cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Instructional Efficiency of Performance Analysis Training for Learners at Different Levels of Competency in Using a Web-Based EPSS.

The measure of performance improvement potential (Gilbert, 1978) in human performance technology uses an exemplary performance as a criterion against which to measure the potential improvement in the performance of a workforce. The measure is calculated based on the performance efficiency which compares expended resources to productivity. The same notion is used to measure the efficiency of instructional conditions, based on learners' mental effort invested in a learning task compared to their performance. This article compares the efficiency of an instructional condition for three groups of students differentiated by their use of an electronic performance support system (EPSS) to conduct a performance analysis project. The results indicated that the instruction was most efficient for those learners who showed greater competency in using the EPSS. Implications for using this technique as a means of formative evaluation of a course are discussed.
Mechanism for carrier velocity saturation in pure organic crystals

We present a possible mechanism for the saturation of the velocity of photoinjected charge carriers in pure organic crystals, the analysis having been motivated by observations in pentacene. The mechanism is based on the strong wave vector dependence of the damping coefficient appearing in the appropriate effective mass equation. Our primary goal is to explore this mechanism in general terms rather than to apply it to a specific system such as pentacene. Our analysis is based on a Fokker-Planck equation treatment. We indicate how the damping coeffcient is related to relaxation times in usual Boltzmann equations and how it can be computed from Fermi golden rule transition rates.
The effects of glucagon on sodium, potassium, and urine excretion in patients in congestive heart failure

Abstract The effects of 3 intravenous injections of glucagon on sodium, potassium, and urine excretion were determined in 8 patients with chronic congestive heart failure. Initial injections of 5 mg. of glucagon resulted in statistically significant average increments in sodium excretion from 84.8 to 210.4 μEq per minute in potassium excretion from 0.7 to 1.6 μEq per minute and in urine flow from 1.4 to 2.2 ml. per minute. Second and third injections of glucagon (3 to 10 mg.) sustained the natriuresis in only 4 patients. Six patients experienced nausea and 5 patients vomited, thus preventing the use of larger doses of glucagon. One patient, in a preliminary study in which glucagon was infused intravenously, developed a short episode of multifocal, ventricular tachycardia shortly after vomiting occurred. Because of the relatively limited diuresis and nausea and vomiting, we conclude that single injections of glucagon, in doses used in this study, did not offer advantages over existing methods of treatment in our patients.
Mechanisms of film boiling heat transfer of normally impacting spray

Abstract The heat transfer mechanisms of horizontally impacting sprays were studied experimentally. An impulse-jet liquid spray system and a solid particle spray system were used. The liquid spray system is capable of producing uniform droplets with the independent variables of droplet size, velocity, liquid flow rate, and air velocity. The horizontally impacting sprays give a lower heat transfer at film boiling than the corresponding vertically impacting spray. The film boiling heat transfer is mainly controlled by the liquid mass flux. At low liquid mass flux and low droplet Weber number, the heat transfer increases with the droplet Weber number. At high droplet Weber number or high liquid mass flux, the heat transfer is not significantly affected by the droplet Weber number.
Overview of multimethod geophysical system development for enhanced near-surface target detection, discrimination, and characterization

Near-surface geophysical “targets” include unexploded ordnance (UXO), landmines, cavities (including tunnels and underground facilities), contaminant plumes, utilities (including underground storage tanks, pipelines, etc.), archaeological artifacts, graves, forensic evidence, structural foundation investigations for new and existing structures, and assessing the condition of engineered structures (e.g., bridges, dams, levees, roads, airfields, buildings). Application of near-surface geophysics to detect and characterize any of these “targets” is in the public interest, and many applications are clearly and directly related to public safety. While the detection of these targets in a geologic background can often be challenging, the discrimination of the desired target signatures or expressions from “false alarm” target signatures can be an even greater challenge. The discrimination challenge can be as simple as a “go/no-go” decision on the target, or the properties of the target may need to be further characterized after the decision. There is near unanimity among geophysicists (a rare thing) that multimethod, collocated complementary geophysical data enhance not only target detection but also the capability for discrimination and characterization. The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) conducted a multiyear research and development effort that resulted in complementary, collocated simultaneous geophysical survey capabilities for near-surface targets.
The future of renal replacement: Needs and applications

For those with uremia, renal function is presently replaced by dialysis or allotransplantation. Neither approach is ideal physiologically and allotransplantation suffers from limited availability of donors. In the future, the need to replace or amplify renal function may increase dramatically as molecular diagnosis identifies those at risk for cancer and renal failure, and as small impairments of renal function are found to increase cardiovascular risk. The heightened demand for renal replacement may be met by the development or advancement of technologies, including stem cells, cloning, organogenesis, and xenotransplantation. The ideal replacement of renal function, however, may not be achieved by any one of the technologies, but rather by a combination. Cloning, stem cells, organogenesis and xenotransplantation can potentially be combined for replacement of renal function. New technologies or combinations of technologies for replacement or regeneration of renal function share certain challenges. One challenge is the need to generate organs or organ-like structures that exhibit adequate function. Another challenge is that the achieving of adequate size engenders some risk of tumor formation. Still another challenge stems from the controversy regarding the capacity of stem cells to differentiate or transdifferentiate and the possibility that fusion of stem cells or their progeny with differentiated cells may contribute to regeneration and histogenesis. The implications of cell fusion in such systems were discussed.
The abundant sea: prospects for maritime non-state violence in the Indian Ocean

Abstract Maritime violence perpetrated by non-state actors is a feature of the Indian Ocean. This includes the piracy, which has occurred most prominently off Somalia but also in the waters of Bangladesh, India and Indonesia, and terrorism perpetrated by al-Qaeda, the Tamil separatist movement in Sri Lanka, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and the Pakistani Islamist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) against the Indian city of Mumbai. This paper aims to chart why opportunities for non-state actors to use violence to advance their interests may continue across the region.
On the uncoupled superposition approximation for combined conduction-radiation through infrared radiating gases

band width parameter; Planck radiosity at wavenumber v ; dimensionless energy flux, F = q,/D[E, I -E, ,I; parallel plate spacing; dimensionless transmission function for n = 2 and absorption function for n = 3; thermal conductivity; conduction-radiation parameter for gray radiation, N = kK/4aT3; dimensionless energy flux, equation (3); dimensionless energy flux, Ql = q, h/k( TL TJ; total energy flux; integrated absorption-band intensity; temperature; average or reference temperature; boundary temperature, n = 1,2; spatial coordinate.
Improving endurance of autonomous aerial vehicles through intelligent service-station placement

A limitation of small-scale, autonomous, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles is their relatively short flight time. This hinders their broad applicability for many commercial applications. In previous work, we present the design and implementation of ISLANDS, an autonomous self-leveling landing platform for VTOL vehicles, along with an initial approach to their placement in the field of work. In this paper, we present several new approaches for improved station placement in a field of work of arbitrary shape and size, given sensor characteristics and the nature of the application. We present these algorithms in the context of a generic survey application, but they generalize to many other applications such as search and rescue, traffic monitoring, and environment monitoring.
Sonographic Evaluation of Palpable Superficial Masses

Palpable soft tissue masses are common and are often referred for imaging evaluation. Ultrasonography is an attractive way to image these lesions because it is inexpensive, readily available, and does not rely on ionizing radiation. Ultrasonography can easily confirm the presence of a mass, differentiate solid from cystic lesions, define the anatomic extent of the lesion, and detect vascular lesions with high sensitivity. In most cases, ultrasonography can accurately characterize the lesion, obviating biopsy and reducing unnecessary further work-up. This article reviews the capabilities of ultrasonography in evaluating superficial soft tissue lesions and the sonographic appearance of disease entities.
T Visas: Prosecution Tool or Humanitarian Response?

It is estimated that between 600,000 and 2 million people are trafficked internationally each year, and as many as 50,000 individuals are brought to the United States as victims of human traffickers each year (S. T. Green 2008). In 2000, the federal government, in an effort to address the problem, passed the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act. Among other elements, the Act created T visas. This type of visa allows the trafficked victim to stay in the United States, and even bring family members into the country, if he or she “cooperated fully” with law enforcement in prosecuting the traffickers. Today, 9 years later, only about 1,300 T visas have been granted, even though the enabling legislation allows immigration officials to grant 5,000 each year. Furthermore, many victims who obtained T visas are well past the 4-year expiration date and now exist in immigration limbo. The intent was for victims to be able to apply for permanent residency after 3 years, but it was not until 2009 that po...
Topology comparison for Solid State Transformer implementation

In this paper, a comparison of six representative topologies for the implementation of Solid State Transformers (SST) is performed. The objective is to help identify the most suitable topology capable of supporting additional functionalities as compared to a regular transformer, e.g. on-demand reactive power support to grid, voltage regulation, and current limiting. The comparison is based on switch loss, switch count, control characteristics and supported functionalities. It has been concluded that a three-stage configuration comprising distinct AC-DC, DC-DC and DC-AC stages results in the most suitable implementation. A Simulink model corresponding to this three-stage configuration is developed to demonstrate the desired characteristics and functionalities of the SST.
Using Geolocation Apps for Academic Library Outreach and Instruction

This article discusses the uses, experiments, and merits of geolocation applications for academic library outreach and instruction. SCVNGR is a game-based geolocation application. Users earn points or gain rewards by completing challenges and treks. Builders design challenges with text-based answers, quick response codes, or photo responses. Librarians at Boise State University and Oregon State University have built treks and challenges using SCVNGR for orientations and instruction. They have found SCVNGR a better environment than Foursquare to engage students with the library. SCVNGR is a convenient tool to use to get started with geolocation and gaming in library instruction; however, comparable tools are available.
Towards good practice for health statistics: lessons from the Millennium Development Goal health indicators.

Summary Health statistics are at the centre of an increasing number of worldwide health controversies. Several factors are sharpening the tension between the supply and demand for high quality health information, and the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) provide a high-profile example. With thousands of indicators recommended but few measured well, the worldwide health community needs to focus its efforts on improving measurement of a small set of priority areas. Priority indicators should be selected on the basis of public-health significance and several dimensions of measurability. Health statistics can be divided into three types: crude, corrected, and predicted. Health statistics are necessary inputs to planning and strategic decision making, programme implementation, monitoring progress towards targets, and assessment of what works and what does not. Crude statistics that are biased have no role in any of these steps; corrected statistics are preferred. For strategic decision making, when corrected statistics are unavailable, predicted statistics can play an important part. For monitoring progress towards agreed targets and assessment of what works and what does not, however, predicted statistics should not be used. Perhaps the most effective method to decrease controversy over health statistics and to encourage better primary data collection and the development of better analytical methods is a strong commitment to provision of an explicit data audit trail. This initiative would make available the primary data, all post-data collection adjustments, models including covariates used for farcasting and forecasting, and necessary documentation to the public.
What is really wrong with a priori claims of universality? Sampling, validity, process level, and the irresistible drive to reduce.

Abstract Catchy acronyms such as "WEIRD population" are good mnemonics. However, they carry the danger of distracting us from deeper issues: how to sample populations, the validity of measuring instruments, the levels of processing involved. These need to be considered when assessing claims of universality regarding how the mind works "in general" - a dominant and highly rewarded drive in the behavioral and brain sciences.
Readers' Comprehension of Mazes Embedded in Expository Texts.

Abstract Cloze is a research and instructional modification of text involving writers' systematic detection of words that readers are then asked to replace. Two studies reported here provided a multiple-choice extension of cloze (called maze) to high school-aged readers. Word, sentence, and paragraph replacement was elicited. It was hypothesized that successful replacement at word level would necessarily precede successful replacement at higher levels. Different patterns of maze accuracy emerged for readers of differing proficiency. The results indicate that maze is a valuable diagnostic tool; it is easy and quick to administer, and it suggests different teaching strategies at specific reading skill levels.
The differential effect of RNA synthesis inhibitors on ecdysterone induced ovarian development in mosquitoes

Abstract Normally, vitellogenesis and subsequent yolk deposition does not proceed in the anautogenous mosquito Aedes aegypti until after a blood meal. However, injection of ecdysterone, into non-blood females initiates what visually appears to be qualitatively normal ovarian development. The yolk proteins from the ovaries of both blood-fed or hormone injected unfed females were extracted and compared using polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis. The qualitative patterns obtained were essentially identical leading us to conclude that ecdysterone, in the absence of a blood meal, stimulates the synthesis of authentic vitellogenic proteins. Injection of either α-amanitin or cordycepin along with ecdysterone did not inhibit the amount of the major vitellogenic protein deposited in oocytes, compared to the hormone-alone injected controls. Conversely, actinomycin D was inhibitory. We postulate that ecdysterone does not induce specific messenger RNA transcription in this system although it may influence the synthesis of other kinds of RNA. This suggests that ecdysterone may regulate vitellogenesis in Aedes through a translational control mechanism.
Effect of fasting on insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-IA and IGF-IB messenger ribonucleic acids and prehormones in rat liver.

The insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) gene generates by alternative splicing two IGF-I messenger RNAs (mRNAs) coding for IGF-I prehormones with different E domain sequences. In rats, these two mRNAs differ by the presence (IGF-IB) or absence (IGF-IA) of a 52-bp insert in the E domain coding region. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of nutritional perturbation on IGF-IA and -IB expression in rat liver. Northern blot analysis of liver mRNA revealed that the 1.5–1.9 kb and 0.9–1.2 kb IGF-I mRNA species were decreased in rats fasted for 48 h compared with either fasted-refed (48 h of each) or control-fed rats (each, P < 0.01), whereas the 7.5 kb IGF-I mRNA was decreased only when compared with the fasted-refed animals. Using semiquantitative RT-PCR, the IGF-IA transcript (114 bp amplicon) was not altered, whereas the IGF-IB transcript (166 bp amplicon) was decreased in fasted rats compared with the other two groups (both P < 0.01). We confirmed the RT-PCR results by RNase protection a...
Time of accumulation of hypersaline anoxic brine in Orca basin (Gulf of Mexico)

The Orca basin is an intraslope basin of 400 sq km area at a depth of ∼2400 m, on the continental slope in the northern Gulf of Mexico, containing 200 m of highly saline anoxic brine. The sedimentary units in a core from this basin are black mud from 0 to 485 cm with three turbidite beds of gray mud totalling 70 cm and gray mud from 485 cm to the bottom of the core at 1079 cm. It is interpreted that the black mud was deposited in a highly anoxic saline environment, and gray mud deposition took place in an oxic environment. The lack of sulfate reduction and bioturbation in the black mud, the occurrence of a manganese oxide peak in the gray mud, and geochemical differences between black and gray mud support this interpretation. The major black—gray boundary at 485 cm which has been dated by 14C to be 7900 ± 170 yrs represents the time when brine began to accumulate in the Orca basin and the depositional environment became anoxic. The interstitial water salinity in the core decreases from 238 g/kg at the top to 112 g/kg at the bottom, suggesting that the Orca brine did not diffuse from the sediments underneath but entered the basin from the surrounding slopes. The salinity profile in the sediments calculated for a downward-diffusing brine is similar to the observed profile and supports the beginning of brine accumulation at 7900 yrs B.P. Possible exposures of a salt surface to the sea water to the southeast and north of the basin are interpreted from two multichannel seismic profiles.
Reflections on Science and Technology

Science and technology are frequently confused. This essay points out the bases for this confusion and then focuses on a basic distinction, namely, that whereas science brings us information that we have little choice but to absorb and reflect upon, technology is something that humans elect to do and, hence, can also elect not to do. It is proposed that technological ethics are most cogently undertaken with scientific understanding as the linchpin and religious/ artistic sensibilities as the muse.
Post Insertion Complaints in Complete Dentures - A never Ending Saga

Removable Complete Dentures still exist as the treatment option of choice for majority of edentulous patients. The anatomical and adaptational limitations associated with this modality often refrains a clinician from attending patients of geriatric group. Most of the complaints associated with complete dentures are actual and not psychological, contrary to the belief of most clinicians. This article attempts to cover most of the common complains of complete denture wearers along with their possible causes and remedies.
Spt16–Pob3 and the HMG protein Nhp6 combine to form the nucleosome‐binding factor SPN

Yeast Spt16/Cdc68 and Pob3 form a heterodimer that acts in both DNA replication and transcription. This is supported by studies of new alleles of SPT16 described here. We show that Spt16–Pob3 enhances HO transcription through a mechanism that is affected by chromatin modification, since some of the defects caused by mutations can be suppressed by deleting the histone deacetylase Rpd3. While otherwise conserved among many eukaryotes, Pob3 lacks the HMG1 DNA-binding motif found in similar proteins such as the SSRP1 subunit of human FACT. SPT16 and POB3 display strong genetic interactions with NHP6A/B, which encodes an HMG1 motif, suggesting that these gene products function coordinately in vivo. While Spt16–Pob3 and Nhp6 do not appear to form stable heterotrimers, Nhp6 binds to nucleosomes and these Nhp6–nucleosomes can recruit Spt16–Pob3 to form SPN–nucleosomes. These complexes have altered electrophoretic mobility and a distinct pattern of enhanced sensitivity to DNase I. These results suggest that Spt16–Pob3 and Nhp6 cooperate to function as a novel nucleosome reorganizing factor.
Residential magnetic fields predicted from wiring configurations: I. Exposure model

A physically based model for residential magnetic fields from electric transmission and distribution wiring was developed to reanalyze the Los Angeles study of childhood leukemia by London et al. For this exposure model, magnetic field measurements were fitted to a function of wire configuration attributes that was derived from a multipole expansion of the Law of Biot and Savart. The model parameters were determined by nonlinear regression techniques, using wiring data, distances, and the geometric mean of the ELF magnetic field magnitude from 24-h bedroom measurements taken at 288 homes during the epidemiologic study. The best fit to the measurement data was obtained with separate models for the two major utilities serving Los Angeles County. This model's predictions produced a correlation of 0.40 with the measured fields, an improvement on the 0.27 correlation obtained with the Wertheimer-Leeper (WL) wire code. For the leukemia risk analysis in a companion paper, the regression model predicts exposures to the 24-h geometric mean of the ELF magnetic fields in Los Angeles homes where only wiring data and distances have been obtained. Since these input parameters for the exposure model usually do not change for many years, the predicted magnetic fields will be stable over long time periods, just like the WL code. If the geometric mean is not the exposure metric associated with cancer, this regression technique could be used to estimate long-term exposures to temporal variability metrics and other characteristics of the ELF magnetic field which may be cancer risk factors. Bioelectromagnetics 20:399–413, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Feasibility of a pilot intervention targeting self-care behaviors in adults with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions and is widely encountered by clinicians in medical settings. National Standards for diabetes education recommend utilization of an interdisciplinary team, setting individual lifestyle goals and managing barriers. However, typical diabetes education programs lack integration of strategies for translating recommendations into behavioral actions. The present intervention was developed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a short-term cognitive-behavioral intervention aimed at optimizing self-care behaviors in adults with diabetes in a “real world” medical setting. Participants were 20 adults who had completed medical model outpatient diabetes education. The intervention consisted of 6 weekly sessions that addressed the role of behavior in diabetes including self-care barriers, cognitions and self-regulation. Pre-post intervention data indicated greater specificity in goal-setting. Participants who kept activity records had the greatest lifestyle activity behavior change. Findings suggest that a brief intervention addressing realistic goal-setting is feasible and can promote meaningful health behavior changes. Clinical psychology can provide a bridge between current diabetes care recommendations and available medical resources by providing training in and delivery of empirically supported behavior change strategies and evaluation of diabetes care treatment approaches.
The vitamin D receptor and the syndrome of hereditary 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-resistant rickets.

I. The Syndrome of Hereditary 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D-Resistant Rickets (HVDRR) A. Historical B. Clinical features of HVDRR C. Pathophysiology D. Alopecia E. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] action and HVDRR II. Vitamin D Physiology A. Metabolism B. 1α-Hydroxylase deficiency III. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D Action Mediated by the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) A. Historical aspects of VDR structure and function B. The domain structure of the VDR C. The regulation of gene expression by the VDR IV. Cellular Basis of HVDRR A. Studies in cultured skin fibroblasts B. Studies in other cells V. The VDR Gene and the Molecular Basis of HVDRR A. The VDR chromosomal gene B. The VDR gene promoter C. Polymorphisms of the VDR gene VI. HVDRR Mutations Causing the Ligand-Binding Positive Phenotype A. Initial description of DNA-binding domain (DBD) mutations B. Characterization of additional DBD mutations C. Structural analysis of DBD mutations VII. HVDRR Mutations Causing the Ligand-Binding Negative Phenotype A. Initial descr...
A 3D model for PEM fuel cells operated on reformate

A three-dimensional mathematical model for PEM fuel cells operated on reformate is developed based on our previous established fuel cell model [Int. J. Transport Phenomena 3 (2001) 177], by incorporating the adsorption and oxidation kinetics of CO on platinum surface proposed by Springer et al. [Proceedings of the Electrochemical Society, Montreal, Canada, 1997; J. Electrochem. Soc. 148 (2001) A11]. This model is capable of studying the effect of CO poisoning as well as the hydrogen dilution effect by inert gases. The adsorption and oxidation kinetics of CO on a platinum surface are incorporated in the source terms of the species equations; thus, the basic form of the mathematical equations are the same as those used for PEM fuel cells operated on pure hydrogen. With this model, we can obtain detailed information on the CO poisoning and variation of CO and hydrogen concentrations inside the anode. The results from this 3D model reveal many new phenomena that cannot be obtained from previous 1D or 2D models. Results of the effects of various operating and design parameters, such as anode flow rate, gas diffuser porosity, gas diffuser thickness, and the width of the collector plate shoulder, are also presented. The modeling results demonstrate the value of this model as a design and optimization tool for the anode of PEM fuel cells operating on reformate.
Evaluating associations between sources of information, knowledge of the human papillomavirus, and human papillomavirus vaccine uptake for adult women in California

Objective Vaccines have the potential to reduce morbidity from HPV infections if age-eligible patients receive and parents know about them. Content analyses have demonstrated significant range in the quality of HPV information obtained from different sources. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of associations between information source and level of knowledge about HPV and vaccine receipt/intention. Methods We analyzed the 2007 California Health Interview Survey, a population-based, statewide random digit dial survey, using data on adult females ages 18–65 who had heard about HPV (n = 16,806). One-way ANOVA and multivariate logistic regression assessed the associations between source of information (advertisement only, advertisement plus other sources, and non-advertisement sources) and knowledge of HPV (3 or greater correct on a 4-point scale). Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted on a subsample of vaccine-eligible women and parents to assess vaccine uptake or intention. Results Less than half of respondents (43%) correctly answered 3 or more of the HPV knowledge questions. Mean knowledge scores were significantly different when comparing women who reported advertisement only, non-advertisement, and advertisement plus other sources of information (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, women who reported non-advertisement sources (OR 2.44, 95% CI 2.07–2.87) and advertisements plus other sources (OR 3.03, 95% CI 2.57–3.58) were more likely to have knowledge scores above the 75% level than women who relied on advertisements alone. In the subsample of vaccine-eligible women and parents, those who reported advertisements plus other sources (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.30–2.62) were more likely to have received or intend to receive the vaccine than those who reported advertisements as their sole information source. Conclusion Advertisements are the most commonly reported source of information about HPV, and while they inform women of the existence of the vaccine, they do not contribute to accurate knowledge about the virus, nor do they appear to influence vaccine uptake. Other sources may play a larger role in refining knowledge and/or improving uptake.
Exploring Writing—From Rebellion to Participation

This article describes the unfolding of one student's encounter with writing. It was not an encounter of miraculous proportions, but, rather, one that became apparent through a teacher's careful observations of the engagement of a nonwriting third grader with print. This encounter may have been one of the first times the student realized he could be literate.
Continuity of Care with a Primary Care Physician and Mortality in Older Adults

MANY proposals exist about how best to restructure the American health care delivery system, and the medical home is at the heart of most. Promoted by politicians (1,2), physicians (3,4), and insurers (5), the medical home builds on the primary and chronic care models (6–9), which share continuity of care as a dominant feature. But as Bindman (10, p. 352) noted earlier this year, the discussion “about and the implementation of the medical-home delivery model is progressing much faster than the accumulation of evidence about its effectiveness.” Because medical homes will receive additional reimbursement, considerable effort is being spent on developing assessment tools for whether physicians’ practices qualify (11–14). Such tools should focus on key primary care concepts, have face validity, have demonstrable predictive validity of desirable outcomes, and be measurable using administrative records if possible (5). The administrative burden of current tools, however, seems excessive (15). In this article, we step back from the rush to develop assessment tools for certifying medical homes and focus on the more fundamental issue—does continuity of care, a core component of the medical home, really make a difference (10)? Specifically, we assess the impact of continuity on mortality among older adults using two time-dependent adaptations of our recently developed measure (16) that can be implemented solely using administrative claims. To the best of our knowledge, no other study has examined the association of continuity of care with mortality, which may be considered the ultimate predictive validity criterion.
Risk Analysis: Divergent Models and Convergent Interpretations

Material presented at a NASA-sponsored workshop on risk models for exposure conditions relevant to prolonged space flight are described in this paper. Analyses used mortality data from experiments conducted at Argonne National Laboratory on the long-term effects of external whole-body irradiation on B6CF1 mice by 60Co gamma rays and fission neutrons delivered as a single exposure or protracted over either 24 or 60 once-weekly exposures. The maximum dose considered was restricted to 1 Gy for neutrons and 10 Gy for gamma rays. Proportional hazard models were used to investigate the shape of the dose response at these lower doses for deaths caused by solid-tissue tumors and tumors of either connective or epithelial tissue origin. For protracted exposures, a significant mortality effect was detected at a neutron dose of 14 cGy and a gamma-ray dose of 3 Gy. For single exposures, radiation-induced mortality for neutrons also occurred within the range of 10-20 cGy, but dropped to 86 cGy for gamma rays. Plots of risk relative to control estimated for each observed dose gave a visual impression of nonlinearity for both neutrons and gamma rays. At least for solid-tissue tumors, male and female mortality was nearly identical for gamma-ray exposures, but mortality risks for females were higher than for males for neutron exposures. As expected, protracting the gamma-ray dose reduced mortality risks. Although curvature consistent with that observed visually could be detected by a model parameterized to detect curvature, a relative risk term containing only a simple term for total dose was usually sufficient to describe the dose response. Although detectable mortality for the three pathology end points considered typically occurred at the same level of dose, the highest risks were almost always associated with deaths caused by tumors of epithelial tissue origin.
A Statistical Method for Comparing Aggregate Data Across A Priori Groups

This article introduces a new method for statistically comparing pairs of aggregate data series. Aggregate data series refers to a set of values, each of which is averaged or otherwise aggregated across respondents. The motivating problem is the compar- ison of aggregate proximity matrices, such as those obtained from pile sort exer- cises. The standard approach to this problem uses the nonparametric, permuta- tion-based quadratic assignment program (QAP) technique. However, the null distribution that QAP is based on is inappropriate for comparing subsamples of a data set and may lead to misleading conclusions. The new method can yield different results than QAP, results more in line with researchers' intuition. Furthermore, the method can be applied to a variety of data types beyond those appropriate for QAP.
Requirements for Calculation of Coupling Coefficients for Generic Arrays from Infinite Array Scan Reflection Data

Planar array mutual coupling coefficients may be computed using scan reflection coefficient data from an infinite array code provided the limits of integration are defined appropriately. In most cases those limits extend outside visible space, imposing a requirement that boundary conditions be formulated in terms of u,v instead of thetas,Phi. Further, when the array lattice is skewed, an additional change of variable is needed to form a rectangular integration region. This paper describes the method needed for mutual coupling coefficient calculation and presents example results verifying the techniques
An Energetic Measure of Aromaticity and Antiaromaticity Based on the Pauling–Wheland Resonance Energies

Various criteria based on geometric, energetic, magnetic, and electronic properties are employed to delineate aromatic and antiaromatic systems. The recently proposed block-localized wave function (BLW) method evaluates the original Pauling-Wheland adiabatic resonance energy (ARE), defined as the energy difference between the real conjugated system and the corresponding virtual most stable resonance structure. The BLW-derived ARE of benzene is 57.5 kcal mol(-1) with the 6-311+G** basis set. Kistiakowsky's historical experimental evaluation of the stabilization energy of benzene (36 kcal mol(-1)), based on heats of hydrogenation, seriously underestimates this quantity due to the neglect of the partially counterbalancing hyperconjugative stabilization of cyclohexene, employed as the reference olefin (three times) in Kistiakowsky's evaluation. Based instead on the bond-separation-energy reaction involving ethene, which has no hyperconjugation, as well as methane and ethane, the experimental resonance energy of benzene is found to be 65.0 kcal mol(-1). We derived the "extra cyclic resonance energy" (ECRE) to characterize and measure the extra stabilization (aromaticity) of conjugated rings. ECRE is the difference between the AREs of a fully cyclically conjugated compound and an appropriate model with corresponding, but interrupted (acyclic) conjugation. Based on 1,3,5-hexatriene, which also has three double bonds, the ECRE of benzene is 36.7 kcal mol(-1), whereas based on 1,3,5,7-octatetraene, which has three diene conjugations, the ECRE of benzene is 25.7 kcal mol(-1). Computations on a series of aromatic, nonaromatic, and antiaromatic five-membered rings validate the BLW-computed resonance energies (ARE). ECRE data on the five-membered rings (derived from comparisons with acyclic models) correlate well with nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) and other quantitative aromaticity criteria. The ARE of cyclobutadiene is almost the same as butadiene but is 10.5 kcal mol(-1) less than 1,3,5-hexatriene, which also has two diene conjugations. The instability and high reactivity of cyclobutadiene thus mainly result from the sigma-frame strain and the pi-pi Pauli repulsion.
Spring phytoplankton bloom and associated lower trophic level food web dynamics on Georges Bank: 1-D and 2-D model studies

Abstract A coupled biological–physical model was developed and tested in one-dimensional (1-D, vertical) and two-dimensional (2-D, cross-sectional) domains to examine the spring phytoplankton bloom and associated lower trophic level food web dynamics on Georges Bank (GB). The biological model consists of nine compartments: dissolved inorganic nutrients (nitrate, ammonium and silicate), phytoplankton (large and small size classes), zooplankton (large and small size classes), and detrital organic nitrogen and biogenic silica. The 1-D model results showed that in the shallow central bank, the timing and duration of spring blooms are closely linked to the light intensity and its downward penetration, while the intensity of blooms is regulated by initial nutrient concentrations and zooplankton grazing pressure. In the deeper flank area, the bloom dynamics is directly controlled by the seasonal development of stratification. The interactions between the shallow and deep regions of the bank were examined by a 2-D model, which showed that the cross-sectional gradients of biological quantities were caused mainly by the shallow-deep topographic transition and tidal mixing. Between the shallow and deep regions, a possible phytoplankton maximum concentration area was seen in the model at the time before the formation of the tidal-mixing front. Once the tidal-mixing front was established during late spring, the model showed a relatively high concentration of phytoplankton near the front as the result of the tidally driven up-front nutrient flux. Both the 1-D and 2-D models captured the basic seasonal cycles of the nutrients and phytoplankton in the central bank, but failed to reproduce those patterns in the deep flank regions, where horizontal advection might play a significant role.
T Helper Cell Fate Specified by Kinase-Mediated Interaction of T-bet with GATA-3

Cell lineage specification depends on both gene activation and gene silencing, and in the differentiation of T helper progenitors to Th1 or Th2 effector cells, this requires the action of two opposing transcription factors, T-bet and GATA-3. T-bet is essential for the development of Th1 cells, and GATA-3 performs an equivalent role in Th2 development. We report that T-bet represses Th2 lineage commitment through tyrosine kinase-mediated interaction between the two transcription factors that interferes with the binding of GATA-3 to its target DNA. These results provide a novel function for tyrosine phosphorylation of a transcription factor in specifying alternate fates of a common progenitor cell.
Charge collection from ion tracks in simple EPI diodes

Charge collection from ion tracks in epi diodes is investigated. As previously noted by others, the collected charge can exceed the charge liberated in the epi layer. Fundamental concepts are discussed and illustrated by computer simulation results. It is found that the n/sup +/-p-p/sup +/ diode displays a funneling regime and a diffusion regime (as previously noted by others), but the p/sup +/-n-n/sup +/ diode does not display separate regimes. Simple quantitative models are provided which agree fairly well with computer simulation results. Experimental data were compared to one of the models, and good agreement was found.
Laser Guidance Deposition Technique for Patterning Microstructures Made of Nanoparticles with Varying Surface Functionality

We present results on patterning microstructures using laser-guidance deposition of nanoparticles from particle-in-solvent suspensions. A laser beam axially confines and propels the particles inside a hollow optical fiber towards a substrate. Confining is provided by the gradient forces arising from light refraction or electrical forces on polarizable particles. The driving force results from the momentum conservation of photons scattered on particles. Polystyrene particles (100 and 400 nm in diameter) and gold particles (from 8 to 50 nm) with different surface organic functionality serve as a constructive material for fabrication of microstrips. In the experiments, the laser power varies from 0.1 to 1.6 W. The microstrips produced under different deposition conditions are studied using optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy. It was found that deposited polystyrene and gold particles form nanoclusters consisting of at least several particles. If deposited at an appropriate rate, such nanoclusters form multilayer microstrips of high particle density. The typical width of the microstrips ranges from less than 10 microns to 100 microns. This technique allows us to fabricate parallel arrays made of colloidal particles with different surface functionality, which seems to be an especially attractive approach for developing novel chemical and biological microsensors.
Clustering model to identify biological signatures for English language anxiety

The high-level contribution of this paper is the development of a clustering model to identify biological signatures for language anxiety in non-native English speakers. We use the Gas Discharge Visualization (GDV)-based Electro-photonic impulse analyzer to collect electro-photonic emission of fingertips, called GDV-grams, of students belonging to three different categories: Native English speakers, Indians (Commonwealth country) and Confucian Heritage Cultures (CHC). The built-in GDV-software analyzes the GDV-grams of an individual and quantifies the activity status of the organs/organ systems in the form of energy coefficients (EC). The basic idea behind our clustering model is to first compute the average of the absolute difference in the EC values, Δ(EC), for each of the three categories of the students, before and after a language test. Using the average Δ(EC) values for native English speakers as the baseline, we compute the relative absolute difference, ΔΔ(EC), in the energy coefficient values for the CHC group and the Indians. We run the K-Means clustering algorithm on a ΔΔ superset comprising of ΔΔ(EC) values obtained for the different organs/organ systems for the CHC group and the Indian students and classify these values to three different clusters representing organs/organ systems that have low, moderate and high impact due to English language anxiety. The corresponding range of the ΔΔ(EC) values are the biological signatures for anxiety of non-native English speakers with respect to any particular language activity and can be used as benchmarks to classify a test subject as having low, moderate or high levels of English language anxiety.
Resistance to Coumaphos and Diazinon in Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) and Evidence for the Involvement of an Oxidative Detoxification Mechanism

The levels of resistance to two organophosphate acaricides, coumaphos and diazinon, in several Mexican strains of Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) were evaluated using the FAO larval packet test. Regression analysis of LC50 data revealed a significant cross-resistance pattern between those two acaricides. Metabolic mechanisms of resistance were investigated with synergist bioassays. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) reduced coumaphos toxicity in susceptible strains, but synergized coumaphos toxicity in resistant strains. There was a significant correlation between PBO synergism ratios and the coumaphos resistance ratios. The results suggest that an enhanced cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (cytP450)-mediated detoxification mechanism may exist in the resistant strains, in addition to the cytP450-mediated metabolic pathway that activates coumaphos. PBO failed to synergize diazinon toxicity in resistant strains, suggesting the cytP450 involved in detoxification were specific. Triphenylphosphate (TPP) synergized toxicity of both acaricides in both susceptible and resistant strains, and there was no correlation between TPP synergism ratios and the LC50 estimates for either acaricide. Esterases may not play a major role in resistance to coumaphos and diazinon in those strains. Bioassays with diethyl maleate (DEM) revealed a significant correlation between DEM synergism ratios and LC50 estimates for diazinon, suggesting a possible role for glutathione S-transferases in diazinon detoxification. Resistance to coumaphos in the Mexican strains of B. microplus was likely to be conferred by both a cytP450-mediated detoxification mechanism described here and the mechanism of insensitive acetylcholinesterases reported elsewhere. The results of this study also underscore the potential risk of coumaphos resistance in B. microplus from Mexico to the U.S. cattle fever tick eradication program.
Multisensory perception in uncertain environments

Animals must use cues from smells, sounds, and sights to reduce uncertainty about the environment. Despite the ecological relevance of multisensory perception in helping animals cope with uncertainty, empirical support from natural systems is rarely placed within an adaptive framework. The field of psychophysics provides a model for the study of cognitive processes by studying behavior. Using this as a foundation, we develop a framework that can be used to understand the evolutionary significance of multimodal perception. We develop predictions about the conditions under which multiple stimuli combine differently. A key outcome of our analysis is that the ecological context can influence the processes by which animals perceive multisensory stimuli. In addition to its theoretical importance, this framework predicts that anthropogenic activities can affect how animals perceive their environment, which may have profound ecological consequences.