cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A microscopic model for diffusion of electrons by successive hopping among redox centers in networks

Abstract A microscopic model has been developed to describe electron (or hole) diffusion coefficients, D E , in a rigid three-dimensional network as a function of redox species concentration, c . The model takes excluded volume into consideration and is based on simple probability distribution arguments and a random walk. The following conditions are assumed: (1) there is a homogeneous random distribution of hard-sphere redox centers; (2) each step corresponds to an electron transfer across the average nearest neighbor distance between redox centers; and (3) the electron transfer rate constant depends exponentially on edge-to-edge separation between a reacting pair. As the molecular diameter approaches zero, the hard-sphere case approaches the point-molecule case. In general, the point-molecule case affords a simpler relationship between D E and c , but is inadequate for networks with experimentally realistic concentrations. In dilute systems, D E rises sharply with concentration; however, at larger concentrations, the hard sphere D E reaches a limiting value due to packing. Applying the model to rate-distance data in the literature for metalloprotein and steroid-spacer systems yielded semi-empirical D E values as a function of concentration. Hard-sphere D E values for metalloprotein kinetics and a redox molecular diameter of 1.3 nm (corresponding to Ru(bpy) 3 2+ ) are 1.9 × 10 −10 and 5.0 × 10 −9 cm 2 s −1 at 0.10 M and 1.07 M , respectively. At a ferrocene-like diameter (0.6 nm), D E values are 2.8 × 10 −12 and 4.6 × 10 −10 cm 2 s −1 , respectively. The corresponding D E values for the steroid-spacer kinetics are 1.1 × 10 −3 , 3.0 × 10 −2 , 1.7 × 10 −5 , and 2.7 × 10 −3 cm 2 s −1 , respectively. Also derived is a two-dimensional version of the model that may be applied to systems such as Langmuir monolayers. Plots of the two-dimensional hard-sphere electron diffusion coefficient vs. area concentration yield curve shapes and magnitudes that are similar to those of the three-dimensional model.
Permanent set of the Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System Reinforced Carbon–Carbon material

Abstract The objective of this paper is to provide an interpretation and understanding of the permanent set (or deformation) phenomenon observed from debris impacts on Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System (TPS) Reinforced Carbon–Carbon (RCC) panels. Deflection test results for static and dynamic loadings of RCC material will be presented. Permanent set has been observed for both the static and dynamic loading onto RCC material, even for cases where no damage was detected using conventional Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques. Although, the RCC material is considered to be brittle, the evidence of permanent set indicates a tough-brittle material behavior with plasticity. The post-test observation of permanent set, without NDE-detectable damage, indicates an opportunity for an alternative method for assessing debris impacts.
The Discipline: a pastoral care methodology with violent victims of violence.

SUMMARY Ours is a violent culture and violence creates victims. Many of these victims are themselves violent. This article describes The Discipline as used in the pastoral care process that seeks to rehabilitate these violent victims. The process involves 5 Rs: Rapport, Reflection, Realization, Reorientation, and Reintegration.
The fate of the hydroxyalkoxy radical in the OH-initiated oxidation of isoprene

Rate constants for several intermediate steps in the OH-initiated oxidation of isoprene were determined using laser-photolysis/laser-induced fluorescence of OH radicals at total pressures between 3 and 4 Torr at 295 K. The rate constant for decomposition of the hydroxyalkoxy radical was determined to be (3.0 ± 0.5) × 104 s−1 in this pressure range, which is in fair agreement with previous work. The presence of a prompt alkoxy decomposition pathway was also investigated and found to contribute less than 10% to the total hydroxyalkoxy radical decomposition. The rate constant for the reaction of the hydroxyperoxy radical with NO was determined to be (2.5 ± 0.5) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, which is moderately higher than previously reported. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 34: 255–261, 2002
Comparison of design for quadratic regression on cubes

Abstract Designs for quadratic regression are considered when the possible choices of the controllable variable are points x =( x 1 , x 2 ,…, x q ) in the q -dimensional cube of side 2. The designs that are optimum with respect to such criteria as those of D-, A-, and E-optimality are compared in their performance relative to these and other criteria. Some of the results are developed algebraically; others, numerically. The possible supports of E-optimum designs are much more numerous than the D-optimum supports characterized earlier. The A-optimum design appears to be fairly robust in its efficiency, under variation of criterion.
Apodization effects in Fourier transform infrared difference spectra

Artifacts may occur in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra due to the apodization of the interferograms of intense bands. Selected examples of boxcar and triangular apodization effects on difference spectra have been previously reported. This paper reports the first such calculation performed for the Happ-Genzel apodization function, wich is often used on modern spectrometers. In order to compare boxcar, triangular, and Happ-Genzel apodization functions we calculate (i) difference-spectrum artifacts, (ii) apparent versus true peak absorbances, and (iii) a measure of integrated artifact area for several true peak intensities of Lorentzian-band shapes. Values of ρ (ratio of full bandwidth at half height to nominal resolution) are emphasized which commonly occur in the transmission-mode spectroscopy of transparent or translucent solid samples Dans le cas de bandes internes, des artefacts dus au processus d'apodisation peuvent apparaitre dans les spectres IR de Fourier. Ces effets ont deja ete etudies sur des spectres obtenus par difference pour des fonctions d'apodisation de type boxcar, ou triangulaire. On presente des simulations numeriques realisees avec une fonction d'apodisation de type Happ-Genzel
Effects of early inhaled beclomethasone therapy on tracheal aspirate inflammatory mediators IL-8 and IL-1ra in ventilated preterm infants at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

We tested the hypothesis that inhaled beclomethasone therapy for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) reduces pulmonary inflammation. As part of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) concentrations in tracheal aspirates were measured as markers of pulmonary inflammation. On study days 1 (baseline), 8, 15, and day 28 of age, samples were obtained from enrolled infants (birth weights <1,251 g, gestational age <33 week, 3 to 14 days of age) who remained ventilated and had not received systemic glucocorticoid therapy. Cytokine levels (pg/microg of free secretory component of immunoglobulin A) were compared between groups. We determined whether baseline cytokine levels modified treatment effect regarding subsequent need for systemic glucocorticoid therapy or occurrence of BPD (age 28 days). Tracheal aspirates were obtained from 161 infants (77 receiving beclomethasone, 84 receiving placebo). Median IL-8 levels were lower in beclomethasone versus placebo infants on study days 8 (82.9 vs. 209.2, P < 0.01) and 15 (37.4 vs. 77.4, P < 0.03) after controlling for antenatal glucocorticoid therapy and maternal race. Median IL-1ra levels were lower in beclomethasone versus placebo infants only on study day 8 (86.5 vs. 153.3, P < 0.01). Fewer beclomethasone infants with baseline IL-8 levels in the interquartile range required systemic glucocorticoid therapy (beclomethasone 30.6% vs. placebo 65.8%, P < 0.01) or developed BPD (beclomethasone 42.4% vs. placebo 69.4%, P < 0.03). We conclude that early-inhaled beclomethasone therapy was associated with a reduction in pulmonary inflammation after 1 week of therapy. Beclomethasone-treated infants with moderately elevated baseline IL-8 levels received less subsequent systemic glucocorticoid therapy and had a lower incidence of BPD than nontreated infants.
The British Origins of the French Jacobins: Radical Sociability and the Development of Political Club Networks, 1787-1793

Approaching the Revolutionary era from a transnational perspective, this article explores the rich exchanges and collaborations between radical British and French popular societies. Both early French political and antislavery societies adapted their associational strategies from Anglo-American examples – indeed, borrowing the word ‘club’ itself to describe such organizations. Most significantly, in November 1789, correspondence from the London Revolution Society directly inspired the founding of the Paris Jacobin Club, and the integrated national network the Jacobins formed consciously built from British designs. By 1792, active experimentation proliferated in both nations as the Jacobins radicalized, and their example boomeranged to motivate the creation of a more integrated radical political network in Britain, the London Corresponding Society. Utilizing club correspondence, radical newspapers and pamphlets, and personal communications between key members, this article seeks to demonstrate the applied p...
Phytoplankton dynamics within Gulf Stream intrusions on the southeastern United States continental shelf during summer 1981

Abstract During July and August 1981 subsurface intrusion of upwelled nutrient-rich Gulf Stream water was the dominant process affecting temporal and spatial changes in phytoplankton biomass and productivity of the southeastern United States continental shelf between 29 and 32°N latitude. Intruded waters in the study area covered as much as 10 1 km including virtually all of the middle and outer shelf and approximately 50% of the inner shelf area. Within 2 weeks following a large intrusion event in late July, middle shelf primary production and Chl a reached 3 to 4 gC m − d −1 and 75 mg m − , respectively. At the peak of the bloom 80% of the water column primary production occurred below the surface mixed-layer, and new primary production (i.e., NO 3 -supported) exceeded 90% of the total. Chl a-normalized photosynthetic rates were very high as evidenced by high mean assimilation number (15.5 mg C mg Chl a −1 h −1 ), high mean α (14 mg C mg Chl a −1 Ein −1 m), and no photoinhibition. As a result of the high photosynthetic rates, mean light-utilization index (Ψ) was 2 to 3 times higher than reported for temperature sub-arctic and arctic waters. The results imply a seasonal (June to August) middle shelf production of 150 g C m −1 , about 15% higher than previous estimates of annual production on the middle shelf. Intrusions of the scale we observed in 1981 may not occur every summer. However, when such events do occur, they are by far the most important processes controlling summer phytoplankton dynamics of the middle and outer shelf and of the inner shelf in the southern half of the study area.
Crosslinking of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibrous membranes with glutaraldehyde and PEG diacylchloride

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibrous membranes were generated by elestrospinning 10% aqueous PVA solu- tions then rendered water insoluble by reactions with difunc- tional reagents. The as-electrospun PVA fibers were semi- crystalline as evident by melting behavior (Tm ¼ 190 � C DHm ¼ 39 J/g) and wide angle x-ray diffraction (peak at 2y ¼ 20 � ). Chemical reactions with glutaraldehyde in either aqueous sodium sulfate (GA/Na2SO4) or ethanol (GA/EtOH) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) diacylchloride in 1 : 1 (v:v) tolu- ene/pyridine produced crosslinked PVA with varied effects on the crystalline structure of the fibers. The fiber diameters remained in the submicrometer range. Among all crosslink- ing agents and conditions studied, reaction with shorter PEG at lower extent produced water-insoluble PVA fibrous mem- brane with least change to the interfiber porous structure. V C 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 116: 3249-3255, 2010
Combined feature based and shape based visual tracker for robot navigation

We have developed a combined feature based and shape based visual tracking system designed to enable a planetary rover to visually track and servo to specific points chosen by a user with centimeter precision. The feature based tracker uses invariant feature detection and matching across a stereo pair, as well as matching pairs before and after robot movement in order to compute an incremental 6-DOF motion at each tracker update. This tracking method is subject to drift over time, which can be compensated by the shape based method. The shape based tracking method consists of 3D model registration, which recovers 6-DOF motion given sufficient shape and proper initialization. By integrating complementary algorithms, the combined tracker leverages the efficiency and robustness of feature based methods with the precision and accuracy of model registration. In this paper, we present the algorithms and their integration into a combined visual tracking system.
Advanced materials for space structures

Abstract Potential space structures of the future will have extremely demanding goals in performance, reliability, and affordability. When compared to previous space systems, these systems will require greater accuracy/dimensional stability, longer life, greater survivability to both natural and threat environments, and producibility capability for high volume production. In order to achieve the goals in these areas, advances will be needed in materials and structural concepts. Under a program managed by the Wright Research and Development Center at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, several key material areas have been selected for technology development and validation. These include tribomaterials, structural materials, and materials and techniques for dynamic control of space structures. Tribomaterials efforts involve improvements in bearings, lubricants, and similar materials to provide long life and high accuracy for moving mechanical assemblies, such as gimbals, reaction wheels, and solar array drives. Structural materials programs involve, primarily, reinforced metallic and nonmetallic composites for improvements in performance, weight reduction, and cost reduction. The third area, dynamic control of space structures, involves both active and passive damping, as well as analytical modeling capabilities, to achieve system stability necessary to meet accuracy requirements. Technologies being developed in these areas are considered generic to Space Systems. Materials are being developed either in advance or parallel to systems development in order to provide critical technologies prior to major system design decisions or to reduce systems risk, by providing alternative materials and structures for improved performance, weight reduction, or cost reduction over identified system baseline designs. In order to be cost efficient, maximum effort is extended to leveraging off materials technology development in the aircraft industry and by taking advantage of technology existing in the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Program efforts in these areas concentrate on extending the data base, addressing specific space environmental conditions, and in demonstrating generic product forms for space applications. Specific materials included in the overall program will be covered, and anticipated advantages of the materials will be presented. Product forms fabricated to date and mechanical properties will be presented. In order to qualify these materials for space applications, structural validation programs will be conducted. Potential structural validation programs such as stabilized solar arrays, light weight-stable optical benches and improved thermal radiators will be identified, along with the materials proposed for use in these applications. Anticipated payoffs for these applications will be covered.
Penetration of UV-A, UV-B, blue, and red light into leaf tissues of pecan measured by a fiber optic microprobe system

The depth of light penetration from the adaxial surfaces of the mature leaves of pecan ( Carya illinoensis ) was measured using a fiber optic microprobe system at four wavelengths: UV-B (310nm), UV-A (360 nm), blue light (430nm), and red light (680nm). The average thickness of the leaf adaxial epidermal layer was 15um and the total leaf thickness was 219um. The patterns of the light attenuation by the leaf tissues exhibited strong wavelength dependence. The leaf adaxial epidermal layer was chiefly responsible for absorbing the UV-A UV-B radiation. About 98% of 310 nm light was steeply attenuated within the first 5 um of the adaxial epidermis; thus, very little UV-B radiation was transmitted to the mesophyll tissues where contain photosynthetically sensitive sites. The adaxial epidermis also attenuated 96% of the UV-A radiation. In contrast, the blue and red light penetrated much deeper and was gradually attenutated by the leaves. The mesophyll tissues attenuated 17% of the blue light and 42% of the red light, which were available for photosynthesis use. Since the epidermal layer absorbed nearly all UV-B light, it acted as an effective filter screening out the harmful radiation and protecting photosynthetically sensitive tissues from the UV-B damage. Therefore, the epidermal function of the UV-B screening effectiveness can be regarded as one of the UV-B protection mechanisms in pecan.
Carbon Dioxide Sequestration in Dolomite Rock

Carbon dioxide sequestration in deep saline aquifers is being considered as one of the more important geological sequestration types due to the potentially large storage capacity when compared to some other geological sequestration reservoirs. CO2 will react with formation rock when injected in dolomite formations, due to the rock dissolution and precipitation of reaction products permeability may be changed. Several parameters affect these interactions including pressure, temperature, brine composition, CO2 injection rate, and overall injection scheme.
Theory of interfacial phase transitions in surfactant systems

The spin-1 Ising model, which is equivalent to the three-component lattice gas model, is used to study wetting transitions in three-component surfactant systems consisting of an oil, water, and a nonionic surfactant. Phase equilibria, interfacial profiles, and interfacial tensions for three-phase equilibrium are determined in mean field approximation, for a wide range of temperature and interaction parameters. Surfactant interaction parameters are found to strongly influence interfacial tensions, reducing them in some cases to ultralow values. Interfacial tensions are used to determine whether the middle phase, rich in surfactant, wets or does not wet the interface between the oil-rich and water-rich phases. By varying temperature and interaction parameters, a wetting transition is located and found to be of the first order. Comparison is made with recent experimental results on wetting transitions in ternary surfactant systems.
Energy charge control of the Calvin cycle enzyme 3-phosphoglyceric acid kinase.

Abstract Pea ( Pisum sativum ) leaf cytoplasmic and chloroplast 3-P-glyceric acid kinases are controlled by adenylate energy charge. In the light, when energy charge is high, the chloroplast enzyme will be stimulated in the direction of the Calvin cycle, and the glycolytic activity of the cytoplasmic kinase will be inhibited. In the dark when energy charge is lower, both enzymes may participate in the generation of ATP.
Some Numerical Approaches to Solving One-Dimensional Inverse Problems

Abstract A class of one-dimensional inverse scattering problems are studied with the goal of reconstructing (say) propagation speed to moderate accuracy as inexpensively as possible. Three alternatives are discussed all starting from a change to the “travel-time” variable and converting the problem to integral equation form. The approaches are compared with regard to their economy of use and the problems for which they are effective. Several numerical examples illustrate these comparisons.
Regulation of Placental Metabolism by Glucose Supply

Glucose is supplied to the placenta and fetus from the maternal plasma according to concentration-dependent mechanisms exhibiting saturation kinetics that are mediated by facilitative transporter proteins on both the maternal-facing microvillus and fetal-facing basal trophoblast membranes. Placental glucose transport to the fetus requires a net maternal-to-fetal plasma glucose concentration gradient that is determined by placental as well as fetal glucose consumption. Fetal plasma glucose concentration, independent of maternal glucose concentration, regulates the partition of placental glucose uptake into transfer to the fetus and consumption by the placenta. Placental transport capacity increases with advancing gestation, probably by an increased number of transporter proteins as surface area increases. Placental glucose consumption contributes to most or all of placental lactate and fructose production and other less well defined non-oxidative pathways of carbon metabolism. Placental glucose consumption accounts for at least 50% of placental oxygen consumption which remains independent of short-term or long-term changes in placental glucose supply, thus requiring varying amounts of other carbon substrates. Placental glucose supply, therefore, plays a key role in regulating placental glucose metabolism and placental carbon balance, and interacts reciprocally with other carbon substrates to maintain placental oxidative metabolism.
Community fetal board’s role in improving perinatal outcomes, defining expectations, and matching needs to resources

Abstract Objective: A Community Fetal Board was established to provide a multidisciplinary forum for the discussion of complex prenatal diagnoses. The match of need and resources was studied and documented to determine the impact of the fetal board program. Methods: Community physicians presented complex prenatal diagnoses to the fetal board. Following presentation, a case manager monitored each patient, coordinated antenatal consultations with care providers who would be involved in the infant’s care, learned parental preferences, and helped to match health needs to resources. Management, outcome, and care were followed until neonatal discharge. Outcome: During 1998, 25 cases were presented: 136 abnormalities identified with ultrasonography were assigned to case management. In 1999, 22 cases were presented: 110 ultrasound-identified abnormalities were followed. A database collated diagnoses and outcomes for all managed cases. The response of the fetal board significantly affected location of delivery and immediate neonatal and pediatric subspecialist management. Parental understanding of diagnoses helped parents and professionals to form a plan of care. Non–case-managed patients differed in parental participation in planning the place and method of delivery and in the length of time it took to identify a plan of care for the newborn. Conclusion: A fetal board with case management allows patients with serious prenatal diagnoses to be monitored—with realistic expectations that include a plan of care which minimizes risk while using needed resources only.
Concepts and words in the 18-month-old: Acquiring concept names under controlled conditions

Abstract The young child's use of available evidence in acquiring words was examined longitudinally. In comparison with previous work on early word meaning, two essential departures in design were employed — word use by the children was exhaustively detailed in an experimental setting, and this setting permitted systematic control and limitation in patterns of referent object encounter and of adult naming for the objects (toys). Although the children (n = 10) were presented relatively few examples from which to learn word and concept meanings, they succeeded in learning to use many of the words appropriately. Variations in the course of learning for different children are discussed, with special attention to the ways in which nonverbal action or mother-child interaction could have influenced the child's progress.
Morphology and properties of short segment block copolymers

Abstract The structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of a polyetherpolyester segmented copolymer system [poly(tetramethylene oxide)/poly(tetramethylene terephthalate)] and two polycaprolactone-polyurethane elastomeric systems (based on 4, 4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate or 4, 4′-dicylohexylmethane diisocyanate) were investigated. Experimental techniques employed in the analysis include DSC, dynamic mechanical testing, IR dichroism, small-angle x-ray and laser light scattering, and tensile testing. Results show that material properties can be explained in terms of system compatibility, crystallization characteristics, and domain morphologies.
Intraoperative ultrasound guided retroperitoneal laparoscopic renal biopsy in the morbidly obese patient.

Although most renal biopsies are done percutaneously, patients with large body habitus require biopsy under direct vision. 1 Laparoscopic biopsy is an attractive alternative with reduced patient morbidity compared to an open approach. 2 In the morbidly obese patient excessive body and perirenal adipose tissue obscure usual anatomic landmarks, making trocar placement and kidney localization challenging. We describe the use of intraoperative ultrasonography in the guidance of retroperitoneal laparoscopic renal biopsy in the obese patient. METHOD A 40-year-old man, 160 cm. tall and weighing 170.5 kg., was referred by the nephrologist for laparoscopic renal biopsy to evaluate the cause of a nephrotic syndrome. He was placed in the right flank position and secured to the operating table. The standard anatomic landmarks were not palpable, making standard trocar placement hazardous. Transcutaneous ultrasonography was used to identify the 12th rib and iliac crest where an incision was made in the midaxillary line (fig. 1). A Visiport* device was introduced into the retroperitoneum under direct vision. The ultrasound probe was moved to the right upper quadrant. Using the liver as an acoustical window, transverse imaging simultaneously localized the tip of the device and the kidney (fig. 2, A). The Visiport device was guided using realtime imaging to the lateral aspect of the kidney, while simultaneously activating the blade, ensuring incision through Gerota’s fascia (fig. 2, B). The device was removed, the retroperitoneum was insufflated to 10 mm. Hg and blunt dissection with the laparoscope was performed to create a working space. A second 5 mm. trocar was placed in the anterior axillary line at the 12th rib under direct vision. The incision in Gerota’s fascia was identified and, using minimal blunt dissection, the lateral aspect of the lower pole of kidney was located 15 minutes after skin incision. Laparoscopic cup 5 mm. biopsy forceps were used to obtain 2 cortical biopsy specimens. The biopsy site was fulgurated with an argon beam laser and packed with oxidized cellulose after adequate hemostasis was confirmed and the gas was evacuated. Total procedure time was 40 minutes with minimal blood loss. The patient was discharged home within 24 hours.
On the mechanism of fischer-tropsch synthesis on a single crystal nickel catalyst

The ability to determine under reaction conditions the coverage of active surface carbon (from 10 to 50% of a monolayer, the highest possible coverage without causing deactivation of the catalyst surface) and to relate these measurements to products yields (spanning a range of 3 orders of magnitude) leads to the conclusion that adsorbed molecular CO is directly involved in higher hydrocarbon synthesis. Two sets of experiments were conducted, one at low carbide coverage and the other at high carbide coverage. At both of these concentrations, the rate of methane production is independent of the partial pressure of CO (P/sub CO/) while the rate of higher hydrocarbon production depends strongly on P/sub CO/. The present data show that under steady-state conditions the higher hydrocarbon production rate is dominated by a CO insertion mechanism. 9 references, 2 figures, 1 table.
Genes, environment and the value of prospective cohort studies

Gene–environment interactions are key contributors to complex disease, but are hard to dissect in commonly used case–control designs. This article argues that large-scale prospective cohort studies, several of which are planned or under way, provide an essential alternative strategy.
Fifty years of the integrated control concept: moving the model and implementation forward in Arizona.

Fifty years ago, Stern, Smith, van den Bosch and Hagen outlined a simple but sophisticated idea of pest control predicated on the complementary action of chemical and biological control. This integrated control concept has since been a driving force and conceptual foundation for all integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The four basic elements include thresholds for determining the need for control, sampling to determine critical densities, understanding and conserving the biological control capacity in the system and the use of selective insecticides or selective application methods, when needed, to augment biological control. Here we detail the development, evolution, validation and implementation of an integrated control (IC) program for whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.), in the Arizona cotton system that provides a rare example of the vision of Stern and his colleagues. Economic thresholds derived from research-based economic injury levels were developed and integrated with rapid and accurate sampling plans into validated decision tools widely adopted by consultants and growers. Extensive research that measured the interplay among pest population dynamics, biological control by indigenous natural enemies and selective insecticides using community ordination methods, predator:prey ratios, predator exclusion and demography validated the critical complementary roles played by chemical and biological control. The term ‘bioresidual’ was coined to describe the extended environmental resistance from biological control and other forces possible when selective insecticides are deployed. The tangible benefits have been a 70% reduction in foliar insecticides, a >$200 million saving in control costs and yield, along with enhanced utilization of ecosystem services over the last 14 years. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transmitted and Reflected Visible Light Microscopy of Two Bituminous Fly Ashes

Fly ashes of high magnetic content taken from two midwestern power plants were examined to determine the mineralogy of the magnetic and nonmagnetic fractions. Fly ash spheres from the magnetic fraction are predominantly composed of ferrite spinel, hematite and silicate glass. The hematite appears to be a replacement product of the original ferrite spinel. Nonmagnetic phases include mullite, lime, small amounts of hematite and silicate glass. Quartz morphology indicates that it did not fuse in the furnace. Mullite and lime have morphologies indicative of crystallization in the furnace. Hematite is bonded to the nonmagnetic particles or as a complete replacement of ferrite spinel spheres.
A novel use of centrifugal force for cell seeding into porous scaffolds

Abstract A novel rotor was constructed to allow for the seeding of porous scaffolds via centrifugal force. Using cell seeding times of 10 min, this method placed significantly (roughly 3-fold) more cells into poly(glycolic acid) scaffolds than 24 h of spinner flask seeding or static seeding. There were no significant differences in the mitochondrial activity per cell between the 3 seeding methods. Cell distribution was noted to be homogeneous throughout the scaffold thickness for the centrifugation method, as opposed to surface seeding for the spinner flask method. Centrifugation was especially efficient at low cell concentrations (1.33×10 5 cells/ml). This system is useful for the seeding of biomaterials having cylindrical or planar geometries, and may be used under conditions that require low cell numbers and/or short seeding time periods.
The Impact of Hybrid Coronary Revascularization on Hospital Costs and Reimbursements

Background Hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) combines a minimally invasive, left internal mammary artery-left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) bypass with percutaneous intervention of non-LAD vessels for patients with multivessel coronary disease. The financial implications of HCR have not been compared with off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) through sternotomy. Methods The contribution margin is a fiduciary calculation (best hospital payment estimate – total variable costs) used by hospitals to determine fiscal viability of services. From 2010 to 2011, 26 Medicare patients underwent HCR at a single United States institution and were compared with 28 randomly selected, contemporaneous Medicare patients undergoing multivessel OPCAB. All HCR patients underwent a robotic-assisted, sternal-sparing, off-pump, left internal mammary artery-LAD anastomosis plus percutaneous intervention to non-LAD vessels. A linear regression model was used to compare fiscal and utilization outcomes of HCR to OPCAB adjusted for hospital length of stay and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality score. Results On regression analysis controlling for overall length of stay and Predicted Risk of Mortality score, the contribution margin (+$8,771, p p = 0.001), the total variable cost (+$2,281, p = 0.07) was not significantly different. Best payment estimates (+11,031, p p = 0.002) were higher for HCR than for OPCAB, and there was a reduction in blood transfusion (–1.5 units, p p = 0.001), and postoperative length of stay (–1.2 days, p = 0.002) for the HCR group. Conclusions Compared with OPCAB, HCR results in a greater contribution margin for hospitals. This may result from higher reimbursement as well as improved resource utilization postoperatively, which may offset more expensive procedural costs associated with HCR.
Design of gradient coils for permanent magnets

Designing gradient coils for permanent magnets requires modeling the interaction between the currents and the ferromagnetic material. We have developed and tested an iterative design approach based on the boundary element method. The power dissipated by the gradient coil is treated as a constraint of the minimization problem. The technique is illustrated on a magnet with a rectangular prismatic cavity and two ferromagnetic plates adjacent to the coil. The procedure improved the linearity of the field from 10.5% to 3.4% and reduced the power dissipation to 63% of the power of the unoptimized coil. The optimized distribution of currents has been transformed to variable locations of coil windings without loss of gradient uniformity. The new approach significantly reduces computation time and memory storage and yields practical designs of gradient coils for permanent magnets.
Spatial variation of modern pollen in Oregon and southern Washington, USA.

Surface sediments from 95 lakes provide information on the spatial variation of modern pollen spectra in Oregon and southern Washington. Percentages for 13 pollen types were compared within and between vegetation zones to characterize regional patterns of pollen spectra. The percentage data were also compared with climate variables to determine relationships between pollen percentages and regional climate gradients. The composition of modern pollen spectra corresponds well with the distribution of the pollen producers. Most pollen assemblages were generally dominated by Pinus, but those west of the Cascade Range were dominated by Alnus. Low percentages of Pseudotsuga/Larix, Tsuga mertensiana, Abies, and Picea pollen coincided with local occurrence of the trees. The distributions of the pollen data were arranged along gradients of temperature and eVective moisture. West of the Cascade Range, Alnus, Tsuga heterophylla, Pseudotsuga/Larix, and Cupressaceae pollen were abundant and correlate well with moderate temperature and high eVective moisture. In the shrub‐steppe and woodlands east of the Cascade Range, where eVective moisture is low, Artemisia, Cupressaceae, and Pinus pollen were dominant. At high elevations, Pinus, T. mertensiana, Abies, and Picea were common pollen types in areas with short growing seasons and high eVective moisture. Pollen percentages collected from lake surface sediments, moss polsters, and soils were compared within a number of vegetation types to assess their similarity. The three types of sample yielded similar results for forested areas, but lake sediment samples from upper- and lower-treeline sites captured a more regional picture of the vegetation. © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Experimental demonstration of the existence of highly permeable localized transport regions in low-frequency sonophoresis

Recent advances in low-frequency sonophoresis have focused on the existence of hypothesized localized transport regions (LTRs). However, there has been no actual experimental demonstration that the hypothesized LTRs are, in fact, localized regions of high permeability. Through a series of low-frequency sonophoresis experiments conducted with full-thickness pig skin, in the presence of the surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), in which we have separately measured the transport of calcein through the LTRs, which have areas ranging from 10 to 40 mm(2), and the surrounding regions of the skin (the non-LTRs) by means of a novel masking technique, we demonstrate that the calcein permeability through the LTRs is approximately 80-fold higher than the calcein permeability through the non-LTRs, suggesting that the LTRs are structurally perturbed to a greater extent than the non-LTRs from the exposure to the ultrasound/SLS system. In addition, we propose basic models to predict the total skin transdermal permeability from the transdermal permeabilities of the LTRs and the non-LTRs, and then compare the predictions to the experimental data obtained from the masking experiments. We also demonstrate that both the LTRs and the non-LTRs exhibit significant decreases in skin electrical resistivity relative to untreated skin ( approximately 5000-fold and approximately 170-fold, respectively), suggesting the existence of two levels of significant skin structural perturbation due to ultrasound exposure in the presence of SLS. Finally, an analysis of the porosity/tortuosity ratio (epsilon/tau) values suggests that trans-cellular transdermal transport pathways are present within the highly permeable, and highly structurally perturbed, LTRs.
Tides of Consent: How Public Opinion Shapes American Politics

Tides of Consent: How Public Opinion Shapes American Politics. By James A. Stimson. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004. 206p. 16.99 paper.The main goal of James A. Stimson's book is to show how the dynamics of public opinion impinge on the the American political process. This is a broad and potentially difficult task, particularly for such a succinct text. Nevertheless, I believe the book achieves its objectives quite convincingly.
Frequency and distribution of radiolucent jaw lesions: a retrospective analysis of 9,723 cases.

Abstract Objectives Practitioners should be aware of the occurrence rate and usual location of radiolucent jaw lesions. The aims of this study were to examine the frequency and location of radiolucent jaw lesions, including apical granulomas, apical cysts, keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOTs), central giant cell lesions (CGCLs), ameloblastomas, and metastatic lesions, that were submitted for biopsy along with associated demographics. Methods Biopsy diagnoses from 9,723 lesions (submitted between 1992 and 2006) were included in this study. Data on lesion location as well as patient demographics were evaluated. Results Thirty types of radiolucent jaw lesions were classified. Nonhealing apical granulomas (40.4%) and cysts (33.1%) occurred at similar rates and together totaled 73% of all biopsied lesions. The majority of reported granulomas and cysts occurred in the anterior maxilla (>36% in each category). The frequency of KOTs (8.8%), CGCLs (1.3%), ameloblastomas (1.2%), and metastatic lesions ( Conclusions Most nonhealing lesions submitted for biopsy were classified as granulomas or cysts (73%) often from the anterior maxillary jaw. Nonhealing radiolucent jaw lesions other than granulomas or cysts were reported over 20% of the time and may have more severe pathological implications, suggesting the value of differential diagnoses.
Antibiofilm Effect of Trans-Cinnamaldehyde on Uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Purpose: Urinary tract infections are the most common hospital acquired infections in humans, caused primarily by uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Indwelling urinary catheters for bladder drainage in humans become encrusted with uropathogenic E. coli biofilms that are resistant to common antibiotics, resulting in chronic infections. We studied the efficacy of the cinnamon ingredient trans-cinnamaldehyde (Sigma®) for preventing uropathogenic E. coli biofilm. We also determined the efficacy of trans-cinnamaldehyde as an ingredient in catheter lock solution to inactivate preformed uropathogenic E. coli biofilm.Materials and Methods: Polystyrene plates and urinary catheters inoculated with uropathogenic E. coli (5 to 6.0 log cfu) were treated with trans-cinnamaldehyde (0%, 0.1%, 0.25% or 0.5%) at 37C. Catheters with uropathogenic E. coli biofilm were also treated with lock solution containing trans-cinnamaldehyde (0%, 1%, 1.25% or 1.5%). Uropathogenic E. coli biofilm on control and trans-cinnamaldehyde treated...
Culture, Cohorts, and Social Organization Theory: Understanding Local Participation in a Latino Housing Project1

Recent work on neighborhood effects has rekindled interest in social organization theory and its relationship to local social capital. This article addresses several gaps in our knowledge about the mechanisms linking structural conditions to social (dis)organization and the role of culture in this process. Relying on the case of a predominantly Puerto Rican housing project in Boston, it investigates changes in one aspect of social organization—participation in local community activities—suggesting the theory should incorporate the role of cohorts and cultural frames and rethink the relationship among structure, culture, and change.
Comparison of a conformal nonaxial boost with a four-field boost technique in the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the prostate☆

Abstract Purpose: A comparative study of a standard four-field boost technique and a customized nonaxial external bea, technique for the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the prostate was performed to quantify rectal and bladder sparing. Methods and Materials: Sixteen patients with localized carcinoma of the prostate who underwent simulation and treatment planning computed tomography formed the basis of this study. The prostate, seminal vesicles, lymph node, pelvic bones, rectum, bladder, and skin volumes were contoured from the CT slices to the three-dimensional treatment planning system. Each patient was planned for both standard four-field and nonaxial techniques to a boost treatment dose of 24 Gy to the prostate. Isodose plans were chosen on the basis of adequate tumor coverage and normal tissue sparing. Results: The volumes of the prostate, rectum, and bladder ranged from 46–148 cc, 25–196 cc, and 50–378 cc, respectively. Data analysis demonstrated a statistically significant reduction ( p Conclusion: The nonaxial four-field external beam technique appears to be superior to the standard four-field approach in reducing the volume of high dose irradiation to the adjacent rectum and bladder.
Metering Ramps to Divert Traffic Around Bottlenecks: Some Elementary Theory

Three elementary cases, with ramp metering used to reduce delay by diverting traffic around bottlenecks, are analyzed. In these cases (a) travel times on an alternate route bypassing the bottleneck are insensitive to flow on the alternate route, (b) the alternate route is undersaturated but travel times are sensitive to flow, and (c) the alternate route is oversaturated. Travel time equilibria and traffic assignments are relatively straightforward in all cases provided that equilibria in Cases b and c are assumed to be approximate and traffic assignments are based on drivers' expectations about traffic conditions prevailing at particular times of day. A metering strategy intended to minimize delay is proposed. This strategy is expressed in terms of the order in which metering is initiated at different ramps and is similar to one previously proposed to maximize output to exits upstream of the bottleneck.
Innovations-based MAP estimation with application to phase synchronization for serially concatenated CPM

A novel adaptive soft-input soft-output (A-SISO) module is developed for maximum a posteriori (MAP) symbol detection with parameter uncertainty. In contrast to the existing A-SISO algorithms that use linear prediction, the parameter estimation in the proposed structure is operated in a more general least-squares sense. Based on this scheme, a family of fixed-interval A-SISO (FI-A-SISO) algorithms is utilized to implement blind iterative phase synchronization for serially concatenated continuous phase modulation (SCCPM). For SCCPM systems, the forward-only FI-A-SISO algorithms are shown to be much more robust than the forward-backward FI-A-SISO algorithms in acquiring and tracking a time-varying carrier phase. The reason has to do with rotational invariance of CPM signals. This result can be extended to any rotationally invariant convolutional coded system with an unknown carrier phase.
Systems approach to vaginal delivery of drugs IV: Methodology for determination of membrane surface pH

Abstract A physical model including a diffusional layer in series with the membrane was developed for studying the possible differences between the pH at the membrane surface and that in the bulk solution. Both the membrane-secreted substances (acids and bases) and buffer constituents in the bulk solutions are assumed to contribute to the surface pH. Equations derived for this situation, together with experimental determinations of the acidic dissociation constant of the secreted material, the total secretion flux, the flux of total secreted acidic species, and the diffusional layer thickness, allow estimates to be made of the pH at the membrane surface. With the rabbit vagina, the membrane surface pH was close to that of the bulk solution in most cases. These results weresupported by the fact that the absorption of 1-alkanoic acids in pH 2.2phosphate buffers was relatively constant over the buffer concentrationrange of0.003–0.1 M phosphate.