cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of chlorhexidine skin prep and subcuticular skin closure on post-operative infectious morbidity and wound complications following cesarean section

Abstract: Background: The obstetrical department at University of Iowa implemented several interventions at reducing post-operative infections and wound complication rates following a cesarean delivery. We implemented subcuticular closure of the skin following all cesarean sections in February of 2011 and switched from a povidone/iodine skin prep to a chlorhexidine-alcohol prep April 19th 2011. Based on prior studies, we hypothesized a 50% reduction in post cesarean wound complications Objective: To determine if changes in skin prep type and closure method decreases post-operative infectious morbidity and wound complications. Methods: The study reviewed charts of women who underwent a cesarean section between 7/1/2010 and 12/31/2010 compared to those that underwent a cesarean section between 4/19/2011 and 9/7/2011. A total of 568 charts were reviewed. Women were divided into two groups; the control group included those who had a povidone/iodine skin prep and staple closure, the intervention group included those women who had chlorhexidine skin prep and skin closure with subcuticular suture. Results: A total of 568 charts were reviewed and 190 control (iodine/staples) subjects and 139 intervention (chlorhexidine-alcohol/suture) subjects were identified. We found no statistical difference in the overall wound complication rates between the control and intervention groups, 22.1% vs 17.4% (p.22). We did however find a significant decrease in wound separation rates: 8.4% vs 3% (p.014) Analysis showed significant risk factors for infectious morbidity and wound separation to be labor prior to surgery (p Conclusion: In our population the implementation of a chlorhexidine skin prep and closure of the skin with a subcuticular suture did not decrease overall infectious morbidity, it did however decrease our wound separation rate.
THE KINETICS OF PENETRATION : XIX. ENTRANCE OF ELECTROLYTES AND OF WATER INTO IMPALED HALICYSTIS

When cells of Halicystis are impaled on a capillary so that space is provided into which the sap can migrate, the rate of entrance of water and of electrolyte is increased about 10-fold. In impaled Valonia cells the rate is increased about 15-fold. After a relatively rapid non-linear rate of increase of sap volume immediately after impalement (which may possibly represent the partial dissipation of the difference of the osmotic energy between intact and impaled cells) the volume increases at a linear rate, apparently indefinitely. Since the halide concentration of the sap at the end of the experiment is (within the limits of natural variation) the same as in the intact cell, we conclude that electrolyte also enters the sap about 10 times as fast as in the intact cell. As in the case of Valonia we conclude that there is a mechanism whereby in the intact cell the osmotic concentration of the sap is prevented from greatly exceeding that of the sea water. This may be associated with the state of hydration of the non-aqueous protoplasmic surfaces.
Adoption, Diffusion, and Public R&D

This paper studies the impact of public RD&D (Research, Development, and Demonstrations) on the market penetration of a new government-sponsored technology. First, the technology adoption behavior of a firm under uncertainty is reviewed. Secondly, the diffusion of the new technology in a competitive industry that benefits from learning-by-doing is analyzed. Numerical simulations are conducted to determine the effect that variations in government R&D policies have on the rate and level of market penetration. Productive R&D investments affect thelevel of diffusion and R&D demonstrations therate of diffusion.
The Malic Enzyme Is Required for Optimal Photoautotrophic Growth of Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803 under Continuous Light but Not under a Diurnal Light Regimen

A mutation was recovered in the slr0721 gene, which encodes the decarboxylating NADP(+)-dependent malic enzyme in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803, yielding the mutant 3WEZ. Under continuous light, 3WEZ exhibits poor photoautotrophic growth while growing photoheterotrophically on glucose at rates nearly indistinguishable from wild-type rates. Interestingly, under diurnal light conditions (12 h of light and 12 h of dark), normal photoautotrophic growth of the mutant is completely restored.
Studies on the production and radioactive labeling "2-C14" of aflatoxin B1 by the chlamydospore growth phase of Aspergillus parasiticus.

Summary: A significant yield of aflatoxin B1 was produced by the chlamydospore growth phase of Aspergillus parasiticus grown on a synthetic liquid medium. Morphology and structure of the fungus growth is fully described. The two stage addition of 2-C14-acetate to the medium proved to improve dramatically the efficiency of labeling the toxic metabolite. Zusammenfassung: Eine signifikante Ausbeute an Aflatoxin B1 konnte aus der Chlamydosporen-Wuchsphase von Aspergillus parasiticus auf einem synthetischen flussigen Medium gewonnen werden. Die Morphologie des Pilzwachstums wird ausfuhrlich beschrieben. Die Zugabe von Natriumacetat-2-C14 zu dem Medium in zwei Stufen ergab eine dramatische Steigerung der Ausbeute an markierten Toxin.
Coronary sinus fistula: A reason not to implant a transvenous left ventricular lead

A 40-year-old woman referred for biventricular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation with an ejection fraction of 30%, New York Heart Association class III symptoms, and left bundle branch block QRS duration of 160 ms (patient had nonischemic cardiomyopathy and no evidence of occlusive coronary artery disease by nuclear perfusion imaging). Occlusive venography (Figure 1) demonstrated a coronary artery‐to‐coronary venous fistula. The left anterior descending artery is seen anteriorly (along the interventricular septal region) in the right anterior oblique image. There is no evidence of coronary sinus dilation, and the proximal coronary sinus was a relatively narrow vessel with no significant lateral branches. A shunt assessment demonstrated no significant left-to-right shunt. Based on the findings, the decision was made not to place a coronary sinus lead due to risk of thrombus formation and embolization to the coronary arteries. Additionally, there was a lack of suitable lateral branches to provide an optimal pacing vector. A decision to consider a surgically implanted lead was made. A follow-up coronary computed tomography (CT) scan interestingly did not document a fistula, likely because the image resolution of the 64-slice CT was not sufficient to visualize a small fistula.
Profit maximizing and price distortion minimizing codes for a channel model of an asset market

A model of an asset market with noiseless price feedback is shown to achieve maximum profits for the market traders and also to achieve a point on the rate distortion function of the market input. A simplified version of the model, which is empirically more robust than the original, is shown to be a market operating with a fixed signal power. For this version it is found that there is a tradeoff between trader profits and price distortion. Unlike a pure communication channel, the market has its mutual information set by informed traders to maximize expected profits rather than set to minimize distortion. It is found that expected profits are maximized when there is just the right amount of price distortion.
Fiber waviness in nanotube-reinforced polymer composites-I: Modulus predictions using effective nanotube properties

Results in the literature demonstrate that substantial improvements in the mechanical behavior of polymers have been attained through the addition of small amounts of carbon nanotubes as a reinforcing phase. This suggests the possibility of new, extremely lightweight carbon nanotube-reinforced polymers with mechanical properties comparable to those of traditional carbon-fiber composites. Motivated by micrographs showing that embedded nanotubes often exhibit significant curvature within the polymer, we have developed a model combining finite element results and micromechanical methods to determine the effective reinforcing modulus of a wavy embedded nanotube. This effective reinforcing modulus (ERM) is then used within a multiphase micromechanics model to predict the effective modulus of a polymer reinforced with a distribution of wavy nanotubes. We found that even slight nanotube curvature significantly reduces the effective reinforcement when compared to straight nanotubes. These results suggest that nanotube waviness may be an additional mechanism limiting the modulus enhancement of nanotube-reinforced polymers. # 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Most-Favored-Customer Clauses and Multilateral Contracting: When Nondiscrimination Implies Uniformity

DeGraba and Postlewaite (1992) show that the seller of a durable input can solve the time inconsistency problem by offering most-favored-customer (MFC) protection to buyers. McAfee and Schwartz (1994) show that if a supplier sells inputs to competing firms using two-part tariffs, MFC protection that allows a firm to replace its contract with a contract executed by any other firm will not solve the commitment problem, and argue this implies managers cannot use MFCs as a strategic commitment device in complex contracting situations. This paper shows that if the profits of the seller and the buyers are monotonic in each term of the contract, then applying MFC protection to each term of a contract allows a manager to solve his commitment problem in complex contacting situations. We show that “standard” contract arrangements (two-part tariffs, declining block tariffs, and royalties as a percentage of sales) meet this condition.
Better with age: Social relationships across adulthood

Older adults typically report higher levels of satisfaction with their social relationships than younger adults. The present paper integrates current developmental research to explain why social relationships are generally more positive with age. We discuss actions by older adults that contribute to more positive social experiences. We also include social role changes that may provide advantages for older adults when navigating their relationships. Next, we turn to interactional processes between older adults with their social partners. We review literature indicating that: (a) older adults engage in strategies that optimize positive social experiences and minimize negative ones by avoiding conflicts, and (b) social partners often reciprocate by treating older adults more positively and with greater forgiveness than they do younger adults.
Measuring the pressures across microfluidic droplets with an optical tweezer

We introduce a novel technique that enables pressure measurements to be made in microfluidic chips using optical trapping. Pressure differentials across droplets in a microfluidic channel are determined by monitoring the displacements of a bead in an optical trap. We provide physical interpretation of the results. Our experiments reveal that our device has high sensitivity and can be operated over a wide range of pressures from several Pascals to several thousand Pascals.
The biomechanics of torsional fractures: The effect of loading on ultimate properties

Abstract Mechanical properties of bone tissue have been studied to determine the viscoelastic behavioral characteristics. Whole bones, however, have not been examined to determine the effect of loading rate on ultimate properties. This paper presents results obtained from torsional tests of fresh dog tibiae and femora tested at both high and low loading rates. The data which is presented includes energy absorption required for failure, maximum torque, and maximum angular deformation before failure. A comparison of these properties is made between paired specimens tested at high rates of loading and at low rates of loading. The findings indicate increased energy absorption, increased maximum torque, and slightly increased angular deformation under rapid loads. In addition there is a strong suggestion of a different fracture pattern.
Nielsen thermal conductivity model for single filler carbon/polypropylene composites

In this study, three different carbon fillers (Thermocarb TC-300 synthetic graphite, Ketjenblack EC-600 JD carbon black, and Hyperion Catalysis International's FIBRIL™ carbon nanotubes) were added to a polypropylene matrix to produce single filler composites with filler concentrations of up to 80 wt % synthetic graphite (61.6 vol %), 15 wt % carbon black (8.1 vol %), and 15 wt % carbon nanotubes (7.4 vol %). The through-plane thermal conductivity for each formulation was measured. For the synthetic graphite, carbon black, and carbon nanotubes composites, the Nielsen model was applied to the experimental through-plane thermal conductivity data. The Nielsen Model presented in this work showed very good agreement with experimental data. The model parameters were similar to those used in the literature for these fillers in other polymers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Misdiagnosis, Treatments, and Outcomes in the Immunobullous Diseases in Children

: As a group, the immunobullous diseases are very uncommon in childhood. We analyzed all cases of immunobullous diseases in individuals under age 18 years which we had evaluated at the University of Colorado and examined their age of onset, diagnostic difficulties, treatments, and outcomes. This was considered to be a representative North American population within a single referral area which contained a diverse ethnic population mixture. Further, we believe this study to be uniquely uniform in that all the patients were examined by us using the same diagnostic strategy and the immunofluorescent (IF) diagnostic tests were performed by the same individual (J. C. Huff) using uniform diagnostic criteria and consistent IF techniques.
Influence of Coastal Processes on High Fecal Coliform Counts in the Mississippi Sound

Abstract Microbial source tracking efforts have historically focused on the input of fecal bacteria from sources such as storm drains, sewers, and runoff. Fecal coliform levels in the Mississippi Sound have been analyzed and compared with physical factors in an attempt to characterize possible nonpoint sources of pollution. Results from this study show that a primary factor in elevated levels of fecal coliform is a change in wind direction. The passage of warm and cold fronts through the northern Gulf of Mexico causes numerous 90°–180° shifts in wind directions over a period of 6–8 days. Commonly, a rise in fecal coliform counts is observed at coastal monitoring stations after an abrupt shift in wind direction and wind speed. When these trends of increased fecal coliform levels occur before rainfall, it is inferred that the sediment could be a source of the fecal coliform observed in the water column. The changes in wind direction and velocity might induce more energetic conditions at the shoreline (e.g.,...
Regulatory Bargaining and Public Law: The Scope of Regulatory Bargaining

This chapter outlines a regulatory bargaining account of regulated industries. The account analyzes the relationship between private stakeholders and governmental institutions in regulated industries through a bargaining lens. The account is introduced and contrasted to other approaches to regulation as contract. The chapter, which is the introduction to a book length treatment of the issue, REGULATORY BARGAINING AND PUBLIC LAW (Cambridge University Press 2005; 274 pp; ISBN 0521838924) surveys application of regulatory bargaining to a variety of issues facing electric utility and telecommunications firms, including consumer service obligations, consumer service obligations, constitutional takings jurisprudence, the filed rate doctrine, the dormant commerce clause, state action immunity from antitrust enforcement, and federalism disputes. The approach leads the author to advance suggestions to guide courts in the United States and elsewhere as they address the complex issues that will come before them in a deregulatory environment.
Where Have All the Good Doctors Gone? Testing Theories of Spatial Sorting of Typically Unobserved Human Capital

A growing literature suggests that spatial variation in real estate prices causes human capital per worker to vary across and within cities. Using California medical doctor data, two recent theories are tested. Across cities, the empirical results suggest a $100 increase in city-level median house price per square foot is associated with a 7.5 position rise in average medical school rank of internal medical specialists. Within cities, a $100 increase in local-level median house price per square foot is associated with a 20% increase in the probability a specialist graduated from a top medical school. Additional testing supports these findings.
Nonlinear dynamics induced anomalous Hall effect in topological insulators

We uncover an alternative mechanism for anomalous Hall effect. In particular, we investigate the magnetisation dynamics of an insulating ferromagnet (FM) deposited on the surface of a three-dimensional topological insulator (TI), subject to an external voltage. The spin-polarised current on the TI surface induces a spin-transfer torque on the magnetisation of the top FM while its dynamics can change the transmission probability of the surface electrons through the exchange coupling and hence the current. We find a host of nonlinear dynamical behaviors including multistability, chaos, and phase synchronisation. Strikingly, a dynamics mediated Hall-like current can arise, which exhibits a nontrivial dependence on the channel conductance. We develop a physical understanding of the mechanism that leads to the anomalous Hall effect. The nonlinear dynamical origin of the effect stipulates that a rich variety of final states exist, implying that the associated Hall current can be controlled to yield desirable behaviors. The phenomenon can find applications in Dirac-material based spintronics.
The health economic evaluation and clinical effect of Clostridium Butyricum powder in treatment of diarrhea in children with pneumonia

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of Clostridium butyricum powder in treatment of diarrhea in children with pneumonia,and explore its cost-effectiveness ratio and economic value from the perspective of health economics. Methods Children with pneumonia( n = 571) were randomly divided into prevention group( n = 286) and control group( n = 285). Both groups were given routine treatment with antibacterial. The prevention group was additionally given Clostridium butyricum powder at the same time with antibacterial,regardless of the occurrence of diarrhea,while the control group was only given Clostridium butyricum powder upon the occurrence of diarrhea until the symptom disappeared. The incidence,severity and duration of diarrhea,and length of stay in hospital were observed,and the direct / indirect costs and cost-effectiveness ratio were compared. Results The incidence of diarrhea,severity,duration of diarrhea and length of stay in the prevention group were significantly better than those in control group( P 0. 05). The direct / indirect costs and cost-effectiveness ratio of the prevention group was significantly better than those of control group. The average total cost of stay in hospital in the prevention group was reduced by 283. 68 RMB Yuan. Conclusion Clostridium butyricum powder is cost-effective for treatment of diarrhea in children with pneumonia.
Psychological Factors in Hypospadias Repair

AbstractChildren undergoing hypospadias repair and their parents have anxieties related not only to the operation but to future expectations. These anxieties are expressed by children through their drawings and by parents through interviews. They are enhanced by the fact that the hypospadias defect is only noticeable to the parents and child and is kept as secret information. Other defects, such as cleft palate, are obvious and cannot be hidden. The anxieties associated with hypospadias appear to be different when compared to those associated with more obvious deformities.
Der Geschäftsmodellkern als zentrales Instrument eines integrierten Ansatz zum Management des Spannungsfeldes Multinationaler Unternehmen bei der Geschäftsmodellentwicklung

Im Rahmen dieses Kapitels wird der Geschaftsmodellkern als Instrument zum Management des Spannungsfeldes von Multinationalen Unternehmen diskutiert. Im ersten Teil erfolgt die Herleitung eines tieferen Verstandnisses des Kernbegriffes. Hierzu werden Anwendungen des Kernbegriffes aus Domanen der Wirtschaftswissenschaft sowie Begriffsdefinitionen aus anderen Wissenschaften zur Ableitung von Bestandteilen und Charakteristiken von Kernen verwendet.
Lymphocytic leukemoid reaction of the blood associated with miliary tuberculosis.

Two cases of miliary tuberculosis that were diagnosed clinically as lymphocytic leukemia are presented. Both cases had evidence of chronic tuberculosis which was of 43 years’ duration in Case 1 and of 28 years’ duration in Case 2. Both patients had granulocytopenia and anemia. Autopsy findings revealed no evidence of leukemic infiltration, but a diffuse miliary tuberculosis, involving all of the hematopoietic tissues, existed in both Cases.
Gendered Perceptions and Reelection Incentives in the U.S. House of Representatives

ABSTRACTPrevious research has shown that the public systematically misperceives the ideology of female politicians. We posit that these misperceptions affect the ideal roll call ideology of female incumbents. Specifically, we contend that women receive greater benefits from more ideologically extreme roll call voting than comparable men. We test this theory by using data on the House of Representatives from 1972 to 2008. We find that even after accounting for district characteristics, female members are never penalized—at least in terms of facing a quality challenger—by ideological extremity. But extremity may increase male incumbents’ likelihood of facing such challengers.
Quantitative Analyses of Competing Photocurrent Generation Mechanisms in Fullerene-Based Organic Photovoltaics

The performance of fullerene-based organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs) with low donor concentrations is not limited by the trade-off between short-circuit current density (Jsc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc), unlike bulk heterojunction OPVs. While the high Voc in this novel type of OPVs has been studied, here we investigate the mechanisms that govern Jsc, which are not well understood. Three mechanisms, diffusion limited exciton relaxation, geminate recombination during exciton dissociation, and nongeminate recombination during charge transport, are studied analytically by combining various experimental techniques and transfer matrix simulation. We find that exciton dissociation at donor/acceptor interfaces is the dominant factor to produce high Jsc, and at low P3HT concentrations exciton relaxation limits photocurrent generation. With more P3HT inclusion, the creation of interfaces promotes exciton dissocation but also reduces fullerene crystallinity, weakening the driving force for charge separation, an...
Oregon earthquakes, 1841 through 1958

Earthquakes occurring in Oregon in the years 1841 through 1958 have been tabulated. A literature search included scientific publications, state newspapers, and a historical journal. During this period, approximately 167 earthquakes have been reported in the state of Oregon and approximately 73 at sea off the Oregon coast. The historical account of earthquakes between 1841 and 1900 is apparently incomplete, as evidence was found for only 30 earthquakes during that time. Earthquake reporting in the State was largely in terms of felt reports and was somewhat restricted to the more populated zones. For this reason, the actual number of small earthquakes that occurred in the State may be greater than that found by this search. It is estimated that this study includes at least 90 per cent of the earthquakes occurring in Oregon for which there is written record.
Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Old age is associated with increasing incidence, morbidity, and mortality from gastrointestinal bleeding. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding presents with hematemesis, melena, or large amount of blood on nasogastric tube lavage and results mainly from peptic ulcers, gastric or esophageal varices, and esophagitis. Diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, colon cancer, polyps, and angioectasias are the main causes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, which generally manifests as hematochezia. Initial evaluation of the patient with acute gastrointestinal bleeding should include history taking, physical examination with attention to signs of hypovolemia, performance of nasogastric tube lavage, and rectal examination. The history and physical can narrow the differential diagnosis, which can be confirmed and treated by endoscopy. On presentation, blood should be sent for a complete blood count, typing and crossmatching, basic chemistry, liver function tests, and coagulation studies. Resuscitative measures ought to be immediately undertaken during the patient’s assessment in the emergency department.
Ranked ordering sources and embedded modality

I present an ordering semantics for modality in which possible worlds are ordered by ordering sources augmented with a partial order structure. This extension of Kratzer’s (1991) ordering semantics allows propositions to contribute to the ideal defined by an ordering source with differing degrees of priority and allows this priority relation to vary with the world of evaluation. Although the * operator of Katz et al. (2012) also allows ordering sources to be combined with different degrees of priority, I show that it does not account for a variant of Goble’s (1996) Medicine Problem in which a modal is embedded under an attitude verb. I also extend the investigation by Katz et al. (2012) into the combinatorial structure of complex ordering sources by proposing a generalization of their * operator for partially ordered ordering sources.
Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of neighbourhood social environment and smoking behaviour: the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis.

Background Social features of neighbourhood environments may influence smoking by creating a stressful environment or by buffering stress through social cohesion. However, the association of the overall neighbourhood social environment (NSE) with smoking, and the association of specific neighbourhood social factors with change in smoking behaviour over time, has rarely been examined. Methods This study included 5856 adults aged 45–84 years from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (2000–2012, average follow-up: 7.8 years). Outcomes included current smoking status and smoking intensity (average number of cigarettes smoked per day among baseline smokers). NSE was assessed as a composite score composed of aesthetic quality, safety and social cohesion scales (derived from neighbourhood surveys). Generalised linear mixed models evaluated the association of baseline NSE (composite score and individual scales) with current smoking (modified Poisson models) and smoking intensity (negative binomial models) cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Results Each SD increase in baseline NSE composite score was associated with 13% lower prevalence of smoking at baseline (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 0.87 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.98). Neighbourhood safety and aesthetic quality were similarly associated with lower smoking prevalence (aPR 0.87 (0.78 to 0.97) and aPR 0.87 (0.77 to 0.99), respectively) but the association with social cohesion was weaker or null. No significant associations were observed for smoking intensity among baseline smokers. Baseline NSE was not associated with changes in smoking risk or intensity over time. Conclusions Results suggest that neighbourhood social context influences whether older adults smoke, but does not promote smoking cessation or reduction over time.
Plans for CiSE

Incoming EIC Jim X. Chen shares his views on what the magazine will cover under his tenure.
Colloidal Covalent Organic Frameworks.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are two- or three-dimensional (2D or 3D) polymer networks with designed topology and chemical functionality, permanent porosity, and high surface areas. These features are potentially useful for a broad range of applications, including catalysis, optoelectronics, and energy storage devices. But current COF syntheses offer poor control over the material’s morphology and final form, generally providing insoluble and unprocessable microcrystalline powder aggregates. COF polymerizations are often performed under conditions in which the monomers are only partially soluble in the reaction solvent, and this heterogeneity has hindered understanding of their polymerization or crystallization processes. Here we report homogeneous polymerization conditions for boronate ester-linked, 2D COFs that inhibit crystallite precipitation, resulting in stable colloidal suspensions of 2D COF nanoparticles. The hexagonal, layered structures of the colloids are confirmed by small-angle and wide...
Territorial designs and international politics: the diverging constitution of space and boundaries

ABSTRACTTerritorial designs and international politics: the diverging constitution of space and boundaries. Territory, Politics, Governance. The debate about the role and direction of territory and territoriality – especially with respect to the politically and socially constructed nature of territory – has been evident within political geography and political science, as well as in other disciplines, for some time. Interdisciplinary interaction over the study of territory, however, has so far been less than impressive. Aiming to enhance our understanding of the place of territory in international relations, broadly defined, and to bridge disciplinary divides, this paper introduces the concept of ‘territorial designs’. Territorial designs pertain to the delineation of the external boundaries, to the constitution of the society within these boundaries, and to the interaction between delineation and constitution. It is a process by which elites, in interaction with their own society and their external envir...
Vibration Control in Spacecraft

ABSTRACT This paper examines both passive and active vibration control for use in vibration suppression in spacecraft. Proposed spacecraft designs are very lightweight and hence extremely flexible when compared with earthbound structures. To further complicate matters, spacecraft are intended to function in a vacuum void of external viscous damping mechanisms. For these reasons, the vibration suppression problem for spacecraft presents new challenges to the vibration community. The unique problems of controlling the structural vibration in flexible spacecraft are examined and discussed in this paper.
Equation of state of Mo from shock compression experiments on preheated samples

We present a reanalysis of reported Hugoniot data for Mo, including both experiments shocked from ambient temperature (T) and those preheated to 1673 K, using the most general methods of least-squares fitting to constrain the Gruneisen model. This updated Mie-Gruneisen equation of state (EOS) is used to construct a family of maximum likelihood Hugoniots of Mo from initial temperatures of 298 to 2350 K and a parameterization valid over this range. We adopted a single linear function at each initial temperature over the entire range of particle velocities considered. Total uncertainties of all the EOS parameters and correlation coefficients for these uncertainties are given. The improved predictive capabilities of our EOS for Mo are confirmed by (1) better agreement between calculated bulk sound speeds and published measurements along the principal Hugoniot, (2) good agreement between our Gruneisen data and three reported high-pressure γ(V) functions obtained from shock-compression of porous samples, and (3) very good agreement between our 1 bar Gruneisen values and γ(T) at ambient pressure recalculated from reported experimental data on the adiabatic bulk modulus K_s(T). Our analysis shows that an EOS constructed from shock compression data allows a much more accurate prediction of γ(T) values at 1 bar than those based on static compression measurements or first-principles calculations. Published calibrations of the Mie-Gruneisen EOS for Mo using static compression measurements only do not reproduce even low-pressure asymptotic values of γ(T) at 1 bar, where the most accurate experimental data are available.
Combined Use of Drugs and Radiation in the Treatment of Liver Metastases

The liver presents a unique opportunity to study the potential benefits of drug and X-ray combinations in a complete organ system. The entire liver can be radiated without delivering an excessive dose to nearby organ systems since they are either less radiosensitive (gut) or can be screened or even partially sacrificed (kidney). On the other hand the liver itself is extremely radiosensitive and cannot tolerate the dose of radiation required to sterilize other than subclinical epithelial tumor burdens. This chapter is devoted to a survey of means by which radiation and drugs can be combined in order to overcome this severe limitation. Recently developed techniques which promise a more quantitative evaluation of drug X-ray interactions as they affect hepatocyte survival are also included.
Photosynthesis and Shoot Health of Five Birch and Four Alder Taxa After Drought and Flooding

Abstract Selection of under-used taxa of birches (Betula L.) and alders (Alnus Miller) for use in managed landscapes can be guided by information on their responses to moisture extremes in the root zone. Our objective was to compare the photosynthesis, leaf surface area, and subjective health ratings of eight relatively obscure birches and alders when treated with drought and flooding in a greenhouse. We also treated ‘Whitespire Sr.’ birch (Betula populifolia) to demonstrate responses of a cultivar common in the nursery trade. Plants used as controls were irrigated daily, whereas pots of flooded plants were immersed. All water was withheld from the drought-treated taxon that showed the least evapotranspiration each day, while amounts of water less than that lost to evapotranspiration each day were added to plants of the other taxa subjected to drought. After three cycles of drought that induced wilting and a reduction in photosynthetic rate, leaf surface area of A. hirsuta had decreased the least, 12%, am...
Brown rice compared to white rice slows gastric emptying in humans.

Consumption of whole vs. refined grain foods is recommended by nutrition or dietary guideline authorities of many countries, yet specific aspects of whole grains leading to health benefits are not well understood. Gastric emptying rate is an important consideration, as it is tied to nutrient delivery rate and influences glycemic response. Our objective was to explore two aspects of cooked rice related to gastric emptying, (1) whole grain brown vs. white rice and (2) potential effect of elevated levels of slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) from high-amylose rice. Ten healthy adult participants were recruited for a crossover design study involving acute feeding and testing of 6 rice samples (50 g available carbohydrate). Gastric emptying rate was measured using a 13C-labeled octanoic acid breath test. A rice variety (Cocodrie) with high-amylose content was temperature-cycled to increase SDS and RS fractions. In vitro starch digestibility results showed incremental increase in RS in Cocodrie after two temperature cycles. For low-amylose varieties, SDS was higher in the brown rice form. In human subjects, low-amylose and high-amylose brown rice delayed gastric emptying compared to white rices regardless of amylose content or temperature-cycling (p < 0.05). Whole grain brown rice had slower gastric emptying rate, which appears to be related to the physical presence of the bran layer. Extended gastric emptying of brown rice explains in part comparably low glycemic response observed for brown rice.
Abstract 18901: Metabolic Regulation of Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Systemic Insulin Sensitivity: A Role for PFKFB3 in Macrophage Polarization

Much evidence demonstrates that macrophages play a pivotal role in the development of overnutrition-associated metabolic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. Macrophage inflammatory status (polarization) is a key determinant of systemic insulin resistance, which is under the control of bi-directional regulation: macrophage proinflammatory activation and macrophage alternative activation (anti-inflammatory). It has been previously shown that PFKFB3, a gene that encodes for a key regulatory enzyme of glycolysis, is crucial for the control of systemic insulin sensitivity. In the present study, if and how PFKFB3 alters macrophage polarization in relation to adipose tissue inflammation and systemic insulin sensitivity were examined. Bone marrow cells were isolated from wild-type mice and PFKFB3-disrupted mice and differentiated into macrophages which were referred to as bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Compared with control cells, the phosphorylation of NF-kB p65 and JNK1/2 is in PFKFB3-disrupted BMDM. Additionally, the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, was increased in PFKFB3-disrupted BMDM under the stimulation of lipopolysaccharides (LPS, 100 ng/ml). Upon adoptive transfer of bone marrow cells to lethally irradiated wild-type mice, the recipients with PFKFB3-disrupted bone marrow cells displayed a decrease in systemic insulin sensitivity, which was accompanied by an increase in adipose tissue inflammatory responses. The later were evidenced by increases in adipose tissue macrophage infiltration, the phosphorylation of NF-kB p65, and mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Taken together, PFKFB3 is a metabolic regulator of macrophage polarization, which accounts for the effects of PFKFB3 on protecting against diet-induced adipose tissue inflammation and systemic insulin resistance.
Chapter 2 – Assessing science understanding through concept maps

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the importance of concept maps for effectively teaching science students. Students who learn meaningfully relate information from different sources in an attempt to integrate what they learn with the intention of imposing meaning. They form connections between new information and material that has been previously studied, and they think about the underlying structure of what is learned. Concept maps have been particularly helpful in representing qualitative aspects of students' learning. They may also be used by students as a study tool or by teachers to evaluate learning, enhance teaching, or facilitate curriculum planning. Concept mapping is a tool for representing the interrelationships among concepts in an integrated, hierarchical manner. Concept maps depict the structure of knowledge in propositional statements that dictate the relationships among the concepts in a map. Concept maps provide a useful approach for promoting and assessing meaningful learning by providing a tangible record of conceptual understanding. Not only are concept maps useful for determining whether, or to what extent, shared meaning has occurred, but they also portray the areas where it has not been achieved.
Guidance on Standardizing GPU Test Approaches

A standardized test method has been created to characterize and stress graphics processing units (GPU) during radiation effects testing.
Atherogenesis: Estrogen Induction of Polysialylated nCAM (PSA-nCAM) Blocks Monocyte Capture by Vascular Endothelial Cells

Atherosclerosis begins with the formation of subendothelial vascular atheromas. Atheroma formation requires the capture of monocytes by the vessel wall endothelial cells. To arrest passing leukocytes, the vascular endothelium deploys cell surface neural cell molecule (nCAM) to form polymers (tethers) with nCAM on the surface of passing monocytes. The arrested monocytes are then bound by cadherins, adhere to the endothelial surface, and migrate into the subendothelial stroma. They then undergo transformation to foam cells and are incorporated in atheroma plaque. The formation of nCAM polymers is dependent on electrostatic binding of extracellular domains of nCAM molecules. We consider the capture of monocytes to be a nexus in atherogenesis, in which the monocytes that are required to form plaque are furnished to the plaque-forming milieu of the vessels: no monocytes, no plaque. Sialylation of nCAM renders it unable to form nCAM polymers, breaking the chain at this vulnerable nexus between circulating leukocytes and endothelial binding/penetration.
Self-amputation of the Upper Extremity: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Indications for upper-extremity replantation include wrist-level and wrist-proximal amputations, due to the devastating loss of function incurred from these severe injuries. Decisions regarding replantation must be made expeditiously at these proximal levels in an effort to minimize ischemia time. This decision-making process becomes more complicated when a patient presents following intentional self-amputation of an extremity, especially in the setting of an associated mood disorder, psychiatric illness, and/or frank psychosis. A case report is presented involving a 28-year-old right-hand dominant male with untreated depression and recent suicidal ideation who sustained a complete left forearm amputation (distal-third forearm-level) from a self-inflicted circular saw injury. We conducted a PubMed literature search of other reported cases of intentional self-amputations of the hand and upper extremity. The patient underwent replantation of the left upper extremity. At six years postoperatively, the patient was extremely satisfied with the appearance and function of the replanted extremity. Dash score was 5.8 with a Chen Grade 1 (excellent) functional recovery. A literature search identified 16 cases of self-inflicted upper extremity amputation. One patient died at the scene. 87% (13/15) of patients presenting to the hospital were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder (depression n = 6, bipolar n = 2, and schizophrenia n = 5). 67% (10/15) of these patients were also diagnosed with psychosis. Ten patients underwent replantation (nine at hand/wrist level and one at forearm level), all of which were viable postoperatively. Detailed functional outcome data were not reported in any of the cases. Four patients (40%) were pleased or satisfied with the outcome, but subjective outcomes were not reported for the other six patients. Intentional self-amputation of the hand/upper extremity is an extreme and uncommon act, often presenting with complex psychiatric issues. Although replantation is technically feasible in this patient population, long-term subjective and objective functional outcomes are largely unknown. Future study of this unique group of patients is needed to better assess patient-reported outcomes and functional outcomes of replantation, which could help guide decision making at the time of initial injury.
Comparing Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter Methodologies

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is a combination of plant and animal decomposition byproducts and the optically active component of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in water. CDOM measurements have been a focus in the literature related to aqueous environments since the 1980s. Current CDOM analysis is conducted using spectrophotometers that are large, bulky, and expensive (most upwards of $50,000 USD). In this study, the accuracy of a more compact, less expensive (~ $5,500 USD) field spectrometer (StellarNet) was tested for accuracy against a traditional spectrophotometer (Photon Technologies International (PTI)). Thirty-six samples were collected from the Neponset River Salt Marsh in Boston, Massachusetts and analyzed on both instruments with the same set of standards for comparison. The correlation between measurements taken by the two instruments was strongly linear (R2 = 0.9278) and the two sets of data (StellarNet and PTI) were not statistically different (p-value > 0.05), indicating that the less expensive, smaller StellarNet spectrometer is reliable in addition to field appropriate. The StellarNet spectrometer requires additional analysis (compared to the PTI) to convert the output of the instrument (photons) to a concentration (QSU). Highly concentrated sample concentrations (3-fold dilutions required) were not as well-correlated between instruments (R2 = 0.5027). However, this dilution error can be attributed to the length of time (1 year) between sample analysis (i.e., freezing/thawing effects) and/or sampling errors between analysts on the different instruments.
Mexican Abjection: Lucha Reyes and the Politics of Suffering in La reina de la noche (1994)

This article explores questions of representation and reception of Arturo Ripstein’s biopic La reina de la noche/The Queen of the Night (1994), loosely based on the life of ranchera music performer Lucha Reyes. Reyes created the sound of ranchera singing as we understand it today. Her career is examined in light of the film’s mixed reception, notably the unfavorable reception in Mexico due to the irreverent treatment of this national icon. This divisive representation enables an analysis of how her non-conformist agency rubbed uneasily against dominant society. However, the focus on Reyes as a tragic and abject victim and her rendering as a queer icon register the multiple layers of ambiguity that made the film so problematic for audiences and critics.
HIV Protease Inhibitors

The protease inhibitors are used for the treatment of HIV infection. The agents available from this class include saquinavir, amprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and lopinavir. These drugs are used in combination with other anti-HIV drugs such as the nucleoside and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Their mechanism of action is inhibition of the human immunodeficiency virus protease, an enzyme necessary for viral maturation and replication. In the presence of protease inhibitors cells produce viral particles that are immature and non-infectious. Most HIV protease inhibitors display poor bioavailability. They are extensively metabolized by microsomal cytochrome P450 enzymes, mainly CYP3A4. Their effectiveness is influenced by administration of other agents that induce or inhibit these metabolizing enzymes. Side effects associated with the use of protease inhibitors include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, glucose intolerance, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Prolonged use of the protease inhibitors is associated with the redistribution of fat.