cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of particle resuspension in young children׳s breathing zone using stationary and robotic (PIPER) aerosol samplers

Abstract Development of asthma in children may be associated with exposure to particulate matter (PM). However, stationary samplers may not represent the personal exposure of children aged 3 and younger since they may not detect particles resuspended from the floor as children play. To address this issue, an autonomous robot, the Pretoddler Inhalable Particulate Environmental Robotic (PIPER) sampler, was developed to simulate the movements of children as they play on the floor. PIPER and a stationary sampler simultaneously measured particle number concentration in six size channels (0.3–10 µm) using an optical particle counter in 65 homes in New Jersey, USA. For all investigated particle sizes, higher particle resuspension was observed by PIPER compared to the stationary sampler. In 71% of carpeted homes a more significant (at the α = 0.05 level) resuspension of particles larger than 2.5 µm was observed by PIPER compared to the stationary sampler. Particles larger than 2.5 µm were resuspended more efficiently than smaller particles, over both carpeted and bare floors. This demonstrates that PIPER is able to resuspend particles through movement, and provide a better characterization of the resuspended particles than stationary samplers. Accurate measurement of resuspended PM will improve estimates of children’s exposure to PM.
Reconfigurable parametric channelized receiver for instantaneous spectral analysis

We propose and demonstrate a photonic approach to a reconfigurable channelized radio frequency (RF) receiver for instantaneous RF spectrum monitoring and analysis. Our approach relies on the generation of high quality copies of the RF input by wavelength multicasting in a 2- pump self-seeded parametric mixer and the use of off-the-shelf filtering element such as Fabry-Perot etalon and wavelength division demultiplexers. The parametric channelizer scheme trades frequency non-degeneracy of the newly generated copies for ease of filtering design. Self seeding scheme employed to wavelength multicast the original RF signal to a large number of copies enables easy reconfigurability of the device by simple tuning of the three input waves, i.e. seed and pumps. Channelizer operation to up to 15GHz bandwidth and channel spacing of 500MHz is demonstrated. Reconfigurability is verified by tuning the receiver operating bandwidth and channel spacing.
Wind power negotiations

The Department of Energy (DOE) is negotiating a $9 million-S11 million contract for a 350-kW wind turbine. Unlike other designs, these turbines will be capable of operating at annual mean wind speeds common to large areas of the United States. The aim of the project, now managed for DOE by NASA's Lewis Research Center, is to develop low-cost wind turbines that are capable of providing electricity at less than 6 cents per kilowatt-hour when at least 100 machines are produced. The test turbine will be located at a utility and will supply power to the local grid.
Renegotiating Moral Hazard Contracts under Limited Liability and Monotonicity

Abstract In a principal-agent model with unobservable effort and possible renegotiation, contracts are assumed to satisfy two natural restrictions: limited liability for the agent and monotonicity of payments for the principal. The main result is that if the agent has the renegotiation bargaining power, any contract is weakly Pareto dominated by a debt contract. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: D820, L140, O261.
Ubiquitin and synaptic dysfunction: ataxic mice highlight new common themes in neurological disease

The gene responsible for the neurological symptoms in ataxia mice has been identified and shown to encode a ubiquitin-specific protease. This study reveals new links between ubiquitination, synapse function and neurological disease.
A Posteriori Error Analysis for Hybridizable Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for Second Order Elliptic Problems

We present a unified a posteriori error analysis for hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin methods for second order elliptic partial differential equations. The main feature of this analysis is that it reduces the task of establishing the reliability and efficiency of the estimator to the verification of three simple conditions. This approach allows us not only to derive new estimates for hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin methods but also to recover well-known a posteriori error estimates for mixed methods and for the continuous Galerkin method.
Refusal of Tube Feeding as Seen from a Patient Advocacy Organization: A Comparison with Landmark Court Cases

OBJECTIVE To determine how closely high court decisions regarding tube feeding are a reflection of the situations that occur in the general population. DESIGN A retrospective review was conducted of memos recording inquiries made to the Society for the Right to Die (SRD), a patient advocacy organization. Characteristics of clients were compared to characteristics of individuals considered in landmark "right-to-die tube feeding cases during the same period of time. RESULTS Information from 116 memos of inquiries made from 1985 through mid-1990 was compared to 20 court cases, and significant differences were identified. The average age of the SRD clients was 77.6 (+/- 18.4) years compared to 55.1 (+/- 22.8) years for the court cases (P less than 0.001). Of the clients, 79% were 70 years of age or older and 28% were 90 or older; in contrast, 7 (35%) of subjects in the court cases were 70 years of age or older, and none was over 90 (P less than 0.001). In addition, whereas 14 (70%) of the court cases dealt with individuals in a persistent vegetative state, only 17 (15%) of SRD clients carried that diagnosis (P less than 0.001), with the remainder suffering from dementia, various stages of coma, or a variety of other debilitating disorders. The sex distribution, year of inquiry or year of court decision, and geographic distribution were similar. Some states were overrepresented in both groups. CONCLUSION High court cases may inadequately reflect the majority of situations that arise on a day-to-day basis. Elderly individuals, in particular those who are not in a persistent vegetative state, are significantly underrepresented.
Pairing state of cuprate superconductors containing double CuO 2 planes

This paper examines the viability of the ``Efetov-Larkin'' state (s wave, spin triplet, odd between layers) as an identification of the pairing state of those cuprate superconductors that contain double ${\mathrm{CuO}}_{2}$ planes. It is concluded that most of the NMR and other data are consistent with this assignment but there are one or two obvious diffuculties.
A novel iron protein from Desulfovibrio gigas.

Abstract The isolation, purification, and partial characterization of a novel iron-containing protein from the sulfate-reducing anaerobic bacterium, Desulfovibrio gigas , is described. The highly insoluble protein was isolated from the cell debris following osmotic shock of the bacteria. The insoluble fraction consistently contained about 90% of the cell-associated iron. Elemental analysis of a crude protein preparation gave 5.3% iron, 2.9% sulfur and 11.9% nitrogen. An independent colorimetric iron analysis showed 6.4% iron. The iron could be dissociated from the protein by treatment with 5% SDS. The iron-free protein was purified by a combination of organic extraction and DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The purified protein showed only one major band, M r 14 000, by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The protein could be reconstituted upon treatment with an appropriate mixture of FeS and β-mercaptoethanol. The reconstituted protein had the same physical and chemical properties as the native protein. The amino acid composition was not unusual except for the high isoleucine content.
Validity and Reliability of the Original and Abridged Role Conflict and Ambiguity Scales

Two studies were conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the original 29-item and the abridged 14-item role conflict and ambiguity scales developed by Rizzo, House, and Lirtzman (1970) ...
Nutrition behavior change: outcomes of an educational approach.

This study addresses 4 issues in the evaluation of nutrition education programs in the US: 1) the reliability of knowledge of belief and behavior scales; 2) the effectiveness of programs targeted to the general public; 3) the longitudinal effects of nutrition education interventions; and 4) the relationship between changes in the cognitive belief and behavior domains. Course participants in a nutrition course sponsored by the American Red Cross were surveyed at 3 distinct points in time: before immediately after and 10 weeks following completion of the course. A general conclusion regarding the reliability of scales is that it is possible to develop reasonably reliable scales. The results show that progress is substantial with a diverse population although since the study deals with a volunteer population it is not known if such impressive improvements in knowledge belief and behavior are possible with a less motivated nonvoluntary population. Results show that there is a significant deterioration in nutrition knowledge and an improvement in nutrition behavior after the course is completed. The study demonstrates that cognitive belief and behavioral domains of nutrition are interrelated. There is evidence that nutrition behavior can become self-enforcing after the completion of the course.
The Influence of Spatial Patterns of Soil Moisture on the Grass and Shrub Responses to a Summer Rainstorm in a Chihuahuan Desert Ecotone

The cycling of surface water, energy, nutrients, and carbon is different between semiarid grassland and shrubland ecosystems. Although differences are evident when grasslands are compared to shrublands, the processes that contribute to this transition are more challenging to document. We evaluate how surface redistribution of precipitation and plant responses to the resulting infiltration patterns could contribute to the changes that occur during the transition from grassland to shrubland. We measured soil water potential under grasses (Bouteloua eriopoda), shrubs (Larrea tridentata) and bare soil and changes in plant water relations and gas exchange following a 15 mm summer storm in the grassland–shrubland ecotone at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge in central New Mexico USA. Following the storm, soil water potential (Ψs) increased to 30 cm depth beneath both grass and shrub canopies, with the greatest change observed in the top 15 cm of the soil. The increase in Ψs was greater beneath grass canopies than beneath shrub canopies. Ψs under bare soil increased only to 5 cm depth. The substantial redistribution of rainfall and different rooting depths of the vegetation resulted in high Ψs throughout most of the rooting volume of the grasses whereas soil moisture was unchanged throughout a large portion of the shrub rooting volume. Consistent with this pattern, predawn water potential (ΨPD) of grasses increased more than 5 MPa to greater than −1 MPa whereas ΨPD of shrubs increased to −2.5 MPa, a change of less than 2 MPa. Transpiration increased roughly linearly with ΨPD in both grasses and shrubs. In grasses, assimilation was strongly correlated with ΨPD whereas there was no relationship in shrubs where assimilation showed no significant response to the pulse of soil moisture following the storm. These data show that preferential redistribution of water to grass canopies enhances transpiration and assimilation by grasses following large summer storms. This process may inhibit shrubland expansion at the ecotone during periods without extreme drought.
Semicontinuous PM2.5 and PM10 Mass and Composition Measurements in Lindon, Utah, during Winter 2007

Abstract The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is promoting the development and application of sampling methods for the semicontinuous determination of fine particulate matter (PM2.5, particles with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm) mass and chemical composition. Data obtained with these methods will significantly improve the understanding of the primary sources, chemical conversion processes, and meteorological atmospheric processes that lead to observed PM2.5 concentrations and will aid in the understanding of the etiology of PM2.5-related health effects. During January and February 2007, several semicontinuous particulate matter (PM) monitoring systems were compared at the Utah State Lindon Air Quality Sampling site. Semicontinuous monitors included instruments to measure total PM2.5 mass (filter dynamic measurement system [FDMS] tapered element oscillating microbalance [TEOM], GRIMM), nonvolatile PM2.5 mass (TEOM), sulfate and nitrate (two PM2.5 and one PM10 [PM with an aerodynamic diameter <10 µm] ...
Spin Flip in the Inelastic Scattering of Protons

Proton spin-flip probabilities and differential inelastic scattering cross sections were measured over a large angular region for the following ${2}^{+}$ excitations: 4.44 MeV in $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ at 12, 13, 14, 15, and 20 MeV; 1.45 MeV in $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$ at 9.25, 10.46, 15, and 20 MeV; 1.33 MeV in $^{60}\mathrm{Ni}$ at 10.5 and 14 MeV; and 1.34 MeV in $^{64}\mathrm{Ni}$ at 10.5 and 14 MeV. The results were analyzed in the distorted-wave Born approximation, with collective-model form factors derived from the optical-model potential. The deformed spin-dependent part of the coupling potential was of the full Thomas form, and the data are best described when ${{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{2}}^{\mathrm{SO}}g{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{2}$. Good fits are obtained for elastic polarization data (obtained elsewhere) when the depth of the spin-orbit potential is determined from spin-flip probability measurements.
A photoelectron spectroscopy and thermal desorption study of CO on FeAl(110) and polycrystalline TiAl and NiAl

Abstract Research presented in this paper investigates the electronic properties and surface reactivity of FeAl(110) and polycrystalline TiAl and NiAl toward carbon monoxide. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) have been used to characterize the electronic structure of the clean and CO-exposed surfaces. Temperature programmed desorption (TPD) shows CO desorption states below 470 K on all the aluminide surfaces. UPS shows that CO adsorption is molecular on FeAl(110) and NiAl at 130 and 200 K, respectively. The majority of CO is found to be dissociated on TiAl at 200 K. Adsorption of CO on FeAl(110) at 315 K results in both molecular and dissociated species, as determined by XPS. Heating this CO/FeAl(110) system results in further dissociation and CO desorption near 430 K. XPS data suggests that surface oxygen, resulting from CO dissociation, preferentially binds to the aluminum component.
Optofluidic Waveguiding for Biomedical Sensing

We review an optofluidic waveguiding lab-on-a-chip used to sense bioparticles. The sensor uses a liquid filled Anti-Resonant Reflecting Optical Waveguide (ARROW) that is interfaced with standard ridge waveguides. The ridge waveguides are coupled to off-chip lasers and detectors via optical fiber. A perpendicular intersection between the ARROW and a ridge waveguide is especially useful for detecting fluorescently tagged particles. Light coupled into the ridge waveguide can fluorescently excite these particles within a very small volume. Fluorescent signal can then be guided within the ARROW and subsequently off chip to a detector. We also discuss how such devices are fabricated. Both the ARROW and ridge waveguides are made using alternating thin films of tantalum oxide and silicon dioxide on silicon substrates. These thin films are deposited by either sputtering or plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The waveguides are patterned using a combination of standard photolithographic processes, reactive ion etching, and sacrificial etching. Low-loss optical guiding is very dependent on both the waveguide structure and the materials used. The latest processes for maximizing detection sensitivity are reviewed. We also present results using the optofluidic waveguiding sensor for detecting a variety of different types of particles such as fluorescently labeled nanobeads, viruses, ribosomes, and RNA.
Reversed-field pinch discharge improvement with parallel-connected auxiliary toroidal field coils

Improvements in discharge duration and peak current have been obtained on the Reversatron reversed-held pinch by the addition of auxiliary parallel-connected toroidal field coils. Parallel connection forces the toroidal flux in each coil to be equal. These coils were used without removing or disconnecting the normal series-connected coils. In discharges with the auxiliary coils, F and Theta are unchanged, the plasma resistance is reduced and there is less shot-to-shot variation in the discharges. Diagnostic coils show that field errors with poloidal mode number m=0, and toroidal mode numbers n=6 and n=12 arising from asymmetries in the vacuum vessel are reduced in the setting-up phase. In the sustainment phase, there is a significant reduction in the external kink modes with m=1 and n=3, 4, 5, and 6.
The solid state reactivity of the crystal forms of hydrocortisone esters

Abstract The crystal structure of the hexagonal and orthorhombic crystal forms of 21-oxobutoxy-11β,17α-dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, the orthorhombic crystal form of 21-oxopropoxy-11β,17α-dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3, 20-dione and the hexagonal forms of 21-oxopentoxy-, 21-oxocaproxy-, 21-(3-cyclopentyl-1-oxopropoxy)-, 9-α-fluoro-21-oxobutoxy, and 9-α-fluoro-21-oxopentoxy-11β, 17a-dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3, 20-dione were solved and refined. The A-ring is in the normal conformation (1α-2β-half chair) in all of the hexagonal crystal forms and in the inverted conformation in the two orthorhombic crystal forms. The hexagonal crystal forms tightly bind solvent in a ratio of about 1:2 solvent:steroid. They also react with oxygen in the presence of UV light to form the corresponding 11-ketone. The orthorhombic forms are not oxygen sensitive. The presence of the free radical scavenger BHT reduces the oxidation of the hexagonal forms. The extent of oxidation is related to surface area. One hypothesis explaining this behavior is that the solvent present in the crystal inhibits oxygen penetration. Preliminary solid state nmr studies of the thermal motion of the solvent indicate that it is not “liquid-like” in its behavior.
Tungsten Carbide as a Diffusion Barrier on Silicon Nitride Active- Metal-Brazed Substrates for Silicon Carbide Power Devices

Recently silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) has been receiving renewed attention because of its potential use as a substrate material for packaging of silicon carbide (SiC) power devices for high temperature applications. It is an attractive material for this application because it has moderate thermal conductivity and a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which is close to that of SiC. Materials that show promise for use as a diffusion barrier on Si 3 N 4 substrate for bonding SiC devices to a Si 3 N 4 substrate are refractory metals such as titanium (Ti), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), and their alloys. Tungsten carbide (WC) shows promise as a diffusion barrier for bonding these devices to copper metallization on Si 3 N 4 substrates. This paper presents the results of an investigation of a metallization stack (Si 3 N 4 /Cu/WC/Ti/Pt/Ti/Au) used to bond SiC dice to Si 3 N 4 substrates. The dice were bonded using transient liquid phase bonding. Samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction for phase identification and Auger electron spectroscopy for depth profiling of the elemental composition of the metallization stack in the as-deposited state, and immediately following annealing. The metallization remained stable following subjection to a temperature of 400°C for 100 h in air.
Selecting controls for computer-based information systems using heuristics and logic programming

Abstract The increasing dependency of organizations on computer-based information systems (CBIS) demands tools and techniques for choosing system components that assure their dependability. This paper presents a quantitative model for choosing system components (controls) that incorporates the trade-off between the cost of establishing controls and the cost of not having them. A descriptive model of a CBIS that is a refinement and extension of the “control evaluation matrix” concept is used for this purpose. A computable form of the model based on probability theory is presented. Two heuristics are developed to efficiently solve the resulting combinatorial-type optimization model. A logic programming (PROLOG) model was developed for a fast execution of the necessary analysis. The proposed model can be applied to the use of controls in any type of system.
A cultural analysis of the rhetoric of François Mitterrand

Abstract The purpose of the study was to analyze President Mitterrand's political discours and allocutions (1952–1985) as cultural products in order to determine whether they reflect his world view, including his concepts of time, values, ways of organizing information, and argumentation process. The analysis shows that relational thinking, characteristic of the French culture, is reflected in his communication pattern or style and therefore his world view and rhetoric can be described as “French.”
Groupthink and sports: An application of Whyte's model

This paper utilizes Whyte’s groupthink recast framework to analyze the Major League Umpires Association resignation decision. Our analysis supports the importance of high collective efficacy to groupthink and thus defective decision making. Implications for both research and practice are presented based on our analysis.
Flexural Behavior of Concrete-Filled Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Circular Tubes

This paper presents the experimental results of large-scale concrete-filled glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) circular tubes and control hollow GFRP and steel tubes tested in bending. The diameter of the beams ranged from 89 to 942 mm and the spans ranged from 1.07 to 10.4 m. The study investigated the effects of concrete filling, cross-sectional configurations including tubes with a central hole, tube-in-tube with concrete filling in between, and different laminate structures of the GFRP tubes. The study demonstrated the benefits of concrete filling and showed that a higher strength-to-weight ratio can be achieved by providing a central hole. The results indicated that the flexural behavior is highly dependent on the stiffness and diameter-to-thickness ratio of the tube and, to a much less extent, on the concrete strength. Test results suggest that the contribution of concrete confinement to the flexural strength is insignificant; however, the ductility of the member is improved. A strain compatibility model has been developed, verified by the experimental results, and used to provide a parametric study of the different parameters, significantly affecting the behavior. The parametric study covered a wide range of FRP sections filled with concrete, including under-reinforced, balanced, and over-reinforced sections.
Effect of agents known to alter carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity and cytochrome P-450 levels on carbon tetrachloride-stimulated lipid peroxidation and ethane expiration in the intact rat

Abstract Administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) to rats led to an increase in expired ethane by 15 min. Prior treatment of rats with phenobarbital led to a significant increase in both CCl 4 -stimulated ethane expiration and hepatic microsomal lipid diene conjugation, while prior treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene or CCl 4 led to a decrease in both parameters. Treatment with isopropanol increased CQ 4 -stimulated ethane expiration, while neither ethanol nor diethyl maleate treatment altered the response to CCl 4 . Cobaltous chloride treatment significantly decreased CCl 4 -stimulated ethane expiration. A strong correlation was found between CCl 4 -stimulated hepatic microsomal lipid diene conjugation and ethane expiration.
Improving Selection Criteria for Early Cystectomy in High-Grade T1 Bladder Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of 15,215 Patients

Purpose High-grade T1 (HGT1) bladder cancer is the highest risk subtype of non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer, with highly variable prognosis, poorly understood risk factors, and considerable debate about the role of early cystectomy. We aimed to address these questions through a meta-analysis of outcomes and prognostic factors. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and American Society of Clinical Oncology abstracts were searched for cohort studies in HGT1. We pooled data on recurrence, progression, and cancer-specific survival from 73 studies. Results Five-year rates of recurrence, progression, and cancer-specific survival were 42% (95% CI, 39% to 45%), 21% (95% CI, 18% to 23%), and 87% (95% CI, 85% to 89%), respectively (56 studies, n = 15,215). In the prognostic factor meta-analysis (33 studies, n = 8,880), the highest impact risk factor was depth of invasion (T1b/c) into lamina propria (progression: hazard ratio [HR], 3.34; P < .001; cancer-specific survival: HR, 2.0...
Getting It from Both Ends

In an earlier time, instances of censorship in US schools centered around three main subjects: use of profane/obscene language, descriptions of sexual/excretory activities, and communism/un-Americanism. Today, the tempo of citizens' complaints and challenges has increased and the scope of concerns has broadened. The Christian Right has attacked any and all classroom activities or materials which seem (to the attackers) as being inconsistent with ‘family values’ or any other dimension of Fundamentalist Christian Orthodoxy. On the left, a growing number of ‘special interest’ groups (feminists, gays/lesbians, African-Americans, Hispanics, etc.) have mounted a similarly extensive cluster of complaints/challenges, most under the umbrella of Political Correctness. Thus North American teachers in all subject matter areas and at all levels must walk an increasingly narrow path in offering classroom instruction.
Acceleration by NMDA treatment of visually induced map reorganization in juvenile Xenopus after larval eye rotation

Each tectal lobe of Xenopus forgs receives two topographic maps, one via the ipsilateral eye and one via the contralateral eye. The alignment of the ipsilateral map with the contralateral map depends upon bincoular visual input during a critical period that extends from late tadpole to early juvenile stages. Rotation of one eye during the critical period leads to reorganization of the ipsilateral map, which eventually comes back into alignment with the contralateral map despite the abnormal eye position. The ipsilateral eye's map initially develops as if there had been no alteration in eye position; there is a delay of 4–6 weeks before reorganization can be detected by electrophysiological mapping. In this paper, the possible role of the NMDA receptor in the delay in reorganization is addressed. The degree of NMDA receptor activation may need to be above some threshold level to trigger reorganization. If NMDA receptor activation normally is below that level until after the first month postmetamorphosis, then exogenous NMDA might boost the process sufficiently to start the reorganization process sooner than usual. In order to test this possibility, the left eye of tadpoles was rotated and NMDA was applied to the right tectal lobe for 3–5 weeks, starting at 1 week postmetamorphosis. Electrophysiological mapping demonstrated that reorganization takes place more rapidly than in untreated forgs or frogs treated with vehicle only. This result is consistent with the interpretation that the activation of the NMDA receptor is a rate-limiting step in the activity-dependent matching of binocular maps in Xenopus tectum. 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A hybrid physical and statistical dynamic articulatory framework incorporating analysis-by-synthesis for improved phone classification

In this paper, we present a dynamic articulatory model for phone classification. The model integrates real articulatory information derived from ElectroMagnetic Articulograph (EMA) data into its inner states. It maps from the articulatory space to the acoustic one using an adapted vocal tract model for each speaker and a physiologically-motivated articulatory synthesis approach. We apply the analysis-by-synthesis paradigm in a statistical fashion. We first present a fast approach for deriving analysis-by-synthesis distortion features. Next, the distortion between the speech synthesized from the articulatory states and the incoming speech signal is used to compute the output observation probabilities of the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) used for classification. Experiments with the novel framework show improvements over baseline in phone classification accuracy.
Use of ultrasound to assess healing of a mandibular distraction wound.

Abstract Purpose: A standardized, noninvasive technique to assess healing of the mandibular distraction wound is not available. Current methods include clinical examination, plain radiography, and computed tomography. These imaging techniques are expensive and obligate the patient to serial radiation exposure. In addition, anatomic overlap and metal artifacts may obscure the distraction gap. In contrast, ultrasound has been shown to be a noninvasive, efficient, and inexpensive way to evaluate bone healing. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of ultrasound to evaluate an experimental mandibular distraction osteogenesis wound. Materials and Methods: Distraction devices were placed via a submandibular incision into 24 minipigs. The protocol consisted of 0-day latency and distraction rates of 1, 2, or 4 mm/d for a 12-mm gap. The wounds were assessed in vivo after 0, 8, 16, and 24 days of neutral fixation. Ex vivo radiographs were used to estimate bone fill using a semiquantitative score. A semiquantitative ultrasound score was assigned, and the beam penetration depth was measured in millimeters. Results: In all groups, clinical stability of the distraction wound increased with the duration of fixation. Plain radiographs, taken during neutral fixation, showed that the desired distraction gap was achieved and maintained. The ultrasound score increased with fixation time, whereas beam penetration depth decreased as expected. Ex vivo radiographs showed increasing bone fill score with time and paralleled the ultrasound score. Conclusions: The results of this feasibility study indicate that ultrasound is potentially useful for the assessment of bone formation in distraction osteogenesis wounds. © 2002 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 60:1038-1044, 2002
Self-Care Operations and Nursing Interventions for Children With Cancer and Their Parents

As individuals assume more responsibility for their healthcare, nurses need to explore methods to support families' self-care practices. The purpose of this qualitative study was to: (a) determine what self-care and dependent-care operations children and parents perform to address self-care requisites, and (b) explore nursing interventions to promote operations. Orem's theory of self-care, theory of self-care deficit, and theory of nursing system were employed. Twenty-seven participants were interviewed about their cancer experiences. Results were that children and parents performed estimative, transitional, and productive operations to meet self-care requisites. Various nursing interventions that promoted these operations were identified. Recommendations were made for further interventions to support families.
Estimation of the Surface Heat Flux Response to Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies over the Global Oceans

The surface heat flux response to underlying sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies (the surface heat flux feedback) is estimated using 42 yr (1956–97) of ship-derived monthly turbulent heat fluxes and 17 yr (1984–2000) of satellite-derived monthly radiative fluxes over the global oceans for individual seasons. Net surface heat flux feedback is generally negative (i.e., a damping of the underlying SST anomalies) over the global oceans, although there is considerable geographical and seasonal variation. Over the North Pacific Ocean, net surface heat flux feedback is dominated by the turbulent flux component, with maximum values (28 Wm 2 K 1 ) in December–February and minimum values (5 W m 2 K 1 ) in May–July. These seasonal variations are due to changes in the strength of the climatological mean surface wind speed and the degree to which the near-surface air temperature and humidity adjust to the underlying SST anomalies. Similar features are observed over the extratropical North Atlantic Ocean with maximum (minimum) feedback values of approximately 33 W m 2 K 1 (9 Wm 2 K 1 ) in December–February (June–August). Although the net surface heat flux feedback may be negative, individual components of the feedback can be positive depending on season and location. For example, over the midlatitude North Pacific Ocean during late spring to midsummer, the radiative flux feedback associated with marine boundary layer clouds and fog is positive, and results in a significant enhancement of the month-to-month persistence of SST anomalies, nearly doubling the SST anomaly decay time from 2.8 to 5.3 months in May–July. Several regions are identified with net positive heat flux feedback: the tropical western North Atlantic Ocean during boreal winter, the Namibian stratocumulus deck off West Africa during boreal fall, and the Indian Ocean during boreal summer and fall. These positive feedbacks are mainly associated with the following atmospheric responses to positive SST anomalies: 1) reduced surface wind speed (positive turbulent heat flux feedback) over the tropical western North Atlantic and Indian Oceans, 2) reduced marine boundary layer stratocumulus cloud fraction (positive shortwave radiative flux feedback) over the Namibian stratocumulus deck, and 3) enhanced atmospheric water vapor (positive longwave radiative flux feedback) in the vicinity of the tropical deep convection region over the Indian Ocean that exceeds the negative shortwave radiative flux feedback associated with enhanced cloudiness.
Consultation-liaison psychiatry fellowship in primary care.

Objective:This article describes the need for and development of an outpatient primary care psychiatry fellowship program.Method:The Department of Psychiatry at Hillside Hospital established a primary care fellowship for psychiatrists in 1994, through its consultation-liaison (C-L) service. Staff alliances established by the C-L service with primary care physicians provided the basis for identifying appropriate outpatient practices in the community. Knowledge and skills objectives were adapted from a traditional C-L fellowship to outpatient primary care medicine.Results:The selection of a psychologically minded primary care practitioners was crucial. Practitioners used an inclusive model in which fellows would see all patients with them, not just those with mental disorders. Fellows have felt comfortable working in the primary care setting and have been well received by practitioners, staff, and patients. The practitioners were clearly more interested in psychosocial aspects of their patient than were pri...
Experimental use of heterologous stroma-free hemoglobin solution (SFHS) as a whole blood substitute.

Normothermic extracorporeal oxygenation and oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation characteristics of stroma-free hemoglobin solution (SFHS) were studied. One hour of normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, using a total SFHS prime, resulted in arterial pH 7.31 – 7.38, PaO2 120 – 140 mm Hg, SaO2 99%, and mean arterial pressure of 85 mm Hg. One hour after perfusion, the animal died with acute pulmonary edema from severe hemodilution and hypoxemia. Hypothermic (25°C) myocardial metabolism was studied. Myocardial utilization (MU) values for oxygen, lactate, pyruvate, and glucose during SFHS perfusion were 1.46 and 1.71 m1/100 gm/min, +1.01 and +0.08 mg/100 gm/min, −0.32 and −0.04 mg/100 gm/min, and −34.4 and −9.50 mg/100 gm/min. MU values during whole blood perfusion were 2.21 and 2.13 m1/100 gm/min, −5.19 and −2.99 mg/100 gm/min, −0.65 and 0.22 mg/100 gm/min, and −13.7 and −5.32 mg/100 gm/min. These data suggest the necessity of further studies to identify any usefulness of SFHS as a whole blood substitute.
Immediate laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: no need to wait

Abstract Background Early, within 72 hours, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for acute chlolecystitis (AC) is the standard of care. We reviewed our experience with immediate (within 24 hours) LC for AC to determine whether this also was safe. Methods Group 1, those patients who had LC for AC within 24 hours was compared with group 2, those who had LC for AC after 24 hours. Results Of 253 consecutive patients, 132 were in group 1 and 121 were in group 2. There were no differences in group 1 versus group 2 in demographics, clinical severity of disease, mean operating time (92 minutes versus 95 minutes, P =.2), conversion (9% versus 6%, P = .3), and complications (7% versus 9%, P = .5). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that the timing of LC for AC was not associated with longer than average operating times. Conclusions Immediate LC for AC is safe and has become our standard of practice.
Semi-greedy heuristics: An empirical study

Given p or c, a semi-greedy heuristic chooses each iteration's decision randomly from among those decisions resulting in objective value improvements either within p% of the best improvement or among the c best improvements. In the context of vehicle routing, we empirically compare the single use of a greedy heuristic with repeated use of a semi-greedy heuristic.
Beyond global oxygen supply-demand relations: In search of measures of dysoxia

Central to the management of the hemodynamically unstable patient are resuscitative therapies for circulatory shock and the hemodynamic monitoring used to guide such therapies. In this context, shock can be considered to reflect inadequate O2 utilization by the tissues, due to either inadequate O2 delivery or inadequate O2 uptake. Inadequate O2 delivery usually reflects either hypoperfusion or arterial desaturation, whereas impaired O2 utilization by the tissues reflects an abnormal O2 metabolism or dysoxia [1]. In the last 10 years increased attention has been directed at the assessment of O2 consumption and delivery in the critically ill patient using data derived from pulmonary arterial and systemic arterial catheterization. Initial clinical studies suggested that as O2 delivery was varied, O2 uptake co-varied in a similar fashion [2-4]. Since this phenomenon in critically ill patients was contrary to previously proposed mechanisms in the normal relation between O2 delivery and uptake, it was referred to as “pathological O2 supply dependency” [5].
Extensive in vitro cross-reactivity to seed storage proteins is present among walnut (Juglans) cultivars and species.

Summary Background Tree nuts, including English walnuts (Juglans regia), are sources of food allergens often associated with life-threatening allergic reactions. It is unknown if seed storage proteins from other Juglans species have IgE epitopes similar to those of the important English walnut allergens, Jug r 1 (2S albumin) and Jug r 2 (vicilin-like). Objective To screen for potential germplasm sources of hypoallergenic seed storage proteins of relevance in walnut food allergy. We sought to identify English walnut cultivars (cvs) or other Juglans species that showed decreased IgE binding to major seed storage proteins or an inability to cross-react with Jug r 1 or Jug r 2. Methods We determined if IgE in sera of patients who have had life-threatening systemic reactions to English walnut bound protein extracts from all tested walnut cvs (57 cvs total) or species (six) by Western immunoblot. Further, we used immunoblot inhibition to determine the in vitro cross-reactivity of Jug r 1 and Jug r 2, native and recombinant, with several walnut species. Results All walnut cvs and species contain allergenic proteins. Furthermore, as shown by in vitro immunoblot inhibition, the major walnut allergens in the species tested cross-reacted with those in J. regia cv. Chandler and J. nigra cv. Thomas extracts. Conclusions Based on our findings, it is unlikely that a composite hypoallergenic walnut could be bred from available germplasm. In addition, patients with severe allergy to English walnut are likely to be clinically allergic to all commercial English walnut cvs and other closely related Juglans species.
The Impact of Anticipatory Grief on Caregiver Burden in Dementia Caregivers

Purpose: Interest in anticipatory grief (AG) has typically focused on terminal diseases such as cancer. However, the issues involved in AG are unique in the context of dementia due to the progressive deterioration of both cognitive and physical abilities. The current study investigated the nature of AG in a sample of dementia caregivers and examined the relationship between AG and caregiver burden. Design and Methods: A total of 80 informal caregivers of individuals with dementia completed interviews and questionnaires assessing their experience of grief, physical and mental health, aspects of the caregiving situation, and the level of patient impairment. Hierarchical linear regression models were used to examine whether AG is signifi cantly associated with caregiver burden. Results: AG was shown to be signifi cantly and independently associated with caregiver burden in this sample, beyond the effects of known predictors such as background characteristics, behavior problems in the care recipient, and depressive symptoms. Implications: The current results suggest that grief may be an important yet understudied aspect of the caregiving experience. It is likely that consideration of grief in future conceptualizations of caregiver burden can lead to better support for caregivers and more accurate predictions of outcomes.
Vibrational spectroscopy of L‐valyl‐glycyl‐glycine, a parallel‐chain β‐structure

Bands in the ir and Raman spectra of L-valyl-glycyl-glycine (VGG) and VGG-ND have been assigned on the basis of a normal mode analysis of the known parallel-chain β-structure of this tripeptide. Amide I, II, III, and V mode shifts are obtained by the interactions of dipole derivatives in symmetry coordinates, referred to as dipole derivative coupling. These derivatives, obtained from ab initio studies, are also used to calculate ir intensities of amide I, II, and V modes. The agreement between predicted and observed frequencies and intensities is very good, providing confidence in the application of our force fields to the calculation of the vibrational modes of the general parallel-chain β-sheet structure (following paper).
Dynamic node collaboration for Mobile Multi-Target Tracking in two-tier Wireless Camera Sensor Networks

We propose a dynamic node collaboration scheme and a track-to-estimate association scheme for the Mobile Multi- Target Tracking (MMTT) problem in the two-tier Wireless Camera Sensor Network (WCSN). We apply the Particle Multi- Bernoulli (PCBMeMBer) filtering algorithm to implement our proposed sensor collaboration scheme, which includes the Cluster Head (CH) selection scheme and the cluster member selection scheme. At each time step, every CH activates one of the cluster members, which has the best view of the tracked targets, to be the CH for the next time step. Each new CH collects the sensors located within its communication range and activates the ones collaborating to obtain more information to be its cluster members. Furthermore, we also implement a Gaussian- Mixture CBMeMBer (GMCBMeMBer) filtering algorithm to develop a track-to-estimate association scheme, which associates the target identities with the achieved multi-target states, which are collected in Random Finite Set (RFS). The simulation results evaluate our proposed dynamic node collaboration scheme especially when the target dynamics and/or measurement process are severely nonlinear. The simulation results also the improvements in the target-position estimate accuracy by using our proposed target-identification scheme.
The roadmap: examining the impact of a systematic goal-setting program for collegiate women's tennis players.

This study assessed the impact of an 8-week goal-setting program on the motivation, confidence and performance of collegiate women tennis players using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study design. This goal-setting program used the ‘roadmap’ concept; a unique systematic approach to goal-setting that focused on setting coordinated long-, intermediate-, and short-term goals. Participants consisted of six female Division I collegiate tennis players who completed seven instruments to assess intervention effectiveness. Over the 8-week intervention, all 6 players demonstrated improvements in motivation, confidence and performance measures, particularly on targeted variables. Qualitative results further strengthen support for intervention success, with all six athletes consistently reporting that goal-setting was beneficial in enhancing their motivation, confidence and performance.
Stability of circular Couette flow with variable inner cylinder speed

Energy & ability theory is employed to study the finite-amplitude stability of a viscous incompressible fluid occupying the space between a pair of concentric cylinders when the inner-cylinder angular velocity varies linearly with time. For the case with a fixed outer cylinder and increasing inner-cylinder speed, we find an enhancement of stability, consistent with a linear-theory result due to Eagles. When the inner-cylinder speed decreases, we find an initially decreased stability bound, indicating the possibility of hysteresis, while, if the inner cylinder is allowed to reverse direction and linearly increase in speed, we find significant stability enhancement.
Characterization of defects in photovoltaics using thermoreflectance and electroluminescence imaging

Thermal and electroluminescence (EL) imaging techniques are widely accepted as powerful tools for analyzing solar cells. We have identified and characterized various defects in photovoltaic devices with sub-micron spatial resolution using a novel thermoreflectance imaging technique that can simultaneously obtain thermal and EL images with a mega-pixel silicon-based CCD. Linear and non-linear shunt defects are investigated as well as electroluminescent breakdown regions at reverse biases as low as −5V. Pre-breakdown sites with electroluminescence are observed. The wavelength flexibility of thermoreflectance imaging is explored and thermal images of sub-micrometer defects are obtained through glass that would typically be opaque for infrared light. Image sequences show a 10µs thermal transient response of a 15µm defect in a polysilicon solar cell. Nanosecond reverse bias voltage pulses are used to detect breakdown regions in thin-film a-Si solar cells with EL.
Role Strain and Adaptation Issues in the Strength-Based Model Diversity, Multilevel, and Life-Span Considerations

This article applauds the strength-based model (SBM) of counseling but calls for an extension. In the existential or humanistic tradition, the SBM builds on emerging trends in psychology to highlight the importance of individual strengths in counseling interventions. However, a role strain and adaptation (RSA) approach extends the SBM to systematically address diversity, multilevel, and life-span issues among at-risk youth. Guided by cross-cultural research, the RSA extension of SBM explains how universal (etic) and ethnic-specific (emic) strengths facilitate coping. Building on cological studies, the RSA extension also clarifies the operation of risk and protective factors at the individual, family, and community levels. Moreover, the RSA extension provides a life-span framework to examine risk factors and protective strengths as adolescents prepare for early, middle, and elder adulthood. Finally, the RSA extension can help psychologists and other professionals better distinguish between three empowermen...