cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Defining the seafloor microbiome of the Gulf of Mexico and its response to oil perturbation

The microbial ecology of oligotrophic deep ocean sediments is understudied relative to their shallow counterparts, and this lack of understanding hampers our ability to predict responses to current and future perturbations. The Gulf of Mexico has experienced two of the largest accidental marine oil spills, i.e., the 1979 Ixtoc-1 blowout in the Southern Gulf of Mexico (GoM) and the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) discharge in the Northern GoM. Microbial communities were characterized via next generation sequencing of SSU rRNA gene sequences for 29 sites across multiple years in the Gulf of Mexico, represented by >700 samples. The distribution of seafloor microbial communities was elucidated and found to be surprisingly consistent across the entire region in terms of the OTUs detected and their relative abundances. The composition of the seafloor microbiome was well approximated by the overlying water depth and depth within the sediment column, which together explained 38% of the observed variation. In contrast, geographic distance had a limited role and explained only 6%. Biogeographical distributions were used to generate a depth-stratified machine-learning based predictive model for over 4000 dominant OTUs that relies on easy-to-obtain geospatial variables. Microbial community structure is linked to oxygen penetration depth and sediment geochemical regime, which are likely controlled through carbon delivery. Our results further demonstrate that sediments impacted by the DWH spill had returned to near baseline conditions after two years. The distributions of key microbial populations can now be calculated and constrained across the region while deviations from these predictions may be evaluated to pinpoint impacted sites, and more importantly, in future response efforts or long-term stability studies.
Conceptualizing effective legal representation for Foster youth: A group concept mapping study

Abstract Whilst there is broad consensus that foster youth embroiled in dependency court proceedings related to child maltreatment are entitled to effective representation, few studies have examined this phenomenon. This study used Group Concept Mapping (GCM) with a sample of 31 foster youth and alumni to explicate a conceptual framework for effective legal representation. GCM is an integrated, mixed-method research approach that utilizes non-metric multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analyses to analyze qualitative data. As a result, pictorial illustration of the data are generated. Results indicate that youth conceptualized effective legal representation via six unique clusters: Legal Skills, Foster Care Knowledge, Youth/Attorney Relationship, Attitude About Foster Care, Contact, and Communication. Additionally, participants viewed the Communication cluster as most important and feasible, when compared to other clusters in the final solution. Conversely, statements in the Legal Skills cluster were rated the least important and the Foster Care Knowledge was rated least feasible. Data indicates the need for a more wholistic approach to viewing effective legal representation. Findings suggest explicit attention to training about legal approaches and youth/alumni engagement. As well, data provide foundational aspects on which to build future research in this area.
Gang Dynamics Through the Lens of Social Identity Theory

Based on the tenets of social identity theory, we interpret criminal and violent behavior among gang members as a group-based phenomenon, not in terms of engaging in these behaviors together at the same time (which may or may not happen), but rather in terms of one’s motivation to act. We examined intragroup dynamics of gangs and other peer groups that contribute to delinquency and violence. We found that group cohesion and group identification are associated with criminal and violent behavior among gang members, but not among members of other kinds of peer groups in the same neighborhoods. In the SEM models with gang-involved respondents, the relationship between gang cohesion with crime and violence was fully mediated by strength of social identity. These relationships were not found among nongang respondents where deterrence-related concepts were more important than group cohesion or social identity. We maintain that this difference is due to different normative expectations within street gangs versus within nongang peer groups. The stronger one’s identification with the gang, the stronger the individual is focused on the gang’s normative expectations (i.e., behavior at the group end of Tajfel’s continuum), regardless of individual concerns.
Okun's Law across the Business Cycle and during the Great Recession: A Markov Switching Analysis

The substantial increase in unemployment during the Great Recession, coupled with the possibility of a breakdown in Okun's law, gave rise to concerns of a structural increase in the natural rate of unemployment. We estimate asymmetries in Okun's law using quarterly data from 1948:01-2012:04 across the business cycle as defined by exogenous breaks for the period after the peak of the business cycle to the trough. We further allow for endogenous break points by estimating a markov switching model. The estimated asymmetries rely on adequate specification of the dynamics of the relationship. The non-linearities in Okun's law provide strong support for an understanding of deviations in Okun's law during the Great Recession as a natural by-product of a stronger relationship between GDP growth during contractions than recoveries, although this fails to explain the entirety of the weak labor market conditions during the tepid recovery in economic activity. This similarly contributes towards an understanding of the phenomena of jobless recoveries which are a product of weak economic growth in recent decades coupled with a weaker relationship between GDP growth and unemployment during expansions. In this respect, the Great Recession, despite the relatively larger contraction in economic activity, was no different from previous recessions.
Trends in provider-advised HIV antiretroviral therapy deferral in the United States, 2009-2014.

Since 2012, U.S. clinical guidelines for antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation have recommended universal ART prescription barring patient contraindications. Although ART prescription has signifi...
MEANS AND NONREAL INTERSECTION POINTS OF TAYLOR POLYNOMIALS

Suppose that f ∈Cr+1(0,∞) ,a nd letPc denote the Taylor polynomial to f of order r at x = c ∈ (a,b) .I n (2 )i t was shown that ifr is an odd whole number and f (r+1) (x) � 0o n (a,b), then there is a unique x0, a < x0 < b, such that Pa(x0 )= Pb(x0) .T his defines a mean M r f(a,b) ≡ x0. In this paper we discuss the real parts of the pairs of complex conjugate nonreal roots of Pb −Pa. We prove some results for r in general, but our most significant results are for the case r = 3. We prove in that case that if f(z )= z p ,w herep is an integer, p / ∈{ 0,1,2,3}, then Pb −Pa has nonreal roots x1 ±iy1 , with a < x1 < b for any 0 < a < b .T his defines the countable family of means M 3p(a,b) ,w herep = n ∈ Z −{ 0,1,2,3}. We construct a cubic polynomial, g, whose real root gives the real part of the pair of complex conjugate nonreal roots of Pb −Pa. Instead of working directly with a formula for the roots of a cubic, we use the Intermediate Value Theorem to show that g has a root in (a,b).
“That’s My Number One Fear in Life. It’s the Police”: Examining Young Black Men’s Exposures to Trauma and Loss Resulting From Police Violence and Police Killings:

Black males are disproportionately the victims of police killings in the United States, yet few studies have examined their personal narratives of trauma and bereavement resulting from police viole...
The Dose Makes the Poison: Sugar and Obesity in the United States – a Review

Two-thirds of the US population is either overweight or obese. Obesity is one of the major drivers of preventable diseases and health care costs. In the US, current estimates for these costs range from $147 to $210 billion per year. Obesity is a multifactorial disease: genetics, lifestyle choices, metabolism, and diet. Low-fat diets have been suggested as the key to weight management. However, over the past 30 years, the calories from fat in people's diets have gone down, but obesity rates keep climbing. Evidence suggests that diets high in added sugar promote the development of obesity. However, the impact of sugar consumption on weight gain and body fat accumulation remains a controversial topic. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide basic framework information about the prevalence of obesity and sugar consumption in the US over the last five decades. We also review the process by which sugar is converted to fat and stored in the human body. The relationship between sugar consumption and obesity was analyzed using United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Sugar and Sweetener Outlook data, and obesity prevalence was analyzed using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The analysis revealed a reduction in sugar consumption concurrent with a slowing down of the annual rate of increase of obesity. However, although the data show that the sugar consumption trend is going in the right direction (declining), the US population still consumes more than 300% of the recommended daily amount of added sugar.
Tinnitus and the Brain: A Review of Functional and Anatomical Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies

Purpose The tinnitus patient population is inherently heterogeneous. Although tinnitus often co-occurs with hearing loss and is more frequent among elderly people, it affects all age groups with va...
Entrepreneurship within the history of marketing

Abstract Few scholarly articles explore the history of marketing beyond the commonly accepted origins. Even fewer studies explore the role of the entrepreneur in early markets and economies or how entrepreneurs adapted as the world economy shifted. Aside from recognizing that early forms of commercial exchange existed in the pre-industrial age, little is written about the social, historical, and anthropological constructs that contributed to the development of marketing and entrepreneurial theory or the profile of the first entrepreneurs who sought to expand commerce beyond simple exchanges within their community. We believe this to be an oversight on the part of historical scholars in marketing, entrepreneurship, and related disciplines which leaves a gap in the literature that we address by comparing and contrasting the traditional marketing perspectives with the entrepreneurial and relational perspectives across different eras. Propositions are developed in conjunction with the discussion of implications.
For food space: theorizing alternative food networks beyond alterity

In response to calls by scholars to deepen theoretical engagement in research on Alternative Food Networks (AFNs), in this article we critically discuss and assess major theoretical approaches deployed in the study of AFNs. After highlighting the strengths and limitations of each theoretical approach, we provide an alternative framework – which we refer to as the Geographical Political Ecology of Food Systems – that integrates the contributions that have emerged in the study of the alternative geographies of food with an understanding of capitalist processes in the food system. We do this by bringing together literature on the political ecology of food systems and multiple spatialities, including Doreen Massey's understanding of space as a heterogeneous multiplicity and Eric Sheppard's conceptualization of sociospatial positionality. We utilize research on agrarian change and AFNs in Eastern Europe to elaborate this approach. We argue that this new perspective helps navigate tensions in AFN scholarship, and provides new avenues for research and action. We focus particularly on the ability of AFNs to provide a sustainable livelihood for participating farmers, thus far a neglected topic in AFN research in Europe. Keywords: Alternative Food Networks, Eastern Europe, spatialities, positionality, livelihoods
A MISSING PART OF PERICARDIUM

Congenital absence of pericardium is a rare malformation, with the most common defect being the absence of the left pericardium. In up to 30% of cases, patients have other cardiopulmonary anomalies. A complete absence of pericardium is usually asymptomatic, whereas a partial absence of pericardium
A Griggs apparatus upgrade for stress-controlled testing of geological material at high temperature and pressure

Abstract The Griggs apparatus is a triaxial piston-cylinder instrument used in deformation experiments of geological material at temperatures up to 1200 °C and confining pressures up to 3 GPa. Currently, most Griggs apparatuses can carry out deformation experiments only at constant displacement rate. As a result, few experimental studies have explored other geologically-relevant deformation scenarios. We present supplemental instrumentation and software that enables Griggs apparatus users to carry out deformation experiments at controlled differential stress conditions. The add-on instrument includes a feedback loop mechanism that regulates the imposed differential stress on the sample and a data acquisition system that allows for real-time display of mechanical data in units of stress and displacement. We demonstrate the application of this instrument through two deformation experiments at constant differential stress on (1) an aluminum cylinder at room temperature and (2) a quartz aggregate at 850 °C, both at ~1 GPa confining pressure. These experiments show that the instrument can reliably control the imposed differential stress on the sample throughout the deformation. Applications of the instrument can be extended beyond constant differential stress to more sophisticated stress paths (e.g., stress pulse, stress ramp) or to maintain true strain rates by accounting for anticipated geometrical changes in the sample during deformation.
Clinical Bedside Tools to Assess Systemic Sclerosis Vasculopathy: Can digital thermal monitoring and sublingual microscopy identify patients with digital ulcers?

OBJECTIVE Sublingual microscopy assesses systemic sclerosis (SSc) vasculopathy. Digital thermal monitoring (DTM) may identify patients at risk for digital ulcer (DU). The purpose of this analysis was to assess sublingual microscopy and DTM in SSc patients with and without previous DU in order to determine the utility of these clinical tools. METHODS SSc registry patients with clinical data who had both DTM and sublingual microscopy on the same day were included in this cross-sectional analysis. DTM quantifies vascular reactivity index (VRI). Sublingual microscopy measures longitudinal red blood cell fraction (RBCfract) and perfused boundary region (PBR). We evaluated the pairwise association between VRI, RBCfract, and PBR in a monotonic relationship using Spearman rank correlation in the DU subset. Correlation coefficients (r s ) and their 95% CIs were reported. RESULTS Ninety patients were included; 29 had digital pits and/or active DU and 61 never had a DU. The only significant clinical feature associated with DU was modified Rodnan skin score (P = 0.003) with DU being higher. The VRI was lower in patients with DU (P = 0.01). The higher the RBCfract, the lower PBR (r s = -0.71, 95% CI -0.86 to -0.47, P < 0.001). VRI was not associated with RBCfract or PBR (P = 0.24 or 0.55, respectively) in the patients with DU. CONCLUSION DTM is a useful tool for assessing SSc-DU. While sublingual microscopy measurements did not significantly correlate to VRI in patients with SSc-DU, a longitudinal study may be more helpful in capturing vasculopathy activity prior to possible irreversible damage.
Antibiotics and Imiquimod for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in Veterans: A Patient Population with Agent Orange Exposure

LESSONS LEARNED Staphylococcus aureus infection in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is thought to contribute to disease progression; thus, adjunctive treatment with antibiotics warrants further investigation. This trial of antibiotic therapy followed by imiquimod in early stage CTCL was not completed because of difficulties with patient accrual. BACKGROUND Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is a heterogeneous group of malignancies of mature memory T lymphocytes. It has an annual age-adjusted incidence of 7.5 per million persons in the U.S. population [1]. The etiology of CTCL is unknown, but epidemiological studies have reported potential associations with environmental and occupational factors, including Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam Veterans [2]. Both topical and systemic therapies have been identified as effective in CTCL; the choice of treatment is dependent on disease stage, with the overall goal of improving symptoms given the chronic and recurrent nature of the disease. Several studies have suggested that CTCL is exacerbated by the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in the skin and can be ameliorated by treatment with antibiotics [3]. METHODS Our study was designed to assess the effects of antibiotics and imiquimod on early stage CTCL. Patients between the ages of 30-89 years with stage I and II CTCL were eligible for enrollment. They could not be receiving concurrent therapy, and the study design included a 14-day washout period after discontinuation of CTCL therapy. The washout period was followed by doxycycline 100 mg p.o. b.i.d. for 14 days and then two packets (250 mg per packet) of imiquimod 5% cream topically to the most clinically active lesions 3 days a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) for 28 days. Skin lesions were measured using the modified Severity Weighted Assessment Tool (mSWAT). RESULTS Our study enrolled only two patients with early stage CTCL because of difficulty locating patients with active CTCL able to discontinue all therapy. The two enrolled patients completed all therapy. One patient had a complete response after imiquimod, whereas the other patient had stable disease. CONCLUSION Antibiotics and imiquimod have reported activity as single agents in CTCL; we did not enroll enough patients to assess value in the sequence of antibiotic therapy followed by imiquimod.
Outcomes of rotator cuff repair with concurrent microfracture of focal glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

Background The benefit of rotator cuff repair (RCR) in patients with concurrent osteoarthritic changes remains unclear. RCR has the theoretical potential to increase the compressive force across the glenohumeral joint, further exacerbating osteoarthritis pain. The purpose of this study is to investigate pain relief and patient-reported outcomes of patients undergoing simultaneous RCR and microfracture of focal glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Methods Thirty-four patients undergoing simultaneous RCR and microfracture were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum 1-year follow-up. Patient demographics, preoperative range of motion, functional outcomes (visual analog scale [VAS], Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation [SANE], American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form [ASES], and Simple Shoulder Test [SST]), and operative metrics were recorded. The patients were then contacted to obtain postoperative functional outcome scores (VAS, SANE, ASES, and SST). Results Twenty-seven patients (11 male/16 female [79%]) were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 25.8 months (range, 12-46). The average age at surgery was 64.9 years (range, 56-78). Chronic tears were more common than acute tears (57.7% vs. 42.3%). The majority of patients had a full rotator cuff tear (89%) involving a mean 1.7 ± 0.8 tendons (range, 1-3). Eighty-eight percent of the humeral lesions were Outerbridge 4 compared with 84% on the glenoid. The mean estimated involvement between the 2 groups with 38.4% ± 18.4% of the humeral head involved and 34.6% ± 18.4% of the glenoid involved. PRO scores improved postoperatively with a reduction in mean VAS (6.6-2.0, P Conclusions Our results demonstrate modest improvements in postoperative pain and functional scores at a minimum of 1-year follow-up in a cohort of patients who have undergone RCR and glenohumeral microfracture. In cases of small focal lesions of full-thickness cartilage loss, RCR with microfracture is a reasonable treatment option; however, patients should be counseled on expectations accordingly.
{100}-textured piezoelectric Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 films: Influence of Pb content in the PbxTiO3 seed layer on the electrical properties of chemical solution deposited Pb(Zr,Ti)O3

In this work, the influence of Pb content (x = 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, and 1.2) in a 0.02M PbxTiO3 (PxT) seed layer on {100}-texture percentage and electrical properties of Pb1.1(Zr0.52,Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) films was investigated. The 0.02M concentration of the PxT seed layer chosen for the present work was based on our previous work on the optimization of solution concentration (0.02, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2M) of the PxT seed layer on the texture percentage of 190 nm PZT thin films. The chemical solution deposition method was used to deposit 1.3 μm thick PZT films on Pt (111)/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrates. X-ray diffraction studies demonstrated the dependence of {100}-texture percentage (TP) and grain size of PZT films on Pb content in the PxT seed layer. TP was observed to affect the dielectric and ferroelectric properties of these films. PZT films grown on the P1.05T seed layer showed a maximum value for both TP (97%) and peak height. Piezoelectric measurements were performed using cantilevers prepared with Pt top and bottom electrodes. PZT films grown on the P1.05T seed layer showed a maximum transverse piezoelectric coefficient of −13.3 C/m2. Current studies, coupled with our previous work, suggest that the use of a seed layer PxT and the optimization of Pb content in the seed layer are promising routes to achieve {100}-textured PZT films with higher piezoelectric parameters.
Distributed Simulation System Based on Data Distribution Service Standard

The Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard enables integration and scalability of common distributed simulation systems, and its flexible data communication mechanism can improve the communication efficiency. We propose an overall architecture for a distributed simulation system based on DDS, including the communication interface adapted to the EXata platform and the system clock synchronization module. The proposed simulation system can simulate a large-scale network and satisfies the demands of communications simulations.
Ultra-Fast Oxygen Monitoring During Proton FLASH Delivery Using the Phosphorescence Quenching Method and Soluble Oxyphor Probes.

Purpose/Objective(s) FLASH is a promising form of radiation therapy due to its reported ability to spare normal tissues while being equipotent in tumor control. The mechanism underlying this tissue sparing effect is currently unknown, however the depletion of tissue oxygen at FLASH dose rates has been proposed as a potential source. To date, the oxygen depletion hypothesis has only been supported by analytical or numerical modeling studies, primarily due to the difficulty of measuring oxygen concentration on millisecond time scales during irradiation. In this project, we use the phosphorescence quenching method to probe oxygen depletion during proton delivery at both conventional (∼1Gy/sec) and FLASH (∼100 Gy/sec) dose rates. Materials/Methods Oxygen concentration was measured at rates of up to 3kHz using a phosphorescent probe, Oxyphor PtG4, and a time-domain OxyLED phosphorometer modified for ultra-fast operation. Sealed glass vials, containing the experimental solution and probe, were placed such that they were exposed to a uniform dose rate where the proton beam entered the vial. Radiation was delivered at conventional (conv) (∼1 Gy/s) and FLASH (∼100 Gy/s) dose rates. The g-value of oxygen depletion was measured as a function of dose rate, total dose, oxygen concentration, biomolecule concentration, and in the presence or absence of oxygen scavengers. Biomolecule relevant experiments were carried out using either 20mM phosphate buffer containing 1, 2, and 5% bovine serum albumin (BSA) or a solution designed to emulate the intracellular environment, containing 5mM glucose, 1M glycerol, 5mM glutathione, and 10 mM HEPES (Buffer 3G). Oxygen concentration was continuously monitored before, during, and after irradiation for all experiments. Results We found that FLASH dose rates resulted in lower g-values for oxygen depletion when compared to conventional dose rates by ∼15% (range: 7.2 to 22.5%) for each of the solutions tested. For example, in Buffer 3G, for a 30Gy dose, the g-value was 16% lower at FLASH dose rates (gconv = 0.72 ± 0.02 μM/Gy, gFLASH = 0.63 ± 0.02 μM/Gy) (all values listed are mean ± S.E.M.). The g-value increased with increasing BSA concentration (values for 1% and 5% BSA listed) at both conventional and FLASH dose rates (gconv = 0.45 ± 0.05 and 0.58 ± 0.03 μM/Gy respectively, gFLASH = 0.37 ± 0.01 and 0.62 ± 0.01 μM/Gy respectively). The g-value was higher for Buffer 3G than for the BSA solutions (gconv = 0.72 ± 0.02 and 0.58 ± 0.03 μM/Gy respectively, gFLASH = 0.63 ± 0.02 and 0.54 ± 0.01 μM/Gy respectively). An “after FLASH” period of gradual oxygen depletion which persisted for ∼0.5s and depleted an additional 32.1% oxygen was observed for Buffer 3G. Conclusion We have demonstrated a method for ultra-fast measurements of oxygen concentration during the delivery of proton radiation. Furthermore, we found that the g-value of oxygen depletion at FLASH dose rates is lower than that of conventional dose rates by approximately 15%.
CRIMES AND OFFENSES Sexual Offenses: Change the Provisions Relating to the Offense of Rape; Change Penalty Provisions to Require Life In Prison Without Parole

The Act changes the definition of the offense of rape. Originally, the Georgia statute defined rape as forcibly having carnal knowledge of a woman against her will. While retaining this traditional definition of rape for the adult female, the Act amends the definition with regard to a female under ten years of age to include merely having carnal knowledge of such a female. The Act also amends the penalty provision to allow a sentence of life imprisonment without parole; previously the Code section allowed only for death, life in prison, or imprisonment for ten to twenty years.
On estimating the size and confidence of a statistical audit

We consider the problem of statistical sampling for auditing elections, and we develop a remarkably simple and easily-calculated upper bound for the sample size necessary for determining with probability at least c if a given set of n objects contains fewer than b "bad" objects. While the size of the optimal sample drawn without replacement can be determined with a computer program, our goal is to derive a highly accurate and simple formula that can be used by election officials equipped with only a hand-held calculator. We actually develop several formulae, but the one we recommend for use in practice is: U3(n, b, c) = ⌈(n - (b - 1)/2) ċ (1 - (1 - c)1/b)⌉ = ⌈(n - (b - 1)/2) ċ (1 - exp(ln(1 - c)/b))⌉ As a practical matter, this formula is essentially exact: we prove that it is never too small, and empirical testing for many representative values of n ≤ 10,000, and b ≤ n/2, and c ≤ 0.99 never finds it more than one too large. Theoretically, we show that for all n and b this formula never exceeds the optimal sample size by more than 3 for c ≤ 0.9975, and by more than (-ln(1 - c))/2 for general c.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Gene Encoding Pea Cytosolic Ascorbate Peroxidase

A gene encoding cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase (ApxI) from pea (Pisum sativum L.) was isolated and its nucleotide sequence determined. By homologous alignment between the ApxI cDNA (Mittler, R., and Zilinskas, B. (1991) FEBS Lett. 289, 257-259) and the genomic clone, positions of introns and exons were determined. The isolated ApxI gene was found to contain 9 introns, the first of which was located within the 5'-untranslated region of the mRNA. Southern blot analysis of pea genomic DNA suggests that in pea cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase is encoded by a single copy gene. Steady state ApxI transcript levels were found to increase in response to several stresses imposed by drought, heat, and application of ethephon, abscisic acid, and the superoxide-generating agent paraquat. Increases in ascorbate peroxidase activity in response to stresses were less marked than changes observed in transcript levels; cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase protein levels measured by immunoblot analysis remained unchanged.
Global Simulation on Vector and Parallel Supercomputers

In the last forty years the computational community has witnessed the birth and evolution of computers, minicomputers, personal computers and supercomputers. However, all the available indications point to the expectation that we are only at the beginning of a new socio-economic era, where computing machines and signal processing machines will play a most determinant role. Ages are often classified in terms of some characteristic of its production tools; thus the stone, the bronze, the iron ages. As we know,”tools” enhance the dimension and the power of man; in the past the physical dimension, but today the intellectual and mental dimension. Clearly our age is the computer age (also referred to as the ”information society”). A basic goal in science is to achieve universal understanding, thereby providing quantitative models for any specific event, as well as for all events in general. Engineering attempts to put this understanding to work in practical applications and realizations of ever increasing complexity and boldness. These goals and attempts have been with mankind since the beginning of our evolution but today seem to be more and more at hand. A turning point on the learning curve is the ability to perform ”global simulations”, which can be accomplished only if supercomputers are extensively available.
High-efficiency mid-IR "W" diode lasers

This paper presents recent progress on high-efficiency mid-IR W diode lasers grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Photoluminescence (PL) and lasing characteristics of a series of W structures are measured in order to determine the optimal conditions for growth of the active region. Results show that the highest PL intensities, narrowest PL and lasing linewidths, lowest lasing thresholds, and highest lasing efficiencies are obtained for growth temperatures in the 480-510/spl deg/C range, which is considerably higher than previously thought optimal.
The architecture of government : rethinking political decentralization

1. Introduction 2. The political process 3. Administrative efficiency 4. Competition among governments 5. Fiscal policy and redistribution 6. Fiscal coordination and incentives 7. Citizens and government 8. Checks, balances, and freedom 9. Acquiring and using knowledge 10. Ethnic conflict and secession 11. Data to the rescue? 12. Conclusion: rethinking decentralization.
Global comparisons between the modified Pathfinder derived sea surface temperature and skin temperatures from the Along-Track Scanning Radiometer on-board ERS-2: how close are we getting?

Sea surface temperatures (SST) as derived from the Pathfinder sea surface temperature data set and the Along-Track Scanning Radiometer on-board the European Remote Sensing satellite provide a unique opportunity for comparing two independent SST data sets. Previous comparisons (Vazquez-Cuervo and Sumgaysay, 2001) with the ATSR-l instrument on-board the ERS-1 platform indicated that biases on the order of 1 degree are possible. A significant percentage of this bias appears to be attributable to cloud contamination in either the Pathfinder or ATSR data sets. We continue the comparisons, but with the ATSR-2 data.
An 11-Gb/s Receiver With a Dynamic Linear Equalizer in a 22-nm CMOS

A receiver circuit employing a dynamic linear equalization technique is presented. The new circuit method removes the traditional continuous-time linear equalizer (CTLE) and builds equalization into strong-arm latches (SALs). Fabricated in a 22-nm CMOS technology, the receiver's performance is experimentally verified at 11 Gb/s with better than bit error rate 10-12 at 0.17 mW/Gb/s power efficiency, which advances the state of the art. The power efficiency is 55% better than the CTLE alternative on the same silicon. Analysis and simulation methods for the dynamic linear equalization and other architectural details are also presented.
The Future of the ASP Conference Series

The Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) has been publishing the proceedings of conferences in astronomy and astrophysics for more than 20 years. The ASP Conference Series (ASPCS) is widely known for its affordable and high quality printed volumes. The ASPCS is adapting to the changing market by making electronically published volumes available to subscribers around the world, including papers in the Astrophysics Data System (ADS) database, and allowing authors to post papers on e-print archives. We discuss the role of the printed book in our future plans, and how electronic publishing affects the types of products and services we offer. Recently there has been increasing pressure in the academic world for open access (electronic copies of scholarly publications made freely-available immediately after publication), and we discuss how the ASPCS is responding to the needs of the professional astronomical community, the ASP, and humanity at large. While we cannot yet provide full open access and stay in business, we are actively pursuing several initiatives to improve the quality of our product and the impact of the papers we publish.
Internal structure of Uranus

An updated study is presented of Uranus interior models using current information about the planet's gravity field and rotation rate. The most plausible model, both from the point of view of recent data and cosmogony, has a central core of iron and magnesium silicates, an outer envelope of liquid water, methane, and ammonia, and a deep 'atmosphere' of almost four earth masses of hydrogen, helium, and methane. The 'atmosphere' contains a gravitationally nonnegligible amount of methane - about 40% by mass. All plausible models are most consistent with a rotation period of 15 to 16 hours.
Competition for Specific Intrathymic Ligands Limits Positive Selection in a TCR Transgenic Model of CD4+ T Cell Development

Efficient positive selection of a broad repertoire of T cells is dependent on the presentation of a diverse array of endogenous peptides on MHC molecules in the thymus. It is unclear, however, whether the development of individual TCR specificities is influenced by the abundance of their selecting ligands. To examine this, we analyzed positive selection in a transgenic mouse carrying a TCR specific for the human CLIP:I-A b class II complex. We found that these mice exhibit significantly reduced CD4 + T cell development compared with two other transgenic mice carrying TCRs selected on I-A b . Moreover, many of the selected cells in these mice express endogenous and transgenic receptors as a consequence of dual TCRα expression. Dramatic enhancement of the selection efficiency is observed, however, when fewer transgenic cells populate the thymus in mixed bone marrow chimeras. These results suggest that positive selection is limited by the availability of selecting peptides in the thymus. This becomes apparent when large numbers of thymocytes compete for such peptides in TCR transgenic animals. Under such conditions, thymocytes appear to undergo further TCRα gene rearrangement to produce a receptor that may be selected more efficiently by other thymic self-peptides.
Rapid analysis of the interactions between drugs and human serum albumin (HSA) using high-performance affinity chromatography (HPAC)

Abstract This study used a combination of zonal elution and frontal affinity chromatography on immobilized human serum albumin (HSA) high-performance affinity chromatography (HPAC) column to examine the association constants of various compounds that have been studied by equilibrium dialysis or ultra filtration. A standard plot was generated from retention factors of reference compounds using zonal elution chromatography against association constants of reference compounds using frontal affinity chromatography. The linear relationship was established (r2 = 0.9993) between retention factors and association constants of reference compounds. This standard plot was later used for rapid determination of association constants of various drugs which show low to medium binding affinity to HSA. Association constants of those drugs from this study were compared to that of more generally used methods (i.e., equilibrium dialysis or ultra filtration) from literature and resulted in a relatively high correlation (r2 = 0.945) value. This combination of zonal elution and frontal affinity chromatography method for determining association constants showed several advantages against traditional methods. Depending on drugs of interest, an association constant of drug to HSA can be measured as fast as 1.5 min. Other notable advantages include an ease of automation and its ability to distinguish association constants of chiral compounds at the same time. The same approach could be used for studying interaction of other drugs and proteins and should further improve overall drug screening process.
System-Level Airworthiness Tool

One of the pillars of aviation safety is assuring sound engineering practices through airworthiness certification. As unmanned aircraft systems grow in popularity, the need for airworthiness standards and verification methods tailored for unmanned aircraft systems becomes critical.While airworthiness practices for large unmanned aircraft systemsmay be similar to manned aircraft, it is clear that small unmanned aircraft systems require a paradigm shift from the airworthiness practices of manned aircraft. Although small in comparison with manned aircraft these aircraft are not merely remote-controlled toys. Small unmanned aircraft systems may be complex aircraft flying in the national airspace system over populated areas for extended durations and beyond line of sight of the operators. A comprehensive systems engineering framework for certifying small unmanned aircraft systems at the system level is needed. This work presents a point-based tool that evaluates small unmanned aircraft systems by rewarding good engineering practices in design, analysis, and testing. The requirements scale with vehicle size and operational area, while allowing flexibility for new technologies and unique configurations.
Global coronary flow reserve is associated with adverse cardiovascular events independently of luminal angiographic severity and modifies the effect of early revascularization.

Background— Coronary flow reserve (CFR), an integrated measure of focal, diffuse, and small-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD), identifies patients at risk for cardiac death. We sought to determine the association between CFR, angiographic CAD, and cardiovascular outcomes. Methods and Results— Consecutive patients (n=329) referred for invasive coronary angiography after stress testing with myocardial perfusion positron emission tomography were followed (median 3.1 years) for cardiovascular death and heart failure admission. The extent and severity of angiographic disease were estimated with the use of the CAD prognostic index, and CFR was measured noninvasively by positron emission tomography. A modest inverse correlation was seen between CFR and CAD prognostic index ( r =−0.26; P P =0.008; hazard ratio for 10-U increase in CAD prognostic index, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.34; P =0.032). Subjects with low CFR experienced rates of events similar to those of subjects with high angiographic scores, and those with low CFR or high CAD prognostic index showed the highest risk of events ( P =0.001). There was a significant interaction ( P =0.039) between CFR and early revascularization by coronary artery bypass grafting, such that patients with low CFR who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, but not percutaneous coronary intervention, experienced event rates comparable to those with preserved CFR, independently of revascularization. Conclusions— CFR was associated with outcomes independently of angiographic CAD and modified the effect of early revascularization. Diffuse atherosclerosis and associated microvascular dysfunction may contribute to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular death and heart failure, and impact the outcomes of revascularization.
Compliance with nutrition support guidelines in acutely burned patients

Abstract Background Adequate and timely provision of nutritional support is a crucial component of care of the critically ill burn patient. The goal of this study was to assess a single center's consistency with Society of Critical Care Medicine/American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (SCCM/ASPEN) guidelines for nutritional support in critically ill patients. Methods Acutely burned patients >45 kg in weight admitted to a regional burn center during a two-year period and who required 5 or more days of full enteral nutritional support were eligible for inclusion in this retrospective review. Specific outcomes evaluated include time from admission to feeding tube placement and enteral feeding initiation and percent of nutritional goal received within the first week of hospital stay. Descriptive statistics were used for all analyses. IRB approval was obtained. Results Thirty-seven patients were included in this retrospective review. Median age of patients was 44.9 years (IQR: 24.2–55.1), and median burn injury size was 30% (IQR: 19–47). Median time to feeding tube placement was 31.1 h post admission (IQR: 23.6–50.2 h), while median time to initiation of EN was 47.9 h post admission (IQR: 32.4–59.9 h). The median time required for patients to reach 60% of caloric goal was 3 days post-admission (IQR: 3–4.5). Conclusion The median time for initiation of enteral nutrition was within the SCCM/ASPEN guidelines for initial nutrition in the critically ill patient. This project identified a 16 h time lag between placement of enteral access and initiation of enteral nutrition. Development of a protocol for feeding tube placement and enteral nutrition management may optimize early nutritional support in the acutely injured burn patient.
Napakaliit trompa: New pygmy proboscidean remains from the Cagayan Valley (Philippines)

Abstract This article describes for the first time in 50 years several proboscidean remains from the Pleistocene Philippines. The bones were excavated in the Cagayan Valley, in the northern part of the island Luzon. Since pygmy proboscideans are widely known from islands in the Mediterranean area, as well as in Indonesia and near the Californian coast, the main question that arose after studying this material is whether we are dealing with an endemic species. This article addresses questions about the taxonomy, biometry and dwarfism of endemic proboscideans. Biometrical comparisons with all available measurements from the Mediterranean area resulted in some interesting insights on pygmy proboscideans in general.
Scattering of ultraviolet and photosynthetically active radiation by sorghum bicolor: influence of epicuticular wax

Near-isogenic mutants of Sorghum bicolor with genetic alterations affecting epicuticular wax (EW) structure but having similar canopy architecture provided a model system to examine the influence of EW on plant radiation scattering. Differences in canopies with two different sheath EW amounts showed differences in angular reflectance and transmittance. The differences varied with waveband of radiation. Canopy ultraviolet-B (UVB) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) backward reflectance in the principal solar plane were higher by wild-type plants (N-15) bearing reflective stalk EW filaments than mutant plants (bm-15) lacking stalk EW filaments. Between panicle emergence to anthesis the backward PAR reflectance increased more in the N-15 than bm-15 canopy. We suspect that the increase was a result of reflections from stalk facets emerging above the surface plane of the canopy foliage and exposing reflective EW. As panicles emerged above the foliage, canopy UVB and PAR forward reflectance by bm-15 increased while forward reflectance by N-15 decreased. The increased forward reflectance from bm-15 may be because of high specular reflectance from the microscopically smooth bm-15 stalk surfaces. Based on comparisons of probability distributions, significant differences in PAR and UVB canopy transmittance were detected between N-15 and bm-15. The median UVB transmittance was greater in the bm-15 canopy than the N-15 canopy, while the median PAR transmittance was the same for the two canopies. The greater transmittance in the N-15 canopy corresponded with lower EW load of the sheaths, but the difference between canopies was within the experimental error. Distinct influences of the stalk EW on canopy reflectance and transmittance were difficult to assess because of the relatively low proportion of surface area containing EW, the experimental errors associated with UVB irradiance field measurements. The optical properties of the S. bicolor canopy varied by waveband. Results suggested that the canopies both had a higher UVB transmittance than PAR in the shaded fraction, due in part to the greater proportion of sky radiation in the global UVB over the PAR waveband and possibly in part as a result of differences in scattering by the canopy. Distinct differences were difficult to assess because of the experimental error and differences in diffuse fraction of UVB and PAR under clear sky conditions. The empirical probability distributions of canopy transmittance in both UVB and PAR were non-gaussian; fitting the β distribution better than the gaussian distribution. It is suggested that the irradiance in sunlit and shaded fractions not be described using statistics from the normal distribution.
Haemoprotein- and transition metal ion-catalysed oxidation of linoleic acid selectivity of the position of oxygenation

Oxidation of linoleic acid in aqueous buffers favoured the formation of the 13 positional isomers of hydroperoxylinoleic acid. The reaction which was catalysed by haemoproteins and Fe(II) and Cu(II) ions showed positional selectivity that was similar to lipoxygenase-catalysed reactions but yielded equal proportions of both enantiomers of the hydroperoxides. There was little selectivity when methyl linoleate was used as the substrate or when linoleic acid was oxidised in organic solvents. The results indicated that positional selectivity was, at least in part, due to the conformation of the fatty acid molecule in aqueous media. Implication of the selectivity in a non-enzymic reaction is discussed especially in relation to its effect on the determination of lipoxygenase specificities.