cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of U.S. military leadership: are all leaders created equally?

Organisational success is largely predicated upon the ability of leaders to effectively implement strategies that yield competitive advantage in rapidly changing, and sometimes chaotic environments. Hence, an understanding of those leadership characteristics which are perceived by followers as being effective and instilling confidence is imperative. In order to examine the impact of contextual factors on leadership prototypes, 176 U.S. Marines were surveyed regarding their perceptions of leaders of who were either male or female and new or highly experienced. Approximately twenty three percent of the leader characteristics were found to be differently applied to leaders based upon either the gender, tenure, or both characteristics of the leader. In every one of these instances, significant differences were perceived between new female leaders and experienced male leaders, with the more positive characterisation always being of the latter. Suggestions for future training and research are made based upon these findings.
Approximation and invariant measures

We prove certain approximation theorems for the class of invertible, measurable, and non-singular transformations of the unit interval. The main results concern the approximation of such transformations by those having no a-finite invariant measure absolutely continuous with respect to Lebesgue measure. We are indebted to A. ION~SCTJ TULC~A for making available to us a preprint of her paper [6] which was helpful to us. The major differences and points of contact between the results of [6] and those of the present paper are discussed below. Theorem i of the present paper is a generalization of a theorem of V. A. l~o~LI~ (see [2], p. 75). Theorem 1 states that every antiperiodic transformation can be approximated by a strictly periodic transformation in the uniform topology, defined by the metric d (~, a) = ~n (T # cr), where the degree of approximation depends on the period of the approximating transformation. X~OtILIN's theorem is for the special case where the antiperiodie transformation is measure preserving whereas in fact theorem 1 includes the case where the antiperiodic transformation may not have a a-finite invariant measure absolutely continuous with respect to Lebesgue measure. Our proof is essentially different from the proof for the measure preserving case in [2]. As a corollary of theorem 1 we obtain an unpublished result of C. E. LINDERHOLM which is stated without proof in [6]. Every invertible, measurable, and non-singular transformation T of the unit interval defines a transformation ~T of the essentially bounded measurable functions characterized by ~T~0~ = ~v~-l(~) where ~A is the characteristic function of the set A. Furthermore the adjoint transformation T~ is a positive invertible isometry of L1 [0,1]. It can be readily obtained from the Bm~orF ergodic theorem that r has no a-finite invariant measure absolutely continuous with respect to Lebesgue measure if the limit �9 1 n-1
‘Go sound the ocean, and cast your nets’: Surfing the Net for Early Modern Theatre

Professional scholars and students of Early Modern Theatre use the Internet on an almost daily basis, but this essay may be the first time that such sites have been reviewed for a journal in the field. ‘”Go sound the ocean, and cast your nets”: Surfing the Net for Early Modern Theatre,’ while certainly not exhaustive, surveys the ways in which we use (or abuse) Internet resources, in the process discussing: major gateway sites, including introductory sites for students as well as sites for professional scholars; online text sites, databases and e-journals; and the ways in which the Web has and will continue to affect our pedagogy. The essay reviews the ease with which various sites may be used, the effectiveness of the production values, the accuracy and usefulness of the information provided by each site, and the audiences for whom each site seems intended. As helpful as the new technologies have become in the university classroom, they are also seriously affecting our pedagogy; the easy availability of downloadable articles, Internet searches and extensive online databases has led to an epidemic of plagiarism, forcing faculty to view the Internet with critical eyes.
Acute small bowel ischemia: spectrum of computed tomographic findings

Acute small bowel ischemia is an important clinical entity with significant morbidity and mortality. Since the clinical presentation is often nonspecific, abdominal computed tomography (CT) is frequently obtained for the evaluation of patients with equivocal or unsuspected intestinal ischemia. In this article, the direct and ancillary CT findings of acute small bowel ischemia are reviewed. Although the individual CT manifestations are rarely specific, awareness of the spectrum of CT findings of small intestinal ischemia can help to suggest the diagnosis and direct appropriate management.
Aspirin and compression devices versus low-molecular-weight heparin and PCD for VTE prophylaxis in orthopedic oncology patients†

Background Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are possible sources of morbidity and mortality in patients with musculoskeletal neoplasms (MSN). Objective To compare the efficacy of aspirin (ASA) and pneumatic compression devices (PCD) to low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and PCD in patients undergoing orthopedic procedures for MSN of the pelvis or lower extremity. Methods Of 348 patients who met the study criteria, 195 were treated with ASA/PCD and 153 with LMWH/PCD. There were 18 DVT including 8 in ASA/PCD group and 10 in LMWH/PCD group. There were four PEs, all in the LMWH/PCD group. Results We found no significant difference in DVT rate between ASA/PCD and LMWH/PCD when used for prophylaxis against thromboembolic complications. Our analysis shows that procedures of the thigh, soft tissue resections, and malignant disease were more often managed with ASA/PCD while joint arthroplasty, procedures of the hip/pelvis, and metastatic disease were more often managed with LMWH/PCD. Conclusion DVT prophylaxis in orthopedic oncology remains a complex topic in which physicians must balance the risks of thromboembolic disease against the risks of post-operative complications. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:276–281. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A simple method for determination of proteinase activity

A method has been developed that is applicable for the determination of both exo- and endo proteinase activity in cereal extracts. The procedure is based on measurement of the fluorescent adduct formed between the α-amino group resulting from proteolysis and o-phthaldialdehyde in the presence of ethanethiol. This adduct can be measured fluorometrically at its emission wavelength (450 nm) or spectrophotometrically at its excitation wavelength (340 nm). Both methods respond similarly though, as expected, the fluorescence measurement is more sensitive. This assay procedure is simple, does not require separation of hydrolysis product from substrate, and overcomes many of the limitations associated with previously reported proteinase assays involving precipitation with tricholoracetic acid, dialysis or viscometric analysis.
Indirect Exchange Model for Ferromagnetic Metals

The ferromagnetic properties of rare-earth metals and their alloys are discussed in terms of the indirect exchange model. It is shown by the molecular- field approximation that, in calculating the Curie temperatures of these metals, the simple theory of Frohlich and Nabarro and Zener is applicable. The second- order energy terms calculated by Ruderman and Kittel, Kasuya, and Yosida are important in discussing the low-temperature properties. Some numerical results are obtained which are in good agreement with the experiments. (auth)
Contracting officer workload, incomplete contracting, and contractual terms

This article estimates the causal effect of retirement-induced workload spikes on the selection of procurement terms. In a sample of 150,000 contracts from 85 procurement offices over 11 years, increases in workload decrease reliance on competitive acquisition procedures, decrease reliance on firm-fixed-price contracts, increase risk of renegotiation, and increase costs. These estimates are consistent with a model of endogenously incomplete contracting. The US federal government has experienced exceptional growth in acquisitions contracting over the past decade but limited growth in acquisitions manpower. This article provides some of the facts necessary to evaluate the consequences of these shifts.
Analysis and Presentation of Cumulative Antibiograms: A New Consensus Guideline from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute

It is crucial to monitor emerging trends in resistance at the local level to support clinical decision making, infection-control interventions, and antimicrobial-resistance containment strategies. Monitoring of antimicrobial resistance trends is commonly performed in health care facilities using an annual summary of susceptibility rates, known as a cumulative antibiogram report. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M39-A2 consensus document, entitled "Analysis and Presentation of Cumulative Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Data," provides guidance to clinical laboratories in the preparation of a cumulative antibiogram. The purpose of this review is to describe this document, explain the rationale for some of the recommendations, discuss limitations of its use, and propose new directions for future revisions. The document contains specific recommendations for the collection, storage, analysis, and presentation of data and includes sample templates highlighting the recommendations. Critical issues include the recommended frequency of reporting, the number of isolates to include in a statistic, and a mechanism for eliminating multiple isolates of a given bacterial species obtained from an individual patient.
Geography and war: A review and assessment of the empirical literature

This article reviews and assesses the empirical literature on geography and war. The early pioneering work of Mackinder, Spykman, and Mahan is reviewed as are the current theoretical frameworks und...
A comparison of perioperative outcomes in patients with and without rheumatoid arthritis after receiving a total shoulder replacement arthroplasty

Hypothesis The long-term survival rate of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is comparable to hip and knee arthroplasty. Although TSA is considered a safe and effective procedure with low complications in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), data are lacking on perioperative complications. Complication rates and hospital disposition differences between patients with and without RA who underwent TSA were investigated. We hypothesized that RA patients would have poorer perioperative outcomes after TSA. Materials and methods Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to capture 25,398 patients between 1988 and 2005 who underwent TSA. Of these, 1,186 patients had a primary diagnosis of RA and were compared with 24,212 patients without RA. Analyses addressed perioperative complications and hospital disposition factors using bivariate and logistic regression models. Results Overall complication rates were exceptionally low in both groups. Hospital disposition factors were significantly different between the 2 groups. The RA cohort had shorter average lengths of stay, higher likelihood of routine discharge, and lower inflation-adjusted cost before and after adjustment for covariates. Discussion The occurrence of complications in the perioperative setting was less than 1% for both study groups in most variables investigated, and there were only minimal differences in perioperative complications between the groups. The significant differences in hospital disposition factors suggest that patients with RA may have less complex hospital stays and may be more comfortable being discharged under their own care. Recent studies describing the overall improvement in the management of patients with RA may also help explain these findings. Conclusions The findings suggest that the perioperative complications of a total shoulder replacement for patients with and without RA are similar. Contrary to our expectations, TSA patients with RA had shorter and less costly hospital stays and were more likely to have routine discharge. Complications are likely more long-term in nature than detected in this study and require longer follow-up beyond perioperative periods for fruition.
Effect of Midwing Vortex Generators on V-22 Aircraft Forward-Flight Aerodynamics

The effect of midwing vortex generatorson the V-22 aircraft forward-e ight (airplanemode )aerodynamics using computational e uid dynamics is investigated. The multizone Navier -Stokes method is applied to calculate the e ow over a V-22 wing -fuselage-nacelle cone guration in forward e ight with and without vortex generators. The calculations show that thevortex generatorsreduceseparation and producea favorableeffecton both lift and drag if they are properly designed and placed in the right position. The chordwise location and the incidence angle of the vortex generators are two important design variables in achieving the desired separation alleviation. development. 1i3 Acomprehensive reviewon the V-22 Osprey aero- dynamic development during the past 15 years is given by McVeigh et al. 4 The use of computational e uid dynamics (CFD) has been explored by the present author to analyze the complex aerodynam- ics of the V-22 aircraft. The overall e owe eld about the aircraft in hover 5 andforward-e ightmode 6i8 hasbeensimulatedand analyzed using a multizone, thin-layer Navier- Stokes solution. These anal- yses considered the " clean" aircraft cone guration, as well as the cone guration with external components. The V-22 employs vortex generators, strakes, and fences to en- hance aerodynamic performance. As a predesign tool, it would be desirable to use the CFD method to evaluate the effect of these de- vicesbefore thee nal evaluation on wind-tunnel or e ight tests. In the presentwork,theeffectofthemidwingfairing(alsocalledoverwing fairing) vortex generators (VGs) on the V-22 forward-e ight aerody- namicsisevaluated.TheuseofVGsisnotstraightforward,however. The effectiveness of VGs depends on how the trailing vortices are generated and used to energize the e ow inside the boundary layer. Theusermighthavetoperformalarge numberoftrial-and-errorex- periments to determine the optimum shape, incidence with respect to the oncoming e ow, and the location of the VGs before e nalizing the design applications. The use of the CFD techniques offers an excellent alternative to the required trial-and-error experiments. The present work is performed in the framework of the steady- state Navier- Stokes solution in a structured grid. A new gridding topology for embedding the VGs in an existing CFD model has been developed. The incorporation of the VGs is performed seam- lessly to allow the effect of VGs to be adequately evaluated. The VGs are not embedded using the chimera-type scheme 9 becauseof inaccuracies due to gridoverlapping and interpolations. The present work addresses the VGs installed on the midwing fairing only, and not the wing-mounted VGs nor the forebody strakes found on the engineering, manufacturing, development (EMD) cone guration of the V-22 aircraft.
Gaussian filters for nonlinear filtering problems

We develop and analyze real-time and accurate filters for nonlinear filtering problems based on the Gaussian distributions. We present the systematic formulation of Gaussian filters and develop efficient and accurate numerical integration of the optimal filter. We also discuss the mixed Gaussian filters in which the conditional probability density is approximated by the sum of Gaussian distributions. A new update rule of weights for Gaussian sum filters is proposed. Our numerical tests demonstrate that new filters significantly improve the extended Kalman filter with no additional cost, and the new Gaussian sum filter has a nearly optimal performance.
The Natural Autoantibody Repertoire of Nonobese Diabetic Mice Is Highly Active

Analysis of spontaneous hybridomas generated from nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice indicates that the natural autoantibody repertoire of NOD mice is highly active compared with C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. This property of increased B cell activity is present early in life (4 wk) and persists in older mice of both sexes. Even when selected for binding to a prototypic β cell Ag, such as insulin, NOD mAb have characteristics of natural autoantibodies that include low avidity and broad specificity for multiple Ags. Analyses of the variable region of Ig H chain (VH) and variable region κ L chain genes expressed by six insulin binding mAb show that V gene segments are often germline encoded and are identical with those used by autoantibodies, especially anti-dsDNA, from systemic autoimmune disease in MRL, NZB/W, and motheaten mice. VH genes used by four mAb are derived from the large J558 family and two mAb use VH7183 and VHQ52 genes. The third complementarity-determining region of Ig H chain of these mAb have limited N segment diversity, and some mAb contain DNA segments indicative of gene replacement. Genetic abnormalities in the regulation of self-reactive B cells may be a feature that is shared between NOD and conventional systemic autoimmune disorders. In NOD, the large pool of self-reactive B cells may fuel autoimmune β cell destruction by facilitating T-B cell interactions, as evidenced by the identification of one mAb that has undergone Ag-driven somatic hypermutation.
Trading Away the Ladder? Trade Politics and Economic Development in the Americas

Over the past two decades there has been a six-fold increase in the number of regional or bilateral trade agreements (RBTAs) in the world economy. Nowhere has this proliferation been more prevalent...
p53-Mediated inhibition of angiogenesis through up-regulation of a collagen prolyl hydroxylase

Recent evidence suggests that antiangiogenic therapy is sensitive to p53 status in tumors, implicating a role for p53 in the regulation of angiogenesis. Here we show that p53 transcriptionally activates the α(II) collagen prolyl-4-hydroxylase [α(II)PH] gene, resulting in the extracellular release of antiangiogenic fragments of collagen type 4 and 18. Conditioned media from cells ectopically expressing either p53 or α(II)PH selectively inhibited growth of primary human endothelial cells. When expressed intracellularly or exogenously delivered, α(II)PH significantly inhibited tumor growth in mice. Our results reveal a genetic and biochemical linkage between the p53 tumor suppressor pathway and the synthesis of antiangiogenic collagen fragments.
How much can off-fault deformation contribute to the slip rate discrepancy within the eastern California shear zone?

>Kinematic assumptions of geodetic inversions for fault slip require that the slip sums to the (plate) boundary velocity. This assumption neglects permanent off-fault deformation, which could account for discrepancies between geologic and geodetic estimates. We use three-dimensional mechanical models to assess if unaccounted permanent strain surrounding faults could contribute to slip rate discrepancies across disconnected faults within the Mojave Desert (California, USA) portion of the eastern California shear zone (ECSZ). We modified fault configurations derived from the Southern California Earthquake Center Community Fault Model to better represent the disconnected nature of active faults in the ECSZ south of the Garlock fault. The models with revised fault geometry produce slip rates that better match geologic strike-slip rates, thus validating the revisions. Within these models, off-fault deformation accounts for 40% ± 23% of the total strain across the ECSZ. This suggests that a significant portion of the discrepancy between the geologic and geodetically modeled slip rates in the ECSZ could be due to the geodetic inversion model assumption of zero permanent off-fault deformation.
Reduction characteristics of copper oxide in cerium and zirconium oxide systems

Abstract The reduction of CuO dispersed on fluorite-type oxide catalysts, namely La-doped CeO2 and Y-doped ZrO2 was studied in this work. On both supports distinct copper species were identified as a function of copper content by temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) by H2 and CH4, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning transmission electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray (STEM/EDX) analyses. At low copper loading ( 15 at%), in addition to clusters, larger CuO particles are present which are reduced at higher temperature close to the reduction temperature of bulk CuO. At copper loading lower than ca. 5 at%, copper is present as highly dispersed clusters or isolated Cu ions, which interact strongly with the fluorite-type oxide, thus requiring higher reduction temperature. However, the latter is still below the bulk CuO reduction temperature. Copper is more stabilized when dispersed in Ce(La)O2 than in Zr(Y)O2 matrix, so that reduction of copper oxide species requires lower temperatures on the Zr(Y)O2-based catalysts. The reducibility of the doped ceria is enhanced by the presence of copper in both H2- and CH4-TPR. On the other hand no such interaction is present in CuZr(Y)O2 system. The activity of various copper species for methane oxidation is discussed.
The copper–nicotinamide complex: sustainable applications in coupling and cycloaddition reactions

The crystalline copper(II)–nicotinamide complex, synthesized via simple mixing of copper chloride and nicotinamide solution at room temperature, catalyzes the C–S, C–N bond forming and cycloaddition reactions under a variety of sustainable reaction conditions.
Time-Dependent Reliability Analysis by a Sampling Approach to Extreme Values of Stochastic Processes

Maintaining high accuracy and efficiency is a challenging issue in time-dependent reliability analysis. In this work, an accurate and efficient method is proposed for limit-state functions with the following features: The limit-state function is implicit with respect to time, and its input contains stochastic processes; the stochastic processes include only general strength and stress variables, or the limit-state function is monotonic to these stochastic processes. The new method employs random sampling approaches to estimate the distributions of the extreme values of the stochastic processes. The extreme values are then used to replace the corresponding stochastic processes, and consequently the time-dependent reliability analysis is converted into its time-invariant counterpart. The commonly used time-invariant reliability method, the First Order Reliability Method, is then applied for the time-variant reliability analysis. The results show that the proposed method significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of time-dependent reliability analysis.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
An RF Based Analog Linear Demodulator

Quadrature homodyne receivers have been used extensively for wireless life sign monitoring applications. In this letter, a new single mixer receiver architecture is proposed, that uses a phase tuning method to reach optimum demodulation point, and remove the dc offset associated with homodyne receivers. This method significantly simplifies the receiver architecture, and eliminates the demodulation step of processing baseband data. Experimental results obtained with this system demonstrate that physiological signals have been obtained without distortion, and with estimated heart rate accuracy of 99% for a stationary subject.
Has competition lowered hospital prices

On Jan. 1, 1997, New York ended its regulation of hospital prices with the intent of using competitive markets to control prices and increase efficiency. This paper uses data that come from annual reports filed by all health maintenance organizations (HMOs) operating in New York and include payments to and usage in the major hospitals in an HMO's network. We estimate the relationship between implied prices and hospital, plan, and market characteristics. The models show that after 1997, hospitals in more competitive markets paid less. Partially offsetting these price reductions were price increases associated with hospital mergers that reduced the competitiveness of the local market. Hospital deregulation was successful, at least in the short run, in using price competition to reduce hospital payments; it is unclear whether this success will be undermined by the structural changes taking place in the hospital industry.
Safety of new oral anticoagulants for patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation

Background The new oral anticoagulants (NOAC), dabigatran and rivaroxaban, have been demonstrated to be at least equivalent to warfarin for preventing cardiac thromboembolism (TE) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is limited data regarding use around catheter ablation (CA) procedures. Objective We evaluated the risk of bleeding and TE complications associated with NOAC use during AF ablation. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing AF ablation between January 2011 and 6 September 2013 were grouped based on peri-procedural anticoagulation regimen: (1) uninterrupted warfarin with therapeutic INR (WARF), n=114, (2) dabigatran, n=89, or (3) rivaroxaban, n=98. NOACs were held for 24 h (dabigatran) or 36 h (rivaroxaban) prior to the procedure. Heparin infusion was initiated 6 h post-procedure for the NOAC groups; NOACs were resumed the morning after the procedure. Antral PVI was performed with activated clotting time (ACT) maintained >300 s. TE or bleeding complications during ablation and through 30 days were compared. Results Three hundred and one patients underwent ablation for paroxysmal (71 %) or persistent (29 %) AF. International Normalization Ratio (INR) for the WARF group was 2.0±0.5. Baseline characteristics were similar among the groups. There were two TE events (asymptomatic cerebral emboli and TIA), and there were 17 bleeding events (large hematoma n=4; pericardial effusion n=6; persistent hematuria n=1; pseudoaneurism/AV fistula n=6). Of the six pericardial effusions, three required drainage. There was no significant difference in combined TE/bleeding risk among the groups (WARF vs. dabigatran vs. rivaroxaban; 6.2 % vs. 6.7 % vs. 6.0 %; p=0.82) Conclusions In this group of AF patients undergoing CA, use of peri-procedure dabigatran or rivaroxaban compared to uninterrupted warfarin did not lead to an increase in bleeding or TE complications.
Hantavirus N Protein Exhibits Genus-Specific Recognition of the Viral RNA Panhandle

A key genomic characteristic that helps define Hantavirus as a genus of the family Bunyaviridae is the presence of distinctive terminal complementary nucleotides that promote the folding of the viral genomic segments into "panhandle" hairpin structures. The hantavirus nucleocapsid protein (N protein), which is encoded by the smallest of the three negative-sense genomic RNA segments, undergoes in vivo and in vitro trimerization. Trimeric hantavirus N protein specifically recognizes the panhandle structure formed by complementary base sequence of 5' and 3' ends of viral genomic RNA. N protein trimers from the Andes, Puumala, Prospect Hill, Seoul, and Sin Nombre viruses recognize their individual homologous panhandles as well as other hantavirus panhandles with high affinity. In contrast, these hantavirus N proteins bind with markedly reduced affinity to the panhandles from the genera Bunyavirus, Tospovirus, and Phlebovirus or Nairovirus. Interactions between most hantavirus N and heterologous hantavirus viral RNA panhandles are mediated by the nine terminal conserved nucleotides of the panhandle, whereas Sin Nombre virus N requires the first 23 nucleotides for high-affinity binding. Trimeric hantavirus N complexes undergo a prominent conformational change while interacting with panhandles from members of the genus Hantavirus but not while interacting with panhandles from viruses of other genera of the family Bunyaviridae. These data indicate that high-affinity interactions between trimeric N and hantavirus panhandles are conserved within the genus Hantavirus.
Computational Thinking of Service Systems: Dynamics and Adaptiveness Modeling

ervice is broadly considered as an application of specialized knowledge, skill, and experience, performed for co-creation of respective values of both consumer and provider. Services are engineered and delivered through a heterogeneous service system. Compared to physical goods in manufacturing, resources, largely people (end users as the service consumer and employees as the service provider) - the main focus of a service system, cannot be held and are more complex to model and manage as people participating in service production and consumption have physiological and psychological issues, cognitive capability, and sociological constraints, etc. As the world becomes more complex and uncertain socially and economically, this research proposes a computational thinking approach to modeling of the dynamics and adaptiveness of a service system, aimed at fully leveraging today’s ubiquitous digitalized information, computing capability and computational power so that the service system can be studied qualitatively and quantitatively. Ultimately, with this foundation we will successively and successfully develop the following mechanisms to implement and enhance service systems: • A mechanism to timely capture end users’ requirements, changes, expectation and satisfaction in a variety of technical, social, and cultural aspects; • A mechanism to efficiently and cost-effectively provide employees right means and assistances to engineer services while promptly responding the changes; • A mechanism to allow involved people consciously infuse as much intelligence as possible into all levels and aspects of decision-making to assure necessary system adaptiveness for smarter operations.
Characterizing Polyester Fabrics Treated in Electrical Discharges of Radio-Frequency Plasma

Polyester (PET) swatches are treated with an electrical discharge plasma of a reactive atmosphere (tetrachlorosilane) to graft chlorosilane groups, subsequently hydrolyzed to very hydrophilic hydroxysilane groups. The Kawabata evaluation system for fabrics (KES-FB), high resolution microscopy, and surface tension measurements are used to investigate the physical properties of the fabrics before and after plasma exposure. The results show that the surface parameters are considerably modified by the treatment.
F. R. Leavis, Science, and the Abiding Crisis of Modern Civilization:

When the scientist-turned-novelist C. P. Snow and the literary critic F. R. Leavis clashed in the infamous ‘two cultures’ debate of the early 1960s, theirs was the latest instalment in a long tradition discussing the relationship between the arts and sciences.2 That tradition included the exchanges between T. H. Huxley and Matthew Arnold in the 1880s, the Cambridge Union’s debate over the proposition that “the sciences are destroying the arts” in 1928, and the BBC’s series on the challenge posed by the division between scientifi c and humanistic thought in 1946.3 Connecting the dots between each of these episodes were additional instalments of the same conversation, frequently imbued with tones of novelty and urgency suggesting that the tradition remained obscure even to many of those participating in it.4 Snow’s contribution was to provide a label for this running dialogue, the ‘two cultures’ — a phrase that has come to establish not only the terms of the confl ict between Snow and Leavis, but of that longer discussion about the relationship between the arts and sciences that continues to the present day.5 Snow’s success in defi ning the terms of the exchange frustrated Leavis. In the Richmond Lecture at Downing College in February 1962, the doyen of English criticism delivered a savage denunciation of Snow and The two cultures: “Snow’s argument proceeds with so extreme a naivete of unconsciousness and irresponsibility”, he declared, “that to call it a movement of thought is to fl atter it”.6 Much of the discussion in the ensuing controversy focused upon questions of manners, but to Leavis what followed was even more disheartening: his argument rejecting Snow’s arts-versus-sciences dichotomy was ironically interpreted as its ultimate confi rmation. Aldous Huxley expressed this characterization clearly (if somewhat clumsily) when he posited a symmetry between Snow’s ‘scientism’ and Leavis’s ‘literarism’.7 Leavis was taken to be defending literature against science, and he accordingly found himself absorbed within the very ‘two cultures’ framework he had set out to demolish.
A Preoperative Prognostic Nomogram for Solid Enhancing Renal Tumors 7 cm or Less Amenable to Partial Nephrectomy

Purpose: Small renal masses are increasing in incidence. Most tumors 7 cm or less are treated with radical or partial nephrectomy but clinicians are increasingly relying on ablative therapies and observation for some small renal masses. We present novel nomograms that predict the likelihood of benign, likely indolent or potentially aggressive pathological findings based only on readily identifiable preoperative factors.Materials and Methods: Information on all partial nephrectomies performed at a single institution was collected in an institutional review board approved registry. Using retrospectively collected data on all 862 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy for a single, solid, enhancing, clinical T1 (7 cm or less) tumor between 1999 and 2005 tumors were classified as benign or malignant. Grade 3 clear cell renal cell carcinoma, grade 4 renal cell carcinoma of any type and any renal cell carcinoma with vascular, fat or collecting system invasion were considered potentially aggressive. The like...
Extension of Multichannel Spectroscopic Ellipsometry into the Ultraviolet for Real Time Characterization of the Growth of Wide Bandgap Materials from 1.5 to 6.5 eV

In this article, we report the results of a successful effort to extend rotating-polarizer multichannel ellipsometry into the ultraviolet (uv) spectral region above 5 eV. Key modifications over previous system designs include (i) incorporation of a see-through deuterium (D2) lamp that allows a tandem Xe/D2 source configuration for a usable spectral output from 1.5 to 6.5 eV, (ii) MgF 2 Rochon polarizers for high transmission in the uv without the need for optical activity corrections, and (iii) a spectrograph with a concave grating blazed at 2500 A and internally mounted order-sorting filters. With these modifications, we can collect 132-point ellipsometric spectra over the range from 1.5 to 6.5 eV with a minimum acquisition time of 24.5 ms (one optical cycle). For averages over two and eighty optical cycles (requiring 49 ms and 1.96 s, respectively), the standard deviations in (Ψ, Δ) are (0.04°, 0.08°) and (0.008°, 0.015°), respectively, measured on a thermally-oxidized silicon wafer at a photon energy of 6 eV. In this first report, we briefly describe problems faced in the development of the new instrument. As an example of the applications of the instrument, we present the results of a real time study of the growth of a hexagonal boron nitride (BN) thin film by rf magnetron sputtering on a Si wafer substrate at a temperature of 250°C. The instrument is expected to be useful in BN film growth studies since the additional data in the uv assist in discriminating the wide band gap (Eg) hexagonal (4 6 eV) phases of this material.
Community acquired MRSA sub-acute osteomyelitis of the tibia in a child:

A previously fit and well child attended accident and emergency with increasing pain in his left lower leg after sustaining a laceration to the pre-tibial border of his left leg at a local swimming pool 2 months previously. X-rays at time of presentation showed the formation of a Brodie's abscess. Following incision, debridement and drainage, samples sent to the laboratory confirmed histological features consistent with sub-acute osteomyelitis. Microscopy and Cultures demonstrated Methacillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) of a type seen in community acquired infection. Based on this report we would advocate MRSA being considered as a possible causative organism in acute or sub-acute osteomyelitis even in an otherwise healthy child with no prior hospital exposure.
Impacts Of The Aggregate Economic And Financial Conditions On Output In An Emerging Economy

This study formulates the theoretical model based on the money market equilibrium, the goods market equilibrium, and an augmented aggregate supply function. The sample ranges from 1996.Q1 to 2009.Q3 and has 55 observations. Applying the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model, this paper finds that Brazil’s real GDP is positively impacted by real M2 money supply, the real stock price, world output and the expected inflation rate and is negatively influenced by the government deficit as a percent of GDP, the real BRL/USD exchange rate and the U.S. Treasury bill rate. The first and third quarters exhibit seasonal effects. Therefore, expansionary monetary policy is more effective than deficit-financed expansionary fiscal policy, and pursuing real appreciation, promoting a robust stock market, and maintaining a strong world economy will benefit the Brazilian economy.
Crystal structure of the homocysteine methyltransferase MmuM from Escherichia coli

Homocysteine S-methyltransferases (HMTs, EC 2.1.1.0) catalyse the conversion of homocysteine to methionine using S-methylmethionine or S-adenosylmethionine as the methyl donor. HMTs play an important role in methionine biosynthesis and are widely distributed among micro-organisms, plants and animals. Additionally, HMTs play a role in metabolite repair of S-adenosylmethionine by removing an inactive diastereomer from the pool. The mmuM gene product from Escherichia coli is an archetypal HMT family protein and contains a predicted zinc-binding motif in the enzyme active site. In the present study, we demonstrate X-ray structures for MmuM in oxidized, apo and metallated forms, representing the first such structures for any member of the HMT family. The structures reveal a metal/substrate-binding pocket distinct from those in related enzymes. The presented structure analysis and modelling of co-substrate interactions provide valuable insight into the function of MmuM in both methionine biosynthesis and cofactor repair.
Effects of Age and Size on Mating in Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Implications for Resistance Management

Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine if individuals within populations of the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), mate randomly. Our results indicate that within 8-m 3 arenas, large and small moths do not show assortative mating or preference for one size class over another. Within the same arenas, nonrandom mating did occur based on mating history coupled with age. Biologically, the most significant effect is that old, sexually experienced moths are less likely to mate than young, virgin moths. This difference in mating propensity is expected to increase the extent of nonrandom mating among early and late emerging moths in the same location. These results are discussed as they relate to Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner resistance management.
7158 Frequency of laparoscopic cholecystectomy injuries detected at ercp: experience at a tertiary referral center.

Background: Despite technical advances and increased surgical experience in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, bile duct leaks and injuries continue to be documented at ERCP. The aim of this on-going study was to review our ERCP experience to define the frequency and type of complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy over the last 6 years. Methods: From 1/94 - 11/99, 107 patients (M:F 40:67; age range 18-91) were referred for postlaparoscopic cholecystectomy evaluation. Patients with post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy pain being evaluated for simple common bile duct stones and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction were excluded. Results: see Table. Summary: Our data suggest that complication rates following laparoscopic cholecystectomy are not decreasing. Conclusions: These data suggest an intrinsic risk associated with the laparoscopic approach which may not be overcome with greater experience. The role of referral bias, however, is unknown. An alternative interpretation is that injuries are declining overall, with more patients being referred to our tertiary referral center. Longterm follow-up of all patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy is necessary to determine the final procedure complication rate (i.e. lowgrade strictures with delayed clinical presentation).
Evidence of Syndemics and Sexuality-Related Discrimination Among Young Sexual-Minority Women.

Purpose: Syndemics, or the co-occurrence and interaction of health problems, have been examined extensively among young men who have sex with men, but their existence remain unexamined, to our knowledge, among sexual-minority (i.e., lesbian, gay, and bisexual) women. Thus, we investigated if syndemics were present among young sexual-minority women, and if sexual-orientation discrimination was an independent variable of syndemic production. Methods: A total of 467 sexual-minority women between the ages of 18 and 24 completed a cross-sectional online survey regarding their substance use, mental health, sexual behaviors, height, weight, and experiences of discrimination. We used structural equation modeling to investigate the presence of syndemics and their relationship to sexual-orientation discrimination. Results: Heavy episodic drinking, marijuana use, ecstasy use, hallucinogen use, depressive symptoms, multiple sexual partners, and history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) comprised syndemics in this population (chi-square=24.989, P=.201; comparative fit index [CFI]=0.946; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA]=0.023). Sexual-orientation discrimination is significantly and positively associated with the latent syndemic variable (unstandardized coefficient=0.095, P .05). Conclusions: Syndemics appear to be present and associated with sexual-orientation discrimination among young sexual-minority women. Interventions aimed at reducing discrimination or increasing healthy coping may help reduce substance use, depressive symptoms, and sexual risk behaviors in this population.
Bacterium Pollution's Review in Air of A Railway Tunnel

Bacterium pollution in air of a railway tunnel was reviewed. The result indicated that air was polluted by bacterium, and the amount of bacterium had great positive correlation with the depth of tunnel, and had a certain positive correlation with the humidity, and had negative correlation with temperature (23 ℃～36 ℃). In tunnel, there had no sunshine, temperature' change was small, and the mobile air was little. So the environment was suitable for the growth of bacterium. It was bad for human's heath.
A Holographic Array for Ionospheric Lightning (HAIL) Research

Abstract : The long-term goal is completion of a system using VLF remote sensing to map ionospheric changes due to lightning induced disturbances. This system, covering much of North America, will run in real time and provide two-dimensional ionospheric profile information on the web.
Planning for retail change: a survey of municipal governments in Washington State

AbstractEffectively managing retail is essential for municipalities in terms of meeting land use planning goals, developing revenue sources through taxation, furthering economic growth and providing access to goods and services for residents. In 2013, a survey was conducted to examine the retail planning practices of all the 110 small- and medium-sized municipalities in Washington State. The online survey addressed data collection and analysis, land use, retail recruitment, inter-jurisdictional cooperation and evaluation. A large majority of respondents had retail planning goals in their comprehensive plans, yet only 30% dedicated staff for implementation. Jurisdictions would benefit from regional retail planning (especially in light of changes underway from e-commerce), yet the state tax structure places municipalities in competition.
Analysis of the influence of synchronous condensers on receiving-end grid with multiinfeed HVDC

As multi-infeed HVDC systems are integrated into East China Grid, the operation characteristics and concerns of the grid have changed remarkably. Due to substantial power import through HVDC systems, a large quantity of local generators in the receiving-end grid have to be shut down. The resulting aggravated shortage of dynamic reactive power reserve exacerbates the capability of the grid to withstand significant disturbances. Commutation failures and blockings of multi-infeed HVDC systems may even instigate voltage instability in the receiving-end grid. Synchronous condensers are projected to be installed at HVDC converting stations so as to provide dynamic reactive power support and to improve voltage control performance in East China Grid. Simulation and comparative analysis is performed in this paper to investigate the influence of integration of synchronous condensers on various aspects of system performance involving short-circuit current, voltage stability and transient stability of the grid as well as commutation failures of HVDC systems. The comprehensive analysis results are expected to provide technical reference for allocation of synchronous condensers and determination of the appropriate parameters of the equipment.
Cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation: a practical and effective approach

Medical management of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia in the general population, has had modest efficacy in controlling symptoms and restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm. Since the seminal observation in 1998 that pulmonary veins host the triggers of AF in the majority of cases, electrical isolation of all pulmonary veins constitutes the cornerstone of ablation in patients with symptomatic AF. However, due to the elaborate and tedious technique of the conventional point-by-point method with radiofrequency ablation guided by electroanatomical mapping, newer, more versatile single-shot techniques, such as cryoballoon ablation, have been sought and developed over recent years and are progressively prevailing. Cryoballoon ablation appears to be the most promising practical and effective approach, and we review it here by presenting all available relevant data from the literature as well as from our own experience in an attempt to apprise colleagues of the significant progress made over the last several years in this important field of electrophysiology.
The Longest March: Why China’s Democratization is Not Imminent

Will China democratize? If so, how soon? Relying on classical modernization theory and observations of China’s extraordinary economic growth, many prominent scholars have recently predicted that China is destined for a “short march” to democracy over the next decade. This article problematizes such predictions. I replicate the prominent forecast model used by Henry Rowen and show that even such classical modernization models of democratic transitions actually do not predict democracy in China before 2030–35 at the earliest. I also survey major reasons to think that China’s march to democracy will be a very long march, not a short one.