cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association between preference-based health-related quality of life and asthma severity

Background Preference-based measures of health-related quality of life (HRQL) focus on choice and strength of preference for health outcomes. If the value people attach to the health improvement they receive from medical treatments for asthma is known, preference-based measures can be used in cost-effectiveness analyses to aid resource allocation decisions. International guidelines have been developed to guide medical management according to asthma severity defined by lung function and symptom frequency. Objective To test the hypothesis that preferences correlate with asthma severity and that the relationships vary among the preference instruments used and the components of asthma severity studied. Methods Preferences for subjects' health states were measured using (1) a rating scale (RS), (2) standard gamble (SG), (3) time tradeoff (TTO), (4) Health Utilities Index 3 (HUI3), and (5) Asthma Symptom Utility Index (ASUI). We measured level of airways obstruction by forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) and symptom frequency of cough, wheeze, dyspnea, and nighttime awakening. Asthma severity was defined by either percentage of predicted FEV 1 or symptom frequency. Results One hundred adults with asthma were studied. Preference scores were lowest for the HUI3 (mean, 0.57) and highest for the SG (mean, 0.91). Spearman correlations showed that the strength of the relationship between preference scores and percentage of predicted FEV 1 was weak to moderate ( r = 0.14–0.36). One-way analysis of variance showed that RS, TTO, and ASUI scores were significantly associated with the percentage of predicted FEV 1 ( P ≤ .01). Both RS and HUI3 scores were significantly associated with frequency of all symptoms ( P Conclusions Preference-based measures of HRQL are correlated with asthma severity defined by lung function or symptoms. The RS was significantly associated with level of airways obstruction and all 4 symptoms evaluated, whereas the SG was not correlated with either marker of asthma severity.
Study of the Okubo-Zweig-Iizuka rule in exclusive photoproduction reactions

A study of the Okubo-Zweig-Iizuka (OZI) rule has been performed in a high-energy photon beam by comparing the production ratios of exclusive meson final states. Measurement of the ratio $\frac{\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\gamma}A\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\varphi}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}A)}{\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\gamma}A\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\omega}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}A)}=0.10\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02$ is evidence that the OZI rule does not suppress this photoproduction reaction to the extent observed in $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ decays and in production by hadrons. The ratios of other exclusive photoproduction reactions are also presented.
A general estimation method using spacings

Abstract A general parametric estimation method which makes use of the coverage probabilities or spacings is proposed. Under some regularity conditions, it is shown that such estimators are asymptotically normal. This method generalizes the maximum spacing method of estimation that has been discussed in the literature. Furthermore, it is shown that the maximum spacing estimator is asymptotically most efficient within the subclass of spacings-based estimators under consideration.
Decisions with probabilities over finite product spaces

Techniques for decision-making with probabilities over finite product spaces are discussed. In general, the type of decision problem generated by the available probabilistic information is one of decision under partial uncertainty: the probability distribution over the event space for the problem is determined only to the extent that it is contained in a convex polyhedron of distributions. The structure of this set makes computationally feasible the application of any of the various criteria for decision-making with indeterminate probabilities that have appeared in the literature. Algorithms are developed for economically reducing the size of sets guaranteed to contain the unknown distribution over the event space for a given problem, thereby improving the quality of the decision made using any criterion. >
Characterization of Hadamard matrices

We develop a method to characterize Hadamard matrices which are useful in several areas of chemistry and spectroscopy (Hadamard transform spectroscopy, stereochemistry, chemical balance, etc). We first order the Hadamard matrix according to the packed binary row labels (and column labels for skew-Hadamard matrices). The characteristic polynomial of the ordered Hadamard matrix is constructed. This technique appears to characterize and differentiate inequivalent Hadamard matrices.
The IL programming language

IL is a language for developing mouse-driven interactive applications. It is an example of a "little language" as described by Jon Bentley (1986). We conceived IL as a tool for building interactive applications based on an event-driven model. When an event occurs, the systems performs one or more specified actions. By supporting this interactive model the programmer can concentrate on the details of the interactive application as opposed to the details of a specific interaction.
Effect of system parameters on size distribution of 304 stainless steel particles produced by electrical discharge mechanism

An electrical discharge machine (EDM) can be used to produce Uranium Carbide (UC) microspheres. This material is useful for dispersed nuclear fuel fabrication. To obtain empirical data about the process parameters for UC modeling, 304 stainless steel (304 SS) was used to produce microspheres. Particle size effects were analyzed via three parameters; arc intensity, dielectric medium, and pulse width. Results indicate that the size and yield of the particles are dependent on all three parameters. The yield of larger particles increased with increasing arc current. Particle size distribution decreased with decreasing pulse width.
Formal Structure and Communication: an Examination of Two Models

Previous theory and research in the area of large-scale organizations have suggested that there is a relationship between the organizational chart and social behavior within the organization. The prime concern of this study was to determine the degree of relationship between the formal system's chart and communication within the organization. In order to examine this supposition two statistical models were developed: (1) dealing with the organizational chart of relations, and (2) dealing with random behavior. While our findings indicate that observed interaction differs significantly from that predicted on the basis of the organization chart, there is clear evidence indicating the superiority of the organizational chart as a basis of prediction over the use of a random model of behavior.
Thermal conductance of nanofluids: is the controversy over?

Over the last decade nanofluids (colloidal suspensions of solid nanoparticles) sparked excitement as well as controversy. In particular, a number of researches reported dramatic increases of thermal conductivity with small nanoparticle loading, while others showed moderate increases consistent with the effective medium theories on well-dispersed conductive spheres. Accordingly, the mechanism of thermal conductivity enhancement is a hotly debated topic. We present a critical analysis of the experimental data in terms of the potential mechanisms and show that, by accounting for linear particle aggregation, the well established effective medium theories for composite materials are capable of explaining the vast majority of the reported data without resorting to novel mechanisms such as Brownian motion induced nanoconvection, liquid layering at the interface, or near-field radiation. However, particle aggregation required to significantly enhance thermal conductivity, also increases fluid viscosity rendering the benefit of nanofluids to flow based cooling applications questionable.
Simulation of base-flow and tile-flow for storm events in a subsurface drained watershed

Quantifying base-flow and tile-flow to agricultural drainage ditches is essential to understand groundwater flow and nutrient dynamics in a subsurface (tile) drained watershed. This can give an insight into the contributions of different flow components to the total nutrient loads in a stream. MODFLOW (Groundwater Vistas) was used to simulate (steady-state) base-flow and tile-flow for storm events in the subsurface drained Big Ditch watershed in Champaign County, IL, USA. A stream section of approximately 200 m in an agricultural drainage ditch was selected for this study. Two tile drains were draining into the stream section from both sides (north and south banks, respectively). Two cut-throat flumes were installed at the upstream and downstream ends of the stream section to do a mass balance of flow volumes to determine base-flow. Dataloggers and stilling basins were connected to the flumes and tile drains to measure flow rates. Twelve wells were installed on both sides of the channel section to measure groundwater level for model calibration. Three storm periods were used to calibrate the model and another three storm periods to validate it. The simulated mean hydraulic conductivity of the study site was 5.52E-04 m s−1. The mean conductance values of the tile drains flowing from north and south banks were 6.39E-04 m2 s−1 and 2.71E-03 m2 s−1, respectively. The simulated flow rates were within 20% of the measured rates. It may be concluded that the model simulated base-flow and tile-flow for the storm periods successfully.
Modified Carbon Cryogel-Ammonia Borane Nanocomposites for Hydrogen Storage

This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of coherent Boron/Nitrogen –doped –carbon cryogels- ammonia borane nanocomposites for hydrogen storage. Resorcinol formaldehyde derived doped carbon cryogels (CC) were obtained via chemical modification.CC- ammonia-borane nanocomposites were made by incorporation of ammonia borane (AB), in CCs. Nitrogen sorption analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, are used to investigate the structure and morphology of the modified CCs. Differential scanning calorimetry is used to study the dehydrogenation of coherent doped-CC-AB nanocomposites. Modified CCs show higher mesoporosity, and more homogeneous porous structure compared to undoped CCs. Also, dehydrogenation kinetics of nanocomposites is enhanced as compared to neat AB. Possible nanoscale and catalytic effects of nanocomposites in improved dehydrogenation kinetics are discussed.
Comparison and critique of two models for regional drug delivery.

A simple stochastic recirculatory formalism is used to compare models of regional drug delivery due to Huntet al. and Boddy and Aarons. It is shown that these two models are equivalent when regional delivery is ideal. The latter model has the advantage of simplicity. However, the former model appears more useful in relating predictions to experimentally accessible quantities. Neither model is sufficiently general to cover all possible topologies of regions associated with drug response and toxicity. Knowledge of this topology is essential in determining the drug targeting index. The underlying assumptions of the models are discussed, and situations where these assumptions may break down are identified. Finally, it is noted that the analysis of regional delivery may also apply to metabolite and prodrug kinetics.
Laboratory Study of Borehole Friction Factor With a Dynamic-Filtration Apparatus

This paper discusses a medium-scale borehole friction tester with dynamic-filtration capabilities that showed that friction coefficients are affected by mud quality, mudcake, and lubricant addition in low-solids, water-based muds (WBM's). Most measured values, including those from oil-based muds (OBM's), were between 0.2 and 0.3. This paper also reports on new effects of filter cake and solids deposition on borehole friction.
Differential Effects of Hypothalamic IGF-I on Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Neuronal Activation During Steroid-Induced LH Surges in Young and Middle-Aged Female Rats

Interactions between brain IGF-I receptors and estrogen receptors regulate female reproductive physiology and behavior. The present study investigated potential mechanisms by which IGF-I receptors in the neuroendocrine hypothalamus regulate GnRH neuronal activation and LH release in young and middle-aged female rats under estradiol (E2) positive feedback conditions. We infused vehicle, IGF-I, or JB-1, a selective antagonist of IGF-I receptors, into the third ventricle of ovariectomized female rats primed with E2 and progesterone or vehicle. In young females, blockade of IGF-I receptors attenuated the steroid hormone-induced LH surge, reduced the percent of GnRH neurons expressing c-fos on the day of the LH surge, and decreased the total number of neurons expressing c-fos in the preoptic area. Middle-aged females had fewer GnRH neurons expressing c-fos during the LH surge than young females, and the LH surge amplitude was attenuated. Infusion of an IGF-I dose previously shown to increase LH surge amplitude did not increase the percent of GnRH neurons expressing c-fos in middle-aged females. Brain IGF-I receptor blockade did not modify E2 induction of progestin receptor-immunoreactive neurons in the preoptic area, arcuate, or ventromedial hypothalamus of young rats. These findings indicate that brain IGF-I receptors are required for E2 activation of GnRH neurons in young rats and for robust GnRH release from axon terminals in middle-aged females. IGF-I likely exerts its effects by actions on E2-sensitive neurons that are upstream of GnRH neurons and terminals.
Los Consejos Comunales: ¿Avance o retroceso para la democracia venezolana?

El presente articulo aborda el debate en torno a los consejos comunales de Venezuela, un mecanismo de participacion ciudadana promovido por el gobierno de Hugo Chavez con especial fuerza a partir de 2005. Luego de exponer brevemente su historia y principales caracteristicas institucionales, describe la produccion academica en torno al tema, identificando dos perspectivas contrapuestas: una que reivindica sus potencialidades democratizadoras, y otra que por el contrario, entiende a los consejos comunales como mecanismos al servicio de viejas logicas clientelares y como amenaza a las instituciones de la democracia representativa. Basado en una comparacion entre los consejos comunales y otras experiencias de democracia participativa en America latina y recogiendo algunos hallazgos relacionados con la opinion publica venezolana en torno al tema, el articulo pondera ambas posiciones, identificando las limitaciones de cada perspectiva.
Computers And Images

A brief review of the state-of-the-art in digital image processing is given. Wide-spread applications of digital image processing will require maximum computing power at cost less than that of the large-scale computers often used in image processing research. Increased sophistication in processing algorithms will also create a need for even more computing power. The potential for mini-computer and/or special-purpose computers to fill this need is discussed, and features of needed computer architecture are considered.
The Relationship of a Measure of the Fear of Success Construct to Scales Representing the Locus of Control and Sex-Role Orientation Constructs for a Community College Sample

For a total sample of 404 day-time community college students (203 females and 201 males) in general education classes and especially for several (32) subgroups differentiated by sex, ethnicity (white, black, Hispanic, or Asian), and/or one of three types of majors (traditional for one's sex, non-traditional for one's sex, or undeclared), an estimate of the concurrent validity of each of two predictor measures representing the locus of control and sex-role orientation constructs was obtained relative to a criterion measure portraying the fear of success construct. The data analyses suggested the following conclusions: (a) the locus of control measure shows promising validity with individuals manifesting a relatively high level of internality in their locus of control demonstrating a relatively low degree of fear of success; (b) irrespective of ethnicity or sex, sex-role orientation is unrelated to fear of success or locus of control; (c) students identified with a major considered traditional to their sex...
Comparative toxicity of known and putative metabolites of 1, 3-butadiene in human CD34(+) bone marrow cells.

Abstract Species-specific susceptibility to the hematotoxic effects of 1,3-butadiene (BD) is well known. Previous studies have revealed that murine bone marrow is uniquely susceptible to toxicity following exposure to the parent compound in vivo or exposure of bone marrow cells to the monoepoxide metabolite, 3,4-epoxybutane, in vitro. Studies described herein compare the relative ability of putative and known BD metabolites to produce concentration dependent suppression of colony formation and cytotoxicity in human CD34 + bone marrow cells. Compounds evaluated included 3,4-epoxybutane, d , l -butane-bis-oxide, meso -butane-bis-oxide and (2S,3R)-3-epoxybutane-1,2-diol. In contrast to results previously observed in mice, only the bis-oxides produced significant suppression of colony formation at potentially relevant concentrations (10 −8 to 10 −3 M). No enantiospecific differences were observed between the meso- and d , l -bis-oxides and no significant lineage-specific differences in susceptibility to inhibition of clonogenic response were observed among early multi-potential myeloid and erythroid hematopoietic progenitor cells. The relative potencies of the bis-oxides were found to be comparable to that of the prototype hematotoxic compound, hydroquinone. These results confirm previous studies that reveal marked species-specific differences in the susceptibility of bone marrow cells to 3,4-epoxybutane. Moreover, these results suggest that the bis-oxides of BD are capable of suppressing the clonogenic function of human hematopoietic progenitor cells, if, in fact, they are produced in human bone marrow in significant concentration. Further interpretation of these findings requires a better understanding of the metabolism of BD in humans.
Health advocacy by accident and discipline.

A first person account of a motorcycle crash resulting in loss of a leg. Included is a discussion of the cost of care, rehabilitation, and prosthesis. Language: en
Smoke or fog? The usefulness of retrospectively reported information about smoking.

Aims To investigate the reliability and validity of retrospectively reported information on smoking. Design Nationally representative retrospective data from longitudinal surveys and contemporaneous data from repeated cross-sectional surveys were used. Participants Adult respondents to three of the four samples of the National Longitudinal Surveys Original Cohort 1966–68; the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979; and various waves of the US National Health Interview Survey. Measurements Reliability was investigated by calculating kappa statistics for repeated measures of ever-smoking and annual-smoking status. Validity was investigated by comparing smoking prevalence rates generated by retrospective data with contemporaneously measured rates. Findings Kappa statistics indicated the repeated measures of ever-smoking status show substantial agreement; repeated measures of annual-smoking status show moderate agreement. Retrospective reports on smoking behavior produced prevalence rates that match reasonably well with those from contemporaneous reports of smoking behavior. Conclusions Retrospective data on smoking can be an important resource for tobacco addiction research.
Improving Proximal Fixation and Seal with the HeliFx Aortic EndoAnchor

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) transformed the therapy for aortic aneurysms and introduced an era of widespread use for endovascular procedures in a variety of vascular beds. Although dramatic improvements in acute outcomes drove the early enthusiasm for EVAR, a realization that the long-term integrity of the endoprostheses used for EVAR were sometimes inferior to the results obtained with open surgical reconstruction dampened enthusiasm for their use in low-risk and younger patients who mandated long-term follow-up. While early EVAR failure modes are often related to technical aspects of the implantation, late failures are often related to the implant migrating from its original longitudinal position or losing wall apposition in the face of continued aneurysmal dilatation. Migration, or the failure of longitudinal fixation, results in gradual loss of aortic approximation and the eventual repressurization of the aneurysm sac with its attendant risks of growth and rupture. The inability of stent- and barb-based endovascular fixation to resist aortic dilatation at the site of fixation also represents a late failure mode that can result in aneurysm rupture. A variety of endostaples or endoanchors designed to replicate the function of an interrupted aortic suture have been proposed and tested to varying degrees over the years. The device designed and produced by Aptus EndoSystems, now called the HeliFx Aortic EndoAnchor is the only independent endovascular fixation device that has achieved significant clinical usage and Food and Drug Administration approval. The experience with this device is now more than 5 years and it is approved for use in the broad market across both Europe and the United States. This article will review the engineering and design concepts underlying the HeliFx device as well as the in vitro and in vivo results using this device. Finally, a discussion of the potential for technical, procedural, and endograft innovation based on the availability of endovascular suturing will be reviewed.
Experiences with involuntary hospitalization: a qualitative study of mothers of adult children with schizophrenia

Abstract Objective: Despite their involvement, families' experiences with civil commitment has received very little attention. The purpose of this study was to describe mothers' experiences with the involuntary hospitalization of their adult child suffering from schizophrenia. Methods: A qualitative design using phenomenology was employed in order to obtain perceptions and accounts of experiences. The respondents were drawn from a population living the experience of the phenomenon being studied. Face to face, open-ended interviews were conducted with three mothers and the narratives were transcribed verbatim. Analysis of the transcriptions involved the identification of descriptive expressions and ultimately common elements. Results: A synthesis of the common elements indicate that experiences with involuntary hospitalization for mothers of adult children with schizophrenia have been very demeaning and result in them feeling baffled, victimized, anxious and unfairly judged. Conclusions: Overall, mothers feel inadequately supported by the health care system, and encounters with providers within the system are perceived as being very negative. It is hoped that this study will shed light on mothers' experiences with involuntary hospitalization so that health care providers will be able to make a very difficult situation less stressful.
Entanglement and discord for qubits and higher spin systems

We discuss aspects of entanglement and quantum discord, two of the quantum correlations that are of much interest in the field of quantum information. Their definitions and handling will be discussed, with simple illustrative examples. A specific example is of entanglement decay resulting from a simple dissipative process and how to alter that decay. An analytical prescription for computing quantum discord when a qubit (spin-1/2 or two-level quantum system) is involved is presented along with applications, and its generalization to higher spins (many levels) indicated.
The potential for errors in children with special health care needs.

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) are at risk for suboptimal treatment when presenting for emergent care to unfamiliar health care providers. Errors in their management may stem from failure to recognize occult conditions, lack of familiarity with rare or complex medical problems, or lack of prior knowledge of baseline physical find- ings. An emergency information form (EIF) that con- tains patient-specific information on essential diag- nostic and therapeutic interventions may provide a ready personal reference for the emergent care of CSHCN. Coupled with the use of medical identifica- tion jewelry and an electronic transmission system, an EIF has the potential to eliminate management errors in the care of these patients. Key words: chil- dren with special health care needs; pediatrics; errors; emergency information form. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2000; 7:1330-1333
Anion inhibition of firefly luciferase

Abstract The activity of firefly luciferase was shown to be very sensitive to the presence of salts in the assay mix. The general ionic strength effect was expressed by an increase in the Km for MgATP as the ionic strength was increased. When this effect was controlled by using concentrations of Mg2+ and ATP 10 times that normally saturating, a specific anion inhibition was observed. The order of effectiveness of inhibition by the anions, SCN− > I− ~ NO3− > Br− > Cl−, followed their position in the Hofmeister series. Only one anion was bound per active site and all the anions bind at this same site. Every reaction catalyzed by luciferase, even those proceeding by apparently different mechanisms, was affected in a similar manner by the anions. It was assumed that a small localized conformational change was occurring in the area of the active site upon the binding of the anions.
Temperature treatment on Silicon Nanowires for reliability studies

Material reliability is among the crucial factors that impact material performances before device applications. In order to predict material reliability, accelerated aging study-a study to predict material shelf life when subjected to temperature, was performed on Silicon Nanowires. We investigated the effects of process conditions on the diameters and the quality of Si NWs using Atomic Force Microscopy. The experimental results revealed diameter of Si NWs has linear relationship with varying temperature. These results are of significant importance and will be a critical design consideration for the manufacture of Nanoelectromechanical systems involving Si NWs.
Issues in management of scorpion sting in children

All children admitted to Madina Maternity and Children's Hospital, Saudi Arabia, in 1989 because of scorpion stings (primarily Leiurus quinquestriatus) were studied. Of 96 children studied, 20 suffered either shock, pulmonary oedema or both. These 20 shared characteristic clinical features such as vomiting, priapism and failure to maintain normal temperature and/or blood pressure. The management protocol emphasized fluid restriction and the i.v. administration of venom antitoxin. Doubling the recommended dose did not improve the outcome. Two children died and the rest recovered.
Elevated transglutaminase-induced bonds in PHF tau in Alzheimer's disease

Transglutaminase-induced e-(γ-glutamyl)lysine bonds covalently cross-link and polymerize peptides into insoluble high molecular weight protein aggregates resistant to degradation and proteolytic digestion. We investigated the hypothesis that excessive deposition of e-(γ-glutamyl)lysine bonds is a neuropathological mechanism which induces the polymerization of tau protein into stable aggregates leading to the formation of paired helical filaments (PHFs) which deposit into neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. We demonstrate a significant (45%) elevation in e-(γ-glutamyl)lysine cross-links in AD cortex as compared to control cortex. In vivo, PHF tau, and high and medium molecular weight neurofilament proteins have significantly greater cross-linking by e-(γ-glutamyl)lysine bonds in AD brains as compared to controls. The cross-linking of PHF tau occurs both intra-molecularly and inter-molecularly. The inter-molecular cross-linking of tau could account for the formation of high molecular weight tau polymers. These results suggest that transglutaminase-induced cross-linking of tau protein could play a role in the formation and stabilization of neurofibrillary tangles. Inhibition of transglutaminase-induced cross-linking may therefore, provide a novel strategy for the treatment of AD.
Lead accumulation rates in tissues of the estuarine teleost fish, Gillichthys mirabilis: salinity and temperature effects.

Tissue-specific lead accumulation rates were determined in the estuarine teleost fish,Gillichthys mirabilis, as a function of four variables; sea water lead concentration, duration of exposure to lead, salinity, and temperature. Distinct tissue-specific accumulation rates were found. Spleen, gills, fins, and intestine accumulated the greatest amounts of lead; liver and muscle accumulated the least lead. Decay of lead from tissues of lead-exposed fish was observed only for gills, fins, and intestine, tissues which all possess an outer or inner covering of mucus. Our data suggest that the rapid turnover of lead in these mucus-covered tissues is a result of lead complexing with mucus and subsequent loss of lead when the mucus layer is sloughed off. In spleen and vertebrae, lead levels continued to rise in fish returned to natural (unspiked) sea water from lead-spiked sea water. The rate of lead accumulation was dependent on both the holding salinity and the temperature. Fish held at high temperature accumulated lead more rapidly than fish held at low temperature. The rate of lead accumulation was inversely proportional to the salinity of the medium. Both of these environmental effects on lead accumulation rates could be significant in estuarine habitats where lead concentrations, salinity, and temperature are all apt to vary seasonally.
A fuzzy logic approach to robotic path planning with obstacle avoidance

Robotic path planning with obstacle avoidance is considered. The main objective of the proposed approach is to reduce planning time considerably for "real-time" applications with obstacles of arbitrary configuration. The concept of a minimum required joint motion envelope is introduced to facilitate the representation of the joint kinematic solutions. Near minimum time trajectories are generated through a phase plane analysis. If the planned path is obstructed, then the obstacle geometry is approximated and a suitable projection is found in joint space. A modified path is finally determined to avoid the obstacles. Fuzzy logic is employed to incorporate uncertainty into the algorithmic procedure. Preliminary investigations have been carried out using a PUMA 560 and its associated workspace.
DETERMINATION OF POOL BOILING CRITICAL HEAT FLUX ENHANCEMENT IN NANOFLUIDS

Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Nuclear Science and Engineering, June 2007.
Factors Influencing Restaurant Selection by Travelers Who Stop at Visitor Information Centers

This article reports the findings of an exploratory study defining expectations for restaurants of travelers who stop at visitor information centers. Using data collected from 2, 712 summer travelers, four factors that explain consumer expectations are discussed: information, restaurant basics, amenities, and health. Travelers rated attributes such as cleanliness, food quality, and friendliness of staff as most important. Suggestions are given for developing promotional materials for attracting travelers to restaurants.
Neuropsychological sequelae in subacute home chlordane poisoning: Ten case studies

Abstract Chlordane is a potent neurotoxin and animal carcinogen, yet the frequency and severity of injury due to exposure from inhalation or contact in the home has not been widely documented. Neuropsychological dysfunction and emotional distress were observed in 10 individuals exposed to chlordane pesticide after their homes were treated for termites. Cognitive deficits ranged from mild to moderate on tasks requiring speeded processing, problem solving, and delayed memory. Somatization, hysterical features, and depression dominated the clinical picture. Current results implicate the hazards associated with chlordane treatment of residential homes and the continued need for further studies.
Automatic insertion of BIST hardware using VHDL

A system is presented which automatically inserts BIST (built-in self-testing) hardware to a circuit described in VHDL (VHSIC Hardware Description Language). An appropriate VHDL modeling style for automatic insertion of BIST hardware is investigated. The use of BILBO (built-in logic block observer) is primarily pursued in the system. Algorithmic and rule-based approaches are used in the insertion of BILBO. Test scheduling and control signal distribution are also performed by the system. >
Variability in water temperature affects trait-mediated survival of a newly settled coral reef fish

As animals with complex life cycles metamorphose from one stage to the next, carry-over effects from earlier stages can affect future mortality. To examine the relationship between early life history traits and survival, seven monthly cohorts of newly-settled bluehead wrasse Thalassoma bifasciatum were collected immediately after settlement and over sequential 3-day periods. Otolith analysis was used to quantify mean larval and juvenile growth rates, pelagic larval duration (PLD), and settlement size and condition of different age classes to identify the traits most important for survival. Overall, survivors tended to have shorter PLDs, to settle at smaller sizes and higher condition levels, and to exhibit faster early juvenile growth. Water temperature contributed to among-cohort variability in traits as warmer water led to faster larval and juvenile growth and shorter PLDs. Trait-specific fitness functions demonstrated that temperature can influence fitness by changing the nature of selection on each trait. Estimates of selection intensity revealed that settlement condition contributed the most to variation in fitness across cohorts, followed by juvenile growth. Frequent loss of low settlement condition individuals and occasional loss of the very highest condition fish suggest that particularly high settlement condition during the warmest temperatures may be detrimental. Not only does the quality of settlers vary over time, but selective loss of individuals with particular phenotypic traits is not pervasive and can vary with environmental conditions such as temperature.
Test generation for current testing

Current testing has been found to be useful for testing CMOS ICs because it can detect a large class of manufacturing defects. The concept of current testing is described; the classes of defects detectable by current testing and the conditions to detect a given defect are described; and a general test-vector generation algorithm for current testing is developed and applied to two examples. >
Imtplementation of the Hybrid Inverter for HVDC/Weak AC System Interconnection

The difficulties of operating HVDC system into weak AC system can be overcome by using the hybrid inverter. The objective of this paper is to find the best approach to implement the hybrid inverter. Among the various possible approaches, two artificially commutated converters employing the capacitive approach fulfill certain basic performance criteria with minimum cost. Hybrid inverter employing such circuits provides a technically superior and economically competitive alternative for operating HVDC into weak AC systems.
Using multiple devices simultaneously for display and control

The Pebbles research project (http://www.cs.cmu.edu/spl sim/pebbles) has been studying the use of hand-held personal digital assistants (PDAs) along with other kinds of hand-held computers, at the same time as other computing devices. A key focus of our research is that the hand-held computers are used both as output devices and as input devices to control the activities on the other computers. Our previous articles have described parts of the project in detail. The article presents four scenarios that illustrate some of the capabilities we are already investigating.
Genomics and ornithology

Genomics is revolutionizing ornithology in the same ways it is reinvigorating other biological disciplines. In this review, I will highlight applications of genomics and genomics technologies to the study of the ecology and evolution of birds, focusing specifically on genome evo- lution, multilocus phylogeography, and gene expression in host-parasite interactions. Genomics is providing unprec- edented insight into the processes of genetic change and adaptation in ways we could scarcely envision a few years ago. Genomics will help integrate genome evolution with a variety of fields, including phylogenetics, speciation, and adaptation, and place them on a common scale of gene interactions and genomic contingency.
Turbulent Times and Enduring Peoples: Mountain Minorities in the Southeast Asian Massif

Turbulent Times and Enduring Peoples: Mountain Minorities in the Southeast Asian Massif. Jean Michaud. ed. Richmond, UK: Curazon Press, 2000. 255 pp.
Origins of diverse feeding ecologies within Conus ,a genus of venomous marine gastropods

Specialized predators on polychaetes, fishes, hemichordates or other molluscs, members of the predominantly tropical gastropod genus Conus diversified rapidly during the Miocene to constitute the most species-rich modern marine genus. We used DNA sequence data from mitochondrial and nuclear loci of 76 Conus species to generate species-level phylogenetic hypotheses for this genus and then mapped known diets onto the phylogenies to elucidate the origins and evolutionary histories of different feeding specializations. The results indicate that dramatically new feeding modes arose only a few times, that the most derived feeding modes likely arose in the Miocene, and that much of the known diversity of Conus that was generated during Miocene radiations has survived to the present.
Concurrent cache-oblivious b-trees

This paper presents concurrent cache-oblivious (CO) B-trees. We extend the cache-oblivious model to a parallel or distributed setting and present three concurrent CO B-trees. Our first data structure is a concurrent lock-based exponential CO B-tree. This data structure supports insertions and non-blocking searches/successor queries. The second and third data structures are lock-based and lock-free variations, respectively, on the packed-memory CO B-tree. These data structures support range queries and deletions in addition to the other operations. Each data structure achieves the same serial performance as the original data structure on which it is based. In a concurrent setting, we show that these data structures are linearizable, meaning that completed operations appear to an outside viewer as though they occurred in some serialized order. The lock-based data structures are also deadlock free, and the lock-free data structure guarantees forward progress by at least one process.
Moby Dick, cultural policy and the geographies and geopolitics of cultural labor

• This article examines the official Australia/UK television co-production of Moby Dick (1998) to engage with cultural policy issues within an increasingly transnational audiovisual sector. It begi...
Is It a Honeymoon? An Empirical Investigation of the President's First Hundred Days

This paper tests the hypothesis that presidents are more successful in Congress during their first hundred days in office. Analyzing an original dataset composed of the bills on which presidents took official positions, it finds that presidents indeed have higher success rates during the first hundred days of their first year than they do later during their first year or during the first hundred days of noninaugural years. This effect is strongest for presidents who face divided government.
Traffic and Quality Characterization of Single-Layer Video Streams Encoded with the H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding Standard and Scalable Video Coding Extension

The recently developed H.264/AVC video codec with scalable video coding (SVC) extension, compresses non-scalable (single-layer) and scalable video significantly more efficiently than MPEG-4 Part 2. Since the traffic characteristics of encoded video have a significant impact on its network transport, we examine the bit rate-distortion and bit rate variability-distortion performance of single-layer video traffic of the H.264/AVC codec and SVC extension using long CIF resolution videos. We also compare the traffic characteristics of the hierarchical B frames (SVC) versus classical B frames. In addition, we examine the impact of frame size smoothing on the video traffic to mitigate the effect of bit rate variabilities. We find that compared to MPEG-4 Part 2, the H.264/AVC codec and SVC extension achieve lower average bit rates at the expense of significantly increased traffic variabilities that remain at a high level even with smoothing. Through simulations we investigate the implications of this increase in rate variability on (i) frame losses when transmitting a single video, and (ii) on a bufferless statistical multiplexing scenario with restricted link capacity and information loss. We find increased frame losses, and rate-distortion/rate-variability/encoding complexity tradeoffs. We conclude that solely assessing bit rate-distortion improvements of video encoder technologies is not sufficient to predict the performance in specific networked application scenarios.
Ultrasound assessment of postpartum fever

Postpartum fever and infection remain a significant cause of morbidity in postpartum period. Ultrasound is useful for assessment of the patients who present with temperature elevation, vaginal bleeding, pelvic and/or abdominal pain and signs of infection. Sonography can also be used to detect mastitis and breast abscess. Different types of imaging may be used in patients with refractory fever from suspected pyelonephritis, renal abscess and deep vein thrombosis. This article presents a variety of case scenarios regarding the postpartum fever. By using illustrative images the learner will be able to differentiate between the most common causes of postpartum fever, and will be able to identify typical B-mode, color Doppler, and CT images that require immediate antibiotic and/or invasive treatment.
ASSESSING DELAY BENEFITS OF THE FINAL APPROACH SPACING TOOL (FAST)

Air traffic delay grows each year. NASA is developing the Final Approach Spacing Tool (FAST) to help reduce airport arrival delays. FAST is intended to increase throughput and reduce delays. Analysis and field trials have suggested that FAST can help controllers increase arrival throughput on busy runways by several aircraft per hour. Published simulation studies have predicted that delay reductions from such throughput increases would save several hundred million dollars annually. However, these predictions disagree on delay savings for some airports and omit other airports of interest. Their predicted delay savings for some airports are higher than actual reported delays for those airports. They do not consider hazardous weather disruptions to arrival routes, and they do not address downstream delays caused by schedule disruption. This paper focuses on simple statistical and analytical measures of delay to resolve these problems. It develops a rule for ranking benefits and compares delay reduction predictions against actual reported delays. It relates delay to ceiling and visibility and thunderstorms. It examines the correlation of delay between airports and estimates the impact of downstream delay on FAST benefits.
Quantitative determination of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in normal and abnormal human liver.

Normal and abnormal human livers from autopsy and biopsy specimens were analyzed for DNA content. It was found that the DNA content of young normal livers as well as cirrhotic livers was elevated above that obtained for normal adult livers .
DEVELOPMENT AND ANALYSIS OF MODIFIED PAIRED COMPARISONS BY USE OF LINEARIZED NONLINEAR REGRESSION

The linearized nonlinear regression method (Walsh, 1963) has substantial curve-fitting flexibility. It also permits isolation and probabilistic investigation of pertinent effects, and can be used for developing paired comparisons for persons, animals, or plants (“items” of a given type). Here, an item is identified by the values for specified characteristics, and two kinds of “treatment” (e. g., exposure and nonexposure to radiation) are compared with respect to observed values for a given characteristic. Ideally, two items being compared for treatment effect should be the same with regard to the other characteristics (those not used for comparison). That is, they should have the same set of values for these other characteristics. This ideal situation seldom occurs. However, by suitable use of the linearized nonlinear regression model, composite items can be constructed (for given treatment) that are the same with respect to the other characteristics. Modified paired comparisons are obtained on the basis of these composite items. The probability properties of modified paired comparisons can be very heterogeneous, so that special concepts and statistical techniques are needed. Two approaches for development of tests and confidence intervals are given. Some applications involving exposure to radiation are discussed.
Clinical variables and Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors associated with venous thromboembolism in children.

Abstract Objectives Children with Staphylococcus aureus (SA) bacteremia risk developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). We sought to identify clinical variables and bacterial virulence factors associated with VTE in SA bacteremia. Study design This is a single-institution retrospective study of 229 children with SA bacteremia hospitalized from 2005 to 2008. Clinical data were abstracted from patient charts. Two-hundred three SA isolates were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database was queried to identify subjects with a central venous line (CVL) or complex chronic conditions (CCC). Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine which factors most greatly influenced VTE. Results VTE was present in 9.2% (n=21/229). Superficial thrombi were excluded. Mortality was greater in patients with VTE [24% vs. 6% (p=0.016)]. Among SA isolates available for virulence testing, the majority (70%; n=139) were methicillin-sensitive SA (MSSA). Methicillin-resistant SA (MRSA) infection was associated with VTE (p=0.01). The most common sites of thrombosis were extremity deep vein (58%; n=14/24), head/neck (29%; n=7), and visceral (13%; n=3). One subject had a pulmonary embolism. The presence of a CVL or a CCC was not associated with VTE. Independent predictors of VTE were C-reactive protein (CRP)≥20mg/dl [OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.16–15.25] and hemoglobin nadir ≤9g/dl [OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.3–20.64]. Conclusions In addition to MRSA infection, CRP≥20mg/dl and hemoglobin nadir ≤9g/dl were associated with VTE in SA bacteremia. These factors may serve as markers for increased risk of VTE with invasive SA disease.