cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Programming sensor networks using abstract regions

Wireless sensor networks are attracting increased interest for a wide range of applications, such as environmental monitoring and vehicle tracking. However, developing sensor network applications is notoriously difficult, due to extreme resource limitations of nodes, the unreliability of radio communication, and the necessity of low power operation. Our goal is to simplify application design by providing a set of programming primitives for sensor networks that abstract the details of low-level communication, data sharing, and collective operations. We present abstract regions, a family of spatial operators that capture local communication within regions of the network, which may be defined in terms of radio connectivity, geographic location, or other properties of nodes. Regions provide interfaces for identifying neighboring nodes, sharing data among neighbors, and performing efficient reductions on shared variables. In addition, abstract regions expose the trade-off between the accuracy and resource usage of communication operations. Applications can adapt to changing network conditions by tuning the energy and bandwidth usage of the underlying communication substrate. We present the implementation of abstract regions in the TinyOS programming environment, as well as results demonstrating their use for building adaptive sensor network applications.
Axiomensysteme (ASe) der Mengenlehre und Arithmetik

Das im folgenden angegebene AS ist eine Modifikation des Systems von Fraenkel ([Grundlegung], [Einleitung] § 16; Fraenkel und Bar-Hillel [Foundations] Kap. II; vgl. auch [Abstract]). Fraenkels System ist wiederum basiert auf das System von Ernst Zermelo (Math. Annalen, 65, 1908). (Das Axiom der Regularitat oder Fundierung, s. A9 unten, wurde von Zermelo spater vorgeschlagen, Fundamenta Math., 16, 1930, und dann auch von Fraenkel angenommen [Foundations] S. 91.) In Fraenkels System gilt Folgendes: (1) die Mengen sind nicht Klassen, sondern Individuen; (2) jedes Element einer Menge ist auch eine Menge; (3) es gibt keine andern Individuen als die Mengen. Wir behalten (1) und (2) bei, lassen aber (3) fallen; dadurch wird eine klarere Formulierung des Axioms der Beschranktheit moglich (s. A10 in 43b).
Design of circularly polarized antenna for 60 GHz wireless communications

This paper presents the design of a fully packaged 60 GHz circularly polarized wideband patch antenna incorporating an air cavity and a fused silica superstrate. A coplanar waveguide (CPW) to microstrip transition with λ/4-open-ended stubs are designed to match the antenna to the CPW packaging interface. The performances of the antennas with the CPW feeding and the microstrip feeding are compared, both demonstrating a wide bandwidth and high efficiency. The experimental results of the final packaged CPW-fed antenna agree well with the simulation results.
Glucagon response to exercise is critical for accelerated hepatic glutamine metabolism and nitrogen disposal.

The aim of this study was to determine the role of glucagon in hepatic glutamine (Gln) metabolism during exercise. Sampling (artery, portal vein, and hepatic vein) and infusion (vena cava) catheter...
Three-dimensional displacement measurement using diffractive optic interferometry

A powerful new optical method that utilizes diffractive optic interferometry (DOI) to measure both in-plane and out-of-plane displace- ment with variable sensitivity using the same optical system is intro- duced. Sensitivity is varied utilizing various combinations of the different wavefronts produced by a conjugate pair of binary optical elements; a transmission grating is used to produce several illumination beams, while a reflective grating, replicated on the surface of a specimen, pro- vides the reference for the undeformed state. A derivation of the equa- tions that govern the method is included along with a discussion of the experimental tests conducted to verify the theory. Overall, the results are excellent, with experimental data agreeing to within a few percent of the theoretical predictions. © 1997 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(97)01112-4)
Experience of the Veterans Health Administration in Massachusetts after state health care reform.

ABSTRACT Starting in 2006, Massachusetts enacted a series of health insurance reforms that successfully led to 96.6% of its population being covered by 2011. As the rest of the nation undertakes similar reforms, it is unknown how the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), one of many important Federal health care programs, will be affected. Our state-level study approach assessed the effects of health reform on utilization of VHA services in Massachusetts from 2005 to 2011. Models were adjusted for state-level demographic and economic characteristics, including health insurance rates, unemployment rates, median household income, poverty rates, and percent of population 65 years and older. No statistically significant associative change was observed in Massachusetts relative to other states over this time period. The findings raise important questions about the continuing role of VHA in American health care as health insurance coverage is one of many factors that influence decisions on where to seek health ...
Mott-insulator-to-superconductor transition in a two-dimensional superlattice

We use quantum Monte Carlo and exact diagonalization calculations to study the Mott-insulator--to--superconductor quantum phase transition in a two-dimensional fermionic Hubbard model with attractive interactions in the presence of a superlattice potential. The model introduced offers unique possibilities to study such transitions in optical lattice experiments. We show that, in regimes with moderate to strong interactions, the transition belongs to the three-dimensional $XY$ universality class. We also explore the character of the lowest-energy charge excitations in the insulating and superconducting phases and show that they can be fermionic or bosonic depending on the parameters chosen.
On modeling of fuzzy hybrid systems

A hybrid system is a system containing a mixture of discrete event components and continuous variable components. The existing hybrid system modeling methods are effective to handle crisp cases but can be difficult to represent deterministic uncertainties and subjectivity inherited in many real-world applications. We generalize the crisp hybrid system framework to a fuzzy hybrid system framework by using fuzzy set theory; the latter contains the former as a special case. We utilize fuzzy sets, type-1 and type-2, to capture and represent uncertainties in the hybrid system's states and variables. We develop algorithms to calculate fuzzy states and their transitions and propose a parallel composition method for modeling a complex fuzzy hybrid system through composing its components. This new formal, mathematical framework, capable of modeling a hybrid system with fuzzy states and various types of continuous dynamic processes, regardless whether they are available explicitly or implicitly e.g., fuzzy systems and neural networks, establishes a basis for systematic study of the fuzzy hybrid systems. It can also be employed for computer simulation investigation, analogous to the discrete event simulation methodology. An example fuzzy hybrid system involving fuzzy differential equations as continuous variable component is provided to illustrate the new theory.
Photopolymerization of phosphoric acid ester-based self-etch dental adhesives

The objective of the study was to gain more understanding on the photopolymerization mechanism and the role of individual monomers in the polymerization behavior of a PAE-based self-etch adhesive system with the presence of HAp and water. The photo-polymerization process of the model adhesive system (2MP/HEMA) was monitored by using real-time attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR/FT-IR) technique. The effect of monomer ratio, HAp incorporation, and water content were investigated. The degree of conversion (DC) and the polymerization rate (PR) of the adhesives were determined to evaluate the polymerization efficacy. The results showed that the DC and PR increased consistently as the 2MP content increased from 30% to 70%, while they declined drastically as the 2MP content was further elevated to 100%. The incorporation of HAp considerably increased the DC and PR; however, the increase in water content was found to have negative influence on the photopolymerization.
A contingency perspective of just-in-time purchasing: globalization, implementation, and performance

Abstract This paper uses a survey-based methodology to examine the performance impact of Just-In-Time (JIT) purchasing strategies. Over the past decade much has been written concerning JIT philosophies; however, relatively little empirical research has been conducted that evaluates the impact of JTT on performance. Similarly, little work has been performed to evaluate the role of JIT in global competitive strategies. This paper uses contingency theory's environment-strategy-performance relationship to consider vital issues—planning, organizational support, and implementation status—affecting the success of JIT purchasing strategies. The findings suggest that JIT purchasing strategies represent an appropriate response to global competition and that JIT purchasing can have a significant positive impact on performance improvement when adequate planning and support are in place.
Hysteroscopic findings after unsuccessful dilatation and curettage for abnormal uterine bleeding

In recent years numerous articles have reported on the inaccuracies of the dilatation and curettage procedure, citing a false-negative rate of up to 10% to 15%. Indeed, several articles have reported that, in this era of simplified endoscopy, the blind dilatation and curettage should no longer play a significant role in gynecologic diagnosis, but should be replaced by hysteroscopic evaluation and directed biopsy. We report the hysteroscopic findings in 29 patients for whom a blind curettage was performed within the previous year for the purpose of diagnosing the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding and attempting its cure. The remarkably high incidence of apparently missed pathologic factors (mainly submucous myomata) adds to the data confirming the lack of precision of dilatation and curettage, and supports the contention that diagnostic hysteroscopy is an essential tool in the management of abnormal uterine bleeding and the prevention of unnecessary hysterectomies.
Adapting the Empowerment Evaluation Model: A Mental Health Drop-in Center Case Example

Empowerment evaluation involves a program’s stakeholders in designing and implementing an evaluation of their own program, thus contributing to the program’s improvement and self-determination (Fetterman, 1994, 1996). It appeared to be an appropriate approach for evaluating a mental health drop-in center, which had congruent goals of collaboration and self-sufficiency. However, encouraging ongoing participation among the stakeholders was challenging. The evaluation process was adapted, with the evaluator designing and conducting most of the evaluation but incorporating substantial input from the stakeholders throughout the process. This involved careful attention to the evaluator’s roles, and decisions concerning the depths of stakeholder versus evaluator participation at each step of the evaluation. Adaptations to empowerment evaluation must consider the values of the program, as well as balance the stakeholders’ needs for resources with their rights for autonomy.
Wildlife in the life of local people of the semi-arid Argentine Chaco

The semi-arid Argentine Chaco is inhabited by mestizo people, who live on an economy of subsistence based on the use of natural resources and livestock ranching. I investigated the dietary and economic importance of wildlife for local people. Through interviews and participant observation, I found that wildlife is used primarily as food, providing about a third of the total meat consumed by local peasants. Local people use at least 26 species of wildlife although they concentrate on few species. Small species, Chacoan cavies and armadillos, are consumed most, representing 48% of the total wild meat consumed. Consumption of wild meat follows seasonal patterns determined by hunting methods, preferences for meat quality and species activity patterns. The consumptive value of wild meat is high in comparison with wages, but lower in comparison with forest exploitation. Illegal commercialization of wildlife is practiced mainly by villagers and by outsiders and it affects endangered species. Patterns of use of wildlife by local people differ from other Latin American groups in terms of the range of species hunted and the role that hunting plays in local people’ livelihoods. The first steps towards conservation of this increasingly threatened region should involve decreasing hunting by local people of the more vulnerable species and controlling all illegal commercial hunting.
Diet and Nuclear Lens Opacities

Relations between diet and nuclear opacities in the lens of the eye were investigated in a population-based cohort of middle-aged and older adults who lived in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Nuclear sclerosis was assessed from photographs of the lens taken during 1988-1990 in 1,919 persons in the Beaver Dam Eye Study. Diets in the past (1978-1980) were assessed retrospectively with the use of a food frequency questionnaire in home interviews. Relations with intake of foods and nutrients were evaluated using logistic regression analyses. In men, after controlling for age, smoking, and heavy drinking, intakes of numerous nutrients in the highest versus lowest quintile were associated with 40-50 percent reduced odds of more severe nuclear sclerosis. Relations with some nutrients (vitamins A, C, and E, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin) were at least partly explained by previously identified inverse associations with multivitamin use. Relations with other nutrients (folate, alpha-carotene, and dietary fiber) appeared to reflect associations with intake of foods, particularly vegetables. Inverse associations with individual nutrients and foods were often weaker or nonexistent in women. These data indicate that the intake of vitamin supplements (in men and women) and certain foods (particularly in men) may explain associations of several nutrients with risk for nuclear sclerosis.
Selective localization of vasoactive intestinal peptide and substance P in human eosinophils

Extracts of purified human eosinophils had a mean concentration of 72 fmol of immunoreactive vasoactive intestinal peptide and 21 fmol of substance P per 107 eosinophils, that were significantly higher than the content of immunoreactivity of the same neuropeptides in neutrophils, mononuclear leukocytes, and platelets. In contrast, the lower concentrations of calcitonin gene-related peptide and somatostatin were similar in extracts of all leukocytes. Chromatography of the peptides from eosinophils confirmed their identity with vasoactive intestinal peptide and substance P from neuroendocrine sources. Stores of some neuropeptides may endow eosinophils with unique roles in host defense and hypersensitivity reactions.
Boosting the performance of computational fluid dynamics codes for interactive supercomputing

An extreme form of pipelining of the Piecewise-Parabolic Method (PPM) gas dynamics code has been used to dramatically increase its performance on the new generation of multicore CPUs. Exploiting this technique, together with a full integration of the several data post-processing and visualization utilities associated with this code has enabled numerical experiments in computational fluid dynamics to be performed interactively on a new, dedicated system in our lab, with immediate, user controlled visualization of the resulting flows on the PowerWall display. The code restructuring required to achieve the necessary CPU performance boost, as well as the parallel computing methods and systems used to enable interactive flow simulation are described. Requirements for these techniques to be applied to other codes are discussed, and our plans for tools that will assist programmers to exploit these techniques are briefly described. Examples showing the capability of the new system and software are given for applications in turbulence and stellar convection.
Intramural (private) practice: its impact on dental education and the profession

For eight years, the intramural ( private dental practice) program at the School of Dentistry, University of North Caro­ lina, has served to attract and to retain qualified, full-time faculty members. The combined net income of the staff member cannot exceed an amount equal to twice his annual base salary, and in any case cannot exceed $30,000. A maxi­ mum of 10 hours during a 44-hour academic week may be devoted to intra­ mural practice. Advantages and disad­ vantages of the program are discussed.
Quality of care attributions to employed versus stay‐at‐home mothers

The present study was designed to find whether evaluations of maternal competence are linked to mothers’ employment status and the quality of maternal care. Participants rated videotaped vignettes, depicting either high‐quality or low‐quality mother–infant interactions, on various dimensions of care quality. The videotaped mothers were described to one‐half of the participants as ‘stay‐at‐home mothers’ and to the other half as ‘working mothers.’ Analysis revealed a significant main effect of type of care on maternal evaluations. ‘At‐home’ mothers were rated as providing better care than ‘working mothers.’ Additionally, participants whose mothers worked and who experienced non‐parental care as children were more likely to report positive attitudes about daycare and maternal employment. Finally, participants with less favorable attitudes toward maternal employment showed a more pronounced negative bias in rating high‐quality working mothers.
Sacropelvic fixation: two case reports of a new percutaneous technique.

Study design Case report. Objective To describe a new method of minimally invasive percutaneous sacropelvic fixation and to report on its use in two patients. Summary of background data The Galveston and iliac screw techniques are in widespread use for sacropelvic fixation, but neither technique is amenable to a percutaneous approach. The S2-alar-iliac technique is a recently described method that involves finding a pathway from the S2 sacrum into the ilium with fluoroscopy. We describe a new minimally invasive approach for this technique that allows percutaneous insertion of the screws and spinal construct. Methods A 69-year-old female with follicular thyroid carcinoma metastatic to the sacrum and a 55-year-old male with a sacral fracture were both treated with the new technique. We have described this new technique and reviewed the patients' clinical history, radiographic imaging, and outcomes. Results Stable fixation was achieved in both cases. Blood loss was 70 and 45 mL, respectively. There were no intraoperative complications. Conclusion To our knowledge, this report is the first description of a percutaneous minimally invasive approach to sacropelvic fixation in spinal fusion surgery. It is likely that this minimally invasive technique will result in less blood loss, lower infection rates, and a more rapid postoperative recovery than that associated with the more widely used open techniques.
Coherent Optical Transients

The early practitioners of nuclear magnetic resonance [1,2] probably never dreamed that their sophisticated coherence techniques would one day be adapted to the optical region. Coherent radiation sources were needed and in those days, the early 1950’s, lasers were not being discussed. We now know that the subject of coherent optical transients has developed steadily, beginning in 1964 with the initial photon echo measurement of Kurnit, Abella, and Hartmann [3]. Indeed, at the present time, the optical analogs of pulsed NMR transients have to some degree been realized.
Thermal conductance of interfaces between highly dissimilar materials

The thermal conductance of interfaces between materials with low Debye temperatures (Pb or Bi) and dielectrics or semiconductors with high Debye temperatures (hydrogen-terminated Si, $\mathrm{Si}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, the native oxide of Be, sapphire, or hydrogen-terminated diamond) is measured using time-domain thermoreflectance. The interface thermal conductance $G$ for these combinations of materials falls within a relatively narrow range, $8lGl30\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MW}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{m}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{K}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, at room temperature. Because the thermal conductance of interfaces with Bi, a semimetal, and interfaces with Pb, a metal, are similar, we conclude that the coupling of electrons in a metal to phonons in a dielectric substrate does not contribute significantly to the thermal transport at interfaces. For Pb or Bi on hydrogen-terminated diamond, the measured conductance greatly exceeds the radiation limit and decreases approximately linearly with decreasing temperature, suggesting that anharmonic processes dominate the transfer of thermal energy across interfaces between materials with highly dissimilar spectra of lattice vibrations.
In-vitro activity of ceftazidime, a β -lactamase stable cephalosporin

The in-vitro activity and beta-lactamase stability of ceftazidime were evaluated against 700 Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Ceftazidime was less active than penicillins or older cephalosporins against Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp., and it did not inhibit Streptococcusfaecalis. However, ceftazidime was as active as moxalactam and cefoperazone against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Proteus mirabilis with MICs less than 0.2 mg/l. Ceftazidime also inhibited Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Salmonella and Shigella at concentrations below 0.2 mg/l. Most Morganella, Pr. rettgeri, Pr. vulgaris and Pr. inconstans were inhibited at concentrations below 1 mg/l similar to concentrations for moxalactam, cefoperazone, and cefotaxime. Ceftazidime was the most active agent tested against Ps. aeruginosa, with a mean MIC of 1.6 mg/l. It inhibited carbenicillin, piperacillin, cefoperazone, cefsulodin resistant Pseudomonas.
Adolescent Sex Differences in Adiponectin Are Conditional on Pubertal Development and Adiposity

Objective: Adiponectin is an adipose tissue protein with important insulin-sensitizing, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties but is paradoxically lower in obese individuals. Sex differences in adiponectin have been reported in adults and adolescents but not in prepubertal children. In this study, we hypothesized that sex differences in adiponectin would develop during puberty and would be influenced by level of adiposity. Research Methods and Procedures: Adiponectin levels were measured in 1196 white and African-American adolescents. Insulin resistance was estimated using the homeostasis model (HOMA-IR). Demographic, developmental, and metabolic variables, including interactions with adiposity measurements, were evaluated for independent relationships with adiponectin levels. Results: Overall, adiponectin levels varied significantly by sex, race, adiposity, and puberty stage. Significant sex differences in adiponectin developed after the onset of puberty, particularly in lean adolescents. Adolescent boys had lower adiponectin levels in post-puberty compared with pre-puberty (p = 0.01) and had lower levels than girls in both puberty and post-puberty (both p < 0.001), after adjusting for race, BMI z-score, and natural logarithm-(HOMA-IR). Sex differences were also conditional on adiposity level, with significant sex differences among lean (p < 0.001) but not among non-lean (p = 0.16) adolescents. Adiponectin levels in girls decreased more with increasing adiposity than in boys (p = 0.004), but only marginally so after standardizing for girls’ higher mean adiponectin level (p = 0.11). Discussion: Sex differences in adiponectin are dependent on both puberty stage and adiposity in adolescents, such that by post-puberty, non-lean boys exhibit the lowest levels of adiponectin.
Experimental use of high-frequency ultrasound to image bowel wall after porcine intestinal transplantation

Abstract A means to monitor intestinal allografts will be crucial for the future success of small bowel transplantation. We have previously demonstrated the ability of high-frequency ultrasound (US) to diagnose porcine intestinal ischemia in vitro. The aim of this study was to compare the histologic appearance of normal porcine small bowel versus bowel undergoing acute rejection, using 8.5-MHz US images. We allowed porcine heterotopic small bowel allograft transplants to reject and then removed, at scheduled intervals from postoperative day 0 to 12, specimens of both the transplanted bowel and the native bowel. We examined the tissues in vitro with an 8.5-MHz linear array US system then studied them histologically. Histologically, the earliest changes of rejection occurred at days 4 to 5, with mild submucosal edema, endotheliitis, and vasculitis affecting the small vessels; the mucosa remained normal. By days 7 to 8, the submucosal endotheliitis became more prominent, with focal thrombosed small vessels; the mucosa now appeared abnormal with flattened villi, erosions, and necrosis. By days 10 to 12, marked submucosal edema, vasculitis, endotheliitis, and necrotic mucosa were present. Ultrasonically, normal intestinal wall has five wall layers, corresponding to mucosa, submucosa, muscularis propria, and subserosal fat. The US criteria for abnormality were loss of folds, decreased numbers of echo layers, discontinuity of layers, and a homogeneous appearance. Using these US criteria, blinded observers differentiated normal from abnormal bowel wall after transplantation with a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 81%. Most of the errors occurred with the day 4 and 5 specimens, which appeared nearly normal on US. This study demonstrates that US can potentially differentiate normal from abnormal changes after small bowel transplantation in vitro, and may be useful in monitoring the transplanted intestine. Abnormal US findings might then warrant a biopsy procedure. Further studies are necessary to fully evaluate the potential clinical use of US in intestinal transplantation.
Development of the digestive and metabolic apparatus of the calf.

In the early weeks of life of the young calf, digestion and metabolism are in a transition state, during which processes typical of the monogastric change to those of the ruminant. Characterizing the transition is a rapid increase in the size and capacity of the forestomach (rumen, retieulum, and omasum) relative to the other organs o£ the digestive tract. Certain dietary factors have been shown to control digestive capacity and function, as well as enzyme and metabolic activities. This paper will emphasize comparative data between the nonruminating calf and the functional ruminant.
Structure, dynamics, and solvation in a disordered metal–organic coordination polymer: a multiscale study

Metal–organic coordination polymers are a growing class of technologically-important materials in which transition metal ions are connected by multitopic organic chelators to form a 3-D network structure. While the structures of many highly-ordered metal–organic frameworks have been determined, far less structural information is available about the more common disordered materials. Our study combines pair distribution function analysis from total X-ray scattering, ab initio quantum mechanical calculations, and all-atom molecular dynamics to explore the structure and dynamics of a poorly-ordered branched coordination polymer. The polymer structure is highly flexible and dynamic, and is dramatically affected by its solvation state, a finding with far-reaching implications for the incorporation of coordination polymers into nanocomposite materials.
Perceived Control and the Optimistic Bias: A Meta-Analytic Review

People consistently believe that negative events are less likely to happen to them than to others. Research suggests a relationship between this optimistic bias and perceived control such that the greater control people perceive over future events, the greater their optimistic bias. We conducted a meta-analysis of 27 independent samples to quantify the size of this relationship and examine what variables moderated the relationship. Greater perceived control was significantly related to greater optimistic bias, but this relationship was moderated by participant nationality, student status, risk status, and the type of optimistic bias measure used. We discuss the findings in the context of primary versus secondary control.
Quality control in overseas apparel manufacturing

The purpose of this study was to identify quality control problems and causes of these problems associated with overseas apparel manufacturing. Apparel exporters and fabricators in seven Asian countries were visited. Through content analysis, four major problem categories were identified, which included construction, finishing, materials and fit. These problems appeared to be due to seven causes: (i) not following specifications, (ii) production method, (iii) management, (iv) facilities and equipment, (v) skills of workers, (vi) governmental structure and resource availability, and (vii) culture.
The role of pain catastrophizing and parenting factors in predicting disability in a clinical sample youth with chronic abdominal pain

Chronic abdominal pain (CAP) is a highly prevalent pediatric condition that results in functional disability including decreased involvement in social, academic, and daily activities. Child pain catastrophizing, or an exaggerated negative outlook during pain, has been shown to predict which youth with CAP evidence the greatest levels of impairment. Social factors also play a role in predicting disability, namely parental responses to pain such as overprotection or criticism. The combined influence of these factors in predicting functional disability in youth with CAP is not well-known. The purpose of the current investigation is to test the role of pain catastrophizing and parental responses to pain (protection, minimization, distraction/monitoring) in predicting disability in children and adolescents (ages 8-18) with CAP diagnoses (N=62). We examined the relationship between these factors and whether catastrophizing mediated the relationship between parental responses and disability when controlling for pain levels. Youth completed measures of pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and disability and parents reported their responses to child pain. Child disability was significantly correlated with pain intensity (r =.39, p<0.01), pain catastrophizing (r=.49, p<0.001), parent protection (r =.34, p<.01), parent minimizing (r=.22, p<0.05) and parent distraction/ monitoring (r=.22, p<0.05). Further, child pain catastrophizing significantly mediated the relationship between parent protectiveness and child disability (t =2.68, p <0.05), while the effect of parent protectiveness became non-significant in this model. Catastrophizing did not mediate the relationship between the other parenting factors and disability. These findings suggest that child catastrophizing may play an important role in predicting relationship between parent protectiveness and increased disability in youthwith CAP. Thus, children who respond to parent protectiveness with high pain catastrophizing may exhibit increased functional disability. Additional research is needed in longitudinal samples. Clinical assessment and intervention focused on reducing pain catastrophizing may be particularly beneficial in improving outcomes in youth with CAP.
A dimensão geográfica das eleições brasileiras

Por que municipios proximos tendem a ter resultados eleitorais semelhantes? Testam-se aqui tres possiveis explicacoes: as interacoes sociais entre residentes de municipios proximos; a concentracao das campanhas eleitorais em determinadas regioes em detrimento de outras; e as similaridades socioeconomicas observadas entre municipios proximos. Com dados das eleicoes de 2010 e ferramentas de econometria espacial, a primeira hipotese foi rejeitada; a segunda hipotese foi corroborada preliminarmente; e a terceira hipotese foi corroborada inequivocamente. Os dados mostram ainda que Dilma Rousseff "herdou" a base geografica de Lula e que essa base e bastante diferente da do PT, que continua sobretudo um partido urbano.
The Use of Outcomes to Support Leadership in Clinical Programmes

The purpose of this study was to examine the overall quality of care being delivered, and to determine if gender, race, age, and education level affected the quality of care being delivered in inpatient mental health programmes. To accomplish this objective, the study utilised patient survey data collected in 2006. Measures were selected from the survey that best matched the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) six dimensions of quality framework: safe, effective, timely, efficient, equitable and patient‐centred. This study may be a useful tool to guide the assessment of clinical programmes and the role of leadership in this process.
Distribution of cortisol among its free and protein-bound fractions in rainbow trout (Orhynchus mykiss): Evidence of control by sexual maturation

Abstract 1. 1. Total cortisol concentrations did not differ in sexually matured female, male, and immature rainbow trout. 2. 2. The per cent cortisol bound to a corticosteroid binding protein was greater in mature female fish (48.2%) than in mature male (16.0%) and immature fish (19.5%). 3. 3. The mature female fish exhibited a lower percentage of free cortisol (21.8%) compared to mature males (44.8%) and immature fish (43.2%). 4. 4. Parallel aspects of the teleostean cortisol binding-protein and the mammalian counterpart are compared and commented upon.
Identification of neural circuits underlying P300 abnormalities in schizophrenia

Event-related potentials (ERPs) provide a noninvasive method to evaluate neural activation and cognitive processes in schizophrenia. The pathophysiological significance of these findings would be greatly enhanced if scalp-recorded ERP abnormalities could be related to specific neural circuits and/or regions of the brain. Using quantitative approaches in which scalp-recorded ERP components are correlated with underlying neuroanatomy in schizophrenia, we focused on biophysical and statistical procedures (partial least squares) to relate the auditory P300 component to anatomic measures obtained from quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. These findings are consistent with other evidence that temporal lobe structures contribute to the generation of the scalp-recorded P300 component and that P300 amplitude asymmetry over temporal recording sites on the scalp may reflect anatomic asymmetries in the volume of the superior temporal gyrus in schizophrenia.
Implementing mixed-criticality synchronous reactive programs upon uniprocessor platforms

Model-based design methodologies based on the synchrony assumption are widely used in many safety-critical application domains. The synchrony assumption asserts that actions (such as the execution of code) occur instantaneously; however, physical platforms obviously do not possess this property. This paper considers the problem of obtaining resource-efficient implementations of programs that are written under the synchrony assumption on actual platforms, such that these implementations execute in a manner that is semantically consistent with the execution sequences that would occur if the synchrony assumption were to hold.
Modeling the front side plasmonics effect in nanotextured silicon surface for thin film solar cells application

We report the computational modeling of the front side plasmonics effect arising on gold (Au) nanoparticles array in combination with nanotextured silicon surface for thin film silicon solar cells application. The ultimate efficiency of the optimized silicon nanoholes (SiNH) array textured surface using Au plasmonics effect is 38.58 %, which is 24.01 % greater than SiNH array textured surface without Au plasmonics effect. Furthermore, SiNH array textured surface perform better compared to silicon nanopillar (SiNP) array textured surface for all the parameters studied. The maximum possible short circuit current density and power conversion efficiency of the proposed SiNH array textured surface with Au plasmonics effect are 31.57 mA/cm2 and 25.45 % respectively, which compares favorably well to the computed values of 26.17 mA/cm2 and 21.12 %, respectively for the SiNP array textured surface with Au plasmonics effect.
Synthesis of chaos and sustainability in a nonstationary linear dynamic model of the American black bear (Ursus americanus Pallas) in the Adirondack Mountains of New York

Abstract Black bears on the 6000-ha Huntington Wildlife Forest, in the central Adirondack region of upper New York State, were modeled using the stella II simulation software. The purposes were to (1) express black-bear biology as a population system inseparably derived from its ecosystem; (2) demonstrate how chaos, with origins in nonlinearity, and sustainability, related to linearity, can be incorporated into dynamical models, minimizing the use of mathematics that may not be well-chosen due to an inadequate rationale; and (3) demonstrate how qualitative biology, natural history, and ecology can be realistically built into a model despite many unknowns and initially limited data. A rationale is presented for synthesizing chaos and sustainability in ecological models. From this and the good behavioral properties observed in simulated baseline and sensitivity dynamics, it is concluded that a useful approach in ecological modelling may be to put nonlinear attributes into the parameter space and linear ones into the state space to conform the two opposed properties of well-behavedness and surprise. The role of linearity in modelling, and in formulating humanity's future ecological paradigm of existence, should not be overlooked.
A predictive study of voting behavior in a representation election using union instrumentality and work perceptions.

Abstract A literature-based model of the unionization process is presented. The process is defined in terms of instrumentality perceptions, behavioral intent, and actual behavior components. The primary determinant of the process is shown to be the instrumentality perceptions of the potential members. The model is tested via discriminant analysis and step-wise regression in a sample of hospital nurses. The results suggest the overriding importance of instrumentality perceptions in the determination of voting behavior. In excess of 75% of the votes were accurately predicted from knowledge of the respondent's instrumentality perceptions alone. Several avenues for future research are suggested, including an expanded view of personal characteristics and extension of expectancy theory to employee voting behavior.
B-type natriuretic peptide is a major predictor of ventricular tachyarrhythmias

Background The cost-effective use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) for the prevention of sudden cardiac death requires identification of patients at risk for ventricular tachyarrhythmias, not just for total mortality. Objective To determine whether N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) or B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are independent predictors of ventricular arrhythmias in patients receiving primary prevention ICDs. Methods One hundred sixty-one patients with NT-proBNP levels and 403 patients with BNP levels at the time of ICD implantation were retrospectively assessed for the occurrence of first appropriate ICD therapy and mortality. Results In multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, NT-proBNP or BNP levels in the upper 50th percentile were the strongest predictor of ICD therapy after adjustment for sex, age, left ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association class, history of coronary artery disease, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine clearance, and history of atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio [HR] 5.75, P Conclusion In this study, elevated baseline NT-proBNP and BNP levels are independently associated with the risk for ventricular tachyarrhythmias, which significantly exceeds the risk for total mortality, in multivariable analysis.
Rapid separation of polychlorinated biphenyls from DDT and its analogues on silica gel

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), which are used in industry worldwide (i), have been found as residues in numerous wildlife species (2-7). Because of the similarity in chemical characteristics, PCB compounds interfere with gas liquid chromatographic (GLC) analysis of certain chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides (8). In the present study, we sought a rapid microanalytical procedure for separation of PCB's from DDT and its analogues before analysis with GLC. A small silica gel column was found to be suitable for removing two of the Aroclor series of PCB's (1254 and 1260) from DDT and its analogues.
Air traffic management design considerations

An air traffic management system (ATMS) is a network-centric system being used to manage another network-centric system, namely, an air transportation system. We are developing a design language for network-centric systems and design guidelines for the development system of engineers and domain specialists involved in designing and integrating systems. Note: this development system with today's technology is also a network-centric system. An outline of the design language under construction and the design guidelines being studied is provided. Specifically we discuss ATMS mission objectives (e.g., average yearly throughput of people and freight for a high demand scenario); ATMS sample usage scenarios (e.g., ATMS reroutes air traffic in time and space in reaction to major weather deviation along the northeast coast); and system objectives for an ATMS (e.g., timelines of a specific high volume of messages from aircraft, weather sensors, and airports). We lay out some key design decisions associated with both the development system of engineers and domain specialists and the operational ATMS. Examples of key design decisions for the engineering system are: 1) appropriate partitioning of functional/physical architectures of the engineering system; 2) appropriate degree to telecollaboration and collaboration among design/integration groups; 3) appropriate incremental delivery packages for an incremental delivery schedule of ATMS elements; and 4) appropriate levels and thrusts of the risk management program. Examples of key design decisions for the operational ATMS are: 1) throughput and security trades of the ATMS and 2) throughput and resiliency to weather changes. Finally, we relate network-centric architecture issues to both of the above sets of design decisions.
BELIEF IN GOD: A GAME-THEORETIC PARADOX

The Belief Game is a two-person, nonzero-sum game in which both players can do well [e.g., at (3, 4)] or badly [e.g., at (1,1)] simultaneously. The problem that occurs in the play of this game is that its rational outcome of (2, 3) is not only unappealing to both players, especially God, but also, paradoxically, there is an outcome, (3, 4), preferred by both players that is unattainable. Moreover, because God has a dominant strategy, His omniscience does not remedy the situation, though - less plausibly - if man possessed this quality, and God were aware of it, (3, 4) would be attainable.
Myasthenia gravis with ocular involvement in older patients.

Abstract Background: There has been little previous study reporting the eye findings and presentation of elderly patients with myasthenia gravis. The purpose of this study was to review the findings and course of myasthenia gravis after the sixth decade of life. Methods: Retrospective observational case series. The authors reviewed the clinical records of 27 patients with onset of myasthenia gravis at age 60 years or more who were seen at a tertiary care academic ophthalmology centre in Houston between January 1992 and March 1999. The diagnosis of myasthenia gravis was based on conventional clinical and laboratory criteria. Results: Twenty patients (74%) were men. Of the 16 patients who underwent testing for anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies, I I (69%) were seropositive. Concurrent thyroid disease was found in seven patients (26%), including five (71 %) of the seven women. No patient had thymoma. Sixteen patients (59%) manifested generalized symptoms during follow-up; 12 did so within I year of disease onset. Patients responded well to both anticholinesterase and corticosteroid therapy. At the most recent follow-up visit 18 patients (67%) were clinically improved, and no patient was clinically worse. Interpretation: Myasthenia gravis in this study was characterized by a male predominance, high rate of concurrent thyroid disease, high rate of progression to mild generalized symptoms, absence of thymoma, good response to medical therapy and minimal life-threatening complications. Clinicians should consider the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis in an older patient presenting with diplopia or ptosis.
Analyst A: Alternatives in Analysis of the UTexas1 Surface Wave Dataset

In February of 2011 an earthquake event caused significant damage and loss of life in Christchurch, New Zealand. Such an event serves as motivation for improved foundation design and characterization of the shallow subsurface. In January of 2013, University of Texas engineers acquired surface wave data which has been made available to the ASCE GeoInstitute Geophysical Engineering Committee for a benchmark project. Participants were invited to process and interpret the common data set. This paper reports the results designated as those of “Analyst A”. The active vibroseis and sledgehammer data were combined to produce a composite Rayleigh wave dispersion curve. Alternative soil profile representations were considered. The resulting image is of low velocity zone sandwiched between a faster surface zone and a faster profile down to 30 meters depth. INTRODUCTION The UTexas1 SurfaceWave Dataset was acquired in Christchurch, New Zealand. The site was located approximately 1.5 km from the coast. The Geophysical Engineering Committee of the ASCE GeoInstitute has organized a benchmark project in which participating geophysical engineers have been invited to process and interpret this common data set with tools of their own choosing. The instructions were to work as much or as little of the data as each participant desired. The available data include both active-source and ambient noise sets. This participant has chosen to only work the active-source data. The vibrator data were processed in the frequency domain, the hammer data in the time domain. The resulting dispersion curves were then combined to provide a composite dispersion curve. Inversion of the composite dispersion curve was done employing a 1-D-gradational soil profile in which the objects of the inversion are control points whose depth and shear-wave velocity assignment may vary. The reader is referred to Michaels (2011) for another example of this representation. page 1 This is an author-produced, peer-reviewed version of this article. The final, definitive version of this document can be found online at Geo-Congress 2014: Technical Papers and Keynote Lectures, published by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Copyright restrictions may apply. doi: 10.1061/9780784413272.074