cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The WORD (Wholeness, Oneness, Righteousness, Deliverance): design of a randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of an evidence-based weight loss and maintenance intervention translated for a faith-based, rural, African American population using a community-based participatory approach.

Abstract Background The positive effects of weight loss on obesity-related risk factors diminish unless weight loss is maintained. Yet little work has focused on the translation of evidence-based weight loss interventions with the aim of sustaining weight loss in underserved populations. Using a community-based participatory approach (CBPR) that engages the strong faith-based social infrastructure characteristic of rural African American communities is a promising way to sustain weight loss in African Americans, who bear a disproportionate burden of the obesity epidemic. Objectives Led by a collaborative community–academic partnership, The WORD aims to change dietary and physical activity behaviors to produce and maintain weight loss in rural, African American adults of faith. Design The WORD is a randomized controlled trial with 450 participants nested within 30 churches. All churches will receive a 16-session core weight loss intervention. Half of the churches will be randomized to receive an additional 12-session maintenance component. Methods The WORD is a cultural adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program, whereby small groups will be led by trained church members. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. A detailed cost-effectiveness and process evaluation will be included. Summary The WORD aims to sustain weight loss in rural African Americans. The utilization of a CBPR approach and the engagement of the faith-based social infrastructure of African American communities will maximize the intervention's sustainability. Unique aspects of this trial include the focus on weight loss maintenance and the use of a faith-based CBPR approach in translating evidence-based obesity interventions.
A generalized vapor pressure equation for hydrocarbons

A reduced vapor pressure relationship of the following form has been developed: The optimum value of n was established to be 8.00 from vapor pressure data for n-heptane. A method was developed for the determination of the constants A, B, C and D from one reliable vapor pressure point. By this procedure vapor pressures were calculated for 33 hydrocarbons, including saturated and unsaturated paraffins, naphthenes, and aromatics, and were compared with corresponding experimental values. For these substances the overall average deviation between calculated and actual vapor pressure was 0.38% (1879 points). This relationship was also applied to seven additional hydrocarbons not included in its development, and for these substances the resulting average deviation was 0.36% (99 points). On a mis au point l'equation suivante relativement a la reduction de la pression de vapeur: On a etabli la valeur optimale de n comme etant 8.00, a partir de donnees sur la pression de vapeur de l'heptane normal. On a mis au point une methode pour determiner les constantes A, B, C et D a partir d'un point fiable de pression de vapeur; on a calcule avec celle-ci les pressions de vapeur de 33 hydrocarbures (comprenant des paraffines saturees ou non, des naphtenes et des composes aromatiques) et les a comparees avec les valeurs correspondantes trouvees experimentalement. Dans le cas desdits hydrocarbures, l'ecart global et moyen entre les pressions de vapeur calculees et reelles a ete de 0.38% (1879 points). On a aussi applique l'equation a 7 hydrocarbures additionnels qui n'etaient pas inclus dans sa mise au point; l'ecart moyen pour ceux-ci a ete de 0.36% (99 points).
The Role of the Cysteine Residues of ThiI in the Generation of 4-Thiouridine in tRNA

The enzyme ThiI is common to the biosynthetic pathways leading to both thiamin and 4-thiouridine in tRNA. We earlier noted the presence of a motif shared with sulfurtransferases, and we reported that the cysteine residue (Cys-456 of Escherichia coli ThiI) found in this motif is essential for activity (Palenchar, P. M., Buck, C. J., Cheng, H., Larson, T. J., and Mueller, E. G. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 8283–8286). In light of that finding and the report of the involvement of the protein IscS in the reaction (Kambampati, R., and Lauhon, C. T. (1999) Biochemistry 38, 16561–16568), we proposed two mechanisms for the sulfur transfer mediated by ThiI, and both suggested possible involvement of the thiol group of another cysteine residue in ThiI. We have now substituted each of the cysteine residues with alanine and characterized the effect on activity in vivo and in vitro. Cys-108 and Cys-202 were converted to alanine with no significant effect on ThiI activity, and C207A ThiI was only mildly impaired. Substitution of Cys-344, the only cysteine residue conserved among all sequenced ThiI, resulted in the loss of function in vivo and a 2700-fold reduction in activity measured in vitro. We also examined the possibility that ThiI contains an iron-sulfur cluster or disulfide bonds in the resting state, and we found no evidence to support the presence of either species. We propose that Cys-344 forms a disulfide bond with Cys-456 during turnover, and we present evidence that a disulfide bond can form between these two residues in native ThiI and that disulfide bonds do form in ThiI during turnover. We also discuss the relevance of these findings to the biosynthesis of thiamin and iron-sulfur clusters.
Flow Dynamics in Eccentrically Rotating Flasks Used for Dispersant Effectiveness Testing

The evaluation of dispersant effectiveness used for oil spills is commonly done using tests conducted in laboratory flasks. We used a Hot Wire Anemometer (HWA) to characterize mixing dynamics in the Swirling Flask (SF) and the Baffled Flask (BF), the latter is being considered by the EPA to replace the prior to test dispersant effectiveness in the laboratory. Five rotation speeds of the orbital shaker carrying the flasks were considered, Ω = 50, 100, 150, 175 and 200 rpm. The radial and azimuthal water speeds were measured for each Ω. It was found that the flow in the SF is, in general, two-dimensional changing from horizontal at low Ω to axi-symmetric at high Ω. The flow in the BF appeared to be three-dimensional at all rotation speeds. This indicates that the BF is more suitable for representing the (inherently) 3-D flow at sea. In the SF, the speeds and energy dissipation rates ɛ increased gradually as the rotation speed increased. Those in the BF increased sharply at rotation speeds greater than 150 rpm. At 200 rpm, the Kolmogorov scale (i.e., size of smallest eddies) was about 250 and 50 μm in the SF and BF, respectively. Noting that the observed droplet sizes of dispersed oils range from 50 to 400 μm (hence most of it is less than 250 μm), one concludes that the mixing in the SF (even at 200 rpm) is not representative of the vigorous mixing occurring at sea.
A COMPUTATIONAL MODEL FOR MARTENSITIC THIN FILMS WITH COMPOSITIONAL FLUCTUATION

We develop a computational model for the martensitic first-order structural phase transformation in a single crystal thin film, and we use this model to study the effect of spatial compositional fluctuation, spatial temporal noise, and the loss of stability of the metastable phase at temperatures sufficiently far from the transformation temperature.
Non-equilibrium Green function implementation of boundary conditions for full band simulations of substrate-nanowire structures

The density of states of a nanowire exhibits peaks at energies in which the individual transverse modes begin to propagate. Under ideal conditions these modes are eigenstates solely determined by the cross sectional size and shape of the nanowire. However, for realistic nanowires, which are grown on semiconductor substrates, the density of states of the subsrate-nanowire structure is dependent on the distance from the nanowire endpoints. Near the substrate, the density of states is nonzero far below the energy corresponding to the first eigenstate of the ideal nanowire. This initial increase in the density of states occurs at energies near the conduction and valence band edges of the semiconductor substrate on which the nanowire is grown. Away from the substrate, the density of states begins to acquire ideal nanowire characteristics. In the present work this effect is captured by imposing boundary conditions, with properties of bulk material, at the nanowire base. The calculations utilize a first neighbor sp 3 s*d 5 orbital basis within the non-equilibrium Green function formalism.
Heritable variation in reaction norms of metabolism and activity across temperatures in a wild-derived population of white-footed mice ( Peromyscus leucopus )

Heritable variation in metabolic traits is likely to affect fitness. In this study, white-footed mice from wild-derived photoresponsive [R, infertile in short day length (SD)] and non-photoresponsive (NR, fertile in SD) selection lines were maintained under short-day (SD 8Light:16Dark), sub-thermoneutral conditions (22 or 12 °C). Mice had significantly higher levels of food intake and resting metabolic rates (RMR) at low temperature. RMR differed significantly between lines (greater in NR mice). In contrast to previous work under thermoneutral conditions, there was no significant difference in overall activity or average daily metabolic rates (ADMR) of mice from the two lines. Reduced activity may reflect behavioral changes under cooler conditions (e.g., nest building) reducing the overall energetic cost of fertility (for NR mice). There was no significant difference in maximal rate of oxygen consumption (\(\dot V \text{O}_{\text {2max}} \)) between lines. R mice had significantly greater brown adipose tissue and white abdominal fat mass due to both line and temperature. Reaction norms for intake, resting metabolism (RMR/BMR) and level of activity from current (12 and 22 °C) and previously published data (28 °C) demonstrate independent effects of genetics (line) and environment (temperature) for resting metabolism, but a clear interaction between these for activity. The results suggest that fertility under winter conditions imposes metabolic costs that are related to the level of reproductive development. Under the coldest conditions tested, however, mice that remained fertile in SD reduced activity, ADMR and food requirements, decreasing the differential between selection lines. Heritable variation in reaction norms suggests a genetic by environment effect that could be subject to selection.
Contrast infusion sonography in the post-Essure setting.

Abstract Study Objective To compare contrast infusion sonogram (CIS) to hysterosalpingogram (HSG) for use as a 3-month confirmation test after Essure. Design Pilot study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting Healthy women in an academic multispecialty group. Patients Seventeen women desiring permanent sterilization who had had successful bilateral Essure placement within 12 weeks. Intervention Contrast infusion sonography was performed and immediately followed by an HSG at the same appointment, between 1 and 12 weeks after Essure placement. Measurements and Main Results To determine how well microinsert location and tubal status can be assessed with CIS, an adaptation of hysterosalpingo contrast sonography (HyCoSy), when compared with sequential HSG. Tubal occlusion rate within 4 to 8 weeks after Essure placement was also noted. All microinserts were readily identified with ultrasound, and location was accurately determined. In all patients (100%) with at least 1 tube patent on HSG, patency was also demonstrated on CIS by visualizing real-time flow in the tube or the presence of dye in the cul-de-sac or adnexa. There were no significant adverse events, and pain ratings were similar for both tests. The majority (88%) of patients felt strongly that they would prefer to have a 3-month confirmation test performed in the gynecologist’s office rather than an unfamiliar radiologic facility. Tubal occlusion was noted on both CIS and HSG in 82% of patients before 12 weeks. Conclusion Based on this pilot study with a small sample, CIS, an adaptation of HyCoSy, has comparable accuracy to HSG in the post-Essure setting. The safety, convenience, and comfort of an in-office test using ultrasound and a non-iodine-based dye would be a welcome alternative to HSG. There was also a high rate of bilateral fallopian tube occlusion noted on HSG at 4 weeks after Essure.
Unpredictable patterns of viral respiratory disease in children.

Recent years have witnessed a dramatic surge in understanding of viral upper and lower respiratory tract disease in children (Table 1). The epidemiology of established viral pathogens (eg, respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] and parainfluenza viruses [PIVs]) continues to be clarified, and new pathogens have been identified (eg, human metapneumoviruses and the coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS]). Although the relentless emergence of antigenic variation among influenza viruses continues, progress is being made to prevent or control disease in children caused by this virus through active immunoprophylaxis (trivalent inactivated vaccine, live attenuated vaccine) and new antiviral agents (neuraminidase inhibitors). Development of any new viral vaccine, antibody for immunoprophylaxis, or antiviral drug is a tedious and expensive proposition. To identify which interventions will have the greatest societal benefit and utilize interventions in the most cost-effective fashion, reliable estimates of rates of disease must be known. A report in this issue of Pediatrics 1 describes the results from 1 year of the New Vaccine Surveillance Network (NVSN), an important new program sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This project initiates a surveillance network to prospectively establish yearly hospitalization rates at sentinel hospitals in Nashville, Tennessee, and Rochester, New York, for acute viral respiratory illness in children <5 years old. View this table: TABLE 1. Viruses Commonly Associated With Respiratory Tract Disease in Children Both RSV and PIVs are enveloped, nonsegmented, negative-sense, single-strand RNA viruses that belong to the paramyxovirus family. Although an RSV vaccine remains the most practical means of reducing the disease burden attributable to this virus, a safe and effective vaccine is not available, and efforts at protection of high-risk infants must rely on passive immunoprophylaxis.2 Approximately 50% of all children will be infected with PIV 3 at least once before 1 year of age.3 PIVs 1 and 2 … Address correspondence to H. Cody Meissner, MD, Pediatric Infectious Disease Division, Tufts-New England Medical Center, 750 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111. E-mail: cmeissner{at}tufts-nemc.org
A Social Psychological Analysis of Anomie Among National Football League Players

This exploratory study utilized a mixed-method approach to examine why some NFL players participate in deviant, and sometimes law-breaking, behavior and others do not. The qualitative findings in conjunction with Durkheimian theory provided the conceptualization of a quantitative instrument. Through a snowball sample, 104 NFL players were interviewed and surveyed. From the qualitative data, three core themes emerged: 1) deviance, 2) anomie, and 3) social ties. Within the study group, a substantial number of players had prior experience with deviant and illegal behaviors. It appeared that some level of anomie was present in a number of these players' lives. However, players that had strong ties to various social groups appeared less likely to succumb to anomie and deviance. Supporting the qualitative data, the quantitative findings revealed that anomie was one of the significant predictors of law-breaking players. It would therefore appear reasonable to suggest that some of the players were involved in beh...
Giving Voice to the Experiential Value of Natural Environments

People value natural environments in many different ways. In addition to the various tangible products and benefits that can be produced from a natural environment, people may also find value in their immediate experience of the environment while they are in it. This experiential value is an important aspect of quality of life for many people, but it is often not taken into account in making decisions about managing natural environments. In part, this is because the experiential value of the environment can be difficult for people to express in words. In this article, I explore how first-person methods from experiential and phenomenological psychology may help in giving voice to the ineffable experiential value of natural environments. Drawing on the work of Charles Lewis, Eugene Gendlin, and Kenneth Shapiro, I illustrate how an initially inarticulate, bodily felt sense of the experiential value of a natural environment can be explicated in a way that both expresses and carries forward the implicit sense of value. Such practices might serve as a basis for an environmental decision-making process that incorporates the hard-to-express experiential values of nature.
Linoleic Acid Derived Eicosanoid Metabolites as Biomarkers of Total Dietary Fat Intake

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To examine whether urinary eicosanoid metabolites reflect changes in dietary fat. The current methods to evaluate fat consumption are imprecise and costly. A biochemical index to estimate percent energy derived from dietary fat would prove useful in research and clinical applications. The average American diet contains 37% of energy as fat from which 7% of energy is derived from linoleic acid. Alterations in total fat intake are typically paralleled by corresponding changes in linoleic acid intake. Dietary linoleic acid is rapidly desaturated and elongated in vivo to produce arachidonic acid. These lipids are subsequently esterified into the phospholipids of membrane bilayers of cells. The rate of eicosanoid synthesis is influenced by the lipid composition of the cellular membranes. A clinical trial was conducted to determine the relationship between the amount of dietary fat consumed and specific urinary eicosanoids: Bicyclo-Prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 )and 2,3-dinor ThromboxaneB 2 (TXB 2 ).Ten healthy adults were fed high fat (HF; 45% of energy) and low fat (LF; 20% of energy) diets of 4 weeks duration in a randomized, cross-over designed, controlled feeding trial. Both eicosanoid maikers reflect the fat difference in the diets. Results (Mean ± SE) show levels of urinary 2,3-dinor TXB 2 significantly higher (p=0.056) after HF (30.3 ±8.5 μg/24 h) than LF (17.4 ± 4.8 μg/24 h) diets. Urinary Bicyclo-PGE 2 was higher after HF (0.9 ±0.2 μg/24 h) than LF (0.6 ± 0.1 μg/24 h) diets, but the difference was not significant (p=0.164). Urinary 2,3-dinor TXB 2 may have utility as a biomarker of dietary fat intake.
Initial evidence for the reliability and validity of a “Lite” version of the Addiction Severity Index

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the psychometric properties of a shortened version of the baseline ASI-5, the ASI-L-VA. Method Two samples were recruited from intensive outpatient treatment and a methadone maintenance clinic. For Sample A ( n = 145), two versions of the Addiction Severity Index (i.e., ASI-5 and ASI-L-VA) were administered several days apart in counterbalanced order by different interviewers. Sample B ( n = 50) was similarly administered the standard ASI-5 twice. Results For Sample A, the internal consistency (coefficient alphas) of 11 of 19 summary scores derived from the ASI-5 were good, 4 fair, and 4 unacceptable. The results for the ASI-L-VA summary scores indicated that eight were good, six fair, and five unacceptable. The correlations between ASI problem areas were generally low for both versions (supporting the independence of the ASI areas), and none of the t -tests comparing corresponding correlations between the ASI-5 and ASI-L-VA approached statistical significance. The Sample A intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) results evaluating agreement of the summary scores derived from the ASI-5 at one timepoint and those derived from ASI-L-VA at another point (i.e., concurrent validity) revealed at least fair agreement in all but one instance. Additionally, a comparison of the ICC results for Samples A and B (i.e., ASI-L-VA/ASI-5 versus ASI-5/ASI-5, respectively) revealed that in 13 of 26 cases the ICCs were at the same level of agreement. When level of agreement was discordant, in nine cases the ICCs comparing the ASI-5 and ASI-L-VA exhibited greater agreement and in four cases the ICCs comparing two ASI-5 administrations exhibited greater agreement. Conclusions The ASI-L-VA, a reduced item set from the ASI-5, yielded similar information on problem severity as the standard ASI-5.
LASER PROCESSING OF POLYSILICON THIN-FILM TRANSISTORS : GRAIN GROWTH AND DEVICE FABRICATION

Pulsed excimer-laser processing of amorphous silicon on non-crystalline substrates is an important processing technology for large-area polysilicon electronics, such as flat-panel displays and two-dimensional imaging arrays. It also allows for the integration of amorphous silicon and polysilicon devices on the same glass substrate and provides procedures for the doping of self-aligned thin-film transistors. Materials studies show that laser-crystallized polysilicon exhibits a narrow peak in the average grain size as a function of the excimer laser energy density, with a corresponding peak in the electron mobility. This is of particular significance for devices since large grains imply high electron mobility. On the other hand, the peak in the grain size is very narrow and is also accompanied by a peak in the surface roughness of the film. These relationships force a compromise between large grain size for high mobility and homogeneous size distribution for uniformity of device characteristics. A window exists in process parameter space where good-quality devices with uniform characteristics have been obtained. Also, laser-processing enhancements, such as laser doping and fabrication of self-aligned transistors, provide additional tools to fabricate unique devices.
Theory Building through Conceptual Methods

Identifies the significant role of conceptual research methods in theory building and contrasts it with the theory‐testing research currently prevalent in operations management. The research stages of description, explanation and testing are used to distinguish between theory building and theory testing. Short‐circuiting any one of these stages results in dysfunctional research activities which produce war stories, black boxes, or ivory‐tower prescriptions. Defines some terms relevant to conceptual research methods and describes different conceptual classification schemes. Finally, discusses the differences between conceptual models, frameworks, and theories and illustrates each method with examples from the literature.
Joint Attention and Early Intervention with Autism: A Conceptual Framework and Promising Approaches:

This article reviews research on the typical development of joint attention and challenges that infants and toddlers with autism experience in achieving this milestone. We define joint attention as...
Logan Park Neighborhood Assistance ‐ A Case of Analysis and Assessment

Workers, both paid employees and volunteers, contribute in multiple ways to an organization's output, its culture, and its internal environment. Employees also play a critical role in the organization's impact upon its community. Career development involves the full understanding of worker contributions to the organization, as well as their impact upon internal and external stakeholders. A full view of job content, including worker knowledge, skills and attitudes, as well as a perspective on job expectations, can provide a robust view of life within a workplace, and the contribution of employees at all levels. This short case presents an opportunity for planned assessment of an organizational worker situation with ramifications at various stakeholder levels. Job content, career development, organizational outcomes, and change readiness can be explored to provide a deeper understanding of human resource development from a practical perspective.
Emergence and Survival of Legumes Seeded into Pastures Varying in Landscape Position

Landscape position affects legume establishment in pastures. We conducted this study to (i) determine the role of emergence and survival on establishment of legumes on summit and backslope positions and (ii) examine how competition, as influenced by sward-cutting height and N fertilization, affects legume emergence and survival across these positions. We no-till drilled a mixture composed of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.), and birds-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) into an existing cool-season grass pasture at Rhodes, IA, in 1998 and 1999. Treatments consisted of landscape positions (summit and backslope), N fertilizer rates (0, 22, 44, and 89 kg ha -1 ), and sward heights (uncut, 5, and13 cm). Landscape position did not affect legume emergence in swards cut at 5 and 13 cm. At those heights, emergence averaged 1041 and 831 seedlings m -2 . In swards cut at 5 cm, 62 plants m -2 survived on summits vs. 183 plants m -2 on backslopes. Legume emergence and survival generally decreased as sward height and N fertilization increased but interactions with landscape position occurred. Addition of89 kg ha -1 N was required to reduce survival on backslopes to 39 plants m -2 , a density similar to that on summits. Our results show that seedling survival limits legume establishment on summit positions in pastures. Legume establishment is successful on backslopes because of less competition from grass. We recommend that legumes be seeded on backslope positions in pastures, N fertilizer not be applied, and grass competition be reduced before seeding legumes in pastures.
A new alignment technique for steppers: hybrid marks

Abstract A new alignment technique is presented in this paper. Fine pattern aligners available nowadays allow to align to a reference mark made by only one layer. The proposed technique is based on the usage of a reference mark composed by multiple layers. The purpose of this technique is to reduce the misalignment to one of the reference level occurring when a mask to mask to mask alignment is performed. In the specific application that is discussed, all experimental data are based on 16Mega DRAM production material, we have used a reference mark made by combination of two reference layers. Such a technique has shown up as a powerful tool to reduce relative misalignment caused by indirect alignment related to actual methodology to align to a single layer mark. Experiments run on production material have confirmed all the hypothesis made, by better centering and reducing the standard deviations of both misalignments' distributions of patterned level to the first and the second reference levels. The obtained results are of strategic importance in the future needs related with the use of different technology exposure tools in mix and match mode, since by shrinking misalignment distribution width we can use the spare tolerance obtained for mixing exposure tools according with the criticality of what we need to print. Moreover hybrid marks application is a tool that meets the ULSI need to have more and more space available on the future device applications. Future possible applications of such a technique are also discussed.
Deglacial whole-ocean δ13C change estimated from 480 benthic foraminiferal records

Terrestrial carbon storage is dramatically decreased during glacial periods due to cold temperatures, increased aridity, and the presence of large ice sheets on land. Most of the carbon released by the terrestrial biosphere is stored in the ocean, where the light isotopic signature of terrestrial carbon is observed as a 0.32–0.7‰ depletion in benthic foraminiferal δ13C. The wide range in estimated δ13C change results from the use of different subsets of benthic δ13C data and different methods of weighting the mean δ13C by volume. We present a more precise estimate of glacial-interglacial δ13C change of marine dissolved inorganic carbon using benthic Cibicidoides spp. δ13C records from 480 core sites (more than 3 times as many sites as previous studies). We divide the ocean into eight regions to generate linear regressions of regional δ13C versus depth for the Late Holocene (0–6 ka) and Last Glacial Maximum (19–23 ka) and estimate a mean δ13C decrease of 0.38 ± 0.08‰ (2σ) for 0.5–5 km. Estimating large uncertainty ranges for δ13C change in the top 0.5 km, below 5 km, and in the Southern Ocean, we calculate a whole-ocean change of 0.34 ± 0.19‰. This implies a terrestrial carbon change that is consistent with recent vegetation model estimates of 330–694 Gt C. Additionally, we find that a well-constrained surface ocean δ13C change is essential for narrowing the uncertainty range of estimated whole-ocean δ13C change.
Pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus: hemodynamics and effects of vasodilator therapy

A case is reported of a 29-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed clinical manifestations of pulmonary hypertension at a time when other manifestations of SLE were quiescent. She had a restrictive ventilatory defect but clear lung fields on chest x ray. Cardiac catheterization revealed severe pulmonary hypertension. Calculated pulmonary vascular resistance fell slightly after administration of oxygen and during infusion of vasodilators. Symptomatic improvement and a modest increase in right ventricular ejection fraction, as measured by radionuclide ventriculography, were noted following 1 week of oral hydralazine therapy. Clinically significant pulmonary hypertension is a rare complication of SLE and the increased pulmonary vascular resistance may not be entirely fixed. Cardiac catheterization and radionuclide ventriculography may be useful in assessing response to medical therapy.
Flexural behavior of stepped graphite/epoxy laminates

Cross-ply tapered/stepped laminates with taper angles of 1 and 2° between the top and bottom surfaces were fabricated using T300/943 graphite/epoxy by compression molding. Ply terminations were done internally within the laminate and externally on the surface of the laminate at various cross-sections in order to obtain the taper. Equivalent cross-ply specimens with internal and external ply terminations, respectively, were tested in three point bending. The bending stiffness of the equivalent corss-ply are nearly equal, while the failure modes are significantly different. The tapered laminates with internal ply terminations failed due to a series of delaminations originating at the step corners of the 0° plies. Macroscopically, the specimens with internal ply term nations failed by tensile fracture of the outer plies at relatively higher loads.
Characterization of a SIT vidicon X-ray detector for crystallography

Abstract An 80 mm diameter SIT vidicon-based area detector developed for X-ray crystallographic studies of proteins and other macromolecular structures using laboratory X-ray sources is described. The DQE, linearity, dynamic range, and point response function of the detector have been measured. For a Bragg peak at maximum detector gain, the DQE is > 0.5 for counting rates from 1 to 100 X-ray photons/s/peak. At maximum gain, the response is linear over a range of 1 to 170 X-ray photons/s/Bragg peak; at 1% of maximum gain, the response is linear over a range of 10 to 10 000 X-ray photons/s/Bragg peak. The dynamic range for Bragg peaks is 1600, and the FWHM of the point response function is 0.6 mm. Results of studies of ion distributions and interactions in insulin crystals which demostrate the use of the detector are described.
Biologically Modeled Noise Stabilizing Neurodynamics for Pattern Recognition

We present a distributed KIII model for the olfactory neural system. Low-level Gaussian noise is introduced to the receptors and anterior olfactory nucleus, which biologically models the peripheral and central sources of noise. The additive noise numerically makes the model stable and robust in respect to repeated input-induced state transitions, while improving the simulations of EEG potentials and multiunit activity from the olfactory system. This hybrid dynamics generates a 1/f aperiodic state, which provides an unpatterned basal state for every module to stay in while there is no significant stimulus. Any external input may guide the system to a certain patterned state. The mechanism is fast, fully parallel, under modulatory control, and flexible in absorbing new patterns from unpredictable environments.
Laundry, Potatoes, and the Everlasting Soul: Russian Advice Literature for Girls after Communism

This article examines the explosion of advice literature for Russian girls since 1991, including literally hundreds of books have appeared on the market with such titles as Encyclopedia for Girls and Girls, A Book for You. Such titles are often given as gifts by parents and family members to help girls navigate the various social situations, household duties, dating rituals, consumer choices, and dangers facing girls in post-Soviet Russia. Written in the long-standing tradition of etiquette literature dating back to the eighteenth century, these fascinating documents of social mores reflect how the rise of consumer culture and collapse of the Soviet state have shaped a culture of hyperfeminity and gender difference in reaction to Soviet-era policies promoting gender equality.
Audible Noise Performance of Regular and Asymmetric Bundles and effect of Conductor Aging on Project UHV's Three-Phase Test Line

Audible noise produced by corona during foul weather is an important consideration in the design of high-voltage transmission lines. The measurement, analysis and prediction of audible noise and the assessment of noise reduction techniques have constituted a primary area of research at Project UHV. Results of earlier short-term testing utilizing single-phase test facilities have, since 1975, been greatly augmented by longer-term field data obtained on a three-phase test line. This paper presents the results of a portion of this work The effect of the weathering or aging of conductors on noise levels is examined and the effectiveness of the concept of asymmetric conductor bundling for noise reduction is assessed.
Challenges Associated with Privacy in Health Care Industry: Implementation of HIPAA and the Security Rules

This paper discusses the challenges associated with privacy in health care in the electronic information age based on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Security Rules. We examine the storing and transmission of sensitive patient data in the modern health care system and discuss current security practices that health care providers institute to comply with HIPAA Security Rule regulations. Based on our research results, we address current outstanding issues that act as impediments to the successful implementation of security measures and conclude the discussion and offer possible avenues of future research.
Composition of Fresh and Storage Eggs from Hens Fed Cottonseed and Non-Cottonseed Rations. III. Iron Content

Abstract THE desirability of detecting incipient decomposition in shell eggs by chemical means led a number of years ago to a study of their ammonia nitrogen concentration (Jenkins, 1919; Jenkins and Hendrickson, 1918; Lythgoe, 1927; Pennington, 1912; Pennington et al., 1914 and 1916). These investigations showed that this constituent increased progressively in mixed whole eggs during cold storage. It seemed to the authors that information concerning possible variations in the concentration of this constituent in yolks and whites of individual eggs produced under controlled conditions might contribute to a better understanding of the deterioration of cottonseed eggs during cold storage. Consequently a study was made of the influence of such factors as feed, breed, fertility, and preliminary holding periods before storage upon the ammonia nitrogen content of non-cottonseed and cottonseed eggs. EXPERIMENTAL In our earlier work, the ammonia nitrogen was determined by an adaptation of Hendrickson and Swan’s (1918) aeration method . . .
Time-Domain Quasilinear Identification of Nonlinear Dynamic Systems

A time-domain linear modal identification technique is applied to identify some highly nonlinear dynamic systems. The modal concept is used to identify such nonlinear systems with the understanding that the resulting modes are only a mathematical representation of the series solution of the nonlinear system under consideration. Naturally, these identified modal parameters are not unique for nonlinear systems, since they are functions of the systems' amplitudes and hence referred to as quasilinear. The approach presented in this paper can be useful in predicting signs of nonlinearitie s when linearity is assumed. It can also be used to analyze and understand the types of nonlinearitie s in nonlinear systems through successive identifications at different levels of response. Nomenclature / = frequency, Hz Fj = force in restoring force element / M = mass m - number of degrees of freedom of the identification math model n — number of harmonics 1/2(0) = measurement noise vector Ni = modal vector for noise representation p = number of degrees of freedom of system under identification q = number of degrees of freedom allowed for measurements noise r/ = /th characteristic root for noise representation ( x(t)} = linear system response vector {y(t)} = nonlinear system response vector z(t) = displacement in restoring force element a/ = /th characteristic root for harmonics F = /th modal vector of harmonics f/ = /th damping factor, % {6} = angular displacement ( \l/j} = /th linear (or equivalent linear) modal vector ITD = Ibrahim time-domain modal identification technique NMO = number of modes allowed in the identification math model SDOF = single-degree-of-freedom system TDOF = two-degree-of-freedom system
Dimensionless Rainfall Patterns for South Carolina

This note presents methodologies for developing dimensionless design rainfall patterns for the state of South Carolina based on the real rainfall events as an alternative to the presently used Soil Conservation Service (SCS) curves that are based on rainfall bursts. The rainfall data were analyzed, and previously used methods of separating a rainfall event out of the continuous data set were evaluated and modified for the present application. Two distinct nondimensional rainfall patterns, one for short durations of rainfall and the other for long durations, were identified. Though the general patterns for South Carolina were similar to rainfall patterns generated for other states in recent studies, they were markedly different when compared to the SCS Type II curve currently used in the state.
Pituitary-adrenal mediation of bombesin-induced inhibition of gastrointestinal transit in rats

Abstract Centrally administered bombesin (0.1–3.5 μg, i.c.v.) inhibits gastrointestinal transit of a charcoal meal in a dose-related manner in rats. The roles of pituitary and adrenal glands in the mediation of this effect were assessed. The inhibition of gastrointestinal transit associated with bombesin (0.5 μg, i.c.v.) was prevented by either hypophysectomy or adrenalectomy. Bombesin-induced inhibition of gastrointestinal transit is therefore mediated through the pituitary-adrenal axis. This is in contrast to bombesin-induced scratching and inhibition of gastric acid secretion which are not markedly influenced by either hypophysectomy or adrenalectomy.
Petrology and geochemistry of the Cat Hills volcanic field, central Rio Grande rift, New Mexico

The Pleistocene Cat Hills volcanic field of the central Rio Grande rift consists of relatively homogeneous high-alkali olivine tholeiite, typical of late Cenozoic rift volcanism. Phenocrysts of olivine (Fo 64–84 ) (with abundant inclusions of Cr-spinel) and plagioclase (An 48–70 ) and partially resorbed xenocrysts of slightly more sodic plagioclase (An 55–60 ) characterize these rocks. Chondrite-normalized rare earth data show high LREE/HREE (La/Yb ≅ 5.5) and a small positive europium anomaly. Modeling indicates that these high-alkali tholeiitic lavas evolved from a parental composition with 100 × Mg/(Mg + Fe 2+ ) = 61, (Na 2 O + K 2 O) = 4.3%, and SiO 2 = 49.2% (equivalent to the most mafic Cat Hills lava) by fractional crystallization of 5% to 6% of olivine and a trace of Cr-spinel, and by addition of 3% to 6% of Na-plagioclase. We suggest that the plagioclase xenocrysts are high-pressure phenocrysts which became out of equilibrium with the melt at shallow crustal conditions. Evolution of the lavas may have proceeded in isolated apophyses of a rising dike by sinking of olivine and included spinel and by flotation of plagioclase. The Cat Hills parent lava may have been derived from a primary (that is, unmodified mantle-derived) melt by crystallization and removal of 7.5% olivine or 17% augite, or a mixture of both, and by the simultaneous addition of 10% plagioclase. This inferred primary magma had a LREE-enriched composition very similar to that of the Cat Hills parent lava. Modeling of possible mantle compositions indicates that the source material for the Cat Hills magma, even if garnet was a residual phase, was also LREE-enriched.
A Dual Experiment in Intensive Community Supervision: Minnesota's Prison Diversion and Enhanced Supervised Release Programs:

In 1990, Minnesota enacted legislation to implement an intensive community supervision program as an alternative both to prison and to routine parole. The National Institute of Justice funded RAND to evaluate the program. This article reports on two randomized field experiments designed to measure the implementation and impact of the programs. Detailed information on offender background, services received, and 1-year outcomes was collected for 300 participants. Results showed that the programs were fairly well implemented. Two-year follow-up results indicated that prison-diversion offenders under intensive community supervision posed no greater risk to public safety than those initially sentenced to prison. The prison-diversion program resulted in savings of about $5,000 per offender per year, but these savings were offset by the greater cost of intensive supervision for parolees.
Teaching Yes, And … Improv in Sales Classes Enhancing Student Adaptive Selling Skills, Sales Performance, and Teaching Evaluations

In an application of experiential learning, assessment, and career development, this article reports a field experiment of teaching sales students adaptive selling skills via an Improvisational (Improv) Comedy technique: Yes, And. Students learn this well-established theatrical improv method via classroom lecture, demonstration, and role-playing exercises. A control group (no improv training) experienced all aspects of the class with the exception of the improv training. After the classroom instruction, both student groups (improv and no -improv trained) participated in a real-world, 4-week sales project selling tickets for professional sport teams that partner with the class. The study’s findings reveal increased ticket sales performance among the improv group students who learn Yes, And. Also students in the improv group gave higher class evaluations. Methods presented in this article could be utilized as an in-class exercise or as an integral part of a semester-long sales project.
Intraoperative determination of cardiac output by transesophageal continuous wave Doppler.

Abstract A new prototype transesophageal transducer with continuous-wave Doppler and pulsed Doppler capabilities was evaluated to calculate intraoperative cardiac output from the main pulmonary artery. Fifteen consecutive patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery were studied. The main pulmonary artery diameter above the pulmonic valve was measured with the single horizontal plane transesophageal transducer. The pulmonary artery cross-sectional area was calculated from its diameter using the formula: Area=14π(diameter)2. Continuous-wave Doppler and pulsed Doppler spectra were recorded from the main pulmonary artery and their flow velocity integrals were then multiplled by pulmonary artery area and heart rate to yield cardiac output. The main pulmonary artery diameter could not be confidently measured in 2 of 15 patients (13%). In the remaining 13 patients, Doppler cardiac output measurements were correlated with simultaneous thermodilution measurements. The closest correlation with thermodilution cardiac output was with the continuous-wave Doppler cardiac output method: R = 0.91, SEE=0.2 L/min, and y=1.1x − 0.2 ( p R = 0.83, SEE=0.5 L/min, and y=0.86x + 1.0 ( p
Lutzomyia longipalpis Salivary Peptide Maxadilan Alters Murine Dendritic Cell Expression of CD80/86, CCR7, and Cytokine Secretion and Reprograms Dendritic Cell-Mediated Cytokine Release from Cultures Containing Allogeneic T Cells

Leishmania protozoan parasites, the etiologic agent of leishmaniasis, are transmitted exclusively by phlebotomine sand flies of the genera Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia . In addition to parasites, the infectious bite inoculum contains arthropod salivary components. One well-characterized salivary component from Lutzomyia longipalpis is maxadilan (MAX), a vasodilator acting via the type I receptor for the pituitary cyclic AMP activating peptide. MAX has been shown to elicit immunomodulatory effects potentially dictating immune responses to Leishmania parasites. When exposed to MAX, both resting and LPS-stimulated dendritic cells (DCs) show reduced CD80 and CD86 expression on most DCs in vitro. However, CD86 expression is increased significantly on a subpopulation of DCs. Furthermore, MAX treatment promoted secretion of type 2 cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10) while reducing production of type 1 cytokines (IL-12p40, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) by LPS-stimulated DCs. A similar trend was observed in cultures of MAX-treated DCs containing naive allogeneic CD4 + T cells: type 2 cytokines (IL-6 and IL-13) increased while type 1 cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ) decreased. Additionally, the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β was increased in cultures containing MAX-treated mature DCs. MAX treatment of LPS-stimulated DCs also prevented optimal surface expression of CCR7 in vitro. These MAX-dependent effects were evident in DCs from both Leishmania major -susceptible (BALB/c) and -resistant (C3H/HeN) murine strains. These data suggest that modification of DC phenotype and function by MAX likely affects crucial cellular components that determine the pathological response to infection with Leishmania .