cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic-Size Multiple Populations Genetic Algorithm for Multigravity-Assist Trajectory Optimization

The problem of the optimal design of a multigravity-assist space trajectory, with a free number of deep space maneuvers, in its general form poses a multimodal objective function in which design space size is variable. This paperpresents a genetic-basedmethoddeveloped to handle global, variable-size, design space optimization problems where the number of design variables varies from one solution to another. Subpopulations of fixed-size design spaces are randomly initialized. Standard genetic operations are carried out for a stage of generations. A new population is then created by reproduction from all members in all subpopulations based on their relative fitnesses. The resulting subpopulations have different sizes from their initial sizes in general. The process repeats, leading to an increase in the size of subpopulations of more fit solutions and a decrease in the size of subpopulations of less fit solutions. This method has the capability to determine the number of swing-bys, the planets to swing by, launch and arrival dates, and the number of deep space maneuvers as well as their locations, magnitudes, and directions in an optimal sense. This newmethod is applied to several interplanetary trajectory design problems. The results presented in this paper show that solutions obtained using this tool match known solutions for complex case studies.
Vibration and parametric excitation in asymmetric circular plates under moving loads

Abstract The natural frequencies and modes of transverse vibration of circular plates containing small imperfections are determined through a perturbation method. Incision of equally spaced, equal-size radial slots at the rim of the plate creates asymmetry in some, but not all, of the vibration modes, and it causes the repeated natural frequencies of these modes in the symmetric plate to split into two distinct values. These vibration modes are called the split modes , and those associated with the repeated natural frequencies are called the repeated modes . A relationship identifying the split and repeated modes for any configuration of slots is presented. The vibration of a plate containing any number of thin slots cut into it at the rim and with any number of rotating linear springs is analyzed. Parametric instability can be excited in the split modes of the plate by the springs rotating below critical speed, but it cannot be excited in the repeated modes. The response of the plate in forms such as traveling or standing waves at parametric resonance is discussed. The theoretical predictions of split and repeated vibration modes and of the excitation of parametric instability are confirmed by experiments.
The relationship between age, gender and cognitive performance in the very old : the effect of selective survival

Objective: To determine the prevalence of cognitive disability as a function of advanced age and gender in elderly nursing home and community-dwelling populations. Since cognitive dysfunction is associated with increased mortality, we hypothesized that selective survival results in a decreased prevalence of cognitive disability in the oldest old. Design: Cohort study. An analysis of 6-month longitudinal data obtained from a national probability sample of older persons in 260 nursing homes (n = 1951) and 2-year longitudinal data obtained from a sample of community-dwelling older persons (n = 2947). Measures: In the nursing home sample, the primary outcome measure was cognitive performance score. In the community sample, cognitive performance was determined using the results of three orientation questions and assessment of decision-making ability. Cognitive performance and subsequent survival, controlling for various disease states and demographic factors, were examined in three age cohorts of men and women (ages 65–79, 80–89, 90–99). Results: In the nursing home sample, the cognitive performance of very old men (≥90 years) was better than that of younger men (aged 80–89 years, P < 0.05) and very old women (age ≥90 years, P = 0.001). Among 80–89-year-olds with poor cognitive performance, the 6-month mortality rate was higher in men than in women (38% vs 19%, P = 0.001). However, the mortality rates of men and women with good cognitive performance were not statistically different in any age group. Proportional-hazards regression analysis demonstrated that poor cognitive performance remained a powerful predictor of death among men aged 80–89 years with a relative risk of 2.7 (95% C1, 1.19–3.17; P = 0.0006) after controlling for covariates. Results from the community sample lent support to our findings: within each age group, mortality rates for men and women with intact cognitive performance were not statistically different. However, in the two older age groups, the mortality rates of subjects with impaired cognitive performance were significantly greater for men than for women (P < 0.01 for both age groups). Conclusions: Decreased cognitive performance is significantly associated with mortality among elderly men. Survival by men who have relatively intact cognitive function results in a population of oldest men, those aged 90–99 years, with cognitive performance scores better than younger men or similarly-aged women. The same selective survival phenomenon was not observed among women. Thus, there may be less cognitive disability among very old men than previously expected.
Morphologic variations in human leukemic lymphoblasts (CCRF-CEM cells) after long-term culture and exposure to chemotherapeutic agents. A study with the electron microscope.

The morphology of human leukemic lymphoblasts (CCRF-CEM cells) maintained in continuous log-phase suspension cultures for more than one year has been studied at regular intervals with the electron microscope. During this time, minor changes in morphology have been observed, the most striking change being the appearance and persistence of very dense granules in the pars amorpha of the nuclcoli. The effects of a series of inhibitory agents have been studied but no virus particles have been observed in these or untreated CCRF-CEM cells, although the wrapping of dense cell fragments by remnants of nuclear membrane under a variety of conditions leading to cell destruction was suggested as the mechanism of formation of the “virus-mimickers” observed in these studies. Deliberate search by electron microscope and cultural studies has failed to reveal evidence of the presence of Mycoplasma in the CCRF-CEM cells or cell cultures.
Gadolinium phosphonates as MR imaging contrast agents: physiologic effects in rabbit hearts

The hemodynamic effects of the diphosphonate terminus of a new infarct-avid magnetic resonance (MR) imaging agent, gadolinium-DTPA (diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid) HPDP (1-hydroxo-3-aminopropane-1,1-diphosphonate), and HEDP (hydroxyethyl-1,1-diphosphonate) (a simple diphosphonate terminus model) have been evaluated at MR imaging doses in both isolated and intact rabbit hearts. Rapid injections of the sodium salt of the diphosphonates reversibly depressed left ventricular developed pressure and its first derivative (dP/dt) but did not affect the in vivo heart rate. Hemodynamic depression was prevented by the co-administration of two equivalents of calcium ion per diphosphonate terminus in the isolated heart and by either slow infusion or co-administration of one equivalent of calcium ion per diphosphonate terminus in the in vivo heart. Therefore, if these agents are to be used in MR imaging of acute myocardial infarction, appropriate measures should be taken to prevent negative inotropic effects.
Divine Violence: Spectacle, Psychosexuality, And Radical Christianity In The Argentine ""Dirty War""

The "dirty war" in thematic context the strategic theatrics of atrocity the mythological structure of the imaginary in the name of the Father sacrifice and the surrogate victim.
Species-level versus community-level patterns of mycorrhizal dependence on phosphorus: an example of Simpson’s paradox

Summary 1. Ecological studies commonly assume that it is possible to extrapolate from a response shown by a fixed set of species to the response when the species composition is allowed to change. However, as described by Simpson’s paradox, this is not necessarily a reasonable expectation. 2. The impact of Simpson’s paradox on an ecological question was tested using a meta-analysis of data on plant responses to arbuscular mycorrhizas. Although species-level response commonly declines as phosphorus availability increases, we hypothesized that the community-level response could either decline or remain constant. 3. As expected, mycorrhizal response of individual species declined significantly as P supply increased. The response averaged across multiple species was negative but not robust, so we cannot distinguish clearly between the hypotheses. 4. It is impossible to assume that community-level responses to environmental gradients are the same as those found at species level. We recommend that experimental tests of hypotheses should allow species identity to change with the environment.
Human evolutionary history: Consequences for the pathogenesis of otitis media

The pathogenesis of otitis media is multifactorial, but the role of evolution on its development has not been addressed. We posit that the high prevalence of middle-ear disease is most likely restricted to humans, in contrast to other wild species, because the associated hearing loss would have reduced the fitness of affected individuals as a result of predation. We present here the possible consequences of two human adaptations that may have resulted in ubiquitous otitis media: the interaction of bipedalism and increased brain size, and the loss of facial prognathism resulting from speech or cooking. As a consequence of our adaptation for bipedalism, the female pelvic outlet is constricted, which, in the context of a rapidly enlarging brain, results in humans being born 12 months too soon. Significantly, immature eustachian tube structure and function, in conjunction with an immature immune system, helps to explain the high incidence of otitis media in the first year of life. But the persistence of middle-ear disease beyond this stage is not explained by "immaturity." The morphology of the palate changed with the adaptations that produced facial flattening, with concomitant effects on eustachian tube function. These changes resulted in relatively poor human physiologic tubal function in comparison to the nonhuman primate.
Toxicity and bioaccumulation of DDT in freshwater amphipods in exposures to spiked sediments

The amphipods Hyalella azteca and Diporeia spp. were exposed to sediments dosed with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and the toxicity and toxicokinetics were determined. The toxicity was evaluated with the equilibrium partitioning (EqP) and critical body residue approaches. The DDT in the sediments degraded during the equilibration period prior to organism exposure. Thus, the toxicity using EqP pore-water toxic units (TUs) was evaluated for DDT and its degradation product, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), as the ratio of the predicted interstitial water concentration divided by the water-only LC50 values. The sum of TUs (sum(TU)) was assumed to best represent the toxicity of the mixture. For H. azteca, the 10-d LC50 was 0.98 and 0.33 sum(TU) for two experiments. For Diporeia spp., no toxicity was found in the first experiment with up to 3 sum(TU) predicted in the interstitial water. However, in the second experiment, the 28-d LC50 was 0.67 sum(TU). These data suggest that the EqP approach approximately predicts the toxicity for the combination of DDT and DDD in sediment, provided a toxic unit approach is employed. The critical body residue approach also used TUs because DDT is biotransformed by H. azteca and because of the dual exposure to DDT and DDD. Because biotransformation was only determined in the second experiment, the critical body residue approach could only be evaluated for that case. The TUs were calculated as the ratio of the concentration in the live amphipods divided by the respective LR50 (residue concentration required to produce 50% mortality) values. The LR50 was 1.1 sum(TU) for H. azteca for the 10-d exposure and 0.53 for Diporeia spp. after a 28-d exposure. Thus, this approach was also quite successful in predicting the toxicity. The accumulation and loss rates for H. azteca were much greater than for Diporeia spp. Thus, 10-d exposures represent steady-state conditions for H. azteca, while even at 28-d, the Diporeia spp. are not at steady state.
Aflatoxin control through transgenic approaches.

Control of preharvest aflatoxin contamination of susceptible crops such as corn, cotton, peanut, and tree nuts is possible through time-consuming and expensive agronomic practices. Breeding for disease-resistant crops is also very time consuming and does not lend itself readily to combat the evolution of new virulent fungal races. Moreover, availability of known genotypes with natural resistance to mycotoxin-producing fungi is a prerequisite for the successful breeding program. While it is possible to identify a few genotypes of corn or peanuts that are naturally resistant to Aspergillus, we do not know whether these antifungal factors are specific to Aspergillus flavus. In crops like cotton, there are no known varieties naturally resistant to Aspergillus spp. So far, the best options available to us are through biocontrol and/or genetic engineering. Availability of transgenic varieties with antifungal traits is extremely valuable as a breeding tool. Use of fungicides or chemicals can add to the cost of production. Moreover, the growing concerns regarding environmental safety and groundwater quality demand less dependence on agrochemicals. Disease-resistant transgenic crops would not only control mycotoxin-producing organisms such as A. flavus, A. parasiticus and Fusarium spp. but also other microbial (fungal, bacterial, and viral) diseases that cause significant economic losses in crop production. Above all, transgenic crops resistant to aflatoxin-producing fungi offer the promise of negating the adverse effects caused by the toxin on immunocompromised humans and animals. This review explores recent advances regarding genetic engineering approaches towards the control of aflatoxin contamination using native and heterologous genes.
E-cadherin is a specific marker for erythroid differentiation and has utility, in combination with CD117 and CD34, for enumerating myeloblasts in hematopoietic neoplasms.

Objectives E-cadherin, epithelial calcium-dependent cell adhesion protein, has been identified as a marker of immature erythroid precursors in recent years. However, the specificity of E-cadherin in bone marrow specimens for erythroblasts vs myeloblasts or other early hematopoietic precursors in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) has not been fully elucidated. Methods We analyzed 105 cases of AML and MDS to evaluate the specificity of E-cadherin. Results Of 84 cases of AML, including cases with megakaryocytic, erythroid, monocytic, and granulocytic differentiation, all five acute erythroleukemia cases were positive, as well as one case of megakaryoblastic leukemia that showed coexpression of glycophorin A. In addition, we demonstrate that a panel of three markers, E-cadherin, CD117, and CD34, is effective in identifying lineage-specific myeloblasts in cases of MDS where left-shifted erythroid hyperplasia may complicate morphologic assessment of myeloblasts. Conclusions In marrow specimens, E-cadherin is a useful marker for erythroid differentation.
Naturally Occurring Substitutions in the P/V Gene Convert the Noncytopathic Paramyxovirus Simian Virus 5 into a Virus That Induces Alpha/Beta Interferon Synthesis and Cell Death

The V protein of the paramyxovirus simian virus 5 (SV5) is responsible for targeted degradation of STAT1 and the block in alpha/beta interferon (IFN-alpha/beta) signaling that occurs after SV5 infection of human cells. We have analyzed the growth properties of a recombinant SV5 that was engineered to be defective in targeting STAT1 degradation. A recombinant SV5 (rSV5-P/V-CPI-) was engineered to contain six naturally occurring P/V protein mutations, three of which have been shown in previous transfection experiments to disrupt the V-mediated block in IFN-alpha/beta signaling. In contrast to wild-type (WT) SV5, human cells infected with rSV5-P/V-CPI- had STAT1 levels similar to those in mock-infected cells. Cells infected with rSV5-P/V-CPI- were found to express higher-than-WT levels of viral proteins and mRNA, suggesting that the P/V mutations had disrupted the regulation of viral RNA synthesis. Despite the inability to target STAT1 for degradation, single-step growth assays showed that the rSV5-P/V-CPI- mutant virus grew better than WT SV5 in all cell lines tested. Unexpectedly, cells infected with rSV5-P/V-CPI- but not WT SV5 showed an activation of a reporter gene that was under control of the IFN-beta promoter. The secretion of IFN from cells infected with rSV5-P/V-CPI- but not WT SV5 was confirmed by a bioassay for IFN. The rSV5-P/V-CPI- mutant grew to higher titers than did WT rSV5 at early times in multistep growth assays. However, rSV5-P/V-CPI- growth quickly reached a final plateau while WT rSV5 continued to grow and produced a final titer higher than that of rSV5-P/V-CPI- by late times postinfection. In contrast to WT rSV5, infection of a variety of cell lines with rSV5-P/V-CPI- induced cell death pathways with characteristics of apoptosis. Our results confirm a role for the SV5 V protein in blocking IFN signaling but also suggest new roles for the P/V gene products in controlling viral gene expression, the induction of IFN-alpha/beta synthesis, and virus-induced apoptosis.
US Responsibility for War Crimes in Iraq

This paper examines the recent actions by the United States in Iraq in the light of just war principles, and sets forth a program for holding accountable those most responsible for war crimes in Iraq.
The Economic Value of Home Asthma Interventions

r n d p c t i s P v e Asthma is a common and costly chronic illness affecting people of every economic level, demographic category, and age group. People with asthma can be disabled by their illness, especially during acute episodes, and unable to performbasic life tasks such as attend school or work. Properlymanaged, however, ndividuals with asthma can lead a normal life, including articipating in sports and other activities, and high-cost vents, such as visits to the emergency department or npatient hospital care can be avoided. The review preented in this supplement to the American Journal of reventive Medicine by Nurmagambetov et al. shows that comprehensive home environmental interventions have the potential to be cost-effective interventions for children with asthma. This is particularly true if the programs reduce the use of healthcare resources devoted to treating acute asthma exacerbations brought on by triggers in the home environments. The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program suggests that optimal management of asthma depends on three crucial elements:
Algorithm 893: TSPACK: tension spline package for curve design and data fitting

TSPACK is a curve-fitting package based on exponential tension splines with automatic selection of tension factors. It serves both as a method for data fitting with preservation of shape properties or more general constraints, and as a means of computer aided geometric design of curves in two or three dimensions. The package is based on a translation of Algorithm 716 from Fortran 77 into MATLAB. The translation includes bug corrections, vectorization where possible, and extensions, including a B-spline representation, designed to facilitate curve design as opposed to data fitting. An interactive graphical user interface, not part of the algorithm, is available from the author.
Transition planning/coordinating interventions for youth with disabilities: a systematic review

The relationship between transition planning/coordinating interventions and transition outcomes for secondary-aged youth with disabilities was explored in this systematic review. A total of 31 stud...
Epitaxial Growth And Electronic Characterization Of Carboncontaining Silicon-Based Heterostructures

Epitaxial Si1-x-yGexCy and Si1-yCy layers grown on Si are opening up new possibilities for bandstructure engineering of electronic devices. Thin Si1-yCy layers containing a few atomic percent substitutional carbon, grown on Si substrates, experience biaxial tensile strain, which produces a conduction band energy splitting that is expected to be favorable for in-plane electron transport. For other applications, C may be useful as a means of compensating the compressive strain of Ge in ternary Si1-x-yGexCy alloys. Although the understanding of the electronic properties of these materials is still at an early stage, interesting trends are emerging.
A noncoding RNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an RNase P substrate.

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is involved in regulation of noncoding RNA (ncRNA) expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A hidden-in-reading-frame antisense-1 (HRA1) RNA in S. cerevisiae, which belongs to a class of ncRNAs located in the antisense strand to verified protein coding regions, was cloned for further use in RNase P assays. Escherichia coli RNase P assays in vitro of HRA1 RNA show two cleavage sites, one major and one minor in terms of rates. The same result was observed with a partially purified S. cerevisiae RNase P activity, both at 30°C and 37°C. These latter cells are normally grown at 30°C. Predictions of the secondary structure of HRA1 RNA in silico show the cleavage sites are canonical RNase P recognition sites. A relatively small amount of endogenous HRA1 RNA was identified by RT-PCR in yeast cells. The endogenous HRA1 RNA is increased in amount in strains that are deficient in RNase P activity. A deletion of 10 nucleotides in the HRA1 gene that does not overlap with the gene coding for a protein (DRS2) in the sense strand shows no defective growth in galactose or glucose. These data indicate that HRA1 RNA is a substrate for RNase P and does not appear as a direct consequence of separate regulatory effects of the enzyme on ncRNAs.
EXAMINATION OF GAMMA-RAY METHOD FOR MEASURING BULK SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF HOT-MIX ASPHALT CONCRETE

Much attention has been given to the determination of bulk specific gravity (Gmb) of compacted hot-mix asphalt (HMA) specimens. For relatively open-graded HMA mixtures, such as those produced by Superpave® and stone matrix asphalt design methods, perceived potential shortcomings in traditional test methods may be pronounced. Recently, a new device was introduced for measuring Gmb that features the use of gamma-ray technology. To evaluate the efficacy of the device, 221 compacted HMA specimens were tested with three test methods: saturated surface dry (SSD) (AASHTO T-166), vacuum-sealing (Corelok), and gamma-ray technology (CoreReader). Each specimen was tested three times in each of the three methods. The specimens represented field-sampled and laboratory-prepared mixtures, 12.5-mm and 25-mm nominal maximum aggregate sizes, and a variety of aggregates typically used in Arkansas. Test results indicated that statistically significant differences exist between mean Gmb-values generated by each of the three t...
Active state of muscle in iodoacetate rigor.

Frog sartorius muscles, equilibrated to 2 x 10-4 M iodoacetic acid-Ringer's solution and activated by a series of twitches or a long tetanus, perform a rigor response consisting in general of a contractile change which plateaus and is then automatically reversed. Isotonic rigor shortening obeys a force-velocity relation which, with certain differences in value of the constants, accords with Hill's equation for this relation. Changes in rigidity during either isotonic or isometric rigor response show that the capacity of the rigor muscle to bear a load increases more abruptly than the corresponding onset of the ordinarily recorded response, briefly plateaus, and then decays. A quick release of about 1 mm. applied at any instant of isometric rigor output causes the tension to drop instantaneously to zero and then redevelop, the rate of redevelopment varying as does the intensity of the load-bearing capacity. These results demonstrate that rigor mechanical responses result from interaction of a passive, undamped series elastic component, and a contractile component with active state properties like those of normal contraction. Adenosinetriphosphate is known to break down in association with development of the rigor active state. This is discussed in relation to the apparent absence of ATP splitting in normal activation of the contractile component.
Robot-Assisted (Da Vinci) Urologic Surgery: An Emerging Frontier

Robotic urologic surgery is an interesting and new development in the field of urology that has tremendous possibilities for progress in the future. Reports from various centers worldwide of complex urologic procedures in humans performed with robotic assistance have documented their safety, efficacy, efficiency, and feasibility. This review attempts to define the incorporation of robotics into laparoscopic urologic surgery and also reflects on our experience with over 900 cases of robotic surgery. Most of the recent reports pertaining to robotic surgery have been in the domain of localized cancer of the prostate (radical prostatectomy), bladder cancer (radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for muscle-invasive bladder cancer), kidney surgery (nephrectomy, donor nephrectomy, and pyeloplasty), and adrenal surgery. There are also reports in other areas of urology such as male infertility.
Same-day cervical preparation with misoprostol prior to second trimester D&E: a case series.

Abstract Background Traditionally, overnight cervical preparation with osmotic dilators has been used for second trimester dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedures. Misoprostol offers an alternative treatment that could shorten cervical preparation time. Study design This study reports on a case series of patients who received only buccal or vaginal misoprostol for cervical preparation on the same day as the D&E procedure. Data were collected from charts of women undergoing second trimester D&E at an outpatient women's health clinic. Eligible cases included procedures performed between January 2001 and December 2010 at 17 0/7 to 23 0/7 weeks of gestation. Results Chart review identified 1177 cases of D&E during the study period. After deletion of 96 multiple-day cases using laminaria, 1081 misoprostol-only cases remained for analysis. Two of the cases were not able to be completed in the same day (0.2%). Ninety-eight percent of cases were 17���20 weeks of gestation. The average time from either vaginal or buccal placement of the first misoprostol dose to procedure completion was 4.9 h (SD��1.7 h). The average procedure length was 13.0 min (SD��10.2 min). Complications were reported in 21 of 1079 same-day procedures (2%) and included resuction ( n =4), hemorrhage ( n =5), cervical laceration ( n =4), endometritis ( n =5), pulmonary embolus ( n =1), disseminated intravascular coagulation ( n =1) and perforation ( n =1). Conclusion Same-day cervical preparation with misoprostol for second trimester D&E is both safe and effective. With the continuing shortage of D&E providers, the resulting increase in travel distance to obtain the procedure, mandatory waiting periods and the capability of having the procedure completed in a single day may increase patient access, reduce cost and improve patient satisfaction.
Structure and geomorphology of the Duchesne graben, Uinta basin, Utah, and its enhancement of a hydrocarbon reservoir

The Duchesne fault zone (DFZ) in the Uinta basin of northeastern Utah is a system of normal faults and joint zones that forms prominent, east-trending lineaments tens of kilometers long. The Duchesne graben, an asymmetrical fault-bounded trough in the western part of the DFZ, is the focus of this article. A master fault bounds the southern margin of the structural half graben, dips steeply northward, and accommodates about 200 m of slip. This fault either terminates downward by 1400 m depth or flattens into a north-dipping, low-angle detachment fault at about 1000 m depth. The half graben is developed along the crest of an open, low-amplitude flexure in the southern limb of the Uinta basin syncline. This faulted flexure trapped hydrocarbons that migrated southward from depth in the Uinta basin. Intense fracturing within the half graben also created migration pathways for hydrocarbons and generated shallow reservoirs in the Green River Formation.
A one‐dimensional analytical model for airborne contaminant transport in airliner cabins

UNLABELLED Quick information on airborne infectious disease transmission in airliner cabins is essential to reduce the risk of infection of passengers and crew members. This investigation proposed a one-dimensional analytical model that can predict the longitudinal transmission of airborne contaminants or disease viruses inside an airliner cabin. The model considered both diffusive and convective transport of contaminants in the longitudinal direction of the cabin but assumed complete mixing of contaminants in the cabin cross-section. The effect of recirculation of the cabin air and efficiency of the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters is also considered in the model. The analytical solution for the one-dimensional contaminant transport model is obtained by using the principle of superposition and the method of separation of variables. The analytical solutions agree well with the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results. The coupling of a CFD model with the one-dimensional analytical model could capture the impact of local airflow on contaminant transport. This analytical model has been used for analyzing contaminant transport in a 30-row all-economy-class airliner cabin with minimal computing effort. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The paper presents a new one-dimensional analytical model that can provide quick information on global airborne contaminant transmissions in airliner cabins for effective response plans. The model can be used to study the effects of air exchange rates, recirculation, efficiency of the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and longitudinal airflow on airborne contaminant transport in airliner cabins with minimal computing effort.
Molecular motions and λ phase transition: Raman and far-ir studies of neat and isotopic mixed hexamethylbenzene crystal

Abstract Raman and far-IR studies of hexamethylbenzene (HMB) low temperature crystalline phases (neat and isotopic mixed) are presented. The Raman phonon spectrum changes drastically during the λ-phase transition. Site splittings on two intramolecular modes of HMB- h 18 (but on only one corresponding HMB- d 18 mode) are observed in the room temperature phase (phase II) spectrum. These splittings disappear in the lower temperature phase (phase III). The methyl torsional bands are identified and a significant shift is observed for them during the phase transition. Also, while the λ-phase transition takes place at 113°K (± 2°K) for HMB- h 18 crystal, the transition temperature is 133°K (± 2°K) for HMB- d 18 . Our results suggest that (for phonon interactions) the symmetry in phase Ill is close to D 3d and reduces to C i in phase II. Furthermore, the results support the mechanism of phase transition which involves a tilting of the methyl groups out of the benzene ring.
Convenient Preparation of 3‐Ethoxycarbonyl Benzofurans from Salicylaldehydes and Ethyl Diazoacetate

3-Benzofurancarboxylic acid 5-chloro- ethyl ester Acetic acid, 2-diazo-,ethyl ester Tetrafluoroboric acid diethyl etherate 5-Chlorosalicylaldehyde Keywords: ethoxycarbonyl benzofurans; salicyaldehydes; ethyl diazoacetate; palladium catalyst; isolated yields; waste disposal; safety
The Norm Dependence of Singular Vectors

Abstract For a linearized system such as ∂ψ/∂t = &#x1d5e0;ψ, singular vector analysis can be used to find patterns that give the largest or smallest ratios between the sizes of &#x1d5e0;ψ and ψ. Such analyses have applications to a wide range of atmosphere–ocean problems. The resulting singular vectors, however, depend on the norm used to measure the sizes of &#x1d5e0;ψ and ψ, as noted in various applications. This causes complications because the choices of norm are generally nonunique. Based on perturbation theory, a derivation of how singular vectors change with norms typically used in the atmosphere–ocean literature is provided, and it is shown that the norm dependences observed in previous studies can be understood as general properties of singular vectors. This will hopefully clarify the interpretation of these observed norm dependencies, and provide guidance to new studies on how singular vectors would vary for different norms. It is further argued, based on these results, that there may not be as much norm-related ambigu...
Religion, Suffering, and Self-rated Health Among Older Mexican Americans

Objectives. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between religiously based beliefs about suffering and health among older Mexicans.
WCDM2 — Wafer-level charged device model testing with high repeatability

CDM-like unipolar pulses are generated at the wafer level with excellent repeatability and linearity. Pulse width and rise time resemble that of FICDM testers. In-situ pre- and post-stress curve tracing reveals the current failure threshold for the device under test.
Photochemical production and release of gaseous NO2 from nitrate-doped water ice.

Temperature-programmed NO_2 emissions from frozen aqueous NaNO_3 solutions irradiated at 313 nm were monitored as function of nitrate concentration and heating rate, H, above −30 °C. Emissions increase nonmonotonically with temperature, displaying transitions suggestive of underlying metamorphic transformations. Thus, NO_2 emissions surge at ca. −8 °C in frozen [NO_3^-] > 200 μM samples warmed at H = 0.70 °C min^(-1) under continuous irradiation, and also in the dark from samples that had been photolyzed at −30 °C. The amounts of NO_2 released in individual thermograms, Σ_N, increase less than linearly with [NO_3^-] or the duration of experiments, revealing the significant loss of photogenerated NO_2. The actual Σ_N ∝ [NO_3^-]^(1/2) dependence (at constant H) is consistent with NO_2 hydrolysis: 2NO_2 + H_2O → NO_3^- + NO_2^- + 2H^+, overtaking NO_2 desorption, even below the eutectic point (−18 °C for aqueous NaNO_3). The increasingly larger NO2 losses detected in longer experiments (at constant [NO_3^-]) are ascribed to secondary photolysis of trapped NO_2. The relevance of present results to the interpretation of polar NO_2 measurements is briefly analyzed.
Lacosamide treatment of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is the most common form of idiopathic generalized epilepsy with onset at puberty or late teenage years. About 80-90% of patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy respond to appropriate antiepileptic treatment and achieve seizure freedom, and about 15% of patients become intractable. Valproic acid, levetiracetam, lamotrigine, topiramate and zonisamide are used as first line or adjunctive therapy of this disorder. Lacosamide is approved for adjunctive treatment of partial onset epilepsies. The role of lacosamide in treatment of idiopathic generalized epilepsy including juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is unknown. We present three patients with classic clinical and electrographic features of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy that were maintained on lacosamide (one on monotherapy and two as adjuvant therapy). There were no special pharmacodynamic actions causing exacerbation or worsening of myoclonic jerks or generalized seizures in these three patients. In conclusion, although, the data from our three patients' suggest that lacosamide may be effective in the treatment of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, larger studies are needed to explore efficacy and role of lacosamide in the treatment of this disorder.
Powder X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy studies of polycrystalline Au2PrIn

Abstract Heusler intermetallic compounds, with a general formula of X 2 YZ encompass over 1500 known compounds and are considered strong candidates in thermoelectrics and solar cell applications as well as their more fundamental phenomena such as topological insulators. It is important therefore, to investigate the synthesis and treatment conditions. Polycrystalline samples of Au 2 PrIn were synthesized and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction. Selective etching of impurity phases was followed and studied using secondary and backscatter electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction.
083PS Incorporating Guidelines into Local Clinical Practice and Policy Through the Use of Practice-Based Health Technology Assessment

Background Practice-based health technology assessment (PB-HTA) has the potential to improve the quality, safety and value of patient care by synthesising evidence to provide timely guidance for clinical practice, policy, formulary management, operations, and purchasing decisions. Hospital-based HTA centres are active in Western Europe and Canada, but less so in the US, and some operate in conjunction with formal evidence-based guideline programmes. Objectives/Goals To actively engage leaders of PB-HTA to discuss strengths and limitations, lessons learned, and the role of PB-HTA in the development, dissemination, and implementation of guidance within health care systems. Target Group/Suggested Audience Senior executives/administrators, and clinical policy, quality and safety leaders in healthcare organisations and networks who develop, implement and measure performance related to clinical guidance. Description of Aession and Speaker Topics Dr. Wyer, who leads a PB-HTA capacity building programme for health care organisations at the NYAM SEBHC, will engage the panellists in a discussion of their experiences leading PB-HTA efforts at Kaiser Permanente (Ms. Koster), the Veterans Administration (Dr. Helfand), Penn Medicine (Dr. Umscheid) and the HTA unit at the Catholic University Hospital in Rome, Italy (Dr. Marchetti). The discussion will address the potential for guidance developed by PB-HTA centres to impact the quality, safety and value of patient care, similarities and differences in national and international efforts, and future directions for the field.
Staining of granulocytic cells by Chlorazol black E

Using the trisazo dye Chlorazol black E, granules in neutrophilic granulocytes stained pale orange, gray and black. In promyelocytes, granules were mainly orange, whereas in myelocytes and metamyelocytes, mixtures of orange and black granules were seen. In neutrophils, a few orange granules were seen, and most of the granules stained gray and black. In eosinophils and basophils, granules stained orange. In monocytes, a few black and gray staining granules were seen. In lymphocytes, as well as other marrow cells like erythroblasts and megakaryocytes, granules were not visualized. Chlorazol black E may be a useful addition to the cytochemistry of blood cells, particularly in distinguishing cells of granulocytic origin from other cell types.
Tuberculin antigens active in human lymphocyte blastogenesis.

SummaryDiscrete pools of tuberculopoly-saccharide and tuberculoprotein antigens, prepared by continuous-flow electrophoretic separation of an unheated culture filtrate of M. tuberculosis (H37Rv strain), were tested for induction of lymphocyte blastogenesis in cultures of blood leukocytes from healthy individuals who reacted to an intermediate skin test dose of tuberculin PPD. Approximately 80% of the blastogenic activity of the unseparated culture filtrate was found in the pool of protein antigens while only 7% was detected in the polysaccharide pool. As indicated by immunoelectrophoretic and chemical analyses, the minimal activity of the pooled polysaccharides was attributed to their trace contamination by the protein antigens. It was concluded that tuberculin-induced lymphocyte blastogenesis reflects cellular reactivity to tuberculoprotein antigens.The competent technical assistance of Frances E. Soehnlen is gratefully acknowledged.
Small cell lung carcinoma presenting as a caecal polyp on surveillance colonoscopy

A 60-year-old man underwent surveillance colonoscopy that demonstrated five subcentimetre polyps, all of which were biopsied. One of the five polyps had histopathology consistent with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) metastasis from primary lung cancer. Subsequent imaging demonstrated a spiculated mass in the right upper lung lobe with metastasis to the brain, liver and spleen. He was immediately treated with palliative whole-brain irradiation followed by eight cycles of carboplatin and etoposide. Despite aggressive management, he had disease progression characterised by worsening performance status and development of transfusion-dependent anaemia, new blastic bone lesions and epidural disease. Given his liver failure, he was not considered a candidate for second-line topotecan. After discussion with the patient, family and palliative services, he was discharged with home hospice. This report describes a rare case of advanced SCLC presenting as a metastatic caecal polyp on surveillance colonoscopy.
Time-Gated Imaging Through Murine Chest Cavities

Time-resolved measurements of femtosecond laser pulse transmission through mice were performed using a high speed gated image intensifier. Quantification of tissue optical properties and measurement of transmission characteristics at different time gates were obtained.
High performance top-gated indium–zinc–oxide thin film transistors with in-situ formed HfO2 gate insulator

We report on top-gated indium–zinc–oxide (IZO) thin film transistors (TFTs) with an in-situ formed HfO2 gate dielectric insulator. Building on our previous demonstration of high-performance IZO TFTs with Al2O3/HfO2 gate dielectric, we now report on a one-step process, in which Hf is evaporated onto the 20 nm thick IZO channel, forming a partially oxidized HfOx layer, without any additional insulator in-between. After annealing in air at 300 °C, the in-situ reaction between partially oxidized Hf and IZO forms a high quality HfO2 gate insulator with a low interface trapped charge density NTC ~ 2.3 × 1011 cm− 2 and acceptably low gate leakage < 3 × 10− 7 A/cm2 at gate voltage VG = 1 V. The annealed TFTs with gate length LG = 50 μm have high mobility ~ 95 cm2/V ∙ s (determined via the Y-function technique), high on/off ratio ~ 107, near-zero threshold voltage VT = − 0.02 V, and a subthreshold swing of 0.062 V/decade, near the theoretical limit. The on-current of our proof-of-concept TFTs is relatively low, but can be improved by reducing LG, indicating that high-performance top-gated HfO2-isolated IZO TFTs can be fabricated using a single-step in-situ dielectric formation approach.
Medical hypophysectomy. I: Dose-response using a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist

The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis can be "dissected" in a nonsurgical and reversible fashion by the administration of a potent gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist. We created a transient, functional lesion at the level of the pituitary gonadotrope by using a potent GnRH antagonist ([Ac-pClPhe 1 , pCldPhe 2 , dTrp 3 , dArg 6 , dAla 10 ]-GnRH). In long-term castrate cynomolgus monkeys, doses of 0.05 to 2.0mg/kg/day intramuscularly were administered for a total of 32days. At doses up to 0.2mg/kg/day, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in circulation were only moderately suppressed; these subjects responded to an estradiol challenge by manifesting an LH elevation or surge within 48hours. At doses of 0.5 to 1.0mg/kg/day, FSH and LH secretion was suppressed to or below the limits of assay detection within 7days, remaining in a severely hypogonadotropic state for the remainder of the treatment interval. Using 2mg/kg/day, estradiol-positive feedback for midcycle-like LH/FSH surges was fully inhibited. This suppression of gonadotropin secretion was rapidly reversible, in that circulating gonadotropin levels had returned to pretreatment castrate levels within 60days after termination of GnRH antagonist treatments. These findings suggest that potent GnRH antagonists can effectively create a hypogonadotropic milieu without the initial enhancement of gonadotropin secretion that occurs during initiation of GnRH agonist therapy. "Medical hypophysectomy" through GnRH antagonist administration may permit a more direct and controlled approach to gonadal therapies such as ovulation induction.
The Law Student as Mediator IEP Project: Encouraging Legal Services Outreach in the Community and Empowering Families

ABSTRACT Determining appropriate special education services for children is a complex endeavor. The issues addressed do not always lend themselves to an amicable, streamlined process. Indeed, the arcane nature of the statutes and rules surrounding Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs, often seem at odds with a caregiver's eagerness to ensure academic success for a beloved child. Practical matters, too, such as financing for much needed services for the few while ensuring fair access to educational resources for all students, can set the stage for miscommunication, mistrust, and bad or hurt feelings on both sides of the table. Meanwhile, children waiting for services languish. Further, because lack of funds tends to be a key issue for families, there often is a dearth of effective advocacy available to help the process move efficiently and appropriately forward. Meanwhile, legal education is in a constant struggle to provide practical, meaningful, and concrete experiences that allow students to delve...
Sex differences in the right tail of cognitive abilities: An update and cross cultural extension

Abstract Male–female ability differences in the right tail (at or above the 95th percentile) have been widely discussed for their potential role in achievement and occupational differences in adults. The present study provides updated male–female ability ratios from 320,000 7th grade students in the United States in the right tail (top 5%) through the extreme right tail (top 0.01%) from 2011 to 2015 using measures of math, verbal, and science reasoning. Additionally, the present study establishes male-female ability ratios in a sample of over 7000 7th grade students in the right tail from 2011 to 2015 in India. Results indicate that ratios in the extreme right tail of math ability in the U.S. have shrunk in the last 20 years (still favoring males) and remained relatively stable in the verbal domain (still favoring females). Similar patterns of male-female ratios in the extreme right tail were found in the Indian sample.
Speculation with Information Disclosure

Sophisticated financial market participants frequently choose to disclose private information to the public — a phenomenon inconsistent with most theories of speculative trading. In this paper, we propose and test a model to bridge this gap. We show that when a speculator cares about both the short-term value of her portfolio and her long-term profit, information disclosure is incentive compatible: Disclosure in the form of a mixture of fundamental information and the speculator’s position induces competitive dealership to revise prices in the direction of the speculator’s position. Using mutual fund disclosure through newspaper articles, we find that when fund managers have stronger estimated ex ante short-term incentives, the frequency of strategic disclosures about stocks in their portfolios increases and those stocks’ liquidity improves, consistent with our model.
Reducing Departure Delays at LaGuardia Airport with Departure-Sensitive Arrival Spacing (DSAS) Operations

Air traffic management in the New York (NY) metropolitan area presents significant challenges such as excess demand, chronic delays, and inefficient routes. At NASA, a new research effort has been ...