cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions about Antibiotic Stewardship Programs among Neonatology Trainees

Objective Antibiotic stewardship should be an essential component of neonatology training as neonatal intensive care units (NICU) have unique stewardship needs. Our aim was to assess neonatology fellowship trainees' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about antibiotic stewardship to inform sustainable curriculum development. Study Design We distributed an electronic survey to neonatology fellows in the United States over 4 months (January–April 2018) via Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education program directors. Results Of 99 programs in the United States with an estimated 700 fellows, 159 (23%) fellows from 52 training programs (53%) responded to the survey and 139 (87%) provided analyzed responses. Majority of respondents were training in southern (59; 42%) and northeastern (43; 31%) regions and were equally spread across all 3 years of training. One hundred (72%) respondents reported an antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) in their institution. While 86% (120/139) were able to identify the components of an ASP, 59% (82/139) either did not or were unsure if they had received antibiotic stewardship training during fellowship. Furthermore, while answering case studies, 124 (89%) respondents identified the optimal antibiotic for methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infection and 69 (50%) respondents chose appropriate empiric antibiotics for neonatal meningitis. Notably, fellowship training year was not significantly related to the proportion of incorrect knowledge responses (p = 0.40). Most survey respondents (81; 59%) identified small group sessions as the most useful teaching format, while others chose audit and feedback of individual prescribing behavior (52; 38%) and didactic lectures (52; 38%). Finally, ninety-five (69%) respondents preferred trainee-led ASP interventions targeting focal areas such as antifungal and surgical prophylaxis. Conclusion Antibiotic stewardship is a critical part of neonatology training. Neonatology fellows report variation in access to ASP during their training. Fellows prefer dedicated trainee-led interventions and stewardship curriculum taught within small group settings to promote targeted NICU ASP. Key Points
Normalizing De-Platforming: The Right Not to Tolerate the Intolerant

Following the attack on the U.S. Capital in January 2021 tens of thousands of accounts, including the Facebook and Twitter accounts of then-President Donald Trump, were suspended or deleted. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act grants online digital platforms immunity from liability for not only allowing third parties to post information online but also for decisions to remove that content. Since the “Great De-Platforming” of 2021, the viability of § 230 immunity has been called into question. This paper explores the legal boundaries in which online digital platforms operate. It argues that robust online speech requires that platforms must continue to enjoy immunity for their decisions on which content and users must be removed in order to ensure that intolerant speech does not squelch all other speech.
An Exploratory Study of the Prosecution of Fatal Child Maltreatment: Criminal Charges Filed Against Presumed Perpetrators in the United States in 2017

In the United States child maltreatment fatalities (CMFs) do not usually meet the standard for manslaughter or murder, resulting in convictions of lesser crimes and little jail time. This exploratory study examined the charges brought against suspected CMF perpetrators in 2017. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted using data obtained from the Nexis Uni newspaper database, that has over 40,000 high quality media sources, for the year 2017. We found that the most frequently used charges were endangering the welfare of a child and murder, the former of which was more related to neglect-deaths and the latter to physical abuse-deaths. There was no difference between charges for male and female perpetrators. Practical implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.
Chromosomal duplications in bacteria, fruit flies, and humans.

Tandem duplication of chromosomal segments has been recognized as a frequent mutational mechanism in several genetic model systems. In bacteria, fruit flies, and humans, duplications form by similar molecular mechanisms and appear to be important in genome evolution. 80 refs.
Slip rates and off-fault deformation in Southern California inferred from GPS data and models

[1] In Southern California, fault slip rate estimates along the San Andreas fault (SAF) and Garlock fault from geodetically constrained kinematic models are systematically at the low end or lower than geologic slip rate estimates. The sum of geodetic model slip rates across the eastern California shear zone is higher than the geologic sum. However, the ranges of reported model and geologic slip rate estimates in the literature are sufficiently large that it remains unclear whether these apparent discrepancies are real or attributable to epistemic uncertainties in the two types of estimates. We further examine uncertainties in geodetically derived slip rate estimates on major faults in Southern California by conducting a suite of inversions with four kinematic models. Long-term rigid elastic block models constrained by the geologic slip rates cannot fit the present-day GPS-derived velocity field. Deforming (permanent off-fault strain) elastic block models and viscoelastic earthquake cycle block models constrained by geologic slip rates can fit the present-day GPS-derived velocity field with 28–33% of the total geodetic moment rate occurring as distributed deformation off of the major faults. Models incorporating viscoelastic mantle flow predict systematically higher slip rates than purely elastic models on many of the major Southern California faults with ranges of (elastic/viscoelastic) 29–34/30–37 mm/yr for the Carrizo SAF segment, 20–24/20–32 mm/yr for the Mojave SAF segment, 14–17/18–22 mm/yr for the Coachella SAF segment, 13–19/14–22 mm/yr for the San Jacinto fault, and 5–11/5–11 mm/yr for the western Garlock fault.
Meyer, Adolf (1866–1950)

Adolf Meyer (1866–1950) was the most influential psychiatrist of his time in North America—until his concept of mental illness and its treatment was superseded first by Freud's psychoanalysis, then by biological psychiatry. By putting a patient's freedom front and center, and construing most mental illness as a misuse of freedom that wounds both mind and body, Meyer sought to overcome the limitations he believed our Cartesian heritage had placed on understanding the thoughts, emotions, and actions of those who are mentally ill. His psychobiology was an attempt to characterize the ultimately inseparable psychological and biological changes that are part and parcel of pathologically altered mental states. Keywords: Adolf Meyer; biological psychology; classification of mental disorders; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; psychiatric diagnosis; psychopathology; psychobiology
Unsteady-flow velocity measurements around an intake valve of a reciprocating engine

In the present work, measurements of the velocity profiles in the valve curtain area of an internal combustion engine were made using hot-wire anemometry. The three components of velocity were measured under a variety of engine speeds, valve lifts, and inlet pipe configurations. From an analysis of the results, it was found that during the intake stroke, a region spanning about 60 crank angle degrees and centered at the middle of the intake stroke could be identified where transient effects had little effect on the intake velocity profiles. In this region, the velocity profiles were fairly insensitive to engine speed and to the type of inlet pipe used, but were sensitive to the valve lift. Surrounding this region, in the early and late parts of the intake stroke, the profiles were found to be influenced by transient effects and were sensitive to engine speed, type of inlet pipe, and valve lift.
A modulatory proctolin-containing neuron (MPN). I. Identification and characterization

The pentapeptide proctolin has been localized previously to the crustacean stomatogastric nervous system and shown to modulate the rhythmic activity of the pyloric network in the stomatogastric ganglion (STG) (Marder et al., 1986; Hooper and Marder, 1987). We have now identified a pair of modulatory proctolin-containing neurons (MPNs) that cause proctolin-like modulation of the pyloric rhythm. Individual MPNs were identified by combining intracellular Lucifer yellow dye injection with rhodamine-visualized proctolin immunolabeling. Both MPNs are located in the esophageal nerve and send processes to the STG. Current injection into one MPN influences the second MPN, suggesting that they are electrically coupled. The 2 MPNs have similar effects on the pyloric rhythm of the STG. Intracellular stimulation of a single MPN was sufficient to enhance already active pyloric rhythms and initiated the pyloric rhythm in quiescent preparations.
Funky, not junky.

In many respects, the most intriguing part of the mouse genome sequence is what it has told us about so-called 'junk' DNA sequences.
Gene discovery in the hamster: a comparative genomics approach for gene annotation by sequencing of hamster testis cDNAs

Complete genome annotation will likely be achieved through a combination of computer-based analysis of available genome sequences combined with direct experimental characterization of expressed regions of individual genomes. We have utilized a comparative genomics approach involving the sequencing of randomly selected hamster testis cDNAs to begin to identify genes not previously annotated on the human, mouse, rat and Fugu (pufferfish) genomes. 735 distinct sequences were analyzed for their relatedness to known sequences in public databases. Eight of these sequences were derived from previously unidentified genes and expression of these genes in testis was confirmed by Northern blotting. The genomic locations of each sequence were mapped in human, mouse, rat and pufferfish, where applicable, and the structure of their cognate genes was derived using computer-based predictions, genomic comparisons and analysis of uncharacterized cDNA sequences from human and macaque. The use of a comparative genomics approach resulted in the identification of eight cDNAs that correspond to previously uncharacterized genes in the human genome. The proteins encoded by these genes included a new member of the kinesin superfamily, a SET/MYND-domain protein, and six proteins for which no specific function could be predicted. Each gene was expressed primarily in testis, suggesting that they may play roles in the development and/or function of testicular cells.
Open Source Unionism

To increase density in the private sector, unions should explore a form of unionization that is open to nonmajority memberships. This form–-which the authors call “open source” unionism–-would make extensive use of the Internet to deliver individual services to workers. This article describes current union activity heading in this general direction. It assesses the legal and administrative feasibility of open source unionism and suggests ways unions could develop it further.
A Hessian actor-critic algorithm

We consider Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) following a policy parametrized by a parsimonious set of parameters and seek to optimize the policy over these parameters. In this setting, optimization can be done using a gradient ascent method. If designed well, the parameterized policy can significantly reduce the problem complexity. Existing algorithms usually suffer from slow convergence because they search along the gradient direction in a steepest ascent way. In this paper, we first propose an estimate for the Hessian of the overall reward the decision maker receives. Based on this estimate, we then introduce a new Newton-like method of the actor-critic type. We compare the new algorithm with several existing algorithms in a robotics application and demonstrate that our method exhibits faster convergence.
Phenomenological many-body potentials from the interstitial electron model. I: Dynamic properties of metals

Inspired by the ab initio generalized‐valence‐bond calculations of small metal clusters, we propose a phenomenological many‐body interaction model, the interstitial electron model (IEM), for interactions of ions and electrons in metals. In this model, the valence electrons are treated as classical particles situated at the crystal lattice interstitial positions. Simple pair potentials are used for ions and interstitial electrons, allowing the inhomogeneity and anisotropy of electron density distributions to be taken into account phenomenologically. To test the efficacy and applicability of this approach, the IEM is applied to lattice dynamics in fcc metals: Cu,Ni,Ag,Au, Pd, Pt, Al, Ca, Sr, and γ‐Fe. The phonon dispersion relations, densities of states, and Debye temperature are calculated and found to be in good agreement with experiments. Extension of the IEM to the construction of a new many‐body potential in metals and alloys is discussed.
Membrane-bound microtubular and crystalline structures in endothelial cells of normal canine aorta.

Es wurden 2 Typen von membrangebundenen Zytoplasmastrukturen im vorliegenden Endothel von normalen Hundeaorten gefunden. Teilweise handelt es sich um rauhe parallele Mikrotubuli (240 A) und um kristallines Material mit einer Periode von 130–180 A. Die funktionelle Korrelation von Mikrotubuli und den kristallinen Strukturen ist noch unklar.
Students' perceptions of classroom instructional environments in the context of Universal Design for Learning

Using a sample of 867 students in Grades 5–12, the present study investigated whether students’ perceptions toward the instructional environment in classrooms that employed Universal Design for Learning differed by school grade level and teacher gender. High-school students in the study showed higher perception scores than upper-elementary or middle-school students in the personalisation and participation aspect of the classroom environment. The results for teacher gender indicated that students in the study perceived a more personalised classroom environment with female teachers than with male teachers. Policy implications and methodological considerations are provided for future study.
Opportunities and Challenges in Secondaries: Investing in the Secondary Market for Private Equity

The secondary market for private equity has evolved significantly in recent years. Investors in secondary funds, sellers seeking early liquidity on their investments, and existing and prospective portfolio managers have all sharpened their focus on this segment of the asset class. Near-term and long-term factors are driving an everincreasing demand for liquidity from current investors—for both traditional limited partnership interests as well as “synthetic secondary” situations, involving portfolios of direct company investments. Existing buyers and new entrants are attempting to address this demand by expanding their presence in the market. However, the very inefficiencies which make the secondary market an attractive opportunity can conspire to produce uneconomic or unwise investment decisions for investors unfamiliar with its challenges, particularly in volatile financial markets and unpredictable geopolitical environments. This article discusses these challenges and opportunities.
Smartphone based user verification leveraging gait recognition for mobile healthcare systems

The rapid deployment of sensing technology in smartphones and the explosion of their usage in people's daily lives provide users with the ability to collectively sense the world. This leads to a growing trend of mobile healthcare systems utilizing sensing data collected from smartphones with/without additional external sensors to analyze and understand people's physical and mental states. However, such healthcare systems are vulnerable to user spoofing attacks, in which an adversary distributes his registered device to other users such that data collected from these users can be claimed as his own to obtain more healthcare benefits and undermine the successful operation of mobile healthcare systems. Existing mitigation approaches either only rely on a secret PIN number (which can not deal with colluded attacks) or require an explicit user action for verification. In this paper, we propose a user verification scheme leveraging unique gait patterns derived from acceleration readings in mobile healthcare systems to detect possible user spoofing attacks. Our framework exploits the readily available accelerometers embedded within smartphones for user verification. Specifically, our user spoofing attack mitigation scheme (which consists of three components, namely Step Cycle Identification, Step Cycle Interpolation, and Similarity Score Computation) is used to extract gait patterns from run-time accelerometer measurements to perform robust user verification under various walking speeds. Our experiments using 322 smartphone-based traces over a period of 6 months confirm that our scheme is highly effective for detecting user spoofing attacks. This strongly indicates the feasibility of using smartphone based low grade accelerometer to conduct gait recognition and facilitate effective user verification without active user cooperation.
The Relationship Between Alcohol Symptoms and Consumption Among Older Drinkers

The present study assessed the relationship between current alcohol symptoms and consumption levels in a heterogeneous sample of older adults. The sample consisted of 443 participants over age 55 who reported drinking within the past year, including social drinkers, alcoholics in treatment, and alcoholics not in treatment. Symptoms for the past year were assessed using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS-Ill-R) alcohol section, and subjects were subsequently assigned to two groups (symptom-free and symptomatic), depending on whether they experienced any DSM-Ill-R alcohol symptoms in the last year. For both men and women, average daily consumption and the frequency of heavy drinking contributed to whether participants had experienced any alcohol symptoms. The results indicate that the consumption levels of men and women differed only for symptomatic drinkers. The findings support recommendations that consumption limits for older adults should be lower than those recommended in the literature for younger adults. Furthermore, the results suggest that, in addition to limiting average daily consumption to no more than one drink per day, eliminating episodes of heavy drinking (consuming five or more drinks) could further reduce the risk of alcohol-related symptoms for older adults. HE CONSUMPTION of alcohol has been associated T with increased risk of physical injury caused by automobile crashes' and falls.* Heavy alcohol use among the elderly has been associated with malnutrition, a variety of medical conditions (such as liver disease, stroke, cardiac problems, hypertension, insomnia, depression), as well as cognitive problems and dementia~.~" A number of studies have examined the complex relationship between aging and alcohol consumption patterns.6-8 However, no studies have attempted to link consumption patterns of elderly drinkers to alcohol-related consequences or diagnostic criteria. Thus, despite the evidence that elderly drinkers are at risk for a variety of negative consequences associated with drinking, there has been little research on the relationship between alcohol consumption patterns and associated consequences for elderly drinkers. Such information could be
Tunneling of supercurrent through barriers connected in series

Abstract Experimental studies of Josephson junctions connected in series were made and I–V characteristics for the series circuit were compared with those for the individual junctions.
Cancer Screening Rates in Individuals With Different Life Expectancies

Importance Routine cancer screening has unproven net benefit for patients with limited life expectancy. Objective To examine the patterns of prostate, breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening in the United States in individuals with different life expectancies. Design, Setting, and Participants Data from the population-based National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) from 2000 through 2010 were used and included 27 404 participants aged 65 years or older. Using a validated mortality index specific for NHIS, participants were grouped into those with low ( Main Outcomes and Measures Rates of prostate, breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening. Results In participants with very high mortality risk, 31% to 55% received recent cancer screening, with prostate cancer screening being most common (55%). For women who had a hysterectomy for benign reasons, 34% to 56% had a Papanicolaou test within the past 3 years. On multivariate analysis, very high vs low mortality risk was associated with less screening for prostate (odds ratio [OR], 0.65 [95% CI, 0.50-0.85]), breast (OR, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.35-0.53]), and cervical (OR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.36-0.70]) cancers. There was less screening for prostate and cervical cancers in more recent years compared with 2000, and there was no significant interaction between calendar year and mortality risk for any cancer screening ( P > .05 for all cancers). Our sensitivity analysis showed that screening was also common in individuals with less than 5-year life expectancy. Conclusions and Relevance A substantial proportion of the US population with limited life expectancy received prostate, breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening that is unlikely to provide net benefit. These results suggest that overscreening is common in both men and women, which not only increases health care expenditure but can lead to net patient harm.
Stigma, Secrecy and Race: An Empirical Examination of Black and White Incarcerated Men

In modified labeling theory (MLT) persons with disreputable labels anticipate stigmatization and adopt coping strategies, among them being secretive. We examine endorsement of secrecy among black and white incarcerated men, focusing on race differences. We find whites are significantly more secretive than blacks about ex-convict status. Race effects are net of other predictors, including devaluation/discrimination beliefs, ex-convict friends, religious affiliation and perceived difficulty finding a job. Split sample analyses show only devaluation/discrimination beliefs predict secrecy among blacks. Thus, white privilege may play a role in stigma management. Since ex-convict status suspends white privilege, secrecy may help white ex-convicts maintain their advantage, especially in the job market. Secrecy is also more successfully enacted among whites, who are not usually assumed to have a criminal record. While black convicts expect their label to prompt rejection, for them racial stigma may supersede ex-convict stigma, making management of the latter status less compelling.
A study of three microfabricated variable-capacitance motors

Abstract This paper discusses the design, microfabrication, operating principles and experimental testing of three types of rotary variable-capacitance micromotors. The advantages and disadvantages of these motors are discussed. The three motor types are top-drive, side-drive and harmonic side-drive. In this work, the micromotors are surface micromachined using heavily-phosphorus-doped polysilicon for the structural material, deposited oxide for the sacrificial layers and LPCVD nitride for electrical isolation. Frictional forces associated with electric pull-down forces on the rotor are dominant in the side-drive and harmonic side-drive motors fabricated and tested to date. Air drive and electric excitation have been used in studying these effects. Side-drive micromotors have been successfully operated by a three-phase electrical signal with the rotors air-levitated. With air levitation, successful operation is achieved at bipolar excitations greater than 80 V across 4 μm air-gap motors having eight rotor and twelve stator poles, with only half of the stator poles excited. Motor operation is sustained indefinitely.
The dimensionsal accuracy of improved dental stone, silverplated, and epoxy resin die materials

1 mproved dental stone is the predominant material in dentistry for making dies used in the lost-wax process. Although improved dental stones have served the profession well, the main disadvantages of their use as dies are (1) susceptibility to dimensional change due to abrasion, (2) limited reproduction of fine detail,’ and (3) lack of strength. The lack of strength can result in breakage of dies, especially those duplicating long, narrow preparations. In the fabrication of all-porcelain labial margins or some of the new generation cast porcelain restorations, dies that exhibit greater strength and abrasion resistance than gypsum dies are desirable. Alternate die materials that may yield dimensionally accurate dies, are more resistant to abrasion, and are stronger than the improved dental stone dies presently in use are available. The literature concerning dimensional accuracy of various die materials is somewhat equivocal. Gypsum die materials generally exhibit an average setting expansion of O.l%.* Such minimal expansion is thought to be beneficial in terms of aiding compensation for metal shrinkage, wax pattern dimensional change, and other unavoida.ble inaccuracies in the casting process. Electroplated dies have been found to be less accurate dimensionally than improved stone dies when formed with polysulfide rubber or condensation-reaction silicone impression m.aterials.3 One study demonstrated that silver-plated dies tend to be undersized by as much as 0.2%; whereas another found that they tend to be oversized.5 It has been shown that vinyl polysiloxane impression ma.terials are the most accurate for making silver-plated dies.+ Castings made on silver-plated dies have been shown to have smaller marginal openings than those made on improved stone dies.6 Epoxy resin dies have been found to be generally undersized, pri.marily because of polymerization shrinkage.’ The manufacturer of the new generation epoxy resin die systern claims to have controlled this shrinkage and that dimensional accuracy can be precisely con-
Working with an Invisible Active User: Understanding Trust in Technology and Co-User from the Perspective of a Passive User

Distance collaboration technologies affect the way active and passive users interact in technologymediated systems. Decreases in social and contextual cues in distance collaboration may have a large impact on passive users’ perception of active users and the technology. The purpose of this study was to investigate passive users’ trust in active users and trust in technology under varied technological conditions and active user performance. A laboratory experiment was conducted using simulated psychomotor tasks distance collaboration scenarios. Participants observed an active user, who performed tasks without being physically present. Their subjective report on trust in the active user, trust in technology and perceived active user’s workload, as well as physiological responses, including eye movement, electrodermal activity and cardiovascular activity, were gathered. The results showed that technology conditions affected passive users’ subjective reports, specifically; the participants exhibited higher arousal in the affect arousal system during the observation. Furthermore, the passive users seemed to evaluate their trust in the active user according to their trust in technology. This implies that in a distance collaboration context, technology use could affect interpersonal relationships between active and passive users.
The Effect of Differing Gleason Scores at Biopsy on the Odds of Upgrading and the Risk of Death From Prostate Cancer

Abstract Introduction/Background The GS is an established prostate cancer prognostic factor. Whether the presence of differing GSs at biopsy (eg, 4+3 and 3+3), which we term ComboGS, improves the prognosis that would be predicted based on the highest GS (eg, 4+3) because of decreased upgrading is unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the odds of upgrading at time of radical prostatectomy (RP) and the risk of PCSM when ComboGS was present versus absent. Patients and Methods Logistic and competing risks regression were performed to assess the effect that ComboGS had on the odds of upgrading at time of RP in the index (n = 134) and validation cohorts (n = 356) and the risk of PCSM after definitive therapy in a long-term cohort (n = 666), adjusting for known predictors of these end points. We calculated and compared the area under the curve using a receiver operating characteristic analysis when ComboGS was included versus excluded from the upgrading models. Results ComboGS was associated with decreased odds of upgrading (index: adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04-0.50; P = .003; validation: AOR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.11-0.51; P Conclusion Differing biopsy GSs are associated with a lower odds of upgrading and risk of PCSM. If validated, future randomized noninferiority studies evaluating deescalated treatment approaches in men with ComboGS could be considered.
THE IMMUNOPATHOLOGY OF ACQUIRED MY ASTHENIA GRAVIS

Specific probes (alpha-bungarotoxin for acetylcholine receptor (AChR), staphylococcal protein A for IgG, monospecific antibodies against C3 and C9) labelled with peroxidase were applied to study of the ultrastructure of the MG end plate. In each case of MG there was postsynaptic AChR deficiency, usually greatest at end plates with marked degeneration of junctional folds. Morphometric estimates of postsynaptic AChR correlated linearly with the MEPP amplitude. In each case of MG, IgG was localized on the postsynaptic membrane where AChR is known to be located and on debris in the synaptic space. The abundance of antibody was proportionate to the amount of AChR remaining at the end plate. The localization of C3 was essentially identical with that of IgG. For most cases of MG it can be inferred that binding of IgG and C3 to AChR does not interfere with receptor function. C9, the terminal lytic complement component, was localized on debris in the synaptic space and on remnants of junctional folds. This proves that complement mediated destruction of junctional folds occurs in human MG. Studies in experimental auto-immune MG indicate that antibody-dependent internalization of AChR occurs in subclinical, mild and more severe diseases but increased AChR synthesis can compensate for this in subclinical and mild myasthenia. Complement-mediated injury of the postsynaptic membrane appears to be a requirement for induction of more severe MG.
The thermo-acoustic properties of fibrous material

The compressibility of air inside a loudspeaker enclosure can be increased if the enclosure can be made isothermal. Stuffing fibrous material into an enclosure tends to make it isothermal since the material acts as a heat sink. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of filling material in loudspeaker enclosures, the thermal time response of fibrous materials is calculated. The time response is found to depend on the density of the material and the radius of the fibers. The frequency response of a typical fiberglass material is presented.
Cubic Spline Regression for the Open-Circuit Potential Curves of a Lithium-Ion Battery

A cubic spline regression model was used to fit the experimental open-circuit potential (OCP) curves of two intercalation electrodes of a lithium-ion battery. All the details of an OCP curve were accurately predicted by the resulting model. The number of regression intervals used to fit an OCP curve was determined in a way such that in each regression interval the OCP exhibits a profile predictable by a third-order polynomial. The locations of the data points used to separate regression intervals were optimized. Compared to a polynomial model with the same number of fitting parameters, the cubic spline regression model is more accurate. The cubic spline regression model presented here can be used conveniently to fit complicated profiles such as the OCP curves of lithium-ion battery electrodes. © 2004 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Erratum to: Carbon and Nitrogen Decoupling Under an 11-Year Drought in the Shortgrass Steppe

-N) captured on ion-exchange membrane probes in the 10th year of a long-term drought manipulation in the shortgrass steppe (2008), when rainfall the plots received varied (shown by open dots)and the ﬁrst year of recovery (2010), when all plots received the same amount of rainfall. Bars show lg-N accumulated per10 cm probe per day in each 2-month period of burial, whereas inset shows lg-N per cm rainfall during 2008, whentreatments received unequal rainfall. Where signiﬁcant differences among treatments occurred, signiﬁcant pairwise dif-ferences (P < 0.05) are indicated by letters. Ratios of nitrate to ammonium were consistent across treatments within anygiven time point, so are not shown separately.
Optimization Studies on Compression Coated Floating-Pulsatile Drug Delivery of Bisoprolol

The purpose of the present work was to design and optimize compression coated floating pulsatile drug delivery systems of bisoprolol. Floating pulsatile concept was applied to increase the gastric residence of the dosage form having lag phase followed by a burst release. The prepared system consisted of two parts: a core tablet containing the active ingredient and an erodible outer shell with gas generating agent. The rapid release core tablet (RRCT) was prepared by using superdisintegrants with active ingredient. Press coating of optimized RRCT was done by polymer. A 32 full factorial design was used for optimization. The amount of Polyox WSR205 and Polyox WSR N12K was selected as independent variables. Lag period, drug release, and swelling index were selected as dependent variables. Floating pulsatile release formulation (FPRT) F13 at level 0 (55 mg) for Polyox WSR205 and level
Organization of the chloroplast genome in the red alga Porphyra yezoensis

A comprehensive assessment of the origin and evolution of plastids will require more information on the nature of plastid genomes from non-green algae. I have constructed a physical map of the chloroplast genome from the red alga Porphyra yezoensis. The 185 kb circular genome contains ribosomal RNA encoding inverted repeats (6.6 kb), and is divided into small and large singlecopy regions of approxiamtely 16 kb and 156 kb respectively. The Porphyra genome contains several genes not found in higher plant chloroplasts. Genes encoding the pigmented, light-harvesting phycobiliproteins are organized relatively close to one another on the genome, and represent components of a multi-gene family. the phycocyanin biliprotein genes (ppcBA) map in two single-copy regions, suggesting either duplicated genes or a transsplicing mechanism. In contrast to higher plants, the tufA and rbcS genes are chloroplast-encoded in Porphyra, and rbcS is clustered with the rbcL gene, suggesting an operon type of arrangement. The Porphyra chloroplast genome is distinctive, also, in that part of it has sequence homology to plasmid-like DNA molecules which co-isolate with the chloroplast DNA.
The effects of feedback sequence and expertise of the rater on perceived feedback accuracy.

Using a 2 × 2 experimental design, the present study examined the main and interactive effects of feedback sequence (negative-positive vs. positive-negative) and expertise of the rater (high vs. low) on perceptions of feedback accuracy. In addition, the study assessed the moderating effects of locus of control and self-esteem on the relationship between feedback sequence and perceived feedback accuracy. Results indicate that the order in which positive or negative feedback is presented affects perceived feedback accuracy. Moreover, results suggest that feedback sequence interacts with the expertise of the rater to affect perceptions of feedback accuracy. In addition, the findings suggest that both locus of control and self-esteem moderate the relationship between feedback sequence and perceived feedback accuracy. Implications of the study's findings for presenting feedback in performance appraisal/feedback sessions are discussed.
Repeated modifications of orthogonal polynomials by linear divisors

Algorithms are developed for computing the coefficients in the three-term recurrence relation of repeatedly modified orthogonal polynomials, the modifications involving division of the orthogonality measure by a linear function with real or complex coefficient. The respective Gaussian quadrature rules can be used to account for simple or multiple poles that may be present in the integrand. Several examples are given to illustrate this.
Identification and differential accumulation of two isoforms of the CF1-β subunit under high light stress in Brassica rapa

Abstract The chloroplast ATP synthase coupling factor CF1 complex contains five nonidentical subunits, α, β, γ, δ, and e, with a stoichiometry of 3:3:1:1:1. The β subunit contains the catalytic site for ATP synthesis during photooxidative phosphorylation in the chloroplast. In this study, we have identified two isoforms of the CF1-β subunit at 56 and 54 kDa in the chloroplast of Brassica rapa, through isolation/purification, proteolytic digestion and internal peptide sequencing. Examining their accumulation pattern demonstrates that both isoforms coexist during chloroplast biogenesis and in mature thylakoid membranes, but the 54 kDa isoform is more apparently upregulated by light or under light stress. LiDS-PAGE shows that the 56 kDa is a major isoform of the CF1-β subunit under normal light conditions, and its amount was not influenced during high light or other light stress treatments. The 54 kDa isoform is a minor band at normal conditions; however, it significantly increased under excess light stresses, such as high or low light with drought and/or high temperature. Particularly, a ninefold increase was observed after 8–10 h of high light treatment with drought and high temperature. The results suggest that light stress induction of the 54 kDa CF1-β isoform may present a positive response during chloroplast photoacclimation.
Trends in the medical management of urolithiasis: a comparison of general urologists and endourology specialists.

Objectives To determine whether there are differences in the medical and dietary recommendations given to stone formers between urologists that subspecialize in endourology and general urologists. Methods A 10 question on-line survey was sent via e-mail to members of the North Central Section (NCS) of the American Urological Association and the Endourological Society (ES). Results A total of 206 surveys were completed by members of the NCS and 122 surveys were completed by members of the ES. Of the ES members, 75% were in academic practice versus 21% of NCS members (P < .01). Urologists in both groups performed their own medical management (88% ES, 83% NCS) and believed that they were able to provide effective dietary recommendations (73% ES, 72% NCS). Most urologists in both groups performed 24-hour urine and serum studies in recurrent stone formers (68% ES, 73% NCS) as opposed to all stone formers (17% ES, 18% NCS). Members of both groups recommended low salt intake to all stone formers (68% ES, 61% NCS) or only calcium stone formers (18% ES, 29% NCS; P = .03). A higher percentage of urologists from the ES recommended low animal protein intake to all stone formers than urologists from the NCS (69% ES, 47% NCS; P < .05). Conclusions Urologists from both the NCS and the ES, despite differences in the type of practice, subspecialty interest in endourology and geographic location of practice, have similar medical and nutritional practices when counseling patients in the prevention of stone disease.
Nebulized fentanyl vs intravenous morphine for ED patients with acute abdominal pain: a randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract Objectives Patients with acute abdominal pain commonly present to emergency departments. The safe and effective relief of discomfort is a concern to patients and physicians. Intravenous opioids are the traditional method used to provide pain relief in this setting, but intravenous access is time consuming and not always achievable. Alternative methods of pain control may therefore be necessary for the acute management of painful conditions without adding to the overall physical or psychological discomfort. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of nebulized fentanyl (NF) in the alleviation of acute and undifferentiated abdominal pain. We also sought to compare NF with intravenous morphine (IVM) and to assess patient and provider satisfaction with NF. Nebulized fentanyl (2 μ g/kg) was compared to IVM (0.1 mg/kg) at 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes; and patient and physician satisfaction was recorded. The NF group experienced more rapid pain relief and more sustained and clinically significant pain relief over the 40-minute study interval. There were no adverse effects noted in the NF group. Both patient and physician satisfaction scores were higher in the NF group. Fentanyl citrate at a dose of 2 μ g/kg through a breath-actuated nebulizer appears to be a feasible and safe alternative to IVM (0.1 mg/kg) in the treatment of acute abdominal pain.
A system equivalence related to Dulac’s extension of Bendixson’s negative theorem for planar dynamical systems

Abstract Bendixson’s Theorem [H. Ricardo, A Modern Introduction to Differential Equations, Houghton-Mifflin, New York, Boston, 2003] is useful in proving the non-existence of periodic orbits for planar systems (1) d x d t = F ( x , y ) , d y d t = G ( x , y ) in a simply connected domain D , where F , G are continuously differentiable. From the work of Dulac [M. Kot, Elements of Mathematical Ecology, 2nd printing, University Press, Cambridge, 2003] one suspects that system (1) has periodic solutions if and only if the more general system (2) d x d τ = B ( x , y ) F ( x , y ) , d y d τ = B ( x , y ) G ( x , y ) does, which makes the subcase (1) more tractable, when suitable non-zero B ( x , y ) which are C 1 ( D ) can be found. Thus, Bendixson’s Theorem can be applied to system (2) , where otherwise it is unfruitful in establishing the non-existence of periodic solutions for system (1) . The object of this note is to give a simple proof justifying this Dulac-related postulate of the equivalence of systems (1) , (2) .
Multi-trace deconvolution with unknown trace scale factors: Omnilinear inversion of P and S waves for source time functions

Seismic source and wave propagation theories allow seismologists to compute long period synthetic seismograms that commonly match even subtle details of observed waveshapes, but the overall trace amplitudes must be scaled by arbitrary factors to emphasize the excellent waveshape correspondence. This unexplained amplitude scatter causes considerable difficulties when formally inverting observed waveforms for seismic source parameters. Omnilinear inversion simultaneously determines the linear model parameters and trace scaling factors to minimize the mismatch between observed and synthetic seismograms. Omnilinear inversion is applied to source time function deconvolution from long period P and SH waves. A simulation with synthetic data shows that omnilinear inversion finds the proper scaling factors, and the source time function and focal depth are better determined than for “standard” linear inversion. Omnilinear inversion is then applied to a data set of seven P waves and one SH wave from the underthrusting earthquake of July 5, 1968 (Ms 6.6) in northern Honshu, Japan. Omnilinear inversion produces a best-fit focal depth of 36 km with a single pulse time function of 6 s duration and seismic moment of 4×1018 N m (Mw 6.4). This focal depth supports the notion that the seismically coupled plate interface extends no deeper than 40 km in northern Honshu.
Influence of Surface Active Agents on Some Lactic Streptococci

Summary Fatty acids and other surface active agents were used to clarify the relationship of surface activity to the inhibition of lactic streptococci. There was complete inhibition of lactic streptococci in media where surface activity exceeded a critical level. The effectiveness of inhibition by fatty acids, nonionic surface active agents, anionic surface active agents, decyl alcohol, growth medium, and temperature variation was directly related to the surface activity. The surface active agents created an unfavorable environment at most concentrations, rather than acting as a specific inhibitory substance to which the organisms were capable of adapting and thereafter resuming normal growth. The variety of chemical compounds and conditions that produce a common physical effect indicate the inhibition involves physical phenomena at the bacterium:menstruum interface. Results indicate that surfactants are important in the inhibition of lactic streptococci.
Early skin responses of hibernating and nonhibernating ground squirrels to topical applications of DMBA

Skin patches on hibernating and nonhibernating ground squirrels were treated with multiple topical applications of the carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenza(a)anthracene. Nonhibernators showed blistering, peeling, drying, hair loss, increased vascularization and hyperpigmentation in proportion to DMBA concentration. The latter was apparently due to a) an increased number of dermal and epidermal melanocytes and b) the appearance of melanocytes with large coarse cytoplasmic granules. Notably, hibernators remained free of gross skin changes and were histologically similar to untreated controls.
Coupling of Amino Carboranes to Carboxylic Acid Containing Substrates.

The reactivity of the known amino carboranes 1-H2NCH2-1,2-C2B10H11 and 7-H3N-7-CB10H12 with carboxylic acid containing substrates was investigated. The reactions studied using the coupling reagent, 1,1‘-carbonyldiimidazole, resulted in the preparation of a series of amides in moderate to high yield. The relative importance of this type of research resides in the fact that it allows the introduction of amino acids in close contact with the carborane cage. These compounds can constitute a new generation of substrates useful in boron neutron capture therapy. Our emphasis lies in the development of suitable synthetic schemes allowing the preparation of this type of compound. Experimental details and analytical data supporting the formulation of the prepared compounds are reported.
CSinParallel and Synergy for Rapid Incremental Addition of PDC Into CS Curricula

How can the CS education community shift to teach more parallel and distributed computing (PDC) soon enough to prepare its graduates for their careers? The CSin Parallel project implements strategies that would accomplish such a shift. An Early Adopter project to correlate CSin Parallel materials and NSF/TCPP Curricular Recommendations is described. Citing research on scalability of innovations, such synergistic collaborations offer hope for scalably and rapidly adding PDC to undergraduate CS education.