cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The changing structure of the international oil industry: Implications for OPEC

This paper examines the changes in international oil market structure observed in the 1980s and early 1990s and assesses possible effects on oil market conditions in the future and implications for OPEC. It focuses on the trend toward a more vertical organization mainly resulting from substantial purchases of downstream assets by state owned oil companies in major oil producing countries. While the Gulf war prevented greater horizontal concentration of oil reserves, it merely interrupted the trend toward vertical concentration in the international oil industry. The vertical integration of only some of the OPEC members will cause a further divergence of goals within the organization resulting in a lower likelihood of OPEC regaining its former position as an effective cartel. If the trend toward greater vertical concentration increases, future oil prices will, in part, be affected by decisions made by vertically integrated firms.
A comparison of risk selections.

Comparisons were made of the risk that subjects selected, both for themselves and for someone else, in a task situation involving physical harm and risk that was based on performance skill at a motor task. Subjects performed in pairs, one being designated the decision maker and the other the performer. The decision makers selected tasks for the performers to attempt on the Purdue Pegboard. Hazard (objective probability of failure) was measured for eight conditions of potential gain (monetary payoff) and of loss (electrical shock). Results indicated that subjects selected essentially the same risk for someone else as they selected for themselves. Based on the study, it therefore appears reasonable to generalize the results obtained from single-person risk-taking studies to the decision maker in multiperson risktaking situations.
The Dark Side of Workers' Compensation: Burdens and Benefits in Occupational Disease Coverage.

It has long been recognized that occupational disability can occur as easily from continued exposure to unhealthful conditions as it can from sudden injury; but that recognition has not prevented the imposition of legal proof requirements that compensation claimants and the medical profession are not in a position to discharge. The author here examines the results of these legal requirements, the nature of the overall problem, and possible means of assuring that occupationally disabled workers re ceive the compensation to which they are entitled.
Nonlinear bilevel programming: A deterministic global optimization framework

Publisher Summary The chapter presents a global optimization algorithm for the solution of the general nonlinear bilevel programming problem that involves twice differentible functions. The approach is based on a relaxation and branch and bound framework. The relaxation is accomplished by an enlargement of the feasible solution space of the bilevel problem. The resulting relaxed optimization problem is solved to global optimality by using the deterministic global optimization algorithm, αBB. Consequently, a lower bound is obtained. An upper bound to the global minimum is obtained by transforming the original problem into a single level one without the relaxation and solving for local optimality. After upper and lower bounds on the global solution are obtained, the initial region of the problem variables is partitioned into smaller regions by using one of the branching rules that are developed within the deterministic global optimization algorithm, αBB.
Losses caused by roughness of metallization in printed-circuit boards

In this paper the effect of metal roughness on the total loss, the extracted tan /spl delta/, and signal integrity of typical interconnections found in printed-circuit boards is extracted from measurements on three different materials. The differing characteristics of the roughened metal cross sections are highlighted, and a simplified, practical, two-dimensional, causal, broadband modeling methodology is shown.
On Critical Infrastructure Protection and International Agreements

This paper evaluates the prospects for protecting critical social functions from “cyber” attacks carried out over electronic information networks. In particular, it focuses on the feasibility of devising international laws, conventions or agreements to deter and/or punish perpetrators of such attacks. First, it briefly summarizes existing conventions and laws, and explains to which technological issues they can apply. The paper then turns to a technical discussion of the threats faced by critical infrastructure. By distinguishing between the different types of attacks (theft of information, destructive penetration, denial of service, etc.) that can be conducted, and examining the role of collateral damages in information security, the paper identifies the major challenges in devising and implementing international conventions for critical infrastructure protection. It then turns to a practical examination of how these findings apply to specific instances of critical networks (power grids and water systems, financial infrastructure, air traffic control and hospital networks), and draws conclusions about potential remedies. A notable finding is that critical functions should be isolated from non-critical functions in the network to have a chance to implement viable international agreements; and that, given the difficulty in performing attack attribution, other relevant laws should be designed with the objective of reducing negative externalities that facilitate such attacks.
Watsuji and Deleuze and Guattari in the Climate of Culture

Seth Jacobowitz, in his paper "Watsuji and Deleuze and Guattari in the Climate of Culture," analyzes theories of cultural properties in Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari's A Thousand Plateaus alongside Watsuji Tetsuro's prewar Climate and Culture. At stake in these investigations is the status of the West as a universalizing particular ratified by these authors in the instance of its own critique. We are confronted on the one hand with Deleuze and Guattari's exoticized, Orientalist promise of an alternative economy of meaning derived from the Balinese term for "plateau" and the morphology of the rhizome and, on the other hand, by the "human geography" in Watsuji Tetsuro's Culture and Climate, which explicitly places itself under the sign of racial science. Jacobowitz seeks to disclose how despite their articulation over and against Eurocentrism, these two theories in fact reify the cultural properties of the West and remap them on a global scale. Seth Jacobowitz, "Watsuji and Deleuze and Guattari in the Climate of Culture" page 2 of 7 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 7.3 (2005):
Fostering and assessing professionalism and communication skills in neurosurgical education.

Introduction Incorporation of the 6 ACGME core competencies into surgical training has proven a considerable challenge particularly for the two primarily behavioral competencies, professionalism and interpersonal and communication skills. We report on experience with two specific interventions to foster the teaching and continuous evaluation of these competencies for neurosurgery residents. Material and Methods In 2010, the Society of Neurological Surgeons (SNS) organized the first comprehensive Neurosurgery Boot Camp courses, held at six locations throughout the US and designed to assess and teach not only psychomotor skills but also components of all six Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies. These courses are comprised of various educational methodologies, including online material, faculty lectures, clinical scenario and group discussions, manual skills stations, and pre- and post-course assessments. Resident progress in each of the 6 ACGME competencies is now tracked using the neurosurgical Milestones, developed by the ACGME in collaboration with the SNS. In addition, the Milestones drafting group for neurosurgery has formulated a milestone-compatible evaluation system to directly populate Milestone reports. These evaluations utilize formative, summative, and 360-degree evaluations that are considered by a faculty core competency committee in finalizing milestones levels for each resident. Results Initial attendance at the 2010 Boot Camp course was 94% of the incoming resident class and in subsequent years, 100%. Pre- and post-course surveys demonstrated a significant and sustained increase in knowledge. The value of these courses has been recognized by the ACGME, which requires Boot Camp or equivalent participation prior to acting with indirect supervision during clinical activities. Neurosurgery was one of 7 early Milestone adopter specialties, beginning use in July, 2013. Early milestone data will establish benchmarks prior to utilization for “high stake” decisions such as promotion, graduation, and termination. Conclusions The full impact of the neurosurgical Boot Camps and Milestones on residency education remains to be measured, although published data from the first years of the Boot Camp Courses demonstrate broad acceptance and early effectiveness. A complementary junior resident course has now been introduced for rising second-year residents. The Milestones compatible evaluation system now provides for multi-source formative and summative evaluation of neurosurgical residents within the new ACGME reporting rubric. Combined with consensus milestone assignments, this system provides new specificity and objectivity to resident evaluations. The correlation of milestone level assignments with other measurements of educational outcome awaits further study.
Diaspora Identity and the Potential for Violence: Toward an Identity-Mobilization Framework

This article begins to address the need to better understand the motivation that leads some diaspora members to engage in violent activities and, from that understanding, to identify those most vulnerable to succumbing to its recruitment. The identity-mobilization framework is intended as a set of hypotheses to stimulate dialogue as well as empirical research on these issues. Following a brief note on diasporas and the potential security risks they pose, the article proceeds in three sections: the first section discusses diaspora identity, why it matters, and factors that influence its construction; the second considers why diaspora identity construction holds a potential for conflict; and the third addresses diaspora mobilization, and develops the identity-mobilization framework. The framework brings together identity construction strategies, locus of identity, and resulting acculturation strategies and potential contributions. The article closes with policy implications.
Thymosin-β4 Changes the Conformation and Dynamics of Actin Monomers

Thymosin-beta(4) (Tbeta(4)) binds actin monomers stoichiometrically and maintains the bulk of the actin monomer pool in metazoan cells. Tbeta(4) binding quenches the fluorescence of N-iodoacetyl-N'-(5-sulfo-1-naphthyl)ethylenediamine (AEDANS) conjugated to Cys(374) of actin monomers. The K(d) of the actin-Tbeta(4) complex depends on the cation and nucleotide bound to actin but is not affected by the AEDANS probe. The different stabilities are determined primarily by the rates of dissociation. At 25 degrees C, the free energy of Tbeta(4) binding MgATP-actin is primarily enthalpic in origin but entropic for CaATP-actin. Binding is coupled to the dissociation of bound water molecules, which is greater for CaATP-actin than MgATP-actin monomers. Proteolysis of MgATP-actin, but not CaATP-actin, at Gly(46) on subdomain 2 is >12 times faster when Tbeta(4) is bound. The C terminus of Tbeta(4) contacts actin near this cleavage site, at His(40). By tritium exchange, Tbeta(4) slows the exchange rate of approximately eight rapidly exchanging amide protons on actin. We conclude that Tbeta(4) changes the conformation and structural dynamics ("breathing") of actin monomers. The conformational change may reflect the unique ability of Tbeta(4) to sequester actin monomers and inhibit nucleotide exchange.
Incarcerated inguinal hernia

This 8dyear-old male with a history of a right inguinal hernia presented with one day of increasing scrotal girth and vomiting. Examination revealed a 10 by 10 cm scrotal mass that could not be reduced (see Figure 1). Bowel sounds were present in the scrotum. X-rays revealed multiple loops of dilated small bowel and bowel in the scrotum (see Figure 2). The patient was admitted to the surgical service with the diagnosis of small bowel obstruction secondary to incarcerated right inguinal hernia. He was managed conservatively and returned 10 days later for successful elective repair.
Life spans of Library Journal's “Best Magazines of the Year”

An annual column published in Library Journal reviews the best new magazines of the previous year. Despite being chosen for their quality, a portion of them fail at a rate described in this study. Reasons for failure and characteristics of ceased titles are described, as are difficulties in determining end dates from records in OCLC, Ulrich's, and the Serials Directory. This study reveals that OCLC records had not been closed for 30 percent of the ceased periodicals. A list of successful and widely held “best of” magazines is appended.
The Status of Nonagreeing Don't and Theories of Root Infinitives

This paper examines two issues concerning nonagreeing don't in child English, e.g., He don't fit. (1) Do children know that don't consists of auxiliary do plus sentential negation, or do they misanalyze it simply as negation? I argue that the former claim yields both empirical (distributional) and conceptual advantages, while the latter does not explain what it was designed to explain. (2) If it is not misanalyzed, why does this form fail to agree? I consider two accounts that assume it is part of the Root Infinitive stage—one based on a misset parameter involving how agreement is spelled out (Guasti & Rizzi 2002), and the other based on underspecification of Infl features in syntax (my alternative proposal)—and explore their divergent predictions. I argue that the underspecification approach requires fewer stipulations about how children differ from adults, particularly for capturing do-omissions in “medial neg” environments.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS OF ALTERNATIVE AGRICULTURE

Agricultural policy in the U.S. is shifting toward support of organic or alternative agricultural practices. The current energy crisis and concern for environmental preservation are considered to be the main factors that have led to this policy alteration. Increasing prices of fertilizers and farm fuels are causing farmers to turn to organic and other energy-efficient modes of crop production. The negative effects of pesticides on health and environment also encourage a switch to organic agricultural practices. (46 references)
The Infrared Spectra and Vibrational Assignments of Crystalline 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-Naphthalenediols

The infrared spectra of crystalline 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-naphthalenediols in KBr or CsI pellets have been interpreted on the basis of a comparison with the spectra of other naphthalene derivatives. Assignments have been proposed for all but four vibrations which are expected to fall below 300 cm−1.
Chemometric analysis of cooked rice texture in relation to starch fine structure and leaching characteristics

Cluster, correlation, and multivariate regression analyses were used to rationalize the effects of grain composition, starch fine structure, and leaching characteristics on cooked rice texture (hardness and stickiness). The head rice grain composition of 23 U.S. long-grain cultivars was evaluated in terms of apparent amylose content, crude protein, and surface lipids. Starch samples were prepared by extraction with dilute alkali and amylopectin fine structure was characterized by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection. Hardness and stickiness of head rice samples cooked in optimum water were measured with a texture analyzer. The amylose–amylopectin ratio (AAR) of the material that leached out of the grains on cooking was evaluated by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC). Simple correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses pointed to AAR as the main indicator of cooked rice hardness and stickiness. Cluster analysis showed that the leached starch from soft-cooking, high-amylose cultivars (e.g., Jodon and L-202) generally had a higher proportion of amylopectin than amylose (AAR 1) during cooking. The amount of leached materials itself was also higher for the soft-cooking cultivars than the dry-cooking counterparts. Cultivar differences in leaching characteristics were attributed to variations in apparent amylose content, crude protein, and amylopectin chain-length distribution.
Hydrogen bonding part 65. IR study of hydration of trimethonium and tetramethonium halides and comparison of halide hydration for six methonium cations

Abstract The infrared spectra of bound water in trimethonium bromide monohydrate, chloride dihydrate, and fluoride dihydrate support the presence of planar (H2O·X−)2 clusters. Trimethonium fluoride also forms a hexahydrate which apparently contains several types of bound H2O, and a trihydrate which contains both F−tctdot;HOHtctdot;F− and H2Otctdot;HOHtctdot;OH2 bridging H2O. Tetramethonium bromide dihydrate (Br− ion monohydrate) forms a known structure with Br−tctdot;HOHtctdot;OH2 bridging H2O in a ladder-like arrangement; this is different from those of other quaternary ammonium bromides we have studied previously. The bromide also forms an inexplicably stable monohydrate with an (H2O·Br−)2 cluster. The IR spectrum of tetramethonium chloride dihydrate (Cl− ion monohydrate) differs from other chloride monohydrates studied previously, and suggests the structure may be similar to that of the bromide dihydrate. Tetramethonium fluoride forms a trihydrate quite similar to trimethonium fluoride trihydrate, and also a dihydrate. This dihydrate (F− monohydrate) is the first quaternary ammonium fluoride monohydrate among the many we have studied that does not contain a C2h(H2O·F−)2 cluster. The IR spectrum supports the presence of a ladder-like fluoride—water structure similar to the arrangement known for tetramethonium bromide dihydrate. FT-NMR spectra and modeling demonstrate that in aqueous solution the trimethonium ion is locked into C2v symmetry, while the tetramethonium ion, which crystallizes with C2h symmetry, is free to rotate about the C2C3 bond. Structures for the halide hydrates of six methonium ions are compared.
Arbitrage, China, and World Trade in the Early Modern Period

L'auteur aborde l'histoire du commerce de l'argent depuis le debut de la Periode Moderne, qui contribua a la naissance du commerce mondial, entre l'Asie (Chine et Japon surtout) et l'Amerique du sud espagnole et portugaise. La decouverte de mines tres riche au Japon et en Amerique espagnole, et l'apparition de nouvelles technologies d'extraction sont a l'origine de ce phenomene. L'auteur porte une attention particuliere a la Chine, qui fut le plus gros importateur d'argent a cette periode (dynasties Ming et Qing)
Distributed web search efficiency by truncating results

A large set of Web documents (the TREC GOV2 collection) comes from many separate Internet hosts, such as www.nih.gov and travel.state.gov. There is considerable variability in the number of Web pages (i.e., documents) from each host. In this paper, we present and evaluate a method for setting a maximum number of "hits" that may be presented for each web host. Federated search environments are increasingly common components of digital libraries and in these environments, the benefit of such a maximum is that it can reduce the number of possibly relevant documents presented by each subcollection, without hurting early precision measures such as P@20. Derivation of a maximum number, which is proportional to the subcollection size but not sensitive to different search topics, is made possible by an analysis of patterns of relevance judgment across approximately 17,000 web hosts in GOV2.
Role of perivascular macrophages trafficking in HIV associated dementia complex

HIV associated neurological diseases include HIV dementia, peripheral neuropathies and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). In the studies presented here, we examined the abnormal accumulation of monocytes/macrophages in the CNS in patients with HIV dementia complex (HIVD), AIDS without dementia, and seronegative controls. Our results demonstrate substantial increases in both perivascular macrophages and ramified parenchymal microglia in HIVD. Although these mononuclear phagocytes were positive for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), they do not appear to be proliferating as determined by the paucity of Ki-67 staining. Using antibody to HIV-P24 antigen, PCNA expression co-localized in cells productively infected with HIV-1. Additional cells were negative for HIV-1 P24, but positive for PCNA expression, possibly suggesting the role of secreted factors. These results suggest dysregulation of DNA repair pathways in HIVD, with potential relevance to the JCV activation and the development of PML in the setting of AIDS.
The Kreisel length-of-proof problem

A first-order system F has theKreisel length-of-proof property if the following statement is true for all formulasϕ(x): If there is ak⩾1 such that for alln⩾0 there is a proof ofϕ(¯n) in F with at mostk lines, then there is a proof of ∀xϕ(x) in F. We consider this property for “Parikh systems”, which are first-order axiomatic systems that contain a finite number of axiom schemata (including individual axioms) and a finite number of rules of inference. We prove that any usual Parikh system formulation of Peano arithmetic has the Kreisel length-of-proof property if the underlying logic of the system is formulated without a schema for universal instantiation in either one of two ways. (In one way, the formula to be instantiated is built up in steps, and in the other way, the term to be substituted is built up in steps.) Our method of proof uses techniques and ideas from unification theory.
Connecting production to judgments: T/V address forms and the L2 identities of intermediate Spanish learners

Abstract This study investigates the L2 identities of native English-speaking intermediate-level Spanish learners by combining two methods, production and metapragmatic judgments, and focusing on T/V address forms (tu and usted). Twelve intermediate-level Spanish learners interacted with Spanish speakers in oral role-play scenarios designed to elicit different address forms. Learners answered a questionnaire one week later about desired address form use in various interactional scenarios (which were matched with role-play scenarios). An analysis of questionnaire judgments revealed that these learners were both cognizant of the second-order indexical potential of T/V address forms and determined to utilize this indexical potential to construct notions of their desired L2 identities. Conversely, learners’ address-form production exhibited an overgeneralization of T, a result that starkly contrasts with the overgeneralization of V found in previous studies. Whereas some learners failed to consistently produce their desired address forms, compromising their selfconstructed ideal L2 identities, others showed an adeptness at matching their production to their judgments. I thus suggest that future research on L2 pragmatics and L2 identity move beyond a focus on L2 pragmatic competence and toward a consideration of learners’ indexical awareness and agency.
The energetics of young Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica

Abstract 1. 1. Measurements of metabolized energy, resting metabolism and caloric content of the body are used to partition the energy utilization of young Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica, during growth and development. 2. 2. Metabolized energy (ME) in kcal/bird-day from the day of hatching through 42 days of age may be accurately predicted as: ME = −1.686 + 0.014% energetic efficiency (wt°-67) − 0.784 age (days) + 2.007 weight change (g) + 1.942 wt°-67. 3. 3. Weight-specific resting metabolism was lowest in newly hatched chicks and highest in one-week-old chicks. 4. 4. Production averaged 3.5kcal/day and greatest rates of production occurred during the middle of the growth period (20–35 days). 5. 5. Activity costs ranged from 2.0 to 5.7 kcal/day, but remained relatively constant around a mean of 4.1 ± 0.2 (S.E.) kcal/day. 6. 6. The efficiency of production varied from 2.5 to 29.1%, and was highest during the middle of the developmental period (day 5 through day 23).
Kolmogorov's refined similarity hypothesis for hyperviscous turbulence.

Kolmogorov's refined similarity hypothesis (RSH) is tested in high resolution numerical simulations of forced three-dimensional homogeneous turbulence. High Reynolds numbers are achieved by using hyperviscous dissipation (-1${)}^{\mathit{h}+1}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}^{\mathit{h}}$ (h=8) instead of Newtonian (h=1) dissipation. It is found that, in the inertial range, the RSH is reasonably well satisfied for low order moments with noticeable systematic corrections for higher order moments. Within the constraints imposed by the use of hyperviscosity our data nearly eliminate trivial kinematic dependencies between longitudinal velocity differences and the energy dissipation rate thus helping to reveal the true dynamical nature of the RSH. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
A bone morphogenetic protein homologue in the parasitic flatworm, Schistosoma mansoni.

Abstract Members of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) subfamily of cytokines control many aspects of metazoan development including patterning and organogenesis. Despite the recognition that schistosomes possess key components of a BMP signaling pathway, a BMP-like ligand in the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni remained elusive. Here, we describe the cloning and characterisation of an S. mansoni BMP ( SmBMP ). SmBMP is most closely related to BMP homologues from the free-living flatworms Schmidtea mediterranea and Dugesia japonica , with 51% and 47% identity at the amino acid level, respectively. Based on reverse transcription-PCR, SmBMP is expressed throughout the mammalian life-cycle of the parasite in both male and female schistosomes. In support of these results, antibodies to SmBMP successfully immunoprecipitated the protein in adult male and female antigen preparations with more protein detected in male parasites. Immunofluorescent studies localised SmBMP to the protonephridia of adult parasites, and SmBMP was identified in the excretory/secretory products of adult male parasites via immunoprecipitation. With the previous description of a TGF-β subfamily homologue in S. mansoni , ligands representing both arms of the TGF-β superfamily have now been described in this trematode.
Towards leakage resiliency: memristor-based AES design for differential power attack mitigation

Side-channel attacks (SCAs), specifically differential power attacks (DPA), target hardware vulnerabilities of cryptosystems. Next generation computing systems, integrated with emerging technologies such as RRAM, offer unique opportunities to mitigate DPAs with their inherent device characteristics. We propose two different approaches to mitigate DPA attacks using memristive hardware. The first approach, obfuscates the power profile using dual RRAM modules. The power profile stays almost uniform for any given data access. This is achieved by realizing a memory and its complementary module in RRAM hardware. Balancing logic, which ensures the parallel access, is implemented in CMOS. The power consumed with the dual-RRAM balancing is an order lower than the corresponding pure CMOS implementation. The second exploratory approach, uses a novel neuromemristive architecture to compute an AES transformation and mitigate DPAs. Both the proposed approaches were tested on a 128-bit AES algorithm. A customized simulation framework, integrating CAD tools, is developed to mount the DPA attacks. In both the designs, the attack mounted on the baseline architectures (CMOS only) was successful and full key was recovered. However, DPA attacks mounted on the dual RRAM modules and neuromemristive hardware modules of an AES cryptoprocessor yielded no successful keys, demonstrating their resiliency to DPA attacks.
Activation of adenyl cyclase in a pancreatic islet cell adenoma by glucagon and tolbutamide.

Abstract The data in this report demonstrate that glucagon and tolbutamide, two agents that have a capacity to promote insulin release from islet cell tissue, activate adenyl cyclase in a particulate preparation of an islet cell adenoma. The administration of these agents in vivo was also associated with a rise in peripheral plasma insulin levels. These observations provide further evidence for a role of cyclic 3′,5′-AMP in the insulin release mechanism and suggest a possible mechanism for the insulinogenic actions of the sulfonylureas.
Toxic effects of postnatal administration of streptomycin sulfate to rats.

Abstract Postnatal rats were given 300 mg/kg sc of streptomycin sulfate daily from 2 to 22 days of age and observed for toxic effects over an 8-month period. Abnormal motor activity, including backward locomotion, circling, and repetitive head movements, persisted for several weeks or months after dosing was stopped. Hyperactivity, deafness, and impaired righting reflex persisted throughout the experimental period. Decreased body weight, delayed incisor eruption, decreased tibia length in females, delayed vaginal opening, increased exploratory activity of females, and decreased fertility of females were also observed. Time of ear and eye opening, tail length, estrous cycle regularity, temperature regulation, and adrenal and liver weights appeared normal. Ophthalmoscopic, hematologic, and histologic examinations revealed no abnormalities.
Task force recommendations: application in the "real world" of community intervention.

Abstract Community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and others who are involved in interventions at the local level are challenged by limited funding, time, and experience with evidence-based practice. Recommendations from the Task Force on Community Preventive Services that can be promoted and adopted for use within community settings have the potential for maximizing resources and improving outcomes among target populations.
Lesion size and depth of tissue heating associated with microbubble formation during irrigated radiofrequency ablation

Introduction: Radiofrequency (RF) ablation at the pulmonary vein (PV)left atrial (LA) junction is effective in eliminating AF, but may be complicated by PV stenosis. Although theoretically less likely to cause PV stenosis, the impact of circumferential balloon cryo-ablation on PV patency has not been established. Methods: Therefore, PV integrity was assessed before, 4 1 weeks, and 16 2 weeks after circumferential ablation with a novel occlusive cryoballoon (CryoCath) in 15 PV (6 LS, 6 RS, 3 LI) in 6 dogs. Cryotherapy was delivered for 2-16 minutes at -80 to -62 degrees, with the intention of detecting the threshold for causing PV stenosis. CT scans were performed to assess PV diameter and to identify any focal narrowing and pathologic response was characterized at 16 weeks. Results: Six LSPVs, 3 LIPVs and 6 RSPVs were ablated with a duration of 6.3 5.0 minutes to temperatures of -71 7 C. The baseline, 4 week, and late PV diameters are as shown in Table. While there was no significant ( 50%) stenosis in these veins, two individual veins showed modest narrowing at 4 weeks with partial or total resolution at 16 weeks: RSPV with 31% early narrowing that resolved by 16 weeks, and an LSPV with 41% narrowing that reduced to 32% at 17 weeks. Thrombus developed in a branch of an LSPV during a 16 minute, under-sized balloon ablation, 10.2 mm into the branch. The mean ablation time for narrowed and nonnarrowed PVs at 16 weeks was 8.0 0.0 vs 6.8 5.4 minutes (p 0.48). The mean ablation temperature for narrowed and non-narrowed PVs was -74 0 and -72 7 (p 0.41.) Several veins showed dilatation upon long term follow-up. Conclusion: Cryo-therapy delivered via an occlusive balloon at the PV LA junction does not produce PV stenosis, although dilational remodeling may occur. This supports the safety of cryo-ablation, as a suitable alternative to RF ablation in the clinical setting.
A comparison of human and machine translation of health promotion materials for public health practice: time, costs, and quality.

Context Most local public health departments serve limited English proficiency groups but lack sufficient resources to translate the health promotion materials that they produce into different languages. Machine translation (MT) with human postediting could fill this gap and work toward decreasing health disparities among non-English speakers. Objectives (1) To identify the time and costs associated with human translation (HT) of public health documents, (2) determine the time necessary for human postediting of MT, and (3) compare the quality of postedited MT and HT. Design A quality comparison of 25 MT and HT documents was performed with public health translators. The public health professionals involved were queried about the workflow, costs, and time for HT of 11 English public health documents over a 20-month period. Three recently translated documents of similar size and topic were then machine translated, the time for human postediting was recorded, and a blind quality analysis was performed. Setting Seattle/King County, Washington. Participants Public health professionals. Main outcome measures (1) Estimated times for various HT tasks; (2) observed postediting times for MT documents; (3) actual costs for HT; and (4) comparison of quality ratings for HT and MT. Results Human translation via local health department methods took 17 hours to 6 days. While HT postediting words per minute ranged from 1.58 to 5.88, MT plus human postediting words per minute ranged from 10 to 30. The cost of HT ranged from $130 to $1220; MT required no additional costs. A quality comparison by bilingual public health professionals showed that MT and HT were equivalently preferred. Conclusions MT with human postediting can reduce the time and costs of translating public health materials while maintaining quality similar to HT. In conjunction with postediting, MT could greatly improve the availability of multilingual public health materials.
Split-Twig Figurines from Northern Arizona: New Radiocarbon Dates

Recently released radiocarbon dates for split-twig figurines from Marble Canyon, Arizona, are 4095 ± 100 years ago; they substantiate previously determined dates of 3530 ± 300 and 3100 ± 110 years ago. A recently excavated site in Walnut Canyon, Arizona, extends the geographical range of the figurines. The dates of samples from this site are 3500 ± 100 and 3880 ± 90 years ago. It is hypothesized that the figurines were magicoreligious artifacts related to the Pinto complex of the Desert Culture.
CHARACTERISTICS AND FLOW VISUALIZATION OF A THERMOSYPHON IN MELTS INSIDE A COMPOSITE HEAT EXCHANGER TUBE

The characteristics of a thermosyphon in molten aluminum inside the annulus of a composite heat exchanger tube has been studied. The physical system consists of two concentric, hollow, carbon steel cylinders press-fitted with a hollow aluminum cylinder in the annulus. It is heated by a helical electric heater wound around the outer surface and is cooled by air flowing through the inner tube. The lower half of the heater surface is insulated to create enough temperature difference to initiate thermosyphon action in the molten aluminum. The orientation of the composite structure is varied from the horizontal to an inclined, to a vertical position. The temperature-time history of the aluminum is monitored at strategic locations to determine the characteristics and mechanisms of thermosyphoiting. flow instability is manifested in the form of temperature fluctuations. The phenomenon have also been studied by means of flow visualization in a transparent composite heat transfer tube with one-half of the outer su...
The Value of Valgus Stress Radiographs in the Workup for Medial Unicompartmental Arthritis

Background High tibial osteotomy and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty are surgical treatment options for unicompartmental knee arthritis; these procedures are indicated for patients who do not have severe arthritis in the lateral compartment. Valgus stress radiographs sometimes are used to make this evaluation, but this test has not been critically evaluated.
Variation of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE_PGRS33 Gene among Clinical Isolates

PE_PGRS33, one of about 60 PE_PGRS genes in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome, encodes a surface-expressed protein that may be involved in the antigenic variation of M. tuberculosis strains and evasion of the host immune system. While genetic differences between the PE_PGRS33 genes of H37Rv and CDC1551 have been noted, genetic variation in this gene among clinical isolates has not been evaluated. In order to gain a better understanding of the genetic basis for the role of PE_PGRS in antigenic variation and evasion of the host immune system, we investigated the genetic diversity of the PE_PGRS33 gene among 123 clinical M. tuberculosis isolates from a population-based study, using PCR and DNA sequencing. The 123 isolates belonged to principal genetic groups 1, 2, and 3 and had IS6110 copy numbers ranging from 1 to 22. Eighty-four (68.3%) of the 123 isolates were found to have at least one sequence variation in the PE_PGRS33 gene, relative to that of H37Rv. Twenty-five different sequence variations were observed and included three insertions (ranging from 9 to 87 bp), nine deletions (ranging from 1 to 273 bp), one insertion-and-deletion event, and 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (six synonymous and six nonsynonymous). Analysis of the relationships among the different PE_PGRS33 gene sequence variations suggests that polymorphisms in the gene are shifting along evolutionary lineages. The observed genetic diversity of the PE_PGRS33 gene supports its role in antigenic variation and can serve as a basis for future investigations of the function of the PE_PGRS33 gene among clinical isolates.
Steroid metabolism in isolated rat hepatocytes.

In vivo predictability of results obtained from studies of drug metabolism using isolated rat hepatocytes is questionable, mainly because of modeling difficulties due to the simultaneously occurring substrate transferring processes. In the present study, an attempt was made at simplifying the models used to describe the kinetics of biotransformation by enzymes enclosed in a cellular environment. Viability assessment of the cell preparation indicated that the cell membrane was intact and functional. Six corticosteroids were used in these studies. Simplifying assumptions concerning uptake and protein binding were confirmed by running independant experiments. Progress curves of unchanged steroid disappearance from the cell suspending medium at different initial concentrations were used to either confirm applicability or detect deviations from simple Michaelis-Menten behavior and were fitted to the appropriate kinetic models by means of nonlinear least-squares regression analysis. As an example, corticosterone extraction ratio obtained in this study compared well with literature values from intact rats. A linear correlation was found between the logarithm of t h e apparent first order rate constant ( Vm/Km) obtained at low substrate concentrations and the logarithm of t h e oil/water partition coefficients of 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone, corticosterone and hydrocortisone.
The NASA CSTI High Capacity Power Project

The SP-100 Space Nuclear Power Program was established in 1983 by DOD, DOE, and NASA as a joint program to develop technology for military and civil applications. Starting in 1986, NASA has funded a technology program to maintain the momentum of promising aerospace technology advancement started during Phase 1 of SP-100 and to strengthen, in key areas, the chances for successful development and growth capability of space nuclear reactor power systems for a wide range of future space applications. The elements of the Civilian Space Technology Initiative (CSTI) High Capacity Power Project include Systems Analysis, Stirling Power Conversion, Thermoelectric Power Conversion, Thermal Management, Power Management, Systems Diagnostics, Environmental Interactions, and Material/Structural Development. Technology advancement in all elements is required to provide the growth capability, high reliability and 7 to 10 year lifetime demanded for future space nuclear power systems. The overall project will develop and demonstrate the technology base required to provide a wide range of modular power systems compatible with the SP-100 reactor which facilitates operation during lunar and planetary day/night cycles as well as allowing spacecraft operation at any attitude or distance from the sun. Significant accomplishments in all of the project elements will be presented, along with revised goals and project timelines recently developed.
Elevated ammonia concentrations: potential for pre-analytical and analytical contributing factors.

Abstract Background No study has explored the separate contributions of pre-analytical and analytical factors to hyperammonemia. Methods Laboratory information systems were queried for tests of ammonia concentrations over a 12 month period. Pre-analytic (collection to laboratory receipt) and analytic (laboratory receipt to result) elapsed times were determined. Results Under routine conditions for 3626 tests, normal and elevated results were similarly distributed if the time from venipuncture to result was Conclusions Delays, in either transportation to the laboratory after collection or before completion of analysis, have the potential to elevate ammonia concentrations and may cause pseudo-hyperammonemia. Unexpectedly elevated ammonia concentrations need to be evaluated for errors in sampling handling.
Sterling in decline: A review essay

There have been few serious studies of devaluations during periods of pegged exchange rates. This is unfortunate, because devaluations provide economists with opportunities to study large nominal disturbances that appear to have real effects; That there are important real consequences of devaluations (on relative prices, trade, capital flows, output and employment) has usually been taken for granted by specialists in open-economy macroeconomists. Yet, with the nature of, reasons for, and even the existence of monetary non-neutralities being a source of current controversy in macroeconomics, it is important to study more carefully the evidence on which these claims are based. It is easy to imagine a situation in which devaluations would be purely monetary phenomena (if all prices are flexible, if Bicardian equivalence operates to prevent wealth effects from revaluations of currencies as households internalize the return on international reserves, etc.). Yet it appears that devaluations are responsible for changes in real economic variables, such as the relative price of domestic in terms of foreign goods, and internationally traded goods in terms of non-traded goods. If so, perhaps the channels through which these effects operate are applicable to non-neutralities of money more generally, and are related to issues of aggregate fluctuations. Similarly, the general changes in nominal variables that accompany devaluations may have real consequences: e.g., Caimcross and Eichengreen argue, as have Friedman and Schwartz and others, that Britain recovered from the 1930-31 recession more rapidly by leaving the gold standard, allowing the pound to depreciate, and ending the associated deflation. The effects of devaluations are difficult to study because devaluations are usually accompanied by changes in other policies, so the effects must be disentangled from the effects of these other changes. (Because the other changes in policies differ from case to case, they cannot be treated as part of a package of policies collectively called a ‘devaluation’.) Also, the sample of
Top Nurse-Management Staffing Collapse and Care Quality in Nursing Homes

Director of nursing turnover is linked to staff turnover and poor quality of care in nursing homes; however the mechanisms of these relationships are unknown. Using a complexity science framework, we examined how nurse management turnover impacts system capacity to produce high quality care. This study is a longitudinal case analysis of a nursing home (n = 97 staff) with 400% director of nursing turnover during the study time period. Data included 100 interviews, observations and documents collected over 9 months and were analyzed using immersion and content analysis. Turnover events at all staff levels were nonlinear, socially mediated and contributed to dramatic care deficits. Federal mandated, quality assurance mechanisms failed to ensure resident safety. High multilevel turnover should be elevated to a sentinel event for regulators. Suggestions to magnify positive emergence in extreme conditions and to improve quality are provided.
Theory of Hyperfine Stark Shifts in Many-Electron Systems: Application to Lithium

The linked-cluster many-body perturbation theory has been applied to the study of the quadratic Stark shift of the hyperfine transition frequency of lithium atom. This procedure provides a method of quantitatively analyzing the relative importance of one- and many-electron contributions to the hyperfine Stark shift. The theoretical result $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\nu}=\ensuremath{-}(5.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{2}$ Hz/${(\mathrm{V}/\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m})}^{2}$ obtained for lithium is in substantial agreement (86%) with the recently measured value $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\nu}=\ensuremath{-}(6.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{2}$ approaching the situation in the hydrogen atom.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma: controversies and current guidelines.

ABSTRACT: Melanoma is a global health problem and the incidence of this disease is rising. While localized melanoma has an excellent prognosis, regional and distant disease is associated with much poorer outcomes. Optimal treatment for clinically localized melanoma requires surgical control of the primary site and accurate staging of the regional nodal basin with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). While further data are required to determine if SLNB is associated with a survival advantage, currently available data supports the use of SLNB for staging of appropriate patients and the procedure may offer benefits beyond staging. This article reviews current data that shapes guidelines regarding patient selection for SLNB in melanoma and highlights areas where performing this procedure remains controversial.
120 dB. Hz 2/3 spur free dynamic range from a resonant cavity interferometric linear intensity modulator

A 120 dB. Hz 2/3 spur free dynamic range (SFDR) is achieved directly from a resonant cavity interferometric linear intensity modulator. Also, the dependence of the SFDR of this modulator on the bias point is studied.
A case of phenytoin toxicity in a patient with advanced lung cancer.

Phenytoin is an anti-convulsant drug commonly used to prevent seizures in patients with cerebral metastases. Phenytoin has complicated non-linear kinetics, is highly protein bound and has a small w...