cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of excessive anticoagulation in a group model health maintenance organization

Background The fourth American College of Chest Physicians Consensus Conference on Antithrombotic Therapy recently published guidelines that included recommendations regarding the management of excessive anticoagulation. Limited data are available to support these recommendations. Objectives To assess management and outcomes of excessive anticoagulation in a group model health maintenance organization, compare management with the published guidelines, and analyze the cost of treatment strategies. Methods A search of computerized laboratory information identified patients with an international normalized ratio (INR) of greater than 6.0 during the 9-month study. Pertinent data were collected through a retrospective medical record review. Information was concurrently collected for cost analyses. Results The analysis included 301 episodes of excessive anticoagulation among 248 patients. Most (83%) episodes of elevated INRs were managed conservatively by a temporary discontinuation of warfarin sodium therapy until the INR was in a therapeutic range. Conservative management resulted in no sequelae in 212 (85.1%) of 249 episodes. Two episodes (0.8%) of major bleeding evolved in patients managed conservatively. No sequelae were documented in 23 (44%) of 52 episodes of phytonadione (vitamin K 1 ) administration. Sixteen (31%) episodes of major bleeding were documented, but bleeding occurred before phytonadione administration in all cases. Administering phytonadione resulted in hospital admission for 3 patients—2 (3.8%) because of thromboembolism and 1 (1.9%) for the administration of heparin sodium. Cost-effectiveness analysis determined that treatment with phytonadione is 7 times more costly than conservative management when INRs are between 6.0 and 10.0. Conclusions Most episodes of excessive anticoagulation were not managed per consensus guidelines. The higher the INR, the more likely were interventions to adhere to the guidelines. Administering phytonadione to patients with a moderate elevation of INRs (6.0-10.0) may be unnecessary. Based on this study, conservative management is a viable option.
Identification of conserved amino acids in murine B7-1IgV domain critical for CTLA4\CD28:B7 interaction by site-directed mutagenesis: a novel structural model of the binding site

Abstract The B7 : CD28\CTLA4 interaction plays a major role in T cell responses. Immune intervention targeted at this interaction has demonstrated a vast potential in enhancing tumor immunity and blocking autoimmunity and transplant rejection. However, the structural basis for this interaction is unclear. While we and others have performed site-directed mutagenesis to define amino acids involved in binding CD28 and CTLA4, these residues are localized in different regions, and it is unlikely for all of them to be directly involved. In addition, the effect of the mutations on the overall conformation of B7 has not been systematically evaluated. In this study, we have carried out site-directed mutagenesis to define the amino acids within B7-1 IgV-like domain which participate B7 : CD28\CTLA4 interaction. Four anti-B7-1 mAbs that recognize three independent antigenic epitopes on B7-1 were used to monitor the effect of mutations on the overall conformation of B7-1. Of the five mutations in the IgV domain that we have produced, D113 > A appears to interfere with cell surface expression and\or overall conformation of B7-1, while four others do not significantly affect the overall conformation and cell surface expression of B7-1. Among them, G115 > A and Y91 > A eliminated B7-1 binding to both CD28Ig and CTLA4Ig; our previously reported mutants L109 > A and W88 > A selectively affect the B7-1 binding to either CD28Ig or CTLA4Ig. Structural modeling of B7-1 based on the structure of immunoglobulin revealed that these four and other previously identified critical amino acids in both IgV- and IgC-like domains can form a localized structure.
Motives for drug use: an application of Cohen's typology.

A modified version of Cohen's typology of motives leading to drug use was studied in three private schools, Grades 7 through 12, two colleges, and a random sample of adults in two cities in a rural county located in the Intermountain West. The distribution of motives for the use of 12 categories of drugs was summarized for each population and comparisons made for age and sex differences. Younger respondents reported a higher use of drugs for adventure/curiosity reasons than older respondents. Students using drugs at a college having unusually low drug use showed a higher level of general motive satisfaction than students at a college having average drug use. Females reported a somewhat higher level of general motive satisfaction than males, but the sex differences observed were not consistent with common sex role stereotypes. By applying these motive distributions in a given community or institution, and following Cohen's suggestions for alternatives to drug use, it would be possible to build an effective...
Rurality, Institutional Disadvantage, and Achievement/Attainment*

Abstract Students living in rural areas of the United States exhibit lower levels of educational achievement and a higher likelihood of dropping out of high school than do their nonrural counterparts. In this paper we extend the literature by offering a framework in which resources influencing achievement/attainment are viewed as embedded in, and varying across, rural and nonrural places because of differences in structures of local opportunity. We draw from the National Educational Longitudinal Survey and the Common Core of Data, and employ hierarchical linear and hierarchical logistic modeling techniques to test our ideas. Rural adolescents are disadvantaged in regard to those family and school resources which are conducive to educational success. These resources translate into important educational investments at both family and school levels, and explain rural deficits in both attainment and standardized achievement. We discuss the implications of our findings for analyses of rural deprivation and inequality specifically, and for educational processes and the spatial patterning of stratification in general.
Morris's Garbage Compaction Algorithm Restores Reference Counts

The two-pass compaction algorithm of F.L. Morris, which follows upon the mark phase in a garbage collector, may be modified to recover reference counts for a hybrid storage management system. By counting the executions of two loops in that algorithm where upward and downward references, respectively, are forwarded to the relocation address of one node, we can initialize a count of active references and then update it but once. The reference count may share space with the mark bit in each node, but it may not share the additional space required in each pointer by Morris's algorithm, space which remains unused outside the garbage collector.
Music therapists may be missing chances to provide opportunities for individuals with autism spectrum disorders requiring AAC to use aided systems, but we still need to know why

Gadberry, A. L. (2011). A survey of the use of aided augmentative and alternative communication during music therapy sessions with persons with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Music Therapy, 48, 74–89. Source of funding and disclosure of interest: No source of funding reported, and no conflicts of interest reported by the original authors of this research report.
Factors affecting male-male competition in thirteen-lined ground squirrels

Intrasexual conflict and mating behavior were observed in a population of thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus). Success in male-male competition was related strongly to male weight, whereas both the weight and age of males were correlated positively with estimated mating success. Between-season fluctuations in the density of reproductive males were analyzed in terms of their effects on the population's operational sex ratio (OSR). Changes in the OSR corresponded with changes in behavioral aspects of sexual selection: when the OSR became less male-biased, intrasexual confliet was reduced, sexual interference declined, and males essentially had unrestricted access to estrous females. Opportunities for female choice likewise became limited as estrous females rarely were approached by more than one male.
Timing of treatment with ICRF-187 and its effect on chronic doxorubicin cardiotoxicity

Studies were conducted to evaluate whether the timing of administration of ICRF-187 [(+)-1,2-bis(3,5 dioxopiperazinyl-1-yl)propane] would influence the degree of cardioprotection provided by this agent against the development of doxorubicin-induced chronic cardiomyopathy. Beagle dogs (8.5–14 kg) received either doxorubicin alone (1.75 mg/kg, i. v.,n=8), doxorubicin (1.75 mg/kg) simultaneously with ICRF-187 (35 mg/kg, i. v.,n=8), or doxorubicin (1.75 mg/kg) followed 2 h later by ICRF-187 (35 mg/kg,n=8). Control animals received ICRF-187 (35 mg/kg,n=4) or saline (n=4). All animals received a course of seven treatments, each given 3 weeks apart, and were killed 3 weeks after the last treatment. Semiquantitative grading of histologic sections of myocardium showed that as compared with animals treated with doxorubicin alone, the incidence and the severity of the doxorubicin-induced myocardial lesions were reduced in the two groups of animals given doxorubicin plus ICRF-187. However, protection was significantly better in dogs receiving ICRF-187 and doxorubicin simultaneously than in those given ICRF-187 2 h after doxorubicin. These observations were interpreted as indicating that the timing of administration of ICRF-187 with respect to that of doxorubicin is an important factor in determining the degree of cardioprotection and that there is a “time window” in which ICRF-187 exerts optimal effects.
Relationships among age, sex, and depth of sport experience with initial open-task performance by 4- to 9-year-old children.

The purpose of this study was to assess the relative interrelationships of age, sex, and depth of sport experience on initial practice of a soccer task for 46 4-to 9-yr.-old children. Each child practiced 1 transfer trial and 3 blocks of 3 trials. Measures recorded were performance time, goal attainment, and movement accuracy. Multivariate analyses of variance and multiple regressions yielded evidence for (a) a speed-accuracy tradeoff, (b) a relation of age to goal attainment, movement accuracy, and performance time on the transfer trial, and (c) a relation of age with Block 1 performance time. Experience was more related than sex to all variables except movement accuracy in Block 1 and consistency of goal attainment. Conclusions are that age and experience are the most important to the quality of performance, and no constructs were related to consistency on this task for this age group.
Determination of lipophilicity of chlorinated alicyclic compounds by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A RP-HPLC procedure has been developed for measuring the capacity factor (k′) of a series of chlorinated alicyclic compounds. The chromatographic behavior measured on a 4.5 mm i.d. × 3.3 cm C-18 column with methanol/water as the mobile phase was related to the volume fraction of methanol (φ). A linear relationship was found between log k′ and φ, showing the correlation coefficient γ > 0.99, for each of the 15 chlorinated alicyclic compounds tested. The log kw, the capacity factor obtained by extrapolation of the retention data from binary eluents to 100 % water, was chosen as a measure of the solute lipophilicity. Since log kw is considered as a valuble index of the lipophilicity of a compound, the determined values will be used for the quantitative structure-activity relationship studies of the chlorinated alicyclic compounds.
“OUR HEARTS ARE COLLECTIVELY BREAKING”: Teaching Survivors of Violence

This article discusses teaching survivors of violence in an introductory women's studies course and addresses the pedagogical question of whether we are able to promote individual agency and empowerment effectively and, if so, how might we best go about it. Survivors spoke out in their journals and in the classroom about their experiences, shared feelings about empowerment, and assessed the ways and extent to which the course helped them to heal. I found that survivors benefited from being able to talk about their experiences and from being encouraged to place their personal experiences in a broader political context, but that a crucial component was the affirmation, validation, and solidarity they felt with each other in the classroom.
Three-dimensional magnetic interactions in Na x CoO 2 : First-principles calculations and analysis of exchange mechanisms

The puzzle of three-dimensional magnetic interactions in the structurally two-dimensional layered-oxide ${\mathrm{Na}}_{x}{\mathrm{CoO}}_{2}$ is addressed using first-principles calculations and an analysis of the exchange mechanisms. The calculations agree with recent neutron results, favoring the antiferromagnetic stacking of ferromagnetic planes. The superexchange via direct O-O hopping and through intermediate Na $s{p}^{2}$ hybrids couples each Co to its nearest and six next-nearest interplanar neighbors via equivalent paths. The individual exchange constants are rather two-dimensional, like the lattice itself, but due to multiple $c$-axis exchange paths, the magnetism becomes effectively three-dimensional.
Toxicity of Vanadium in Female Leghorn Chickens

A study was conducted to determine the influence of dietary vanadium, fed after the onset of production, on hen day egg production, body weight changes, and mortality in laying breed chickens. Calcium orthovanadate was fed to 29-week-old female laying breed chickens at calculated levels of 0, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 ppm dietary vanadium for five consecutive 28-day laying periods. Hen-day egg production and hen body weights were not influenced by the addition of 12.5 or 25 ppm dietary vanadium. Overall hen body weights and the hen day egg production were decreased in hens fed diets to which 50 ppm vanadium was added with a severe reduction in both parameters at 100 ppm. There were no mortalities during the experiment in the groups fed the 0, 12.5, 25, or 50 ppm vanadium diets. Mortality in the group fed the 100 ppm vanadium diet was 11, 39, and 56% at the end of the 28-day Periods 3, 4, and 5, respectively. There were no significant differences in egg weights, although a trend existed for lower egg weights with increasing levels of dietary vanadium.
Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy --an under-diagnosed disease in China? Report a China-born Chinese with PABPN1 mutation and epidemiology review of the literature.

Background/Purpose Most reports about oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) have been contributed by occidental countries, and most of the victims of this disease are racially white. In contrast, this disorder is rarely seen in Asians and has only one African report. Consequently, OPMD has been regarded as a disease of the Western world. The purpose of this paper is to challenge the accuracy of this concept. Methods In a Chinese immigrant family, 3 patients manifesting signs related to OPMD were examined. Electromyography, nerve conduction studies, muscle biopsy and genetic analysis were performed on the proband. All the 322 papers about OPMD were reviewed and their country of origin was labeled to perceive the approximate prevalence of OPMD. Countries were categorized into groups according to the continents to which they belonged. Results The proband's muscle histopathology showed small angulated fiber with rimmed vacuoles, ultrastructural pathology exposed filamentous intranuclear inclusions, and genetic analysis of the polyadenylate binding protein nuclear 1(PABPN1) gene revealed 13 GCG trinucleotide repeats in one allele (GCG)13 while being normal in the other. The survey of the country of origin of OPMD reports showed that 80% of these papers were contributed by occidental countries and that the number of publications of OPMD among countries of Americas and Asia were unequal, when compared to those of European countries, which were fairly proportioned. An epidemiologic review of the literature is presented and the prevalence of OPMD is discussed. Conclusion This is a China-born Chinese patient with both morphologically and genetically proven of OPMD. The very low OPMD report rate in developing countries of East Asia is due to the unfamiliarity of medical workers to OPMD and the unavailability of medical supplies to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, the present and previous reports provide clear evidence that OPMD in these areas is underdiagnosed.
Identification of leukotriene D4 receptor binding sites in guinea pig lung homogenates using [3H]leukotriene D4

Abstract We have characterized [3H]leukotriene D4 binding to guinea pig lung homogenates. Both biphasic dissociation kinetics and curvilinear Scatchard plots indicated the presence of [3H]leukotriene high and low affinity states of the binding sites. The rank order of potency for the competition study was leukotriene C4 = leukotriene D4 leukotriene E4 ⪢ arachidonic acid, and for their contractile effect on lung strips was leukotriene C4 = leukotriene D4 = leukotriene E4 ⪢ arachidonic acid. FPL-55712 was the only other agent tested that inhibited binding. These results suggest that binding of [3H]leukotriene D4 to the homogenate is consistent with its binding to specific leukotriene D4 receptor sites.
Late outcome of untreated asymptomatic carotid disease following cardiovascular operations

In a previous prospective study of 449 patients undergoing coronary or peripheral arterial reconstruction, 85 patients had preoperative evidence of asymptomatic bruit and/or greater than 50% carotid obstruction by routine Doppler screening. No patient had prophylactic carotid endarterectomy. This article reviews the late postoperative outcome (2 to 61 months, mean 35 months) of 67 patients with asymptomatic carotid disease who survived operation without perioperative deficit. Eleven patients died (16%) including four of myocardial infarction and two of stroke. Neurologic deficits occurred in the late postoperative period in 22 patients (32.8%) after an average interval of 31 months, including transient ischemic attacks in 15 patients (22.4%); only four of these 15 were appropriate to the side of carotid disease documented preoperatively. Seven patients (10.4%) suffered stroke, only three (4.5%) of which were in the territory of carotid disease detected preoperatively. The cumulative rate of carotid disease progression was 34%, including three patients who suffered carotid occlusion. Two of the latter had the only fatal strokes. This study suggests that patients with asymptomatic carotid disease, although not at significant risk of perioperative stroke, require careful follow-up for late postoperative neurologic deficits, the majority of which (68%) are transient ischemic attacks.
Mutual Adjustments between Process and Form in a Desert Mountain Fluvial System

Abstract The analysis of earth surface systems is complicated by mutual adjustments among geomorphic variables. Most statistical models used by geomorphologists implicitly assume unidirectional causation. Simultaneous-equation models represent an alternative statistical approach by which mutual adjustment mechanisms can be analyzed explicitly. This technique is used to develop a process-response model of a small desert mountain fluvial system in order to examine the system's internal structure and dynamics. In general, results confirm the expected interactions among variables in the model. Discharge, size of bed material, and the type of bank material are the dominant factors directly influencing channel width, suggesting that channel form reflects an interaction among hydrologic conditions, the caliber of the sediment load, and the resistance imposed by the channel perimeter. Results also indicate that local and upstream energy conditions strongly influence the mean grain size and sorting of the streambe...
Social contagion of time perception

Abstract To test the hypothesis that the perception of time’s passage converges towards consensus in interactive groups, 38 participants completed a “word puzzles” task in groups of four to six. Four groups performed the task interactively (Interactive Condition) and four groups performed it without interacting (Control Condition). Both intraclass correlations and within-group variance measures revealed, as predicted, that more within-group consensus emerged in the Interactive Condition (versus the Control Condition) for measures of perceived time speed and mood. Alternatives to an explanation based on the dynamics of interaction are discussed, and the results are placed in the larger scope of recent theory and research on socially shared cognition.
Relating rape and murder: Narratives of sex, death and gender

For this issue we present two reviews on the topic of sexual violence. First, Jennifer Chiotti provides an excellent summary of Monkton-Smith's (2010) book, “Relating Rape and Murder: Narratives of...
Calibration of the massic activity of a solution of 99Tc

Abstract A solution of 99Tc was calibrated in terms of massic activity using the NIST 4πβ(LS)–γ-anticoincidence counting system. 60Co was used as the efficiency-tracing radionuclide. Measurements were also made using conventional 4πβ liquid-scintillation (LS) counting. 3H was used as the efficiency-monitor radionuclide. The LS detection efficiency ratios, (e99/e3), were calculated theoretically. The calculated detection efficiency ratios depend strongly upon the assumed shape of the beta spectrum of 99Tc.
Numerical inversion and assessment of 2D Laplace transforms using the Brancik algorithm and its use in 3D holography

An analytic examination of 3D holography under a 90° recording geometry was carried out earlier in which 2D spatial Laplace transforms were introduced in order to develop transfer functions for the scattered outputs under readout [1,2]. Thereby, the resulting reconstructed output was obtained in the 2D Laplace domain whence the spatial information would be found only by performing a 2D Laplace inversion. Laplace inversion in 2D was attempted by testing a prototype function for which the analytic result was known using two known inversion algorithms, viz., the Brancik and the Abate [2]. The results indicated notable differences in the 3D plots between the algorithms and the analytic result, and hence were somewhat inconclusive. In this paper, we take a closer look at the Brancik algorithm in order to understand better the implications of the choices of key parameters such as the real and imaginary parts of the Bromwich contour and the grid sizes of the summation operations. To assess the inversion findings, three prototype test cases are considered for which the analytic solutions are known. For specific choices of the algorithm parameters, optimal values are determined that minimize errors in general. It is found that even though errors accumulate near the edges of the grid, overall reasonably accurate inversions are possible to obtain with optimal parameter choices that are verifiable via cross-sectional views. Further work is ongoing whereby the optimized algorithm is to be applied to the 3D holography problem.
A note on the relationship between Spearman's ρ and Kendall's τ for extreme order statistics

Abstract This note focuses on the relationship between Spearman's ρ n and Kendall's τ n for the two extreme order statistics X ( 1 ) and X ( n ) of n independent and identically distributed continuous random variables. We present three new formulas for computing Spearman's ρ n . One of the formulas leads to a recursion relation. We use this recursion relation to establish inequality relationships between ρ n and τ n . The recursion relation also provides an alternative proof of the result that the sequence of ratios ρ n / τ n converges to 3 2 as the sample size n goes to infinity.
Quantile regression analysis of health-aid and infant mortality: a note

Empirical literature examining the effectiveness of foreignaid on infant mortality, using mean regressions, has not found robust evidence in favour of foreignaid. The present article uses quantile regression technique to perform detailed scrutiny of the effect of multilateral health-aid on various quantiles of infant mortality rates in developing economies. We find that at relatively lower quantiles of infant mortality, health-aid is effective but it loses its effectiveness at relatively higher quantiles (i.e. for countries faced with more infant mortalities). This implies that more effective policy measures need to be undertaken for countries swamped with infant mortalities.
Size tolerancing revisited: A basic notion and its evolution in standards

Size is a fundamental descriptor of objects—it allows us to quantify “how big” objects are and to compare and classify objects based on this notion. In the world of International Organization for Standardization Geometrical Product Specification and Verification, size is defined much more narrowly: it is restricted to features of size, and the methods of inducing size values from an actual workpiece are strictly controlled. The release of ISO 14405-1:2010 has introduced a rich new set of size specification modifiers, which includes two-point and spherical local sizes, least squares, maximum inscribed and minimum circumscribed associations, as well as calculated diameters (inferred from the circumference, area, or volume of the feature of interest). Further modifiers allow the specification of statistics of local size measurements, such as maximum, minimum, range, average, and others. This article will present “size” as a fundamental engineering notion from several viewpoints and trace its evolution in eng...
Multiply charged ions in ionspray tandem mass spectrometry

Multiply charged anions of some 30 species containing multiple carboxylic, sulphonic and/or phosphoric groups generated by ionspray were studied by using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Two trends emerged: (1) lower-charged ions are preferentially evaporated, and (2) for more highly charged ions, evaporability is a function of ion size. Triply and quadruply charged ions were observed for azo dyes with molecular masses in the 700-900 Dalton range. Daughter-ion mass spectra of selected multiply charged ions are presented.
Parametrische Formelelemente als Basis für intelligentes CAD

Als Einfuhrung wird die Technik von Formelementen in CAD und deren Funktion als Grundlage fur wissensbasierte Konstruktion erlautert. Danach wird ein Systemkonzept fur parametrische Formelemente in Solid Modeling vorgestellt. Dieser Ansatz ermoglicht insbesondere das Modellieren von Abhangigkeiten von Formelementen untereinander. Die interaktive Konstruktion mit abhangigen Formelementen wird abschliesend anhand eines nach diesem Konzept aufgebauten Softwareprototyps gezeigt.
Optimal work-rest schedules under prolonged vibration.

This research was conducted for the purpose of studying the performance and recovery characteristics of men when subjected to low-level, whole-body vertical sinusoidal vibration for durations of one to two hours. Several male subjects performed a vertical compensatory tracking task using a CKT display according to three work-rest schedules under both normal and vibratory environments. The vibratory environment was that of vertical sinusoidal vibration with a frequency of.5 cps and an amplitude- of 0-08 inches resulting in an acceleration intensity of approximately 0.20 g. The working period was divided into equal intervals during which performance was continuously monitored. Decrement of performance was measured using absolute error score. Results and conclusions are presented regarding performance decrement and recovery under varying work-rest schedules. Optimum work-rest schedules and implications of control tasks under a vibratory environment are discussed.
Alkali-bonded SiC based foams

Abstract Silicon carbide (SiC) foams were developed by using a low temperature process such as chemical consolidation that is suitable to replace the sintering step. An alkali aluminosilicates binder, also known as geopolymer, was used. It was prepared from metakaolin, as aluminosilicatic raw powder, and KOH/K 2 SiO 3 aqueous solution. The foaming agent was the metallic silicon present as impurity in SiC powders. Different grades of SiC were used as the main component (90 wt%) of the foams and the micro and macrostructures varied with the morphologies of the SiC raw powders. The surface of SiC grains participates to the geopolymeric process because of the dissolution of the silica layer into the alkaline solution. SiC foams were tested and characterized under oxidative atmospheres up to 1200 °C.
A comprehensive review of physical urticaria.

Physical urticarias are an intriguing subgroup of urticarial disorders with unique circumstances and trigger stimuli precipitating symptom development. A through understanding of the pathophysiology will assist in the management process by facilitating prompt recognition and more accurate diagnoses.
Adhesion at a heterophase interface: First-principles study of Mo(001)/MoSi2(001)

The bonding characteristics, interfacial energetics, and electronic structure associated with adhesion at the Mo-MoSi2(001) heterophase interface are investigated using the first-principles, self-consistent local orbital method. We found both the adhesive energy and peak interfacial strength for the interface to be 10%-15% smaller than the respective values for cleavage along the (001) planes in crystalline Mo and MoSi2. The equilibrium interlayer separation between Mo and MoSi2 is found to lie between the interplanar spacings of crystalline Mo and MoSi2. The interfacial adhesive bonding is attributable to the combination of a nearly uniform band of charge accumulation at the interface and directional charge accumulation between atoms across the interface. These first-principles calculations demonstrate that the universal-binding-energy relation can be extended to describe adhesion between dissimilar materials.
Gravitational waveforms with controlled accuracy

A partially first-order form of the characteristic formulation is introduced to control the accuracy in the computation of gravitational waveforms produced by highly distorted single black hole spacetimes. Our approach is to reduce the system of equations to first-order differential form on the angular derivatives, while retaining the proven radial and time integration schemes of the standard characteristic formulation. This results in significantly improved accuracy over the standard mixed-order approach in the extremely nonlinear post-merger regime of binary black hole collisions.
Approximate Stresses in an Orthotropic Plate Containing a Circular Hole

An approximate solution in the form of a polynomial is presented for the normal stress distribution adjacent to a circular hole in an infinite orthotropic plate. Comparison of the approximate solut...
Micro-Structuring of Metal Films by Localized Single-Pulse Laser Irradiation

We present data on micrometer-scale localized single-pulse laser irradiation of Au, Cu, Al, or Ti films on borosilicate glass substrates. These metals represent a range of thermal properties, chemical reactivity levels, and relevance to specific applications. A mask projection technique employing a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, emitting at its fourth harmonic of 266nm, was used to produce the irradiation spots in this work. The metal films, deposited by RF-sputtering, had thicknesses of several hundred nanometers. Sample irradiation was performed in either vacuum or ambient air, and the resulting microstructures were examined by electron microscopy. The results indicate that irradiation of Cu films can lead to the formation of bumps, sharp cones or protrusions. However, the controllability of these structures on Cu films is limited, compared to those formed on Au or Si. The results, upon irradiation of Ti films, are limited to melting and surface roughening or ablation openings, regardless of the conditions of irradiation, film thickness, substrate or ambient gas. The modifications that occur within Al films are reproducible, but limited in shape and size.
The Challenges of Resident Training in Complex Hepatic, Pancreatic, and Biliary Procedures

Operations on the liver and pancreas have fallen within the domain of the general surgeon and have been part of general surgery training. The more complex procedures involving these organs are limited in number in most general surgery residencies and do not afford an opportunity for vast experience. Moreover, fellowship programs in hepato-bilio-pancreatic (HPB) surgery and the development of laparoscopic techniques may have further limited the familiarity of general surgery residents with these operations. To determine the experience accrued by finishing general surgery residents, we accessed, through the Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the Resident Case Log System used by general surgery residents throughout their training to document operative cases. The number of operations on the gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, and liver was examined over the past 16 years (there were missing data for 3 years). Reference years 1995 and 2005 were compared to detect trends. Experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy has steadily increased and averaged more than 100 cases in 2006. Experience in liver resection, distal pancreatectomy, and partial (Whipple) pancreatectomy has statistically improved from 1995 to 2005, but the numbers of cases are low, generally less than five per finishing resident. Experience in open common bile duct and choledocho-enteric anastomoses has statistically declined from 1995 to 2005, averaging less than four cases per finishing resident. The mode (most frequently performed number) for liver and pancreas resections was either 0 or 1. It is doubtful this experience in HPB surgery engenders confidence in many finishing residents. Attention should be focused on augmenting training in HPB surgery for general surgery residents perhaps through a combination of programmatic initiatives, ex vivo experiences, and minifellowships. Institutional initiatives might consist of defined HPB services with appropriate expertise, infrastructure, process, and outcome measures in which a resident-oriented, competency-based curriculum could be developed.
Evaluation of Various Methods for Estimating Global Solar Radiation in the Southeastern United States

AbstractGlobal solar radiation Rg is an important input for crop models to simulate crop responses. Because the scarcity of long and continuous records of Rg is a serious limitation in many countries, Rg is estimated using models. For crop-model application, empirical Rg models that use commonly measured meteorological variables, such as temperature and precipitation, are generally preferred. Although a large number of models of this kind exist, few have been evaluated for conditions in the United States. This study evaluated the performances of 16 empirical, temperature- and/or precipitation-based Rg models for the southeastern United States. By taking into account spatial distribution and data availability, 30 locations in the region were selected and their daily weather data spanning eight years obtained. One-half of the data was used for calibrating the models, and the other half was used for evaluation. For each model, location-specific parameter values were estimated through regressions. Models were...
Unified topology design of static and vibrating structures using multiobjective optimization

Abstract Since structural design is usually required to perform in more than one environment, the ability to consider multiple objectives has to be included within the framework of topology optimization. A unified topology design methodology is proposed to generate structures satisfying both static and vibration performance measures using the multiobjective optimization approach. The weighted sum of conflicting objectives resulting from the norm method is used to generate the optimal compromise solutions, and the decision function is set to select the preferred solution. The objective function is defined by the mean compliance and mean eigenvalue to design a flexible structure which meets both the static and vibration requirements. The optimality conditions of the bicriteria problem are derived based on the modified optimality criteria method. To substantiate this approach, illustrated examples are presented both for verification and application.
The effect of audit scope and auditor tenure on resource allocation decisions in local government audit engagements

Abstract I examine the relationship between audit scope and auditor tenure and the hours of labor charged to audit activities (e.g. planning, internal control evaluation and testing, etc.) by a regional public accounting firm across a sample of governmental audits. I find that audit resources are generally allocated in a manner consistent with expectations derived from generally accepted governmental auditing standards.
THREE NEW SPECIES OF SOLIFUGAE FROM NORTH AMERICA AND A DESCRIPTION OF THE FEMALE OF BRANCHIA BREVIS (ARACHNIDA, SOLIFUGAE)

Three new species of Solifugae are described: Eremobates paleta from Mexico, is a member of the Eremobates scaber species group; Eremobates inkopaensis from California, U.S.A., is a member of the Eremobates palpisetulosus group; and Eremochelis albaventralis from Mexico is tentatively placed in the Eremochelis bilobatus group. The female of Branchia brevis Muma from Texas, U.S.A. is described for the first time.
The Rotationally Flexible Pendulum Subjected to a High Frequency Excitation

It is found that various equilibrium positions occur depending on the stiffness of the flexible parts
Spectral bluing induced by small particles under the Mie and Rayleigh regimes

Scattering by particles significantly smaller than the wavelength is an important physical process in the icy and rocky bodies in our Solar System and beyond. A number of observations of spectral bluing (referred to in those papers as ‘Rayleigh scattering’) on planetary surfaces and cometary comas have been recently reported, however, the necessary mathematical modeling of this phenomenon has not yet achieved maturity. This paper is a first step to this effect, by examining the effect of grain size and optical index on the albedo of small conservative and absorbing particles as a function of wavelength. The conditions necessary for maximization of spectral bluing effects in real-world situations are identified. We find that any sufficiently narrow size distribution of scattering particles will cause spectral bluing in some part of the EM spectrum regardless of its optical index. We also investigate the effect of including a distribution of particle sizes.
Symmetry descriptors and 3D shape matching

In this paper, we present the Symmetry Descriptors of a 3D model. This is a collection of spherical functions that describes the measure of a model's rotational and reflective symmetry with respect to every axis passing through the center of mass. We show that Symmetry Descriptors can be computed efficiently using fast signal processing techniques, and demonstrate the empirical value of Symmetry Descriptors by showing that they improve matching performance in a variety of shape retrieval experiments.
Confounding of Causal Attribution and Trait Consistency in Research on Determinants of Trait Inference Patterns

Evaluative and descriptive consistency have been proposed as principles accounting for trait inference patterns (Schneider, 1973). This study raises the possibility of a confounding in earlier research of these two principles and another plausible but previously unrecognized trait inference principle, causal attribution. Subjects rated 96 pairs of personality traits (derived fron Peabody, 1967) for probability of cooc currence and probability of causal relationship. These trait pairs were divided into four categories: evaluatively consistent--deseriptively con sistent, evaluatively consistent--descriptively inconsistent, evalua tively inconsistent--descriptively consistent, and evaluatively incon sistent--descriptively inconsistent. In an analysis of variance using evaluative and descriptive consistency as independent variables and prob ability of causal relationship as dependent variable, both types of con sistency were related significantly to probability of causal relation ship. In addition, correlatio...
Multiphoton Excitation Microscopy of In Vivo Human Skin: Functional and Morphological Optical Biopsy Based on Three-Dimensional Imaging, Lifetime Measurements and Fluorescence Spectroscopya

Two-photon excitation microscopy has the potential as an effective, noninvasive, diagnostic tool for in vivo examination of human deep tissue structure at the subcellular level. By using infrared photons as the excitation source in two-photon microscopy, a significant improvement in penetration depth can be achieved because of the much lower tissue scattering and absorption coefficients in the infrared wavelengths. Two-photon absorption occurs primarily at the focal point and provides the physical basis for optical sectioning. Multiphoton excitation microscopy at 730 nm was used to image in vivo human skin autofluorescence from the surface to a depth of about 200 microns. The spectroscopic data suggest that reduced pyridine nucleotides, NAD(P)H, are the primary source of the skin autofluorescence using 730 nm excitation. This study demonstrates the use of multiphoton excitation microscopy for functional imaging of the metabolic states of in vivo human skin cells and provides a functional and morphological optical biopsy.
Analysis of polymeric composite interphase regions with thermal atomic force microscopy

Previous work on the characterization of interphase regions in thermoset- ting composite systems has focused on the inference of an interphase layer from effects noticed through macroscale mechanical and thermal testing. With the development of atomic force microscopy and active thermal probes for this technique, it is now possible to examine material thermal properties on a much smaller scale. Variations in mi- croscale thermal properties of an aerospace-grade thermosetting resin system were evaluated for carbon and glass fiber reinforcement, using the modulated local thermal analysis mode of a TA Instruments 2990 TA. The variations observed clearly demon- strate the presence of a soft interphase layer in the glass material and underline the importance of fiber-matrix interactions during the formation of the interphase. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 1643-1649, 2001
The origin and evolution of lignin biosynthesis.

Contents Summary 273 I. Introduction 273 II. Emergence of the monolignol biosynthetic scaffold 274 III. Occurrence and elaboration of lignification in tracheophytes 280 IV. Concluding remarks 282 Acknowledgements 282 References 282 Summary Lignin, a phenolic polymer derived mainly from hydroxycinnamyl alcohols, is ubiquitously present in tracheophytes. The development of lignin biosynthesis has been considered to be one of the key factors that allowed land plants to flourish in terrestrial ecosystems. Lignin provides structural rigidity for tracheophytes to stand upright, and strengthens the cell wall of their water-conducting tracheary elements to withstand the negative pressure generated during transpiration. In this review, we discuss a number of aspects regarding the origin and evolution of lignin biosynthesis during land plant evolution, including the establishment of its monomer biosynthetic scaffold, potential precursors to the lignin polymer, as well as the emergence of the polymerization machinery and regulatory system. The accumulated knowledge on the topic, as summarized here, provides us with an evolutionary view on how this complex metabolic system emerged and developed.
Financial implications of glycemic control: results of an inpatient diabetes management program.

� Objective: (1) To determine the financial implications associated with changes in clinical outcomes resulting from implementation of an inpatient diabetes management program and (2) to describe the strategies involved in the formation of this program. � Methods: The various factors that influence financial outcomes are examined, and previous and current outcomes are compared. � Results: Associations exist between hyperglycemia, length of stay, and hospital costs. Implementation of an inpatient diabetes management program, based on published guidelines, has been shown to increase the use of scheduled medications to treat hyperglycemia and increase the frequency of physician intervention for glucose readings outside desired ranges. Results from implementing this program have included a reduction in the average glucose level in the medical intensive care unit through use of protocols driven to initiate intravenous insulin once the glucose level exceeds 140 mg/dL. Additionally, glucose levels have been reduced throughout the hospital, primarily because of interactions between diabetes nurse care managers and the primary care team. Associated with these lower glucose levels are a decreased prevalence of central line infections and shorter lengths of stay. The reduction in the length of stay for patients with diabetes has resulted in a savings of more than $2 million for the year and has yielded a 467% return on investment for the hospital. � Conclusion: Improved blood glucose control during the hospitalization of patients with known hyperglycemia is associated with reduced morbidity, reduced hospital length of stay, and cost savings. The implementation of an inpatient diabetes management program can provide
“The Hyatt Horror”: Failure and Responsibility in American Engineering

Nearly 20 years ago, an elegant Kansas City, Mo., hotel was the site of one of the most famous engineering failures in recent history. The collapse of two elevated walkways in the lobby left 114 people dead and nearly 200 injured, and plunged the engineering profession into a dilemma over how to deal with the engineers who were involved. In the mid-1970s, as the Kansas City Hyatt Regency was under construction, the engineering profession's codes of ethics were under construction as well. ASCE leaders argued that their society's new code should reflect a new hierarchy of engineers' responsibilities. “Public welfare,” they agreed, should be the “primary concern” of engineers, followed by engineers' duty to “clients, employer or employees,” and loyalty to the profession. The implications of the new ethics code became disturbingly clear with the Hyatt. This paper tells the story of how the engineering profession struggled to transform an unspeakable disaster into a powerful, if painful, lesson about the meani...
Demonstration of a second-order nonlinear silica fiber taper with self-assembled organic surface layers

We present experimentally a novel technique to generate significant and thermodynamically stable second-order nonlinearity into a silica fiber taper by using nanoscale self-assembly of nonlinear molecules on a fiber surface.