cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary vs. extra-pulmonary tuberculosis hospitalizations in the US [1998-2014].

Abstract Background Few studies have explored the relative burden and trends in pulmonary (PTB) vs. extra-pulmonary (EPTB) tuberculosis in the United States using a nationally representative sample. Methods This study examined trends in hospitalization rates, length-of-stay (LOS), in-hospital mortality and inflation-adjusted charges, for PTB vs. EPTB using the Nationwide/National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 1998 to 2014. Descriptive and multivariable analyses (linear, negative binomial and logistic) were utilized adjusting for demographics, co-morbidity and hospital characteristics. Results During the study period there were a survey-adjusted, estimated 258,631 PTB (75.5%), 76,476 EPTB (22.3%) and 7552 concurrent PTB and EPTB (2.2%) discharges. Whites accounted for 27.6% of PTB, 21.9% of EPTB and 17.6% of concurrent discharges; and self-pay or no insurance accounted for 22.2%, 18.4%, and 25.9%, respectively. EPTB was more common among blacks (22.5%), and combined TB more common among Hispanics (24.8%). Mean LOS was 11.4 days, 13.2 days, and 19.5 days; with mean nominal charges of $48,031, $62,255, and $89,364 for PTB, EPTB and combined TB respectively. Inpatient mortality for all three groups was approximately 5.7%. Miliary TB and TB of meninges and central nervous system were positively associated with mortality (odds ratios of 2.44 and 2.11, respectively), as was alcohol abuse (OR 1.21). Trend analyses showed decreased hospitalizations for all TB types, no change in LOS trends, decreased mortality for PTB and ETB and increased charges for PTB and ETB from 1998 to 2014. Increased utilization, higher charges and higher risk of mortality (to some extent) among the EPTB cases warrant improved methods for screening, diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion Though rates of TB hospitalization are declining, EPTB is becoming relatively more common and is more costly compared to pulmonary TB. Screening methods that focus on identification of ETB contrary to current practice guidelines are needed to aid ETB case finding.
C#.NET programming course

Since 2002, C#.NET has generated significant headway in enterprise system development of Fortune 500 firms. Dice.com lists 950+ C# .NET jobs in the New York tristate area daily!
Race/ethnicity, neighborhood socioeconomic status and cardio-metabolic risk.

Abstract Objective To determine the association between neighborhood socioeconomic status (NSES) and cardio-metabolic risk and whether this relationship differs by race/ethnicity. Methods Participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (n = 5750), ages 45–84 years, from 6 US counties, including 5 examinations from 2000 to 2012. We calculated a modified allostatic load (AL) index, indicating cardio-metabolic risk. NSES score included census-derived measures at census tract of residence. Mixed effects growth curve models were used to assess linear and non-linear associations between NSES and AL at baseline and over time. Results Higher NSES was associated with lower AL across race/ethnic groups; considering NSES quintiles, significant associations were found only for the highest NSES quintiles (difference of -0.86 and -1.15 for white and Hispanic participants) vs. the lowest. We found no significant association between NSES and change in AL over time. Discussion Our findings suggest that the relationship between NSES and AL reflects the health benefits of living in the most advantaged neighborhoods. Public health implications Understanding the impact of higher NSES on health effects may help identify interventions to effectively target high risk neighborhoods.
JMX0207, a Niclosamide Derivative with Improved Pharmacokinetics, Suppresses Zika Virus Infection Both In Vitro and In Vivo

Flaviviruses causes significant human disease. Recent outbreaks of the Zika virus highlight the need to develop effective therapies for this class of viruses. Previously we identified niclosamide as a broad-spectrum inhibitor for flaviviruses by targeting the interface between viral protease NS3 and its cofactor NS2B. Here, we screened a small library of niclosamide derivatives and identified a new analogue with improved pharmacokinetic properties. Compound JMX0207 showed improved efficacy in inhibition of the molecular interaction between NS3 and NS2B, better inhibition of viral protease function, and enhanced antiviral efficacy in the cell-based antiviral assay. The derivative also significantly reduced Zika virus infection on 3D mini-brain organoids derived from pluripotent neural stem cells. Intriguingly, the compound significantly reduced viremia in a Zika virus (ZIKV) animal model. In summary, a niclosamide derivative, JMX0207, was identified, which shows improved pharmacokinetics and efficacy against Zika virus both in vitro and in vivo.
Engaging students in seagrass-focused activities

Seagrass ecosystems are widespread, valuable, and threatened. We have used this system as a model to teach 3rd – 7th grade students about food webs, the interconnectedness of ecosystems, ecosystem ...
THE NONOPERATIVE REHABILITATION OF A TRAUMATIC COMPLETE ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT TEAR OF THE ELBOW IN A HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLER: A CASE REPORT.

Background and purpose Injuries frequently occur in competitive wrestling, with the elbow joint representing about 25% of all injuries. Specific to the elbow, the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) can be injured traumatically from takedowns in wrestling. In athletes with complete UCL tears, surgical management is often recommended with nonoperative management resulting in less favorable outcomes. The purpose of this case report is to present a nonoperative criterion-based rehabilitation program for a high school wrestler with a complete UCL tear of the elbow. Case description A 17-year-old male wrestler presented to outpatient physical therapy with a complete UCL tear sustained from falling on an outstretched hand during a wrestling match. He presented with limited elbow range of motion (ROM), medial elbow instability, and weakness of the involved shoulder and forearm musculature. A three staged criterion-based rehabilitation protocol was developed for this subject based on specific criteria, including pain, elbow ROM, arm strength, and functional outcomes. Outcomes The subject was treated for nine visits over six weeks, and demonstrated improvements in all strength tests of the involved upper extremity, with elbow flexion strength improving the most by 58%. Return to sport (RTS) tests were used to assess the subject's ability to return to practice. At approximately eight weeks after initial injury, the subject was able to return to full participation in competitive wrestling with no reports of elbow pain or instability. Discussion Through the utilization of a criterion-based rehabilitation protocol for the nonoperative management of an UCL injury, this high school wrestler was able to safely progress back to wrestling without pain or instability in an accelerated time frame. Previously, no detailed rehabilitation guidelines for nonoperative management of UCL injuries in contact sports have been described. Additionally, few studies exist which report on the inclusion of RTS testing following an injury to the UCL of the elbow, as RTS testing is optimal for determining readiness for sport. Level of evidence 4, Case Report.
Incidental Laryngeal Findings on Bedside Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing in a Community Hospital Setting.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of laryngeal pathology found during bedside flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in a community hospital.Methods:A r...
Primary thyroid lymphoma: survival analysis of SEER database (1995-2016).

Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is an uncommon type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) affecting thyroid gland only. Some investigators also consider patients with adjacent lymph nodes as PTL [1]. It acc...
A Pension 'Crisis' Mentality

Few will argue that Illinois has significant issues with the underfunding of its five public employee pension systems. In fact, many say the state faces a continuing “pension crisis.” However, this report argues that this “crisis” framework or mentality surrounding the issue actually impedes a sustainable solution. The report urges policymakers to rethink the conversation about pensions and Illinois’ finances.
Photo-bioelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction for a circular energy landscape

Summary Actualizing the theoretical potential of photoelectrocatalysis for energy-intensive CO2 reduction, in order to deliver a circular energy economy, is an ongoing research venture. Photobioelectrocatalysis incorporates biological entities that have evolved over billions of years for efficient light harvesting, photo-induced charge separation, and/or sustainable and selective formation of complex, high-energy products under mild conditions. While most existing photobioelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction systems are nature-inspired or biomimetic, their performances are limited in terms of stability and efficiency. Effective and efficient photo-bioelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction system design requires incisive integration of multidisciplinary approaches. Biohybrids, which amalgamate the superior features of respectively biotic and abiotic photoelectrocatalytic systems and utilize advances in materials and synthetic chemistry, synthetic biology, etc. to alleviate recurring limitations, are a pliable tool to navigate this system design. This work broadly summarizes existing photo-bioelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction technologies and their overarching limitations in terms of performance and prospective improvements required in order to facilitate broader applicability. Therein, crucial factors influencing the performance of these biohybrids, such as the type biological catalyst, band gap of photosensitizers, compatibility, and interfacing between biotic – abiotic units, structure, and performance of the overall cell, such as the complimentary half-cell reaction, pH are discussed. Persisting limitations with the increasing sophistication of biohybrid designs include the intricacy of modulating multivariant systems, intermittency of solar energy, poor electrochemical communication across biotic-abiotic interfaces, limited CO2 dissolution, and other complications overarchingly shared with microbial electrosynthesis and electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Effect of species, size, and chimerism on the susceptibility of Caribbean brain coral recruits to stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD)

Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has devastated coral populations along Florida′s Coral Reef and beyond. Although widespread infection and mortality of adult colonies have been documented, no studies have yet investigated the susceptibility of recruits to this disease. Here, we exposed eight-month-old Diploria labyrinthiformis recruits and four-month-old Colpophyllia natans recruits to two sequential doses of SCTLD in the laboratory to track infection and assess potential resilience. Both species began to develop lesions as early as 48 h after exposure began. During the first dose, 59.0% of C. natans recruits lost all tissue (died) within two to eight days of developing lesions, whereas D. labyrinthiformis recruits experienced significantly slower rates of tissue loss and minimal eventual mortality. In C. natans, larger recruits and those fused into groups of multiple genets (chimeras) exhibited the highest survivorship. In contrast, smaller and/or single (ungrouped) recruits had the lowest survivorship (9.9 - 26.5%). After 20 days, a second SCTLD dose was delivered to further test resistance in remaining recruits, and all recruits of both species succumbed within 6 days. Although no recruits showed absolute resistance to SCTLD following repeated exposures, our results provide evidence that interactions between species, size, and chimerism can impact relative resistance. This study represents the first report of SCTLD in Caribbean coral recruits and carries implications for natural species recovery and reef restoration efforts. Additional research on the susceptibility of coral juveniles to SCTLD is urgently needed, to include different species, locations, parents, and algal symbionts, with the goal of assessing relative susceptibility and identifying potential sources of resilience for this critical life history stage.
Measurement of Soil Bulk Density and Penetrability: A Review of Methods*

Publisher Summary Numerous methods have been developed and are being used to characterize the physical condition of soil, of which compactness is a very important part. A number of methods stressing the movement of fluids through the soil are proposed. These methods are sensitive in detecting the effects of compaction but perhaps need some perfecting. Each possible method of measurement is most suitable for the study of the physical condition of soil from a particular point of view. A complete description of soil structural condition is essentially impossible, and no single method should be considered best for a measurement of the structure. The same may be said about soil compactness. Other methods of describing compactness may be more meaningful from the point of view of plant growth, but penetrability and density seem at present to be more suitable characteristics for field use. The principal shortcoming of these measurements lies in the difficulty of interpretation of data in terms of crop response. This chapter discusses the measurement of bulk density and penetrability and the interpretation of data obtained. At the present time, these two methods seem to be the most usable in field studies of soil compaction.
C++ for Mathematicians: An Introduction for Students and Professionals

List of Programs List of Figures Preface I. PROCEDURES The Basics What is C++? Hello C++ Numbers The Integer Types The Real Number Types The bool and char Types Checking the Size and Capacity of the Different Types Standard Operations Comparisons and Boolean Operations Complex Numbers Naming Variables Greatest Common Divisor The Problem A First Approach Euclid's Method Looping With for, while, and do An Exhaustive Approach to the GCD Problem Extended GCD, Call by Reference, and Overloading Random Numbers Pseudo Random Number Generation Uniform Random Values More on Pseudo Random Number Generation A Monte Carlo Program for the GCD Problem Normal Random Values Arrays Euler's Totient Array Fundamentals A Procedure to Factor Integers A Procedure to Calculate Euler's Totient The Sieve of Eratosthenes A Faster Totient Computing pn for Large n The Answer II. OBJECTS Points in the Plane Data and Methods Declaring the Point Class Data Hiding Constructors Assignment and Conversion Methods Procedures using Arguments of Type Point Operators Pythagorean Triples Generating Pythagorean Triples Designing a Primitive Pythagorean Triple Class Implementation of the PTriple Class Finding and Sorting the Triples Containers Sets Set Iterators Multisets Adjustable Arrays Via the Vector Class Ordered Pairs Maps Lists, Stacks, and Assorted Queues Modular Arithmetic Designing the Mod Type The Code The Default Modulus: Static Class Variables and Methods Constructors and Get/Set Methods Comparison Operators Arithmetic Operators Writing Mod Objects to Output Streams A Main to Demonstrate the Mod Class The Projective Plane Introduction to the Projective Plane, RP2 Designing the Classes PPoint and PLine Inheritance Protected Class Members Class and File Organization for PPoint and PLine The Parent Class PObject The Classes PPoint and PLine Discovering and Repairing a Bug Pappus Revisited Permutations Ulam's Problem Designing the Permutation Class Finding Monotone Subsequences Exercises Polynomials Procedure Templates Class Templates The Polynomial Class Template The GCD Problem Revisited Working in Binary III. TOPICS Using Other Packages Arbitrary Precision Arithmetic: the GMP Package Linear Algebra Other Packages Strings, Input/Output, and Visualization Character Arrays The String Class Command Line Arguments Reading and Writing Data in Files String Streams Formatting A Class to Parse Files Visualization Odds and Ends The switch Statement Labels and the goto Statement Exception Handling Friends Other Ways to Create Types Pointers IV. APPENDICES A. Your C++ Computing Environment Programming with a Command Window and a Text Editor Programming with an Integrated Development Environment General Advice on Debugging B. Documentation with Doxygen Doxygen Comments Using Doxygen C. C++ Reference Variables and Types Operations Control Statements Procedures Classes Standard Functions D. Answers Index *Each Chapter Contains Exercises Solutions can be found in Appendix D
A fast radix 4 division algorithm

In this paper we present a fast radix 4 division algorithm for floating point numbers based on Svoboda's division algorithm. The algorithm involves a simple recurrence with carry-free addition and employs pre-scaling of the operands, The quotient digits are determined by observing three most-significant radix 2 digits (msds) of the partial remainder and independent of the divisor. The proposed algorithm is faster than previously proposed radix 4 and radix 2 division algorithms, which require at least four digits of the partial remainder to be observed to determine a quotient digit. The speedup is achieved at cost of increase in area. >
White international transracial adoptive mothers' reflections on race

Through the use of qualitative data analysis of in-depth interviews with eight white international transracial adoptive mothers, four properties emerged that describe these mothers' racial views. These properties varied in the degree that they integrated perspectives different from the white dominant culture. The mothers did not experience significant changes in their perspective on race subsequent to adoption. This paper includes a discussion of white racial identity and implications for social work practice with transracially adoptive parents.
Activation of alkyl halides by glutathione transferases.

Abstract Glutathione (GSH) transferases catalyze the conjugation of the tripeptide GSH with alkyl halides and related compounds. If a second leaving group is present, the substrate is at least a potential bis‐electrophile and the initial conjugate may be susceptible to further attack by the sulfur atom. This process can yield potent electrophiles that modify DNA and are genotoxic. Much of the chemistry is understood in the context of the halide order and size of rings generated in reactive sulfonium ions. Similar chemistry has been demonstrated with the active site cysteine residue in the DNA repair protein O 6 ‐alkylguanine DNA‐alkyltransferase.
Studies of incorporation of radioactivity into lipids by human blood

Abstract The incorporation of acetate 1-C 14 into discrete fatty acids of whole blood and platelets obtained from nonketotic insulin-dependent diabetics has been determined. Whole blood from diabetics incorporates significantly less acetate C 14 into fatty acids than does whole blood from controls. In addition, the pattern of incorporation of C 14 into fatty acids is abnormal. The percentage of C 14 in 16:0 (palmitic acid) and also 14:0 (myristic acid) is decreased, while the percentage of C 14 in 20 carbon saturated and unsaturated fatty acids is increased. The pattern of C 14 in fatty acids formed by whole blood returns to normal when the fasting blood sugar is normal, presumably indicating that leukocyte fatty acid formation is normal when the fasting blood sugar is normal. Incorporation of C 14 into fatty acids by platelets is also decreased, although difference from the control group is not significant. Platelets, too, incorporate a significantly smaller percentage of fatty acid C 14 into 14:0 and 16:0 and a significantly greater percentage of C 14 into saturated and unsaturated 20 carbon fatty acids. In addition, the percentage of C 14 in fatty acids with retention time corresponding to 22:0 (behenic acid) or greater is increased. These abnormalities are not corrected when the fasting blood sugar returns to normal. Some of the possible physiologic and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Fishery Conservation and Management Act Reauthorization: “A” for Effort, “C” for Substance

Commission's proposal reaches the statute book. Even if it is agreed upon in its current form, various questions would remain with regard to its interpretation. As is often the case with Community proposals, the wording is deliberately vague in some places to allow member states to adapt its requirements to their national legal order. However, the vaguer phrases will allow much scope for interpretation and disagreement. For example, does "serious negligence" mean negligence, gross negligence, or recklessness under UK law, or would it introduce a new category of liability? Moreover, how will that term be interpreted, implemented, and applied in the various criminal law systems of the other twentyseven member states? Community measures should be interpreted in accordance with European (and not merely national) methods, including reference to the various authentic language versions (if adopted, the Directive will be published in all twenty-three official languages of the European Community) and through a contextual and purposive approach not commonly applied in common law countries. Uncertainties such as these could result in the national laws implementing the Directive being less uniform than anticipated. Nevertheless, the proposal constitutes a positive step forward in bringing about better and more uniform enforcement of European environmental laws. Many businesses, especially those based in countries that already impose criminal sanctions for breaches of environmental law, will welcome this proposal as a move towards a more level playing field across the European Community.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine whether chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the community. Background COPD is linked to cardiovascular mortality; an association with SCD has not been systematically investigated in the general population. Methods In the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study (approximately 1 million population), adult SCD case subjects were compared with geographic control subjects with coronary artery disease. Detailed clinical and electrocardiographic risk marker information was obtained from medical records. The association of COPD with SCD in the overall population and in a propensity score–matched dataset was assessed with logistic models. Results SCD case subjects (n = 728; age 69.9 ± 13.7 years) were more likely than control subjects (n = 548; age 67.2 ± 11.3 years) to have left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% (27.5% vs. 12.0%; p Conclusions COPD is associated with SCD risk in the community independent of medications, electrocardiographic risk markers, and left ventricular ejection fraction. Among other mechanisms, pro-arrhythmogenic right ventricular remodeling and systemic inflammation warrant further investigation.
MEIOTIC DNA METABOLISM IN WILD-TYPE AND EXCISION-DEFICIENT YEAST FOLLOWING UV EXPOSURE

The effects of UV irradiation on DNA metabolism during meiosis have been examined in wild-type (RAD+) and mitotically defined excision-defective (rad1-1) strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that exhibit high levels of sporulation. The rad1-1 gene product is not required for normal meiosis: DNA synthesis, RNA synthesis, size of parental and newly synthesized DNA and sporulation are comparable in RAD+ and rad1-1 strains. Cells were UV irradiated at the beginning of meiosis, and the fate of UV-induced pyrimidine dimers as well as changes in DNA and DNA synthesis were followed during meiosis. Excision repair of pyrimidine dimers can occur during meiosis and the RAD1 gene product is required; alternate excision pathways do not exist. Although the rate of elongation is decreased, the presence of pyrimidine dimers during meiosis in the rad1-1 strain does not block meiotic DNA synthesis suggesting a bypass mechanism. The final size of DNA is about five times the distance between pyrimidine dimers after exposure to 4 J/m2. Since pyrimidine dimers induced in parental strands of rad1-1 prior to premeiotic DNA synthesis do not become associated with newly synthesized DNA, the mechanism for replicational bypass does not appear to involve a recombinational process. The absence of such association indicates that normal meiotic recombination is also suppressed by UV-induced damage in DNA; this result at the molecular level is supported by observations at the genetic level.
Video retrieval and relevance feedback in the context of a post-integration model

Video can be viewed as the integration of several heterogeneous media interwoven in a temporally close-coupled fashion. To support the retrieval of video segments under the query-by-example scenario, we purport in this paper a post-integration model that integrates low-level media types to identify visually/auditorily similar video segments. The model also allows flexible relevance feedback on the user end to further improve the speed and accuracy of searching in a video database. As its name implies, the post-integration model first treats models of the underlying media as independent processes and then combines distance scores from each of the underlying media at the later stage. This decoupling allows the usage of efficient algorithms to fast and accurately compare thousands of video clips in a moderate-to-large-sized video database. It also naturally facilitates improved user interaction by fast dynamic weight adjustment on the media distance scores in a multiple query succession. We explicit our models and dynamic weight adjustment schemes in this paper and offer demonstration with a working system on a large video database set.
The analytic hierarchy process as a model base for a merit salary recommendation system

This paper describes how the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), as developed by T.L. Saaty and others, can be used in a merit salary increase Decision Support System (DSS). The basic rationale for the system is that merit increases should be proportional to, or at least be correlated with, the relative value of contribution during the period for which the reward is relevant. Details of AHP are provided as needed for the benefit of the reader not familiar with this widely used tool of multi-attribute decision theory. The proposed merit salary recommendation system is explained, and illustrated using hypothetical data.
College Students' Conceptions of the Role of Rivers in Canyon Formation

ABSTRACT Rivers are important surficial geologic processes that shape Earth's landscape. Students' conceptions of river features and processes serve as a foundation for their learning of new river concepts. Despite the importance of rivers and students' conceptions of them, little research has focused on identifying students' river conceptions. This study investigated students' conceptions of the role of river processes in canyon formation. In-depth interviews with 18 college students were conducted, and students' responses were analyzed using a modified version of constant comparative analysis. Students' conceptions fell into three categories: incomplete scientific conceptions, alternative conceptions, and incomplete scientific–alternative conceptions. Students with incomplete scientific conceptions thought that rivers carved canyons and did not recognize the connection between surficial processes and base level changes in forming a canyon. Students with alternative conceptions thought that catastrophic ...
Glass transition of polystyrene near the surface studied by slow-positron-annihilation spectroscopy

We have measured the Doppler broadening energy spectra of positron annihilation using a variable monoenergetic positron beam as a function of positron energy and of temperature in polystyrene. The $S$ parameters from the energy spectra versus temperature show that onset temperatures significantly decrease as the positron energy decreases. This result gives direct evidence that the glass-transition temperature is suppressed at a magnitude of 57 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C at the depth of 50 \AA{} from the surface.
The psychophysics of mental test difficulty

By the use of the Seashore tests of Pitch Discrimination, Intensity Discrimination, Time Discrimination, and the test of Tonal Memory, it is shown that the easiness of an item, as determined by absolute scaling methods, is proportional to the logarithm of the magnitude of the stimulus. It is proposed that this is a case of Fechner's psychophysical law and that the unit of absolute scaling as applied to test items may become a satisfactory unit of allS-scales in the more traditional psychophysical problem.
Bottleneck equipment management: simulating test program methods in semiconductor assembly test factories

Significant opportunities for improvement in semiconductor Assembly/Test (A/T) manufacturing reside in the Test areas. These Test areas can very often be the system constraint, due to complex testing policies, bin-to-order mapping, and cost. A very difficult problem for both researchers and manufacturers is to determine the best methods for assigning test programs for lots on these test equipment. To answer these problems, Intel has produced dynamic discrete event simulation models that consider multiple wafer types, multiple end products, multiple test program methods, and binning policies of end products according to the tested performance of the die. This model does not require modeling specific manufacturing equipment and operator activities, only detailed logic of test program and binning policies. The quantitative output data from this model provides the relative decision support necessary to determine what methods work best for Intel, given other costs and business drivers.
Observations of twelve USEPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Aitken size range (10-32 nm Dp)

Particle size distribution measurements of twelve USEPA priority pollutant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—collected in Riverside, California, down to 10 nm aerodynamic diameter (Dp)—observed on integrated nocturnal samples (7:00 p.m.-6:30 a.m.) revealed that between 46 and 100% of the mass of particles in the Aitken size range was found in the 10–18 nm size bin. Particles in this size range have high alveolar deposition efficiency.
Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Soils from Acidic and Nonacidic Tundra with Different Glacial Histories in Northern Alaska

Moist acidic and nonacidic tundra are two of the most common vegetation types of the tundra in the northern foothills of the Brooks Range, Alaska, and they differ considerably in vegetation, soil nutrient availability, and soil pH. Both occur on mesic, gentle slopes, but acidic tundra is more common on older glacial surfaces whereas nonacidic tundra is more common on younger surfaces. Although much prior research has focused on moist acidic tundra, nonacidic tundra is still relatively unstudied. We compared rates of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling and their response to warming and changes in moisture in moist acidic tundra on Itkillik I glacial drift (50,000 –120,000 years old, pH 3– 4) and moist nonacidic tundra on Itkillik II glacial drift (11,500 – 60,000 year old, pH 6 –7). We hypothesized that rates of soil C and N cycling would be faster at the nonacidic site because it has a more favorable pH for microbial activity and higher-quality organic matter inputs arising from its greater herbaceous plant production relative to the acidic site. However, in contrast to our hypothesis, in situ soil respiration, as well as respiration, dissolved organic C production, and net N mineralization in laboratory incubations, was greater for soils from the acidic site. Nevertheless, the sites responded similarly to manipulations of temperature and moisture, exhibiting exponential increases in respiration with warming between 4°C and 15°C but surprisingly little sensitivity to changes in moisture between 300% and 700%. Slower soil organic matter decomposition at the nonacidic site likely results from the stabilization of soil organic matter by high concentrations of calcium.
The roles of social domains, behavioral risk, health care resources, and chlamydia in spatial clusters of US cervical cancer mortality: not all the clusters are the same

Background While high-risk geographic clusters of cervical cancer mortality have previously been assessed, factors associated with this geographic patterning have not been well studied. Once these factors are identified, etiologic hypotheses and targeted population-based interventions may be developed and lead to a reduction in geographic disparities in cervical cancer mortality.
The Presence of the Virus Causing Visceral Lymphomatosis in the Secretions and Excretions of Chickens

Abstract MUCH has been written on the natural transmission of lymphomatosis although little is actually known concerning the specific methods and avenues by which the causative agent is transferred from an infected host to a noninfected susceptible animal. It has long been suspected that lymphomatosis is transmitted from parent to offspring by way of the hatching egg but it is only recently that an adequate basis for this mode of transmission has been established Experiments reported by Cottral, Burmester and Waters (1949) showed that significant quantities of the infectious agent of visceral lymphomatosis were present in embryonated eggs from some but not all normal appearing chickens of a population in which the disease was clinically evident. Other investigations pertaining to the method of shedding the causative agent or agents of lymphomatosis have been confined primarily to the excreta of the intestinal and urinary tracts. Since these are excreted together in all …
Molecular K-shell photoionization cross sections in the relaxed-core Hartree-Fock approximation

The relaxed-core Hartree-Fock (RCHF) approach to the calculation of K-shell photoionization cross sections is analyzed and applied to K-shell single-hole ionization in CO. A direct method based on the Schwinger variational principle and single-center-expansion techniques is used to generate the continuum orbitals associated with the motion of the photoelectron in the direct and exchange potential of the relaxed ion. A method is presented for evaluating the N-electron transition moment, a step that has posed a considerable computational obstacle due to the lack of orthogonality between the frozen and relaxed orbitals in the initial and final N-electron states, respectively. Besides being very practical and efficient, this formulation establishes the distinction between the ‘‘direct’’ and ‘‘conjugate’’ part of the transition moment, introducing bound-free dipole and overlap integrals, respectively. Whereas for large photoelectron energies the conjugate terms can be neglected, they become important near threshold, contributing, for example, up to 30% to the 1s cross sections in CO. An analysis by means of low-order perturbation theory shows that the RCHF model correctly describes the effect of ionic relaxation, that is, essentially the screening of the 1s hole by the valence electrons. As a consequence the σ* shape resonance is substantially shifted to higher energy and broadened compared with the frozen-core Hartree-Fock picture where the more attractive unscreened 1s-hole potentials are used. The remaining discrepancies with the experimental results are attributed to the neglect of target polarization in the RCHF model.
Anaphylaxis in Mast Cell-Deficient Mice

Evidence of a functional deficit in mast cell-deficient mice was sought by testing for the development of systemic anaphylaxis. W/Wv mast cell-deficient mice and wild type control animals were sensitized by injection of bovine serum albumin and subsequently challenged. Nine of ten W/Wv mast cell-deficient mice and 10/10 control mice demonstrated signs of anaphylaxis, including death. Although histamine levels were higher in control animals, no differences were noted before and after antigen challenge. The numbers of peripheral blood basophils were the same in W/Wv and wild type mice. These studies suggest that caution is necessary in the use of these animals to study disease.
Sr2RhO4 and Sr2IrO4: Structural and magnetic studies of 4d and 5d transition metal analogs of La2CuO4

Abstract X-ray and neutron diffraction studies of Sr2IrO4 and Sr2RhO4 reveal structural distortions from the ideal K2NiF4 structure, in which the IrO6 and RhO6 octahedra are rotated about the crystallographic c-axes by 11° or 9.7°, respectively. These rotations reduce the symmetry from I4 mmm to I4 1 acd . We find that Sr2IrO4 is an electrical insulator which exhibits weak ferromagnetism at 250 K, attributable to canted antiferromagnetism associated with long-range three-dimensional ordering of the Ir4+ moments. Although no ferromagnetic ordering is found in Sr2RhO4, susceptibility data shows a peak possibly associated with two-dimensional short-range antiferromagnetic order. Doping of electrons in Sr2RhO4 results in compositions which show weak ferromagnetism, perhaps arising from double-exchange-type magnetic interactions due to the presence of rhodium in 4+ and 3+ oxidation states.
Application of a Diffusion Charger for the Measurement of Particle Surface Concentration in Different Environments

Particle surface area has recently been considered as a possible metric in an attempt to correlate particle characteristics with health effects. In order to provide input to such studies, two Nanoparticle Surface Area Monitors (NSAMs, TSI, Inc.) were deployed in different urban sites within Los Angeles to measure the concentration levels and the diurnal profiles of the surface area of ambient particles. The NSAM's principle of operation is based on the unipolar diffusion charging of particles. Results show that the particle surface concentration decreases from ∼150 μ m2 cm−3 next to a freeway to ∼ 100 μ m2 cm−3 at 100 m downwind of the freeway, and levels decline to 50–70 μ m2 cm−3 at urban background sites. Up to 51% and 30% of the total surface area corresponded to particles < 40 nm next to the freeway and at an urban background site, respectively. The NSAM signal was well correlated with a reconstructed surface concentration based on the particle number size distribution measured with collocated Scanni...
SU-FF-J-41: Monitoring of Intra-Fractional Patient Motion During High-Dose Extra-Cranial Paraspinal Radiosurgery

Purpose: Patients undergoing high dose single fraction radiotherapy to para‐spinal sites are setup in a non‐invasive immobilization cradle. We study the use of a portable infra‐red tracking system for monitoring intra‐fractional patient motion. Method and Materials: Infrared reflectors are affixed on the immobilization cradle, and taped to specific points of the patient to monitor positions or track breathing. A commercial stereoscopic infrared camera continuously tracks all the reflectors. Custom software determines the positions of the patient reflectors relative to the coordinate system of the cradle to assess motion during the treatment. Prior to treatment, the system runs in a learning mode for several breathing cycles to acquire baseline data for comparison with reflector positions detected during the treatment. The displacement of each reflector from its baseline is displayed on a computer screen for continuous monitoring. For the purpose of this study, a 3D patient shift between the beginning and end of treatment was determined by averaging the individual 3D displacements of reflectors attached to skin overlying bone (sternum, hips). Results: A QA procedure of system accuracy determined that 0.5mm shifts of individual reflectors can be detected. Patient tracking data are consistent with observed patient shifts seen with portalimaging. For the patients studied, each component of the shift seen by the system was within 1mm of the corresponding shift of the bony anatomy in the vicinity of the target seen between pre and post treatment portalimaging.Conclusion: The system allows the detection of shifts of 2 mm or more as they occur and is therefore clinically useful. This may occur if a patient adjusts his position, for example. The ability to detect smaller shifts that occur slowly is under study. The system provides a real‐time measure of patient safety during high dose treatment and is in clinical use.
An Evaluation of June Wood Duck Banding in the Southern Atlantic Flyway

In waterfowl banding studies, the preseason banding period is commonly accepted as July through September; however, in an effort to increase Aix sponsa (Wood Duck) banding in the Atlantic Flyway, several state agency biologists have considered banding Wood Ducks in June. We analyzed existing Wood Duck banding data to determine if direct band-recovery rates of Wood Ducks banded in June differed from those banded during July—September. We calculated direct recovery rates by state, month, and year for 1998–2007 at selected states in the Atlantic Flyway. Arcsine-transformed direct band-recovery rates differed by month of banding (P = 0.0099; F = 3.973; df = 3, 111) and were lower in June than in July or August. We suggest that state or federal agencies conducting Wood Duck banding should spend their time and effort during the traditional banding period 1 July—30 September.
Genomic analysis of alachlor-induced oncogenesis in rat olfactory mucosa

Alachlor induces olfactory mucosal tumors in rats in a highly ordered temporal process. We used GeneChip analysis to test the hypothesis that histological progression and oncogenic transformation a...
Heparin kinetics determined by three assay methods

Heparin kinetics were determined in four normal subjects, each of whom received three different doses (25, 50, and 75 units/kg body weight) by intravenous injection. Multiple blood samples were collected after each dose and each plasma sample was assayed for heparin activity using three different assay methods. Two of these assays are based on coagulation tests, i.e., activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time, while the third is based on chemical neutralization of heparin using hexadimethrine bromide. Heparin kinetics showed pronounced dose-dependent changes, irrespective of the assay method used, which were characterized by increasing biologic half-life and decreasing total clearance (Cl) with increasing dose. No changes were noted in apparent volume of distribution (Vd). This data also showed that there were differences in kinetic parameters of heparin depending on the assay method. In general, values for total Cl and apparent Vd based on chemical neutralization were approximately 1.5 to 2.0 times these parameters based on coagulation tests. We conclude that the immediate mechanism of the dose-dependent heparin kinetics is decreasing total clearance with increasing dose and suggest that in vivo activation of the anticoagulant properties of heparin may explain the assay-dependent kinetics.
Historical fire and multidecadal drought as context for piñon-juniper woodland restoration in western Colorado.

Fire is known to structure tree populations, but the role of broad-scale climate variability is less clear. For example, the influence of climatic “teleconnections” (the relationship between oceanic–atmospheric fluctuations and anomalous weather patterns across broad scales) on forest age structure is relatively unexplored. We sampled semiarid pinon–juniper (Pinus edulis–Juniperus osteosperma) woodlands in western Colorado, USA, to test the hypothesis that woodland age structures are shaped by climate, including links to oceanic–atmospheric fluctuations, and by past fires and livestock grazing. Low-severity surface fire was lacking, as fire scars were absent, and did not influence woodland densities, but stand-replacing fires served as long-rotation (>400–600 years), stand-initiating events. Old-growth stands (>300 years old) were found in 75% of plots, consistent with a long fire rotation. Juniper and pinon age structures suggest contrasting responses during the past several centuries to dry and wet episodes linked to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). Juniper density increased slightly during periods of drought, positive (warm) AMO (after ∼10-year lag), and negative (cool) PDO. In contrast, pinon populations may still be recovering from a long, drought-filled period (AD 1620–1820), with pulses of recovery favored during cool AMO, warm PDO, and above-average moisture periods. Analysis of 20th-century tree establishment and instrumental climate data corroborate the long-term relationships between age structure and climate. After Euro–American settlement (AD 1881), livestock grazing reduced understory grasses and forbs, reducing competition with tree seedlings and facilitating climate-induced increases in pinons. Thus tree populations in these woodlands are in flux, affected by drought and wet periods linked to oceanic–atmospheric variability, Euro–American livestock grazing, and long-rotation, high-severity fires. Reductions in livestock grazing levels may aid ecological restoration efforts. However, given long-term fluctuations in tree density and composition, and expected further drought, thinning or burning to reduce tree populations may be misdirected.
Optimum Ge profile for base transit time minimization of SiGe HBT

Abstract Optimization of the trapezoidal Ge profile to minimize base transit time of the SiGe bipolar transistor was examined. A closed-form equation to find the optimum point of the trapezoidal Ge profile for base transit time minimization as a function of temperature is derived. Experimental data published in the literature are used to compare the model predictions with measurement.
Promises and Puzzles of Culturally Sensitive Teaching

The University of Arizona Funds of Knowledge for Teaching Project is part of a long tradition in applied educational anthropology that seeks to improve the experiences of non-mainstream, or "culturally different," students in schools. Unlike most previous work, however, this project engages the "natives" directly in the practice of ethnography. Here, teachers and to a lesser extent parents and students collect information, develop interpretations of data, and formulate applications. Anthropologists remain necessary and vital resources, to be sure, but the insights of "being there," knowing what insiders actually do, and experiencing life with them belong to the teachers.
A Successful Method for Tagging the Small, Fragile Engraulid, Stolephorus purpureus

Abstract Survival of anchovies (Stolephorus purpureus), held in tanks for 30 days after being tagged with a tiny wire implanted automatically by a new device, was 80.5% and tag loss 14.7%. Both criteria were superior to those reported for engraulids tagged by other methods. Advantages of the new tag are small size, internal location, ease of implantation, and capability of being detected automatically.