cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The promise and peril of intensive‐site‐based ecological research: insights from the Hubbard Brook ecosystem study

Ecological research is increasingly concentrated at particular locations or sites. This trend reflects a variety of advantages of intensive, site-based research, but also raises important questions about the nature of such spatially delimited research: how well does site based research represent broader areas, and does it constrain scientific discovery? We provide an overview of these issues with a particular focus on one prominent intensive research site: the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF), New Hampshire, USA. Among the key features of intensive sites are: long-term, archived data sets that provide a context for new discoveries and the elucidation of ecological mechanisms; the capacity to constrain inputs and parameters, and to validate models of complex ecological processes; and the intellectual cross-fertilization among disciplines in ecological and environmental sciences. The feasibility of scaling up ecological observations from intensive sites depends upon both the phenomenon of interest and the characteristics of the site. An evaluation of deviation metrics for the HBEF illustrates that, in some respects, including sensitivity and recovery of streams and trees from acid deposition, this site is representative of the Northern Forest region, of which HBEF is a part. However, the mountainous terrain and lack of significant agricultural legacy make the HBEF among the least disturbed sites in the Northern Forest region. Its relatively cool, wet climate contributes to high stream flow compared to other sites. These similarities and differences between the HBEF and the region can profoundly influence ecological patterns and processes and potentially limit the generality of observations at this and other intensive sites. Indeed, the difficulty of scaling up may be greatest for ecological phenomena that are sensitive to historical disturbance and that exhibit the greatest spatiotemporal variation, such as denitrification in soils and the dynamics of bird communities. Our research shows that end member sites for some processes often provide important insights into the behavior of inherently heterogeneous ecological processes. In the current era of rapid environmental and biological change, key ecological responses at intensive sites will reflect both specific local drivers and regional trends.
Revised estimates of the annual net flux of carbon to the atmosphere from changes in land use and land management 1850–2000

Recent analyses of land-use change in the US and China, together with the latest estimates of tropical deforestation and afforestation from the FAO, were used to calculate a portion of the annual flux of carbon between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere. The calculated flux includes only that portion of the flux resulting from direct human activity. In most regions, activities included the conversion of natural ecosystems to cultivated lands and pastures, including shifting cultivation, harvest of wood (for timber and fuel) and the establishment of tree plantations. In the US, woody encroachment and woodland thickening as a result of fire suppression were also included. The calculated flux of carbon does not include increases or decreases in carbon storage as a result of environmental changes (e.g., increasing concentrations of CO2, N deposition, climatic change or pollution). Globally, the long-term (1850‐2000) flux of carbon from changes in land use and management released 156 PgC to the atmosphere, about 60% of it from the tropics. Average annual fluxes during the 1980s and 1990s were 2.0 and 2.2 PgC yr −1 , respectively, dominated by releases of carbon from the tropics. Outside the tropics, the average net flux of carbon attributable to land-use change and management decreased from a source of 0.06 PgC yr −1 during the 1980s to a sink of 0.02 PgC yr −1 during the 1990s. According to the analyses summarized here, changes in land use were responsible for sinks in North America and Europe and for small sources in other non-tropical regions. The revisions were as large as 0.3 PgC yr −1 in individual regions but were largely offsetting, so that the global estimate for the 1980s was changed little from an earlier estimate. Uncertainties and recent improvements in the data used to calculate the flux of carbon from land-use change are reviewed, and the results are compared to other estimates of flux to evaluate the extent to which processes other than land-use change and management are important in explaining changes in terrestrial carbon storage.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction Analysis of a Nonlinear Optical Material 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3-acetamidonitrobenzene

A nonlinear optical material 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3-acetamidonitrobenzene, (CH3)2NC6H3NO2NHCOCH3, has been characterized by X-ray powder diffractometer method. The experimental 2θ values corrected for systematic errors, the relative intensities, values of dexp and the Miller indices of the 46 peaks observed in the 5° to 51° 2θ range are reported. The powder diffraction data have been evaluated, and the figure of merit is F30 = 36.6 (0.016, 51). The unit cell parameter least-squares refined from 38 non-overlapping peaks of the monoclinic compound with a P21 space group are: a = 4.792(1)A, b = 13.055(2)A, c = 8.735(1)A, β = 94.43(2)°, V = 544.8(1)A3, Z = 2, and Dx = 1.36 gm/cm3. The powder diffraction results are in a good agreement with those obtained from single-crystal structure data.
Stability and Blood Level Determinations of Cefaclor, a New Oral Cephalosporin Antibiotic

Cefaclor solutions in pH 2.5 and 4.5 buffers contained at least 90% of their initial activity after 72 h at 4°C. Samples in pH 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 buffers contained 70, 46, and 34%, respectively, of their initial activity after 72 h at 4°C. After 72 h at 25°C, samples prepared with pH 2.5, 4.5, 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 buffers contained 95, 69, 16, 5, and 3%, respectively, of their initial activity. After 72 h at 37°C, cefaclor solutions in pH 2.5 buffer contained 80% of the initial activity, whereas samples prepared in pH 4.5, 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 buffers contained less than 20%. Laboratory-prepared plasma and serum samples showed an 8% loss in activity when incubated for 6 h at 4°C, a 51% loss when incubated for 6 h at 25°C, and a 48% loss when incubated for 2 h at 37°C. Clinical samples demonstrated a similar stability pattern. Degradation rates for cefaclor in commercially prepared serum increased from 4- to 10-fold in comparison to rates obtained when samples were made in human serum freshly prepared in our laboratory. Consequently, serum standards should be made in freshly prepared human serum.
p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Controls NF-κB Transcriptional Activation and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Production through RelA Phosphorylation Mediated by Mitogen- and Stress-Activated Protein Kinase 1 in Response to Borrelia burgdorferi Antigens

The interaction of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis, with phagocytic cells induces the activation of NF-κB and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). B. burgdorferi-induced TNF-α production is also dependent on the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. The specific contribution of these signaling pathways to the response of phagocytic cells to the spirochete and the molecular mechanisms underlying this response remain unresolved. We now show that p38 MAP kinase activity regulates the transcriptional activation of NF-κB in response to spirochetal lysate stimulation of phagocytic cells. The regulation occurs at the nuclear level and is independent of the translocation of the transcription factor to the nucleus or its capacity to bind to specific DNA target sequences. In RAW264.7 cells, p38α MAP kinase regulates the phosphorylation of NF-κB RelA. p38 MAP kinase phosphorylates the nuclear kinase mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase 1 (MSK1). MSK1 in turn phosphorylates the transcriptionally active subunit of NF-κB, RelA. The repression of MSK1 expression with small interfering RNA results in reduced RelA phosphorylation and a significant decrease in the production of TNF-α in response to B. burgdorferi lysates. Overall, these results clarify the contribution of the signaling pathways that are activated in response to the interaction of spirochetes with phagocytic cells to TNF-α production. Our results situate p38 MAP kinase activity as a central regulator of the phagocytic proinflammatory response through MSK1-mediated transcriptional activation of the transcription factor NF-κB.
Trajectory-based modelling of broad-band electromagnetic wavefields

SUMMARY A trajectory-based solution of Maxwell's equations is derived using the method of multiple scales. This time-domain technique utilizes an asymptotic expansion in terms of the ratio of the wave front length-scale to the length-scale of the heterogeneity. The approach provides an alternative to an expansion in terms of frequency and allows one to model electromagnetic wave propagation over a wide frequency band. At the lower end of the frequency band, the trajectory-based solution reduces to a previously derived diffusive solution. Similarly, at higher frequencies one obtains the ‘delta-like’ solution associated with hyperbolic wave propagation. However, the solution is also valid at intermediate frequencies which cannot be characterized as either diffusive or hyperbolic. A numerical illustration demonstrates the importance of both conduction and displacement currents at frequencies between 10 and 100 MHz. The amplitudes computed using the trajectory-based approach compare well with analytic results for a homogeneous whole-space. Using the technique I am able to model observations from a broad-band (3–300 kHz) experiment at the Richmond Field Station in California. In addition, ground penetrating radar waveforms in the 5–200 MHz range, gathered at the Boise Hydrogeophysical Research Site, are matched using the results of a radar velocity tomogram.
A decision aid for the selection and scheduling of software maintenance projects

Software maintenance is a challenging activity made more complex by pressures for immediate fixes in an environment of limited resources. To commit these resources in an optimal fashion, it is necessary to adopt a long-term perspective. This paper provides a framework that facilitates selection of software maintenance projects and their staffing. Variables involved in the modeling process include project utility, project cost; maintenance budgets, staff supply and scheduling factors. An integer programming model is used to identify a subset of projects to be undertaken together with a multi-period schedule of when to accomplish the work. Finally a procedure based on the transportation algorithm assigns staff to the various selected projects. The need to incorporate judgement and address nonquantifiable factors coupled with uncertainty regarding the values for several of the variables dictates that the process be repeated multiple times to generate solutions which are disparate, several of which could well be statisficing. The methodology forces a long-term perspective for maintenance and provides a structure for what could be a very ad hoc process. The overall focus of the model presented is that of a decision aid in that it interacts with the decision maker in support of the decision.
TIME‐VARYING PARAMETER ESTIMATION AS EXPLORATION*

A sequential time-variation method is utilized in an attempt to detect changes over time in the effectiveness of market communication for an ethical drug. Sudden changes are indicated at three different points in time, and two of these are confirmed by subsequent analysis and information. Gradual changes are also indicated, but these are not confirmed by market information or statistical analysis.
Fabrication of large-area stamps, moulds, and conformable photomasks for soft lithography

Low-cost fabrication is essential to the successful introduction of organic electronics and reel-to-reel manufacturing processes. Here it is proposed that extending flexography into the micrometre-size resolution regime may provide an economical commercialization path for plastic devices. Flexography is a high-speed technique commonly used for printing onto very large-area flexible substrates. Although low resolution and poor registration are characteristics of today's flexographic process, it has many similarities with soft lithographic techniques. This work shows that large (12in � 12in), high-resolution printing plates appropriate for use on small tag and label flexographic presses can be prepared using simple and inexpensive flexographic- compatible processes. This paper illustrates the use of these plates for three representative soft lithographic processes: microcontact printing, replica moulding, and phase-shift lithography.
Sheathless Size-Based Acoustic Particle Separation

Particle separation is of great interest in many biological and biomedical applications. Flow-based methods have been used to sort particles and cells. However, the main challenge with flow based particle separation systems is the need for a sheath flow for successful operation. Existence of the sheath liquid dilutes the analyte, necessitates precise flow control between sample and sheath flow, requires a complicated design to create sheath flow and separation efficiency depends on the sheath liquid composition. In this paper, we present a microfluidic platform for sheathless particle separation using standing surface acoustic waves. In this platform, particles are first lined up at the center of the channel without introducing any external sheath flow. The particles are then entered into the second stage where particles are driven towards the off-center pressure nodes for size based separation. The larger particles are exposed to more lateral displacement in the channel due to the acoustic force differences. Consequently, different-size particles are separated into multiple collection outlets. The prominent feature of the present microfluidic platform is that the device does not require the use of the sheath flow for positioning and aligning of particles. Instead, the sheathless flow focusing and separation are integrated within a single microfluidic device and accomplished simultaneously. In this paper, we demonstrated two different particle size-resolution separations; (1) 3 µm and 10 µm and (2) 3 µm and 5 µm. Also, the effects of the input power, the flow rate, and particle
Calcium hydroxide ameliorates tobramycin toxicity in cultured chick tibiae

Abstract Results from this laboratory have shown that bone metabolism is directly related to extracellular pH and that high concentrations of tobramycin released from impregnated polymethylmethacryrate (PMMA) beads hs pH-dependent toxic effects on bone. In the present study, beneficial effects of calcium hydroxide-impregnated PMMA were investigated regarding tobramycin toxicity and bone metabolism in chick embryo tibiae in vitro. Also using Ca(OH) 2 as a pH regulator, the antibiotic efficacy of tobramycin-impregnated PMMA was evaluated with respect to inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus growth. When Ca(OH) 2 was added to PMMA beads containing tobramycin, the beads released hydroxyl and calcium ions into the culture medium and released more antibiotic than beads containing only tobramycin. Bone metabolism (glycolysis, total protein synthesis, and collagen synthesis) was enhanced by Ca(OH) 2 -impregnated beads with or without tobramycin. Additionally, bacterial growth was inhibited more strongly when S. aureus was incubated with tobramycin- and Ca(OH) 2 -impregnated PMMA disks than with disks containing only tobramycin. This study demonstrates the feasibility of adding Ca(OH) 2 to tobramycin-impregnated PMMA beads as a regulator of local pH and a promoter of bone metabolism for protection of bone when high concentrations of tobramycin are used to treat osteomyelitis. It also suggests that lower concentrations of antibiotic may be effective if Ca(OH) 2 and tobramycin are administered simultaneously.
Keeping the Global in Mind The Evolution of the Headquarters' Role in Global Multi-business Firms

This paper proposes a new model of the multinational firm, the Global Multi-business Firm (GMBF), with strategic foci on resource assembly and organizational animation. The demands of technology, globalization of customers, and competitive evolution do not permit haphazard local pursuit of either markets or capabilities, but require the GMBF to offer a broad global, multi-business perspective. The headquarters has a newly delicate, complex yet limited role of providing a global approach to strategic management. At the same time, the headquarters cannot hold tightly to its units, lest they become trapped in “managing for the last struggle”, rather than the future. We summarize this challenge as “command without control”.
Relationship between pelvic organ-at-risk dose and clinical target volume in postprostatectomy patients receiving intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

Purpose To investigate dose–volume consequences of inclusion of the seminal vesicle (SV) bed in the clinical target volume (CTV) for the rectum and bladder using biological response indices in postprostatectomy patients receiving intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods and Materials We studied 10 consecutive patients who underwent prostatectomy for prostate cancer and subsequently received adjuvant or salvage RT to the prostate fossa. The CTV to planning target volume (PTV) expansion was 7 mm, except posterior expansion, which was 5 mm. Two IMRT plans were generated for each patient, including either the prostate fossa alone or the prostate fossa with the SV bed, but identical in all other aspects. Prescription dose was 68.4 Gy in 1.8-Gy fractions prescribed to ≥95% PTV. Results With inclusion of the SV bed in the treatment volume, PTV increased and correlated with PTV–bladder and PTV–rectum volume overlap (Spearman ρ 0.91 and 0.86, respectively; p p p Conclusions Inclusion of the SV bed in the CTV in postprostatectomy patients receiving IMRT increases bladder and rectal dose, as well as rectal normal tissue complication probability. The magnitude of PTV–bladder and PTV–rectal volume overlap and subsequent bladder and rectum dose increase will be higher if larger PTV expansion margins are used.
Creating Shared Knowledge: Instructional Knowledge Management Systems

Document management, information management, and knowledge management are three processes of an instructional knowledge management system (IKMS) that require different ways of thinki ng. Wellconstructed IKMSs share a number of common features including ease of use, ease of navigation, security, indexing and searching, automatic HTML conversion, document version tracking, platform independence, ease of access and notification. A robust knowledge management system allows users to store and retrieve both digital documents and paper-based documents or notes that have been scanned into the system. An IKMS should allow users to upload documents into the central document repository using a nu mber of methods. Document management systems also can be used to facilitate collaboration of groups on a project.
On “Black Swans” and “Perfect Storms”: Risk Analysis and Management When Statistics Are Not Enough

Two images, "black swans" and "perfect storms," have struck the public's imagination and are used-at times indiscriminately-to describe the unthinkable or the extremely unlikely. These metaphors have been used as excuses to wait for an accident to happen before taking risk management measures, both in industry and government. These two images represent two distinct types of uncertainties (epistemic and aleatory). Existing statistics are often insufficient to support risk management because the sample may be too small and the system may have changed. Rationality as defined by the von Neumann axioms leads to a combination of both types of uncertainties into a single probability measure-Bayesian probability-and accounts only for risk aversion. Yet, the decisionmaker may also want to be ambiguity averse. This article presents an engineering risk analysis perspective on the problem, using all available information in support of proactive risk management decisions and considering both types of uncertainty. These measures involve monitoring of signals, precursors, and near-misses, as well as reinforcement of the system and a thoughtful response strategy. It also involves careful examination of organizational factors such as the incentive system, which shape human performance and affect the risk of errors. In all cases, including rare events, risk quantification does not allow "prediction" of accidents and catastrophes. Instead, it is meant to support effective risk management rather than simply reacting to the latest events and headlines. Language: en
New Acetylene-Terminated Quinoxaline Oligomers

A series of acetylene-terminated quinoxaline oligomers was synthesized for testing as possible adhesives for airplane manufacturing.
Graviton Mass or Cosmological Constant

To describe a massive graviton in 4D Minkowski space-time one introduces a quadratic term in the Lagrangian. This term, however, can lead to a readjustment or instability of the background instead of describing a massive graviton on flat space. We show that for all local 4D Lorentz-invariant mass terms Minkowski space is unstable. The instability can develop in a time scale that is many orders of magnitude shorter than the inverse graviton mass. We start with the Pauli-Fierz (PF) term that is the only local mass term with no ghosts in the linearized approximation. We show that nonlinear completions of the PF Lagrangian give rise to instability of Minkowski space. We continue with the mass terms that are not of a PF type. Although these models are known to have ghosts in the linearized approximations, nonlinear interactions can lead to background change in which the ghosts are eliminated. In the latter case, however, the graviton perturbations on the new background are not massive. We argue that a consistent theory of a massive graviton on flat space can be formulated in theories with extra dimensions. They require an infinite number of fields or nonlocal description from a 4D point of view.
Glutamic acid decarboxylase autoimmunity with brainstem, extrapyramidal, and spinal cord dysfunction

OBJECTIVE To describe novel neurological manifestations associated with glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65) autoimmunity. PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective study (1987-2003) describes 62 patients incidentally found to have a serum autoantibody that bound selectively to synapse-rich central nervous system tissues. The immunostaining pattern was determined to be GAD65-specific by radioimmunoprecipitation assay. These cases were identified among samples submitted for paraneoplastic autoantibody evaluation using indirect immunofluorescence. In no case had GAD65 or any other islet cell antibody testing been requested. RESULTS In most cases, the patients' presentations were initially considered neurodegenerative or inflammatory (multiple sclerosis or paraneoplastic). Median age at onset was 50 years, and 77% were women. Of the 44 patients seen at the Mayo Clinic, 23% were African American; in contrast, less than 10% of Mayo Clinic's neurology patients are African American. Median follow-up was 24 months. The radioimmunoprecipitation assay values for GAD65 antibody were extremely high (median, 1429 nmol/L; interquartile range, 643-3078 nmol/L) and correlated significantly with immunofluorescence titers (median, 3840; interquartile range, 1920-15,360; r =0.81; P CONCLUSIONS The neurological spectrum of GAD65 autoimmunity includes brainstem, extrapyramidal, and spinal cord syndromes. In our experience, African American patients were disproportionately affected. A patient with a presumed neurodegenerative disorder of new onset, with high levels of GAD65 antibody (>20 nmol/L), merits consideration of immunotherapy.
Association of Maternal and Infant Salivary Testosterone and Cortisol and Infant Gender With Mother–Infant Interaction in Very‐Low‐Birthweight Infants

Male very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants are more prone than females to health and developmental problems and less positive mother-infant interactions. Because gender differences in brain development and social relationships suggest hormonal influences on quality of mother-infant interaction, the authors explored the associations of maternal and infant salivary testosterone and cortisol levels with mother-infant interactions in the sample as a whole and by gender, after controlling for covariates. Data were collected prospectively from 62 mothers and their VLBW infants through infant record review, maternal interview, biochemical measurement of both mothers and infants, and observation of mother-infant interactions at 40 weeks postmenstrual age and at three and six months corrected age. Infants' positive interactions increased and mothers' decreased from three to six months. In generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses, after controlling for covariates, higher maternal testosterone and infant cortisol were associated with more positive and more frequent maternal interactive behaviors. In GEE analyses by infant gender, after controlling for covariates, effects of maternal and infant hormone levels became more significant, especially on infants' interactive behaviors. Based on these preliminary findings, among VLBW infants, males with high testosterone are expected to have less positive mother-infant interactions than males with low testosterone or female infants.
Correlation, Not Compromise: An Experiment in Freshman French

Author's summary.— It is important that students understand France's varied contributions to civilization. A definite program of correlation with other courses, based on material written in French by French scholars, can enrich the students' comprehension of literature and help them appreciate the role of French thinkers in the other fields of their study, without detracting from the study of literature for its own sake.
Renal control of salt and fluid homeostasis during i.v. saline infusion.

The renal effect of infusion of hypo-, iso- and hypertonic saline has been studied in dogs. The infusion rate was comparatively low, 1 % of the b.wt./45 min. The kidneys responded almost instantaneously to the infusion with diuresis and natriuresis. The response was due primarily to an adaptive inhibition of tubular reabsorption. Increases in filtered load of Na+ occurred only as a function of increased serum Na+ concentration, i.e. only when the hypertonic saline solution were used. The inhibition of tubular reabsorption was mainly signalled by the fall in serum protein concentration. Changes in Na+ balance and serum Na+ concentration did not contribute to the adaptive inhibition of tubular reabsorption. The effect of the diuretic and natriuretic response on fluid and Na+ balance depended primarily on the tonicity of the infused fluid. When the 75 and 150 mEq solutions were used, fluid balance became positive, but did not increase much when more than 2 % of the b.wt. had been given. When the hypertonic saline solutions were used total fluid balance became increasingly negative. The Na+ balance was best controlled with the hypotonic saline solution. Vhen hypertonic saline waq given Na+ balance increased almost at the same rate as Na+ was given.
In Situ Probing of the Active Site Geometry of Ultrathin Nanowires for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

To create truly effective electrocatalysts for the cathodic reaction governing proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), namely the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), necessitates an accurate and detailed structural understanding of these electrocatalysts, especially at the nanoscale, and to precisely correlate that structure with demonstrable performance enhancement. To address this key issue, we have combined and interwoven theoretical calculations with experimental, spectroscopic observations in order to acquire useful structural insights into the active site geometry with implications for designing optimized nanoscale electrocatalysts with rationally predicted properties. Specifically, we have probed ultrathin (∼2 nm) core–shell Pt∼Pd9Au nanowires, which have been previously shown to be excellent candidates for ORR in terms of both activity and long-term stability, from the complementary perspectives of both DFT calculations and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The combination and correlation of ...
Labour's ‘strange blindness’ and the end of Jubilee

ABSTRACTThis essay responds to David Roediger's Seizing Freedom: Slave Emancipation and Liberty for All. After a brief examination of the central themes of the book, I turn to the author's emphasis upon political agency. I argue that this emphasis is necessary, given the political and scholarly aims of the book. At the same time, I suggest that the agency depicted in Seizing Freedom was simultaneously constrained by the cultural, political, and social forces discussed in Roediger's earlier companion volume, The Wages of Whiteness. I end the essay with a short discussion of the labour leader William Sylvis that attempts to synthesize insights from Seizing Freedom and The Wages of Whiteness in order to explain the ‘strange blindness’ that led white labour to systematically ignore and repress the activity of black workers.
Relationship of lysogeny and lysis in phage--S. aureus systems.

Lysogenic bacteriophages were recovered from both typable and nontypable isolates of clinically significant Staphylococcus aureus . The recovery rates from the two groups of isolates were similar. In almost all cases, the recovered phages from a single isolate were group specific. In typable strains, the recovered phage generally corresponded to the group by which the isolate could be lysed. The major exceptions to group specificity were seen with types 80 and 81, which were recovered from a significant number of isolates with other groups of phage. The independent segregation of these two types may be due to a different mechanisms of adsorption. Pair-blocking within phage groups was not demonstrated. If it occurs at all, pair-blocking may be an irregular phenomenon between phage groups. Extension of typing by lytic phage can be attained by means of additional incubation of typing systems for 24 hr. in the cold.
The Treatment of Orthodox Jewish Patients in Sex Therapy

Treatment of sexual disorders within a culturally distinct subpopulation requires familiarity with the beliefs and mores of that community. Differences between subgroups within orthodox Judaism can be substantial, especially regarding attitudes toward sexuality, reproduction, and modesty in behavior, speech, and dress. These factors can influence treatment and need to be understood. Traditional restrictions on intimate contact during portions of the menstrual cycle have the potential to enhance sexual intimacy, but may necessitate modifications of therapy technique to accommodate these guidelines. The rabbi has an important role in the treatment of orthodox patients, often serving as a culture broker, facilitating referrals and treatment. Orthodox patients view sexuality as one component of a complex matrix of values, traditions, and laws that give meaning and spirituality to all aspects of life, a perspective that may differ substantially from the prevailing attitudes of the general culture. This religio...
Foreign-Born Status, Gender, and Hispanic Business Ownership Across U.S. Metropolitan Labor Markets A Multilevel Approach

Using the Public Use Microdata Sample from 2006 to 2010 American Community Survey and a hierarchical regression, this study examines how metropolitan-area-level labor market conditions are associated with the propensity of business ownership for the Hispanic labor force in the United States, and how the relationship differs between the foreign born and the native born, and between men and women. Findings from this study suggest that, in addition to personal and household characteristics, metropolitan labor market characteristics such as demographic composition, economic structure, and general labor market strength are important for Hispanic business ownership, contingent on gender and foreign-born status of the individual labor force.
Predicting post-therapy response to radioembolization using computational image analysis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

commonly used to control hemorrhage after pelvic trauma. Despite the procedure’s reported safety, there can be severe complications, mostly related to ischemia of embolized tissues. Our purpose was to examine the complications of trauma patients resulting from the embolization techniques utilized at our level 1 trauma center. Materials: A retrospective chart review was conducted. 107 patients who underwent pelvic embolization between January 2003 and December 2013 were included. Patient demographics, ISS, angiography techniques, and major complications including gluteal and skin necrosis, wound breakdown, and deep infection were compared. Results: 9 patients (8.4%) developed major complications after undergoing TAE. This rate dropped to 5.1% after exclusion of patients with Morel-Lavallee lesions. Nonselective embolization trended towards a higher complication rate compared to superselective embolization. Patients who developed complications were more likely to have undergone pelvic surgery. Conclusions: The majority of patients who developed complications had nonselective TAE. Morel-Lavallee lesions are a confounding factor, but TAE likely imposes an additional risk. Pelvic surgery after TAE may further predispose patients to complications. We recommend superselective embolization as first line treatment and caution the use of prophylactic embolization, especially in patients with significant pelvic soft tissue injuries.
Coherent backscattering spectroscopy: A new technique for tissue diagnosis

We report development of coherent-backscattering (CBS) spectroscopy for depth-selective tissue characterization. CBS spectroscopy is based on low-coherence broadband CBS and lifts major impediments that so far prevented a widespread use of CBS in tissue optics.
Molecular Dynamics Computer Simulation of the Rupture of the two - Dimensional Lennard - Jones Film

We have conducted a molecular dynamics computer simulation of the rupture of a small, two-dimensional film. The film was composed of two hundred atoms arranged on a close-packed triangular lattice and was thermally equilibrated at a reduced temperature of 0.05. Following equilibration, the rupture characteristics of the film were investigated under tensile loading, and the atomistic dynamical response was followed throughout the rupture process. An estimate of the internal stress field was made by performing a time average over the random forces. In tensile failure, the system undergoes an initial elastic deformation followed by plastic flow. The fundamental mechanisms of defect nucleation are briefly discussed.
Emergency care of patients with cerebral injuries.

Patients with acute cerebral illness or injury are among the least well handled, and unfortunately, many suffer mortal complications during transfer to a hospital. The responsibilities of the physician in making a complete initial evaluation of the patient before transfer are outlined by Hanback and Yarbrough (page 75), whereas this article stresses the principles specific to patients with cerebral injuries. Attention to the principles outlined in both articles should result in reduced mortality and morbidity for patients with cerebral injuries.—MSR
Anaphylaxis to IGIV in immunoglobulin-naïve common variable immunodeficiency patient in the absence of IgG anti-IgA antibodies: successful administration of low IgA-containing immunoglobulin

Although severe reactions to immunoglobulin preparations have been frequently reported, IgE antibodies against IgA are usually not investigated; and occur predominantly in previously sensitized patients. The purpose is to report anaphylaxis to IGIV during initial infusion in a patient with common variable immunodeficiency with absent IgA without prior sensitization and in the absence of detectable IgG anti-IgA antibodies, and positive skin tests for immediate hypersensitivity to four different preparations of IGIV, one subcutaneous immunoglobulin preparation, and to purified IgA. Patient was treated without side effects with IGIV preparation depleted of IgA to which immediate hypersensitivity skin test was negative. This case demonstrates that patients with CVID with no IgA and without prior exposure to immunoglobulin or plasma may develop anaphylaxis following initial infusion of IGIV, which appears to be due to IgE anti-IgA, and independent of IgG anti-IgA antibodies. Since there is no good correlation between anaphylaxis/anaphylactic reactions and IgG anti-IgA antibodies, and IgE anti-IgA antibody test is commercially unavailable, we suggest that the patients with CVID with absence of IgA might be skin tested for immediate hypersensitivity prior to initiation of immunoglobulin administration. However, such recommendation may require studies on a large number of patients with CVID with no detectable IgA.
Synchronous Online Open-Cry Auctions

AbstractOnline open-cry auctions have become popular. Because of the inevitable delay of the communication between the auctioneer and bidders, the current form of online open-cry auctions is not fully equivalent to traditional face-to-face real-time open-cry auctions. This disadvantage of online open-cry auctions destructs the auction mechanism. This study proposes a synchronous online open-cry auction model. In this paper, the protocol for the synchronization of online open-cry auctions that supports activities leading to the effectiveness of auctions is examined. A prototype of the synchronous open-cry auction model, which is built with Java servlets, is further discussed.
The drexler-smalley debate on nanotechnology: Incommensurability at work?

In a recent debate, Eric Drexler and Richard Smalley have discussed the chemical and physical possibility of constructing molecular assemblers – devices that guide chemical reactions by placing, with atomic precision, reactive molecules. Drexler insisted on the mechanical feasibility of such assemblers, whereas Smalley resisted the idea that such devices could be chemically constructed, because we do not have the required control. Underlying the debate, there are differences regarding the appropriate goals, methods, and theories of nanotechnology, and the appropriate way of conceptualizing molecular assemblers. Not surprisingly, incommensurability emerges. In this paper, I assess the main features of the debate, the levels of the emerging incommensurability, and indicate one way in which the debate could be decided.
The squeezing process of complex epoxy patterns in the die-attaching of large IC-chip

During the die bonding process of large IC-chips (say 300mil or above), the application of complex "epoxy writing pattern" are usually needed as to enhance the evenness of epoxy distribution (or the so-called epoxy "spread-out") along the peripheral of the die. In order to obtain a nice epoxy "build-up" or "fillet-height" along the peripheral of the die, and to avoid trapping air bubble (i.e. making voids) inside the epoxy below the die, a suitable epoxy pattern (such as a "cross", a "snow-star", or a "double cross") must be selected as to guarantee that the epoxy dispensed on the lead- frame/substrate can evolve properly to the final shape of the chip that we wanted, after the squeezing process in die attaching. In this study, the thin-film assumption is used to reveal clearly how a particular type of epoxy pattern will evolve when it is subjected to the compression/squeezing action of the die. A simple 2D simulation software-program was developed to solve this viscous thin-film or so-called Hele- Shaw flow problems. The simulation results for the evolution of various epoxy patterns under the die-attach squeezing process are thus obtained and discussed in details. Through investigating the evolution of some simple epoxy patterns (such as a single-line, and a single cross), some general rules governing the evolution of epoxy patterns are derived; and subsequently certain guidelines for the selection of a suitable epoxy pattern in the die bonding process for a particular chip size are discussed. The reasons why it is necessary to use different epoxy patterns for different die-size and epoxy bond- line-thickness (BLT) are briefly illustrated. And finally, the various factors leading to the variation of the epoxy final- shape are also examined.
Whose Support Matters? Support of Friends (but Not Family) May Predict Affect and Wellbeing of Adults Faced With Negative Life Events

Research on resilience has shown that resilient individuals possess a variety of internal characteristics (e.g., hardiness and reflectiveness) and a mixture of external characteristics (e.g., social contact and relationship recruiting) that interact to promote resilience. This research examined the relationship between social support of friends, social support of family, and resiliency to further understand the impact of social contact on psychological health and wellbeing. Study 1 showed that in the face of self-reported difficult life circumstances, friend support (but not family support) predicts most aspects of psychological wellbeing. Similarly, Study 2 found that previous reports of friend (but not family) support predicted positive affect for participants in a simulated achievement rejection experimental condition. Taken together, these studies suggest that among adults, perceived social support from friends may be more impactful than social support from family.
Assembly, Morphology, Diffusivity, and Indentation of Hydrogel-Supported Lipid Bilayers

Recognizing the limitations of solid-supported lipid bilayers to reproduce the behavior of cell membranes, including bendability, transmembrane protein inclusion, and virus entry, this study describes a novel biomimetic system for cell membranes with the potential to overcome these and other limitations. The developed strategy utilizes a hydrogel with tunable mechanical behavior that resembles those of living cells as the soft support for the phospholipid bilayer, while a polyelectrolyte multilayer film serves as an intermediate layer to facilitate the self-assembly of the lipid bilayer on the soft cushion. Quartz crystal microbalance studies show that, upon coming into contact with the polyelectrolyte film, vesicles fuse and rupture to yield a robust lipid bilayer. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching confirms the formation of a membrane, while atomic force microscopy shows a low adhesion between the indenting probe and the bilayer. More importantly, in comparison to the solid-supported lipid bilay...
The Spillover Effects of Negative Supply Chain Information on Consumers’ Perceptions of Product Attributes

Research shows consumers moving from passive recipients of products and services to becoming a more integral part of supply chain operations and even strategies. As consumers are exposed to, and take interest in, more supply chain information, questions are arising concerning the impact this information has on product-related attributes and evaluations. This study examines the extent to which messages about a company’s supply chain activities, specifically those dealing with social responsibility, affect consumer evaluations of products sold by the company. Results indicate this “spillover effect” is most likely to occur when the message is negative. Positive messages are less influential. This effect is generalized across two sample populations, while accounting for relevant individual differences in consumer behavior.
Modeling framework for representing long-term effectiveness of best management practices in addressing hydrology and water quality problems: Framework development and demonstration using a Bayesian method

Abstract Best management practices (BMPs) are popular approaches used to improve hydrology and water quality. Uncertainties in BMP effectiveness over time may result in overestimating long-term efficiency in watershed planning strategies. To represent varying long-term BMP effectiveness in hydrologic/water quality models, a high level and forward-looking modeling framework was developed. The components in the framework consist of establishment period efficiency, starting efficiency, efficiency for each storm event, efficiency between maintenance, and efficiency over the life cycle. Combined, they represent long-term efficiency for a specific type of practice and specific environmental concern (runoff/pollutant). An approach for possible implementation of the framework was discussed. The long-term impacts of grass buffer strips (agricultural BMP) and bioretention systems (urban BMP) in reducing total phosphorus were simulated to demonstrate the framework. Data gaps were captured in estimating the long-term performance of the BMPs. A Bayesian method was used to match the simulated distribution of long-term BMP efficiencies with the observed distribution with the assumption that the observed data represented long-term BMP efficiencies. The simulated distribution matched the observed distribution well with only small total predictive uncertainties. With additional data, the same method can be used to further improve the simulation results. The modeling framework and results of this study, which can be adopted in hydrologic/water quality models to better represent long-term BMP effectiveness, can help improve decision support systems for creating long-term stormwater management strategies for watershed management projects.
CompVM: A Complementary VM Allocation Mechanism for Cloud Systems

In cloud datacenters, effective resource provisioning is needed to maximize the energy efficiency and utilization of cloud resources while guaranteeing the service-level agreement (SLA) for tenants. To address this need, we propose an initial virtual machine (VM) allocation mechanism (called CompVM) that consolidates complementary VMs with spatial/ temporal awareness. Complementary VMs are the VMs whose total demand of each resource dimension (in the spatial space) nearly reaches their host’s capacity during VM lifetime period (in the temporal space). Based on our observation of the existence of VM resource utilization patterns, the mechanism predicts the resource utilization patterns of VMs. Based on the predicted patterns, it coordinates the requirements of different resources and consolidates complementary VMs in the same physical machine (PM). This mechanism reduces the number of PMs needed to provide VM service, hence increases energy efficiency and resource utilization, and also reduces the number of VM migrations and SLA violations. We further propose a utilization variation-based mechanism, a correlation coefficient-based mechanism, and a VM group-based mechanism to match the complementary VMs in order to enhance the VM consolidation performance. Simulation based on two real traces and real-world testbed experiments shows that CompVM significantly reduces the number of PMs used, SLA violations, and VM migrations of the previous resource provisioning strategies. The results also show the effectiveness of the enhancement mechanisms in improving the performance of the basic CompVM.