cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“The School of Life”: Differences in U.S. and Canadian Settlement Policies and Their Effect on Individual Haitian Immigrants’ Language Learning

A growing body of literature suggests that language proficiency in the main language of the destination country is one of the most significant factors in the integration of immigrants. This study examines the overall differences in U.S. and Canadian settlement policy, using the provision of language courses as a specific example of the ways in which adult immigrants are integrated into the host society. Eleven Haitian women in both countries were interviewed to compare the way in which participants accessed key settlement information and services. The findings reveal that Canadian-based participants were much more likely to cite professional institutions (“formal facilitators”) for referrals, whereas U.S.-based participants were more likely to learn from “informal facilitators.” The findings also highlight differences in access and completion rates of language classes. Implications for how national settlement policy affects individual immigrants and their language acquisition are analyzed in the discussion.
Suicide Intervention and Non–Ideal Kantian Theory

Philosophical discussions of the morality of suicide have tended to focus on its justifiability from an agent's point of view rather than on the justifiability of attempts by others to intervene so as to prevent it. This paper addresses questions of suicide intervention within a broadly Kantian perspective. In such a perspective, a chief task is to determine the motives underlying most suicidal behaviour. Kant wrongly characterizes this motive as one of self–love or the pursuit of happiness. Psychiatric and scientific evidence suggests that suicide is instead motivated by a nihilistic disenchantment with the possibility of happiness which, at its apex, results in the loss of the individual's conception of her practical identity. Because of this, methods of intervention that appeal to agents’ happiness, while morally benign, will prove ineffective in forestalling suicide. At the same time, more aggressive methods violate the Kantian concern for autonomy. This apparent dilemma can be resolved by seeing suicide intervention as an action undertaken in non–ideal circumstances, where otherwise unjustified manipulation, coercion, or paternalism are morally permitted.
Spreadsheet-based interactive graphics: from prototype to tool

The NoPumpG prototype [7,8] suggested that the spreadsheet model of computation could simplify the creation of some types of interactive graphical application when compared with other approaches. We report here experience in developing an enhanced follow-on system, NoPumpII, and describe three applications developed using it. We conclude that (1) the potential advantages of the spreadsheet model are realized in this application experience, (2) revisions to the prototype design have permitted an increase in the complexity and scale of applications, and (3) there remain limitations in the current design which, if redressed, would further enlarge the scope of application. More generally we conclude that alternative computational models are an important area of exploration for HCI research.
Relationship of Extensibility of Muscle Fibers to Tenderness of Beef

SUMMARY Greater muscle fiber extensibility in 1-in. steaks from 24 steers was closely related to higher shear force for both Longissimus dorsi and Biceps femoris muscles cooked to 100°C. At 61°C only L. dorsi showed this close relationship. Greater extensibility for both muscles was associated with lower scores (tougher meat) for softness to tooth pressure, ease of fragmentation and mealiness of muscle fibers at 100°C. At 61° C these relationships were not as marked for either muscle.
Structure of a (1→3)-α-d-glucan (pseudonigeran) of Aspergillus niger NNRL 326 cell wall

Abstract The structure of a fungal (1→3)-α- d -glucan, pseudonigeran (DP 330, [α] d 25 +252° in m sodium hydroxide), has been investigated by methylation, periodate oxidation, and partial acid hydrolysis. Pseudonigeran was isolated, by alkali extraction, in 4% yield from the mycellium of Aspergillus niger NNRL 326 together with small amounts of nigeran and other polysaccharides. Pseudonigeran was further purified through its acetate. Hydrolysis of the methylated pseudonigeran (1 mole) yielded 2,3,4,6-tetra- (1 mole) and 2,4,6-tri-O-methyl- d -glucose (330 moles). Periodate oxidation of reduced pseudonigeran, followed by reduction and partial acid hydrolysis yielded the corresponding degraded pseudonigeran, glycerol, and traces of 2-hydroxyethylidene acetal of glucosylerythritol, indicating the presence of about 1.4% of (1→4) linkages which are either present in pseudonigeran or arise from contaminating material. Partial acid hydrolysis yielded glucose, nigerose, nigerotriose, nigerotetraose, and nigeropentaose. The structure of pseudonigeran is discussed on the basis of these findings.
Comparison of Various Supersonic Turbine Tip Designs to Minimize Aerodynamic Loss and Tip Heating

The rotor tips of axial turbines experience high heat flux and are the cause of aerodynamic losses due to tip clearance flows, and in the case of supersonic tips, shocks. As stage loadings increase, the flow in the tip gap approaches and exceeds sonic conditions. This introduces effects such as shock-boundary layer interactions and choked flow that are not observed for subsonic tip flows that have been studied extensively in literature. This work simulates the tip clearance flow for a flat tip, a diverging tip gap and several contoured tips to assess the possibility of minimizing tip heat flux while maintaining a constant massflow from the pressure side to the suction side of the rotor, through the tip clearance. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code GlennHT was used for the simulations. Due to the strong favorable pressure gradients the simulations assumed laminar conditions in the tip gap. The nominal tip gap width to height ratio for this study is 6.0. The Reynolds number of the flow is 2.4 x 10(exp 5) based on nominal tip width and exit velocity. A wavy wall design was found to reduce heat flux by 5 percent but suffered from an additional 6 percent in aerodynamic loss coefficient. Conventional tip recesses are found to perform far worse than a flat tip due to severe shock heating. Overall, the baseline flat tip was the second best performer. A diverging converging tip gap with a hole was found to be the best choice. Average tip heat flux was reduced by 37 percent and aerodynamic losses were cut by over 6 percent.
Predicting Congressional Votes Based on Campaign Finance Data

The USA is witnessing a heavy debate about the influence of political campaign contributions and votes cast on the floor of the United States Congress. We contribute quantitative arguments to this predominantly qualitative discussion by analyzing a dataset of political campaign contributions. We validate that the campaign donations of politicians are mainly influenced by his or her political power and affiliation to a political party. Approaching the question of whether donations influence votes, we employ supervised learning techniques to classify how a politician will vote based solely upon from whom he or she received donations. The statistical significance of the results are assessed within the context of the debate currently surrounding campaign finance reform. Our experimental findings exhibit a large predictive power of the donations, demonstrating high informativeness of the donations with respect to voting outcomes. However, observing the slightly superior accuracy of the party line as a predictor, a causal relationship between donations and votes cannot be identified.
Cross sections of laser-induced collisional processes: Excitation transfer and charge transfer.

The standard theory for laser- (or light-) induced collisional processes is applied to excitation transfer and charge transfer. Detailed calculations are carried out for specific processes which have been studied experimentally, with good understanding resulting for most of the observed features. We study the variation in cross-section magnitude and line shape with transfer laser intensity, and find characteristic differences between the excitation-transfer and charge-transfer processes.
An Algebraic Algorithm for Microcomputer-Based (Direct) Inverter Pulsewidth Modulation

A new method of direct inverter pulsewidth modulation (PWM) is described. In this technique the pulsewidths are determined by equating the incremental areas of the reference signal with the output pulse areas. This PWM method is compared to conventional methods, such as the natural PWM and the regular PWM, which are based on geometrical constructions. Harmonic analysis shows that the direct PWM method has less harmonic distortion that the other methods. Moreover, this technique is particularly suitable for microprocessor-based implementation since the pulsewidths are computable in real time from simple analytic expressions. It is shown that the output pulsewidths are directly proportional to the reference amplitude and inversely proportional to frequency. Therefore, constant volts/hertz operations and other modes of operation can be implemented very simply with a minimal storage requirement.
Accurate image reconstruction in CT from projection data taken at few-views

Image reconstruction from few-view CT is of interest because of the potential to reduce scanning time and radiation dose. The challenge of few-view CT for image reconstruction is essentially a problem of interpolation from under-sampled data. Recently, a new algorithm for inverting the Fourier transform from under-sampled data has been developed by Candes et al. IEEE Trans. Inf. Theory , 52 489 (2006). This algorithm can be directly applied to image reconstruction in 2D parallel-beam CT because of the central slice theorem. This article presents a discussion of the new algorithm, showing examples for different degrees of under-sampling.
Increasing BMI and waist circumference and prevalence of obesity among adults with Type 2 diabetes: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

Abstract Objective Obesity remains one of the most important modifiable risk factors for the prevention of Type 2 diabetes and its related comorbid conditions. The aim of this study was to examine trends in average body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and obesity prevalence among adults with and without Type 2 diabetes. Methods Information on BMI and waist circumference among 4162 adults with and 40,376 adults without Type 2 diabetes was obtained from the National Health and Examination Surveys completed during years 1976–2006. Mean BMI, waist circumference and prevalence of total obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 ) and obesity stage III (BMI ≥40 kg/m 2 ) were determined by survey periods after adjustment for the survey period weights and age standardization to the US 2000 Census. Means and proportions between first and last survey periods were compared using Z scores. Results During this 20-year period, mean BMI increased from 29.2 kg/m 2 to 34.2 kg/m 2 among adults with Type 2 diabetes and from 25.2 kg/m 2 to 28.1 kg/m 2 among adults without diabetes ( P P Conclusions Obesity prevalence is rising rapidly among adults with and without Type 2 diabetes. This has important implications for the likely growth of the population with Type 2 diabetes and diabetes related comorbid conditions.
Measurement of the total collisional ionization rates of Ne VI, VII and VIII

The total collisional ionization rates of neon VI, VII and VIII have been measured in a time-evolving theta-pinch plasma. The method used was to calculate the expected emission from the plasma using the measured time- and space-dependent electron density (1016-1017 cm-3) and temperature (120-400 eV). The semi-empirical ionization rates of Kunze and Lotz were used in the calculation and were adjusted, by multiplying with a constant, so that the predicted photon emission matched the observed line emission. The multiplicative factors, with estimated errors, required for best fit are: for neon VI, 0.15+or-0.1; for neon VII, 0.4+or-0.2; and for neon VIII, 0.7+or-0.25.
Comparing block matching algorithms

Motion estimation plays an important role in real-time video coding because it can improve compression efficiency greatly. Block matching algorithms are popular in motion estimation. The full search algorithm is the most obvious and simplistic block matching algorithm, but its high computational cost limits its practical use. Many fast algorithms are constantly proposed. Fast algorithms can greatly reduce the computation by only searching selected positions in the search window. In this paper, several block matching algorithms (including FS, TSS, TDL, and CS) are introduced and compared by compute simulation. Experiment results show that the full search algorithm provides high compression with low distortion, but it costs much time; fast algorithms reduce the computational time significantly while suffer performance loss; the three-step search algorithm is the most practicably algorithm in the fast algorithms.
Visual search and visual lobe size: can training on one affect the other?

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to explore the transfer of training between visual lobe measurement tasks and visual search tasks. Experiment 1 showed positive transfer of visual lobe and search tasks to a criterion visual lobe task. Experiment 2 demonstrated that lobe practice improved the visual lobe, which in turn resulted in improved search performance. In the third experiment, the transfer between different target types and sets was explored on a simulated aircraft inspection task. Lobe training on a fault transferred to search for other faults within the same set, but not greatly between sets. The implication is that visual lobe practice on carefully chosen targets can provide an effective training strategy in visual search and inspection. Relevance to industry Results obtained from this research will help us in devising superior training strategies for a whole range of tasks that have a visual search component (e.g., industrial inspection, military target acquisition). Use of these training strategies will ultimately lead to superior search performance.
A preliminary survey of relict shoreface-attached sand ridges in Western Lake Superior

Abstract High-resolution multibeam and seismic reflection surveying in western Lake Superior, near the outflow of the Amnicon River, Wisconsin, has shown that the nearshore lake floor appears to consist of till with no recent sediment cover. This surface is partially obscured 3 km offshore by a series of low relief, elongate, sand ridges that are arranged in an en echelon pattern at an oblique angle to the present day shoreline. They are extensively gullied suggesting that they are not presently active. Two sets of elongate features can be identified. The features in first group, Group I, are over 0.5 km wide, rise 3–5 m above the surrounding lake floor and are over 2 km long. The features belonging to the second set, Group II, are not as well developed and are typically smaller than those in Group I. Group II features are typically 0.2–0.3 km wide, 0.4–1.6 km long and rise 1–3 m above the surrounding lake floor. The most striking difference between the groups is the difference in their orientation with respect to the shoreline. The Group I features run NE–SW while the Group II features are directed approximately N–S. The shoreline runs approximately ENE–WSW so the features in both cases ‘open’ northeast. The Group I features are believed to be relict drowned shoreface-attached sand ridges that formed when the lake level lay over 10 m below its present day level. These sand ridges formed as the result of currents, associated with strong northeasterly gales, moving the abundant sediment eroded off the shore. The smaller Group II features are believed to be sub-aqueous sand dunes that developed transverse to bottom currents produced by the northeasterly gales. No dates have been obtained for the sand ridges. Based upon their depth and the lake level history curve for Lake Superior we suggest that the ridges formed either 6500–6000 bp , prior to the Nipissing highstand.
Binding and insertion of α-helical anti-microbial peptides in POPC bilayers studied by molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract We have performed molecular dynamics simulations of the interactions of two α-helical anti-microbial peptides, magainin2 and its synthetic analog of MSI-78, with palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) lipid bilayers. We used various initial positions and orientations of the peptide with respect to the lipid bilayer, including a surface-bound state parallel to the interface, a trans-membrane state, and a partially inserted state. Our 20 ns long simulations show that both magainin2 and MSI-78 are most stable in the lipid environment, with the peptide destabilized to different extents in both aqueous and lipid/water interfacial environments. We found that there are strong specific interactions between the lysine residues of the peptides and the lipid head-group regions. MSI-78, owing to its large number of lysines, shows better binding characteristics and overall stability when compared to magainin2. We also find that both peptides destabilize the bilayer environment, as observed by the increase in lipid tail disorder and the induction of local curvature on the lipid head-groups by the peptides. From all the simulations, we conclude that the hydrogen bonding interactions between the lysines of the peptides and the oxygens of the polar lipid head-groups are the strongest and determine the overall peptide binding characteristics to the lipids.
Temperature-dependent dynamics of the villin headpiece helical subdomain, an unusually small thermostable protein.

Abstract 15N spin relaxation experiments were used to measure the temperature-dependence of protein backbone conformational fluctuations in the thermostable helical subdomain, HP36, of the F-actin-binding headpiece domain of chicken villin. HP36 is the smallest domain of a naturally occurring protein that folds cooperatively to a compact native state. Spin–lattice, spin–spin, and heteronuclear nuclear Overhauser effect relaxation data for backbone amide 15N spins were collected at five temperatures in the range of 275–305 K. The data were analyzed using a model-free formalism to determine generalized order parameters, S, that describe the distribution of N–H bond vector orientations in a molecular reference frame. A novel parameter, Λ = dln (1−S)/ dln T is introduced to characterize the temperature-dependence of S. An average value of Λ=4.5 is obtained for residues in helical conformations in HP36. This value of Λ is not reproduced by model potential energy functions commonly used to parameterize S. The maximum entropy principle was used to derive a new model potential function that reproduces both S and Λ. Contributions to the entropy, Sr, and heat capacity, Cpr, from reorientational conformational fluctuations were analyzed using this potential energy function. Values of Sr show a qualitative dependence on S similar to that obtained for the diffusion-in-a-cone model; however, quantitative differences of up to 0.5k, in which k is the Boltzmann constant, are observed. Values of Cpr approach zero for small values of S and approach k for large values of S; the largest values of Cpr are predicted to occur for intermediate values of S. The results suggest that backbone dynamics, as probed by relaxation measurements, make very little contribution to the heat capacity difference between folded and unfolded states for HP36.
GENE EXPRESSION MECHANISMS DURING HYPOXIA IN THE FETAL GUINEA PIG BRAIN.† 369

Initiation and elongation steps of messenger RNA synthesis are controlled by the activity of RNA polymerase II. The present study tests the hypothesis that tissue hypoxia alters RNA polymerase II activity in the cerebral cortex of fetal guinea pig brain. Twelve pregnant guinea pigs were exposed to 21%(n=6)or 7% (n=6) oxygen for 60 min. Brain cell nuclei were isolated from the cortex of normoxic and hypoxic guinea pig fetuses at term. RNA polymerase activity was determined in a medium containing isolated nuclei, 40 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.9) 25 mM ammonium sulphate, 2 mM MgCl2, 1.5 mM MnCl2, 0.3 mM ATP, 0.3 mM GTP, 0.3 mM CTP and 1 μCi 3H-UTP. Under these conditions the activity of all three RNA polymerases (bound form) are expressed. RNA polymerase activity was determined in the presence of dA-dT(RNA polymerase free form) and α-amanitin (RNA Polymerase II-amanitin sensitive, and RNA polymerase I + III-amanitin insensitive). In the normoxic brain nuclei, RNA polymerase II and I+III activities were: bound form, 62.9± 5.6, and 141.9 ± 9.4 pmoles/mg protein/hr; free form, 105.64± 8.4, and 45.9 ± 6.4 pmoles/mg protein/hr. In the hypoxic brain nuclei, RNA polymerase II and I+III activities were as follows: (bound form, 95.9 ± 6.9, and 152.4 ± 11.2 pmoles/mg protein/hr; free form, 50.0 ± 5.4, and 10.4 ± 4.2 pmoles/mg protein/hr. The results show that while there is a significant decrease in the RNA polymerase II and I+III (free form) activity in the hypoxic brain nuclei (p<0.005), there is a significant increase in RNA polymerase II activity (bound form) as compared to normoxic group (p<0.005). These data suggest that brain tissue hypoxia alters the activity and distribution of of RNA polymerases. We conclude that increased activity of RNA polymerase II (bound form) may increase the transcriptional activity and is a potential mechanism of hypoxia-induced alteration of gene expression. (Funded by NIH-HD-20337, MOD #6-FY94-0135, UCPR 506-93)
PRENATALLY DETECTED PRIMARY MEGAURETER: A ROLE FOR EXTENDED FOLLOWUP

ABSTRACT Purpose: A high rate of spontaneous resolution of or decrease in urinary tract dilatation is expected for most cases of primary megaureter (PM). We analyzed our results with extended long-term nonsurgical treatment in a group of children diagnosed with prenatally detected PM. We also sought to determine the long-term safety of this approach and the clinical significance of residual hydroureteronephrosis (HUN) when complete resolution does not occur. Materials and Methods: We reviewed our experience with 40 infants with prenatally detected hydronephrosis diagnosed as PM who were initially treated nonoperatively between 1986 and 1999. Patients were followed with ultrasonography, nuclear renography and, in some instances, excretory urogram until stable improvement or complete resolution of HUN was noted. Records for patients who specifically returned for long-term followup history and radiological imaging were also reviewed. Results: Of 40 patients with 57 megaureters (17 with bilateral PMs) who were followed 4 infants (10%) with severe HUN were diagnosed with diminished renal function by nuclear renography and underwent surgical repair. A total of 27 infants (67.5%, 40 megaureters) with PM who were followed without surgical intervention returned for followup examination and imaging for a minimum of 24 months after initial diagnosis, for a mean of 6.8 years (range 24 to 210 months). Ultrasonography in these patients revealed complete resolution (Society for Fetal Urology grade 1 or less hydronephrosis) in 21 megaureters (52.5%) at a mean of 2.9 years and improved or stable HUN in 19 megaureters (47.5%). Antibiotic prophylaxis was administered to 12 patients beyond the first month of life and discontinued at a mean age of 19.9 months. A subgroup of 10 patients (16 megaureters) from this cohort returned for extended followup imaging at a mean of 13.4 years (range 84 to 210 months) following initial diagnosis. Four patients with documented resolution of HUN had no recurrence during long-term followup. One male with bilateral PMs diagnosed at birth that had been stable but were not resolved at 8-year followup suffered significant worsening in the degree of HUN, diminished renal function on 1 side and a renal stone on the contralateral renal unit at 14-year followup, despite remaining asymptomatic. Conclusions: Long-term followup of children with prenatally diagnosed PM with mild to moderate hydronephrosis confirms a high incidence of resolution and improvement. As we have documented 1 case of worsening HUN at 14-year followup, we believe that ultrasonography should be periodically continued until the child reaches adulthood, at least in instances where complete resolution of HUN is not documented.
The relationship among communication network roles, job stress, and burnout in educational organizations

This study examined the relationship among communication network roles, job stress, and burnout. Network roles were determined by frequent, multiplex, and reciprocal communication linkages. Based on their location in the informal network, subjects were assigned the communication role of isolate, dyad member, group member, or linker. Isolates reported significantly less stress and burnout than dyad members, group members, or linkers. Dyad members reported significantly less stress than group members and less burnout than linkers. Group members reported significantly less burnout than linkers. These findings, and their implications for understanding the communication‐job stress‐burnout process, are discussed.
A computer-aided box stacking model for truck transport and pallets

Abstract This paper presents a practical engineering application of the use of spatial data structures to model an otherwise complicated problem. The paper explains the techniques used for the geometrical modeling of patterns composed of rectangular boxes. These patterns are used in the actual stacking of boxes into trucks. The paper discusses the special method of application of the spatial occupancy technique of solid modeling for stacking the given boxes in the desired arrangements. The stacking patterns are represented as quasi-disjoint solid models made up of individual solids (boxes). The paper also explains the developed algorithms which include a packing algorithm, an algorithm for database generation, a solid modeling algorithm and a graphics display algorithm. All programs are implemented on a microcomputer.
Thyroid hormone concentrations in dogs with chronic weight loss, with special reference to cancer cachexia.

Serum concentrations of thyroxine (T4), 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (fT4), and free 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (fT3) were compared between tumor-bearing dogs (with and without chronic weight loss) and non-tumor-bearing dogs (with and without chronic weight loss) (n = 83). Serum T4, T3, and fT3 concentrations were lower (P < .05) in dogs with weight loss, whether or not they were tumor-bearing, than in dogs without weight loss. Serum fT4 concentrations did not vary among the groups. Serum albumin concentrations were lower (P < .05) in cachectic dogs than in dogs not experiencing weight loss, regardless of their tumor-bearing status. Percentage of weight loss was found to be associated (P < .05) with T4, T3, and fT3 concentrations. It appears that the low thyroid hormone concentrations are related to either an abnormal nutritional state or to the severity of illness, rather than to a tumor-related phenomenon.
The Seventh Star: Dorothy Ford Buschmann and the Founding of Sigma Theta Tau

Several women from the Indiana University Training School for Nurses founded Sigma Theta Tau in 1922. While the legend identifies six student founders, this historical study examined the contributions of Dorothy Charlotte Ford Buschmann (1895-1953), a key advisor whom some might consider the seventh
Strength Evaluation and Fatigue Prediction of a Pressurized Thick-Walled Cylinder

By design, a large caliber gun barrel routinely operates closer to its fatigue envelope than virtually any other device. The lifetime of a gun barrel is limited by bore damage and by fatigue crack growth, which depends crucially upon near-bore thermal damage arising from initial firing, the thermomechanical basis for early cracking and subsequent loss of liner material. The proper understanding and prediction of the strength and fatigue failure of a pressurized thick cylinder is an important prerequisite for any reliable application. In this paper, an analysis of two-dimensional stresses in a thick walled pressurized cylinder using an analytical method followed by fatigue calculation was performed. The effects of wall thickness and internal firing pressure, considering the material properties, on the stress distribution were investigated. This analytical method of stress analysis can be used as a valuable tool for evaluating strength and predicting failure phenomena of a large caliber gun barrel.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Regular tracheostomy tube changes to prevent formation of granulation tissue.

Objectives/Hypothesis Tracheostomy is a commonly performed operative procedure that has been described since 2000 b.c. The early indications for tracheostomy were for upper airway obstruction, usually occurring in young people as a result of an infectious process. Recently, tracheostomies are more commonly performed in the critically ill patient to assist in long-term ventilatory support. Granulation tissue at the stoma and the trachea has been described as a late complication resulting in bleeding, drainage, and difficulty with maintaining mechanical ventilatory support. Study Design The present report is of an observational study of a newly implemented policy that required regular changing of tracheostomy tubes. Comparable groups of patients were compared before and after this procedural change to document complications. Data collection consisted of chart reviews of all admissions for 1 year before the policy change and the subsequent 2 years. Complication rates were compared using standard statistical techniques. Methods A policy change was instituted that required all tracheostomy tubes to be changed every 2 weeks in conjunction with a detailed evaluation of the tracheostomy stoma. Charts were reviewed the year before the change in policy and in the subsequent 2 years to determine the incidence of granulation tissue requiring operative intervention. Results The number of patients requiring surgical intervention secondary to granulation tissue showed a statistically significant decrease (P = .02). A review of policies and procedures from the six largest hospitals in southeastern Michigan had no recommendations for routine tracheostomy tube changes. Conclusions A policy requiring a routine change of tracheostomy tubes results in fewer complications from granulation tissue. Tracheostomy tube changes to prevent granulation tissue and its complications.
Evidence on the dynamics of unemployment by gender

We present empirical evidence regarding unemployment dynamics for women and men in eight OECD countries. Unit-root tests are used to examine the unemployment dynamics of women and men. Failure to reject the unit-root hypothesis is consistent with unemployment hysteresis. Rejection of the unit-root hypothesis indicates that unemployment dynamics are best explained by the natural rate of unemployment or the structuralist view. We find evidence of gender differences in unemployment dynamics in Canada, Germany and the US, but not in other countries. While there are some differences in the extent of persistence across gender and across countries, the degree of persistence for both female and male unemployment rates is fairly low in all countries. Our results, therefore, contrast with substantial empirical evidence of high levels of unemployment persistence in European countries.
Trees are almost prime

Let S"n denote the graph on {1,...,n} in which two numbers are adjacent if and only if they are coprime. Around 1980 Entringer conjectured that S"n contains every tree of order n as a subgraph. Here we show that this conjecture is true for all n=<50. Further positive evidence is provided by our main result that S"n contains every tree of order (1-o(1))n.
Structure-critical distribution of aromatic residues in the fibronectin type III protein family.

Over a thousand individual Fibronectin type III (FnIII) domain sequences, extracted from more than 60 different FnIII-dependent protein super-structures, were downloaded from curated database resources. Three regions of extreme sequence conservation within the well-characterized FnIII β-sandwich structure were respectively defined by near absolute conservation of a tryptophan (Trp) in β-strand-B, tyrosines (Tyr) in both β-strand-C and β-strand-F, and a leucine (Leu) residue in the unstructured region immediately preceding β-strand-F. Employing these four conserved landmarks, the entire FnIII sequence dataset was vertically registered to align the three conserved regions, and the cumulative distribution of all other amino acid functionality was determined and plotted relative to these landmark residues. Conserved aromatic sites were each found to be flanked by aliphatic residues that assure localization of these sites to the inaccessible hydrophobic interface between major sheet structures. Mapping the location of conserved aromatic sites in numerous PDB structures demonstrated the consistent pair-wise co-localization of the indole side-chain of the conserved strand-B Trp site to within 0.35 nm of the phenolic side-chain of the strand-C Tyr site located 8–14 amino acids distal. Likewise, the side-chain of the strand-F Tyr site co-localized to within 0.45 nm of the aliphatic side-chain of the conserved Leu that uniformly precedes it by six residues. While classic hydropathy-based theories would deem the “burying” of Tyr and Trp side-chains and/or their association with hydrophobic FnIII core residues thermodynamically unnecessary, alternative contributions of conserved Trp and Tyr residues, and particularly the role of the absolutely conserved tyrosine phenolic –OH in native FnIII structure–function are considered. A more global role for conserved FnIII aromaticity is also discussed in light of the aromatic conservation observed in other well-established protein families.
RASGOS ESQUELETALES DE ADAPTACIÓN AL CLIMA Y A LA ACTIVIDAD ENTRE LOS HABITANTES ABORÍGENES DE TIERRA DEL FUEGO

RESUMEN Al momento de contacto con los europeos, existian dos grupos humanos que ocupaban Tierra del Fuego, presentando diferentes estrategias de subsistencia: los yamana a lo largo de las costas oeste y sur de la isla, y los selk’nam en el interior. Estas poblaciones, que soportaron uno de los climas mas frios de Sudamerica, representan una valiosa oportunidad para estudiar tanto sus adaptaciones a largo plazo al clima, como aquellas a corto plazo relativas a sus actividades habituales. Estos distintos patrones de subsistencia permiten predecir diferentes robus-teces y morfologia de las diaﬁ sis en los huesos largos de extremidades superiores e inferiores. Debido al clima, los niveles de robustez de extremidades y articulaciones, asi como sus proporciones corporales, deberian ser similares a aquellos grupos humanos adaptados al frio.Existen escasos restos esqueletales de miembros de estos grupos en Norte America y Europa. La muestra analizada corresponde a 14 esqueletos selk’nam y 6 yamana, pertenecientes a museos de Argentina y Chile, la que fue incrementada con datos relevados de publicaciones. Se calcularon y compararon los indices de robustez de las diaﬁ sis y epiﬁ sis de los huesos largos, el ancho relativo bi-iliaco y la proporcion AP/ML medial de las diaﬁ sis. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que los fueguinos presentan huesos largos extremadamente robustos y pelvis relati-vamente anchas, similares a la mayor parte de las poblaciones recientes adaptadas al frio. Sin embargo, cuando los conjuntos se estratiﬁ caron por sexo, no se encontraron diferencias signiﬁ cativas entre las extremidades superiores e inferiores, ni tampoco entre los indices pilastrico y platicnemico. Debe por tanto tenerse cuidado en la interpretacion de dichos rasgos, toda vez que la literatura etnograﬁ ca senala diferencias entre las actividades de ambos grupos, pero sus esqueletos no las maniﬁ estan.
Expression of nm23-H1 in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and adenocarcinoma

The product of the nm23-H1 gene has been reported to be related to the metastatic potential of several tumors. Although several studies have characterized the expression of the nm23-H1 gene product in prostatic adenocarcinoma, little is known of the expression of this protein in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), a putative precancerous lesion. The authors used immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of the nm23-H1 protein in PIN as well as benign and malignant prostatic tissue. A monoclonal antibody to nm23-H1 (Novocastra, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, clone 37.6) and a biotin/strepavidin detection system were used for antigen localization. Weak to moderate immunostaining was consistently detected in the benign glandular epithelium of 28 radical prostatectomy specimens. In contrast, strong immunostaining was detected in the glandular epithelium in PIN lesions of 19 radical prostatectomy specimens examined. Strong immunostaining was also frequently detected in the malignant cells of 39 localized prostatic adenocarcinomas, as well as 7 metastatic lesions. These findings show a phenotypic similarity of PIN to prostatic adenocarcinoma with respect to nm23-H1 expression. Furthermore, strong expression of nm23-H1 likely represents an early event in the development of prostatic adenocarcinoma.
Pharmacodynamic Measurement of Percutaneous Penetration Enhancement In Vivo

Enhanced skin penetration of hexyl nicotinate was measured in human subjects using laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV). The local pharmacodynamic response (vasodilatation) to hexyl nicotinate permitted the kinetics and extent of penetration to be evaluated following topical application of 10 mM drug in a 60:40 v/v propylene glycol: isopropyl alcohol vehicle. Prior to hexyl nicotinate administration, the application site was either untreated (control) or subjected to one of four 30-min pretreatments: (a) occlusion with a polypropylene chamber; (b) occlusion (as in a) in the presence of 0.3 mL of the vehicle; (c) occlusion (as in a) in the presence of 0.3 mL of the vehicle containing 25% 2-pyrrolidone; and (d) occlusion (as in a) in the presence of 0.3 mL of the vehicle containing 25% laurocapram (1-dodecylhexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one). The time-course and magnitude of the LDV response were characterized by the onset of action, time to peak, peak height, and area under the curve (AUC). The onset of action and time to peak were significantly shortened, and the peak height and AUC significantly increased with pretreatments a-d. For example, time to peak values were 35 +/- 4, 29 +/- 3, 22 +/- 5, 19 +/- 4, and 17 +/- 4 min for control and pretreatments a-d, respectively (n = 8). Pretreatments with vehicle, vehicle plus 2-pyrrolidone, and vehicle plus laurocapram did not cause LDV-detectable alterations in skin blood flow. The data support, therefore, a novel, simple, noninvasive, and objective demonstration of enhanced skin penetration of hexyl nicotinate in humans.
Using resource-bonded sensing in telerobotics

Investigates the use of resource-bounded sensing to increase the performance of telerobotic systems. By examining the role of sensing in telerobotics, the authors isolate several desirable sensing functions to be performed. They then review the state of the art in sensor data fusion and point out some of the limitations of current technology, particularly for use in unstructured environments. Methods more suitable for unstructured environments require information about the goals of the operator. They also describe what information the operator must supply, and how it may be entered into the system. >
Embracing Structural Nonidealities and Asymmetries in Two-Dimensional Nanomechanical Resonators

Mechanical exfoliation is a convenient and effective approach to deriving two-dimensional (2D) nanodevices from layered materials; but it is also generally perceived as unpreferred as it often yields devices with structural irregularities and nonidealities. Here we show that such nonidealities can lead to new and engineerable features that should be embraced and exploited. We measure and analyze high frequency nanomechanical resonators based on exfoliated 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) structures, and focus on investigating the effects of structural nonidealities and asymmetries on device characteristics and performance. In high and very high frequency (HF/VHF) vibrating MoS2 devices based on diaphragms of ~2−5 μm in size, structural nonidealities in shape, boundary, and geometric symmetry all appear not to compromise device performance, but lead to robust devices exhibiting new multimode resonances with characteristics that are inaccessible in their ‘ideal’ counterparts. These results reveal that the seemingly irregular and nonideal 2D structures can be exploited and engineered for new designs and functions.
Expanded Explorations into the Optimization of an Energy Function for Protein Design

Nature possesses a secret formula for the energy as a function of the structure of a protein. In protein design, approximations are made to both the structural representation of the molecule and to the form of the energy equation, such that the existence of a general energy function for proteins is by no means guaranteed. Here, we present new insights toward the application of machine learning to the problem of finding a general energy function for protein design. Machine learning requires the definition of an objective function, which carries with it the implied definition of success in protein design. We explored four functions, consisting of two functional forms, each with two criteria for success. Optimization was carried out by a Monte Carlo search through the space of all variable parameters. Cross-validation of the optimized energy function against a test set gave significantly different results depending on the choice of objective function, pointing to relative correctness of the built-in assumptions. Novel energy cross terms correct for the observed nonadditivity of energy terms and an imbalance in the distribution of predicted amino acids. This paper expands on the work presented at the 2012 ACM-BCB.
Modes of Vibration in Piezo-Electric Crystals

The presence of nodes and antinodes on the surface of oscillating quartz crystals have been discovered. The symmetrical arrangement of these nodal points permits a study of the modes of vibration in the crystal plate and the use of the following formulas for determination of the velocity of sound waves through quartz and Young's modulus. V = F2T e= V2D. where V is the velocity, F the frequency, T the thickness of the plate, e Young's modulus and D the density. The value obtained for V was 5733 meters per second while 8.785X1011C. G. S. units represents Young's modulus for plane parallel to X-axis dimension.
Target Volume Delineation in Oropharyngeal Cancer: Impact of PET, MRI and Physical Examination

Introduction Sole utilization of computed tomography (CT) scans in gross tumor volume (GTV) delineation for head-and-neck cancers is subject to inaccuracies. This study aims to evaluate contributions of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and physical examination (PE) to GTV delineation in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Methods Forty-one patients with OPC were studied. All underwent contrast-enhanced CT simulation scans (CECTs) that were registered with pretreatment PETs and MRIs. For each patient, three sets of primary and nodal GTV were contoured. First, reference GTVs (GTVref) were contoured by the treating radiation oncologist (RO) using CT, MRI, PET, and PE findings. Additional GTVs were created using fused CT/PET scans (GTVctpet) and CT/MRI scans (GTVctmr) by two other ROs blinded to GTVref. To compare GTVs, concordance indices (CI) were calculated by dividing the respective overlap volumes by overall volumes. To evaluate the contribution of PE, composite GTVs derived from CT, MRI, and PET (GTVctpetmr) were compared with GTVref. Results For primary tumors, GTVref was significantly larger than GTVctpet and GTVctmr ( p p = 0.39), there was poor concordance between them (CI = 0.62). In addition, although CI (ctpetmr vs. ref) was low, it was significantly higher than CI (ctpet vs. ref) and CI (ctmr vs. ref) ( p 0.75), indicating that although the modalities were complementary, the added benefit was small in the context of CECTs. In addition, PE did not aid greatly in nodal GTV delineation. Conclusion PET and MRI are complementary and combined use is ideal. However, the low CI (ctpetmr vs. ref) particularly for primary tumors underscores the limitations of defining GTVs using imaging alone. PE is invaluable and must be incorporated.
Dynamic cellular modeling for continuous fermentation

This paper presents the results of an experimental study intended to compare dynamic process modeling techniques for a continuous fermentation system. We consider a lumped parameter parametric model based on the ideal chemostat and a nonparametric empirical Volterra series model. We compare the dynamic cell mass predictions from each model form to that obtained experimentally for a complex Escherichia coli fermentation system and discuss the results.
An eye-tracking study assessing the comprehension of c++ and Python source code

A study to assess the effect of programming language on student comprehension of source code is presented, comparing the languages of C++ and Python in two task categories: overview and find bug tasks. Eye gazes are tracked while thirty-eight students complete tasks and answer questions. Results indicate no significant difference in accuracy or time, however there is a significant difference reported on the rate at which students look at buggy lines of code. These results start to provide some direction as to the effect programming language might have in introductory programming classes.
A multivariate quadrature based moment method for supersonic combustion modeling

The joint probability density function (PDF) of thermochemical variables can be used for accurately computing the combustion source term. Quadrature based methods provide a computationally ecient and robust approach for estimating the PDF. The direct quadrature method of moments (DQMOM) is well suited for multivariate problems like combustion. Numerical implementation of DQMOM however leads to errors in estimating the PDF. In this work, a new quadrature based approach called semi-discrete quadrature method of moments (SeQMOM) that overcomes this problem is developed. A decoupling procedure allows extension of this method to multivariate problems. SeQMOM is then used for studying an experimental Mach 2.2 supersonic cavity based combustor. Development of predictive models for supersonic combustion is a critical step in design and development