyme are discussed in relation to properties of microbial homoserine dehydrogenases and physiological conditions in developing roots.
Multiwavelength dielectrometer (MWD) sensor for planetary subsurface exploration

NASA's mission to Moon, Mars, and Beyond envisions landing of a light weight measurement platform on the planetary surface. The Multi-Wavelength Dielectrometer (MWD) on-board consists of essential electronics and metallic plates acting as electrodes attached to the body of such platform. An electric signal applied to one of the electrodes acting as a cathode sets up electric field pattern (in the soil medium) between the cathode and other electrodes acting as anodes. The electrodes are swept through multiple wavelengths (1Hz-1MHz) and the electric current drawn by the electrodes is measured at each frequency. The measured current whose amplitude and phase depend upon electrode spacing, dielectric constant of the subsurface soil, and the frequency is then used to estimate electrical properties of the soil. In this paper the MWD sensor that will measure the dielectric properties of Moon/Mars s soil is presented. A procedure to process the MWD measured data for extracting the soil properties is also described. Assuming the subsurface soil structure as multilayer strata having varying electric properties, an electric equivalent circuit of the multiple electrodes configuration placed on a multi-layer soil sample is obtained. The current drawn by the equivalent circuit from the low frequency signal generator is then calculated. By minimizing the difference between the model s estimated current and measured MWD data the electric properties of soil samples are extracted. Experimental and simulated results will be presented to validate the proposed procedure for extracting soil properties.
Characterization of Halyomorpha halys (brown marmorated stink bug) biogenic volatile organic compound emissions and their role in secondary organic aerosol formation.

The formation of aerosols is a key component in understanding cloud formation in the context of radiative forcings and global climate modeling. Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are a significant source of aerosols, yet there is still much to be learned about their structures, sources, and interactions. The aims of this project were to identify the BVOCs found in the defense chemicals of the brown marmorated stink bug Halymorpha halys and quantify them using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and test whether oxidation of these compounds by ozone-promoted aerosol and cloud seed formation. The bugs were tested under two conditions: agitation by asphyxiation and direct glandular exposure. Tridecane, 2(5H)-furanone 5-ethyl, and (E)-2-decenal were identified as the three most abundant compounds. H. halys were also tested in the agitated condition in a smog chamber. It was found that in the presence of 100–180 ppm ozone, secondary aerosols do form. A scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) ...
Developing a tool for environmentally preferable purchasing

LCA‐based guidance was developed by EPA under the Framework for Responsible Environmental Decision‐making (FRED) effort to demonstrate how to conduct a relative comparison between product types to determine environmental preferability. It identifies data collection needs and issues, and describes how to calculate numeric impact indicators for a given product or service across eight human health and environmental impact categories that were selected specifically to meet the goal of the effort: global climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, acidification, photochemical smog formation, eutrophication, human health, ecological health, and resource depletion. Case studies were conducted on motor oil, wall insulation, and asphalt coating. It was concluded that the FRED LCA approach can be performed in a much shorter time period than is typical for a more detailed LCA. This more practical duration for procurement decisions is achieved though the focusing of data collection and a simplified impact assessment procedure.
The SEEDS platform for evolutionary and ecological simulations

Over the past few decades, evolutionary computation (EC) has grown substantially in use for biologists and engineers alike. Its transparency makes it an indispensable tool for studying evolutionary- and ecological dynamics, and it has provided researchers with new insights that would be tremendously difficult, if not impossible, to gain using natural systems. In addition, EC has proven to be a powerful search algorithm for engineering applications, and has produced numerous novel and human-competitive solutions to complex problems. Although several well-established packages are readily available, it seems that when most users harness the power of evolutionary computation, they do so using "home-grown" solutions. This can likely be attributed to the ease with which simple models are created, the user's need for customization, and the sizeable learning barrier imposed by available solutions, as well as difficulties in extending them.We present SEEDS, a modular, open-source platform for conducting evolutionary computation experiments. SEEDS provides a simple, flexible, and extensible foundation that enables users with minimal programming experience to perform complex evolutionary and ecological simulations without having to first implement core functionality. In addition, SEEDS provides the tools necessary to make sharing data and reproducing experiments both easy and convenient.
Microarrays of Biomimetic Cells Formed by the Controlled Synthesis of Carbon Nanofiber Membranes

Biological processes are carried out in a small physical volume, the cell, where molecular composition coupled with defined nanometer-scale architecture bring about function. A major challenge inherent in copying this engineering ideal is the fabrication and filling of enclosed membrane structures. Described here is the combination of deterministically grown carbon nanofibers, micromachining techniques, and piezo-based ink jet technology to create cellular mimics. The synthesis, testing, and application of coupled arrays of semipermeable microstructures with defined, sub-nanoliter fluid contents are demonstrated.
Insulin-induced egr-1 expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells is insulin receptor and insulin receptor substrate-1 phosphorylation-independent. Evidence of an alternative signal transduction pathway.

Insulin's effects primarily are initiated by insulin binding to its plasma membrane receptor and the sequential tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor and intracellular substrates, such as insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1). However, studies suggest some insulin effects, including those at the nucleus, may not be regulated by this pathway. The present study compared the levels of insulin binding, insulin receptor and IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation, and phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase activity to immediate early gene c-fos and egr-1 mRNA expression in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing only neomycin-resistant plasmid (CHONEO), overexpressing wild type human insulin receptor (CHOHIRc) or ATP binding site-mutated insulin receptors (CHOA1018K). Insulin binding in CHONEO cells was markedly lower than that in other cell types. 10 nM insulin significantly increased tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor and IRS-1 in CHOHIRc cells. Phosphorylation of insulin receptor and IRS-1 in CHONEO and CHOA1018K cells was not detected in the presence or absence of insulin. Similarly, insulin increased phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity only in CHOHIRc cells. As determined by Northern blot, nuclear run-on analysis, and in situ hybridization, insulin induced c-fos mRNA expression, through transcription, in CHOHIRc cells but not in CHONEO and CHOA1018K cells, consistent with previous reports. In contrast, all three cell types showed a similar insulin dose-dependent increase of egr-1 mRNA expression through transcription. These data indicated that insulin-induced egr-1 mRNA expression did not correlate with the levels of insulin binding to insulin receptor or phosphorylation of insulin receptor and IRS-1. These results suggest that different mechanisms are involved in induction of c-fos and egr-1 mRNA expression by insulin, the former by the more classic insulin receptor tyrosine kinase pathway and the latter by a yet to be determined alternative signal transduction pathway.
p150/95 (CD11c/CD18) Expression Is Required for the Development of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

p150/95 (CD11c/CD18, CR4) is a member of the β2-integrin family of adhesion molecules and is considered an important phagocytic receptor. The role of p150/95 in the development of central nervous system demyelinating diseases, including multiple sclerosis, remains unexplored. To determine p150/95-mediated mechanisms in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we performed EAE using CD11c-deficient (CD11c−/−) mice. EAE in CD11c−/− mice was significantly attenuated and characterized by markedly reduced spinal cord T-cell infiltration and interferon-γ production by these cells. Adoptive transfer of antigen-restimulated T cells from wild-type to CD11c−/− mice produced significantly attenuated EAE, whereas transfer of CD11c−/− antigen-restimulated T cells to control mice induced a very mild, monophasic EAE. T cells from MOG35–55 peptide-primed CD11c−/− mice displayed an unusual cytokine phenotype with elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and IL-12 but reduced levels of interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-10, IL-17, and transforming growth factor-β compared with control mice. Overall, CD11c−/− T cells from primed mice proliferated comparably to that of control T cells on MOG35-55 restimulation. Our results indicate that expression of p150/95 is critical on both T cells as well as other leukocytes for the development of demyelinating disease and may represent a novel therapeutic target for multiple sclerosis.
Branching in the decay of 97Ru To 97mTc and 97Tc

By comparing the K x-ray intensity of 90 day Tc/sup 97m/ with the K x- ray intensity of the 2.88 day Ru/sup 97/ parent from which it grew, we found that Ru/sup 97/ branches 0.041 plus or minus 0.005 per cent to Tc/sup 97m/ and 99.96 per cent to Tc/sup 97/. Based on this measurement and data in the literature, a revised decay scheme is proposed for Ru/sup 97/. Analysis of fourteen decay curves showed a half-life of 2.88 plus or minus O.O4 days for Ru/sup 97/. (auth)
Female behavior in mixed-sex competition: A review of the literature

Abstract In this literature review, two aspects of female behavior in mixed-sex competition were examined, competitive performance itself and physiological changes during competition. In nearly every study reviewed, at least some of the female subjects depressed performance levels, resulting in loss to male competitors. This was more likely to occur in naturalistic studies than in tightly controlled laboratory studies. Females who competed vigorously against males were characterized as being masculine or androgynous, having more internal locus of control, and preferring nontraditional roles. The data on female physiological responses in competitive situations suggest that conflicting social demands raise anxiety levels for at least some female competitors.
Spanish-Speaking Preschoolers' Early Literacy Development: A Longitudinal Experimental Comparison of Predominantly English and Transitional Bilingual Education

The present article reports third-year findings from a three-year longitudinal, experimental-control study involving 31 Spanish-speaking preschoolers (aged 38–48 months) randomly assigned to two Head Start classrooms. In Year 1 preschoolers were randomly assigned to a transitional bilingual education (TBE) or predominantly English classroom, and their receptive and expressive language and phonological awareness skills were measured in English and Spanish through two years in preschool and their kindergarten year. The TBE model was found to confer significant benefits in Spanish-language and literacy development without cost to English development. Future research directions and implications for practice are discussed.
Synthesis of reactive mass-exchange networks

The synthesis of a network of reactive mass exchangers involves the same challenges as in synthesizing physical MENs. The problem is further compounded by virtue of the reactivity of the MSAs. Typically, reactive MSAs have a greater capacity and selectivity to remove an undesirable component than physical MSAs. Furthermore, because they react with the undesirable species, it may be possible to convert pollutants into other species that may either be reused within the plant itself or sold. The problem of synthesizing rea ctive m ass- e xchange n etworks (REAMENs) was developed, along with systematic techniques for its solution. The first step in synthesizing a REAMEN is to establish the conditions for which the reactive mass exchange is thermodynamically feasible. To establish the conditions for thermodynamic feasibility of reactive mass exchange, it is necessary to invoke the basic principles of mass transfer with chemical reactions. After a procedure for establishing the corresponding composition scales for the rich-lean pairs of streams has been outlined, it is possible to develop the CID. However, it should be noted that the conversion among the corresponding composition scales may be more laborious because of the nonlinearity of equilibrium relations. The necessary thermodynamic concepts are covered in the chapter along with chemical equilibrium, which is tackled in a manner that renders the REAMEN synthesis task close to the MEN problem. Finally, an optimization-based approach is presented and illustrated by a case study.
Rate and timing in cortical synaptic plasticity.

Debate has raged over the past few years as to whether cortical neurons transmit information primarily in their average firing rates or in the precise timing of their spikes. Here, we address the related question of which features of spike trains control plasticity at cortical synapses. Using paired recording in slices we have developed a quantitative and predictive description of the joint dependence of cortical plasticity on the rate and relative timing of pre– and postsynaptic firing. The results hold important implications for which parts of the neural code are most readily stored for later retrieval.
Characterization of craniomaxillofacial battle injuries sustained by United States service members in the current conflicts of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Purpose To characterize and describe the craniomaxillofacial (CMF) battlefield injuries sustained by US Service Members in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Patients and Methods The Joint Theater Trauma Registry was queried from October 19, 2001, to December 11, 2007, for CMF battlefield injuries. The CMF injuries were identified using the “International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification” codes and the data compiled for battlefield injury service members. Nonbattlefield injuries, killed in action, and return to duty cases were excluded. Results CMF battlefield injuries were found in 2,014 of the 7,770 battlefield-injured US service members. In the 2,014 injured service members were 4,783 CMF injuries (2.4 injuries per soldier). The incidence of CMF battlefield injuries by branch of service was Army, 72%; Marines, 24%; Navy, 2%; and Air Force, 1%. The incidence of penetrating soft-tissue injuries and fractures was 58% and 27%, respectively. Of the fractures, 76% were open. The location of the facial fractures was the mandible in 36%, maxilla/zygoma in 19%, nasal in 14%, and orbit in 11%. The remaining 20% were not otherwise specified. The primary mechanism of injury involved explosive devices (84%). Conclusions Of the injured US service members, 26% had injuries to the CMF region in the Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom conflicts during a 6-year period. Multiple penetrating soft-tissue injuries and fractures caused by explosive devices were frequently seen. Increased survivability because of body armor, advanced battlefield medicine, and the increased use of explosive devices is probably related to the elevated incidence of CMF battlefield injuries. The current use of “International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification” codes with the Joint Theater Trauma Registry failed to characterize the severity of facial wounds.
An operator theoretic framework for analysis of large-scale quadratic programming

One of the fundamental problems in the area of large-scale constrained optimization problems is the study of the locality features of spatially distributed optimization problems, which can motivate the development of fast and well-conditioned distributed algorithms. We study the spatial locality features of large-scale, possibly infinite-dimensional, quadratic programming (QP) problems with linear inequality constraints. Examples of such problems include receding horizon control of spatially distributed linear systems with input and state constraints, optimal estimation of a parameter based on data collected in a sensor network, manifold learning of a large set of data in machine learning, etc. We propose a new approach for analysis of large-scale QP problems by blending tools from duality theory with operator theory. The class of spatially decaying matrices is introduced to capture couplings between optimization variables in the cost function and constraints. We show that the optimal solution of a large-scale convex QP is piece-wise affine- represented as convolution sums. More importantly, we prove that the kernel of each convolution sum decays in the spatial domain at a rate proportional to the inverse of the corresponding coupling function of the optimization problem. Simulations results are provided to verify our theoretical results.
Clarifying The Meaning Of Extracurricular Activity: A Literature Review Of Definitions

Participation in extracurricular activities has long been recognized as having important benefits for business students, including the development of competencies relevant to future career success. Unfortunately, a review of the literature suggests that what constitutes an extracurricular activity remains ambiguous and unclear as no generally-accepted definition has been established in the literature. Instead, the meaning is often described in terms of examples. It is argued that the lack of a definition hampers research because it does not allow for proper classification of activities. The purpose of this study is to address this gap through a review of the relevant literature. Based on the review, definitions for extracurricular and co-curricular are proposed along with additional clarifications. Implications for scholars and academic advising are also provided.
Experimental evaluation of a two-photon wave packet in type-II parametric downconversion

A two-photon wave packet (a biphoton) produced by type-II parametric downconversion is studied in a simple beam-splitting experiment for its natural shape in space–time. The measured triangular shape of a two-photon correlation function is the signature of a rectangular-shaped biphoton. Inserting a birefringent sample into the beam causes a displacement of the vertex of the notch pattern, which can be used to measure the optical delay between the ordinary and the extraordinary rays in the sample with femtosecond resolution.
Pediatricians’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Patterns Regarding Special Education and Individualized Education Programs

Abstract Objective The medical community has called upon pediatricians to be knowledgeable about an individualized education program (IEP). We sought to: 1) evaluate pediatricians' knowledge and attitudes regarding special education; 2) examine the relationship between perceived responsibilities and practice patterns; and 3) identify barriers that impact pediatricians' ability to provide comprehensive care to children with educational difficulties. Methods Surveys were mailed to a national sample of 1000 randomly selected general pediatricians and pediatric residents from October 2010 to February 2011. Results The response rate was 47%. Of the knowledge items, respondents answered an average of 59% correctly. The majority of respondents thought pediatricians should be responsible for identifying children who may benefit from special education services and assist families in obtaining services, but less than 50% thought they should assist in the development of an IEP. The majority of pediatricians inquired whether a child is having difficulty at school, but far fewer conducted screening tests or asked parents if they needed assistance obtaining services. Overall, the prevalence of considering a practice a pediatrician's responsibility is significantly higher than examples of such a practice pattern being reported. Financial reimbursement and insufficient training were among the most significant barriers affecting a pediatrician's ability to provide care to children with educational difficulties. Conclusions In order to provide a comprehensive medical home, pediatricians must be informed about the special education process. This study demonstrates that there are gaps in pediatricians' knowledge and practice patterns regarding special education that must be addressed.
A custom FPGA for the simulation of gene regulatory networks

We present a unique FPGA that uses a mix of digital and large-signal analog computation for the simulation of gene regulatory networks. The prototype IC consists of a 4x5 array of configurable logic blocks along with programmable interconnect. It can simulate a network of pathways involving up to 20 genes and their associated proteins. The circuit design takes advantage of a number of analogies between CMOS circuits and gene networks. For example, a capacitor charge is used to represent a protein concentration, currents represent protein production, and a transistor switch network is used to compute the influences of activator and repressor proteins on gene expression. A simulation shows how the chip can predict oscillatory behavior in a particular well-known three-gene system.
Long-Term Performance Monitoring of the Tech 21 All-Composite Bridge

Tech 21 is the third all-composite vehicular bridge installed in the United States. The deck has sandwich configuration with a center core made by bonding orthotropic fiberglass and polyester tubes. The three trapezoidal beams supporting the deck were fabricated using E-glass fibers with polyester resin. Each beam was fabricated as an integral unit with its deck section to facilitate transportation to the site, erection, and construction. The two-lane bridge is the first fully instrumented all-composite vehicular bridge, including an extensive health-monitoring system installed during its fabrication. A nearly four-year long continuous monitoring was carried out to demonstrate the performance of the bridge. Field monitored information was studied to evaluate the behavior and durability of composites in the harsh infrastructure environment. This evaluation determines the level of confidence in the long-term field benefits of composite materials and technology.
The Effects of Generator in Leading Phase Operation on the System Voltage

In order to solve the problem of high voltage system which caused by an excess of system reactive power during the systems valleyload period,this paper described the methods of leading phase operation of generator to adjust the system voltage to the reasonable range, which is proved feasible and effective through the field test.
Antitumor action of dichloro(4,5-dimethyl-o-phenylenediamine-n,n') platinum (ii).

SummaryDichloro (4,5–dimethyl–o–phenyl–enediamine–N,N′)platinum (II) (DDPP) was synthesized by the reaction of 4,5–dimethyl–o–phenylenediamine with potassium tetrachlo–roplatinate. The resulting compound extended up to 176% the survival times of BALB/c mice bearing the Ehrlich ascites tumor and up to 74% the survival times of BDF1 mice bearing the L1210 leukemia. In studies using Ehrlich ascites tumor cells in vitro, DDPP was found to be a potent inhibitor of synthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein; the concentrations which conferred 50% inhibition following 1.5 hr of incubation with the compound were 3 × 10-5 to 5 × 10-5M. Inhibition of nucleic acid and protein synthesis in vitro, once established, was not ameliorated by washing the cells with fresh medium devoid of DDPP. Cellular DNA, RNA, and protein, each appropriately labeled with a radioisotopically labeled precursor, became more acid–soluble upon incubation of the cells in vitro with DDPP. The rate of loss of viability of cells incubated in vitro with D...
Effect of dilution on a block copolymer in the complex phase window

The phase behavior of a styrene–isoprene (SI) diblock copolymer, with block molecular weights of 1.1 × 104 and 2.1 × 104 g/mol, respectively, is examined in the neutral solvent bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DOP) and the styrene-selective solvent di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP). DBP is a good solvent for PS, but is near a theta solvent for PI at approximately 90°C. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), rheology, and static birefringence are used to locate and identify order–order (OOT) and order–disorder transitions (ODT); all three techniques gave consistent results. The neat polymer adopts the gyroid (G) phase at low temperatures, with an OOT to hexagonally-packed cylinders (C) at 185°C, and the ODT at 238°C. Upon dilution with the neutral solvent DOP, the C window is diminished, until for a polymer concentration ϕ = 0.65, a direct G to disorder (D) ODT is observed. These results reflect increased stability of the disordered state, based on the different concentration scalings of the interaction parameter, χ, at the OOT and ODT. The OOT follows the dilution approximation, i.e., χOOT ∼ ϕ−1, but the ODT is found to follow a stronger concentration dependence, i.e., χODT ∼ ϕ−1.4, similar to the scaling of ϕ−1.6 found previously for lamellar SI diblocks in toluene and DOP. Addition of the selective solvent DBP produces dramatic changes in the phase behavior relative to DOP and the melt state; these include transitions to lamellar (L) and perforated layer (PL) structures. The observed phase sequences can be understood in terms of trajectories across the SI melt phase map (temperature vs. composition): addition of a neutral solvent or increasing temperature corresponds to a “vertical” trajectory, whereas adding a selective solvent amounts to a “horizontal” trajectory. When the solvent selectivity depends on temperature, as it does for the SI/DBP system, increasing temperature results in a diagonal trajectory. For both neutral and selective solvents the domain spacing, d*, scales with ϕ and χ as anticipated by self-consistent mean-field theory. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 3101–3113, 1998
Modeling gravitational recoil from precessing highly spinning unequal-mass black-hole binaries

We measure the gravitational recoil for unequal-mass black-hole binary mergers, with the larger black hole having intrinsic spin $a/{m}^{H}=0.8$, and the smaller black hole nonspinning. We choose our configurations such that, initially, the spins lie on the orbital plane. The spin and orbital plane precess significantly (we introduce a technique to identify the orbital plane at merger), and we find that the out-of plane recoil (i.e. the recoil perpendicular to the orbital plane around merger) varies as ${\ensuremath{\eta}}^{2}/(1+q)$, in agreement with our previous prediction, based on the post-Newtonian scaling.
Design of line source antennas for narrow beamwidth and asymmetric low sidelobes

A design method is described for the creation of line sources that will yield antenna patterns consisting of a narrow main beam and low sidelobes, with the sidelobe levels different on the two sides of the main beam. The requisite aperture distribution is shown to be symmetrical in amplitude and asymmetrical in phase. Main beam offset and the characteristics of the associated difference pattern are discussed. The boresight error voltage curve is also displayed. Incremental gain resulting from asymmetric sidelobes is analyzed and data is given for typical cases. Experimental confirmation is, presented.
Eye size at birth in prosimian primates: life history correlates and growth patterns.

Background Primates have large eyes relative to head size, which profoundly influence the ontogenetic emergence of facial form. However, growth of the primate eye is only understood in a narrow taxonomic perspective, with information biased toward anthropoids.
Federal District Judges and Presidential Power During the Postwar Era

Analysis of nearly two hundred federal district court decisions in cases involving the exercise of presidential power during the postwar era reveals two very different models of judicial decision making. In cases concerning presidential control of foreign and military policy, judicial decision making appears to be dominated by the recognition of fixed rules. So clear are these rules of deference to the executive that identification of the policy-making area alone constitutes an excellent predictor of case outcomes. By contrast, the statistical importance of such predictor variables as presidential prestige and whether the judge was appointed by the same president as that whose powers are at issue in the case suggests much greater relativism in the judicial response when the president is challenged as a domestic policymaker. As far as the federal district courts are concerned, presidential power over foreign and military affairs may aptly be called "the power to command," while the executive's power in dom...
Lung Transplant for Cystic Fibrosis

This article reviews lung transplants for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Advances in medical therapy have resulted in increased survival for CF patients. Respiratory failure continues to be the leading cause of mortality. CF is a complex disease and a challenge for both CF and transplant physicians. This review covers the recent literature related to aspects of pre-lung-transplant mechanical ventilation and pre/post-transplant infection management. We also review post-operative management of the broad range of systemic complications related to cystic fibrosis, including diabetes, malnutrition, CF-liver disease, and malignancy. Improvements to surgical technique, organ procurement and preservation, and post-operative management in the intensive care unit could improve overall survival.
Trends in paediatric dental caries by poverty status in the United States, 1988-1994 and 1999-2004.

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 132–143 Background. Recent reports have suggested that dental caries among some young children is increasing in the United States. Aim. To describe changes in paediatric caries prevalence by poverty status in the United States. Design. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data for children aged 2–11 years for 1988–1994 and 1999–2004 were used. Results. Caries in the primary dentition increased among poor and non-poor boys aged 2–8 years (45–53% and 23–31%, respectively) and among non-poor boys aged 2–5 years (13–21%) from 1988–1994 to 1999–2004. Caries experience also increased on buccal-lingual, mesio-distal, and occlusal primary dental surfaces among poor children aged 2–8 years and this increase may be attributed to an increase in the number of dental surfaces restored. In the mixed dentition, caries remains relatively unchanged. Caries continues to decline in the permanent dentition for many children, but is increasing among poor non-Hispanic whites aged 6–8 years (8–22%) and poor Mexican-Americans aged 9–11 years (38–55%). Conclusions. For many older children, caries continues to decline or remain unchanged. Nevertheless, for a subgroup of younger children, caries is increasing and this increase is impacting some traditionally low-risk groups of children.
Long-term reduction of health care costs and utilization after epilepsy surgery.

Summary Objective To assess long-term direct medical costs, health care utilization, and mortality following resective surgery in persons with uncontrolled epilepsy. Methods Retrospective longitudinal cohort study of Medicaid beneficiaries with epilepsy from 2000 to 2008. The study population included 7,835 persons with uncontrolled focal epilepsy ages 18–64 years, with an average follow-up time of 5 years. Of these, 135 received surgery during the study period. To account for selection bias, we used risk-set optimal pairwise matching on a time-varying propensity score, and inverse probability of treatment weighting. Repeated measures generalized linear models were used to model utilization and cost outcomes. Cox proportional hazard was used to model survival. Results The mean direct medical cost difference between the surgical group and control group was $6,806 after risk-set matching. The incidence rate ratio of inpatient, emergency room, and outpatient utilization was lower among the surgical group in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses. There was no significant difference in mortality after adjustment. Among surgical cases, mean annual costs per subject were on average $6,484 lower, and all utilization measures were lower after surgery compared to before. Significance Subjects that underwent epilepsy surgery had lower direct medical care costs and health care utilization. These findings support that epilepsy surgery yields substantial health care cost savings.
Does slum formalisation without title provision stimulate housing improvement? A case of slum declaration in Pune, India:

Though previous studies have examined how formalising land tenure affects housing improvements in informal settlements, the role of tenure security and its long-term influence remain unclear. In response, this paper quantitatively examines the extent to which formalising land tenure by way of slum declaration has stimulated housing improvements during the last three decades in the slums of Pune, India. Since slum declaration guarantees residents occupancy but not full property rights, this study focuses on how tenure security contributes to housing outcomes, such as materials, size, the number of floors and the amount of money spent for the improvements. Using original household survey data, analysis involving propensity score matching and difference-in-differences methods reveals that slum declaration has tripled a household’s likelihood of having added a second floor and, albeit less clear, increased the average amount of money spent on housing improvements. At the same time, slum declaration has not in...
Shunt Tuning of a Piezoelectric Cantilever Beam Resonator

This paper presents the design and analysis of a cantilever beam resonator that is driven by a piezoelectric material. The beam is a bimorph structure with Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) and stainless steel or aluminum layers. The PZT layer is electroded in segments to form a sensor and actuator pair for feedback to drive the resonator. An additional PZT segment is used, in conjunction with a capacitive shunt circuit, to change the vibration frequency of the resonator. The study is based on an analytical model of the beam and experimental testing.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Lateral Thin-Film Piezoelectric Actuators for Bio-Inspired Micro-Robotic Locomotion

Thin-film lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) actuators are a potential enabling technology for autonomous micro-robots with locomotion abilities rivaling biological systems. Actuators capable of supplying the large forces and extended displacements needed to drive terrestrial micro-robotic locomotion have been designed and tested. These actuators use a combination of upward and downward unimorph bending to generate in-plane robotic joint motion. 500 μm by 100 μm actuators have demonstrated forces greater than 5 mN over almost 1 μm stroke length at just 20 V. These actuators can be leveraged to drive angular displacement of high-aspect ratio silicon flexures. Actuators are currently being integrated into flexural arrays to produce joint angles comparable to insects. Stacks of these silicon joint structures may be used to reinforce load-bearing capacity of the completed micro-robotic legs. Dynamic simulations of hexapedal and many-legged robots less than one centimeter in length utilizing these actuator-joint structures indicate potential payloads ranging from 50 to 200 mg, depending on the joint design, and walking speeds up to approximately 4 cm/s.© 2009 ASME
The Price of Pima Cotton: The Cooperative Testing and Demonstration Farm at Sacaton, Arizona, and the Decline of the Pima Agricultural Economy, 1907–1920

Despite the original intent of the cooperative farm established by the Bureau of Plant Industry on the Gila River Reservation, it siphoned economic value from Pima families into the regional economy, revealing the impact of resource depletion and wage labor on the Pima and their strategies of managing socioeconomic change.