cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategies and outcomes of cardiac surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses.

Background: Jehovah's Witnesses (JW) are a Christian faith, with an estimated 1.1 million members in the United States, well recognized for their refusal of blood and blood products. JW may not be considered for cardiac surgery due to perceived higher risks of morbidity and mortality. This study reviews our contemporary strategies and experience with JW undergoing routine and complex cardiac surgery. Methods: From November 2001 to April 2010, 40 JW were referred for cardiac surgery at a single quaternary referral institution. A retrospective analysis of demographic data, perioperative management, and clinical outcomes was examined. Published validated clinical risk calculator and model for prediction of transfusion were used to identify high-risk patients (risk of mortality >6% or probability of transfusion >0.80). Results: The mean age was 70 (± 9.5) years with 21 men and 19 women. Patients were classified as high risk (45%, n = 18) and low risk (55%, n = 22) with demographics and comorbidities listed in Table 2. Operative procedures included: isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (n = 19), isolated valve replacement/repair (n = 7), valve/CABG (n = 7), reoperative valve replacement (n = 4), reoperative CABG (n = 2), valve/ascending aorta replacement (n = 1), and CABG/ascending aorta replacement (n = 1). All JW were evaluated by The Department of Bloodless Medicine to individually define acceptable blood management strategies. The mean preoperative hemoglobin was 14.1 g/dL (±1.6). Overall mortality was 5% (n = 2) all of which were in the high-risk group. Discussion: Using a multidisciplinary approach to blood management, JW can safely undergo routine and complex cardiac surgery with minimal morbidity and mortality. (J Card Surg 2011;26:135-143) Table 2. Patient Demographics Variables Total (n = 40) Low Risk (n = 22) High Risk (n = 18) p value AGH = Allegheny General Hospital; NS = not significant; TRUST score = transfusion risk understanding scoring tool. Age (years) 70 (+9.5) 66.7 (+10) 74.1 (+6.2) 0.01 Women 48% 27 % 72% 0.01 Body surface area (m2) 2.0 (+0.3) 2.3 (+0.2) 2.0 (+0.4) 0.01 Congestive heart failure 32% 27 % 38% NS Cerebral vascular accident 7.5% 9% 5% NS Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 10% 0 % 22% 0.03 Diabetes mellitus 32% 32% 33% NS Hypertension 75% 77% 77% NS Peripheral vascular disease 15% 5% 27% NS Renal insufficiency (serum creatinine > 1.3) 25% 32% 17% NS History myocardial infarction 18% 18% 17% NS Urgent operation 18% 14% 22% NS Previous cardiac surgery 15% 5% 27% NS Preoperative hemoglobin 14.1 (+1.6) 14.1 (+1.5) 14.3 (+1.6) NS AGH clinical risk score 6.0 (+3.5) 3.9 (+1.9) 8.6 (+3.5) 0.001 TRUST score 2.7 (+1.2) 2.0 (+0.8) 3.6 (+1) 0.001
Caring for people with AIDS and HIV infection in hospital-based primary care practice.

The future health care needs of individuals with HIV infection are uncertain but clearly growing. Through close teamwork and the integration of patients infected with HIV into mainstream care, the practice we describe has attempted to establish a framework for care that can be adapted and expanded to meet future needs. This capacity is becoming even more important as care for those in the early stages of HIV infection is extended, requiring regular follow-up. As the AIDS epidemic continues, it is important to monitor this and similar efforts closely. Ultimately, we may need to build programs on the strengths of existing and interested institutions without regard to whether they are AIDS-specific or decentralized. Our goal should be to insure that each, regardless of structure, be evaluated with respect to the quality of care provided. Given the growing primary care needs of people with HIV infection, national leaders in primary care must consider how to incorporate the capacity to meet these needs into their programs.
Effect of oxygen plasma treatment on mechanical properties of vapor grown carbon fiber nanocomposites

The changes in mechanical properties of vapor grown carbon fibers (VGCF)/epoxy nanocomposites, such as storage modulus, fracture toughness, and Izod impact strength, are investigated in this study. The dependence of these mechanical properties on the content of VGCF and adhesion at the interface between VGCF and anhydride-cured epoxy matrix are discussed. Three VGCF with and without oxygen plasma treatment for surface modifications were used in this investigation. To fabricate nanocomposites, the VGCF were sonicated in acetone for two hours. The dispersion of the VGCF was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and SEM micrographs showed an excellent dispersion of VGCF in epoxy matrix. Compact tension (CT) specimens were used for fracture testing. The fracture toughness increased with increasing VGCF content and reached the plateau values. The fracture toughness of plasma treated VGCF/epoxy nanocomposites showed lower value than that of untreated VGCF/epoxy nanocomposites. It was because of strong adhesion at the VGCF/epoxy interface, which did not allow dissipation of energy. The Izod impact strength decreased with oxygen plasma treatment, due to better adhesion at VGCF/epoxy interface. Different morphologies of the fracture and impact failure surfaces, highly dependent on the oxygen plasma treatment of dispersed VGCF, were observed using field emission SEM.
Effects of irrigation and N fertilizer application on sugarcane yield and quality.

Abstract Sugarcane requires substantial inputs of both water and nitrogen to achieve maximum yields. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of reduced water availability on sugarcane growth, quality and yield as well as its effects on responses to N fertilizer. Irrigation treatments consisted of scheduling water application at different soil moisture depletion levels. Higher soil inorganic N levels and differences in soil N due to irrigation level and N application rate occurred in the second ratoon, a dry season with low yields and low total N uptake. Plant N concentration was greatest with the least irrigation; uptake of N by well-irrigated crops was greater but it was diluted within the plants through greater biomass production. Plant N concentration also increased with increasing N application rate. As irrigation levels increased, sugar yields increased, a function of both increasing cane yield and increasing sucrose content. Cane yields responded to N application only in ratoon crops, an indication that adequate N was already available in the plant-cane crop. Responses to N application were greatest at the high irrigation level and were not as pronounced at the lower irrigation level, indicating that if water is limiting, sugarcane cannot take advantage of increased N availability.
Integrated Genomic Analyses in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Objective To identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and pathways associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) because O 2 requirement at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age risk is strongly influenced by heritable factors. Study design A genome-wide scan was conducted on 1.2 million genotyped SNPs, and an additional 7 million imputed SNPs, using a DNA repository of extremely low birth weight infants. Genome-wide association and gene set analysis was performed for BPD or death, severe BPD or death, and severe BPD in survivors. Specific targets were validated via the use of gene expression in BPD lung tissue and in mouse models. Results Of 751 infants analyzed, 428 developed BPD or died. No SNPs achieved genome-wide significance ( P −8 ), although multiple SNPs in adenosine deaminase, CD44, and other genes were just below P −6 . Of approximately 8000 pathways, 75 were significant at false discovery rate (FDR) P P = 1.41E-08, FDR 9.5E-05) for BPD/death and phosphorous oxygen lyase activity (includes adenylate and guanylate cyclases) for both severe BPD/death ( P = 5.68E-08, FDR 0.00019) and severe BPD in survivors ( P = 3.91E-08, FDR 0.00013). Gene expression analysis confirmed significantly increased miR-219 and CD44 in BPD. Conclusions Pathway analyses confirmed involvement of known pathways of lung development and repair (CD44, phosphorus oxygen lyase activity) and indicated novel molecules and pathways (adenosine deaminase, targets of miR-219) involved in genetic predisposition to BPD.
Preamplifier Noise Effects on Spectrometer Energy Resolution

Determining the detector contribution or the total system resolution of a Ge(Li) detector by quadrature subtraction or addition of electronic noise introduces serious error due to the non-Gaussian effects of carrier trapping. The contributions of electronic noise and detector spread to the total system resolution are found by computer spectrum simulation to be greater than expected. The conclusions are substantiated by agreement with experimental measurements.
It's all the rage: why mechanization doesn't explain COIN outcomes

A recent article, ‘Rage Against the Machines’, does a disservice to the debate over what explains counterinsurgency (COIN) success. While it establishes a negative correlation between the diffusion of military mechanization in the state system and COIN success, its theoretical argument does not hold up under close scrutiny and its micro-case comparison of two units in Iraq during 2003–2004 ignores obvious counter-examples and factors that influence COIN success, such as leadership. A deeper inquiry would have revealed that there is much more to COIN success than simply not having access to vehicles.
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analysis of minerals: Carbonates and silicates

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) provides an alternative chemical analytical technique that obviates the issues of sample preparation and sample destruction common to most laboratory-based analytical methods. This contribution explores the capability of LIBS analysis to identify carbonate and silicate minerals rapidly and accurately. Fifty-two mineral samples (18 carbonates, 9 pyroxenes and pyroxenoids, 6 amphiboles, 8 phyllosilicates, and 11 feldspars) were analyzed by LIBS. Two composite broadband spectra (averages of 10 shots each) were calculated for each sample to produce two databases each containing the composite LIBS spectra for the same 52 mineral samples. By using correlation coefficients resulting from the regression of the intensities of pairs of LIBS spectra, all 52 minerals were correctly identified in the database. If the LIBS spectra of each sample were compared to a database containing the other 51 minerals, 65% were identified as a mineral of similar composition from the same mineral family. The remaining minerals were misidentified for two reasons: 1) the mineral had high concentrations of an element not present in the database; and 2) the mineral was identified as a mineral with similar elemental composition from a different family. For instance, the Ca–Mg carbonate dolomite was misidentified as the Ca–Mg silicate diopside. This pilot study suggests that LIBS has promise in mineral identification and in situ analysis of minerals that record geological processes. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Application of signature analysis to the concurrent test of microprogrammed control units

Abstract In this paper, an architecture for a microprogrammable processor with built-in test is described. A novel approach in handling the transactions between the blocks of a microprogram for self-test is presented. The approach uses signature analysis to test the control section independent of the data section. A fault model for a microprogrammed control unit is proposed. The effects of the errors that are caused by these faults are analyzed. Effectiveness of signature analysis with respect to these errors is studied with the use of Berlekamp's algorithm. As a result, structure of the signature register that provides the best coverage is determined.
The Design and Validation of a Device to Intraoperatively Measure Knee Stability During Total Knee Arthroplasty

The success of a total knee arthroplasty is determined, in part, by the ability of a surgeon to adequately manage (or balance) the soft tissues surrounding the joint. Postoperative malalignment or imbalance of the collateral ligaments can lead to a lax joint and result in early loosening and instability, and leaving the knee too tight may cause stiffness and limited motion [1,2]. The severity and location of wear patterns on the polyethylene insert are also associated with knee stability from ligament balancing [3]. Establishing a balanced soft tissue envelope remains a challenge that is not always achieved [4], and instability, tightness, and wear that result from unbalanced knees may necessitate revision surgery [2,5] or result in reduced patient satisfaction.© 2009 ASME
Effects of strain rates and biaxial stress conditions on plastic yielding and flow stress of solder alloys

The rate-dependent mechanical properties of Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu (SAC387) Pb-free alloy and Sn-Pb eutectic alloy were investigated in this study under pure shearing and biaxial stress conditions with thin-walled specimens using a servo-controlled tension-torsion material testing system. The pure shearing tests were conducted at strain rates between 6.7 × 10−7 and 1.3 × 10−1/sec. In addition, axial tensile stresses were superimposed onto the shearing samples to examine the effects of biaxial stress conditions on the yielding and on post-yielding plastic flow of the solder alloys. Strain hardening is observed for the Pb-free alloy at all the tested strain rates, while strain softening happens with the Sn-Pb eutectic solder at low strain rates. Special tests were also conducted for sudden strain-rates changes and stress relaxation for the purpose to develop a viscoplastic model to simulate time-dependent multiaxial deformation and to assess damage and fatigue life of general solder interconnections.
Altering Corrosion Response via Grain Boundary Engineering

Grain boundary engineering (GBE) was employed to improve the oxide exfoliation resistance and mitigate oxide growth by optimizing the grain boundary character distribution. Studies were performed on alloys of Incoloy 800H and Inconel 617. Alloys 800H and 617 were selected due to their potential applications for the Generation IV nuclear power systems. The effect of GBE on the corrosion response was evaluated using supercritical water exposure tests and cyclic oxidation tests. The microstructure of the tested samples was analyzed by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and gravimetry. The effects of thermal expansion mismatch and Cr volatilization on the corrosion response are discussed.
DNA double-strand break repair pathway choice and cancer.

Since DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) contribute to the genomic instability that drives cancer development, DSB repair pathways serve as important mechanisms for tumor suppression. Thus, genetic lesions, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, that disrupt DSB repair are often associated with cancer susceptibility. In addition, recent evidence suggests that DSB “mis-repair”, in which DSBs are resolved by an inappropriate repair pathway, can also promote genomic instability and presumably tumorigenesis. This notion has gained currency from recent cancer genome sequencing studies which have uncovered numerous chromosomal rearrangements harboring pathological DNA repair signatures. In this perspective, we discuss the factors that regulate DSB repair pathway choice and their consequences for genome stability and cancer.
Conduction at a ferroelectric interface

Typical logic elements utilizing the field effect rely on the change in carrier concentration due to the field in the channel region of the device. Ferroelectric-field-effect devices provide a nonvolatile version of this effect due to the stable polarization order parameter in the ferroelectric. In this study, we describe an oxide/oxide ferroelectric heterostructure device based on (001)-oriented PbZr₀.₂Ti₀.₈O₃-LaNiO₃ where the dominant change in conductivity is a result of a significant mobility change in the interfacial channel region. The effect is confined to a few atomic layers at the interface and is reversible by switching the ferroelectric polarization. More interestingly, in one polarization state, the field effect induces a 1.7 eV shift of the interfacial bands to create a new conducting channel in the interfacial PbO layer of the ferroelectric.
Bi-material attachment through a compliant interfacial system at the tendon-to-bone insertion site

The attachment of tendon to bone, one of the greatest interfacial material mismatches in nature, presents an anomaly from the perspective of interfacial engineering. Deleterious stress concentrations arising at bi-material interfaces can be reduced in engineering practice by smooth interpolation of composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties. However, following normal development, the rotator cuff tendon-to-bone “insertion site” presents an interfacial zone that is more compliant than either tendon or bone. This compliant zone is not regenerated following healing, and its absence may account for the poor outcomes observed following both natural and post-surgical healing of insertion sites such as those at the rotator cuff of the shoulder. Here, we present results of numerical simulations which provide a rationale for such a seemingly illogical yet effective interfacial system. Through numerical optimization of a mathematical model of an insertion site, we show that stress concentrations can be reduced by a biomimetic grading of material properties. Our results suggest a new approach to functional grading for minimization of stress concentrations at interfaces.
Nature Versus Nurture: A New Spin on an Old Debate

Brain and Culture: Neurobiology, Ideology, and Social Change, by Bruce E. Wexler. 2006. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press, 307 pp., $34.00 (HB).In Brain and Culture: Neurobiology, Ideology, and Social Change, Bruce Wexler takes on the age old debate of “nature versus nurture.” His premise is that neurological and psychological functions are intrinsically tied to one another, that each one drives the development of the other, making it impossible to differentiate the two. In order to make his case, Dr. Wexler adeptly covers an impressive breadth of research from a diverse array of disciplines. He includes seminal works from cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, psychoanalysis, experimental psychology, sociology, anthropology, and of course, neuropsychology. Although Dr. Wexler does not present any new research in this book, by juxtaposing information from many disciplines, a new spin on the old debate clearly emerges.
A Prospect Theory Analysis of California's Initiatives in Implementation of its Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Mandate1

In 1990, the state of California passed the pioneering mandate on zero emission vehicles (ZEV). This technology-forcing regulation is aimed at improvement of air quality and protection of public health from the adverse effects of air pollutants from automobiles. Facing severe opposition from the auto industry, the mandate has been revised a number of times, most recently in 2003, whereby the requirement for ZEVs have been made to align with the pace of technology development. Review of strategies used in implementation of the mandate has revealed greater emphasis on the economic incentives for rather than on environmental merits of ZEVs. Using prospect theory as the framework for analysis, the reasons have been explored. The findings of the study help us to understand how decisions are made with respect with to deviations from a mental anchor point and through the process of evaluation of losses and gains.
A genealogical view of geographical variation

John Avise and coworkers coined the term Ophylo-geographyO in 1987 when presenting their ideas on thepotential of combining intraspecific gene trees based onmitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) with geographical informa-tion to infer historical processess. Phylogeography hassince become an influential field of evolutionary biology.For instance, in the year 2000, 32 papers in
The Reemergence of SST Anomalies in the North Pacific Ocean

Abstract Sea surface temperature (SST) data and two different upper-ocean temperature analyses are used to study the winter-to-winter recurrence of SST anomalies in the North Pacific Ocean. The SSTs recur when temperature anomalies that form in the deep ocean mixed layer in late winter/early spring are isolated from the atmosphere in the summer seasonal thermocline and then reemerge at the surface when the mixed layer deepens during the following fall/winter. This “reemergence mechanism” is evaluated over the basin by correlating the time series of the leading pattern of ocean temperature anomalies in the summer seasonal thermocline (∼60–85 m in August–September) with SST anomalies over the course of the year. The results indicate that the dominant large-scale SST anomaly pattern that forms in the North Pacific during late winter, with anomalies of one sign in the central Pacific and the opposite sign along the coast of North America, is sequestered in the seasonal thermocline in summer and returns to the...
Application of SAFT–VRX to binary phase behaviour: alkanes

In previous work, we developed the crossover SAFT–VR equation of state (SAFT–VRX) for pure fluids by following the crossover approach proposed by Kiselev. The SAFT–VRX equation was shown to be very accurate in the prediction of PVT and phase behaviour for both nonassociating and associating fluids. In particular, simple expressions for the potential model parameters for the n-alkane homologous series were developed, allowing the prediction of the thermodynamic properties without fitting to experimental data. In this work, we have applied the SAFT–VRX equation to binary mixtures of short-chain n-alkanes, using the prescriptions for the model parameters developed previously to determine the pure fluid parameters. The SAFT–VRX equation is found to accurately predict the gas–liquid critical locus and vapor–liquid equilibrium data for the systems studied without fitting to binary experimental mixture data. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Paternal Half-Sib Correlations Between Pairs in the Same and Different Herds

Abstract Correlations were computed between first-lactation milk records expressed as deviations from herd-mate averages of pairs of Holstein paternal half-sibs in the same and in different herds. These were compared to the comparable daughter-dam regressions. After correcting the daughter-dam regression for environmental correlation and change in variance from the dam to the daughter generation, both the daughter-dam and paternal half-sib estimates of heritability were about .34, which suggests that maternal genetic variance is unimportant. This estimate is, however, higher than the .25 found from the paternal half-sib estimate from an analysis for variance components. The comparison of the half-sib correlations where the pair was in the same herd (.168) and in different herds (.086) suggests that the environmental correlation among paternal half-sibs in the same herds is about .08 of the total variance. There was no evidence that this environmental correlation is less for pairs of artificially sired than for naturally sired paternal half-sisters in the same herd.
Beyond the 'Like' Button: The Impact of Mere Virtual Presence on Brand Evaluations and Purchase Intentions in Social Media Settings

By 2011, approximately 83% of Fortune 500 companies were using some form of social media to connect with consumers (Hameed 2011). Further, surveys suggest that consumers are increasingly relying on social media to learn about unfamiliar brands. However, best practices regarding the use of social media to bolster brand evaluations in such situations remain undefined. This research focuses on one practice in this domain: the decision to hide or reveal the demographic characteristics of a brand’s online supporters. Results from four studies indicate that even when the presence of these supporters is only passively experienced and virtual (a situation we term “mere virtual presence”), their demographic characteristics can influence a target consumer’s brand evaluations and purchase intentions. Findings suggest a framework for brand managers to use when deciding whether to reveal the identities of their online supporters or to retain ambiguity based on: (1) the composition of existing supporters relative to targeted new supporters and (2) whether the brand is likely to be evaluated singly or in combination with competing brands.
Numerical simulations of plasma brush behavior in hybrid armatures (railguns)

The authors describe numerical simulations performed with a quasi-1D MHD (magnetohydrodynamic) code (CONFUSE) which has been applied to simulate the behavior of plasma brushes used in hybrid armatures. The simulations have provided estimates of the plasma brush length, resistive voltage drop, and temperatures corresponding to a range of brush gap size, fuse thickness, and magnetic pressure. The results of these simulations are presented and discussed. >
Extended range underwater imaging using a time varying intensity (TVI) approach

A system based on the time-varying intensity (TVI) approach was built in the early 1970's at the Scripps Visibility Laboratory and experimental data collected by this prototype system showed an imaging capability of between 15 and 20 attenuation lengths at 640 nm. Researchers at the Naval Air Systems Command have developed an updated version of this original system with state-of-the-art components. This new TVI system uses a modulated laser illuminator to convey information about the scan to the distant receiver instead of using a separate optical trigger as was used in the original system. Laboratory water tank experiments were conducted with a prototype modulated TVI system to evaluate the effect of system and environmental variables on the system performance. In parallel with the experiments, an interactive computer simulation was developed to help evaluate the effect of the many variables on the TVI performance. Results from experiments and simulations will be discussed and compared.
Brief paper: A cooperative Homicidal Chauffeur game

We address a pursuit-evasion problem involving an unbounded planar environment, a single evader and multiple pursuers moving along curves of bounded curvature. The problem amounts to a multi-agent version of the classic Homicidal Chauffeur problem; we identify parameter ranges in which a single pursuer is not sufficient to guarantee evader capture. We propose a novel multi-phase cooperative strategy in which the pursuers move in specific formations and confine the evader to a bounded region. The proposed strategy is inspired by the hunting and foraging behaviors of various fish species. We characterize the required number of pursuers for which our strategy is guaranteed to lead to confinement.
Avian sarcoma viruses, protein kinases and cell transformation.

The first RNA tumour virus to be isolated and identified as such was the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV), which causes the transformation of cells in culture as well as fibrosarcomas when injected into suitable host animals (for reviews see Hanafusa (1977) and Bishop (1978)). The genome of RSV has been studied intensively for the past 10-12 years, and it has been shown that the virus itself carries a gene responsible for malignant transformation. This gene, denoted src for sarcoma, was identified genetically through the isolation of temperature-sensitive mutants that were conditional for cell transformation in culture. These mutants are able to transform cells at a temperature of 35 °C, the permissive temperature, but are unable to transform cells morphologically at 41 °C, the non-permissive temperature. The existence of such temperature sensitive mutants implied that the product of the viral transforming gene, in RSV, was a protein (Kawai & Hanafusa 1971). In addition to temperature-sensitive mutants, non-conditional mutants were isolated that had deletions of the src gene. These mutants are unable to transform cells in culture or to cause fibrosarcomas under most conditions. About 4 years ago, the product of the src gene was identified as a phosphoprotein ( M t = 60000); this protein was denoted pp60src (Purchio et al. 1978). The RSV genome and the expression of the src gene is illustrated in figure 1.
Numbers You Need to Know

The two primary methods of reporting income and expenses in accounting are the cash accounting and accrual accounting methods. In cash accounting, revenue is recorded when cash is received, and expenses are recorded when they are paid in cash. Cash accounting is generally used in smaller businesses with average gross receipts of $5 million or less over the prior three fiscal years. One of the advantages of cash accounting is that it accurately reflects cash on hand. A disadvantage of this method of accounting is that it might not accurately reflect the health of a business. As an example, if a large number of bills were paid in a given month, it might appear that the business was doing quite well when this just might represent chance.
Deriving a Diagnostic Inference Model from a Test Strategy

Model based diagnostics is receiving serious consideration for use in diagnostic test programs. New weapon systems are considering model based diagnostics for its potential for life cycle cost savings and performance improvements. While the potential of model based diagnostics was targeted for use on new weapon systems, its potential for use on existing systems should not be overlooked. One issue with considering model based diagnostics for these systems is the effort to derive a useful model. It is known that the development of a model is the hard part of the problem (Dill, 1994; Simpson and Sheppard, 1994; Sheppard and Simpson, 1994). This chapter examines the feasibility of deriving a Diagnostic Inference Model from an existing fault tree. This study starts with an existing symmetric model and its resulting fault tree. From the symmetric model based fault tree, an attempt is made to rederive the original model. It will be seen that it is not feasible to rederive the original symmetric model from the fault tree. However, it will be shown that useful diagnostic information can be derived in the form of an asymmetric Diagnostic Inference Model of the system.
Paraprofessional Reading Tutors: Assessment of the Edmark Reading Program and Flexible Teaching.

The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of two strategies for using undergraduate paraprofessionals as tutors for first-grade children with reading difficulties. The two groups of undergraduates taught first graders the same 150 words, and both reinforced (socially and materially) correct performances. However, one group employed a programmed method of word presentation (i.e., the Edmark Reading Program), while the other group of tutors was allowed flexibility in the pacing and methods for presenting words. The performance of each reading group was compared to that of a control group who engaged in educational activities not directly related to reading. Thirty-six poor readers were randomly assigned to one of the three groups. Subjects were tutored after school by university undergraduates for an average of twenty-three 40-minute sessions. Children in both reading groups showed significantly more improvement than controls on an oral reading posttest of the 150 criterion words. Treatment effects did not emerge on a test composed mainly of noncriterion words.
Efficient Generalized Minimum-distance Decoders of Reed-Solomon Codes

Generalized minimum distance (GMD) decoding of Reed---Solomon (RS) codes can correct more errors than conventional hard-decision decoding by running error-and-erasure decoding multiple times for different erasure patterns. The latency of the GMD decoding can be reduced by the Kotter's one-pass decoding scheme. This scheme first carries out an error-only hard-decision decoding. Then all pairs of error-erasure locators and evaluators are derived iteratively in one run based on the result of the error-only decoding. In this paper, a more efficient interpolation-based one-pass GMD decoding scheme is studied. Applying the re-encoding and coordinate transformation, the result of erasure-only decoding can be directly derived. Then the locator and evaluator pairs for other erasure patterns are generated iteratively by applying interpolation. A simplified polynomial selection scheme is proposed to pass only one pair of locator and evaluator to successive decoding steps and a low-complexity parallel Chien search architecture is developed to implement this selection scheme. With the proposed polynomial selection architecture, the interpolation can run at the full speed to greatly increase the throughput. After efficient architectures and effective optimizations are employed, a generalized hardware complexity analysis is provided for the proposed interpolation-based decoder. For a (255, 239) RS code, the high-speed interpolation-based one-pass GMD decoder can achieve 53% higher throughput than the Kotter's decoder with slightly more hardware requirement. In terms of speed-over-area ratio, our design is 51% more efficient. In addition, compared to other soft-decision decoders, the high-speed interpolation-based GMD decoder can achieve better performance-complexity tradeoff.
The Use of Curium as a Rare Earth Substitute in High Tc-Related Compounds

We report the synthesis of Cm{sub 2}CuO{sub 4}. The lattice constants of this material, determined by x-ray diffraction, show it to be a new member of the isostructural series R{sub 2}CuO{sub 4} (R{equals}Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd). Analysis of magnetic measurements is consistent with a free-ion effective moment for Cm{sup 3+}, with no contribution to the susceptibility from Cu-ions. 14 refs., 2 figs.
Local Implementation of Drug Policy and Access to Treatment Services for Juveniles

Although there is a vigorous national debate regarding effective drug policy, such policies are implemented at the local level. Using a national sample of prosecutors, we examine reported typical processing for first-time juvenile marijuana, cocaine, or crack possession/sales offenders. The relationship between drug offense charge and adjudication outcomes providing treatment versus a deterrence/punitive approach is explored. Findings indicate that marijuana offenses and possession offenses generally are more likely to result in access to treatment services for juveniles whereas cocaine/crack offenses and sales offenses generally are more likely to result in the application of punitive penalties such as transfer to criminal court.
Occupational exposure to aluminium phosphide and phosphine gas? A suspected case report and review of the literature

The manufacture and application of aluminium phosphide fumigants pose risks of inhalation exposure to phosphine gas. This article presents a case report of suspected inhalation exposure to phosphine gas in a manufacturing facility for aluminium phosphide fumigants, which was associated with acute dyspnoea, hypotension, bradycardia and other signs of intoxication. These symptoms resolved within several hours after removal from exposure. A review of the data on human exposures to phosphide fumigants identifies both pesticide applicators and individuals in the vicinity of application to be at risk of accidental exposure and injury from phosphine inhalation. More recent reports have identified risks of phosphine gas inhalation in association with the clandestine production of methamphetamine. Toxicodynamic effects of phosphine result from the inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase and subsequent generation of reactive oxygen species. There remain unanswered questions relating to the toxicokinetics of phosphine, as well as the assessment of human exposure utilizing biomarkers. As initial signs and symptoms of intoxication from phosphine gas may be nonspecific and transient, there is a need for improved recognition of the potential hazards associated with phosphide fumigants and phosphine gas.
Effect of prednisolone on gastric function and structure in man.

Administration of prednisolone in a dosage of 20 mg per day for 1 month caused a modest but significant increase in stimulated gastric acid secretion in a group of 14 healthy, institutionalized male subjects. In contrast, a control group not taking corticosteroids showed no significant change in stimulated acid secretion when tested on two occasions 1 month apart. The increase in stimulated acid output following prednisolone was the result of an increase in acid concentration. Stimulated secretory volume was not significantly altered by prednisolone. Gastric biopsies prior to prednisolone administration revealed chronic superficial gastritis in 5 of the 14 subjects. However, acid production in these subjects did not significantly differ from that in persons with normal gastric histology; stimulated acid concentratration increased in both groups during prednisolone administration. Gastric mucosal structure in both normal and gastritic subjects was unchanged by prednisolone, and no ulcers were observed in these subjects in a prospective radiological study.
The Dangerous Trend Blurring the Distinction between a Reasonable Expectation of Confidentiality in Privilege Law and a Reasonable Expectation of Privacy in Fourth Amendment Jurisprudence

In the past few years a new trend has emerged in the privilege case law. The traditional view is that a privilege claimant must show that at the time of the allegedly protected communication, he or she had a reasonable "expectation of confidentiality." However, in recent years some courts have abandoned the traditional terminology and begun using the expression, a reasonable "expectation of privacy." That expression is a term of art in Fourth Amendment jurisprudence. It is the expression that Justice Harlan coined in his famous concurrence in Katz v. United States, 389 U.S. 347 (1967) to define the scope of Fourth Amendment coverage.Not only are the privilege cases beginning to use this expression more frequently; there are also indications that some courts are beginning to import Fourth Amendment doctrines into privilege law. The purpose of this short article is to criticize that trend. The article's introduction notes the trend. The first part of the article outlines the general differences between the Fourth Amendment exclusionary rule and privileges for confidential communications. The second part of the article focuses more specifically on the distinctions between an expectation of confidentiality and an expectation of privacy. The third and final part of the article identifies the untoward consequences that may flow if the courts continue to blue the distinction between the two concepts.
Enemy Combatants and a Challenge to the Separation of War Powers in Al-Marri v. Wright, 487 F.3d 160 (4th Cir. 2007)

This Comment critiques the June 11, 2007, decision by a panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit invalidating the President's authority to detain an alien al Qaeda member as an unlawful combatant. The Court held that (i) the laws governing war are defined by international law even when U.S. statutes are to the contrary, (ii) international law bars the detention of terrorists unless they are clearly acting on behalf of an enemy state, and (ii) Congress had already restricted the President's authority to subject al Qaeda terrorists captured inside the United States to military detention.My Comment disputes those arguments by demonstrating that far from restricting the President's authority to detain al Qaeda members, Congress in fact (i) exercised its constitutional authority under the Define and Punish Clause to define al Qaeda as the enemy for purposes of U.S. law (and thus overrode any potential law-of-war bar to classifying a non-state actor as a combatant eligible for detention), and (ii) gave the President broad power to detain terrorists irrespective of whether they formally act on behalf of a state, a power that has been consistently validated by Supreme Court and binding Circuit precedent.Whatever the wisdom of the policy of detaining al Qaeda members as unlawful combatants until the end of the conflict, the President retains that authority unless Congress revokes or restricts it. Furthermore, I argue, the panel's elevation of international norms over the constitutional power of Congress to define the enemy for purposes of American law could prove problematic as the political branches inevitably seek to refine the scope of the fight against terrorism.
Real-Time Vibratory Strain Sensing Using Passive Wireless Antenna Sensor

A wireless vibratory strain sensing system, which consists of a passive wireless sensor and a dynamic wireless interrogator, is presented in this paper. The wireless sensor utilizes a microstrip patch antenna as the strain sensing element since its resonant frequency is a function of the tensile strain it experiences. A dynamic wireless interrogator that is based on the principle of frequency modulated continuous wave radar and permits real-time monitoring of the antenna resonant frequency was designed and validated. The principle of operation of the dynamic wireless sensing system was first described, followed by the description of the design and implementation of the antenna-sensor node as well as the wireless interrogator. After calibrating the antenna-sensor response using static tensile tests, vibratory tensile tests were carried out by subjecting the test specimen to sinusoidal tensile loading at different frequencies. Antenna strain sensing accuracy was evaluated by comparing the strain readings from the antenna-sensor and the reference foil strain gauge. It reveals that the antenna-based strain sensing system has good dynamic strain tracking ability.
Sleep disturbances and depression in the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis

Study objectives We examined the association of objectively and subjectively measured sleep disturbances with depression, and explored if race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and sex modified these associations. Methods We used data from the cross-sectional Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Sleep Study. Participants included 1,784 adults (ages 54-93 y), 36.8% non-Hispanic Whites, 28.0% African Americans, 23.7% Hispanics, 11.5% Chinese, and 46.0% males. Sleep was assessed with actigraphy, polysomnography, and self-report. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. We used relative risk regression to evaluate the association of sleep measures and depression (CES-D score ≥ 16) adjusting for site, sociodemographics, and behavioral and medical risk factors. Results Overall, 14.5% had depression, 29.3% had insomnia symptoms, 14.1% had excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), 15.1% had apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 30, and 30.4% experienced short sleep ( 15 + EDS (PR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.01, 2.39). Short sleep duration was associated with depression among those with high school education or beyond, but not among those with less education. Insomnia was more strongly associated with depression among men than women. Conclusions Sleep disturbances are associated with depression among middle-aged and older adults; these associations may be modified by education and sex. Future research should further test these hypotheses, evaluate whether early detection or treatment of sleep disturbances ameliorate depression, and explore subpopulation differences.
Electronic eyebox for weapon sights

We expand the effective size of the eyebox of a magnified telescopic weapon sight by following the movements of the operator’s eye to create a larger, ‘electronic eyebox’. The original eyebox of the telescope is dynamically relocated in space so that proper overlap between the pupil of the eye and the exit pupil of the device is maintained. Therefore, the operator will perceive the entire field of view of the instrument in a much bigger spatial region than the one defined by the original eyebox. Proof-of-the-concept results are presented with a more than 3.5X enlargement of the eyebox volume along with recommendations for the next phase of development.
Leisure Education in Czechoslovakia—Official Attitudes and their Theoretical Background

(1977). Leisure Education in Czechoslovakia—Official Attitudes and their Theoretical Background. Studies in Adult Education: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 49-57.
Implications of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on Insurance Coverage and Rehabilitation Use Among Young Adult Trauma Patients.

Importance Trauma is the leading cause of death and disability among young adults, who are also among the most likely to be uninsured. Efforts to increase insurance coverage, including passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), were intended to improve access to care and promote improvements in outcomes. However, despite reported gains in coverage, the ACA’s success in promoting use of high-quality care and enacting changes in clinical end points remains unclear. Objectives To assess for observed changes in insurance coverage and rehabilitation use among young adult trauma patients associated with the ACA, including the Dependent Coverage Provision (DCP) and Medicaid expansion/open enrollment, and to consider possible insurance and rehabilitation differences between DCP-eligible vs -ineligible patients and among stratified demographic and community subgroups. Design, Setting, and Participants A longitudinal assessment of DCP implementation and Medicaid expansion/open enrollment using risk-adjusted before-and-after, difference-in-difference, and interrupted time-series analyses was conducted. Eleven years (January 1, 2005, to September 31, 2015) of Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission data, representing complete patient records from all payers within the state, were used to identify all hospitalized young adult (aged 18-34 years) trauma patients in Maryland during the study period. Results Of the 69 507 hospitalized patients included, 50 548 (72.7%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 25 (5) years. Before implementation of the DCP, 1 of 4 patients was uninsured. After ACA implementation, the number fell to less than 1 of 10, with similar patterns emerging in emergency department and outpatient settings. The change was primarily driven by Medicaid expansion/open enrollment, which corresponded to a 20.1 percentage-point increase in Medicaid (95% CI, 18.9-21.3) and an 18.2 percentage-point decrease in uninsured (95% CI, −19.3 to −17.2). No changes were detected among privately insured patients. Rehabilitation use increased by 5.4 percentage points (95% CI, 4.5-6.2)—a 60% relative increase from a baseline of 9%. Mortality (−0.5; 95% CI, −0.9 to −0.1) and failure-to-rescue rates (−4.5; 95% CI, −7.4 to −1.6) also significantly declined. Stratified changes point to significant differences in the percentage of uninsured patients and rehabilitation access across the board, mitigating or even eradicating disparities in certain cases. Conclusions and Relevance For patients who are injured, young, and uninsured, Medicaid expansion/open enrollment in Maryland changed insurance coverage and altered patient outcomes in ways that the DCP alone was never intended to do. Implementation of Medicaid expansion/open enrollment transformed the landscape of trauma coverage, directly affecting the health of one of the country’s most vulnerable at-risk groups.