cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Briquetting and carbonization of naturally grown algae biomass for low-cost fuel and activated carbon production

Abstract This study reports the briquetting and carbonization processes of naturally grown algae biomass collected from regional lakes. After drying them in air and chopping them into small pieces (∼2.5 × 2.5 cm), three different briquetting pressures (e.g., 2, 3, and 5 tons/cm 2 ) were applied to form algae briquettes with 3–5% moisture content. Three major investigations were performed on the prepared samples. The first test was to investigate the briquettes’ handleability, in which the algae briquettes were dropped 100 times from a height of 1.524 m to resemble a handling mechanism. The second test was conducted on the samples to resolve the residual strength of the briquettes before and after the carbonization process at 800 °C. Ignition points of the algae briquettes were reviewed in the third analysis. Test results showed that briquettes under 2, 3, and 5 tons/cm 2 of pressure had density values of 1303, 1423, and 1553 kg/m 3 , respectively. Drop tests demonstrated that the weight contractions of the briquettes were reduced from 10.2% to 2.1%, when the pressure was intensified from 2 to 5 tons. Ignition temperatures for the non-carbonized briquettes under 2, 3, and 5 tons/cm 2 were 492, 510, and 520 °C, respectively; however, after carbonization, these temperatures were reduced to 474, 487, and 492 °C, respectively. Compression strength tests for the non-carbonized briquettes under 2, 3, and 5 tons/cm 2 resulted in 22.1, 29.2, and 33.5 MPa, respectively. These test outcomes can be suitable for future guidance of an algae-based biomass and fuel system for reducing environmental impacts.
The Opioid Crisis in the United States: Chronic Pain Physicians Are the Answer, Not the Cause.

Opioids for the treatment of acute pain and the pain of malignancy have been strongly encouraged for more than 25 years.1 In the past 2 decades, the treatment of chronic noncancer pain using long-term opioid therapy has become more common. However, recent studies have revealed the astonishing rapidi
On the fundamental theorem of diffraction tomography

Exact solutions for the focusing of 2D electromagnetic waves through a slit in a perfectly conducting screen are given in a companion paper.1 In this paper, various approximate solutions are compared with the exact solutions to test the validity of each approximate theory. The approximate theories considered are first of all those based on either the Kirchhoff or the Debye approximation. But in addition a more accurate theory is examined, in which only the multiply diffracted waves between the edges of the slit are neglected. In this case the slit problem is treated as two independent half-plane problems and their exact solutions are added. For brevity we consider only the scalar case corresponding to an incident E-field polarised parallel to the edges of the slit.
EXERCISE TEST AND OBESITY PARADOX

Obesity is a coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factor, but obese patients with CAD have lower mortality than patients with normal BMI. Our aim was to study the obesity paradox in relationship to exercise test performance. Mayo Clinic stress test database was reviewed from 1993-2010. We included
Arsenic Hyperaccumulator Fern Pteris vittata: Utilities for Arsenic Phytoremediation and Plant Biotechnology

Arsenic is a toxic metalloid that is widespread in the environment due to both man-made and natural causes. Soils, food, and ground water contaminated with arsenic pose serious health risks to millions of people in different parts of the World. While engineering methods to remediate arsenic-contaminated environments are available, they are often prohibitively expensive and cumbersome. It was discovered about a decade ago that the Chinese brake fern (Pteris vittata) had an extraordinary ability to tolerate and hyperaccumulate arsenic, up to about 2% of dry weight in its fronds. This opened up new opportunities to develop the brake fern for a cost-effective green technology to remediate arsenic-contaminated environments. The objective of this review is to highlight some of the salient findings on this and related ferns regarding their arsenic tolerance and hyperaccumulation traits. Investigations have shown that arsenic hyperaccumulation in brake fern has evolved as a defense against herbivory. Research employing molecular biology tools have identified some of the key genes and proteins important for arsenic metabolism in this species including genes for arsenic-induced oxidative stress. Comparative biochemistry of how organisms adapt to arsenic suggests that many other fern genes related to arsenic transport and metabolism are yet to be characterized in this fern. Our research indicates that brake fern could be a source of genes that could inform us about how plants adapt to abiotic stress factors such as high temperature stress and drought that have oxidative stress as a component. Some of these genes can be expected to be valuable for improving crops for increased tolerance to stress.
From past trauma to post-traumatic growth: the role of self in participants with serious mental illnesses

Studies have shown that people with serious mental illness are more likely to have experienced trauma compared to the general population. This qualitative study employed a grounded theory approach ...
Attainment Discrepancy and New Geographic Market Entry: The Moderating Roles of Vertical Pay Disparity and Horizontal Pay Dispersion

Studies in the behavioural strategy literature have examined the influence of attainment discrepancy on new geographic market entry with inconclusive results. We clarified the relationship between attainment discrepancy and new geographic market entry by considering the moderating effects of managerial pay gaps with concentration on vertical pay disparity and horizontal pay dispersion. The framework also contributes to our understanding of tournament theory and social comparison theory by identifying specified performance contexts under which types of pay gaps conform to or violate theoretical predictions. Empirical analyses based on a panel data of Standard and Poor’s (S&P) 500 firms from 1996 to 2006 showed that our hypotheses are largely supported.
Anxiogenic parenting practices as predictors of pediatric body-focused repetitive behaviors

Abstract Pediatric body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) demonstrate significant prevalence and impairment, yet their etiology is poorly understood. Addressing this limitation, the current study sought to explore the relationship between pediatric BFRBs (i.e. skin picking, hair pulling, nail biting, lip biting) and anxiogenic parenting (i.e. conflict, over involvement, accommodation, modeling, emotional warmth) – one potential factor in this pathology given established links between BFRBs and anxiety. Five hundred and thirty parents/caregivers of children ages 7–17 (268 exhibiting one or more BFRBs; 262 exhibiting no BFRBs) completed an online survey including an anxiogenic parenting self-report (i.e., The Parenting Anxious Kids Ratings Scale – Parent Report [PAKRS-PR]) and several questions assessing child BFRB presence and severity. Regression analyses indicated that although child anxiety significantly predicted collective BFRB presence and number of BFRBs in which a child engaged, anxiogenic parenting was not a significant predictor in these models. Conversely, results demonstrated that for every one unit increase in PAKRS-PR total score, children were 1.49 times more likely to engage in skin picking (controlling for anxiety). Further exploratory analyses revealed that specific anxiogenic parenting behaviors (i.e., accommodation, emotional warmth) significantly predicted BFRB severity. Implications for these findings, limitations and future areas of research are discussed.
Association of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Symptoms With Mortality After Elective Noncardiac Surgery Among Patients With Heart Failure.

Importance Heart failure is an established risk factor for postoperative mortality, but how left ventricular ejection fraction and heart failure symptoms affect surgical outcomes is not fully described. Objectives To determine the risk of postoperative mortality among patients with heart failure at various levels of echocardiographic (left ventricular systolic dysfunction) and clinical (symptoms) severity compared with those without heart failure and to evaluate how risk varies across levels of surgical complexity. Design, Setting, and Participants US multisite retrospective cohort study of all adult patients receiving elective, noncardiac surgery in the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Project database from 2009 through 2016. A total of 609 735 patient records were identified and analyzed with 1 year of follow-up after having surgery (final study follow-up: September 1, 2017). Exposures Heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction, and presence of signs or symptoms of heart failure within 30 days of surgery. Main Outcome and Measure The primary outcome was postoperative mortality at 90 days. Results Outcome data from 47 997 patients with heart failure (7.9%; mean [SD] age, 68.6 [10.1] years; 1391 women [2.9%]) and 561 738 patients without heart failure (92.1%; mean [SD] age, 59.4 [13.4] years; 50 862 women [9.1%]) were analyzed. Compared with patients without heart failure, those with heart failure had a higher risk of 90-day postoperative mortality (2635 vs 6881 90-day deaths; crude mortality risk, 5.49% vs 1.22%; adjusted absolute risk difference [RD], 1.03% [95% CI, 0.91%-1.15%]; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.67 [95% CI, 1.57-1.76]). Compared with patients without heart failure, symptomatic patients with heart failure (n = 5906) had a higher risk (597 deaths [10.11%]; adjusted absolute RD, 2.37% [95% CI, 2.06%-2.57%]; adjusted OR, 2.37 [95% CI, 2.14-2.63]). Asymptomatic patients with heart failure (n = 42 091) (2038 deaths [crude risk, 4.84%]; adjusted absolute RD, 0.74% [95% CI, 0.63%-0.87%]; adjusted OR, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.44-1.63]), including the subset with preserved left ventricular systolic function (1144 deaths [4.42%]; adjusted absolute RD, 0.66% [95% CI, 0.54%-0.79%]; adjusted OR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.35-1.57]), also experienced elevated risk. Conclusions and Relevance Among patients undergoing elective noncardiac surgery, heart failure with or without symptoms was significantly associated with 90-day postoperative mortality. These data may be helpful in preoperative discussions with patients with heart failure undergoing noncardiac surgery.
A Scalable and Process Variation Aware NVM-FPGA Placement Algorithm

As non-volatile memory (NVM) based FPGAs gain increasing popularity, FPGA synthesis tools start to tune the synthesis flow to match NVM characteristics. State-of-the-art NVM FPGA placement algorithms tried to reduce the high reconfiguration cost induced by the costly NVM programming process. However, they are not only limited in scalability but also fail to consider process variation. This paper aims to overcome these limitations. Blocks in the NVM-FPGA are no longer uniform but classified into fast, slow, and dead blocks. Moreover, the proposed placement algorithm reduces computation complexity by not searching the entire design space for an optimal solution with minimum reconfiguration cost, but computing the reconfiguration cost just-in-time. Verilog-to-Routing (VTR)-based implementation confirms its effectiveness in reducing critical path length and speeding up the placement process, while still saving reconfiguration cost by up to 74.2%.
Decreases in Blood Pressure During Thrombectomy Are Associated With Larger Infarct Volumes and Worse Functional Outcome.

Background and Purpose— After large-vessel intracranial occlusion, the fate of the ischemic penumbra, and ultimately final infarct volume, largely depends on tissue perfusion. In this study, we eva...
Multi-Scale Attention Network for Crowd Counting

In crowd counting datasets, people appear at different scales, depending on their distance from the camera. To address this issue, we propose a novel multi-branch scale-aware attention network that exploits the hierarchical structure of convolutional neural networks and generates, in a single forward pass, multi-scale density predictions from different layers of the architecture. To aggregate these maps into our final prediction, we present a new soft attention mechanism that learns a set of gating masks. Furthermore, we introduce a scale-aware loss function to regularize the training of different branches and guide them to specialize on a particular scale. As this new training requires annotations for the size of each head, we also propose a simple, yet effective technique to estimate them automatically. Finally, we present an ablation study on each of these components and compare our approach against the literature on 4 crowd counting datasets: UCF-QNRF, ShanghaiTech A & B and UCF_CC_50. Our approach achieves state-of-the-art on all them with a remarkable improvement on UCF-QNRF (+25% reduction in error).
Streptococcus co-opts a conformational lock in human plasminogen to facilitate streptokinase cleavage and bacterial virulence

Virulent strains of Streptococcus pyogenes (gram-positive group A Streptococcus pyogenes [GAS]) recruit host single-chain human plasminogen (hPg) to the cell surface—where in the case of Pattern D strains of GAS, hPg binds directly to the cells through a surface receptor, plasminogen-binding group A streptococcal M-protein (PAM). The coinherited Pattern D GAS-secreted streptokinase (SK2b) then accelerates cleavage of hPg at the R561-V562 peptide bond, resulting in the disulfide-linked two-chain protease, human plasmin (hPm). hPm localizes on the bacterial surface, assisting bacterial dissemination via proteolysis of host defense proteins. Studies using isolated domains from PAM and hPg revealed that the A-domain of PAM binds to the hPg kringle-2 module (K2hPg), but how this relates to the function of the full-length proteins is unclear. Herein, we use intact proteins to show that the lysine-binding site of K2hPg is a major determinant of the activation-resistant T-conformation of hPg. The binding of PAM to the lysine-binding site of K2hPg relaxes the conformation of hPg, leading to a greatly enhanced activation rate of hPg by SK2b. Domain swapping between hPg and mouse Pg emphasizes the importance of the Pg latent heavy chain (residues 1–561) in PAM binding and shows that while SK2b binds to both hPg and mouse Pg, the activation properties of streptokinase are strictly attributed to the serine protease domain (residues 562–791) of hPg. Overall, these data show that native hPg is locked in an activation-resistant conformation that is relaxed upon its direct binding to PAM, allowing hPm to form and provide GAS cells with a proteolytic surface.
Predictors of failure after fecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a highly effective therapy for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), with ~15% 1-year recurrence rate. Small studies have identified variable risk factors associated with FMT failure. We, therefore, performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the predictors of FMT failure. A systematic search of Medline, Embase, and Web of Science was performed from January 2013 up to June 2020. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models and pooled adjusted odds ratios for risk factors reported in ≥2 studies were calculated. Overall, 2671 patients with recurrent CDI who underwent FMT in 12 studies were included. FMT failure occurred in 454 patients (16.9%) with median follow-up of 3 months (range 2–7.7 months). A total of 9 risk factors were identified in ≥2 studies. Meta-analysis showed that use of non- CDI antibiotics, presence of inflammatory bowel disease, poor quality of bowel preparation, CDI-related hospitalization before FMT, inpatient FMT, and severe CDI were associated with statistically significant increased risk of failure after FMT. Increasing age, female gender, and immunocompromised status were not associated with increased risk for FMT failure. Several risk factors (both modifiable and non-modifiable) are associated with FMT failure. Lower use of antibiotics in the post-FMT period and good bowel preparation at the time of FMT are associated with lower risk of failure after FMT. Additionally, patients with non-modifiable risk factors should be counseled to be particularly alert about recurrent symptoms after FMT.
Effects of the Herbicide Metolachlor and Fish Presence on Pond Mesocosm Communities

The effects of many pesticides on aquatic ecosystems remain poorly understood, especially in naturalistic communities in which organisms are connected by a complex array of direct and indirect interactions. Moreover, multiple stressors can interact, and the addition of apex predators, such as fish, may introduce additional ecosystem changes that exacerbate or mitigate pesticide effects. Despite being both common and environmentally persistent, the effects of the herbicide metolachlor on realistic aquatic communities have received insufficient research attention. We tested the effects of metolachlor on pond mesocosms at three concentrations (0, 20, and 80 ppb), along with the presence vs. absence of fish (black crappie, Pomoxis nigromaculatus) to determine the independent and combined effects of these two environmental changes. We found both metolachlor and fish altered the pond mesocosms, but their effects did not interact. Metolachlor reduced phytoplankton as expected, but had nonlinear effects on dissolved oxygen. Metolachlor also altered tadpole behavior, making them less prone to hiding. Fish presence increased periphyton and decreased snail counts, as well as changing the behavior of tadpoles, reducing their hiding behavior. This work demonstrates previously undocumented effects of metolachlor in the presence and absence of fish and suggests future avenues of investigation.
The Asian Financial Crisis: Crisis, reform and recovery

1. Introduction: Issues, debates and an overview of the crisis 2. Thailand: crisis, reform and recovery 3. Indonesia: crisis, reform and recovery 4. Korea: crisis, reform and recovery 5. The domino that did not fall: Why China survived the crisis 6. Beyond the Asian crisis: the evolving international financial architecture 7. Conclusion: post crisis Asia: economic recovery, 11 September 2001and the challenges ahead -- .
Distributed cation contamination from cathode to anode direction in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Abstract Distributed effects of cation contamination on polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC) were investigated at a fixed concentration of 5 ppm of Ca 2+ in the air stream of an operating fuel cell. A special purpose MEA was prepared using five layers of membrane, and four Pt wires (electrodes) were inserted between the membrane layers. These Pt electrodes were used to monitor the through plane potential due to the permeation of hydrogen and oxygen from the anode and the cathode, respectively as well as the resistance distribution across the membrane thickness. At the beginning of the test, oxygen permeated from the cathode to the first layer of the membrane. After 32 h, oxygen continued to permeate from cathode to the other layers of the membrane. The cell performance deteriorated, when CaSO 4 solution was injected as a contaminant. Within 21 h of contaminant injection, the cell voltage dropped to less than 200 mV. High frequency resistance (HFR) increased more than 50% in the individual membrane layer that was located close to the cathode.
Lets be friends: the United States, post-genocide Rwanda, and victors justice in Arusha

The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda issued its last verdict in December 2012. This article examines whether the ICTR was doomed from the start to be a court of victors justice. I explore the issue by re-examining the politics of the ICTRs creation. Interviews with (former) US and UN ambassadors and hundreds of declassified diplomatic telegrams (cables) and intelligence reports of the US Department of State shed new light on this process. My analysis concentrates on the strategy of the RPF vis-a-vis the international community and the responses of the United Nations and United States. In a previous publication, I claim that US leadership is a necessary (but not a sufficient) condition for successful international prosecutions. Building on that research, I argue that understanding the evolution of the relation between Washington and Kigali  from an early, almost accidental support of the RPF to nearly unconditional backing  can help explain RPF impunity. I do not suggest that Washington planned to shield Kagame from international prosecution, or that the US was the only Security Council member to embrace him. However, once Washington entered into a partnership with the new Rwanda, it was committed to moving forward  and this implied burying the past and oftentimes also ignoring the present. The result was victors justice in Arusha  and seemingly endless war in neighboring Congo.
Upslope Range Shifts of Andean Dung Beetles in Response to Deforestation: Compounding and Confounding Effects of Microclimatic Change

Warmer, and sometimes drier, conditions associated with global climate change are driving many species to shift poleward and/or upslope. I hypothesized that microclimatic changes related to deforestation cause similar shifts for forest species persisting within degraded landscapes. This appears to be the first study to examine this novel hypothesis. I examined elevational distributions of dung beetle communities along parallel intact and disturbed elevational gradients from 290 to 3450 m asl in the Andes of southeastern Peru. Deforested sites were consistently warmer and drier than forested sites. To maintain the same ambient temperature as in forest, species in a deforested landscape would need to shift on average 489±59 m upslope. Dung beetle species showed a mean upslope range shift of 132±64 m (maximum=743 m) in the deforested landscape. Eight species occurred farther upslope in the degraded landscape, while none shifted downslope. In addition to upper range limit expansions, six species shifting upslope also showed range contractions or population declines at their lower range boundary. High elevation and disturbance-tolerant species did not show range shifts. These findings suggest that land-use change may both confound and compound the influence of global climate change on biodiversity. Synergies between habitat degradation and climate change could more than double previous range shift projections for this century, leading to unexpectedly rapid changes in biodiversity, especially for sensitive organisms such as tropical insects. On the other hand, range shifts caused by habitat degradation may be mistakenly attributed to global climate change. Abstract in Spanish is available in the online version of this article.
Shortest Paths in Microseconds.

Computing shortest paths is a fundamental primitive for several social network applications including socially-sensitive ranking, location-aware search, social auctions and social network privacy. Since these applications compute paths in response to a user query, the goal is to minimize latency while maintaining feasible memory requirements. We present ASAP, a system that achieves this goal by exploiting the structure of social networks. ASAP preprocesses a given network to compute and store a partial shortest path tree (PSPT) for each node. The PSPTs have the property that for any two nodes, each edge along the shortest path is with high probability contained in the PSPT of at least one of the nodes. We show that the structure of social networks enable the PSPT of each node to be an extremely small fraction of the entire network; hence, PSPTs can be stored efficiently and each shortest path can be computed extremely quickly. For a real network with 5 million nodes and 69 million edges, ASAP computes a shortest path for most node pairs in less than 49 microseconds per pair. ASAP, unlike any previous technique, also computes hundreds of paths (along with corresponding distances) between any node pair in less than 100 microseconds. Finally, ASAP admits efficient implementation on distributed programming frameworks like MapReduce.
Lattice QCD with Ginsparg-Wilson fermions

Lattice QCD using fermions whose Dirac operator obeys the Ginsparg-Wilson relation is perhaps the best known formulation of QCD with a finite cutoff. It reproduces all the low energy QCD phenomenology associated with chiral symmetry at finite lattice spacings. In particular it explains the origin of massless pions due to spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking and leads to new ways to approach the U(1) problem on the lattice. Here we show these results in the path integral formulation and derive for the first time in lattice QCD a known formal continuum relation between the chiral condensate and the topological susceptibility. This relation leads to predictions for the critical behavior of the topological susceptibility near the phase transition and can now be checked in Monte Carlo simulations even at finite lattice spacings. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Germany as a Culture of Remembrance: Promises and Limits of Writing History – By Alon Confino

In his latest book, the author offers excellent intellectual fodder not only for Germanists, but also for a much broader audience. Using concrete, accessible examples, he explores how Germans have ...
On the criteria of solids layer inversion in a liquid-solid fluidized bed containing a binary mixture of particles

Abstract A simple criterion is proposed for the prediction of solids layer inversion velocity or critical velocity in a liquid-solid fluidized bed containing a binary mixture of particles with solids layer inversion properties. The criterion is established based on the behaviour of the segregation velocity of the particle which locates at the bottom of the bed at low liquid velocities. The criterion is verified satisfactorily with the present experimental results, which were obtained over a wide range of volume ratio of the particles in the binary mixture, and the experimental results reported by Moritoni et al. (1982, Chem. Engng Sci.37, 1751–1757) and Matsuura and Akehata (paper presented at 50th Annual Meeting of Soc. of Chem. Engrs of Japan, 1985). The criterion is also satisfactorily extended to account for the onset velocity of the particle intermixing state before the point of layer inversion.
Fitness Testing: How Do Students Make Sense of the Gender Disparities?.

The ways in which students make sense of the gendered fitness expectations found in a norm-referenced fitness testing program (i.e. President's challenge physical fitness test) were the focus of this study. Participants were 18 fifth grade students who completed fitness tests in their physical education classes. They were interviewed using a standardized, open-ended protocol designed to elicit their perceptions of the fitness test. Three salient themes emerged from the data: (1) students used notions of essentialism and social construction to explain gender differences; (2) students observed their peers’ performances through gendered lenses; and (3) students provided suggestions for change. Based on the findings from this study, researchers and practitioners may begin to recognize the ways in which fitness testing affects how students socially construct ideologies about fitness, ability and their bodies.
The Heckscher-Ohlin and Travis-Vanek theorems under uncertainty

Abstract The Heckscher-Ohlin theorem is valid under uncertainty of the special benchmark sort modelled by Helpman-Razin. Their pessimism over its validity is vanquished by more structure: rational expectations are imposed on consumers and identical and constant relative aversion to income risk is assumed. Under these circumstances, with free commodity trade, the Heckscher-Ohlin theorem holds for the international exchange of equities.
Biosynthesis of Collagen in Isolated Periodontal Ligament

This study showed that the excised periodontal ligament from humans and hamsters actively synthesizes protein, as measured by 14C-proline incorporation, when incubated in vitro for periods of 30 minutes to six hours. However, only a small percentage of the protein synthesized was collagen.
Is the north‐south dialogue worth saving?

(1984). Is the north‐south dialogue worth saving? Third World Quarterly: Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 155-181.
Sodium nitroprusside for control of severe hypertensive disease of pregnancy: A case report and discussion of potential toxicity

Sodium nitroprusside has been used to alter blood pressure in severe hypertensive disease of pregnancy; however, concern exists in regard to potential lethal complications from cyanide toxicity in both mother and fetus. We recently evaluated levels of cyanide in the liver of an infant stillborn to a woman in whom sodium nitroprusside was used to control gestational hypertension secondary to mitral valve disease. The fetal liver demonstrated levels of cyanide below toxic ranges. Biologic activity, potential toxicity, and treatment of toxic symptoms of nitroprusside are discussed.
Measurement of the Positron Surface-State Lifetime for Al

The decay rate has been determined for positrons annihilating with electrons while localized in the image-induced potential well at the (110) surface of a clean well-annealed single crystal of Al at 300 K. The lifetime associated with positrons in this surface state was found to be 580 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 10 psec. This value, which has never before been directly measured, is in disagreement with present theories. Changes in the lifetime spectra were also found from ion sputtering and from exposure of the surface to various amounts of oxygen.
Present and emerging applications of polymeric biomaterials.

An important trend in biomaterials research and development is the synthesis of polymers, which combine capabilities of biologic recognition (‘ biomimetic ’) with special physicochemical properties of the synthetic polymer system. For example, an antibody may be conjugated to the backbone of a polymer which precipitates upon small changes in pH, temperature, or ionic strength. Crosslinked gels may also be synthesized from such polymers, and a biomolecule such as an enzyme may be chemically or physically entrapped in these gels. Such gels will shrink and swell in response to small changes in environmental stimuli. Another approach is to `engineer’, perhaps via computer-aided molecular design, new artificial biomimetic systems by exact placement of functional groups on rigid polymer backbones, crosslinked structures, or macromolecular assemblies. In this way, biocatalytic functioning or biorecognition similar to enzymes and antibodies can be achieved without the inherent instability often encountered with the native biomolecules or assemblies.
A Game Theoretical Model of the Evolution of Food Hoarding: Applications to the Paridae

A game against the field is proposed that models the precision, duration, and apparent capacity of this mem- evolution of food-hoarding behavior in a group-living species, like ory indicated that this memory might be adaptively spe- many members of the family Paridae (Aves, Passeriformes). The model predicts that no special retrieval mechanisms (e.g., mem- cialized (Krebs 1990). This notion was reinforced by neu- ory) are necessary for food-hoarding individuals to invade a popu- roanatomical work, which showed that the brain areas lation of nonhoarders, as long as the winters are very severe. Once involved in this memory (the hippocampal formation) food hoarding is established in a population, having smaller are larger in food-hoarding species than in (related) non- groups and separating foraging niches between group members hoarders (Krebs et al. 1989; Sherry et al. 1989). Another prevent cheaters from benefiting from other individuals' caches. A retrieval mechanism that has been described is the sepa- scenario is proposed for the evolution of hoarding in the Paridae. ration of both caching and foraging niches between indi-
Pulmonary artery compression by a bronchogenic cyst simulating congenital pulmonary artery stenosis

DS, a 21-year-old woman admitted to the hospital because of dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain for 5 days, had the diagnosis of congenital right PA stenosis since age 6 years, when a systolic precordial murmur was noted. Cardiac catheterization in childhood showed isolated mild right PA stenosis; the mean pressure in the pulmonary trunk was 30 mm Hg, and the mean right PA pressure was 15 mm Hg. She remained well during the subsequent 15 years. On the current admission, examination disclosed a systolic ejection murmur at the left sternal border. The electrocardiogram was normal. A pulmonary perfusion scan (Fig. 1) and pulmonary angiogram showed absent perfusion of the right lung. Chest computerized tomography (Fig. 2) showed a subcarinal mass thought to be a bronchogenic cyst (confirmed histologically). Thoracotomy disclosed a 5-cm subcarinal cyst that compressed the right main PA. Intraoperative resection of the cyst yielded an immediate palpable return of blood flow to the right PA. A repeat perfusion scan (Fig. 1) showed normal perfusion to the right and left lungs 3 days after thoracotomy. The precordial systolic murmur was absent after operation.
A Description of Mixed-Species Insectivorous Bird Flocks in Western Mexico

Insectivorous bird flocks were observed in all types of forested habitats during the nonbreeding season in western Mexico. The species composition of flocks changed markedly and predictably among five categories of habitat type. The average number of species per flock in lowland habitats was 4.7, while a mean of 18.6 species participated in highland flocks, ranking the latter among the most species-rich flocks in the world. The mean proportion of the local insectivorous pecies that participated in mixed-species flocks was significantly greater in the highlands (6 1.3%) than in the lowlands (24.6%). About half of the flock participants in both undisturbed lowland and highland habitats were north temperate migrants, ranking west Mexican flocks among the most migrant-rich in the world as well. In highland flocks, the maximum number of individuals per attendant species was generally two to three, but there were often six to twelve individuals belonging to each of several nuclear species. The lowland deciduous forest flocks seemed to lack nuclear species.
Risk factors for hemorrhagic presentation in patients with dural arteriovenous fistulae.

OBJECTIVE: Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVFs) can present as disabling intracranial hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to investigate the independent effects of specific demographic and clinical variables on hemorrhagic presentation in patients with DAVFs. METHODS: All patients with DAVFs evaluated at the University of California at San Francisco from July 1988 through June 2004 were identified. Clinical and radiographic characteristics were recorded using a detailed abstraction form. RESULTS: A total of 402 patients with DAVFs were identified, 73 (18%) of whom presented with intracranial hemorrhage. Men were twice as likely to present with hemorrhage (men 70% versus women 30%, P < 0.001). Cortical venous drainage (85 versus 22%; P < 0.001), retrograde venous drainage (59 versus 36%; P < 0.001), and sinus occlusion (33 versus 18%; P = 0.004) were also more common in patients with DAVF with hemorrhagic presentation. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, cortical venous drainage (odds ratio [OR], 10.5; P < 0.001), focal neurological deficits (OR, 4.7; P< 0.001), DAVFs in the posterior fossa (OR, 4.0; P = 0.005), male sex (OR, 3.4, P = 0.001), and age older than 50 years were found to be independently associated with hemorrhagic presentation. CONCLUSION: Although DAVFs are less frequent in men than in women, they are more likely to present with hemorrhage. In addition to cortical venous drainage, a well-known risk factor for intracranial hemorrhage, posterior fossa location, older age at presentation, and focal neurological deficits were independently associated with hemorrhagic presentation in patients with DAVFs.
Load ratio effects on fatigue response of titanium matrix composite at elevated temperature

Abstract Fatigue tests were conducted to characterize the effects of loading ratio (i.e. stress and strain ratios) on the fatigue life and damage mechanisms of a unidirectional, ceramic fiber reinforced titanium matrix composite (SCS-6/Ti-15-3) at elevated temperature (427°C). Trends in the stress–strain response, fatigue life, and damage mechanisms were examined in detail for each control mode and loading ratio. A micromechanical analysis was also conducted to supplement the experimental observations. For the strain-controlled mode, it was observed that the most severe damage and shortest fatigue life occurred under the fully reversible condition when compared on the maximum strain basis. The fatigue life curves showed a layered effect (i.e. slopes were the same but they were shifted along the abscissa) when plotted on the maximum strain basis, with the fatigue life increasing as the strain ratio increased (i.e. as strain range decreased). Similar trends in damage and fatigue life were observed under the load-controlled mode. The fatigue life data from both loading modes collapsed on to a single curve when compared on the strain range basis for an applied loading ratio less than or equal to zero. However, at a loading ratio of 0.5, the fatigue life curves of the two loading modes diverged from each other as the strain range increased. In this case, the fatigue life under the strain-controlled mode was longer than under the load-controlled mode.
Lower bounds to the Weizsäcker correction in statistical models for the Na atom with shell structure

Recently, using the Na atom as an example, Csavinszky has introduced the shell structure into the Thomas–Fermi–Dirac energy-density functional with the Weizsacker and Hodges gradient expansion corrections to the kinetic energy term. Also recently, two rigorous lower bounds to the Weizsacker correction in atoms of spherical symmetry have been derived by Gadre and Pathak. The present work investigates the magnitudes of the lower bounds in statistical models of the Na atom with shell structure.
Thermal state distributions deduced from (2 + 1) resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization of CO

Abstract We have recently compared the (2 + 1) resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization spectra of neutral CO products desorbed from CaCO3 following pulsed UV excitation with those obtained from thermal (295 K) CO samples under similar low pressure and identical ionization conditions. As a result of this investigation, we have concluded that fitting the unresolved B-X (0-0) Q-band may lead to spurious temperature assignments with erroneous ‘hotter’ temperatures ΔT > 60 K assigned for product state distributions. Conversely, partially resolved Doppler-limited spectra are found to allow temperature assignments to within 10 K. This discrepancy may arise from line strength perturbation phenomena.
In vivo strain measurements from hardware and lamina during spine fusion

Currently, spine fusion is determined using radiography and clinical evaluation. There are discrepancies between radiographic evidence and direct measurements of fusion, such as operative exploration and biomechanical or histological measurements. In order to facilitate the rapid return of patients to normal activities, a monitoring technique to accurately detect fusion in vivo and to prevent overload during the postoperative period would be useful. The objectives of this study were to develop an implantable monitoring system consisting of CPC-coated strain gauges and a radio transmitter to detect the onset of fusion and measure strain during postsurgical activities. A patient underwent anterior release and fusion, followed by posterior instrumentation and fusion with segmental spinal instrumentation. Four strain gauges were placed during surgery. One was attached to the left-side rod and one to each of the lamina at T9, T10, and T11. An externally powered implanted radio transmitter attached to the gauges was placed in a subcutaneous pouch. Strains were monitored weekly and tabulated during various activities for 7 months. Peak strains during twisting and bending were tabulated to detect the onset of fusion. Strains were also recorded during activities such as climbing off an examination table, rising from a chair, and climbing stairs. Strains collected from the left rod indicated that, immediately postoperatively, it was loaded at acceptable levels. The largest and most consistent strain changes measured from the lamina were recorded during twisting.
A Kantian theory of leadership

Uses Kant’s moral philosophy to provide a normative theory of leadership. First shows how Kant’s philosophy would reject instrumental theories of leadership and most charismatic theories of leadership. Perhaps somewhat more surprisingly, it questions some of the assumptions of servant leadership and puts constraints on transformational leadership and the leader as educator. The central concept of Kant’s moral philosophy is the dignity given to autonomy. Thus a good leader ought to respect and enrich the autonomy of followers. The Kantian leader turns followers into leaders.
Modeling the disintegration of modulated liquid jets using volume-of-fluid (VOF) methodology

In this study, we present the numerical investigations on the effect of finite velocity modulations imposed on an otherwise unperturbed cylindrical liquid jet issuing into stagnant gas. Sinusoidal velocity fluctuations of finite frequency and amplitude are imposed at the liquid jet inlet and the resulting liquid jet surface deformation is captured using a volume of fluid (VOF) methodology, utilizing compressive interface capturing scheme for arbitrary meshes (CICSAM) scheme. Variation of the simulation parameters, comprising of the mean liquid jet velocity, modulation amplitude and frequency grouped together using a set of non-dimensional parameters, leads to the formation of a wide gamut of reproducible liquid structures such as waves, upstream/downstream directed bells, chains of droplets similar to those observed in experiments. Elaborate tests on the effect of injection velocity and inlet jet diameter are investigated to characterize the breakup process. The computations efficiently capture the diverse flow structures generated by the evolving modulated liquid jet inclusive of several non-linear dynamics such as growth of surface waves, ligament interaction with shear vortices and its subsequent thinning process. The simulations identify the deterministic behavior of modulated liquid jets to predict liquid disintegration modes under given set of non-dimensional parameters.
Clinical laboratory evaluation of the American optical Bilirubinometer.

adolescence, ed. 3, Springfield, IlL, 1965, Charles C Thomas, Publisher. 3. Gardner, L., editor: Endocrine and genetic diseases of childhood, Philadelphia, 1969, W. B. Saunders Company. 4. Hutchinson, J. H.: Diseases of the thyroid gland, in Hubble, D., editor: Paediatric endocrinology, Philadelphia, 1969, F. A. Davis Company, p. 145. 5. MeClintoek, J. C., Frawley~ T. F., and Holden, J. H. P.: Hyperthyroidism in children: Observations in 50 treated cases, including an evaluation of endocrine factors, J. Clin. Endocr. 16" 62, 1956. 6. Tanner, J. M.: Growth at adoIescence, ed. 2, Oxford, England, 1962, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Inc., chap. 11. 7. Raab~ W.: Hormonal and neuregenic cardiovascular disorders, Baltimore, 1953, The Williams & Wilklns Company, p. 132. 8. BeUet, S.: Clinical disorders of the heart beat, Philadelphia, 1963, Lea & Febiger, Publishers, chap. 30. 9. Arnsdorf, M. F., and Childers, R. W.: Atrial electrophysiology in experimental hyperthyroldism in rabbits, Circ. Res. 26: 575, 1970. 10. Harrison, T. S.: Adrenal medullary and thyroid relationships, Physiol. Rev. 44: 161, 1964. 11. Dillon, P. T., Babe, J., Melonl, C. R., and Canary, J. J.: Reserpine in thyrotoxic crisis, New Eng. J. Med. 283: 1020, 1970. 12. Lee, W. Y., Bronsky, D., and Waldsteln, S. S.: Studies of thyroid and sympathetic nervous system interrelationships. II. Effects of guanethidine on manifestations of hyperthyroidism. J. Clin. Endocr. 22: 879, 1962. 13. Das, G., and Kreiger, M.: Treatment of thyrotoxlc storm with intravenous administration of Propranolol, Ann. Intern. Med. 70: 985, 1969. 14. Weiner, L., Stout, B. D., and Cox, J. W.: Influence of beta-sympathetlc blockade (propranolol) on the hemodynamics of hyperthyroidism, Amer. J. Med. 46: 229, 1969. 15. Doherty, J. E., and Perkins, W. H.: Digoxin nqetaboIism in hypoand hyperthyroidism, Ann. Intern. Med. 64: 489, 1966.
A functional RNAi screen links O-GlcNAc modification of ribosomal proteins to stress granule and processing body assembly.

Stress granules (SGs) and processing bodies (PBs) are microscopically visible ribonucleoprotein granules that cooperatively regulate the translation and decay of messenger RNA 1–3 . Using an RNA-mediated interference-based screen, we identify 101 human genes required for SG assembly, 39 genes required for PB assembly, and 31 genes required for coordinate SG and PB assembly. Although 51 genes encode proteins involved in mRNA translation, splicing and transcription, most are not obviously associated with RNA metabolism. We find that several components of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, which reversibly modifies proteins with O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) in response to stress, are required for SG and PB assembly. O-GlcNAc-modified proteins are prominent components of SGs but not PBs, and include RACK1 (receptor for activated C kinase 1), prohibitin-2, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and numerous ribosomal proteins. Our results suggest that O-GlcNAc modification of the translational machinery is required for aggregation of untranslated messenger ribonucleoproteins into SGs. The lack of enzymes of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway in budding yeast may contribute to differences between mammalian SGs and related yeast EGP (eIF4E, 4G and Pab1 containing) bodies.
Contribution of stack gases and solid process wastes to the organic pollutant output of thermal waste treatment plants.

Abstract Within the scope of fundamental investigations as well as individual research projects (W. Knorr, B. Hentschel, C. Marb, S. Schadel, M. Swerev, O. Vierle, J.-P. Lay, 1999. Ruckstande aus der Mullverbrennung – Chancen fur eine stoffliche Verwertung von Aschen und Schlacken. Initiativen zum Umweltschutz, 13 ed., Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt, Erich Schmidt, Berlin), the Bavarian State Office for Environmental Protection performs emission measurements at thermal waste treatment plants to optimize operation, to accompany and support development of new technologies, and to study the effect of this kind of waste treatment technology on the environment. Based on recent studies (October 1995–July 1999) at six municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWI) in Bavaria all emission streams (solid and gas) are characterized with respect to organic pollutant contents and compared to the emissions of waste pyrolysis. The significant ranges of pollutant concentration as well as the specific congener patterns observed are similar for all MSWI, regardless of differences in technical design and waste input, but differ markedly from those of the pyrolysis products. The overall approach, including the sampling of all output streams and the determination of mass streams and volume flow rates, allows the calculation of the total output of different organic pollutants for waste incineration plants and to estimate the relative contribution of each of the emission streams to the total pollutant load. Removal efficiencies are also calculated for the air pollution control (APC) systems of the different MSWI plants.