cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microstructural fracture processes accompanying growing cracks in tough rubber-modified polyamides

The process of massive cavitational deformation in an ethylene—propylene—diene grafted maleic-anhydride modified polyamide 66, initiated from cavitating rubber particles and associated with stable crack propagation in compact tension and Izod impact experiments, has been studied in the region ahead of the crack front by scanning electron microscopy. The very tough stable ductile tearing behaviour of the material was manifested by steady-state crack opening angles of 60° and large stress-whitened zones. The process zone ahead of the advancing crack comprised two regions with distinct morphologies: (a) within a radius of 30 μm in an ‘intense’ deformation zone in front of the crack, the cavities are elongated to large draw ratios (≈ 10); and (b) in the remaining ‘weak’ zone cavities were found to be substantially equiaxed. The material with the elongated cavities of the crack front is parted by the propagating crack and immediately sheared by ≈ 60° and left lying parallel to the crack flank surfaces. The very tough behaviour of the material has been analysed by the well known mechanics of fracture of tough structural materials, and the calculated tearing moduli were found to be quite comparable with those of the toughest structural steels.
In vivo sarcomere imaging and fiber tension measurements

Current work demonstrates a new method and a new device for simultaneous in vivo measurements of sarcomere imaging and fiber tension. Sarcomere, a building block of muscles, plays a critical role in muscle contraction. In the pathological conditions, the biomechanical properties of sarcomere and muscle fibers may be altered significantly. We developed a novel methodology by combining the optical image capture system with force measurement which allowed us to investigate the muscle cell properties in vivo under monitored/controlled tension. The methodology was validated in an in vivo rat model as well as using an in vitro corroboration setup. The in vivo evaluation provides us a powerful tool to investigate pathological changes of fibers/sarcomeres and help determine proper treatment.
Analysis of a Finite Grooved Misaligned Journal Bearing Considering Cavitation and Starvation Effects

The effect of journal misalignment on the predicted performance of a finite grooved journal bearing is analyzed in this paper. The numerical procedure used incorporates a cavitation algorithm, which automatically predicts film rupture and reformation in the bearings. The misalignment considered varies in magnitude and direction with reference to the boundaries of the bearing. In addition to the misalignment, the effect of lubricant starvation at the groove is also considered and compared with flooded inlet conditions. The effects of various degrees of starvation, or higher lubricant supply pressure, bearing length to diameter ratio and groove size are also investigated
Deposition of polyheterocycles on spontaneously adsorbed monolayer-modified electrodes

Abstract The kinetics of electrooxidative polymerization, and the structure and properties of polyheteroarenes, are strongly dependent on the surface characteristics of the electrode. Deposition of spontaneously adsorbed monolayers (SAMs) affords a fast, efficient method of modifying electrode behavior towards electroactive monomers in contacting solutions. The modification also has profound effects on the properties of the electrooxidatively deposited polyheteroarenes. Monolayers of ω-(3-pyrrolyl)alkanethiols, 4-(3-pyrrolyl)butyl ω-mercaptoalkanoates, and ω-mercaptoalkyl (3-pyrrolyl)acetates modify the noble metal-solution and metal-polymer interface. The monolayer provides covalently bound nucleation sites on the surface, thereby enhancing the initial rate of deposition of heteroarenes from solution. The resulting polyheteroarene films are smooth, densely packed, highly conductive and particularly robust compared to those deposited on unmodified metal electrodes.
Mechanical properties of silicene

Abstract The potential of atomistically two-dimensional (2D) materials has created a new paradigm of materials science. Among the various 2D crystalline structures is silicene – a monolayer allotrope of silicon – similar to the structure of graphene. While this material has been previous investigated for potential in electrical applications, successful implementation in such nanodevices requires full understanding of its mechanical behavior. Here, using full atomistic first-principles-based ReaxFF molecular dynamics (MD) we quantify the elastic stiffness (50.44 N/m for zigzag direction, 62.31 N/m for armchair direction) and limit states (ultimate strength on the order of 5.85 N/m, ultimate strain on the order of 18%) of monolayer silicene. A weak directional dependence is observed. Moreover, we quantify the effective bending stiffness of silicene (38.63 eV per unit width), indicating that its corrugated-like structure increases the bending rigidity compared to the similar system of graphene.
Victimization, smoking, and chronic physical health problems among sexual minority women.

Background Sexual minority women (SMW) have been shown to be at increased risk for abuse, smoking, and chronic physical health problems compared with heterosexual women. In the general population, abuse and smoking are associated with physical health problems. However, there has been little research on their associations among SMW.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ge2{Sn(X)Ar#}3 and Ga2{Ge(X)Ar#}3 (Ar# = C6H3-2,6-Mes2), X = (Cl/I): Rare Examples of Mixed Heavier Group 14/14, 13/14 Element Clusters

Treatment of Ar#ECl (Ar# = C6H3-2,6-Mes2; E = Ge or Sn) with 1 equiv of the reducing agent KC8 or ‘GaI' led to the isolation and characterization of the two new main group clusters Ge2{Sn(X)Ar#}3, 1, and Ga2{Ge(X)Ar#}3, 2 (X = Cl or Cl/I), which have trigonal bypyramidal Ge2Sn3 or Ga2Ge3 frameworks. Cluster 1 is a singlet biradicaloid, whereas 2 is a very rare heavier group 13/14 element cluster, and the first with a Ga/Ge framework.
A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF STUDENT’S REPRESENTATIONS FOR DIVISION OF FRACTIONS

The representations that students use as part of their mathematical problem solving can provide us with a window into their grasp of the concepts they are exploring and developing. In this paper, the author indicates how these representations can evolve over time and enrich the understanding of division of fractions, often thought to be the most difficult of elementary school mathematical topics. The results of this research suggest that when appropriate problems are provided for students, in a meaningful context, they can demonstrate understanding of division of fractions that is durable over time, and that they are able to flexibly move back and forth between and among representations, choosing what they deem to be appropriate forms for a particular situation.
Hope and the Meaningful Life: Theoretical and Empirical Associations Between Goal–Directed Thinking and Life Meaning

Abstract In this article, important theories of life meaning are discussed, as are the hypothesized effects of meaning on anxiety and depression. A commonality among these theories—hopeful thinking—is highlighted in the context of a goal–directed model of hope (Snyder et al., 1991). It is proposed that hope is a component common to all theories of meaning. We administered scales of meaning, hope, depression, and anxiety to 139 college students. Factor analysis reveals a single factor underlying the meaning scales and hope measure, offering evidence that hope is a component of meaning. Additionally, in regression analyses, statistically controlling for hope attenuates the correlations between meaning and both depression and anxiety. Similar results are found for the correlations between hope and depression or anxiety, when controlling for meaning.
Comparative analysis of Fischer–Tropsch and integrated gasification combined cycle biomass utilization

Abstract Use of agricultural biomass (switchgrass, prairie grasses) through Fischer–Tropsch (FT) conversion to liquid fuels is compared with biomass utilization via (IGCC) integrated gasification combined cycle electrical production. In the IGCC scenario, biomass is co-fired with coal, with biomass comprising 10% of the fuel input by energy content. In this case, the displaced coal is processed via FT methods so that liquid fuels are produced in both scenarios. Overall performance of the two options is compared on the basis of total energy yield (electricity, liquid fuels), carbon dioxide emissions, and total cost. Total energy yield is almost identical whether biomass is used for electrical power generation or liquid fuels synthesis. Carbon dioxide emissions are also approximately equal for the two pathways. Capital costs are more difficult to compare since scaling factors cause considerable uncertainty. With IGCC costs roughly equivalent for either scenario, cost differences between the pathways appear based on FT plant construction cost. Coal FT facility capital cost estimates for the plant scale in this study (721 MWt LHV input) are estimated to be 410 (MUSD) million US Dollars while the similar scale biomass-only FT plant costs range from 430 MUSD to 590 MUSD.
Colonization of North America by Drosophila subobscura: Ecological analysis of three communities of drosophilids in California

We have carried out bimonthly collections of Drosophila species during a 16 month period in three localities of California (Eureka, Davis, and Gilroy). D. subobscura, which has colonized North America only a few years ago, is well established and has an annual abundance cycle similar to that observed in the Old World. The differences between the three localities account for 26.4% of the species diversity. Davis and Gilroy exhibit similarities attributable to their similar environmental conditions. Seasonality accounts for 46% and 50.4 % of the species diversity in Davis and Gilroy respectively, but only for 39.4% in Eureka. Differences between years explain only a small percentage of the total species diversity. A correspondence analysis of the association between species and months of collection shows ecological similarities between D. subobscura and the Nearctic members of the obscura species group.
Stripping and excitation in collisions between p and He + ( n ⩽ 3 ) calculated by a quantum time-dependent approach with semiclassical trajectories

Stripping and excitation cross sections are calculated, using a time-dependent discrete-variable approach, for collisions of protons with energies from $0.5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{keV}$ to $2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{MeV}$ with ${\text{He}}^{+}$ initially in the $1s$, $2s$, $2p$, $3s$, $3p$, and $3d$ states. This quantum-semiclassical approach takes trajectory curvature into account. The spatial and temporal convergence properties of the method are analyzed for the ground and higher states. The results are in good agreement with existing accurate calculations and experimental cross sections, available for ${E}_{p}\ensuremath{\geqslant}3.73\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{keV}$. Results are also obtained for lower-energy collisions where the cross sections are still significant but trajectory curvature is important.
A technique for mass spectrometer measurements of atomic and molecular oxygen in the lower thermosphere

A neutral mass spectrometer with a quasi-open ion source was flown on each of the Atmosphere Explorer (AE) C, D, and E satellites. The three instruments provided an opportunity to study the effects of different source insert materials on the source surface chemistry. It was found that, after a period of conditioning in space, the recombination coefficient of atomic oxygen on gold appears to be substantially lower than it is on Nichrome V. The lower recombination coefficient on gold allows the spectrometer to directly measure a significant fraction of the incident atomic oxygen, making it possible to distinguish between ambient O and O2. Equations are developed to calculate the atomic and molecular oxygen densities. Preliminary measurements of molecular oxygen densities obtained by this technique agree well with measurements taken in the fly-through mode of operation.
Aims, Goals, and Objectives

Aims, goals, and objectives can be thought of as hierarchically ordered educational purposes. In today's policy discussions, aims (the most generally stated purposes) are too often sacrificed for specific learning objectives. Although aims, unlike objectives, cannot be pursued and measured directly, their continued discussion is essential; careful consideration of aims should guide our choices of curriculum and pedagogy and the selection and evaluation of goals and objectives. Key words: aims, goals, objectives, democratic education
Olfactory bulb removal and response suppression in rats.

Abstract Following either olfactory bulb damage or control surgery, Sprague-Dawley rats were trained on a VI 30-sec reinforcement schedule until their response rate stabilized and then placed on one of three schedules to assess response suppression ability: omission training, extinction, or DRL. Animals with OB damage responded at higher rates than controls during VI training and performed less efficiently on all measures of response suppression ability. The results were compared with performance by animals with septal damage from a previous study.
Staying Out of the Bottom Drawer

Horror stories abound: findings or carefully designed and executed research projects ignored; good programs lost because decision makers failed to see their relevance; problems not solved because key people lacked access to information; crucial data not collected or not presented in usable form. There are many circumstances in which research results were never used because criteria of utility were ignored. Each of us knows of research reports that, once read, are filed away in "the bottom drawer," never to be read again.
Cystic Fibrosis Papers of the Year 2012

This paper reviews a personal selection of three potentially important cystic fibrosis (CF) interventional studies that have been published in the 12 month period preceding the November 2012 RSM CF conference. The review highlights the difficulties in the interpretation of outcome measures in CF.
Understanding strategic adaptation in small firms

Examines the concept of adaptation as it relates to the start‐up and survival of small businesses over time. Adaptation is approached as the making of appropriate adjustments to the business and its strategic focus, as the venture evolves from an initial idea to a successful business. It is proposed that adaptation has three relevant components: the firm’s capacity to adapt, how much it actually adapts, and the strategies it relies upon to adapt. A conceptual model and hypotheses are proposed, relating the entrepreneur, the organizational context and the external environment to these three components of adaptation, and relating the components of adaptation to performance. Results from a cross‐sectional survey of small business founder/owners suggest that characteristics of the entrepreneur and levels of environmental change are especially important determinants of the three components of adaptation, and that levels of and strategies for adapting are related to organizational performance. A number of implications are drawn from the findings and suggestions are made for ongoing research.
School-based service utilization among urban children with early onset educational and mental health problems: The squeaky wheel phenomenon.

Although elementary schools provide an opportunity for early identification and treatment of academic and psychological problems, relatively little is known about the types of symptoms being addressed in schools. Latent profile analysis on data from 678 urban first graders yielded 3 classes of children: nonsymptomatic (NS), internalizers and average performers (IAP), and externalizers and low performers (ELP), with different combinations of symptoms. Survival analyses conducted on the children’s use of services (in Grades 1–9) indicated that students in the ELP class received mental health and special education services faster than those in the NS class, whereas IAP children were no more likely than NS children to receive services. Findings suggest that staff may be more sensitive to early educational and externalizing problems.
Path collapse for multidimensional Brownian motion with rebirth

In a bounded open region of the d-dimensional Euclidean space we consider a Brownian motion which is reborn at a fixed interior point as soon as it reaches the boundary. It was shown that in dimension one coupled paths starting at different points but driven by the same Brownian motion either collapse with probability one or never meet. In higher dimensions, for convex or polyhedral regions, the paths with positive probability of collapse differ at start by a vector from a set of codimension one. The problem can be interpreted in terms of the long term mixing properties of the payoff of a portfolio of knock-out barrier options in derivatives markets.
Corn Response to Late-Spring Nitrogen Management in the Walnut Creek Watershed

listed by Dinnes et al. (2002) in a review of strategies for reducing nitrate loss through agricultural drainage. A 400-ha subbasin study within the Walnut Creek watershed near Implementation of the LSNT, based on the NO3-N con- applied. To encourage adoption of the LSNT program for its water quality benefits, we suggest that federal, state, or private agencies implementation of the LSNT in a tile-drained subbasin develop affordable risk insurance or some other financial incentives of the Walnut Creek watershed in central Iowa signifi- to help producers minimize the potential crop risk associated with this cantly reduced N fertilizer application rates and surface program. water nitrate concentrations when compared with two adjacent subbasins where the farmers' standard N man- agementpracticeswereused.Theyconcludedthatwide-
Editorial Comment—Symposium: Patient Safety: Collaboration, Communication, and Physician Leadership

T his symposium, ‘‘Patient Safety: Collaboration, Communication, and Physician Leadership,’’ is a timely one. Quality of care, including the prevention of errors in our patients, is the major responsibility for all physicians, healthcare providers, and healthcare institutions. The topic is recognized by everyone in healthcare and, I suspect, most patients. It has been a focus in the United States since the Institute of Medicine’s report To Err is Human, published in 1999 [3]. The number of publications in peer-reviewed and nonpeer reviewed publications as well as books continue to increase rapidly. Problems have been identified, process improvements have been made, technology aids have been developed, but major issues remain, such as a lack of public reporting of outcomes of treatment by physicians and hospitals as advocated by Codman more than 100 years ago [2], and the fact that medical errors continue at too great a rate. Studies from medicine and surgery have dominated the reporting about patient safety and error prevention. Orthopaedics, although a leader in addressing the problem of wrong-site surgery [1], has not been a leader in the patient safety movement. The reasons are not obviously apparent, but in my conversations with orthopaedic surgeons, I find that many do not believe that there is a problem, often do not understand systems-based issues, remain overly concerned about transparency and reporting outcomes, and do not appreciate the problem of overuse. We also do not have national orthopaedic registries that would collect and report the necessary data on adverse events needed to educate orthopaedic surgeons and motivate their behavior to change. This symposium focuses on some of the major issues that hopefully will direct the orthopaedic surgeon’s attention on methods to improve quality of care and reduce errors. The symposium’s lead article is what I think is a classic for orthopaedic surgeons, a must-read (DOI: 10.1007/ s11999-014-3598-6). Speaking directly to orthopaedic surgeons, Dr. Leape gives a brief but excellent history of safety, emphasizing the importance of systems changes and a focused list of the barriers facing all of us when addressing the necessary culture changes in our hospitals and offices. He goes on to detail the position of autonomy most of us continue to protect, the acceptance of disruptive behavior by ourselves and colleagues, and the lack of using evidence and root cause analyses to improve our care. Interestingly, he also comments on the overuse of our services as a major barrier to achieving safe health care. Other authors draw our attention to the importance of addressing these barriers regarding culture, effects of Symposium: Patient Safety: Collaboration, Communication, and Physician Leadership Published online: 9 January 2015 The Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons1 2015
Three-dimensional Finite Element Solution of the Flow in Single and Twin-Screw Extruders

Abstract This work is aimed at the numerical modeling of the flow inside single and twin-screw extruders. Numerical solutions are obtained using a recently developed immersed boundary finite element method capable of solving the flow in the presence of complex non-stationary solid boundaries. The method is first validated against the solution obtained on a body-conforming grid for a single screw extruder and then applied to a twin-screw mixer. The time dependent single screw problem can also be solved in a rotating reference frame for which a steady state solution can be obtained. This allows the evaluation of time integration errors of the moving immersed interface algorithm. For instance the flow is considered isothermal and the material behaves as a Generalized Newtonian fluid. Because the viscosity depends on the shear rate, solutions will be shown for various rotation velocities of the screw and compared with solutions obtained on body-conforming grids. The method is shown to give very accurate resul...
Pharmacists' attitudes toward continuing education: Implications for planning curricular CE programs

This manuscript reports results of a study attempting to identify characteristics of pharmacy CE program clientele which might assist providers in the marketing of curricular CE programs. A forty-item attitude instrument was administered to a random sample of pharmacists in two Canadian provinces and the entire United States. Results include a standardized attitude score (ranging from 0 to 100) of 64.4 in the U.S. (n = 639), which is significantly different from a score of 71.2 in Canada (n = 279). The majority of both samples have a positive attitude toward CE. Attitude score is related to sex (U.S., Canada), age (U.S.), practice setting (U.S.), and source of CE identified as best for both samples. Further comparisons were based on selected attitude statements related to characteristics associated with curricular CE programs: (1) CE credits should be applicable toward academic credit; (2) CE programs should be designed using a curricular approach; (3) CE programs should be designed similar to academic programs; (4) examination rather than attendance should serve as the criterion for CE credit; and (5) there is a need for participation in CE on a regular versus periodic basis. The mean response for both samples was “neutral” to items 1 through 4 and positive for item 5; for items 4 and 5, the mean response of the Canadian sample was significantly more positive than the U.S. sample. Further analysis of these statements showed the one characteristic which appears to be of most value in targeting a potential audience is practice setting (U.S.). Examination of self-reported hours of CE showed significant relationships with sex (U.S.), CE requirement (U.S., Canada), practice setting (U.S.), attitude score (U.S.), and types of CE (U.S., Canada).
A review of radar astronomy — Part II

The determination of the axial rotational rate of Venus has long been an objective of planetary astronomers. It may be surprising to learn that we know the rotational period of all the planets in the solar system, even the most distant planet Pluto, with the exception of the planet that comes nearest to us, Venus! This anomaly fundamentally arose for two reasons: (1) Venus is shrouded with a thick, almost featureless cloud cover that prevents us from seeing its surface; and (2) Venus rotates very slowly. If the surface could be seen, we could track the motion of various markings and thus determine the rotation; or if Venus' rotation were faster, we could observe the relative Doppler shift of the lines in its optical spectrum resulting from the difference in velocity between its approaching and receding limbs. We could then compute the period from this velocity. Unfortunately, Venus appears to rotate so slowly that the errors in the classical velocity measurements have been as great as the velocity actually measured.
Symbolic, numeric, and magnitude representations in the parietal cortex

We concur with Cohen Kadosh & Walsh (CK&W) that representation of numbers in the parietal cortex is format dependent. In addition, we suggest that all formats do not automatically, and equally, access analog magnitude representation in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS). Understanding how development, learning, and context lead to differential access of analog magnitude representation is a key question for future research.
Outcome of renal transplantation following a positive cross-match with historical sera: The ASHI survey

Analysis of retrospective data, obtained on 216 patients from 27 centers transplanted across some form of positive lymphocyte cross-match in a noncurrent serum, revealed that actuarial 1-yr graft survival was 69% in first transplants and 53% in recipients of second or subsequent transplants. Graft outcome did not correlate with peak antibody levels, change in antibody from peak to current, remoteness in time of the most recent positive serum, the number or timing of sera cross-matched, the technique or target cell cross-matched, or the degree of positivity of the most recent positive serum. Although a concurrent control population was not available, these results support the concept that acceptable graft survival can be achieved despite a positive cross-match with noncurrent sera.
Density gradient proportionality constants for a number of aqueous binary solutions

A computer program, based upon the method of Trautman, has been developed to calculate density-gradient proportionality constants, β0, as a function of density for any salt for which density and activity coefficient data are available. Results are given for twenty 1:1 electrolytes at 25°C. These salts are the chlorides, bromides, iodides, and nitrates of the five alkali cations. The program is available for use for any other salt and for a variety of temperatures if the necessary data can be found or measured. Between six and eleven centrifuge runs at different densities were performed fur each of seven of these salts experimentally to determine β0. In general, the experimental and theoretical values agree within 3% except at the extremes of density. This demonstrates the validity of the computer program and is the first extensive demonstration that the thermodynamic calculation of density gradients is correct. Five new quadratic relationships between refractive index and density are given.
Hardness of dense β-Si3N4

La durete du Si 3 N 4 varie en fonction de la technique de fabrication de la reaction du frittage, du pressage a chaud, et CVD et de la methode d'essai, de la composition chimique et de la microstructure (porosite, taille de grain et d'orientation, phases secondaires)
Serum interferon-γ is associated with longitudinal decline in lung function among asthmatic patients: the Normative Aging Study

Background Cytokines are important mediators of the asthmatic response. A retrospective pilot study showed that serum levels of interleukin (IL)-5 and interferon (IFN)-γ were related to lung function decline among asthmatic patients over the preceding 3 years. To confirm these findings, we tested the hypothesis that serum cytokines are associated with longitudinal lung function decline. Methods We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study of 25 asthmatic and 50 nonasthmatic men (median age, 63 years; range, 45 to 80 years) participating in the Normative Aging Study. All study subjects completed two consecutive triennial examinations, including spirometry, methacholine challenge testing, allergy skin testing, and phlebotomy. Serum levels were measured for IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IFN-γ. Results Among asthmatic patients, a higher initial serum level of IFN-γ was associated with a greater rate of decline of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ; β = −67 mL/year per log increase in serum IFN-γ, P = 0.04) and, to a lesser extent, of FEV 1 /forced vital capacity ratio (β = −0.91%/year per log increase in serum IFN-γ, P = 0.07) after adjusting for age, smoking status, and baseline level of lung function. Serum IL-5 level was associated with a rate of decline in FEV 1 of borderline significance (β = −61 mL/year per log increase in serum IL-5, P = 0.08) among asthmatic patients. These relationships were not observed among nonasthmatic patients. Conclusions Serum levels of IFN-γ are associated with subsequent rate of change in lung function among asthmatic patients in this cohort of middle-aged and older men, and may be useful as biologic markers of risk for accelerated lung function decline in population studies.
Output effects in multitrial free recall

The role of the output phase in multitrial free recall was examined in three studies in which each input phase was followed by various numbers of successive output phases. Experiment I demonstrated that after comparable numbers of input phases, intertrial retention in conditions with three, five, or seven successive output phases was superior to that in a standard condition. Using categorized word lists, Experiment II indicated the superior intertrial retention to be due to the recall of more words within categories rather than to the recall of more categories. Experiment III demonstrated that the higher intertrial retention scores did not depend on the overt retrieval of information. It was concluded that opportunities for the attempted retrieval of information produce an increased accessibility of the contents of established higher-order memory units.
LOCUS OF CONTROL: ITS STABILITY ACROSS DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT SUBGROUPS OF COLLEGE FRESHMEN

A modified version of the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale is investigated. Utilizing four distinct subgroups (ns = 101) of college freshmen, education and noneducation majors, from a Bible College and a State University, a discriminant structure for the locus of control statements was defined. Two statistically significant discriminant functions showed a very clear external orientation for all four groups. The construct locus of control was less bipolar than anticipated.
Parents’ Experiences with Services and Treatment for Their Children Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy

ABSTRACTWhile there is a considerable body of knowledge investigating the efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), there is a need for information focusing on parents’ experiences when their children receive these services. This qualitative research study initially explored the experiences of four parents with children who are diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) and who participated in CIMT using a group format. Additionally, the richness of the information shared by parents provided insights on other important issues related to family supports when raising a child and the availability of resources for children diagnosed with CP. Response analysis from in-depth interviews with parents resulted in three themes: (a) Everything in my family changed when my child was diagnosed with CP and the support I feel from my family makes all the difference in how I cope. (b) It was so hard to get the information and support that I needed for my child. (c) The group format enhanced CIMT for my child and pr...
Theoretical study of magnetic field of current monopoles in special volume conductor using symmetry analysis

The authors derive a formula for the magnetic field outside volume conductors having axial symmetry with radial and axial symmetrically distributed source currents. The magnetic field is shown to have components only along the cylindrical polar angle direction and its magnitude to depend only on the topological structure of the volume conductor and the location of the source current. With this formula, the magnetic field generated by the volume current of a current monopole within and on the symmetrical axis of several volume conductors (such as semi-infinite volume, infinite slab, sphere, infinite cylinder, semi-infinite cylinder, finite cylinder, prolate spheroid, and oblate spheroid) is shown to be equivalent to the magnetic field generated by a line current calculated using the Biot-Savart's law. In the first three volume conductors, the monopole solution of the magnetic field allows the calculation of magnetic fields generated by arbitrarily distributed (and balanced for finite volume conductors) current monopoles.
Flow control in metropolitan area networks

Two flow control schemes are investigated. In Scheme A, messages are allowed into the gateway buffer until it reaches its capacity, at which point they are blocked and made to wait at their respective input buffers. When capacity becomes available at the output buffer, the messages are allowed into the output again on a first-come-first-serve basis. Scheme B is based on an optimal throughput scheme which is derived using a process involving linear programming. In this scheme, the output buffer reserves its spaces for those input buffers that have a temporarily higher demand for spaces than their own buffers can offer. Simulation results confirm that Scheme B produces a better throughput performance than Scheme A. However, this is obtained at the expense of a higher delay. A constraint on the delay can be introduced when deriving Scheme B, but this is expected to lower the maximum throughput achievable. >
Tracheal chondrosarcoma: a case report

Background Tracheal neoplasms are extremely rare, representing only 0.2% of malignancies of the respiratory tract. A case of tracheal chondrosarcoma, with airway obstruction, seen in the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Cincinnati is presented. Review of the literature was undertaken, revealing 10 previously described cases. Clinical presentation and treatment options are described. Methods A literature review of all reports of tracheal chondrosarcoma was undertaken. Results From this review, we identified only 10 single case reports. The majority of patients were elderly men, with lesions in the mid to distal trachea. Treatment predominantly consisted of tracheal resection. Recurrence was associated with failure to achieve complete resection. Conclusions We conclude that tracheal chondrosarcoma is an exceedingly rare upper airway neoplasm. Treatment should be aimed at complete surgical removal. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck20: 568–572, 1998.
Effects of intra- and extracellular acidifications on single channel Kir2.3 currents

1. The inward rectifier K+ channel Kir2.3 is inhibited by hypercapnia, and this inhibition may be mediated by decreases in intra- and extracellular pH. To understand whether Kir2.3 has two distinct pH sensors and whether cytosol-soluble factors are involved in the modulation of this channel during intracellular acidification, single channel currents were studied by expressing Kir2.3 in Xenopus oocytes. 2. In excised inside-out patches, Kir2.3 currents had a high baseline channel open-state probability (Po, at pH 7.4) with a strong inward rectification. Single channel conductance at hyperpolarizing membrane potential was about 17 pS with 150 mM K+ applied to both sides of the membrane. The channel showed a substate conductance of about 8 pS. 3. Reduction of intracellular pH (pHi) produced a fast and reversible inhibition of single channel Kir2.3 currents in inside-out patches. The extent of this inhibition is concentration dependent. A clear reduction in Kir2.3 currents was seen at pHi 7.0, and channel activity was completely suppressed at pHi 6.2 with mid-point inhibition (pK) at pH 6.77. 4. The effect of low pHi on Kir2.3 currents was due to a strong inhibition of Po and a moderate suppression of single channel conductance. The pK values for these single channel properties were pH 6.78 and 6.67, respectively. 5. The decrease in Po with low pHi resulted from an increase in the channel mean closed time without significant changes in the mean open time. Substate conductance was not seen during low pHi. 6. Decrease in extracellular pH (pHo) also caused inhibition of single channel activity of Kir2.3 currents in excised outside-out patches. This effect, however, was clearly different from that of pHi: the pK (pH 6.70) was about 0.1 pH units lower; more than 50 % channel activity was retained at pHo 5.8; and low pHo affected mainly single channel conductance. 7. These results therefore indicate that (1) there are two distinct pH sensors in Kir2.3, (2) different mechanisms are involved in the modulation of Kir2.3 through these two pH sensors, and (3) cytosol-soluble factors do not appear to be engaged in this modulation.
C-peptide induces a concentration-dependent dilation of skeletal muscle arterioles only in presence of insulin

In this study we tested the hypothesis that C-peptide alone or in conjunction with insulin may cause a dilation of skeletal muscle arterioles. First-order arterioles (88 μm) isolated from rat crema...
An Inductor-Less Noise-Cancelling Broadband Low Noise Amplifier With Composite Transistor Pair in 90 nm CMOS Technology

A new broadband low-noise amplifier (LNA) is proposed in this paper. The LNA utilizes a composite NMOS/PMOS cross-coupled transistor pair to increase the amplification while reducing the noise figure. The introduced approach provides partial cancellation of noise generated by the input transistors, hence, lowering the overall noise figure. Theory, simulation and measurement results are shown in the paper. An implemented prototype using IBM 90 nm CMOS technology is evaluated using on-wafer probing and packaging. Measurements show a conversion gain of 21 dB across 2-2300 MHz frequency range, an IIP3 of -1.5 dBm at 100 MHz, and minimum and maximum noise figure of 1.4 dB and 1.7 dB from 100 MHz to 2.3 GHz for the on-wafer prototype. The LNA consumes 18 mW from 1.8 V supply and occupies an area of 0.06 mm2.
Multiphoton ionization vibrational state selection of H2O+, D2O+ and HDO+

Abstract We present a study of single color (2 + 1) resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) of H 2 O, D 2 O, and HDO via several Rydberg states lying in the energy range from 80 000 to 86 000 cm −1 . Photoelectron spectra (PES) show that the corresponding cations can be vibrationally state-selected for most vibrational states. The exception is the bend of H 2 O + and HDO + , where mixing in the REMPI intermediate level results in weak ion intensity and only ∼50% state purity.
Bayesian model averaging in meta-analysis: vitamin E supplementation and mortality.

Context The strength and relevance of a meta-analysis depends on the validity of the statistical methods used. Of special importance is appropriately assessing different sources of variability. Many studies including meta-analyses have evaluated the efficacy and safety of vitamin E and have yielded varying results. Illuminating and resolving these disparities requires addressing study variability and model uncertainty.Objective To describe Bayesian meta-analysis methods for combining data from clinical trials, using recent studies that analyzed the relationship between vitamin E dose and all-cause mortality.Data Sources Studies used in a previously published meta-analysis appended by studies identified by a search of MEDLINE from August 2004 to December 2005 using the MeSH terms vitamin e and alpha tocopherol.Study Selection Inclusion criteria: men and nonpregnant women; use of vitamin E alone or in combination with other vitamins or minerals; random allocation of participants to either vitamin E or a pla...
Latitudinal Differences in Coconut Foliar Spiral Direction: A Re-evaluation and Hypothesis☆

Abstract Davis and Davis (Mathematical Modelling8: 730–733, 1987) have previously concluded, based on data collected from 42 locations around the world, that the ratio of right-handed to left-handed palm trees (Cocos nuciferaL.) exhibits hemispheric differences: left-handed palms are in the majority in the Northern Hemisphere, and right-handed palms are in the majority in the Southern Hemisphere. Weighted and unweighted linear regression analyses of their data reveal that the skewing quotient [(left-handed—right-handed)/total] is better correlated with magnetic (dip) latitude than with geographic or geomagnetic (centred dipole) latitude. The hypothesis is advanced that latitude-dependent biases in foliar spiral direction may be associated with the temporally varying component of the earth's magnetic field. It is known that changes in the current strength of the ionospheric dynamo induce clockwise earth currents in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise earth currents in the Southern Hemisphere. The hypothesis is advanced that these earth currents, which are measurable in trees, bias the diffusion of auxin (or auxin transport proteins) in young embryos such that left-handed trees are produced preferentially in the Northern Hemisphere and right-handed in the Southern Hemisphere. Some tests of the Induced Current Hypothesis are proposed.
How optimized environmental sensing helps address information overload on the web

In this talk, we tackle a fundamental problem that arises when using sensors to monitor the ecological condition of rivers and lakes, the network of pipes that bring water to our taps, or the activities of an elderly individual when sitting on a chair: Where should we place the sensors in order to make effective and robust predictions?Such sensing problems are typically NP-hard, and in the past, heuristics without theoretical guarantees about the solution quality have often been used. In this talk, we present algorithms which efficiently find provably near-optimal solutions to large, complex sensing problems. Our algorithms are based on the key insight that many important sensing problems exhibit submodularity, an intuitive diminishing returns property: Adding a sensor helps more the fewer sensors we have placed so far. In addition to identifying most informative locations for placing sensors, our algorithms can handle settings, where sensor nodes need to be able to reliably communicate over lossy links, where mobile robots are used for collecting data or where solutions need to be robust against adversaries and sensor failures.We present results applying our algorithms to several real-world sensing tasks, including environmental monitoring using robotic sensors, activity recognition using a built sensing chair, and a sensor placement competition. We conclude with drawing an interesting connection between sensor placement for water monitoring and addressing the challenges of information overload on the web. As examples of this connection, we address the problem of selecting blogs to read in order to learn about the biggest stories discussed on the web, and personalizing content to turn down the noise in the blogosphere.
Hyperinsulinemia and Vascular Dysfunction: The Role of Nuclear Factor-κB, Yet Again

Syndromes of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance are accompanied by varying degrees of hyperinsulinemia. To date, a number of epidemiological studies have suggested that elevated levels of circulating insulin contribute independently to cardiovascular risk.1 2 It is not surprising, however, that some studies demonstrated no, or marginally increased, risk for cardiovascular complications,3 4 as it is clear that insulin is not the sole culprit. Other factors, such as hyperlipidemia and even intermittently elevated levels of blood glucose, are tightly linked to syndromes characterized by elevated levels of insulin. The key, therefore, to pinpointing the potentially adverse effects of insulin on the vessel wall concerns analysis of its effects on specific properties of vascular cells. In this issue of Circulation Research , Golovchenko et al5 have focused on the role of insulin in activation of the pleiotropic transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). This is a logical target, as evidence mounts to support a role for activation of NF-κB in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis,6 7 ischemia-reperfusion injury,8 9 and diabetes.10 11 For example, target genes of NF-κB, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, have long been speculated to participate in the earliest stages of atherogenesis. Indeed, RelA/p65, one of the components of NF-κB, has been identified within the nuclei of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and mononuclear phagocytes in human atheromata.12 The key question arises, therefore, what are the molecular triggers that switch on NF-κB in the vessel wall? In this context, a mixed bag of vascular-perturbing factors associated with diabetes and insulin resistance has already been linked to activation of NF-κB. For example, one consequence of hyperglycemia is the generation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs).13 Interaction of these products of nonenzymatic glycation/oxidation of proteins, with their …
COMPLICATIONS OF ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR

Complications are reported in 10.5% of shoulders undergoing rotator cuff repair, but little attention has been directed toward this aspect of the procedure. A total of 116 shoulders undergoing rotator cuff repair were studied carefully relative to complications and risk factors. Complications occurred in 44 of these shoulders (38%). A major surgical complication affecting the final result occurred in 19 shoulders (16%). In order of frequency, the complications of tendon healing were frozen shoulder, deep infection, and dislocation. Many risk factors were also identified.
Random sequencing of cDNAs and identification of mRNAs

Abstract As a first step toward developing a genomics-based research program to study growth and development of underground adventitious shoot buds of leafy spurge, we initiated a leafy spurge expressed sequence tag (EST) database. From the approximately 2,000 clones randomly isolated from a cDNA library made from a population containing growth-induced underground adventitious shoot buds, we have obtained ESTs for 1,105 cDNAs. Approximately 29% of the leafy spurge EST database consists of expressed genes of unknown identity (hypothetical proteins), and 10% represents ribosomal proteins. The remaining 60% of the database is composed of expressed genes that show BLASTX sequence identity scores of ≥ 80 with known GenBank accessions. Clones showing sequence identity to a Histone H3, a gibberellic acid-responsive gene, Tubulin, and a light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding protein were shown to be differentially expressed in underground adventitious shoot buds of leafy spurge after breaking of dormancy. RNA e...
Minimising Longest Edge for Closed Surface Construction from Unorganised 3D Point Sets

Given an unorganised 3D point set with just coordinate data, we formulate the problem of closed surface construction as one requiring minimisation of longest edge in triangles, a criterion derivable from Gestalt laws for shape perception. Next we define the Minimum Boundary Complex (BCmin), which resembles the desired surface Bmin considerably, by slightly relaxing the topological constraint to make it at least two triangles per edge instead of exactly two required by Bmin. A close approximation of BCmin can be computed fast using a greedy algorithm. This provides a very good starting shape which can be transformed by a few steps into the desired shape, close to Bmin. Our method runs in O(n log n) time, with Delaunay Graph construction as largest run-time factor. We show considerable improvement over previous methods, especially for sparse, non-uniform point spacing.