cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal stability and patterning of speech movement sequences

In order to examine the stability and patterning of speech movement sequences, movements of the lip were recorded as subjects produced a phrase at normal, fast, and slow rates. Three methods of analysis were employed. First, a new index of spatiotemporal stability was derived by summing the standard deviations computed across amplitude- and time-normalized displacement records. This index indicated that normal and fast rates of speech production result in more stable movement execution compared to slow rates. In the second analysis, the relative time of occurrence of the peak velocity of the three middle opening movements of the utterance was measured. For each of the three peaks, the preservation of relative timing was assessed by applying Genter's (1987) slope test. The results clearly indicate that the relative timing of these events does not remain constant across changes in speech rate. The relative timing of the middle opening gestures shifted, becoming later as utterance duration increased. In a third analysis, pattern recognition techniques were applied to the normalized displacement waveforms. A classification algorithm was highly successful in sorting waveforms into normal, fast, and slow rate conditions. These findings were interpreted to suggest that, within a subject, three distinct patterns or movement templates exist, one for each rate of production. Speech rate appears to be a global parameter, one that affects the entire command sequence for the utterance.
Measurement of positron reemission from thin single-crystal W(100) films

Epitaxial thin single-crystal (100) tungsten films 1000, 2500, and 5000 A\r{} thick have been fabricated by high-vacuum electron-beam evaporation. These films were subsequently used as thin-film moderators for the study of the positron-transmission-reemission process with a variable-energy (0--80 keV) monoenergetic positron beam in an ultrahigh-vacuum system. The films were shown to be routinely cleanable by heating first in oxygen (${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}6}$ Torr) and then in vacuum (${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}9}$ Torr). Transmission and back reemission of slow positrons from these surfaces was observed. The positron work function, ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{+}$ has been determined to be \ensuremath{\simeq}3.0 eV (\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 eV). The transmission slow positrons were emitted in a narrow cone with a full width at half maximum of \ensuremath{\simeq}30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} consistent with the angular distribution of back-reemission positrons. The reemitted yields as a function of incident positron energy were found to be very different between forward reemission and back reemission. The maximum forward-reemission yields were 18% for 1000-A\r{}-thick W film and 12% for 2500-A\r{}-thick W film at 5 and 10 keV optimum incident positron energies, respectively. These results show that one can use thin single-crystal tungsten films as positron moderators or remoderators.
Parallel operation of digital controlled modified sine wave inverters

This paper proposes a method to parallel N digital controlled low cost modified sine wave inverters with current sharing capabilities. Existing current sharing methods used to parallel pure sine wave inverters and DC-DC converters cannot be applied directly to modified sine wave inverters because of possible circulating currents. The proposed method utilizes switch signal synchronization with dead time control to eliminate circulating current, implements digital compensator with on/off control to improve the dynamic response of the first stage DC-DC converter, and adopts a “piecewise” master-slave current sharing strategies to achieve equal current distribution. A prototype is designed, built, and tested.
Image forces and shielding effects of a screw dislocation near a finite-length crack

Abstract Some confusion in the literature about the interaction between a screw dislocation and a finite-length crack is clarified. It makes a difference whether the dislocation is emitted from the crack or comes from elsewhere. For example, both the image force and the shielding effect are always larger for a dislocation emitted from the crack than for the same dislocation originating elsewhere. They become equal only if the crack is very long (semi-infinite). Furthermore, the shielding effect is finite for the dislocation which is emitted from the crack and moved far away. It would be zero if the dislocation is not emitted from the crack. These and other details are presented.
Recurrent high output chyle fistula post neck dissection resolution with conservative management.

Objective To present a unique case of neck dissection with intraoperative chyle leak and subsequent recurrent high output chyle fistula treated with conservative management. Study design Case report. Methods Literature review of intra-operative chyle leak and post operative chyle fistula management with discussion of a recent representative case within our health system. Results We present a case of a 35 year old male who underwent a total laryngectomy and bilateral selective neck dissection for a T4N1 Stage IVA Squamous cell carcinoma of the right supraglottis. Intraoperatively, a chyle leak was identified and surgical measures and fibrin sealant were used to control the leak with a negative fistula test at the completion of the dissection. On post operative day 4, a chyle fistula was identified with a peak output of 2.4 liters over 24 hours. The patient was treated with conservative non-operative measures and the output decreased daily. He was discharged on post operative day 22 with a drainage tube in place, which was removed on post operative day 26. He subsequently developed a recurrence of this fistula on post operative day 37, which was treated conservatively and resolved on post operative day 45. Conclusions High output recurrent chyle fistula may be managed conservatively even if it persists greater than 10 days or output is greater then 2L over 24 hours if the chyle output is responding appropriately and the patient's volume and nutritional status are closely monitored.
Business‐to‐business online auctions: key issues for purchasing process improvement

Describes the process for conducting downward price business‐to‐business online auctions over the Internet for direct material purchasing and presents common issues, process improvement opportunities, and the interpretation of auction results. Comparisons are made between online auctions and traditional procurement process. Also discussed are stakeholder reactions and the organizational issues generated when online auctions are introduced to traditional purchasing organizations, as well as the benefits to buyers and sellers. The author proposes that online auctions will delay the adoption of modern supply chain management methods and the implementation of lean production that are needed by both buyers and suppliers in order to truly eliminate waste and reduce total costs.
Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase-Catalyzed, Phosphate-Independent Hydrolysis of 2-Amino-6-mercapto-7-methylpurine Ribonucleoside

Abstract In the presence of 1 mM phosphate, 2-amino-6-mercapto-7-methylpurine ribonucleoside (MESG) is a well-behaved substrate for calf spleen purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP). In the absence of phosphate, calf spleen PNP catalyzes a slow hydrolysis of MESG, which is accompanied by inactivation of the enzyme, analogous to the previously observed PNP-catalyzed hydrolysis of inosine and guanosine with formation, in the former case, of a stable PNP·hypoxan thine complex (P. C. Kline and V. L. Schramm (1992) Biochemistry 31 , 5964–5973). Qualitative and semiquantitative features of calf spleen PNP-catalyzed hydrolysis of MESG are accounted for by the following model. First, in the absence of phosphate and at pH 7.4, the enzyme exists as an equilibrium mixture of monomer and trimer with a dissociation constant for the trimer of 3 × 10 14 M 2 . Second, a stoichiometric reaction between three molecules of MESG and the PNP trimer results in the formation of a stable PNP·purinethiol complex. Third, the PNP·purinethiol complex initially formed with the monomeric enzyme partitions between product release and formation of a stable complex with 55 turnovers per inactivation event. Fourth, the stable PNP·purinethiol complexes are rapidly dissociated by phosphate to regenerate active enzyme. This dissociation is accompanied by an increase in absorbance at 356 nm consistent with a p K a for the purinethiol base on the enzyme of 8.1, compared to a corresponding value of 8.8 in aqueous solution.
She Poses, He Performs: A Visual Content Analysis of Male and Female Professional Athlete Facebook Profile Photos

Using branding theory and a content analysis of the visual components of male and female professional athlete Facebook profile photos, this study suggests that hegemonic gender portrayals persist in visual representations of athletes. Female athletes were more likely to pose for photos and smile while male athletes were more likely to look away from the camera and be in motion. Athletes most often were visually represented in their uniforms, while sexualized visual portrayals of athletes of either gender were not affirmed in this study.
Complex Impedance Measurements on Nafion.

Abstract The need to develop an electrolytic membrane for an efficient, environmentally sound fuel cell has led to intense interest in proton conducting polymers in general and Nafion in particular. While it does not appear very likely that Nafion itself will ultimately prove to be the best choice of material, it may be considered as a prototype membrane material. Initial interest focused on Nafion’s potential use in a hydrogen fuel cell, in which case its conductivity in the presence of water is important, and so extensive studies of the electrical properties of Nafion at various levels of humidity were carried out. Two distinct regimes were identified, one at lower water contents and the other at high water contents. The possible conduction mechanisms associated with these regimes will be discussed. In addition, studies carried out at high pressure yielded activation volumes which provide further clues as to the conduction mechanisms involved. More recently, interest in Nafion as a membrane material in methanol fuel cells has prompted investigation of its electrical properties in the presence of methanol alone and of methanol/water mixtures. It is clear that not only is Nafion an excellent proton conductor but it also exhibits significant methanol transport. This represents a serious crossover problem for fuel cell applications and it is important to be able to characterize the mechanisms involved.
Physical properties and heterojunction device demonstration of aluminum-doped ZnO thin films synthesized at room ambient via sol–gel method

Abstract ZnO and some of its ternary wide-bandgap alloys offer interesting opportunities for designing materials with tunable band gaps, strong piezoresistivity and controlled electrical conductance with high optical transparency. Synthesizing these materials on arbitrary substrates using low-cost and unconventional techniques can help in integrating semiconductors with different physical, electrical, and optical characteristics on a single substrate for heterogeneous integration of multifunctional devices. Here we report the successful synthesis of aluminum (Al) doped ZnO (AZO) thin films on soda-lime glass, silicon and fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) pre-coated glass substrates by using sol–gel deposition method at ambient condition. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that varying degree of Al doping significantly impacts the crystal orientation, semiconductor bandgap and optical transparency of the film. Crystal structure of the film is also found to be strongly correlated to the characteristics of the substrate material. The impact of heating rate during post annealing process is studied and optimized in order to improve the surface morphology of the deposited films. Optical characterizations have revealed that bandgap energy of AZO films can be tuned between 3.30 eV and 4.1 eV as the Al concentration is varied from 1% to 20%. Similarly, electrical characteristics of these films indicate that 1% AZO film has the lowest resistivity of 2.2 × 10 −2 Ω cm. Finally, 1% Al doped AZO thin film was used in fabricating a p-Si/n-AZO heterojunction, which exhibited good diode characteristics with more than five orders of magnitude rectification ratio and an ideality factor of 3.28.
Current Diagnostic Techniques for Evaluating Thyroid Function in the Dog

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrinopathy in dogs. There are a wide variety of diagnostic tests to evaluate thyroid function. The measurement of basal thyroid hormone concentrations is used widely as an indicator of thyroid function; however, there are many factors that may affect basal hormone concentrations. The thyrotropic stimulation test is not affected by many of these factors, and often it is preferred for this reason. Current diagnostic procedures for evaluating thyroid function for the veterinary practitioner are reviewed.
Influence of fluorine substitution on the electrochemical performance of 3 V spinel Li4Mn5O12 − ηFη cathodes

Abstract Spinel Li4Mn5O12 − ηFη (0 ≤ η ≤ 0.2) oxyfluoride cathodes have been synthesized at 500 and 600 °C employing LiF as a fluorine source and characterized by X-ray diffraction, chemical analysis, and electrochemical cycling. Fluorine substitution is found to suppress the disproportionation of Li4Mn5O12 into lithium-rich spinel Li1 + xMn2 − xO4 and Li2MnO3 during synthesis. The oxyfluoride cathodes exhibit higher initial capacity and improved capacity retention at both 25 and 60 °C compared to the corresponding oxide analogs in both the LiClO4- and LiPF6-based electrolytes. The improved electrochemical performance is due to a suppression of the Li2MnO3 phase and Mn dissolution.
A Study of the Order Effects on Tracings Made with a Békésy-Type Audiometer

The effects of fixed frequency tracing orders at 4000 cps upon thresholds in quiet, in noise and in recovery after noise exposure were determined on a Bekesy audiometer with 32 normal hearing adult subjects. The results showed that:1. In the pulsed/continuous tracing order in quiet the difference in threshold sensitivity was non-significant. Conversely, in the continuous/pulsed tracing order in quiet the pulsed trace threshold was significantly more acute.2. Order effects were present also in the noise tracings. Post-rest pulsed tones were more acute than pre-rest continuous tones. However, the converse was not true.3. Tracing order effects were operating in the recovery thresholds. Postrest pulsed recovery thresholds were more acute than pre-rest continuous recovery thresholds. Also, initial thresholds in quiet appeared to have a significant effect on subsequent recovery thresholds for continuous tone tracings. This finding did not obtain for pulskd tones.4. When initial thresholds in quiet were compared...
Mercury Speciation in Coal Combustion and Gasification Flue Gases

Coal combustion and gasification are an anthropogenic source of mercury emission to the atmosphere. Effectively minimizing the emission and understanding the atmospheric fate and transport of mercury require knowledge of its speciation in flue gases. Hg0(g) is the thermodynamically stable form in the highest temperature regions of combustors and gasifiers. Hg0(g) remains as the dominant form in the relatively reducing conditions of a gasification flue gas, but with decreasing temperature in a combustion flue gas Hg0(g) will react to form Hg2+ compounds. Current mercury speciation analysis results suggest that generally >50% of the Hg0(g) reacts with oxidants in coal combustion flue gases; results for gasification conditions are lacking. Oxidation is beneficial because Hg2+ compounds are generally water-soluble and are therefore more effectively captured by wet scrubber pollution control systems and are more apt to deposit locally or regionally. Conversely, Hg0(g) is difficult to control and is likely to e...
Are Vegetation—Environment Relationships Different Between Herbaceous and Woody Groundcover Plants in Barrens with Shallow Soils?

Abstract: The extent to which woody vegetation exhibits more expansive community structures and different relationships with environmental variables than herbaceous plants is poorly understood in savannas and barrens worldwide, especially those with shallow soils. We explored this question in oak barrens, which are savanna habitats characterized by shallow soils, in southern Ohio, USA. Groundcover plant aerial cover and environmental data were collected using 75 randomly located 1-m2 quadrats in 3 barrens. A combination of non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and β-flexible cluster analysis revealed 3 distinct herbaceous plant assemblages that varied in abundances of C4 and C3 graminoid species and several forbs. Herbaceous vegetation patterns were correlated with soil acidity, soil depth, plant available water, and especially soil organic matter and quadrat slope. By contrast, woody plants were more widely distributed than herbs, and woody vegetation patterns were strongly correlated only with soil...
Stable carbon isotope analysis of soil organic matter illustrates vegetation change at the grassland/woodland boundary in southeastern Arizona, USA

In southeastern Arizona, Prosopis juliflora (Swartz) DC. and Quercus emoryi Torr. are the dominant woody species at grassland/woodland boundaries. The stability of the grassland/woodland boundary in this region has been questioned, although there is no direct evidence to confirm that woodland is encroaching into grassland or vice versa. We used stable carbon isotope analysis of soil organic matter to investigate the direction and magnitude of vegetation change along this ecotone. δ13C values of soil organic matter and roots along the ecotone indicated that both dominant woody species (C3) are recent components of former grasslands (C4), consistent with other reports of recent increases in woody plant abundance in grasslands and savannas throughout the world. Data on root biomass and soil organic matter suggest that this increase in woody plant abundance in grasslands and savannas may increase carbon storage in these ecosystems, with implications for the global carbon cycle.
A low mortality model of chronic pulmonary hypertension in sheep.

Background Pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in chronic lung disease. Therefore, large animal models of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy are needed to study underlying disease mechanisms and test new treatment modalities. The objective of this study was to create a low-mortality model of chronic pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy in sheep. Methods The vena cavae of nine sheep weighing 62 ± 2 (SEM) kg were injected with 0.375 g of dextran beads (sephadex) every day for 60 d. Pulmonary hemodynamics were assessed via pulmonary artery catheterization prior to the first injection and again on d 14, 28, 35, 42, 49, and 56. At the end of the experiment, the heart was removed, dissected, and weighed to determine the ratio of right ventricular mass to left ventricle plus septal mass (RV:LV+S). Results All sheep survived to 60 d. The average pulmonary artery pressure rose from 17 ± 1 mmHg at baseline to 35 ± 3 mmHg on d 56 with no significant change in cardiac output (8.7 ± 0.7 to 9.8 ± 0.7 L/min, P = 0.89). The RV:LV+S was significantly higher (0.42 ± 0.01, P n = 13). Conclusion This study provides a low-mortality large animal model of moderate chronic pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy.
Duplicated Inferior Vena Cava—Something to Consider in the Evaluation of a Living-Donor Renal Transplant

Congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava are rare and usually of no clinical significance. The presence of a duplicated inferior vena cava (D-IVC) has an incidence rate ranging from 0.3% to 3% and is a result of an embryological misadventure. Typically, the primitive cardinal veins come together and, along with the regression of the left supracardinal vein, leave a solitary, right-sided vena cava. Here we review the relevant anatomy and clinical significance of a D-IVC and present a case of successful laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in a patient with this anomaly.
Effect of defect-rich epitaxy on crystalline silicon / amorphous silicon heterojunction solar cells and the use of low-mobility layers to improve peformance

We present two-dimensional device physics simulations of amorphous silicon / crystalline silicon heterojunction solar cells to explain the effects of full and localized epitaxial layers, sometimes observed in the early stages of amorphous Si deposition, on cell performance. Minimizing the defect density, thickness, and wafer area fraction covered by the epitaxial region are shown to be important factors for maximizing cell open circuit voltage. We find that localized defect-rich epitaxial patches covering small percentages of the wafer surface (∼5%) can cause significant reduction in open circuit voltage, which is explained by considering lateral carrier flow in the device. We also show that a thin layer of low-mobility material, such as microcrystalline silicon, included between the wafer and amorphous regions can impede lateral carrier flow and improve conversion efficiencies in cases where isolated defective pinholes limit device performance.
Differential activation of human T cells to allogeneic endothelial cells, epithelial cells and fibroblasts in vitro

Background In the direct pathway, T cells recognize intact donor major histocompatability complexes and allogeneic peptide on the surface of donor antigen presenting cells (APCs). Indirect allorecognition results from the recognition of processed alloantigen by self MHC complexes on self APCs. In this study, we wished to evaluate the relative contribution of different intragraft cells to the alloactivation of nave and memory T cells though the direct and the indirect pathway of allorecognition.
Phase and amplitude modulation noise metrology

Noise is everywhere. Its ubiquitous nature interferes with or masks desired signals and fundamentally limits all electronic measurements. Noise in the presence of a carrier is experienced as amplitude and phase modulation noise. Modulation noise will be covered from its theory, to its origins and consequences. The effects of signal manipulation such as amplification, frequency translation and multiplication on spectral purity are examined. Practical techniques for measuring AM and PM noise, from the simple to complex will be discussed. Calibration of measurements and common problems and pitfall will also be covered.
Intramyocellular lipid quantification: comparison between 3.0- and 1.5-T 1H-MRS

Abstract Objective This study aimed to prospectively compare measurement precision of calf intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) quantification at 3.0 and 1.5 T using 1 H magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H-MRS). Materials and Methods We examined the soleus and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of 15 male adults [21–48 years of age, body mass index (BMI)=21.9–38.0 kg/m 2 ]. Each subject underwent 3.0- and 1.5-T single-voxel, short-echo-time, point-resolved 1 H-MRS both at baseline and at 31-day follow-up. The IMCL methylene peak (1.3 ppm) was scaled to unsuppressed water peak (4.7 ppm) using the LCModel routine. Full width at half maximum (FWHM) and signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of unsuppressed water peak were measured using jMRUI software. Measurement precision was tested by comparing interexamination coefficients of variation (CV) between different field strengths using Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test in all subjects. Overweight subjects (BMI>25 kg/m 2 ) were analyzed separately to examine the benefits of 3.0-T acquisitions in subjects with increased adiposity. Results No significant difference between 3.0 and 1.5 T was noted in CVs for IMCL of soleus ( P =.5). CVs of TA were significantly higher at 3.0 T ( P =.02). SNR was significantly increased at 3.0 T for soleus (64%, P P P P P =.8) and TA ( P =.4). Conclusion Using current technology, 1 H-MRS for IMCL at 3.0 T did not improve measurement precision, as compared with 1.5 T.
The open network laboratory

The Open Network Laboratory (ONL) is a remotely accessible network testbed of high performance routers which has been designed with an eye towards ease of use for users from the naive to the expert. The system is built around a set of high-performance routers that are extendible and easily configurable through the Remote Laboratory Interface (RLI), an intuitive graphical interface. The RLI also makes it easy to configure packet filters in the routers, assign flows or flow aggregates to separate queues with configurable QoS and attach hardware monitoring points to real-time charts. The RLI's real-time charts and user data facility make it easy to directly view the effects of traffic as it moves through a router, allowing the user to gain better insight into system behavior and create compelling demonstrations. Each port of the router is equipped with an embedded processor that supports software plugins which allow users to extend the system's functionality. This paper describes the ONL and how it can be used in networking education. Our web site onl.arl.wustl.edu includes a short video and a tutorial.
A numerical investigation of the penalty H-formulation for nonlinear time-harmonic magnetic computation

In this paper, the penalized H-formulation, which has been shown by recent research as a promising alternative to vector potential methods, is implemented for simulating 3D time-harmonic eddy current diffusion. Compared to a rigorous time-stepping approach, the present nonlinear time-harmonic FEM procedure can predict global time-average forces and losses with acceptable engineering accuracy, and yet at much reduced computational cost. The procedure is validated with examples involving linear and nonlinear conductors.
New Rules Affect Post-M&A Controls

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board has issued a new standard for auditing internal controls and financial statements. What does this mean for companies contemplating mergers or acquisitions? © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A simple re-derivation of logarithmic disordering of a dynamic planar crack due to small random heterogeneities

Perrin and Rice [(1994) Disordering of a dynamic planar crack front in a model elastic medium of randomly variable toughness. J. Mech. Phys. Solids 42, 1047–1064] analyzed the autocorrelation of positions along the front of a dynamic planar crack propagating in a model scalar elastic solid through a region of small sustained fracture toughness heterogeneities. Assuming a general stationary distribution of toughness fluctuations, they showed that the deviations from straightness, or disorder, of crack front positions and velocities diverge logarithmically with propagation distance into the zone of sustained property variations. The current paper presents an alternative derivation of the logarithmic growth of crack disorder, employing a simplified approach based on a restricted distribution of fracture toughness heterogeneities. The distribution corresponds to material granularity or discreteness in the direction of crack propagation. The final result indicates that the crack front disorder converges to zero when the fundamental length scale of the assumed granularity vanishes. As indicated by Perrin and Rice, the same holds for any distribution of fracture toughness property whose 2-D power spectrum goes to zero.
Power reduction of CMP communication networks via RF-interconnects

As chip multiprocessors scale to a greater number of processing cores, on-chip interconnection networks will experience dramatic increases in both bandwidth demand and power dissipation. Fortunately, promising gains can be realized via integration of radio frequency interconnect (RF-I) through on-chip transmission lines with traditional interconnects implemented with RC wires. While prior work has considered the latency advantage of RF-I, we demonstrate three further advantages of RF-I: (1) RF-I bandwidth can be flexibly allocated to provide an adaptive NoC, (2) RF-I can enable a dramatic power and area reduction by simplification of NoC topology, and (3) RF-I provides natural and efficient support for multicast. In this paper, we propose a novel interconnect design, exploiting dynamic RF-I bandwidth allocation to realize a reconfigurable network-on-chip architecture. We find that our adaptive RF-I architecture on top of a mesh with 4B links can even outperform the baseline with 16B mesh links by about 1%, and reduces NoC power by approximately 65% including the overhead incurred for supporting RF-I.
Relationships between Beliefs about Medications and Nonadherence to Prescribed Chronic Medications

Background:Medication beliefs of patients with a specific medical condition have been associated with nonadherence to drugs used to treat that condition. However, associations between medication beliefs and nonadherence of individuals on chronic, multiple medications have not been studied.Objective:To investigate associations between patients' medication beliefs and nonadherence to chronic drug therapy.Methods:A cross-sectional, self-administered survey of patients waiting to see pharmacists at an outpatient pharmacy in a primary care clinic was conducted. Participants' medication beliefs were assessed using the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, and nonadherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess bivariate associations between medication beliefs and nonadherence. Regression was used to assess relative strength of associations between various medication beliefs and nonadherence and also to assess the significance of the interactio...
Advantages and Challenges: The Experience of Geriatrics Health Care Providers as Family Caregivers

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Very little is known about family caregivers who are also geriatrics health care professionals. This exploratory study examines the dual roles of such professionals, the impact of their geriatrics expertise on the care of family members, and the influence of those caregiver experiences on their clinical practice. DESIGN AND METHODS The research team recruited 16 geriatrics health care professionals who participated in 60- to 90-min individual interviews, based on a semistructured guide. Questions explored participants' dual experiences as geriatrics professionals and as family caregivers. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative data analysis software. Using a thematic analysis approach, the authors identified recurring themes, coding responses into both major themes and subthemes. RESULTS The authors found 3 major themes: (a) dual role advantages and disadvantages, (b) emotional impact of dual roles, and (c) professional impact of family caregiving. Participants reported their own geriatrics expertise provided both advantages and disadvantages in caring for their older family members. Although their expertise introduced a significant emotional intensity to their personal caregiving experiences, those experiences positively influenced their professional insight, empathy, and advocacy for the caregivers of their own patients. IMPLICATIONS In addition to the well-known burdens of caregiving, a further set of complex stressors is imposed on geriatrics health care professionals serving as family caregivers. The challenges they face despite their expertise also highlight critical challenges facing all caregivers.
Equestrian Trail Riding: An Emerging Economic Contributor To The Local Rural Appalachian Economy

The purpose of this paper is three-fold. First to summarize the importance of tourism in the Appalachian region with a focus on the State of Kentucky; second, to consider adventure tourism and the equestrian and trail riding segment as a potential contributor to Kentucky adventurism tourism; and third, to illustrate the economic value of trail riding in the form of an economic impact study which indicates levels of community economic development opportunity. Importantly, for this publication, is the fact that this research was conducted by undergraduate students at Berea College. This initial research was conducted by undergraduate within the Entrepreneurship for the Public Good Program at Berea College in the summer of 2008 and the economic impact study field work was conducted by freshman undergraduates in a Creative Writing class with a focus on adventure tourism in the fall of 2008.
An analysis of discrete computing structures: re-evaluating implementation

The objects of primary concern to computer scientists are processes, programs, and algorithms. Many non-computer scientists are not clear about the differences between these objects and the precise relationships between these objects are not clear to anyone, computer scientist or not. Terms like abstraction (Colburn & Shute, 2007), instantiation (Abrial & Hallerstede, 2007), and implementation (Rapaport, 2005) are vaguely used to describe the relations among these objects. The nature of these relations, once put into proper context, has serious implications to the study of artificial intelligence, intellectual property, and computer ethics. In this paper, designed to be used in the context of an introduction to the philosophy of computing, a basic ontology is suggested and the importance of the ontology is described. It is then proposed that ontologies which treat implementation as a primitive are not sufficient and that implementation is better understood as a two-step process of abstraction and instantiation.
OONO Rebounding From Nitric Oxide

Inhaled nitric oxide is an elegantly simple therapy for idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. Breathing small amounts of nitric oxide directly activates guanylyl cyclase in pulmonary resistance vessels to counteract hypertension. In patients who respond to inhaled nitric oxide, either the endogenous synthesis of nitric oxide is not sufficient to overcome the hypertensive stress or nitric oxide is being inactivated too rapidly to act on guanylate cyclase. Certainly, both processes could be operating simultaneously. Although nitric oxide has a reputation for being highly toxic, in reality the risk of toxicity with inhaled nitric oxide is minor because nitric oxide itself is unreactive with most biological molecules and the amounts administered are low enough to minimize the formation of nitrogen dioxide. Nitric oxide becomes toxic when converted to secondary reactive nitrogen species. Nitric oxide itself is swept away from the vasculature by rapid reactions with hemoglobin. In the high oxygen environment of the lung, nitric oxide will also not significantly inhibit mitochondrial respiration. By now, many patients have been breathing nitric oxide for weeks and even months without overt harm. However, sudden termination of inhaled nitric oxide occasionally causes a potentially life-threatening hypertensive rebound, even when treated for a few hours. Hypertensive rebound can occur in individuals who showed no initial vasodilation in response to nitric oxide. In this issue of Circulation Research , Wedgwood et al1 have shown that endothelin, the most …
Notes from the Library in Volume 3:1

Rutgers University Studies: 1.) a review by Carroll C. Pratt of "American Psychology before William James," by Jay W. Fay. Rutgers University Studies in Psychology: Number One. 2.) a review by Donald J. McGinn of "Two Bookes of Constancie. Written in Latine by Justus Lipsius. Englished by Sir John Stradling." Edited with an Introduction by Rudolf Kirk. Notes by Clayton Hall. Rutgers University Studies in English: Number Two. "The New Jersey and Pennsylvania Agricultural Monthly Intelligencer and Farmers' Magazine" discussed by Carl R. Woodward. "Ralph Voorhees in 1860," by Rudolf Kirk.
A stabilized, symmetric Nitsche method for spatially localized plasticity

A heterogeneous interface method is developed for combining primal displacement and mixed displacement-pressure formulations across nonconforming finite element meshes to treat volume-preserving plastic flow. When the zone of inelastic response is localized within a larger domain, significant computational savings can be achieved by confining the mixed formulation solely to the localized region. The method's distinguishing feature is that the coupling terms for joining dissimilar element types are derived from a time-discrete free energy functional, which is based on a Lagrange multiplier formulation of the interface constraints. Incorporating residual-based stabilizing terms at the interface enables the condensation of the multiplier field, leading to a symmetric Nitsche formulation in which the interface operators respect the differing character of the governing equations in each region. In a series of numerical problems, the heterogeneous interface method achieved comparable results on coarser meshes as those obtained from applying the mixed formulation throughout the domain.
PROBABILISTIC MODELING OF LONG-TERM WAVE CLIMATE

Utilizing eight years of wave measurements from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility (FRF), this study develops a long-term probabilistic model for the energy-based significant wave height (Hmo) based on the shifted gamma distribution. The method of moments is used in best-fit model parameter estimation. Shifted gamma distributions are developed for the entire eight years of Hmo data, as well as for the individual years in the data set. The shifted gamma distribution represents the FRF Hm0 data for both the total and yearly data sets. Further, the distribution which represents the total, or long-term, data also effectively models the yearly data, indicating that the shifted gamma distribution is a useful engineering tool for predicting long-term wave climate.
Abnormal gastric slow waves in patients with functional dyspepsia assessed by multichannel electrogastrography.

The aim of this study was to utilize multichannel electrogastrography to investigate whether patients with functional dyspepsia had impaired propagation or coordination of gastric slow waves in the fasting state compared with healthy controls. The study was performed in 10 patients with functional dyspepsia and 11 healthy subjects. Gastric myoelectrical activity was measured by using surface electrogastrography with a specially designed four-channel device. The study was performed for 30 min or more in the fasting state. Special computer programs were developed for the computation of the propagation and coupling of the gastric slow wave. It was found that, compared with the healthy controls, the patients showed a significantly lower percentage of slow wave propagation (58.0 ± 8.9 vs. 89.9 ± 2.6%, P < 0.002) and a significantly lower percentage of slow wave coupling (46.9 ± 4.4 vs. 61.5 ± 6.9%, P < 0.04). In addition, the patients showed inconsistencies in the frequency and regularity of the gastric slow wave among the four-channel electrogastrograms (EGGs). It was concluded that patients with functional dyspepsia have impaired slow wave propagation and coupling. Multichannel EGG has more information than single-channel EGG for the detection of gastric myoelectrical abnormalities.
Extramammary Paget’s Disease: A Case Involving the Prostatic Urethra

A case of Paget’s disease of the prostatic urethra in a 58-year-old Negro man is reported. An underlying carcinoma of the prostate was found in this case and carcinoma was present also in the periurethral prostatic ducts. Paget’s disease of the prostatic urethra has not been reported previously. The histogenetic theories of Paget’s disease are examined in relation to the findings in this case. It seems unlikely that the lesion is a chance occurrence; it is most likely, related to other cases of Paget’s disease of the anogenital region. This relation may develop through the mechanism of a hormone-dependent carcinogenic stimulus. Features in common with mammary and extramammary Paget’s disease, including embryonic origin, are noted and discussed.
Clinical Features and Early Diagnosis of Neonatal Purulent Meningitis

Objective To explore the clinical features and the early diagnosis of the neonatal purulent meningitis. Methods One hundred cases with suspected neonatal purulent meningitis in Department of Pediatrics,Xi′an Children′s Hospital,from Mar.2010 to Dec.2011,were chosen to take lumbar puncture for getting the samples for routine test(including count white blood cell and biochemical test),and culture before antibioties administration,and meanwhile the PCR was used to detect the 16 S rRNA with 1 mL out of every sample. Results According to the clinical and cerebrospinal fluid parameters 40 cases were diagnosed clinically with purulent meningitis.Among them,36 cases with fever(90%),29 cases with convulsion(72.5%),5 cases with apnea(12.5%),and 23 cases with bulging fontanel(57.5%).The 40 cases of clinically diagnosed as purulent meningitis,PCR detection were all positive.Cerebrospinal fluid culture was positive in 5 cases,whose cerebrospinal fluid parameters were abnormal and PCR were positive.Fifty-eight cases had positive 16 S rRNA(ribosomal RNA) detection.The positive rate of PCR detection was remarkably higher than the ones of the 2 formers(χ2=65.09,P=0.00;χ2=6.48,P=0.01). Conclusions The diagnosis of neonatal purulent meningitis is difficult because of atypical clinical features,limited cerebrospinal fluid parameters and low positive rate of cerebrospinal fluid culture.PCR can improve the positive rate.
Reply to Michael Ramsey on the Garland Affair

In The Garland Affair, we present historical evidence to suggest that Senate Republicans’ current plan to prevent President Obama from appointing a replacement for Justice Scalia, regardless of the particular merits of his nominees, is historically unprecedented. The plan thus raises a set of pragmatic and constitutional risks that have not yet been fully appreciated and warrant reconsideration of this plan. Michael Ramsey has recently raised several questions about our constitutional analysis. Here we respond to those questions.
Internal Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysm and Ischemic Stroke Secondary to Retropharyngeal and Parapharyngeal Abscess: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon complication of retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscess in children. Treatment of the pseudoaneurysm has evolved in recent years from surgical ligation to endovascular techniques. Neurologic sequelae most commonly consist of Horner's syndrome with cerebral ischemia being uncommon. The clinical course of a 2-year-old boy with retropharyngeal abscess complicated by internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm, is described and the literature is reviewed. A conventional angiogram confirmed the presence of a large pseudoaneurysm with no anterograde flow distal to the pseudoaneurysm and substantial collateral flow across the circle of Willis, with filling of the left anterior and middle cerebral arteries via the anterior and posterior communicating arteries. Endovascular occlusion resulted in nonfilling of the left internal carotid artery, pseudoaneurysm, and left internal jugular vein at the base of the skull. Following the procedure, the patient developed transient mild right hemiparesis associated with frontal lobe ischemia.
Psychological Testing in Workplace Disability Evaluations

In conducting workplace disability evaluations, evaluators can enhance the accuracy and objectivity of their formulations by including psychological testing among their assessment procedures.The diagnostic questions that are raised in a majority of workplace disability claims—i.e., determining the presence, severity, and impact of symptoms and deficits associated with alleged mood, anxiety, or cognitive disorders—are often amenable to evaluation via psychological testing. Whether administered and interpreted by an evaluating psychologist, or by a psychologist acting as a consultative resource to an evaluating psychiatrist, psychological testing can provide the evaluator with additional incremental objective data about the types of psychopathology and cognitive deficits that often underlie claims of compromised work capacity.
The Evolving Classification of Pulmonary Hypertension.

Context.— An explosion of information on pulmonary hypertension has occurred during the past few decades. The perception of this disease has shifted from purely clinical to incorporate new knowledg...
Optimal sequencing of docetaxel and abiraterone in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): Effect of early docetaxel on outcomes.

e16079 Background: Currently there are multiple agents approved for the treatment of metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC), all with demonstration of improved overall survival (OS...
Galois Groups of 2-Adic Fields of Degree 12 with Automorphism Group of Order 6 and 12

Let p be a prime number and n a positive integer. In recent years, several authors have focused on classifying degree n extensions of the p-adic numbers; the most difficult cases arising when p∣n and n is composite. Since current research has dealt with n ≤ 10 when p = 2n, this paper considers degree 12 extensions of the 2-adic numbers. Focusing on extensions whose automorphism groups have order 6 or 12, we compute the Galois group of each extension (or of the normal closure for non-Galois extensions) and identify the group as a transitive subgroup of S 12. Our method for computing Galois groups is of interest, since it does not involve factoring resolvent polynomials (which is the traditional approach).
The Will to Enclose: Foucault's Archive in the Era of Cold War Big Data

This article explores Foucault's concept of the archive within the context of archival practices emanating during the early Cold War. This period witnessed the feverish acquisition of "big data" (cross-cultural surveys, databases, etc.) as well as the technological innovations to facilitate it (computer punch cards, cybernetic networks), in service of revealing key factors and drivers that would lead all so-called "backwards peoples" through universal phases of modernization. As Foucault's thinking on the archive was taking shape, the global behavioral sciences were compiling the archives that would produce compelling understanding of human's true nature, considering everything from competitiveness to creativity to economic outlook. How can Foucault's concerns about the archive be read within the context of the early Cold War and the globalizing behavioral sciences?
Graph Stabilization: A Survey

Graph stabilization has raised a family of network design problems that has received considerable attention recently. Stable graphs are those graphs for which the matching game has non-empty core. In the optimization terminology, they are graphs for which the fractional matching linear program has an integral optimum solution. Graph stabilization involves minimally modifying a given graph to make it stable. In this survey, we outline recent developments in graph stabilization and highlight some open problems.