cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interfacial studies of a thin-film Li2Mn4O9 electrode

Abstract A thin-film spinel Li2Mn4O9 electrode was prepared by spin coating onto a Pt substrate. Spectroscopic ellipsometry, X-ray diffraction and current-sensing atomic force microscopy (CSAFM) were used to characterize interfacial processes and film formation at this electrode in the presence of 1.0 M LiPF6, EC:DMC (1:1 by volume) electrolyte. Prolonged exposure of the film to the electrolyte at ambient temperature resulted in spontaneous decomposition of the spinel to λ-MnO2 without disruption of the original structure. The surface of the resulting λ-MnO2 film exhibited no significant change in morphology, however a thin passive electrode surface layer was detected by the CSAFM probe. This electrode surface layer exhibited insulating properties and most likely contained Li2O, a by-product of Li2Mn4O9 decomposition.
Combination adriamycin/misonidazole toxicity in V79 spheroids.

Abstract The internal, hypoxic cells of V79 spheroids are preferentially killed by misonidazole, whereas adriamycin is preferentially toxic to the external cells due to diffusion limitations. Evaluation of combination treatments with misonidazole and adriamycin was therefore undertaken in an attempt to optimize and equalize cell killing throughout these spheroids. A. fluorescence-activated cell sorter was used to select cells as a function of intracellular adriamycin or Hoechst-33342 fluorescence (and, therefore, as a function of location in the spheroid) for subsequent viability determinations. As expected, preferential toxicity of each agent was easily demonstrable, and with prolonged treatment times with both agents, greater uniformity of killing was achieved throughout the spheroid. Additionally, some suggestion of enhanced adriamycin toxicity to aerobic cells of spheroids chronically exposed to misonidazole was observed, analogous to the increased radiation sensitivity previously reported for similar exposure conditions. These results demonstrate that combinations of chemotherapeutic agents can be chosen to have preferential activity against different subpopulations of cells within V79 spheroids. Presumably, a better understanding of the factors contributing to drug resistance will lead to the application of similar principles for human cancer therapy.
A new anti-jamming strategy for VANET metrics-directed security defense

As Vehicular Ad-hoc Network (VANET) becomes a critical infrastructure for road safety and traffic efficiency, its standardization and deployment face serious security challenges. The nature of VANET hinders ineffective most of existing defense schemes for wireless/mobile networks. This paper studies the impact of jamming on 802.11p, the standard of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications. Jamming, a category in Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack, is a legacy in wireless communications. Although some detections and countermeasures of jamming-style DoS attacks have been proposed for generic 802.11 wireless local area networks, few is tested for 802.11p. Specifically, retreat strategies fail to mitigate jammers in VANET as geography may prohibit escaping from a jammed area, and the only one control channel for safety critical messages in 802.11p excludes channel hopping. Likewise, competition strategies such as tuning the carrier sense threshold does not respond fast enough to high-speed mobility. This work proposes a hideaway strategy, suitable for antijamming in VANET. The new strategy is perceived with a novel security metrics to measure the effectiveness of jammers, directing the design of defense mechanisms. The strategy utilizes Roadside Equipments to shoulder off computation and communication tasks from Onboard Equipments. A simulation study measures VANET efficiency protected by the new strategy compared to traditional schemes such as channel surfing. The study validates the VANET security metrics and the metrics-directed approach of design for security schemes.
Elasto-plastic stress-strain theory for cohesionless soil with curved yield surfaces

Abstract An elasto-plastic stress-strain theory for cohesionless soil with curved yield surfaces is developed on the basis of soil behavior observed in laboratory tests. This theory is applicable to general three-dimensional stress conditions, but the parameters required to characterize the soil behavior can be derived entirely from results of isotropic compression and conventional drained triaxial compression tests. The theory is shown to predict soil behavior under various loading conditions with good accuracy. Of special interest is its capability of predicting soil behavior under drained as well as undrained conditions over a range of confining pressures where the behavior changes from that typical of dense sand to that typical of loose sand. Work-hardening as well as work-softening is incorporated in the theory.
Glial contributions to excitatory neurotransmission in cultured hippocampal cells

Although many glial cells possess neurotransmitter receptors and transporters, little is known about glial participation in neurotransmission. To explore this issue, we recorded neuronal autaptic and glial responses from cultured hippocampal single-neuron micro-islands. Excitatory synaptic events activate rapid electrogenic glial glutamate transporter currents similar to those elicited by exogenous glutamate in other preparations. We show here that glial transporter responses may be used to sense changes in presynaptic efficacy and that glial uptake helps to remove synaptically released glutamate, thereby contributing to the termination of excitatory synaptic currents under certain conditions. These observations provide a framework for understanding the role of glia in both normal and pathological processes.
Grouping visual features during binocular rivalry

During binocular rivalry, portions of one eye's view may be perceptually dominant while other portions are suppressed; at any given moment, overall dominance often resembles a patchwork mixture of the two eyes' views. This study investigates the potency of two Gestalt grouping cues--good continuation and common fate--to promote synchronous fluctuations in dominance of two, spatially separated rival targets. Two grating patches were presented to the left eye paired dichoptically with random-dot patches presented to corresponding right eye locations. The orientations of the two gratings were either collinear, parallel or orthogonal. Gratings underwent contrast modulations that were either correlated (identical contrast changes) or uncorrelated (independent contrast changes). Over 60 s trials, observers pressed one key when the left grating predominated, another when the right grating predominated and both keys when both were concurrently visible. Correlated contrast modulation promoted joint grating predominance relative to the uncorrelated conditions, an effect strongest for collinear gratings. Joint predominance depended strongly on the angular separation between gratings and the temporal phase-lag in contrast modulations. These findings may reflect neural interactions subserved by lateral connections between cortical hypercolumns.
Tumor Volume as a Potential Imaging-Based Risk-Stratification Factor in Trimodality Therapy for Locally Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction The role of trimodality therapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) continues to be defined. We hypothesized that imaging parameters on pre- and postradiation positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT) imaging are prognostic for outcome after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT)/resection/consolidation chemotherapy and could help risk-stratify patients in clinical trials. Methods We enrolled 13 patients on a prospective clinical trial of trimodality therapy for resectable locally advanced NSCLC. PET-CT was acquired for radiation planning and after 45 Gy. Gross tumor volume (GTV) and standardized uptake value were measured at pre- and post-CRT time points and correlated with nodal pathologic complete response, loco-regional and/or distant progression, and overall survival. In addition, we evaluated the performance of automatic deformable image registration (ADIR) software for volumetric response assessment. Results All patients responded with average total GTV reductions after 45 Gy of 43% (range: 27–64%). Pre- and post-CRT GTVs were highly correlated ( R 2 = 0.9), and their respective median values divided the patients into the same two groups. ADIR measurements agreed closely with manually segmented post-CRT GTVs. Patients with GTV ≥ median (137 ml pre-CRT and 67 ml post-CRT) had 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) of 14% versus 75% for GTV less than median, a significant difference ( p = 0.049). Pre- and post-CRT PET-standardized uptake value did not correlate significantly with pathologic complete response, PFS, or overall survival. Conclusions Preoperative CRT with carboplatin/docetaxel/45 Gy resulted in excellent response rates. In this exploratory analysis, pre- and post-CRT GTV predicted PFS in trimodality therapy, consistent with our earlier studies in a broader cohort of NSCLC. ADIR seems robust enough for volumetric response assessment in clinical trials.
Inhibitory and excitatory mechanisms underlying auditory responses to learned vocalizations in the songbird nucleus HVC

Speech and birdsong require auditory feedback for their development and maintenance, necessitating precise auditory encoding of vocal sounds. In songbirds, the telencephalic song premotor nucleus HVC contains neurons that respond highly selectively to the bird's own song (BOS), a property distinguishing HVC from its auditory afferents. We examined the contribution of inhibitory and excitatory synaptic inputs to BOS-evoked firing in those HVC neurons innervating a pathway essential for audition-dependent vocal plasticity. Using in vivo intracellular techniques, we found that G protein-coupled, potassium-mediated inhibition, tuned to the BOS, interacts with BOS-tuned excitation through several mechanisms to shape neuronal firing patterns. Furthermore, in the absence of this inhibition, the response bias to the BOS increases, reminiscent of cancellation mechanisms in other sensorimotor systems.
THE RETENTION OF FOREIGN PROTEIN BY THE KIDNEY : A STUDY IN ANAPHYLAXIS.

Extracts of the kidneys of normal rabbits prepared one, two, three, and four days after the intravenous injection of egg-albumin and horse serum have the power to sensitize guinea pigs to a second injection of these proteins. The sensitization by first and second day extracts was constant and intense, that by the third day extracts was less marked and sometimes was not evident, and that by the fourth day extracts was only occasional, and when present was always weak. Comparative studies of the power of the blood, liver, and kidney to sensitize, indicate that this sensitization depends on the content of foreign protein in the circulating blood and not upon its accumulation or fixation in the tissues of an organ. This opinion is supported by other experiments in which the sensitizing power of the blood and of the extracts of unwashed kidneys was compared with the sensitizing power of extracts of washed kidney. The weak sensitizing power of washed kidney extract is taken as evidence that foreign proteins of the kinds used are not held in the tissues of the kidney, and if these results may be applied to nephrotoxic proteins, it follows that nephritis is not due to selective and persisting fixation of a protein by the renal cells, but is due to the action of such protein merely during the process of its elimination. In experimental acute nephritis of the type due to uranium nitrate, the power of sensitization to egg-albumin is prolonged for twenty-four hours, and in the chrornate type for forty-eight hours, thus indicating that in nephritis, of the acute type at least, the elimination of a foreign protein is delayed. Attempts to study by the same methods the elimination of vegetable and bacterial proteins have failed.
SHADE TREE TRANSPIRATION AND WATER USE

(1988). SHADE TREE TRANSPIRATION AND WATER USE. Arboricultural Journal: Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 77-81.
Thrombolysis in Acute Myocardial Infarction Following Prolonged Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Thrombolytic therapy was administered to a 64-year-old man with an acute anterolateral myocardial infarction who had received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for 24 minutes. At the time of thrombolytic therapy, the patient was alert and without clinical or radiographic evidence of injury. The patient developed a retroperitoneal hematoma related to femoral line placement, as well as subcutaneous bruising of the anterior chest wall; both were self-limited. No long- term morbidity developed, and the myocardial infarction was aborted. The use of thrombolytic therapy for patients with acute myocardial infarction who have received CPR is reviewed. In the absence of clinical or radiographic evidence of trauma from CPR, patients with acute myocardial infarction should not be excluded from receiving thrombolytic therapy solely because of having had CPR or the duration of CPR.
Toward an integrated, contextual approach in archaeology: a personal view

Systematic analysis of “natural” and “cultural” materials is not a novel concept in archaeology. Many early archaeologists were natural scientists by training. Between the 1920s and 1950s a new generation of archaeologists, with a more narrow background, frequently utilized the expertise of outside scientists to obtain types of empirical information not otherwise available. Since the 1960s there have been several calls for a new, “scientific” archaeology that aims to achieve high levels of interpretative success based on systematic study stimulated by improved research design. Problem articulation and ad hoc methodologies have become central to North American grant applications and the costs of research have increased exponentially. How scientific is this new archaeology and have the results warranted the noise and expense? The best examples of contemporary archaeological research clearly are more complex and more informative than they were a decade ago. But the overall improvement in quality is disappointing. I personally feel that 3 contributitig factors can be isolated: (i) Most of the recent “calls to arms” were written by individuals with little or no training in the natural sciences and with a narrow, if not inadequate, concept of ecology. Anthropologists have been widely exposed to the sociological view that ecology is a matter of interrelationships between individuals, groups, or sets of groups within a population of the same species. There is seldom an appreciation that ecology focuses on systems that comprise interdependent ecological communities of different species within a habitat that further includes a multi-component non-living environment. I do not mean to imply that anthropologists should ascribe to a biological definition of ecology, and I am aware that modern, functional ecosystems are essentially beyond empirical study. For many biologists the ecosystem is basically a paradigm within which to organize and interpret data. This suggests that anthropologists in general, and archaeologists in particular, could formulate a broader paradigm more suitable to their particular problem orientation and empirical data. (ii) The most obvious product of recent, explicitly scientific research is statistical manipulation of remarkably simple empirical data, most of which are traditional and artifactual in nature. Proper statistical processing is an essential component of scientific research, but only as a means to an end. When the intellectual framework is too narrow, the results, no matter how elaborately programmed, cannot hope to allow high level interpretations. (iii) University curricula have not generated many students capable of attacking
Contemporary results with ampullectomy for 29 "benign" neoplasms of the ampulla.

Background Ampullectomy may be an appropriate oncologic procedure in selected patients. Sparse data exist on procedure-related complications and the relationship between histologic analysis and outcomes. Study Design We retrospectively reviewed our experience with ampullectomy in 29 patients with a preoperative benign histologic diagnosis over 15 years (1991 to 2006). Presenting signs, symptoms, and preoperative diagnostic studies were reviewed. Postoperative complications and followup for recurrence were recorded. The abilities of preoperative histologic biopsy, intraoperative frozen section, and final histologic analysis to guide management and predict outcomes were determined. Results Median age was 63 years. Jaundice was present in 30% of patients. Median length of hospital stay was 9 days. Forty-five percent of patients had a complication, and there was one postoperative mortality (3%). Ampullary adenomatous neoplasms were present in 89% of patients. Preoperative biopsy had complete concordance with final pathology in 76% of patients. Preoperative biopsy and intraoperative frozen section failed to identify carcinoma in four patients. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed within 7 days in the postoperative period in three of these patients. After ampullectomy (median followup=16 months), recurrences were identified in two patients (8%) with benign tumors. No patients with high-grade dysplasia (n=4) have had recurrence. Conclusions Preoperative biopsy and intraoperative frozen section analysis have limitations in the management of patients undergoing ampullectomy. High-grade dysplasia on preoperative biopsy is not an absolute contraindication to ampullectomy. Morbidity of ampullectomy is significant, but longterm outcomes of this procedure, in patients without invasive malignancy, are acceptable.
Behavior of tamarins, tanagers and manakins foraging in a strangler fig (Ficus sp.) in Suriname, South America: implications for seed dispersal

The behavior of foragers can directly affect the dispersal of seeds. Strangler figs are keystone resources throughout the tropics and are important resources for both primates and birds. We examined the foraging behavior of golden-handed tamarins and four bird species in a strangler fig to see how these behaviors might affect the dispersal of fig seeds. Tamarins removed fruit at a faster rate than did any of the bird species examined. Additionally, tamarins tended to swallow figs whole whereas birds tended to drop figs once they were processed. Tamarins visiting fig trees ingest large quantities of fig seeds that may be deposited throughout the forest. Birds on the other hand tended to slowly process fruits near the fig tree and drop processed fruit containing large quantities of seeds. Future studies need to be conducted to ascertain differences in post dispersal seed fate.
Adaptive narrow-band interference rejection in a DS spread-spectrum intercept receiver using transform domain signal processing techniques

An intercept receiver which uses a transform-domain-processing filter is described. This receiver detects direct-sequence binary-phase-shift-keyed (DS-BPSK) spread-spectrum signals in the presence of narrowband interference by employing adaptive narrowband interference rejection techniques. The improvement in the system performance over that of conventional detection techniques is shown by presenting the results of experimental measurements of probability of detection versus false alarm for an enhanced total power detector. Also presented are certain results corresponding to detection of the spectral lines generated at twice the carrier frequency, wherein the goal is often not just signal detection, but also carrier frequency estimation. The receiver uses one of two transform-domain-processing techniques for adaptive narrowband interference rejection. In the first technique, the narrowband interference is detected and excised in the transform domain by using an adaptive notch filter. In the second technique, the interference is suppressed using soft-limiting in the transform domain. >
Alien Environments or Supportive Writing Communities?: Pursuing writing groups in academe

This article addresses the impetus for joining and maintaining writing groups in academe. The authors consider the motivations and purposes for organizing and forming such groups. Revealing the complexities of writing both as profession and in pursuit of the profession, they analyze their experiences as collaborative writers. They examine the delicate negotiations that accompany the organization and maintenance of writing groups. Their dialogue places writing groups into a sociocultural teaching and learning model with a constructivist epistemology, making concrete concerns expressed in the professional debate about publishing in higher education and sustaining learning.
Characterization of rhesus macaque peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subpopulations.

Abstract Highly enriched rhesus macaque ( Macaca mulatta ) peripheral blood T-lymphocytes were separated into functional subpopulations by Fc-receptors. The T-lymphocyte population was comprised of both Fc-IgM (Tμ+, 3.4 ± 1.6) and Fc-IgG (Tγ+, 16.2 ± 4.0) bearing cells. T-cells depleted of cells bearing Fc-IgG receptors (Tγ•-) and Tγ+ subpopulations were characterized and assessed for functional activity. Tγ+ and Tγ•- subpopulations were found to have the following characteristics: 1) Tγ+ cells were stimulated by concanavalin-A (Con-A)3, pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P), while Tγ•- cells were stimulated by Con-A and PWM, but not PHA-P; 2) T γ ⊝ cells were found to mediate PWM induced differentiation of autologous B-cells including EAC+ and EAC− enriched subpopulations, while Tγ+ cells did not induce differentiation; 3) Tγ+ cells released soluble factors which depressed mitogen stimulation of T γ ⊝ cells; and 4) approximately 8–10% of the Tγ+ cells phagocytized IgG sensitized bovine red blood cell (BRBC) immune complexes.
Considering the Balance: Development of a Scale to Assess Patient Views on Trade-Offs in Competing Health Outcomes

Objectives: To describe the development of a scale assessing participant attitudes regarding two commonly encountered trade-offs: quality versus quantity of life and present versus future health. Design: Observational cohort study. Setting: Community. Participants: Three hundred and fifty-seven community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older. Measurements: An initial set of 20 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale of agreement was reduced using principal components analysis. Construct validity was evaluated through comparison of the scale with other tools addressing the same trade-offs and analysis of participant characteristics associated with attitudes favoring quality over quantity of life and present over future health. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach alpha. Test�retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results: The scale consists of two subscales, each addressing one trade-off, with a total of 10 items. All factor loadings were 0.5 and greater, and subscale scores were significantly different (P ? .05) in the expected directions when comparing with other tools and with participant race, education, and religious identity. Internal consistency was good (Cronbach ? 0.85 and 0.84), and test�retest reliability was fair (ICCs 0.63 and 0.47). Subscale score medians fell near the middle of each scale, with narrow interquartile ranges, but more than 15% of the sample scored at an extreme of each subscale. Conclusion: This new scale captures views on two common trade-offs in health care. Although test�retest reliability was modest, its high validity suggests that this tool can be used to familiarize people with common trade-offs and further explore influences on attitudes.
Microvascular Filtration Is Increased in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome

Background— Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is related to defective peripheral vasoconstriction of dependent extremities with redistributive hypovolemia. Methods and Results— To test whether enhanced microvascular filtration produces leg enlargement, we studied 12 patients 13 to 19 years of age with POTS and defective leg vasoconstriction and 13 age-matched healthy control subjects, with strain-gauge plethysmography used to measure venous pressure (Pv), forearm and calf blood flow, vascular capacitance, and the microvascular filtration coefficient (Kf). Measurements were made while the patient was supine and at steady state during upright tilt to 35°. Supine Pv was not different in POTS, but upright leg Pv tended to be increased above control. Arm and leg peripheral arterial resistance was decreased in the supine and upright positions in patients with POTS compared with control subjects (P=0.01, upright legs). Supine Kf was not significantly increased in the forearm in patients with POTS but was incr...
Impact of increasing Papanicolaou test sensitivity and compliance: a modeled cost and outcomes analysis

Abstract Objective: To model the impact of increasing screening compliance or implementing liquid-based cytology in populations with known compliance patterns and risk profiles on rates of detection of cervical precancers. Methods: An adaptation of a time-varying Markov model was used to follow a theoretic cohort of 100,000 women from age 20 through age 80. Separate analyses of all women, white, and black women were completed using three compliance rates (self-reported, Healthy People 2000, and Healthy People 2010 compliance) and two Papanicolaou test sensitivities (conventional Papanicolaou smear and liquid-based cytology). Results: All populations benefited from both increased compliance and liquid-based cytology use. Increasing compliance to Healthy People 2010 goals resulted in 23%, 21.7%, and 17% reductions in cervical cancer incidence for all women, white, and black women, respectively. Substituting liquid-based cytology for traditional Papanicolaou smear collection and processing with no change in compliance resulted in 32%, 32%, and 33% reductions in cervical cancer incidence for the same three subpopulations. In addition, cost-effectiveness of the liquid-based technology indirectly related to the risk profile of the population: for black women, the cost-effectiveness ratio was $10,335 per life year saved, whereas for white women, the ratio was $17,967 per life year saved. Conclusion: Using liquid-based cytology in all populations would be cost-effective in improving outcomes from cervical cancer. In high-risk populations, this new technology may represent the most cost-effective approach to improve cervical cancer outcomes.
Abrogation of allospecific T lymphocyte responses in swine by ultraviolet light-B irradiation.

Immunomodulatory effects of ultraviolet-light B (UV-B) irradiation were tested in pigs, using peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), with special emphasis on the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Stimulator PBL were irradiated with 300-1100 Joules/m2 (J/m2) of UV-B (experimental group) and cultured for 24 h prior to being placed in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) to determine proliferative responses against alloantigens, or placed in bulk culture with allogeneic PBL to determine the induction of CTL. PBL that received 3000 rads gamma irradiation were used as controls. Proliferative alloresponses against gamma irradiated PBL (control group) were high, with stimulation indices (S.I.) ranging from 13.46 to 81.93. The generation of allospecific CTL activity was also high, ranging from 50.78% to 95.40%. In contrast, proliferative responses and generation of allospecific CTL were markedly inhibited (> 49.77%) against the same donor PBL irradiated with > or = 500 J/m2 UV-B. These results demonstrated that ultraviolet light treatment of pig PBL can reduce or prevent allospecific T cell proliferation as well as the generation of specific CTL, similar to results obtained with UV-B irradiation of lymphocytes in rodents.
Is difficult childbirth related to postpartum maternal outcomes in the early postpartum period

Unplanned, adverse events during labor or delivery may generate a negative response during the early postpartum period, resulting in disruption of usual functioning and mood. High levels of maternal depressive symptoms are associated with parenting, infant attachment, behavioral problems and cognition (Beck 2002). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of adverse events in labor or delivery and depressive symptoms, functional status and infant care at 2-weeks postpartum. The secondary aim was to explore the role of social support as a possible moderator in the relationship between adverse birth events and maternal outcomes. A secondary analysis of data (n = 123) was performed using data collected in a prospective, observational study examining the effects of antidepressant use during pregnancy. Adverse events did not significantly predict depressive symptoms (odds ratio = 1.34, p = .536), functional status (R(2) change = .001, p = .66), or infant care (R(2) change = .004, p = .48) at 2-weeks postpartum when controlling for depression during pregnancy, antidepressant use at delivery, education level, age, and parity. Social support had significant effects on depressive symptoms (p = .02), functional status (p = .014), and infant care (p < .001) but did not moderate the effect of adverse events when predicting depressive symptoms (odds ratio = 1.01, p = .045), functional status (R(2) change = .009, p = .056) and infant care (R(2) change < .001, p = .92). Adverse events did not predict maternal outcomes at 2-weeks postpartum. Social support was related to depressive symptoms, functional status and infant care, but did not moderate the effects of adverse events.
The fate of intravenously administered egg yolk phospholipides in dogs.

Abstract 1. 1. P32-labeled egg yolk phospholipides disappeared from the blood-stream of dogs with an initial half-time of 6–8 hr., which is similar to that for native plasma phospholipides. 2. 2. Most of the phospholipides remaining from 6 to 24 hr. after injection of the egg yolk were found in the liver, with relatively small amounts in lung or spleen. 3. 3. In the 24-hr. period studied there appeared evidence of continuous breakdown of the egg yolk phospholipides.
The effect of transpiration on self-similar boundary layer flow over moving surfaces

Abstract The simultaneous effects of normal transpiration through and tangential movement of a semi-infinite plate on self-similar boundary layer flow beneath a uniform free stream is considered. The flow is therefore governed by a plate velocity parameter λ and a transpiration parameter μ and the computed wall shear stress parameter is f″(0). Dual solutions are found for each value of μ in λ–f″(0) parameter space. It is shown that the range of known dual solutions for zero transpiration increases with suction and decreases with blowing. A stability analysis for this self-similar flow reveals that, for each value of μ, lower solution branches are unstable while upper solution branches are stable.
HIV and hepatitis C mortality in Massachusetts, 2002-2011: spatial cluster and trend analysis of HIV and HCV using multiple cause of death.

Background: Infectious diseases, while associated with a much smaller proportion of deaths than they were 50 years ago, still play a significant role in mortality across the state of Massachusetts. Most analysis of infectious disease mortality in the state only take into account the underlying cause of death, rather than contributing causes of death, which may not capture the full extent of mortality trends for infectious diseases such as HIV and the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Methods: In this study we sought to evaluate current trends in infectious disease mortality across the state using a multiple cause of death methodology. We performed a mortality trend analysis, identified spatial clusters of disease using a 5step geoprocessing approach and examined spatial-temporal clustering trends in infectious disease mortality in Massachusetts from 2002–2011, with a focus on HIV/ AIDS and HCV. Results: Significant clusters of high infectious disease mortality in space and time throughout the state were detected through both spatial and space time cluster analysis. The most significant clusters occurred in Springfield, Worcester, South Boston, the Merrimack Valley, and New Bedford with other smaller clusters detected across the state. Multiple cause of death mortality rates were much higher than underlying cause mortality alone, and significant disparities existed across race and age groups. Conclusions: We found that our multi-method analyses, which focused on contributing causes of death, were more robust than analyses that focused on underlying cause of death alone. Our results may be used to inform public health resource allocation for infectious disease prevention and treatment programs,
Self-scavenging of electrons in van der waals molecules of methyl iodide

Abstract Electrons which are inelastically scattered by one component of a van der Waals molecule can be captured by another component. The process may involve a Feschbach resonance.
Enhanced spin interactions in digital magnetic heterostructures.

A new heterostructure is developed in which fractional monolayers of magnetic ions are introduced ``digitally'' within a semiconductor quantum well. Rearranging moments within two-dimensional (2D) planes provides additional control over their interactions, yielding tunable two-level electronic systems in which spin splittings are significantly larger than inhomogeneous linewidths in modest magnetic fields. Femtosecond-resolved electronic and magnetic spectroscopies reveal spin-flip scattering dependent only on the Zeeman energy but not the local magnetic environment, and long-lived dynamic magnetizations.
On the value of Gaussian sums

Abstract Gauss' original proof for the value of Gaussian sums relies on a summation of Gaussian polynomials. It is demonstrated how his proof can be simplified by using a different summation of Gaussian polynomials.
Chlorine disappearance in sea-water☆

Abstract A series of chlorination studies were carried out on natural and artificial sea-water. It was determined that both the forward and back titration procedures accurately described the two phases of chlorine losses in sea-water: a rapid initial loss followed by a continuous loss at a sharply reduced rate. The order of adding the iodide and buffer reagents was found to be crucial in affecting the rapid initial loss. The initial loss was found to reach a saturation level that varied widely between natural sea-water samples and appeared to be related to a true organic demand. In contrast, the second phase was difficult to explain. Losses continued over 10 day periods and were pronounced in both natural and artificial sea-water containing bromide. In the absence of bromide, long term losses in artificial sea-water were greatly reduced, indicating that the lost applied chlorine was associated with the bromine chemical system in sea-water. The fate of the lost chlorine was not determined and the untitratable halogen compounds must remain suspect as potential biocides.
Blocking of delayed hypersensitivity by humoral antibody in an in vivo mouse transfer assay using sensitized guinea pig cells.

Humoral antibody was shown to interfere specifically with the expression of cell-mediated immunity (delayed hypersensitivity) in an in vivo system. Mice that received peritoneal exudate cells obtained from guinea pigs sensitized to 1-chloro-2,4dinitrobenzene (DNCB) exhibited delayed hypersensitivity reactions after challenge with the sensitizing agent. While control groups that received either normal sera, saline, or anti-BSA (bovine serum albumin) in addition to peritoneal exudate cells from sensitized guinea pigs exhibited positive delayed reactons to challenge with DNCB, mice that received anti-DNP (dinitrophenyl group) in addition to the senstized cells were prevented from exhibiting a delayed reaction to DNCB.
On the Electron Diffraction Patterns from the Oriented Silver Films

Rotation patterns of electron diffraction from oriented silver films prepared by condensation in vacuo onto heated NaCl crystal surface, were obtained by rotating the films about the [100] axis lying in the films. The intensity distribution along the hyperbolae appearing in the patterns was measured. The observed intensity was in good agreement with the intensity calculated on the assumption that the silver film is composed of parts of the parallel-growth structures, the twin structures, and the structures having defects proposed by Gottsche (Z. Phys. 134 (1953) 517). It was found by electronmicroscopy that the twin structures occur here and there on a submicroscopic scale, but the displacement of diffraction spots due to the twin faults was not detected.
Research on the life cycles of harmful algae: A commentary

Abstract The knowledge of the life cycles of harmful algae has advanced substantially in the last decade, in part through increased support of major research programs such as the SEED and the ECOHAB – Gulf of Maine projects. As with most research, the new knowledge answers some questions but raises more that require further inquiry, particularly since life-cycle strategies appear to be key to the initiation phase of many harmful algal blooms (HABs) in specific geographic areas. Three major themes can be used to integrate these organisms and their environment in relation to life cycles: benthic–pelagic coupling, endogenous and exogenous feedback loops, and bio-physical concentration mechanisms. With the new knowledge that is being generated, predictive models can be refined and tested. This commentary highlights recent advances in life-cycle research from the perspective of further research needs.
Ice nucleation behavior of biomass combustion particles at cirrus temperatures

[1] Measurements of ice formation by biomass combustion particles generated in controlled laboratory burns were made using a continuous flow diffusion chamber operating in the temperature range between −45 and −60°C. These measurements are the first of their kind to investigate the role that such particles may play in ice formation in upper tropospheric clouds. Measurements of aerosol water uptake were used to examine the role of hygroscopicity in low-temperature ice nucleation by biomass combustion particles. Ice formation by the smoke particles at below −45°C and below water saturation followed the temperature and relative humidity dependencies predicted for water activity-based homogeneous freezing within measurement uncertainties. As predicted, relative humidity dependence of homogeneous freezing fractions on hygroscopicity was weak in comparison with the temperature dependence for biomass particles of typical atmospheric sizes. The action of heterogeneous ice nucleation in or on these small smoke particles in the haze particle regime could not be distinguished within measurement uncertainties. Impedance of homogeneous freezing below −50°C was inferred for freezing higher number fractions of predominantly organic smoke particles separately reported to contain an abundance of large organic molecules, consistent with the recently predicted onset conditions for and impact of viscous or glassy aerosol phase states. Finally, we note that precision and accuracy requirements of instrumentation for resolving modest impacts (a few degrees less supercooling or a few percent lower relative humidity) of heterogeneous freezing, as compared with homogeneous freezing in the upper tropospheric temperature regime present difficulties for validating aerosol impacts on cirrus.
Trifecta and optimal perioperative outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in surgical treatment of small renal masses: a multi-institutional study.

Objective To compare the perioperative outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) with laparoscopic PN (LPN) performed for small renal masses (SRMs), in a large multi-institutional series and to define a new composite outcome measure, termed ‘optimal outcome’ for the RPN group. Patients and Methods Retrospective review of 2392 consecutive cases of RPN and LPN performed in five high-volume centres from 2004 to mid-2013. We limited our study to SRMs and cases performed by surgeons with significant expertise with the technique. The Trifecta was defined as negative surgical margin, zero perioperative complications and a warm ischaemia time of ≤25 min. The ‘optimal outcome’ was defined as achievement of Trifecta with addition of 90% estimated glomerular filtration rate preservation and no chronic kidney disease stage upgrading. Univariable and multivariable analysis were used to identify factors predicting Trifecta and ‘optimal outcome’ achievement. Results In all, 1185 RPN and 646 LPN met our inclusion criteria. Patients in the RPN group were older and had a higher median Charlson comorbidity index and higher R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score. The RPN group had lower warm ischaemia time (18 vs 26 min), overall complication rate (16.2% vs 25.9%), and positive surgical margin rate (3.2% vs. 9.7%). There was a significantly higher Trifecta rate for RPN (70% vs 33%) and the rate of achievement of ‘optimal outcome’ for the RPN group was 38.5%. Conclusions In this large multi-institutional series RPN was superior to LPN for perioperative surgical outcomes measured by Trifecta. Patients in the RPN group had better outcomes for all three components of Trifecta compared with their LPN counterparts. Our more strict definition for ‘optimal outcome’ might be a better tool for assessing perioperative and functional outcomes after minimally invasive PN. This tool needs to be externally validated.
Prenatal exposure to organophosphates, paraoxonase 1, and cognitive development in childhood.

Background: Prenatal exposure to organophosphate pesticides has been shown to negatively impact child neurobehavioral development. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is a key enzyme in the metabolism of organophosphates. Objective: To examine the relationship between biomarkers of organophosphate exposure, PON1, and cognitive development at ages 12 and 24 months, and 6 to 9 years. Methods: The Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Study enrolled a multiethnic prenatal population in New York City between 1998 and 2002 (n= 404). Third trimester maternal urines were collected and analyzed for organophosphate metabolites (n = 360). Prenatal maternal blood was analyzed for PON1 activity and genotype. Children returned for neurodevelopment assessments at ages 12 months (n = 200), 24 months (n = 276), 6 to 9 (n = 169) years. Results: Prenatal total dialkylphosphate metabolite level was associated with a decrement in mental development at 12 months among blacks and Hispanics. These associations appeared to be enhanced among children of mothers who carried the PON1 Q192R QQ genotype, which imparts slow catalytic activity for chlorpyrifos oxon. In later childhood, increasing prenatal total dialkyl- and dimethylphosphate metabolites were associated with decrements in perceptual reasoning in the maternal PON1 Q192R QQ genotype, with a monotonic trend consistent with greater decrements with increasing prenatal exposure. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that prenatal exposure to organophosphates negatively impacts cognitive development, particularly perceptual reasoning, with evidence of effects beginning at 12 months and continuing through early childhood. PON1 may be an important susceptibility factor for these deleterious effects.
Wide band gap Gallium Phosphide solar cells for multi-junction solar cell system

Gallium Phosphide (GaP) solar cells have been designed, fabricated, characterized and analyzed as candidates for the top junction solar cell in a multi-junction solar cell system. Liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) has been used as the growth method for the epitaxial layers. Open circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.535V has been achieved under one sun illumination from the outdoor test. Quantum efficiency (QE) measurements were used in characterizing our solar cell devices. The QE analysis results show that the high front surface recombination velocity and the low diffusion length in the n-type epi-layer region are the two major limitations for the low Voc and short circuit current density (Jsc). An improved structure has been designed based on our current experimental results.
Quantum confinement in few-electron systems

Abstract We review the physics of quasi-one-dimensional and zero-dimensional semiconductor heterostructures and discuss some of the developments which have led to the tremendous growth in this field. In particular, we focus on the measurement of the density of states in quantum dots using capacitance spectroscopy. We will discuss our results in light of related theoretical work and complementary experimental measurements.
Aerodynamic Performance of Biological Airfoils

Experimental studies on static, non-flapping dragonfly wings have shown favorable aerodynamic performance at low Reynolds number (Re ≤ 10,000). High lift is hypothesized to arise from the dragonfly’s pleated wing structure. A numerical study of flow past a modeled dragonfly wing section as well as its comparison to a corresponding profiled airfoil and a flat plate were conducted at Re = 10,000. The main focus of the current investigation was to determine the primary flow features and mechanisms that are responsible for the enhanced performance of these biological wing sections at these relatively low Reynolds numbers. A time-accurate Cartesian grid based Navier-Stokes immersed boundary solver was utilized in the current study. The numerical results indicate that the pleated airfoil at a zero degree angle-of-attack generates the least drag despite its unconventional shape. Additionally, a higher transitory lift is produced by the pleated airfoil at a five degree angleof-attack when compared to the profiled airfoil.
Heavy-Tailed Distributions: Properties and Tests

Distributions with heavier-than-exponential tails are studied for describing empirical phenomena. It is argued that the concept of increasing “conditional mean exceedance” provides a reasonable way of describing the heavy-tail phenomenon, and a family of Pareto distributions is shown to represent distributions for which this parameter is linearly increasing. A test is developed and modified so as to be suitable for testing heavy-tailedness, and some graphical procedures are also suggested.
Transcutaneous monitoring in the newborn infant

Comment: We believe our readers will find this state-of-the-art summary useful. All experienced clinicians can ruefully recall an instance when the laboratory or some instrument led them astray, sometimes to the detriment of the patient. Dr. Cassady gives a fresh and authoritative look at where we are. The particular emphases on misleading results and reasonable applications seem especially welcome at this time.--R.E.M.
Vehicles, processes, and neo-classical revival

O'Brien & Opie unfairly restrict the classicist's range of options for explaining phenomenal consciousness. Alternative approaches that rely upon differences among representation types offer better prospects of success. The authors rely upon two distinctions: one between symbol processing and connectionist models, the other between process and vehicle models. In this context, neither distinction may be as clear as they assume.