cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An examination of the generalizability of motor costs.

Most approaches to understanding human motor control assume that people maximize their rewards while minimizing their motor efforts. This tradeoff between potential rewards and a sense of effort is quantified with a cost function. While the rewards can change across tasks, our sense of effort is assumed to remain constant and characterize how the nervous system organizes motor control. As such, when a proposed cost function compares well with data it is argued to be the underlying cause of a motor behavior, and not simply a fit to the data. Implicit in this proposition is the assumption that this cost function can then predict new motor behaviors. Here we examined this idea and asked whether an inferred cost function in one setting could explain subject’s behavior in settings that differed dynamically but had identical rewards. We found that the pattern of behavior observed across settings was similar to our predictions of optimal behavior. However, we could not conclude that this behavior was consistent with a conserved sense of effort. These results suggest that the standard forms for quantifying cost may not be sufficient to accurately examine whether or not human motor behavior abides by optimality principles.
Electrochemical investigations of the lateral diffusion and electron hopping in Langmuir monolayers at the air-water interface

Abstract A purposefully designed microelectrode is positioned at the air-water interface where it functions as a one-dimensional line electrode, probing the dynamics of lateral processes in Langmuir monolayers. This report focuses on the comparison of fluidity and the mechanisms of lateral charge transport in two monolayer systems consisting of transition metal complexes. Octadecylferrocene monolayers are liquid-like where diffusivity of the individual molecules decreases with surface concentration. Electrochemical measurements reveal a liquid/gas phase transition and a value of critical temperature. Osmium tris(diphenylphenanthroline) perchlorate forms aggregates on the water surface. Lateral charge transport in this case is only possible when the monolayer is compressed above 6 mN m , at which point electron hopping becomes a viable mechanism of charge propagation. Further compression of the monolayer leads to an increase in the apparent diffusion coefficient, an effect related to the increasing extent of electroactivity of the osmium sites in the monolayer. These measurements are interpreted in terms of the first order rate constant of electron hopping.
Patterns of agrarian transformation in Ethiopia: State-mediated commercialisation and the ‘land grab’

Much of the literature on the ‘land grab’ has thus far focused on the international drivers of foreign agricultural investment, with far less attention paid to the roles of developing country states and domestic political economy in changing forms of agrarian production. This paper analyses how global and domestic processes combine to produce patterns of agrarian transformation in Ethiopia, one of the main targets of foreign agricultural investment. The paper presents a typology of changes in land use and examines in detail three case studies of investments in Ethiopia drawn from this typology. The paper concludes that the most dramatic changes are taking place in lowland, peripheral regions where large-scale, capital-intensive farms employing wage labour pose a serious risk to pastoralists whose ‘use’ of land is contested by the state. Although the government has been careful to avoid mass displacement of settled smallholders, there are also important changes taking place in highland areas, with the government encouraging investments that combine the resources of investors with the labour and land of smallholders. These investments have resulted in exposure to new forms of market risk.
Characterization of coarse woody debris across a 100 year chronosequence of upland oak–hickory forests

In most forest ecosystems, the total amount of coarse woody debris and its distribution into decay classes change over time from harvest to old growth stages. The relationship of decomposition classes to substrate quality is important to determine the contribution of woody debris to ecosystem nutrient cycling and forest development. The two objectives of this study were: (1) to determine if down dead wood (DDW) nutrient content varied with decomposition class or forest stand age; (2) to determine if DDW decomposition classes were related to indicators of substrate quality. Volume, mass, and indicators of substrate quality, such as N content and lignin:N ratio, were determined for woody debris from several decomposition classes in upland hardwood forest stands of different ages in southern Indiana, USA. Results showed a large decrease in volume and mass of DDW from recently harvested to mature stands. The dominant decomposition class shifted from Class II to Classes III and IV with increasing stand age. No Class I woody debris was found within any of the study plots. Nutrient concentration (N, S, and P) and carbohydrate fractions (soluble, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin) all varied significantly among certain decomposition classes, but N and P concentration and the C:N ratio were the best indicators of decomposition class. Patterns of P retention in decomposition classes suggested a strong potential for immobilization of this nutrient in woody debris. Based on substrate quality groupings, there were three distinguishable decomposition classes: Classes II and III, Class IV, and Class V.
Local Tsunamis and Distributed Slip at the Source

Variations in the local tsunami wave field are examined in relation to heterogeneous slip distributions that are characteristic of many shallow subduction zone earthquakes. Assumptions inherent in calculating the coseismic vertical displacement field that defines the initial condition for tsunami propagation are examined. By comparing the seafloor displacement from uniform slip to that from an ideal static crack, we demonstrate that dip-directed slip variations significantly affect the initial cross-sectional wave profile. Because of the hydrodynamic stability of tsunami wave forms, these effects directly impact estimates of maximum runup from the local tsunami. In most cases, an assumption of uniform slip in the dip direction significantly underestimates the maximum amplitude and leading wave steepness of the local tsunami. Whereas dip-directed slip variations affect the initial wave profile, strike-directed slip variations result in wavefront-parallel changes in amplitude that are largely preserved during propagation from the source region toward shore, owing to the effects of refraction. Tests of discretizing slip distributions indicate that small fault surface elements of dimensions similar to the source depth can acceptably approximate the vertical displacement field in comparison to continuous slip distributions. Crack models for tsunamis generated by shallow subduction zone earthquakes indicate that a rupture intersecting the free surface results in approximately twice the average slip. Therefore, the observation of higher slip associated with tsunami earthquakes relative to typical subduction zone earthquakes of the same magnitude suggests that tsunami earthquakes involve rupture of the seafloor, whereas rupture of deeper subduction zone earthquakes may be imbedded and not reach the seafloor.
Structural evolution within the Luning–Fencemaker fold-thrust belt, Nevada: progression from back-arc basin closure to intra-arc shortening

Abstract The Luning–Fencemaker fold-thrust belt (LFTB) of central Nevada reflects major Mesozoic shortening in the western US Cordillera, and involved contractional deformation in Triassic and lower Jurassic back-arc basinal strata. Structural analyses in the Santa Rosa Range, in the northern LFTB, provide new insight into the evolution of this belt. Four phases of deformation are recognized in the Santa Rosa Range. D 1 involved tight to isoclinal folding, cleavage development under low-grade metamorphic conditions, and reverse faulting. This deformation phase reflects NW–SE shortening of ≧55–70% in the Early and/or Middle Jurassic. D 2 structures are similar in orientation to D 1 but involved much less overall strain and are well developed only to the southeast. D 2 appears to be related to thrusting along the eastern margin of the LFTB in the Middle and/or Late Jurassic. D 3 deformation reflects very minor shortening ( 4 deformation demonstrably occurred synchronously with emplacement of Cretaceous granitoids dated at 102 Ma (U–Pb zircon) based on syntectonic relations between D 4 structures and thermal metamorphism associated with intrusion, and an upgrade in D 4 strain in the thermally softened metamorphic aureoles of the intrusions. This last phase of deformation reflects minor regional NE–SW shortening, coupled with localized strain associated with pluton emplacement. Formation of the LFTB structural province was accomplished during the D 1 and D 2 phases of deformation, and most shortening occurred during the D 1 event. This Jurassic deformation led to structural closure of the back-arc basin by top-to-the-SE tectonic transport and development of a largely ductile fold-thrust belt. Subsequent deformation (D 3 and D 4 ) is >50 m.y. younger and unrelated to development of the LFTB. The younger deformation reflects a combination of minor regional shortening, interpreted to be related to the Cretaceous Sevier orogeny, plus localized shortening related to emplacement of Cretaceous intrusions.
A particle swarm optimizer for constrained multi-objective engineering design problems

This article presents a particle swarm optimizer (PSO) capable of handling constrained multi-objective optimization problems. The latter occur frequently in engineering design, especially when cost and performance are simultaneously optimized. The proposed algorithm combines the swarm intelligence fundamentals with elements from bio-inspired algorithms. A distinctive feature of the algorithm is the utilization of an arithmetic recombination operator, which allows interaction between non-dominated particles. Furthermore, there is no utilization of an external archive to store optimal solutions. The PSO algorithm is applied to multi-objective optimization benchmark problems and also to constrained multi-objective engineering design problems. The algorithmic effectiveness is demonstrated through comparisons of the PSO results with those obtained from other evolutionary optimization algorithms. The proposed particle swarm optimizer was able to perform in a very satisfactory manner in problems with multiple co...
Quality of Care Delivered Before vs After a Quality-Improvement Intervention for Acute Geriatric Trauma

Background Older trauma-injury patients had improved recovery after we implemented routine geriatric consultation for patients aged 65 years and older admitted to the trauma service of a Level I academic trauma center. The intervention aimed to improve quality of geriatric care. However, the specific care processes that improved are unknown. Study Design We conducted a prospective observation comparing medical care after (December 2007 to November 2009) vs before (December 2006 to November 2007) implementation of the geriatric consult-based intervention. To measure quality of care (QOC), we used 33 previously validated care-process quality indicators (QIs) from the Assessing the Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) study, measured by review of medical records for 76 geriatric consult (GC) vs 71 control group patients. As prespecified subgroup analyses, we aggregated QIs by type: geriatric (eg, delirium screening) vs nongeriatric condition–based care (eg, thrombosis prophylaxis) and compared QI scores by type of care. Last, we aggregated QI scores into overall, geriatric, and nongeriatric QOC scores for each patient (number of QIs passed/number of QIs eligible), and compared patient-level QOC for the GC vs control group, adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, comorbidity, and injury severity. Results Sixty-three percent of the GC patients vs 11% of the control group patients received a geriatric consultation. We evaluated 2,505 QIs overall (1,664 geriatric type and 841 nongeriatric QIs). In general, fewer geriatric-type QIs were passed than nongeriatric QIs (71% vs 81%; p Conclusions Geriatricians and surgeons can collaboratively improve geriatric QOC for older trauma patients.
Transfer Characteristics of Brushless Aircraft Generator Systems

This paper analyzes the rotating-rectifier type aircraft generator with its exciter and rectifier from the standpoint of its role as an element in a closed loop regulating system. It discusses the transfer characteristics of the brushless generator system in relation to its normal design parameters and its performance characteristics and presents data, largely in graphical form, for use in calculating the transfer characteristics. Further, it describes the very significant influence of the rectifier system on these characteristics.
Pairing computational and scaled physical models to determine permeability as a measure of cellular communication in micro- and nano-scale pericellular spaces

Cells, the living components of tissues, bathe in fluid. The pericellular fluid environment is a challenge to study due to the remoteness and complexity of its nanoscale fluid pathways. The degree to which the pericellular fluid environment modulates the transport of mechanical and molecular signals between cells and across tissues is unknown. As a consequence, experimental and computational studies have been limited and/or highly idealized. In this study we apply a fundamental fluid dynamics technique to measure pericellular permeability through scaled-up physical models obtained from high resolution microscopy. We assess permeability of physiologic tissue by tying together data from parallel experimental and computational models that account for specific structures of the flow cavities and cellular structures therein (cell body, cell process, pericellular matrix). A healthy cellular network devoid of cellular structure is shown to exhibit permeability on the order of 2.8 × 10−16 m2; inclusion of cellular structures reduces permeability to the order of 10−17 to 10−18 m2. These permeability studies provide not only unprecedented quantitative experimental measures of the pericellular fluid environment but also provide a novel measure of “infrastructural integrity” that likely influences the efficiency of the cellular communication network across the tissue.
Phylogeography in the northern Andes: Complex history and cryptic diversity in a cloud forest frog, Pristimantis w-nigrum (Craugastoridae)

We investigated the pattern of genetic and morphological variation and the timing of diversification in a Neotropical direct developing frog, Pristimantis w-nigrum (Craugastoridae) to gain insight into the historical biogeography of the northern Andes. Phylogenetic inference and analyses of genetic differentiation at mitochondrial and nuclear markers reveal eight mitochondrial clades that display concordant and highly structured nuclear genetic variation along both eastern and western slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. These eight phylogroups are deeply divergent and show little evidence of change in effective size over substantial periods of time. Consistent with other phylogenetic studies of vertebrates in the Andes, the timing of genetic divergence among lineages coincides with sequential bouts of Andean orogenesis during the late Miocene and early Pliocene. Morphometric analyses recover little morphological variation among populations in spite of considerable genetic divergence. The deep genetic differentiation among populations of P. w-nigrum suggests that this species harbors unrecognized diversity and may represent a complex of cryptic species. These results illuminate the evolutionary processes that generate diversity in tropical montane biomes and underscore the fact that cryptic diversity may be an important component of Neotropical montane biodiversity.
Associative thickener interactions with latex particles

Abstract The adsorption behaviors of a surfactant and model, and of commercial Hydrophobe-modified Ethoxylate Urethane (HEUR) associative polymers on model poly(methyl methacrylate) [PMMA] latices have been determined. The adsorption on nonylphenol with an average of 12 oxyethylene units on an acid-free PMAA latex is not affected significantly by the pH value of the dispersion. The amount adsorbed at a pH value of 6 is significantly greater on PMMA latices containing surface acids than observed on these latices when derived from alkaline dispersions (pH = 9.0–9.5); however, as the amount of ethoxylation on the nonylphenol increased the amount adsorbed from alkaline dispersions decreased only slightly relative to the amount adsorbed from neutral dispersions. This type of behavior was also noted among HEUR thickeners. In competitive studies, the amount of nonylphenol with an average 12 oxyethylene units adsorbed on the surface of the latex was very dominant when the terminal hydrophobes of the HEUR were small (i.e. C 12 H 25 -); the amount of this formulation surfactant on the latex surface was significantly less when the terminal hydrophobes of the HEUR were large (i.e. C 18 H 37 -). The molecular weight distributions of commercial HEURs are discussed. Their adsorption is dependent on the size of their terminal hydrophobes and the extent of modified, and unmodified, poly(ethylene glycol) present in such materials.
Infrared Lattice Absorption in Ionic and Homopolar Crystals

The evidence, from the photoelastic properties of alkali halides and MgO, and from the deviations from the Cauchy relation among the elastic constants in these crystals, for the existence of an appreciable deformation of the charge distribution about the atoms during lattice vibration, is discussed. The deformation of the charge distribution is suggested as a possible alternative explanation to that of anharmonic forces for the auxiliary bands in the infrared absorption and reflection spectra of the alkali halides and MgO. It is suggested, on the other hand, that the infrared absorption spectra of pure homopolar crystals, such as diamond, silicon, and germanium in which a linear moment is absent, must involve the deformation of the charge distribution during vibration, since anharmonic forces alone cannot account for any infrared absorption in the absence of a linear moment.The deformation of the charge distribution in a crystal during vibration is shown to lead to a second order electric moment (quadratic in the displacements) as well as to a modification of the first order moment. A qualitative understanding of the contribution of the second order moment to infrared absorption is obtained with the help of a one-dimensional calculation.An analysis is made of the infrared absorption in diamond, silicon, and germanium. Part of the absorption is judged to be intrinsic and to be reasonably explained by a second order electric moment arising from charge deformation. The remainder seems to vary with the specimen and is explained as an impurity-induced first order moment. The second order electric moment can also be used to explain the side bands in the absorption and reflection spectra of the alkali halides. However, it fails to explain the observed broadening of the main absorption line, indicating that anharmonic forces are probably the principal mechanism in the latter phenomenon.
Calorimetric Measurements of The Heat Generated by The Peel Adhesion Test

Abstract The peel test is a simple mechanical test commonly used to measure the adhesion of flexible films bonded to rigid substrates. When the film is deformed elastically during peeling, the peel force is a direct measure of the strength of the interface. However, when plastic deformation takes place, the work of detachment is much larger than the thermodynamic work of forming the fracture surfaces. Simultaneous mechanical and calorimetric measurements of the work of detachment and the heat generated during the peeling of polymeric films from metal substrates and metal films from polymeric substrates have been made. An energy balance for peeling has been proposed. Most of the work of peeling was consumed by plastic deformation. The peeled polymer dissipated approximately one half of the work of peeling as heat and most of the remainder was stored in the peeled material. The peeled metal dissipated most of the work of peeling as heat.
Thermodynamic analysis of the interaction between a bactericidal antibody and a PorA Epitope of Neisseria meningitidis

An antibody-peptide model system was used to study the binding characteristics between a bactericidal antibody (MN12H2) and the P1. 16 epitope of class 1 outer membrane protein PorA of Neisseria meningitidis by means of a thermodynamic approach. A series of four linear peptides and three "head-to-tail" cyclic peptides (with ring sizes of 9, 15 and 17 amino acids) were synthesized and evaluated as ligands. The peptides contain a fluorescein label and the core determinant amino acid sequence TKDTNNN (residues 180-186) of the PorA P1.16 epitope of meningococcal strain H44/76. Thermodynamic data of the binding of the peptide homologs of the epitope by MN12H2 were assessed by measuring affinity constants (Ka) over a temperature range of 4-55 degrees C, using fluorescence spectroscopy. Curvilinear plots of ln Ka versus T (K) revealed strong temperature dependencies of enthalpy (DeltaH) and entropy (DeltaS). The Gibbs free energy change (DeltaG) was only weakly temperature dependent. The large negative enthalpy value indicated the importance of polar interactions in the binding of both linear and cyclic peptides by MN12H2. Sturtevant's analysis of the thermodynamic parameters showed large unfavorable vibrational contributions to the binding for all linear peptides [Sturtevant, J. M. (1977) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.U.S.A. 74, 2236-2240]. The large hydrophobic contribution compensating these vibrational modes was partially attributed to aspecific interaction of the fluorescein label with the antibody. Binding of MN12H2 to conformationally restricted epitope sequences was characterized by a dramatic reduction in the size of unfavorable vibrational components of the thermodynamic parameters. Substitution of individual charged amino acids of the P1.16 epitope sequence revealed that aspartate-182 was essential for the binding. The pH profile observed for the MN12H2-peptide complexes with a midpoint pH of approximately 8.5 suggests a positively charged histidine from the antibody binding site to be involved in a charge interaction with Asp-182. These findings are consistent with the results from the crystal structure of the Fab fragment of MN12H2 in complex with a linear fluorescein-conjugated peptide homolog of the P1.16 epitope [van den Elsen et al. (1997) Proteins (in press)], thereby identifying the basis of an increased incidence of endemic disease in England and Wales since 1981 caused by a mutant meningococcal strain.
Reflective cholesteric liquid crystal gels

In this paper, we present electro-chromatic switching of a cholesteric gel, which exhibits a shift in the reflection band with the application of an electric field, but preserves the intensity of the reflected light. The reflecting color of the cholesteric gel was controlled by the strength of an electric field. When optimized to reflect visible light the reflecting color of the gel reversibly shifts to shorter wavelengths with increasing voltage. The reflection intensity remains the same over a range of voltage and begins to decrease with further application of the electric field, eventually leading to homeotropic alignment. We have systematically investigated the mechanism of the switching by studying the optical spectra and measuring the dielectric constant of a cholesteric gel as a function of voltage. Using a simple model that includes tilting and untwisting of a helical structure, we show that uniform electro-chromatic switching is mostly initiated by a helix tilting mechanism, whereas decrease in the intensity of reflection is mainly caused by helical untwisting.
Experimental Stress Analysis of Fixed Partial Dentures by Use of a Dynamic Method

Using a model system replicating the size of a fixed partial denture, stress and strain analyses were made of chromium-nickel and gold alloy restorations.
Population Dynamics and Growth of a Single Age-Class of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) in a Pond

Abstract The Jolly-Seber model of mark-recapture analysis was used to gather information on seasonal or short-term changes in population size, survival rate, and recruitment of largemouth bass in a small pond. Tagged fish were recaptured significantly less often than fin-clipped fish. Based on fin-clipped fish, survival rates were higher from October 1973 to May 1974 and October 1974 to April 1975 (1.14 and 0.84) than from May to October 1974 (0.69). Growth was slower than the average bass population in Illinois.
Shape-Controlled Monocrystalline Ferroelectric Barium Titanate Nanostructures: From Nanotubes and Nanowires to Ordered Nanostructures

We report for the first time on the controlled hydrothermal synthesis of barium titanate nanostructures using Na2Ti3O7 nanotubes and nanowires as synthetic precursors. A variety of nanostructured BaTiO3 have been prepared, exhibiting either simple shapes of nanowires, nanosheets, nanocubes, and hexagonal nanoparticles or ordered architectures of coral-like nanostructures of assembled nanorods, starfish-like nanostructures, and sword-like nanostructures. The shapes of the various BaTiO3 products are found to be dependent on the concentration of Ba(OH)2, the temperature, and the nature of the precursors. The synthesis route exploits the differences in the hydrothermal stability of the Na2Ti3O7 nanotubes and nanowires and the temperature-dependent crystal structure of barium titanate. Various nanoblocks, including nanosheets and nanorods formed from the Na2Ti3O7 nanotubes and nanowires, respectively, grow and assemble to form the ordered BaTiO3 nanostructures. This represents a new approach that is capable o...
Identifying storm flow pathways in a rainforest catchment using hydrological and geochemical modelling

The hydrological model TOPMODEL is used to assess the water balance and describe flow paths for the 9.73 ha Lutz Creek Catchment in Central Panama. Monte Carlo results are evaluated based on their fit to the observed hydrograph, catchment-averaged soil moisture and stream chemistry. TOPMODEL, with a direct-flow mechanism that is intended to route water through rapid shallow-soil flow, matched observed chemistry and discharge better than the basic version of TOPMODEL and provided a reasonable fit to observed soil moisture and wet-season discharge at both 15-min and daily time-steps. The improvement of simulations with the implementation of a direct-flow component indicates that a storm flow path not represented in the original version of TOPMODEL plays a primary role in the response of Lutz Creek Catchment. This flow path may be consistent with the active and abundant pipeflow that is observed or delayed saturation overland flow. The 'best-accepted' simulations from 1991 to 1997 indicate that around 41% of precipitation becomes direct flow and around 10% is saturation overland flow. Other field observations are needed to constrain evaporative and groundwater losses in the model and to characterize chemical end-members posited in this paper. Published in 2004 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Periacetabular osteotomy and combined femoral head-neck junction osteochondroplasty: a minimum two-year follow-up cohort study.

Background: Proximal femoral deformities and overcorrection of the acetabulum both can result in secondary femoroacetabular impingement and suboptimal clinical results after periacetabular osteotomy. The purpose of the present study was to determine the rate of complications, the need for reoperations, radiographic correction, and hip function among patients who underwent periacetabular osteotomy and combined femoral head-neck osteochondroplasty as compared with those who underwent periacetabular osteotomy alone. Methods: Patients who underwent periacetabular osteotomy with or without osteochondroplasty of the femoral head-neck junction were evaluated retrospectively after a minimum duration of follow-up of two years. We compared the two groups with regard to the modified Harris hip score, radiographic correction, complications, and reoperations. Results: Forty patients (forty hips) who underwent periacetabular osteotomy in conjunction with a femoral head-neck osteochondroplasty were compared with forty-eight patients (forty-eight hips) who underwent an isolated periacetabular osteotomy. Patients were evaluated after a mean duration of follow-up of 3.4 years (range, 2.0 to 9.7 years). Preoperatively, the modified Harris hip score (and standard deviation) was 64.3 ± 13.2 for the study group and 63.2 ± 13.4 for the comparison group. At the time of the latest follow-up, the modified Harris hip score was not significantly different between the study group and the comparison group (p = 0.17). Patients demonstrated equivalent preoperative deformities and postoperative acetabular radiographic parameters. There was a significant decrease in the alpha angle and improvement in head-neck offset in the study group. There was one reoperation for secondary impingement and/or labral pathology in the study group, compared with four reoperations in the comparison group. There were no adhesions requiring surgery, femoral neck fractures, instances of osteonecrosis, or increases in heterotopic ossification in the study group. Conclusions: Femoral head-neck junction osteochondroplasty performed concurrently with a periacetabular osteotomy for the treatment of symptomatic acetabular dysplasia and associated femoral head-neck junction deformities is not associated with an increased complication rate. This combined procedure provides effective correction of associated femoral head-neck deformities and produces similar early functional outcomes when compared with isolated periacetabular osteotomy. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Penalty finite element method for the Navier-Stokes equations

Abstract We present an analysis of a penalty formulation of the stationary Navier-Stokes equations for an incompressible fluid. Subject to restrictions on the viscosity and prescribed body force, it is shown that there exists a unique solution to this penalty problem. The solution to the penalty problem is shown to converge to the solution of the Navier-Stokes problem as O(e) where e → 0 is the penalty parameter. Existence, uniqueness and stability properties for the approximate problem are then developed and we derive estimates for finite element approximation of the penalized Navier-Stokes problem presented here. Numerical studies are conducted to examine rates of convergence and sample numerical results presented for test cases.
Injury prevention counselling during well-child visits in the USA: rates and determinants

Background Pediatric and adolescent injury prevention counselling (IPC) is recommended by USA medical organisations. Current rates and determinants of IPC in US child preventive care ('well-child') visits are unknown. Aims/Objectives/Purpose We examined rates and determinants of IPC during well-child visits in US ambulatory care encounters. Methods Data were from the 2009 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, a probability sample survey conducted annually by the US National Center for Health Statistics and designed to represent all US office-based physician visits. We conducted descriptive analyses on rates of IPC by patient characteristics and estimated the likelihood of IPC in reference to hypothesised determinants. OR and 95% CI were calculated using multivariable logistic regression. Results/Outcome There were approximately 57 million (95% CI 47.2 to 66.8) well-child visits in US office-based physician clinics in 2009; 24% involved IPC. Patient gender was not associated with IPC, but age, race/ethnicity, and region were. Rates of IPC decreased from 28% in visits with children aged 0-2 years to 17% in those aged 13-18 years. Rates were lower for Hispanic (21%) and Black (19%) patients than for non-Hispanic Whites (25%). In multivariable models, visits occurring in non-metropolitan regions were less likely to involve IPC (11%) than visits in metropolitan (urban) regions (26%; OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.2 to 0.7). Significance/Contribution to the Field IPC can be effective in reducing injury among paediatric patients. Public health efforts should focus on increasing overall rates of IPC. Emphasis on children who are older, racial/ethnic minority, and seeking preventive care in rural regions may be needed. This is an abstract of a presentation at Safety 2012, the 11th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, 1-4 October 2012, Michael Fowler Center, Wellington, New Zealand. Full text does not seem to be available for this abstract.
Synthesis and surface characterization of alkylthioacetyl-capped self-assembled monolayers on gold surface

A novel alkylthioacetyl-capped hydroxyethyl methacrylate monomer and its corresponding homopolymer have been synthesized and characterized. Direct chemisorption of these moieties have been carried out on gold-coated substrate and found to form a strong surface bonding. The surface coverage and the properties of the resultant self-assembled layers have been investigated by multiple surface characterization techniques (i.e. ellipsometry, GA-FTIR, XPS, AFM, and contact angle measurements). These analyses have all confirmed the occurrence of complete chemisorption reactions with typical n-alkanethiol self-assembled characteristics.
Laparoscopy: advances in biopsy and recording techniques

We have developed a second puncture accessory set and photographic technique for laparoscopy which are easy to use and potentially safer than others commonly used. A smaller second trocar (4 mm) with various biopsy accessories, suction-coagulation cannula, and insulated grasper has heen developed and successfully used in a series of more than 400 high risk patients where tissue samples were obtained under local anesthesia without serious complications or fatalities. The smaller size facilitated easy and safe introduction and manipulation. For laparoscopic photography a presterilized quartz rod attached to a sealed flash tube is used which is synchronized with a flash generator and 35-mm camera. An accessory trocar and the quartz rod are introduced under visual guidance parallel to the examining trocar. A separate "modeling" light is incorporated to provide illumination for observation. This photographic technique provides excellent illumination through a smaller trocar and probe than previously reported.
Prenatal and neonatal peripheral blood mercury levels and autism spectrum disorders.

Abstract Background Prenatal and early-life exposures to mercury have been hypothesized to be associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Objectives This study investigated the association between ASDs and levels of total mercury measured in maternal serum from mid-pregnancy and infant blood shortly after birth. Methods The study sample was drawn from the Early Markers for Autism (EMA) Study. Three groups of children who were born in Orange County, CA in 2000–2001 were identified: children with ASD (n=84), children with intellectual disability or developmental delay (DD) (n=49), and general population controls (GP) (n=159). Maternal serum specimens and newborn bloodspots were retrieved from the California Department of Public Health prenatal and newborn screening specimen archives. Blood mercury levels were measured in maternal serum samples using mass spectrometer and in infant bloodspots with a 213 nm laser. Results Maternal serum and infant blood mercury levels were significantly correlated among all study groups (all correlations >0.38, p Conclusions Results indicate that levels of total mercury in serum collected from mothers during mid-pregnancy and from newborn bloodspots were not significantly associated with risk of ASD, though additional studies with greater sample size and covariate measurement are needed.
Bony and cartilaginous tumors of the heart and great vessels. Report of an osteosarcoma of the pulmonary artery.

An osteosarcoma of the pulmonary artery is reported, and 8 other cases of tumors of the heart and great vessels containing bony or cartilaginous components are reviewed. All arose near the base of the heart, and all contained a fibrosarcomatous element. Women in the fourth and fifth decade are most frequently affected and survive an average of 27 months from first symptom. These tumors are sluggishly aggressive, but eventually fatal because of their critical location. They probably arise from fibrous tissue of the cardiac valves, atrioventricular groove, or vascular intima and undergo malignant metaplasia into bone, cartilage, and other mesenchymal elements.
Effect of soil matric water potentials on germination of ascospores of Monosporascus cannonballus and colonization of melon roots by zoospores of Olpidium bornovanus

Results document, for the first time, the role of soil moisture on a unique, tripartite, host-specific rhizosphere interaction (i.e., Cucumis melo-Monosporascus cannonballus-Olpidium bornovanus). Specifically, colonization of cantaloupe roots by zoospores of O. bornovanus and germination of ascospores of M. cannonballus were highest at a soil matric potential of −0.001 MPa but significantly inhibited at a matric potential of only −0.01 MPa. Matric water potentials of −0.01 MPa or drier are characteristically inhibitory to the motility of zoosporic microbes but not hyphal growth of filamentous fungi like M. cannonballus. These results support our previous conclusion that germination of ascospores of M. cannonballus, a destructive root pathogen of cantaloupe is mediated by O. bornovanus, an obligate, zoosporic fungus.
A study of sandwich foam coextrusion

An experimental study of sandwich foam coextrusion was carried out, using a sheet-forming die with a feedblock. Polymers used for the experiment were low-density polyethylene (LDPE) for the outer layers and ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA), with the chemical blowing agent azodicarbonamide, for the foamed core component. The present study has shown that the cell size and its distribution in the foamed core and the mechanical properties of the sandwiched foam product can be controlled by a judicious choice of the thickness ratio of the core to skin components, the meltextrusion temperature, and the concentration of chemical blowing agent.
MMPs and TIMP-1 are differentially expressed between acute murine excisional and laser wounds.

Background and Objectives Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their physiological inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) play significant roles in wound repair. The aim of this study was to determine whether MMP and TIMP-1 mRNA is differentially expressed between laser-created and excisional skin wounds. Study Design/Materials and Methods Full-thickness wounds were created on the dorsal surface of Balb/c mice by either excision of the skin or with a CO2 laser. Animals were sacrificed at days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 13, and their wounds processed for RNA isolation or histology and immunohistochemistry. Results Northern hybridization for MMP-3, -10, -13, and TIMP-1 mRNA demonstrated higher expression on days 1, 3, and 5 in the laser wounds as compared to the excisional wounds. Histological evaluation revealed a two day delay in the resurfacing of laser wounds as compared to excisional wounds. Immunohistochemistry of Day 5 and 7 excisional and laser wounds showed MMP-3 within the epidermal compartment and the neo-dermis. No remarkable differences were noted in the spatial distribution patterns of MMP-3 between wound types. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that MMPs and TIMP-1 mRNA expression is higher on days 1–5 post injury in full thickness laser-created wounds than in comparable same day excisional wounds. Lasers Surg. Med. 30:106–116, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pediatric Primary Care Provider Practices, Knowledge, and Attitudes of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Screening among Adolescents

Objectives To evaluate pediatric primary care provider (PCP) HIV screening practices, knowledge, and attitudes. Study design Anonymous cross-sectional, internet-based survey of pediatric PCPs from 29 primary care practices. Survey items assessed current HIV screening practices and knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers towards screening. Provider demographics and practice characteristics were analyzed for associations with screening through logistic regression. Results Of 190 PCPs, there were 101 evaluable responses (response rate: 53.2%). PCPs reported a screening rate for HIV of 39.6% ("most" or "all of the time") during routine adolescent visits compared with violence (60.4%), substance abuse (92.1%), and depression (94.1%) ( P Conclusions Although providers practicing in urban areas were more likely to report screening adolescents for HIV than those in suburban areas, overall self-reported screening rates were low, and several barriers were identified commonly. Future interventions should target increasing providers' knowledge and addressing concerns about confidentiality, requirements and counseling time, and follow-up of results.
Influence of Ultranarrow Row and Conventional Row Cotton on the Last Effective Boll Population

The last effective boll population (LEBP) is the basis for many cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) management decisions such as defoliation timing. The objective of this research was to determine the last effective boll population based on first position bolls for both ultranarrow row cotton (UNRC), grown in rows spaced 25 cm or less, and conventional cotton (CONC) grown in rows spaced 96 to 102 cm. Experimental sites included locations in North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Texas. At each site, UNRC and CONC plots were planted in a RCB design. At first flower, 15 plants per plot were flagged for subsequent flower tagging. On each flagged plant, all first position flowers were tagged every 2 d throughout the reproductive stage with date and nodes above white flower (NAWF) data for each plant. Tagged bolls were handpicked, sorted, counted, and seedcotton was weighed and recorded by NAWF for each plot. The last effective boll population was considered that NAWF position where cotton could be economically produced. Cotton could be produced economically at NAWF 2 and 3 for UNRC and CONC, respectively. Lint yield did not differ significantly between UNRC and CONC across site-years. The UNRC produced the majority of seedcotton on NAWF 3 to 5, while CONC produced the most seedcotton at NAWF 4 to 6. Boll numbers showed a similar pattern. These data demonstrate that physiological cutout occurred at NAWF <5 in both UNRC and CONC.
IKKβ Is Required for Prevention of Apoptosis Mediated by Cell-Bound but Not by Circulating TNFα

IkappaB kinase beta (IKKbeta) is required for NF-kappaB activation and suppression of TNFalpha-mediated liver apoptosis. To investigate how IKKbeta suppresses apoptosis, we generated hepatocyte-specific Ikkbeta knockout mice, Ikkbeta(Deltahep), which exhibit little residual NF- kappaB activity but are healthy with normal liver function. Unexpectedly, Ikkbeta(Deltahep) mice are slightly more sensitive than controls to LPS-induced liver apoptosis but are highly susceptible to liver destruction following concanavalin A (ConA)-induced T cell activation. Unlike LPS, a potent inducer of circulating TNFalpha, ConA exerts cytotoxic effects through cell-bound TNFalpha, which activates type 1 and 2 TNF receptors (TNFR). While TNFR2 does not contribute to NF-kappaB activation, it is important for ConA-induced JNK activation, which is augmented by the absence of IKKbeta. Using JNK-deficient mice we show that JNK is required for ConA-induced liver damage. Thus, the antiapoptotic function of IKKbeta, which is most critical in situations that involve cell-bound TNFalpha, is mediated partially through attenuation of JNK activity.
Elevated plasmz zinc: a heritable anomaly

An extremely high concentration of zinc in the plasma (hyperzincemia) was found in five out of seven members of one family and in two out of three second generation indiviuals, an indication that the condition is heritable. The excess zinc in the plasma appears to be bound to serum proteins, with no apparent clinical symptoms or abnormalities.
Advanced aortoiliac interventions timothy

There is an ancient proverb that states that a calm sea makes an unfit sailor; as we tell our fellows, you do not learn anything from the easy cases. Although a focal, concentric iliac stenosis may cause the uninitiated to salivate, there are many caveats in aortoiliac intervention that can cause even the most experienced operator's brow to sweat. These include lesions that involve the aorta near visceral or iliac artery origins, chronically occluded arteries refractory to true-lumen recanalization, concomitant common femoral artery stenosis or occlusion, and recurrent problems after apparently technically successful procedures. Methods to address each of these circumstances are discussed.
Spectra in the chaotic region: Linewidths and intramolecular vibrational relaxation rates from classical mechanics.

A new methodology that uses classical mechanics is introduced and employed to compute linewidths of chaotic spectra. The equivalence of a specified very general type of intramolecular-vibrational-relaxation (IVR) spectra to chaotic spectra is used to present a new theory of IVR rates. Computed widths for real systems are in very good agreement with experiment. Limitations of quasiclassical trajectory theories are discussed.
Correlation of circulating donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies and presence of C4d in endomyocardial biopsy with heart allograft outcomes: a single-center, retrospective study.

Background Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) are associated with increased cardiac graft loss and cardiac vasculopathy (CAV). Detection of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) relies on graft dysfunction, C4d immunofluorescence (IF) and DSA. Methods We retrospectively studied the relationship of DSA, endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and C4d IF to cardiac transplant outcomes. DSA were evaluated against HLA Class I and II specificities, both pre- and post-transplant, using microbead-based assays. Results Of 626 cardiac transplant patients, 109 with concurrent EMBs and C4d IF and DSA measurement were included in this study. In patients with and without DSA, CAV occurred in 31% and 13% and acute cellular rejection (ACR) in 100% and 84%, respectively. One hundred ten of 170 EMBs procured during episodes of graft dysfunction had concurrent DSA. In these patients, C4d IF correlated better with DSA to Class I or both Class I and II and less so in patients with DSA to Class II. Graft failure (GF) rates of 40%, 29% and 58% with average times to GF of 33, 77 and 48 months were seen in patients with DSA to Class I, II or both, respectively. Conclusions Patients with DSA to Class I or to both Class I and II showed a correlation with C4d IF and had higher GF rates compared to patients with DSA to only Class II or no DSA; patients with DSA to Class II remained at risk for CAV. Episodes of ACR and CAV, but not AMR, appeared to be more frequently associated with graft dysfunction in patients with circulating DSA.