cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A cost analysis of endoscopic ultrasound in the evaluation of esophageal cancer.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of suspicious lymph nodes has become an important aid in the staging of esophageal carcinoma. The economic impact of this staging strategy has not yet been described. We applied a decision analysis model to compare the costs of EUS FNA, CT-guided FNA, and surgery in the management of esophageal tumors. A cost-minimization approach was employed, as viewed from the perspective of the payer. METHODS: A decision analysis model with three management arms was designed using DATA 3.5 software, taking the entry criteria as esophageal carcinoma without evidence of distant metastases as determined by CT. Detection of tumor on celiac lymph node (CLN) FNA signified unresectability and prompted palliative treatment: chemoradiotherapy with endoscopic esophageal stenting rather than surgery. Baseline probabilities were varied through plausible ranges using sensitivity analysis. Cost inputs were based on Medicare professional fees plus Medicare facility fees. The endpoint was the cost of management per patient. RESULTS: EUS FNA was the least costly strategy ($13,811), compared to CT FNA ($14,350) and surgery ($13,992). The model outcome was sensitive to changes in both EUS FNA sensitivity and prevalence of CLN metastases. EUS FNA remained the least costly option provided the prevalence of CLN involvement was >16%; below this value, surgery became the most economical strategy. CONCLUSION: By minimizing unnecessary surgery, primarily by detecting CLN involvement, EUS FNA is the least costly staging strategy in the workup of patients with nonmetastatic esophageal cancer. Under certain circumstances, surgery is the preferred strategy.
Amazon Coastal Squall Lines. Part I: Structure and Kinematics

Abstract Mesoscale to synoptic-scale squall lines that form along the northeastern coast of South America as sea-breeze-induced instability lines and propagate through the Amazon Basin are investigated using data collected during the April–May 1987 Amazon Boundary Layer Experiment (ABLE 2B). These systems, termed “Amazon coastal squall lines” (ACSL), have been noted by others, but details of the structure and evolution of the ACSL are limited. The present paper uses Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, radar, upper-air rawinsonde, and surface Portable Automated Mesonet data to describe the structure, dynamics, and life cycle of the ACSL. Twelve ACSL were sampled during ABLE 2B, and three cases are discussed in detail. The ACSL are discontinuous lines of organized mesoscale cloud clusters that propagate across the central Amazon Basin at speeds of 50–60 km h−1. The ACSL undergo six possible life cycle stages: coastal genesis, intensification, maturity, weakening, reintensification, and dissip...
Nanostructuring With Scanning Probe Microscope Tip Irradiated With Femtosecond Laser

Nanostructures, which have characteristic dimensions that are difficult to achieve by conventional optical lithography techniques, are finding ever-increasing applications in a variety of fields. High resolution, reliability and throughput fabrication of these nanostructures is essential if applications incorporating nanodevices are to gain widespread acceptance. Owing to the minimal thermal and mechanical damage, ultra-short pulsed laser radiation has been shown to be effective for precision material processing and surface micro-modification. In this work, nanostructuring based on local field enhancement in the near field of a Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) probe tip irradiated with femtosecond laser pulses has been studied. High spatial resolution (~10–12nm), flexibility in the choice of the substrate material and possibility of massive integration of the tips make this method highly attractive for nanomodification. We report results of nanostructuring of gold thin film utilizing an 800nm femtosecond laser system in conjunction with a commercial SPM in ambient air. Further, Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulation results for the spatial distribution of the laser field intensity beneath the tip are presented. Potential applications of this method include nanolithography, nanodeposition, high-density data storage, as well as various biotechnology related applications.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Numerical Study of Laminar Natural Convection From a Plate to its Cylindrical Enclosure

This paper reports that the steady-state laminar natural convection for air bounded by a hot plate and a cold cylindrical enclosure has been studied numerically for the case of cold isothermal cylinder and hot isothermal plate. A correlation is presented for the average Nusselt number over the range of Rayleigh number from 10{sup 5} to 10{sup 6} for different values of the width-aspect ratio S{sub w} and thickness aspect-ratio S{sub t} of the plate. It is found that the average Nusselt number increase with increasing S{sub w} and Rayleigh number. A two-cell pattern is observed for S{sub w} = 1.5 and less. The effect of S{sub w} on the average Nusselt number is found to be stronger than that of S{sub t}.
Accuracy and repeatability of automated non-contact probes for on-wafer characterization

We present significant performance improvements of non-contact probes for the mmW and sub-mmW device characterization. Repeatability and accuracy of the measurement setup is studied using an automated non-contact probe system and compared with conventional contact-probes. Owing to the planar, non-contact nature of the new setup, only 2-axis automated positioning is required, as compared to typical 3-axis manipulators, including precise contact-force control used in commercially available systems. We demonstrate repeatability studies for the 140–220 GHz band using a precision servo system, which can be fully automated using a software-controlled aligner for wafer-scale measurements. This fully-automated system also allows for periodic re-calibrations that are typically required for reliable sub-mmW measurements.
Solar energy conversion research dealing with the mechanism of the photochemical production of molecular oxygen from water

Abstract Evidence is presented for the formation of ozone (O 3 ), ozonide (O 3 − ), the superperoxide HO 2 or O 2 − and the hydrated electron (e − aq.) as intermediates in the photochemical production of molecular oxygen from the peroxides H 2 O 2 and Na 2 S 2 O 8 in basic water solutions. Reactions explaining the observations are presented.
Effects of Concurrent Information Load on Serial and Simultaneous Visual Display Formats

RAP-COM (rapid-communication) displays have been shown to have useful potential human-computer interactions involving high information transfer rates (cf., Matin and Boff, 1988). Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the relative effectiveness of serial and simultaneous presentation of information via computer automated visual displays. Serial display formats involved rapid sequential presentation of discrete frames of information in a single spatial location. Whereas simultaneous formats consisted of presenting equivalent information in the same temporal frame, but in different spatial locations. The effectiveness of these two display formats were compared for different conditions which systematically varied concurrent information load. Surprisingly, the results indicated that in all of the variations of the tasks, simultaneous display formats were associated with faster and more accurate performance. These findings suggest that is difficult to make apriori predictions regarding performance advantag...
The design and use of animal models for translational research in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

This review provides an overview of animal models for the evaluation, comparison, and systematic optimization of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine strategies related to bone tissue. This review includes an overview of major factors that influence the rational design and selection of an animal model. A comparison is provided of the 10 mammalian species that are most commonly used in bone research, and existing guidelines and standards are discussed. This review also identifies gaps in the availability of animal models: (1) the need for assessment of the predictive value of preclinical models for relative clinical efficacy, (2) the need for models that more effectively mimic the wound healing environment and mass transport conditions in the most challenging clinical settings (e.g., bone repair involving large bone and soft tissue defects and sites of prior surgery), and (3) the need for models that allow more effective measurement and detection of cell trafficking events and ultimate cell fate du...
R-Curve Behavior and The Mechanical Properties of Transformation-Toughened ZrO 2 -Containing Ceramics

Current understanding of R-curve behaviour and the strength-toughness relationship of transformation-toughened ZrO 2 -containing ceramics is reviewed. If the toughness increases with crack, extension along an R-curve, a maximum in strength versus toughness is observed, which is related to the crack instability criterion for R-curves. An analytical expression from a well-known “wake” theory of crack tip shielding due to McMeeking and Evans is used to compute R-curves and strength/toughness relations, which are compared with experiment.
Maximum longevities of chemically protected and non-protected fishes, reptiles, and amphibians support evolutionary hypotheses of aging

Evolutionary hypotheses of aging predict that species with low rates of mortality from extrinsic sources, such as predation, should senesce more slowly and have longer maximum life spans than related species with higher rates of extrinsic mortality. We tested this prediction by synthesizing information on maximum body lengths and life spans in captivity of 1193 species of chemically protected (venomous or poisonous) and non-chemically protected fishes, snakes, caudatans (salamanders and newts), and anurans (frogs and toads). In every phylogenetic group maximum longevity was positively correlated with body size and, when size was controlled for statistically, chemically protected species and genera usually had longer maximum life spans than non-protected species. These results reemphasize the importance of life history traits, particularly protection from predation, in the evolution of senescence.
Where in the brain is depression

Major depressive disorder is a serious medical illness which is responsible for considerable morbidity and disability. Despite decades of research, the neural basis for depression is still incompletely understood. In this review, evidence from neuroimaging, neuropsychiatric and brain stimulations studies are explored to answer the question regarding the localization of depression in the brain. Neuroimaging studies indicate that although many regions of the brain have been repeatedly implicated in the pathophysiology of depression, not many consistent findings have been found until present. In recent times, the focus of neuroimaging has shifted from regional brain abnormalities to circuit level connectivity abnormalities. However, connectivity models are inherently more complicated, and the validity of these models remains to be tested. Neuropsychiatric studies of illnesses such as Parkinson's disease and stroke provide promising clues regarding areas involved in depression, but again consistent findings are rare. Similarly, stimulation of a variety of brain regions and circuits has been reported as being effective in depression. Therefore, the current knowledge indicates that the pathophysiology of depression may be distributed across many brain regions and circuits. In future studies, this distributed nature of depression needs to be further investigated, primary and secondary areas affected need to be identified, and new paradigms to explain complex mental functions need to be explored.
Initiating and maintaining an ethics committee

Abstract Ethics committees are an evolving approach to conflict resolution. They provide education and set institutional policy. They are an exciting and sometimes frightening reflection of changing health care, as issues involving allocation of scarce resources, withholding or withdrawing treatment, autonomy and the patient's right to refuse treatment, and access to care arise in clinical care. This article has described how to initiate and maintain an ethics committee, as well as the nurse's pivotal role in identifying conflict and assisting in conflict resolution. Cranford and Roberts 12 offer a few timeless tips for the beginning committee. They advise forming the committee with three or four people who have expressed interest, rather than recruiting those who may lose interest. More than three or four people may be needed to conduct committee business, so if recruiting is necessary, select compassionate people who are not likely to monopolize the meetings. Likewise, the chair should be affable yet assertive. Recognize that ethics committees will function differently from institution to institution, so comparisons may not be helpful. Proceed toward goals, but pay attention to the process of committee function and modify the process as needed. Finally, proceed at a pace most comfortable to members of the committee and to the institution. The pace may seem slow, but attitudes toward the committee, which may be negative at first, are slow to change. The end result is a viable body of caring people to address the needs of its institution, its staff, and most importantly, its patients and families. That is the goal we all seek.
Noninvasive Serial Evaluation of Myocardial Mechanics in Pressure Overload Hypertrophy of Rabbit Myocardium

The determination of progression from afterload mismatch to myocardial failure in small animals requires invasive monitoring to assess ventricular pressure.
Electrophoretic purification of soluble trehalase from Drosophila melanogaster by selective unstacking

Abstract Specific activity of soluble trehalase from Drosophila melanogaster has been increased at least 10 times by preparative electrophoresis using selective unstacking. However, enzyme yield was poor, with only 17% of the original activity recovered. A comparison of K m of crude and partially purified trehalase revealed no difference (0.650 and 0.666 m m , respectively). Electrophoretic parameters for a modified version of multiphasic buffer system 4014 are described and electrophoretic parameters which may be utilized in the electrophoretic purification of trehalase from 17 species of Drosophila are reported.
Modeling corotating interaction regions: From the Sun to 1 AU

Two types of dynamic features dominate the large-scale structure of the solar wind: corotating interaction regions (CIRs) and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The former result from quasi-stationary conditions at the Sun, whereby solar rotation leads to parcels of plasma with different plasma and magnetic properties becoming radially aligned. This interaction is one of the primary global dynamic processes that shape the structure of the interplanetary medium. In this paper we review the basic processes that lead to the formation and evolution of CIRs between the Sun and 1 AU, describe past and present modeling work aimed at understanding their fundamental features, contrast their properties at solar minimum and maximum, and relate them to potentially geo-effective phenomena. Finally, we describe how improved models and new observations may lead us towards an operational mode of predicting potentially geo-effective phenomena in the future.
Dynamics of ordering in alloys with modulated phases.

This paper presents a theoretical model for studying the dynamics of ordering in alloys which exhibit modulated phases. The model is different from the standard time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau description of the evolution of a nonconserved order parameter and resembles the Swift-Hohenberg model. The early-stage growth kinetics is analyzed and compared to the Cahn-Hilliard theory of continuous ordering. The effects of nonlinearities on the growth kinetics are discussed qualitatively and it is shown that the presence of an underlying elastic lattice introduces qualitatively interesting effects. A lattice Hamiltonian capable of describing these effects and suitable for carrying out simulations of the growth kinetics is also constructed.
Reply to a Critic: " Mind Efforts, Quantum Zeno Effect and Environmental Decoherence "

The original Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics was offered as a pragmatic methodology for making predictions about future experiences on the basis of knowledge gleaned from past experiences. It was, therefore, fundamentally about mental realities, and refrained from speaking about a more inclusive reality. Von Neumann created, later, what is called the orthodox formulation of quantum mechanics. It incorporates all of the Copenhagen-based predictions about connections between experiences into a rationally coherent conception of a dynamically integrated psychophysical reality. Von Neumann’s formulation allows the same laws and concepts that are used to make predictions about atomic phenomena to account for the capacity of our mental intentions to influence our bodily actions. Danko Georgiev claims to have found logical flaws in my use of von Neumann’s theory to explain this causal effectiveness of our mental intentions. The bulk of Georgiev’s paper gives a detailed discussion of a system with just two base states, up and down. This is not an adequate model of the pertinent physical system, a human brain. Georgiev’s attempt to relate his two-state work to the case at hand is flawed by statements such as “…in von Neumann’s formulation there are no such things as minds, spirits, ghosts, or souls, …” Von Neumann’s formulation certainly does involve minds. Georgiev’s choice of words seems designed to suggest that I am introducing mental qualities and assumptions that go beyond what are already parts of von Neumann’s theory. I explain here why these allegations, and all his other allegations of errors, are incorrect. NeuroQuantology | December 2012 | Volume 10 | Issue 4| Page 601-605
Determination of sedimentation coefficient distributions for cartilage proteoglycans

Abstract Sedimentation coefficient distributions of widely polydisperse proteoglycan preparations were made using a previously developed transport sedimentation methodology. Boundary stability was improved by centrifuging samples in a preformed CsCl density gradient (0.016 g/cm 4 ). The results were compared with the distributions obtained with an interferometric analytical centrifugation method. When these two techniques were applied to analyze A1 and A1–D1 proteoglycan preparations, results were in substantial agreement with respect to the mean sedimentation coefficients of the peaks, average S value, sedimentation coefficient distribution, skewness, proportion of monomer and aggregates, and linearity of the plot ln( s ) versus C extrapolations to zero concentration. The lower solute concentration compatible with the transport (velocity gradient) method makes this technique particularly suitable for studying the details of proteoglycan distribution of molecular sizes, especially for aggregates.
Mitochondrial dysfunction: Patient monitoring and toxicity management

Mitochondrial toxicity has been implicated in the development of a variety of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-associated syndromes. Mitochondrial damage and decreases in mitochondrial DNA levels have been demonstrated in various tissues of patients treated with NRTIs, especially in conjunction with exposure to stavudine. Clinical syndromes that may be mediated by mitochondrial toxicity include hyperlactatemia and lactic acidosis, hepatic steatosis, lipoatrophy, peripheral neuropathy, HIV-associated neuromuscular weakness syndrome, pancreatitis, skeletal myopathies, and cardiomyopathy. Early recognition of these syndromes in their mild forms involves close monitoring and a high index of suspicion. This may allow prompt discontinuation of the causative agent(s) and initiation of appropriate therapeutic measures, thereby increasing the chances of reversibility of the syndrome.
Building a sense of history: narratives and pathways of women computing educators

This working group laid the groundwork for the collection and analysis of oral histories of women computing educators. This endeavor will eventually create a body of narratives to serve as role models to attract students, in particular women, to computing; it will also serve to preserve the history of the female pioneers in computing education. Pre-conference work included administration of a survey to assess topical interest. The working group produced aids for conducting interviews, including an opening script, an outline of topics to be covered, guidelines for conducting interviews, and a set of probing questions to ensure consistency in the interviews. The group explored issues such as copyright and archival that confront the large-scale implementation of the project and suggested extensions to this research. This report includes an annotated bibliography of resources. The next steps will include training colleagues in how to conduct interviews and establishing guidelines for archival and use of the interviews.
Adiabatic equation for cracks

Abstract This article describes dynamical equations for cracks in strips. After first finding the stress and strain fields around a crack moving at constant velocity, the equations are then extended to cracks which accelerate very slowly. Assuming that the motion of cracks is restricted to a line, these calculations show them to be stable, unless the fracture energy that they require to advance is a decreasing function of their velocity.
COMPUTATIONAL ASPECTS OF ANALYSING RANDOM EFFECTS/LONGITUDINAL MODELS

Random effects and longitudinal models are becoming increasingly popular in the analysis of many types of data, including medical and biopharmaceutical, because of their richness and flexibility. They can be, however, difficult to fit using traditional statistical tools. Fortunately, there now exists a burgeoning collection of newer computational methods that can be applied to draw inferences with such models. This review attempts to provide an introduction to some of these techniques by describing them as extensions of the EM algorithm, currently a standard tool for the analysis of longitudinal and random effects models. For clarity of exposition, the extensions are classified into three types: large-sample iterative; large-sample simulation, and small-sample simulation.
Effect of wall corrugations on the lower hybrid wave spectrum of a waveguide array

The effect of wall corrugations on the lower hybrid wave spectrum of a waveguide array is investigated in a linear approach for the conditions of the Alcator A experiment. It was found that a limited number of grooves placed on both sides of a two-waveguide grill can considerably alter the wave power spectrum launched into the plasma. However, if the set of the grooves is situated further than one wavelength from the grill its influence on the wave power spectrum is weak.
Electron-impact single ionization of Mg and Al+

Theory and experiment are compared for the electron-impact single ionization of Mg and ${\text{Al}}^{+}$. Nonperturbative $R$ matrix with pseudostates (RMPS) and time-dependent close-coupling (TDCC) calculations have been carried out that exhibit large reductions from perturbative distorted-wave results of 38% for Mg and 20% for ${\text{Al}}^{+}$. Experimental single-ionization data available for Mg and ${\text{Al}}^{+}$ are in reasonable accord with distorted-wave data and lie substantially above the new theoretical results. Rate coefficients, necessary for the collisional-radiative modeling of Mg and Al plasmas were generated from the RMPS ionization cross sections. In the collisional-ionization region near the ionization threshold, the resulting rates were found to be up to two times lower for Mg and three times lower for ${\text{Al}}^{+}$ than the rates generated from experimental data.
LETM1, a novel gene encoding a putative EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding protein, flanks the Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) critical region and is deleted in most WHS patients.

Abstract Deletions within human chromosome 4p16.3 cause Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS), which is characterized by severe mental and developmental defects. It is thought that haploinsufficiency of more than one gene contributes to the complex phenotype. We have cloned and characterized a novel gene (LETM1) that is deleted in nearly all WHS patients. LETM1 encodes a putative member of the EF-hand family of Ca2+-binding proteins. The protein contains two EF-hands, a transmembrane domain, a leucine zipper, and several coiled-coil domains. On the basis of its possible Ca2+-binding property and involvement in Ca2+ signaling and/or homeostasis, we propose that haploinsufficiency of LETM1 may contribute to the neuromuscular features of WHS patients.
B‐Lymphocyte Alloantigens

Seventy B-cell alloantisera were tested by microcytotoxicity against a panel of B-cell-enriched and T-cell-enriched lymphocytes. Six groups were discerned and have tentatively been designated DIg 1-7 (for Duke immunoglobulin-positive cell groups). These alloantisera were used to type an HLA-A/B recombinant family. Two groups were observed to segregate in this family, DIg 7 with the HLA-B locus and DIg 2 with the HLA-A locus.
Homogeneous ENR's

Department of Mathematics, The Florida State University. Tallahassee, FL32306-3027, USA Received 15 August 1986 Revised 1 December 1986 We show that a homogeneous euclidean neighborhood retract (ENR) X is generalized manifold provided H,(X, X -x) is finitely generated for some (and, hence, every) x E X. As a consequence we obtain a partial answer of a question of Borsuk’s as to whether there exist homogeneous AR-spaces of finite dimension > 1. AMS (MOS) Subj. Class.: 54F40, 57P99 euclidean neighborhood retract
God and the Atlantic: America, Europe, and the Religious Divide

A review of God and the Atlantic: America, Europe, and the Religious Divide, by Thomas Albert Howard (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011).
Strain Anisotropies and Self-Limiting Capacities in Single-Crystalline 3D Silicon Microstructures: Models for High Energy Density Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes

This study examines the crystallographic anisotropy of strain evolution in model, single-crystalline silicon anode microstructures on electrochemical intercalation of lithium atoms. The 3D hierarchically patterned single- crystalline silicon microstructures used as model anodes were prepared using combined methods of photolithography and anisotropic dry and wet chemical etching. Silicon anodes, which possesses theoretically ten times the energy density by weight compared to conventional carbon anodes, reveal highly anisotropic but more importantly, variably recoverable crystallographic strains during cycling. Model strain-limiting silicon anode architectures that mitigate these impacts are highlighted. By selecting a specific design for the silicon anode microstructure, and exploiting the crystallographic anisotropy of strain evolution upon lithium intercalation to control the direction of volumetric expansion, the volume available for expansion and thus the charging capacity of these structures can be broadly varied. We highlight exemplary design rules for this self-strain-limited charging in which an anode can be variably optimized between capacity and stability. Strain-limited capacities ranging from 677 mAhg-1 to 2833 mAhg-1 were achieved by constraining the area available for volumetric expansion via the design rules of the microstructures.
THE REVELATION OF INFORMATION THROUGH THE ELECTORAL PROCESS: AN EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS*

This paper investigates the incentives for candidates to make informative campaign speeches concerning their policy intentions. Electoral competition is modeled as a game of communication in which candidates’policy preferences are private information and they compete by making pre-electoral policy announcements. An equilibrium is shown to exist in which candidates reveal their true policy intentions. We find that campaign messages are more likely to be informative, the less powerful is the elected office, the more attractive are candidates’opportunities outside of office, and the more uniform are candidates’prior beliefs as to the median voter's preferred policy.
Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 115*

Abstract The 1960 version of Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 115 has been revised on the basis of experimental data received before July 1974, with some modifications received via private communications. Experimental data concerning the nuclear structure of isotopes were compiled and used in the construction of the level schemes and in the deduction of numerous level properties and Jπ—assignments.
On the use of scanning tunneling microscopy to investigate surface structure and interface formation in transition metal oxides: SrTiO3 and TiO2

Since transition metal oxides are wide bandgap, low conductivity materials compared to conventional semiconductors, surface analysis by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is expected to be problematic. This paper considers the factors that affect atomic scale imaging of transition metal oxides and demonstrates how STM can be exploited to examine the geometric and electronic structures of SrTiO3 and TiO2 surfaces, their variations with thermochemical history, and the mechanisms of metal/oxide interface formation. The development of periodic atomic scale surface structure with variations in surface compositions are documented for both oxides. Further, the interactions of these surfaces with metal are examined by characterizing the morphologies that develop upon deposition of Cu on SrTiO3 and Al on TiO2.
Adsorption and decomposition of H2NCHO, D2NCHO, N2H4, and NH3 on Rh(111)☆

The adsorption and decomposition of H2NCHO, D2NCHO, N2H4, and NH3 on Rh(111) have been examined using TPD. Adsorption of H2NCHO on Rh(111) at 100 K produces four major desorption products: CO, H2, N2, and NH3. The absence of any CN bond retention demonstrates that CO bond formation is favored over CN bond formation on Rh(111). At low coverage N2 is the primary nitrogen containing product, but near saturation up to ∼ 25% NH3 is formed. Hydrogen desorption has a peak from the recombination of H adatoms and a reaction limited peak at ∼ 450 K. The decomposition of D2NCHO showed that the reaction-limited H2 comes from the amino group, and mass balances support the assignment of the reacting species as NH. The stability of NH suggests that NH decomposition may be a limiting factor in NH3 decomposition. Ammonia desorption from H2NCHO was reaction-limited and appeared to be formed from the scavenging of H adatoms by a NH2 surface species. Adsorption of N2H4 on Rh(111) at 100 K gave rise to three major desorption products: N2, H2, and NH3. N2 desorption has a peak at ∼ 700 K formed by the recombination of N adatoms at ∼ 700 K and also a low-temperature N2 peak at ∼ 270 K which was due to the decomposition of a N2Hy (y ⩽ 3) species not involving the scission of the NN bond. H2 desorption from N2H4 results from the recombination of H adatoms and the decomposition of NH. NH3 desorption from N2H4 has a peak corresponding with the NH3 peak from H2NCHO and a second peak caused by the direct intramolecular decomposition of N2H4.
Creative Destruction: Karl Kraus and the Paradox of Satire

The object of satire often bothers the satirist. Of course, satire is nothing but the attempt to ridicule or condemn an object – the venality and decadence of society, the vanity and mediocrity of the literati, and so on. To invoke a recent attempt to determine the constants of satirical writing, the satirizing author seeks to gain the reader’s approval for the aggression or negative critical energy he or she directs against an object or experience familiar to both (Schonert 9). But the claim about the bothersome object has an additional meaning: satirists do not want the objects they have singled out for censure to define their art. They may rage against an ugly world, but this, they claim, does not condemn their art to ugliness. Satire should instead be valued for the skill with which someone or something is being criticized or the height from which it is being attacked. In his discussion of satire in Uber naive und sentimentalische Dichtung, Friedrich Schiller acknowledges this problem in the process of diminishing its significance:
Reduction of Cysteine Sulfinic Acid by Sulfiredoxin Is Specific to 2-Cys Peroxiredoxins

Cysteine residues of certain peroxiredoxins (Prxs) undergo reversible oxidation to sulfinic acid (Cys-SO2H) and the reduction reaction is catalyzed by sulfiredoxin (Srx). Specific Cys residues of various other proteins are also oxidized to sulfinic acid, suggesting that formation of Cys-SO2H might be a novel posttranslational modification that contributes to regulation of protein function. To examine the susceptibility of sulfinic forms of proteins to reduction by Srx, we prepared such forms of all six mammalian Prx isoforms and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Purified sulfiredoxin reduced the sulfinic forms of the four 2-Cys members (Prx I to Prx IV) of the Prx family in vitro, but it did not affect those of Prx V, Prx VI, or GAPDH. Furthermore, Srx bound specifically to the four 2-Cys Prxs in vitro and in cells. Sulfinic forms of Prx I and Prx II, but not of Prx VI or GAPDH, present in H2O2-treated A549 cells were gradually reduced after removal of H2O2; overexpression of Srx increased the rate of the reduction of Prx I and Prx II but did not induce that of Prx VI or GAPDH. These results suggest that reduction of Cys-SO2H by Srx is specific to 2-Cys Prx isoforms. For proteins such as Prx VI and GAPDH, sulfinic acid formation might be an irreversible process that causes protein damage.
Crust and Mantle of the Gulf of Mexico

A SEEMING paradox has puzzled investigators of the crustal structure of the Gulf of Mexico since Ewing et al.1 calculated that a unit area of the rather thick crust in the gulf contains less mass than does a combination of the crust and enough of the upper mantle to make a comparable thickness in the Atlantic Ocean. They also noted that the free-air gravity of the gulf is essentially normal and fails by a large factor to be low enough to reflect the mass difference that they calculated. We propose a solution to this problem.
Comparison of Relative Accuracy between Testing Semimonthly Composites or Single Random Samples of Herd Milk for Composition

Summary The relative accuracy of testing composites or single random samples for composition was compared for milk samples from 30 herds. The bulk milk from each herd was sampled on alternate days for 2 wk during February, May, August, and November. Percentage milk fat in composite samples averaged 0.055 and 0.021% less than the average of the fresh milk aliquots, respectively, for Laboratories I and II. The average per cent SNF (TS gravimetric—F Babcock) in composite samples was 8.95%, compared with 8.91% in their fresh milk aliquots. For testing composite samples for per cent SNF, the plastic bead method of Golding was equal or superior to the gravimetric procedure. Two random tests for per cent milk fat each 2 wk for herds on alternate-day delivery estimated per cent milk fat as accurately as one test of a composite sample. Comparisons between testing single random samples and the average of the fresh milk aliquots over 2-wk periods showed variations from regression (S y · x ) of 0.13, 0.10, 0.13, 0.11, 0.08, and 0.12%, respectively, for milk fat, SNF (gravimetric), SNF (plastic beads-single equation), SNF (plastic bead-milk fat interval equations), milk protein, and lactose + mineral.
Rationale and Design of a Secondary Prevention Trial of Antibiotic Use in Patients after Myocardial Infarction: The WIZARD (Weekly Intervention with Zithromax [Azithromycin] for Atherosclerosis and Its Related Disorders) Trial

Mounting evidence supports the contention that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease. Recently a possible role for infectious microorganisms has gathered attention. Chlamydia pneumoniae is one possible pathogen. If C. pneumoniae is a target organism, antibiotics with antichlamydial activity may be able to ameliorate plaque instability. The WIZARD trial is a secondary prevention study that is assessing the impact of a 3-month course of azithromycin compared with placebo on the progression of clinical coronary heart disease. The study will enroll 3300 patients who have had a prior myocardial infarction and who have a C. pneumoniae IgG titer of >/=1:16. The primary end point is a composite of time to either recurrent myocardial infarction, death, a revascularization procedure, or hospitalization for angina. This study is the first of a series of adequately powered clinical trials that will attempt to bridge insights from preclinical investigations to interventions applicable to patient care.
Coronary artery systolic "milking" and "bridging" in Takotsubo syndrome: substrate or an epiphenomenon?

[first paragraph of article] To The Editor: I enjoyed reading the case report by Spadotto et al. published in issue 2 (2013) of the Journal about a 66-year-old woman with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), involving the mid-apical segment of the left ventricle (LV), severe dynamic mid-ventricular gradient and mitral regurgitation, with systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral leaflet caused by the hyperkinetic basal segments, with generation of a peak intra-ventricular gradient of 48 mmHg, and mild systolic “milking” of the mid to distal segment of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) showed intense myocardial edema of the mid-apical LV segments.
A strong positive phase of ionospheric storms observed by the Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar and global GPS network

[1] During geomagnetic storms, the ionospheric F region electron density may be greatly increased or decreased, which are termed positive storms or negative storms. It is generally accepted that negative storm phases are caused by neutral composition changes. In contrast, different mechanisms have been proposed to explain the generation of positive storm phases. In this paper, we present observations of a strong positive storm at middle latitudes. The Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar detected significant increases of the midlatitude ionospheric F region electron density during a magnetic storm on 3 April 2004. The positive phase of the ionospheric storm started to occur in the morning sector (0912 LT at Millstone Hill) and lasted for more than 10 hours. Compared with the quiet-time ionosphere, the daytime F peak altitude over Millstone Hill during the storm was ∼80 km higher, the F region electron density was increased by a factor of 2–4, and the F region electron temperature was decreased by ∼1000 K (or ∼40%). The radar also measured an enhanced eastward electric field and a slightly more equatorward neutral wind. Global GPS measurements show that total electron content (TEC) was increased at middle latitudes and decreased at lower latitudes, and the large TEC enhancements occurred primarily in the Atlantic sector. We suggest that electric fields may play an important role in the generation of the observed positive storm phase. The eastward electric field will cause increases in the midlatitude ionospheric electron density by moving the plasma particles upward and decreases in the equatorial ionospheric electron density by strengthening the fountain effect. The daytime poleward wind was reduced or even reversed during the storm, which may also contribute to the occurrence of the positive storm.
Use of efficacy probability maps for the post-operative programming of deep brain stimulation in essential tremor

Introduction Post-operative programming of deep brain stimulation for movement disorders can be both time consuming and difficult, which can delay the optimal symptom control for the patient. Probabilistic maps of stimulation response could improve programming efficiency and optimization.
SYNTACTIC APPROACHES TO AUTOMATIC BOOK INDEXING

Automatic book indexing systems are based on the generation of phrase structures capable of reflecting text content. Some approaches are given for the automatic construction of back-of-book indexes using a syntactic analysis of the available texts, followed by the identification of nominal constructions, the assignment of importance weights to the term phrases, and the choice of phrases as indexing units.
Packet leashes: a defense against wormhole attacks in wireless networks

As mobile ad hoc network applications are deployed, security emerges as a central requirement. In this paper, we introduce the wormhole attack, a severe attack in ad hoc networks that is particularly challenging to defend against. The wormhole attack is possible even if the attacker has not compromised any hosts, and even if all communication provides authenticity and confidentiality. In the wormhole attack, an attacker records packets (or bits) at one location in the network, tunnels them (possibly selectively) to another location, and retransmits them there into the network. The wormhole attack can form a serious threat in wireless networks, especially against many ad hoc network routing protocols and location-based wireless security systems. For example, most existing ad hoc network routing protocols, without some mechanism to defend against the wormhole attack, would be unable to find routes longer than one or two hops, severely disrupting communication. We present a new, general mechanism, called packet leashes, for detecting and thus defending against wormhole attacks, and we present a specific protocol, called TIK, that implements leashes.
Core-stateless proportional fair queuing for AF traffic

Proportional fair queuing is to ensure that a flow passing through the network only consumes a fair share of the network resource that is proportional to its committed rate or other service level agreement (SLA). It is of great importance in Differentiated Services (DiffServ) networks as well as other price incentive network services. In this paper, we propose a simple core-stateless proportional fair queuing algorithm (CSPFQ) for the assured forward (AF) traffic in DiffServ networks. We first develop our algorithm based on a fluid model analysis and then extend it to a realizable packet level algorithm. We prove analytically and instantiate through simulations that our algorithm can achieve proportional fair bandwidth allocation among competing flows without requiring routers to estimate flows' fair share rates. Our simulation results also demonstrate that our algorithm outperforms the weighted core-stateless fair queuing (WC-SFQ) in terms of proportional fairness.
Character strengths in fifty-four nations and the fifty US states

In a web-based study of 117,676 adults from 54 nations and all 50 US states, we investigated the relative prevalence of 24 different strengths of character. The most commonly-endorsed strengths in the USA were kindness, fairness, honesty, gratitude, and judgment, and the lesser strengths included prudence, modesty, and self-regulation. The profile of character strengths in the USA converged with profiles based on respondents from each of the other nations. Except for religiousness, comparisons within the US sample showed no differences as a function of state or geographical region. Our results may reveal something about universal human nature and/or the character requirements minimally needed for a viable society.
Oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma: a 30-year review

Objective To identify novel aspects of the pathogenesis, therapeutic options, and prophylaxis measures of corticosteroid-dependent asthma. Data Sources PubMed searches were undertaken of studies published between 1966 and 2006 on the pathogenesis of and corticosteroid-sparing therapies for corticosteroid-dependent asthma. Identified review articles were surveyed for additional and earlier citations. Recent American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology meeting abstracts were also searched to identify other recently published and unpublished studies. Study Selection Inclusion of studies in the review was decided by simple agreement of both reviewers, who independently read the "Methods" and "Discussion" sections of articles identified using the search strategy. Quality assessment was performed by the 2 reviewers. Results High-dose inhaled corticosteroids are the first-line option for corticosteroid-dependent asthmatic patients with clear efficacy. Omalizumab is effective in reducing oral corticosteroid requirements in allergic asthma. Methotrexate, gold, and cyclosporine have corticosteroid-sparing effects clinically that must be weighed against a serious adverse effect profile. Nebulized diuretics and lidocaine, with a low adverse effect profile, offer promising results but require further study. Clarithromycin and telithromycin seem to have an independent mechanism of inflammatory modulation, but their effect on corticosteroid-dependent asthma remains to be seen. Etanercept offers only early clinical evidence of a role in corticosteroid-dependent asthma. Conclusions With no clear consensus on corticosteroid-sparing treatment in corticosteroid-dependent asthmatic patients, systemic glucocorticoids remain the foremost therapy, with adverse effects that require monitoring and prophylaxis.
Economics of immunization information systems in the United States: assessing costs and efficiency

Background One of the United States' national health objectives for 2010 is that 95% of children aged <6 years participate in fully operational population-based immunization information systems (IIS). Despite important progress, child participation in most IIS has increased slowly, in part due to limited economic knowledge about IIS operations. Should IIS need further improvement, characterizing costs and identifying factors that affect IIS efficiency become crucial.
Educational Value of Modern Languages in Our Modern Civilization

Author's Summary— The correlation of language with other subjects; the necessity of language study as a help to general culture, as an adjunct to science, as an instrument of international understanding and an axis for commerce.
Policing Gangs in America: Setting and Methods

Ultimately, my sense of the report is that the Board of Inquiry was created by the management of the Los Angeles Police Department to study the Rampart Scandal and it is the management account: it minimizes the problem and spares management of criticism. What is desperately needed is external investigations and accounts to learn the full magnitude of the problems and to propose the needed comprehensive reforms to ensure that this never happens again. – Erwin Chemerinsky, Independent Auditor of the Los Angeles Police Department Board of Inquiry Report on the Rampart Scandal 2000b, 11. This chapter describes the methodological strategies used in our study of police gang units. In particular, we describe the settings in which the study took place, explain the characteristics of the police departments and the gang units that were examined, and discuss the approaches that were used to collect data. STUDY SETTING Data for the study were gathered in four cities located in the Southwestern region of the United States: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Inglewood, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Phoenix, Arizona. We selected these cities for our study for two major reasons. First, although police departments across the country claim to have gang problems, researchers have found that police departments in the Southwestern United States have been significantly more likely than others to respond to the problem by establishing specialized police gang units (Curry et al. 1992, 65).