cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quasi-Weekly and Daily Profile Changes on A Distinctive Sand Beach

Casual observations over a period of years of a long sand beach in the southern end of Monterey Bay, California, suggested that the sand elevation, while varying noticeably from one time to another, does not display the well-defined seasonal alternation between build-up in the summer and erosion in the winter that is now widely recognized on the exposed beaches of California. Accordingly, a program was established to measure the beach-profile changes by means of serial observations and to attempt to relate the changes to wave, tide, and beach conditions prevailing during the observation period. The results of the study, covering nine months, are presented herein. In the course of the study it became evident that quite special conditions of sand, waves, and water circulation exist in the extreme southern end of Monterey Bay which make this small area a natural laboratory where beach profile changes as well as other nearshore phenomena may be investigated under quite simply defined conditions in nature. The characteristics of this beach will be described in some detail, partly because they are distinctive and therefore of more than usual interest, and partly because they are essential to understanding the causes of the profile changes observed.
Analysis on public transportation influences on real estate development in East Lansing

The purpose for this article is to research the relationship between public transportation and real estate based on the area of East Lansing. Two methods are mainly used to analyze the data: correlation analysis and means analysis with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) data analyzing software. There are two analysis results: (1) the real estate, which is closer to public transportation, will have higher value than that is far from public transportation, and (2) the number of bus in one bus stop has no obvious relation with the value of real estate. Based on these results, real estate developers could build residential real estate close to public transportation or bring public transportation in their real estate community by contract with transportation corporations. In sum, they should reasonably use public transportation as attractive features to convince people to prefer to their houses.
Epidemiology and Control of Parasites in Northern Temperate Regions

The serious and widespread problem of drug resistance has forced a re-thinking of basic philosophy regarding control of equine parasites. It has illustrated the dangers of total reliance on chemical control and stimulated the use of alternate strategies. Two new approaches are described. Prophylactic treatments in the spring and summer provide effective strongyle and colic control with less selection pressure for drug resistance. A nonchemical approach of pasture cleaning twice a week offers the same advantages with the added bonus of a 50 per cent increase in grazing area.
Issues in Eyewitness Testimony

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on stress and eyewitness accuracy, eyewitness identification, interviewing techniques, and children's eyewitness memory. The chapter presents a brief overview of basic memory processes. The accuracy of eyewitness testimony is determined by a complex interaction of perception, memory, and socio-emotional factors. Memory is typically divided into three stages: encoding, retention, and retrieval. In situations relevant to eyewitness testimony, encoding happens when a victim experiences or a bystander witnesses a criminal act. Eyewitness accuracy is constrained first by the conditions under which information was encoded. Many variables influence the probability that an event was properly encoded, such as observation conditions and exposure duration. There exists a consensus that, given the reconstructive nature of memory, stored information may undergo processes of change during the retention phase. Important for eyewitness testimony is the notion of retroactive interference. Because of the nature of criminal acts, victims and bystanders often experience elevated levels of stress during a crime. Eyewitness identification, one of the most direct kinds of evidence of guilt, links the suspect and the crime specifically.
A state space model-based method of seasonal adjustment

The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes a very large number of economic time series such as the Consumer Price Index, the Producer Price Index, employment and unemployment statistics and many more. Most of these series are published as seasonally unadjusted series as well as seasonally adjusted series. More often, however, it is the seasonally adjusted data series that the business community and government agencies use in evaluating the economic situation. There are several reasons given for the use of seasonally adjusted series. It is suggested that the presence of seasonality in time series obscures the stage of the business cycle that the economy is in. In addition, it obscures the effects of interventions, such as a rapid cut in oil production, on a series. At the present time, BLS uses the Census X-11/X-12 ARIMA methods to seasonally adjust BLS indexes and series that have seasonality. In the last 20 years or so, several ARIMA model-based methods have been proposed for seasonal adjustment. This article presents a structural model based method of seasonal adjustment called the state space model-based method. This articles presents research conducted on this method and illustrates the advantages of the method. The research is part of the Bureau's ongoing efforts to explore relevent measurement issues of interest to the wider statistical community.
Inflation-predictable behavior and co-eruption deformation at Axial Seamount

Deformation of the ground surface at active volcanoes provides information about magma movements at depth. Improved seafloor deformation measurements between 2011 and 2015 documented a fourfold increase in magma supply and confirmed that Axial Seamount’s eruptive behavior is inflation-predictable, probably triggered by a critical level of magmatic pressure. A 2015 eruption was successfully forecast on the basis of this deformation pattern and marked the first time that deflation and tilt were captured in real time by a new seafloor cabled observatory, revealing the timing, location, and volume of eruption-related magma movements. Improved modeling of the deformation suggests a steeply dipping prolate-spheroid pressure source beneath the eastern caldera that is consistent with the location of the zone of highest melt within the subcaldera magma reservoir determined from multichannel seismic results.
Future Directions: Translational Research in Elder Abuse

Despite the staggering prevalence and wide-spread impact of elder abuse and neglect, there is a relative scarcity of research in the area. What is particularly needed is translational research to bridge the gaps between basic “bench” research, clinical research and practice, and population-based research. The purpose of this chapter is to (1) describe translational research, including its history, definition, and conceptual framework, (2) briefly review translational work that has been done in the field of elder abuse and neglect, (3) draw from translational research in related fields (particularly child mistreatment, intimate partner violence, and stress biology) and discuss how these lessons can be applied to elder abuse translational research, and (4) provide recommendations and future directions to build the translational research literature in elder abuse with the ultimate goal of improving elder abuse practices and policies and older adult public health.
Abstract 206: Abstract submission for QCOR 2017

Background: Although healthy lifestyle behaviors have been shown to significantly reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD), offsetting even genetic risk, most CVD programs focus solely on risk scores ra...
THE SCORPIONS OF DOMINICA (WEST INDIES)

Oiclus purvesii (Becker 1880) (Diplocentridae) and Centruroides pococki Sissom and Francke 1983 (Buthidae: Scorpiones) are recorded for Dominica Is., West Indies. Each species is diagnosed and illustrated.
The prognostic utility of baseline alpha‐fetoprotein for hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Introduction Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has a valuable role in postoperative surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence. The utility of pretreatment or baseline AFP remains controversial. The present study hypothesized that elevated baseline AFP levels are associated with worse overall survival in HCC patients. Methods Adult HCC patients were identified using the National Cancer Database (2004-2013). Patients were stratified according to baseline AFP measurements into the following groups: Negative ( 2000). The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), which was analyzed by log-rank test and graphed using Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate regression modeling was used to determine hazard ratios (HR) for OS. Results Of 41 107 patients identified, 15 809 (33.6%) were Negative. Median overall survival was highest in the Negative group, followed by Borderline, Elevated, and Highly Elevated (28.7 vs 18.9 vs 8.8 vs 3.2 months; P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, overall survival hazard ratios for the Borderline, Elevated, and Highly Elevated groups were 1.18 (P = 0.267), 1.94 (P < 0.001), and 1.77 (P = 0.007), respectively (reference Negative). Conclusion Baseline AFP independently predicted overall survival in HCC patients regardless of treatment plan. A baseline AFP value is a simple and effective method to assist in expected survival for HCC patients.
Sensitivity Analysis for Displacement-Controlled Finite-Element Analyses

AbstractDisplacement-controlled finite-element analyses are typically employed to simulate the nonlinear static response of structural systems where a loss of load carrying capacity due to localize...
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Electronic Consults: What Do Patients and Physicians Want to Know?

Objectives Given the rarity of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), specialized regional and national centers for GTD have been established. These centers serve at least 3 purposes: to improve care for women with GTD, to enhance research though collaboration, and to educate other clinicians. This study was undertaken to understand the potential GTD knowledge gap by examining both patient and physician inquiries received at a specialized GTD center. Methods All electronic consults received by specialists at our center between March 2016 and March 2017 were analyzed. Information collected included source of inquiry, reason for the consult, type of GTD, and the advice provided. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the major trends. Results We analyzed 102 electronic consults. Physicians sent 49 (48%) and patients sent 53 (52%) consults. Most e-consults were sent by physicians and patients within the United States; however, 11% of the consults were directed from international locations. Among physicians, gynecologic oncologists (65%) were the most common specialty to consult our institution followed by medical oncologists (18%) and obstetrician gynecologists (16%). Most questions from gynecologic (62%) and medical oncologists (77%) concerned treatment regimens. This was contrasted by general obstetrician gynecologists who more commonly asked about human chorionic gonadotropin monitoring (62%). Difficulty with appropriate Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging and World Health Organization risk score assignment were common themes. Most of the confusion centered on the use of chest computed tomography rather than plain chest x-ray for the assessment of lung metastases. Unlike physicians, patient e-consults were most concerned with the duration of human chorionic gonadotropin monitoring (51%) and timing of future conceptions. Conclusions Both physicians and patients in the United States and abroad frequently use electronic consults to improve their knowledge about GTD management and follow-up. Although the type of inquires varied, they highlight fundamental gaps in understanding and potential opportunities for formal education.
Techniques for lung surgery: a review of robotic lobectomy.

INTRODUCTION Robotic lobectomy is an increasingly common surgical approach for anatomic lung resection. Over the last decade, robotic lobectomy has shown to be safe, with oncologic efficacy similar to lobectomy via thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Comparative analysis between these modalities is an active area of investigation. While initially expensive, the costs of a robotic platform decrease as the number of operations performed increases, length of stay is shortened, and postoperative morbidity is reduced. Moreover, the added cost has value which is defined over long periods of time. Areas covered: The clinical technique and optimal conduct of lobectomy is explained in granular detail for all five types of lobectomies. The advantages and disadvantages of a robotic platform are analyzed, including a review of the recent literature. Expert commentary: The number of robotic pulmonary resections performed has tripled in the past two years. Anticipated developments in robotic surgery include improvements in robotic training, continued refinement of robotic instrumentation, and additional adjunctive technologies. The overall costs of robotic surgery will decrease, in part, due to increasing competition as additional companies enter the market.
Regulating New Weapons Technology

When confronted with a new weapons technology, international law scholars, military lawyers, and civil society activists regularly ask two questions: Are new regulations needed? And are they needed now? This paper reviews the main categories of technology-fostered legal disruption; tackles the question of whether a given technology will require new law; and weighs the respective benefits of precautionary bans, a wait-and-see approach, and proactive regulation.
Final report of a phase I trial of olaparib with cetuximab and radiation for heavy smoker patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer

Purpose: Our goal was to evaluate the safety and toxicity of combining a PARP inhibitor, olaparib, with cetuximab and fractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy for patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer and heavy smoking histories.Patients and Methods: Patients with ≥10 packs/year history of smoking were treated with olaparib at doses ranging from 25-200 mg orally twice daily beginning approximately 10 days prior to initiation of and with concurrent radiation (69.3 Gy in 33 fractions) using a time-to-event continual reassessment method model. Cetuximab was administered starting approximately 5 days prior to radiation per standard of care.Results: A total of 16 patients were entered onto the study, with 15 evaluable for acute toxicity. The most common treatment-related grade 3-4 side effects were radiation dermatitis and mucositis (38% and 69%, respectively). The MTD was determined to be 50 mg orally twice daily, but the recommended phase II dose was deemed to be 25 mg orally twice daily. At a median follow-up of 26 months, the actuarial median overall survival was 37 months, but was not reached for other endpoints. Two-year overall survival, progression-free survival, local control, and distant control rates were 72%, 63%, 72%, and 79%, respectively. Patients who continued to smoke during therapy experienced higher recurrence rates. MYC and KMT2A were identified as potential correlatives of response on gene amplification and mutational analysis.Conclusions: Olaparib at 25 mg orally twice daily with concurrent cetuximab and radiation was well tolerated with reduced dermatitis within the radiation field. Response rates were promising for this high-risk population. Clin Cancer Res; 24(20); 4949-59. ©2018 AACR.
Weltschmerz or The Pain of Living

Living happens within the context of pleasure and pain. There are moments of elation and there are moments of suffering. There are people and times that favor optimism and there are people and times that favor pessimism. The human experience of the world influences the outlook that will determine whether an individual sees the world as primarily being good or being evil. Temperaments, value experiences, and cultural situations individuals find themselves in usually determine the perspective from which the world is seen.
Protein-Like Large Gold Clusters Based on the ω-Aminothiolate DMAET: Precision Thermal and Reaction Control Leading to Selective Formation of Cationic Gold Clusters in the Critical Size Range, n = 130–144 Gold Atoms

The ubiquitous Au144(SR)60 and closely related compounds of ∼29 kDa (core mass) are large monolayer protected clusters (MPC) comprising 144 gold atoms and 60 thiolate ligands (RS groups). Since thi...
Two-dimensional models for the optical response of thin films

In this work, we present a systematic study of 2D optical models for the response of thin layers of material under excitation by normally incident light. The treatment, within the framework of classical optics, analyzes a thin film supported by a semi-infinite substrate, with both the thin layer and the substrate assumed to exhibit local, isotropic linear response. Starting from the conventional three-dimensional (3D) slab model of the system, we derive a two-dimensional (2D) sheet model for the thin film in which the optical response is described by a sheet optical conductivity. We develop criteria for the applicability of this 2D sheet model for a layer with an optical thickness far smaller than the wavelength of the light. We examine in detail atomically thin semi-metallic and semiconductor van-der-Waals layers and ultrathin metal films as representative examples. Excellent agreement of the 2D sheet model with the 3D slab model is demonstrated over a broad spectral range from the radio frequency limit to the near ultraviolet. A linearized version of system response for the 2D model is also presented for the case where the influence of the optically thin layer is sufficiently weak. Analytical expressions for the applicability and accuracy of the different optical models are derived, and the appropriateness of the linearized treatment for the materials is considered. We discuss the advantages, as well as limitations, of these models for the purpose of deducing the optical response function of the thin layer from experiment. We generalize the theory to take into account in-plane anisotropy, layered thin film structures, and more general substrates. Implications of the 2D model for the transmission of light by the thin film and for the implementation of half- and totally absorbing layers are discussed.
T Lymphocyte Subsets Associated With Prevalent Diabetes in Veterans With and Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Background A higher proportion of circulating memory CD4+ T cells is associated with prevalent diabetes mellitus in the general population. Given the broad changes in adaptive immunity, including memory T-cell expansion, and rising prevalence of diabetes in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) population, we assessed whether similar relationships were present in persons with HIV (PWH). Methods Multiple CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets were measured by flow cytometry, and prevalent diabetes cases were adjudicated by 2 physicians for PWH and HIV-negative participants in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the association of T-cell subsets and diabetes stratified by HIV status, adjusted for cytomegalovirus serostatus and traditional risk factors. Results Among 2385 participants (65% PWH, 95% male, 68% African American), higher CD45RO+ memory CD4+ T cells and lower CD38+ CD4+ T cells were associated with prevalent diabetes, and had a similar effect size, in both the PWH and HIV-negative (P ≤ .05 for all). Lower CD38+CD8+ T cells were also associated with diabetes in both groups. Conclusions The CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets associated with diabetes are similar in PWH and HIV-negative individuals, suggesting that diabetes in PWH may be related to chronic immune activation.
DIAGNOSTIC AND PROGNOSTIC UTILITY OF RIGHT VENTRICULAR STRAIN IN ARRHYTHMOGENIC RIGHT VENTRICULAR CARDIOMYOPATHY: A PROSPECTIVE MULTICENTER REGISTRY

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a potentially lethal condition that poses diagnostic and prognostic challenges. Right ventricular (RV) strain has shown promise in the assessment of ARVC. We sought to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of RV strain in a
Using clear plastic CD cases as low-cost mini-rhizotrons to phenotype root traits.

Premise We developed a novel low-cost method to visually phenotype belowground structures in the plant rhizosphere. We devised the method introduced here to address the difficulties encountered growing plants in seed germination pouches for long-term experiments and the high cost of other mini-rhizotron alternatives. Methods and results The method described here took inspiration from homemade ant farms commonly used as an educational tool in elementary schools. Using compact disc (CD) cases, we developed mini-rhizotrons for use in the field and laboratory using the burclover Medicago lupulina. Conclusions Our method combines the benefits of pots and germination pouches. In CD mini-rhizotrons, plants grew significantly larger than in germination pouches, and unlike pots, it is possible to measure roots without destructive sampling. Our protocol is a cheaper, widely available alternative to more destructive methods, which could facilitate the study of belowground phenotypes and processes by scientists with fewer resources.
Life cycle analysis of waste-to-energy pathways

Abstract Life-cycle analysis (LCA) is a method that evaluates the environmental impacts of various pathways such as life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy use, and water consumption along the supply chain. In this chapter, we discuss how LCA can be used to examine the waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies. We introduce three major WTE feedstocks (organic waste, waste plastics, and waste gas) for energy production and corresponding conversion technologies such as anaerobic digestion, combustion, hydrothermal liquefaction, pyrolysis, and gas fermentation. Besides, major LCA parameters are discussed. The results show that emissions from current waste management (business-as-usual [BAU]) significantly influence the LCA results, and careful examination is needed due to the huge variations and uncertainties in the BAU cases. WTE practices can change waste into resources, which generates additional energy products while providing environmental benefits such as reductions in life cycle GHG emissions.
Mechanisms of Fluid and Electrolyte Retention in Experimental Preparations in Dogs II. With Thoracic Inferior Vena Cava Constriction

Cardiovascular and renal hemodynamic function, nitrogen, electrolyte, and water balances, and circulating eosinophils have been studied before and during the formation of ascites produced by thoracic inferior caval constriction. The data show a striking decrease in the renal and fecal excretion of sodium (Na) and an elevation in fecal potassium (K) output. An analysis of possible factors which might effect the reduction in renal Na excretion demonstrates that neither a low cardiac output nor a depressed glomerular filtration rate is the primary factor.
Human Choice Predicted by Obtained Reinforcers, Not by Reinforcement Predictors

Macphail (1985) proposed that “intelligence” should not vary across vertebrate species when contextual variables are accounted for. Focusing on research involving choice behavior, the propensity for choosing an option that produces stimuli that predict the presence or absence of reinforcement but that also results in less food over time can be examined. This choice preference has been found multiple times in pigeons (Stagner & Zentall, 2010; Zentall & Stagner, 2011; Laude, Stagner, & Zentall, 2014), and has been likened to gambling behavior demonstrated by humans (Zentall, 2014; Zentall, 2016). The present experiments used a similarly structured task to examine adult human preferences for reinforcement predictors and compared findings to choice behavior demonstrated by children (Lalli, Mauro, & Mace, 2000), monkeys (Smith & Beran, 2017; Smith, Beran, & Young, 2020), dogs (Jackson, Gordon, MacPherson, Martin, & Roberts, 2020), rats (Chow, Smith, Wilson, Zentall, & Beckman, 2017; Cunningham & Shahan, 2019; Jackson et al., 2020), and pigeons (Roper & Zentall, 1999; Stagner & Zentall, 2010). In Experiment 1, adult human participants showed no preference for reinforcement predictors. Results from Experiment 2 suggest that not only were reinforcement predictors not preferred, but that perhaps reinforcement predictors had no effect at all on choice behavior. Results from Experiments 1 and 2 were further assessed using a generalized matching equation, the findings from which support that adult human choice behavior in the present research was largely determined by reinforcement history. Overall, the present results obtained from human adult participants are different than those found from pigeons in particular, suggesting that further examination of Macphail’s (1985) hypothesis is warranted.
An integrated state-estimation framework for interdependent water and energy systems

Abstract Recent studies have shown indisputable evidence indicating water and energy networks are two interdependent cyber-physical networks and should be operated cooperatively to maximize their efficiency and resiliency. However, current state-estimation models of water and energy infrastructures are implemented independently in their respective control centers. Such independent state-estimation in energy or water network might not be able to detect false data injections in the other network. In this paper, an integrated state-estimation framework is proposed to process the consistency of the data and estimate the parameters of a combined water and energy network. Compared to standalone state-estimation, an integrated framework proposed in this work makes it more difficult for the attackers to launch stealthy false data injections, as more parameters are involved in the state-estimation that need to be modified for a successful attack. The findings of this research confirm that by accounting for interlinks between hydrological and energy systems, the security of both systems will be improved. The interconnection between the state variables and measurements of the water-energy network is reflected in the energy consuming components of the water system, and is achieved through the measurements of pump’s active power consumption in the proposed integrated estimation framework. The framework includes Newton’s iterative method for an alternating current (AC) state-estimation procedure for the energy network. The state-estimation of the energy network includes the estimation of voltages using measured parameters of the energy network such as active/reactive power flow/injection or voltages. Moreover, a three-tier state-estimation process based on Newton’s iterative method for the water network is contemplated to attain nodal heads, nodal demands, and the flow rate of the pipes without pumps. An integrated bad data detection algorithm is also supplemented to the proposed framework to detect potential bad data in water distribution system or energy network and enhance the resilience of the integrated water energy systems.
Dual-Comb Spectroscopy in the 2 μm Region Using Quantum Well Diode Lasers

We present quantum well diode laser frequency combs suitable for free-running dual-comb spectroscopy in the $2 \mu m$ region. A 600-GHz-wide dual-comb spectrum of a low-finesse etalon is measured in 1 millisecond with 4.1% precision.
Evaluating the Fitness of Combinations of Adsorbents for Quantitative Gas Sensor Arrays

Robust, high-performance gas-sensing technology has applications in industrial process monitoring and control, air quality monitoring, food quality assessment, medical diagnosis, and security threat detection. Nanoporous materials (NPMs) could be utilized as recognition elements in a gas sensor because they selectively adsorb gas. Imitating mammalian olfaction, sensor arrays of NPMs use measurements of the adsorbed mass of gas in a set of distinct NPMs to infer the gas composition. Modular and adjustable NPMs, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), offer a vast material space to sample for combinations to comprise a sensor array that produces a response pattern rich with information about the gas composition. Herein, we frame quantitative gas sensing, using arrays of NPMs, as an inverse problem, which equips us with a method to evaluate the fitness of a proposed combination of NPMs in a sensor array. While the (routine) forward problem is to use an adsorption model to predict the mass of gas adsorbed in each NPM when immersed in a gas mixture of a given composition, the inverse problem is to predict the gas composition from the observed masses of adsorbed gas in the NPMs of the array. The fitness of a given combination of NPMs for gas sensing is then determined by the conditioning of its inverse problem: the prediction of the gas composition provided by a fit (unfit) combination of NPMs is insensitive (sensitive) to inevitable errors in the measurements of the mass of gas adsorbed in the NPMs. For illustration, we use experimentally measured adsorption data to analyze the conditioning of the inverse problem associated with a (IRMOF-1 and HKUST-1) CH4/CO2 sensor array.
Continued professional development: A comparison of online vs. in-person workshops.

Abstract Introduction Pharmacy practice continues to change and therefore requires lifelong health professions education. These practice changes require academics and leaders in pharmacy to identify how to best teach and train pharmacists to manage patient care services. This study assessed whether an online training module is as effective as an in-person workshop to train pharmacists to apply dosing and therapeutic monitoring of vancomycin. Methods The primary endpoint measured the difference in average assessment score change between pre- and post-training between intervention groups. All pharmacists completed: (1) a baseline pretest, (2) Session 1 online, (3) Session 2 (an online training module or in-person workshop), (4) a posttest, and (5) a voluntary survey of perceptions on training. Results A total of 56 pharmacists completed the training, 43% online and 57% in-person. The multiple linear regression included pretest, training method, and pharmacists' role on posttest (R2 = 0.1041 and P = .34). A voluntary anonymous survey about perceptions on the training was completed by 20 participants. On average, perceptions were agreeable on an eight-item Likert scale between groups (Cronbach's alpha = 0.77). The total scores for the Likert scale were 27 ± 3.3 vs. 23 ± 1.6, P = .001, in the online and in-person sessions, respectively. More participants in the online group agreed that they had enough time to comprehend and apply the material, 4 vs. 3 (on the Likert scale). Conclusions An online training module is as effective as an in-person workshop at training pharmacists to apply vancomycin dosing and monitoring.
Multi-agent Approach to Multi-area Power System State Estimation Using the Gradient Tracking

In this paper we study the distributed state estimation (SE) in a power system divided into multiple areas, where agents have only partial information about system states and there exist certain communication constraints. Agents from one area only have available local information, but do not have access to measurements in other neighboring areas, which is realistic and widely occurring. Instead, only a limited amount of information is being exchanged (current state estimates and gradients of local functions in neighboring buses). We present a novel approach which combines classical weighted least square (WLS) SE and AB algorithm to promote consensus reaching. On the 300-bus test example with three areas we show that this method has high performance and exponential rate of convergence.
Analysis and design of boost zero-voltage-transition PWM converter

The analysis and design of a boost zero-voltage-transition (ZVT) PWM power converter is carried out by means of the normalized state-plane-trajectory method. This topology has the advantages of constant switching frequency, soft switching on all the active switches, the fixed voltage stresses under all load situations. The design procedure is demonstrated by using a specific example. Experimental results are given to confirm the authors' analytical work. >
High-performance liquid chromatography of phospholipids with UV detection: optimization of separations on silica.

Abstract Chromatography of phospholipids was performed on silica columns with detection by absorbance at 205 nm using mixtures of hexane—isopropanol—water in which the role of water and isopropanol in elution was investigated. One system was developed which provided adequate separation of most major phospholipid species. However, lipids with several ionizable groups were not well separated and gave multiple broad peaks. A second system was developed utilizing sulfuric acid for ion suppression. The behavior of phospholipids in this system was found to be dependent on the presence of quaternary ammonium, amino, or hydroxyl groups. Except for plasmalogen, phospholipids were recovered intact. This system was optimized to provide baseline resolution of essentially all phospholipid species commonly found in mammalian tissues.
Micromechanics Analysis of Space Simulated Thermal Stresses in Composites. Part II: Multidirectional Laminates and Failure Predictions

A finite element micromechanics approach was used to predict thermally induced stresses in fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites at temperatures typical of spacecraft operating environments. The influence of laminate orientation was investigated with a simple global/local formulation. Thermal stress calculations were used to predict probable damage initiation locations, and the results were compared to experimentally observed damage in several epoxy matrix composites. Multidirectional (O±t) s laminates had larger predicted matrix stresses than unidirectional (0) laminates. The stresses in- creased with increasing lamination angle t, and resulted in large tensile radial stresses at the fiber/matrix interface, that were not present in unidirectional laminates. Thermally in- duced matrix failure predictions, using a failure criterion based on the maximum radial in- terfacial stress and the ultimate radial interfacial strength, were in excellent agreement with experimental data. This criterion was able to accurately account for the influence of both laminate configuration and constituent properties. Predictions based on the bulk matrix tensile strength or on lamina stresses (computed from laminated plate theory) and strengths were in poor agreement with experimental data.
Examining Classroom Interactions Related to Difference in Students' Science Achievement

The current study examines the cognitive supports that underlie achievement in science by using a cultural historical framework (L. S. Vygotsky (1934/1986), Thought and Language, MIT Press, Cambridge, MA.) and the activity setting (AS) construct (R. G. Tharp & R. Gallimore (1988), Rousing minds to life: Teaching, learning and schooling in social context, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, MA.) with its five features: personnel, motivations, scripts, task demands, and beliefs. Observations were made of the classrooms of seventh-grade science students, 32 of whom had participated in a prior achievement-related parent–child interaction or home study (P. R. Portes, M. F. Zady, & R. M. Dunham (1998), Journal of Genetic Psychology, 159, 163–178). The results of a quantitative analysis of classroom interaction showed two features of the AS: personnel and scripts. The qualitative field analysis generated four emergent phenomena related to the features of the AS that appeared to influence student opportunity for conceptual development. The emergent phenomenon were science activities, the building of learning, meaning in lessons, and the conflict over control. Lastly, the results of the two-part classroom study were compared to those of the home science AS of high and low achievers. Mismatches in the AS features in the science classroom may constrain the opportunity to learn. Educational implications are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed87:40–63, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/sce.1053
Perturbation theory of intermolecular interactions: Are second-order Rayleigh–Schrödinger energies meaningful?

The interactions between atoms are so strong that they create an infinite number of unphysical states of lower energy than the physical ground state, thus raising the question of the significance of second and higher order perturbation energies. We have carried out a series of configuration interaction calculations which shed light on this question and other questions regarding the perturbation theory of intermolecular interactions. The calculations used an unconventional set of configuration functions, each being the product of two Slater determinants, one for each atom. This makes it possible to calculate approximations to both unphysical and physical states, and to follow the changes in eigenstate energies as the interaction is turned on between atoms. We report results for LiH which show that eigenvalues of Ĥ0 + λV, where Ĥ0 is the sum of atomic Hamiltonians and V the interaction potential, undergo avoided crossings between λ = 0 and 1. The perturbation expansion of the ground state energy must become divergent at the first avoided crossing, λ = 0.76. In addition, we report results of calculations with three effective Hamiltonians which have all unphysical state energies shifted into the physical continuum. They show no avoided crossings between the ground state and other states until λ is almost equal to 1. The perturbation expansion derived from one of these effective Hamiltonians is shown to have several desirable properties which the expansions derived from the other two lack. Its one fault is that it must diverge at λ = 1, where an avoided crossing occurs. This avoided crossing is related to the exchange symmetry of electrons. The implications of our results for the meaning of second-order perturbation energies and for the development of convergent exchange perturbation methods is discussed.
High-resolution and in situ tem studies of annealing of Ti-Si multilayers

The solid state amorphization reaction in sputtered amorphous-siliconpolycrystalline-titanium multilayers has been studied in cross-section by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Heat treatments included rapid thermal annealing and in situ heating in the microscope. The bilayer spacing of the sample is 25.0 nm and the composition is 50at.%Ti-50at.%Si. Growth of the alloy is strictly planar. The amorphization does not occur preferentially along titanium grain boundaries. The reaction is diffusion controlled with an activation energy of about 2.0 eV atom−1. When the layers are partially reacted, the amorphous alloy composition is silicon rich, with an estimated Ti:Si atomic ratio of 1:2. Once all of the elemental silicon is consumed the alloy incorporates more titanium, reaching a composition of about Ti45Si55. In situ studies reveal that Kirkendall voids form at this point in place of the silicon layers. In situ annealing studies duplicate the microstructure observed in the bulk-annealed samples; from this we conclude that bulk diffusion dominated in the thin TEM foil.
Structure and continuity of intellectual development in early childhood

We evaluated over 200 participants semiannually from 12 to 48 months of age on measures of intellectual (Bayley Scales, Stanford-Binet Scale) and verbal (MacArthur-Bates Inventory, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test) status. Structural equation modeling and hierarchical linear (growth curve) analyses were applied to address the nature of development and individual differences during this time. Structural analyses showed a strong and robust simplex model from infancy to the preschool period, with no evidence of qualitative reorganizations or discontinuities. Growth-curve modeling revealed significant associations between level factors across the early and later measures of cognition, providing further evidence of continuity; the growth trajectory from the Bayley through 24 months predicted growth in a nonverbal factor, but not in a verbal factor. Altogether, the findings reveal continuous and stable development in intellectual function from late infancy through the preschool years. Additionally, the high level of continuity demonstrated across these ages was observed to be largely independent of growth in vocabulary.
Gamma Camera Dynamic Flow Studies on a Single Film by Color Coding of Time

There has been a great deal of interest in recent years in the development of improved systems for displaying the distribution of radioactive tracers inside the human body. There are a number of diagnostic radioisotope studies that depend on accurate imaging, and physicians have come to rely on some of these studies as a necessary part of a routine workup for certain disorders. Some of the most creative activity has been in the field of dynamic flow studies, i.e. imaging the rapid passage of a bolus of radioisotope through an organ of interest. Dynamic flow studies are of especial interest in studies of highly vascular organs such as the heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys.
Effects of temperature acclimation on Neurospora phospholipids Fatty acid desaturation appears to be a key element in modifying phospholepid fluid properties

Experiments were conducted on the effect of growth temperature on phospholipids of Neurospora. Strains grown at high (37 degrees C) and low (15 degrees C) temperatures show large differences in the proportions of phospholipid fatty acid alpha-linolenate (18 : 3) which can vary by 10-fold over this temperature range. Changes in the phospholipid base composition are less dramatic; the most significant is an increase in phosphatidylethanolamines at low temperatures accompanied by a concomitant decrease in phosphatidylcholine. It appears that phospholipid fatty acid desaturation is closely regulated with respect to growth temperature. Over the 37 to 15 degrees C growth temperature range there appear to be at least two desaturase systems in Neurospora which are under different controls. Production of 18 : 1 and 18 : 2 species appears to occur at high levels over the entire temperature range, whereas the production of 18 : 3 seems to be inversely related to growth temperature. Shifting 37 degrees C-acclimated cultures to 15 degrees C produces a growth lag period of approximately 3 h, during which the level of 18 : 3 increases markedly. Differential scanning calorimetry of phospholipids from 37 degrees C cells shows a phase transition at -22 degrees C while lipids from 15 degrees C cultures exhibit a phase transition with reduced enthalpy at about -41 degrees C. The data are consistent with the idea that phospholipid composition in Neurospora is under strict control and suggest that membrane fluidity is regulated with respect to growth temperature through changes in membrane lipid composition.
Commentary: Expanding and clarifying the commognitive framework☆

► The theory of thinking as communication or commognitive approach was presented in a book by Sfard. ► The articles in this issue expand the reach of the original theory and its empirical base. ► Several articles in this issue are devoted to the ontogenetic development of mathematical objects. ► Two articles illustrate the more emotional and interpersonal aspects of this framework. ► The commognitive framework has much to offer mathematics education and the learning sciences.
Changes in the professional commitment of police recruits: An exploratory case study

Abstract This research examines the effect of the initial socialization process on the level of professionalism among a cohort of thirty-six police recruits. These police recruits were surveyed at two points in their careers about their degree of professional commitment to the occupation. The first test period immediately followed their appointment to the force, and the second test period was six months later. Our principal finding was a significant decline in the level of professional commitment among the recruits between the two test periods; related findings to the professionalization process were similarly noted. The research demonstrates the effect of the initial socialization process among police and suggests ways police administrators can minimize the effect of initial socialization on level of professionalism, depending on their theoretical orientation.
Environmental management in the pharmaceutical industry: integrating corporate responsibility and business strategy

International pharmaceutical companies are becoming increasingly proactive in their approach to environmental management, and the results so far are impressive. The forces that affect the global pharmaceutical industry will most likely push these companies toward even greater commitments to environmental improvement and, ultimately, sustainability. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Oxygen isotope analyses and deep-sea temperature changes: implications for rates of oceanic mixing

Since the first measurements were made more than thirty years ago1, analysis of oxygen isotopes in foraminifera from deep-sea sediments has gained widespread use as a palaeoclimatic and stratigraphic indicator. Isotopes stages are commonly used to define the ice ages2 but controversy still remains regarding the relative contributions of temperature and ice-volume change to the down-core δ18O record. For the past decade, temperature has commonly been considered a trivial portion of the signal3. Recent reports, however, suggest that as much as one-third of the measured δ18O variations can be ascribed to cooler glacial-maximum temperatures4,5. This interpretation requires mean deep-ocean temperatures <0 °C through much of late Quaternary time. Here we explore some of the consequences of this hypothesis for the heat budget of the deep sea, and conclude that either thermohaline overturn must have been faster than at present, or that cooling of the deep ocean at the glacial maximum may have been overestimated.
The balancing act: inhibitory Ly49 regulate NKG2D-mediated NK cell functions.

NK cells use NKG2D receptor to recognize ‘induced-self’. In apparent violation of the ‘missing-self’ hypothesis, NK cells stimulated through NKG2D can lyse target cells despite normal expression levels of MHC class I molecules. Although, ‘overriding’ of the inhibitory by the activating signals had been postulated the precise role of inhibitory Ly49 receptors on NKG2D-mediated activation has only started emerging. We propose that NKG2D-mediated activation is a function of ‘altering the balance’ in the signaling strength between the activating NKG2D and inhibiting Ly49 receptors. Balance in the signaling strength depends on the expression levels of activating ligands on the target cells. Qualitative and quantitative variations of MHC class I molecules expressed on the target cells also plays a major role in determining this ‘altered-balance’. Consequently, the nature of Ly49 receptors expressed on specific NK subsets determines the level of NKG2D-mediated NK cell activation. These observations provide a firm basis of ‘altered-balance’ in NK signaling and describe an active interplay between inhibitory Ly49 and activating NKG2D receptors.