cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Patients with Sepsis in a Pediatric Emergency Department after Automated Sepsis Screening.

Objective To determine the effect of an automated sepsis screening tool on treatment and outcomes of severe sepsis in a pediatric emergency department (ED). Study design Retrospective cohort study of encounters of patients with severe sepsis in a pediatric ED with a high volume of pediatric sepsis cases over a 2-year period. The automated sepsis screening algorithm replaced a manual screen 1 year into the study. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients treated for sepsis while in the ED. Secondary outcomes were time from ED arrival to first intravenous (IV) antibiotic and first IV fluid bolus, volume of fluid administered in the ED, 30-day mortality, intensive care unit-free days, and hospital-free days. Results In year 1 of the study, 8910 of 61 026 (14.6%) of encounters had a manual sepsis screen; 137 patients met criteria for severe sepsis. In year 2, 100% of 61 195 encounters had an automated sepsis screen and there were 136 cases of severe sepsis. There was a higher proportion of patients with severe sepsis who had an active malignancy and indwelling central venous catheter in year 2. There were no differences in the proportion of patients treated for sepsis in the ED, time to first IV antibiotic or first IV fluid bolus, fluid volume delivered in the ED, hospital-free days, intensive care unit-free days, or 30-day mortality after implementation of the automated screening algorithm. Conclusions An automated sepsis screening algorithm introduced into an academic pediatric ED with a high volume of sepsis cases did not lead to improvements in treatment or outcomes of severe sepsis in this study.
Clinical impact of implementation of rapid diagnostic testing of blood cultures with Staphylococcus aureus on patient outcomes

ABSTRACT Rapid diagnostic testing in microbiology labs shortens the time to identification of bacteria in blood cultures. Cepheid® GeneXpert® MRSA/SA PCR can be used to distinguish MRSA and MSSA from non-Staphylococcus aureus organisms in blood cultures. This study aims to determine if implementation of MRSA/SA PCR for blood culture pathogen identification, plus daily antimicrobial stewardship intervention, can reduce time to appropriate therapy, vancomycin duration, 30 day mortality, and 90 day recurrence in veterans. A total of 113 patients in the pre-implementation cohort and 73 patients in the post-implementation cohort were evaluated. Time to appropriate therapy was decreased from 49.8 (pre-implementation) to 20.6 (post-implementation) hours. There was a numerically shorter median duration of vancomycin therapy in the post-implementation group. There was no difference in 30 day mortality or 90 day recurrence between groups. Use of MRSA/SA PCR can improve antimicrobial use when combined with once-daily antimicrobial stewardship review.
Ultrafast Sub-mΩ Battery Switching Module Using SiC JFETs for Hybrid Electric Aircraft Propulsion Applications

This paper presents a 750 V/250 A solid-state Liion battery switching module (BSM) using commercial 1200 V SiC JFET modules for hybrid electric aircraft propulsion applications. Comparing to the incumbent mechanical contactor solution, the BSM offers the advantage of ultrafast fault response (µs-level), reduced fault current stress, and significantly improved operation lifetime. The use of ultra-low RDSON SiC JFET power modules leads to a sub-mΩ total on-resistance for the BSM, comparable to that of the mechanical contactor. The total conduction power loss is therefore limited to less than 60 W, allowing for simple passive cooling. The BSM integrates several intelligent functions by adopting a tri-mode operation concept, allowing for a soft-start process to pre-charge the DC link capacitor with a limited charging current. Design redundancy measures are implemented to mitigate single point failure and ensure reliable and safe operation of the aircraft. Considerations related to circuit and physical designs as well as control algorithms are discussed in this paper. Experimental results to validate the design concept are also reported.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of a Deep Learning Auto Contouring Model for Radiotherapy in Localized Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) To evaluate a convolutional neural network auto-contouring (AC) model created for treatment planning in patients receiving radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer after insertion of a radiopaque rectal spacer hydrogel. MATERIALS/METHODS The deep learning model, trained by 125 patients, auto contours target volumes (prostate and proximal seminal vesicles), OARs (bladder, rectum, femoral heads and penile bulb) and radiopaque rectal spacers. ACs were evaluated against MD manual contours (MCs) submitted for treatment planning. ACs were not available for MD review while creating MCs. Individual volumes as well as composite volumes (overall performance) were qualitatively evaluated by a radiation oncologist using a 1 (minor discrepancy, little to no dose-volume impact), 2 (moderate discrepancy or editable with substantial efficiency gain), 3 (significant discrepancy or editable with meaningful efficiency gain), and 4 (rejected due to gross error or editable without efficiency gain) scoring scale. Quantitative evaluation of geometric differences was performed with mean distance to agreement (MDA) and Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) for each volume. RESULTS A total of 68 cases were evaluated by quantitative and qualitative metrics (Table 1). MCs were performed by 4 experienced MDs. Average composite score of 2.22 (SD 0.73) indicates substantial to meaningful efficiency gain in contouring process. Composite scores for 100% of cases evaluated indicate a meaningful efficiency gain in the contouring process, with 60% of composite scores indicating only minor to moderate discrepancy between contours. Prostate and SV AC average scores were above 2. Mean prostate MDA and DSC were 1.71 and 0.85, respectively, both within tolerance range recommended by AAPM TG 132. CONCLUSION The model can accurately auto contour target volumes, OARs and spacer with meaningful to substantial efficiency gain, with a majority of target volumes qualitatively evaluated by a physician as having only mild to moderate discrepancies. Quantitative analysis shows contours for most OARs have only minor geometric differences unlikely to have significant dose-volume impacts. Further analysis with comparison of treatment plans generated from ACs and MCs is warranted.
Role of Nitric Oxide in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Publisher Summary Nitric oxide (NO) has a plethora of physiological effects in numerous cell types and tissues of the body. NO attenuates the activation of neutrophils and the production of superoxide anions, the process of degranulation, and the adherence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) to the vascular endothelium. The interaction between PMNs and coronary vascular endothelium is a critical factor in triggering and perpetuating the inflammatory-like responses characteristic of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, which culminate in endothelial injury, microvascular defects and impaired tissue blood flow, and infarction. NO attenuates the upregulation of adhesion molecules during both the acute response and the long-term responses to myocardial reperfusion mediated by transcription and protein synthesis. Endogenously produced NO appears to participate in an inherent modulation of postischemic injury. Amplification of endogenously generated NO with the precursor L-arginine and increased tissue levels with parenteral administration of various classes of NO donor agents have been used to effectively reduce neutrophil-endothelium interactions, the accumulation of neutrophils in reperfused myocardium, endothelial dysfunction, and infarction.
Musical Meaning in Beethoven: Markedness, Correlation, and Interpretation

Foreword by David Lidov Preface Introduction Part I. Interpretation and Theory I. A Case Study for Interpretation The Third Movement of Op. 106 (Hammerklavier) II. Correlation, Interpretation, and the Markedness of Oppositions III. From Topic to Expressive Genre IV. The Pastoral Expressive Genre The Four Movements of Op. 101 V. The Thematic Level and the Markedness of Classical Material VI. Thematic Markedness The First Movements of Op. 130 and Op. 131 VII. Beyond the Hierarchies of Correlation Troping, Irony, Levels of Discourse, and Intertextuality VIII. Analysis and Synthesis The Cavatina from Op. 130 IX. From the Aesthetic to me Semiotic X. Further Perspectives on Musical Meaning and Cognition Conclusion Appendix: Abnegation and the New Genre Glossary Notes Bibliography Index of Concepts Index of Names and Works
Expowerment for Role Alternative for Low Income Minority Girls

This program was created to reach girls who may not believe they have control over their lives and are unfamiliar with alternative roles for women, making them high risk for adolescent pregnancy. An empowerment intervention framework was used to develop educational and mutual aid activities directed toward four major social systems identified as significant problem-solving areas for adolescents. In addition to program description, group processes such as composition, norms, cohesion and conflict resolution are discussed. Evaluation results are given.
Senescence-associated β-galactosidase histochemistry for the primate eye

PURPOSE. TO develop a senescence-associated /3-galactosidase histochemistry and bleaching protocol for the primate posterior pole. METHODS. Rhesus monkey eyes of different ages were enucleated after death, fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for up to 16 hours, and cryoprotected using a graded sucrose infiltration technique. Ten-micrometer tissue sections were treated with /3-galactosidase, pH 4 (lysosomal) or pH 6 (senescence-associated) activity, for various times. Bleaching of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell and choroidal melanocyte pigment was performed after /3-galactosidase histochemistry using 0.1% to 1% potassium permanganate incubation for 1 minute to 2 hours followed by 0.5% oxalic acid immersion. RESULTS. A 6-hour incubation with /3-galactosidase, pH 4 or 6, demonstrated optimal staining of the RPE. Uniform staining of the RPE for pH 4 /3-galactosidase was seen in both young and old eyes. In contrast, senescence-associated /3-galactosidase (pH 6) staining was seen in the RPE of 16- and 29-year-old, but not 1- and 2-year-old eyes. Senescence-associated /3-galactosidase staining was evident in RPE cells adjacent to cuticular drusen. Optimal bleaching without loss of /3-galactosidase staining was obtained using a 25-minute incubation with 0.05% permanganate. CONCLUSIONS. The senescence-associated /3-galactosidase histochemistry assay, adapted for use in the primate posterior pole, showed staining of RPE cells in older eyes. Visualization of /3-galactosidase activity in the RPE was enhanced by permanganate bleaching of melanin pigment. This technique could be valuable for identifying senescent RPE cells in human eyes. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Set. 1999;40:1590-1593)
Family Processes and Delinquency: The Consistency of Relationships by Ethnicity and Gender.

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between family processes and delinquency. A multiethnic sample was utilized to determine whether the impact of parental attachment, involvement and supervision on delinquency is consistent across Latino, White and African American youth. Analysis of two waves of data from the 1997 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth indicates that relationships are not identical across ethnic and gender groups. Group differences uncovered by the current study are consistent with earlier research on family processes and suggest that both ethnicity and gender are important considerations when estimating the influence of the family on delinquent behavior. Theoretical and policy implications of group differences are discussed.
Counterexample-guided control

A major hurdle in the algorithmic verification and control of systems is the need to find suitable abstract models, which omit enough details to overcome the state-explosion problem, but retain enough details to exhibit satisfaction or controllability with respect to the specification. The paradigm of counterexample-guided abstraction refinement suggests a fully automatic way of finding suitable abstract models: one starts with a coarse abstraction, attempts to verify or control the abstract model, and if this attempt fails and the abstract counterexample does not correspond to a concrete counterexample, then one uses the spurious counterexample to guide the refinement of the abstract model. We present a counterexample-guided refinement algorithm for solving ω-regular control objectives. The main difficulty is that in control, unlike in verification, counterexamples are strategies in a game between system and controller. In the case that the controller has no choices, our scheme subsumes known counterexample-guided refinement algorithms for the verification of ω-regular specifications. Our algorithm is useful in all situations where ω-regular games need to be solved, such as supervisory control, sequential and program synthesis, and modular verification. The algorithm is fully symbolic, and therefore applicable also to infinite-state systems.
Competition and production efficiency: Telecommunications in OECD countries

Abstract This paper applies nonparametric methods to examine the production efficiency of telecommunications in 24 OECD countries. Three alternative DEA (data Envelopment Analysis) measures are adopted. Using the country data from 1980 to 1995, we found that, although the list of countries allowing for telecommunications competition varies over time, on average these countries are always more efficient by any of the three measures. Similar conclusions were derived from the company data during the 1992–1995 period. We concluded that competition in telecommunications tends to be associated with enhanced production efficiency.
Polymer Encapsulation of Metallic and Semiconductor Nanoparticles: Multifunctional Materials with Novel Optical, Electronic and Magnetic Properties

The synthesis of novel organic–inorganic hybrid materials is a compelling and exceptionally important area of research in modern materials chemistry and nanoscience, due to the intriguing and unique properties of materials at the nanoscale [1–8]. Combining the rich diversity of organic materials with the unique optical, magnetic and electronic properties of metals and semiconductors creates a vast realm of possibilities in the design of novel structures possessing precisely programmed properties and performance. While a large number of different hybrid nanocomposite materials have been synthesized in the past decade, a common theme in the preparation of these materials is interfacial control of well-defined building blocks on the molecular, nanoscopic and mesoscopic length scales. There is more than ever before an urgent need for fundamental insight into structure–property correlations in such composite systems. Gaining such insight requires higher levels of synthetic sophistication, processing techniques and characterization associated with well-defined and controlled nanoparticle–polymer composites. The hybridization of organic polymers and inorganic colloids has been pursued as a wide range of approaches have been developed to prepare precisely structured materials [9]. Extensive efforts have focused on preparing either welldefined organic polymers or inorganic nanoparticles. The advantages of combining organic polymers with inorganic colloids is now widely recognized, as the inherently modular nature of polymer chemistry allows for installation of diverse chemical functionality [10], which has been used both to synthesize and to functionalize inorganic nanoparticles. This chapter describes the synthesis and functionalization of metallic and semiconductor nanoparticles using synthetic polymers. The various types of polymeric coatings and surfactants that have been investigated will be discussed. In particular, linear polymers (including homopolymers, random copolymers and block copolymers), branched polymers and conjugated polymers that 1
Gain scheduling for nonlinear systems via integral quadratic constraints

The paper considers a general approach for gain scheduling of Lipschitz continuous nonlinear systems. The approach is based on a linear parameter varying system (LPV) representation of the nonlinear dynamics along with integral quadratic constraints (IQC) to account for the linearization errors. Past results have shown that Jacobian linearization leads to hidden coupling terms in the controlled system. These terms arise due to neglecting the higher order terms of the Taylor series and due to the use of constant (frozen) values of the scheduling parameter. This paper proposes an LPV control synthesis method that accounts for these shortcomings. The higher order terms of the linearization are treated as a memoryless uncertainty whose input/output behavior is described by a parameter varying IQC. It is also shown that if the rate of the scheduling parameter is measurable then it can be treated as a known disturbance in the control synthesis step. A simple numerical example shows that the proposed control design approach leads to improved control performance.
Política social en la región: desafíos políticos y de gestión

This article analyzes central features of the New Social Question (social exclusion) affecting the Latin American region, such as characteristics of the labo...
Conversion of xylan to ethanol by ethanologenic strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella oxytoca.

A two-stage process was evaluated for the fermentation of polymeric feedstocks to ethanol by a single, genetically engineered microorganism. The truncated xylanase gene (xynZ) from the thermophilic bacterium Clostridium thermocellum was fused with the N terminus of lacZ to eliminate secretory signals. This hybrid gene was expressed at high levels in ethanologenic strains of Escherichia coli KO11 and Klebsiella oxytoca M5A1(pLOI555). Large amounts of xylanase (25 to 93 mU/mg of cell protein) accumulated as intracellular products during ethanol production. Cells containing xylanase were harvested at the end of fermentation and added to a xylan solution at 60 degrees C, thereby releasing xylanase for saccharification. After cooling, the hydrolysate was fermented to ethanol with the same organism (30 degrees C), thereby replenishing the supply of xylanase for a subsequent saccharification. Recombinant E. coli metabolized only xylose, while recombinant K. oxytoca M5A1 metabolized xylose, xylobiose, and xylotriose but not xylotetrose. Derivatives of this latter organism produced large amounts of intracellular xylosidase, and the organism is presumed to transport both xylobiose and xylotriose for intracellular hydrolysis. By using recombinant M5A1, approximately 34% of the maximal theoretical yield of ethanol was obtained from xylan by this two-stage process. The yield appeared to be limited by the digestibility of commercial xylan rather than by a lack of sufficient xylanase or by ethanol toxicity. In general form, this two-stage process, which uses a single, genetically engineered microorganism, should be applicable for the production of useful chemicals from a wide range of biomass polymers. Images
Dynamic route selection and wavelength assignment in all-optical networks

We propose algorithms for joint route selection and wavelength assignment in circuit-switched WDM all-optical networks. Previous work on wavelength routing has been based on a priori assignment of routes (typically via shortest path routing) to source-destination pairs, and a subsequent search over the set of available wavelengths to accommodate these routes. This approach does not take into account the state of the network when making the routing decision. The algorithms proposed in this paper attempt to, jointly and dynamically, find a route and assign a wavelength to sessions using currently available network resources. In a static assignment of the routes to source-destination pairs, a session will be blocked if its assigned route is not available while there may be another route (perhaps slightly longer) that is available. Joint route and wavelength assignment efficiently searches for a route on which a wavelength is available, and thus minimizes the occurrence of session blocking.
Numerical Solution of Markov Chains

SUMMARY This special issue contains a selection of papers from the Sixth International Workshop on the Numerical Solution of Markov Chains, held in Williamsburg, Virginia on September 16–17, 2010. The papers cover a broad range of topics including perturbation theory for absorbing chains, bounding techniques, steady-state and transient solution methods, multilevel algorithms, preconditioning, and applications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MD Simulations of the Time-Dependent Red Shift in the Fluorescence of Trp in Protein GB1

Time-dependent red shift (TDRS) in the emission of Trp after impulse excitation reports the dynamics of solvent and protein relaxation. TDRS of the single Trp in the B1 domain of streptococcal protein G (GB1) has been measured experimentally [Toptygin, Gronenborn and Brand, J. Phys. Chem. B 2006, 110, 26292]. The present work compares the results of Charmm MD simulations with the experimental data. The protein in a box of explicit TIP3P water was equilibrated with the ground-state charges on Trp atoms. At t=0 the charges on Trp atoms were changed to those characteristic of the excited state 1La. TDRS was calculated from a series of 2000ps excited-state MD trajectories using first-order QM perturbation theory. TDRS from a single trajectory is overwhelmed by random noise. Averaging over 100 trajectories produced a result qualitatively consistent with the experimental data. The amplitudes of the calculated and measured TDRS during the time interval from 200ps to 2000ps are in good agreement. However, at t - 2 of random fluctuations in the ground-excited state energy gap ΔE and the relation hν(t)-hν(infinity)=C(t)/(kBT) [Nilsson and Halle, PNAS 2005, 102, 13867]. This produced a TDRS curve containing less high-frequency noise, but more low-frequency noise as compared to the result of averaging over 100 short nonequilibrium trajectories. We thank Patrick R. Callis for accurate excited-state Trp atom charges. Supported by NSF grants MCB-0416965, MCB-0719248.
Plutopia: Nuclear Families, Atomic Cities, and the Great Soviet and American Plutonium Disasters

Carlisle reviews Plutopia: Nuclear Families, Atomic Cities, and the Great Soviet and American Plutonium Disasters by Kate Brown.
Using Prolonged Exposure to Treat Abortion-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Alcohol Dependent Men: A Case Study

Men's reactions to a partner's abortion are an understudied area. Few studies have examined abortion as it relates to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in males, and no studies have examined the use of an empirically supported behavioral treatment for PTSD in this population. The current case study examines Prolonged Exposure for the treatment of abortion-related PTSD in a 46-year old Caucasian male who also has alcohol dependence. The patient was involved in a residential substance abuse treatment program at the time of treatment. After receiving 12 sessions of Prolonged Exposure, the patient experienced a decrease in PTSD symptoms as measured by the Clinician Administered PTSD Rating Scale (87%) and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (85%). The results of this study suggest that the literature supporting Prolonged Exposure as a first-line treatment for PTSD can be expanded to include men needing treatment for abortion-related PTSD. Implications for treatment and research are discussed.
Anal pressure vectography is of no apparent benefit for sphincter evaluation.

Anal pressure vectography is an attractive study which can provide colourful 3-dimensional video images to assess radial asymmetry. However, the value of this test is still uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess prospectively the correlation among APV and other anorectal physiological tests, such as anal manometry, anal sphincter electromyography (EMG), and anal ultrasonography. Fifty consecutive patients with faecal incontinence were evaluated. All 50 patients had APV and anal manometry during the same visit. APV revealed mean maximal resting and mean maximal squeeze pressures of 83.1±28.4 mmHg and 106.3±34.5 mmHg, respectively. Anal manometry showed mean maximal resting and mean maximal squeeze pressures of 55.9±19.4 mmHg and 57.7±29.4 mmHg, respectively. The difference between APV and manometry for both mean maximal resting and mean maximal squeeze pressures were significant (P<0.05). Thirty-four of the 50 patients (68%) showed global defects of the sphincters on cross-sectional vectogram. Forty-six patients also had anal sphincter mapping with electromyography; 38 patients had isolated decreased EMG activity in a single quadrant. However, only five of the 38 patients (13.2%) had the same defect localized by APV. Lastly, 33 patients had anal ultrasonography; 27 patients had anal sphincter defects. However, only 3 of the 27 patients (11.1%) had the same defects localized by APV. In conclusion, APV had poor correlation with other anorectal physiological tests, including anal manometry, anal sphincter EMG, and anal ultrasonography. Therefore, APV has no apparent advantages, so its use cannot be supported.
Solid variant of aneurysmal bone cyst in a patient with cyclic neutropenia

A 16-year-old female with cyclic neutropenia (CN) was incidentally found to have a thoracic vertebral mass during the preoperative work-up for maxillary sinus surgery. An exploratory thoracotomy revealed a very vascular tumor involving T-10 and T-11 vertebral bodies. Gross total resection of the tumor was achieved. Pathology revealed a solid variant of aneurysmal bone cyst. This is a rare benign neoplasm of bone more commonly seen in the mandible and facial bones as well as involving the small tubular bones of the hands and feet. Because of its rarity, location, and an unknown association with CN, we found this case worthwhile to publish.
Computer simulation of the quadrupole mass filter

Abstract The quadrupole mass filter is currently used in the most popular type of mass spectrometer, but its characteristics are not fully understood. A simple iterative method of numerical computation has been used to simulate ion trajectories in an ideal quadrupole field. The method is based on elementary equations of classical physics. Comparisons have been made with numerical integration techniques and matrix methods. A preliminary study of the quadrupole mass filter including an investigation of ion exit distributions with this iterative approach is presented. The distributions of ensembles of ions at the exit of the quadrupole field are presented with the aid of computer graphics.
Where constructivism meets resource constraints: the politics of oil, renewables, and a US energy transition

Debates about policies affecting the consumption of oil, and on how to support development of substitutes, often represent environmental politics at its most polarizing. How can we explain the serial reversals in energy policy that result from changing perceptions about the availability of renewable versus non-renewable energy supplies? Application of a range of theories to the case of the United States since 1973 suggests that two distinct types of explanation interact to play crucial roles: socially constructed deliberation takes place over the purposes of energy policy; meanwhile, physical constraints in natural resources are also observed and processed into updated perceptions of relative feasibility among policy choices. Over time, different policy priorities – varying in emphases on economic growth, sustainability, scarcity, or innovation – rise and fall as market conditions test how policies correspond with reality. Opportunities to develop successful policy strategies for managing this century's e...
Quantitative-competitive PCR monitoring of viral load following experimental guinea pig cytomegalovirus infection

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the developed world, and can lead to significant morbidity. Animal models of HCMV infection are required for study of pathogenesis, because of the strict species-specificity of cytomegalovirus (CMV). Among the small animal CMV models, the guinea pig CMV (GPCMV) has unique advantages, in particular its propensity to cross the placenta, causing disease in utero. In order to develop quantitative endpoints for vaccine and antiviral therapeutic studies in the GPCMV model, a quantitative-competitive PCR (qcPCR) assay was developed, based on the GPCMV homolog of the HCMV UL83 gene, GP83. Optimal amplification of GPCMV DNA was observed using primers spanning a 248 base pair (bp) region of this gene. A 91 bp deletion of this cloned fragment was generated for use as an internal standard (IS) for PCR amplification. Standard curves based upon the fluorescent intensity of full-length external target to IS were compared with signal intensity of DNA extracted from blood and organs of experimentally infected guinea pigs in order to quantify viral load. Viral load in newborn guinea pigs infected transplacentally was determined and compared with that of pups infected with GPCMV as neonates. Viral loads were highest in pups infected as neonates. The most consistent isolation and highest quantities of viral DNA were observed in liver and spleen, although viral genome could be readily identified in brain, lung, and salivary gland. Viral load determination should be useful for monitoring outcomes following vaccine studies, as well as responses to experimental antiviral agents.
The carbothermal reduction of nickel sulfide in the presence of lime

The chemical feasibility of reducing nickel sulfide with carbon and lime, without emitting sulfur-containing gases, has been investigated. A reaction mixture of nickel sulfide particles intimately mixed with carbon and lime (used as a sulfur scavenger) was prepared. The thermodynamics of reacting this mixture in an inert atmosphere, producing carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, was examined and found favorable. The rate of this reaction was measured in the temperature range 800 to 1124 °C ( 1073 to 1397 K). The effects of particle size and relative amounts of solid reactants were determined. The possibility of recovering the product nickel by carbonylation was also investigated.
Self-Perceived Confidence and Competence as a Function of Training in the Beginning Graduate Student in Clinical Psychology

(1980). Self-Perceived Confidence and Competence as a Function of Training in the Beginning Graduate Student in Clinical Psychology. Teaching of Psychology: Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 168-171.
Global spread of usability expertise

Concern with usability in the design of technology has developed rapidly over the last decade. Although this concern has been mainly located in the U.S. and Western Europe, there is evidence of a global spread, and moves to outsource this activity. As marketplaces become global, it is necessary to adapt testing procedures for different cultures. This paper will illustrate the global spread of usability expertise by presenting data collected from usability testing centers and laboratories around the world. It will discuss the possibilities for future expansion and global networking of usability expertise and knowledge.
Adnexal Masses in Pregnancy: Diagnosis and Management

The widespread use of ultrasound in obstetrics has led to an increase in the diagnosis of asymptomatic adnexal masses in pregnancy. Ultrasound is an accurate and safe method for diagnosing the etiology of an adnexal mass and distinguishing benign from malignant pathology. The management of an adnexal mass in pregnancy is controversial. Historically, it was recommended that any adnexal mass be removed electively in the second trimester to exclude malignancy and prevent complications such as torsion, rupture, and obstruction of labor. More recent recommendations have limited surgical intervention in pregnancy to symptomatic adnexal masses and those that are highly suggestive of malignancy. Surgery in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, laparoscopy appears to be a safe alternative to laparotomy for benign masses when performed by experienced surgeons.
A non-linear uniaxial integral constitutive equation incorporating rate effects, creep and relaxation

Abstract A previously proposed first order non-linear differential equation for uniaxial viscoplasticity, which is non-linear in stress and strain but linear in stress and strain rates, is transformed into an equivalent integral equation. The proposed equation employs total strain only and is symmetric with respect to the origin and applies for tension and compression. The limiting behavior for large strains and large times for monotonic, creep and relaxation loading is investigated and appropriate limits are obtained. When the equation is specialized to an overstress model it is qualitatively shown to reproduce key features of viscoplastic behavior. These include: initial linear elastic or linear viscoelastic response: immediate elastic slope for a large instantaneous change in strain rate normal strain rate sensitivity and non-linear spacing of the stress-strain curves obtained at various strain rates; and primary and secondary creep and relaxation such that the creep (relaxation) curves do not cross. Isochronous creep curves are also considered. Other specializations yield wavy stress-strain curves and inverse strain rate sensitivity. For cyclic loading the model must be modified to account for history dependence in the sense of plasticity.
A fractal approach to probabilistic seismic hazard assessment

The definition of a fractal distribution is that the number of objects (events) N with a characteristic size greater than r satisfies the relation N proportional to r exp - D is the fractal dimension. The applicability of a fractal relation implies that the underlying physical process is scale-invariant over the range of applicability of the relation. The empirical frequency-magnitude relation for earthquakes defining a b-value is a fractal relation with D = 2b. Accepting the fractal distribution, the level of regional seismicity can be related to the rate of regional strain and the magnitude of the largest characteristic earthquake. High levels of seismic activity indicate either a large regional strain or a low-magnitude maximum characteristic earthquake (or both). If the regional seismicity has a weak time dependence, the approach can be used to make probabilistic seismic hazard assessments.
Kamikaze attack survivors: how accurate are their PTSD reports?

Summary.—12 survivors of the USS Emmons (M age = 81.3 yr., SD = 3.26), which was sunk by kamikaze attacks during World War II, were given an adapted form of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian. Five of their wives (M age = 78.8 yr., SD = 3.42) and 16 of their children (M age = 50.2 yr., SD = 5.37) estimated the veterans' checklist scores. The combined wives' and children's mean score estimate was nearly identical to the veterans' mean checklist score. Analysis using the Wilcoxon signed rank test comparing the veterans' self-reports and their family members' estimated reports of them was statistically insignificant. The findings suggest that Emmons survivors' PTSD reports are reliable.
An analysis using the Chilton-Colburn analogy for mass transfer to a flat surface from an unsubmerged impinging jet

Abstract An analysis based on the Chilton—Colburn analogy has been used to correlate the rate of mass transfer to the impingement and boundary layer regimes of an unsubmerged circular impinging jet. The average mass transfer rate on the impinged surface was measured with a limiting current technique for a range of the nozzle Reynolds numbers from 2500 to 20,000, the nozzle height from 0.1 to 5 nozzle diameters and the radius of the active mass transfer area from 0.1 to 5 nozzle diameters. The theoretical correlations agreed well with the present experimental results as well as with the previous literature data.
Dendritic macromers as in situ polymerizing biomaterials for securing cataract incisions

Dendritic macromers are attractive macromolecules for hydrogel formation since high cross-linking densities at low polymer concentration can be obtained, varied physical properties can be observed based on the macromer structure, and low viscous aqueous solutions can be injected in an in vivo site of irregular shaped to form a well-integrated polymer network. A peptide dendron possessing terminal cysteine residues was synthesized and characterized. When this peptide dendron was mixed with poly(ethylene glycol dialdehyde) in aqueous solution at pH = 7.4, a hydrogel spontaneously formed as a consequence of thiazolidine linkages between the macromers. Such in situ polymerized hydrogels are of interest for tissue engineering and wound-repair applications. To evaluate the potential use of this hydrogel sealant in ophthalmic surgeries, a 3-mm clear corneal incision (i.e., the wounds created during a typical cataract surgery) was successfully sealed.
Prospective time periodic geographical disease surveillance using a scan statistic

Most disease registries are updated at least yearly. If a geographically localized health hazard suddenly occurs, we would like to have a surveillance system in place that can pick up a new geographical disease cluster as quickly as possible, irrespective of its location and size. At the same time, we want to minimize the number of false alarms By using a space-time scan statistic, we propose and illustrate a system for regular time periodic disease surveillance to detect any currently active' geographical clusters of disease and which tests the statistical significance of such clusters adjusting for the multitude of possible geographical locations and sizes, time intervals and time periodic analyses. The method is illustrated on thyroid cancer among men in New Mexico 1973-1992.
Prediction of a Highly Activated State of CO Adsorbed on an Al/Fe(100) Bimetallic Surface†

Using periodic slab density functional theory, we investigate CO adsorption, diffusion, and dissociation energetics on a monolayer of Al covering Fe(100) [Al/Fe(100)]. We predict a weakly chemisorbed state of CO to exist on Al/Fe(100), with CO adsorbing on the 4-fold hollow site in a very tilted fashion. This state is predicted to have an extremely low CO stretching frequency of only 883 cm(-1), indicating a dramatically weakened CO bond relative to gaseous CO, even though the molecule is predicted to bind to Al/Fe(100) quite weakly. We predict that dissociation of CO starting from this weakly adsorbed state has a barrier of only approximately 0.35 eV, which is approximately 0.70 eV lower than that on Fe(100). To understand how the underlying substrate changes the electronic properties of the supported Al monolayer, we compare CO adsorption on Al/Fe(100) to its adsorption on analogous pure Al(100) surfaces. This highly activated yet weakly bound state of CO on Al/Fe(100) suggests that Al/Fe(100) could be an effective low-temperature bimetallic catalyst in reducing environments.
A transcriptionally permissive epigenetic landscape at the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor-1 promoter suggests a euchromatin nuclear position in murine CD4 T cells.

Abstract T cells express receptors for neuropeptides that mediate immunological activities. Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor-1 (VPAC1), the prototypical group II G protein coupled receptor, binds two neuropeptides with high-affinity, called vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide. During T cell signaling, VPAC1 mRNA expression levels are significantly downregulated through a Src kinase dependent mechanism, thus altering the sensitivity for these neuropeptides during an immune reaction. Presently, it is unknown whether the mechanism that regulates VPAC1 during T cell signaling involves epigenetic changes. Therefore, we hypothesized that the epigenetic landscape consisting of diacetylation at H3K9/14 and trimethylation at H3K4, two transcriptionally permissive histone modifications, would parallel VPAC1 expression showing high enrichment in untreated T cells, but lower enrichment in α-CD3 treated T cells. To this end, quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis of H3K9/14ac and H3K4me3 was conducted using purified CD4 + T cells, with CD45R + B cells as a negative control. Our data revealed that these histone modifications at the VPAC1 promoter did indeed parallel its mRNA levels between T and B lymphocytes, but did not decrease during T cell signaling. Collectively, these data strongly imply a euchromatin nuclear position for the VPAC1 locus irrespective of the activation status of T cells.
Free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate at high temperatures

Free-radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in a tubular reactor has been conducted at above-Tg temperatures. A salient feature of these experiments is the very efficient control of reactor temperature by vapor-liquid equilibrium of the polymerizing mixture via monomer evaporation. The system pressure thus provides a powerful control variable, restricting the temperature in the entire reactor by changing the monomer evaporation rate. In the range of our experimental conditions, the temperature and pressure in the reactor follow the Antoine equation closely. High temperature runs also reduce the length requirement of the reactor. However, molecular weight averages of the products are not impressive, unless slow-burning initiators are used. Modeling of above-Tg reactions has been attempted at two-levels of sophistication. A plug-flow model gives predictions in good agreement with our experimental temperatures and conversion data. The predicted molecular weights are also consistent with the experimentally observed values. However, the more elaborate rheokinctic model suggests that the superficial agreement between model and experiment is due to initiator burn-out, which limits the final conversion to within 40 percent. The liquid layer next to the reactor wall can never be so viscous as to form a stagnant deposit, due to this conversion limitation. The velocity profiles are thus not very much distorted, and a plug-flow model is adequate. With a slow-burning initiator and a sufficiently long reactor, skewing of velocity profile and reactor channeling will eventually emerge. Hence, the rheokinetic model must be evoked to model the system under such conditions.
TIDAL STABLIZATION OF NEUTRON STARS AND WHITE DWARFS

Theoretical Astrophysics, 130-33, California Institute of TechnologyPasadena, CA 91125E-mail: dong@tapir.caltech.edu(Accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters, 1996)What happens to a neutron star or white dwarf near its maximum mass limit when it is broughtinto a close binary orbit with a companion? Such situation may occur in the progenitors of Type Iasupernovae and in coalescing neutron star binaries. Using an energy variational principle, we showthat tidal ﬁeld reduces the central density of the compact object, making it more stable against radialcollapse. For a cold white dwarf, the tidal ﬁeld increases the maximum stable mass only slightly, butcan actually lower the maximum central density by as much as 30%. Thus a white dwarf in a closebinary may be more susceptible to general relativistic instability than the instability associated withelectron capture and pycronuclear reaction (depending on the white dwarf composition). We analysethe radial stability of neutron star using post-Newtonian approximation with an ideal degenerateneutron gas equation of state. The tidal stablization eﬀect implies that the neutron star in coalescingneutron star-neutron star or neutron star-black hole binaries does not collapse prior to merger ortidal disruption.PACS Numbers: 97.80.Fk, 04.25.Dm, 04.40.Dg, 97.60.Jd
Immunity against cyclin B1 tumor antigen delays development of spontaneous cyclin B1-positive tumors in p53 (-/-) mice.

We previously identified cyclin B1-specific T cells and antibodies in cancer patients with cyclin B1-positive (+) tumors and also in some healthy individuals. We also demonstrated that these responses may be important in cancer immunosurveillance by showing that vaccination against cyclin B1 prevents growth of transplantable cyclin B1+ tumors in mice. Constitutive overexpression of cyclin B1 was determined to correlate with the lack of p53 function. This allowed us to use p53−/− mice as a model that better approximates human disease. These p53−/− mice spontaneously develop cyclin B1+ tumors. At 5–6 weeks of age, when the mice were still healthy with no evidence of tumor, they received the cyclin B1 vaccine and were then observed for tumor growth. We demonstrate that cyclin B1 vaccination delays spontaneous cyclin B1+ tumor growth and increases median survival of tumor-bearing p53−/− mice.
Effects of sorbed water on properties of low and high molecular weight PMMA: 1. Deformation and fracture behaviour

Abstract The influence of sorbed water on deformation and fracture behaviour of both low and high molecular weight poly(methylmethacrylate) has been investigated. In the low molecular weight polymer, addition of water produces a rise in internal friction in the −100°C region but it has no apparent effect on the β-relaxation process. The tensile strength falls gradually with increasing concentration of water and more rapidly at high concentrations. Ductility initially increases with increasing water content but it reduces at high concentration. In the high molecular weight polymer, in contrast to the low molecular weight material, a yield maximum is observed for both dry and air-equilibrated samples of low moisture content and some samples show both necking and cold drawing prior to fracture. Observed deformation modes include shear bands, crazes, and diamond-shape surface cavities. However, water saturated samples fail in a brittle manner. From the observed deformation behaviour, as well as from observation of fracture surface morphology, it is suggested that sorbed water acts as a mild plasticizer for PMMA up to a concentration of about 1.1 % and, at higher water concentration, water clustering occurs.
Foraging behavior and morphology: seed selection in the harvester ant genus, Pogonomyrmex

Optimally foraging animals can be behaviorally or morphologically adapted to reduce the energetic and time costs of foraging. We studied the foraging behavior and morphology of three seed harvester ant species, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, P. desertorum, and P. occidentalis, to determine the importance of behavioral strategies and morphological features associated with load carriage in reducing the costs of foraging. We found that none of five morphological features we measured had a significant impact on seed selection. Also, body size did not influence running speed, an important variable in time costs of foraging. Temperature had the largest effect on running speed in these species. Our results show that these species have foraging strategies which minimize the time costs of traveling with seeds. We also describe a pattern where the running speed in individual-foraging species is less affected by increasing seed size than in trunk-trail foragers, when temperature and body mass are held constant. These results support previous work which showed that time costs are most important in seed selection for Pogonomyrmex, and suggest that central place foraging theory may need to accommodate variation in foraging strategy to more accurately predict optimal seed size selection in harvester ants.
Hyaluronan-based glycoclusters as probes for chemical glycobiology

A strategy is described for the synthesis of β-(1,3)-GlcA-GlcNAc dimeric and tetrameric glycoclusters through the conjugation of disaccharide groups onto a diaminodiamide aromatic scaffold by reductive amination.