cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and the health care revolution

Abstract PURPOSE: Revolutions in the health care marketplace, with their implied dependence upon the population perspective, have renewed interest in epidemiologic methods and their application. METHODS: As a way of organizing questions, data, and answers, epidemiology is once again the core scientific discipline for a multidimensional paradigm shift that emphasizes five facets of health care. First, the health of enrolled populations, rather than merely treatment of sick individuals presenting for care. Second, assessment of the “time, place, and person” of disease burden—who is healthy, who is not, and what it will take to maximize their health. Third, the causative factors for disease and the factors or characteristics that promote health. Fourth, the development of evidence-based clinical guidelines for clinicians and consumers alike. Fifth, evaluation of the impact providers are having on the health of populations (outcomes), individually and collectively. RESULTS: Thoughtful consideration of all of the above factors depends upon epidemiologic data and insights brought to a firm and conclusive end point capable of supporting policy. CONCLUSIONS: Credibility will require that epidemiologists (and the symbiotic media) exercise far greater restraint in drawing definitive conclusions and speculations from often startling but meager data.
Using persuasive messages to encourage voluntary hearing protection among coal miners

INTRODUCTION: This longitudinal field study was designed to encourage Appalachian coal miners in West Virginia and Pennsylvania to engage in hearing-protection behaviors. METHOD: Participants were mailed postcards that featured either a positive, negative, or neutral message on the outside of the postcard and a message encouraging hearing protection behaviors on the inside. The first posttest measurement of the effectiveness of the persuasive messages was conducted about a week after the postcards were mailed. The delayed posttest measurement was conducted six weeks later. RESULTS: Responses from 307 coal miners revealed that the positive or neutral messages generated significantly more self-reported hearing protection behaviors than the negative message. Identical results were obtained in a delayed posttest assessment of miners' self-reported hearing protection behaviors. The positive message was also more effective than either the neutral or negative message in preventing defensive mechanisms from emerging over time. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: Positive and neutral messages were convincingly more successful than negative messages in facilitating self-reported hearing protection behaviors among coal miners. Similarly, the positive messages kept defensive processes at bay.
An interdisciplinary approach to HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination in Belize: the roles of geography and ethnicity

Belize experiences the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in Central America, ranging between 2.1 and 3.2% (World Health Organization 2008). To add to the limited literature on HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination (HASD) in Belize, the authors conducted a study to assess whether stigma and discrimination is related to geography and ethnicity. One-hundred forty participants were interviewed using a structured survey instrument at three different parts of the country, and the results were analyzed quantitatively. These places were Cayo District on the western border with Guatemala, Belize City, and two cayes (Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye). Respondents in Belize City generally held the lowest rates of stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes towards individuals living with HIV/AIDS, highlighting a possible relationship between geography and ethnicity. Concurrently, self-identifying Afro-Belizeans and Creoles reported lower rates of HASD attitudes in some contexts than other ethnic groups. The results show that there may a relation between geography, ethnicity, and HASD, and that a randomized, controlled study is an important next step in determining the strength of that relation.
Achieving uniformity in a semiconductor fabrication process using spatial modeling

Abstract Material is deposited onto the wafer surface during several steps of wafer fabrication. This material must be deposited evenly across the entire wafer surface, close to the targeted thickness, and with little wafer-to-wafer variability. But unequal variances across the wafer and under different process conditions, as well as nonstationary correlation across a wafer, make these goals difficult to achieve, because traditional methods for optimizing deposition processes assume homogeneity and independence. We avoid these assumptions and determine the best settings of process variables using physically motivated statistical models for the mean response, unequal variances, and nonstationary spatial correlation structure. Data from a rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition process is used to illustrate the approach. A simulation exercise demonstrates the advantages of fitting flexible variance models and using appropriate performance measures.
Prostate-specific antigen levels in relation to consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen: results from the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND. Inflammation has been implicated in prostate carcinogenesis; therefore, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has the potential of decreasing the risk of prostate cancer. However, to the authors’ knowledge the precise correlation between oral NSAID use, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and prostate cancer risk is unknown. To further characterize this association, the authors evaluated serum PSA levels with regard to NSAID and acetaminophen consumption in a large cross-sectional study of men in the US. METHODS. PSA levels were determined in 1319 men aged >40 years in the 20012002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Linear regressions were performed on log-transformed PSA levels, accounting for the complex survey design, to evaluate the relations between PSA and the use of NSAIDs and acetaminophen after adjusting for the effects of age, race, educational level, smoking status, body mass index, coexisting inflammatory conditions, and heart disease. RESULTS. NSAID and acetaminophen consumption displayed a negative association with PSA levels, namely, individuals who reported using NSAIDs (19.8%) or acetaminophen (1.3%) regularly had lower PSA levels than individuals who did not take these drugs, although the impact of acetaminophen was not statistically significant. PSA levels among NSAID users were 0.9 times the levels among nondrug takers (P 5 .038), whereas PSA levels among acetaminophen users were 0.76 times the levels in nondrug takers (P 5 .14). Individuals who stated they took both NSAIDs and acetaminophen (0.99%) on a regular basis had higher PSA levels (1.8 times greater), although not statistically significantly so (P 5 .24), than individuals who stated they did not take either of these drugs regularly. CONCLUSIONS. The findings of the current study suggest that regular NSAID consumption may reduce serum PSA levels. Whether this is indicative of a protective effect on prostate cancer risk or masks possible prostate injury resulting in reduced detection of prostate cancer is unclear. Given the widespread consumption of NSAIDs and the regular use of PSA for the assessment of prostate cancer risk, the potential implications of the current study’s findings may be substantial and warrant further investigation. Cancer 2008;113:2053–7. � 2008 American Cancer Society.
Node listings applied to data flow analysis

A new approach to global program data flow analysis which constructs a "node listing" for the control flow graph is discussed and a simple algorithm which uses a node listing to determine the live variables in a program is presented. This algorithm combined with a fast node listing constructor due to Aho and Ullman has produced an 0(n log n) algorithm for live analysis. The utility of the node-listing method is demonstrated by an examination of the class of graphs for which "short" listings exist. This class is quite similar to the class of graphs for "understandable" programs.
Anesthetic considerations in Sheldon-Hall syndrome

Arthrogryposis is characterized by multiple, nonprogressive joint contractures which may be caused by maternal disorders such as oligohydramnios as well as fetal akinesia resulting from primary disorders of muscle, connective tissue, or neurologic tissue. Its prevalence is about 1 : 3000. Distal arthrogryposis (DA) is a heterogenous group of genetic disorders with a characteristic flexion of the joints of the hands and feet divided into different types with additional features. Sheldon-Hall Syndrome (SHS), also known as distal arthrogryposis type 2A (DA2A), has some nonorthopedic features of specific importance to anesthetic care.
The roles of government and NGOs in environmental protection through producing, sharing, and disseminating information

By examining selected websites of government agencies and environmental NGOs, this study has investigated current strategies and emphases of the government and environmental NGOs for using information to protect environment in China by using an analytical framework derived from the principles of information stewardship and information usefulness[5]. Based on data analysis results, government agencies' and NGOs' advantages and weaknesses in terms of producing, sharing, and disseminating information for environmental protection are derived and discussed. The findings of this study provide implications for environmental public managers to better exploit the government's advantages for environmental protection and to better collaborate with NGOs to fill up the government's deficiencies in environmental protection through producing, sharing, and disseminating information.
Chronic behavioral testing after focal ischemia in the mouse: functional recovery and the effects of gender

Several useful behavioral tests exist for measuring behavioral recovery after ischemia in higher-order animals and rats. With the increasing use of mice in focal stroke research, simple, reliable, and reproducible behavioral testing has become a priority. As neuroprotective agents are tested, long-term outcome must be assessed, especially in studies focused on neuronal plasticity and regeneration after ischemia. Our laboratory and others have previously shown that estrogen (E2) is neuroprotective in rodent stroke paradigms. We examined a battery of behavioral tests in male and female mice subjected to 90 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) to determine the most sensitive tests for detecting sensorimotor dysfunction after stroke, and to determine the functional significance of E2-mediated neuroprotection. Only two tests, the corner test and the cylinder test, were able to differentiate between groups (sham and stroke) after several days of repeated testing. The cylinder test was sensitive to the neuroprotective/neurorestorative effects of E2, but 2 weeks after stroke, the cylinder test was unable to distinguish between sham and stroke animals treated with E2. In contrast, the corner test was able to differentiate stroke and sham animals even 6 weeks after stroke, but did not distinguish animals treated with E2 vs. vehicle. These tests provide a simple, rapid, reliable assessment of sensorimotor dysfunction in the mouse after focal ischemia. Hormonal status influences speed of recovery on cylinder testing in animals of both genders. This suggests that a short battery of tests including the neurological score, cylinder, and corner test may be adequate to rapidly and repeatedly assess sensorimotor dysfunction in mice of both genders.
Property, power, and the presidency: ownership policy reform and Russian executive–legislative relations, 1990–1999

Abstract This article asks how new rules of political conduct are established in a country attempting political transformation and sweeping economic change. Based on a close analysis of the conflict over property policy and its effect on Russian executive–legislative relations in the 1990s, the study argues that regardless of formal distributions of power, the real allocation of policy-making authority is shaped in struggles over substantive policy issues. Those arenas, especially during the first years after the fall of an authoritarian regime, can function as “political classrooms” in which leaders either adopt or reject such practices as compromise and negotiation.
Crack growth behavior of a high strength aluminum alloy during LME by gallium

Observations de la rupture par clivage et de la rupture intergranulaire dans un alliage d'aluminium a haute resistance en contact avec du gallium liquide. Examen de la relation entre la vitesse de propagation des fissures et le facteur d'intensite de contraintes et mesure du seuil de vitesse pour la rupture intergranulaire.
Renal oncocytoma: preoperative diagnosis using technetium 99m sestamibi imaging.

Objectives. To determine if 99mTc-sestamibi (technetium 99m-methoxyisobutylisonitrile) can be used preoperatively to differentiate renal oncocytomas from other renal masses. Methods. We performed 99mTc-sestamibi scans on 6 patients with various renal masses, using a standard technique. The diagnosis in each patient was determined either by radiologic or pathologic methods. Results. There was significantly increased uptake in the patient with the renal oncocytoma, whereas the other lesions had decreased uptake in comparison to normal kidney. This was determined visually and by mean pixel analysis. Conclusions. Technetium 99m sestamibi scanning appears to have a potential role in the nonoperative diagnosis of renal oncocytomas, in combination with pathologic fine-needle biopsy confirmation. More definitive pathologic experience is required before recommending standard use.
Serum protein abnormalities in 'runted' albino rats.

IN the course of previous investigations, we have observed that when either normal or neoplastic tissues of mouse origin are injected into new-born albino CFN rats (Carworth–Wistar origin) occasional animals will develop a wasting disease characterized by roughened scaly skin, sparse hair growth, failure to gain weight normally, and sometimes actual loss of weight1,2. This condition usually appears during the first 7–14 days of life and many of the animals so afflicted succumb within a few days. Others survive this crisis and live for at least 35 days. Apart from the sparse hair and stunted growth, these survivors are apparently normal.
Computer calculation of radioimmunoassays.

Abstract In order to develop a computer program to calculate radioimmunoassay data, the shape of the standard curve was investigated using orthogonal polynomials. Quadratic polynomials were found to fit the curves with a high degree of accuracy, and a computer program was developed using such a formula. Hormone levels are now routinely calculated by substitution into the polynomial. Statistical analysis of each curve permits immediate recognition of technical problems in the assay procedure.
Depression and heart failure: An overview of what we know and don't know

Depression is prevalent in patients with heart failure, and the two conditions share underlying physiologic mechanisms. The prevalence of depression increases sharply with the severity of heart failure symptoms, an important consideration when confronting patients with worsening heart failure. Depression leads to poorer outcomes in patients with heart failure, including increased risk of poor functional status, hospital readmission, and death. Although beta-blockers are often implicated in the development and exacerbation of depression, evidence for this association is lacking, so withholding beta-blocker therapy is not recommended for patients with heart failure and depression. Evidence on whether therapy for depression also improves cardiac outcomes in heart failure patients is inconclusive, and further research on this question is needed. Nevertheless, early identification of depression in heart failure patients is imperative, as it can facilitate intervention attempts.
When Patients Are Impatient: The Communication Strategies Utilized by Emergency Department Employees to Manage Patients Frustrated by Wait Times

Studies have documented the frustrations patients experience during long wait times in emergency departments (EDs), but considerably less research has sought to understand ED staff responses to these frustrations. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 ED social workers, patient navigators, and medical staff members at a large urban hospital regarding their experiences and interpersonal strategies for dealing with frustrated patients. Staff indicated that patients often attribute delays to neglect and do not understand why their health problem is not prioritized. They voiced several strategies for addressing wait time frustrations, including expressing empathy for patients, making patients feel occupied and wait times seem more productive, and educating patients about when health issues should be treated through primary care. All staff members recognized the need for engaging in empathic communication with frustrated patients, but social workers and patient navigators were able to dedicate more time to these types of interactions.
Dependence of labradorite dissolution kinetics on CO2(aq), Al(aq), and temperature

Abstract Labradorite (Ca 0.6 Na 0.4 Al 1.6 Si 2.4 O 8 ) dissolution rates were measured using a mixed flow reactor from 30 to 130°C as a function of dissolved CO 2 (1.2×10 −5 and 0.6 M), and aluminum (10 −6 to 10 −3 M) at pH 3.2. Over these experimental conditions, labradorite dissolution can be described with a single rate expression that accounts for observed increases in dissolution rate with increasing temperature and decreases in dissolution rate with increasing dissolved aluminum: (A1) Si Rate ( mol Labradorite cm − 2 s − 1 ) = k × 10 − E a / 2.303 ⁢ R ⁢ T [ ( a H + 3 ⁢ n / a Al 3 + n ) K T / ( 1 + K T ( a H + 3 ⁢ n / a Al 3 + n ) ) ] Si Rate where the apparent dissolution rate constant, k =10 −5.69 (mol Labradorite cm −2 s −1 ) and the net activation energy, E a =10.06 (kcal mol −1 ). This temperature-dependent rate expression is partly based on the model proposed by Oelkers et al. (1994) [Oelkers, E.H., Schott, J., Devidal, J., 1994. The effect of aluminum, pH, and chemical affinity on the rates of aluminosilicate dissolution reactions. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 58, 2011–2024.] in which the dependence of silicate dissolution rates on dissolved aluminum in acidic solutions is attributed to H + –Al 3+ exchange at the mineral surface and formation of silica-rich surface complexes. For this exchange reaction, regression of the experimental data yield a stoichiometric coefficient n =0.31 and an enthalpy of reaction Δ H =0.54 (kcal mol −1 ). The temperature dependence of the silica-rich surface complex formation constant, K T , was estimated from the van't Hoff equation and yielded K T =4.49 to 5.61 from 30 to 130 °C. Elevated CO 2(aq) concentrations enhance mineral dissolution indirectly by acidifying solution pH. At temperatures below 100 °C, labradorite dissolves incongruently with preferential dissolution of Na, Ca, and Al over Si.
Inhibition of cell membrane lipid peroxidation by cadmium- and zinc-metallothioneins

Abstract The effects of all-zinc metallothionein (Zn-metallothionein) and predominantly cadmium metallothionein (Cd/Zn-metallothionein) on free radical lipid peroxidation have been investigated, using erythrocyte ghosts as the test system. When treated with xanthine and xanthine oxidase, Zn-metallothionein and Cd/Zn-metallothionein underwent thiolate group oxidation and metal ion release that was catalase-inhibitable, but superoxide dismutase-non-inhibitable. Similar treatment in the presence of ghosts and added Fe(III) resulted in metallothioneen oxidation that was significantly inhibited by superoxide dismutase. Ghosts incubated with xanthine/xanthine oxidase/Fe(III) underwent H2O2- and O2−-dependent lipid peroxidation, as measured by thiobarbituric acid reactivity. Neither type of metallothionein had any effect on xanthine oxidase activity, but both strongly inhibited lipid peroxidation when added to the membranes concurrently with xanthine/xanthine oxidase/iron. This inhibition was far greater and more sustained than that caused by dithiothreitol at a concentration equivalent to that of metallothionein thiolate. Significant protection was also afforded when ghosts plus Cd/Zn-metallothionein or Zn/metallothionein were preincubated with H2O2 and Fe(III), and then subjected to vigorous peroxidation by the addition of xanthine and xanthine oxidase. These results could be mimicked by using Cd(II) or Zn(II) alone. Previous studies suggested that Zn(II) inhibits xanthine/xanthine oxidase/iron-driven lipid peroxidation in ghosts by interfering with iron binding and redox cycling. Therefore, the primary determinant of metallothionein proteciion appears to be metal release and subsequent uptake by the membranes. These results have important implications concerning the antioxidant role of metallothionein, a protein known to be induced by various prooxidant conditions.
Effect of Surface Free Energy Anisotropy on Dendrite Tip Shape

Abstract In previous work, approximate solutions were found for paraboloids having perturbations with four-fold axial symmetry in order to model dendritic growth in cubic materials. These solutions provide self-consistent corrections through second order in a shape parameter e to the Peclet number vs supercooling relation of the Ivantsov solution. The parameter e is proportional to the amplitude of the four-fold correction to the dendrite shape, as measured from the Ivantsov paraboloid of revolution. The equilibrium shape for anisotropic surface free energy to second order in the anisotropy is calculated. The value of e is determined by comparing the dendrite tip shape with the portion of the equilibrium shape near the growth direction, [001], for anisotropic surface free energy of the form γ = γ 0 [1+4 e 4 ( n 1 4 + n 2 4 + n 3 4 )], where the n i are components of the unit normal of the crystal surface. This comparison results in e =−2 e 4 −24 e 4 2 + O ( e 4 3 ), independent of the Peclet number. From the experimental value of e 4 , it is found that e ≈−0.012±0.004, in good agreement with the measured value e ≈−0.008 of LaCombe et al . ( Phys. Rev. E , 1995, 52 , 2778)
Underemployment and the American Dream—“Underemployment-Consciousness” and Radicalism Among Young Workers

This paper explores propositions concerning the work attitudes and political views of educated young workers who are not able to find jobs commensurate with their education and skills. Underemployment theorists have proposed that growing numbers of college graduates are over-educated for the jobs available to them and may develop (1) “underemployment-consciousness” and (2) a new political radicalism growing out of their work-deprivation. In a sample of predominantly college-educated young unemployed workers, I report evidence of pervasive feelings of “over-education” but relatively low “underemployment-consciousness.” A significant relationship is reported between underemployment-consciousness and radical political views among college graduates but not among non-graduates, providing preliminary support for the proposition that political dissent is most likely to emerge among the highly educated underemployed. The persistent strength of the American Dream, including assumptions of individual mobility, success and luck, is discussed to interpret the relative optimism of approximately two thirds of these workers about finding interesting work and a challenging career.
The design of an instrumentation system for federated and virtualized network testbeds

Much of the GENI effort in developing network testbeds has been focused on building the control frameworks needed to allocate and initialize the network resources that make up an experiment. We argue that building the instrumentation and measurement system to monitor and capture the behavior of the network is just as important and challenging as setting up the network itself, especially in a virtualized and federated environment where getting information from experimental nodes is too complicated and too much to handle for a typical user. In this paper, we describe the design of an instrumentation and measurement infrastructure that allows users to monitor their experiments. The challenge that virtualization and federation of GENI testbeds bring to instrumentation and monitoring is how to hide the details of instrumentation setup from users so that users do not need to be experts in system administration or network management of virtualized and federated systems, but are still able to “see” what is going on with their experiments. Our instrumentation tool sets up experiment-specific monitoring infrastructure that is tailored to capture, record, and display only information associated with that experiment. Our tools are currently available in GENI, and we present a simple example of how to use them to instrument an experiment.
Effects of abundant white-tailed deer on vegetation, animals, mycorrhizal fungi, and soils

The last several decades have seen dramatic increases in ungulate populations worldwide, and whitetailed deer in the eastern United States currently exist at unprecedented densities in many areas. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effects of high densities of white-tailed deer on forest communities. However, few studies have simultaneously examined the effects of deer on multiple components of forest communities across trophic levels. Here, we simultaneously examine effects of excluding white-tailed deer on responses of woody and herbaceous vegetation, terrestrial and subterranean animals, mycorrhizal fungi, and soil characteristics. This study was conducted in a forest preserve with high deer densities in the central hardwoods region of the Midwestern US, using a series of replicated deer exclosures (15 � 15 m) and adjacent unfenced controls that ranged in age from two to seven years. Despite significant tree recruitment inside exclosures, we recorded no native tree seedling recruitment in control plots. In addition, the growth rate of existing tree seedlings was significantly greater in exclosures than in controls, and the growth rate of invasive shrubs was approximately 30 times higher inside exclosures. Exclosures also had increased height, species diversity, and abundance of spring plants, and increased vegetation density in summer. We also found differences in terrestrial animals with higher densities of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) and dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis) inside deer exclosures. However, there were no differences in salamanders or earthworms. Soil inside exclosures was significantly less compacted than in control plots despite the short period of deer exclusion, but there were no significant differences in soil nutrients or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. These results indicate that there are strong effects of high deer densities on all classes of understory vegetation and indirect effects on animals and soils. However, most belowground effects were nonsignificant, suggesting that responses of belowground communities to deer exclusion are weaker or slower to develop than aboveground effects.
Thermal-aware vacation and rate adaptation for network packet processing

As processor power density increases, thermal and power control becomes critical for packet processing on a processor. In "run-to-finish" applications, power consumption is stable and temperature simply rises to saturation point and then stabilizes. But, network applications feature ON/OFF execution pattern, which causes frequent temperature and power consumption changes in the processor. We propose a thermal aware scheduler, TrafficLight, which achieves power saving by employing vacation and rate adaptation techniques. We implement these through the idle states (C-state) provided by the OS in a CPU and show their effec-tiveness through experimental data. Then we build power, thermal and latency models based on the vacation queuing theory, which estimates the performance of our proposed techniques. Finally, we design, implement and evaluate an on-line algorithm to dynamically choose the proper pow-er/thermal management technique based on the traffic variation. The technique maintains the processor temperature below the temperature constraint and achieves power saving. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to provide the theoretical analysis as well as the experimental results for the vacation and rate adaptation schemes considering power, temperature and latency in the packet processing on a general purpose processor.
Bias-motivated aggression against men: gender expression and sexual orientation as risk factors for victimization

Bias-motivated aggression is an ongoing problem in the United States, and data show that men comprise the majority of both perpetrators and victims of these types of offenses. Although gay men appear to be at particular risk for victimization, theory suggests that aggression of this type may be understood as a way to preserve exclusive masculine identity and in-group status by punishing those men who step outside rigidly constructed gender boundaries, rather than as a reaction to target sexual orientation alone. As such, studies investigating gender non-conformity as it interacts with gay identity are needed to elucidate how both target gender expression and sexuality potentiate risk for victimization. Therefore, the current study examined the influence of men's sexual orientation and gender expression on the perpetration of bias-motivated aggression. One-hundred two undergraduate men in the Southeastern U.S. participated in a bogus reaction-time task, during which they had the option to shock an ostensible opponent as a measure of aggression. Participants were assigned to one of four opponent conditions (masculine, gay man; feminine, gay man; masculine, heterosexual man; feminine heterosexual man), as part of a 2x2 factorial design. It was predicted that the most aggression would occur toward a gay, feminine opponent. Contrarily, findings indicated that most aggression was evinced toward a feminine heterosexual opponent. Results are discussed in terms of heterosexual men’s nonconformity and the influence of in-group/out-group dynamics on bias-motivated aggression.
Water-dispersible cationic polyurethanes containing pendant trialkylphosphoniums

Novel trialkylphosphonium ionic liquids chain extenders enabled the successful synthesis of poly(ethylene glycol)-based, cationic polyurethanes with pendant phosphoniums in the hard segments (HS). Aqueous size exclusion chromatography (SEC) confirmed the charged polyurethanes, which varied the phosphonium alkyl substituent length (ethyl and butyl) and cationic HS content (25, 50, 75 mol%), achieved high absolute molecular weights. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) demonstrated the triethylphosphonium (TEP) and tributylphosphonium (TBP) polyurethanes displayed similar thermomechanical properties, including increased rubbery plateau moduli and flow temperatures. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) emphasized the significance of ion–dipole interaction on hydrogen bonding. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) supported microphase separated morphologies in the trialkylphosphonium polyurethanes, despite the presence of ionic interactions. Sorption isotherm experiments revealed the TEP polyurethane exhibited the highest water vapor sorption profile compared to the TBP, which displayed similar water sorption profiles to the noncharged analogue. The phosphonium polyurethanes displayed significantly improved tensile strain; however, lower tensile stress of the TEP polyurethane was presumably due to absorbed water. In addition to physical characterizations, we also explored the trialkylphosphonium polyurethanes as nucleic acid delivery vectors. The phosphonium polyurethanes bound DNA at low charge ratios, and the polyplexes exhibited enhanced colloidal stability under physiological salt conditions.
Multilevel Cycle of Anthropogenic Copper

A comprehensive contemporary cycle for stocks and flows of copper is characterized and presented, incorporating information on extraction, processing, fabrication and manufacturing, use, discard, recycling, final disposal, and dissipation. The analysis is performed on an annual basis, ca. 1994, at three discrete governmental unit levels--56 countries or country groups that together comprise essentially all global anthropogenic copper stocks and flows, nine world regions, and the planet as a whole. Cycles for all of these are presented and discussed, and a "best estimate" global copper cycle is constructed to resolve aggregation discrepancies. Among the most interesting results are (1) transformation rates and recycling rates in apparently similar national economies differ by factors of two or more (country level); (2) the discard flows that have the greatest potential for copper recycling are those with low magnitude flows but high copper concentrations--electronics, electrical equipment, and vehicles (regional level); (3) worldwide, about 53% of the copper that was discarded in various forms was recovered and reused or recycled (global level); (4) the highest rate of transfer of discarded copper to repositories is into landfills, but the annual amount of copper deposited in mine tailings is nearly as high (global level); and (5) nearly 30% of copper mining occurred merely to replace copper that was discarded. The results provide a framework for similar studies of other anthropogenic resource cycles as well as a basis for supplementary studies in resource stocks, industrial resource utilization, waste management, industrial economics, and environmental impacts.
Markerless tracking and gesture recognition using polar correlation of camera optical flow

We present a novel, real-time, markerless vision-based tracking system, employing a rigid orthogonal configuration of two pairs of opposing cameras. Our system uses optical flow over sparse features to overcome the limitation of vision-based systems that require markers or a pre-loaded model of the physical environment. We show how opposing cameras enable cancellation of common components of optical flow leading to an efficient tracking algorithm that captures five degrees of freedom including direction of translation and angular velocity. Experiments comparing our device with an electromagnetic tracker show that its average tracking accuracy is 80 % over 185 frames, and it is able to track large range motions even in outdoor settings. We also present how our tracking system can be used for gesture recognition by combining it with a simple linear classifier over a set of 15 gestures. Experimental results show that we are able to achieve 86.7 % gesture recognition accuracy.
MODIS polarization measurements and simulation and the 4θ effect

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) will be one of the primary instruments observing the earth on the earth observing system scheduled for launch in mid 1998. Its 36 spectral bands ranging from 0.4 to 14.4 microns will image the entire earth. The radiometric requirements are such that the instrument's polarization sensitivity must be very well understood. This paper will describe the experimental setup, some of the experimental results and the accompanying analysis. Emphasis will be on an anomalous, 'four theta' experimental results and its explanation.
Optimizing Computational Efficiency and User Convenience in Plasma Simulation Codes

It is usually important to write plasma simulation codes in such a way that they execute efficiently and are convenient to use. I discuss here practical techniques to achieve this goal. Numerical algorithms must be well formulated and advantage taken of machine architecture in casting the algorithm into a high level language such as Fortran. The advantages of writing critical routines in Assembler are discussed. For large simulation codes, disks must often be used as a temporary store for working data. Efficient methods for doing this are presented. Codes must not only be well organized for ease of implementation and maintenance, but also for ease of use. Ways are suggested for packaging codes such that setup, batch production, restarting and diagnostic postprocessing is facilitated. Particular emphasis is placed on graphics postprocessors, since they must be used in real time with graphics terminals as well as with hardcopy devices.
Smallholders, forest management and rural development in the Amazon

The wry advice Brazilians always advance to novice researchers is that ‘Amazonia isn't for beginners’. The implication is that there are a lot of invisibilities, covert pathways and dynamics that m...
Solar rotation as a function of depth and latitude

A 5-day series of two-dimensional velocity images of the Sun is analysed to yield frequencies of solar p-mode oscillations with degrees between 8 and 50, with all azimuthal orders for each degree. The frequency splitting between modes with the same degree and radial order is related to the latitudinal variation of rotation, averaged over a depth range that depends on the degree. The observed splittings indicate that for 0.3R⊙ ≲r≲0.7R⊙ the solar latitudinal differential rotation is much smaller than at the surface (rotation roughly constant on spheres), and moreover that the rotation rate is close to the surface equatorial value.
Synthesis of ubiquinone 9 by adult Brugia pahangi and Dirofilaria immitis: Evidence against its involvement in the oxidation of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate

Among various ubiquinone (Q) isoprenologues tested, only Q7 was more efficient than menadione in promoting the oxidation of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (CH3FH4) by 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase isolated from adult Brugia pahangi, whereas Q10 was the best cofactor in the same reaction catalysed by the analogous enzymes from adult Dirofilaria immitis. Menoctone (3-[1-cyclohexyloctyl]-2-hydroxyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) was a strong competitive inhibitor of both these ubiquinone isoprenologues in the respective reactions. When incubated in the presence of D,L-[14C]-mevalonate, adult B. pahangi and D. immitis synthesized radiolabelled Q9 only, in addition to other isoprenoid derivatives in the neutral lipid fraction. In view of the inability of Q9 to promote the oxidation of CH3FH4 by 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase from B. pahangi, it seems unlikely that this filaria uses Q9 as a cofactor in this reaction. Conceivably, D. immitis could use Q9 as a cofactor in its enzymatic oxidation of CH3FH4, since in this circumstance, it was a better cofactor than menadione.
A paradigm shift for inspection: complementing traditional CMM with DSSP innovation

Purpose – Advances in non‐contact measurement technology, processes and techniques have created momentum in the application of digital shape sampling and processing (DSSP) for driving a competitive advantage for manufacturing in a variety of industries from automotive and aerospace to consumer products. DSSP has been defined as the convergence of 3D scanning and digital processing of coordinate points by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers in an SME Bluebook authored by Peter Marks of Design Insight. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how DSSP, a potentially disruptive technology innovation, complements traditional inspection methodologies without being disruptive.Design/methodology/approach – The paper compares traditional and new measurement processes and asks how modern techniques can become more efficient, faster and more economical.Findings – This paper shows how inspection is evolving by integrating multiple methodologies to benefit manufacturing productivity and improve product quality ...
Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Drugs: A Strategic Analysis

Consumers cannot purchase a prescription drug without a prescription from a physician, yet many prescription drugs are promoted to consumers with the help of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising. In this paper, we propose and test a competitive model of DTC advertising. We find that the brand specificity of DTC advertising can have an inverted U-shaped relationship with detailing, DTC advertising, and profits. Furthermore, an increase in the cross-price sensitivity between competing prescription drugs is not always detrimental to firm profits. A laboratory test lends qualitative support to some of our model predictions. We also discuss potential implications of DTC advertising for generic drugs and over-the-counter drugs.
Stability and boundedness of systems

In this paper we use the method extensively used by Lakahmikanthum to study a, type of control problem. The method depends upon the fact that the function satisfying a differential inequality can be majorized by the maximal solution of another differential inequality.
Multilevel NDA Methods for Solving Multigroup Eigenvalue Neutron Transport Problems

The nonlinear diffusion acceleration (NDA) method is an efficient and flexible transport iterative scheme for solving reactor-physics problems. This paper presents a fast iterative algorithm for so...
Surgeon-performed focused assessment with sonography for trauma as an early screening tool for pregnancy after trauma.

BACKGROUND Incidental pregnancy in trauma patients is associated with a high fetal mortality. Because of quality assurance reasons, many trauma centers have eliminated the rapid urine pregnancy screen. We sought to determine the utility and impact of the initial ultrasound examination in the diagnosis of pregnancy in female trauma patients. METHODS Data were analyzed for all female trauma patients in whom pregnancy was diagnosed during a 5-year period. RESULTS One hundred one (70%) of 144 pregnant women had an initial ultrasound examination. Eighteen patents had newly diagnosed pregnancies, of whom 8 of 9 patients (89%) at > or = 8 weeks' gestation were diagnosed by the initial ultrasound. This directly contributed to a significant decrease in the amount of radiation exposure (p < 0.001) compared with patients diagnosed by serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. CONCLUSION An initial ultrasound examination should be considered in all female trauma patients of reproductive age. This may help to promote a reduction in fetal radiation exposure.
Protein Kinase C θ Is Not Essential for T-Cell-Mediated Clearance of Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68

Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) is a naturally occurring rodent pathogen with significant homology to human pathogens Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. T cells are essential for primary clearance of MHV-68 and survival of mice following intranasal infection. Previous reports have suggested that protein kinase C theta (PKCtheta) is essential for T-cell activation and cytokine production in vitro. To determine the role of this molecule in vivo during the immune response to a viral infection, PKCtheta-/- mice were infected with MHV-68. Despite the essential role of T cells in viral clearance, PKCtheta-/- mice survived infection, cleared lytic virus, and maintained effective long-term control of latency. CD8 T-cell expansion, trafficking to the lung, and cytotoxic activity were similar in PKCtheta+/+ and PKCtheta-/- mice, whereas antiviral antibody and T-helper cell cytokine production were significantly lower in PKCtheta-/- mice than in PKCtheta+/+ mice. These studies demonstrate a differential requirement for PKCtheta in the immune response to MHV-68 and show that PKCtheta is not essential for the T-cell activation events leading to viral clearance.
Mitral valve repair for ischemic mitral regurgitation

Mitral valve repair for ischemic mitral valve regurgitation remains controversial. In moderate mitral regurgitation (MR), controversy exists whether revascularization alone will be adequate to restore native valve geometry or whether intervention on the valve (repair) should be performed concomitantly. When MR is severe, the need for valve intervention is not disputed. Rather, the controversy is whether repair versus replacement should be undertaken. In contrast to degenerative or myxomatous disease that directly affects leaflet integrity and morphology, ischemic FMR results from a distortion and dilation of native ventricular geometry that normally supports normal leaflet coaptation. To address this, the first and most crucial step in successful valve repair is placement of an undersized, complete remodeling annuloplasty ring to restore the annulus to its native geometry. The following article outlines the steps for repair of ischemic mitral regurgitation.
Exercise Capacity Improves after Transcatheter Closure of the Fontan Fenestration in Children

OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the aerobic capacity, exercise capacity, and arterial oxygen saturation (O(2)Sat) in children before and after transcatheter Fontan fenestration closure. DESIGN Observational study comparing exercise parameters and hemodynamics before and after transcatheter fenestration closure in Fontan patients. OUTCOME MEASURES Working capacity, exercise duration, oxygen consumption (VO(2)), and arterial O(2)Sat were evaluated during aerobic exercise. RESULTS Twenty patients (mean age 11.4 years) underwent standardized exercise testing before and after fenestration closure. Twelve patients underwent cycle ergometry testing (mean age 14.8 years) (group 1), and eight younger patients (mean age 6.4 years) underwent Bruce treadmill testing (group 2). The same exercise protocol was used in each patient before and after fenestration closure (interval between tests: 118 +/- 142 days). Immediately following fenestration closure at cardiac catheterization, cardiac index decreased (3.0 to 2.1 L/minute/m(2)) and Fontan pressure increased (11 +/- 2 to 12 +/- 2 mm Hg) with an increased arterial saturation (92 to 96%) (P < .001). The total group demonstrated no significant change in pre- and postclosure maximal heart rates (164 +/- 21 and 169 +/- 19 bpm). Rest and exercise O(2)Sat increased (89 and 82 to 95 and 92%) (P < .0001). Exercise duration increased (7.7 +/- 1.9 to 9.2 +/- 2.4 minutes) (P < .0005). Maximal VO(2), indexed maximal VO(2), and total working capacity in kilopond-meters (kpm) increased (1.2 +/- 0.5, 27 +/- 7 and 2466 +/- 1012 to 1.3 +/- 0.4 L/minute, 31 +/- 9 mL/kg/minute and 2869 +/- 1051 kpm, respectively) (P < .005). CONCLUSION In children with a univentricular heart after Fontan palliation, transcatheter fenestration closure improves exercise arterial O(2)Sat and aerobic capacity despite a restricted resting cardiac output documented by catheterization immediately after the closure procedure.
System Theory in a Unified Curriculum

The incessant search for unifying concepts in engineering education has, in recent times, stepped up its pace to match the tempo of our scientific and technological progress. Although a single unified curriculum for all engineering problems would indeed be a utopia, there is hope, nevertheless, that certain apparently diverse areas of engineering can be regrouped with emphasis on the basic disciplines underlying them. System theory, which is briefly exposed here, is one such fundamental discipline with its mainsprings in the mathematical model of linear-graph theory. The chief assertion of this paper is that system theory could very well serve as a basis for unifying the areas of 1) circuit theory, 2) circuit aspects of electronics, 3) rotating machinery, 4) elementary statics and dynamics, and 5) system analysis. The ideas presented here are sufficiently supported by the authors' classroom experiences. In the light of the curriculum proposed, certain of the inevitable implications for Canadian electrical engineering are discussed.