cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pretreatment lymphedema education and identified educational resources in breast cancer patients.

Abstract Objective In 1998, the American Cancer Society (ACS) Lymphedema Workshop, called for a three phase approach to patient lymphedema education: (1) pretreatment, (2) postoperatively, and (3) continuing education. The objectives of this study were: to compare recalled pretreatment lymphedema education before and after the 1998 ACS call; compare recalled lymphedema pretreatment education between women with and without breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema; and identify breast cancer survivors perceived sources of lymphedema education. Methods One hundred and forty-nine breast cancer survivors (74 with lymphedema and 75 without lymphedema) were asked: (1) Prior to having breast cancer treatment did anyone talk to you about your risk for lymphedema? If yes, who? (2) Prior to having breast cancer treatment did anyone talk to you about ways to decrease your risk for lymphedema? If yes, who? (3) If you want to learn more about lymphedema occurring after breast cancer treatment who would you ask or where would you look for information? Results Individuals with lymphedema consistently recalled receiving less education and a decline in recalled risk reduction education in the lymphedema group occurred after 1998. Discussion Barriers exist to the integration of ACS suggested pretreatment lymphedema educational protocols and risk reduction education may influence risk of developing lymphedema. Conclusion Pretreatment lymphedema education may improve breast cancer survivor's recall of educational information received about lymphedema. Practice implications Healthcare providers must be well versed about breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema and communicate this knowledge to patients on a consistent basis.
Low-overhead design of soft-error-tolerant scan flip-flops with enhanced-scan capability

With technology scaling, soft error resilience is becoming a major concern in circuit design. This paper presents a class of low-overhead flip-flops suitable for soft error detection and correction. The proposed design reuses logic elements typically available in a standard-cell implementation of a flip-flop to reduce hardware overhead. We demonstrate that the proposed flip-flops are also suitable for enhanced scan based delay fault testing, which allows arbitrary two-pattern test application for the best combinational path testability. The proposed flip-flops show an average power reduction of 16% and area improvement of 17% compared to the best alternative techniques with no additional delay overhead.
Altered Generation of Induced Regulatory T cells In the FVB.mdr1a−/− Mouse Model of Colitis

The FVB.mdr1a(-/-) mouse, lacking the small molecule pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp), is a commonly used model for the study of spontaneous T cell-mediated colitis. In addition, MDR1 polymorphisms and P-gp deficiency in humans have been linked to the development of ulcerative colitis. We now demonstrate that mice with P-gp deficiency have decreased levels of Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the intestinal lamina propria. This decrease is not due to either increased Treg apoptosis, altered Treg trafficking, or enhanced Treg plasticity to become Foxp3(+)IL-17(+) cells. Instead, P-gp deficiency appears to restrict the development of induced Treg cells (iTregs), as fewer Foxp3(+) iTregs developed from naive FVB.mdr1a(-/-) T cells both upon transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) treatment in vitro and after adoptive transfer into FVB.rag2(-/-) recipients. Rather, in vitro TGF-β treatment results in a IL-17(+)CD4(+) T cell. This failure of iTregs to develop explains the decrease in Foxp3(+) Tregs in the FVB.mdr1a(-/-) intestine, representing a need to investigate this novel disease mechanism in human inflammatory bowel disease patients with MDR1 polymorphisms.
The Influence of Remarriage on the Racial Difference in Mother-Only Families in 1910

Historical demography documents that mother-only families were more common among African Americans than among Euro-Americans early in the twentieth century. We find direct evidence that African American males in both first and higher-order marriages were more likely to have (re)married previously married women and were more likely to have (re)married women with children. This racial difference in (re)marital partner choice reduced the racial difference in the prevalence of mother-only families such that, in the absence of such remarriage choices, the prevalence of mother-only families in the turn-of-the-century African American population would have been even higher than has been reported. Remarriage in this period countered the various demographic, economic, cultural, and social-institutional forces that disproportionately destabilized African American marriages; it must be taken into account more fully by analysts concerned with racial differences in family structure.
Plasma proenkephalin peptide F and human B cell responses to exercise stress in fit and unfit women.

In vitro studies have connected immune cell function to Peptide F. The primary purpose of this investigation was to examine the responses of plasma Peptide F and epinephrine along with the changes in B cell antibody production in vivo in physically fit and unfit women in response to physical exercise on a cycle ergometer at 60% and 80% of peak oxygen consumption. Seven aerobically fit and eight untrained (i.e., unfit) women between the ages of 18 and 30 volunteered to participate in this investigation. Blood samples (analyzed for plasma Peptide F and epinephrine along with the number of antibody-producing B cells) were obtained 24 hours prior to the exercise session, pre-exercise, during each exercise intensity, and five minutes post-exercise. The fit group had a significantly higher plasma Peptide F concentration after the 80% exercise intensity along with significantly higher numbers of antibody producing B cells compared to the unfit group. The results of this investigation show that physically fit women have an enhanced secondary response of B cells to a specific antigen under conditions where Peptide F is increased. Such data demonstrate that physical fitness as promoted by the Public Health Service (e.g., Healthy People 2000) influences the underlying hormonal and immune cell responses when challenged by physical exercise stress.
DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING CALORIMETRY OF NONFREEZABLE WATER IN SOLUTE—MACROMOLECULE—WATER SYSTEMS

Differential scanning calorimetry was employed to determine the amount of bound (nonfreezable) water in several model systems as a function of water activity (aw). Water activity was controlled by varying total moisture content or by adding a solute, urea, to the aqueous phase of the model system. Since the amount of bound water is dependent on the nature of the components, correlations between bound water and a, are meaningful only for specific systems. In every case studied, bound water, as g H2 O/g solids, decreased with decreasing aw, along what might be called a bound water isotherm. The results indicate that measurements of bound water should refer to a specified value of aw. In addition, aw of the solution phase appears to be a major contributor to the driving force for water binding by macromolecules.
The use of adaptive antennas for cellular subscriber location - experimental results

This paper presents the results of an adaptive antenna measurement platform for PCS1800 frequency division duplex operation. A description of the measurement site in central London, UK is followed by a brief note on the data available and used for post-processing in this paper. Frequency division duplex operation is analysed in terms of the estimated peak-energy spectral energy density 'look-direction' in the uplink and downlink channels and compared to the GPS estimated positions of a mobile transmitter.
Deep UV photochemistry and patterning of self-assembled monolayer films

Abstract Patterned deep UV irradiation of organosilane self-assembled monolayer (SAM) films caused photocleavage of the organic groups in the molecule, and creates alternating regions of intact film and hydrophilic, surface silanol moieties. The exposed regions can undergo a second chemisorption reaction to produce an assembly of SAMs in the same molecular plane. The patterned SAM films can also act as a template for selective build-up of materials in the z-direction. The use of UV patterned silane SAM films as imaging layers for optical lithography has been demonstrated. The exposed films are selectively metallized using electroless deposition to produce a thin metal layer only in the unexposed areas. The film/metal assembly is a highly resistive barrier to reactive ion etching (RIE) for pattern transfer into the substrate. Features to 0.5 μm line width and working transistor test structures have been produced using this process.
Belonging, Behaving, and Believing: Assessing the Role of Religion on Presidential Approval

We operationalize three dimensions of religion—religious affiliation, religious commitment, and religious belief—to offer a detailed analysis of how religion affects presidential approval ratings. ...
Drug Therapy in Dental Practice: Nonopioid and Opioid Analgesics

To prevent patient pain, the clinician may chose from opioid and nonopioid analgesics. It is rational for the practitioner to combine drugs from these classes when managing moderate to severe pain. To select combination regimens wisely, it is necessary to understand the significant pharmacological features of each category alone. Careful selection of an effective analgesic regimen based on the type and amount of pain the patient is expected to have can prevent the stress and anxiety associated with breakthrough pain. The clinician can and should develop a variety of effective, safe analgesic regimens, based on estimates of anticipated pain intensity that use sound pharmacological principles.
High-fat diet in a short bowel syndrome. Intestinal absorption and gastroenteropancreatic hormone responses.

A patient with only 137 cm of jejunum suffereing from excessive jejunostomy losses was studied on three isocaloric liquid formula diets (3850 kcal/24 hr) differing only in carbohydrate and fat content. An increase in dietary fat from 64 g to 200 g per 24 hr and a reciprocal decrease in dietary carbohydrates resulted in a linear increase in the amount of fat absorbed, from 44 g to 133 g and in a 2.5-fold decrease in ostomy fluid bile acids. No undesirable side effects were noted on the 200-g fat diet: the ostomy fluid dry weight was lower than on 64 g of fat and the ostomy fluid output was lowest of all diets. Compared to healthy adults, the patient had higher fasting blood insulin and pancreatic glucagon. Meal-stimulated insulin, glucagon, gastrin, and GIP were also more than two standard errors above mean responses observed in healthy subjects. Smallest meal-stimulated increase in insulin, gastrin and GIP was noted on the 200-g fat diet. This diet induced the highest levels of glucagon. In a hormonally hyperactive individual after massive resection of the distal intestine favorable effects of a high-fat diet consist of increased absorption of dietary fat and bile acids and reduced release of gastroenteropancreatic hormones with the exception of glucagon.
Errors in ellipsometry measurements made with a photoelastic modulator

The equations governing ellipsometry measurements made with a photoelastic modulator are presented in a simple but general form. These equations are used to study the propagation of both systematic and random errors, and an assessment of the accuracy of the ellipsometer is made. A basis is provided for choosing among various ellipsometer configurations, measurement procedures, and methods of data analysis. Several new insights into the performance of this type of ellipsometer are supplied.
Education and health: evidence on adults with diabetes

Although the education-health relationship is well documented, pathways through which education influences health are not well understood. This study uses data from a 2003–2004 cross sectional supplemental survey of respondents to the longitudinal Health and Retirement Study (HRS) who had been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus to assess effects of education on health and mechanisms underlying the relationship. The supplemental survey provides rich detail on use of personal health care services (e.g., adherence to guidelines for diabetes care) and personal attributes which are plausibly largely time invariant and systematically related to years of schooling completed, including time preference, self-control, and self-confidence. Educational attainment, as measured by years of schooling completed, is systematically and positively related to time to onset of diabetes, and conditional on having been diagnosed with this disease on health outcomes, variables related to efficiency in health production, as well as use of diabetes specialists. However, the marginal effects of increasing educational attainment by a year are uniformly small. Accounting for other factors, including child health and child socioeconomic status which could affect years of schooling completed and adult health, adult cognition, income, and health insurance, and personal attributes from the supplemental survey, marginal effects of educational attainment tend to be lower than when these other factors are not included in the analysis, but they tend to remain statistically significant at conventional levels.
Calculation of neoclassical toroidal viscosity with a particle simulation in the tokamak magnetic braking experiments

Accurate calculation of perturbed distribution function #14;δf and perturbed magnetic fi eld #14;δB is essential to achieve prediction of non-ambipolar transport and neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV) in perturbed tokamaks. This paper reports a study of the NTV with a #14;δf particle code (POCA) and improved understanding of magnetic braking in tokamak experiments. POCA calculates the NTV by computing #14;f with guiding-center orbit motion and using #14;B from the ideal perturbed equilibrium code (IPEC). POCA simulations are compared with experimental estimations for NTV, which are measured from angular momentum balance (DIII-D) and toroidal rotational damping rate (NSTX). The calculation shows good agreement in total NTV torque for the DIII-D discharge, where an analytic neoclassical theory also gives a consistent result thanks to relatively large aspect-ratio and slow toroidal rotations. In NSTX discharges, where the aspect-ratio is small and the rotation is fast, the theory only gives a qualitative guide for predicting NTV. However, the POCA simulation largely improves the quantitative NTV prediction for NSTX. It is discussed that a self- consistent calculation of δ#14;B using general perturbed equilibria is eventually necessary since a non-ideal plasma response can change the perturbed eld and thereby the NTV torque.
Diagnostic criteria of developmental apraxia of speech used by clinical speech-language pathologists.

The diagnostic criteria used to identify developmental apraxia of speech (DAS) have been at the center of controversy for decades. Despite the difficulty in determining the characteristics that dif...
Meeting the basic educational needs of children and youth

Abstract This article examines policies and programs designed to meet the basic educational needs of American children and youth, with an emphasis on promoting cognitive skill development through K-12 schooling. Building on an appraisal of the weak technology for promoting cognitive development and the lack of a robust research literature on what works, I examine patterns in educational achievement across the nation, and their association with students' social characteristics, and follow with an assessment of the standing of the U.S. in international perspective. I then consider the federal role in K-12 education, particularly the legacy of the No Child Left Behind Act, and subsequent concerns with increasing teacher capacity and system-changing via increased school choice. Because these policy strategies lack a powerful theory of teaching and learning, their potential for enhancing student achievement remains more a matter of faith than of certainty.
Testing a linear dynamic panel data model against nonlinear alternatives

Abstract The most popular econometric models in the panel data literature are the class of linear panel data models with unobserved individual- and/or time-specific effects. The consistency of parameter estimators and the validity of their economic interpretations as marginal effects depend crucially on the correct functional form specification of the linear panel data model. In this paper, a new class of residual-based tests is proposed for checking the validity of dynamic panel data models with both large cross-sectional units and time series dimensions. The individual and time effects can be fixed or random, and panel data can be balanced or unbalanced. The tests can detect a wide range of model misspecifications in the conditional mean of a dynamic panel data model, including functional form and lag misspecification. They check a large number of lags so that they can capture misspecification at any lag order asymptotically. No common alternative is assumed, thus allowing for heterogeneity in the degrees and directions of functional form misspecification across individuals. Thanks to the use of panel data with large N and T , the proposed nonparametric tests have an asymptotic normal distribution under the null hypothesis without requiring the smoothing parameters to grow with the sample sizes. This suggests better nonparametric asymptotic approximation for the panel data than for time series or cross sectional data. This is confirmed in a simulation study. We apply the new tests to test linear specification of cross-country growth equations and found significant nonlinearities in mean for OECD countries’ growth equation for annual and quintannual panel data.
Ecoregional Planning: Retreat or Reinvention?

Ecoregional planning—broadly defined here as planning for regions delineated by natural boundaries—seemed poised to prosper in the early 1970s. Faced with immense political and economic challenges, however, it subsequently transformed itself, taking a more collaborative, less regulatory tack. Ecoregional planning capacity has expanded, though highly unevenly, at multiple spatial scales. Today’s multiple initiatives receive financial, technical, and logistical support from federal and state funding programs, land trusts, watershed organizations, and ballot questions—and they may be further bolstered by climate change mitigation and adaptation policies. As they continue to develop, ecoregional programs must contend with issues of equity, efficiency, affordability, and intense opposition.
Impact of different policy options on profits of private catfish farms in Chicot County, Arkansas

Abstract The catfish industry is recognized as an important component of foodfish aquaculture in the U.S. Due to different economic factors, the live catfish price has fallen below the breakeven price. In this study, a policy analysis matrix is used to identify changes in private and social economic incentives of catfish farms under alternative policy options. Farm level data were used to estimate private profits and different world prices were used to estimate social benefits and costs of producing live catfish in Chicot County, Arkansas. The results indicate that catfish farms paid about $1.06/kg in implicit tax for live catfish sold in 2001. The most affected are catfish farms operating less than 40 ha. Any policy aimed at stabilizing catfish prices will be very beneficial, particularly, given limitations to access of capital by small‐scale farms resulting from lending limits on borrowing.
Modulation of lambda integrase synthesis by rare arginine tRNA

Lambda's int gene contains an anomalously high frequency of the rare arginine codons AGA and AGG when compared to genes of Escherichia coli or to the rest of phage lambda. These are the least frequent codons in genes of E. coli and are recognized by the rarest tRNAs. The presence of these codons reduces the translation rate and, depending on the context, this can strongly modulate translational efficiency by a variety of mechanisms. In this study, we show that expression of the natural int gene may also be modulated by rare arginine codon usage, and we explore this mechanism.
DNA replication by a membrane-DNA complex from rat liver mitochondria.

The results presented here indicate that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) synthesis occurs on the inner mitochondrial membrane and that a membrane-DNA complex, enriched in newly synthesized DNA, can be isolated. The complex is able to synthesize DNA in vitro. Enrichment studies demonstrated that mtDNA synthesis occurs on an intact membrane-DNA complex in vitro and that pulse-labeled mtDNA could be chased from the membrane-DNA complex to the top fraction of the discontinuous sucrose gradient. The membrane-DNA complex was also shown to carry out replicative synthesis of mtDNA in vitro. Replication was shown to be asynchronous with heavy-strand synthesis preceding light-strand synthesis. The progression of mtDNA replication by the membrane-DNA complex was shown to be from small fragments (<13 S) to larger fragments (14–24 S) liberated from closed circular molecules, to a heat-stable 27 S molecule, and finally to a 38 S heat-stable molecule. The time estimated to progress from small fragments to the 38 S molecule is 120 min.
Current considerations of the etiology of aplastic anemia

Aplastic anemia is a disorder characterized by marrow aplasia and pancytopenia. The pathogenetic mechanisms that lead to bone marrow aplasia have been intensively studied. Data obtained from these studies suggest that aplastic anemia is a heterogeneous disorder with regards to pathogenesis. Bone marrow aplasia may result from a number of abnormalities including qualitative or quantitative abnormalities of hematopoietic stem cells, abnormal interaction between bone marrow accessory cells (lymphocytes and macrophages) and hematopoietic stem cells, cytotoxic humoral inhibitors of hematopoiesis, and abnormalities of the bone marrow microenvironment. A number of new therapeutic options have improved the survival of patients with aplastic anemia. Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation has actually resulted in the cure of patients. Unfortunately, only a minority of patients have a suitable bone marrow donor and alternate modes of therapy have been sought. Encouraging results have been reported from several centers concerning the use of antilymphocyte serum in patients with aplastic anemia. Certainty of the ultimate long-term benefit of this type of immunosuppressive therapy is not possible until careful, randomized, prospective studies of its use are completed.
Cognitive—behavioral group treatment for social phobia: Effectiveness at five-year followup

Empirical studies of the behavioral or cognitive—behavioral treatment of social phobia have appeared with increasing frequency over the last decade, and there is reason for cautious optimism in the evaluation of treatment effectiveness. However, few studies have reported systematic followup data, and there is little information available about the durability of change in treated social phobics. We report on the followup evaluation of cognitive—behavioral group therapy (CBGT) for social phobia. Patients who received CBGT or a credible alternative treatment were recontacted after a period of 4.5 to 6.25 years and completed a battery of self-report questionnaires, an individualized behavioral test, and a structured interview with an independent assessor. Patients who received CBGT remained more improved than alternative treatment patients on measures from all assessment modalities. However, due to the long followup period, only a portion of the original study sample could be assessed, and these patients may have been less severely impaired than patients who did not participate in the long-term followup. Limitations of the current study and issues of sample attrition in the conduct of long-term followup studies are discussed.
ANALYSIS OF THERMAL STRESSES IN A SOLID CIRCULAR CYLINDER SUBJECTED TO CONDUCTIVE HEAT TRANSFER WITH THERMAL BOUNDARY CONDUCTANCE

An analysis is presented of the effect of a finite boundary conductance on the magnitude of the thermal stresses in a solid circular cylinder, subjected to conductive heat transfer from an infinite mechanically noninteracting surrounding medium.
Sex Pheromone of the Clover Cutworm Moth, Scotogramma trifolii : Isolation, Identification and Field Studies

Two major components of the sex pheromone of the clover cutworm moth, Scotogramma trifolii (Rott.), have been isolated from an extract of ♀ abdominal tips and identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry as (Z)-11-hexadecen-1-ol and its acetate. Electroantennogram data agreed with the assignment of (Z)-11- for the alcohol and acetate. Both (Z)-11-hexadecenyl alcohol and (Z)-22-hexadecenyl acetate were found to be obligatory for effective field trapping of ♂ moths. Ratios of alcohol: acetate between 1:1 and 1:9 gave good capture rates with the higher ratios being somewhat more effective than lower ones.
ROBUST SENSITIZATION TO AMPHETAMINE FOLLOWING INTRA-VTA CHOLERA TOXIN ADMINISTRATION

Studies were conducted regarding the hypothesis that enhanced cAMP formation in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) affects the magnitude of the behavioral responses elicited by psychostimulant drugs. In the first paradigm, spontaneous and amphetamine-elicited locomotor activity was measured at various times following injection of cholera toxin (CTX), a known activator of adenylate cyclase, into the VTA. Adult male rats showed enhanced amphetamine-stimulated locomotor activity when tested 1 or 3 days after treatment with 0.5 μg CTX into the VTA. Spontaneous activity was markedly increased 1 and 3 days following treatment with the higher dose of 1.0 μg CTX into the VTA, and amphetamine was still capable of eliciting an increased level of locomotor activity above this high baseline. Using a paradigm in which repeated amphetamine injections were given on an intermittent schedule following injection of CTX into the VTA, it was observed that a single low dose of amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg) given 1 day after CTX (0.5 μg) injection into the VTA led to a markedly potentiated locomotor activity response to subsequent treatment with amphetamine. Evaluation of this protocol (initial amphetamine dose 24 h after CTX injection, and challenge treatment of amphetamine at various times thereafter) showed that the sensitization was long-lasting and could be observed after an initial dose of amphetamine as low as 0.1 mg/kg. A sensitized response was also expressed when the challenge dose was given directly into the nucleus accumbens. These data suggest that injection of CTX into the VTA enhances the induction of locomotor sensitization to amphetamine. Synapse 25:335–344, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Reporter genes in transgenic mice

Although in vivo models utilizing endogenous reporter genes have been exploited for many years, the use of reporter transgenes to dissect biological issues in transgenic animals has been a relatively recent development. These transgenes are often, but not always, of prokaryotic origin and encode products not normally associated with eukaryotic cells and tissues. Some encode enzymes whose activities are detected in cell and tissue homogenates, whereas others encode products that can be detected in situ at the single cell level. Reporter genes have been used to identify regulatory elements that are important for tissue-specific gene expression or for development; they have been used to produce in vivo models of cancer; they have been employed for the study of in vivo mutagenesis; and they have been used as a tool in lineage analysis and for marking cells in transplantation experiments. The most commonly used in situ reporter gene is lacZ, which encodes a bacterial beta-galactosidase, a sensitive histochemical marker. Although it has been used with striking success in cultured cells and in transgenic mouse embryos, its postnatal in vivo expression has been unreliable and disappointing. Nevertheless, the ability to express reporter genes in transgenic mice has been an invaluable resource, providing insights into in vivo biological mechanisms. The development of new in vivo models, such as those in which expression of transgenes can be activated or repressed, should produce transgenic animal systems that extend our capacity to address heretofore unresolved biological questions.
Tolerance analysis and synthesis for cam mechanisms

Tolerance is one of the most important parameters in product and process design, so tolerancing plays a key role in design and manufacturing. Tolerance synthesis is in a period of extensive study due both to increased demands for quality products and to increasing automation of machining and assembly. Optimum tolerance design and synthesis ensures good quality product at low cost. This paper presents an analytical methodology for tolerance analysis and synthesis for a disk cam-translating follower system. Both dimensional ( size) and geometric tolerances ( position and profile ) on the components are considered. Tolerance analysis is performed on individual tolerances as well as on total tolerance accumulation. With the lowest manufacturing cost as its objective function a nonlinear optimization model is formulated for tolerance synthesis and solved by a sequential quadratic programming ( SQP) algorithm. An example is provided to illustrate the optimization model and solution procedure.
Prediction of electromagnetic radiation of a multilayer board

The moment method technique was used to determine the radiation from a multilayer board in the frequency range 30-200 MHz. A portion of clock trace, board ground plane and reflecting plane were modelled using several straight round wires which formed a radiating structure. The equivalent wire radius was obtained from the cross-section of the square traces. The clock pulse information was entered into the computer program in which the frequency spectrum was determined. The amplitude of each spectrum represented the peak voltage source fed into the radiating structure. Comparisons between the measured and calculated data indicated that the moment method technique can provide an excellent prediction, provided that the input impedances of the chip are known at every frequency.
Lytic lesion of the knee in a 27-year-old man.

Right knee pain and lateral knee fullness for 3 months and chronic right ankle pain for 7 months were the presenting symptoms.
Successful computed tomography angiogram through tibial intraosseous access: a case report.

Abstract Background Intraosseous access has been used increasingly with proven efficacy in emergent situations for adults when intravenous access could not be obtained. Objective Our aim was to demonstrate if tibial intraosseous (IO) is an effective route for iodinated contrast administration and pulmonary vasculature visualization. Case Report We report on an obtunded patient requiring a computed tomography angiogram to help with diagnosis and tibial IO was the only viable access appropriate to withstand the pressure of a computed tomography iodinated contrast load. Tibial IO access was used successfully for administration of iodinated contrast to evaluate for massive pulmonary embolism in an obtunded patient in extremis secondary to cardiovascular instability. Conclusions The pulmonary arteries were opacified and demonstrated a high-quality CT angiogram can be done via tibial IO device.
Observations on the precipitation-hardening of a Cu3Au-Co alloy

Abstract The precipitation-hardening of a Cu 3 Au-2.5% Co alloy was investigated by microhardness measurements on samples aged at 450°, 500° and 550°C. The aged alloy was slightly ( > 80 A in edge length measured along 〈110〉) produced by this aging treatment was deduced from irregularities in moire fringe patterns at the precipitates. Discontinuous precipitation was found to be a competing decomposition mechanism. A mechanism analogous to stacking-fault strengthening is postulated to be primarily responsible for the hardness difference between the precipitation-hardened disordered and ordered Cu 3 Au matrix. The hardness of the unaged alloy increased with ordering time at 350°C, passing through a broad maximum after about 20 h. Also, it appears that anti-phase domain growth at 350°C is faster in Cu 3 AuCo solid solutions than in pure Cu 3 Au.
Formal verification of a distributed master election protocol

Although the basic Modbus protocol is based on the master-slave communication paradigm with a single master, along the years it has been extended in various ways, in order to provide additional features such as, for instance, the coexistence of multiple masters on the same TIA/EIA-485 fieldbus segment. The design of a master election protocol in this environment is seemingly straightforward and the designer may believe that its correctness can be assessed satisfactorily by intuition and testing. However, in this paper is it shown how formal verification can help to identify and fix subtle and low-probability issues, which seldom occur in practice, and therefore, may be extremely difficult to detect during pre-production testing.
Adventures of a sea squirt sleuth: unraveling the identity of Didemnum vexillum, a global ascidian invader

The magnitude of the worldwide invasions of Didemnum vexillum Kott, 2002 has taken a number of years to be comprehended. During the past 15 years, it has been identified as different species depending on its location—D. carnulentum on the U.S. west coast, D. lutarium or D. vestum in New England, D. lahillei or D. helgolandicum in France and the Netherlands, D. vexillum in New Zealand, D. pardum or D. moseleyi in Japan. A number of recent publications refer to it as Didemnum sp. or Didemnum sp. A. This paper presents a chronology of the steps in the development of our awareness and understanding of this species based on comparative morphology and genetics, and lists invaded regions and the approximate minimum length of time it has been known in each area. Evidence is presented that D. vexillum may have originated in Japan. The importation of vast quantities of Japanese oysters and spat into many countries prior to the 1960s is discussed but eliminated as a likely vector because there are no reports of a sudden didemnid ascidian appearance prior to the 1970s. Introductions (including to the type locality in New Zealand) are very likely due to shipping (either via hull or sea chest fouling), with subsequent local spreading by fouled recreational craft, barges, etc., drifting and reattachment of dislodged fragments, and movements of fouled aquaculture stock and gear. Based on morphological and genetic comparisons of hundreds of world-wide samples, museum type specimens, and anecdotal information on the presence of this species in various locations over several or many decades, the valid name is concluded to be Didemnum vexillum Kott, 2002 due to the lack of any pre-existing published description. D. vestum Kott, 2004 is synonymized under D. vexillum.
The effect of city size on the urban income distribution through time: 1950–70

In the literature on the urban income distribution two important questions have been ignored. First is the question of the appropriateness of hypotheses testing on samples of SMSAs with broad ranges of populations sizes. The second question is the stability of the effects of city size and other determinants on the urban income distribution through time. This stability is crucial to the propriety of drawing policy implications from previous studies which have employed data from only a single point in time. This study finds that hypotheses tests are sensitive to the size classes of cities being examined, and hence the results of hypotheses tested for SMSAs with broad ranges of population may be misleading. The present analysis also reveals that significant structural changes have taken place in the standard linear model over time, and therefore inferences regarding the future from past studies should be viewed with caution.
Development and comparative evaluation of a stochastic analog method to downscale daily GCM precipitation

Abstract. There are a number of statistical techniques that downscale coarse climate information from general circulation models (GCMs). However, many of them do not reproduce the small-scale spatial variability of precipitation exhibited by the observed meteorological data, which is an important factor for predicting hydrologic response to climatic forcing. In this study a new downscaling technique (Bias-Correction and Stochastic Analog method; BCSA) was developed to produce stochastic realizations of bias-corrected daily GCM precipitation fields that preserve both the spatial autocorrelation structure of observed daily precipitation sequences and the observed temporal frequency distribution of daily rainfall over space. We used the BCSA method to downscale 4 different daily GCM precipitation predictions from 1961 to 1999 over the state of Florida, and compared the skill of the method to results obtained with the commonly used bias-correction and spatial disaggregation (BCSD) approach, a modified version of BCSD which reverses the order of spatial disaggregation and bias-correction (SDBC), and the bias-correction and constructed analog (BCCA) method. Spatial and temporal statistics, transition probabilities, wet/dry spell lengths, spatial correlation indices, and variograms for wet (June through September) and dry (October through May) seasons were calculated for each method. Results showed that (1) BCCA underestimated mean daily precipitation for both wet and dry seasons while the BCSD, SDBC and BCSA methods accurately reproduced these characteristics, (2) the BCSD and BCCA methods underestimated temporal variability of daily precipitation and thus did not reproduce daily precipitation standard deviations, transition probabilities or wet/dry spell lengths as well as the SDBC and BCSA methods, and (3) the BCSD, BCCA and SDBC methods underestimated spatial variability in daily precipitation resulting in underprediction of spatial variance and overprediction of spatial correlation, whereas the new stochastic technique (BCSA) replicated observed spatial statistics for both the wet and dry seasons. This study underscores the need to carefully select a downscaling method that reproduces all precipitation characteristics important for the hydrologic system under consideration if local hydrologic impacts of climate variability and change are going to be reasonably predicted. For low-relief, rainfall-dominated watersheds, where reproducing small-scale spatiotemporal precipitation variability is important, the BCSA method is recommended for use over the BCSD, BCCA, or SDBC methods.
Divided States of America: Regional Variation in Cardiovascular Health

Approximately one third of the United States adult population has 1 or more types of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and CVD is the underlying cause for about one third of American deaths (2008 data).[1][1] CVDs are responsible for more deaths annually than accidents, chronic lower respiratory disease
AN AUDIT OF PRESCRIBING AND ADMINISTRATION OF GASTROPROTECTION IN THE PAEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Aim Critically ill paediatric patients are considered to be at risk of developing stress ulcers and upper GI bleeds. Gastroprotection is routinely being used in this Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) to minimise this risk, especially for patients who are nil by mouth (NBM). However, there is a lack of evidence regarding gastroprotection in children and common practice has been mostly developed based on extrapolations from the evidence available for adults. The aim of this audit is to evaluate whether gastroprotection is prescribed and administered appropriately in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, according to the Trust9s guidelines. Methods Patient details were collected on a proforma which was piloted, followed by a four week snap shot data collection period. Patients prescribed agents such as rantidine or omeprazole prior to admission to the PICU were not included in the data collection. Age, weight, gastroprotective drug details, gastric pH and enteral intake was collected in order to assess the following standards. 1. Were all patients NBM receiving gastroprotection? 2. Was gastroprotection stopped if the patient was receiving more than 33% enteral feeds. 3. Was a gastric pH between 4 and 6 achieved in patients needing gastroprotection. Results Fifty four patients were included in the data collection. 84.8% of NBM patients were receiving gastroprotection. Where more than 33% of feeds were given enterally, 26.2% were continued on gastroprotection. A stomach pH between 4–6 was achieved in 70.3% of the patients needing gastroprotection. Within this group a pH recording below 4 was seen in 56% where the dose was not optimised and 11% where one dose was omitted. Only one patient had a pH recording above 6; this patient was receiving a dose too high according to their weight, age and British National Formulary for Children recommendations.1 In 11.1% of patients a gastric pH was not available to assess the adequacy of gastroprotective therapy. Conclusion The audit results show that an improvement can be made to the Trust guidelines. Re-education on optimising doses and discontinuation of therapy could improve the adherence to the guidelines. Discontinuation of therapy at the appropriate time will cut drug costs and provide nursing time savings. Limitations to this audit include a snap shot approach to the data collection, in particular the gastric pH recording and reasons for omission of doses of gastroprotection.
The mechanism of inhibition of 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation by prostaglandin F2alpha

We have shown previously that treatment of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) and fluprostenol, a prostanoid FP2 receptor (FP receptor) agonist, inhibited adipocyte differentiation. In this study, we demonstrate that the inhibition by PGF2alpha is controlled by concentrations of PGF2alpha rather than regulation of FP receptor levels or binding. Membranes prepared from either 3T3-L1 preadipocytes or adipocytes exhibited specific binding for PGF2alpha, suggesting that FP receptors are present throughout differentiation. Endogenous PGF2alpha production in 3T3-L1s was lower in differentiating cells compared with uninduced preadipocytes, providing further evidence that regulation occurs at the level of ligand concentration. Stimulation of the FP receptor causes a transient intracellular calcium increase, an activation of a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK), and an increase in DNA synthesis, associated with the inhibition of differentiation. Calcium mobilizing agents, A...
A Transportable System for Monitoring Ultralow Frequency Electromagnetic Signals Associated with Earthquakes

Claims that electromagnetic (EM) signals occur associated with some earthquakes, typically prior to but sometimes during seismic activity, have appeared in the literature for several decades (Parrot and Johnston, 1989; Park, et al., 1993; Park, 1996; Johnston, 1997). Such claims cover an exceptionally broad range of phenomena. For example, Gokhberg et al. (1982) and Yoshino (1991) observed increases in signal amplitude at 81 kHz from minutes to hours prior to earthquakes and up to hundreds of kilometers away from epicenters, and attributed these signals to seismoelectric emissions. Seismoelectric signals (SES) of a different nature have been suggested to precede some earthquakes in Greece (Varotsos et al., 1993a; Varotsos et al., 1993b). These SES are transients of amplitudes of 20 mv/km and durations of several minutes recorded on multiple dipoles of different length, and their mechanism of generation is subject to debate (Lighthill, 1996; Pham et al., 1999). Reported claims of EM anomalies associated with earthquakes also extend over a large frequency range, from megahertz down to quasi-dc. At the low end of the frequency range, Johnston and Mueller (1987) observed magnetic field offsets coinciding with the 1986 North Palm Springs earthquake, which occurred in Southern California close to the San Andreas Fault, and Johnston et al. (1994) also observed offsets at the time of the 1992 Landers earthquake in the same region. At the high-frequency end, radio emissions at 18 MHz were recorded on multiple northern hemisphere receivers for about fifteen minutes before the 1960 great Chilean earthquake (Warwick et al., 1982). In the ULF (0.01-10 Hz) frequency range, Fraser-Smith et al. (1990) recorded anomalous magnetic field fluctuations prior to the 17 October 1989 Loma Prieta Ms = 7.1 earthquake in central California. In particular, there was an amplitude increase in activity about …
Product Sequencing With Respect to Quality in Flexible Manufacturing Systems With Batch Operations

In many flexible manufacturing systems, batch production is often adopted to improve product quality. For example, in automotive paint shops, vehicles with same colors are typically grouped into small batches to reduce quality degradation and purge cost due to color change. In this paper, we present an analytical method to evaluate the quality performance of flexible manufacturing systems with batch operations. In addition, we investigate the impact of product sequencing and batch policies on product quality and present some insights to achieve better quality using these policies.
Heat transfer in product patterned silicon semiconductor substrate

This work investigates the heat transfer in semi-transparent medium such as production substrate used in IC's manufacturing. First, an experimental proof is provided showing that semiconductor (silicon) substrate is a semi-transparent material. Second, volumetric power absorption during thermalization of incident irradiation is calculated for typical condition encountered in RTP processing.
Temperature Dependence of the Transconductance in Ballistic III–V QWFETs

The temperature dependence of the transconductance in III-V quantum well field-effect transistors is studied using 2-D ballistic device simulations. It is found that the experimental characteristics of the temperature-dependent transconductance are captured by considering ballistic transport only, with no electron-phonon scattering. While the temperature behavior of the transconductance mainly depends on the intrinsic properties of the III-V devices at low VDS it is strongly affected by the series resistances at high VDS. Hence, it will be shown that the transconductance at high VDS becomes less temperature dependent as the series resistance decreases.
A Practical, Evidence-Based Approach for Means-Restriction Counseling With Suicidal Patients

Assessing a patient’s access to potentially lethal means for suicide and taking steps to restrict access to means are common expectations for reasonable outpatient management of suicidal patients. Although scientific evidence supports means restriction as a suicide prevention strategy, means restriction continues to be infrequently utilized by clinicians, in large part because of the general lack of available training and guidance. The present article reviews the conceptual basis and empirical evidence for means restriction, discusses common barriers to means-restriction counseling, and provides practical procedures and tools (e.g., the means receipt, the crisis support plan) for accomplishing means-restriction counseling in routine clinical practice.
An adaptive IIR structure for sinusoidal enhancement, frequency estimation, and detection

An adaptive IIR structure for processing a sinusoidal signal in broad-band noise is introduced. The structure contains three adaptive processors, each of which is computationally very simple. Useful features of the structure include enhancement, frequency estimation, and detection.