cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nursing Strategies to Minimize Blood Loss Associated With Phlebotomy

Blood loss associated with phlebotomy is significant in critically ill adults. Iatrogenic anemia may result and impose unnecessary stress on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and may require allogeneic blood transfusions. Many strategies exist under nursing's direct control to decrease blood loss associated with phlebotomy. In the past, nursing effectively implemented many of these strategies in patients at high risk of anemia, such as pediatric, neonatal, transplant, or chronic renal failure patients, as well as patients who are Jehovah's Witnesses. Implementation of these strategies are needed for all critically ill patients because allogeneic blood transfusions carry infectious risk and because complications and chronic critical illness cannot be predicted reliably. Incorporation of these strategies into daily practice as well as the development of blood conservation programs represent imminent challenges for nursing.
On J-integral and potential energy variation

The divergence theorem has been used in a region containing the crack tip to derive the J-integral from the potential energy variation in most fracture mechanics books. Such a derivation is flawed because of the crack tip stress singularity. The present study describes a rigorous and straightforward derivation of the J-integral from the potential energy variation with crack extension by carefully addressing the effect of the crack tip singularity.
The Case For Mnemonic Instruction: From Laboratory Research To Classroom Applications:

This article describes the design and execution of a systematic body of research using, as an example, the authors' own mnemonic strategy research. We describe the evolution of this research, from theory-driven laboratory research to long-term classroom applications of the effectiveness of curriculum-relevant mnemonic strategies. We argue that different experimental materials, different implementation procedures, and different experimental designs are necessary at different stages of the development of this research, and provide examples to support our positions. Finally, we describe the necessary contribution of other, independent researchers in supporting the external validity of the findings.
Further studies of multiple nuclear spin relaxation and local motions is dissolved 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylene polyformal

Abstract Deuterium, carbon-13 and proton spin-lattice relaxation times at two fields are reported for dilute solutions of 1,1-dichloro-2,2,-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylene polyformal. The carbon-13 and proton relaxation measurements were made at a concentration of 10% (w/w) in deuterated s-tetrachloroethane and as a function of temperature. A partially deuterated analog with deuterated methylene groups was used in order to remove cross-relaxation effects from the phenylene proton relaxation. In addition, deuterium relaxation measurements were made on this sample at a concentration of 10% (w/w) in tetrachloroethane as a function of temperature. The data are interpreted in terms of segmental motion arising within the bisphenol units and anisotropic internal rotations of the other structural components. Motions of the phenylene groups in the backbone are described by the Hall-Helfand segmental correlation function plus the Woessner anisotropic internal-rotation correlation function. Motions of the formal linkage are described by the same segmental correlation function plus an internal correlation function based on restricted double rotation about the two carbon/oxygen bonds. The local motion of the formal group is discussed in terms of confomational transitions that are likely in a polyformal in view of the conformational energy surface. A Helfand Type II motion of the formal group corresponding to a transition from gg′ to tg is identified as the most plausible rearrangement of this unit.
Book Review: Minimally-Invasive Facial Rejuvenation (Techniques in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Series)

Foad Nahai, Farzad Nahai (authors), Mark Codner (series editor) Minimally-Invasive Facial Rejuvenation (Techniques in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Series). Philadelphia: Saunders, 2009. ISBN-10: 0702030880 ![][1] Minimally Invasive Facial Rejuvenation , by Drs. Foad and Farzad Nahai, represents another volume in the Elsevier “Techniques in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery” series, edited by Dr. Mark Codner. In this volume, 12 treatment modalities are beautifully discussed over 176 pages, and the package also includes a DVD of nine procedures. Each chapter begins with a bulleted list of key points, and the flow from chapter to chapter is consistent, with a discussion of indications, patient selection, techniques, pitfalls, and posttreatment care. Also, each chapter contains many clear illustrations and clinical photographs. Due to the limited size of the volume and the nature of the entire series, only a select number of minimally-invasive techniques could be addressed. Therefore, this volume falls somewhat short of being a “comprehensive reference for both established and emerging technologies,” a goal set forth by the authors. However, to their credit, it does contain descriptions of established techniques written by many pioneers in the field, as well as discussions of a number of … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Guidance for safety performance indicators

At a recent PSP Editorial Review Board meeting, the Board recommended that we periodically include an article that summarizes some major findings from safety bulletins and articles. This particular summary focuses on safety performance indicators. Industry has found that the traditional emphasis on personnel safety will not prevent the low probability and high consequence process accidents. Process accidents are prevented by identifying, measuring, analyzing, and adjusting key process activities or indicators. The development of a safety performance indicator program is an important management responsibility that will prevent process accidents. The motivation for and methods to develop an effective safety performance indicator program are discussed in this article. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010
1.2.3 A Systems Engineering Approach to Occupant Protection System Design and Optimization through Modeling and Simulation

Occupant Protection Systems (OPS) have become a very important part of today's automotive systems. The extensive government regulations and consumer information programs make the design and optimization of the advanced OPS a complex and challenging task. A Systems Engineering (SE) approach is implemented throughout the OPS design and optimization process. The SE process includes customer requirements analysis, system concept design, system design, analysis and optimization and system verification and validation. To fully evaluate the performance of the OPS and ensure its compliance of government regulations, the system needs to be tested in a large number of crash scenarios. Using physical tests alone to develop the OPS is cost prohibitive. Therefore, computer modeling and simulation are utilized as one of the primary tools in the process. A frontal impact OPS design and optimization example is presented in the paper to demonstrate the process.
Charging effects and quantum properties of small superconducting tunnel junctions

We have fabricated small superconducting tunnel junctions with a large single-electron charging energy E/sub c/ and measured the low-temperature current-voltage characteristics of devices having a wide range of ratios of E/sub c/ to the Josephson coupling energy E/sub J/. For E/sub c/approx. =E/sub J/, the I-V curve is resistive at all currents and the critical current is greatly reduced relative to that of conventional Josephson junctions. If E/sub J/<
“Old wine in new wineskins:” Upgrading the liquids reflectometer instrument user control software at the Spallation Neutron Source

The Liquids Reflectometer (LR) Instrument installed at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) enables observations of chemical kinetics, solid-state reactions, phase-transitions and chemical reactions in general [1]. The ability of the instrument to complete measurements quickly and therefore process many samples is a key capability inherent in the system design [2]. Alignment and sample environment management are a time consuming and error prone process that has led to the development of automation in the control software operating the instrument. In fact, the original LR user interface, based on the Python scripting language, has been modularized and adapted to become the standard interface on many other instruments. A project to convert the original Python [3] implementation controlling the LR instrument into the modular version standardized at SNS was undertaken in the spring of 2012. The key features of automated sample alignment and robot-driven sample management system enable the instrument to reduce the manual labor required to prepare and execute observations, freeing up precious time for analysis and reporting activity. We present the modular PyDas control system [4], its implementation for the LR, and the lessons learned during the upgrade process.
A generalized formulation of the method of continuous variations for mixed ligand complexes

Abstract Equations are developed which describe the method of continuous variations for the case of a single complex with an arbitrarily large number of types of ligands. The restrictions which apply to the use of the absorption of light in the study of such a case are also developed. When any other complex is present, the maximum concentration of the principal complex will be found in a solution which contains the reactants in a mole ratio other than that in which they enter the complex. Such displacements have been found in a large number of systems reported in the literature and may be expected to be an inevitable, but not necessarily obvious, feature of such studies. The wide use of the method of continuous variations has resulted in its application to a large number of systems for which there is no corresponding complete theoretical treatment. The purpose of this paper is to present a general continuous variations solution for the case of a single complex containing an arbitrarily large number of ligands. The results of the examination of this general case can then be applied to the examination of some typical cases from the literature.
Item functioning of the alcohol dependence scale in a high-risk sample

We conducted in-depth analyses of the functioning of items from the alcohol dependence scale (ADS) in a sample of high-risk alcohol drinkers, specifically 101 men and 93 women mandated to a domestic violence intervention program. We first conducted a maximum likelihood common factors analysis on the ADS, which indicated a primarily unidimensional factor structure. We then used a nonparametric kernel smoothing method to create item characteristic curves (ICC) and option characteristic curves (OCC) for each ADS item. Based on these curves, we identified nine of the 25 ADS items as reliably discriminating between those with no or minimal alcohol problems and those with symptoms of excessive or abusive drinking. Dichotomous scoring appeared most appropriate for these items. No differential item functioning (DIF) by gender was detected, indicating that these items assess alcohol problems similarly in both men and women. This nine-item empirically-derived abbreviation of the ADS appeared to be an efficient and effective measure in this sample; it was highly correlated with the original scale (rs=0.96) yet had superior distributional properties. Retained items reflected primarily excessive or hazardous drinking rather than alcohol dependence per se, suggesting that items targeting these types of symptoms may be most useful in high-risk samples. Combined with previous work with the ADS in treatment-seeking alcoholics, mapping of ADS item severities suggests a continuum of alcohol problem severity from heavy drinking to severe withdrawal that may be reliably tapped with dichotomous items.
Nanoindentation and the dynamic characterization of viscoelastic solids

Using a high-damping thermoplastic as a standard reference material, the purpose of this work is to compare measured values of the complex modulus as determined by dynamic nanoindentation and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Experiments were performed at approximately 22 °C and seven frequencies over the range 1–50 Hz. The indentation measurements were performed using a 103 µm diameter flat punch and a newly developed test method that optimizes the accuracy and precision of the measured stiffness and damping. As determined by dynamic nanoindentation, values of the storage modulus and loss factor (tangent delta) ranged from 4.2 to 10.2 MPa, and 0.28 to 1.05, respectively. Over the range 1–25 Hz, DMA confirmed the nanoindentation results to within 15% or better. Collectively, these data and the testing methods used to generate them should help future investigators make more accurate and precise measurements of the dynamic properties of viscoelastic solids using nanoindentation.
Market segmentation and service: A strategy for success

Current trends for health care reform and increasing emphasis on managed carethreaten to erode the base of patients of many practices. A constant flow of new patients is critical to the success of a dental practice. This article discusses the nature of business markets and similarities between industries and their correlation to the delivery of prosthodontic services. The purpose of this article is to offer a strategy for increasing new patient flow without the use of advertising.
Do surgical clips interfere with radiofrequency thermal ablation

OBJECTIVE. This study sought to evaluate whether surgical clips affect tissue conductivity and thereby alter the induction of radiofrequency ablation lesions and to determine whether therapy is safe after previous placement of clips in the liver.MATERIALS AND METHODS. An ex vivo porcine hepatic model was used. Three clips were placed around a radiofrequency electrode at 10, 20, and 30 mm from the point of insertion. Clips were arranged in a plane either perpendicular or parallel to the electrode track. After placement of the liver specimen on a grounding pad, radiofrequency energy was applied in a standardized manner for 5 min. Lesion growth and morphology were documented for each minute.RESULTS. Radiofrequency lesions appeared circular and homogeneous after 5 min. Lesion diameter perpendicular to the radiofrequency electrode averaged 30 mm. However, lesion formation was irregular during the early phase of the radiofrequency ablation. The lesion extended irregularly toward the 1-cm clip after 60 sec of ab...
To Heckel or Not: A Reply

U~ziversity of Hawaii Sumn2ary.-Heckel's argument for aversive conditioning based on mere inspecrion of (0 - E)/E ratios is rejected in favor of evidence for positive conditioning on the basis of the results of recognized tests of significance, as used in the writer's original paper which evoked Heckel's comment. No evidence or argument is found in the Heckel comment that requires any rnodification of the conclusion as stated in the original paper. Heckel (1963) has questioned my conclusion (Oakes, 1962) that only in category 5, gives opinion, was chere any evidence of significant conditioning of the Bales' categories of group interaction. In the original article I had mentioned several considerations that might require qualification of that conclusion, but the one on which Heckel based his questioning of my conclusion was not among them. I think the reason for chis is that his criticism is groundless. His points are all ultimately based on one assumption, viz., chat "an analysis of the ratios of obtained to expected frequencies [in the various Bales' categories] wo~ild be a more valid indicator of a conditioning effect than the method utilized" (Heckel, 1763, p. 301). In my original paper I used t rests comparing number of responses of those Ss reinforced for responses in a given category with that of those Ss not reinforced for responses in that category, after a significant interaction between reinforced/non-reinforced and categories had been found in an analysis of variance. Heckel presents in his Table 1 (p. 301) the "expected" frequencies in the 12 categories (acnlally tl-.e number of responses in each category for the 22 groups not reinforced for that category divided by 11 ), the "obtained" frequencies in the categories (the number of responses in each category for the two groups reinforced for each category), and what he calls "magnitude of 0 - E." Acnially what he has in his "magnitude of 0 - E" column for 9 of the 12 categories is (0 - E)/E. In the case of categories 1, 11, and 12 the value in his cable is (E - 0)/0. Another error occurs in his Table 1, in that the "expected" value for category 6 should be 70, instead of 76, as he has it. The correct values with appropriate labels appear here in Table 1. On the basis of inspection of the (0 - E)/E ratios Heckel wants to conclude that aversive conditioning occurred in certain categories, stating that "Categories 1, 7, 11, and 12, for example, provided a much higher level of confidence for prediction, i.e., the presentation of the stimulus does not elicit but inhibits the desired response" (p. 302). He suggests making no tests of significance, but suggests aversive conditioning of those categories and no conditioning of
Alfalfa Stand Tolerance to Potato Leafhopper and Its Effect on the Economic Injury Level

In 1997, several seed companies released alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars that were marketed as resistant to potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), the key pest of this crop in the Midwest and northeastern USA. Our objectives were to investigate the mechanism of insect resistance and determine if potato leafhopper-resistant alfalfa cultivars would require revised pest management guidelines. Two field experiments were planted in Ames, IA. Four resistant cultivars (initial release) were compared with a susceptible cultivar planted in 1996. Another experiment was planted in 1998 to compare the same susceptible control with three other resistant cultivars (secondary release). Cages were used to create four levels of leafhopper stress, and nymphs were collected from inside cages when the alfalfa was harvested. Estimates of alfalfa dry weight were used to calculate linear yield-loss models, and model coefficients were used to calculate economic injury levels and economic thresholds. Trials were run on seedling, second-cutting seeding-year, second-cutting second-year, and second-cutting third-year alfalfa growth. There were no measurable differences in nymph production on resistant or susceptible cultivars in any trial, indicating that an antibiotic resistance mechanism was unimportant under production conditions. The potential for resistant alfalfa to outperform susceptible alfalfa under leafhopper stress began after initial seedling growth and continued through Year 3. The mechanism was described as stand tolerance, and appeared to increase as the alfalfa stand matured. The onset of stand tolerance after the initial growth interval of the seeding year raised the economic threshold from 8 to 80 leafhoppers per 10 sweeps.
Alignment enhanced photoconductivity in single wall carbon nanotube films

In this paper we report, for the first time, the alignment enhanced photoconductivity of single wall carbon nanotube films upon laser illumination. The photoconductivity exhibited an increase, decrease or even 'negative' values when the laser spot was on different positions between contact electrodes, showing a 'position' dependent photoconductivity of partially aligned films of carbon nanotubes. Photon induced charge carrier generation in single wall carbon nanotubes and subsequent charge separation across the metal?carbon nanotube contacts is believed to cause the photoconductivity changes. A net photovoltage of ~4?mV and a photocurrent of ~10??A were produced under the laser intensity of ~273?mW with a quantum efficiency of ~7.8% in vacuum. The photocurrent was observed to be in the direction of nanotube alignment. Finally, there was a strong dependence of the polarization of the incident light on the photocurrent and the orientation of the films influenced the dynamics of the rise and fall of the photocurrent. All of these phenomena clearly have significance in the area of design and fabrication of solar cells, micro-opto-mechanical systems and photodetectors based on carbon nanotubes.
A computer simulation of high energy density cascades

Multiple interaction computer simulations of bombardment cascades have been used to study the surface damage created by an ion. Qualitative information on the temporal evolution of the dynamic cascade is obtained from an animated movie of the process. A comparison is made between the final damage states of high energy-density trajectories. A number of ion-atom potential functions have been investigated over a wide range of ion energies. Only superficial differences are found. © 1984.
Effect of substrate and AMP on the reversal of Zn2+ inhibition of turkey liver fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase by chelators

Abstract The ability of chelators to reverse Zn 2+ inhibition of turkey liver fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase decreases greatly if substrate is first bound to the enzyme. If AMP is also present, chelators become almost completely incapable of reversing Zn 2+ inhibition when added to the enzyme after substrate. These observations indicate that the prior binding of substrate to this fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase hinders the removal of Zn 2+ from the inhibitory sites of the enzyme by chelators, especially when AMP is also present. We have also found that the initial rates of the Zn 2+ -inhibited enzyme activity show a peculiar nonlinearity and the inhibitory effects of Zn 2+ and AMP are synergistic.
Bactericidal Factor Produced by Haemophilus influenzae b: Partial Purification of the Factor and Transfer of Its Genetic Determinant

When aerobically grown on complex media, Haemophilus influenzae b and unencapsulated variants, Rb strains, produced a bactericidal factor that was active against other Haemophilus species and certain genera of the Enterobacteriaceae . A total of 341 clinical isolates of Haemophilus were tested for susceptibility to the factor. Ninety-three percent of H. influenzae (nontypable), 75% of H. haemolyticus , 71% of H. parainfluenzae , and 22% of H. parahaemolyticus were susceptible. H. influenaze b strains were resistant producers of the bactericidal factor and H. influenzae f strains were susceptible nonproducers. Only one strain each of H. aegyptius and H. aphrophilus was isolated and each was susceptible and resistant, respectively. 143 clinical isolates of the Enterobacteriaceae were tested and of those 82% of Escherichia coli , 85% of Salmonella sp., and all Citrobacter sp., Shigella sp., and Yersinia sp. were sensitive to the bactericidal factor produced by H. influenzae b. Attempts to isolate the bactericidal activity from mechanically disrupted, solubilized, or osmotically shocked cells failed to release active bactericidal factor. However, we partially purified the bactericidal factor from the spent culture medium of aerobically grown H. influenzae b by a series of extractions. The ability to produce the bactericidal factor was transferable to nonproducer strains without also genetically transforming for type b encapsulation. The converse was also true in that type b capsules were produced by transformed H. influenzae Rd strains but no bactericidal factor was detected from these strains. Additionally, nitrosoguanidine-induced mutants of H. influenzae b lost the ability to produce bactericidal factor without loss of their type-specific capsule, demonstrating that production of the bactericidal factor was genetically separable from production of the type capsule of H. influenzae b. Images
Distribution of Nsp100 and Nsp100 kinase, a nerve growth factor-sensitive phosphorylation system, in rat tissues.

: Previous work from this laboratory has shown that in PC12 cells the phosphorylation of a specific soluble protein is decreased by nerve growth factor treatment. The protein, designated Nsp100, and its kinase have been separated and partially purified from PC12 cells. In the present work, the tissue distribution of Nsp100 phosphorylation in 5-day-old-and adult rats was studied. In adult rats, phosphorylation of an Nsp100-like protein was observed in brain, adrenal gland, testis, and muscle, but not in liver or kidney. In 5-day-old rats, a similar phosphorylation was observed in brain, adrenal gland, superior cervical ganglia, liver, spleen, kidney, and muscle. In PC12 cells, Nsp100 phosphorylation is completely inhibited by 5 × 10−5M Zn2+ and is completely inactivated by treatment at 50°C for 2 min. The phosphorylation of the Nsp100-like protein in both adult and 5-day-old rats showed the same characteristics. Partial purification of Nsp100 and Nsp100 kinase from the brains of 5-day-old rats was carried out using the procedures developed for PC12 cells. Nsp100 and Nsp100 kinase were separated on diethylaminoethyl-Sephacel, and the kinase was eluted with 0.3 M NaCl; the same results have previously been obtained with PC12 cells. Phosphorylated Nsp100 from brain and from PC12 cells was compared by proteolysis on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels; similar peptide patterns were generated from the two samples. The phosphorylation of the Nsp100-like protein by extracts of superior cervical ganglia was decreased by prior in vitro treatment of the ganglia with nerve growth factor, showing that the effect of nerve growth factor on Nsp100 phosphorylation observed in PC12 cells also occurs in normal target tissues.
Nationwide Study of Breast Cancer Risk Factors in Latinas

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Any woman can be affected by breast cancer, with risk for the disease increasing with age. Risk for breast cancer is also exacerbated in women who have certain genetic alterations. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes predispose women to breast and ovarian cancer, and are increasingly recognized in prostate and pancreatic cancers (1-3). In Caucasian and Asian ethnicities BRCA mutations are associated with basal-type/triple-negative disease. However this association between BRCA gene mutations and basal/triple-negative disease has been understudied in other ethnicities (4-6). The incidence and mortality of breast cancer of Hispanics and Native Americans are lower than other ethnicities; however they are underrepresented in epidemiological and clinical studies. Further, it is known that common recurrent mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes exist in Hispanic/Latino communities which account for 35-45% of mutation carriers (7, 8). The objective of our study is thus to investigate triple-negative disease and BRCA gene mutations in Hispanic women.
Magnetic fields in the ionosphere of Venus

This review surveys the observations of the ionospheric magnetic fields of Venus as observed on the Pioneer Venus Orbiter and the models that have been developed to describe them over the last decade. The models for the ‘large-scale’ ionospheric field have developed to the advanced stage of one-dimensional, self-consistent, multi-fluid MHD models which provide a detailed picture of the field in the subsolar region for specific upper boundary conditions. In contrast, the models for the small-scale fields and the nightside fields have only reached a rudimentary stage. Much challenging work remains to be done on the origin of the ionospheric flux ropes and nightside ionospheric ‘hole’ fields. On the whole, the subject of the ionospheric fields would greatly benefit from 3-dimensional global MHD models with self-consistent treatments of the ionosphere.
Stress exposure and stress generation in child and adolescent depression : A latent trait-state-error approach to longitudinal analyses

In 2 longitudinal studies of negative life events and depressive symptoms in adolescents (N = 708) and in children (N = 508), latent trait-state-error structural equation models tested both the stress generation hypothesis and the stress exposure hypothesis. Results strongly suggested that self-reports of depressive symptoms reflect the influence of a perfectly stable trait factor as well as a less stable state factor. Support emerged for both the stress generation model and the stress exposure model. When the state depression factor was modeled as predicting stress, support for the stress generation model appeared to increase with age. When the trait depression factor was modeled as the predictor of stress, support for the stress generation model did not vary with the child's age. In both models, support for the stress exposure remained relatively constant across age.
First operational experience with the positive-ion injector of ATLAS

Abstract The recently completed positive-ion injector for the heavy-ion accelerator ATLAS was designed as a replacement for the tandem injector of the present tandem-linac system and, unlike the tandem, the positive-ion injector is required to provide ions from the full range of the periodic table. The concept for the new injector, which consists of an ECR ion source on a voltage platform coupled to a very-low-velocity superconducting linac, introduces technical problems and uncertainties that are well beyond those encountered previously for superconducting linacs. The solution to these problems and their relationship to performance are outlined, and initial experience in the acceleration of heavy-ion beams through the entire ATLAS system is discussed. The unusually good longitudinal beam quality of ATLAS with its new injector is emphasized.
A Study on Characteristics of China Open-End Fund Flow Changes Based on Quantile Regression

Free purchase and redemption to open-end fund of the investors result in the variety of open-end fund flows. Based on quantile regression model, the paper investigates the mechanism on the changing of open-end fund flows and the factors that cause it. With the data set of 97 open-end funds for three years (2005-2007) in China open-end fund market, we find that the whole return trend of stock market and the fund division are the main factors which affect the fund flows. But other factors appear to be more important to those funds which have high ratio of fund flows, in which investors' "short-term behavior" and "brand effect" also exist.
Physiological responses of fathead minnow larvae to rice pesticides

Newly hatched fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) larvae were exposed for 4 days to two pesticides and ambient receiving waters to simulate conditions in the Sacramento River, California, during the striped bass spawning season which coincides with pesticide use in adjacent rice culture. Carbofuran and molinate were tested at two concentrations: a higher level approximating one-half the LC50 and a level much lower that is similar to that seen in the receiving waters of Colusa Basin Drain. Physiological measurements were made immediately after the exposures and again after a 10-day recovery period in noncontaminated waters. These included growth rate, swimming capacity, response to a mild electric shock, upper and lower lethal temperatures, and activity of acetylcholinesterase in whole-body homogenates. The higher concentrations of carbofuran and molinate caused reductions in swimming capacity, an increased sensitivity to the electric shock, and a reduction in upper lethal temperature. Acetylcholinesterase was reduced in those larvae exposed to the higher levels of carbofuran. In general, the lower levels of pesticide exposure caused no measureable effects nor did exposure to water from Colusa Basin Drain.
Stress Analysis of Composite Tubes Under Tensile Fatigue Loading in a Simulated Seawater Environment

It is the purpose of this study to investigate the effects of fatigue loading on two variations of hybrid composite tubes. The two types of samples are both composed of AS-4D/carbon fibers and e-glass fibers. The key distinctions between the two samples being the orientation and the number of layers. The samples were composed of the following orientations [90/20/90/20/90/20/20/90/20] and [90/90/20/90/20/20/90/20]. The experiment is designed to not only compare the two samples, but to develop some experimental data for a fatigue curve for similar materials. All loading for this experiment takes place in a controlled environment. Both temperature and the specific gravity of the water are measured and controlled.© 2002 ASME
Laser transmission-backscattering through inhomogeneous cirrus clouds

We have developed a two-dimensional (2D) model for inhomogeneous cirrus clouds in plane-parallel and spherical geometries for the analysis of the transmission and backscattering of high-energy laser beams. The 2D extinction-coefficient and mean effective ice-crystal size fields for cirrus clouds can be determined from a combination of the remote sensing of cirrus clouds by use of the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer on board National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellites and the vertical profiling of ice-crystal size distributions available from limited measurements. We demonstrate that satellite remote sensing of the position and the composition of high cirrus can be incorporated directly in the computer model developed for the transmission and backscattering of high-energy laser beams in realistic atmospheres. The results of laser direct transmission, forward scattering, and backscattering are analyzed carefully with respect to aircraft height, cirrus cloud optical depth, and ice-crystal size and orientation. Uncertainty in laser transmission that is due to errors in the retrieved ice-crystal size is negligible. But uncertainty of the order of 2% can be produced if the retrieved optical depth has errors of ±0.05. With both the aircraft and the target near the cloud top, the direct transmission decreases, owing to the propagation of the laser beam through the curved portion of the cloud top. This effect becomes more pronounced as the horizontal distance between the aircraft and the target increases.
Influence of the nucleon-nucleon collision geometry on the determination of the nuclear modification factor for nucleon-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions

Abstract The influence of the underlying nucleon–nucleon collision geometry on evaluations of the nuclear overlap function ( T A B ) and number of binary collisions ( N coll ) is studied. A narrowing of the spatial distribution of the hard-partons with large light-cone fraction x in nucleons leads to a downward correction for N coll and T A B , which in turn, results in an upward correction for the nuclear modification factor R A B . The size of this correction is estimated for several experimentally motivated nucleon–nucleon overlap functions for hard-partons. It is found to be significant in peripheral nucleus–nucleus and nucleon–nucleus collisions, and is much larger at the LHC energy of s = 5.5 TeV than for the RHIC energy of s = 200 GeV . The implications for experimental measurements are also discussed.
Funerals, big matches and jolly trips: ’contextual spaces’ of smoking risk for Sri Lankan adolescents

Abstract This ethnographic study of smoking among males in two urban Sri Lankan communities was carried out to inform existing tobacco control efforts. Specific settings were found to foster smoking among young people. In ‘jolly’ settings (funerals, weddings, jolly trips and gantze parties), cigarette smoking was facilitated by participants; in ‘functional’ settings (easing problems, warding off cold, easing loneliness, showing colors), cigarettes played a more utilitarian role; in public settings (public, home), smoking was discouraged altogether. Youth are primarily ‘jolly’ and ‘functional’ smokers. As such, they typically smoke in the unobtrusive, private contexts which readily facilitate smoking and are not bound by public restrictions on smoking. These findings suggest that prevailing international tobacco control guidelines for low income countries may be missing what appear—from this study—to be the most common points of youth access to tobacco products in Sri Lanka: namely, social occasions at whi...
Cystic papillary hidradenoma of the vulva: Case report and review of the literature

Papillary hidradenoma of the vulva is a rare, benign neoplasm arising from apocrine sweat glands of the skin. Frequently, this lesion has been mistaken for carcinoma. The treatment of choice is local excision. The prognosis for patients with this tumor is excellent. We present a patient who is unique because she had a lesion which was the largest ever recorded, and which existed over twice as long as any previously described. This case is also presented to remind the clinician that, despite the gross appearance of the tumor which resembles carcinoma on sectioning, biopsy and histological diagnosis should guide the ultimate management of patients with such lesions. The findings in our patient support the view that no matter how large or how long in existence, hidradenoma remains benign.
Dynamic mechanical properties of some polymeric acid zinc salts

Mechanical properties, shear modulus, and damping of a series of polyacid divalent metal salts have been correlated with the degree of salt formation. The salts were prepared in situ by molding mixed powders of 94/6 acrylic acid–2-ethylhexyl acrylate and zinc oxide at temperatures of 200–300°C. and pressures of 5,000–10,000 psi. Zinc oxide consumption was followed by x-ray techniques. Compositions contained 25–200% of theory metal oxide as charged. Excesses, over theory, of metal oxide were shown to lead to the formation of substantial amounts of pendent half-salts which are high damping and have temperature-sensitive shear moduli. Only complete reaction as the di-salt, at 300°C. and 10,000 psi, leads to low damping products with temperature-insensitive high modulus. The modulus increase due to ionic bonding as the di-salt, over that expected from classical filler action alone, ranged from 40 to 80%, depending upon the theory chosen to calculate filler action. The pendent half-salt gives much smaller moduli increases and unreacted metal oxide appears to act as classical filler in an intertangled complex polyelectrolyte salt matrix. The modulus of the di-salt was found to be 6–7 times higher than moduli for normal organic rigid polymers.
Immunization with whole inactivated vaccine protects from infection by SIV grown in human but not macaque cells

Homologous SIVsm stocks were generated by passage of a macaque isolate of SIVsm (SIVsm/E660) in human CEM x 174 cells or macaque peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Macaques were immunized with whole inactivated SIV vaccine consisting of virus generated by transfection of CEM x 174 cells with the SIVsmH4 clone and were challenged with either cell-free stock. Only vaccinees challenged with virus generated in human cells were protected from infection. This confirms the species-specificity of whole inactivated vaccine-mediated protection.
Matrix computations with Fortran and paging

The efficiency of conventional Fortran programs for matrix computations can often be improved by reversing the order of nested loops. Such modifications produce modest savings in many common situations and very significant savings for large problems run under an operating system which uses paging.
Uniform Crime Report "SuperClean" Data Cleaning Tool

The analysis of UCR data provides a basis for crime prevention in the United States as well as a sound decision making tool for policy makers. The decisions made with the use of UCR data range from major funding for resource allocation down to patrol distribution by local police departments. The FBI collects and maintains the database of the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR), from 18,000 reporting police agencies nationwide. However, many of these data sets have missing, incomplete, or incorrect data points that render crime analysis less effective. UCR experts have stated that in the current form UCR data is unreliable and sporadic. Efforts have previously been made to design a software application to correct these necessary problems, but the application was deemed insufficient due to limited portability and usability. Software requirements restricted potential users and the user interface was ineffective. However, this previous work describes the functions needed to effectively clean and assess UCR data. This paper describes the design of an application used to clean, process, and correct UCR data so that ideal policy decisions can be made. Erroneous portions of the data will be found using the outlier detection function that is based on a statistical model of anomalous behavior. These methods incorporate sponsor specifications and user requirements. This project builds upon the GRASP (geospatial repository for analysis and safety planning) project's goal of sharing information between law enforcement agencies. Eventually this application could be integrated with GRASP to form a single repository for UCR and spatial crime data. This paper describes how the new stand alone application will allow users to clean, correct, and process UCR data in an efficient, user-friendly manner. Formal testing provides a basis to assess the effectiveness of the application based on the metrics of time, cost, and quality. The results are the basis for improvements to the application
Through a glass darkly : predicting the future of radiation oncology

To position ourselves professionally for the inevitable transition to managed care demands serious self-appraisal. Like most procedural medical specialties, radiation oncology is currently ill prepared for a capitated system of payment. To prosper under capitation, we need to increase the utility of radiation therapy per unit cost. This can be achieved by making the following adaptive responses: (a) we must ensure that the needs of medical practice drive the use of costly technology and not vice versa; (b) we must subordinate firmly held beliefs and prejudices to solid scientific data and be prepared to modify our practice when more cost-effective alternative exist; and (c) we must be increasingly conscious of outcome, not process, in deciding among treatment options; and (d) we must acknowledge the need to prioritize the use of finite resources so that the maximum effort is expended on those who have the most to gain from treatment. These changes will permit us to develop guidelines for appropriate use of radiation therapy, and to demonstrate the excellent value of the service we can provide, which is the ultimate key to success. Though the future may at times seem bleak, we can shape it with our actions: the best way to predict the future is to create it.
Quality assured measurements of animal building emissions: Odor concentrations

Comprehensive field studies were initiated in 2002 to measure emissions of ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHC), particulate matter or =10 min sampling intervals. Inside and outside gas sampling probes were between 10 and 115 m away from the analyzers. Analyzers used chemiluminescence, fluorescence, photoacoustic infrared, and photoionization detectors for NH3, H2S, CO2, CH4, and NMHC, respectively. Data were collected using personal computer-based data acquisition hardware and software. This paper discusses the methodology of gas concentration measurements and the unique challenges that livestock barns pose for achieving desired accuracy and precision, data representativeness, comparability and completeness, and instrument calibration and maintenance.
Interrelated demands for labor and buffer stocks: An empirical test*

This paper reports estimates of dynamic decision rules for employment, finished goods and unfilled orders obtained from intertemporal models of a firm. Adjustment parameters, appearing in these equations, capture the cyclical relationships between employment and output buffer stocks that are widely believed to hold over business cycles. Empirical results reported in the paper confirm these cyclical effects and provide evidence that inventories are a source of serial persistence in aggregate systems but that labor is not. Evidence is also provided that factor prices have a significant impact upon stock accumulation. Specifically, labor and inventories are inversely related to real wages, and output buffer stocks are significantly affected by measures of the real interest rate.
Identical rules do not make letter and number series equivalent

Letter series and number series tests, consisting of items based on identical rules, were administered in a counterbalanced design to 320 undergraduates in order to determine their comparability by testing the equality of (a) means, (b) variances, and (c) validity coefficients. Results indicated that the letter and number series tests, in which each item in one had a same-rule counterpart in the other, were not equivalent because they did not satisfy one or more of the criteria. Number series tests have higher means (p < .001) and lower variances and covariances (p < .01) than the corresponding letter series forms.
Cognitive enhancement as a treatment for drug addictions

Drug addiction continues to be an important public health problem, with an estimated 22.6 million current illicit drug users in the United States alone. For many addictions, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana addiction, there are no approved pharmacological treatments. Behavioral treatments are effective but effects vary widely across individuals. Treatments that are effective across multiple addictions are greatly needed, and accumulating evidence suggests that one such approach may be pharmacological or behavioral interventions that enhance executive inhibitory control in addicts. Current evidence indicates that most forms of chronic drug use may be associated with significant cognitive impairments, especially in attention, working memory, and response inhibition functions. In some studies, these impairments predict poor treatment retention and outcome. A number of cognitive enhancing agents, including galantamine, modafinil, atomoxetine, methylphenidate, and guanfacine, have shown promising findings in human studies. Specific behavioral interventions, including cognitive remediation, also show promise. However, whether improvement of selective cognitive functions reduces drug use behavior remains to be determined. Cognitive enhancement to improve treatment outcomes is a novel strategy worthy of future research, as are related questions such as whether these approaches may be broadly beneficial to most addicts or best reserved for substance users with specific demonstrated cognitive impairments. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Cognitive Enhancers'.
On the effects of transmit power control on the performance of wireless networks

In this paper, we use a realistic energy consumption model for wireless networks to analyze the energy and bandwidth performance of wireless networks with transmit power control. Transmit power affects the performance at the physical layer. When the transmit power increases, the capacity at the physical layer increases accordingly, which reduces the energy consumption and increases throughput. Transmit power also affects the performance of the medium access control (MAC) layer. When the transmit power of nodes increases, contention for channel access increases, which leads to more energy consumption and lower throughput. An energy consumption model that is linked with the bandwidth performance analysis is crucial for understanding the performance of wireless networks. We propose a simple energy consumption model and analyze the energy-throughput tradeoff of distributed wireless network considering both the physical layer and the MAC layer. We show that there exist an optimal transmit power that achieves either the minimum energy consumption or maximum throughput.