cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alternative states of a semiarid grassland ecosystem: implications for ecosystem services

Ecosystems can shift between alternative states characterized by persistent differences in structure, function, and capacity to provide ecosystem services valued by society. We examined empirical evidence for alternative states in a semiarid grassland ecosystem where topographic complexity and contrasting management regimes have led to spatial variations in levels of livestock grazing. Using an inventory data set, we found that plots (n = 72) cluster into three groups corresponding to generalized alternative states identified in an a priori conceptual model. One cluster (biocrust) is notable for high coverage of a biological soil crust functional group in addition to vascular plants. Another (grass-bare) lacks biological crust but retains perennial grasses at levels similar to the biocrust cluster. A third (annualized-bare) is dominated by invasive annual plants. Occurrence of grass-bare and annualized-bare conditions in areas where livestock have been excluded for over 30 years demonstrates the persistence of these states. Significant differences among all three clusters were found for percent bare ground, percent total live cover, and functional group richness. Using data for vegetation structure and soil erodibility, we also found large among-cluster differences in average levels of dust emissions predicted by a wind-erosion model. Predicted emissions were highest for the annualized-bare cluster and lowest for the biocrust cluster, which was characterized by zero or minimal emissions even under conditions of extreme wind. Results illustrate potential trade-offs among ecosystem services including livestock production, soil retention, carbon storage, and biodiversity conservation. Improved understanding of these trade-offs may assist ecosystem managers when evaluating alternative management strategies.
Persistence and local extinction of lion prides in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

African lions (Panthera leo) live in social groups (prides) that exhibit group territorial behavior. Pride persistence is expected to depend on its ability to compete against neighboring prides as well as on average rates of reproduction and survival, thus providing a meaningful measure of intergenerational reproductive success. We used Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) to select the best approximating models explaining how demographic variables influenced pride persistence during a 30-year period in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, and identified landscape factors affecting those demographic variables. Pride persistence to 10 years depended on adult female density (pride size) and cub productivity (the ultimate source of new females). Average age of adult females had a weakly positive influence on pride persistence, while the effect of female mortality was weakly negative. Adult female mortality increased with disease epidemics and in territories with high human disturbance. Cub productivity was highest in territories closest to rivers and only slightly higher near swamps, and also high in areas of higher vegetative cover and high human use. No landscape variable significantly affected female density. The growth and population size of the Crater lions was closely linked to demographic performance of individual prides, while territorial behavior played a key role in mediating the interactive effects of landscape and demography.
Spectral analysis of the 1H, 19F and 13C N.M.R. spectra of fluorobenzene

An analysis of the N.M.R. spectra of both neat fluorobenzene and a 5 mole per cent solution of fluorobenzene in cyclohexane was done by transition assignment and curve fitting of the 1H and 19F spectra at 60·0 and 56·4 Mc/s, respectively. All of the 1H–1H and 1H-19F coupling constants and internal chemical shifts were obtained and found to be unique. The direct 13C-1H, 13C-19F and the 13C-C-19F couplings have been determined from the 13C spectrum of fluorobenzene at 15·085 Mc/s. Results obtained are compared with those reported earlier. Some features of the 6-spin fluorobenzene system and evidence for virtual coupling of the 19F and 1H nuclei are discussed.
Midgestational Amniotic Fluid Human Atrial Natriuretic Polypeptide (HANP): Possible Predictor of Third-Trimester Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension

Atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) comprises a group of potent diuretic and vasorelaxant substances synthesized and released by mammalian atrial cardiocytes. In late pregnancy, plasma ANP concentrations appear to be increased in gravidas with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) versus normotensive parturients. Earlier gestational assessments of ANP in plasma and other fluid compartments are needed at various stages of gestation in gravidas who remain normotensive and those who become hypertensive. The present retrospective study was undertaken to determine if midgestational amniotic fluid concentrations of ANP in healthy controls and in gravidas destined to develop PIH would be significantly different and possibly predictive of later hypertensive disease. The findings in 14 gravidas who underwent midtrimester genetic amniocentesis and later developed PIH were compared with 44 matched control patients. Midgestational amniotic fluid ANP concentrations were determined to not be significantly differ...
A Defect Tolerant and Performance Tunable Gate Architecture for End-of-Roadmap CMOS

In addition to high defect rates, end-of-roadmap CMOS at sub-10 nm gate lengths is also expected to display significant random variability in individual device performance. This will lead to unique and varied slow paths (statistical performance outliers) in individual ICs, severely limiting achievable clock rates. While it is widely accepted that to ensure viable manufacturing yield and reliable field operation, future circuits will need to be equipped with significant defecttolerance capabilities, it is less commonly recognized that continued performance gains from scaling in the face of extreme parameter variations will also require a post manufacture performance tuning capability capable of speeding up the statistical slow paths on individual ICs that limit clock rates. In this paper, we show how a recently proposed defect-tolerant CMOS logic gate architecture can efficiently achieve both these goals. Our basic design exploits the inherent functional redundancy in static CMOS for defect tolerance; the CMOS logic gate is reconfigured to a pseudo-NMOS-like gate in the presence of a defect by using an appropriately sized single pull up or pull down transistor to replace the defective pull-up or pull down network. Thus the resulting defect-tolerant gate architecture can tolerate defects in either the pull-up or pull-down network and incurs only a modest area overhead. Multiple defects across the logic gates in a large CMOS design can also be tolerated. Importantly, these redundant pull up or pull down transistors can also be strategically turned on for performance tuning, speeding up a slow critical transition through a gate at the possible expense of a small slow down in the opposite transition. Results evaluating the effectiveness of the new defect tolerance and performance tuning technique are presented.
Digital Processing Of Nonstationary Images Using Local Autocovariance Statistics

This paper addresses the problem of local/spatially-variant/adaptive image processing based on direct estimates of local autocovariance functions. In order to quantify the non-stationarity of images, and often, to implement spatially-variant processing, we require estimates or measurements of the local image statistics, specifically the autocovariance function. The simplest way to achieve this is to divide the image into N x N - pixel sub-blocks (e.g. N = 16), and calculate the usual biased or unbiased autocovariance function of each sub ock. In effect, each subblock is treated as part of a wide-sense stationary field. It is well-known, however, that reliable power spectral estimates require much larger amounts of data. Nevertheless, as our work shows, it is possible to obtain useful maps of local autoco-variance parameters if we assume simple parametric autocovariance models. Specifically, we employ popular first-order models, such as the nonseparable exponential model. We discuss a procedure for estimating local autocovariance parameters. The resulting parameters are seen to correlate with observed signal activity. We also outline techniques for spatially-variant image processing - coding, restoration, and enhancement - based on local statistics. Processed examples are given.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome as a major clinical manifestation of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

ABSTRACT Background Although the classical triad of thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and neurological changes has been well recognized, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) sometimes presents with atypical clinical features. Some cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were suspected to be a manifestation of TTP. Methods We examined retrospectively the medical records of patients with known TTP from 1981 to 1998. The patients who developed ARDS simultaneously with TTP were identified. Clinical, laboratory, and other pertinent data were reviewed; the clinical outcome was documented. Results Seven out of 56 patients with an established diagnosis of TTP were identified as having ARDS. All 7 patients had progressive dyspnea, persistent hypoxemia with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates, and no evidence of localized pneumonia, pulmonary emboli, congestive heart failure, or other identifiable lung diseases. In addition to ARDS, 4 patients developed progressive neurological (mental) changes, 3 developed fever, and 2 developed renal failure. Six patients were treated with ventilatory support in the ICU. Upon establishing the diagnosis of TTP, 6 patients were treated with exchange plasmapheresis (EP) and 1 patient with an infusion of fresh frozen plasma. Within 2 days of initiation of EP, 4 patients showed marked respiratory improvement; shortly thereafter, mechanical ventilation was ended. Complete and long-lasting remission was achieved in all 4 patients. Three patients died because of delayed diagnosis and untimely employment of EP. Conclusion Life-threatening ARDS can be associated with TTP. It is recommended that all patients with ARDS and unexplained thrombocytopenia be evaluated for unrecognized TTP. Early recognition of ARDS associated with TTP and timely EP is critical to a favorable outcome.
1,2(R):5,6(R)-, 1,2(R):5,6(S)-, and 1,2(S):5,6(S)-bis-O-(trifluoromethyl)-ethylidene-D-mannitol

Abstract The three possible 1,2:5,6-bis- O -(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene- D -mannitols have been isolated from the reaction between D -mannitol and 1,1,1-trifluoroacetone, and converted into 2,3- O -(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene derivatives of D -glycerol and D -glyceric acid. The assignment of configuration to the acetal carbon atom in the various products was based on n.m.r. studies. Chemical shift non-equivalence is exhibited by the acetal methyl group in 2,3- O -( S )-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene- D -glycerol ( RS )-atrolactate ( i.e. , where the atrolactoyloxymethyl substituent is cis to the acetal methyl group), whereas the corresponding 2,3- O -( R )-trifluoromethyl)-ethylidene- D -glycerol derivative shows only a single methyl signal.
On linguistic decision making devices

This paper describes the development of a new, hierarchical, linguistic based, learning control structure for Complex systems. The complete system will be able to interact with a human operator in a limited natural language at the highest level of the hierarchy, but will be able to control detailed motions of some complex physical system at the lowest level of the hierarchy. Each level of the hierarchy is defined by a formal grammar which can generate exactly the class of admissible control actions at that level. A new linguistic structure, the linguistic decision schema, is proposed to specify the mapping between linguistic elements in adjacent levels. In the most general form, the decision schema incorporates a learning algorithm to obtain asymptotically optimal mappings for control under stochastic environments.
Acoustic Beamforming Enhancement of Locomotive Cabin Speech

The noisy and monotonous environment of a locomotive cabin is certainly not conducive to clear communication or to high levels of crew alertness. Both of these problems have a negative impact on the operational safety of the locomotive. In this paper, an acoustic beamforming system is developed and evaluated for enhancing the speech signals measured in a locomotive cabin. Higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) speech signals can significantly improve communication as well as enable the use of speech-based alertness detection methods. Acoustic beamforming utilizes a spatially distributed array of low-cost microphones permanently mounted in the locomotive cabin trim, with a digital signal processing algorithm to effectively create a focused directional microphone which can be pointed at any crew member in the cabin. Preliminary experimental testing of this system in a green truck cabin has been successful, even with very high levels of noise.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) is the most severe manifestation in the spectrum of Staphylococcus aureus exotoxin-mediated disease in skin. The disease is characterized by erythema and exfoliation and is mediated by exotoxins elaborated primarily by phage group II S aureus. SSSS affects children, especially infants. Both sporadic and epidemic cases occur. Older children and adults rarely are affected. Immature renal function, leading to a reduced ability to clear bacterial exotoxin, may account for the increased susceptibility of neonates, according to Elias and Fritsch. Renal and immunologic dysfunction predispose to the disease in older individuals. SSSS begins abruptly with tender erythema of the skin. Within 12 to 14 hours, the attachment between the stratum corneum and underlying epidermis becomes weak.
Polymerization and crystallization behavior of anionic nylon 6

The kinetics of the activated anionic polymerization of caprolactam to nylon 6 was studied by the adiabatic temperature rise technique. This allowed very rapid reaction conditions to be studied. The polymerization was activated by diisocyanate and catalyzed by sodium caprolactamate, produced in situ by the addition of sodium hydride. The temperature rise measurements were used to generate Arrhenius curves of the rate data. Several isocyanates were investigated, all giving similar rate curves. The reaction rate was reduced, however, when the activator concentration exceeded the catalyst concentration. To model the actual rapid molding conditions, time vs. temperature reaction profiles were measured for thin plaque castings. In these reaction profiles, two successive exotherms were observed. The first was the polymerization exotherm, and the second was determined to be the crystallization peak. This second exotherm allowed the direct observation of crystallization times within the closed molds. The crystallization times were found to depend strongly on the mold temperature and to a lesser extent on the monomer temperature. The crystallization times were minimized at a 150°C mold temperature. At higher temperatures, the crystallization rate was significantly slower, while at lower temperatures, the slow rate of polymer formation delayed the onset of crystallization. This study has demonstrated the value of using temperature monitoring as a means of studying the polymerization and crystallization behavior of nylon.
Progress in light harvesting and charge injection of dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on nanocrystalline semiconductors such as TiO2 are of great interest as an alternative to the conventional solar cells because of their high performance, low-cost production, and environmental advantages. The DSSCs consist of dye molecule coated wide bandgap semiconductor layer, electrolyte, and transparent conducting oxide (TCO) film. When the DSSCs are exposed to solar light, an incident photon creates a bound electron–hole pair in dye sensitizers. Electrons then flow into the oxide nanoparticle anode due to a difference in the energy levels. On the other hand, holes move to the counter electrode through sequential redox reactions in the electrolyte. Therefore, the cell performance is influenced by parameters such as the morphology and optical properties of nanocrystalline oxide films, the electrochemical characteristics of redox electrolytes, and the photochemical properties of molecular sensitizers. In this article, we review the major components of DSSCs such as the oxide semiconductor film, sensitizing dyes, electrolytes, and TCO and discuss their progress to maximize light harvesting and charge injection efficacy. Their electrical, optical, and chemical properties are well correlated to optimize the light harvesting and charge injection of DSSCs. We have also shown recent efforts to improve the energy conversion efficiency, long term stability, sustainability and affordability by modifying or revolutionizing the components of DSSCs. This includes a prospect on the potential commercialization of DSSCs.
Aromatic annelation. Synthesis of naphthalenes

Abstract An efficient cationic cyclization reaction has been developed to prepare substituted naphthalenes. The method has been used to prepare a phenanthrene and will be useful for the synthesis of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and C-glycosyl anthraquinones.
Using APES for interferometric SAR imaging

In this paper, we present an adaptive FIR filtering approach, which is referred to as the APES (amplitude and phase estimation of a sinusoid) algorithm, for interferometric SAR imaging. We apply the APES algorithm on the data obtained from two vertically displaced apertures of a SAR system to obtain the complex amplitude and the phase difference estimates, which are proportional to the radar cross section and the height of the scatterer, respectively, at the frequencies of interest. We also demonstrate how the APES algorithm can be applied to data matrices with large dimensions without incurring high computational overheads. We compare the APES algorithm with other FIR filtering approaches including the Capon and FFT methods. We show via both numerical and experimental examples that the adaptive FIR filtering approaches such as Capon and APES can yield more accurate spectral estimates with much lower sidelobes and narrower spectral peaks than the FFT method. We show that although the APES algorithm yields somewhat wider spectral peaks than the Capon method, the former gives more accurate overall spectral estimates and SAR images than the latter and the FFT method.
Iatrogenic oesopha-geal perforation due to tracheal or naso-gastric intubation

Oesophageal perforation, due to a difficult endotracheal or nasogastric intubation occurred in a 49-year-old female. Perforation of the oesophagus is a rare complication of intubation of the trachea or oesophagus. Endotracheal intubation alone is most often blamed for iatrogenic oesophageal trauma following surgery. The incidence of iatrogenic oesophageal trauma is similar after nasogastric or endotracheal intubation. Iatrogenic oesophageal perforation occurs principally over the crico-pharyngeus muscle on the posterior wall of the oesophagus. Here the oesophagus is thin and is markedly narrowed. Contamination of the perioesophageal space with gastric contents leads to diffuse cellulitis and infection. Diagnosis is made by evidence of cervical subcutaneous emphysema, cervical pain, dysphagia, temperature elevation and leukocytosis. Plain roentenograms of the neck and a contrast media swallow will confirm the diagnosis. Treatment consists of massive antibiotic therapy followed by surgical repair and drainage of the area. Mortality ranges from 10-15 per cent with early diagnosis to 50 per cent if surgery is delayed.
Opioid-independent mechanisms supporting offset analgesia and temporal sharpening of nociceptive information

The mechanisms supporting temporal processing of pain remain poorly understood. To determine the involvement of opioid mechanisms in temporal processing of pain, responses to dynamic noxious thermal stimuli and offset analgesia were assessed after administration of naloxone, a μ-opioid antagonist, and on a separate day, during and after intravenous administration of remifentanil, a μ-opioid agonist, in 19 healthy human volunteers. Multiple end points were sampled from real-time computerized visual analog scale ratings (VAS, 1 to 10) to assess thermal sensitivity, magnitude and duration of offset analgesia, and painful after sensations. It was hypothesized that the magnitude of offset analgesia would be reduced by direct opioid antagonism and during states of acute opioid-induced hypersensitivity (OIH), as well as diminished by the presence of exogenous opioids. Surprisingly, the magnitude of offset analgesia was not altered after naloxone administration, during remifentanil infusion, or after the termination of remifentanil infusion. Because thermal hyperalgesia was observed after both drugs, 8 of the original 19 subjects returned for an additional session without drug administration. Thermal hyperalgesia and increased magnitude of offset analgesia were observed across conditions of remifentanil, naloxone, and no drug within this subset analysis, indicating that repeated heat testing induced thermal hyperalgesia, which potentiated the magnitude of offset analgesia. Thus, it is concluded that the mechanisms subserving temporal processing of nociceptive information are largely opioid-independent, but that offset analgesia may be potentiated by heat-induced thermal hyperalgesia in a proportion of individuals.
Regulation of Aberrant Neurofilament Phosphorylation in Neuronal Perikarya. I. Production Following Colchicine Application to the Sciatic Nerve

Neurofilament (NF) triplet proteins are normally poorly phosphorylated in neuronal perikarya, the two high molecular weight polypeptides becoming extensively phosphorylated once the NF enters the axon. Abnormal expression of phosphorylated NF (pNF) epitopes in neuronal perikarya has been revealed using monoclonal antibodies in a variety of human and experimental conditions. In the present study, we asked whether pNF epitopes are expressed in sensory neurons in the L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) following blockade of fast axonal transport in a model producing few (less than 1%) degenerating fibers. Colchicine (5 mM) was briefly (45 minutes) applied to the sciatic nerve at mid-thigh twice (once weekly) and the animals studied two weeks following the first colchicine application; contralateral nerves were either treated with saline or crushed. Modest to intense immunoreactivity was found with antibody 07-05 (directed against pNF epitopes on the two high molecular weight NF polypeptides) in 30.4% and 45.1% of DRG neurons from colchicine-treated and crushed nerves, respectively; only a rare cell body demonstrated immunostaining from the contralateral saline-treated nerves. Immunoreactivity was not observed with antibody 07-05 at two and five days following single colchicine application. In a separate study, colchicine or saline was applied (as above) 1-2 cm proximal to a nerve crush. Colchicine application did not influence the extent of DRG neurons expressing pNF epitopes; immunostaining with antibody 07-05 was present in 44.7% and 43.8% of DRG neurons from saline-treated and colchicine-treated crushed nerves, respectively. The results indicate that structural interruption of nerve-target contact is not necessary to induce aberrant NF phosphorylation in neuronal perikarya. It is suggested that loss of a retrogradely transported "trophic" signal(s) triggers this response.
Inhibition of cyclopropane fatty acid synthase by sinefungin and A9145C

Abstract Sinefungin and A9145C, antifungal antibiotic analogs of S-adeno-sylmethionine isolated from Streptomyces , griseolus , have been found to be very effective in , vitro inhibitors of cyclopropane fatty acid synthase from Lactobacillus , plantarum . Both compounds exhibit linear competitive inhibition with a Ki for Sinefungin of 220 nM and a Ki for A9145C of 11 nM.
Wiring Diagrams for Complex Reaction Networks

A graph-theoretic approach to developing reaction route (RR) networks is described that is a powerful new methodology for investigating the integrated architecture and dynamics of complex chemical and biological reaction systems. A distinct feature of our RR graphs is that while the edges represent reaction steps comprising the mechanism, the nodes simply represent their interconnectivity (not necessarily individual species, as has been the convention so far). As a result, all pathways can be traced simply as trails or walks on the RR graphs. Further, these networks are directly converted into wiring diagrams, allowing the use of electrical circuit theory, including Kirchhoff's current and voltage laws. Thus, they not only provide the reaction network topology but can be used to rigorously analyze network dynamics and the dominant pathways and bottleneck steps. We highlight the approach with three illustrations: (1) an enzymatic reaction system, (2) a heterogeneous catalytic process, and (3) an atmospher...
Leed intensity analysis of the surface structures of Pd(111) and of CO adsorbed on Pd(111) in a (√3 × √3)R30° arrangement

The surface structures of clean Pd(111) and of CO adsorbed on Pd(111) with a (√3 × √3)R30° periodicity at one-third monolayer coverage are investigated by dynamical LEED intensity analyses of measured I-V curves. The clean Pd(111) structure is confirmed to be close to the ideal0 bulk structure. Slight, possibly hydrogen-induced deviations are obtained for the interlayer spacings down to the fifth layer: Δd12=+0.03±0.03 A, Δd23=−0.03±0.03A, and Δd34=Δd45=+0.05±0.03A (positive values indicate expansion from the bulk spacing value). The CO molecules are favored to adsorb at fcc-type hollow sites with the C-O axis perpendicular to the 0 surface. The optimal carbon-oxygen and metal-carbon bond lengths are 1.15±0.05 and 2.05±0.04 A, respectively. This is the first LEED structure analysis of CO adsorbed at a hollow site on clean metal surfaces without coadsorbates.
Kicking, rocking, and waving: Contextual analysis of rhythmical stereotypies in normal human infants

I analysed the triggering contexts of over 14,000 bouts of rhythmical stereotypies of the legs, arms, and whole torso observed in 20 normal infants during their first year. Infant stereotypies were elicited by a wide variety of contexts including non-alert states, interactions with the caregiver and other persons, feeding situations, object interest, and kinaesthetic changes. The frequency of stereotypy in all contexts was a function of age. Non-alert states and interactions with the caregiver were disproportionately associated with leg and torso stereotypies. The relationship between these human stereotypies and the function and control of stereotyped behavior in other species is discussed.
Delinquency and the Black Middle Class: An Exploratory Study

This study addresses the lack of criminal justice research on non-poor African Americans. The author empirically tested ideas from Pattillo-McCoy (1998, 1999) using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. The main research question was what causal factors predict delinquency among middle class Blacks. Having delinquent friends predicted a greater likelihood of future arrest among middle class Blacks but a lesser likelihood among poorer African Americans, suggesting different processes at work. Indicators of parental relationship problems had more of an impact on poor Black and White youth than on middle class youth of either race.
'How can we tell it to the children?'A deliberation at the Institute of Social Research January 1941

To introduce an archival protocol of a ‘Debate about methods in the social sciences, especially the conception of social science method represented by the Institute’, held on 17 January 1941 at the Institute of Social Research in New York, the article focuses on certain conflicts in substance and terms of discourse among members of the Institute, with special emphasis on Franz Neumann’s distinctive approaches, notwithstanding his professed loyalty to Max Horkheimer’s theory. These are seen to arise not only from Neumann’s assignment as bargaining agent for the Institute and his distinctive relations with American colleagues, but also from their different orientations to the conflicted legacies of Weimar.
Juggling Multiple Social Worlds : Distance Students Online and Offline

Using the Internet means bringing into our offline lives yet another social world, one in which we operate through media, communicating and maintaining ties with people who live at a distance and who we may rarely or never meet. How successfully do we manage integration of this new world into our existing world? Do worlds collide or seamlessly integrate into a cohesive whole? For 1 year, the authors followed 17 students as they engaged in a distance learning program. The authors explored their involvement with the online learning community and how this affected their relationships with family, work, volunteer, and peer groups. Students' satisfaction with the program increased, and anxiety about operating in the online world decreased, with increased involvement with the learning community. This was realized at the expense of offline communities and activities. However, the authors also found a reverse trend when students reengaged with offline life as they neared the end of their program. This work highli...
Excitonic fine structure of the arsenic K-edge in AsFn (n = 3,5,6) cage molecules

Abstract We present self-consistent field Hartree-Fock calculations of the excitonic fine structure of the arsenic K-edge for several arsenic fluorine cage molecules AsFn(n = 3, 5, 6). Ground-state energies and K-shell ionization energies are computed. The binding energies relative to the K-shell ionization energy of several excitonic states, made up of a 1s core hole and an electron in a valence or Rydberg final state, are found. The relative oscillato, strengths for X-ray absorption to these states are determined and good agreement with experimental X-ray absorption data on AsF5 in the gas phase is found.
Achieving national security: comparing four state security models

A murky line separates the tactics and objectives between counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, United Nations Peacekeeping, and international civilian policing. Deploying the wrong national security model at the wrong time can escalate or prolong violence rather than mitigate it. However, prior to 2001, very few criminal justice scholars compared state security models on any level. This paper examines all four state security models in a comparative framework. It is divided into three sections. The first section defines each national security model and provides examples. The second section examines the differences or similarities that exist between the models. Finally, the third section addresses why it is critical to understand the security context and model integration in order to achieve long-term national security.
Microsporidiosis as an AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infection

The clinical manifestations of AIDS-related microsporidiosis range from mild or asymptomatic infections to debilitating illness involving the gastrointestinal, respiratory, or urogenital tracts or the eyes. Intestinobiliary infections with Enterocytozoon bieneusi are the most common microsporidial diseases, but disseminated infections with Encephalitozoon hellem, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, and Septata intestinalis are being increasingly recognized. The isolation of infective microsporidial spores from urine and respiratory secretions and the presence of spores in stool and duodenal aspirates suggest that person-to-person transmission may occur. Primary infection may also occur by inhalation or ingestion of spores from environmental sources or by zoonotic transmission. Development of guidelines for prevention of microsporidiosis will require that sources of infection and modes of transmission be more clearly elucidated. The presence of infective spores in bodily fluids, however, suggests that precautions when handling body fluids in clinical settings and personal hygiene measures such as hand washing may help to prevent primary infections.
Effect of calcium on the relationship between frequency of stimulation and release of noradrenaline from the perfused spleen of the cat.

The sympathetic nerves of the cat spleen were stimulated electrically (20 v, 1 msec, 7 sec) with increasing frequencies (1–30 Hz) during perfusion of the spleen with normal or low-calcium Krebs solution. Noradrenaline (NA) output per stimulus was measured. In spleens perfused with normal Krebs solution, the NA output per stimulus at 5 Hz was barely detectable, while the output at 30 Hz was about 5-fold greater than at 5 Hz. Reduction of the calcium concentration in the Krebs solution to 0.2–0.5 mM, while reducing outputs at both frequencies, resulted in an output at 30 Hz that was nearly 8 to 10 times that at 5 Hz. In spleens pretreated with phenoxybenzamine (PBZ) the NA output was increased at all frequencies, and the maximal output occurred at 5 Hz, whereas the output at 30 Hz was only one-third of the maximal output. Reduction of the calcium concentration of the perfusion solution to 0.5 mM, while reducing outputs from PBZ-treated spleens, increased the output at 30 Hz by about 5-fold over the output at 5 Hz. The muscarinic inhibition of stimulation-evoked release of NA by acetylcholine was much more pronounced at low than at high frequency of stimulation. The increase in the release of NA per stimulus with increase in the frequency of sympathetic nerve stimulation is explained on the assumption that the specific entry of calcium ions required for transmitter release is also frequency-dependent.
A Parallel Algorithm for EDF-Schedulability Analysis of Multi-modal Real-Time Systems

Modern real-time embedded systems often require the capability of switching between operating modes to adapt in dynamically changing environments. The development of such real-time multi-modal systems fundamentally relies upon effective schedulability analysis. Recently, researchers have proposed serial schedulability analysis algorithms for multi-modal systems that account for mode changes at both software level (e.g., changing the set of executing tasks) and hardware level (e.g., changing the operating speed of a processor). However, these algorithms have high runtime complexity which limits their practical usage as schedulability analysis in system design-space exploration. In this paper, we design a parallel algorithm as an efficient solution to the problem of determining the schedulability of uniprocessor multi-modal real-time systems scheduled by EDF. By emphasizing a balanced workload distribution and restricting the number of synchronizations, our parallel algorithm achieves a near-perfect speedup observable both theoretically and experimentally. Experimental results show that the runtime of our parallel algorithm is very low even for systems with large number of modes, making it a tractable choice for design-space exploration of real-time multi-modal systems.
Influence of stacking faults on the properties of GaN-based UV light-emitting diodes grown on non-polar substrates

We report on the reduction of defect densities in non-polar a-plane GaN films over r-plane sapphire achieved by epitaxial laterally overgrowth (ELOG) approach. A mask pattern was used to produce ELOG GaN with wing region width of about 30 µm. Based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results, the window regions have stacking faults density of ∼106 cm–1 and threading dislocation density of ∼1010 cm–2. Both ELOG Ga-face and N-face wing regions have stacking fault density of ∼105 cm–1, and dislocation density less than 108 cm–2. Cathodoluminescence studies reveal the difference in defect densities between N-faced and Ga-faced wings. GaN-based UV light-emitting diode formed on Ga-faced wing shows stronger quantum well emission and weaker parasitic emission than that formed on N-faced wing. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Phonocardiographic study of pulmonic-systolic murmurs in children.

Abstract Phonocardiographic tracings have been taken of the presumably nonpathologic murmurs of children which are heard with greatest intensity in the second intercostal space at the left sternal border (the pulmonic-systolic murmur). Tracings of forty such murmurs have been examined, and the wave forms of all of these have been found to have certain characteristics in common. The form of the pulmonic-systolic murmurs in these tracings was that of an apparently simple wave, of measurable frequency, interrupted by distortions of complex wave form at one or more points in the simple wave. Comparisons are drawn between tracings of these murmurs, those of the precordial vibratory murmur (the “twanging-string” functional murmur of Still), and those of organic murmurs of mitral valvular insufficiency.
Dampening The Powder Keg: Understanding Interethnic Cooperation in Post-Communist Romania (1990–96)

To better understand how interethnic violence can be prevented in new democracies, this article seeks to explain why ethnic cooperation prevailed in post-communist Romania, a multiethnic country supposedly predisposed to violent conflict. I contend that violence was averted due to the inclusion of ethnic minorities in the national political system. Contrary to what the literature suggests, this inclusion eerged without institutions specially designed to manage interethnic relationsand occurred outside of government, within the ranks of the democratic opposition.
Pathology: the lottery of conventional prostate biopsy.

Increasing the number of prostate biopsy cores taken does not improve diagnostic accuracy. Instead, urologists need to think in three dimensions and use template guidance to improve cancer detection and characterization.
Adrenocortical function in mice selectively bred for different sensitivity to ethanol

Abstract The adrenocortical response to ethanol, histamine and electric shock was studied in the Short-Sleep (SS) and Long-Sleep (LS) mice. The plasma corticosterone levels measured at 60 min following ethanol injection were consistently higher in LS mice (males and females) than in SS mice. The corticosterone levels determined 60 min after histamine injection (50 mg/kg) or electric foot shock were not statistically different in these two lines of mice. The initial rise of the corticosteroid after ethanol injection was identical in SS and LS mice, whereas the costicosteroid response to mild stress of saline injection was different: SS mice showed higher levels of corticosterone than LS mice at 20 and 30 min after the injection. Corticosterone increment attributable to alcohol stress clearly seemed greater in LS than in SS mice, even though the adrenals of the SS mice were 20–30% heavier than those of LS. The possible significance of these endocrine differences with respect to sensitivity to ethanol and behavioral arousal level was discussed.
CHAPTER 10 A public health approach to cervical cancer control: Considerations of screening and vaccination strategies

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death among women living in low-resource settings. In the last 3 decades, cytologic screening has -in theory -been available and yet more than 6 million women have died of this preventable disease. The necessary resources, infrastructure, and technological expertise, together with the need for repeated screenings at regular intervals, make cytologic screening difficult to implement in poor countries. As noncytologic approaches for the detection of HPV, simple visual screening methods for anogenital lesions caused by HPV, and the availability of an HPV-16/18 vaccine will enhance the linkage between screening and treatment, multiple factors will need to be considered when designing new, or modifying existing prevention strategies. Countryspecific decisions regarding the best strategy for cervical cancer control will need to rely on data from many sources and take into account complex epidemiologic, economic, social, political, and cultural factors, and be made despite uncertainty and incomplete information. A rigorous decision analytic approach using computerbased modeling methods enables linkage of the knowledge gained from empirical studies to real-world situations. This chapter provides an introduction to these methods, reviews lessons learned from cost-effectiveness analyses of cervical cancer screening in developed and developing countries, and emphasizes important qualitative themes to consider in designing cervical cancer prevention policies.
Low cost and convenient method for off-gas flowrate determination in industrial fermenters

Analysis of fermenter off-gas requires that the flowrate be accurately determined. We present an alternative to conventional methods which periodically spikes the off-gas flow with an accurately determined flow of argon. The resulting mol fraction of argon is determined by an existing mass spectrometer which in turn is used with a mol balance on argon to determine the total off-gas flowrate. For multiple fermenters this technique replaces expensive and maintenance intensive equipment with a single accurately controlled argon stream.
Characteristics of Cobalt Chromium Alloy Surfaces Finished Using Magnetic Abrasive Finishing

Freeform surfaces, including the femoral components of knee prosthetics, present a significant challenge in manufacturing. The finishing process is often performed manually, leading to high variation in quality. This study proposes using Magnetic Abrasive Finishing (MAF) to finish the cobalt chromium (Co-Cr) alloy femoral components of knee prosthetics and varying the surface pattern to alter surface wettability, which influences the tribological properties of the surfaces. As a first step, flat workpieces of the same material were used in this paper. To obtain an understanding of the relationship between surface pattern and wettability, two sets of finishing conditions were developed to yield two different surface patterns while maintaining roughness values (2–5 nm Ra). One surface consists of long cutting marks exhibiting strong directionality, while the other consists of short, intermittent cutting marks. The surface with strong directionality resulted in an increased contact angle between the workpiece and de-ionized water (from 90.0°±1.5° to 93.8°±2.5°), thus a decrease in wettability. The other surface showed a decreased contact angle (from 98.7°±5.3° to 93.3°±3.7°), thus an increase in wettability. This study experimentally demonstrates the feasibility of MAF to alter surface pattern—and to potentially alter the wettability—while maintaining initial surface roughness at a nanometer scale.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Diagnosis of mouse hepatitis virus contamination in mouse population by using nude mice and RT-PCR.

Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) infection in laboratory mouse populations is a serious problem, because the MHV infections are known to interfere with research results. Confirmation of indirect serological detection methods by viral isolation is difficult. Reverse transcription plus polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to test 94 mouse tissue samples from suspected naturally MHV infected mice. Positive results were only obtained from two colon samples and one mixed sample with colon and liver. The low positive rate is probably due to the virus being rapidly cleared by the MHV antibodies produced in the mouse. However, RT-PCR detection of MHV in nude mice placed in the same cages with other non-nude mice or placed in cages with used dirty bedding, showed a very high positive rate: 10 out of 12 colon samples were positive (83%), and 5 out of 10 faecal samples were positive (50%). A single-tube, single step RT-PCR method and two procedures for isolation of the viral RNA for the RT-PCR assay were also included in this article.
Weighted least squares response surface fitting in factorial paired comparisons

This paper deals with the analysis for factorial paired comparison experiments with or without ties as modeled within the Bradley-Terry framework. Following Grizzle, Starmer and Koch (1969) a nonlinear transformation is used to produce a linear model in transformed parameters. This approach results in a noniterative procedure for estimating the parameters of the linear model, testing for goodness of fit, and for testing hypotheses about the parameters of the model.
Electronic effects in group VIB arene-metal carbonyl complexes and related species

Abstract Evidence has been sought for the stabilization of aromatic carbonium ions following π complex formation with a metal carbonyl group. Attempts to isolate salts of the benzylchromium tricarbonyl cation and various members of this class have been unsuccessful due to the rapid decarbonylation of the system. However, the stability of the tropylium-M(CO) 3 cations (M = Cr, Mo and W) is found to be greater than that of tropylium itself towards attack by nucleophiles. Further evidence for the stabilization of the cations by the metal is seen in the enhanced rates of solvolysis of benzyl-chloride-chromium tricarbonyl and benzhydryl-chloride-chromium tricarbonyl.
Crack initiation in brittle solids under multiaxial compression

Experiments combined with numerical simulations were used to study crack initiation in brittle materials under biaxial static compression with particular attention to the frictional resistance of the cracks. A new methodology has been developed to prepare specimens with a central crack where crack surfaces are in contact and with the desired friction coefficient: two pieces of Homalite-100 (a brittle polymer) were bonded except for a central region that served as a crack. The measured failure load for cracks with different orientation angles and surface roughness was in close agreement with theoretical predictions for compressive failure. In situ photoelastic fringes were obtained and compared with numerical results enabling the determination of stress distribution along crack faces, as well as the identification of slip and stick regions.
Adsorption Mechanism and Uptake of Methane in Covalent Organic Frameworks: Theory and Experiment

We determined the methane (CH4) uptake (at 298 K and 1 to 100 bar pressure) for a variety of covalent organic frameworks (COFs), including both two-dimensional (COF-1, COF-5, COF-6, COF-8, and COF-10) and three-dimensional (COF-102, COF-103, COF-105, and COF-108) systems. For all COFs, the CH4 uptake was predicted from grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations based on force fields (FF) developed to fit accurate quantum mechanics (QM) [second order Moller−Plesset (MP2) perturbation theory using doubly polarized quadruple-ζ (QZVPP) basis sets]. This FF was validated by comparison with the equation of state for CH4 and by comparison with the experimental uptake isotherms at 298 K (reported here for COF-5 and COF-8), which agrees well (within 2% for 1−100 bar) with the GCMC simulations. From our simulations we have been able to observe, for the first time, multilayer formation coexisting with a pore filling mechanism. The best COF in terms of total volume of CH4 per unit volume COF absorbent is COF-1, w...