cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polymer electrolytes—Some principles, cautions, and new practices

Abstract We give a short review of the basics of ionic dynamics in simple ionic liquids and their solutions (liquid fragility, conductivity-viscosity relations, limiting high conductivity, decoupling of conductivity from viscosity, conductivity maxima in solutions, and ionicity), and then summarize how these conceptual underpinnings must change when the ionic liquid becomes an ionic polymer or salt-in- polymer solution − the field of polymer electrolytes. We discuss the generation of rubbery plateaus, segmental relaxation and its control of thermodynamics, ionicity, and gelation), and revisit some of the key equations needed to provide quantitative accounts of the observed behavior. Finally we describe two alternative approaches to preparing flexible solid electrolytes, both higher-dimensional and one of them all-inorganic.
A case of radiation-induced osteosarcoma of the skull presenting as a cutaneous epidermotropic tumor with a short latent period.

Radiation-induced sarcoma (RIS) is an unusual but well documented tumor. The frequency of RIS of the head and neck region has been reported as 0.143%. In the literature the median interval between irradiation and development of sarcoma is 11 years. Cases of RIS with a short latent period, that is, less than 4 years are rare. We report a case of a 34-year-old female who developed an osteosarcoma of the scalp, over a previous craniotomy scar, 3 years after excision of a frontal anaplastic oligodendroglioma which had been followed by a course of 6 weeks radiotherapy (58 Gy) and 6 cycles of temozolomide. The histological features were those of a high-grade osteosarcoma with epidermotropism of tumor cells. Lymph nodes were partially replaced by high-grade metastatic osteosarcoma, with extra-nodal lymphatic tumor thrombi. To our knowledge the only other case report of post-radiation osteosarcoma with a short latency period was a case of osteosarcoma in the craniofacial bone 3 years after radiotherapy for maxillary squamous cell carcinoma. The histological finding of prominent replacement of the epidermis by osteosarcoma has not been reported before.
Distribution and Abundance of Polymorphism in the Malaria Genome

Studies of genomic polymorphism among P. falciparum populations have revealed that this parasite is surprisingly homogenous for most genetic loci. Past events in the evolution of the species have lead to vast reductions in genetic variation due to either demographic or selective sweeps, starting with the origin of Malarias Eve perhaps as recently as 3,000 year ago. Subsequently, selective pressures such as those imposed by use of anti-malarial drugs, including chloroquine, may have further diminished variation over large regions of the genome. Nonetheless, it is clear that P. falciparum retains extraordinary ability to persist due in part to genomic novelties, such as repetitive antigen genes, which allow for rapid proliferation of genetic diversity despite demographic constraints. Understanding the precise mechanisms by which this adaptive potential is maintained and generated will be vital step in developing sustainable strategies to reduce malaria transmission and lessen the burden on human health.
Predicting fluorescence lifetimes and spectra of biopolymers.

Abstract Use of fluorescence in biology and biochemistry for imaging and characterizing equilibrium and dynamic processes is growing exponentially. Much progress has been made in the last few years on the microscopic understanding of the underlying principles of what controls the wavelength and quenching of fluorescence in biopolymers, both of which are central to the utility of fluorescent probes. This chapter is concerned with the quantitative microscopic understanding and prediction of the fluorescence wavelength and/or intensity of a fluorescent probe molecule attached to a biopolymer as revealed by hybrid quantum and classical mechanical computation procedures. The aim is not only to provide a recipe, but also even more importantly, to communicate the qualitative basic concepts of interpretation of fluorescence. These are surprisingly simple, although not broadly appreciated at this time. In addition, an effort has been made to show how these techniques have led to an emerging understanding of the relation between time-dependent wavelengths shifts due to solvent relaxation and population decay of conformational subensembles.
Reduction of Conflicts in Mining Development Using “Good Neighbor Agreements”

Good Neighbor Agreements (GNAs) are a relatively new mechanism for improving communication and trust between a mining company and the community. The focus of a GNA will be to provide a written and enforceable agreement, negotiated between the concerned public and the respective mining company to respond to concerns from the public, and also provide a mechanism for conflict resolution, when there is mutual benefit to maintain a working relationship. GNA agreements resulting from current research coupled with international environmental standards will provide the basis for an accessible interactive model. This model will serve as a tool for independent technical scientific expertise and provide strategies for implementation of the GNA. Because of the higher quality environmental standards already in place, this new approach is most likely to be initially applicable in a developed country with mature state and federal regulatory programs, although utilization in other less-developed nations can be beneficial.
Replicating User-defined Gestures for Text Editing

Although initial ideas for building intuitive and usable handwriting applications originated nearly 30 years ago, recent advances in stylus technology and handwriting recognition are now making handwriting a viable text-entry option on touchscreen devices. In this paper, we use modern methods to replicate studies form the 80's to elicit hand-drawn gestures from users for common text-editing tasks in order to determine a "guessable' gesture set and to determine if the early results still apply given the ubiquity of touchscreen devices today. We analyzed 360 gestures, performed with either the finger or stylus, from 20 participants for 18 tasks on a modern tablet device. Our findings indicate that the mental model of "writing on paper' found in past literature largely holds even today, although today's users' mental model also appears to support manipulating the paper elements as opposed to annotating. In addition, users prefer using the stylus to finger touch for text editing, and we found that manipulating "white space' is complex. We present our findings as well as a stylus-based, user-defined gesture set for text editing.
An Evaluation of Consumer Awareness and Use of Energy Labels in the Purchase of Major Appliances: A Longitudinal Analysis:

The National Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1978 requires the Federal Trade Commission to mandate labels for appliances indicating their energy consumption. The purposes of this study are to...
Understanding the Diverse Purposes of Performance Information use in Nonprofits: An Empirical Study of Factors Influencing the Use of Performance Measures

AbstractPerformance measurement is not a panacea that automatically cures management problems and leads to success. To evaluate the effectiveness of performance measurement, the use of performance ...
Simulation-based analysis of energy flexible factories in a regional energy supply system

Abstract In a decentralized and renewable energy system, reliable and economical solutions are necessary to adjust power demand to a volatile power supply by photovoltaic and wind energy plants. A high potential for the balancing of short and medium-term power supply fluctuations is seen in energy flexible factories. To leverage this potential, monetary incentives and technological enablers have to be developed. Apart from that, the ecological and social aspects of energy flexible factories have to be considered in transdisciplinary research, to achieve a broad public acceptance. To assess the complex interrelations between the technical, political, legal and social sector, a clear and accessible base for discussions is necessary. This paper presents an approach for a simulation based-analysis of energy flexible factories with focus on high applicability and comprehensibility for stakeholders from different disciplines. This paper presents the general structure of the simulation model including the operation module for the energy flexible region Augsburg.
AB1221 VIEWS OF PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS AND RHEUMATOLOGISTS REGARDING SCREENING FOR HYPERLIPIDEMIA AMONG PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background Screening of hyperlipidemia in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is suboptimal, despite RA patients’ high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Objectives To identify barriers to screening for hyperlipidemia among patients with RA from the viewpoint of primary care physicians (PCPs) and rheumatologists. Methods We recruited rheumatologists and PCPs nationally to participate in separate moderated structured group teleconference discussions using the nominal group technique. Participants in each group generated lists of barriers to screening for hyperlipidemia in patients with RA, then each selected the three most important barriers from this list. Results Twenty-six rheumatologists participated in 3 groups and 20 PCPs participated in groups. The resulting barriers were organized into physician-, patient- and system-level barriers. Rheumatologists prioritized physician level barriers (e.g. ‘ownership’ of hyperlipidemia screening), whereas PCPs prioritized patient-level barriers (e.g. complexity of RA itself). See table 1 for details. Conclusion These rheumatologists were conflicted about whether screening of CVD risk among patients with RA should fall within the role of the rheumatologist or PCPs. On the other hand, participating PCPs were concerned about the overall effect of RA and RA treatments in the context of screening hyperlipidemia. Note: RA = rheumatoid arthritis; CVD = cardiovascular disease; 0% = that sub-theme emerged during the brainstorming session but did not receive votes; “ – “ = the sub-theme did not emerge in the respective group. Disclosure of Interests Iris Navarro-Millan: None declared, Anna Cornelius-Schecter: None declared, Ronan O’Beirne Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Inc., Melanie Morris: None declared, Geyanne Lui: None declared, Susan Goodman Grant/research support from: Novartis: research support, Consultant for: Novartis, UCB, Pfizer: consulting, Andrea Cherrington: None declared, Liana Fraenkel: None declared
A Steady Displacement-Based Formulation for the Analysis and Design of Large Deformation Continuous Elastoplastic Manufacturing Processes

Many manufacturing processes such as metal forming, continuous casting, laser surface heat treatment, etc. are steady state in nature. However, the materials used in these processes exhibit history dependent response e.g. plasticity. Hence, the analyst must consider the deformation history which each material particle experiences, even though the process is steady.
Prepositioning disaster relief supplies using robust optimization

Emergency disaster managers are concerned with responding to disasters in a timely and efficient manner. We are concerned with determining the location and amount of disaster relief supplies to be ...
Current and Historical Trends in Diversity by Race, Ethnicity, and Sex Within the US Pathology Physician Workforce

OBJECTIVES This study assessed historical and current gender, racial, and ethnic diversity trends within US pathology graduate medical education (GME) and the pathologist workforce. METHODS Data from online, publicly available sources were assessed for significant differences in racial, ethnic, and sex distribution in pathology trainees, as well as pathologists in practice or on faculty, separately compared with the US population and then each other using binomial tests. RESULTS Since 1995, female pathology resident representation has been increasing at a rate of 0.45% per year (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29-0.61; P < .01), with pathology now having significantly more females (49.8%) compared to the total GME pool (45.4%; P < .0001). In contrast, there was no significant trend in the rate of change per year in black or American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AI/AN/NH/PI) resident representation (P = .04 and .02). Since 1995, underrepresented minority (URM) faculty representation has increased by 0.03% per year (95% CI, 0.024-0.036; P < .01), with 7.6% URM faculty in 2018 (5.2% Hispanic, 2.2% black, 0.2% AI/AN/NH/PI). CONCLUSIONS This assessment of pathology trainee and physician workforce diversity highlights significant improvements in achieving trainee gender parity. However, there are persistent disparities in URM representation, with significant underrepresentation of URM pathologists compared with residents.
Effect of scheduling inferior vena cava filter removal during the placement encounter on filter removal rate.

Abstract Objective In the present study, we sought to determine whether early pre-emptive scheduling of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) removal during the preoperative IVCF placement visit would affect the IVCF removal rate. Methods All electronically documented IVCF placements at a single institution were reviewed from April 2015 to July 2019. The baseline characteristics included age, the clinical indications for IVCF placement, inpatient/outpatient status, and type of IVCF placed. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ2 for discrete variables and the two-tailed paired t test for continuous variables. Results A total of 599 patients (mean age, 68 years; 273 women and 326 men) had undergone technically successful IVCF placement. During the preoperative consent process for placement, 232 patients had been scheduled for IVCF removal within 3 months after placement. However, 367 patients had not been scheduled for removal at the preoperative consent process. The indications for placement included failure of anticoagulation, a contraindication to anticoagulation (eg, bleeding), preoperative prophylaxis, and others. Of the 232 patients scheduled for IVCF removal during preoperative consent for IVCF placement, 103 (44%) had undergone successful IVCF removal (mean interval from placement, 107 ± 100 days). Of the 367 nonscheduled patients, 89 (24%) had undergone successful IVCF removal (mean time, 184 ± 215 days). We found a significant improvement in the IVCF removal rate between the scheduled and nonscheduled patients (P Conclusions Scheduling IVCF removal during the placement encounter significantly increased the IVCF removal rate. This approach could be a viable option for institutions where clinic time and/or resources are limited or unavailable and for patients who have difficulty traveling for clinical evaluations.
Are Psychiatric History and Substance Use Predictors of Mortality in Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wounds to the Face?

Purpose Self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the face are one of the most challenging clinical scenarios encountered by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Knowledge is lacking regarding which factors might influence survival after these devastating injuries, especially pertaining to psychiatric history and substance use. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the risk factors that might influence the survival of subjects with self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the face. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort study was designed to analyze the data from subjects presenting to the University of Louisville Trauma Center with self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the face from February 2010 to September 2019. The predictor variables included demographic (eg, age, gender, race), medical and psychiatric history, and toxicology test results. The primary outcome variable was death before hospital discharge. Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression models were computed. Results The sample included 120 subjects, with an age range of 16 to 85 years old (average age, 43.5 years); 90.8% were male, and 56.7% had survived their suicide attempt. Of the 120 patients, 35% had a history of depression, 23.3% tested positive for benzodiazepines, and 33% had a social history positive for smoking, alcohol use, and/or drug use. Depression was the single largest predictor of mortality. Patients with depression were significantly more likely to survive their injuries than were patients without depression (odds ratio, 0.230; P = .003). The presence of benzodiazepines in toxicology tests was also a significant predictor of mortality (odds ratio, 0.297; P = .018); patients testing positive were more likely to survive than were patients with negative test results or positive test results for other drugs. Conclusions Subjects who attempt suicide via self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the face were more likely to survive their injury if they had a reported history of depression or test results positive for a benzodiazepine.
Who Counts and Who Gets Counted? Health Equity in Infectious Disease Surveillance

[...]if health equity is not at the core of our surveillance activities, inequities will inevitably arise, persist, and widen over time. [...]our current surveillance activities have focused almost exclusively on the direct effects of the pandemic on population health, measured in terms of SARS-CoV-2 infections or deaths that can be directly attributed to COVID-19. ACKNOWLEDGING SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT The methodological choices we make when analyzing data can profoundly affect the conclusions we draw about the existence, direction, and magnitude of health inequities. [...]choices are not purely objective and value-free;rather, they reflect one's view of the world and judgments about what sources of variation in health status are permissible. [...]statistical adjustment for covariates such as age and geography when comparing disease risk across racial/ethnic groups reflects the belief that different distributions of age or geography are not important components of racial disparities in disease risk.7 By contrast, an analytic approach that seeks to understand how racial health inequities are produced might stratify on age and place to assess the roles of age and geography-population characteristics that are themselves shaped by structural racism-in determiningthe distribution of disease across population groups. Because the analysis and interpretation of surveillance data have real consequences for the subsequent implementation of public health interventions, it is critical that analyses be grounded in an antiracist approach that acknowledges the role of social and historical forces in shaping the distribution of disease.
US estimates for dog bite injuries presenting to emergency departments.

Abstract Objectives Dog bites are a frequent source of injury requiring emergency department (ED) management. We sought to evaluate the longitudinal burden of dog bites presenting to US EDs. Study design Cross-sectional study of a complex survey. Methods We evaluated the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, a complex survey of non-federal US ED encounters between 2002 and 2017. Dog bites were identified via ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes. We report trends in dog bites (adjusted to US Census population data) overall and among patients younger than 18 years using the Spearman rank correlation test. Results Of 2.0 billion ED encounters, 6.6 million (0.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3–0.4%) were for dog bites. There were 13.5 encounters per 10,000 population (all ages) and 20.8 per 10,000 among those younger than 18 years. Rates of bites increased over time for encounters younger than 18 years (rho = 0.54, 95% CI 0.08, 0.82), but not for those aged 18 years or older (rho = 0.44, 95% CI −0.08, 0.77). Among patients younger than 18 years, the rate of presentations increased from 17.7 to 22.3 per 10,000 encounters during the 16-year period. The highest rate of encounters was among patients aged 6–11 years, where 24.3 per 10,000 presented with dog bites and for which 59.3% (95% CI 49.1–69.6%) were boys. Overall, 75.3% (95% CI 72.3–89.3%) were provided with antibiotics and 4.1% (95% CI 2.5–5.7%) were diagnosed with skin/soft tissue infection. Conclusion Dog bite presentations demonstrated a small but significant increase in rates of presentation over time among children and youth. Continued efforts are needed to curb this common injury.
Acute Post-Injury Blockade of α2δ-1 Receptors Prevents Pathological Autonomic Plasticity after Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) damages supraspinal control over spinal autonomic circuitry. As a result, normally innocuous visceral or somatic stimuli (e.g. distended bladder or bowel) trigger pathological dysautonomia caused by uncontrolled reflex activation of sympathetic circuitry. In this report we show that remarkable structural remodeling and synaptic plasticity occurs within spinal autonomic circuitry and that this increases the frequency of autonomic dysreflexia (AD), a life-threatening condition of episodic vascular hypertension that develops progressively in SCI animals and people. We also prove that maladaptive plasticity can be prevented if SCI mice are treated with human equivalent doses of the FDA-approved drug, gabapentin (GBP) before the onset of plasticity. Although GBP is used clinically to treat pain or spasticity after symptom onset, we tested the hypothesis that GBP would prevent maladaptive plasticity if it were used as a prophylactic therapy, starting before the onset of a critical period of enhanced synaptogenesis with maintenance dosing continued for up to 35d post-injury. Using this novel treatment regimen, we show that prophylactic GBP successfully blocks multi-segmental excitatory synaptogenesis within spinal autonomic lamina, abolishes sprouting of autonomic neurons that innervate immune organs and also the sensory afferents that trigger pain and AD. Functionally, this treatment protocol delays the onset and decreases the frequency of spontaneous AD, confers resistance to experimentally induced AD, and protects mice from SCI-induced immune suppression. These data show that GBP could be repurposed as a prophylactic therapy in at-risk individuals with a high-level SCI to prevent the pathological effects of autonomic dysfunction.
Comparison shopping: Is neuropsychological evaluation more expensive than neuroimaging?

OBJECTIVE This study empirically examined if neuropsychological evaluation (NPE) is expensive compared to other diagnostic procedures such as neuroimaging. METHOD We aggregated data on charges for NPE and common neuroimaging procedures (e.g., head CT and brain MRI) from hospitals in the U.S. Charges for five-hour NPE and eight-hour NPE were compared to charges for head CT and brain MRI, respectively. Difference scores were calculated between five-hour NPE and head CT and between eight-hour NPE and brain MRI. A charge difference of $250 or less was considered minimal. NPE and neuroimaging charges were compared across U.S. regions. RESULTS Median head CT charges were $1942 to $2699. Median brain MRI charges were $3103 to $4487. Median five-hour NPE charges were $1855 to $1977. Median eight-hour NPE charges were $2757 to $2917. Head CT and five-hour NPE charges were not significantly different. Eight-hour NPE and brain MRI charges were not significantly different. Charge differences between five-hour NPE and head CT were minimal in 32.3% of hospitals. Charge differences between eight-hour NPE and brain MRI were minimal in 21.2% of hospitals. U.S. regions were not significantly different in charges for NPE or neuroimaging. CONCLUSIONS Findings provide preliminary data on charges for NPE in relation to charges for common imaging procedures. NPE does not appear to be more expensive than neuroimaging and, in fact, appears comparable. Future research might expand the information on NPE charges to include additional settings.
Adverse Health Outcomes in Men with Osteoporosis

Publisher Summary The evidence about men and osteoporosis has changed over the last 30 years. Recent data suggest that at least 20% of people with osteoporosis are men. That means that 2 million men or more already have osteoporosis and another 12 million are at risk of the disease. As life expectancy in the USA continues to rise, osteoporosis prevalence in men will increase. In light of these changing demographics, a better understanding of the incidence and gender-specific consequences of osteoporosis in men is needed. This chapter reviews research findings from the last decade that specifically illuminate the adverse outcomes of osteoporosis and consequent fractures in men. These outcomes include, but are not limited to, physical morbidity, psychosocial outcomes (including health-related quality of life) and mortality. Although the empirical evidence about men and their osteoporosis outcomes is somewhat limited, some recent studies have begun to help researchers understand what happens when men with osteoporosis experience fractures.
Sexsim—girls still cleaning schools

SHIRLEY MTHETHWA-SOMMERS, looking back at her experiences in township schools, asks why sexist gender-specific practices have not changed
Age estimates of inland dunes in east-central lower Michigan using soils data

Extensive deposits of eolian sand occur deep (>50 km) within the interior of east-central lower Michigan. These dunes are most common in the Saginaw lowland where they are parabolic, with limbs oriented northwesterly. Their presence on densely forested landscapes indicates that paleoenvironmental conditions differed sufficiently for dune formation to have occurred. In a previous study, Arbogast et al. (1997) illustrated that surface soils in the northwestern part of the Saginaw dune field were morphologically similar, consisting of weakly developed Spodosols (A/E/Bs/C horizonation). Thus, these dunes must have stabilized concurrently following regional mobilization of eolian sand. In this study, we present soils data from dunes in the southeastern part of the Saginaw dune field. Surface soils were analyzed at 19 sites in the Deford State Game Area in Tuscola County. Morphologically, the soils within the Deford area are similar (A/E/Bs/C horizonation), indicating that Deford dunes stabilized concurrently. ...
When Juniper and Woody Plants Invade, Water May Retreat

Dense plants are taking over grasslands in many areas; researchers in the U.S. Southwest are studying how they tap into water supplies--and how to keep them in check.
Martyrdom in Islam: Martyrs of love and epic heroes

Each curling lock of thy luxuriant hair Breaks into barbed hooks to catch my heart My broken heart is wounded everywhere With countless wounds from which the red drops start. Hafiz One of the traditions cited by Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti in his book on the circumstances of martyrdom (in Chapter 3) was: “whoever loves passionately ( ʿashiqa ), but exhibits self-control, conceals [it] and dies [as a result] is a martyr.” While one cannot say this tradition has ever acquired canonical status inside Islam because it is never cited by any of the authoritative collections, it definitely represents a trend in Muslim martyrology. Stories of the romantic lover, whose love is pure and passionate yet chaste and denied, and who ultimately dies as a result of this love, are an extremely popular theme running through much of the literature of the Muslim world. Many of these stories survived not because of their mundane character, but because of the possibility that they could be reinterpreted in a Sufi manner. From the time of the martyrdom of al-Hallaj, the category of “martyrs of love” ( shuhadaʾ al-mahabba ) had been ambiguous because of the possibility that these martyrs in their desire for earthly union (usually of a homosexual nature) actually sought union with their divine beloved. Stories that described their passion for other humans could be allegorically interpreted in terms of love for God. Given this ambiguity, it is not unusual for even apparently suggestive or passionate love stories to have several interpretations.
Doppler-Shifted Acoustic Cyclotron Resonance in Gallium

The absorption of 260-MHz longitudinal sound waves in single crystals of gallium has been measured at 1.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} K for propagation along the [100] axis. With the magnetic field in the (001) and (010) planes, sharp resonant peaks in the attenuation are observed over a large angular range centered on the propagation axis. Two series of absorption maxima, degenerate in the (010) plane, are attributed to a magnetoacoustic density-of-states resonance of seventh-band electron orbits for which the differential area $\frac{\mathrm{dA}}{d{k}_{z}}$ is an extremum. The average drift velocity and cyclotron effective mass obtained from the Doppler splitting are compared with corresponding parameters in the nearly free-electron approximation. Other resonances near the [100] axis are identified with seventh- and eighth-band orbits and are correlated with dc size-effect measurements. A Doppler-shifted open-orbit resonance for H\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}[010] associated with the sixth-band hole surface which permits open orbits in the [001] direction is described. The carrier drift along the sound propagation is obtained from the separation of corresponding subharmonic peaks for $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}n$.
Coupling between rigid body and deformation modes

Abstract In the linear theory of elastodynamics, it is assumed that the elastic deformation does not have a significant effect on the rigid body motion of mechanical systems. In many recent investigations, the significance of the coupling between the rigid body and elastic displacements is demonstrated. In this investigation, a simple model, which clearly demonstrates that there are applications in which the reference motion can have strong dependence on the elastic deformation, is used to examine the coupling between the rigid body and elastic modes. A closed form solution is obtained and used to examine the effect of the in-plane and out-of-plane bending vibrations on the reference displacements. It is shown that instability of elastic modes can significantly influence the reference displacements. More significantly, as demonstrated in this paper, a linear formulation that maintains the stability of rotating beams at relatively large values of the angular velocity can be developed, despite the fact that the amplitude of vibration becomes large. The effect of the longitudinal displacement on the coupling between the rigid body and the deformation modes is also discussed using the simple beam model presented in this paper. Stability regions are identified as function of the angular velocity of the beam and the effect of the deformation modes instability on the reference motions is examined. It is demonstrated that stability limits depend on the difference between the axial and bending stiffness coefficients.
Parental burden, coping, and family functioning in primary caregivers of children with Joubert syndrome.

Children with Joubert syndrome have physical and intellectual disabilities. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of Joubert syndrome on parental burden, coping, and family functioning. Forty-nine primary caregivers were surveyed. Forty-three primary caregivers were mothers and six were fathers; their mean age was 34 years. The following measures were used: Beck Depression Inventory, Child Development Inventory, Caregiver Strain Index, Family Assessment Device, and Ways of Coping Checklist-Revised. The data show that caregiver burden is not related to the severity of the child's illness, but that caregivers report significant burden. Higher burden was associated with the use of palliative coping methods, and family functioning was problematic. The results of this study suggest that for parents of children with Joubert syndrome, degree of parental burden depends more on the parents' coping skills and the level of family functioning rather than on the degree of the child's impairment. These fin...
erbB genes in the mouse uterus: cell-specific signaling by epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of growth factors during implantation.

Abstract We previously described spatiotemporal expression of various epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like ligands and receptor subtypes, ErbB1 and ErbB2, during the peri-implantation period. To better understand the roles of these ligands and their possible signaling schemes in implantation, it is important to define the status of all the ligands and receptor subtypes in the uterus/embryo. No information is available about uterine and embryonic status of ErbB3 or ErbB4 during implantation. We cloned mouseerbB3anderbB4cDNAs and examined their expression and bioactivity in the peri-implantation uterus (days 1–8). TwoerbB3(cytoplasmic and extracellular) and threeerbB4(two cytoplasmic and one extracellular) clones were generated. Both forms of theerbB3clone showed similar transcript profiles, while different transcript profiles were obtained witherbB4clones. The steady-state levels oferbB3anderbB4mRNAs in whole uterine poly(A)+RNA samples showed little changes during the peri-implantation period, while their unique cell-specific accumulation was noted.erbB3is predominantly expressed in the epithelial cells, although decidual and embryonic cells also accumulate this mRNA. In contrast, theerbB4mRNA is primarily expressed in the submyometrial stroma and myometrial connective tissues during this period. Additionally, the extracellular form of theerbB4clone detected signals in a subpopulation of stromal cells. Autophosphorylation and immunoprecipitation studies provided evidence that uterine ErbB3 and ErbB4 are biologically active. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of possible ligand–receptor signaling schemes for EGF-like ligands in implantation.
Ecotypic Variation among Switchgrass Populations from the Northern USA

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a widely adapted warm-season perennial that has considerable potential as a biofuel crop. Broad species adaptation, natural selection, and photoperiodism have combined to create considerable ecotypic differentiation in switchgrass. The objective of this study was to characterize phenotypic variability among switchgrass ecotypes collected from prairie remnants in the northern USA. Thirty-eight switchgrass collections from 33 prairie-remnant sites and 11 switchgrass cultivars were evaluated for 2 yr at two locations (Arlington and Marshfield, WI) for nine variables: biomass yield, survival, dry matter, lodging, maturity, plant height, holocellulose, lignin, and ash. Autocorrelations, measuring spatial variation, and correlations between phenotypic distances and geographic distances were all nonsignificant. A small amount of variation for maturity, lodging, holocellulose, lignin, and ash could be attributed to latitude and/or longitude of the collection site. Populations from several of the westernmost collection sites clustered with cultivars from the Great Plains, suggesting an ecological basis for some of the phenotypic variation observed. However, there was a considerable amount of phenotypic variability between populations from collection sites in close proximity to each other. Hardiness zones (defined largely by temperature extremes) and ecoregions (defined largely by soil type and historic vegetation) partly define the phenotypic characteristics for many switchgrass populations collected from prairie remnants. Most switchgrass populations can be utilized for conservation and restoration projects throughout a combined ecoregion and hardiness zone without undue concern over contaminating, diluting, or swamping the local switchgrass gene pool.
What have we learned from the Tucson Children's Respiratory Study?

The Tucson Children's Respiratory Study was the first longitudinal assessment of the natural history of asthma in which children were enrolled at birth. Over 1200 children were originally included and over 800 were still participating at age 13. The study has provided general indications about the most important risk factors for and the prognosis of different phenotypes associated with recurrent airway obstruction during childhood. The most important conclusion from the study is that asthma is a heterogeneous disease, with different predominant expressions at different ages. The form of the disease that is associated with atopy is not very frequent in early life, but becomes preponderant during the school years. However, this form is more persistent and is associated with significant deficits in lung function growth up to age 11. Up to two-thirds of infants who wheeze have a transient form of recurrent airway obstruction associated with low premorbid lung function. Many children who wheeze during the preschool years do so only during viral infections. These children usually have a history of wheezing due to respiratory syncytial virus during early life and low levels of lung function during the school years. Understanding the different asthma phenotypes of childhood will provide new clues for strategies for the primary prevention of the disease.
High spectral resolution lidar system with atomic blocking filters for measuring atmospheric parameters.

A new lidar technique for measuring the profiles of backscatter ratio, atmospheric visibility, and atmospheric temperature is proposed. Based on the theory of high resolution Rayleigh/Mie scattering, the feasibility and advantages of using atomic vapor cells as blocking filters for measuring atmospheric parameters are demonstrated with a numerical example worked out in detail. Ten percent accuracy in determining backscatter ratio and visibility can be achieved easily. With a SNR of 300, temperature of 1 K accuracy can be measured directly along with the backscatter ratio to a better accuracy of ±1%. Using a large lidar system and assuming 50-km visibility, the proposed technique can be applied to measure backscatter ratio and temperature profiles simultaneously for a 10-km path with 30-m depth resolution in 3 min. With higher SNR the atmospheric pressure profile can also be determined.
A differential temperature study of the thermal fusion of adjacent polymer phases

Abstract A differential thermal scanning technique is described for studying the thermally induced disappearance of an interface between thermoplastic materials. This is specifically applicable to the autohesion or self adhesion of thermoplastic polymers. A mathematical model has been developed to describe the thermal bonding of polypropylene monofilaments (as in certain non-woven processes) which treats bond formation as the disappearance, with heat input, of a thermal contact resistance at the fiber—fiber interface. The predicted results suggest that monitoring the temperature difference across a polymer—polymer interface when a heat flux is applied from one side could be a sensitive means of following bond formation as a function of pressure, temperature, and time. Experimentally, two polypropylene films with fine wire thermocouples imbedded near their contacting surfaces were bonded using a CO 2 gas laser as a heat source. The observed Δ T data confirmed the general behavior predicted by the model and indicated that only a surprisingly small threshold pressure was necessary to achieve such intimate contact as to significantly influence heat transfer across the interface.
Aquaculture and the environment: The risks and rewards

Due to the depletion in the quantity of available wild fish stocks by over fishing and habitat destruction, aquaculture has developed as a way to reduce the reliance on wild fish stocks in order to supply the market for fish. Predictions indicate that aquaculture production will likely double in the next few decades, as wild fish stocks decline. The industry's existing problems with pollution, disease, drug use, and additives are troublesome and potentially dangerous. The future of the industry rests on improving production, decreasing environmental pollution, and making the product safer for human consumption.
Relating multiobjective decision trees to the multiobjective risk impact analysis method

This paper develops the theoretical and methodological relationship between multiobjective decision trees (MODT) and the multiobjective risk impact analysis method (MRIAM)—two tools that are useful in decision-making at each step of the system life cycle. Decision trees have been extensively used in decision problems with great success. Multiobjective decision trees include multiple noncommensurate objective functions over a given period. On the other hand, the MRIAM analyzes risk and decision impacts in a dynamic multiobjective framework. Both methods are used to perform sequential decision-making by analyzing the impacts of current decisions on future options. Understanding the advantages and limitations of these two distinct methods and appreciating how they supplement and complement each other contributes synergy to an analysis. An illustrative example shows how a given problem can be solved using MODT and the MRIAM. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 8: 95–108, 2005
On the nature of the ribonucleic acid synthesized in the presence of chloramphenicol.

Abstract 1. 1. Two of the “abnormal” properties of chloramphenicol-RNA can be readily explained by the fact that some of the protein-free chloramphenicol-RNA is easily removed from the high-speed particles. 2. 2. A third property, degradation of the chloramphenicol-RNA following chloramphenicol removal, was found to be dependent on the conditions of resuspension of the cells rather than on an inherent instability of the RNA. 3. 3. The unstable chloramphenicol-RNA can be converted to a stable form in the presence of amino acids. Evidence for a similar conversion of an unstable RNA formed in the absence of chloramphenicol was found. 4. 4. The conversion appears to involve the synthesis of a special protein fraction. This protein, formed in the complete absence of detectable RNA metabolism, is preferentially synthesized and found in the high-speed pellet. The acid-soluble proteins are also rapidly synthesized under these conditions (following RNA accumulation in the presence of chloramphenicol). 5. 5. An hypothesis involving a three-step pathway for RNA synthesis, blocked at the first step by chloramphenicol, is consistent with many of the observations involving chloramphenicol inhibition.
Reflections on breast cancer

Abstract Breast cancer is a very elusive disease and 10 year survival rates are essential for final evaluation of any method of treatment. Treatment of the supraclavicular and internal mammary chain nodes, either by surgical dissection or irradiation, in addition to the radical mastectomy, can only core those patients who have disease in one or both of these areas but who do not have occult distant metastases. Therefore, it is understandable that there is no evidence of improved overall survival rates by treatment of the peripheral lymphatics since only a small subset of the patient population can benefit from the additional treatment. Close to 100% locoregional control of disease is secured by combining 4500–5000 rad (1000 rad per week) to the chest wall and peripheral lymphatics with radical mastectomy or simple mastectomy. Speculation has been made that irradiation is deleterious because of a decrease to the T lymphocytes. There are no data on 10 year survival rates, to substantiate this speculation. Whether elective chemotherapy will shown to be curative and if so, in what percentage of the patients, remains to be determined by 10 years survival rates.
Performance Space Analysis for an Industrial Product

As a guide for developing additions to a line of machine tools a model of the "performance space" of competing brands was developed using catalogue specifications of 25 performance related characteristics. A two-stage analytical process, utilizing cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling, yielded five- and three-dimensional solutions, in which the axes of the spaces were summary measures of performance. Brands which had similar performance characteristics, in the sense that they could perform similar types of operations, were located "close" to each other in these spaces. The techniques illustrated are quite general and can be applied in a variety of situations, even if (interval scaled) "measured" performance data are not available.
A systems model and simulation of the vibratory bowl feeder

Abstract Vibratory bowl feeders are the most versatile and widely used parts feeders in automated assembly. This work develops a mathematical model of a bowl feeder by using state-space methods to evaluate bowl feeder parameters. From the mathematical method, a computer simulation can predict the velocity of the parts in the bowl and subsequently the part feed rate. The simulation might be used to improve the design of vibratory bowl feeders.
Life activities of persons with rheumatoid arthritis with and without depressive symptoms

Objective. Persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) report more activity losses than persons without RA. Persons with RA who report depressive symptoms experience lower levels of functioning. We integrated these findings and examined the association of depressive symptoms with the activities in which persons with RA participate. Methods. We surveyed 726 persons with RA and 192 matched controls. Within each group, we examined the perceived importance and actual performance of 65 life activities by individuals with and without depressive symptoms. Results. Significantly more individuals with RA reported depressive symptoms. Among persons with RA, those who had depressive symptoms performed fewer activities, particularly fewer valued activities. In contrast, among controls, those who were depressed rated fewer activities as important, but exhibited few significant differences in the performance of activities. Conclusions. Depressive symptoms and life activities are associated differently among persons with RA and controls. The higher rate of depression among persons with RA may be partially due to the inability to perform valued activities.
Beveled Artifacts in Florida of the Same Type as Artifacts Found near Clovis, New Mexico

In the spring of 1937 I first saw beveled artifacts in Florida. They were in the extensive catalogued collection of Florida Indian artifacts gathered by the H. H. Simpson family of High Springs, Florida. During that year, two specimens of the same type of beveled artifact were published in the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. These latter specimens had been excavated from a pit of pluvial gravel near Clovis, New Mexico, by a field party led by Dr. Edgar B. Howard during the summer of 1936. The three Florida artifacts described herein were found, in a total of seven pieces, by the Simpsons, beginning in June, 1927, in the bed of a Florida river. The New Mexico artifacts were found in cultural association with typical “Folsom” chipped points; both beveled artifacts and Folsom points were in close physical association with skeletal remains of extinct animals.