cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A data driven process in Washington State to improve systems of care for children with special health care needs: the National Survey of CSHCN.

Objectives: The purpose of this article is to present strategies used in one state to engage public health stakeholders in the use of National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs (NS-CSHCN) results to improve systems of care for children with special health care needs (CSHCN). This is not a research report. Methods: Seven “CSHCN Road Shows” were conducted with 39 local health departments, five state agencies, five parent leaders, three managed health care plans, and 12 school nurses. These “CSHCN Road Shows” were used to present and validate Washington State findings from the NS-CSHCN, obtain input on additional topics for analysis and elicit ways of incorporating NS-CSHCN results into the state’s MCH Five Year Needs Assessment. Results: Overall, a majority of stakeholders reported a high level of interest in using state-level data from the NS-CSHCN for local community efforts. Uses included program planning, presenting data to local boards of health and other community agencies, and utilizing results as talking points with other partners on the needs and unmet needs of the population. The state Title V office used feedback from “CSHCN Road Show” participants to prioritize program-planning activities, initiate policy discussions, and incorporate feedback into the MCH Five Year Needs Assessment. Conclusions: State-level data from the NS-CSHCN are a rich source of information for driving improvements in systems of care, facilitating state and local program planning efforts, writing grants, and completing MCH Five Year Needs Assessment activities.
Spatial Hearing in Echoic Environments: The Role of the Envelope in Owls

In the precedence effect, sounds emanating directly from the source are localized preferentially over their reflections. Although most studies have focused on the delay between the onset of a sound and its echo, humans still experience the precedence effect when this onset delay is removed. We tested in barn owls the hypothesis that an ongoing delay, equivalent to the onset delay, is discernible from the envelope features of amplitude-modulated stimuli and may be sufficient to evoke this effect. With sound pairs having only envelope cues, owls localized direct sounds preferentially, and neurons in their auditory space-maps discharged more vigorously to them, but only if the sounds were amplitude modulated. Under conditions that yielded the precedence effect, acoustical features known to evoke neuronal discharges were more abundant in the envelopes of the direct sounds than of the echoes, suggesting that specialized neural mechanisms for echo suppression were unnecessary.
Bioaccumulation and Trophic Transfer of Methylmercury in Long Island Sound

Humans are exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) principally by consumption of marine fish. The coastal zone supports the majority of marine fish production, and may therefore be an important source of MeHg to humans; however, little is known about the bioaccumulation of MeHg in near-shore marine ecosystems. We examined MeHg in microseston, zooplankton, a decapod crustacean, and four representative species of finfish that differ in trophic status and/or prey selection in Long Island Sound (LIS), a large coastal embayment in the northeastern United States. MeHg biomagnifies in LIS; levels in microseston were 104.2 greater than those in water and 2.3-fold less than zooplankton. MeHg concentrations were related positively to fish length for each species, but often varied considerably among larger individuals. This may be due to differences in the past dietary MeHg exposure of these fish, some of which are migratory. Sedimentary production and mobilization can account for most of the MeHg in microseston of LIS, and by extension, other near-shore locations. Hence, much of the MeHg in higher trophic levels of coastal marine ecosystems, including fishes destined for human consumption, may be attributed to net sedimentary production and dietary bioaccumulation.
Laboratory production of ammonium and ferric sulfate aerosols.

Since sulfate aerosol particles are an environmental factor of possible concern, laboratory studies are being conducted to determine their health effects. It is important in such studies that aerosols be controlled and monitored. Submicron sulfate aerosols at high (greater than 80%) and low (30–40%) relative humidities were generated and characterized in support of animal inhalation experiments. Aqueous solutions of ammonium sulfate and ferric sulfate were aerosolized with a compressed air nebulizer, dried, discharged and passed into an aerosol chamber. Aerosol characterization was performed using cascade impactors, electron microscopy, filter samples and an electrical mobility analyzer. Parameters measured included particle size distribution and mass concentration. Instruments used for sizing the aerosols were compared. The electrical mobility analyzer provided useful information on the time stability of the particle size and the mass concentration, but agreement between this instrument and electron micr...
Initial management and long-term clinical outcome of restenosis after initially successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Abstract Restenosis remains a critical limitation after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The clinical experience with restenosis was reviewed in 1,490 patients who had restenosis of at least 1 site within 1 year of their PTCA. The source of data was the clinical database at Emory University. Patients who had previous coronary bypass surgery or PTCA and patients who underwent PTCA in the setting of acute myocardial infarction were excluded. When restenosis was angiographically documented, 363 were treated medically, 1,051 with repeat PTCA, and 76 with coronary bypass surgery. In the repeat PTCA group there were 778 patients who originally had 1-vessel disease and 273 with multiple vessel disease. Re-dilatation of restenotic sites was performed in 95%. Angiographic success of all lesions dilated was achieved in 99%. Coronary bypass surgery was required in 2.5% of patients with restenosis first treated with repeat PTCA. One patient with multiple vessel disease died. Coronary bypass surgery was performed in fewer patients aged ≥65 years, but more patients with multiple vessel disease. Two (2.6%) of the coronary bypass surgery patients had Q-wave myocardial infarction and there were no deaths. In the PTCA group, 5-year actuarial survival was 95%, and cardiac survival 96%. Freedom from cardiac events or further revascularization procedures was 51% at 5 years. Patients treated with PTCA and medically treated patients had similar cardiac survival rates. The most important correlates of cardiac survival were age and the presence of diabetes mellitus. At 5 years, cardiac survival without diabetes was 97 and 83% with diabetes (p
A technique to determine the number of incoherent sources contributing to the response of a system

Abstract A technique, referred to here as Number of Incoherent Sources (NIS) analysis, is developed for determining the number of incoherent noise generating processes in a structural-acoustic system. The technique is based on finding the rank of matrices consisting of the auto- and cross-spectra of the signals measured by multiple source transducers located within the system. Ideally, the rank of the matrices is the same as the number of incoherent processes sensed by the transducers, and is computed by using a singular value decomposition. However, in addition to the physical sources that are of interest, the measurement system, data acquisition and signal processing also introduce additional artificial incoherent noise sources. Part of the paper is devoted to an examination of how these additional noise sources arise and how they may affect the identification of the number of incoherent sources in the physical system, together with recommendations on how to minimise their contributions. NIS analysis is also applied to a multiple-input/multiple-output system for determining the number of actual incoherent noise generating processes and the number of measurement noise processes associated with the inputs and the outputs which are incoherent with the inputs and the outputs. Verification studies are conducted which show good agreement with the theoretical development.
Fascist Italy and Spain, 1922–45

A long and complex relationship developed between Fascist Italy and Spain. The first phase, from 1923 to 1930, produced friendly relations between two dictators, Mussolini and Primo de Rivera, but no decisive changes. The second phase, from 1930 to 1936, largely coincided with the years of the Second Republic. During this period the relationship was adversarial, but Mussolini was unable to intervene or significantly influence Spanish affairs, which had a comparatively low priority for Italian diplomacy. The third phase was that of the Spanish Civil War, from 1939 to 1939, in which Mussolini intervened, providing more support to the Spanish Nationalists, both absolutely and proportionately, than did Hitler. During the fourth phase, involving most of World War II, from 1939 to 1943, relations remained both close and very friendly and yet dwindled in importance compared with those between Spain and Nazi Germany. After the fall of Fascism, similarly close relations were not reestablished with the Italian Soci...
PENICILLINETANDPASTA EN ANTIBIOTICACRISIS

Een zegen en een wonder waren de antibiotica van toen.Maar het slordige gebruik ervan – ook als ingredient van tandpasta – heeft nu geleid tot een mogelijke crisis in de volksgezondheid.
Individual consistencies in the random generation of choices.

Snmmary.-Ss were instructed to generate random numbers while simultaneously listening to passages of varying degrees of approximation to English, under Recall and No-recall conditions. Randomness of choices was considered an index of attentional capacity and appeared to be a stable individual difference characteristic with a fair degree of generality across stimulus and instructional conditions. When Ss are asked to generate a sequence of random letters or single digits, the degree of randomness is a function of certain task parameters. For example, if Ss are simultaneously performing a second task which requires sorting cards into 1, 2, 4, or 8 piles, the degree of randomness varies inversely with the number of sorting alternatives (Baddeley, 1966). If a neutral story is heard while generating letters, the randomness score will be lower than when generating letters alone. When the story is emotionally charged, a further decrease in randomness will occur. These drops in randomness are associated with proportional increases in story recall (Spence & Greif"). If Ss are asked simply to generate letters without the instructions to be random, i.e., freely, the resiilting distribution of frequencies correlates from .70 to .83 with their distribution in the English language (Mayzner, Tresselt, Adler, & Schoenberg, 1964). These f~nd~ngs suggest that random sequences require a certain amount of attention and that the amount of attention demanded by a second task reduces the amount which can be given to generating random letters. S is less able to keep a running account of how often he has used each letter or number (Tune, 1964). Hence, the decrease in randomness. The letter or number generating task can then be thought of as a means of monitoring attentional capacity. Spence and Greif' reported a split-half reliability of .82 (p < .01), corrected for acteni~ation, for 12 Ss who generated letters for 6 min. in a no-distraction condition. The aim of the present study was to determine whether there are consistent individual differences in randomness across varying competing-task requirements and stimul~is conditions. The data for this study are based on a recent experiment by Spence, Wolitzky, and Pezenik:'.
Role of nuclear medicine in liver transplantation.

Orthotopic liver transplantation is now a very well-established technique for treating patients with endstage liver disease. Since 1967, more than 26,000 liver transplants have been performed, including 15,000 in the United States. The overall 1-year survival rate is approximately 80% and 5-year survival is 70%. Nuclear imaging plays an important role in the management of liver transplant recipients before and after liver transplantation. The evaluation of candidates potentially includes liver-spleen scan for liver volume, multiple gated acquisition scan, adenosine or stress thallium study, bone scan, and quantitative ventilation perfusion scan for hepatopulmonary syndrome. In the post-transplant phase, the deconvolution analysis (which corrects for the problem of recirculation) is a promising tool for diagnosing rejection, although its role in the transplant population has to be established. A variety of nuclear medicine techniques are helpful in the postoperative diagnosis of biliary complications. By performing a semiquantitative analysis to discriminate hepatocyte dysfunction from biliary disease and measuring hepatocyte extraction fraction by deconvolution analysis and excretion, (T1/2 values measured by the nonlinear list squares technique) have been very promising.
Comments on "Self-consistent pair-correlation approach to many-body effects in metals"-A reply

In response to the comments on the preceding paper by Monkhorst on our original paper on self-consistent pair-correlation theory, we regret the existence of an inaccuracy in the exposition of our theory, and of some other discussions in our paper that were not too explicit. These points are clarified, and in particular it is shown explicity that our correlation parameters, if evaluated using a more complete theory, do in fact cancel the divergence in the inverse of the density of states that appears in the Hartree-Fock theory. The practicability of our procedure for Bloch electrons in real metals is emphasized.
Restraint stress and stress hormones significantly impact T lymphocyte migration and function through specific alterations of the actin cytoskeleton

Stress triggers complex response mechanisms designed to recognize and adapt to perturbations in homeostasis. The immune system is highly responsive to stress, although the complete mechanisms linking stress and immune mediators including T lymphocytes, are not fully understood. Stress exerts its effects on immune effectors through two primary pathways: the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary pathway, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal pathway which modulate adaptive immunity and lymphocyte migration. In this report we show that stress via release of stress hormones induces early T cell activation and greatly impacts the cytoskeleton by modulating numerous actin-regulating proteins. In particular, proteomic profiling revealed significant decreases in numerous key actin-binding proteins including moesin. Although confocal microscopy showed that moesin and actin were uniformly distributed on the surface of resting T cells, a remarkable polarization and redistribution of moesin and actin was observed following treatment with stress hormones with moesin localizing at the distal pole complex. In addition, the alteration in moesin localization and eventual decrease in expression were accompanied by a loss of CD43; a receptor involved in negatively regulating T cell activation. In conclusion, we have defined a novel molecular mechanism whereby stress hormones negatively impact T cell activation and migration through regulation of key cytoskeletal and plasma membrane factors.
A parasitological survey of oysters along salinity gradients in coastal Louisiana.

Oysters were collected along salinity gradients within four major oyster producing watersheds in Louisiana (Lake Calcasieu, Terrebonne Bay, Barataria Bay and Lake Borgne) and examined for parasites in relation to oyster condition and reproductive state. The percentage of Infection by Perkinsus marinus, Nematopsis prytherchi, N. ostrearum, Bucephalus cuculus, prokaryotic inclusion bodies, and ciliates was recorded for each site. Average pigment cell number, oyster condition, gonadal index, and the percentage of oysters with atrophic digestive diverticula were also determined. In general, oysters experienced higher levels of parasitism in higher salinity waters. Perkinsus marinus Occurrence was correlated with salinity, an atrophied condition of the oysters, and Nematopsis spp. occurrence. Oysters in poor condition had higher concentrations of pigment cells, greater atrophy of the digestive diverticula, and increased parasitism by N. ostrearum.
Daily fluctuations of radioactive fallout particles in ground-level air

Long-range 500 mb and 300 mb air trajectories were computed in an attempt to interpret the daily variation of the number of fallout particles in the ground-level air observed at Fayetteville (36°N, 94°W), Arkansas, after a nuclear weapon was tested at Lop Nor (40°N, 90°E), China, December 24, 1967. The dates of occurrence of peak concentrations of fallout particles generally coincided with ( a ) the arrival times of air masses at 500 mb and/or 300 mb after completing a cycle around the world, and ( b ) the passage of 500 mb troughs at Fayetteville. A significant deviation from the above rule occurred on January 20, 1968, when the highest concentration of fallout particles in air was observed at Fayetteville. According to the computed air trajectories, such a maximum should have occurred 3 days earlier on January 17, 1968. The discrepancy was explained as due to local meteorological conditions: the occurrence of positive vorticity transport at 500 mb followed by the formation of slow-moving cut-off low during January 17 through January 19, 1968. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1970.tb00539.x
GDNF protects nigral dopamine neurons against 6-hydroxydopamine in vivo

Abstract Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a novel member of the TGF-β superfamily, has been shown to promote the survival and morphological differentiation of fetal dopamine neurons in culture and increase dopamine levels and metabolism in adult rats. Since several other trophic factors are able to rescue specific populations of mature CNS neurons following injury, the present study was designed to investigate a possible neuroprotective role by GDNF for midbrain dopamine neurons in rats exposed to the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Prior to surgery, young adult male Fisher 344 rats were divided into the following groups (n = 7–8/group): (1) intranigral saline + intranigral 6-OHDA; (2) intranigral GDNF + intranigral 6-OHDA; (3) intranigral saline + intrastriatal 6-OHDA; and (4) intranigral GDNF + intrastriatal 6-OHDA. The saline treated groups received a single 2 μl intranigral injection of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) while the GDNF treated rats received 10 μ g 2 μ l GDNF in PBS. Twenty-four hours later, the animals received a unilateral 4 μg/μl 6-OHDA infusion either into the substantia nigra or striatum. The rats were sacrificed two weeks postsurgery and the brains processed for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunocytochemistry. Representative TH immunoreactive (TH-IR) sections were also counterstained with hematoxylin and eosin to determine the total number of neurons remaining in the substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area. In the nigral lesion groups, there was significantly less loss of TH-IR neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of GDNF (47% survival) vs. PBS (9% survival) treated animals. The same was true in the ventral tegmental area, where there was a 90% survival of TH-IR neurons in the GDNF treated animals as compared to a 68% survival in PBS treated animals. In the striatal lesion groups, there was significant sparing of TH-IR neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the GDNF (40% survival) compared to the PBS (16% survival) treated animals. However, in the ventral tegmental area, the protection seen in the GDNF treated animals (69% survival) was not statistically significant when compared to the PBS treated rats (48% survival). In sections counter stained with hematoxylin and eosin, the percentage of neurons surviving in GDNF treated hosts was higher suggesting that the 6-OHDA toxicity may reduce TH expression in some dopamine neurons without inducing cell death. Therefore, in both lesion models, our results demonstrate a substantial neuroprotective effect in rats pretreated with GDNF when compared to the vehicle treated groups.
Eating disorders and chronic pain

Eating disorders and chronic pain are among the most vexing problems encountered by the clinician.When both problems occur concurrently in a patient, adequate assessment and implementation of an effective treatment program become most complex.
Bald Eagle Nesting Habitats in the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

Abstract This study examined habitat variables associated with 53 active bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus nest sites in the Winona District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Refuge is the most heavily visited refuge in the United States, where breeding eagle populations have been increasing dramatically. During February–April 2009, nest trees were identified and measured, nest heights were determined, distances to nearest water bodies were assessed, and forest inventories were conducted for the standing timber surrounding the nest trees. Nest densities and spacing were assessed within each navigation pool, and land cover types were examined within 100- and 1,000-m radii around known eagle nest sites and random points within the Refuge. Ninety-three percent of nest sites had supercanopy eastern cottonwoods Populus deltoides and silver maples Acer saccharinum as the nest trees. Potential human disturbances from highways, railroads, and commerci...
Export instability, monopoly power, and welfare☆

Abstract The welfare consequences of price instability for internationally traded goods critically depend on whether tariffs or marketing boards are present. For example, unlike in the free trade case, when the source of price instability is external, the importing country prefers price stability where trade is restricted by tariffs. The opposite is true, however, when trade is restricted by marketing boards.
Spatial patterns and demographic indicators of effective social media content during theHorsethief Canyon fire of 2012

A significant challenge during any emergency response scenario is the timely compilation of actionable data from disparate sources. Although numerous strategies exist, crisis mapping techniques have emerged as effective tools for synthesizing and visualizing event specific data when establishing situational awareness. User generated content (UGC) voluntarily submitted through social networking outlets (e.g., Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and others) are increasingly being consumed and mined for actionable data (e.g., Goodchild 2007; Elwood, Goodchild, and Sui 2012). Despite its apparent value as a rich and instantaneous source of actionable content, little research has emerged examining the underlying demographic characteristics that are likely to produce effective crowdsourced content during a crisis. Accordingly, this study collected and synthesized user generated data extracted from multiple social networks during the Horsethief Canyon Fire that occurred near Jackson, Wyoming, in September 2012. The spat...
Jupiter's deep magnetotail boundary layer

Abstract In 2007 the New Horizons (NH) spacecraft flew by Jupiter for a gravity assist en route to Pluto. After closest approach on day of year (DOY) 58, 2007, NH followed a tailward trajectory that provided a unique opportunity to explore the deep jovian magnetotail and the surrounding magnetosheath. After DOY 132, 16 magnetopause crossings were observed between 1654 and 2429 Jupiter radii (Rj) along the dusk flank tailward of the planet. In some cases the crossings were identified as rapid transitions from the magnetotail to the magnetosheath and vice versa. In other cases a boundary layer was observed just inside the magnetopause. Solar Wind Around Pluto (SWAP) is an instrument on board NH that obtained spectra of low energy ions during the flyby period. We use a forward model including the SWAP instrument response to derive plasma parameters (density, temperature and velocity) which best reproduce the observations. We also vary the plasma parameters in our model in order to fit the observations more accurately on occasions where the measurements exhibit significant variability. We compare the properties of the plasma in the boundary layer with those of the magnetosheath plasma derived in our earlier work. We attempt to estimate the magnetic field in the boundary layer assuming pressure balance between it and the magnetosheath. Finally, we investigate several possible scenarios to assess if magnetopause movement and structure could cause the variations seen in the data.
Vascular inflammation in proximal diabetic neuropathy

Sirs: A recent article by Llewelyn and colleagues [5] describes the finding of inflammatory vasculopathy in biopsy specimens from 5 of 15 patients with proximal diabetc neuropathy (PDN). My colleagues and I [2] have reported similar findings in 7 of 15 patients with PDN. Younger and colleagues [6] have also reported the frequent occurrence of vascular inflammation in diabetic patients with this syndrome. In our experience the degree of symmetry, time course, and areas involved are variable. We therefore agree with the authors that separate pathogenetic mechanisms based on time course and symmetry are unlikely. Also, like the authors, we have found involvement of vessels within skeletal muscle, sometimes with apparent myositis. The lack of specificity for vessels associated with peripheral nerve raises the possibility that inflammation may play a part in other vascular complications of diabetes [1]. We continue to be impressed with the beneficial effects of immunosuppression in these patients, particularly with intravenous immunoglobulin [3]. Therefore, we concur with the authors that immunosuppressive treatment should be considered in selected cases. The topic of autoimmune neuropathies in diabetic patients has recently been reviewed [4]. Llewelyn and colleagues’ article adds confirmation to the growing body of evidence implicating autoimmune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathies associated with diabetes. This lends support to the belief that immunosuppressive therapy should be beneficial. References
Remote estimation of the diffuse attenuation coefficient in a moderately turbid estuary

Abstract Solutions of the radiative transfer equation are used to derive relationships of water reflectance to the diffuse attenuation coefficient (K) in moderately turbid water (K > 0.5 m−1). Data sets collected from the NOAA AVHRR and in situ observations from five different dates confirm the appropriateness of these relationships, in particular the logistic equation. Values of K calculated from the reflectance data agree to within 60% of the observed values, although the reflectance derived using a more comprehensive aerosol correction is sensitive to chlorophyll concentrations greater than 50 μg L−1. Agreement between in situ and remote observations improves as the time interval between samples is narrowed.
Symptom-based presentation of chronic rhinosinusitis and symptom-specific outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery

BackgroundVery few studies have comprehensively examined specific symptom outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The purpose of this study was to define the individual symptoms of a cohort of ...
Serologic evidence of heparin sensitization in cancer patients receiving heparin flushes of venous access devices

Cancer patients with venous access devices (VADs) often receive daily flushes of heparin. Even this relatively small heparin exposure has been reported to induce immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. To estimate how frequently this occurs we tested for heparin-related antibodies in 49 patients receiving daily heparin flushes of their VADs. Although one-third of the patients showed evidence of heparin sensitization on at least one occasion during their surveillance, their antibody titers were generally low and typical of those found in other cohorts of patients who become sensitized to heparin but do not develop secondary thrombocytopenia. However, one patient developed a positive serotonin release assay indicative of a more significant sensitization, but without thrombocytopenia. Therefore, our observations suggest that heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) related to heparin flushes of VADs is uncommon but still an important diagnosis to entertain.
Incidence and natural history of Mycobacterium avium-complex infections in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus disease treated with zidovudine

To determine the incidence and natural history of Mycobacterium avium-complex infections in persons with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, we studied a multicenter cohort of 1,020 persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or the AIDS-related complex (ARC) and CD4 cell count < 0.250 x 10(9)/L initially treated with zidovudine between April 1987 and April 1988. M. avium-complex infections developed in 123 (12%) patients during follow-up, with a 2-yr actuarial risk of 19%. Patients with an initial diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia were more likely to develop M. avium-complex infections than patients with an initial diagnosis of another opportunistic disease or of ARC (p = 0.002). Individuals developing M. avium-complex infections had lower baseline CD4 cell counts, hematocrits, lymphocyte counts, and total white blood cell counts than those who did not develop M. avium-complex infection. During follow-up, individuals who developed M. avium-complex infections were more likely to have severe anemia, to experience zidovudine dose reductions, and to die than were patients without M. avium-complex (p < 0.001). By proportional hazards analysis, a baseline CD4 cell count < 0.100 x 10(9)/L, development of severe anemia, P. carinii pneumonia during follow-up, and zidovudine dose interruption were significantly associated with subsequently developing M. avium-complex infection. A proportional hazards analysis of survival showed that M. avium-complex infection, severe anemia, zidovudine dose interruption, occurrence of an opportunistic infection, CD4 cell count < 0.100 x 10(9)/L, baseline AIDS diagnosis, and transfusion independently predicted an increased risk of death.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Investigation of Energy Loss Mechanisms in Surface-Micromachined Resonators

This paper presents an analytical and experimental investigation of energy loss mechanisms in surface-micromachined resonators. The numerical models of anchor loss and thermoelastic damping are created in ANSYS/Multiphysics, according to a separation-and-transfer method and a thermal-energy method, respectively. Surface-micromachined resonators are fabricated using the SUMMiT V MEMS foundry process and the measured Quality (Q) factors from these resonators are compared with the created numerical models, showing good agreement. The measured highest Q value is 35,088 at a resonant frequency of 1 l MHz. Thermoelastic damping is found to be the dominant loss in these surface-micromachined resonators.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Applying simulation to optimize plastic molded optical parts

Optical injection molded parts are used in many different industries including electronics, consumer, medical and automotive due to their cost and performance advantages compared to alternative materials such as glass. The injection molding process, however, induces elastic (residual stress) and viscoelastic (flow orientation stress) deformation into the molded article which alters the material’s refractive index to be anisotropic in different directions. Being able to predict and correct optical performance issues associated with birefringence early in the design phase is a huge competitive advantage. This paper reviews how to apply simulation analysis of the entire molding process to optimize manufacturability and part performance.
Myocardial blood flow during acute right ventricular pressure loading in mid vs late gestation fetal sheep

Methods: Using fluorescent microspheres, we investigated the effect of acute (6 hr) pulmonary artery banding (PAB) on baseline and adenosine-enhanced RV myocardial blood flow (MBF). Coronary flow reserve (adenosine-enhanced baseline MBF) was determined in two groups of twin fetal sheep (Group 1: n 5 10, 125d gestation [term 145d]; Group 2: n 5 10, 100d gestation). Within each group, one fetus underwent pulmonary artery banding to produce a 12 6 1 mmHg gradient, the other twin served as a non-banded control. Comparisons within groups were performed using one-way ANOVA.
Perceived stress, social support, and affectionate behaviors of adolescent mothers with infants in neonatal intensive care******

Abstract ABSTRACT Introduction: This article focuses on affectionate behaviors of adolescent mothers with their infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Hypotheses derived from behavioral science theory posited the direct influence of social support and perceived stress on affectionate behaviors, the statistical interaction of social support and perceived stress on affectionate behaviors, and perceived stress as a mediator of the relationship between social support and affectionate behaviors. Method: Subjects were enrolled from July 1993 through September 1994. Information about perceived stress and social support was obtained twice by means of an interview. Affectionate behaviors were measured by NICU nurse observations. Analyses were conducted on subsamples ranging from 57 to 107 subjects. Results: All hypotheses were rejected. Neither social supports nor perceived stress were related to affectionate behaviors, and no statistical interactions among the 3 variables were identified. Discussion: The findings are considered in the context of the methodology used, stress and social support theory, and implications for practice and future research. J Pediatr Health Care. (2000). 14, 288-296.
Fractal Geometric Characterization of Functionally Graded Materials

AbstractThe complex structure and mechanics of elastoplastic functionally graded materials (FGM) is studied from the standpoint of fractal geometry. First, upon introducing the fineness as the number of grains of either phase across the FGM, the two-phase FGM is characterized using fractals, and an interfacial fractal dimension is estimated for varying degrees of fineness. A variation in local fractal dimension is considered across or along the FGM domain, and it is characterized by Fourier series and Beta function fits. Assuming the FGM is made of locally isotropic Titanium (Ti) and Titanium Monoboride (TiB), pure shear tests are simulated using ABAQUS for fineness levels of 50, 100, and 200 under the uniform kinematic boundary condition (UKBC) and the uniform static boundary condition (USBC). The material response observed under these BCs shows high sensitivity of these systems to loading conditions. Furthermore, plastic evolution of Ti grains, assuming isotropic plastic hardening, displays a fractal, p...
Synthesis of methyl O-(3-deoxy-3-fluoro-β-d-galactopyranosyl)-(1→6)-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→6)-3-deoxy-3-fluoro -β-d-galactopyranoside and related n.m.r. studies☆

Sequential tritylation, benzoylation, and detritylation of methyl 3-deoxy-3-fluoro-beta-D-galactopyranoside gave crystalline methyl 2,4-di-O-benzoyl-3-deoxy-3-fluoro-beta-D-galactopyranoside (9), which was used as the initial nucleophile in the synthesis of the target oligosaccharide (16). Treatment of 9 with 2,3,4-tri-O-benzoyl-6-O-bromoacetyl-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl bromide gave the corresponding disaccharide derivative 13, having a selectively removable blocking group at O-6'. Debromoacetylation of 13 afforded the disaccharide nucleophile 14 which, when treated with 2,4,6-tri-O-benzoyl-3-deoxy-3-fluoro-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl bromide, gave the fully protected trisaccharide 15. Debenzoylation of 15 gave the title glycoside 16. Condensation reactions were performed with silver trifluoromethane-sulfonate as a promoter in the presence of sym-collidine under base-deficient conditions, and gave excellent yields of the desired beta(trans)-products. Analyses of the 1H- and 13C-n.m.r. spectra, as well as determination of the JCF and JHF coupling constants, were made by using various one- and two-dimensional n.m.r. techniques.
Ghrelin modulates the activity and synaptic input organization of midbrain dopamine neurons while promoting appetite

The gut hormone ghrelin targets the brain to promote food intake and adiposity. The ghrelin receptor growth hormone secretagogue 1 receptor (GHSR) is present in hypothalamic centers controlling energy metabolism as well as in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a region important for motivational aspects of multiple behaviors, including feeding. Here we show that in mice and rats, ghrelin bound to neurons of the VTA, where it triggered increased dopamine neuronal activity, synapse formation, and dopamine turnover in the nucleus accumbens in a GHSR-dependent manner. Direct VTA administration of ghrelin also triggered feeding, while intra-VTA delivery of a selective GHSR antagonist blocked the orexigenic effect of circulating ghrelin and blunted rebound feeding following fasting. In addition, ghrelin- and GHSR-deficient mice showed attenuated feeding responses to restricted feeding schedules. Taken together, these data suggest that the mesolimbic reward circuitry is targeted by peripheral ghrelin to influence physiological mechanisms related to feeding.
Electrochemical infrared studies of monocrystalline iridium surfaces Part I: Electrooxidation of formic acid and methanol

Voltammetry combined with parallel infrared spectroscopic measurements have been utilized to explore some kinetic and mechanistic aspects of the electrocatalytic oxidation of formic acid and methanol in acidic solution on low-index single-crystal iridium surfaces. The electrodes were ordered by means of flame annealing and subsequent cooling in H2/Ar. Similarly to other Pt-group metals, both the electrooxidation kinetics and surface speciation are sensitive to the crystallographic orientation. Extensive dissociative chemisorption of formic acid to yield carbon monoxide is seen on all three surfaces. While primarily atop (i.e., linear) adsorbed CO is observed, significant differences were found in comparison with adsorption from solution CO in that formic acid yields extensive bridged CO at low potentials on Ir(100). This behavioral difference is ascribed to an influence of other chemisorbates. More direct evidence for other chemisorbed fragments from formic acid was obtained from the appearance of a band at ca. 1340/1350 cm−1 on Ir(111) and (100), evident at potentials, above 0.3–0.4 V vs. SCE, where adsorbed CO is removed. This feature is assigned to bidentate adsorbed formate primarily by comparison with vibrational spectra in ultrahigh vacuum. Adsorbed formate is proposed to be a reaction intermediate en route to CO2 production. Comparison with the electrocatalytic potency of other monocrystalline Pt-group surfaces suggests that the low activity seen for iridium (and rhodium) is due to strong anion adsorption as well as ease of surface oxidation. The former is likely responsible for the spectral detection of adsorbed formate only on iridium, although this species may well be an important reaction intermediate on other surfaces. As for most other Pt-group metals, methanol yields lower CO coverages than those from the formic acid. Some evidence for the presence of other chemisorbed oxygenated fragments. CHvOH and COH, primarily at higher potentials was obtained from the appearance of weak infrared features at 1238 and 1383 cm−1 on Ir(110).
HEALTH LOCUS OF CONTROL OF PHYSICAL FITNESS-PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

A Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale was used to identify motivational differences between 89 participants, 27 dropouts, and 32 non-participants from a corporate physical fitness progra...
Using Mise-à-la-Masse to Delineate the Migration of a Conductive Tracer in Partially Saturated Basalt

Borehole-surface mise-a-la-masse (MALM) measurements were taken over time during a radial injection tracer experiment in partially saturated, fractured, Columbia River basalt. In this experiment an enhanced conductivity tracer stream was energized directly through a current electrode placed in the bottom of the injection well. A constant concentration tracer solution of potassium chloride was injected continuously above a perched water table at an average rate of 10 L/day under a constant hydraulic head for 34 days. An asymmetrical groundwater mound developed over time during which electrical potential measurements were taken to delineate migration of the tracer. A 15 by 15 array of porous pot electrodes (copper sulfate), located symmetrically about the centrally located injection well, was used for the borehole-surface MALM. Ratios of electrical potentials/baseline were contoured over time to delineate anomalies caused by the presence of tracer solution in the fractured basalt. Borehole-surface measurements delineated the lateral migration of tracer over time and presence of clay filled fractures.
New occurrences of phosphates in iron meteorites

New occurrences of the phosphates sarcopside/graftonite (Fe, Mn)3(PO4)2, farringtonite (Mg, Fe)3(PO4)2, and brianite Na2CaMg(PO4)2 in iron meteorites are reported. The sarcopside in Duel Hill (1854) (IVA-Anom) contains less than 0.1 mole % Mn3(PO4)2 and more nearly approaches the Fe-rich end member than does any previously reported natural occurrence. This identification of farringtonite in Barranca Bianca (IIE) is the first report of this mineral in a meteorite group other than the pallasites.
Smoking Intensity, Duration, and Cessation, and the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Women

Abstract Background Cigarette smoking has been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the importance of smoking intensity, duration, and time since quitting, and whether the risk is primarily for rheumatoid factor (RF) seropositive versus seronegative RA are still unclear. Methods We conducted a prospective analysis of smoking and the risk of RA among 103,818 women in the Nurses' Health Study. A total of 680 RA cases, diagnosed from 1976 and 2002, were confirmed using a questionnaire and medical record review. Sixty percent were RF positive. Cox proportional hazards models calculated the relative risks (RRs) of RA with smoking, adjusting for reproductive and lifestyle factors. Results The RR of RA was significantly elevated among current (RR 1.43 [95% confidence interval 1.16-1.75]) and past smokers (RR 1.47 [95% confidence interval 1.23-1.76]), compared with never smokers. The risk of RA was significantly elevated with 10 pack-years or more of smoking and increased linearly with increasing pack-years ( P trend Conclusions In this large cohort, past and current cigarette smoking were related to the development of RA, in particular seropositive RA. Both smoking intensity and duration were directly related to risk, with prolonged increased risk after cessation.
Energy efficient distributed power management algorithm with directional antenna for wireless sensor networks

Energy efficiency is an important consideration in a battery powered wireless sensor network (WSN). We propose an energy efficient Distributed Power Management algorithm with Directional Antenna (DDISPOW) that adaptively manages nodes' power in a dynamic wireless network to preserve network connectivity and reduce interference cooperatively. DDISPOW, with adequate transmit power, is capable of providing strongly connected reliable network. It stabilizes node connectivity over the dynamic network environment and attempts to prevent nodes from being completely disconnected from the network. It highlights the benefits of using directional antenna with lower average power, reduced interference and as much as 31% improved throughput. It will be shown that DDISPOW, while adaptively maintaining network connectivity and improving network performance, is energy efficient and significantly reduces interference when compared to common power strategy. It also alleviates the dependency of common node power strategy on few nodes that are isolated in the network by their physical location and surrounding network environment.
A tetracycline analog improves acute respiratory distress syndrome survival in an ovine model.

Background. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) mortality remains high with no effective pharmacotherapy available. A chemically modified tetracycline (COL-3) is a potent inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases. Prophylactic COL-3 administration has been shown to be effective in ARDS treatment. In the present study, the therapeutic effect of COL-3, given shortly after injury, was investigated in an ovine ARDS model. Methods. The ovine ARDS model was induced by combined 40% body area third-degree burn, smoke inhalation, and barotrauma injuries. The sheep were randomly assigned into two groups: control (10% Solutol, n 5) or COL-3 (200 mg/m 2 ,n 5). Intravenous administration of COL-3 or vehicle was performed 1 hour after the smoke and burn injury. When ARDS criteria were met (arterial partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio < 200) or no later than 24 hours after injury (if criteria not met), animals underwent the ARDS Network ventilation protocol. At 96 hours after injury or at animal death, lung pathologic processes were assessed. Results. Administration of COL-3 improved hemodynamics and reduced carbon dioxide levels. Administration of COL-3 also significantly delayed ARDS development and prolonged survival time compared with the control group (20.4 3.8 hours versus 12.9 3.3 hours; 94.2 4.0 hours versus 58.6 26.4 hours; p < 0.05, respectively). Survival analysis showed a higher 96-hour survival from ARDS with COL-3 administration as compared with control (80% versus 20%; p < 0.05). Lung pathologic processes were also improved by COL-3. Plasma matrix metalloproteinase-2 level increased in control but not in COL-3-treated animals. Conclusions. Our present study suggests that COL-3 may be an effective pharmacotherapy for ARDS treatment.
An experiment in networking: The LHNCBC experimental CAI network, 1971–1975

This is an administrative history of an information network. In somewhat less than four years, the Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications of the National Library of Medicine built this network, demonstrated a substantial demand for its services, encouraged it to become self-sustaining, and transferred support and operation to a user consortium. The paper is concerned with the process, and some of the problems, of innovation rather than the product, biomedical computer-assisted instruction.
Communication Via Instant Messenger: Short- and Long-Term Effects

Ersatz social engagement theory (Green & Brock, 1998, 2003) suggests that individuals may be drawn to mediated interactions because of their ease, lack of risk, and immediate gratification, but that these interactions may be less rewarding over the long term. In Study 1 (N= 42), participants’ moods were measured before and after engaging in a conversation with a stranger either online (instant messenger) or face to face. Participants became slightly less tense and less angry regardless of which condition they were in, but significantly happier when they were in the instant messenger (1M) condition. The increased happiness after an IM rather than face-to-face conversation was especially pronounced among women. Study 2 (N= 101) was a survey of students’ Internet use and other extracurricular activities. Students did not appear to be substituting Internet use for other forms of extracurricular engagement. However, IM use was associated with feeling that one used the Internet too much, and reduced life satisfaction.