cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Life Tables and Mortality Factors for Saperda inornata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

The poplar gall Saperda, Saperda inornata Say, attacks the stems of suckers and the small branches of trembling aspen, Populus tremuloides Michx., in Michigan. Objectives of this research were (1) to study the mortality and survival of natural populations of S. inornata , (2) to identify mortality factors, (3) to determine their significance relative to generation mortality, and (4) to identify key factor(s) or key periods responsible for population variations. Over a 5-year period, natural populations of S. inornata were studied at 6 locations in Michigan. Annual egg niche surveys were conducted in 6 sampling areas, each with 75 plots of 30 P. tremuloides suckers per plot. Annual cohorts of beetle attacks were inspected and sampled twice yearly until final adult emergence. Specific identities of mortality factors were determined from dissections of infested twigs. S. inornata has both a 1-year and 2-year life cycle in Michigan. Survival between different sampling areas and different annual cohorts was compared by means of life tables representing pooled data on 4 complete generations. Larvae were found to have better survival on certain sites in some years, but all life tables indicated that S. inornata has greater potential for infestation than was indicated by egg-niche survey results. The proportion of adults which matured in 1 year varied with different cohorts, probably depending upon the time of oviposition and temperatures during the summer months. An average life table for S. inornata in northern Michigan is presented with causes for mortality indicated by sampling period. Most egg-niche failures occur in the 1st few months from undetermined causes. Mortality from desiccation and from parasitism by Euderus lividus (Ashmead) (Eulophidae) is confined to the 1st year, while all other known causes for mortality affect each larval period. Parasites, mainly Lixophaga sp. (Tachinidae), Odinia sp. near xanthocera (Odiniidae), Meteorus cognatus Muesebeck, Iphiaulax curygaster (Brulle), Cenocoelius sanguineiventris (Ashmead), and Bracon spp. (Braconidae), were identified. Woodpeckers predation was most damaging during the 2nd year. Key periods and key factors in the population controls are discussed.
Selecting international medical graduates (IMGs) for training in US surgical residencies.

Training individuals who completed their medical education outside the United States, the socalled “International Medical Graduates” (IMGs), is an issue of growing importance. IMGs continue to fill vital positions not taken by US medical school graduates. In fact, Whitcomb et al reported that 12% of general surgery residency programs were “IMG dependent.” In the 2005 match, 9% of the 2382 general surgery positions were filled by IMGs (7% of the categorical positions and 12% of the preliminary positions). Many IMGs are talented, knowledgeable, and highly motivated physicians who do very well in US residency programs. From the perspective of the American surgical workforce, 9% of IMG surgery graduates who remain in the United States enter academic practice, a percentage that compares favorably with the 13% of US residents who enter academic practice. For their native country they can represent either a major loss (“brain drain”) when they remain in the US, or a major gain when they return to their country of origin and set up new programs and systems. Graduates who return usually become prominent members of academic or community practices and, because of their advanced surgical education, reach positions of influence within their society. This allows the US to influence health care in developing nations and adds another dimension to the perspectives discussed above: that of continued leadership, relevance, and respect in the world at large.
Normalized Schwinger-Dyson equations in Quantum Electrodynamics

We obtain Schwinger-Dyson equations for the normalized two-point propagators in Quantum Electrodynamics. Exploiting the spectral representations of the Green functions, we deal with normalized quantities everywhere. The explicit form we obtain for the propagator equations allows for non-perturbative approaches.
The influence of supraphysiologic estradiol levels on human nidation.

Objective Exogenous estradiol (E2) has a well-recognized interceptive action when administered shortly after ovulation. The influence of extremely elevated levels of endogenous E2 on human oocyte fertilization and implantation are unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a potential antinidatory role of extremely high endogenous E2 concentrations on implantation and pregnancy duringin vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).
Oxygen isotope studies of zeolites—Stilbite, analcime, heulandite, and clinoptilolite: II. Kinetics and mechanisms of isotopic exchange between zeolites and water vapor

Abstract Oxygen isotopic exchange experiments were conducted between water vapor and the framework oxygen of zeolites stilbite, analcime, heulandite, and clinoptilolite. The results show that the minerals are extremely exchangeable at low temperatures. Measurable exchange was seen in a few hours for stilbite, heulandite, and clinoptilolite at a temperature as low as 100°C. Analcime is more stable at low temperatures (below 250°C) than the other three zeolites, especially when it is fully hydrated. The overall rate of the exchange can be modelled numerically by viewing the process as two sequential steps: self diffusion of water vapor into the zeolite channels followed by isotope exchange between the framework oxygen and the channel water. Fitting experimental data into the mathematical model allows estimates of the effective diffusion coefficient and the rate constant of the exchange reaction for a given mineral at a given temperature. Using the Arrhenius equation, the activation energies of self-diffusion are calculated to be 16 kcal/mol for stilbite and 20 kcal/mol for analcime. The activation energies of the exchange reaction for stilbite and analcime are 36 and 31 kcal /mol, respectively.
Sources for the History of the Ṭayyibī Ismāʿīlī Daʿwa in Yemen and Its Relocation to India

This article surveys the available sources for the history of the Ṭayyibī Ismāʿīlī daʿwa in Yemen, in particular in the years leading up to its relocation to India in 974/1566 and beyond. To date, this period has received little attention from historians of Yemen and Ismāʿīlism due to a lack of available sources, which was caused by the exclusive nature of the community and the hostility it has faced throughout its history. The present contribution is a first step in closing this gap in Yemeni and Ismāʿīlī history. A sample from a collection of correspondence exchanged between the daʿwa officials in Yemen and India (Qarāṭīs al-Yaman) is edited in an appendix.
Physical activity and depressive symptoms in older adults.

Abstract Objectives Depressive symptoms are prevalent in older adults, and physical activity (PA) may have beneficial effects on depression. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between physical activity and depressive symptoms, taking into account demographic factors, and the associations between selected demographic factors and physical activity levels in community-dwelling older adults (age ≥ 60 years). Methods Data were drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006. Descriptive statistics and logistic models were used in data analysis. Results Four percent of participants reported moderate depressive symptoms, and 24% of subjects exhibited sedentary PA. Factors associated with increased risk of moderate depression included age, sedentary PA, and chronic medical conditions ( p s p s Discussion PA is a protective factor for depression in older adults, and clinical implications to encourage PA are discussed.
A remotely controlled positioning system for the ALT-II limiter blades☆

Abstract The limiter module positioning system for ALT-II is described, with emphasis on the components which operate in the high vacuum, high temperature TEXTOR environment. The design constraints imposed by the environment are discussed, including material compatibility and vacuum lubrication. The development of each component operating inside TEXTOR is described. Problems with the system's universal joints are reported, and the current status of system performance is given.
Experiencing Spiritual Growth Through Missional Involvement

The spiritual heritage of humanity is discussed. Biblical principles are presented that support the need of human beings to be involved in activities that help others to find a better, more fulfilling life. Suggested guidelines for missional program planning and involvement are presented. The role of volunteer missional involvement in the spiritual development of older persons is discussed.
Particularizing the moral self : A feminist Buddhist exchange

L'article traite de la theorie bouddhiste du non-soi comparee a la theorie feministe de la subjectivite morale. Les critiques bouddhistes et feministes de la fiction du soi sont comparees et les differences sont mises en lumiere. L'A. montre notamment l'aspect politique du feminisme absent du bouddhisme et les apports d'un dialogue entre les deux traditions
A 14C-Assay for Photorespiration in Aquatic Plants

The 14C-assay developed by Zelitch to evaluate photorespiration was modified for use in submersed aquatic plants in the laboratory and in situ. Results in laboratory cultures of Najas flexilis suggest that photorespiration occurs but is limited in comparison to terrestrial C3 plants and is related to the rate of diffusion of CO2 from the plant and to the carrying capacity of water for dissolved oxygen.
Characteristics of elderly patients admitted to an urban tertiary care hospital with osteoporotic fractures: correlations with risk factors, fracture type, gender and ethnicity

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem in the United States of America and around the world, largely due to the morbidity and mortality associated with osteoporotic fractures. In the past decade, large epidemiologic studies have contributed greatly to our understanding of patients who fracture. However, most studies are limited to postmenopausal white women. In this retrospective review, we analyze data from 185 men and women with acute fragility fractures who received osteoporosis consultations during admission to a single urban hospital between 2001 and 2003. Men and women differed in terms of risk factors for falls and osteoporosis but had areal bone mineral density (BMD) measurements remarkably similar, except at the total hip. Black and Hispanic subjects with fractures were significantly younger than whites yet were much more likely to have serious co-morbidities, such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. In spite of significantly higher BMD measurements, black patients had the highest rates of vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Patients admitted with hip fractures differed from those with non-hip fractures on a number of important variables. Based on these data, we conclude that elderly subjects admitted to an urban hospital with osteoporotic fractures are a heterogeneous group, with features that vary according to fracture type, gender and ethnicity. Future studies of patients with clinical fragility fractures should include ample numbers of men and ethnic minorities, since differences in underlying risk factors may suggest alternative strategies for fracture prevention.
Middle cerebral O2 delivery during the modified Oxford maneuver increases with sodium nitroprusside and decreases during phenylephrine

The modified Oxford maneuver is the reference standard for assessing arterial baroreflex function. The maneuver comprises a systemic bolus injection of 100 μg sodium nitroprusside (SNP) followed by...
Iron-responsive bacterial small RNAs: variations on a theme

For most living organisms, iron is both essential and potentially toxic, making the precise maintenance of iron homeostasis necessary for survival. To manage this paradox, bacteria regulate the acquisition, utilization, and storage of iron in response to its availability. The iron-dependent ferric uptake repressor (Fur) often mediates this iron-responsive regulation by both direct and indirect mechanisms. In 2002, Masse and Gottesman identified a novel target of Fur-mediated regulation in Escherichia coli: a gene encoding a small regulatory RNA (sRNA) termed RyhB. Under conditions of iron-limitation, RyhB is produced and functions to regulate the expression of several target genes encoding iron-utilizing enzymes, iron acquisition systems, and iron storage factors. This pivotal finding provided the missing link between environmental iron-limitation and previously observed decreases in certain iron-dependent metabolic pathways, a phenomenon now referred to as an “iron-sparing” response. The discovery of RyhB opened the door to the rapidly expanding field of bacterial iron-regulated sRNAs, which continue to be identified and described in numerous bacterial species. Most striking are findings that the impact of iron-responsive sRNA regulation often extends beyond iron homeostasis, particularly with regard to production of virulence-associated factors by pathogenic bacteria. This review discusses trends in the collective body of work on iron-regulated sRNAs, highlighting both the regulatory mechanisms they utilize to control target gene expression and the impact of this regulation on basic processes controlling bacterial physiology and virulence.
Non-function of a Moloney murine leukaemia virus regulatory sequence in F9 embryonal carcinoma cells

Moloney murine leukaemia virus (M-MuLV) infection of embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells results in the integration of proviral DNA into the host cell genome, but not in virus production. One suggested explanation for the lack of viral gene expression in EC cells has been methylation of the integrated viral DNA. However, subsequent reports indicated that integration of the M-MuLV DNA occurs soon after infection, but that viral DNA methylation occurs considerably later. Nevertheless, viral gene expression is not observed even at early times. One possible explanation is that certain M-MuLV regulatory sequences do not function in EC cells. We now present evidence which supports this hypothesis.
Level of macrophage induction during tumor growth: primed or activated?

The activation level of thioglycolate (TG)-elicited peritoneal macrophages (Mo) from normal and fibrosarcoma-bearing BALB/c mice was investigated. Lipopolysaccharide was used to distinguish in vitro levels of Mo activation. The results of cytotoxicity assays, which measured nonspecific killing of P815 tumor cells by activated Mo, indicated that tumor-bearing host Mo were primed in situ while normal host Mo remained in a resting state. This level of Mo induction may contribute to the resulting tumor-bearing host T cell immune hyporesponsiveness.
The Hall-Petch breakdown in nanocrystalline metals: A crossover to glass-like deformation

Abstract The deformation behavior of nanocrystalline Ni–W alloys is evaluated by nanoindentation techniques for grain sizes of 3–150 nm, spanning both the range of classical Hall–Petch behavior as well as the regime where deviations from the Hall–Petch trend are observed. The breakdown in strength scaling, observed at a grain size of 10–20 nm, is accompanied by a marked transition to inhomogeneous, glass-like flow (i.e. shear banding) at the finest grain sizes approaching the amorphous limit. As a consequence of this mechanistic crossover, additional inflections arise in the mechanical properties; maxima are observed in both the rate and pressure dependence of deformation at approximately the same grain size as the onset of the Hall–Petch breakdown. These data experimentally connect the mechanical properties of nanocrystalline alloys to the well-known behavior of amorphous metals.
Outcomes following mid-urethral sling placement in patients with intrinsic sphincteric deficiency: comparison of Sparc and Monarc slings

Purpose: The treatment of patients with intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD) remains difficult. It is theorized that differing vectors of support provided by retropubic versus transobturator mid-urethral sling routes may affect outcomes. We sought to compare outcomes of patients undergoing SPARC versus MONARC sling types in patients with Valsalva leak point pressures (VLPPs) below 60 cm H2O. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of female patients with stress urinary incontinence undergoing SPARC™ (n = 97) or MONARC™ (n = 39) placement following urodynamic diagnosis of ISD was performed, with minimum 12-month follow-up required. Outcomes were assessed using a questionnaire comprising validated incontinence questionnaires (UDI-6, IIQ-7) and additional items addressing satisfaction. Results: Success rates of 76% and 77% were observed in the SPARC (mean follow-up 36 months) and MONARC (mean follow-up 32 months) cohorts, respectively (p > 0.05). Superior UDI scores were demonstrated in the MONARC cohort (3.8 vs. 5.3, p = 0.04)), in contrast to similar IIQ scores across both groups (3.7 vs. 3.1, p > 0.05). A deterioration in success rates was seen in both cohorts with more extended follow-up and with lower VLPPs. However, this finding was limited by low patient numbers in these cohorts. A complication rate of 7% and 3% was noted in SPARC and MONARC cohorts (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We observed no significant differences in subjective outcomes when comparing patients undergoing SPARC versus MONARC sling placement in the treatment of SUI with VLPP < 60 cm H2O. A deterioration in continence rates was seen with extended follow-up. These data may be affected by low patient numbers and related study power, in particular with more extended follow-up.
Environmental Beneficiation of Machining Wastes—Part III: Effects of Metal Working Fluids on the Spontaneous Heating of Machining Swarf

Machining swarf is a finely divided metal powder that is prone to spontaneous heating and, in some cases, spontaneous combustion. The fine particle size, large amount of particle surface area, and the presence of moisture all promote rapid oxidation. This hazard dramatically increases disposal costs for swarf and interferes with recycling efforts. A potential method for minimizing spontaneous heating and facilitating recycling of the swarf is to spray a fluid on the material that coats the particles and creates a barrier between the metal and oxygen. Surface coatings could be tested for their effects on the spontaneous heating potential of swarf by treating a sample of swarf with a fluid that would coat the particles, then monitoring its heating behavior. This paper describes the results of applying corrosion inhibitors and machining fluids to the swarf, and monitoring the spontaneous heating behavior using a testing method developed specifically for this purpose. The effects of different types of surfactants and the effects of surfactant concentration on the spontaneous heating of swarf are discussed.
Holocene Sea-Level Curves for Santa Monica Shelf, California Continental Borderland

A curve is constructed showing changes in sea level at the Santa Monica shelf over the past 18,000 years. The curve is based on radiocarbon dates, sedimentologic data, and high-resolution seismic stratigraphic analysis of late Quaternary terrace deposits. Sea level was 117 meters below its present position about 18,000 years ago. During the first 8000 years of the Flandrian transgression, sea level rose to at least 24 meters, fell to about 46 meters, and then rose to 20 meters, all below present sea level. Subsequently, sea level rose more slowly and without discernible interruption to its present position.
Quantal variability of excitatory transmission in the hippocampus: implications for the opening probability of fast glutamate-gated channels

The quantal description of synaptic transmission, first formulated at the neuromuscular junction, has recently been extended to the Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapse of the mammalian hippocampus. In a subset of connections, an upper limit can be placed on the coefficient of variation of the quantal amplitude, on occasion lower than 0.2. In the same connections, the average quantal amplitude implies that fewer than 20 fast glutamate-gated ion channels open to carry the quantal current. With so few channels opening, their stochastic behaviour imposes a minimal trial-to-trial variability on the quantal current. These observations can be reconciled by postulating that most of the available receptors in the synaptic cleft are bound by released transmitter and that ionophores open with a high probability.
Enzymatic Formation of Adrenaline and Other Catechols from Monophenols

An enzyme that forms adrenaline from p- and m-sympathol and dopamine from p- and m-tyramine is localized in the microsomes of rabbit liver and requires the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. The enzyme is nonspecific and can form catechols from the following normally occurring and foreign phenols: p- and m-octopamine, p-hydroxyephedrine, phenol, stilbestrol, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, estradiol and N-acetylserotonin.
Vibration Isolation Control for Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicles

In recent decades, many types of hybrid vehicles have been developed to compensate for the limited sources of oil and gas production. Gasoline-electric hybrid technology shows a significant improvement in fuel efficiency for small and medium-sized passenger vehicles. However, that hybrid type is not economically beneficial for larger vehicles due to large, harmful and expensive battery packs. Hydraulic hybrid technology has been found effective for heavy duty vehicle because of its high power density. Other advantages of hydraulic hybrid are the lower cost and environmental friendliness over the electric batteries. The potential achievement in fuel efficiency has been proved in several studies and experiments by different schools, institutes and laboratories. The only problems preventing this hydraulic hybrid technology going to the market are noise and vibration involving with the hydraulic system. This study focuses on using magnetorheological (MR) technology to reduce the noise and vibration transmissibility from the hydraulic system to the vehicle body. MR technology has been well-known with automotive applications such as engine mounts, vehicle's main suspension system. In order to study the nature of the problem, structure of a hydraulic hybrid vehicle in series design is analyzed. The operational characteristics of the powertrain are carefully studied, and the vibration data is formulated. This research shows that not only MR elements play an important role in vibration suppression, but also the geometrical configurations of the mounting systems affect the efficiency in noise and vibration isolation. To this end, simulation results are also used to determine the most effective control method for the MR mounts.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Multi-label energy minimization for object class segmentation

The task of associating a semantic class to the objects present in an image is challenging because this problem involves the joint segmentation and recognition of the objects. In this work, we use a recent approach embedding several optimization algorithms into a common framework named Power watershed to perform this task. We show how the fast watershed algorithm can be used to minimize an energy function for which the minimizer corresponds to the desired object class segmentation. Higher order potentials are then added to improve label consistency. We also demonstrate that the random walker algorithm can be successfully applied to semantic class segmentation problems. Comparisons with the Graph Cuts algorithm show that the proposed approaches yield better segmentation results, obtained up to twelve times faster on a very challenging indoor scenes dataset.
Voltammetric behavior of tertiary butyl bromide at mercury electrodes in dimethylformamide

Abstract Polarograms for t-butyl bromide in dimethylformamide containing tetramethylammonium perchlorate exhibit two waves which signal stepwise reduction of the starting material to the t-butyl radical and the t-butyl carbanion. Cyclic voltammograms obtained with a hanging mercury drop and at a scan rate of 50 mV s−1 confirm that the alkyl bromide undergoes stepwise reduction; but the height of the second peak is abnormally small, indicating that t-butyl radicals engage in combination and disproportionation. At a faster scan rate (500 mV s−1), the first wave nearly merges with the second wave. At all scan rates, two pairs of anodic-cathodic waves, associated with reversible bromide-assisted oxidation of mercury, appear at positive potentials. In addition, another set of anodic-cathodic waves is seen if the potential is scanned rapidly to a value at which the t-butyl carbanion is generated; this set of waves might be related to the formation of trimethylammonium methylide (produced when the tetramethylammonium cation donates a proton to the t-butyl carbanion). Although this latter set of waves is eliminated by addition of a proton donor (diethyl malonate) to the system, the anion of diethyl malonate is itself involved in the appearance of yet another pair of anodic-cathodic waves.
Good Accounting Skills: What More Does a Successful Accountant Need?

Abstract Accounting professionals, employers, and college graduates in accounting have expressed the concern that the recent accounting graduates are inadequately prepared in oral and written communication skills. Results of a survey of undergraduate accounting students at California State University, Los Angeles, revealed that students were not generally in favor of adding courses designed to improve communication skills to their curriculum but that they agreed on the importance of such skills in hiring. Non-native English speakers were more likely to select vocabulary as the area in which they needed most improvement, whereas native speakers desired improvement in speaking confidence and spelling skills. All students preferred maintaining their GPA to improving their communication skills.
The drug and carcinogen metabolism system of rat colon microsomes.

Abstract The hydroxylation of N - and O -methyl drugs and polycyclic hydrocarbons has been demonstrated in microsomes prepared from colon mucosal cells. The hydroxylation of the drugs benzphetamine, ethylmorphine, p -nitroanisole, and p -nitrophenetole by colon microsomes is inducible two- to fourfold by pretreatment with phenobarbital/hydrocortisone. Colon microsomal benzo[α]pyrene hydroxylation is inducible 35-fold by pretreatment with β-naphthoflavone. Phenobarbital/hydrocortisone pretreatment also induces a fourfold increase in the specific content of colon microsomal cytochrome P -450, while β-naphthoflavone pretreatment causes a shift in the reduced CO difference spectrum peak to 448 nm and an eightfold increase in the specific content of this cytochrome. SKF 525-A inhibits the hydroxylation of the drug benzphetamine by colon microsomes or liver microsomes by 77% at a concentration of 2.0 m m . 7,8-Benzoflavone, on the other hand, inhibits the hydroxylation of the polycyclic hydrocarbon benzo[α]pyrene by colon microsomes by 76% and by liver microsomes by 44% at a concentration of 10 μ m . Carbon monoxide, an inhibitor of oxygen interaction with cytochromes P -450 and P -448, inhibits benzphetamine hydroxylation and benzpyrene hydroxylation by colon microsomes 30 and 51%, respectively, at an oxygen to carbon monoxide ratio of 1:10. The K m values of colon microsomal cytochrome P -450 reductase for the artificial electron acceptors cytochrome c , dichloroindophenol, and ferricyanide (10–77 μ m ) are in agreement with those for purified rat liver cytochrome P -450 reductase. These data support the conclusions that hydroxylation of drugs and polycyclic hydrocarbons is catalyzed by colon mucosal microsomes and that the hydroxylation activity is attributable to a cytochrome P -450-dependent drug metabolism system similar to that found in liver microsomes.
Therapy of symptomatic pericarditis after myocardial infarction: Retrospective and prospective studies of aspirin, indomethacin, prednisone, and spontaneous resolution

We studied the efficacy of aspirin and indomethacin therapy in relieving the discomfort of postmyocardial infarction pericarditis (PMIP) in two studies: (1) a retrospective evaluation of patients with symptomatic PMIP during a 5-year period and (2) a prospective, randomized, single-blind comparison of aspirin and indomethacin in similar patients. In the retrospective study, 36 episodes of symptomatic PMIP in 34 patients were identified; in the prospective study, 25 episodes of PMIP in 24 patients occurred. Relief from the discomfort of PMIP was noted within 48 hours in almost all patients with either indomethacin or aspirin therapy. Minor gastrointestinal bleeding developed in two patients in the retrospective study and in two patients in the prospective study. In the retrospective study, mild discomfort of PMIP abated within 48 hours in five of eight patients who received either no treatment or minor analgesic therapy. Aspirin and indomethacin are equally efficacious in relieving the discomfort of PMIP.
NATURAL CLASSES AND TORSION THEORIES

Conditions under which a natural class of right R-modules is closed under quotient modules are determined. In this case the unique complementary natural class of c(Δ) is closed under direct products. Hence (Δ, c(Δ)) is a hereditary torsion theory with torsion class Δ. In general a natural class of right R-modules is not closed under direct products (or quotient modules), yet it has been shown by Y. Zhou that each natural class determines a unique hereditary torsion theory τ. The torsion and torsion free classes of this torsion theory τ are studied, and in particular, their dependence on the original natural class . As an application, the resulting torsion theories τ are used to define the class of τ-simple, i.e., τ-cocritical modules. Most of the above is done more generally for M-natural classes in the category σ[M].
The influence of exchange on the effective mass formalism

Abstract The effective mass formalism of A dams is generalized by the inclusion of exchange. The only difference is that the interband matrix elements in the effective mass sums contain a term from the exchange operator in addition to the usual term from the momentum operator. The exchange term is estimated theoretically and found to be significant. The interband matrix elements which cause optical absorption arise only from the momentum operator and not from the exchange operator. Hence a comparison of matrix elements determined from absolute optical absorption with elements estimated from effective mass sums provides an experimental method of finding the exchange effect, in principle. For the cases investigated so far, the exchange effect appears to lie within the uncertainties of the comparison.
Dysosteosclerosis presents as an "osteoclast-poor" form of osteopetrosis: comprehensive investigation of a 3-year-old girl and literature review.

Dysosteosclerosis (DSS), an extremely rare dense bone disease, features short stature and fractures and sometimes optic atrophy, cranial nerve palsy, developmental delay, and failure of tooth eruption in infancy or early childhood consistent with osteopetrosis (OPT). Bone histology during childhood shows unresorbed primary spongiosa from deficient osteoclast action. Additionally, there is remarkable progressive flattening of all vertebrae and, by adolescence, paradoxical metaphyseal osteopenia with thin cortical bone. Reports of consanguinity indicate autosomal recessive inheritance, yet more affected males than females suggest X-linked recessive inheritance. We investigated a nonconsanguineous girl with DSS. Osteosclerosis was discovered at age 7 months. Our studies, spanning ages 11 to 44 months, showed weight at approximately 50th percentile, and length diminishing from approximately 30th percentile to –2.3 SD. Head circumference was +4 SD. The patient had frontal bossing, blue sclera, normal teeth, genu valgum, and unremarkable joints. Radiographs showed orbital and facial sclerosis, basilar thickening, bone-in-bone appearance of the pelvis, sclerotic long bone ends, and fractures of ribs and extremities. Progressive metaphyseal widening occurred as vertebrae changed from ovoid to flattened and became beaked anteriorly. A hemogram was normal. Consistent with OPT, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations reflected dietary calcium levels. Serum bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and TRACP-5b were subnormal. The iliac crest contained excessive primary spongiosa and no osteoclasts. No mutations were identified in the splice sites or exons for the genes encoding chloride channel 7, T-cell immune regulator 1, OPT-associated transmembrane protein 1, and monocyte colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and its receptor C-FMS, ANKH, OPG, RANK, and RANKL. Genomic copy-number microarray was unrevealing. Hence, DSS is a distinctive OPT of unknown etiology featuring osteoclast deficiency during early childhood. How osteopenia follows is an enigma of human skeletal pathobiology. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Influence of the Internet on Plagiarism Among Doctoral Dissertations: An Empirical Study

Plagiarism has been a long standing concern within higher education. Yet with the rapid rise in the use and availability of the Internet, both the research literature and media have raised the notion that the online environment is accelerating the decline in academic ethics. The majority of research that has been conducted to investigate such claims have involved self-report data from students. This study sought to collect empirical data to investigate the potential influence the prevalence of the Internet has had on significant higher education artifacts by comparing dissertations written prior to widespread use of the Internet with those written in a period in ubiquitous Internet use. Due to the prestige associated with the doctoral degree and the fact that the majority of the effort necessary to achieve such a degree resides within the dissertation, this study utilized Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) dissertations written in English and published by accredited universities in the U.S. and Canada. A sample of 384 dissertations were analyzed by Turnitin plagiarism detection software. The mean similarity indices for pre-Internet and post-Internet eras were 14.5 and 12.3 %, respectively. A Mann Whitney U test (Mdn = 13, U = 30,098.5, p < 0.001) indicated that the differences between groups was significant, however opposite than has been purported within the exigent literature. When comparing the counts of dissertations for each time era considering those with plagiarism versus those that had little/no evidence thereof, there was no statistically significant difference (χ2 [1, N = 368] = 2.61, p = 0.11). The findings of this study suggest that the Internet may not be significantly impacting the prevalence of plagiarism in advanced levels of higher education.
Colonial Era Livestock Development Policy: Introduction of Improved Dairy Cattle in High-Potential Farming Areas of Kenya

Abstract Contemporary development planners often suffer from historical amnesia — a lack of awareness about earlier, often strikingly similar, development programs. This is especially true for development initiatives from the colonial era, which are often completely unknown to planners or are dismissed as irrelevant and inappropriate for modern circumstances. This paper focuses on colonial era livestock policy in Kenya, especially the introduction of improved dairy cattle in high-potential African farming areas. This early attempt to improve livestock production encountered many of the same frustrating obstacles to successful change that we see today and it illustrates that planners can learn much from both the successes and the failures of colonial era development programs.
Carbon in Earth's core

[1] The Earth's dense core consists primarily of iron, but seismological data and mineral physics results show that the inner core is lighter than pure iron by 3–7% and the outer core is lighter than pure iron by 5–10%. Therefore, the core must also contain some lighter element. One possible light element is carbon, which readily forms alloys with iron and is abundant in the universe. Geochemical studies also suggest that carbon is present, but it is uncertain how much carbon is in the core or what form it is in. (Journal of Geophysical Research-Solid Earth, doi:10.1029/2010JB007819, 2011)
Collision monitoring within satellite clusters

An autonomous online collision avoidance methodology for satellite clusters is developed and simulated. Contours of probability, defined using state uncertainty ellipsoids, are used to monitor and predict potential collisions over time. The methodology integrates three approaches in order to reduce online computation for autonomous operations while still producing accurate predictions: 1) monitoring distances between bounded probability ellipsoids, which are used to evaluate when and how fast a collision may occur, 2) monitoring ellipsoids as they intersect, then calculating an outer bound of collision probability, and 3) numerical evaluation of collision probability using a three-dimensional (3-D) convolution integral to evaluate conservatism and insure accuracy. The approach assumes the initial state error (relative position and velocity), sensor error, and disturbance function are bounded by ellipsoids to a known level of probability. The methodology can be applied in the presence of different control schemes and system faults. If a collision is imminent, a control reconfiguration can then occur in order to move the healthy satellites to parking orbits. Simulation results show the proposed methodology to not be overly conservative. In addition, results show that satellite clusters with a close proximity will require a backup system that is accurate and gives measurement updates at least every few minutes.
A stochastic approach for fault-tolerant control of linear systems

A special class of stochastic switched dynamical system is used in order to model a possible faulty linear system. In order to address the synthesis of a fault-tolerant controller, with respect to the class of possible faults under consideration (in the aforementioned model), a stochastic quadratic optimal control problem is set up and solved. A novel class of distributed system of Riccati equations is introduced. It serves as a technical tool for solving the optimal control problem via a stochastic completion of squares argument. Existence and uniqueness of solution for that novel class of distributed system of Riccati equations is proved.
Hustlers in Drug-Related Aids Prevention: Ethnographers, Outreach Workers, Injection Drug Users

The research literature is replete with discussions of ethnography as a methodology involving deception, especially in the conduct of participant observation. When such research involves forging trusting relationships with active drug users-who develop many skills in deception during their ‘careers in dope’-deception may be used as much by, subjects in dealing with researchers as it is used by researchers in dealing with subjects. The element of deception increases further in ethnographic studies of AIDS prevention efforts for injection drug users (IDUs). Here ethnographers work to forge trusting relationships with outreach workers, who have been hired by prevention projects to forge trusting relationships with IDUs in the community to help protect themselves from HIV. In this paper, I discuss some deceptions basic to participant observation in virtually all social settings, with examples taken from my research of outreach workers and their dealings with IDUs in working to combat HIV. I then discuss some ...
Weekly Neoadjuvant Ixabepilone on Surgical Feasibility and Clinical Outcomes in Locally Advanced High-Risk Prostate Cancer: A Phase II Clinical Trial

Background : Men diagnosed with locally advanced high-risk prostate cancer have up to a 40% risk of biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy. The authors performed a phase II trial of neoadjuvant weekly ixabepilone prior to radical prostatectomy. Methods : Enrollment criteria included patients with high-risk prostate cancer defined by Dâ€™Amico criteria or high-volume Gleason 4+3 with a palpable nodule. Patients received ixabepilone 20 mg/m 2 /week or 16 mg/m 2 /week for 3 weeks every 28 days for 4 cycles followed by surgery 2-8 weeks later. Results : Sixteen patients were enrolled with a mean age of 56.5 years (range 43-70). PSA values decreased by a mean of 47% in 14/16 men with patients receiving a mean of 8.25 weeks of treatment (range 2-12). Nine men experienced an adverse event requiring dose modification or premature cessation of chemotherapy. Pathologic staging in 9 patients showed T3a, 5 with T3b, and 1 with T2c disease; 8 had R1 disease and 2 demonstrated nodal involvement. Mean operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay were 189 minutes, 184 mL, and 1.5 days, respectively. At median follow-up of 32 months (range 15-45), 4 patients experienced biochemical recurrence. Conclusions : Neoadjuvant weekly ixabepilone had a good PSA response and no increased surgical morbidity; however, a higher dose is associated with significant persistent neuropathy. There were no complete pathologic responses, but biochemical recurrence rate is low. Further assessment of time to treatment failure will require continued, planned follow-up to evaluate the long-term potential clinical benefit of this study.
Hyperbilirubinemia in the Setting of Antiviral Therapy

Hyperbilirubinemia is a common side effect of antiviral medications. The mechanisms underlying its development are multiple and unique to each therapy. During administration of antiviral medications, the hyperbilirubinemia observed in the absence of liver injury is most frequently manifested by isolated increases in the indirect-reacting fraction. Relevant mechanisms leading to indirect hyperbilirubinemia in this setting include hemolysis, decreased hepatic bilirubin clearance as a result of impairment of bilirubin conjugation, or circumstances in which both processes occur simultaneously. Underlying genetic susceptibilities may potentiate these side effects of antiviral therapy. Conjugated (direct-reacting) hyperbilirubinemia can be a consequence of generalized hepatocellular injury, selective cholestatic defects, biliary obstruction, or, rarely, genetic disorders of bilirubin transport. In the specific setting of antiviral therapy, preexisting liver disease or antiviral hepatotoxicity, such as is encountered with the use of the nucleoside and non-nucleoside human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase inhibitors, are the most frequent causes of direct-reacting or mixed direct- and indirect-reacting hyperbilirubinemia. Modification in antiviral drug choice or dose may be required in cases of liver injury or of brisk hemolysis leading to significant anemia. The mild indirect hyperbilirubinemia associated with impairment in conjugation tends to be well tolerated and of little consequence. The decision to continue or discontinue antiviral therapy in the face of hyperbilirubinemia should be made after an assessment of the cause of the elevated bilirubin level and a thorough assessment of the risks and benefits of antiviral therapy.
An automated event detection and classification system for abyssal time-series images of Station M, NE Pacific

The time-study data collected at the Station M site off the coast of central California includes high quality still-frame images taken in 1-hour time-lapse increments. The approximately 67,000 time-lapse images collected would take an unfeasible amount of time to fully analyze manually, and therefore would benefit from automated analysis. Towards this end, this work is an aid in the significant effort to analyze megafaunal activity and sedimentation events using an adapted version of the Automated Video Event Detection and Classification System (AVEDac) formerly designed by MBARI to analyze video collected from MBARI's remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) video. This paper describes, in general, the automated system that will aid in the abundance and distribution studies of animals at the Station M site.
Demographics of apheresis platelet donors in five blood centers in China

BACKGROUND: Blood component donations by apheresis has become more common in modern blood transfusion practices. However, apheresis donation still remains less common in China. This study describes the demographic profile and transfusion-transmissible infection (TTI) prevalence among donors making apheresis platelet (AP) donations compared to those making whole blood (WB) donations and the differences among five geographically diverse blood centers in China. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a descriptive study using data from all successful donations at the five blood centers in 2008 and 2009. Donor demographic and TTI screening reactive rates were collected for WB and AP donations and blood centers. Logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with AP donations. RESULTS: From January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2009, there were 512,594 WB and 26,199 AP donations at five blood centers. AP donations accounted for 4.9% of all donations. AP donations have lower reactive rate than WB donations for hepatitis B virus surface antigen, hepatitis C virus antibodies, human immunodeficiency virus antibodies, and syphilis screening testing. Males, donors older than 25 years old, non-Han donors, and donors with below high school educational level were more likely to make AP donations. The characteristics of AP donations differed among the five Chinese blood centers. CONCLUSION: Our analysis suggests that the characteristics of AP donations in China are different from WB donations and differ among the five Chinese blood centers. Some of the differences are likely due to different recruitment policies. Further studies should be conducted to understand what motivates Chinese blood donors to participate as AP donors.
Closed versus open reduction of mandibular condylar fractures in adults: a meta-analysis.

Purpose A review of the literature shows a difference of opinion regarding whether open or closed reduction of condylar fractures produces the best results. It would be beneficial, therefore, to critically analyze past studies that have directly compared the 2 methods in an attempt to answer this question. Materials and Methods A Medline search for articles using the key words “mandibular condyle fractures” and “mandibular condyle fracture surgery” was performed. Articles that compared open and closed reduction were selected for further evaluation. Additional articles were obtained from reference lists in the Medline-selected articles. Of the 32 articles identified, 13 met the final selection criteria. These contained data on at least one of the following: postoperative maximum mouth opening, deviation on opening, lateral excursion, protrusion, asymmetry, and joint or muscle pain. Results Numerous problems were found with the information presented in the various articles. These included lack of patient randomization, failure to classify the type of condylar fracture, variability within the surgical protocols, and inconsistencies in choice of variables and how they were reported. However, the results from the meta-analyses were explored in a general sense. Conclusions Because of the great variation in the manner in which the various study parameters were reported, it was not possible to perform a reliable meta-analysis. There is a need for better standardization of data collection as well as randomization of the patients treated in future studies to accurately compare the 2 methods.