cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic modeling of multiple-zone vapor compression cycles using variable order representations

This paper presents a new modeling approach for describing the dynamics of multiple-zone vapor compression cycles. It is demonstrated that such systems may undergo a class of structural variations that can change the system order. To facilitate analysis and control design for variable order dynamics a new modeling approach based on a subsystem decomposition is developed. This procedure exploits the underlying physical structure of the system to achieve a systematic way of representing order variations. It is shown that this result, while conceptually simplifying the modeling problem, introduces a new control problem associated with algebraically constrained subsystems. An observer design case study is used to demonstrate some potential pitfalls in analysis of variable order systems.
A Follow-up Study of 300 Ex-Clients of a Drug-Free Narcotic Treatment Program in New York City

This article deals with an attempt at evaluating the success of a drug-free narcotic treatment program in New York City through a follow-up study of 300 ex-clients of the program. Two hundred ex-clients out of the 300 target population were actually interviewed. The number of months the clients had remained in the treatment program was found to be a key factor in the outcome of the program. The length of time in the program was itself highly dependent upon the client's background: the higher the pretreatment pathology the lower the chance of treatment success.
Visual Multiples. IX. MK Spectral Types

In this third of three parts of MK classifications of the components brighter than about -->B = 8 mag in Aitken's Catalogue, new classifications are given for 546 stars. Included in this section are 15 Ap stars, 33 Am stars, 18 stars with composite spectra, three stars with shell spectra, and two SB2s.
A viscoelastic fluid model for describing the mechanics of a coarse ligated plasma clot

Thrombi are formed at the end of a series of complex biochemical processes. There are various types of thrombi, and their rheological properties change depending on the conditions during clot formation. In this paper, a model for a particular type of clot, formed from human plasma, is proposed within a thermodynamic framework that recognizes that viscoelastic fluids possess multiple natural configurations.
Site of care influences breastmilk feedings at NICU discharge.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if site of care influences rates of breastmilk use in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). STUDY DESIGN: Subjects included all admissions to 124 NICUs between 1/1/1999 and 12/31/2000 who were subsequently discharged home. We reviewed discharge feeding data collected during the routine provision of care, and used stepwise logistic regression analysis to identify which factors were independently associated with a neonate being discharged on some breastmilk versus none. RESULTS: We studied 42,891 neonates; 21,327 (49.7%) were sent home receiving some breastmilk and 21,564 (50.3%) were not. The significant variables associated with being discharged on breastmilk were more mature gestational age, white race, maternal age, parents being married, and site of care. Site of care remained significant even when adjusted for other variables. CONCLUSION: Neonates admitted to NICUs are often discharged on feedings that do not include breastmilk. Beyond previously identified risk factors, site of care significantly influences this occurrence.
Computer simulations of mesoscopic plastic deformation with differential geometric forms for the elastic field of parametric dislocations : Review of recent progress

The elastic field of complex 3-D dislocation ensembles is described by differential geometric representations, which allow computer simulations of mesoscopic plastic deformation without additional ad hoc approximations for short-range dislocation reactions. The simple vector forms of differential geometry are independent of the coordinate system, and facilitate studies of dislocation generation, pileup formation, grain-boundary interaction, finite-length dipole nucleation and break-up, junction nucleation and destruction, interaction with defect clusters, and self-consistent boundary conditions, It is shown that the elastic field can be described in terms of simple combinations of three basic vectors and their dyadics in real and reciprocal space. These vectors are the unit tangent, Burgers vector, and unit radial vector between a source point on the dislocation and a field point. With the only limitation being dislocation cores interpenetrating up to one Burgers vector, a review of recent progress and examples of the aforementioned short- and long-range dislocation reactions are given, with particular emphasis on computational issues of space and time resolution.
Air mass characteristics in the vicinity oF Barrow, Alaska, 9-19 March 1983

Abstract The synoptic conditions over the Alaskan Arctic during the Arctic Gas and Aerosol Sampling Program (AGASP) of March 1983 are described. Air mass characteristics are pictured in terms of meteorological parameters, condensation nuclei, ozone and CO 2 concentrations, aerosol size and number distributions, and aerosol scattering coefficients, as measured at the Barrow Geophysical Monitoring for Climatic Change (GMCC) baseline station and by aircraft Latitude-altitude cross sections of meteorological and aerosol parameters indicated both strong vertical and horizontal variability within the Arctic air mass. Aerosol concentrations aloft were usually higher than those measured at the ground and peak-to-peak variations are greater aloft than at the surface, showing that the stable Arctic boundary layer reduces mixing from aloft to the surface. Thus, surface measurements cannot be extrapolated to higher levels in a straightforward manner. Horizontal variability in the haze, as determined by the aircraft, was found to be abrupt and was not generally due to the presence of strong meteorological fronts. During 9–19 March 1983, at least four different air mass types were present in the Barrow region, each of which was characterized by distinct meteorological, aerosol and trace gas characteristics.
Chemical sensing and imaging in microfluidic pore network structures relevant to natural carbon cycling and industrial carbon sequestration

Energy and climate change represent significant factors in global security. Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, while global in scope, are influenced by pore-scale phenomena in the subsurface. We are developing tools to visualize and investigate processes in pore network microfluidic structures that serve as representations of normally-opaque porous media. These structures enable, for example, visualization of water displacement from pore spaces by hydrophobic fluids, including carbon dioxide, in studies related to carbon sequestration. In situ fluorescent oxygen sensing methods and fluorescent cellulosic materials are being used to investigate processes related to terrestrial carbon cycling involving cellulolytic respiring microorganisms.
The phage λ Q gene product: Activity of a transcription antiterminator in vitro

Phage lambda gene Q encodes a positive regulator of phage late gene expression. We show that purified Q gene protein functions as a transcription antiterminator in vitro. It acts at the terminator for lambda 6S RNA, a small constitutive transcript that precedes the late genes, thus opening transcription into the entire late gene region. It is active in a purified transcription system consisting otherwise of only RNA polymerase, L factor and DNA containing the region encoding the 6S RNA. Q protein thus acts directly on the transcription complex to alter its response to transcription terminators.
Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnant Women: Old Dogmas and Current Concepts Regarding Pathogenesis.

The dogma is that the higher risk of pyelonephritis in pregnant women is explained entirely by anatomic/ obstructive changes. If so, gestational pyelonephritis should be caused by random, nonpathogenic bacteria. Instead, gestational pyelonephritis is associated with a narrow group of genetically related Escherichia coli and virulence factors, implicating a more complex pathophysiology. Current concepts in the pathogenesis of nongestational urinary tract infections propose receptormediated ascending infection. A pathogen with capacity to recognize various receptors may use receptors in the lower, rather than upper urinary tract, and ascend even the lumen of renal tubules. The immune system of a pregnant mother is modified to accommodate a semiallogeneic fetus. Gestational physiologic/immune adaptations may become additional risk factors, increasing sensitivity to urogenital infection. One could argue that it is not primarily the so-called “obstruction,” but rather specific changes in the immune system and host receptors that act in concert with—or become exploited by—bacterial virulence that allow for infection in pregnancy to occur.
Measurement of total cross sections for the scattering of positrons by argon and xenon atoms

Experimentally determined values for total scattering cross sections for e/sup +/-Ar and e/sup +/-Xe collisions in the 2--50 eV range are presented and compared with earlier sets of measurements, between which major discrepancies exist, and with recent theoretical calculations.
An application of rate-distortion theory to pattern recognition and classification

Abstract This paper establishes absolute bounds on the amount of memory required to perform pattern-recognition tasks with a misclassification rate not exceeding a specified level. Pattern-recognition activities are viewed as communication channels with sample sets as inputs and decision rules as outputs. Shannon's rate-distortion theory gives rise to language independent bounds on the complexity of class descriptions as a function of the number of samples, the size of the data space, and the error level tolerated.
Protein-Energy Ratios for Dairy Calves

Abstract Seventy-two two-day-old calves were used in an 84-day trial to study the influence of the protein-to-energy ratio in calf starters on the growth of dairy calves. Three protein levels, 14, 16, and 18% and three protein-to-energy ratios (% protein :estimated net energy), 1:46, 1:48, and 1:50 were fed. The protein levels were adjusted through the use of urea and soybean oil meal and the energy levels were adjusted through the incorporation of stabilized animal fat. Ground alfalfa hay was incorporated as 25% of all starters. The starters were made into 3/16-inch pellets. Results of this study showed very little difference in the growth rate of calves fed the 14, 16, or 18% protein calf starters. The ratio of protein to energy appeared to influence growth rates, particularly after the calves were off milk-feeding. As the protein-to-energy ratio increased, the body weight gains of the calves decreased, averaging 1.52,1.51, and 1.28lb per day for the 1:46, 1:48, and 1:50 ratio, respectively. This decrease in growth rate was evident at all protein levels. The average daily gain of the calves fed the ratio of 1:50 was significantly less than the weight gain of calves fed the two other rations. Results of this study indicate that the optimum protein-to-energy ratio would be 1:46 or slightly less.
INDIVIDUAL AND COUPLE UTILITY OF CHILDREN

Models specifying the utility of another child as either a couple or an individual experience and incorporating variations in the measurement properties of responses about child utility and expectations are estimated with data from the U.S. Value of Children survey. Full information, maximum likelihood analyses indicate that child utility is an individual experience of wives and husbands rather than a shared couple experience. That is, differences in the measurement properties of wives’ and husbands’ responses do not account entirely for the less than perfect correlations between their responses. These findings demonstrate the importance of estimating errors in measurement in the analysis of wives’ and husbands’ responses about the utility of children, and they challenge the assumption that marital partners share the utility of children.
Cultural competence and psychotherapy: Applying anthropologically informed conceptions of culture.

The authors apply two contemporary notions of culture to advance the conceptual basis of cultural competence in psychotherapy: Kleinman’s (1995) definition of culture as what is at stake in local, social worlds, and Mattingly and Lawlor’s (2001) concept of shared narratives between practitioners and patients. The authors examine these cultural constructs within a clinical case of an immigrant family caring for a young boy with an autism-spectrum disorder. Their analysis suggests that the socially based model of culture and the concept of shared narratives have the potential to broaden and enrich the definition of cultural competence beyond its current emphasis on the presumed cultural differences of specific racial and ethnic minority groups.
Long-acting delivery systems for peptides: inhibition of rat prostate tumors by controlled release of [D-Trp6]luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone from injectable microcapsules

Abstract Intramuscular injection of [6-D-tryptophan]-luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone [( D-Trp6]LH-RH) in microcapsules of poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide), designed to release a controlled dose of the peptide over a 30-day period, decreased the weights of androgen-dependent Dunning prostate tumors in rats and suppressed serum testosterone levels more effectively than daily subcutaneous administration of equivalent or double doses of unencapsulated [D-Trp6]LH-RH. The microcapsules or daily injections of [D-Trp6]LH-RH also significantly decreased tumor volumes. Microcapsules of [D-Trp6]LH-RH or related analogs that can be injected once a month should make the treatment of patients with prostate carcinoma and other neoplasms or disorders more convenient and efficacious.
Computer security and ethics awareness in university environments: a challenge for management of information systems

There are great challenges for the people involved in the management of information systems to take special measures to secure their information systems. This is more apparent in a university setting, specifically when providing computing resources to the diverse student population. The current paper reports on a study of computer security and ethics awareness among students taking an introductory computer technology course at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Four hundred sixty five (465) student volunteers attending introductory computer technology courses participated in the survey. A concise questionnaire consisting of 21 questions was used. The questionnaire had two major parts. The first part measured the participant's awareness of computer security. The second part measured their awareness of ethical computer use. In general, the majority of the participants had a satisfactory awareness of computer security and ethics. However, as the results of the survey reveal, a 20% to 52% lack of awareness of computer security is highly risky and a 14% to 24% violation of the code of ethics is not desirable. This suggests security and ethic awareness training is needed for university users. To help students at HBCUs increase their awareness of security and ethical issues, the authors provided several recommendations.
Cardiopulmonary Effects of Acute Thallium Poisoning

Gastrointestinal distress and alopecia are the most commonly reported symptoms of acute thallium intoxication; however, cardiac and pulmonary disease may dominate the acute stages of the disease. We report four cases which illustrate the importance of cardiac and respiratory disease in this syndrome.
On Standby Redundancy with Delayed Repair

This paper derives a) the Laplace-Stieltjes transform of the time-to-system-failure distribution, and b) the mean time-to-system-failure. The system consists of several elements with one repair facility which remains idle until a queue of failed units is built up.
Compositions of sums of absolute powers

We obtain an explicit formula for then-dimensional volumes of certain bodies, calledoddballs hereinafter. An oddball is a bodyG = {x eRn:f(x) ≤ 1}, wheref:Rn →R is anoddball function. Oddball functions are defined by way of the following construction: We begin with the class of functionsf of the formf(x1, ...,xk) = |x1|α + |x2|β + ... + |xk|γ. Herek may be any positive integer, and is not fixed. The Greek exponents are arbitrary positive real numbers. We extend this class by permitting any finite number of substitutions among functions in the class. Finally, we extend the substitution-enlarged class by permitting linear formsyi = Σjbijxj to replacexi's, the transformations being nonsingular. Thus, if det(bij) ≠ 0, the oddball function $$f(x_1 ,x_2 ,x_3 ,x_4 ,x_5 ,x_6 ) = ((|y_1 |^\alpha + |y_2 |^\beta )^\tau + (|y_3 |^\gamma + |y_4 |^\phi + |y_5 |^\psi )^\delta )^\mu + |y_6 |^\eta $$ is a fairly typical example.
Selective protection of the secondary side of β-cyclodextrin

Abstract Selective protection of the secondary side of β-cyclodextrin by reaction with t -butyldimethylsilyl chloride in the presence of NaH in dry DMF, is reported. Although, all the hydroxyl groups are not silylated in this reaction, these groups offer steric protection and direct the incoming electrophile to the primary side of the molecule.
On the short range atomic structure of non-crystalline carbon

Abstract Neutron diffraction data show there isllittle tetrahedral bonding in glassy carbon, and correspond to the Stenhouse-Grout structure factor model for amorphous carbon taking the degenerate case in which the amount of tetrahedral bonding is negligible. This is in contrast to the X-ray results of Noda and Inagaki. Further analysis of the radial distribution function from the neutron diffraction data is presented. A brief summary of other X-ray diffraction measurements on a variety of amorphous carbons is given, all of which confirm the predominantly trigonal coordination. The disagreement of the earlier X-ray and electron diffraction measurements is due to the poor resolution and normalization of the data, and also perhaps the method of preparation. The amount of tetrahedral bonding present in amorphous carbon requires careful diffraction measurements at large scattering vectors to enable better resolution of the peaks in the radial distribution function.
A new fungus disease of the white shrimp Penaeus setiferus

Abstract A primary mycosis of larvae of the white shrimp, Penaeus setiferus, is described. The disease first became apparent in larvae in the second protozoeal stage and disappeared as the shrimp reached the first mysis stage. Affected shrimp became immobilized by near complete tissue destruction and replacement by the expanding mycelium. The fungus was found to be Lagenidium sp. and was infective to larval brown shrimp, Penaeus aztecus.
Hypotheticals, Analogies, Death's Harms, and Organ Procurement

Delaney and Hershenov (2009) have produced an important and interesting target article, ambitious in scope and argument, significant in conclusion. These remarks are sparked by their hypothetical c...
Comparison of methods to estimate the rate of CO2 emissions and coal consumption from a coal fire near Durango, CO

Abstract Subsurface fires in coal beds consume coal resources and contribute to the global emissions of CO2 and air pollutants. Many of these fires are found in China, India, Indonesia, and the United States. Combustion product gases at these coal fires exit through surface fissures that form over fires. These fissures are created when subsurface subsidence causes preexisting fractures in the area to widen. Fissures act as both inlets for air and exhaust for combustion gases. While remote sensing approaches have been used to quantify the rate of coal consumption and CO2 emissions at large scale fires that extend over large distances, methods for estimating the coal consumption and CO2 emissions values based on surface observations are less well established. In this paper, a coal fire near Durango, CO, is described. A combination of fissure mapping, thermocouple temperatures, and a cesium-vapor magnetometer survey was used to delineate the aerial extent of the current combustion zone and previously burned zones. Three methods were then used to estimate combustion rates at an active region at the site. In the first method, time-lapse, high-resolution topographic surveys were used to relate surface volumetric losses over the active region to coal consumption and rates of CO2 emission. In the second method, measured temperatures, gas compositions, and dimensions of an exhaust fissure were used in a simple natural convection chimney model to estimate rate values. The third method estimated coal consumption and CO2 emission rates by measuring the velocity of exhaust gases, gas compositions and exhaust fissure dimensions. For the second and third methods, 13C isotope signatures were used to determine the fractions of CO2 that were emitted from coal and CH4 combustion or from CO2 in the native gas in the coal seam. A flux accumulation chamber was also used to quantify CO2 leakage rates from non-fissured regions over an active fire region. The three methods produced roughly consistent estimates of coal combustion and CO2 emission rates.
NeuroRehab + the "Fun" factor

Rehabilitation processes for neurological traumas have traditionally relied on physical therapy that involves repetitive exercises. While proven to be effective, these processes can become monotonous for patients and labor-intensive for therapists. Recent advancements in robotics and game consoles have alleviated these issues but are generally limited to specific motor skills, while excluding other types of deficits. This paper considers this limitation by focusing on a deficit known as the foot-drop and by exploring how the "fun" factor can be effectively incorporated into rehabilitating the condition. As a preliminary stage of this exploration, a device comprised of a game and a controller using muscle-based electrical impulses has been developed. The implementation of this device demonstrates potential benefits for the neurologically impaired with successful integration of muscle-based electrical impulses and game technology. Further testing is required to determine whether the integration of game-play can provide a "fun" incentive, which results in increased adherence to exercises that are typically arduous and repetitive.
The impact of coping styles and family communication on the social skills of children of alcoholics.

Objective: This study examined the relationship between parents alcoholism and their young adult children's social skills. Although parental alcoholism was hypothesized to be negatively related to children's social skills, this relationship was hypothesized to be moderated by family communication styles and young adults' coping styles. Method: Prior to the actual study, potential subjects were screened on a measure of parental alcoholism. To compensate for the positively skewed distribution of this variable, a greater percentage of those in the upper extreme of the scale were invited to participate in the study. For the study, 143 students (77 female) completed self-report measures of parental alcoholism, social skills, family communication and coping styles. Subjects also had a sibling complete measures of parental alcoholism and family communication. Results: Results indicated no significant differences in adult children's social skills as a function of parental alcoholism. Furthermore, family communica...
Diffraction grating eigenvector for translational and rotational motion

Future energy scaling of high-energy chirped-pulse amplification systems will benefit from the capability to coherently tile diffraction gratings into larger apertures. Design and operation of a novel, accurate alignment diagnostic for coherently tiled diffraction gratings is required for successful implementation of this technique. An invariant diffraction direction and phase for special moves of a diffraction grating is discussed, allowing simplification in the design of the coherently tiled grating diagnostic. An analytical proof of the existence of a unique diffraction grating eigenvector for translational and rotational motion that conserves the diffraction direction and diffracted wave phase is presented.
Extended Duration Thermal Stability Test of Improved Thermal Stability Jet Fuels

A single-pass, dual heat exchanger system called the Extended Duration Thermal Stability Test (EDTST) system was developed for evaluating jet fuel thermal stability. Various JP-8 fuels and thermal stability additives have been evaluated in the system. The test results indicate that additives can substantially improve the thermal stability of conventional jet fuels. Relationships of bulk and wetted wall temperatures on coking deposits that form in heated tubes have also been evaluated.To date, tests conducted with EDTST have verified that additives can improve the thermal stability of JP-8 fuels. The goal of operating at wetted wall temperatures of 260°C (500°F) has been achieved. The goal for bulk fuel temperatures of 218°C (425°F) with no deposits has not been achieved. Additional additive candidates are to be evaluated in the EDTST system to identify additives that meet both the wetted wall and bulk fuel temperature goals of this program. However, if the bulk temperature goal cannot be totally achieved, the JP-8 fuel specification will most probably be changed to take advantage of the wetted wall temperature improvement already demonstrated by a JP-8+100 additive candidate.Copyright © 1995 by ASME
Effect of climate and type of storage container on aflatoxin production in corn and its associated risks to wildlife species.

The effects of grain storage containers on aflatoxin production, and the relationship between the level of aflatoxin and the number and weight of fluorescing kernels were determined in corn (Zea maize) stored in controlled climate regimes. Two hundred and forty 100-g samples were held up to 3 mos using four types of storage containers placed in four climates. Storage containers included corn placed in metal cans, paper bags, plastic bags, and paper bags placed in plastic bags. Climates were constant during the duration of the project and included a combination of temperatures and humidities. Temperatures were 29–32 C and 14–18 C; relative humidities were 85–88% and 35–40%. In addition, corn was exposed to environmental conditions conductive for aflatoxin production and 100 g samples were randomly collected, examined under ultraviolet light for fluorescence, and then quantified for aflatoxin levels. Corn samples tested negative for aflatoxin at the beginning of the project. Main (i.e., container, climate, ...
Metal recovery from mine tailings using bacteria

Abstract Zinc metal and zinc sulfide were recovered by oxidative dissolution using Thiobacillus ferrooxidans , which is aerobic, autotrophic, and acidophilic bacteria. Thiobacillus ferrooxidans derive energy from oxidation of ferrous iron and elemental sulfur using molecular oxygen as an electron acceptor. From the 10, 000 mg/L of initial zinc concentration, 97% solubilization of zinc metal was obtained from coarse FeS 2 due to microbial action. Also, about 70% metal solubilization occurred with fine sized materials in 58 days. The general trend observed for the ZnS systems was a decrease in pH with time. The pH drop is an indication that microorganisms are acclimating and producing acidic by-products. The iron oxidation state changes due to substrate containing coarse particle size FeS 2 was shown. The shard drop of ratio of Fe(II)/Fe(Total) and sharp increase of ratio of Fe(III)/Fe(Total) was observed in 20 days after inoculation. Thus, microbial activity began more rapidly for the coarse particle size substrate than for the fine FeS 2 .
Statistical properties of thresholded images

The threshold operator is an important operator in image analysis tasks such as segmentation and edge detection. A statistical analysis of the response of this operator is presented in this paper. The input grayscale image is modeled as a two-dimensional homogeneous random process completely characterized by its mean and power spectrum.
Critical Factors for Successful Delivery of Online Programs.

The author explores several factors that are critical to the successful delivery of online programs. These observations are based on nearly 10 years of academic and administrative experience with online programs as Dean of the Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences (SCIS) at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). Encapsulated in this article are his reflections and observations regarding the online culture that has emerged over the years in the SCIS. Several factors are explored, including the issue of on-campus visits by online students, the importance of conveying a sense of class, school, and university, approaches to pedagogy, synchronous versus asynchronous methods, administrative and technical support, faculty issues, and other critical issues of delivering online programs.
Spectral and integrated emittance of ablation chars and carbon

Ablation chars, carbon and graphite spectral emittance and reflectance as function of wavelength and temperature, noting applications to atmospheric entry heat shielding
Study of interface reactions between Si and GaN at high temperatures using scanning photoelectron microscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Abstract Scanning photoelectron microscopy (SPEM) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy have been used to study interface reactions between Si and GaN when GaN is deposited on nitridated silicon substrates at high temperatures. The results show that the interface reactions between silicon and GaN are strongly dependent on the reaction temperature with the more severe reactions occurring at higher temperatures. In addition to the observation of the direct reaction of nitrogen with the Si to form silicon nitride at the interface, the chemical maps obtained with SPEM indicate that Si migrates to the top surface of the GaN layers. The migration of Si to the surface results in formation of SiN x on the top surface and in severe roughening of the GaN layers deposited at 950 and 1010°C. X-ray absorption data indicate that the hexagonal structure forms at higher temperature while the cubic form of GaN is the dominant structure at low temperature. The three-dimensional growth of the hexagonal structure appears to be responsible for enhancement of the Si migration.
The pharmacist role in dermatologic care

Abstract Objective Pharmacists play a crucial role in the management and education of patients with dermatologic disease. However, there is little formal dermatologic education provided in pharmacy school or post-graduate training. Additionally, dermatologists and pharmacists have identified boundaries to patient care that are largely due to weak communication between the two professions. To improve pharmacists' dermatologic knowledge and interprofessional relations, the Dermatology Symposium for Pharmacists was developed. Methods Pharmacists were recruited to participate in the symposium on a state level. Pre- and post-test survey questions were administered using an audience response system, which tested frequency of dermatology encounters in the pharmacy, pharmacist perceptions of dermatology, and case-based questions correlating with each lecture. Results A total of 83 pharmacists attended the symposium, the majority of whom make at least one dermatological recommendation daily. Paired t -test assessed the differences between scores of pre- and post-test questions on dermatologic knowledge, which showed mean scores of 6.36 and 9.89 before and after the symposium ( p ≤ 0.0001), respectively. The symposium had a significant impact on attendees with 65% saying they were more likely to recommend over-the-counter skin care products and 89% feeling more comfortable with dermatology referral. Methods to improve interprofessional care were developed during the panel discussions. Conclusion The pharmacists attending this symposium were enthusiastic about learning more regarding dermatologic disease. The use of case-based interactive learning permitted dermatology teachers to identify knowledge gaps for an audience with whom they had no prior experience. We believe the symposium also improved the interprofessional relationship between pharmacists and dermatologists regionally.
Cost-utility of rapid polymerase chain reaction-based influenza testing for high-risk emergency department patients.

Study objective We evaluate the cost-effectiveness of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based rapid influenza testing and treatment for influenza in adult emergency department (ED) patients who are at high risk for or have evidence of influenza-related complications. Methods We developed a cost-utility decision analysis model that assessed adult patients presenting to the ED with symptoms of an acute respiratory infection, who met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for recommended antiviral treatment. Analysis was performed from the societal perspective, with incremental comparisons of 4 influenza testing and treatment strategies: treat none, treat according to provider judgment, treat according to results of a PCR-based rapid diagnostic test, and treat all. Results Treating no patients with antivirals was dominated by all other strategies that increased in both cost and benefit in the following order: treat according to provider judgment, treat according to results of a PCR-based rapid diagnostic test, and treat all. As influenza prevalence increases, treating all patients eventually dominated all other options. Conclusion The economic benefit of incorporating use of rapid PCR-based influenza testing for ED patients at risk of developing influenza-related complications depends on influenza prevalence; treatment guided by physician diagnosis or rapid testing, and treatment of all patients is more effective and less costly than no treatment.
Characterizing the Achievable Throughput in Wireless Networks with Two Active RF chains

Recent breakthroughs in wireless communica- tion show that by using new signal processing techniques, a wireless node is capable of transmitting and receiving simultaneously on the same frequency band by activating both of its RF chains, thus achieving full-duplex communica- tion and potentially doubling the link throughput. However, with two sets of RF chains, one can build a half-duplex multi-input and multi-output (MIMO) system that achieves the same gain. While this gain is the same between a pair of nodes, the gains are unclear when multiple nodes are involved, as in a general network. The key reason is that MIMO and full-duplex have different interference patterns. A MIMO transmission blocks transmissions around its receiver and receptions around its transmitter. A full-duplex bi- directional transmission blocks any transmission around the two communicating nodes, but allows a reception on one RF chain. Thus, in a general network, the requirements for the two technologies could result in potentially different achievable throughput regions. This work investigates the achievable throughput perfor- mance of MIMO, full-duplex and their variants that allow simultaneous activation of two RF chains. It is the first work of its kind to precisely characterize the conditions under which these technologies outperform each other for a general network topology under a binary interference model. The analytical results in this paper are validated using software-defined radios.
Time-dependent-thermal-lensing (TDTL) studies on gas-phase azulene

Abstract Several aspects of the time-dependent-thermal-lensing (TDTL) technique were explored experimentally, including pressure effects, risetime behavior and falltime behavior. The experiments were performed using azulene vapor excited to high vibrational energies (≈ 17000 cm −1 ). It was found that the energy appears in translational degrees of freedom at very early times, but the intrinsic limitations of the technique permitted only an estimate of the V-T rate constant for excited azulene deactivation by krypton. The result is discussed in terms of other recent experiments, and it is tentatively concluded that deactivation of excited azulene by unexcited azulene molecules may proceed primarily by a V-V process.
Evaluation of the Oral Antihyperglycemic Drug Metformin in Normal and Diabetic Cats

Metformin is an oral antidiabetic drug that improves control of glycemia primarily by inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. This study evaluated the usefulness of metformin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats. The study consisted of 3 phases. Phase I was a dose-finding study performed in healthy cats that were randomly administered varying doses of metformin to determine the approximate dose that would yield plasma concentrations known to be effective in humans. Phase 2 was a 3-week safety study performed in healthy cats to determine if cats could tolerate the daily oral dose and administration protocol identified during phase 1. Phase 3 was a clinical trial evaluating the clinical response of diabetic cats to oral metformin treatment. Five cats with newly diagnosed, naturally acquired diabetes mellitus were enrolled in phase 3. Plasma metformin concentrations in the therapeutic range of 0.5-2 microg/mL were achieved with doses of 50 mg/cat PO q12h without dramatic drug accumulation. Intermittent lethargy, inappetence, vomiting, and weight loss were identified, and the results of the CBC, serum biochemical analysis, plasma lactate concentration, and urinalysis remained within the reference range during phase 2 of the study. During phase 3, control of glycemia was achieved in 1 of 5 diabetic cats after 8 weeks of metformin treatment; 3 cats failed to respond to metformin, and treatment with insulin was initiated after 7-8 weeks of metformin treatment; 1 cat died unexpectedly 11 days after starting metformin treatment. The cause of death was not determined. The serum insulin concentration was within or greater than the reference range in the responder diabetic cat and was undetectable or at the low end of the reference range in the nonresponder diabetic cats. The results of this study suggest that metformin is beneficial only in those diabetic cats with detectable concentrations of insulin at the time metformin treatment is initiated.
Return to play after infectious mononucleosis.

Context:Infectious mononucleosis is a disease primarily of adolescence and early adulthood. The risk of splenic injury and chronic fatigue make return-to-play decisions a challenge for the clinician caring for athletes with infectious mononucleosis.Evidence Acquisition:Data were obtained from the PubMed and MEDLINE databases through December 2012 by searching for epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, management, and the role of the spleen in infectious mononucleosis.Study Design:Clinical review.Level of Evidence:Level 4.Results:Infectious mononucleosis is commonly encountered in young athletes. Its disease pattern is variable and can affect multiple organ systems. Supportive care is the cornerstone, with little role for medications such as corticosteroids. Physical examination is unreliable for the spleen, and ultrasound imaging has limitations in its ability to guide return-to-play decisions. Exercise does not appear to place the young athlete at risk for chronic fatigue, but determining who ...
Flutter suppression control law design and testing for the active flexible wing

Design of a control law for simultaneously suppressing the symmetric and antisymmetric flutter modes of a sting-mounted, fixed-in-roll aeroelastic wind-tunnel model is described. The flutter suppression control law was designed using linear quadratic Gaussian theory, and involved control law order reduction, a gain root-locus study, and use of previous experimental results. A 23% increase in the open-loop flutter dynamic pressure was demonstrated during the wind-tunnel test. Rapid roll maneuvers at 11% above the symmetric flutter boundary were also performed when the model was in a free-to-roll configuration.
STUDIES ON THE HISTOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE PITUITARY OF RATS TREATED WITH PROGESTERONE11

SEVERAL INVESTIGATORS (1–3) have reported that crystalline corpus luteum hormone or synthetic progesterone do not prevent castration changes which occur in the pituitary gland of rats following gonadectomy. Hohlweg (I), for example, injected castrated adult and immature female rats with crystalline corpus luteum hormone. The adult animals received 540γ daily for 15 days, the immature animals as high as 40 γ daily for 16 days. Albrieux et al. (a) used castrated young male rats to which they administered a purified corpus luteum preparation at levels of to ½ RD. u. daily for 15 days. Fels (3), without giving data, stated that progesterone was incapable of preventing castration effects in the pituitaries of spayed rats. In contrast to these observations Brooksby (4) reported that 0.5 mg. of progesterone daily for 10 days inhibited castration changes in the hypophyses of 3-monthold female rats. Relatively large doses of progesterone have been demonstrated.
Epidemiology of intracranial meningioma

Intracranial meningiomas arise from the meninges and typically have benign histologic findings. They constitute approximately 20% of all intracranial tumors. Their incidence increases with age, and they affect women more commonly than men. The annual incidence per 100,000 people ranges from two to seven for women and from one to five for men. Since the first study was published in 1970, only eight major epidemiologic studies have been done that attempted to identify risk factors for meningioma. Ionizing radiation and head trauma have emerged as the most promising etiologic risk factors. In these studies, radiation doses as low as 1-2 Gy have been associated with increased risk. The role of dental radiographs has been suggested in some studies but not supported in others. An explanation for the apparent excess of meningiomas in women remains obscure. The potential effects of endogenous or exogenous sex hormones on tumor induction or growth remain unexplored in epidemiologic studies. More should be learned about the risk factors for meningioma in search of opportunities for prevention.
Mapping the two cultures.

How long a road is it from physical chemistry to philosophy? Michelle Francl tries to find her way using charts of the intellectual world, old and new.
The role of physician-assistants in critical care units

We evaluated the feasibility of utilizing physician assistants as providers of primary care in a medical ICU. After a three-month period of rigorous training, two PAs were assigned to the ICU. Their performance as well as the operation of the ICU over a two-year period was evaluated and compared to two preceding years when it was operated by house officers. There were no changes in occupancy, mortality or the rate of complications. Evidence for more careful evaluation of patients prior to admission and discharge, manifesting as slightly fewer admissions and slightly longer duration of hospitalization, was also documented. We conclude that properly trained PAs may have a role in providing health care in intensive care settings. (Chest 1991; 99:89–91)
Statistical modeling of total phosphorus concentrations measured in south Florida rainfall

Abstract Atmospheric deposition can be a significant source of phosphorus to South Florida’s aquatic system. The weekly total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in rainfall have been measured routinely in the region since 1974, but the historical data set has significant gaps due to instrumental failures and sample contamination. This study attempts to develop a statistical model of rainfall-borne TP concentration to estimate missing data. The model is based on a multivariate stochastic time-series theory. The model parameters and noise covariances were calibrated using the expectation–maximization algorithm which is known to be efficient for data sets with many gaps. Model verification demonstrates that the calibrated model provides unbiased data estimates while preserving the statistics of the raw data. The data with gaps filled in are useful for computing the weekly TP loads.
Diminished corticotropin and enhanced prolactin responses to 8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)tetralin in methylenedioxymethamphetamine pretreated rats.

Abstract Although (±) methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has been reported to deplete serotonin (5-HT) and destroy 5-HT terminals in the brains of animals, the functional sequelae of such alterations remain to be established. In the present study, a blunted corticotropin and an enhanced prolactin response to the 5-HT 1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH DPAT) was found in rats treated two weeks previously with a single dose of MDMA (2.0 or 20.0 mg/kg, sc). These results suggest that neurochemical changes produced by MDMA are associated with functional alterations as manifested by abnormal 5-HT receptor-coupled neuroendocrine responses.
Urban Skills and Religion: Mechanisms for Coping and Defense Among the Ugandan Asians

The Asians of Uganda were a middle-man minority under great pressure during 1971. Many were leaving the country each week, and most viewed themselves as having no future in East Africa. A random sample of 190 Kampala, Uganda, Hindus, and 104 Ismaili Muslims was used to test, in this natural setting, several hypotheses concerning coping ability and defenses among a minority under stress. Findings were (1) religiosity reduces anxiety or insecurity, but tends to be accompanied by feelings of empirical fatalism in a stressful situation; (2) those Asians with high socioeconomic status and local investments see themselves as more vulnerable and are thus more emotionally insecure, but high SES also makes them feel more able to cope or change their situations if necessary. The significance and implications of these findings are explored in closing.
The Symmetry Enigma in Hobbes

Gregory Kavka has recently highlighted, and attempted resolution of, a possible problem with Hobbes's views on state-of-nature co-operation. The problem, having to do with whether it is rational to abide by one's agreements in what appear to be prisoner's dilemma (PD) or PD-like situations, can provisionally be summarized in this way: A covenant of mutual trust is an agreement in which both parties are required to discharge their covenantal obligation, in sequence, at some time after the contract is made (WM,3,14,120–121,124). Hobbes seems to affirm that it is not rational in the state of nature for covenant-parties who have to perform first—first-parties—to keep their agreements, although it is rational for second-parties to do so if first-parties have already performed. These views on the rationality of contract-keeping generate the symmetry enigma: precisely what is the asymmetry between the situations of first-parties and second-parties in the state of nature that makes it irrational for first-parties to do the cooperative thing but rational for second-parties to do so?
Maternal Immunization to Benefit the Mother, Fetus, and Infant

Pregnant women are at risk for the same infectious diseases as nonpregnant individuals and often have increased morbidity and mortality associated with infection. Thus, immunizing women during pregnancy with recommended vaccines provides direct maternal benefit. Furthermore, maternal immunization has the potential for both fetal and infant benefit by preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes and infection during early life through passive immunity. This article reviews current knowledge on the importance and benefits of maternal immunization, which are 3-fold: protecting the mother from antepartum infection; reducing poor pregnancy and fetal outcomes; and providing immunity for infants during the first few months of life.