cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Vacancy and Barium Substitution on the Stability of the Cesium Titanium Silicate Pollucite

Cesium titanium silicate (CsTiSi2O6.5) is a titanium analogue of pollucite CsAlSi2O6 and a possible ceramic form for immobilization of short-lived fission products in radioactive waste. Through β decay, cesium (Cs) decays to barium. Therefore, not only the stability of Cs-loaded waste forms, but also that of a potential decay product series is of fundamental importance. Ba-substituted CsTiSi2O6.5 is a potential β decay product with the pollucite structure. Here, we report the effects of the reaction synthesis condition and the study of the thermodynamic stability of potential intermediates in the decay product series (1) with charge-balance in pollucite as two Cs ions are replaced by one Ba and a vacancy and (2) with one-to-one replacement of Cs by Ba. The enthalpies of formation of Ba-substituted CsTiSi2O6.5 were obtained from drop solution calorimetry in a molten lead borate solvent at 702°C. The enthalpies of formation, from constituent oxides, are exothermic and it decreases with increasing Ba content. The effect of vacancies in the pollucite structure is a more dominant factor in the energetics than that of Ba replacement. The thermodynamic effects of acetate and/or nitrate precursors and of adding acetic acid during synthesis of single phase Ba-substituted CsTiSi2O6.5 pollucite are insignificant except for the sample prepared from acetate precursors without acid treatment.
Development and Evaluation of an Activity Rating Scale for Disorders of the Knee

Reports of clinical studies of patients with knee disorders should routinely include their activity levels to enable comparison of treatment groups and to allow generalizability. The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate a new rating scale to measure activity levels of patients. We assessed reliability by administering the scale to 40 subjects on 2 separate occasions, 1 week apart. Validity was evaluated by comparing the activity rating on the new scale with that from other instruments that use activity level scales (concurrent construct validity) and also by correlating the score on the new scale with age (divergent validity). Patients easily understood the scale and were able to complete it in 1 minute. The reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.97). The scale also correlated well with existing activity rating scales: Spearman correlation coefficient for Cincinnati score, 0.67; for Tegner scale, 0.66; for Daniel scale, 0.52. The activity score was significantly inversely correlated with age (P = 0.002), indicating divergent validity. This instrument will facilitate generalizability of results and allow more accurate comparisons among patient groups in outcomes research in sports medicine.
A Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay Optimized to Detect Multiple HIV Subtypes

Diagnostic methods for detecting and quantifying HIV RNA have been improving, but efficient methods for point-of-care analysis are still needed, particularly for applications in resource-limited settings. Detection based on reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) is particularly useful for this, because when combined with fluorescence-based DNA detection, RT-LAMP can be implemented with minimal equipment and expense. Assays have been developed to detect HIV RNA with RT-LAMP, but existing methods detect only a limited subset of HIV subtypes. Here we report a bioinformatic study to develop optimized primers, followed by empirical testing of 44 new primer designs. One primer set (ACeIN-26), targeting the HIV integrase coding region, consistently detected subtypes A, B, C, D, and G. The assay was sensitive to at least 5000 copies per reaction for subtypes A, B, C, D, and G, with Z-factors of above 0.69 (detection of the minor subtype F was found to be unreliable). There are already rapid and efficient assays available for detecting HIV infection in a binary yes/no format, but the rapid RT-LAMP assay described here has additional uses, including 1) tracking response to medication by comparing longitudinal values for a subject, 2) detecting of infection in neonates unimpeded by the presence of maternal antibody, and 3) detecting infection prior to seroconversion.
HOMES: highway operation monitoring and evaluation system

This work proposes high-performance critical visualization techniques for exploring real-time and historical traffic loop-detector data. Until recently, it has been difficult to discover trends, identify patterns, or locate abnormalities within the massive collection of traffic data. Many of the current visualization techniques do not scale to large data sets and are not practical for interactive visualization. We have developed an effective visualization system, Highway Operation Monitoring and Evaluation System (HOMES), for observing the summarization of spatiotemporal patterns and trends in traffic data. HOMES is designed for browsing the spatial-temporal dimension hierarchy via integrated roll-up and drill-down operations. The identified traffic patterns and rules can assist decision-making for transportation managers, establish traffic models for researchers and planners, and allow travelers to select commuting routes.
Prostate cancer: Reducing fracture risk in men on androgen deprivation therapy.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is well established as a cause of osteoporosis and increased fracture risk. A study has shown that toremifene reduces fracture risk in men receiving ADT for prostate cancer. The study has substantial limitations, however, and the management of bone disease in these patients remains a challenge.
Outcomes of liver transplantation in patients with cirrhosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis versus patients with cirrhosis due to alcoholic liver disease

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is becoming a common cause of liver cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation (LT). Cardiovascular complications related to metabolic syndrome and NASH recurrence in the transplanted liver may affect the outcome of LT in these patients. We compared the outcomes of LT for NASH cirrhosis and alcoholic cirrhosis (ETOH) in a large transplant center. A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who underwent LT for cryptogenic cirrhosis with the NASH phenotype (the NASH group) or ETOH (the ETOH group) at the University of Miami from January 1997 to January 2007. There was no significant difference in survival between the NASH and ETOH groups, despite a trend toward lower survival in the former (P = 0.1699). Sepsis was the leading cause of posttransplant death in both groups, and it was followed by cardiovascular causes in the NASH group (26% versus 7% in the ETOH group, P = 0.21) and malignancies in the ETOH group (29% versus 0% in the NASH group, P = 0.024). Recurrent steatohepatitis (33% versus 0%, P < 0.0001) and acute rejection (41% versus 23%, P < 0.023) were significantly more frequent in the NASH group than in the ETOH group. There was no difference in graft failure between the groups (24% in the NASH group versus 18% in the ETOH group, P = 0.3973). In conclusion, despite a numerical trend favoring the ETOH group, there were no statistically significant differences in posttransplant survival and cardiovascular mortality between the NASH and ETOH groups. Acute rejection and recurrent steatohepatitis were significantly more frequent in the NASH group but did not lead to higher rates of retransplantation. Liver Transpl 15:1814–1820, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
A computational study of the ground and excited state structure and absorption spectra of free-base N-confused porphine and free-base N-confused tetraphenylporphyrin.

Computational investigations into the ground and singlet excited-state structures and the experimental ground-state absorption spectra of N-confused tetraphenylporphyrin tautomers 1e and 1i and N-confused porphines (NCP) 2e and 2i have been performed. Structural data for the ground state, performed at the B3LYP/6-31G(d), B3LYP/6-31+G(d)//B3LYP/6-31G(d), and B3LYP/6-311+G(d)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) levels, are consistent with those performed at lower levels of theory. Calculations of the gas-phase, ground-state absorption spectrum are qualitatively consistent with condensed phase experiments for predicting the relative intensities of the Q(0,0) and Soret bands. Inclusion of implicit solvation in the calculations substantially improves the correlation of the energy of the Soret band with experiment for both tautomers (1e, 435 nm predicted, 442 nm observed in DMAc; 1i, 435 nm predicted, 437 nm observed in CH2Cl2). The x- and y-polarized Q-band transitions were qualitatively reproduced for 1e in both the gas phase an...
Trajectory optimization and guidance for a hypersonic vehicle

The optimal ascent problem for a hypersonic vehicle is formulated as an inverse dynamic problem. This formulation is essential in solving the trajectory optimization problem via the nonlinear programming approach. Both minimum-fuel and minimax type of performance indices are considered. The results reveal important features of the optimal trajectory and controls, and they are subsequently used to construct a nonlinear feedback midcourse control law. This control law not only greatly simplifies the difficult constrained optimization problem and yields improved solutions, but is also suitable for onboard implementation. Finally, off-nominal trajectory guidance is addressed using combination of feedback compensation and onboard generation of control through the inverse dynamics approach.
Spectral Analysis of Ship-Generated Waves in Finite-Depth Water

Recent efforts to compare the waves generated by different vessels traveling in finite-depth water have struggled with difficulties presented by various data sets of wave elevations (either measurements or predictions) corresponding to different lateral distances from the ship. Some of the attempts to shift the data to a common reference location have relied upon crude and potentially misleading approximations. The use of free-wave spectral-methods not only overcomes such difficulties, but it also provides us the means to accurately extend CFD results into the far field. As in the deep-water case, one can define a free-wave spectrum that is valid for all lateral positions and distances astern of the vessel. The free-wave spectrum contains a complete description of the Kelvin wake, and wave elevations at any far-field position can be readily calculated once the spectrum is known. For the case of infinitely deep water, Eggers, Sharma, and Ward [1967] presented a method by which free-wave spectra can be determined from appropriate measurements of the far-field wave elevations. The current paper discusses the use of free-wave spectra for finite-depth problems and presents a method for the determination of free-wave spectra based upon fitting predicted wave elevations to a corresponding data set. The predicted wave elevations can be calculated from an unknown distribution of finite-depth Havelock singularities. The unknown singularities are determined by minimizing the mean-square-difference between predicted and measured wave fields. The method appears to be quite general and can be used to calculate either finite or infinite-depth free-wave spectra from experimental data or from local CFD predictions.© 2002 ASME
Deriving Surface Winds from Satellite Observations of Low-Level Cloud Motions

Abstract Climatological shears between ship winds and satellite-observed, low-level cloud motions are used to derive monthly mean surface winds from satellite observations of low-level cloud drift. The derived surface winds compare well with observed surface winds from ships, moored buoys and the Seasat altimeter.
Solid-State NMR as a Probe of Amyloid Structure

Solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has developed into one of the most informative and direct experimental approaches to the characterization of the molecular structures of amyloid fibrils, including those associated with Alzheimer's disease. In this article, essential aspects of solid state NMR methods are described briefly and results obtained to date regarding the supramolecular organization of amyloid fibrils and the conformations of peptides within amyloid fibrils are reviewed.
The Fearful Symmetry of Arctic Climate Change: Accumulation by Degradation

The rapid decline of Arctic sea ice has triggered new rounds of territorial claims making, investment, and development in northern states. This article argues that the physical processes of climate change require a rethinking of the typical mechanics of environmental degradation to account for the renewed possibilities for accumulation emerging in the Arctic, where the effects of historic, large-scale fossil fuel combustion are being organized into new regional production strategies that sharpen and deflect environmental degradation—a process I call ‘accumulation by degradation’. The region's hyperamplified thermodynamic response to radiative forcing by anthropogenic greenhouse gases allows for strategic maneuvering by nation-states and firms eager to secure various forms of rent and make climate change literally perform physical work for capital. These opportunities for new Arctic energy extraction and shipping are both heightened and complicated by contemporary geopolitics and commodity prices. Neverthe...
Hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the uterine musculature in ovariectomized rats following estrone injections

Estrone injections were given to ovariectomized (OVX) rats in order to investigate whether the growth in the musculature of the uterus is due to hypertrophy hyperplasia or both. Daily injections of estrone were given to rats ranging in age from 80 to 156 days after castration periods of 1 2 and 3 months. 4 doses were used: 1) 5 rat units for 15 days 2) 10 rat units for 10 days 3) 15 rat units for 10 days and 4) 25 rat units for 30 days. Estrone caused an increase in the length and diameter of the horns and bodies of the uteri. The uterine musculature was markedly thickened. The increase in the thickness was greater in the circular muscle layer than in the longitudinal layer. Estrone produced a hypertorphy of the individual muscle cells. Hyperplasia of the muscle cells was also seen. Differences caused by different dosage schedules were insignificant.
Accessibility of Targeted DHPR Sites to Streptavidin and Functional Effects of Binding on EC Coupling

In skeletal muscle, the dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) in the plasma membrane (PM) serves as a Ca2+ channel and as the voltage sensor for excitation–contraction (EC coupling), triggering Ca2+ release via the type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane. In addition to being functionally linked, these two proteins are also structurally linked to one another, but the identity of these links remains unknown. As an approach to address this issue, we have expressed DHPR α1S or β1a subunits, with a biotin acceptor domain fused to targeted sites, in myotubes null for the corresponding, endogenous DHPR subunit. After saponin permeabilization, the ∼60-kD streptavidin molecule had access to the β1a N and C termini and to the α1S N terminus and proximal II–III loop (residues 671–686). Steptavidin also had access to these sites after injection into living myotubes. However, sites of the α1S C terminus were either inaccessible or conditionally accessible in saponin- permeabilized myotubes, suggesting that these C-terminal regions may exist in conformations that are occluded by other proteins in PM/SR junction (e.g., RyR1). The binding of injected streptavidin to the β1a N or C terminus, or to the α1S N terminus, had no effect on electrically evoked contractions. By contrast, binding of streptavidin to the proximal α1S II–III loop abolished such contractions, without affecting agonist-induced Ca2+ release via RyR1. Moreover, the block of EC coupling did not appear to result from global distortion of the DHPR and supports the hypothesis that conformational changes of the α1S II–III loop are necessary for EC coupling in skeletal muscle.
Determination of aortic valve area in valvular aortic stenosis by direct measurement using intracardiac echocardiography: a comparison with the Gorlin and continuity equations.

Objectives. This study sought to 1) show that intracardiac echocardiography can allow direct measurement of the aortic valve area, and 2) compare the directly measured aortic valve area from intracardiac echocardiography with the calculated aortic valve area from the Gorlin and continuity equations. Background. Intracardiac echocardiography has been used in the descriptive evaluation of the aortic valve; however, direct measurement of the aortic valve area using this technique in a clinical setting has not been documented. Despite their theoretical and practical limitations, the Gorlin and continuity equations remain the current standard methods for determining the aortic valve orifice area. Methods. Seventeen patients underwent intracardiac echocardiography for direct measurement of the aortic valve area, including four patients studied both before and after valvuloplasty, for a total of 21 studies. Immediately after intracardiac echocardiography, hemodynamic data were obtained from transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. Results. Adequate intracardiac echocardiographic images were obtained in 17 (81%) of 21 studies. The average aortic valve area (mean ± SD) determined by intracardiac echocardiography for the 13 studies in the Gorlin analysis group was 0.59 ± 0.18 cm2(range 0.37 to 1.01), and the average aortic valve area determined by the Gorlin equation was 0.62 ± 0.18 cm2(range 0.31 to 0.88). The average aortic valve area determined by intracardiac echocardiography for the 17 studies in the continuity analysis group was 0.66 ± 0.23 cm2(range 0.37 to 1.01), and that for the continuity equation was 0.62 ± 0.22 cm2(range 0.34 to 1.06). There was a significant correlation between the aortic valve area determined by intracardiac echocardiography and the aortic valve area calculated by the Gorlin (r = 0.78, p = 0.002) and continuity equations (r = 0.82, p < 0.0001). Conclusions. In the clinical setting, intracardiac echocardiography can directly measure the aortic valve area with an accuracy similar to the invasive and noninvasive methods currently used. This study demonstrates a new, quantitative use for intracardiac echocardiographic imaging with many potential clinical applications.
Oligomerization of vinyl monomers 20. Carbon-13 NMR of oligomers of 2-vinylpyridine. Studies of labelled end groups

Oligomers of 2-vinylpyridine initiated with Li, Na, K, and Rb salts of 13C-labeled or-unlabeled 2-ethylpyridine and terminated with 13C-labeled or -unlabeled methyl iodide were separated by liquid chromatography and analyzed by 13C-NMR of the initial or terminal CH3 group. The stereochemistry of the three dyads which flank the initial or terminal methyl group could be determined and this allowed us to evaluate the stereochemistry of both methylation and vinyl addition. The methylation of the Li and Na salts of the oligomer anions is highly (> 95%) stereoselective and independent of chain length, whereas the stereoselectivity of the K and Rb salts is substantially less. These data indicate that the Li and Na oligomer and polymer anions exist in a chelated form in which the metal ion is complexed with the penultimate 2-pyridine group, the other counterions being chelated to a lesser extent. The stereochemistry of monomer addition was found to be less stereoselective than that of methylation for the Li and Na salts. In addition, the apparent meso-stereoselectivity of monomer addition of the Na, K, and Rb systems was greater than that of the Li ion. For the latter system, in particular, the mechanism appeared to be Markoff-like and consistent with different reactivities of anions flanked by a distinct dyad or triad stereochemistry. These data appear to be consistent with the intramolecular coordination that tends to hold the third asymmetric center close to the propagating carbanion.
Discrete-simulation language-users' survey revisited

This paper reanalyzes the results of an earlier survey reported on in SIMULATION. This analysis is based upon an original technique developed for handling opinion survey data where the judges have varying degrees of familiarity with the entities being ranked. The technique utilizes ordinal rankings as opposed to cardinal utilities and is a modification of the Method of Majority Rules. It is bezieved that this presents the results of the original survey in a form more useful and understandable to the reader.
EXPERIMENTS ON ANAPHYLAXIS TO AZOPROTEINS.

From the experiments which have been reported, it follows that animals sensitized with one azoprotein react not only to the antigen used for the sensitization, but also to other azoproteins made up from the same simple azo-compounds and another protein. Although the specificity of the reaction has not yet been tested with various azo-components, its actual existence can reasonably be assumed on the basis of the phenomena observed in precipitation reactions. The sensitization is brought about with less facility than sensitization against the usual antigens and the effects are not uniform. Still, after sufficient treatment, 40 per cent of the animals succumbed with typical anaphylactic symptoms, mostly within a short time while 16 per cent showed severe symptoms. The experiments show that it is possible to make animals hypersensitive against a simple chemical group like para-arsanilic acid, and from this point of view connection would seem to be established with the phenomena of drug allergy in human beings. There is an essential difference, however, in that the sensitized animals did not react on injections of simple compounds such as para-amino-phenyl-arsanilic acid and phenyl-4-arsonic-acid-azo-tyrosine uncombined with protein. It remains to be determined whether under changed conditions positive results in this direction can be obtained. For this purpose it seems advisable to make experiments with isolated organs, according to the method of Schultz and Dale. While the simple substances failed to elicit direct reactions, they protected (as was foreseen by Doerr) against a subsequent injection of the active antigen. Similar compounds not containing the arsanilic acid group were considerably less active. The phenomenon is comparable to the inhibition of precipitin reactions already described. Considering the protection as a condition of antianaphylaxis, one would suppose that the simple substances mentioned are fixed by the cells in which the anaphylactic reaction takes place. It may be concluded that: 1. Animals can be sensitized through injections of one azoprotein—protein combined with diazotized para-arsanilic acid—against another compound containing the same azo-component but a different protein. 2. Injections of related simple compounds, as for instance para-arsanilic acid and phenyl-4-arsonic-acid-azo-tyrosine did not cause shock in the sensitized animals under the conditions of the present experiments. 3. The simple compounds mentioned and other related substances as well protect against the anaphylactic action of azoprotein, by inducing a state of antianaphylaxis.
Issues surrounding educational preparation for intensive care nursing in the 21st century

Major changes in intensive care provision, nursing and nurse education over the last ten years mean that it is a crucial time to take a look at the effectiveness of the post-registration intensive care nursing course [ENB 100]. This article examines whether nurse education is able to meet the current and future challenges. A call for more research regarding the effects of nurse education courses on participants' clinical practice is advocated. Key factors examined include teaching and learning strategies, the identification of common threshold core and specific competencies, and the assessment of practice. Post-registration assessment of practice within the writers' own educational institution is evaluated. Valid and reliable assessment which differentiates between the level of skills attainment of students and identifies the stage of development of the nurse (Benner 1984) is recommended. The question of who benefits from the current provision of ENB 100 courses is considered. It is argued that clinical and educational staff should work together to ensure nurses who undertake ENB 100 courses emerge 'fit for purpose' (DoH 1997a).
Optical dynamic matched filtering with electron trapping devices

A new electron trapping material is described together with a preliminary characterization. The material is used for correlation in the space domain between many stored images and an incoming image. As the material may be written and read it is possible to store the images against which the input is to be matched on film and then to map these one at a time onto the material for correlation. It would be useful if the material could be used for matched filtering in the frequency domain because this provides shift invariance. The difficulty of having different frequencies for read and write is shown to be unimportant. However, present samples cannot be used in the frequency because of scattering.
Experimental observations on the growth stability of spherical crystals during freezing

Abstract Interface stability was investigated during growth from the melt of spherical crystals of Mg-rich α-phase in Mg-5.1 wt% Zn-0.6 wt% Zr alloy. Instability results from any significant increase in cooling rate. The relationship between average crystal diameter, fraction solid and minimum cooling rate which could lead to interface instability has been experimentally investigated and plotted. For groups of crystals of equal average diameter the quench rate necessary to bring about interface instability increased with increasing fraction solid; for a given fraction solid larger crystals became unstable at a lower quench rate than smaller crystals. The average cell size of the perturbed surface, d ′, was found to be related to cooling rate, ϵ', by d ' = 51.5 ϵ' −0.46 and to slightly decrease with increasing fraction solid.
Absolute intensity measurements at different temperatures of the C-12/O-16/2 bands 30 0 1 I--00 0 0 and 30 0 1 IV--00 0 0

Abstract The absolute intensities of the vibration-rotation lines of the transitions 30 0 1 I ←00 0 0 and 30 0 1 IV ←00 0 0 of CO 2 have been determined from spectra obtained with a Fourier-Transform interferometer and at different temperatures (197°, 233° and 294°K) with a resolution of 0.075 cm -1 . Also, the rotationless transition moments ¦ R ¦, the vibration-rotation interaction factors F ( m ) and the total band intensities were computed using the measured vibration-rotation line intensities. The values obtained are
A notation for describing the steps in indicator expansion

Indicator expansion is a process of using one or more data sources to obtain more indicators of malicious activity by identifying those related to currently known indicators. Due to the many variables in how the process is carried out, it quickly becomes difficult to capture the process that leads to an expanded set of data. Keeping track of this process is important for description to other analysts. A compact description of the process is even necessary just for the analysts doing the work to keep track of their own process and which paths have been investigated, particularly in naming files. This paper proposes a method of succinctly capturing the process of indicator expansion in a deterministic yet flexible and extensible manner. The target audience is analysts and investigators engaged in indicator expansion or directly consuming results therefrom.
Simulation of fusion reactor first wall enhanced diffusion by fission fragment irradiation of α-brass

Abstract Enhanced diffusion in α-brass was measured during irradiation with 235U fission fragments and the results compared with previous work that used fission-reactor neutrons and 14.8 MeV neutrons. Calculations of damage energy from these three sources in copper correctly predicted the ratios of observed enhanced diffusion rates. Further calculations showed that the recoil spectrum from fission fragments better approximates the spectrum expected in the first wall of the fusion reactor than do the spectra from either neutron source.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF DELAYED HYPERSENSITIVITY AND CIRCULATING ANTIBODY TO EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGIC THYROIDITIS IN INBRED GUINEA PIGS

Strain 13 histocompatible guinea pigs developed allergic thyroiditis after immunization with thyroid extracts derived from the same strain or from other strains of guinea pigs. This thyroiditis appeared as early as 5 days after immunization, and by 7 weeks was uniformly present and generally severe. 7 weeks after immunization, the anti-thyroid antibody titer correlated with the presence and degree of thyroiditis. However, at certain other times after immunization, the titer did not correlate with the thyroiditis. By contrast, all animals with thyroiditis, which were skin-tested with thyroid extract, exhibited delayed hypersensitivity. Moreover, all those which failed to respond with delayed reactions, when skin-tested, had not developed thyroiditis. The present work correlates the presence of experimental allergic thyroiditis with delayed hypersensitivity.
Cybersecurity Economic Issues: Clearing the Path to Good Practice

Software project managers have limited project resources. Requests for security improvements must compete with other requests, such as for new tools, more staff, or additional testing. Deciding how and whether to invest in cybersecurity protection requires knowing the answer to at least two questions: What is the likelihood of an attack, and what are its likely consequences? Security analysts understand a system's vulnerability to potential cyberattacks fairly well, but to date, research on the economic consequences of cyberattacks has been limited, dealing primarily with microanalyses of attacks' direct impacts on a particular organization. Many managers recognize the significant potential of a cyberattack's effects to cascade from one computer or business system to another, but there have been no significant efforts to develop a methodology to account for both direct and indirect costs. Without such a methodology, project managers and their organizations are hard pressed to make informed decisions about how much to invest in cybersecurity and how to ensure that security resources are used effectively. In this article, we explore how others have sought answers to our two questions. We describe the data available to inform decisions about investing in cybersecurity and look at research models of the trade-offs between investment and protection. The framework we present can help project managers find appropriate models with credible data so that they can make effective security decisions.
The influence of source and timing of nitrogen fertilizers on yield and nitrogen use efficiency of four sweet potato cultivars

Nitrogen (N) availability is a very important determinant of crop yield. It is also one of the most expensive inputs in crop production. Thus, the efficient management of N by farmers with limited resource is a very important part of successful soil and crop management system. A field study was conducted on a Norfolk sandy loam soil at the George Washington Carver Agricultural Experiment Station, Tuskegee, AL, to evaluate the influence of fertilizer source and timing on the yield of four sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.)] cultivars. Two N sources (urea, CO(NH2)2 and ammonium nitrate, NH4NO3), four sweet potato cultivars (‘Georgia Jet’, GA-Jet; ‘TU-82-155’, TU-155; ‘TU-1892’; and ‘Rojo Blanco’, Rojo-Bl) and three times (zero, single, and split applications) were used in a factorial designed experiment. Plants were harvested after 80 and 120 days and total and marketable yields determined. Nitrogen recovery efficiency, yield efficiency and physiological efficiency were also determined. Total and marketable yields of early maturing cultivars were significantly higher than of late maturing cultivars (P<0.05). The single application of N resulted in significantly higher yield in storage roots than split application (P<0.05). Physiological efficiency values were highly correlated with total marketable yields. Recovery rates increased with time. Late maturing cultivars tended to have higher N recovery and physiological efficiency than early maturing cultivars. These results suggest that cultivar maturity group should play an important part in N fertilization recommendations for sweet potato.
Evaluation and Treatment of Adolescent Substance Abuse: A Decision Tree Method

A procedure for systematically evaluating and treating adolescents with known or suspected substance abuse is described. Integrating assessment with intervention affords the opportunity to comprehensively characterize the adolescent's problems and to quantitatively monitor treatment progress and outcome.
Yeast BUD5, encoding a putative GDP-GTP exchange factor, is necessary for bud site selection and interacts with bud formation gene BEM1

Abstract Cells of the yeast S. cerevisiae choose bud sites in an axial or bipolar spatial pattern depending on their cell type. We have identified a gene, BUD5 , that resembles BUD1 and BUD2 in being required for both patterns; bud5 − mutants also exhibit random budding in all cell types. The BUD5 nucleotide sequence predicts a protein of 538 amino acids that has similarity to the S. cerevisiae CDC25 product, an activator of RAS proteins that catalyzes GDP-GTP exchange. Two potential targets of BUD5 are known: BUD1 (RSR1) and CDC42, proteins involved in bud site selection and bud formation, respectively, that have extensive similarity to RAS. We also show that BUD5 interacts functionally with a gene, BEM1 , that is required for bud formation. This interaction provides further support for the view that products involved in bud site selection guide the positioning of a complex necessary for bud formation.
Determination of Chromium, Cobalt, Iron, Manganese, and Nickel in Silver by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

Abstract The determination of chromium, cobalt, iron, manganese and nickel by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in silver and silver alloys has been investigated. Samples containing from 2 μg to more than 500 μg in a two-gram sample of silver can be determined by using the same procedure. A series of twenty samples for each element at different concentrations gave an average standard deviation from linear regression analysis of 2.1% for iron, 1.97% for chromium, 2.9% for nickel, 1.6% for manganese and 2.8% for cobalt. The time required for analysis of these five elements in a two-gram sample, including sample dissolution and standard preparation, is approximately three and a half hours.
Role of laser pre-pulse wavelength and inter-pulse delay on signal enhancement in collinear double-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Abstract Dual-pulse (DP) laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) provides significant improvement in signal intensity as compared to conventional single-pulse LIBS. We investigated collinear DPLIBS experimental performance using various laser wavelength combinations employing 1064 nm, 532 nm, and 266 nm Nd:YAG lasers. In particular, the role of the pre-pulse laser wavelength, inter-pulse delay times, and energies of the reheating pulses on LIBS sensitivity improvements is studied. Wavelengths of 1064 nm, 532 nm, and 266 nm pulses were used for generating pre-pulse plasma while 1064 nm pulse was used for reheating the pre-formed plasma generated by the pre-pulse. Significant emission intensity enhancement is noticed for all reheated plasma regardless of the pre-pulse excitation beam wavelength compared to single pulse LIBS. A dual peak in signal enhancement was observed for different inter-pulse delays, especially for 1064:1064 nm combinations, which is explained based on temperature measurement and shockwave expansion phenomenon. Our results also show that 266 nm:1064 nm combination provided maximum absolute signal intensity as compared to 1064 nm:1064 nm or 532 nm:1064 nm.
Microbubble Compositions, Properties and Biomedical Applications

Over the last decade, there has been significant progress towards the development of microbubbles as theranostics for a wide variety of biomedical applications. The unique ability of microbubbles to respond to ultrasound makes them useful agents for contrast ultrasound imaging, molecular imaging, and targeted drug and gene delivery. The general composition of a microbubble is a gas core stabilized by a shell comprised of proteins, lipids or polymers. Each type of microbubble has its own unique advantages and can be tailored for specialized functions. In this review, different microbubbles compositions and physiochemical properties are discussed in the context of current progress towards developing novel constructs for biomedical applications, with specific emphasis on molecular imaging and targeted drug/gene delivery.
Genetic variation over space and time: analyses of extinct and remnant lake trout populations in the Upper Great Lakes

Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in the upper Laurentian Great Lakes of North America experienced striking reductions in abundance and distribution during the mid-twentieth century. Complete collapse of populations was documented for Lake Michigan, and a few remnant populations remained only in lakes Huron and Superior. Using DNA obtained from historical scale collections, we analysed patterns of genetic diversity at five microsatellite loci from archived historical samples representing 15 populations (range 1940-1959) and from three contemporary remnant populations across lakes Huron and Superior (total n = 893). Demographic declines in abundance and the extirpation of native lake trout populations during the past 40 years have resulted in the loss of genetic diversity between lakes owing to extirpation of Lake Michigan populations and a temporal trend for reduction in allelic richness in the populations of lakes Superior and Huron. Naturally reproducing populations in Lake Superior, which had been considered to be remnants of historical populations, and which were believed to be responsible for the resurgence of lake trout numbers and distribution, have probably been affected by hatchery supplementation.
Studies on Marasmius from eastern North America. IV : Additions to sect. Sicci

Three new taxa belonging in Marasmius sect. Sicci are described from material collected from southeastern North America: M. pseudobambusinus, M. floridanus var. virginianus, and M. haematocephalus var. anomaloides. Marasmius floridanus var. floridanus is redescribed and M. spadiceus is considered a synonym. M. haematocephalus var. haematocephalus is reported from the southern Appalachian Mountains. All taxa are illustrated and compared with phenetically similar taxa.
Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs and Cats Due to Erythrocyte Enzyme Deficiencies

Erythrocyte enzyme deficiencies do not usually shorten life expectancy except for PK deficiency in dogs and the potential for PFK-deficient dogs to die during hemolytic crises. In addition, erythrocyte enzyme deficiencies are uncommon or rare, so they are generally not seriously considered in the differential diagnosis of anemia until common causes of anemia have been excluded. However, unique clinical and/or laboratory findings like sporadic hemoglobinuria in English Springer spaniels (PFK deficiency) may quickly point to the possibility of an inherited erythrocyte enzyme defect. The ability to diagnose deficient or carrier animals allows for the possibility of eliminating these undesirable traits in future breeding. Continued research is needed to document additional enzyme deficiencies that likely occur and to develop additional DNA-based assays that are especially important in the recognition of heterozygous or carrier animals that have no clinical signs.
Determination of electron density in an atomic plasma by least-squares fit to the Stark profile

Abstract The measurement of electron density by a unique, one-parameter least-squares fit to the Stark-broadened hydrogen emission line is presented. The curve-fit approach utilizes approximately 60–80 points, and provides improved precision in the measurement. A comparison of data obtained by measurement of the width at half-height and by least-squares analysis indicates that the half-width method exhibits substantial systematic errors, generally over-estimating electron density by a factor of 2–3.
Efficiency, Satisfaction, and Costs for Remote Video Visits Following Radical Prostatectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background Telemedicine in an ambulatory surgical population remains incompletely evaluated. Objective To investigate patient encounters in the outpatient setting using video visit (VV) technology compared to traditional office visits (OVs). Design, setting, and participants From June 2013 to March 2014, 55 prescreened men with a history of prostate cancer were prospectively randomized. VVs, with the patient at home or at work, were included in the outpatient clinic calendar of urologists. Intervention Remote VV versus traditional OV. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis An equivalence analysis was used to assess the primary outcome, visit efficiency as measured by time studies. Secondary outcomes were patient/provider satisfaction and costs. Results and limitations There were 28 VVs and 27 OVs. VVs were equivalent in efficiency to relative to OVs, as measured by patient–provider face time (mean 14.5 vs 14.3min; p =0.96), patient wait time (18.4 vs 13.0min; p =0.20), and total time devoted to care (17.9 vs 17.8min; p =0.97). There were no significant differences in patient perception of visit confidentiality, efficiency, education quality, or overall satisfaction. VVs incurred lower costs, including distance traveled (median 0 vs 95 miles), travel time (0 vs 95min), missed work (0 vs 1 d), and money spent on travel ($0 vs $48; all p Conclusions VV in the ambulatory postprostatectomy setting may have a future role in health care delivery models. We found equivalent efficiency, similar satisfaction, but significantly reduced patient costs for VV compared to OV. Further prospective analyses are warranted. Patient summary Among men with surgically treated prostate cancer, we evaluated the utility of remote video visits compared to office visits for outpatient consultation with a urologist. Video visits were associated with equivalent efficiency, similar satisfaction, and significantly lower patient costs when compared to office visits. We conclude that video visits may have a future role in health care delivery models.
Triggering myocardial infarction.

Enormous progress made during the past few decades has dramatically enhanced our understanding of the pathobiology and pathophysiology responsible for acute myocardial infarction. Investigations in vascular biology have elucidated the critical role of growth factors, the proliferation of smooth-muscle cells, and the central role of inflammation in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis.1 Research has also focused on the initiating events or “triggers” that qualitatively alter the stable or quiescent phase of coronary atherosclerosis and initiate a cascade of events that culminates in acute myocardial infarction. Some triggering phenomena may exert a single, transient effect on the pathophysiologic process, such . . .
Gender differences in the neural correlates of response inhibition during a stop signal task.

Abstract We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine gender differences in the neural correlates of response inhibition during a stop signal task. The task has a frequent “go” signal to set up a pre-potent response tendency and a less frequent “stop” signal for subjects to withhold their response. A contrast in brain activation was made between successful and failed inhibitions for individual subjects. We compared 20 men and 20 women matched in age and years of education and in stop signal performance, with stop success rate, post-error slowing and task-related frustration ratings as covariates. The results showed greater activation in men, compared to women, in a wide array of cortical and subcortical areas, including the globus pallidus and motor thalamus during stop signal inhibition. In contrast, no brain regions demonstrated greater activation in women, even at a lower statistical threshold. Moreover, while men activated the medial superior frontal and anterior cingulate cortices, women activated the caudate tail to mediate response inhibition. These results extended gender differences in regional brain activation to response inhibition during a cognitive motor task. Men activated the motor circuitry while women appeared to involve visual association or habit learning during stop signal performance.
Coating flexible probes with an ultra fast degrading polymer to aid in tissue insertion

We report a fabrication process for coating neural probes with an ultrafast degrading polymer to create consistent and reproducible devices for neural tissue insertion. The rigid polymer coating acts as a probe insertion aid, but resorbs within hours post-implantation. Despite the feasibility for short term neural recordings from currently available neural prosthetic devices, most of these devices suffer from long term gliosis, which isolates the probes from adjacent neurons, increasing the recording impedance and stimulation threshold. The size and stiffness of implanted probes have been identified as critical factors that lead to this long term gliosis. Smaller, more flexible probes that match the mechanical properties of brain tissue could allow better long term integration by limiting the mechanical disruption of the surrounding tissue during and after probe insertion, while being flexible enough to deform with the tissue during brain movement. However, these small flexible probes inherently lack the mechanical strength to penetrate the brain on their own. In this work, we have developed a micromolding method for coating a non-functional miniaturized SU-8 probe with an ultrafast degrading tyrosine-derived polycarbonate (E5005(2K)). Coated, non-functionalized probes of varying dimensions were reproducibly fabricated with high yields. The polymer erosion/degradation profiles of the probes were characterized in vitro. The probes were also mechanically characterized in ex vivo brain tissue models by measuring buckling and insertion forces during probe insertion. The results demonstrate the ability to produce polymer coated probes of consistent quality for future in vivo use, for example to study the effects of different design parameters that may affect tissue response during long term chronic intra-cortical microelectrode neural recordings.
Cervicovaginal colposcopic lesions associated with 5 nonoxynol-9 vaginal spermicide formulations.

Objective This study was undertaken to compare the colposcopic appearance of the cervicovaginal epithelium with spermicide use vs condom use in a low-risk population. Study Design This was an ancillary study of a trial comparing the efficacy of 5 nonoxynol-9 spermicides. A cohort of women who used condoms without spermicide served as a control group. Colposcopic examinations were performed during product use to identify genital lesions. Results One hundred fifty-one participants had 1 or more follow-up examinations. At baseline, study groups differed only by the prevalence of baseline lesions. New lesions were identified at 49% of follow-up visits. Controlling for the presence of a baseline lesion, compared with condom use none of the spermicides were associated with an increase in new lesions (overall odds ratio, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.4-1.6; P = .5); and lesions characterized by epithelial disruption were less frequent with spermicide use (overall odds ratio, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.6; P Conclusion In a low-risk population, women who used nonoxynol-9 spermicides were less likely to have lesions with epithelial disruption, and equally likely to have any new lesion compared with condom use.