cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A research school of chemistry in the nineteenth century: Jean Baptiste Dumas and his research students

Summary Jean Baptiste Dumas, an outstanding research chemist and teacher, laid the foundations of the science of organic chemistry. While doing so, he gathered around him some thirty students who participated in his research programmes and for the most part worked in his laboratory, thus forming a laboratory-based research school of chemists. Several of these in their turn influenced the development of the science. In Part I the social and institutional aspects of the school were considered. The discussion in Part II centres on student participation in Dumas's five programmes of research, arguably the most important determinant of membership in his school. As a general conclusion to the article, an assessment is made of the relationship between Dumas and his students.
Calculations of Financial Incentives for Providers in a Pay-for-Performance Program: Manual Review Versus Data From Structured Fields in Electronic Health Records.

© 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. BACKGROUND:: Hospital report cards and financial incentives linked to performance require clinical data that are reliable, appropriate, timely, and cost-effective to process. Pay-for-performance plans are transitioning to automated electronic health record (EHR) data as an efficient method to generate data needed for these programs. OBJECTIVE:: To determine how well data from automated processing of structured fields in the electronic health record (AP-EHR) reflect data from manual chart review and the impact of these data on performance rewards. RESEARCH DESIGN:: Cross-sectional analysis of performance measures used in a cluster randomized trial assessing the impact of financial incentives on guideline-recommended care for hypertension. SUBJECTS:: A total of 2840 patients with hypertension assigned to participating physicians at 12 Veterans Affairs hospital-based outpatient clinics. Fifty-two physicians and 33 primary care personnel received incentive payments. MEASURES:: Overall, positive and negative agreement indices and Cohen’s kappa were calculated for assessments of guideline-recommended antihypertensive medication use, blood pressure (BP) control, and appropriate response to uncontrolled BP. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to assess how similar participants’ calculated earnings were between the data sources. RESULTS:: By manual chart review data, 72.3% of patients were considered to have received guideline-recommended antihypertensive medications compared with 65.0% by AP-EHR review (κ=0.51). Manual review indicated 69.5% of patients had controlled BP compared with 66.8% by AP-EHR review (κ=0.87). Compared with 52.2% of patients per the manual review, 39.8% received an appropriate response by AP-EHR review (κ=0.28). Participants’ incentive payments calculated using the 2 methods were highly correlated (r≥0.98). Using the AP-EHR data to calculate earnings, participants’ payment changes ranged from a decrease of $91.00 (−30.3%) to an increase of $18.20 (+7.4%) for medication use (interquartile range, −14.4% to 0%) and a decrease of $100.10 (−31.4%) to an increase of $36.40 (+15.4%) for BP control or appropriate response to uncontrolled BP (interquartile range, −11.9% to −6.1%). CONCLUSIONS:: Pay-for-performance plans that use only EHR data should carefully consider the measures and the structure of the EHR before data collection and financial incentive disbursement. For this study, we feel that a 10% difference in the total amount of incentive earnings disbursed based on AP-EHR data compared with manual review is acceptable given the time and resources required to abstract data from medical records.
A model of cooperative noninterference for integrated modular avionics

The aviation industry is gradually moving toward the use of integrated modular avionics (IMA) for civilian transport aircraft, potentially leading to multiple avionics functions hosted on each hardware platform. An important concern for IMA is ensuring that applications are safely partitioned so they cannot interfere with one another. On the other hand, such applications routinely cooperate, so strict separation cannot be enforced. We present a formal model for demonstrating the absence of unintentional interference in the presence of controlled information sharing among cooperating applications. The formalization draws on the techniques developed for computer security models based on noninterference concepts. Excerpts from the model formalization expressed in the language of SRI's Prototype Verification System (PVS) are included.
Comparison of Etest and National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards broth macrodilution method for azole antifungal susceptibility testing

The use of Etest strips for antimicrobial susceptibility testing is a new and promising method with broad applications in microbiology. Since these strips contain a predefined continuous gradient of a drug, it is possible to obtain a reproducible, quantitative MIC reading. We performed a prospective and double-blinded study to compare the Etest and National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (Villanova, Pa.) broth macrodilution methods for determining the MICs of fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole for 100 clinical isolates (25 Candida albicans, 25 Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans, 20 Torulopsis [Candida] glabrata, 15 Candida tropicalis, and 15 Candida parapsilosis). The Etest method was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the reference method was performed according to National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards document M27-P guidelines. Despite differences between results for some species-drug combinations, Etest and macrobroth MICs were, in general, in good agreement. The MIC agreement rates for the two methods, within +/- 1 dilution, were 71% for ketoconazole, 80% for fluconazole, and 84% for itraconazole. According to our data, Etest has potential utility as an alternative method.
Genotypic identification and species names in Acanthamoeba: correlation and conflict

Many named isolates of Acanthamoeba, e.g. isolates designated Acanthamoeba polyphaga, are used widely in studies of pathogenicity, and other biological characters. However, molecular analyses show that isolates designated A. polyphaga are polyphyletic. Isolates may be very dissimilar at the molecular level, but share a species name, leading investigators to believe that they should share biological characteristics. Here, we present a summary of the correlation in Acanthamoeba between genotypes and the named species of this genus. Analyses of sequences of the nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (ssu rDNA) have identified at least fifteen genotypes of the free-living ameba genus Acanthamoeba. Genotype determination has been defined by a sequence dissimilarity of five percent or greater in pairwise sequence comparisons. The ssu rDNA genotypes correlate well with many of the named species of Acanthamoeba. However, in some cases a species name exists as an invalid synonym of other species names within monophyletic genotypic clades. In addition, numerous species names are associated with the large and widely distributed Acanthamoeba genotype T4. Using molecular examination, some of these species designations are shown to be polyphyletic. The genotypes identified by nuclear ssu rDNA are supported by the addition of data from the mitochondrial ssu rDNA, which also provide some resolution of clades within genotype T4. Some lineages within the T4 genotype are associated with named species. Robust identification of Acanthamoeba isolates, including molecular data such as genotypic designation, is required so that data from studies on physiology or pathology may be correctly interpreted.
A selectively deposited poly-gate ITLDD process with self-aligned LDD/channel implantation

An inverse-T lightly doped drain (ITLDD) CMOS process which features improved hot-carrier effects and self-aligned source/drain and channel implantation profiles is presented. Compensation effects by the heavy channel doping on the light N/sup -//P/sup -/ profile are minimized in this ITLDD structure, because the implants are self-aligned to the polysilicon-gate edge. In addition, because selective polysilicon deposition rather than an incomplete poly-gate etchback is used to define the ITLDD structure, a simpler, more manufacturable process is obtained due to improved control of the thin poly-gate shelf thickness. >
THE RELATION OF DOSE OF BACTERIA TO GROUP INFECTION

A study has been made of the peritoneal reaction in mice after injection of different bacteria in graded dose. Organisms were employed to which the animals were fairly resistant. Under these conditions it was found that as the dosage was decreased a more or less critical point was reached below which infection failed to be initiated. The possible clinical bearings of this observation are discussed.
A domain-specific language for model coupling

There is an increasing need for the comprehensive simulation of complex, dynamic, physical systems. Often such simulations are built by coupling existing, component models so that their concurrent simulations affect each other. The process of model coupling is, however, a non-trivial task that is not adequately supported by existing frameworks. To provide better support, we have developed an approach to model coupling that uses high level model interfaces called Potential Coupling Interfaces. In this work, we present a visual, domain-specific language for model coupling, called the Coupling Description Language, based on these interfaces. We show that it supports the resolution of model incompatibilities and allows for the fast-prototyping of coupled models.
Finding power/ground defects on connectors — a new approach

Printed circuit boards are steadily becoming faster, and as a result, relatively ordinary defects in connectors and sockets can now have more subtle and damaging effects. At the same time these defects defy detection by conventional technologies. This paper surveys existing tests for these defects and introduces a new solution based on network parameter measurements.
CD8+ T cells produce IL-2, which is required for CD4+CD25+ T cell regulation of effector CD8+ T cell development for contact hypersensitivity responses

Interleukin (IL)-2 functions to promote, as well as down-regulate, expansion of antigen-reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, but the role of IL-2 in hapten-specific CD8+ T cell priming for contact hypersensitivity (CHS) responses remains untested. Using enzyme-linked immunospot to enumerate numbers of hapten-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing IL-2 in hapten-sensitized mice, the number of IL-2-producing CD8+ T cells was tenfold that of CD4+ T cells. Hapten-primed CD4+ T cells produced low amounts of IL-2 during culture with hapten-presenting Langerhans cells, whereas production by hapten-primed CD8+ T cells was fivefold greater. CD8+ T cells did not express CD25 during hapten priming, but treatment with anti-IL-2 or anti-CD25 monoclonal antibodies during hapten sensitization increased hapten-specific effector CD8+ T cells as well as the magnitude and duration of the CHS response. These results indicate that CD8+ T cells are the primary source of IL-2 and that this IL-2 is required for the function of a population of CD(4+)CD25+ T cells to restrict the development of the hapten-reactive effector CD8+ T cells that mediate CHS responses.
Prevalence and healthcare actions of women in a large health system with a family history meeting the 2005 USPSTF recommendation for BRCA genetic counseling referral

Background: In 2005, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released guidelines which outlined specific family history patterns associated with an increased risk for BRCA1/2 mutations, and recommended at-risk individuals be referred for genetic counseling and evaluation for BRCA testing. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of individuals with a USPSTF increased-risk family history pattern, the frequency with which specific patterns were met, and resulting healthcare actions among women from the Henry Ford Health System. Methods: As part of a study evaluating ovarian cancer risk perception and screening, 2,524 randomly selected participants completed a detailed interview (response rate 76%) from an initial eligible cohort of 16,720 women. Results: Approximately 6% of participants had a family history fulfilling one or more of the USPSTF patterns. Although 90% of these women had shared their family history with their provider, less than 20% had been referred for genetic counseling and only 8% had undergone genetic testing. Caucasian women with higher income and education levels were more likely to receive referrals. Among the 95 participants in the total study cohort who reported BRCA testing, 78% did not have a family history that met one of the USPSTF patterns. Conclusions: These results suggest a higher prevalence of women with an increased-risk family history than originally predicted by the USPSTF, and lack of provider recognition and referral for genetic services. Impact: Improvements in healthcare infrastructure and clinician education will be required to realize population level benefits from BRCA genetic counseling and testing. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(4); 728–35. ©2013 AACR .
Transitions: Career and Family Life Cycles of the Educational Elite

Among life’s most vital transitions are those concerning family and career. We decide when and whom to marry, how many children to have, whether to further our education, and which occupations and jobs to pursue. Fundamental aspects of these transitions began to change around the early 1970s for the college educated generally, and for women in particular. The median age at first marriage among college graduate women, which had been stable at about 22.5 years old from the 1950s to the early 1970s (for birth cohorts from the 1930s to about 1950), increased by 2.5 years between 1972 and 1979 (for birth cohorts from about 1950 to 1955). The fraction of women not having a first birth by around 40 years old increased from 20 percent for those graduating in the early 1960s, to 28 percent for those graduating in the 1970s. College graduate women greatly increased their education in professional schools; the fraction female among first-year law and medical school students, for example, was 10 percent in 1970 but rose to 40 percent by 1990.
The air gap sign.

An elderly female aspirated a donut and subsequently had loss of consciousness and cardiopulmonary arrest. Family members performed chest compressions until emergency medical services arrived and resuscitated the patient with an adequate heart rate and blood pressure. On hospital admission, the patient was nonresponsive on a mechanical ventilator. Cardiac auscultation revealed distant heart tones, but no rub or mediastinal crunch was heard. The admission chest x-ray revealed a normal cardiac silhouette, but the presence of a pneumopericardium (Fig. 1). Two-dimensional echocardiography was best imaged from the subcostal window. Loss of ultrasound signal was
The sensitivity of fast muscle contractile function to the major components of the sarcomere Ca2 +-cycling system

A reaction-diffusion model of a muscle sarcomere was developed to evaluate the sensitivity of force characteristics to diffusion and Ca(2+)-cycling components. The model compared well to experimental force measurements. Diffusion led to Ca(2+) gradients that enhanced maximal force and accelerated relaxation compared to when diffusion was infinitely fast. However, a modest increase in sarcomere length or radius led to a decrease in maximal force. Lowering the Ca(2+) release rate caused a lower maximal force, but increasing the rate led to only modest gains in maximal force while incurring much greater ATP costs associated with reuptake. Greater parvalbumin binding rates decreased maximal force but enhanced relaxation, and this effect was magnified when Ca(2+) uptake rates were lowered as may occur during fatigue. These results show a physiological set of parameters that lead to a functional sarcomere of known dimensions and contractile function, and the effects of parameter variation on muscle function.
Guinea pig pancreatic neurons: morphology, neurochemistry, electrical properties, and response to 5-HT

The morphology, neurochemistry, and electrical properties of guinea pig pancreatic neurons were determined. The majority of neurons expressed choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity; howe...
PP10.8 – 2503: Sinus sagittalis superior thrombosis complicating moderate traumatic head injury in a child

Objective Posttraumatic dural sinus thrombosis is a rare complication of traumatic head injury in children. Before the new anticoagulation guidelines (AHA/ASA 2011) the majority of patients were conservatively managed and their recoveries were mostly uneventful. However there are a few case reports where severe complications and even death occurred. According to the new guidelines pharmacological treatment of posttraumatic dural sinovenous thrombosis consists of administering low molecular weight heparin, (LMWH) or venous heparin. In situations, where systemic anticoagulation is contraindicated, local thrombolysis is allowed. Case report A 14 year old child suffered moderate traumatic head injury. Subgaleal and epidural hematomas were diagnosed on CT, and the suspicion of superior sagittal sinus thrombosis was raised. MR venography verified an incomplete superior sagittal sinus (SSS) thrombosis. Weighting the risk of progression of the thrombosis to further bleeding full dose LMWH was administered. Results The patient remained stable, but the hematomas started to grow. Neuroradiological counselling revealed suturolysis of the corona sutures on both sides, and fracture of the inner table of the skull at the sagittal superior suture on CT. A small epidural hematoma over the superior sagittal sinus was diagnosed, compressing the vein. The dose of LMWH was lowered to preventive dosage, and was administered for four month. On the follow up MRI examination the hematomas were absorbed, and the SSS recanalised. Conclusion Treating traumatic sinodural thrombosis in children with intra and extra cranial hematomas remains controversial. The decision in these situations must be individualized and during the clinical course frequently re-evaluated
Chapter 2: The Environment of Alternative Investments

This chapter provides a foundation regarding the environment of alternative investing — or the participants, regulators, taxation and financial markets. The focus is on understanding the purposes and functions of these components to gain an understanding of why the investing environment is structured the way it is, and how the different components interact.
The Historic Preservation Gap in Graduate Real Estate Curricula

This paper focuses on the pedagogy of interdisciplinary graduate real estate and historic preservation programs. Currently there is one historic preservation track offered in graduate real estate p...
Trial Jurors and Variables Influencing Why They Return the Verdicts They Do - A Guide for Practicing and Future Trial Attorneys

This is the third of a trilogy of articles based on a 204-question survey of jurors. The first focused on whether jurors in criminal cases were upholding the presumption of innocence and the right of a defendant not to testify. The second examined jurors' evaluations of their advocates' performance. This article focuses on the relationship between pertinent variables in the survey and the verdicts returned. After the Introduction in Part I, Part II provides the methodology and organization of the survey, including how the statistical analyses were performed. The results of these analyses are reported beginning in Part III with how jurors' demographics bear on their verdicts, and Part IV analyzes the attorneys’ demographics. Part V examines the effects of the jurors' trial attorneys' understanding (or misunderstanding) of the strengths and weaknesses of their cases; their honesty or lack thereof; their asking questions that were important in deciding the case; their strength of personality; and their being perceived by the jurors to be either public defenders or private counsel. Part VI examines the effect of how jurors rated the likeability and ability of their trial attorneys. In Part VII, the article looks at how the trial lawyers' use of exhibits may have played a role in the verdicts they received. In Part VIII, the analyses turn to demographics of the parties. Part IX examines credibility of the parties-specifically whether the jurors liked them or felt sympathy for them, and, in civil cases, whether blaming someone else for what had transpired produced an effect on the verdicts. Part X is exclusively devoted to criminal cases, particularly the effect of the credibility of a defendant who testified, whether jurors presumed the defendant innocent, and whether it would have been better if he or she had not testified. Part XI examines the length of deliberations. Part XII is also devoted to criminal cases, and includes a logistic regression to determine predictors of guilt or innocence using multiple variables. The article concludes with Part XIII, and is followed by a statistical appendix.
PIN FIXATION IN DISLOCATION AT THE HIP JOINT

In those cases of dislocation at the hip joint in which there is a tendency toward upward displacement after open reduction, the femoral head may be maintained in position by a pin driven through the greater trochanter and into the upper margin of the acetabulum.
The Ecology of Some Costa Rican Backswimmers (Hemiptera: Notonectidae)

A survey of Notonectidae from aquatic habitats in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica, is given; 7 species of backswimmers representing 3 genera are reported. A number of environmental parameters are quantified for each site sampled and are used to characterize the habitat of each species. Species of Buenoa are found in a variety of warm pond habitats while Martarega are found in river sites characterized by cooler water and conditions favoring a floating prey resource. Laboratory tests show that M. hondurensis Bare has a lower maximum temperature tolerance than does B. antigone (Kirkaldy); M. hondurensis is also found to have a marked preference for food floating on the surface, while B. antigone prefers those food resources spending the greatest amount of time in the water column. Size ranges of 5 species of Buenoa are found not to overlap significantly. This may be important in minimizing interspecific competition.
Effect of vitamin B6 and magnesium on renal deposition of calcium oxalate induced by ethylene glycol administration.

SummaryOral administration of ethylene glycol to rats and the resultant renal de-position of calcium oxalate were studied in terms of dietary levels of Vit. B6 and magnesium. Under the conditions of these experiments partial protection against oxalate deposition was achieved with excessive dietary Vit. B6 while complete protection resulted when large amounts of MgO were fed. The in vivo oxidation of ethylene glycol to CO2 was found to be related to amount of Vit. B6 administered. Dietary magnesium levels, however, did not affect oxidation of ethylene glycol and it is suggested that dietary magnesium protects against renal deposition of calcium oxalate by altering the solvent characteristics of urine.
Use of genotoxicity information in the development of integrated testing strategies (ITS) for skin sensitization.

Skin sensitization is an end point of concern for various legislation in the EU, including the seventh Amendment to the Cosmetics Directive and Registration Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Since animal testing is a last resort for REACH or banned (from 2013 onward) for the Cosmetics Directive, the use of intelligent/integrated testing strategies (ITS) as an efficient means of gathering necessary information from alternative sources (e.g., in vitro, (Q)SARs, etc.) is gaining widespread interest. Previous studies have explored correlations between mutagenicity data and skin sensitization data as a means of exploiting information from surrogate end points. The work here compares the underlying chemical mechanisms for mutagenicity and skin sensitization in an effort to evaluate the role mutagenicity information can play as a predictor of skin sensitization potential. The Tissue Metabolism Simulator (TIMES) hybrid expert system was used to compare chemical mechanisms of both end...
Synthesis of Superconducting Powders by Freeze-Drying

The freeze-drying method of synthesizing powders of the superconducting oxide YBa2Cu3O7-δ is described. This process produces homogeneous, submicron powders of high purity. The effects of salt selection, solution concentration and pH on the process are described. Some evaluation of the sintering behavior and the effects on critical current density are included.
Mild perioperative hypothermia.

Mammals need to maintain a nearly constant internal temperature. If the internal temperature deviates substantially from normal, metabolic functions generally deteriorate. The human thermoregulatory system usually maintains a core body temperature near 37°C. Perioperative hypothermia, however, is common because of the inhibition of thermoregulation induced by anesthesia and the patient's exposure to a cool environment. Hypothermia leads to numerous complications, including coagulopathy, morbid cardiac events, and a decreased resistance to surgical-wound infection. Normal Thermoregulation The processing of thermoregulatory information has three components: afferent thermal sensing, central regulation, and efferent responses. Together, they work to maintain the normal core body temperature. . . .
The Integration between Visual Communication Elements and the Space Interface:A Case Study of Dining Space

This paper takes dining space as examples,starts with the analysis on constitute features of visual communication elements.Then the article expounds the plane,three-dimensional,dynamic characteristics of the elements of visual communication in dining space.What's more,the article describes the general approach to decorating the interface in dining space synoptically.The focal point is to expound how the visual communication elements(fonts,logos,color,pattern and texture) integrate with the space interface while designing the dining space.Lastly,the article summarizes the borrowing,deconstruction,references and integrated approach.
Effects of early enteral nutrition on the gastrointestinal motility and intestinal mucosal barrier of patients with burn-induced invasive fungal infection.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of early enteral nutrition on the gastrointestinal motility and intestinal mucosal barrier of patients with burn-induced invasive fungal infection. METHODS A total of 120 patients with burn-induced invasive fungal infection were randomly divided into an early enteral nutrition (EN) group and a parenteral nutrition (PN) group (n=60). The patients were given nutritional support intervention for 14 days, and the expression levels of serum transferrin, albumin, total protein, endotoxin, D-lactic acid and inflammatory cytokines were detected on the 1st, 7th and 14th days respectively. RESULTS As the treatment progressed, the levels of serum transferrin, albumin and total protein of the EN group were significantly higher than those of the PN group (P<0.05), while the levels of serum endotoxin and D-lactic acid of the form group were significantly lower (P<0.05). After treatment, the expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased in the EN group, which were significantly different from those of the PN group (P<0.05). During treatment, the incidence rates of complications such as abdominal distension, diarrhea, sepsis, nausea, vomiting and gastric retention were similar. The mean healing time of wound surface was 9.34±0.78 days in the EN group and 12.46±2.19 days in the PN group, i.e. such time of the former was significantly shorter than that of the latter (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Treating patients having burn-induced invasive fungal infection by early enteral nutrition support with arginine can safely alleviate malnutrition and stress reaction, strengthen cellular immune function and promote wound healing, thereby facilitating the recovery of gastrointestinal motility and the function of intestinal mucosal barrier.
Paddling permanent white water: managing within the paradigm shifts in military medicine

The challenges of managing military medicine over the last three decades have been complicated by rapidly changing priorities and redirections. Inspired by Kuhn's theory of "paradigm shifts," we can identify five distinct paradigms and four paradigm shifts that have dominated military medicine over the last 25 years. These shifts began in the early 1970s when military medicine was forced to make a transition from a focus on combat casualty care to the problems of becoming an all-volunteer force. These paradigm shifts continue in the form of the current challenges of simultaneously embracing new cost-conscious forms of health care delivery while downsizing the force. Each of the shifts has been characterized by a lack of anticipation and the onset of crisis. The present challenges faced by military medical leadership are not necessarily unprecedented; prescience in regard to inevitable future shifts could reduce turmoil and enhance adaptation.
Exercise. Eat. Repeat. Focus on "Prior exercise training blunts short-term high-fat diet-induced weight gain".

the deleterious effects of a saturated fat-rich diet and sedentary behaviors on metabolic health are well established. For many years, exercise training has been recognized as a means to treat or attenuate metabolic disease. For example, exercise training is often employed as a weight loss modality
Analysis and Simulation of Electric Vehicle Power Battery

Energy and the environment have become the most current concerns in the world, and many countries have considered developing electric vehicles as an important means to solve the problem of energy and the environment. So, it is very necessary to research the effect on grid by electric vehicle charge and discharge but it must build a suitable model of batteries of electric vehicle. This paper built a PNGL and Thevenin simulation model, and compared the simulation curve with the actual measure curve. The results prove that the two methods on two occasions applications are more appropriate.
Effects of Visual Separation and Physical Discontinuities when Distributing Information across Multiple Displays.

Systems that include multiple integrated displays distributed throughout the working environment are becoming prevalent. Compared to traditional desktop displays, information presented on such systems is typically separated at much wider visual angles. Additionally, since displays are often placed at different depths or are framed by physical bezels, they introduce physical discontinuities in the presentation of information. In this paper, we describe a study that utilizes a divided attention paradigm to explore the effects of visual separation and physical discontinuities when distributing information across multiple displays. Results show reliable, though small, detrimental effects when information is separated within the visual field, but only when coupled with an offset in depth. Surprisingly, physical discontinuities such as monitor bezels and even separation in depth alone do not seem to affect performance on the set of tasks tested. Following the findings, we provide recommendations for the design of hardware and software in multiple display environments.
Anaerobic Disposal of Arsenic-Bearing Wastes Results in Low Microbially Mediated Arsenic Volatilization.

The removal of arsenic from drinking water sources produces arsenic-bearing wastes, which are disposed of in a variety of ways. Several disposal options involve anaerobic environments, including mixing arsenic waste with cow dung, landfills, anaerobic digesters, and pond sediments. Though poorly understood, the production of gaseous arsenic species in these environments can be a primary goal (cow dung mixing) or an unintended consequence (anaerobic digesters). Once formed, these gaseous arsenic species are readily diluted in the atmosphere. Arsenic volatilization can be mediated by the enzyme arsenite S-adenosylmethionine methyltransferase (ArsM) or through the enzymes involved in methanogenesis. In this study, methanogenic mesocosms with arsenic-bearing ferric iron waste from an electrocoagulation drinking water treatment system were used to evaluate the role of methanogenesis in arsenic volatilization using methanogen inhibitors. Arsenic volatilization was highest in methanogenic mesocosms, but represen...
Maintenance planning and spare parts provisioning for a small unmanned aerial system

This paper details a maintenance model for the Silver Fox Small Unmanned Aerial System. The system is comprised of a number of mission critical, modular components as well as a number of mission enhancing components. A typical system is deployed for 180 days and consists of one aircraft, a spares kit, and a hangar queen aircraft. A discrete event simulation model is developed to evaluate the effects of maintenance planning decisions and spare parts provisioning on aircraft availability. The model explores using both the parts from the spares kit and cannibalized parts from the hangar queen in order to keep the aircraft availability high. When a part fails, it is sent back to the United States for refurbishment which takes a certain amount of time. We investigate the effects of spare parts provisioning, allowable maintenance time, and refurbishment lead time on several metrics. We show that changes in these policies have a significant impact on aircraft availability and capability.
Murine gammaherpesvirus M2 antigen modulates splenic B cell activation and terminal differentiation in vivo.

Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) infection of laboratory strains of mice has provided a tractable small animal model for dissecting gammaherpesvirus pathogenesis. The MHV68 latency associated antigen M2 promotes viral latency establishment in germinal center (GC) B cells and plays an important role in virus infection of plasma cells (PCs), which is linked to virus reactivation. More recently, M2 has been highlighted as a potent immunomodulatory molecule capable of hindering both cell-mediated and humoral immunity to MHV68 infection and subsequent challenges. M2 expression in B cells results in activation of B cell receptor signaling pathways that promote proliferation, differentiation, and cytokine production—a hallmark of gammaherpesviruses. In this study, we utilized an adoptive transfer model to explore the biological consequence of M2 expression in activated B cells in vivo. Secondly, we engineered and validated two independent MHV68 M2 reporter viruses that track M2 protein expression in latently infected B cells during infection. Here we demonstrate that upon adoptive transfer into naive mice, M2 expression promotes activated primary B cells to competitively establish residency in the spleen as either a GC B cell or a PC, most notably in the absence of an ongoing GC reaction. Moreover, M2 antigen drives robust PC differentiation and IL10 production in vivo in the absence of other viral factors. Lastly, we confirm that M2 expression during MHV68 infection is localized to the GC compartment, which is a long term latency reservoir for gammaherpesviruses. Overall, these observations are consistent with, and extend upon previous reports of M2 function in B cells and within the context of MHV68 infection. Moreover, this work provides support for a model by which M2-driven dysregulation of B cell function compromises multiple aspects of antiviral immunity to achieve persistence within the infected host.
Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes of Induction of Labor Compared with Planned Cesarean Delivery in Women with Preeclampsia at 34 Weeks' Gestation or Longer.

Objective This study aims to compare outcomes of induction with planned cesarean in women with preeclampsia. Study Design A retrospective cohort study, including women with singleton pregnancies, preeclampsia (mild, severe, and superimposed), and without previous cesarean at ≥ 34 weeks' gestation was conducted. Outcomes included primary outcome (intensive care unit [ICU] admission, thromboembolism, transfusion, and hysterectomy), composite severe neonatal outcome (asphyxia, arterial cord pH Results Of 5,506 women with preeclampsia at ≥ 34 weeks' gestation, 5,104 (92.7%) women underwent induction. Induction compared with planned cesarean was not associated with an increased risk of the primary outcome but was related to increased risks of ICU admission (aOR: 3.29; 95% CI: 1.02–10.64), and linked to decreased risks of composite neonatal outcome (aOR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.10–0.99), NICU admission (aOR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.43–0.84), TTN (aOR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.22–0.64), and RDS (aOR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.22–0.86). Conclusion Induction was not associated with an increased risk of the primary outcome but was associated with an increased risk of ICU admission and decreased risks of neonatal outcomes.
Improving Measures of Sexual and Gender Identity in English and Spanish to Identify LGBT Older Adults in Surveys.

Abstract Purpose: The goal of this research is to advance the study of health disparities faced by older sexual and gender minorities by assessing comprehension of and improving measures of sexual ...
School district consolidation policies: endogenous cost inefficiency and saving reversals

Some education policy studies suggest that consolidation of public school districts saves resources. However, endogeneity in cost models would result in incorrect estimates of the effects of consolidation. We use a new stochastic frontier methodology to examine district expenditures while handling endogeneity. Using the data from California, we find that the effects of student achievement and education market concentration on expenditure per pupil are substantially larger when endogeneity is handled. Our findings are robust to concerns such as instrumental variable adequacy and spatial interactions. Our consolidation simulations indicate that failure to address endogeneity can result in unrealistic expectations of savings.
Newton’s De Gravitatione Argument Against Cartesian Dynamics

This chapter, and chapter 2, explore the ontological and methodological evolution of Newtonian, Neo-Newtonian, and Leibnizian concepts of space and time. These concepts will form the foundational basis, and comparative starting point, for the eventual construction of a Cartesian spacetime in later chapters. However, in order to adequately ascertain the basic ingredients of a spacetime modeled on Descartes’ physics, we will need to briefly examine the genesis of Newton’s spatiotemporal views, since these beliefs constitute the backdrop of Newton’s famous argument against Cartesian space and motion. A short sketch of the relational theory of space and motion postulated by Descartes, especially as viewed within the context of the Cartesian theory of dynamics,1 will be presented in chapter 1, so that the source of Newton’s criticisms (also presented in chapter 1) will become readily apparent. (An in-depth examination of Descartes’ theory will form the subject of Part II.) As mentioned in the Introduction, it is important to trace the precise implications of Newton’s argument, since each relationalist theory we will examine will constitute a different attempt to answer the same Newtonian challenge. In chapter 2, consequently, I shall provide an extensive analysis of the details and adequacy of the various Neo­Newtonian and relationalist theories of space and time developed in the wake of Newton’s initial hypothesis. These latter theories warrant our attention, for they strive to correct the perceived deficiencies intrinsic to Newton’s original formulation of absolute space and time. Finally, in the process of discussing the merits of both absolute and relational theories in chapter 2, I intend to put forth an argument claiming that, in a sense crucial to the analysis of the motions of bodies, there is something essentially correct with Newton’s demand for absolute space. This argument, although presented somewhat tentatively here, will assume greater proportions and significance as the difficulties involved in shaping a consistent Cartesian dynamics become more apparent with each succeeding chapter. Ultimately, we will attempt to determine if a committed Cartesian can accept this “correct” aspect of Newton’s argument while still remaining loyal to Descartes’ conception of relational motion.
Ultrafast Two-Dimensional Infrared Spectroscopy of a Quasifree Rotor: J Scrambling and Perfectly Anticorrelated Cross Peaks

Ultrafast two-dimensional infrared (2DIR) spectra of the N_{2}O ν_{3} mode in moderately dense SF_{6} gas exhibit complex line shapes with diagonal and antidiagonal features in contrast to condensed phase vibrational 2DIR spectroscopy. Observed spectra for this quasifree rotor system are well captured by a model that includes all 36 possible rovibrational pathways and treats P (ΔJ=-1) and R (ΔJ=+1) branch resonances as distinct Kubo line shape features. Transition frequency correlation decay is due to J scrambling within one to two gas collisions at each density. Studies of supercritical solvation and relaxation at high pressure and temperature are enabled by this methodology.
Subsonic Sound Waves Viewed as a Linear Perturbation in an Inviscid Fluid

Subsonic sound waves are treated as a linear perturbation to an initially quiescent homogeneous state of a one-dimensional inviscid compressible barotropic fluid of infinite extent. This results in a wave equation satisfied by the density condensation function. The concept of characteristic coordinates relevant to first-order quasi-linear and second-order constant coefficient linear partial differential equations is introduced in a pastoral interlude. Then that method is used to obtain D’Alembert’s solution to the sound wave equation and the physical interpretation of that solution as a traveling wave propagating either to the left or right is discussed. The problems consider two examples giving rise to models involving a first-order linear partial differential equation that are solved by the method of characteristics and a parallel flow situation of a one-dimensional homogeneous inviscid fluid layer the linear normal-mode perturbation analysis of which produces a governing Orr-Sommerfeld ordinary differential equation of motion that is then investigated.
Study of spin transport in polyfluorene films

We have investigated spin transport in films of polyfluorene, a π-conjugated polymer, using the technique of “spin pumping” from a ferromagnet substrate, namely Ni80Fe20 in a NiFe/polyfluorene/Pt trilayer device at room temperature. Pure spin current (without carrier injection) is generated in the polymer film by microwave excitation of the NiFe magnetic moment at ferromagnetic resonance conditions. The induced spin current through the ferromagnet/polymer interface crosses the polymer layer and is detected by a Pt overlayer in the device, where it is converted into electric current via the inverse spin Hall effect. We have successfully determined the spin diffusion length, λS, in the polyfluorene film by varying the polymer thickness in the trilayer structure, and found λS = 118 ± 9 nm. We also measured the charge-carrier mobility, μ in polyfluorene film using the time-of-flight technique and found it to be affected by dispersive transport. From the obtained λS and μ values, we estimated the spin relaxation time in polyfluorene to be ∼5 μs at room temperature.
Role of Neuronal Ion Channels in Mercury Intoxication

Mercury compounds exert multiple actions on the nervous system. At skeletal neuromuscular junctions, mercury increases spontaneous release of acetylcholine from nerve terminals and suppresses the nerve-evoked synchronized release of acetylcholine. Voltage-activated sodium and potassium channels of neuronal membranes are suppressed by mercury causing conduction block. Our recent patch clamp study with the rat dorsal root ganglion neurons has unveiled a highly potent and efficacious action of mercuric chloride in augmenting the GABA-activated chloride channel current, a prominent effect being observed at 1 μM. Mercuric chloride also induced a slow inward current by itself, which is likely to account for an increase in leakage current, resting membrane conductance, and membrane depolarization. It was concluded that the stimulation of GABA-induced chloride current plays an important role in mercury intoxication.
Experimental and Computational Studies of Cation-π Interactions in Natural and Synthetic Receptors. Benzene as a Pseudoanion

The cation-π effect is the stabilizing interaction between a cation and the electron-rich face of an aromatic ring. Studies of synthetic receptor systems in aqueous and organic media have established that the effect can produce strong binding of a wide range of cationic guests. Computational studies indicate that the effect is largely electrostatic in origin, suggesting that it is appropriate to consider the face of a simple aromatic ring as a pseudoanion. However, this pseudoanion is fundamentally hydrophobic. Nature exploits this structure in delineating binding sites for a number of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine. In addition, computational studies have led to a novel mechanism for ion selectivity in voltage-gated K+ channels, in which cation-π interactions play a key role.
An Overview of Filtering and Stochastic Control in Dynamic Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the control of a stochastic, dynamic system in some optimal fashion using imperfect measurement data. The problem can be regarded as a complete mathematical description of realistic control system problems. It constitutes a problem about which it is difficult to obtain any meaningful insights. Although feedback is used to compensate for un-modeled errors and inputs, most controllers are designed and analyzed in a deterministic context. Control theory has application in a variety of problem areas. The existence of a “system” is assumed and this system must be controlled to achieve some prescribed objective. The control inputs for the system must be based on imperfect observations of some of the variables that describe the system. The control policy that is utilized must be based on a priori knowledge of the system characteristics, on the time history of the output variables, and on the time history of the input variables.
The Epidemiology of Child Maltreatment

Articles about child maltreatment appear daily in almost every metropolitan newspaper. It seems that children are being injured, molested, and even killed at an alarming rate. In an attempt to understand child maltreatment, the first question to ask is what do we really know about the extent of the problem? Answering that question is the purpose of this chapter.
Applications of Nanomaterials in Solar Energy and Desalination Sectors

Abstract This work provides an overview of the use of nanomaterials in solar energy and desalination sectors. Nanotechnology has received considerable attention in the past few years due to availability of new structures at nanoscales with potential applications in various industrial applications especially in the energy field. This work offers the most recent advances of nanotechnology in thermal storage systems, photovoltaic systems, and solar desalination. With the application of nanomaterials, photovoltaic solar cells are increasing their efficiency while reducing the production costs of electricity and manufacturing. According to the US Department of Energy, few power-generating technologies have as little environmental impact as photovoltaic solar panels. Photovoltaic systems generate considerably smaller amount of harmful air emissions (at least 89%) per kilowatt hour than conventional fossil fuel-fired technologies.