cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are Postpartum Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Aware of Their Risk

Poster Presentation Objective To identify risk perceptions and knowledge needs of postpartum women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during the postpartum period. Design Cross‐sectional descriptive survey. Setting 28‐bed mother/baby unit in a community hospital. Sample Women in the immediate postpartum with history of GDM: 199 women were screened, 130 were eligible/willing to participate. Methods Participants completed a 40‐item questionnaire based on the health belief model prior to discharge. Items identified demographic characteristics, knowledge and risk perceptions about DM, optimistic bias, worry, and personal control for DM risk reduction. Results The average age of participants was 33.9 years, 55% were college graduates, 36% were Hispanic, 27% were Asian, and 20% were White. More than 50% had family histories of DM, and 28.5% had GDM in prior pregnancies. The majority (94.6%) controlled GDM through diet. Knowledge about DM risk was moderate. Lifestyle (diet, exercise, and weight), family history, and history of GDM were commonly recognized risk factors. There was less awareness of increased risk based on ethnicity and age. Only 21.5% identified personal risk for DM as being high; 40% reported their risk as none to slight. Likert scales (1–4, low–high) were used to assess factors affecting risk perception and personal control. Mean scores included the following: personal control 3.41, worry 2.99, and optimistic bias 2.14. Preferences for educational materials included one‐on‐one discussion (70%) and print materials (68%) with content focused on preparing healthy meals (80%), exercise programs (65%), and making lifestyle changes (61%). Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice Findings were similar to previous reports, and perceived risk for future Type 2 DM was minimized. Although risk perceptions were low, women felt they could control their risk (diet, exercise, and weight control) suggesting that programs focused on increasing risk awareness could affect prevention efforts. The diagnosis of GDM provides an ideal opportunity to convey messages about DM risk reduction. Educational forums incorporating one‐on‐one discussion and lifestyle changes using print materials and cooking and exercise demonstrations may have potential for optimum effect.
Diffractive gluon production in proton-nucleus collisions and in deep inelastic scattering

We derive expressions for the gluon production cross sections in the single diffractive proton-nucleus scattering and DIS processes in a quasi-classical approximation. The resulting cross sections include the effects of all multiple rescatterings in the classical background field of the target proton or nucleus, which remains intact after the scattering. We also write down an expression for the inclusive gluon production cross section in DIS in the quasi-classical approximation.
The Moment Of Faith: Against Relativism Through A Reinterpretation Of The Story Of Abraham

In the United States, it is common for people entering christian organizations to receive explanation of what the Bible means before being handed the book and asked to read. Religious ideological transfer stems from this strict codification, and the Story of Abraham highlights the effective blending between original text and interpretation. Recognizing how the Story of Abraham calls for, as Kierkegaard suggested, a suspension of the ethical for obedience, it justifies entrance into a religious state of exception, a fully subjective moment into which the sole sovereign of divine will is the self. The social ramifications, beyond a-logical relativism, involve the historic and continued justification of religious otherization and dehumanization, shrined in a belief of divinity. In contemporary debate, the religious hunker down, entrenching themselves within their ideology, while many in deconstructivist camps want to tear these institutions apart. I suggest a middle-ground: a radical reinterpretation through philosophical, linguistic and literary theory methods of the Story of Abraham as a narrative reflecting the Tower of Babel motif, to work within the christian ideological system to create strategic biblical interpretations for positive social effect.
Relationship of Gene Expression in the Injured Human Meniscus to Body Mass Index: A Biologic Connection Between Obesity and Osteoarthritis

Objective Higher body mass index (BMI) increases the risk of meniscus injury and knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, it is unknown if and how obesity affects meniscus biology. We analyzed transcriptome-wide gene expression profiles of injured human menisci to test the hypothesis that meniscal gene expression signatures relate to patient BMI. Methods Meniscus samples were obtained from patients undergoing arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Transcriptome-wide analysis of gene expression followed by validation of selected transcripts by QuantiGene Plex assay was performed. Correlations of gene expression with BMI and relative fold changes (≥1.5-fold) in 3 BMI categories (lean [BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2], overweight [BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2], and obese [BMI >30.0 kg/m2]) were analyzed, and integrated functional classifications were probed computationally. Results The obese versus overweight comparison resulted in the largest set of differences (565 transcripts) followed by obese versus lean (280 transcripts) and overweight versus lean (125 transcripts). Biologic reproducibility was confirmed by cluster analysis of expressed transcripts. Differentially regulated transcripts represented important functional classifications. Transcripts associated with oxygen transport, calcium ion binding, and cell homeostasis were elevated with BMI, while those related to extracellular matrix deposition, cell migration, and glucosamine metabolic processes were repressed. While these functional classifications may play key roles in cartilage/meniscus homeostasis, failure of extracellular matrix deposition and increase in calcium ion binding likely contribute to OA development following meniscal injury. Conclusion Our results indicate greater differences in gene expression between obese and overweight groups than between overweight and lean groups. This may indicate that there is a weight threshold at which injured meniscus responds severely to increased BMI. BMI-related changes in gene expression present a plausible explanation for the role of meniscal injury in OA development among obese patients.
TV Audience Measurement with Big Data.

Abstract TV audience measurement involves estimating the number of viewers tuned into a TV show at any given time as well as their demographics. First introduced shortly after commercial television broadcasting began in the late 1940s, audience measurement allowed the business of television to flourish by offering networks a way to quantify the monetary value of TV audiences for advertisers, who pay for the estimated number of eyeballs watching during commercials. The first measurement techniques suffered from multiple limitations because reliable, large-scale data were costly to acquire. Yet despite these limitations, measurement standards remained largely unchanged for decades until devices such as cable boxes, video-on-demand boxes, and cell phones, as well as web apps, Internet browser clicks, web queries, and social media activity, resulted in an explosion of digitally available data. TV viewers now leave digital traces that can be used to track almost every aspect of their daily lives, allowing the ...
The 7th Conference on Candida and Candidiasis, Austin, Texas, USA, March 18–22, 2004

The 7th Conference on Candida and Candidiasis, sponsored by the American Society for Microbiology, was held during March 18–22, 2004, in Austin, Texas. The conference was supported by funds from the National Institutes of Health (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) as well as several industrial sources. Like the preceding ones, this conference was extremely high quality. Candida and Candidiasis conferences are now the premier event for Candida biologists and clinical research scientists, and as a reflection of the general interest in this area of study approximately 400 people attended. Most contributed oral papers and/or presented posters. A total of 247 abstracts were submitted for posters. This conference was the first to be held at a two-year interval. Previously, all conferences were organized on a three-year cycle. Certainly, this change was needed given the vast literature and exciting observations that have occurred since the last conference. It is expected that the “every other year” conference format will remain in place, and rightfully so. The subject emphasis changes somewhat per conference, to reflect ongoing research interests and “hot” research areas. This conference was no exception, but a balance of information on pathogenesis and immunology, clinical updating, basic biology, drug discovery and testing, epidemiology, and diagnosis was available for attendees. One of the more visible changes in the format of the conference was an increase in the number of oral presentations by junior scientists, which accomplished at least two things. First, the participatory activity of the younger scientists gave them an opportunity to …
Incompleteness in Data Mining

Database technology, as well as the bulk of data mining technology, is founded upon logic, with absolute notions of truth and falsehood, at least with respect to the data set. Patterns are discovered exhaustively, with carefully engineered algorithms devised to determine all patterns in a data set that belong to a certain class. For large data sets, many such data mining techniques are extremely expensive, leading to considerable research towards solving these problems more cheaply. We argue that the central goal of data mining is to find SOME interesting patterns, and not necessarily ALL of them. As such, techniques that can find most of the answers cheaply are clearly more valuable than computationally much more expensive techniques that can guarantee completeness. In fact, it is probably the case that patterns that can be found cheaply are indeed the most important ones. Furthermore, knowledge discovery can be the most effective with the human analyst heavily involved in the endeavor. To engage a human analyst, it is important that data mining techniques be interactive, hopefully delivering (close to) real time responses and feedback. Clearly then, extreme accuracy and completeness (i.e., finding all patterns satisfying some specified criteria) would almost always be a luxury. Instead, incompleteness (i.e., finding only some patterns) and approximation would be essential. We exemplify this discussion through the notion of fascicles. Often many records in a database share similar values for several attributes. If one is able to identify and group together records that share similar values for some - even if not all - attributes, one can both obtain a more parsimonious representation of the data, and gain useful insight into the data from a mining perspective. Such groupings are called fascicles. We explore the relationship of fascicle-finding to association rule mining, and experimentally demonstrate the benefit of incomplete but inexpensive algorithms. We also present analytical results demonstrating both the limits and the benefits of such incomplete algorithms.
Exploring the limit of accuracy for density functionals based on the generalized gradient approximation: Local, global hybrid, and range-separated hybrid functionals with and without dispersion corrections

The limit of accuracy for semi-empirical generalized gradient approximation (GGA) density functionals is explored by parameterizing a variety of local, global hybrid, and range-separated hybrid functionals. The training methodology employed differs from conventional approaches in 2 main ways: (1) Instead of uniformly truncating the exchange, same-spin correlation, and opposite-spin correlation functional inhomogeneity correction factors, all possible fits up to fourth order are considered, and (2) Instead of selecting the optimal functionals based solely on their training set performance, the fits are validated on an independent test set and ranked based on their overall performance on the training and test sets. The 3 different methods of accounting for exchange are trained both with and without dispersion corrections (DFT-D2 and VV10), resulting in a total of 491 508 candidate functionals. For each of the 9 functional classes considered, the results illustrate the trade-off between improved training set performance and diminished transferability. Since all 491 508 functionals are uniformly trained and tested, this methodology allows the relative strengths of each type of functional to be consistently compared and contrasted. The range-separated hybrid GGA functional paired with the VV10 nonlocal correlation functional emerges as the most accurate form for the present training and test sets, which span thermochemical energy differences, reaction barriers, and intermolecular interactions involving lighter main group elements.
Blockade of progresterone-induced increase in hypothalamic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone levels and serum gonadotropins by intrahypothalamic implantation of 6-hydroxydopamine

Abstract The present study was undertaken to identify the hypothalamic locus where norepinephrine (NE) nerve terminals communicate with leteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH)-containing neurons involved in the stimulatory feedback action of gonadal steroids on LH and FSH release. Ovariectomized rats received estradiol benzoate (10 μg/rat s.c.) on day 0. Intracranial implants containing either 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), to destroy NE terminals, or cocoa butter (controls) were placed bilaterally in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) or olfactory tubercle (OT) on day 1. Progesterone (P, 5 mg/rat s.c.) was administered at 10.00 h on day 2 to elicit increases in serum LH and FSH and the MBH LH-RH levels in the afternoon. Implantation of 6-OHDA in the SCN resulted in a marked depletion of NE in and around the region of the SCN in the preoptic-anterior hypothalamic area (POA-AH) without adversely affecting dopamine (DA) concentrations, and blocked the P-induced afternoon increase in the MBH LH-RH and serum gonadotropin levels. Similar reduction in the MBH NE concentrations occurred following placement of 6-OHDA in the MBH; however, these as well as implants in the OT were ineffective in suppressing the P-induced effects. These studies show that functional integrity of the SCN regions is critical in manifestation of the P-induced rise in the MBH LH-RH activity, and this region in the POA-AH, therefore, may be the primary locus of synaptic communication between NE terminals and LH-RH neurons.
A Measurement-Based Model for Dynamic Spectrum Access in WLAN Channels

In this paper we consider dynamically sharing the spectrum in the time-domain by exploiting whitespace between the bursty transmissions of a set of users, represented by an 802.11b based wireless LAN (WLAN). Realizing that exploiting the under-utilization of the channel requires a good model of the these users' medium access, we propose a continuous-time semi-Markov model that captures the WLAN's behavior yet remains tractable enough to be used for deriving optimal control strategies within a decision-theoretic framework. Our model is based on actual measurements in the 2.4 GHz ISM band using a vector signal analyzer to collect complex baseband data. We explore two different sensing strategies to identify spectrum opportunities depending on whether the primary user's transmission scheme is known. The collected data is used to statistically characterize the idle and busy periods of the channel. Furthermore, we show that a continuous-time semi-Markov model is able to capture the data with good accuracy. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test is used to validate the model and to assess the model's goodness-of-fit quantitatively. A conclusion summarizes the main results of the paper
Amino-aryl-carbenes: alternative ligands for transition metals?

Despite the presence of a single amino substituent, an amino-anthryl-carbene was found to behave as a strong σ-donor weak π-acceptor ligand toward rhodium(I) fragments.
Photoanthropometric study of craniofacial traits in individuals with Williams syndrome

A photoanthropometric method, which enables an objective description of facial structures, was used to better delineate the craniofacial characteristics of 29 individuals with Williams syndrome (WS; 18 males and 11 females) between the ages of 0 to 10 years, with an average age of 4.0 years. Facial parameters were measured from strict frontal and profile photographic 35-mm slides and compared with other facial measurements from the same face (e.g., palpebral fissure width to bizygomatic diameter). Sixteen photoanthropometric craniofacial indices were developed from 20 measurements (3 from the frontal face, 2 from the eye region, 3 from the nose region, 2 from the mouth region, 4 from the profile face, and 6 from the ear region). Based on our measurements of 29 Williams syndrome individuals, two parameters (e.g. nose length to midface height and palpebral fissure width to bizygomatic diameter) were outside the normal range when compared with photoanthropometric index standards for age established by Stengel-Rutkowski et al. from white control children. Overall, our data supported a high midface height, broad palpebral fissure width, broad interalar distance, short length of back of nose, prominent ears with long narrow conchae, increased chin height, increased inclination of the ears and a narrow bizygomatic diameter in WS patients. These craniofacial parameters (many not previously evaluated in WS patients) may become useful for early detection, and aid in the diagnosis and study of the development of the characteristic face in Williams syndrome subjects.
A spectroscopic study of model urethanes

The synthesis, far infrared spectra, temperature-dependent mid-infrared spectra in the carbonyl and NH stretching regions and the Fourier transform Raman spectra are reported for polycrystalline samples of three small diurethanes, 1,3-phenyl di(carbamic acid methyl ester),2,6-toluene di(carbamic acid methyl ester) and 2,4-toluene di(carbamic acid methyl ester). An ab initio geometry optimization is reported for methyl N-phenyl carbamate using STO-3G and 3-21G basis sets, and for the three small diurethanes by molecular mechanics methods using the Dreiding I force field. The results suggest that, in isotropic surroundings, only a very small number of the 256 possible conformers of the urethane groups in the three small diurethanes contribute appreciably to the structure.
Effects of Test Parameters on Fracture and Fatigue Characteristics of a SE(T) Steel Specimen

The understanding of crack behavior under fatigue remains a critical issue in addressing the performance of bridge structures. In this study, effects of test parameters on the stress intensity factor (K) of a modified single edge notched tension [SE(T)] steel specimen with a through width notch was experimentally, analytically and numerically investigated. Equations were developed to include the effects of fix boundary condition on K and crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) of the crack. Effects of axial and angular misalignments on K along the crack length were examined and a progressively decreasing influence on K was observed when the crack size increased. Two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) Finite Element Method (FEM) was used to evaluate the effect of the two end bounding conditions on K value of non-uniform crack fronts. Influence of ungripped length of the specimen on K was evaluated and showed to be more substantial for short specimens. Finally, a framework was proposed to map the c...
In Vivo Imaging of Quantum Dots Encapsulated in Phospholipid Micelles

Fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots) have the potential to revolutionize biological imaging, but their use has been limited by difficulties in obtaining nanocrystals that are biocompatible. To address this problem, we encapsulated individual nanocrystals in phospholipid block-copolymer micelles and demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo imaging. When conjugated to DNA, the nanocrystal-micelles acted as in vitro fluorescent probes to hybridize to specific complementary sequences. Moreover, when injected into Xenopus embryos, the nanocrystal-micelles were stable, nontoxic (<5 x 10(9) nanocrystals per cell), cell autonomous, and slow to photobleach. Nanocrystal fluorescence could be followed to the tadpole stage, allowing lineage-tracing experiments in embryogenesis.
Lubeluzole Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose Lubeluzole is a novel benzothiazole compound that has shown neuroprotective activity in preclinical models of ischemic stroke. The present multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of lubeluzole in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Methods Seven hundred twenty-one patients with clinical symptoms of acute ischemic stroke were randomized to receive either lubeluzole (7.5 mg over 1 hour, followed by a continuous daily infusion of 10 mg for up to 5 days) or placebo. Treatment was initiated within 6 hours of symptom onset. Mortality at 12 weeks was the primary efficacy end point. Secondary efficacy end points included neurological recovery (based on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]), functional status (based on the Barthel Index), and level of disability (based on the Rankin Scale). Safety assessments included standard and continuous electrocardiographic monitoring, physical examination, measurements of vital signs, clinical laboratory evaluation, and adverse events reports. Results The overall mortality rate at 12 weeks for lubeluzole-treated patients was 20.7% compared to 25.2% for placebo-treated patients (NS). Controlling for relevant covariates, the degree of neurological recovery (NIHSS) at week 12 significantly favored lubeluzole over placebo ( P =.033). Lubeluzole treatment similarly resulted in significantly greater improvements in functional status (Barthel Index) ( P =.038) and overall disability (Rankin Scale) ( P =.034) after 12 weeks. A global test statistic confirmed that lubeluzole-treated patients had a more favorable clinical outcome at 12 weeks ( P =.041). The safety profile of lubeluzole resembled that of placebo. Conclusions Treatment with lubeluzole within 6 hours of the onset of ischemic stroke had a nonsignificant effect on mortality and resulted in improved clinical outcome compared with placebo, with no safety concerns.
Effect of Mg ionization efficiency on performance of Npn AlGaN/GaN heterojunction bipolar transistors

A drift-diffusion transport model has been used to examine the performance capabilities of AlGaN/GaN Npn heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs). The Gummel plot from the first GaN-based HBT structure recently demonstrated is adjusted with simulation by using experimental mobility and lifetime reported in the literature. Numerical results have been explored to study the effect of the p-type Mg doping and its incomplete ionization in the base. The high base resistance induced by the deep acceptor level is found to be the cause of limiting current gain values. Increasing the operating temperature of the device activates more carriers in the base. An improvement of the simulated current gain by a factor of 2 to 4 between 25 and 300 C agrees well with the reported experimental results. A preliminary analysis of high frequency characteristics indicates substantial progress of predicted rf performances by operating the device at higher temperature due to a reduced extrinsic base resistivity.
MSW Students' Views of Supervision: Factors Contributing to Satisfactory Field Experiences

This article summarizes the results of a qualitative study that examined the experiences of Master's in Social Work (MSW) students during their field internships. The authors conducted focus groups in which students were asked to describe those factors which contributed to successful and/or problematic supervisory experiences. Students expressed that clear expectations of supervision, mutual goal setting of the supervision, the student's ability to advocate for herself, and the ability to use the supervisor as a mentor were all factors that contributed to successful supervision. Other factors that led to confusion in supervision are noted and, last, implications for field supervision are noted.
Photoionization of free radicals

Since this is the first lecture at this Institute on photoionization and free radicals, permit me to take a few minutes to outline my concept of these terms.
Mountain Breathing Revisited-the Hyperventilation of a Volcano Cinder Cone.

Abstract During 23 hours of fresh to strong winds in December 1975, air flowed rapidly and continuously out of a drill hole in the top of the summit cone of Mauna Kea volcano, Hawaii. Measurements made during this outflow indicate that the air entered the mountain dry and cold, but flowed out relatively wet and warm, resulting in an average latent- and sensible-heat loss from the cone interior of about 116 W·m−2. A sensitive vane anemometer, and thermistor and mercury-in-glass thermometers, were used to make these observations. Published observations made during moderate winds in this and a second drill hole had revealed relatively low air and heat flow rates, alternating daily into as well as out of the cone, with outflow generally during the day and inflow largely at night. The diurnal differences in the flow direction suggested that the well-known, semidiurnal atmospheric-pressure changes were the main cause of the air “breathing” within the cone. The latent-heat outflow in moderate winds was about 4 W...
The FQPA 10X Safety Factor: How Much is Science? How Much is Sociology?

On August 3, 1996, the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA) was signed into law. The FQPA instructed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in making its “reasonable certainty of no harm” finding, that in “the case of threshold effects,…an additional tenfold margin of safety…shall be applied for infants and children to take into account potential pre- and postnatal toxicity and completeness of data with respect to exposure and toxicity to infants and children.” The law further states that “the Administrator may use a different margin of safety……only if, on the basis of reliable data, such margin will be safe for infants and children.” This paper describes how the Office of Pesticide Programs of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposes to implement this legislative mandate in its 1999 draft.
Postioning accuracy issues for 0.35 micron critical dimension microlithography

This paper addresses the effect of blank material topography on positioning accuracy due to design variance of the mask holders of any two pieces of equipment, and it highlights positioning accuracy issues seen on wafers resulting from mask holders and alignment methodology differences. If manufacturers primarily concern themselves with equipment-error budgeting, it is unlikely position accuracy goals can be attained. The mask and blank manufacturers must study different surface topography effects on all related tools. The writing tool and the stepper manufacturers must include the difference effects in their performance study. The metrology tool manufacturer must study not only the P/T (precision/tolerance) ratio to minimize the effects of the uncertainty of the measurement but also study the difference between the writing tool and stepper tool metrology. They must then define the best method and work with all the suppliers to carry it out.
Failure To Thrive in Older Adults

The term “failure to thrive” is frequently used to describe older adults whose independence is declining.The term was exported from pediatrics in the 1970s and is used to describe older adults with...
Advanced numerical studies of the neutralized drift compression of intense ion beam pulses

Longitudinal bunch compression of intense ion beams for warm dense matter and heavy ion fusion applications occurs by imposing an axial velocity tilt onto an ion beam across the acceleration gap of a linear induction accelerator, and subsequently allowing the beam to drift through plasma in order to neutralize its space-charge and current as the pulse compresses. The detailed physics and implications of acceleration gap effects and focusing aberration on optimum longitudinal compression are quantitatively reviewed using particle-in-cell simulations, showing their dependence on many system parameters. Finite-size gap effects are shown to result in compression reduction, due to an increase in the effective longitudinal temperature imparted to the beam, and a decrease in intended fractional tilt. Sensitivity of the focal plane quality to initial longitudinal beam temperature is explored, where slower particles are shown to experience increased levels of focusing aberration compared to faster particles. A plateau effect in axial compression is shown to occur for larger initial pulse lengths, where the increases in focusing aberration over the longer drift lengths involved dominate the increases in relative compression, indicating a trade-off between current compression and pulse duration. The dependence on intended fractional tilt is also discussed and agrees well with theory. A balance between longer initial pulse lengths and larger tilts is suggested, since both increase the current compression, but have opposite effects on the final pulse length, drift length, and amount of longitudinal focusing aberration. Quantitative examples are outlined that explore the sensitive dependence of compression on the initial kinetic energy and thermal distribution of the beam particles. Simultaneous transverse and longitudinal current density compression can be achieved in the laboratory using a strong final-focus solenoid, and simulations addressing the effects of focusing aberration in both directions are presented.
Non-precipitating antibodies in a sheep anti-polypeptide system: a novel antigenic phenomenon.

Abstract Non-precipitating antigen-antibody complexes in sheep anti-terpolypeptide, (Glu60Ala30 Tyr10)n,[GAT], sera have been studied. Antibodies isolated from complezes were found to be precipitable upon re-addition of antigen, hence properties of GAT were examined to determine the nature of non-precipitation. GAT has been shown to be heterogeneous and has been fractionated into molecular wieght fractions with a dispersion from 15,000 to 60,000. Chemical and immunochemical analysis of GAT fractions show: (1) mole %'s of GLU and Ala decrease with increasing mol. wt while Tyr increases and range from 5 to 14 mole %; (2) there is a relationship between the quantity of antibody precipitated at equivalence from anti-GAT sera and mol. wts of fractions; the highest mol. wt precipitates more than twice that of the lowest, while unfractionated GAT precipitates an amount lying midway between these limits; (3) the breadths of the precipitin curves obtained with fractions compared to unfractioned GAT are narrow; and (4) antibody precipitated by the highest mol. wt fraction corresponds with total antibody recoverable from a GAT immunoadsorbant. Precipitin analysis with a high mol. wt fraction, on sera spent of antibody precipitabler by a low mol. wt fraction suggest that antigenic determinants of GAT occuring at high and low degrees of polymerization are independent, yet inhibition experiments indicated that these determinants are related. These results are consisten with the notion that in addition to mol. wt heterogeneity in GAT, there is a novel kind of antigenic arrangement on GAT molecules such that determinants occur on GAT molecules in a sequential fashion. This combination can account for broad precipitin curves observed with unfractioned GAR and the existence of soluble complexes at equivalence. This notion may also be a clue to the kinds of antigens capable of inducing soluble complex diseases, and in conjunction with the immune response to GAT, indicates than an animal can simultaneously produce antibodies to a vast number of related antigenic determinants and do so with an elegant of specificity.
A law enforcement perspective of electricity deregulation

Abstract In April 2004, the California Attorney General's (AG) office issued a white paper that provided a “law enforcement perspective of the California energy crisis.” To complete this special issue's coverage, I summarize three aspects of that paper: notably, the deficiencies in market oversight and enforcement that left the deregulated market prone to potential abuse, the principal modus operandi that some market agents used to exploit those deficiencies without fear of retribution, and the AG's “recommendations for improving enforcement and protecting consumers in deregulated energy markets.”
Quantitative Culture of Chlamydia trachomatis: Relationship of Inclusion-Forming Units Produced in Culture to Clinical Manifestations and Acute Inflammation in Urogenital Disease

The relationship of Chlamydia trachomatis inclusion-forming units in quantitative culture to clinical manifestations and inflammation in urogenital disease was assessed in 1179 patients attending a sexually transmitted diseases clinic. In women, greater inclusion-forming unit counts were associated with cervical mucopus (3000 vs. 450 ifu), amount and character of cervical discharge, > or =30 polymorphonuclear cells (PMNL) per high-power field (hpf) on Gram stain (2050 vs. 320 ifu), and diagnoses of mucopurulent cervicitis (MPC; 2550 vs. 300 ifu) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID; 3000 vs. 578 ifu). In men, greater inclusion-forming unit counts were associated with urethral discharge (85 vs. 44 ifu), amount and character of discharge, and > or =10 PMNL/hpf (95 vs. 50 ifu). These associations persisted on multivariate analysis. Thus, chlamydial replication is associated with MPC and PID in women, urethritis in men, and inflammation in both. Since infections with high inclusion counts may be the most transmissible, identification and treatment of patients with these chlamydia-associated syndromes is important in control programs.
Estimation of phosphorus and potassium concentrations in Bermudagrass

Equations were developed to estimate concentrations of phosphorus and potassium for Coastal bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon, (L.) Pers.] as related to applied nutrient level and harvest interval. Data from several field studies were used in the analysis. Estimates from these agronomic studies agreed with data from fertilizer and waste application for several locations. Concentrations of phosphorus and potassium decreased linearly with harvest interval (up to 6 weeks) and increased exponentially with nutrient level. This information should be relevant to crop production and environmental quality.
1755 WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE OF FUROSEMIDE THERAPY IN INFANTS WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE

Although furosemide (F) improves lung mechanics in infants with chronic lung disease (CLD), this effect may not be important unless gas exchange also improves. To determine the relationship between improvement in mechanics and improvement in gas exchange, we studied the acute and chronic effects of F therapy in 10 infants with CLD aged 4–24 weeks who were both oxygen dependent and hypercarbic. Each infant was studied 3 times: before F therapy, 1 h after the first dose of F (2 mg/Kg IV), and after a 6–10 day course (2 mg/Kg/day IV or 4 mg/Kg/day po). We measured skin surface (s) pO2 and pCO2, esophageal pressure, airflow and tidal volume; and we calculated pulmonary resistance (R), lung compliance (C) and the alveolar to skin (A–s) pO2 gradient. Criteria for improvement were a fall in PsCO2 > 2 torr, a fall in the A–s gradient > 10 torr, and a > 15% rise in C or fall in R. For the latter 4 variables we compared the acute effect of F with its chronic effect. We found that after both acute and chronic F, compliance, resistance and PsCO2 improved significantly from baseline values, but A–s pO2 gradient did not. Overall, mechanics improved in 9 patients, but gas excnange improved in only 6. In individual patients, improvement in R or C was unrelated to improvement in either gas exchange variable. However, the infants whose gas exchange chronically improved could be predicted by the acute change in PsCO2 or in pO2 gradient. We conclude that 1) F improves lung mechanics but may have little effect on gas exchange and 2) skin surface monitoring of the first dose of F can accurately identify those who will respond to chronic F therapy.
Nitride Based Schottky-Barrier Photovoltaic Devices

Schottky-barrier photovoltaic devices are fabricated by selective metal deposition on p-GaN. A 1.25 V open-circuit voltage is observed for the best device. Devices were optimized by annealing in forming gas at temperatures ranging from 550°C to 700°C. Annealing time and forming gas flow rate are used to control the metal-semiconductor Schottky barrier formation. Optimum fabrication parameters are achieved based on photovoltaic response from the devices under UV illumination. Barrier heights (0.47 eV - 0.49 eV) were used as basis to compare the device response. The Schottky-barrier height is very sensitive to processing conditions, for example a 2.5% increase in barrier height is observed when Schottky contact annealing temperature is changed from 600 °C to 650 °C. Under UV illumination, the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current increase with increasing annealing temperature while the series resistance decreases under such conditions.
A new technique for growing epitaxial films of Pb1−xSnxTe

Abstract An improved technique has been found for the vacuum deposition of epitaxial films of Pb1−xSnxTe on cleaved KC1 substrates. In order to nucleate a crystalline film which adheres well to the substrate, the substrate temperature is initially raised to only 280°C. After a one-micron film has grown, the substrate temperature is then raised to 400°C and maintained there for all subsequent film growth. This increase in substrate temperature is needed to achieve the highest quality optical surfaces. Results on both as-grown and annealed films are presented. One result of our annealing program has been the achievement of the lowest reported carrier concentration in films with Sn fractions greater than 0.3.
Intraoperative radiofrequency linear catheter ablation of accessory pathways in children with Ebstein's anomaly undergoing tricuspid annuloplasty.

Ebstein’s anomaly is an uncommon congenital lesion affecting approximately 1% of patients with congenital heart disease. It is characterized by downward displacement of the tricuspid valve with the septal and posterior leaflets of the tricuspid valve adherent to the right ventricular septal wall. Ebstein’s anomaly is often associated with supraventricular tachycardia, with estimates of the arrhythmia incidence in this population as high as 42%. 1–5 Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome has been estimated to affect 5% to 10% of this patient group, and sudden death occurred in 20% of older patients and adults. 3,6 Accessory pathways are usually located along the annulus of the tricuspid valve. There are 2 standard techniques for the definitive treatment of supraventricular tachycardia in this population (radiofrequency catheter ablation [RFCA] in the catheterization laboratory and either intraoperative cryoablation or direct surgical division of accessory pathways). Results for RFCA in children are, in general, good with an acute RFCA success rate of 81% for all ablation targets, though with a 1-year success rate of 57%. 7 Thus, despite encouraging acute results in this group, RFCA was ultimately successful in only slightly more than half of those in whom RFCA was attempted. Cryoablation and surgical division with intraoperative mapping have been used with excellent results, although both approaches are time consuming when on cardiopulmonary bypass. 8,9 In this report, we present the results of 2 patients with Ebstein’s anomaly and severe tricuspid regurgitation requiring annuloplasty who underwent intraoperative RFCA without intraoperative mapping, using a new, commercially available linear ablation catheter.  Two patients underwent intraoperative RFCA. RFCA was performed before tricuspid annuloplasty, after cannulation and institution of cardiopulmonary bypass. The ablation procedure was performed after the anterior part of the anterior leaflets of the tricuspid valve was detached to the anteroseptal commisure. Both patients underwent ablation using a Food and Drug Administration-approved surgical probe (Cobra, Boston Scientific-EP Tech
Resort hotel landscape as an international megatrend.

Abstract International tourism has catalyzed a massive transformation of the environment into resort hotel landscapes that are having an impact on the marketing of the hospitality industry as well as the guests' experience of foreign destinations. This article initiates a comparative, cross-national evaluation of the hotel landscape megatrend, with a special focus on the image-boosting values of “placeness”. It identifies a series of “themes,” involving heritage preservation and interpretation; contrast, continuity, and spatial dimension of the landscape experience; evocation of the geographical context; and the lure and symbolism of water. It is posited that landscape concepts will be a key to gaining the competitive edge during the boom in international resorts.
Predatory digging behavior by dinosaurs

Minimal direct evidence exists in the rock record of dinosaurs and mammals behaving as predators and prey, respectively. A newly discovered Late Cretaceous trace fossil association of digging traces of maniraptoran theropod dinosaurs and mammalian den complexes indicates a predator-prey relationship. Three distinct associated trace fossils occur within a floodplain siltstone-mudstone bed of the Upper Cretaceous Wahweap Formation in southern Utah, United States. One trace fossil morphology and its extramorphological variants record digging by a maniraptoran theropod dinosaur, possibly a dromeosaurid or troodontid. The other two are interpreted as mammalian den complexes. The proximal association of these trace fossils suggests that dinosaurs used excavation techniques to prey on mammals.
Adsorption behavior of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) toward fuller's earth suspensions

The adsorption of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) onto Fuller's earth surface was studied at fixed pH (4.2) and room temperature (27 ± 0.2°C). The kinetics of the adsorption process was monitored and various adsorption and kinetic parameters such as the adsorption coefficient, the rate constants for adsorption and desorption, the diffusion constant, and the penetration constant were evaluated. The effects of various experimental factors such as the pH and the presence of inorganic and organic anions or aliphatic alcohols were also studied on the adsorbed amounts of PVP. The role of temperature was also investigated and various thermodynamic parameters such as the standard Gibb's free energy, enthalpy, and entropy were also evaluated.
Comment on the Solar Flare Debate

The controversy surrounding the “Solar Flare Myth” [Miller et al., 1995] is understandable, given the fairly extreme positions taken by the proponents and opponents of the “myth” [Gosling, 1993]. Having spent some time in the field of solar energetic particle events and their terrestrial effects, extending back even to the time when such events were unrecognized, I felt compelled to comment on one aspect of the controversy that I believe is clearly wrong as stated by the “myth” supporters. It is the statement that large energetic particle events have little, if any, connection with flares. This is directly contradictory to the observations made back in the late 1950s by ground-based riometers, as described in several papers published in the late 1950s and early 1960s [e.g., Reid and Leinbach, 1959, 1961].
Phase Transformation Kinetics of TiSi2

The microstructure and kinetics of the polymorphic C49 to C54-TiSi 2 phase transformation have been studied using samples prepared as in self-aligned silicide applications. For C49-TiSi 2 thin films formed at temperatures of 600°C and 625°C on (100) single-crystal silicon substrates, the effective activation energy was 5.6 ± 0.3 and 5.7 ± 0.08 eV, respectively, for this phase transformation carried out in the temperature range of 600°C to 700°C. The transformation process was observed to occur by nucleation and growth of the orthorhombic face-centered (C54) phase from the as-formed orthorhombic base-centered (C49) phase.
Quantification of processing artifacts in textile composites

One of the greatest difficulties in developing detailed models of the mechanical response of textile reinforced composites is an accurate model of the reinforcing elements. In the case of elastic property prediction, the variation of fiber position may not have a critical role in performance. However, when considering highly localized stress events, such as those associated with cracks and holes, the exact position of the reinforcement probably dominates the failure mode. Models were developed for idealized reinforcements which provide an insight into the local behavior. However, even casual observations of micrographical images reveals that the actual material deviates strongly from the idealized models. Some of the deviations and causes are presented for triaxially braided and three dimensionally woven textile composites. The necessary modeling steps to accommodate these variations are presented with some examples. Some of the ramifications of not accounting for these discrepencies are also addressed.
Vibration of horizontally curved box girder bridges due to vehicles

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to develop a procedure for obtaining the dynamic response of thin-walled curved box girder bridges due to truck loading and to get their basic impact characteristics. The box girder bridge is divided into a number of thin-walled beam elements. Both warping torsion and distortion are considered in the study. The analytical vehicle is the AASHTO HS20-44 truck simulated as a nonlinear vehicle model with 11 independent degrees of freedom. Four different classes of road-surface roughness generated from power spectral density function for very good, good, average, and poor roads are used in the analysis. In comparison with the other approaches developed by former investigators, the proposed procedure not only facilitates a physical understanding of the general structural response, but also greatly reduces the computing time required and output obtained. The analytical results show that most impact factors of torsion and distortion are much larger than those of vertical bending response. The impact factors of normal stress at different points in the same cross section are quite different. The larger the normal stress, the smaller the impact factor will be. Though the static normal stresses at different positions in the same cross section may be extremely different for a curved box girder bridge, their dynamic normal stresses tend to be uniform.
Engineering of a Line-Scanning Confocal Microscope toward Imaging Epithelial Tissues

A confocal reflectance line-scanning microscope provides optical sectioning of 1.4 µm and shows promise to image nuclear and cellular detail in human tissues. Line-scanning may be a simpler alternative to point-scanning for imaging epithelial tissues.