cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attachment and affective resolution following a stressful event: General and religious coping as possible mediators

The current study replicated and extended previous research on mediators of attachment qualities and outcome (affective resolution), including appraisal, coping, and religious coping. Structural equation models were used to analyze the responses on an Internet survey for a primarily Christian sample of 1,289 adults (416 men and 873 women). As expected, appraisal was a significant mediator of ambivalent attachment qualities and coping, as well as ambivalent attachment qualities and religious coping. Avoidance coping significantly mediated ambivalent attachment qualities and affective resolution; it also mediated avoidant attachment qualities and affective resolution. Fit indices for models were adequate only when differences between interpersonal and non-interpersonal events were taken into account. Substantial similarities were found in the relationships among variables for the two models examined, one including coping in general and the other including religious coping. Religious coping provided addition...
Constraint systems for useless variable elimination

A useless variable is one whose value contributes nothing to the final outcome of a computation. Such variables are unlikely to occur in human-produced code, but may be introduced by various program transformations. We would like to eliminate useless parameters from procedures and eliminate the corresponding actual parameters from their call sites. This transformation is the extension to higher-order programming of a variety of dead-code elimination optimizations that are important in compilers for first-order imperative languages.Shivers has presented such a transformation. We reformulate the transformation and prove its correctness. We believe that this correctness proof can be a model for proofs of other analysis-based transformations. We proceed as follows: We reformulate Shivers' analysis as a set of constraints; since the constraints are conditional inclusions, they can be solved using standard algorithms.We prove that any solution to the constraints is sound: that two computations that differ only on variables marked as useless give the same answer up to useless variables, and hence the same answer when the answer is a constant.We observe that this notion of soundness is too weak to support the transformation of the analyzed program. We add additional closure conditions to the analysis and show that any solution to the new set of constraints justifies the transformation. The proof is by tree surgery: we show that from any computation of the original program, we can construct a computation of the transformed program that yields an answer related to the original, and the same answer when the original answer is a constant.
Theory of valley-orbit coupling in a Si/SiGe quantum dot

Electron states are studied for quantum dots in a strained Si quantum well, taking into account both valley and orbital physics. Realistic geometries are considered, including circular and elliptical dot shapes, parallel and perpendicular magnetic fields, and (most importantly for valley coupling) the small local tilt of the quantum-well interface away from the crystallographic axes. In absence of a tilt, valley splitting occurs only between pairs of states with the same orbital quantum numbers. However, tilting is ubiquitous in conventional silicon heterostructures, leading to valley-orbit coupling. In this context, ``valley splitting'' is no longer a well-defined concept, and the quantity of merit for qubit applications becomes the ground-state gap. For typical dots used as qubits, a rich energy spectrum emerges, as a function of magnetic field, tilt angle, and orbital quantum number. Numerical and analytical solutions are obtained for the ground-state gap and for the mixing fraction between the ground and excited states. This mixing can lead to valley scattering, decoherence, and leakage for Si spin qubits.
Rotating disk electrode amperometric detection for a bead-based immunoassay

Abstract Amperometric detection with a rotating disk electrode (RDE) for a bead based enzyme immunoassay for the model antigen mouse IgG has been developed. Alkaline phosphatase was used as the enzyme label for the conversion of the substrate 4-aminophenyl phosphate to the electroactive 4-aminophenol (PAP). The detection scheme allows enzyme turnover to be monitored continuously and thus reduces errors associated with obtaining data at fixed times as in flow injection analysis. The determination of PAP by the RDE has a linear range from 5×10 −9 to 5×10 −5 M. An 800 μl electrochemical cell was used to minimize enzyme product dilution. A linear response for mouse IgG was obtained in this non-optimized system over the concentration range of 50–5000 ng ml −1 .
Death, bereavement and college students: A descriptive Analysis

The author presents two studies dealing with death and bereavement in the lives of college students. The first study, conducted with 994 undergraduates in an introductory course on human developmen...
Organic electronic device modeling at the nanoscale

Electronic devices with nanoscale features (~ 100 nm or smaller) are becoming increasingly important in electronics technology. While nanoscale electronic devices comprise a variety of different material sets and structures, many of the nanoscale devices developed in the last decade employ organic materials. In this talk, we discuss the modeling of organic electronic thin film devices. In our approach, analysis of such devices begins on the molecular scale, and device level behavior is then derived from the combination of individual molecular properties and physical models of intermolecular interactions. We present a general purpose Monte Carlo simulator based on molecular-scale physical models and employ this simulator to analyze device behavior.
Transport properties of hectorite based nanocomposite single ion conductors

Abstract The ionic conductivity and rheological properties of clay filled nanocomposite electrolytes are reported. These electrolytes, which have potential use in lithium-ion batteries, consist of lithium-exchanged hectorite, a 2:1 layered smectite clay, dispersed in ethylene carbonate (EC) or a mixture of EC+polyethylene glycol di-methyl ether (PEG-dm, 250 MW). All samples exhibit elastic, gel-like characteristics and room temperature conductivities of order 0.1 mS/cm. A maximum in conductivity is observed at about 25 wt.% clay concentration. A maximum in hectorite basal layer spacing is also observed in the same concentration range, suggesting a direct correlation between conductivity and layer spacing. The elastic modulus and yield stress increase by two orders of magnitude and the conductivity increases by one order of magnitude with increase in hectorite concentration from 5 to 25%, which indicates the significant influence of hectorite content in determining the characteristics of these single-ion conductors. The solvent composition plays a secondary role in this regard, with addition of PEG-dm to the base EC+hectorite electrolyte producing moderate improvement in conductivity. Similarly, the addition of PEG-dm to EC+hectorite affects an increase by only a factor of three in the elastic modulus and yield stress of the electrolyte.
Management of Acetabular Fractures in the Elderly Patient

Operative management of displaced acetabular fractures yields better results than nonoperative management. Over the past decade, surgical approaches to the acetabulum and the surgical tactic for repair of common fracture patterns have been advanced. Excellent outcomes after repair of these injuries can be achieved. In some cases, as in the elderly, or in those cases in which there is significant destruction of the articular cartilage, primary total hip arthroplasty may provide the best solution. Removal of the femoral head allows for excellent exposure of the acetabulum, making it possible to stabilize most fractures without the need for extensile or intrapelvic approaches. The surgical technique that has been successfully used calls for gaining primary stability of the acetabular columns by open reduction and internal fixation and then using the acetabular component to replace the articular surface. The columns need not be anatomically reduced. Multiholed acetabular shells can be used as internal fixation devices by placing screws into the columns enhancing the stability of the repair. In older individuals with severe osteoporosis, a typical fracture pattern results in intrapelvic dislocation of the femoral head with a blowout fracture of the anterior column and medial wall. Reinforcement rings with cemented acetabular fixation can be used in these cases. The femoral head can be used as bulk bone graft to replace and reinforce the reconstruction. Techniques common to revision of failed acetabular components are helpful in this setting. The results of reconstruction of severe acetabular fractures with total hip replacement have been reported to be similar to those achieved for reconstruction of osteoarthritis.
Impulsive Pressurization of Neuronal Cells for Traumatic Brain Injury Study

A novel impulsive cell pressurization experiment has been developed using a Kolsky bar device to investigate blast-induced traumatic brain injury (TBI). We demonstrate in this video article how blast TBI-relevant impulsive pressurization is applied to the neuronal cells in vitro. This is achieved by using well-controlled pressure pulse created by a specialized Kolsky bar device, with complete pressure history within the cell pressurization chamber recorded. Pressurized neuronal cells are inspected immediately after pressurization, or further incubated to examine the long-term effects of impulsive pressurization on neurite/axonal outgrowth, neuronal gene expression, apoptosis, etc. We observed that impulsive pressurization at about 2 MPa induces distinct neurite loss relative to unpressurized cells. Our technique provides a novel method to investigate the molecular/cellular mechanisms of blast TBI, via impulsive pressurization of brain cells at well-controlled pressure magnitude and duration.
Sand boils induced by the 1993 Mississippi River flood: Could they one day be misinterpreted as earthquake-induced liquefaction?

In areas that are seismically active but lacking clear surficial faulting, many paleoearthquake studies depend on the interpretation of ancient liquefaction features (sand blows) as indicators of prehistoric seismicity. Sand blows, however, can be mimicked by nonseismic sand boils formed by water seeping beneath levees during floods. We examined sand boils induced by the Mississippi River flood of 1993 in order to compare their characteristics with sand blows of the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811–1812. We found a number of criteria that allow a distinction between the two types of deposits. (1) Earthquake-induced liquefaction deposits are broadly distributed about an epicentral area, whereas flood-induced sand boils are limited to a narrow band along a river's levee. (2) The conduits of most earthquake-induced sand blows are planar dikes, whereas the conduits of flood-induced sand boils are most commonly tubular. (3) Depression of the preearthquake ground surface is usual for sand blows, not for sand boils. (4) Flood-induced sand boils tend to be better sorted and much finer than sand-blow deposits. (5) Source beds for earthquake-induced deposits occur at a wide range of depths, whereas the source bed for sand boils is always near surface. (6) Materials removed from the walls surrounding the vent of a sand blow are seen inside sand blows, but are rarely seen inside sand boils. In general, flood-induced sand boils examined are interpreted to represent a less-energetic genesis than earthquake-induced liquefaction.
Symptomatic hyperthyroidism in a patient taking the dietary supplement tiratricol

An 87-year-old woman was referred for evaluation of nervousness, tremor, insomnia, and fatigue of 2 months' duration. Initial laboratory evaluation revealed a suppressed thyrotropin level and an elevated triiodothyronine level. A review of her medications revealed that she had started taking several dietary supplements at the recommendation of her chiropractor before the onset of symptoms. One of these was tiratricol (3,5,3'-triiodothyroacetic acid or Triac), a substance sold as a dietary supplement despite classification as a drug by the Food and Drug Administration. Tiratricol has weak thyromimetic effects, can inhibit pituitary thyrotropin secretion, and in higher doses can significantly stimulate metabolism. Such was the case with this patient who presented with signs, symptoms, and biochemical evidence of hyperthyroidism that promptly resolved after discontinuation of tiratricol therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of documented thyrotoxicosis secondary to tiratricol use. Because tiratricol is still available for sale on several Internet sites, this case emphasizes the importance of inquiring about the use of dietary supplements in all patients. The availability of such products on the Internet increases the already complex task of monitoring patients' use of dietary supplements.
Cows versus rubber: Changing livelihoods among Amazonian extractivists

Abstract The livelihood strategies of former rubber tappers in the Amazon region are rapidly shifting from extraction of non-timber forest products to mixed systems based on agriculture and small scale cattle ranching. Using a combination of participatory methods and Geographical Information Systems, a case study in western Acre, Brazil explores how rubber tapper livelihood strategies may be changing, and the implications of these changes for land use and forest cover. Field (cattle pasture and agriculture) expansion and the decline of forest extractivism present challenges to many regional conservation and development projects such as sustainable settlement projects and extractive reserves seeking to develop forest-based livelihood alternatives to limit deforestation. Sustainability goals require researchers and policy makers to address the still experimental status of these forest-based organizational units, the heterogeneity and dynamism of extractivist livelihoods, and the necessary importance of small-scale cattle ranching for insurance and income generation among many former and current extractivists.
Affinity Purification and Catalytic Properties of a Soluble, Ca2+-Independent, Diacylglycerol Kinase†

We used a new procedure that involved selective enzyme binding to lipid vesicles to partially purify a soluble diacylglycerol kinase, then studied the relation between enzyme-vesicle binding and activity in vesicle-based assays. The vesicle-binding procedure required about 2 h, increased the enzyme's specific activity 50-fold with a 50% yield of activity, and combined well with additional purification steps. Studies of the activity of the partially purified diacylglycerol kinase toward vesicle-associated diacylglycerols revealed linear reaction kinetics that reflected enzyme binding to the vesicles; factors known to influence enzyme binding to the vesicles affected enzyme activity only indirectly, not by influencing the diacylglycerol kinase reaction itself. On the other hand, special incubation experiments that caused both substrate depletion in vesicles and enzyme stalling provided evidence that the diacylglycerol kinase could desorb from these vesicles, adsorb to freshly added, substrate-containing vesicles, and resume catalysis of phosphorylation reactions. The molecular basis for this enzyme-vesicle "hopping" behavior remains to be clarified. But enzyme-catalyzed conversion of diacylglycerol to phosphatidic acid may not have been a contributing factor because separate, enzyme-vesicle binding experiments showed that the enzyme had only a marginally higher affinity for diacylglycerol-containing vesicles than it did for vesicles that contained comparable amounts of phosphatidic acid. The combined results of our experiments suggest that the linear rates of diacylglycerol phosphorylation observed in standard assays with diacylglycerol-containing vesicles may have been combined functions of both the rate of enzyme hopping among vesicles and the rate of diacylglycerol phosphorylation by enzyme that was bound transiently on substrate-containing vesicles.
Entrapment of bed bugs by leaf trichomes inspires microfabrication of biomimetic surfaces

Resurgence in bed bug infestations and widespread pesticide resistance have greatly renewed interest in the development of more sustainable, environmentally friendly methods to manage bed bugs. Historically, in Eastern Europe, bed bugs were entrapped by leaves from bean plants, which were then destroyed; this purely physical entrapment was related to microscopic hooked hairs (trichomes) on the leaf surfaces. Using scanning electron microscopy and videography, we documented the capture mechanism: the physical impaling of bed bug feet (tarsi) by these trichomes. This is distinct from a Velcro-like mechanism of non-piercing entanglement, which only momentarily holds the bug without sustained capture. Struggling, trapped bed bugs are impaled by trichomes on several legs and are unable to free themselves. Only specific, mechanically vulnerable locations on the bug tarsi are pierced by the trichomes, which are located at effective heights and orientations for bed bug entrapment despite a lack of any evolutionary association. Using bean leaves as templates, we microfabricated surfaces indistinguishable in geometry from the real leaves, including the trichomes, using polymers with material properties similar to plant cell walls. These synthetic surfaces snag the bed bugs temporarily but do not hinder their locomotion as effectively as real leaves.
Maximum acceptable weight of lift for an asymmetrical combination manual handling task

Abstract This paper presents a study on a combination lift and lower manual handling task and was designed to simulate the loading of grocery bags into car trunks. Eighteen male subjects performed an externally-paced task of lifting grocery bags loaded with steel shots from 15 cm above the floor and over a wooden sill. There were two different sill heights of 70 cm and 90 cm, and for each of these heights there were three different sill depths of 28 cm, 43 cm, and 57 cm. The dependent variables were the maximum acceptable weight of lift. Constant conditions were temperature (23–26°C), humidity (52–62%), horizontal distance of lift (136 cm), and time of day the subjects performed the lifting. A unique lifting sequence and a modified version of the psychophysical methodology were used to determine the maximum acceptable weight that subjects were willing to lift. There were no significant differences in the weights lifted across the two sill heights but weights lifted over the 28 cm sill depth was significantly more than the weights lifted for either the 43 cm depth or the 57 cm depth.
Farmers Markets in Rural Communities: A Case Study

Abstract Background: Although the potential health benefits of farmers markets have been discussed for years, there is a dearth of literature to aid health educators in advocating for the development of local farmers markets. Purpose: The purpose of this manuscript is to present a case study of a rural farmers market in southeast Georgia with emphasis on operational procedures and customer satisfaction. Methods: A mini-ethnography was conducted over a seven-week period using participant observation, document review and brief interviews. Results: Observational results suggested the farmers market operates smoothly and has resulted in high levels of customer satisfaction. Challenges should be addressed, including the seasonal nature of farming and attracting those who are not already motivated to eat healthy. Innovative strategies for reaching consumers throughout the year include taking farmers markets online. Discussion: An ecological approach such as farmers markets, which reach of hundreds of rural cust...
Hypoxia augments TNF-α-mediated endothelin-1 release and cell proliferation in human optic nerve head astrocytes

The effect of hypoxia (24 h) on TNF-alpha-mediated release of endothelin-1 (ET-1) from human optic nerve head astrocytes (hONAs) and TNF-alpha- and ET-1-induced hONA proliferation was determined. ET-1 synthesis and release was quantitated using ELISA while TNF-alpha (10 nM)- and ET-1 (100 nM)-mediated hONA proliferation was assessed by CellTiter 96 aqueous one-solution cell proliferation assay, respectively. hONAs appeared to be more rounded with fewer processes following 24 h hypoxia compared to thodr seen in normoxia. Hypoxia enhanced TNF-alpha-mediated ET-1 synthesis and release (by 5-fold) and also significantly increased TNF-alpha- and ET-1-mediated hONA proliferation. PD142893 (1 microM), an ET(A/B) receptor antagonist, blocked ET-1-mediated hONA proliferation both under normoxia and hypoxia, while doing so only under normoxia following TNF-alpha treatment. Also, U0126 (10 microM; an upstream ERK1/2 inhibitor) completely blocked agonist-induced hONA proliferation in normoxia and partially blocked the same in hypoxia. These results demonstrate for the first time that hONAs secrete ET-1 and that TNF-alpha and hypoxia can regulate its levels. Moreover, hypoxia augments the proliferative responses of hONAs to TNF-alpha and ET-1. These agonist-mediated effects following hypoxia could contribute to astroglial activation as seen in glaucomatous optic nerve heads.
Diagnosis of Refsum's disease using [1-14C]phytanic acid as substrate.

The suitability of using [1-14C]phytanic acid as a substrate for the diagnosis of Refsum's disease has been examined. Normal fibroblasts cultured in medium containing low concentrations of foetal calf serum (0.5 %) oxidised added [1-14C]phytanic acid to 14CO2 only slowly up to about 2 days; beyond this period a marked stimulation in oxidation was observed. Easily measurable conversion of the radiolabeled acid (from 1.5 to 5.0%) was obtained by numbers of cells at least one order of magnitude fewer than previously described. Fibroblasts from adult patients with Refsum's disease displayed about 5–10 % of the normal mean activity. Small differences in residual activity were observed in the different cell lines. However, no obvious relationship was found between the degree of residual activity, the level of plasma phytanate, and the patient's clinical condition and history.
High power and high efficiency 14xx-nm wavelength Fabry-Perot lasers

We report on the performance of our high power and high efficiency 14xx nm lasers in different formats as packaged on conduction cooled packages using soft solder. Single emitters exhibited output powers as high as 6 watts, while six emitter minibars output 20 W, and 20% fill factor (ff) bars provided over 40 W of output power. In all cases the maximum conversion efficiency was greater than 40% and the maximum power achievable was limited by thermal rollover. These same 20% ff bars output close to 90 W when operated quasi CW (QCW). Preliminary life testing of these bars for over 5000 hours under constant current mode has shown no significant degradation.
The effect of anosmia on taste preference behavior as a function of deprivation conditions

Anosmic and normal rats were compared in a single-bottle preference test with regard to the amount of water, sucrose, saccharin, and quinine solutions consumed. Under food deprivation, anosmic rats consumed reliably more water and sucrose and less saccharin and quinine than normal rats; under water deprivation the order of these relationships was reversed.
Drug discrimination training with low doses: Maintenance of discriminative control

Abstract Procedures are reported that maintain control by the drug cue during and after drug discrimination training with lower doses that yield predominantly vehicle-appropriate choices. Twelve pigeons were trained to discriminate chlordiazepoxide (CDP) from saline using two-key (drug vs. vehicle) drug discrimination procedures. Intermixed within each block of 30 sessions were nine sessions of training with 8.0 mg/kg CDP, nine with one of seven lower training doses (4.0, 2.8, 2.0, 1.4, 1.0, 0.7, or 0.5 mg/ kg CDP), and 12 with saline. The lower training dose was decreased across blocks. The three lowest training doses (1.0, 0.7, and 0.5 mg/kg CDP) yielded predominantly saline-appropriate choices but had no effect on discrimination of 8.0 mg/kg CDP or saline. Three doses (2.0, 1.4, and 1.0 mg/kg CDP) were retrained, and each yielded percentages of drug-appropriate choices nearly identical to those obtained during previous training. This drug discrimination procedure maintains control by the drug cue during and after training with vehicle-like doses of the training drug and may allow for repeated assessment of effects of low training doses.
Instructional strategies for individual and group teaching

Abstract Procedures are delineated for enhancing the educational environment of children with learning problems so that errors in learning are reduced. Assuming that differential reinforcement is necessary in the learning process, emphasis is placed upon analyses of teacher instructions, stimulus materials and methods for presenting stimuli for purposes of contributing to a technology of teaching that enhances the effectiveness of teachers working with children experiencing difficulties in learning. Recognizing from past research the importance of what children learn from each other, the importance of the development of such a technology for groups of children as well as individuals is stressed. Finally, emphasis is placed upon brief, simple, and objective teaching procedures that teachers can easily implement.
Synthesis of Nanowires by Spray Pyrolysis

Nanowires of carbon as well as nickel-carbon (Ni-C) were synthesized by spray-pyrolysis. The carbon nanowires were synthesized using methanol as a precursor while the Ni-C nanowires were obtained by using nickel chloride methanol solution as feed. It was found that low argon carrier gas flow rates (<100 /min) and suitable reaction temperatures (∼C) were found to be critical for the formation of wired structures. The formation of nanowires was quite sensitive to reaction temperature. Nanowires could not form at temperatures higher than C in the presence of hexane. Ruthenium chloride and nickel chloride dissolved in hexane and methanol resulted in carbon coated binary metallic nanoparticles. Morphological differences of carbon nanowires, Ni-C wires and carbon coated binary nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS). The formation mechanism for the wired structures is proposed to explain the structural results obtained.
Dendritic Cells Targeting Flt3 Ligand As Molecular Mucosal Adjuvant

Nasal antigen plus mucosal adjuvant delivery has emerged as perhaps the most effective route for induction of both mucosal and peripheral immune response. It has been shown that dendritic cells (DCs) played essential roles for the induction of both immunity and tolerance. Thus, nasal application of CpG ODN targeting plasmacytoid DCs effectively induced antigen-specific immunity. Our recent studies showed that nasal or oral immunization with protein antigen, ovalbumin plus plasmid encoding Flt3 ligand (pFL) cDNA as adjuvant effectively elicited OVA-specific immune responses in both mucosal and systemic lymphoid tissues. The numbers of (DCs) in mice given pFL as mucosal adjuvant were significantly increased. Further, these expanded DCs were activated and expressed MHC II and co-stimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80 and CD86). These results show that mucosal delivery of pFL is DCs targeting adjuvant system that effectively induce both mucosal and systemic antigen-specific immune responses.
Theory of the Fermi-level energy in semiconductor superlattices.

A theoretical study of the properties of the Fermi level in semiconductor superlattices (SL's) is made which is based upon the carrier occupation of the minibands in thermal equilibrium. We find, for a fixed carrier density and temperature, that the SL Fermi level can differ significantly from that obtained using commonly employed three-dimensional approximations, depending upon the relative spacings and widths of the minibands, with the SL Fermi level being higher than the corresponding bulk value. We find that the SL Fermi level is a sensitive function of the relative widths of the quantum wells and barriers.
Body politics and the figure of Pancho Villa: from national exclusion to regional resurrection

Long excluded from the official pantheon of national heroes, Pancho Villa’s remains were finally moved to the Monumento a la Revolucion in 1976. However, in 1994 the state of Chihuahua began an annual celebration, las Jornadas Villistas , which place Parral, Chihuahua as the center of Villa’s death cult. This study examines the regional reappropriation of Villa’s body and legacy through popular celebration and the placement of las Jornadas Villistas within the larger context of the politics surrounding the treatment of the general’s remains since the time of his 1923 assassination.
On O-simple inverse semigroups

The algebraic theory of inverse semigroups has received considerable attention in recent years with satisfactory structure theorems being obtained for extensive classes of these semigroups. As is the case with so much of semigroup theory, many of these structure theorems were obtained by, or had their origin in fundamental papers of, A. H. Clifford. For example, the structure of inverse semigroups with central idempotents (semilattices of groups) was obtained by Clifford in [1], that of Brandt semigroups was obtained in [2], while, in [3], Clifford described bisimple inverse semigroups in terms of their right unit subsemigroup. The third of these papers has been the basis for much of the research on structural aspects of inverse semigroups. On the one hand, its direct descendants include Reilly's papers on bi-simple inverse semigroups in terms of RP-systems [10], [11], and the author's description of O-bisimple inverse semigroups in terms of groups and semilattices [5]. On the other hand, it has led to Reilly's description [9] of w-bisimple inverse semigroups and Warne's characterisations of various classes of bisimple inverse semigroups with special semilattices of idempotents. These, in turn, have led to the determination of simple inverse semigroups with special semilattices of idempotents.
Theory of Transient Permeation Through Reactive Barrier Films II. Two Layer Reactive-passive Structures with Dynamic Interface

The theory of transient permeation through homogeneous and structures incorporating non–catalytic solute scavenger is developed in Part II. It is based on the authors' earlier analytical solutions for the steady state model of permeation through passive films and reactive films with immobile catalytic scavenger dispersed within the layer. For consumable scavengers, the steady-unsteady solution matching method is introduced to describe scavenger consumption dynamics as a moving interface between reactive and passive layers of the film. The scavenger exhaustion time equation is derived in the approximation of fast reaction but it is shown to be also valid for intermediate reaction rates. The transient transmission rate dependence on time, boundary conditions, reactivity and reactive capacity of the scavenger, and layer sequence is derived. The terminology, notation, and section numbering continue from Part I of this series [1].
Talkabel: A Labeling Method for 3D Printed Models

Three-dimensional printed models are important learning tools for blind people. Unlike tactile graphics, there is no standard accessible way to label these models. We present Talkabel, a labeling method that enables blind people to access information in a model by simply tapping tactile markers that can be added almost anywhere on the model. We use a mobile phone that is propped on an attached scaffold to detect and classify the user--s taps and then speak the appropriate label. We evaluated the feasibility of Talkabel with four 3D printed models, and our results showed that Talkabel could be implemented quickly and maintained a high accuracy with different models. We conclude with future work.
Enhancing the US Navy's GIDB Portal with Web Services

Using Web services, the authors have been able to increase the amount of data accessible through the Naval Research Laboratory's geospatial information database (GIDB) portal. They created a Web crawler for Web mapping services (WMS) that harvests and adds data to the portal index and a translator that provides access to non-WMS data through the WMS interface. The integrated Web services broker, using traditional Web services standards, provides automated access to meteorological and oceanographic data
SIP-Based IMS Registration Analysis for WiMax-3G Interworking Architectures

The 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) and 3GPP2 have standardized the IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) to provide ubiquitous and access network independent IP-based services for next generation networks via merging cellular networks and the Internet. The application layer Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), standardized by 3GPP and 3GPP2 for IMS, is responsible for IMS session establishment, management, and transformation. The IEEE 802.16 worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMax) promises to provide high data rate broadband wireless access services. In this paper, we analyze the SIP-based IMS registration signaling delay for 3rd generation (3G) cellular and WiMax networks with specific reference to their interworking architectures. We also explore the effects of different WiMax-3G interworking architectures on the IMS registration signaling delay.
Efficient frequency conversion at low-powers in a silicon microresonator using carrier extraction

We demonstrate four-wave mixing in a silicon microresonator at low powers using a PIN diode to extract the generated carriers. We achieve conversion efficiencies as high as −6.6 dB with 7 mW of input power.
Reduction by Hyperbaric Oxygenation of the Mortality from Ventricular Fibrillation Following Coronary Artery Ligation

The effect of the inhalation of hyperbaric oxygen on the incidence of ventricular fibrillation following ligation of the circumflex coronary artery was studied in 151 dogs weighing 17 kg or more. Fifty-two per cent of the animals in the control group (room air, 1 atm abs) survived the challenge of this ligation. Survival increased to 60.4, 70, and 77.8% in the groups given 100% oxygen at an ambient pressure of 1, 2, and 4 atm abs, respectively. The orderly progression in the proportion of survivals is impressive but only approaches statistical significance. The results of these experiments are less dramatic than those previously reported by others. They do point out the need for cautious clinical trial in rigidly controlled series.
Growth of left heart structures following the hybrid procedure for borderline hypoplastic left heart.

The 'hybrid' procedure is an alternative to the Norwood operation in classical hypoplastic left heart syndrome to support the systemic circulation until subsequent palliation. This approach has been extended to infants with the bor- derline development of left heart structures. We investigated whether or not a hybrid procedure for 'borderline' cases of underdevelopment of the left heart would lead to any improvement in the growth of those structures rela- tive to body size or would impact on eventual repair. Methods and results Serial echocardiograms were reviewed in cases in whom left heart development was judged borderline for adequacy to support the systemic circulation. z-scores of left heart structures and aortic discriminant scores were plotted sequentially following the hybrid procedure and random-coefficient linear-mixed models were applied to quantify growth rates. Seven infants met the inclusion criteria. At birth, the median (range) of aortic discriminant scores was 22.67 (23.26 to 21.22), suggesting that a biventricular repair would not be feasible. Following a hybrid pro- cedure, aortic discriminant scores increased with time and three infants were managed with a biventricular repair. The rate of change was significantly higher in infants who achieved a biventricular repair compared with those who did not (P ¼ 0.01). Conclusion The hybrid procedure allows time for growth of left heart structures in selected infants, and serial echocardiography may assist in identifying those children who may ultimately achieve a biventricular circulation.
Guest Family Physician Commentaries

Real-world patients with chronic diseases, including diabetes or hypertension, frequently differ from those in more perfect clinical trial settings. Cummings et al[1][1] describe an innovative approach to measuring glucose control over time by using statistical calculations to measure the area under
"Mobbing" in Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslani) : the value of simulation modeling in the absence of apparently crucial data

Several small populations of Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslani) exhibit male-biased adult sex ratios and "mobbing," an aggressive behavior in which adult males injure and often kill adult females and immature seals of both sexes during mating attempts. Mobbing appears to be limiting the growth of some populations of this endangered species. The frequency of mobbing deaths appears to increase as a population's sex ratio becomes increasingly male-biased, although the exact relationship between these two variables (the mobbing response) is unknown. We developed a stochastic demographic model of a small Hawaiian monk seal population using several different assumptions about the mobbing response. We used the model to explore the origins of male-biased sex ratios in monk seal populations and to determine whether it was possible, given the lack of data on the mobbing response, to evaluate the probable effects of alternative management strategies to address the mobbing problem. Small populations (100 to 200 seals) and those with slower growth rates were more likely to develop male-biased adult sex ratios. Almost all of our modeling scenarios supported the immediate removal of males from populations where mobbing occurs. Our conclu- sions were relatively unaffected when the assumptions regarding the mobbing response were varied. Thus, a model was helpful even when apparently crucial data were unavailable.
The Impact of Greenways on Property Values: Evidence from Austin, Texas

The effect of greenways on surrounding residential property values remains somewhat of an unknown quantity. Though several studies have ascertained that nearby residents tend to view greenways as p...
Effects of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy During Mechanical Ventilation in a Lung Model

Study objectives To evaluate the effects of fiberopticbronchoscopy (FOB) on delivered volumes and pressures during mechanicalventilation, utilizing a lung model. Design Benchstudy. Setting Laboratory. Materials and methods Using varying-sized endotracheal tubes (ETTs), weventilated a lung model at two levels of compliance utilizing differentmodes and parameters of ventilation. After establishing baselinemeasurements, the bronchoscope was inserted and measurementsrepeated. Measurements and results During controlledmechanical ventilation (CMV) with a preset high-pressure limit (HPL),tidal volumes (V t s) were reduced from 700 m, L to 0 to 500 m, Lfollowing insertion of the bronchoscope. Increasing the HPL to 120 cm, H 2 O resulted in a V t of 40 to 680 m, L. Changingfrom square to decelerating flow waveform resulted in no consistentdifference in V t . Auto-positive end-expiratory pressure(auto-PEEP) of 0 to 41 cm H 2 O was present under mostconditions. Higher rates and lower peak inspiratory flows wereassociated with higher levels of auto-PEEP. In the pressure-control(PC) mode, using a preset inspiratory pressure level (IP),V t was reduced from 700 m, L to 40 to 280 m, L followinginsertion of the bronchoscope. Maximum IP (100 cm H 2 O)increased V t to 260 to 700 m, L. Auto-PEEP was less in the PCmode. Conclusions Extreme care must be taken whenbronchoscopy is performed on a patient receiving mechanicalventilation. Extremely low V t and significant auto-PEEP maydevelop unless flow, respiratory rate, mode, and ETT size are carefullyselected. The PC mode delivered more volume than did the CMV mode. Whenperforming FOB during mechanical ventilation, the inside diameter ofthe ETT should be ≥ 2.0-mm larger than the outside diameter of thebronchoscope to maintain volume delivery and minimize the developmentof auto-PEEP.
Fast time-parallel C-based event-driven RTL simulation

Simulation of the RTL model is one of the first and mandatory steps of the design verification flow. Such a simulation needs to be repeated often due to the changing nature of the design in its early development stages and after consecutive bug fixing. Despite its relatively high level of abstraction, RTL simulation is a very time consuming process, often requiring nightly or week-long regression runs. In this work, we propose an original approach to accelerating RTL simulation that leverages parallelism offered by multi-core machines. However, in contrast to traditional, parallel distributed RTL simulation, the proposed method accelerates RTL simulation in temporal domain by dividing the entire simulation run into independent simulation slices, each to be run on a separate core. It is combined with fast simulation model at ESL level that provides the required initial state for each independent simulation slice. The paper describes the basic idea of the method and provides some initial experimental results showing its effectiveness in improving RTL simulation performance in an automated way.
Effects of an Invasive Fish (Gambusia affinis) and Anthropogenic Nutrient Enrichment on American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) Tadpoles

Abstract Pollution and the introduction of nonnative predators, typically fish, are two frequent human-associated stressors in freshwater ecosystems. Amphibians appear to be particularly susceptible to these stressors. We conducted a mesocosm experiment to examine the independent and interactive effects of an invasive fish, the Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), and ammonium nitrate, an agricultural fertilizer, on American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) tadpoles. Mosquitofish tended to have a negative effect on American Toad survivorship. American Toad metamorphs from mesocosms with mosquitofish were smaller than those from mesocosms without mosquitofish. Mosquitofish also delayed metamorphosis of the American Toads. Ammonium nitrate addition did not affect survivorship. However, American Toad metamorphs from ammonium nitrate addition treatments were smaller than those from treatments without ammonium nitrate addition. Mosquitofish and ammonium nitrate addition each had independent effects on American T...
Beyond the Service Process The Effects of Organizational and Market Factors on Customer Perceptions of Health Care Services

Understanding patient perceptions of hospital encounters is crucial for the continuous efforts to improve quality of care in the United States. Abundant research has examined the influence of diffe...
Judging Farmers' Willingness to Trade Distance and Taxes for Extension Services

Is it necessary for the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service system to maintain an extension office in every county? Using stated choice data from a conjoint analysis experimental design, we examine the tradeoffs that farmers are willing to make when choosing between local offices based on differences in educational programs offered, expertise level of staffing educators, distance to the local office, and the level of local taxation required to support an extension office. Our results show farmers' willingness to travel further and/or pay higher taxes in support of their 'local' extension office depends on access to specialized expertise, crop, economics/finance, and 4-H programs, and shared facilities with USDA agencies. However, farmers may not be willing to pay enough for local offices to actually cover their costs. Copyright 2012, Oxford University Press.
Direct mode coding for bipredictive slices in the H.264 standard

The new H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC) video coding standard can achieve considerably higher coding efficiency compared to previous standards. This is accomplished mainly due to the consideration of variable block sizes for motion compensation, multiple reference frames, intra prediction, but also due to better exploitation of the spatiotemporal correlation that may exist between adjacent Macroblocks, with the SKIP mode in predictive (P) slices and the two DIRECT modes in bipredictive (B) slices. These modes, when signaled, could in effect represent the motion of a macroblock (MB) or block without having to transmit any additional motion information required by other inter-MB types. This property also allows these modes to be highly compressible especially due to the consideration of run length coding strategies. Although spatial correlation of motion vectors from adjacent MBs is used for SKIP mode to predict its motion parameters, until recently, DIRECT mode considered only temporal correlation of adjacent pictures. In this letter, we introduce alternative methods for the generation of the motion information for the DIRECT mode using spatial or combined spatiotemporal correlation. Considering that temporal correlation requires that the motion and timestamp information from previous pictures are available in both the encoder and decoder, it is shown that our spatial-only method can reduce or eliminate such requirements while, at the same time, achieving similar performance. The combined methods, on the other hand, by jointly exploiting spatial and temporal correlation either at the MB or slice/picture level, can achieve even higher coding efficiency. Finally, improvements on the existing Rate Distortion Optimization related to B slices within the H.264 codec are also presented, which can lead to improvements of up to 16% in bit rate reduction or, equivalently, more than 0.7 dB in PSNR.
Strontium Isotopic Signatures of Streams from Taylor Valley, Antarctica, Revisited: The Role of Carbonate Mineral Dissolution

We have collected and analyzed a larger set of stream waters for major ions and strontium isotopes in Taylor Valley, McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. These new data substantiate the concept that the dissolution of carbonate minerals is a significant source of strontium, even in polar desert environments where liquid water is primarily limited to stream channels. In Taylor Valley, most of the carbonate minerals present are the result of secondary processes, such as mineral precipitation and/or eolian deposition, and not through primary geologic sources, such as bedrock or till sources. In Von Guerard Stream (Lake Fryxell basin) and Andersen Creek (Lake Hoare basin), water samples were collected during the austral summer to determine short-term 87Sr/86Sr patterns. The observed variability in both time and space may be dependent on the relative amounts of primary and secondary carbonates present in the streambeds and hyporheic zone as well as contingent on the relative proportions of carbonate and aluminosilicate weathering.
Thin-film transistors on plastic and glass substrates using silicon deposited by microwave plasma ECR-CVD

Thin-film transistors (TFTs) were fabricated on polyimide and glass substrates at low temperatures using microwave ECR-CVD deposited amorphous and nanocrystalline silicon as active layers. The amorphous Si TFT fabricated at 200 /spl deg/C on the polyimide foil had a saturation region field effect mobility of 4.5 cm/sup 2//V-s, a linear region mobility of 5.1 cm/sup 2//V-s, a threshold voltage of 3.7 V, a subthreshold swing of 0.69 V/decade, and an ON/OFF current ratio of 7.9 /spl times/ 10/sup 6/. This large mobility and high ON/OFF current ratio were attributed to the high-quality channel materials with less dangling bond defect states. Nanocrystalline Si TFTs fabricated on glass substrates at 400 /spl deg/C showed a saturation region mobility of 14.1 cm/sup 2//V-s, a linear region mobility of 15.3 cm/sup 2//V-s, a threshold voltage of 3.6 V, and an ON/OFF current ratio of 6.7 /spl times/ 10/sup 6/. TFT performance was mostly independent of substrate type when fabrication conditions were the same.