cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrostatic Phenomena with Particulates

Publisher Summary Particulate systems include systems involving powders, aerosols, fluidized beds, ores, paints, and insecticides. Electrostatic phenomena can play many important roles in such systems. This chapter summarizes knowledge dealing with the role of electrostatic phenomena in particulate systems, especially in aerosols. Many of the electrostatic phenomena have been treated as unavoidable nuisances, and many processing problems have been blamed rather casually on electrostatic influences. Only in recent years has the scope of the role of electrostatics and its potential for application in processing begun to be more fully understood. In the presence of an electrostatic field, all materials become polarized—that is, they acquire a dipole resulting from orientation of their molecules by the field or displacement of their free electrons. This dipole tends to counteract the imposed electrostatic field and is directly related to the dielectric constant of the material. Electrostatics plays two separate and distinct roles in the dissemination of powders. It can be employed as an actual disseminating force to cause outward migration of the individual particles or it can be used simply as an adjunct to some other technique of dissemination, such as pneumatic dissemination. Charge measurement techniques are vital in explaining electrostatic phenomena with particulates. Particle charge can be determined directly by measuring either the current flowing from (or to), or the change in potential of, a surface from which the particles are disseminated or upon which they are deposited, or the space charge due to the presence of the particles.
Chemotherapeutic Management of Bladder Cancer

Transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the United States. The disease is seen most commonly in older age groups and shows a preponderance for males (1). Carcinoma of the bladder is almost certainly produced in the majority of cases by exposure to carcinogenic substances, as evidenced by the higher frequency noted in patients with urinary tract obstruction and the increased incidence in aniline dye workers and smokers (2–4).
Continental Patterns and Boundaries

The zones give only a broad-brush picture. Variations within a zone break up and differentiate the major, subcontinental zones. For example, the vegetation of the savanna is highly differentiated related to variation in length of the dry season (Fig. 11.1). The geographic patterns of ecosystems within zones caused by these variations are reviewed here; see the author’s Ecosystem Geography (Bailey 1996 et seq.) for details.
Clinical experience with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) in a diverse ethnic population.

e23531Background: Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP) is a low/intermediate grade cutaneous sarcoma that arises from the dermis. DFSP may be surgically challenging, and local recurrences are com...
Family Relationships Associated With Communication and Testing for Inherited Cardiac Conditions

The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics of family relationships associated with communication of genetic risk and testing behaviors among at-risk relatives in families with an inh...
Flourish or Perish? The Impact of Technological Acquisitions on Contributions to Open-Source Software

This study investigates the impact of technological acquisitions on contributions to firm-sponsored open-source software (OSS). We distinguish between internal contributors affiliated with target firms and external contributors from the community, and examine how they adjust and shift their contribution efforts as a response to technological acquisitions. Our findings reveal that acquisitions make external contributors more active both in contributing to target firms’ sponsored projects and in contributing to other projects in the community. While internal contributors reduce contributions to target firms' sponsored projects after acquisitions, they become more active in contributing to other projects in the OSS community. Therefore, our study illustrates how technological acquisitions can potentially benefit the whole OSS community by motivating contributors to reallocate development efforts. We also find that when the acquirer’s OSS experience and the project similarity between the acquirer and the target motivate both external and internal contributors to shift more of their development efforts to the acquirer's OSS projects. The implication is that the signaling effect and the synergy potential in technological acquisitions can also benefit the acquirer's own projects within the OSS community. Taken together, by diving in more granular details of OSS contribution activities, our study improves the understanding of the impacts of technological acquisitions on innovation in the OSS context.
Safe2Ditch: Emergency Landing for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Emergency landing is a critical safety feature for the expected increase of autonomous vehicles in the airspace. This paper presents Safe2Ditch, an autonomous crash management system for landing sm...
Improving the bulk gas transport of Fe-N-C platinum group metal-free nanofiber electrodes via electrospinning for fuel cell applications

Abstract To overcome transport limitations associated with thicker platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) electrodes, it's imperative to investigate and tailor alternative electrode architectures to maximize the bulk electrode transport properties, whilst not significantly impeding electrocatalyst active site accessibility and electrode proton resistance. In this work, PGM-free nanofiber electrode mats, prepared by electrospinning a mixture of pyrolyzed Fe-N-C catalyst, Nafion ionomer and a carrier polymer Poly Acrylic acid (PAA), were compared to traditionally prepared electrodes. The morphological properties and elemental distribution of the fabricated nanofiber electrodes showed that the exterior surface of the PGM-free nanofibers was conformally covered with a thin ionomer film. Electrochemical diagnostics performed utilizing cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and H2-limiting current measurements, revealed an increase in electric double layer capacitance, reduction in electrode proton transport and a significant improvement in bulk-electrode gas transport properties for the nanofiber electrodes, supporting the observed performance increase from electrochemical polarization data obtained in H2-O2/Air fuel cells. At 100% RH in H2/Air, the power density of the nanofiber electrodes increased ca. 50% vs. the traditionally prepared electrodes (ca. 260 vs 175 mW cm−2), which was attributed to a less tortuous molecular diffusion pathway and an associated reduction in the pressure dependent and independent gas transport resistances in the nanofiber electrodes.
General Structure Under Forbidden Rainbow Subgraphs

The general structure of colored complete graphs containing no copy of a particular rainbow subgraph has been extremely useful in establishing sharp Ramsey-type results for finding monochromatic subgraphs. Several small graphs, like \(P_{3}\) for example, immediately trivialize the problem. Indeed, if a colored complete graph contains no rainbow copy of \(P_{3}\), then it must be colored entirely with one color. Adding in the third edge to make a triangle already makes the problem much more interesting. When a rainbow subgraph G is forbidden from a coloring, we say the coloring is rainbow G-free . For example, if a rainbow triangle is forbidden, we say the coloring is rainbow triangle-free .
Primary Care of the Adult Lung Transplant Recipient

Lung transplantation has become an increasingly frequent treatment for patients with a variety of end-stage lung diseases. Survival after lung transplantation has improved over time but is still limited as compared to other solid organ transplant recipients. There are a myriad of pulmonary issues that may arise after a lung transplant as well as a large number of non-pulmonary complications frequently related to immunosuppressant effects and/or toxicities. Non-pulmonary complications include, but are not limited to, renal dysfunction, hematologic abnormalities, gastrointestinal complications, neurologic sequelae, oncologic manifestations, and metabolic derangements. For these reasons, following a lung transplant, recipients require intensive, life-long monitoring for the assessment, evaluation, and management of both allograft and non-allograft transplant-related complications.
COVID-19 Impact on Behaviors across the 24-Hour Day in Children and Adolescents: Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, social restrictions to contain the spread of the virus have disrupted behaviors across the 24-h day including physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep among children (5–12 years old) and adolescents (13–17 years old). Preliminary evidence reports significant decreases in physical activity, increases in sedentary behavior, and disrupted sleep schedules/sleep quality in children and adolescents. This commentary discusses the impact of COVID-19-related restrictions on behaviors across the 24-h day in children and adolescents. Furthermore, we suggest recommendations through the lens of a socio-ecological model to provide strategies for lasting behavior change to insure the health and well-being of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Make equity essential to expedite change in academia.

In response to COVID-19, universities and other education providers pivoted rapidly from in-class learning to digital course instruction. Student tuition was deemed essential, thus swift change ensued. Similarly, if equity, diversity and inclusion are truly deemed essential at those same institutions, change could occur now — not later.
Poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposites: Recent contributions to engineering and medicine

Poly(vinyl alcohol) is a water soluble hydrophilic synthetic polymer. As a matrix it can be mixed with fillers having nano dimensions to form polymer nanocomposites with interesting properties, different than those of PVA. From the chemical point of view nanofillers can be elements such as Au, Ag, Se, oxides such as CuO, SrO, TiO2, graphene oxide, minerals like hallosite, montmorillonite, tubes such as carbon nanotubes, hallosite nano tubes, etc. As presented in this review, some of the nanofillers are able to change and improve poly(vinyl alcohol)'s mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, and can find uses in medicine. In the latter, due to the fact that poly(vinyl alcohol) is biocompatible, biodegradable, and bioabsorbant, it is possible to produce poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposites to be used like antibacterial, tissue engineering, drug carrier, wound dressing, etc. The present article retains the most recent (2019–2020) studies done on poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposites structure and contributions to engineering and medicine.
The Instructive Function of Mathematical Proof: A Case Study of the Analysis cum Synthesis method in Apollonius of Perga’s Conics

This essay discusses the instructional value of mathematical proofs using different interpretations of the analysis cum synthesis method in Apollonius’ Conics as a case study. My argument is informed by Descartes’ complaint about ancient geometers and William Thurston’s discussion on how mathematical understanding is communicated. Three historical frameworks of the analysis/synthesis distinction are used to understand the instructive function of the analysis cum synthesis method: the directional interpretation, the structuralist interpretation, and the phenomenological interpretation. I apply these interpretations to the analysis cum synthesis method in order reveal how the same underlying mathematical activity occurs at different levels of scale: at the level of an individual proof, at the level of a collection of proofs, and at the level of a single line within a proof. On the basis of this investigation, I argue that the instructive value of mathematical proof lies in engendering in the reader the same mathematical activity experienced by the author themselves.
β-Catenin mediates glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide increases in lysyl oxidase expression in osteoblasts

Osteoblast lysyl oxidase (LOX) is a strongly up-regulated mRNA and protein by the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). LOX is critically required for collagen maturation, and was shown to be dramatically down-regulated in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes, consistent with known low collagen cross-linking and poor bone quality in diabetic bone disease in humans and in mouse models. GIP is a gastric hormone released by the gut upon consumption of nutrients, which then stimulates insulin release from β-cells in the pancreas. GIP is directly anabolic to osteoblasts and to bone, while gut-derived dopamine attenuates effects of GIP on osteoblast anabolic pathways, including LOX expression. GIP-stimulation of LOX expression was shown to be dependent on increased cAMP levels and protein kinase A activity, consistent with the fact that GIP receptors are G protein coupled receptors. Downstream signaling events resulting in increased LOX expression remain, however, unexplored. Here we provide evidence for β-catenin mediation of signaling from GIP to increase LOX expression. Moreover, we have identified a TCF/LEF element in the Lox promoter that is required for GIP-upregulation of LOX. These findings will be of importance in designing potential therapeutic approaches to address deficient LOX production in diabetic bone disease by pointing to the importance of exploring strategies to stimulate β-catenin signaling in osteoblasts under diabetic conditions as potential therapeutic strategies.
Genetic Resistance to Johne's Disease in Four Cattle Breeds:

Paratuberculosis is a chronic debilitating, infectious disease of ruminants, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, and characterized by progressive weight loss and profuse diarrhea. The disease has been suspected to have a genetic component and estimations of heritability of 0.15 have been reported. Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease in humans resembling many aspects of paratuberculosis. Susceptibility to CD has a strong genetic component and one gene involved has been identified as CARD15 (Caspase recruitment domain 15), with a role in the intracellular recognition of bacterial cell walls as a part of the immune response. The association between mutations in this gene and increased risk of CD has been extensively described. Since Johne's disease has been demonstrated to have a genetic component and genetic variation for infection resistance exists in cattle, CARD15 could also determine differences in resistance to paratuberculosis in the bovine. This candidate gene study focused on determining the alleles present in the CARD15 gene in a population of infected and of noninfected cows. Our objective was characterizing the distribution of two polymorphisms in this gene and testing their association with paratuberculosis infection in Florida cattle with the aim of finding resistance alleles useful in livestock selection.
The Science of the Soul and the Unyielding Architectonic: Kant Versus Wolff on the Foundations of Psychology

Thorough comparison of Immanuel Kant’s and Christian Wolff’s divergent appraisals of the science of psychology reveals various ways in which Kant fundamentally altered the Wolffian philosophical apparatus that he inherited. Wolff conceived of a thoroughgoing interplay between empirical and rational psychology, of combining different sorts of cognition in psychology, and of a mathematical science of the soul, or psychometrics. Kant however rejected each of these particular theses and deemed psychology to be no natural science, “properly so-called.” This chapter details these departures from Wolff, explains their basis, and concretizes an underlying contrast in Kant’s and Wolff’s respective philosophical approaches. Namely, whereas Wolff’s philosophical system is malleable, allowing for the combination of various kinds of cognition and methods, in Kant’s Critical philosophy, everything has its proper, preordained niche. At bottom, it is the unyielding rigor of Kant’s system that results in his pessimistic evaluation of the prospects for psychology.
Spontaneous Abortion Following COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy.

This Research Letter presents findings from case-control surveillance of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and spontaneous abortion.
State Government Budget Stabilization: Policy, Tools, and Impacts

Table of Contents.- Preface.- List of Abbreviations.- 1. Introduction and Overview.- Part I: From Economic Stabilization to Budget Stabilization: Theory and Tools.- 2. From Economic Stabilization to Budget Stabilization.- 3. Subnational Government Tools for Budget Stabilization.- Part II: Boom-Year Savings and Effects in Bust Years.- 4. Patterns of State Savings with BSF and GFS.- 5. State Saving Behavior - Effects of BSF in Interaction with BBR.- 6. Effects of Boom-year Savings across Three Types of State Expenditures.- 7. Effects of Boom-year Savings on Bust-year Budgetary Actions.- Part III: Implications for Budgeting and Financial Management.- 8. Budgeting for Fiscal Stability over the Economic Cycle.- 9. Boom-Year Savings and Budgetary Forecasting.- 10. Debt as Counter-cyclical Fiscal Tool.- 11. A Framework for Fiscal Policy Coordination and Economic Stability.- 12. Prospects for Budget Stabilization by Subnational Governments.- References.- Notes.- General Appendixes.- Index.
Can Standard Surgical Procedure Reliably Be Avoided in Major Responders After Radio(chemo)therapy

Pathological complete response (pCR) after radiochemotherapy (RCT) is increasingly reported with a range between 10% and 30%. Patients with pCR have favorable oncological outcome so that major surgery with total mesorectal excision (TME) is questionable and could be considered an overtreatment specially looking at the high rate of short- and long-term morbidity associated with this operation. “Wait and see” policy has been proposed by some authors in major responders as an alternative to radical resection. Nevertheless, clinical complete response (cCR) is a concept not easy to define, and it is not truly trustworthy in predicting pCR (25–85%) also using latest available imaging diagnostic techniques. Full-thickness local excision (LE) after RCT seems much more reliable and can be regarded as an optimal choice to achieve a definition of pathological response of primary tumor. The accuracy of LE in the definition of ypT is extremely high, and in ypT0, it is possible to predict, in a roundabout way, the absence of lymph node involvement with an accuracy of nearly 96%. Clinical trials to confirm validity of this less-invasive therapeutic approach are required.
Tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK in platelets requires coordinated signaling through integrin and agonist receptors

Abstract FAK is a focal adhesion kinase that is phosphorylated on tyrosine in activated platelets. Induction of FAK phosphorylation requires both fibrinogen binding to integrin alpha IIb beta 3 and post-occupancy events during agonist-induced platelet aggregation or platelet spreading on a fibrinogen matrix. To identify the signaling pathways necessary for tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK, we have examined the conditions that stimulate or inhibit this phosphorylation in platelets in which fibrinogen binding to alpha IIb beta 3 and platelet aggregation were induced directly with an anti-beta 3 Fab fragment (anti-LIBS6). Apyrase was added to prevent effects of the endogenous platelet agonist, ADP. Under these conditions, neither fibrinogen binding nor primary platelet aggregation was sufficient to induce FAK phosphorylation, suggesting that a second "costimulatory" event was required. Indeed, when epinephrine was added with fibrinogen and anti-LIBS6, large platelet aggregates formed and FAK phosphorylation occurred. This response was prevented by blockade of cyclooxygenase with indomethacin or thromboxane A2 receptors with SQ 30,741. A stable thromboxane A2 analogue (U46619) could substitute for epinephrine as the costimulus. Epinephrine costimulation of FAK phosphorylation was also prevented by chelation of intracellular Ca2+ with BAPTA or selective inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) with bisindolylmaleimide, indicating that Ca2+ and PKC are necessary for FAK phosphorylation under these conditions. Epinephrine also promoted FAK phosphorylation and adhesive spreading of apyrase-treated platelets on a fibrinogen matrix. Cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of actin polymerization, blocked FAK phosphorylation under all these conditions. Thus, tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK in platelets requires coordinated signaling through occupied integrin and agonist receptors. These separate pathways may converge to increase free Ca2+ and activate PKC and thus promote the cytoskeletal reorganization required for activation of FAK.
Personal Information Management for Intelligence Tasks

The Intelligence Cycle is one of information processing: data is gathered, organized, analyzed, and summarized. In the current environment, there is a large amount of data available for Intelligence Analysts (IAs); therefore, a considerable amount of time is spent in the gathering and organizing phases, leaving little time for analysis and summarization. Thus, software tools that help with acquiring and categorizing new data are extremely useful to IAs.
Thinking and feeling: The influence of positive emotion on human cognition

This research explores the connection between competition and distributive and integrative conflict messages in same-sex platonic friendships. The study is a partial replication of Messman and Mikesell’s (2000) examination of competition and interpersonal conflict in dating relationships. The competitive behaviors of same-sex friends examined here are compared with those of dating couples as explored by Messman and Mikesell. Findings of the current research indicate that increased competition between same-sex friends is linked to a rise in distributive conflict tactics as well as to a reduction in integrative messages, which is consistent with Messman and Mikesell’s results. The current study also investigates the similarities and differences between men and women in their approach to competition while interacting with their same-sex platonic friends. In this study, significant differences between men’s and women’s competitive behaviors were found. This result contrasts with the findings of Messman and Mikesell, who concluded that no distinctions were apparent between males and females in romantic relationships in regard to their competitive interactions.
Viruses and Koch's Postulates

Diseases at one time were thought to be caused by wrath of the gods, configuration of stars or miasmas. After a real struggle that occurred not so many years ago, certain maladies were shown to be induced either by small animals or minute plants, e.g., protozoa, fungi, bacteria and spirochetes. Indeed, the victory was so great that most workers in time began to consider that all infectious diseases, including those whose incitants had not been discovered, must be caused by agents similar to those already recognized. According to them, there could be no infections that were not caused by protozoa, fungi, bacteria or spirochetes, and to intimate that some infectious agents might be inanimate constituted heresy of the first order. Even at the present time, the cause of certain diseases is said by some individuals to be unknown or undiscovered, because no cultivable bacterium or visible protozoan parasite of etiological significance has been demonstrated in them. For instance, a few years ago Cowie made the statement in a scientific paper that the etiological agent of poliomyelitis is unknown, and in the recent book, An American Doctor's Odyssey, Heiser remarked that "the microbe which causes smallpox has never been discovered." In spite of the general acceptance of the idea that all infectious diseases are caused by protozoa, fungi, bacteria or spirochetes, some workers have always contended that there might exist other infectious agents incapable of classification with those already known. Furthermore, very early in the bacteriological era a few discerning individuals appreciated the fact that there was no reason, except analogy, for assuming that all infectious agents must be living autonomous organisms. Through the activities
Capitalism — or Christianity

AbstractThis article explores and critiques Jean-Luc Nancy’s alignment of capitalism and Christianity. It exposes his idea that Christianity and capitalism share the same genealogy, their common trait being a devaluation of the world. Next it shows how the Christian-capitalist devaluation of the world is specified into a view of bodies, which Nancy calls incarnation. It moves on to investigate Nancy’s revision of creation as a concept and an act aimed at revaluating the world. Finally it suggests that one could turn Nancy’s logic against him, thereby discovering how Christianity diverges sharply from capitalism. Nancy fails to acknowledge that capitalism and Christianity diverge on the issue of excess. Capitalism denies excess, by assigning everything a monetary value. Christianity testifies to that which exceeds value. Nancy’s schema of incarnation and creation, if carefully inflected, can place significant philosophical force behind a deep theological protest against the tendency to associate Christiani...
Shopping for Judges: An Empirical Analysis of Venue Choice in the Bankruptcy Reorganization of Large, Publicly Held Companies

This article reports on an empirical study of forum shopping in all bankruptcy reorganization of large, public companies from 1980 through 1997 (273 cases). Principal findings include: (1) forum shopping increased from about 20% to between 50% and 86% over the period studied, (2) the principal destination for shopping changed abruptly from New York to Delaware about 1990, (3) Delaware achieved a virtual national monopoly on these kinds of case by 1996, before the Chief Judge in Delaware took the large cases from the Bankruptcy judges, (4) Delaware processes cases a little faster than other districts but the difference is not statistically significant, (5) shopping rates differ significantly for firms in different cities, suggesting that shopping is in significant part a rejection of particular courts. The study is based on data from Lynn M. LoPucki's Bankruptcy Research Database.
Corticosteroid-Free Primary Treatment of Chronic Extensive Graft-versus-Host Disease Incorporating Rituximab

Abstract Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a significant determinant of overall outcome and quality of life in survivors of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Standard initial therapy of cGVHD is based on prolonged use of corticosteroids and a calcineurin inhibitor and has not changed for over 3 decades, despite limited efficacy and long-term toxicity. Rituximab is an attractive agent for the upfront treatment of cGVHD because of its favorable toxicity profile, efficacy in steroid-refractory cGVHD, and ability to serve as a steroid-sparing agent in autoimmune diseases. We hypothesized that a corticosteroid-free regimen incorporating rituximab would result in improved outcomes when used for the initial treatment of cGVHD. Twenty-five patients (median age, 56 years; range, 29 to 77) with extensive cGVHD were enrolled on a prospective phase II trial. Enrollment was limited to patients with first onset extensive cGVHD requiring systemic immunosuppression and without residual or concurrent acute graft-versus-host disease. cGVHD was classified as de novo, interrupted, and progressive in 12, 11, and 2 patients, respectively. cGVHD severity (National Institutes of Health grade) was mild, moderate, and severe in 3, 14, and 8 patients, respectively. All patients received rituximab 375 mg/m2 × 4 weekly doses, then 1 dose every 3 months × 4 doses, in addition to mycophenolate mofetil and either tacrolimus or sirolimus. No other systemic immunosuppression was permitted, and only a short-course of steroids (≤4 weeks) was allowed at physician discretion; otherwise, treatment was deemed a failure and patients were treated off study. Twenty-two of 25 patients (88%) responded to treatment. Of the 22 responding patients, the median time to maximum response was 161 days (range, 35 to 300 days) with maximum response being complete in 21 of 22 patients and partial in 1 patient. Excluding the 3 patients taken off study for treatment failure, corticosteroids were used sparingly, with only 2 patients receiving any steroids for a median of 15 days (range, 13 to 18 days). Immunosuppression was discontinued in 17 of 22 evaluable patients (77%) with a median time to discontinuation of 300 days (range, 138 to 488 days). After immunosuppression discontinuation, cGVHD did recur in 7 patients after a median of 166 days (range, 21 to 393 days), requiring reinstitution of systemic immunosuppression (estimated cGVHD recurrence rate of 37%). With a median follow-up of 27 months, estimated 2-year overall survival is 82%. This regimen utilizing rituximab in the initial therapy of cGVHD is effective and avoids the use of corticosteroids in the majority of patients. In permitting early discontinuation of immunosuppression while obviating the need for prolonged exposure to systemic corticosteroids, this regimen may result in reduced treatment-related morbidity and mortality associated with cGVHD and its treatment.
Nanoparticle chains coupled with surfaces and twisted chains as optical waveguides and antennas

Nanoparticle chains of two types are studied. The first type involves chains coupled with a dielectric slab. Such chains can operate as optical waveguides or antennas radiating surface wave beams. The second chain type involves twisted chains, where asymmetric chain elements are twisted in the transverse of the chain's axis direction. Such chains support slow (bound) or fast (radiated) waves, with properties determined by the twist angle, periodicity, and plasmonic resonance properties.
Reliable matching and scheduling of precedence-constrained tasks in heterogeneous distributed computing

In this paper, two cost functions that can be incorporated into a matching and scheduling algorithm for tasks with precedence constraints are introduced to enable the algorithm to consider the reliability of different resources in the system while making decisions. The cost functions introduced are unique in the sense that they are not restricted to tree-based networks and a specific matching and scheduling algorithm. As an example, cost functions are applied to a compile time, static list scheduling heuristic. The simulation results confirm that the proposed cost functions can be exploited to produce task assignments where the effect of failures of machines and network resources on the execution of the application is reduced.
Auditory brainstem function of the F1 offspring of the cross of CBA/CaJ and AU/SsJ inbred mice

Inbred strains of laboratory mice have several distinct advantages as models for examining conditions that influence the human auditory system, but the CBA/J mouse which has most often been used as a normal model has recently been found to have several disadvantages. This paper is the first report of the auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) of the Fl offspring of CBA/CaJ and AU/SsJ parents. At midlife, high-frequency ABR thresholds are lower in the F1 than in either parental genotype. Tuning curves obtained by forward masking of the ABR also display heterosis, i.e. they are narrower in the F1 than in either parental strain.
Stability of several brands of ampicillin and penicillin V potassium oral liquids following reconstitution

The stability-time profiles of the active ingredient of five generically equivalent brands of penicillin V potassium for oral solution, and of five generically equivalent brands of ampicillin for oral suspension, were studied. Three controlled conditions were employed-refrigerated, room and elevated temperature-and all the samples were assayed chemically for drug remaining at specific time intervals after reconstitution. The results showed that considerable variations in the initial concentrations of active component existed among the various ampicillin and penicillin products. In one penicillin product the official content requirement was not met. The data also showed that although the labels on each of the commerical penicillin products tested indicate that the reconstituted products may be stored in a refrigerator for 14 days without significant loss of potency, only one penicillin product still met 90% of label claim (minimal potency requirement of the United States Pharmacopeia for dry powder). All ampicillin products tested were stable when stored at the conditions recommended by the manufacturers, but the trihydrate forms exhibited greater stability than the anhydrous forms, probably because of the more rapid dissolution rate of anhydrous ampicillin.
Regulation of the Cerebral Circulation: Role of Endothelium and Potassium Channels

Faraci, Frank M., and Donald D. Heistad. Regulation of the Cerebral Circulation: Role of Endothelium and Potassium Channels. Physiol. Rev. 78: 53–97, 1998. — Several new concepts have emerged in re...
The taxonomic affinities of Haplopappus linearifolius (Asteraceae-Astereae)

Haplopappus linearifolius has been referred by various authors to the monotypic genusStenotopsis, to the genusStenotus, and withH. parrasanus toHaplopappus sect.Stenotopsis. A re-evaluation of the taxonomic affinities ofH. linearifolius based on morphological, chemical, and phenological evidence supports the hypothesis that it andEricameria cooperi are closely related and that these two species stand apart from others inEricameria. Accordingly, a section withinEricameria is established to accommodate them, and two new combinations are made,Ericameria sect.Stenotopsis andE. linearifolia. Also, a new subspecies,E. cooperi subsp.bajacalifornica is proposed.
Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Athletes Using a Mini–Direct Anterior Approach

Background:Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is an increasingly common diagnosis in active patients with hip pain. Surgical options for FAI include arthroscopy, open surgical dislocation, or mini–direct anterior approaches. Arthroscopic and open treatments of FAI have been commonly performed and have had promising results in athletes.Hypothesis/Purpose:We hypothesized that the mini–direct anterior approach would provide the advantages of a minimally invasive procedure and still allow adequate exposure of the hip joint to successfully treat FAI in an athletic population. The purpose of this study was to determine if a mini-open approach for the treatment of FAI in athletic patients would allow a return to preoperative activity.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:A total of 234 patients (257 hips) with FAI were treated by a mini-open approach; 59 were athletic patients (66 hips) with a preoperative University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score of 7 or higher or Super Simple...
Dealing with activism in Canada: an ideal cultural fit for the two-way symmetrical public relations model

Abstract Public relations practitioners who have worked in the United States and Canada often remark how differently activists and public issues are dealt with in each of the countries. Generally, disputes are seen as much less confrontational, much less zero-sum games in Canada than in the United States. This paper delves into that top-of-mind perception through in-depth interviews with 15 communications and PR practitioners and professors with experiences on both sides of the 49th parallel and a review of the relevant literature. It concludes that the greater acceptance of two-way symmetrical communication in Canada than in the United States results from the tradition of compromise embedded in Canadian culture.
Reduced Order Nonlinear Navier-Stokes Models for Synthetic Jets

While the potential for the use of synthetic jet actuators to achieve flow control has been noted for some time, most of such flow control studies have been empirical or experimental in nature. Several technical issues must be resolved to achieve rigorous, model-based, closed-loop control methodologies for this class of actuators. First, we seek to derive and evaluate model order reduction methods based on proper orthogonal decomposition that are suitable for synthetic jet actuators. Second, we seek to derive rigorously stable feedback control laws for the derived reduced order models
BRDF and BSDF models for diffuse surface and bulk scatter from transparent windows

A novel approach based on the generalized Van Cittert-Zernike theorem is used to characterize the scatter properties of window materials and coated surfaces. The scattered light is categorized based on the level of coherence of the scattered light. A closed form model is applied to a wide range of illumination frequencies and material types. Diffuse scattered light is represented in a straightforward manner. Comparisons between measurements and model fits will be presented.
Identification and characterization of two distinct ligand binding regions of cubilin.

Using polymerase chain reaction-amplified fragments of cubilin, an endocytic receptor of molecular mass 460 kDa, we have identified two distinct ligand binding regions. Region 1 of molecular mass 71 kDa, which included the 113-residue N terminus along with the eight epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats and CUB domains 1 and 2, and region 2 of molecular mass 37 kDa consisting of CUB domains 6–8 bound both intrinsic factor-cobalamin (vitamin B12; Cbl) (IF-Cbl) and albumin. Within these two regions, the binding of both ligands was confined to a 110–115-residue stretch that encompassed either the 113-residue N terminus or CUB domain 7 and 8. Ca2+ dependence of ligand binding or the ability of cubilin antiserum to inhibit ligand binding to the 113-residue N terminus was 60–65%. However, a combination of CUB domains 7 and 8 or 6–8 was needed to demonstrate significant Ca2+ dependence or inhibition of ligand binding by cubilin antiserum. Antiserum to EGF inhibited albumin but not IF-Cbl binding to the N-terminal cubilin fragment that included the eight EGF-like repeats. While the presence of excess albumin had no effect on binding to IF-Cbl, IF-Cbl in excess was able to inhibit albumin binding to both regions of cubilin. Reductive alkylation of the 113-residue N terminus or CUB 6–8, CUB 7, or CUB 8 domain resulted in the abolishment of ligand binding. These results indicate that (a) cubilin contains two distinct regions that bind both IF-Cbl and albumin and that (b) binding of both IF-Cbl and albumin to each of these regions can be distinguished and is regulated by the nonassisted formation of local disulfide bonds.
Recent advances in cathode electrocatalysts for PEM fuel cells

Great progress has been made in the past two decades in the development of the electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). This review article is focused on recent advances made in the kinetic-activity improvement on platinum-(Pt-) based cathode electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The origin of the limited ORR activity of Pt catalysts is discussed, followed by a review on the development of Pt alloy catalysts, Pt monolayer catalysts, and shape- and facet-controlled Pt-alloy nanocrystal catalysts. Mechanistic understanding is reviewed as well on the factors contributing to the enhanced ORR activity of these catalysts. Finally, future directions for PEMFC catalyst research are proposed. Keywords proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), cathode electrocatalysts, platinum, oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)
Complications of absorbable pelvic mesh slings following surgery for rectal carcinoma

PURPOSE: To evaluate the intraoperative, postoperative, and long-term complications of an absorbable pelvic mesh sling after surgery for rectal carcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records from April 8, 1991, through April 8, 1996. RESULTS: Twenty patients with a mean age of 57 (range, 37–79) years underwent pelvic mesh sling placement. The tumor stages were as follows: Stage I, 5; Stage II, 2; Stage III, 11; and Stage IV, 1. A recurrent perianal basal cell carcinoma was not included in the staging group. Surgery consisted of 18 abdominoperineal resections, 1 total proctocolectomy, and one Hartmann's procedure. Mean follow-up was 18 (range, 2–49) months. There were no intraoperative complications related to mesh placement. Twenty-nine complications occurred in 14 patients during the immediate postoperative period. Five were possibly mesh-related and included a pelvic abscess, perineal seroma, toxic perineal wound, pulmonary embolus, and lower extremity deep venous thrombosis, respectively. A mild postoperative ileus developed in 17 patients (85 percent), and a diet was initiated at a mean of seven (range, 4–24) days. Fourteen patients received postoperative radiotherapy with a mean dose of 5,339 (range, 2,500–7,020) cGy delivered in 180-cGy fractions. There were 14 immediate complications caused by radiotherapy in 11 patients, but only two patients required delays in treatment. Two patients had diarrhea alone, six developed perineal dermatitis alone, and three patients had both diarrhea and perineal dermatitis. All patients with diarrhea had received chemoradiation. One patient developed a partial small-bowel obstruction following radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Absorbable pelvic mesh sling placement can be performed with minimum morbidity and is recommended following surgery for rectal cancer when radiation is anticipated as part of multimodality therapy.
Demonstration of geometric operations on the Bloch vectors in an ensemble of rare-earth metal atoms

We demonstrate two types of basic Bloch vector rotations in thulium ion ensemble embedded in yttrium aluminum garnet crystal based on our previous work that designed the appropriate Hamiltonians driving Bloch vector rotations through geometric evolution in two-level atom. The angles of the geometric rotations were controlled by the relative phases of the laser pulses driving the rotations. The rotation angles were measured using photon echoes and compared with the corresponding theoretical values. The operation fidelity was calculated for both demonstrated rotations that resulted in average values of 94.00 and 99.96%, respectively. The schemes to improve the operation fidelity will be discussed.
A new theory of precipitator efficiency

Abstract This paper contains a new theory of precipitator efficiency, designed to avoid certain objections to the Deutsch formula. Its essential concept is that random motions of particles give rise to a directed flow if a concentration gradient exists. Furthermore, the flow tends to smooth out the distribution of particles. Application of this concept to the transverse components of particle velocity leads to a proof that the net velocity of particles towards electrodes is less than the purely electrostatic velocity by a factor (1 − f ), where f is the ratio of rate of turbulent transport away from the electrodes to electrostatic transport towards them. The derivation utilizes only the observation that industrial scale precipitators do not achieve laminar efficiencies. Similar considerations for the longitudinal motion show that, in a precipitator, the mean particle velocity exceeds the mean gas velocity. The resultant effection precipitator efficiency depends on the gas velocity: for high velocities, it is relatively unimportant; at low velocities, it becomes more important. On this basis, the decline of effective migration velocity with falling gas velocity, which has been noted in the literature, finds its explanation. Another way of looking at the new theory is the following. For high gas velocities, the efficiency of a precipitator may be calculated by a formula of the same form as that of Deutsch, except that the electrostatic velocity w must be replaced by (1 − f ) w . This last quantity corresponds to the effective migration velocity which has been used heretofore on an empirical basis. Thus, the new formula is more pessimistic than the old. At low gas velocities, a new factor, the particle diffusion coefficient, enters into the efficiency calculation in such a way that a significant advantage for low turbulence precipitators is seen. The major differences between the new theory and the old are the introduction of effective migration velocity in a natural manner without special assumptions, and the correlation of efficiency with degree of turbulence.
An overview of cyberknife radiosurgery

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes precisely targeted radiation as an ablative surgical tool. Conventional radiosurgery devices, such as the Gamma Knife, rely upon skeletally attached stereotactic frames to immobilize the patient and precisely determine the 3D spatial position of a tumor. A relatively new instrument, the CyberKnife (Accuray, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA), makes it possible to administer radiosurgery without a frame. The CyberKnife localizes clinical targets using a very accurate image-to-image correlation algorithm, and precisely cross-fires high-energy radiation from a lightweight linear accelerator by means of a highly manipulable robotic arm. CyberKnife radiosurgery is an effective alternative to conventional surgery or radiation therapy for a range of tumors and some non-neoplastic disorders. This report will describe CyberKnife technology and oncologic applications in neurosurgery and throughout the body.
Cell cycle dependent expression of a glucose regulated cell surface glycoprotein

A cell surface associated "glucose regulated protein" has been described on nontransformed human fibroblasts. To examine the distribution of that protein on human fibroblasts specific antisera were used. The antisera was used in conjunction with indirect immunofluorescence and revealed that the glucose regulated protein was present as fibers on spread cells. Further, the antisera was used in complement mediated cytotoxicity assays to examine cells during specific stages of the mitotic cell cycle. Fibroblasts were synchronized by serum starvation, hydroxyurea inhibition, or colcemid inhibition followed by mitotic selection. The results demonstrated that the glucose regulated protein was maximally displayed during the G1 phase of the cell cycle and minimally displayed during the S and M phases.