cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Physical Compatibility of Eravacycline and Common Parenteral Drugs During Simulated Y-site Administration.

Abstract Purpose Eravacycline is a broad-spectrum, intravenous fluorocycline antibiotic approved for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections in adults. A 60-minute infusion is recommended for each infused dose. Compatibility data that may allow convenient Y-site administration of eravacycline with other parenteral medications are unavailable. We aimed to determine the physical compatibility of eravacycline with other intravenous medications by simulated Y-site administration. Methods Eravacycline was reconstituted according to published prescribing information and diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride to a concentration of 0.6 mg/mL. Simulated Y-site administration was performed by mixing 5 mL of eravacycline with an equal volume of 51 other intravenous medications, including crystalloid and carbohydrate hydration fluids and 20 antimicrobials. Secondary medications were assessed at the upper range of concentrations considered standard for intravenous infusion. Mixtures underwent visual inspection and turbidity measurement immediately on mixture and at 3 subsequent time points (30, 60, and 120 minutes after admixture), and pH was measured at 60 minutes for comparison with the baseline value of the secondary medication. Findings Eravacycline was physically compatible with 41 parenteral drugs (80%) by simulated Y-site administration. Incompatibility was observed with albumin, amiodarone hydrochloride, ceftaroline fosamil, colistimethate sodium, furosemide, meropenem, meropenem/vaborbactam, micafungin sodium, propofol, and sodium bicarbonate. Implications Eravacycline for injection was physically compatible with most parenteral medications assessed. Pharmacists and nurses should be knowledgeable of the observed incompatibilities with eravacycline to prevent the unintentional mixing of incompatible intravenous medications.
Norm Forms and Group Determinant Factors

The usual approach to group representations in modern texts is via the theory of algebras and modules. This chapter is based on a less well-known constructive approach to the theory of algebras which uses the generalization to noncommutative algebras of a (multiplicative) norm, which can be applied to obtain results on group determinants. This continues a line of research which goes back to Frobenius. Significant results which have not been translated into modern abstract accounts are to be found there. An essential result is that given a norm-type form on an algebra with suitable assumptions, the form can be constructed rationally from the first three coefficients of its “characteristic equation”. This, applied to the group determinant, shows that the 1-, 2- and 3-characters determine a group.
Coupled membrane lipid miscibility and phosphotyrosine-driven protein condensation phase transitions.

Abstract Lipid miscibility phase separation has long been considered to be a central element of cell membrane organization. More recently, protein condensation phase transitions, into three-dimensional droplets or in two-dimensional lattices on membrane surfaces, have emerged as another important organizational principle within cells. Here, we reconstitute the linker for activation of T cells (LAT):growth-factor-receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2):son of sevenless (SOS) protein condensation on the surface of giant unilamellar vesicles capable of undergoing lipid phase separations. Our results indicate that the assembly of the protein condensate on the membrane surface can drive lipid phase separation. This phase transition occurs isothermally and is governed by tyrosine phosphorylation on LAT. Furthermore, we observe that the induced lipid phase separation drives localization of the SOS substrate, K-Ras, into the LAT:Grb2:SOS protein condensate.
A case report of co-infection with rhinovirus and SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy

A novel betacoronavirus, SARV-COV-2, was first reported in China on December 31, 2019 Since that time, the number of cases worldwide has grown exponentially Because this coronavirus was newly described in the human population, strategies to combat spread, to test appropriately, and to identify those at higher risk for severe disease changed frequently as understanding evolved This is a report of a case that demonstrate that coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 is possible and likely more common than initially projected The patient is a 28-year-old G2P1001 at 31 weeks and four days gestation that presented with a 5-day history of high fevers, cough, myalgias, malaise and headache Patient was diagnosed with Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, admitted for supportive care, and no longer considered a person under investigation for COVID19 because of her positive respiratory panel Patient’s SARS-CoV-2 screen came back positive two days after her discharge from the hospital Patient required readmission for worsening symptoms later that night, presenting with tachypnea, hypotension, and pneumonia Patient was successfully discharged home on hospital day six Co-infection with other respiratory viruses happens more than originally thought, therefore going forward protocols should be cognizant of this When patients present with symptoms suspicious of COVID-19, he or she should be tested regardless of the status of the respiratory viral panel, including influenza
Germline and somatic mutation in the HGF gene promoter causes its aberrant expression in human carcinoma and establishes an HGF-Met autocrine loop.

43 Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a multifunctional growth factor that is essential for normal growth and differentiation of a variety of epithelial tissues. Unregulated expression of HGF and/or its receptor Met protooncogene is known to contribute to neoplastic growth. The expression of the HGF gene is controlled at the transcriptional level and is restricted to the mesenchymal cells of a given tissues. In normal epithelial cells, expression of this gene is extinguished. Thus, the HGF-Met signaling axis constitutes a tightly controlled paracrine circuit between the mesenchymal and epithelial components of tissues. Several studies have shown that in human carcinomas such as breast, the HGF gene becomes activated and expressed. However, the molecular mechanisms in this process involved have remained unknown. In the present work, we have identified an important regulatory region in the human HGF gene promoter that is mutated in human breast and uterine cervical carcinoma tissues as compared to the adjacent normal tissue counterparts. To understand the global effects of the mutation on the whole promoter region, we performed in vivo footprinting, DNA binding and ChIP assays. We found that mutation of the regulatory element profoundly changes the DNA-protein interaction pattern making several cis-acting regulatory sites within the promoter accessible /inaccessible to their cognate factors. Genotyping indicated that approximately 10 percent of the normal population overall carries the mutated genotype; when stratified according to race (African American versus Caucasian), African Americans had a significantly higher frequency of harboring the mutated element than Caucasians. Based on these data, the HGF promoter mutation we identified may constitute a functional polymorphism. This could be of importance since African Americans have a higher mortality in some epithelial cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. Overall, these results not only shed light on our understanding of the genetic basis of human carcinogenesis but also may have led to the identification of a potential marker in the diagnosis/prognosis of some human cancers.
Development of Cushing Syndrome After Serial In-office Subglottic Steroid Injections

In-office subglottic intralesional steroid injections (SILSI) have gained popularity as an adjunct to operating room dilation in the treatment of subglottic stenosis. They are generally thought to have a low risk profile for development of systemic side effects. Here, we present a case of a 55 year old woman who developed symptoms of Cushing syndrome after receiving SILSI, including weight gain, striae, dorsal hump and alopecia. This case illustrates that despite the localized nature of SILSI, there is still a risk of developing systemic effects as a result of the treatment. Laryngoscope, 2021.
Examining the Effects of the European Monetary Union Using Propensity Score Matching

We examine the treatment effects of joining the European monetary union on macroeconomic outcomes in the member countries. Specifically, we apply propensity score analysis to mitigate the self-selection bias associated with the non-random nature of joining the union. The findings suggest joining the union leads to decline in inflation, inflation volatility, real GDP growth and bond yield for the post-EMU formation period. The treatment effects on bond yield and debt show divergent pattern in core and periphery countries after the financial crisis. The bond market in the southern EMU countries benefited disproportionately in the pre-crisis period in terms of lower bond yields.
A qualitative examination of the impacts of financial stress on college students' well-being: Insights from a large, private institution.

Objective:This qualitative research aims to provide deeper insight into college students’ experiences by examining the impact of financial stress on their well-being.Methods:Four focus groups were ...
Treatment of Proximal Trochlear Dysplasia in the Setting of Patellar Instability: An Arthroscopic Technique.

Patellar instability is a complex disorder with multiple etiologies, and treatment must be individualized to the unique pathoanatomy of each patient. Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction is one of the most commonly performed procedures for the treatment of patellar instability. Patients with a symptomatic supratrochlear spur, defined by the presence of a "jumping" J sign on examination, also may benefit from an adjunctive proximal trochlear resection. Here, we describe a technique for an arthroscopic proximal trochlear resection, or "bumpectomy," involving resection of the supratrochlear spur. In appropriately indicated patients, we have found this procedure to be a useful adjunct to medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction without the need for concurrent trochlear sulcus deepening.
Risk and implications of COVID-19 among the community supervised population

Research summary Despite growing national awareness that COVID-19 in jails and prisons constitutes a public health emergency in the United States, remarkably little attention has been paid to understanding how the virus affects people under community supervision. We used data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) to explore differences in the extent to which men under community supervision are vulnerable to COVID-19 and have access to care during the pandemic, relative to men who are not involved with the U.S. criminal legal system. Results from this study highlight the greater levels of risk for serious illness or death from COVID-19 and the disproportionate lack of health insurance among men under community supervision. Policy implications Jurisdictions across the United States are currently relying on decarceration to contain the spread of COVID-19 in jails and prisons. Decarceration efforts alone, however, are insufficient for addressing the spread of COVID-19 among people involved with the U.S. criminal legal system. People released from jails and prisons or diverted from incarceration during the pandemic must be given the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccination upon their transitions. Likewise, individuals under community supervision must be prioritized for immediate vaccination against COVID-19. People involved with the U.S. criminal legal system should also be eligible for emergency Medicaid during the COVID-19 crisis, and their health insurance coverage should remain available beyond the pandemic.
Fresnel Zone Plate Imaging and Synthetic Diagnostic Modeling for the Omega Laser Facility

We acquired high resolution images of laser driven cylindrical implosion experiments using a Fresnel zone plate (FZP), a diffraction driven lens composed of alternating opaque and transparent rings, on the OMEGA laser at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics in Rochester, NY, USA. Our FZP geometrical properties were designed for a standard 25x magnification and include 700 zones of 900 nm thick gold, minimum zone width of 40 nm, and a lens radius of 56 μm to focus an energy spectral peak at 6.127 keV emitted from a Manganese backlighter. This design was informed by our new Python-implemented forward model that considers 4 diffractive orders and a realistic x-ray spectrum to characterize the spatial resolution of FZP systems. The model supports two methods of exploring FZP designs: optimization via the SciPy library and algorithmic differentiation via the PyTorch library and its neural network module.
Validity of Primary Immunodeficiency Disease Diagnoses in United States Medicaid Data.

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) are a rare group of disorders with a wide array of clinical presentations. The absence of validated methods to identify these diseases in electronic databases has limited understanding of their epidemiology and the impact of drug therapies on outcomes. We measured the positive predictive values (PPVs) of ICD-9 diagnoses for identifying PID within US Medicaid. We identified Medicaid patients from California, Florida, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania with PID ICD-9 diagnoses (common variable immunodeficiency [279.06], X-linked agammaglobulinemia [279.04], hyper-immunoglobulin M syndrome [279.05], Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome [279.12]) recorded at least twice from 1999 to 2007. Outpatient records were reviewed by a clinical immunologist to adjudicate diagnoses. PPVs with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for confirmed outcomes were determined for individual ICD-9 diagnoses and combinations of diagnoses and Current Procedural Terminology codes for a quantitative immunoglobulin test (82784) or immunoglobulin infusion (96365). Among 83 patients with PID ICD-9 diagnoses, 16 were adjudicated as having the condition (PPV, 19.3 %; 95 % CI, 11.4–29.4 %). Individual ICD-9 diagnoses had low PPVs (range, 16.7–33.3 %). Requiring procedural codes for quantitative immunoglobulins or intravenous immunoglobulin did not increase PPVs of these diagnoses (range, 11.1–41.7 %). An X-linked agammaglobulinemia diagnosis plus intravenous immunoglobulin had the highest PPV among the algorithms evaluated (PPV, 41.7 %; 95 % CI, 15.1–72.3 %). Algorithms comprising PID ICD-9 diagnoses and procedures for quantitative immunoglobulin tests and immunoglobulin infusion had low PPVs for adjudicated diagnoses in Medicaid. Alternative data sources should be evaluated to study the epidemiology of these diseases.
A High-Resolution Survey for Low-Redshift CIV Absorbers

We present results from a survey for low-redshift CIV absorbers in the sight lines to nine QSOs. Using echelle spectra obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) at 7 km s-1 resolution, we robustly identify six CIV systems. All systems show at least the CIV doublet and HI Lyα; Si III, CIII, O VI, and higher Lyman series lines are also detected in several of these absorbers in the STIS data and complementary Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) spectra. We calculate the number of CIV systems per unit redshift (dN/dz) and the cosmological mass density of the CIV ions (ΩCIV) We find dN/dz = 5.2 ± 2.7 for absorbers with a rest-frame equivalent width greater than 38 mA. Comparison of our estimate of ΩCIV at z > 0.1 to analogous measurements at z < 2 provides a preliminary indication that the metallicity of the IGM is increasing with time. These results may have implications for understanding the effectiveness of observed galactic-scale outflows at high-z at enriching the IGM.
Aeronautical Mobility Services

This chapter assesses emerging mobility applications and services that can be provided with satellite‐based systems. Aeronautical and maritime applications are becoming important both in support of human communication (e.g., Internet access) and for machine‐to‐machine (M2M) communication (e.g., engine telemetry and goods tracking). Business travelers may need to connect to their intranet, access information on the Internet, and communicate via email or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) while in‐flight. The chapter looks at satellite‐based connectivity for people on the move in airplanes, in ships, and in terrestrial vehicles, but with most of the focus on aeronautical applications. In the context of airplanes, these services are being referred to as in‐flight communication (IFC), which some also call in‐flight connectivity. Some airlines are planning to install integrated in‐flight entertainment and communications (IFECs) devices in the planes' seatbacks.
Cytokine-induced viral purging--role in viral pathogenesis.

The control of viral infections was previously thought to rely exclusively on the antigen-specific destruction of infected cells by the immune system; however, recent studies have shown that several viral infections can be primarily controlled by noncytopathic, cytokine-dependent ‘curative’ mechanisms (i.e. viral purging). The relative sensitivity of viruses to such curative mechanisms depends not only on the virus but also on the capacity of the specific infected cell to produce the appropriate intracellular antiviral factors.
Provocation tests in doppler ultrasonography for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Introduction: Doppler ultrasonography (DU) has recently been shown to be useful in imaging carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). In this study, we aim to characterize the changes seen after exercise and electrical stimulation. Methods: Five patients with CTS were recruited with 5 age-matched subjects. DU was used to visualize the median nerve, flexor tendon, and bone at base line and after 1 minute of: (a) median nerve motor stimulation, (b) median nerve sensory stimulation, (c) abductor pollicis brevis contraction, and (d) adductor digiti minimi contraction. Results: Blood flow in the median nerve was greater after APB exercise. Furthermore, blood flow in the median nerve was greater in cases than controls after APB exercise. At baseline, blood flow in the flexor tendon was greater in cases than controls. Conclusions: While limited by sample size, this study demonstrates that exercise of median innervated muscles may be useful in enhancing diagnostic utility of DU for CTS. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Comparison of duration of activity of regular and prolonged acting pro-banthine measured by the galvanic skin response.

Previous studies (1, 2, 3) indicate that sweat stimulating and sweat inhibiting drugs have a measurable effect on the Galvanic Skin Response (GSR). Recently this technic was used to compare dose-response curves of orally and intramuscularly administered compounds (4, 5). These results suggested the possibility of adapting the GSR to follow the duration of action of drugs. Therefore, such an investigation was undertaken with regular and a prolonged acting form of Pro-Banthine®.
COMPARISON OF COMPUTER PREDICTIONS AND EXPERIMENTAL TESTS FOR TWO-STROKE ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEMS

The effect of exhaust system configuration upon performance of two-stroke engines is explored. Computer predictions of gas dynamic behavior in the exhaust pipes are compared to experimental results of real pipe tests. Predicted pressure, velocity and temperature histories at key points in the exhaust system explain the relative power differences for the test pipes. Predicted volumetric flow rates show the effectiveness of exhausting gases at larger pipe cross sectional areas in reducing noise output. /GMRL/
Fistula rates after salvage laryngectomy: Comparing pectoralis myofascial and myocutaneous flaps

Objectives/Hypothesis Salvage laryngectomy after failed organ preservation often has a high complication rate, pharyngocutaneous fistulas being the most common. These fistulas increase morbidity, prolong hospitalization, and potentially delay adjuvant treatment. Fistula rates in the literature range from 3% to 65%. Use of the pectoralis flap to prevent fistula formation has been adopted as a common practice at our institution. A review of our experience using the overlay myofascial showed a higher than desired complication rate. The aim of this study is to assess whether the use of integrated myocutaneous flap results in a lower fistula rate. Study Design A retrospective review of 30 patients followed by a pilot study of 10 patients. All underwent salvage laryngectomy after failed organ preservation. Methods The operation notes of 40 laryngectomy patients were analyzed. The patient/tumor characteristics, pretreatment, neck dissection, flap type, and fistula rate were documented. Results The patient sample was 25% female. All patients received prior radiotherapy, but only 37.5% received prior chemoradiation. Neck dissections were performed in 80% of these patients, 76% of the myocutaneous group, and 84% of the myofascial group. Advanced tumor stage was found in 42% of the myofascial group and 52% of the myocutaneous group. Five of the 19 myofascial patients developed a fistula, whereas seven of the 21 myocutaneous patients developed a fistula. Conclusions The use of the pectoralis myocutaneous flap (PMCF) in this pilot series did not show a lower rate of fistula; other alternatives should be pursued to decrease this complication. Evidence Level 4. Laryngoscope, 124:1615–1617, 2014
Image Systems Simulation

Image systems simulation plays an important role in the design and evaluation of a range of devices, from large-scale remote sensing to the smallest biomedical imaging instruments. We review principles of image systems simulation that are applicable to the design and evaluation of consumer imaging devices. In this application the main goal is to help engineering team members measure and understand how each of the many system components influences image quality. We show how to combine models for scene radiance, optics, sensors, image processing and displays into a unified simulation. We then illustrate how to use simulations to evaluate design tradeoffs, invent new imaging systems, and optimize image-processing algorithms. Keywords: color constancy; end-to-end simulation; plenoptic function; light field; L3
Enhancing SAT-based equivalence checking with static logic implications

We propose a novel technique to improve SAT-based Combinational Equivalence Checking (CEC) by statically adding meaningful clauses to the CNF formula of the miter circuit. A fast preprocessing quickly builds up the implication graph for the miter circuit under verification, resulting in a large set of direct, indirect and extended backward implications. The non-trivial implications are converted into two-literal clauses and added to the miter CNF database. These added clauses constrain the search space, and provide correlation among the different variables, which enhances the Boolean Constraint Propagation (BCP). Experimental results on ISCAS'85 CEC instances show that with the added clauses, an average speedup of more than 950x was achieved.
The Histology of Solitary Renal Allografts at 1 and 5 Years After Transplantation

Previous studies suggest that the majority of renal allografts are affected by progressive, severe chronic histologic injury, yet studies using current protocols are lacking. The goal of this study was to examine the prevalence and progression of histologic changes using protocol allograft biopsies at 1 and 5 years after solitary kidney transplantation in patients transplanted between 1998 and 2004. Chronic histologic changes generally were mild at both 1 and 5 years and were similar in deceased and living donor kidneys. The overall prevalence of moderate or severe fibrosis was 13% (60/447) at 1 year and 17% (60/343) at 5 years. In a subgroup of 296 patients who underwent both 1- and 5-year biopsies, mild fibrosis present at 1 year progressed to more severe forms at 5 years in 23% of allografts. The prevalence of moderate or severe arteriolar hyalinosis was similar in tacrolimus and calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppression. These results in the recent era of transplantation demonstrate fewer, less severe and less progressive chronic histologic changes in the first 5 years after transplantation than previously reported.
Smallness of leptonic θ 13 and discrete symmetry

Abstract The leptonic mixing angle θ 13 is known to be small. If it is indeed tiny, the simplest explanation is that charged leptons mix only in the μ–τ sector and neutrinos only in the 1–2 sector. We show that this pattern may be explained by the discrete symmetry Z 2 × Z 2 of a complete Lagrangian, which has 2 Higgs doublets and 2 Higgs triplets (or 2 heavy right-handed singlet neutrinos). In the case of Higgs triplets, the Majorana neutrino masses are arbitrary, whereas in the case of heavy singlet neutrinos, an inverted hierarchy is predicted. Lepton-flavor-violation effects, present only in the μ–τ sector, are analyzed in detail: the LFV τ-decay rates are predicted below the present bounds by a few orders of magnitude, whereas LFV Higgs decays could allow for a direct test of the model.
The Reticular Formation Command and Control System

No animal can fight, go to sleep, run away, and make love all at once. We have therefore listed mutually incompatible modes of vertebrate behavior as follows: 1. sleep 2. eat 3. drink 4. fight 5. flee 6. hunt (prey or fodder) 7. search (curiosity) 8. urinate 9. defecate 10. groom 11. engage in sex 12. lay eggs or give birth 13. suckle or hatch 14. build nests
A neural network-based exploratory learning and motor planning system for co-robots.

Collaborative robots, or co-robots, are semi-autonomous robotic agents designed to work alongside humans in shared workspaces. To be effective, co-robots require the ability to respond and adapt to dynamic scenarios encountered in natural environments. One way to achieve this is through exploratory learning, or “learning by doing,” an unsupervised method in which co-robots are able to build an internal model for motor planning and coordination based on real-time sensory inputs. In this paper, we present an adaptive neural network-based system for co-robot control that employs exploratory learning to achieve the coordinated motor planning needed to navigate toward, reach for, and grasp distant objects. To validate this system we used the 11-degrees-of-freedom RoPro Calliope mobile robot. Through motor babbling of its wheels and arm, the Calliope learned how to relate visual and proprioceptive information to achieve hand-eye-body coordination. By continually evaluating sensory inputs and externally provided goal directives, the Calliope was then able to autonomously select the appropriate wheel and joint velocities needed to perform its assigned task, such as following a moving target or retrieving an indicated object.
Viscoelastic Shear Response of a Kaolinite

Recognition of the fact that clays exhibit both viscous and elastic response characteristics has led to the use of the theory of viscoelasticity for describing their mechanical behavior. This paper presents a brief outline of pertinent concepts from this theory to establish a framework for the presentation and interpretation of the experimental results. The experimental program was conducted on a water-washed Georgia kaolin at nominal moisture contents of 50%, 75%, and 100%, and included a series of oscillatory shear tests over a frequency range of two decades. These tests were performed on a Weissenberg Rheogoniometer with a cone-and-plate sample holder; this arrangement produces essentially homogeneous shear strains throughout the specimen.
Quantization analysis of the binary joint transform correlator in the presence of nonlinear compression

The quantization effects of the joint power spectrum on the performance of the binary joint transform correlator (JTC) is investigated. Analysis of the quantization effects of the binarized joint power spectrum is presented. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the binarized joint power spectrum is determined for various levels of the Fourier plane quantization of the binary JTC. The SNR is computed for the truncated binarized joint power spectrum plane and the binary JTC performance is determined for various levels of Fourier plane truncation. It is shown that a capture effect exists in the performance of the binary JTC in the presence of the Fourier plane quantization. Nonlinear compression or truncation in the Fourier plane can improve the performance of the binary JTC at low quantization levels. Computer simulation is used to investigate the sensitivity of the binary JTC and the classic JTC in the presence of Fourier plane quantization. The results of the theoretical analysis are verified by the computer simulations.
A Portable Apparatus for Absolute Measurements of the Earth's Gravity

We have developed a new and portable apparatus for making absolute measurements of the acceleration due to the Earth's gravity. We use the method of free fall, and interferometrically determine the acceleration of a freely falling cube corner. In the design and development of this instrument, particular attention was paid to those aspects which would affect its performance in the field. The resulting instrument, we believe, provides a viable new tool for the study of tectonic motions. The system is very small; it can be transported in a small van and requires only two hours for assembly. A high rate of data acquisition is available; if necessary, a single measurement can be made every two seconds. Further, we have made a concerted effort to detect and (we hope) eliminate systematic errors. The results of extensive tests indicate that the achievable accuracy for g is about six parts in 109. This instrument therefore provides a sensitivity to vertical motions (e.g., of the Earth's crust) as small as 2 cm.
Use of the scratch test to measure changes in adhesion of Cr/Al2O3 due to ion beam mixing

The scratch test is widely used to measure the adhesion of thin films to their substrates. The adhesion improvement with ion beam mixing is difficult to quantify, however, because the mixing process itself introduces changes into the system that affect the measurement of adhesion by the scratch test. This paper described the effect of ion beam mixing on the test parameters and analyzes the results of tests on ion bombarded chromium films on sapphire substrates. The measured force to remove the Cr film increased by more than 1900% due to the ion beam treatment. Changes in the system parameters account for an increase of less than 5%, leading to the conclusion that the ion beam treatment caused a major increase in the bond strength.
An application of sizing service territories

Abstract The major tradeoff in designing a service network, where facility-based delivery people travel to customer sites, is the variable cost of delivery versus the fixed cost of facilities. In many applications, reduced travel time, due to a larger number of facilities, increases the efficiency of the delivery people, thereby requiring fewer of them. Using techniques developed for related problems, the authors developed a model for evaluating and applying this concept, and used it as the basis for decision support systems for several applications. This article describes the model and its application developed for the United States Postal Service.
Strong Krull primes and flat modules

Abstract There are several theorems describing the intricate relationship between flatness and associated primes over commutative Noetherian rings. However, associated primes are known to act badly over non-Noetherian rings, so one needs a suitable replacement. In this paper, we show that the behavior of strong Krull primes most closely resembles that of associated primes over a Noetherian ring. We prove an analogue of a theorem of Epstein and Yao characterizing flat modules in terms of associated primes by replacing them with strong Krull primes. Also, we partly generalize a classical equational theorem regarding flat base change and associated primes in Noetherian rings. That is, when associated primes are replaced by strong Krull primes, we show containment in general and equality in many special cases. One application is of interest over any Noetherian ring of prime characteristic. We also give numerous examples to show that our results fail if other popular generalizations of associated primes are used in place of strong Krull primes.
Torture, impunity, and open legal spaces: Abu Ghraib and international controls

Transnational and non‐conventional forms of crime, particularly state crimes, are increasingly becoming the focus of criminological work. Within this body of research, however, relatively little attention has been paid to the critical issue of international controls (see Rothe & Mullins, 2006). We believe that it is important to explore the ability of intergovernmental bodies such as the United Nations, International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court, to exert some measure of social control on state crimes. Our intent is to explore this issue by examining the cases of abuse and torture that occurred at Abu Ghraib prison during the American occupation of Iraq. Specifically, we examine the extant controls at the international level and their subsequent failure as such. We begin with a brief review of Abu Ghraib and the subsequent cases of abuse and torture followed by descriptive accounts of international institutions of social control as they pertain to Abu Ghraib. In conclusion, we ex...
Gender-Role Attitudes of Professional Female Educators toward Men in Early Childhood Education

Sf~mmr;ry.-A national random sample of women working in early childhood education was drawn from the membership of the National Association for the Education of Young Children to assess their attitudes toward the suirability, professional practice, and administrative capabilities of men in early childhood education. Pst work experience wich a male preschool reacher was a consistent indicator of a lack of stereotyped attitudes toward men in the early childhood field. Also, college professors and researchers were less stereotyped in their attitudes concerning the suitability of male preschool teachers than were either classroom tmchers, orher persons wich direct child contact, or administrators. Implications for changing attitudes toward males in early childhood education are discussed in relation to these findings.
The effect of anodic surface treatment on the oxidation of catechols at ultrasmall carbon ring electrodes

Electrochemical anodic treatment at ultrasmall carbon ring electrodes appears to result in the formation of an oxide film that displays charge-selective and pH-dependent enhancements following treatment. Voltammetry after treatment in pH 7.4 citrate-phosphate buffer is more Nernstian for dopamine (DA) and less Nernstian for 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC). However, oxidation in pH 2.8 buffer gives rise to voltammetry that is less Nernstian for both DA and DOPAC. Extensive surface oxidation in potassium hydroxide apparently forms a thick layer that acts like a thin layer reservoir for adsorbed analyte. Voltammetry following extensive treatment is attenuated and peak shaped. Minimal surface oxidation in KOH results in more Nernstian sigmoidal voltammetry with only light current attenuation. The data suggest that an oxide layer formed following anodic treatment is non-uniform and leaves sites of activated carbon exposed on the surface. Furthermore, it appears that this layer has cation-exchange properties giving rise to charge transfer selectivity. A model of the surface formed following anodic oxidation is consistent with previous models involving both surface cleanliness and carbon structure orientation.
Evidence for direct geographic influences on linguistic sounds: the case of ejectives

We present evidence that the geographic context in which a language is spoken may directly impact its phonological form. We examined the geographic coordinates and elevations of 567 language locations represented in a worldwide phonetic database. Languages with phonemic ejective consonants were found to occur closer to inhabitable regions of high elevation, when contrasted to languages without this class of sounds. In addition, the mean and median elevations of the locations of languages with ejectives were found to be comparatively high. The patterns uncovered surface on all major world landmasses, and are not the result of the influence of particular language families. They reflect a significant and positive worldwide correlation between elevation and the likelihood that a language employs ejective phonemes. In addition to documenting this correlation in detail, we offer two plausible motivations for its existence. We suggest that ejective sounds might be facilitated at higher elevations due to the associated decrease in ambient air pressure, which reduces the physiological effort required for the compression of air in the pharyngeal cavity–a unique articulatory component of ejective sounds. In addition, we hypothesize that ejective sounds may help to mitigate rates of water vapor loss through exhaled air. These explications demonstrate how a reduction of ambient air density could promote the usage of ejective phonemes in a given language. Our results reveal the direct influence of a geographic factor on the basic sound inventories of human languages.
On measuring the off‐equatorial conductivity before and during convective ionospheric storms

[1] One of the biggest unknowns in the CIS/ESF (Convective Ionospheric Storms/Equatorial Spread F) Space Weather problem now can be measured. Radio occultations of the GPS constellation will be measurable on a regular basis during the COSMIC (Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate) and C/NOFS (Communications/Navigation Outage Forecast System) satellite era. These measurements can be used to determine the plasma density versus height and hence, the off-equatorial height-integrated conductivity.
Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers are a serious health concern for elders in acute care, long-term care, and home care settings. The occurrence of a pressure ulcer is considered a sentinel event in terms of quality of care. Pressure ulcers may result in significant morbidity and mortality and are associated with high cost in terms of human suffering, cost of treatment, and possible litigation. Several risk factors have been identified for the development of pressure ulcers. Identification of elderly patients at risk of pressure and implementation of preventative measures are essential. Management of a pressure ulcer involves debridement, cleansing, selection of an appropriate dressing, and prevention of infection. This article reviews suggested guidelines for the prevention and management of pressure ulcers.
Interference effects in two-dimensional electron channeling

Abstract Interference effects have been identified with two-dimensional channeling features in current image diffraction (CID) patterns from Al(001) and Al(111) surfaces. These channeling lines are associated with the emergence conditions of {10} type LEED beams for both surfaces. The interference is seen as pairs of narrow, closely-spaced, parallel lines which move spatially with energy changes as calculated from theory. Because the surface potential barrier is a factor at these low energies in the scattering process, dynamic calculations can be expected to provide information about this part of the surface structure.
Materials and their application in the nuclear industry

Abstract During the next 25–50 years an interim energy source that minimizes the consumption of the natural resources of the world is required. Based on current technological forecasting, nuclear power can satisfy these guidelines. Today, we are undergoing an evolution in nuclear power generating sources. We have in service nuclear burners such as the light water reactors (LWR) and the gas-cooled reactors (GCR). Currently available is a second-generation reactor concept, the breeder, which has been proven feasible and will be the primary source of energy within the next 25 years. These energy sources are possible only because materials technology has been advanced through the combined efforts of both the theoreticians and engineers of the world. This paper discusses the metallurgical investigations that are being conducted at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory on materials for nuclear applications. It will concentrate on pressure vessel materials such as ASTM A 508 Class 2 and A 533 Grade B steels for LWR and concrete and prestressing tendons for the GCR. In addition, the paper discusses the liquid-metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) and describes the materials used in the primary containment, intermediate heat exchanger, and steam generator. This discussion of the LMFBR includes both austenitic and ferritic materials. The paper emphasizes the cooperative responsibility of the metallographer and engineer in optimizing material development and selection to ensure the safe and reliable behavior of nuclear components.
Representation and manipulation of finite sets

A set may be represented in APL either through a vector of its elements, through a Boolean vector representing its characteristic function with respect to a pre-specified universal set, or through the re-interpretation of this Boolean vector as the binary representation of an integer. This paper discusses the use of these representations for manipulation of sets, collections of sets, and functions as they are used, for example, in topology.
Breakpoint profiling of 64 cancer genomes reveals numerous complex rearrangements spawned by homology-independent mechanisms

Tumor genomes are generally thought to evolve through a gradual accumulation of mutations, but the observation that extraordinarily complex rearrangements can arise through single mutational events suggests that evolution may be accelerated by punctuated changes in genome architecture. To assess the prevalence and origins of complex genomic rearrangements (CGRs), we mapped 6179 somatic structural variation breakpoints in 64 cancer genomes from seven tumor types and screened for clusters of three or more interconnected breakpoints. We find that complex breakpoint clusters are extremely common: 154 clusters comprise 25% of all somatic breakpoints, and 75% of tumors exhibit at least one complex cluster. Based on copy number state profiling, 63% of breakpoint clusters are consistent with being CGRs that arose through a single mutational event. CGRs have diverse architectures including focal breakpoint clusters, large-scale rearrangements joining clusters from one or more chromosomes, and staggeringly complex chromothripsis events. Notably, chromothripsis has a significantly higher incidence in glioblastoma samples (39%) relative to other tumor types (9%). Chromothripsis breakpoints also show significantly elevated intra-tumor allele frequencies relative to simple SVs, which indicates that they arise early during tumorigenesis or confer selective advantage. Finally, assembly and analysis of 4002 somatic and 6982 germline breakpoint sequences reveal that somatic breakpoints show significantly less microhomology and fewer templated insertions than germline breakpoints, and this effect is stronger at CGRs than at simple variants. These results are inconsistent with replication-based models of CGR genesis and strongly argue that nonhomologous repair of concurrently arising DNA double-strand breaks is the predominant mechanism underlying complex cancer genome rearrangements.
Class II MHC self-antigen presentation in human B and T lymphocytes.

Human CD4+ T cells process and present functional class II MHC-peptide complexes, but the endogenous peptide repertoire of these non-classical antigen presenting cells remains unknown. We eluted and sequenced HLA-DR-bound self-peptides presented by CD4+ T cells in order to compare the T cell-derived peptide repertoire to sequences derived from genetically identical B cells. We identified several novel epitopes derived from the T cell-specific proteome, including fragments of CD4 and IL-2. While these data confirm that T cells can present peptides derived from the T-cell specific proteome, the vast majority of peptides sequenced after elution from MHC were derived from the common proteome. From this pool, we identified several identical peptide epitopes in the T and B cell repertoire derived from common endogenous proteins as well as novel endogenous epitopes with promiscuous binding. These findings indicate that the endogenous HLA-DR-bound peptide repertoire, regardless of APC type and across MHC isotype, is largely derived from the same pool of self-protein.
Depressive Symptoms in Oldest-Old Women: Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

Objectives Increasing evidence suggests that depression is a risk factor for cognitive impairment, but it is unclear if this is true among the oldest old. We determined whether elevated depressive symptoms predicted 5-year incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia, and neuropsychological test performance among oldest-old women. Design Prospective. Setting Three study sites. Participants 302 women ≥85 years (mean, 87 ± 2). Measurements Depressive symptoms were measured with the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS); scores of 6 or more indicated elevated symptoms. Five years later, participants completed neuropsychological testing and clinical cognitive status was adjudicated. Results In analyses of MCI versus normal cognition, 70% of women with GDS score 6 or more at baseline developed MCI versus 37% with GDS score less than 6. After adjustment for age, education, alcohol, and benzodiazepine use, and study site, GDS score 6 or more remained independently associated with much greater likelihood of developing MCI (multivariable odds ratio [MOR] = 3.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30–10.59). In analyses of dementia versus normal cognition, 65% of women with GDS score 6 or more developed dementia compared with 37% of those with GDS score less than 6 (MOR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.03–9.65). Only 19% of women with GDS score 6 or more had normal cognitive status 5 years later, compared with 46% of those with GDS score less than 6 (MOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.11–0.73). Women with elevated depressive symptoms had worse scores on tests of global cognition and working memory. Conclusion Elevated depressive symptoms are an important risk factor for cognitive disorders and lower cognitive performance among women living to their ninth and tenth decades.
Further reports on the brown Parmeliaceae of southern Africa

Three previously unknown members of the lichen genus Neofuscelia Essl. are described: N. esterhuyseniae Essl., N. nonreagens Essl., and N. pseudoloriloba Essl. New South African records for other members of the genus are given as well, and N. subimitatrix (Essl.) Essl. is reported from New Zealand for the first time. Apothecia of the recently described South African genus Almbornia Essl. have been observed for the first time and they are typically parmeliaceous.
Rotational analysis of nitrosyl chloride

The vibrational-rotational spectra of the fundamentals of nitrosyl chloride have been recorded with a Fourier transform interferometer at an apodized resolution of 0.004 cm−1. The data have been analyzed to determine excited state molecular constants forv1v2, andv3.
Graphical approach for multiple valued logic minimization

Multiple valued logic (MVL) is sought for designing high complexity, highly compact, parallel digital circuits. However, the practical realization of an MVL-based system is dependent on optimization of cost, which directly affects the optical setup. We propose a minimization technique for MVL logic optimization based on graphical visualization, such as a Karnaugh map. The proposed method is utilized to solve signed-digit binary and trinary logic minimization problems. The usefulness of the minimization technique is demonstrated for the optical implementation of MVL circuits.