cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical management of infected abdominal wall mesh: an analysis using the American Hernia Society Quality Collaborative

Several management strategies exist for the treatment of infected abdominal mesh. Using the American Hernia Society Quality Collaborative, we examined management patterns and 30-day outcomes of infected mesh removal with concomitant incisional hernia repair. All patients undergoing incisional hernia repair with removal of infected mesh were identified. A complete repair (CR) was defined as fascial closure with mesh; a partial repair (PR) was defined as fascial closure without mesh or no fascial closure with mesh. A two-tailed p value less than or equal to 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 282 patients were identified: 136 patients in CR group and 146 patients in PR group. Patients had similar comorbidities but differed in wound class (class IV: 55% CR vs 83% SR, p < 0.001) and incidence of associated concomitant colorectal procedures (5% CR vs 18% SR, p = 0.015). Sublay placement was used primarily in CR (94%) compared to PR (52% inlay, 48% sublay). When comparing CR to PR, length of stay (median 6, p = 0.69), complications (40% vs 44%, p = 0.44), surgical site infections (16% vs 21%, p = 0.27), surgical site occurrence (30% vs 35%, p = 0.45), and readmission within 30 days (9% vs. 13%) were not statistically different. Analysis of data from a multicenter hernia registry comparing CR and PR during infected mesh removal and concurrent incisional hernia repair has not identified higher rates of short-term complications between groups in the presence of infection.
Establishing the Biofidelity of a Multiphysics Finite Element Model of the Human Heart

Accelerating development of new therapeutic cardiac devices remains a clinical and technical priority. High-performance computing and the emergence of functional and complex in silico models of human anatomy can be an engine to accelerate the commercialization of innovative, safe, and effective devices. An existing three-dimensional, nonlinear model of a human heart with flow boundary conditions was evaluated. Its muscular tissues were exercised using electrophysiological boundary conditions, creating a dynamic, electro-mechanical simulation of the kinetics of the human heart. Anatomic metrics were selected to characterize the functional biofidelity of the model based on their significance to the design of cardiac devices. The model output was queried through the cardiac cycle and compared to in vivo literature values. For the kinematics of mitral and aortic valves and curvature of coronary vessels, the model’s performance was at or above the 95th percentile range of the in vivo data from large patient cohorts. One exception was the kinematics of the tricuspid valve. The model’s mechanical use environment would subject devices to generally conservative use conditions. This conservative simulated use environment for heart-based medical devices, and its judicious application in the evaluation of medical devices is justified, but careful interpretation of the results is encouraged.
From Poincaré inequalities to nonlinear matrix concentration

This paper deduces exponential matrix concentration from a Poincare inequality via a short, conceptual argument. Among other examples, this theory applies to matrix-valued functions of a uniformly log-concave random vector. The proof relies on the subadditivity of Poincare inequalities and a chain rule inequality for the trace of the matrix Dirichlet form. It also uses a symmetrization technique to avoid difficulties associated with a direct extension of the classic scalar argument.
Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) Due to Cerebral Lipiodol Embolization (CLE) from Diagnostic Lymphangiography (1747)

Objective: This case report attempts to better understand the impact of AIS from CLE as a complication of lymphangiographic procedures. An evaluation of the possible mechanisms, role of diagnostic studies, management, and overall clinical outcomes was made. Background: Diagnostic lymphangiography is a widely used study to assess for lymphatic duct leaks. CLE is a rare complication of lymphangiographic procedures and can lead to AIS. Although CLE can lead to poor clinical outcomes, the exact mechanisms for AIS caused by CLE remains unclear. Design/Methods: A case summary was presented of a 58 year-old woman with HIV and no history of malignancy presenting with AIS due to CLE following a diagnostic lymphangiogram. A literature review of CLE following lymphangiogram procedures was performed. Results: Not Applicable Discussion: Possible mechanisms of CLE may include direct cytotoxicity or cerebral vasculature occlusion. AIS following CLE may also be due to small vessel pathology. Multiple different imaging modalities may be warranted to fully assess the extent of brain injury from AIS due to CLE. Management for AIS from CLE is unclear and currently remains on supportive care based on an individual case by case basis. Conclusions: CLE following lymphangiography can lead to AIS and cause significant neurological impairment. AIS from CLE may have its own specific mechanism for brain injury compared to other etiologies of AIS. Further evaluation of the role of diagnostic studies, interventions, and overall outcomes should be made for patients suffering from AIS as a result of CLE. Disclosure: Dr. Jang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kim-Tenser has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Portola Pharmaceuticals and Chiesi USA.
Learning and Mathematics

Our formal models of learning seem to overestimate how hard it is to learn some kinds of things, including grammars. One possible reason for this is that our models generally do not represent learning a concept as an incremental addition to a rich collection of related concepts. This raises the question of how to make a good model of a “rich collection of related concepts.” Rather than start by trying to make a general model, or adapting existing formalisms (e.g., logical theories) for the purpose, I have undertaken an extended look at a particular domain, namely mathematics. Mathematics certainly qualifies as a rich collection of related concepts, and has the advantage of thousands of years of effort devoted to improving its representations and clarifying its interconnections. This talk will present some of the issues I have encountered, and will probably consist of more questions than answers.
Human galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase. Purification, antibody production, and comparison of the wild type, Duarte variant, and galactosemic gene products.

Abstract Human galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase was purified approximately 1000-fold from post-mortem liver and from erythrocytes. Studies of pH optimum, Km values for UDP-glucose and galactose 1-phosphate, and the effect of dithiothreitol on enzyme activity gave results that do not differ significantly from those obtained with crude enzyme preparations. Molecular weight determinations by Sephadex G-200 gel filtration showed that the enzyme from individuals homozygous for the wild type, Duarte variant, and galactosemic alleles each have the same molecular size in the range of 90,000. Enzyme purified to homogeneity from the erythrocytes of wild type individuals and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis revealed a single molecular species of about 30,000 suggesting that the functional enzyme may have a trimeric structure. Rabbit antibody to the human enzyme was produced by immunization with transferase purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from liver. Liver and erythrocyte samples tested against the antibody by double immunodiffusion with the Ouchterlony technique gave precipitins of complete identity. Hemoglobin-free erythrocyte extracts from wild type, Duarte variant, and galactosemic individuals gave precipitin bands of complete identity against the antibody. The same antiserum used for double immunodiffusion experiments was found to precipitate quantitatively transferase activity from solution. The antitransferase precipitation curves for equal amounts of liver and erythrocyte transferase activity were similar. Duarte variant erythrocyte transferase, however, required twice as much antiserum for complete precipitation when compared with the wild type enzyme. Since Duarte variant erythrocytes contain half of the transferase activity found in the wild type, this finding suggests that the Duarte molecule is catalytically less efficient than the wild type. Galactosemic erythrocytes were found to contain an antigen that quantitatively absorbs the same antibody that precipitates the wild type enzyme. These observations support the hypothesis that the three alleles at the transferase locus in man code for immunologically identical proteins of similar molecular size. From this it may be concluded that the less active Duarte variant and catalytically inactive galactosemic proteins are the consequence of small structural gene mutations.
Domains of the growth hormone receptor required for association and activation of JAK2 tyrosine kinase

Growth hormone (GH) has recently been shown to activate the GH receptor (GHR)-associated tyrosine kinase JAK2. In the present study, regions of the GHR required for JAK2 association with GHR were identified. GH-dependent JAK2 association with GHR was detected in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing wild-type GHR (GHR1-638) or GHR truncated at amino acid 454 (GHR1-454) or 380 (GHR1-380). JAK2 did not associate with GHR in cells expressing GHR truncated at amino acid 294 (GHR1-294) or when amino acids 297-311 containing a proline-rich motif were deleted (GHR delta P) or prolines 300, 301, 303, and 305 in the proline-rich motif were mutated to alanines (GHR4P-->A). Cross-linking 125I-human GH to GHR demonstrated that GHR mutants migrated with the appropriate molecular weight, with the exception of GHR4P-->A which migrated as a protein similar in size to GHR1-294. In studies performed in CHO and RIN-5AH cells, the ability of JAK2 to associate with the mutated GHR was found to correlate with GH-dependent activation of JAK2, tyrosyl phosphorylation of GHR (in the case of GHR1-638 and GHR1-454), and the ability of the GHR to copurify with tyrosine kinase activity. In CHO cells expressing mutated GHR, GH-dependent tyrosyl phosphorylation of cellular proteins (p121, p97, p42, and p39) was dependent on the ability to activate JAK2. No proteins showed increased tyrosyl phosphorylation in CHO cells expressing GHR1-294, GHR4P-->A, or GHR delta P. Deletion of the C-terminal half (amino acids 455-638) of the GHR ablated GH-dependent tyrosyl phosphorylation of p97. Taken together, these results provide strong evidence that the N-terminal quarter of the cytoplasmic domain of GHR and within this region, the proline-rich motif, is required for association of JAK2 with GHR and GH-dependent activation of JAK2, and that tyrosines in the N-terminal half of the cytoplasmic domain of the GHR are phosphorylated by JAK2. The finding that a specific interaction with the C-terminal half of GHR appears to be necessary for p97 phosphorylation indicates that while JAK2 activation may be necessary for a full biological response to GH, it appears not to be sufficient.
Marketing Generosity: Avon's Women's Health Programs and New Trends in Global Community Relations

As corporate operations are increasingly internationalized and as goods are sold in a growing number of locations, companies become responsible to new and diverse communities. This essay identifies the emergence of some new strategies of global strategic community relations among US-based multinationals through a case study of Avon Products Inc. It argues that new approaches have emerged from an increased recognition among corporate executives of the need to forge ethical relations with their various constituents, in conjunction with management pressure to make community relations programs an integral component of corporate business strategy. Through a historical, contextual analysis of the Avon World Wide Fund for Women's Health and the Avon Running Global Women's Circuit - an international series of women-only 10K runs and 5K walks - the essay explores the particular valence of offering opportunities for women to participate in sport as a form of global strategic community relations. Further, it seeks to identify the ethical and political commitments enabled and constrained by such programs.
A snapshot of circulation failure following acute traumatic injury: The expansion of computed tomography beyond injury diagnosis.

Abstract Objective CT scans with a flat Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) suggest hypovolemia, and the presence of shock bowel implies hypoperfusion. The purpose of this study is to correlate injury severity, resuscitation needs, and clinical outcomes with CT indices of hypovolemia and hypoperfusion. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Level II trauma centre in Central California. Patients Adult patients imaged with abdominal and pelvic CT scans, from January 2010–January 2011. Interventions None. Measurements and main results Circulatory derangements on CT scans were defined as an IVC (AP) diameter measurement of Results Overall ISS was 19 (SD) 14. The lowest ISS was in NCT 14 (SD) 10 and there was an incremental increase in ISS based on circulatory derangements, p = 0.001. ICU admission was lowest in NCT and highest in the presence of hyovolemia and hypoperfusion, p = 0.03. Similarly ED crystalloid requirements and the activation of a massive transfusion protocol (MTP), was lowest in NCT group and gradually increased significantly as hypovolemia and hypoperfusion was demonstrated on CT scans. Additional parameters such as metabolic acidosis, nosocomial infections and mortality were associated with acute CT findings of circulatory failure. Conclusions Hypovolemia and hypoperfusion, markers of abnormal circulation, were demonstrated on CT scans for trauma evaluation. The presence of these findings alone or in combination showed strong correlation with high injury severity, and the need for aggressive resuscitation.
Antiproliferative activity of shark cartilage with and without tumor necrosis factor-α in human umbilical vein endothelium

We evaluated the antiangiogenic activity of shark cartilage, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and a combination of the two using a human umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation assay. Proliferation of endothelium is a hallmark of angiogenesis, and inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation indicates potential antiangiogenic activity. Shark cartilage produced a concentration-dependent decline in endothelial cell 3H-thymidine incorporation. This activity was heat stable and was found in molecular weight fractions of less than 10 kd. The antiproliferative effect of shark cartilage was specific for vascular endothelium and did not affect the proliferative rate of human astrocytoma cells or human skin fibroblasts. Shark cartilage at a concentration of 500 mu g/ml and TNF-alpha at a concentration of 10 ng/ml reduced endothelial cell proliferation by 32% and 29%, respectively. Treatment of endothelial cells with the combination of shark cartilage and TNF-alpha resulted in a 44% reduction in endothelial cell proliferation. The isolation and identification of the active components of shark cartilage is continuing.
The Alleys and Back Buildings of Galveston: An Architectural and Social History

The Alleys and Back Buildings of Galveston: An Architectural and Social History. Ellen Beasley. Houston, TX: Rice University Press, 1996. ix. 170 pp., photographs, tables, appendixes, notes, Illustration credits, Index.
Lexical verb diversity in children with Down syndrome

The language transcripts of seven children with Down syndrome and seven typically developing children matched for comparable MLU levels were compared for several measures of lexical diversity. These measures were percentage of utterances containing lexical verbs, number of verb tokens produced, a mean number of verbs per utterance (MVU), number of verb types used, and number of mental state verbs used. The results of this study indicated that the children with Down syndrome produced lexical verbs as frequently as their normally developing counterparts. In contrast, the children with Down syndrome were found to produce a larger variety of lexical verbs. An examination of a subset of verbs indicated that both groups of children produced an equal number of mental state verbs. These results support previous findings that when compared to syntactic development, children with Down syndrome show a relative area of strength in expressive vocabulary.
Reflection and forcing in E-recursion theory

Abstract E-recursive enumerability is compared via forcing to Σ1 definability. It is shown that for every countable E-closed ordinal κ there is a set of reals, X, so that Lκ[X] is the least E-closed structure over X.
Centration and fixation of silicone intraocular lenses: clinicopathological findings in human autopsy eyes.

Abstract Abstract Purpose: To analyze centration and fixation of three-piece and one-piece silicone intraocular lenses (IOLs) in human autopsy eyes. Setting: Center for Intraocular Lens Research, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston. Methods: Thirty eyes among those submitted to the center between 1986 and 1994 were evaluated. The globes were sectioned at the equatorial plane and photographed from a posterior view. Gross examination was performed to determine IOL type, fixation, centration, and additional pathology. The results were compared with those of a control group of autopsy eyes implanted with one-piece and three-piece poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) IOLs. The control group matched the silicone group in patient age, fixation site, and duration of implantation. Results: Twenty-three eyes (79.3%) had three-piece silicone IOLs and 7 eyes (20.7%), one-piece plate IOLs. Average patient age in the three-piece group was 77.3 years ± 6.7 (SD) and in the one-piece group, 74.3 ± 3.8 years. The 30 IOLs were symmetrically fixated in the bag. Average decentration of the three-piece and one-piece IOLs did not differ significantly, 0.37 ± 0.31 mm and 0.26 ± 0.13 mm, respectively ( P = .37). There was also no significant difference in decentration between the silicone groups and the PMMA groups ( P = .93). Conclusion: Centration and fixation of silicone IOLs were equivalent to those of standard PMMA IOLs.
Miniature differential mobility spectrometry using atmospheric pressure photoionization.

Positive and negative ion spectra have been obtained with a miniature differential mobility spectrometer equipped with a photoionization source operating at atmospheric pressure. With benzene as a dopant, providing C6H6+ as reactant ion, protonated molecular ions and proton-bound dimer ions were obtained with dimethyl methylphosphonate and butanone. The spectra obtained from gas chromatographic injections of aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, toluene, and the xylenes, produced the molecular ions when the moisture level was very low, but at a high level the hydrated proton was also present. Possible mechanisms for the formation of protonated products are discussed. Negative ions were produced from electron capture by sulfur hexafluoride using benzene or acetone as dopant. Photoionization of nitrogen dioxide led to the formation of the nitrate ion whose yield was a nonlinear function of concentration. The use of a suitable dopant enhanced ion formation by up to 2 orders of magnitude, and limits of detection in...
Seymour Benzer (1921-2007).

Sources for this article, unless otherwise cited, are personal conversations with S. Benzer and with various former members of his lab. I thank Jeff Hall, Chun-Fang Wu and Jim Haber for additional comments. R.J.G. is the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Fellow in Experimental Neurobiology at The Neurosciences Institute, which is supported by the Neurosciences Research Foundation.
Simon Baruch: Rebel in the Ranks of Medicine, 1840-1921

This biography recounts the remarkable life of a Prussian/Polish Jew who immigrated to the United States as a teenager in the 1850s and became one of the nation's best-known physicians by the turn of the century. Ward reconstructs the life of a medical student in the South at the opening of the Civil War, the adventures of a Confederate surgeon, and the difficulties of a practitioner in Reconstruction South Carolina. Simon Baruch's physician's registers and his correspondence with colleagues afford the reader an immediate sense of the therapeutic dilemmas facing physicians and patients of his era. Baruch's experiences while establishing himself in New York City after 1881 reflect the challenges facing those trying to break into what was then the nation's medical capital - as well as that city's rich opportunities and heady intellectual atmosphere. His energetic campaign for free public baths illustrates one of the most colorful chapters of American social history, as immigrants flooded our cities at the turn of the century. As medical editor of the New York Sun from 1912 to 1918, Baruch touched on most of the health concerns of that period and a few - such as handgun control - that persist to this day.
Data management systems on GPUs: promises and challenges

The past decade has witnessed the popularity of push-based data management systems, in which the query executor passively receives data from either remote data sources (e.g., sensors) or I/O processes that scan database tables/files from local storage. Unlike traditional relational database management system (RDBMS) architectures that are mostly I/O-bound, push-based database systems often become heavily computation-bound since the data arrival rate could be very high. In this paper, we argue that modern multi-core hardware, especially Graphics Processing Units (GPU), provide the most cost-effective computing platform to catch up with the large amount of data streamed into a push-based database system. Based on that, we will open discussions on how to design and implement a query processing engine for such systems that run on GPUs.
Age-related differences in medial temporal lobe involvement during conceptual fluency

Abstract Not all memory processes are equally affected by aging. A widely accepted hypothesis is that older adults rely more on familiarity-based processing, typically linked with the perirhinal cortex (PRC), in the context of impaired recollection, linked with the hippocampus (HC). However, according to the dedifferentiation hypothesis , healthy aging reduces the specialization of MTL memory subregions so that they may mediate different memory processes than in young adults. Using fMRI, we tested this possibility using a conceptual fluency manipulation known to induce familiarity-related PRC activity. The study yielded two main findings. First, although fluency equivalently affected PRC in both young (18–28; N =14) and older (62–80; N =15) adults, it also uniquely affected HC activity in older adults. Second, the fluency manipulation reduced functional connectivity between HC and PRC in young adults, but it increased it in older adults. Taken together, the results suggest that aging may result in reduced specialization of the HC for recollection, such that the HC may be recruited when fluency increases familiarity-based responding. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Memory & Aging .
Dissociation of Antimicrobial and Hemolytic Activities of Gramicidin S through N‐Methylation Modification

β-Sheet antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are well recognized as promising candidates for the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. To dissociate antimicrobial activity and hemolytic effect of β-sheet AMPs, we hypothesize that N-methylation of the intramolecular hydrogen bond(s)-forming amides could improve their specificities for microbial cells over human erythrocytes. We utilized a model β-sheet antimicrobial peptide, gramicidin S (GS), to study the N-methylation effects on the antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. We synthesized twelve N-methylated GS analogues by replacement of residues at the β-strand and β-turn regions with N-methyl amino acids, and tested their antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. Our experiments showed that the HC50 values increased fivefold compared with that of GS, when the internal hydrogen-bonded leucine residue was methylated. Neither hemolytic effect nor antimicrobial activity changed when proline alone was replaced with N-methylalanine in the β-turn region. However, analogues containing N-methylleucine at β-strand and N-methylalanine at β-turn regions exhibited a fourfold increase in selectivity index compared to GS. We also examined the conformation of these N-methylated GS analogues using (1)H NMR and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy in aqueous solution, and visualized the backbone structures and residue orientations using molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that N-methylation of the internal hydrogen bond-forming amide affected the conformation, backbone shape, and side chain orientation of GS.
Ultraviolet light (254 nm) inactivation of pathogens on foods and stainless steel surfaces.

ABSTRACT Ultraviolet Light (254 nm) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved nonthermal intervention technology that can be used for decontamination of food surfaces. In this study, the use of ultraviolet light (UV-C) at doses of 0.5–4.0 J/cm2 to inactivate a cocktail of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus that were surface-inoculated on frankfurters, bratwurst, shell eggs, chicken drumsticks, boneless skinless chicken breasts, boneless pork chops, tomatoes and jalapeno peppers was investigated. The pathogens displayed similar sensitivities to UV-C on individual food products. Pathogen reductions ranged from approximately 0.5 log/g on raw meat and poultry to almost 4 log/g on tomatoes, while the pathogens were not recovered from stainless steel at a UV-C dose of 0.4 J/cm2. Use of UV-C light should be given serious consideration as a technology for routine surface decontamination of food contact surfaces and appropriate food products. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Ultraviolet light (UV-C) is an U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved intervention technology that can be used to inactivate pathogenic bacteria in liquid foods and water, food contact surfaces, and food surfaces. This work indicates than UV-C would be an effective technology for inactivation of foodborne pathogens on the surfaces of frankfurters and sausages immediately prior to packaging, shell eggs immediately prior to cracking in the production of liquid egg products, and smooth skinned produce such as tomatoes and jalapeno peppers prior to further processing. This work provides pathogen inactivation kinetics for food processors and government regulatory agencies.
Ehrlichiosis infection in a 5-year-old boy with neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hepatosplenomegaly.

Ehrlichiosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient with recent fever, pancytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, and history of tick exposure. We present a previously healthy 5-year-old boy who was referred to the Hematology-Oncology Clinic to consider a bone marrow etiologic process after his pediatrician discovered progressive neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hepatosplenomegaly accompanied by 2 days of fever. Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy were nonrevealing. Because of the history of a recent tick bite, a diagnosis of ehrlichiosis infection was considered and ultimately confirmed by IgG-specific serum testing, The patient's fever was treated symptomatically with acetaminophen, and symptoms resolved on their own without intervention. Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne infection that occurs throughout the spring and summer, often causing findings that mimic a malignancy or serious hematologic disorder. The diagnosis should be considered in any person living in tick-infested areas and can be confirmed by polymerase chain reaction or serum antibody titers. Treatment with doxycycline can lead to rapid clinical improvement if the diagnosis is made early.
Validating Whole-Slide Imaging for Consultation Diagnoses in Surgical Pathology

Context.— The interpretation of scanned whole-slide images (WSI) offers some theoretical advantages for long-distance, consultative diagnosis in surgical pathology. Few WSI validation studies have focused on difficult consultation cases. Objective.— To test intraobserver variability of WSI interpretations in cases that had been submitted for consultation using the same hardware and software configuration selected by a client. Design.— The 217 cases (approximately 20 nearly consecutive cases received in consultation for each of 11 subspecialty groups) were scanned, uploaded to an image-distribution application, and interpreted by 26 pathologists who had reviewed the microscope slides an average of 47 days earlier. Independent pathologists identified and classified discrepancies between microscope slide and WSI diagnoses. Results.— There were 2 major discrepancies (0.92%) and 8 minor discrepancies (3.7%). One major discrepancy reflected atypical versus nonatypical endometrial hyperplasia; the other related ...
The hydrolysis products of diphosphorus tetrachloride and diphosphorus tetraiodide

Abstract Anion exchange chromatography has been used to determine the hydrolysis products of diphosphorus tetrachloride and diphosphorus tetraiodide in both acidic and basic solutions.
Wave propagation aspects of the generalized theory of heat conduction

It is well known that the classical theory of heat conduction, which is based upon Fourier's law, leads to infinite propagation speeds for thermal disturbances. In a recent investigation [1], Gurtin and Pipkin devised a theory appropriate to rigid heat conductors with memory, and put forth evidence that their theory gives rise in general to finite wave speeds. The present paper is concerned with the linearized version of the theory presented in [1], in the form it assumes for isotropic conductors. We arrive at conditions upon the material response functions that ensure the finiteness of the wave speeds. In addition, we establish uniqueness of solutions for a class of history-value problems suggested by the linearized theory.
Numerical solution of the Burgers’ equation by automatic differentiation

Abstract We compute the solution of the one-dimensional Burgers’ equation by marching the solution in time using a Taylor series expansion. Our approach does not require symbolic manipulation and does not involve the solution of a system of linear or non-linear algebraic equations. Instead, we use recursive formulas obtained from the differential equation to calculate exact values of the derivatives needed in the Taylor series. We illustrate the effectiveness of our method by solving four test problems with known exact solutions. The numerical solutions we obtain are in excellent agreement with the exact solutions, while being superior to other previously reported numerical solutions.
Maclaurin Series Truncation Errors as Related to the Treatment of Fluorescence vs Concentration Data

The Maclaurin series remainder term is used to evaluate the linear approximation of e−x which relates concentration and fluorescence. The error associated with linear and higher order approximations is also treated. A method is described for calculating the error in the linear approximation given the sample concentration and molar absorptivity. The same approach is applicable to the calculation of the maximum concentration consistent with a prespecified error in the linear approximation.
Oppression and resiliency in a post-apartheid South Africa: unheard voices of Black gay men and lesbians

Guided by photovoice, a form of participatory action research that uses documentary photography and storytelling, this study examines how Black gay men and lesbians view themselves in relation to White gay men and lesbians in South Africa. Participants were from 4 South African townships and included 4 women, and 3 men. Participants discussed interracial dating, a lack of education, and information regarding differing sexualities and health care. They reported being sexually and physically assaulted for challenging the heterosexual status quo. Other themes that emerged from this study were classism, cultural traditions of visiting African healers, and segregated social spaces. Amidst oppression and despair, participants showed signs of strength, hope, and optimism.
High temperature ohmic contacts to 3C–silicon carbide films

Abstract Currently, large-area 3C–SiC films are available from a number of sources and it is imperative that stable high temperature contacts be developed for high power devices on these films. By comparing the existing data in the literature, we demonstrate that the contact behavior on each of the different polytypes of SiC will vary significantly. In particular, we demonstrate this for 6H–SiC and 3C–SiC. The interface slope parameter, S, which is a measure of the Fermi-level pinning in each system varies between 0.4–0.5 on 6H–SiC, while it is 0.6 on 3C–SiC. This implies that the barrier heights of contacts to 3C–SiC will vary more significantly with the choice of metal than for 6H–SiC. Aluminum, nickel and tungsten were deposited on 3C–SiC films and their specific contact resistance measured using the circular TLM method. High temperature measurements (up to 400°C) were performed to determine the behavior of these contacts at operational temperatures. Aluminum was used primarily as a baseline for comparison since it melts at 660°C and cannot be used for very high temperature contacts. The specific contact resistance (ρc) for nickel at room temperature was 5×10−4 Ω cm2, but increased with temperature to a value of 1.5×10−3 Ω cm2 at 400°C. Tungsten had a higher room temperature ρc of 2×10−3 Ω cm2, which remained relatively constant with increasing temperature up to 400°C. This is related to the fact that there is hardly any reaction between tungsten and silicon carbide even up to 900°C, whereas nickel almost completely reacts with SiC by that temperature. Contact resistance measurements were also performed on samples that were annealed at 500°C.
Coaching education: staff development strategies for the adult learner

This paper discusses the key theoretical concepts related to staff development strategies for the experienced adult learner. These concepts would include adult learning and transformative learning theories. The focus of this article is on coaching education, but it should be noted that the key concepts discussed are transferable to any staff development strategy where adult education is needed. Furthermore, specific practical strategies are outlined and discussed for the facilitating and conducting of a workshop for adult learners.
Liberals versus conservatives: Personality, child-rearing attitudes, and birth order/sex differences

Fifty adults who had made monetary contributions to political campaigns were interviewed to determine differences between liberals and conservatives in terms of personality, child-rearing attitudes, and birth order/sex variables. Study 1 found liberals to favor nonrestrictive controls both on self and on children, while conservatives tended to favor the opposite. Women were more likely than men to be liberals, and all first-born females were liberals. In Study 2, the sample as a whole was high in self-esteem and autonomy, and there were no significant differences between liberals and conservatives. Although saying that liberals are Democrats and conservatives are Republicans is accurate to some extent, it misses the fact that many do not identify with either party but consider themselves to be independents.
Distributed routing schemes for ad hoc networks using d-SPR sets

Abstract In this paper, we propose several new distributed algorithms for producing sets of nodes that can be used to form backbones of an ad hoc wireless network. Our focus is on producing small sets that are d -hop connected and d -dominating and have a desirable ‘ d -shortest path property’ which we call d -SPR sets. These algorithms produce sets that are considerably smaller than those produced by an algorithm previously introduced by the authors. Our proposed algorithms, except the greedy ones, have constant time complexity in the restricted sense that the time required is unaffected by the size of the network, assuming however that the node degrees are bounded by a constant. The performance of the new algorithms are compared, and also compared with the authors' earlier algorithm, and with an adaptation of an algorithm of Wu and Li.
Markers of Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Prediabetes in US Adults

Background. Prediabetes is a preclinical stage in the hyperglycemia continuum where subjects are at increased risk of developing diabetes. Several studies reported a positive association between markers of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and diabetes. However, few studies investigated the relationship between SDB markers and prediabetes. Methods. We examined 5,685 participants ≥20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2008. The exposure of interest was SDB markers including sleep duration, snoring, snorting, and daytime sleepiness. The outcome was prediabetes (n = 2058), among subjects free of diabetes. Results. SDB markers were associated with prediabetes. Compared to those without any sleep disturbance, the multivariable odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) of prediabetes among those with three or more SDB markers was 1.69 (1.28–2.22). In subgroup analyses, the association between SDB markers and prediabetes was stronger among women (OR (95% CI) = 2.09 (1.36–3.23) when compared to men (1.52 (1.00–2.35)) and was present among non-Hispanic whites (2.66 (1.92–3.69)) and Mexican Americans (1.99 (1.13–3.48)), but not among non-Hispanic blacks (1.10 (0.70–1.73)). Conclusion. SDB markers were associated with prediabetes. This association was stronger in women and was present mainly in non-Hispanic whites and Mexican Americans.
Agonistic and mating behavior of adult chickens modified by social and physical environments

Abstract Agonistic and mating behavior in 48 flocks of adult White Leghorn chickens was observed for 8 weeks. A factorial experimental design allowed evaluation of behavior as affected by genetic strains, presence or absence of males, age groups (initial ages of 32 or 48 weeks), and less crowded floor pens compared with crowded wire-floored cage environments. Each flock consisted of ten females; each of 24 flocks also had two males. The following results were found. Agonistic activity among females was 70% higher in flocks without males than in those with males. Females in crowded cage environments had 30–50% fewer agonistic acts than did those in less crowded floor pens. For males, both genetic strains and housing environments affected frequency of agonistic activity. Males in floor pens had nearly four times more agonistic acts than did those in cages. Also, courting by males and avoidance of male sexual advances by females were more frequent in the less crowded floor pens. Sexual receptivity of females and mounting and mating by males were about twice as frequent in flocks of the younger chickens as in those of older chickens. Matings were more frequent in late afternoon (80%) than during early morning hours (20%).
Combinatorial synthesis of solid state electronic materials for renewable energy applications

We report on the development of new combinatorial capabilities for both the synthesis of new solid state opto-electronic materials and optimization of existing materials for renewable energy applications especially photovoltaic devices. Some of the important materials for these renewable energy applications include semiconductors (such as for absorber layers), transparent conductors, energy storage materials and more. In this paper, we focus on the application of a combinatorial approach to two specific material areas, transparent conducting oxides and thin film Si. In the former case, libraries are generated by sputtering and in the latter by the hot-wire chemical vapor deposition. The application of a combinatorial approach to these materials areas can greatly accelerate the rate of discovery and optimization of new materials and the optimization of devices. We report on the development of tools for the production and characterization of libraries and on initial important results in both of these areas.
Computational Studies of Tryptophanyl-tRNA Synthetase: Activation of ATP by Induced-Fit

Abstract Catalysis of amino acid activation by Bacillus stearothermophilus tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase involves three allosteric states: (1) Open; (2) closed pre-transition state (PreTS); and (3) closed products (Product). The interconversions of these states entail significant domain motions driven by ligand binding. We explore the application of molecular dynamics simulations to investigate ligand-linked conformational stability changes associated with this catalytic cycle. Multiple molecular dynamics trajectories (5 ns) for 11 distinct liganded and unliganded monomer configurations show that the PreTS conformation is unstable in the absence of ATP, reverting within ∼600 ps nearly to the Open conformation. In contrast, Open and Product state trajectories were stable, even without ligands, confirming the previous suggestion that catalysis entails destabilization of the protein conformation, driven by ATP-binding energies developed as the PreTS state assembles during induced-fit. The simulations suggest novel mechanistic details associated with both induced-fit (Open-PreTS) and catalysis (PreTS-Product). Notably, Mg2+–ATP interactions are coupled to interactions between ATP and active-site lysine side-chains via mechanisms that cannot be captured under the molecular mechanics approximations, and which therefore require restraining potentials for stable simulation. Simulations of Mg2+·ATP-bound PreTS complexes with restraining potentials and with a virtual K111A mutant confirm that these coupling interactions are necessary to sustain the PreTS conformation and, in turn, provide a new model for how the PreTS conformation activates ATP for catalysis. These results emphasize the central role of the PreTS state as a high-energy intermediate structure along the catalytic pathway and suggest that Mg2+ and the KMSKS loop function cooperatively during catalysis.
Improved feature detection in ECG signals through denoising

We identified important features in ECG signals after using a third-order, correlation-based method for denoising. Using a small sample of test and actual clean ECG signals, we found that the third-order method for denoising preserved the values and location of important peaks better than a conventional second-order wavelet-based method for denoising.
Finding of male-killing Spiroplasma infecting Drosophila melanogaster in Africa implies transatlantic migration of this endosymbiont

We report the identification of male-killing Spiroplasma in a wild-caught female Drosophila melanogaster from Uganda, the first such infection to be found in this species outside of South America. Among 38 female flies collected from Namulonge, Uganda in April, 2005, one produced a total of 41 female offspring but no males. PCR testing of subsequent generations revealed that females retaining Spiroplasma infection continued to produce a large excess of female progeny, while females that had lost Spiroplasma produced offspring with normal sex ratios. Consistent with earlier work, we find that male-killing and transmission efficiency appear to increase with female age, and we note that males born in sex ratio broods display much lower survivorship than their female siblings. DNA sequence comparisons at three loci suggest that this Spiroplasma strain is closely related to the male-killing strain previously found to infect D. melanogaster in Brazil, although part of one locus appears to show a recombinant history. Implications for the origin and history of male-killing Spiroplasma in D. melanogaster are discussed.
Leaching requirement for salinity control III. Barley, cowpea, and celery

Abstract Leaching requirement, the smallest steady-state leaching fraction which prevents any loss in crop yield, was determined for barley, cowpea, and celery in field plots at the U.S. Salinity Laboratory. Six replicated leaching-fraction treatments were irrigated many times each day with small quantities of water having an electrical conductivity of 2.3 dS/m. The crops were grown in succession between January 1979 and September 1981. The leaching requirement ( L r ) was 0.10 for barley grain and 0.13 for barley forage. For cowpea seed, L r was 0.16; 0.17 for cowpea forage. L r for celery was 0.14. These experimentally determined values for barley and cowpea seed are higher by about 0.05 than those predicted by a leaching-requirement model based on an exponential crop water-uptake pattern. The experimental values for celery and cowpea forage are lower than predicted values by 0.06. These differences are not considered significant, however, when considered in terms of the small differences in water applications (about 25 mm) to cause these changes in L r . Evapotranspiration during each crop's growing season coincident with L r was 410, 630, and 460 mm for barley, cowpea, and celery, respectively.
Effects of Ractopamine HCl on Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella In Vitro and on Intestinal Populations and Fecal Shedding in Experimentally Infected Sheep and Pigs

The effects of the β-agonist ractopamine, approved for use in finishing swine and cattle to improve carcass quality and performance, were examined on two important foodborne pathogens, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella. Ractopamine, administered to sheep before and after oral inoculation with E. coli O157:H7, increased (P < 0.01) fecal shedding and tended to increase (P = 0.08) cecal populations of the challenge strain. Pigs receiving ractopamine in the diet and then experimentally infected with Salmonella Typhimurium, had decreased (P < 0.05) fecal shedding and fewer (P = 0.05) liver samples positive for the challenge strain of Salmonella. Pure cultures of E. coli O157:H7 (used in the present sheep study), E. coli O157:H19 (isolated from pigs with postweaning diarrhea), Salmonella Typhimurium (used in the present pig study), and Salmonella Choleraesuis were incubated with varying concentrations of ractopamine to determine if ractopamine has a direct effect on bacterial growth. No differences in growth rate were observed for either strain of E. coli or for Salmonella Typhimurium when incubated with increasing concentrations of ractopamine. The growth rate for Salmonella Choleraesuis was increased with the addition of 2.0 μg ractopamine/ml compared with the other concentrations examined. Collectively, these results indicate that ractopamine may influence gut populations and fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella. Because ractopamine is currently approved to be fed to finishing cattle and swine immediately before slaughter, any potential for decreasing foodborne pathogens has exciting food safety implications.
Guns & Roses: reading the picturesque archive in Anita Desai's Fire on the Mountain

This essay argues that the picturesque gaze associated with Indian hill stations obscures how the colonial practice of ‘retreating to the hills’ was also predicated on a form of appropriation, commodification, and instrumentalization of land and the environment. Hill stations were a creation of the British Raj and imagined as Edenic spaces for settlement and escape from the heat of the plains and Indian culture. Written and visual accounts of colonial tourism, travel and exploration in and around hill stations like Kasauli (a minor hill station south of Shimla and the postcolonial setting for Anita Desai's novel, Fire on the Mountain) were informed by a gendered picturesque discourse that encouraged a romantic contemplation of the landscape twinned with architectural, horticultural and agricultural ideas of ‘improvement’. This article explores how Anita Desai's Fire on the Mountain makes visible the ‘screening effects’ of picturesque discourse through a postcolonial reappropriation of the hill station set...