cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TiO2-based transparent coatings create self-cleaning surfaces

Abstract Implementation of self-cleaning surfaces is gaining attention as a tool to combat the healthcare associated infections (HAIs). In this study, we prepared TiO2-based transparent coatings as one such potential self-cleaning surface for touchscreen application and evaluated their antimicrobial efficacy under dark and illuminated conditions. To maintain high transparency and TiO2 coverage, clean borosilicate glass slides were dip-coated multiple times in a suspension of TiO2-based materials at a low concentration. The as-prepared samples were tested for their roughness and hydrophilicity via atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle analysis, respectively. To screen the antimicrobial performance of the TiO2 coated samples, the number and viability of attached bacteria on the film surfaces were recorded after submerging them in a bacterial suspension for 45 min under dark or ultraviolet (UV) illuminated conditions. The antimicrobial performance of the commercially available regular and Ag-coated antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass were also evaluated under the same conditions and compared with those of the TiO2 coated samples. Among the test samples, n-Ag/TiO2 (
Owen and Scott

In college I was close friends with a guy, Owen Reynolds, who lived directly across the hall from me in my dorm. Owen and I had a lot in common. We grew up in cities, loved sports, had similar religious affiliations, and shared deep interests in music, art, philosophy, and politics. We were both at the university, a teachers’ school, studying education with the intent to teach elementary aged children. We were always together.
Synthesis of Functional and Variable HIV-1 Envelope Glycoproteins

The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) on the surface of virus particles interacts with CD4 and coreceptors CCR5/CXCR4 to trigger infection of immune cells. Env is highly evolved and is able to function in the presence of strong immune responses. Here, the synthesis, formation, and trafficking of functional trimeric Envs onto virions are reviewed. The pathway involves Env interactions with numerous host proteins and factors and represents a process that must accommodate substantial Env sequence variation. Many details on the production of these functional Env trimers are known. However, the precise changes in structure during folding, processing, and maturation are poorly understood, even though this information is key to understand epitope formation, exposure, and protection and is highly relevant for vaccines.
1.06 – Metathesis Reactions

This article emphasizes the types (modes) of metathesis reactions involving alkenes, alkynes, and combinations of alkenes and alkynes. Mechanistic details, scope and limit, side-reactions, and selected examples are featured for each metathesis mode. The article emphasizes reaction processes developed since the discovery of transition metal carbene complex catalysts.
Control under structural constraints: An input-output approach

In this paper we present an input-output point of view of certain optimal control problems with constraints on the processing of the measurement data. In particular, considering linear controllers and plant dynamics, we present solutions to the l1, H ∞ and H 2 optimal control problems under the so-called one-step delay observation sharing pattern. Extensions to other decentralized structures are also possible under certain conditions on the plant. The main message from this unified input-output approach is that, structural constraints on the controller appear as linear constraints of the same type on the Youla parameter that parametrizes all controllers, as long as the part of the plant that relates controls to measurements possesses the same off-diagonal structure required in the controller. Under this condition, l1, H ∞ and H 2 optimization transform to nonstandard, yet convex problems. Their solution can be obtained by suitably utilizing the Duality, Nehari and Projection theorems respectively.
Retroviral mutagenesis of cellular oncogenes: a review with insights into the mechanisms of insertional activation.

Retroviruses may be viewed as naturally occurring, self-propagating mutagens of humans and animals. They exert mutagenic effects by integration into the host genome, a natural step in the viral replication cycle. Significant insight into this process has been provided recently by the successful development of in vitro integration systems (BROWN et al. 1987; Bowerman et al. 1989; Fujiwara and Craigie 1989; Fujiwara and Mizuuchi 1988) and the identification of IN as the viral product involved in integration (Schwartzberg et al. 1984; Donehower and Varmus 1984; Quinn and Grandgenett 1988; Terry et al. 1988; Roth et al. 1988). Excellent reviews on retroviral integration are available (e. g., Grandgenett and Mumm 1990; Varmus and Brown 1989), so only a brief summary is presented here.
Cranial and Postcranial Metric Sex Estimation in Modern Thai and Ancient Native American Individuals

Historically, morphometric standards used in forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology were derived from individuals of African and European descent, along with ancient Native Americans. However, it is unlikely that these standards can be accurately applied to modern Asian populations, and they may introduce error into biological profiles. Due to different population histories, it is hypothesized that ancient Native American and modern Thai individuals are morphometrically distinct. This study investigates the differences in sexual dimorphism between 102 Native American adults and 100 Thai individuals, 17 to 96 years old. A total of 30 cranial, 8 mandibular, and 58 postcranial measurements were compared between the two groups. Using independent t-tests, MANOVAs, univariate sectioning points, and linear discriminant functions, the Native American and Thai samples were found to be significantly different in the expression of sexual dimorphism for many elements. Further, measurements tested in Spradley and Jantz’s (2011) American Black and American White discriminant function equations produce correct classification biases of –91.0–100.0% and often fail to correctly classify Native American and Thai individuals. Therefore, the metric sex estimation methods developed on non-Asian populations do not adequately classify Native American and Thai individuals, thereby underscoring the importance of population-specific equations. The population-specific statistics developed for the Native Americans correctly classify 48.1–93.8% (univariate) and 70.8–94.1% (multivariate) of individuals, while those developed for the Thai correctly classify 47.8–93.0% (univariate) and 63.2–100.0% (multivariate). The most discriminating elements are population dependent: the humerus, clavicle, and tibia work best for Native Americans, while the os coxa, ulna, and scapula perform best for Thai individuals.
Is Routine Anticoagulation Warranted Following Free Flap Reconstruction

Microvascular free flap reconstruction is a mainstay of reconstruction of complex head and neck defects. Given the devastating, albeit rare, consequences of thrombus formation which can lead to flap loss, most free flap surgeons report use of some form of chemoprophylaxis preoperatively. However, despite widespread use of perioperative chemoprophylaxis in free flap patients, no single regimen has been shown to be superior, and thus no consensus exists on optimal management in this regard. This article examines the literature on postoperative anticoagulation in head and neck microvascular surgery, with a focus on three of the most commonly used agents: heparin, aspirin, and dextran. Herein we demonstrate relatively strong evidence against the use of Dextran based given lack of benefit and risk of adverse event. The data on aspirin and prophylactic dosing of heparin are less clear, with insufficient evidence to recommend for or against their use. However, given that these medications are well tolerated, and given the additional protective effect against venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a generally high risk population, the senior author routinely uses these medications postoperatively following microvascular surgery.
Natalizumab wearing-off symptoms: Patients with MS on extended interval dosing may not "mind the gap".

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) being treated with natalizumab often report increased fatigue and other symptoms a week or so before their next scheduled infusion, known as a “wearing-off” phenomenon. In a prior cross-sectional study of 100 natalizumab-treated patients, 57% endorsed feeling worse at the end of the current natalizumab dosing cycle than at the beginning; an additional 10% had experienced such symptoms previously.1 Among those who completed serial assessments, health-related quality of life, fatigue, and depression scores were meaningfully worse at the time of, vs 7 days after, an infusion.
The 1918 Influenza Pandemic and Its Legacy

Just over a century ago in 1918-1919, the "Spanish" influenza pandemic appeared nearly simultaneously around the world and caused extraordinary mortality-estimated at 50-100 million fatalities-associated with unexpected clinical and epidemiological features. The pandemic's sudden appearance and high fatality rate were unprecedented, and 100 years later still serve as a stark reminder of the continual threat influenza poses. Sequencing and reconstruction of the 1918 virus have allowed scientists to answer many questions about its origin and pathogenicity, although many questions remain. Several of the unusual features of the 1918-1919 pandemic, including age-specific mortality patterns and the high frequency of severe pneumonias, are still not fully understood. The 1918 pandemic virus initiated a pandemic era still ongoing. The descendants of the 1918 virus remain today as annually circulating and evolving influenza viruses causing significant mortality each year. This review summarizes key findings and unanswered questions about this deadliest of human events.
Quality of Regional Nodal Irradiation Plans in Breast Cancer Patients Across a Large Network-Can We Translate Results From Randomized Trials Into the Clinic?

Abstract Purpose Regional nodal irradiation (RNI) improved disease-free survival by 3% to 5% in 2 large randomized trials, but this small absolute advantage relies on accurate contouring and dose delivery. We audited our network to determine compliance on regional nodal coverage, contouring, and dosimetric parameters with respect to accepted guidelines. Methods and Materials In our network, we have established a clinical pathway for patients with node-positive breast cancer that guides indications for RNI and dosimetric goals. We reviewed records of 183 patients with nodal macrometastases after upfront surgery or involved nodes of any size after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Radiation treatment plans were examined to determine lymph node volumes treated, whether nodes were contoured, quality of nodal contours, and whether target coverage and normal organ dosimetric constraints were met when RNI was delivered. Results Despite the presence of macrometastases on sentinel lymph node biopsy, no lymph nodes were treated in 2.2% (4 of 183). Of 179 patients who received nodal irradiation, 18 received radiation to axillary levels 1 and 2 only, and 161 patients received RNI. Overall, regional nodes were not treated despite strong indications in 7.6% (14 of 183). Treated nodes were not contoured for 2.2% (4 of 179), and lymph node contours were unacceptable in 15.4% (27 of 175). Of patients receiving RNI, 14.9% (24 of 161) did not have adequate nodal target volume coverage, mean heart dose was >4 Gy for 3.1% (5 of 161), and lung V20 Gy was >35% for 8.7% (14 of 161). Conclusions Adherence to indications for regional nodal treatment was high, but nodes were either not contoured or had unacceptable contour quality in 18% of plans, and coverage was inadequate in 15%. Because the small disease-free survival advantage seen in trials may be decreased with these deviations, routine clinical practice requires detailed peer review to fully translate results of clinical trials.
Increasing partnerships in educational leadership and school counseling: a framework for collaborative school principal and school counselor preparation and support

This paper presents a practical training framework for collaboration for pre-service and in-service school counselors and principal training programs, which can serve as a model for other programs ...
$$\Lambda $$Λ -Configuration and embedding

An arc in $$\Lambda $$ -configuration between a pair of support planes travels from one plane to another and back. We explore questions of existence and uniqueness of such pairs, their position with respect to each other, and their number when there is more than one pair of support planes with $$\Lambda $$ -configuration. This configuration appears frequently in curve-covering problems and here we find new applications.
The effects of facility dogs on burnout, job-related well-being, and mental health in paediatric hospital professionals

Aims and objectives To examine the effect of working with a facility dog on paediatric healthcare professionals' work-related burnout, job perceptions and mental health. Background Due to their roles caring for ill children and distressed families, paediatric healthcare professionals often experience substantial depression and burnout. According to prior research, facility dogs in children's hospitals may provide significant benefits to paediatric patients. However, their potential effects on healthcare professionals have been minimally explored. Design A cross-sectional design was used in adherence to the STROBE checklist. Method Among 130 participants, n = 65 paediatric healthcare professionals working with a facility dog were compared to n = 65 control participants matched on age, gender identity, job position category and pet ownership. Hierarchical regression assessed the effect of working with a facility dog on standardised self-report measures of work-related burnout, job perceptions and mental health. Results For work-related burnout, working with a facility dog was associated with higher perceived personal accomplishment, but had no effect on emotional exhaustion. With respect to job perceptions, working with a facility dog was associated with more positive job descriptions and lower intention to quit, but not with perceptions about co-workers or workplace social support. Finally, in relation to mental health, working with a facility dog was associated with more positive emotions, better perceived mental health and less depression, but had no effect on anxiety. Conclusion Findings suggest that facility dogs may be related to several benefits for healthcare professionals' work-related burnout, job perceptions and mental health, but that they do not influence all components of these areas. Relevance to clinical practice The present research functions to inform personnel in paediatric hospitals with existing facility dog programmes on the scope of their effects, in addition to shaping the expectations of hospitals considering the addition of a facility dog programme.
Looking to Get Lost: Adventures in Music and Writing: by Peter Guralnick, Boston, Little, Brown and Company, 2020, 576 pp., $30.00 (hardcover), ISBN 978-0316-41262-9

Boston-born Peter Guralnick is a persistent, prolific writer. His lifetime of literary zeal is driven by personal determination, professional creative writing training, and an intense love of 20th ...
Linear Quadratic Gaussian Synthesis for a Heated/Cooled Rod Using Point Actuation and Point Sensing

We consider a rod that is heated/cooled and sensed at multiple point locations. To stabilize it to a constant temperature we set up a Linear Quadratic Regulator that we explicitly solve by the method of completing the square to find the optimal linear state feedback for the point actuators. But we don't assume that the whole state is mesureable so we construct an infinite dimensional Kalman filter to estimate the whole state from a finite number of noisy point measurements. These two components yield a Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) Synthesis for the heat equation under point actuation and point sensing.
Characteristics of Central Visual Field Progression in Eyes with Optic Disc Hemorrhage

Purpose To investigate the characteristics and rate of central visual field loss after optic disc hemorrhage (DH). Design Prospective cohort study. Methods Three hundred forty-three eyes of 220 subjects who had ≥3 years of follow-up with a minimum of 5 visits with 10-2 and 24-2 visual field (VF) were recruited. Rates of 10-2 mean deviation (MD) loss in each hemifield and predefined zones were compared using linear mixed-effects models in DH and non-DH eyes. Clustered pointwise regression analysis was also used to define central VF progressors and compared with 24-2 VF loss using guided progression analysis. Results Thirty-nine eyes with DH and 304 eyes without DH had a mean follow-up of 5.2 years. Eyes with DH had rates of 10-2 MD loss that were 3 times faster than non-DH eyes (mean difference −0.36 dB/year [95% confidence interval 0.54-0.18]; P Conclusion Central VF loss is accelerated in glaucoma eyes with DH and it corresponds topographically to the DH location. In patients with glaucoma with DH, one should consider supplementing 10-2 VFs with 24-2 VFS to monitor the disease.
Financial Conflicts of Interest Among Systematic Review Authors Investigating Interventions for Achilles Tendon Ruptures

Background:The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of undisclosed financial conflicts of interest in Achilles tendon rupture repair–focused systematic reviews.Methods:Following a c...
Is Carolene Products Obsolete

Footnote four in the Supreme Court’s opinion in United States v. Carolene Products Co. is the most famous footnote in the Court’s history. The footnote embraces an attractive theory of judicial review: that the role of the Court is to correct defects in the democratic political process but otherwise to allow important decisions to be made by the elected branches of government. The footnote marked the end of the pre-New Deal era when the Court was hostile to social welfare and regulatory legislation, and it foreshadowed the Warren Court’s attack on segregation and expansion of constitutional rights. Nonetheless, footnote four has been subject to telling criticisms. It seems to reflect a naive view of the ability of the text of the Constitution to resolve controversial questions. More important, the footnote requires the courts to assess the political power of different groups in society—something that judges do not seem well equipped to do. The footnote’s implicit account of which groups are likely to lack political power may be fundamentally mistaken. And the footnote falls far short of its objective of keeping the courts away from controversial political issues. One can fairly ask whether the Carolene Products approach, however fruitful it may have been in mid-twentieth-century America, no longer has a role to play in constitutional law. But is there a better way to think about what the Court should do in constitutional cases? The theory of the Carolene Products footnote unifies some of the greatest successes in the Court’s history: Brown v. Board of Education, the “one person, one vote” decisions, and the expansion of the free speech rights of political dissidents. For all its weaknesses, the Carolene Products footnote identifies an objective and a set of standards by which the Court’s work can be judged. And, perhaps most important, no one seems to have come up with a better approach.
Ultrastructure of the Transverse Tubular System in Cultured Cardiac Muscle Cells

One of the last structural components to assume its definitive morphology in differentiating cardiac muscle cells is the transverse tubular (T) system. In earlier studies, most investigators who attempted to work with cultured mammalian cardiac muscle cells derived them from the hearts of neonatal rats or mice. Definitive studies on the in vitro development of the T system have not been possible, however, because these commonly used laboratory animals do not have a T system at the age at which cell cultures are commonly prepared (0–4 days, postnatal) and do not construct a well developed T system in vitro (see below). In this review, we will describe some alternative culture regimens and myocyte sources which yield cultured cardiac myocytes with relatively well developed T systems, thus making the in vitro study of cardiac myocyte tubulogenesis feasible. We shall also compare the ultrastructure of the transverse tubular system in cultured myocytes with that of their appropriate in vivo counterparts.
Computer simulation of macromolecular crystals and their defects

Computational results on the dynamics of polyethylene, derived by our research group during the last five years are reviewed and connected to experimentally known facts. It could be demonstrated that conformational defects can be created at temperatures as much as 100 K below the melting point and that the concentration continues to increase exponentially with temperature, ultimately leading to disordered crystals along the polymer chains (high temperature CONDIS crystals). Although the rate of formation of these defects is high, approximately 1×1010 s−1 at 350 K, the defects do not, by themselves, lead at low temperature to macroscopic motion that could give rise to lamellar thickening or deformation. The diffusion mechanisms involve coupling of large-amplitude torsional motion with transverse and longitudinal vibrations of the crystal, which lead to the formation of disclinations, dispirations, and twists. Such defects can, under proper conditions, move towards the end of the crystal, thereby causing a chain diffusion process that is probably at the root of lamellar thickening and deformation processes. Collective twisting of the chains without major influence of conformational defects leads to hexagonal or pseudo-hexagonal structures of the asymmetric motifs, involving dynamic multidomain arrangements of the chains. The especially efficient molecular dynamics simulation-code developed for this research produces reasonable agreement with experimental data on density, defect concentration, heat capacity, vibrational spectra (including stress-induced frequency shifts), melting temperature, and speed of sound. The simulations produced data on crystals of up to 30,000 atoms for times of up to 100 picoseconds (10−10 s). The total simulation efforts needed a massive effort of approximately 8,000 hours of supercomputer CPU time between 1988 and 1993.
A 20dBm E-band power amplifier in SiGe BiCMOS technology

This paper presents a fully integrated 71-76 GHz power amplifiers (PA) fabricated in a 0.12 μm SiGe BiCMOS technology. The PA employs five common-emitter stages with on-chip power combining to achieve power gain of 21 dB, 17.6 dBm output power at 1 dB compression, and saturated power of 20.1 dBm. The modified Wilkinson combiner that was used shows 0.5 dB insertion loss. Small signal characteristics of the amplifier show peak gain at 72 GHz with 3 dB bandwidth of 17GHz (24%). The PA's bias is applied using digitally adjustable PTAT bias circuits and it consumes quiescent currents of 140 mA from a 2 V supply and 280 mA at 1 dB compression.
Formation in Vitro of Uridine-5'-(oligosaccharide)-1-pyrophosphates

Bovine testicular β-galactosidase catalyzed the enzymatic transfer of galactose residues from appropriate β-galactosides to UDP-N-acetylglucosamine to yield nucleotide disaccharides. The disaccharide portion of the nucleotides was a mixture of isomers of O-β-galactopyranosyl-(1→6, 1→3, and 1→4)-N-acetylglucosamine in ratios approximating 1:8:9, respectively. Nucleotide disaccharides were also obtained when UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine and UDP-glucose served as acceptors for β-galactosyl residues. Synthesis of a family of nucleotide trisaccharides, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine-(β,1→6; β,1→3; and β,1→4)-galactose-N-acetylneuraminic acid, was achieved when goat colostrum sialyltransferase was incubated with UDP-N-acetylglucosamine-[3H]galactose and CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid. The results of the present studies suggest a pathway for the enzymatic synthesis of the UDP-disaccharides and UDP-trisaccharides found in milk and colostrum. The preparation of tritium-labeled UDP-disaccharides and 14C-labeled UDP-trisaccharides as well as conditions for the resolution of nucleotide mono-, di-, and trisaccharides on gel filtration columns are described.
Scleral fixation of intraocular lenses using Gore-Tex suture: clinical outcomes and safety profile

Background/aims To report the short-term safety profile and clinical outcomes of scleral fixation of intraocular lenses (IOLs) using Gore-Tex suture. Methods Retrospective, interventional case series. 85 eyes of 84 patients undergoing ab externo scleral fixation of a Bausch and Lomb Akreos AO60 or Alcon CZ70BD IOL using Gore-Tex suture. Primary outcome measures were change in visual acuity and occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications with minimum follow-up of 90 days. Results 85 eyes of 84 patients were identified. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity improved from 1.43±0.72 (20/538 Snellen equivalent) preoperatively to 0.64±0.61 (20/87 Snellen equivalent) postoperatively (p Conclusions Ab externo scleral fixation of IOLs with Gore-Tex suture was well tolerated in all cases. No suture-related complications were encountered. This procedure led to improvement in visual acuity and was not associated with significant intraoperative or postoperative complications.
A Risk Assessment Framework for Wireless Sensor Networks in a Sensor Cloud

A Sensor cloud framework is composed of various heterogeneous wireless sensor networks (WSNs) integrated with the cloud platform. Integration with the cloud platform, in addition to the inherent resource and power constrained nature of the sensor nodes makes these WSNs belonging to a sensor cloud susceptible to security attacks. As such there is a need to formulate effective and efficient security measures for such an environment. But in doing so, requires an understanding of the likelihood and impact of different attacks feasible on the WSNs. In this paper, we propose a risk assessment framework for the WSNs belonging to a sensor cloud. The proposed risk assessment framework addresses the feasible set of attacks on a WSN identifying the relationships between them and thus estimating their likelihood and impact. This kind of assessment will give the security administrator a better perspective of their network and help formulating the required security measures.
Impact and implications of price policy and land degradation on agricultural growth in developing countries

Abstract In many developing countries, a high proportion of the population resides and works in rural areas. Agriculture is the dominant sector in rural areas and has the greatest concentration of poverty: landless workers, small tenant farmers, and small farm owners. Thus, any development strategy that is directed towards increasing employment and alleviating a country's hunger must concentrate on sustainable agricultural growth. Historically, economic development in most countries has been based on exploitation of natural resources, particularly land resources. Soil erosion and land degradation have been serious worldwide. Due to reasons such as high population pressure on land and limited fossil energy supplies, land degradation is generally more serious in the developing world. Empirical studies show that soil erosion and degradation of agricultural land not only decrease the land productivity but they can also result in major downstream or off-site damage which may be several times that of on-site damage. In promoting industrialization, governments of many developing countries adopt a package of price and other policies that reduce agricultural production incentives and encourage a flow of resources out of agriculture. Increasing evidence shows that these policies cause a substantial efficiency or social welfare loss, and a great loss in foreign exchange earnings. In addition, a World Bank study on the effect of price distortions on economic growth rates concluded that neither rich resource endowments, nor a high stage of economic development, nor privatization are able to make up the adverse effects caused by high price distortions. This analysis is primarily concerned with identifying the factors that determine the agricultural production growth rate and in testing the effects these factors have on agricultural growth in developing countries. Specifically, this study involves statistical estimation of an aggregate agricultural growth function based on cross-country data for 28 developing countries. Special attention is devoted to land degradation and agricultural pricing policy, and to the policy implications resulting from the effects these variables have on agricultural and food production growth. The overall results of this study show that price distortions in the economy and land degradation had statistically significant negative impacts while the change in arable and permanent land was positively related to the growth of agricultural production and food production in 28 developing countries from 1971 to 1980. These results emphasize the importance of ‘getting prices right’ and implementation of sustainable land and water management practices if future growth in food and agricultural output is to be realized and sustained in developing countries.
Using theory to guide the diffusion of genetics content in nursing curricula.

Abstract Completion of sequencing the human genome will lead to identifying the genetic basis for health and disease and affect diagnosis and treatment in virtually every aspect of medicine and nursing. In this paper we describe the process of incorporating genetic content into the undergraduate and graduate curricula. Rogers' innovation-diffusion theory was used to guide organizational change. Faculty development was foundational to incorporating innovative content in nursing courses. Creation of an elective nursing course on genetics was a practical initial strategy that allowed for evaluation of the course content and students' responses to the new course. Ongoing faculty development is planned in order to sustain the impetus of increasing faculty competence in this area of health care. The long-term goal is to have every lecture that addresses specific health conditions to include the genetic basis for the condition.
A demonstrator for the SSTO launcher with combined cycle propulsion

Space launch systems of the 20th century are still regarded as both costly and unsafe. They have never acquired the reliability of commercial aircraft and they cannot abort from lift–off to mid–mission without massive losses. Most types of launchers are sacrificed after launch, and both hardware and environmental costs are significant. The cost of the launcher itself dominates this operation as it is the first, last and only time it flies. The user pays for the entire vehicle. For commercial aircraft operations, the frequency of flight and the lifespan of the aircraft means that the individual passenger pays about 6 for the cost of the aircraft per flight and the remainder is for fuel and operations. For commercial space launch to become both routine and economic, the need is to achieve the reliability, the sustained operation over a long lifespan, and the easy refurbishment of commercial aircraft. In seeking this solution, design studies have accepted that the ballistic missile launch may give way to either vertical or horizontal take–off aircraft using airbreathing propulsion up to a high flight Mach number and rockets thereafter. This paper examines the factors that shape the choice of airbreathing engines and airframe characteristics for SSTO space launchers, transatmospheric vehicles, boost–glide intercontinental range vehicles, and an associated demonstrator vehicle.
Impedance biosensor based on interdigitated electrode array for detection of E.coli O157:H7 in food products

An impedance biosensor was designed, fabricated and tested for detection of viable Escherichia coli O157:H7 in food samples. This device consists of interdigitated microelectrode array (IDEA) fabricated using thin layer of sputtered gold, embedded under a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannel. The array of electrodes is designed to detect viable EColi in different food products. The active surface area of the detection array was modified using goat anti-E.coli polyclonal IgG antibody. Contaminated food samples were tested by infusing the supernatant containing bacteria over the IDEA's, through the microchannel. Antibody-antigen binding on the electrodes results in impedance change. Four serial concentrations of E.coli contaminated food samples (3x102 CFUmL-1 to 3x105 CFUmL-1) were tested. The biosensor successfully detected the E.coli samples, with the lower detection limit being 3x103 CFUmL-1 (up to 3cells/&#956;l). Comparing the test results with an IDEA impedance biosensor without microchannel (published elsewhere) indicates that this biosensor have two order of magnitude times higher sensitivity. The proposed biosensor provides qualitative and quantitative detection, and potentially could be used for detection of other type of bacteria by immobilizing the specific type of antibody.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
SILICEOUS SCALE PRODUCTION IN CHRYSOPHYTE AND SYNUROPHYTE ALGAE. I. EFFECTS OF SILICA‐LIMITED GROWTH ON CELL SILICA CONTENT, SCALE MORPHOLOGY, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SCALE LAYER OF SYNURA PETERSENII1

The cells of synurophyte flagellates (algal class Synurophyceae, formerly included in the Chrysophyceae) are enclosed within a regularly imbricate layer of ornamented siliceous scales. Scale morphology is of critical taxonomic importance within this group of algae, and the scales are valuable indicator microfossils in paleolimnological studies. The data presented here demonstrate that scale morphology and the integrity of the scale layer can exhibit extreme variability in culture as a function of the cellular quota of silica under silica-limited growth. Silica-limited, steady-state populations of the colonial flagellate Synura petersenii Korsh. were maintained over a range of specific growth rates (μ= 0.11–0.69 days−1) and silica cell quotas (Qsi= 0.13–2.40 pmoles Si · cell1). Scale morphology and the organization of the scale layer became increasingly aberrant as silica stress increased. Under severe stress, scale deposition was completely suppressed so that cells appeared scale-free. This depression of scale deposition was reversible; populations of silica-starved, scale-free cells rapidly regenerated new scale layers when placed in batch culture and spiked with dissolved silica. During recovery from silica stress, cell division was repressed for 24 h while mean cell silica quota increased 25-fold. The first new scales appeared within 2 h after the silica addition, and development of the new scale layer proceeded in an approximately synchronous manner, residting in normal scale layers on virtually all cells after 48 h of recovery in Sirich medium. Silica content of silica-replete Synura cells is comparable to freshwater diatoms of siynilar size, but Synura has much greater potential quota variability than diatoms and no apparent threshold silica requirement. Silica-limited growth kinetics and competition between diatoms and Synura for silica are discussed. The results suggest that morphological variability of siliceous scales in natural populations of synurophyte flagellates may result from silica stress and that the experimental approach developed here has great potential value as a means for circumscribing ecotypic variation in scale morphology. Results also demonstrate that scale production can be uncoupled from cell division, suggesting that cell cycle regulation of silica biomineralization in the Synurophyceae may be fundamentally different from that of diatoms (algal class Bacillariophyceae). This experimental system has application in the future study of the intracellular membrane systems and the regulatory processes involved in silica biomineralization.
Pulsed voltammetric stripping at the thin-film mercury electrode

Abstract A computer-controlled data acquisition system was used to generate comparative data for thin-film anodic stripping voltammetry with staircase, differential pulse and squarewave waveforms. Each waveform was tested for its sensitivity and speed of analysis. The square-wave form is the most sensitive, whether square wave or differential pulse measurements are used. This waveform offers the advantages of fast analysis time and discrimination against charging currents.
Short-Term Adjustments in Yellow Sheet Carcass Prices for Red Meats

The Pascal density function was used to estimate monthly Yellow Sheet carcass prices for beef, pork, and lamb. Yellow Sheet prices have been criticized for lack of economic responsiveness due to small sampling and thin negotiated markets. However, the statistical results show that systematic economic factors explain about 85% of the variation in Yellow Sheet prices, i.e., direct and competitive production, cold storage, disposable income, and seasonality. Though the role of the stochastic error process was relatively small, a continual decline in negotiated transactions could increase its role, raising questions about wholesale market pricing efficiency.
The fine structure of the granular amebocytes of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas☆

Abstract Oyster granular amebocytes were characterized by electron microscopy to be of two types. Acidophiles contained relatively small, spherical, amorphous, osmiophilic cytoplasmic granules with a maximum dimension of 0.4–0.56 μ. Basophiles contained large, cytoplasmic granules, approximately 0.7–1.2 μ in diameter. The granules resembled hollow, spherical structures in which an outer membrane and a layer of closely associated granular material enclosed an electron-transparent interior.
Our lady of radium

Marie Curie: A Life. By Franchise Giroud. Translated by Lydia Davis. Holmes & Meier, New York: 1986. Pp.291. 34.50.
Constructing medical indications: the sterilization of women with heart disease or tuberculosis, 1905-1935.

Au debut du XX e siecle, la pratique de la sterilisation therapeutique genere de nombreuses discussions. Contrairement aux sterilisations pratiquees pour empecher la reproduction, la sterilisation therapeutique est prescrite pour eviter de nouvelles grossesses chez les femmes atteintes de maladies chroniques telles que les maladies cardiaques ou la tuberculose
Can Teachers Accurately Predict Student Performance

Abstract In two studies, we examined the effect of professional development to improve mathematics instruction on the accuracy of teachers' monitoring of student learning. Study 1 was conducted with 36 teachers participating in three years of professional development. Judgment accuracy was influenced by the fidelity with which what was learned in the professional development. Study 2 was conducted with 64 teachers from 8 schools, which were randomly assigned to receive professional development or serve as a control. Judgment accuracy was greater for teachers receiving professional development than for teachers who did not and teachers were better to predict students' computational skills.
Towards a Better Representation of the IRI Topside Based on ISIS and Alouette Data

Abstract The current IRI topside model is based on the data compilation and grouping that was used for the Bent model (Bent et al., 1972). The principal data source for Bent were Alouette 1 sounder data from a period of low to medium solar activity. Through a systematic search of the NASA archives, we have established a large data base of topside profiles recorded by the Alouette 1, 2, and ISIS 1, 2 topside sounder instruments. Comparison of IRI with these data reveals shortcomings of the model especially in the upper topside. The largest discrepancies are found at low latitudes and at high solar activities. We will discuss the cause of these model limitations and ways to improve the current model with the help of our data base.
REACTION OF HUMAN AND RABBIT ANTI-GAMMA-GLOBULIN FACTORS WITH HEAVY AND LIGHT CHAINS OF GAMMA GLOBULIN.

Human and rabbit sera containing various anti-gamma globulin factors showed primary reactivity with H chains of both human and rabbit gamma-globulin; weak reactions with either human or rabbit L chains were encountered in some human sera from patients with high titers of rheumatoid factors and in 60 per cent of the rabbit antisera tested. Inhibition of agglutination of homologous incomplete antibody coated cells confirmed the major reactivity with human and rabbit H chains, though L chain inhibition was present with selected area. Seros ab humanos e conilios, continente varie factores anti globulina gamma manifestava reactivitate primari con catenas H de globulina gamma tanto ab humanos como etiam ab conilios. Debile reactiones con taneas L tanto human como etiam de conilio esseva constatate in certe seros human ab patientes con alte titros de factores rheumatoide e in 60 pro cento del antiseros de conilio testate. Le inhibition del agglutination de homologe cellulas revestite de anticorpore incomplete confirmava le major reactivitate con catenas H de humanos e conilios, ben que inhibition de catena L esseva presente con seligite seros.
Alcohol fermentation of sweet potato. Membrane reactor in enzymatic hydrolysis

Use of ultrafiltration membrane systems in stirred cell and in thin-channel systems for immobilizing enzyme (sweet potato intrinsic and crystalline /beta/-amylase) in hydrolysis of sweet potato through a continuous operation mode were studied. Both the filtration rate and reducing sugars, produced as the result of enzymatic hydrolysis, decreased with the filtration time. THe immobilized enzymes in the thin-channel system showed a much better performance compared to that in the stirred cell system. Addition of crystalline sweet potato /beta/-amylase to the sweet potato increased both the filtration rate and reducing-sugars content. Alcoholic fermentation of the filtrate resulted in an alcohol content of 4.2%. This represented fermentation of 95% of the sugars with an efficiency of 88%. 17 refs.
Formation and development of a tidal inlet from a washover fan, west-central Florida coast, U.S.A.

Abstract A moderate-sized washover fan generated by Hurricane Elena in 1985 on the barrier coast of west-central Florida was subsequently cut and reworked into a tidal inlet. The entire washover fan was initially above mean low water with little tidal circulation over it. After approximately one year this fan had been modified by tidal scouring into a tidal inlet with both flood and ebb tidal deltas. After nearly two years this inlet is over 2 m deep, carrying a tidal prism of 0.8 × 106 m3, and is essentially stable.
Association of Maternal Stature With Offspring Mortality, Underweight, and Stunting in Low- to Middle-Income Countries

Context Although maternal stature has been associated with offspring mortality and health, the extent to which this association is universal across developing countries is unclear. Objective To examine the association between maternal stature and offspring mortality, underweight, stunting, and wasting in infancy and early childhood in 54 low- to middle-income countries. Design, Setting, and Participants Analysis of 109 Demographic and Health Surveys in 54 countries conducted between 1991 and 2008. Study population consisted of a nationally representative cross-sectional sample of children aged 0 to 59 months born to mothers aged 15 to 49 years. Sample sizes were 2 661 519 (mortality), 587 096 (underweight), 558 347 (stunting), and 568 609 (wasting) children. Main Outcome Measures Likelihood of mortality, underweight, stunting, or wasting in children younger than 5 years. Results The mean response rate across surveys in the mortality data set was 92.8%. In adjusted models, a 1-cm increase in maternal height was associated with a decreased risk of child mortality (absolute risk difference [ARD], 0.0014; relative risk [RR], 0.988; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.987-0.988), underweight (ARD, 0.0068; RR, 0.968; 95% CI, 0.968-0.969), stunting (ARD, 0.0126; RR, 0.968; 95% CI, 0.967-0.968), and wasting (ARD, 0.0005; RR, 0.994; 95% CI, 0.993-0.995). Absolute risk of dying among children born to the tallest mothers (≥160 cm) was 0.073 (95% CI, 0.072-0.074) and to those born to the shortest mothers ( Conclusion Among 54 low- to middle-income countries, maternal stature was inversely associated with offspring mortality, underweight, and stunting in infancy and childhood.
The role of industrial maintenance in the maquiladora industry: An empirical analysis

Abstract This study explored the role of industrial maintenance in the maquiladora industry. The maquiladora industry is a manufacturing system that utilizes the Mexican workforce and foreign investment and technology on the border region between the United States and Mexico. The issues related to industrial maintenance were studied through a survey instrument and 11 in-depth and extensive field interviews with experts of eight maquiladora industries in El Paso, TX and Juarez, Mexico. Based on an 86% response rate (with 131 usable questionnaires) and four major survey questions, statistical analyses were performed. The survey questions included: collaboration between the maintenance and other functional areas, likely sources of maintenance problems (equipment, personnel, and management), major common losses of maintenance problems, and the role of ISO certification in maintenance. Finally, additional insights and assessment of the results were provided.
A model of channel response in disturbed alluvial channels

Dredging and straightening of alluvial channels between 1959 and 1978 in West Tennessee caused a series of morphologic changes along modified reaches and tributary streams. Degradation occurred for 10 to 15 years at sites upstream of the area of maximum disturbance and lowered bed-levels by as much as 6·1 m. Following degradation, reaches upstream of the area of maximum disturbance experienced a secondary aggradation phase in response to excessive incision and gradient reduction. Aggradation downstream of the area of maximum disturbance reached 0·12 m per year with the greatest rates occurring near the stream mouths. The adjustment of channel geometry and phases of channel evolution are characterized by six process-oriented stages of morphologic development—premodified, constructed, degradation, threshold, aggradation, and restabilization. Down-cutting and toe removal during the degradation stage causes bank failure by mass wasting when the critical height and angle of the bank material is exceeded (threshold stage). Channel widening continues through the aggradation stage as the ‘slough line’ develops as an initial site of lower-bank stability. The bank profile develops three dynamic elements (1) vertical face (70° to 90°), (2) upper bank (25° to 50°), and (3) slough line (20° to 25°). Alternate channel bars form during the restabilization stage and represent incipient meandering of the channel.
Effect Of Grain Size, Morphology and Deposition Temperature on Cu(InGa)Se2 Solar Cells

Cu(InGa)Se2 films have been deposited by multisource elemental evaporation at substrate temperatures from 550 to 400°C to determine the effect of temperature on grain size and morphology and on solar cell performance. Films were deposited with different flux profiles to compare cases where a copper selenide phase is formed during different stages of growth or not at all. The grain size and surface area of the films are determined by analysis of atomic force microscope images. With the Cu-rich growth, the mean lateral grain area decreases from 1.8 to 0.3 μm2 as substrate temperature decreases. Device efficiency decreases with the lower temperature but cannot be simply attributed to changes in grain size, surface area, or the availability of sodium which diffused from the glass substrate. Instead the decrease in open circuit voltage and fill factor are attributed to a greater density of intra-grain trap states in the Cu(InGa)Se2.