cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive management of infected preauricular sinuses/cysts.

Abstract Objective To review a single-surgeon, 16-year experience with the management of infected preauricular sinuses/cysts. Methods Computerized search of all office notes and operative reports during the years 2002–2018. Setting Academic medical center and suburban office practice. Participants Children from 0 to 18 years of age with symptomatic preauricular sinuses/cysts. Intervention Children with symptomatic preauricular sinuses/cysts underwent surgical excision. Those presenting with infected cysts were treated with oral antibiotics, needle-aspiration and/or incision and drainage to control infection prior to surgery. The chronic preauricular abscesses were curetted without resection of overlying skin or the abscess walls. Main outcome measure Control of infection without recurrence following surgery. Results 415 patient encounters involved preauricular sinuses/cysts. These ultimately led to 56 surgical excisions. 28 of the sinuses/cysts were infected at presentation. All infected lesions were treated with oral antibiotics. 6 infected sinuses/cysts were needle aspirated. 2 infected sinuses/cysts required incision and drainage. 1 infected sinus/cyst could not be controlled by either drainage technique and was surgically excised while actively infected. Nine children presented with chronic preauricular abscesses. One the 28 infected sinuses/cysts (3.5%) recurred 10 years after surgery– it was cured with re-resection at the root of the helix. Conclusion Treatment of infected preauricular sinuses/cysts remains controversial. Control of infection prior to definitive surgery is desirable, but not mandatory. Chronic preauricular abscesses can be managed by sinus/cyst excision and subcutaneous abscess curettage without resection of the abscess wall or overlying skin. This leads to consistent control and favorable cosmesis.
Microwave-assisted ammonia synthesis over Ru/MgO catalysts at ambient pressure

Abstract In this work a fixed frequency (2.45 GHz) microwave (MW) was used to synthesis ammonia over Ru/MgO catalysts under ambient atmospheric pressure at 320 °C. The loading of Ru catalyst over MgO was varied at 4 wt% and 10 wt%. The metal support interaction was found to play an important role not only catalytically but also altering the microwave-catalyst interaction affecting the ammonia formation rate. The higher metal loading (10 wt%) produced the most activity, stability, and energy efficiency. It was found the Ru was better dispersed at higher loading which decreased the sintering of the catalyst due to lower microwave energy needed to maintain the reaction temperature. Additional effects from the microwave can include enhanced electron movement and/or electric fields formed between the metal sites of the catalyst. The microwave reactor offers a quick on/off catalyst recovery, within 11 min, compared to thermal convectional Haber Bosch (HB) technology.
Are resource-usage patterns related to achievement? A study of an active, blended, and collaborative learning environment for undergraduate engineering courses

Pedagogical innovations continue to be developed and adopted in engineering education, but how these pedagogical innovations affect the students’ experiences and learning outcomes is not fully unde...
An ERCOT test system for market design studies

Abstract An open source test system is developed that permits the dynamic modeling of centrally-managed wholesale power markets operating over high-voltage transmission grids. In default mode, the test system models basic operations in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT): namely, centrally-managed day-ahead and real-time markets operating over successive days, with congestion handled by locational marginal pricing. These basic operational features characterize all seven U.S. energy regions organized as centrally-managed wholesale power markets. Modeled participants include dispatchable generators, load-serving entities, and non-dispatchable generation such as unfirmed wind and solar power. Users can configure a broad variety of parameters to study basic market and grid features under alternative system conditions. Users can also easily extend the test system’s Java/Python software classes to study modified or newly envisioned market and grid features. Finally, the test system is integrated with a high-level simulation framework that permits it to function as a software component within larger systems, such as multi-country systems or integrated transmission and distribution systems. Detailed test cases with 8-bus and 200-bus transmission grids are reported to illustrate these test system capabilities.
Expanding the Dimensions of a Small, Two-Dimensional Diffraction Detector

We report an approach to expand the effective number of pixels available to small, two-dimensional electron detectors. To do so, we acquire subsections of a diffraction pattern that are then accurately stitched together in post-processing. Using an electron microscopy pixel array detector (EMPAD) that has only 128 × 128 pixels, we show that the field of view can be expanded while achieving high reciprocal-space sampling. Further, we highlight the need to properly account for the detector position (rotation) and the non-orthonormal diffraction shift axes to achieve an accurate reconstruction. Applying the method, we provide examples of spot and convergent beam diffraction patterns acquired with a pixelated detector.
Extended Exposure of Gallium Nitride Heterostructure Devices to a Simulated Venus Environment

Further development of harsh environment electronics capable of uncooled operation under Venus surface atmospheric conditions (~460°C, ~92 bar, corrosive) would enable future missions to the surface of Venus to operate for up to a year. Wide band-gap gallium nitride (GaN) heterostructure devices are attractive candidates for Venus lander missions due to their ability to withstand high-temperature exposure. Here, we present the first assessment of the electrical integrity of GaN-based devices subject to Venus surface atmospheric conditions. Three unique device architectures were fabricated at the Stanford Nanofabrication Facility and exposed in a Venus simulation chamber for 244 hours at the University of Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Sciences. The three device architectures tested were InAlN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), InAlN/GaN Hall-effect sensors, and AlGaN/GaN UV photo detectors, which all have potential applications in the collection and readout of sensor data from Venusian landers. After exposure, HEMT threshold voltage had shifted only ~1% and gate leakage current remained on the same order of magnitude, demonstrating stability of the IrOx gate under supercritical CO2 ambient. Fluctuations in drain current after exposure are attributed to thermal detrapping and electrically-activated trapping processes. Measurements of the InAlN/GaN 2DEG properties in virgin and exposed Hall-effect sensors were comparable. Furthermore, the Hall-effect sensors exhibited a maximum change of only +11.4% in current-scaled sensitivity and −6.6% in voltage-scaled sensitivity post-exposure. The UV photodetectors with 362 nm peak wavelength exhibited an average decrease in responsivity of 38% after exposure, which is thought to be due to strain relaxation or ohmic contact degradation. Similar performance of the InAlN/GaN HEMTs and Hall-effect sensors before and after exposure highlights the viability of this material platform for development of Venus surface electronics, while the decrease in AlGaN/GaN UV photocurrent requires further analysis to assess whether the AlGaN/Ga heterostructure is suitable for robust, Venus-capable electronics.
Epitaxially aligned single-crystal gold nanoplates formed in large-area arrays at high yield

Well-tailored nanomaterials with a single-crystal character provide ideal building blocks for on-chip plasmonic devices. Although colloidal methods have demonstrated mastery over the synthesis of such structures, it has proven quite difficult to deploy these same nanomaterials on substrate surfaces in a highly deterministic manner where precise control over position and orientation is ensured. Herein, we demonstrate a room-temperature two-reagent liquid-phase seed-mediated synthesis of gold nanoplates directly on substrate surfaces in arrays over a square-centimeter area. The synthesis is reliant on benchtop lithographic and directed-assembly processes that give rise to single-crystal seeds of gold that express both an epitaxial relationship with the underlying substrate and the internal defect structure required to promote a two-dimensional growth mode. The resulting structures are highly faceted and, because seed-substrate epitaxy is imposed upon the growing nanoplates, are identically aligned on the substrate surface. Nanoplate yields are increased to values as high as 95% using a post-processing sonication procedure that selectively removes a small population of irregularly shaped nanostructures from the substrate surface, and in doing so, gives rise to an uncompromised plasmonic response. The work, therefore, advances the techniques needed to integrate single-crystal nanomaterials with wafer-based technologies and provides leading-edge capabilities in terms of defining large-area arrays of plasmonic structures with the nanoplate geometry.
Collective risk and distributional equity in climate change bargaining

International climate negotiations occur against the backdrop of increasing collective risk: the likelihood of catastrophic economic loss due to climate change will continue to increase unless and ...
Five Seasons in Ecotopia: Rainforest Immersion and Conservation Action in Costa Rica

This book is an effort to share our perspectives from five years of experience studying and teaching in Costa Rica through the intersections of geography, ecology, and political science. These reflect the dominant pedigrees of more than one-hundred students who annually spent five weeks in Huxley College of the Environment’s RICA program in Costa Rica. The RICA program was designed to foster global ecological citizenship through practices of democratic ecology that activate learner awareness and efficacy among undergraduate participants, Costa Rican students from local schools, and community members. In the 2011 field season, faculty and twenty-one students conducted observational studies of tree diversity, soil composition, avian bioacoustics, collaborative conservation management, and environmental education. Comparative observations were made at biological stations in Carara and Corcovado National Park in collaboration with Park staff. We hypothesized that significant contrasts will occur between the secondary forests of Carara and primary forests of Corcovado and their neighboring communities. Our results inform Costa Rican conservation and management strategies as well as contribute to the growing field of participatory ecological monitoring. Biodiversity conservation begins inside of Costa Rica’s protected areas but must be complemented by research, education and outreach in the communities outside of National Parks. Biodiversity conservation begins inside of Costa Rica’s protected areas but will be finished, for the good or the bad, outside of them. 2 Five Seasons in Ecotopia
The 80-Hour Week

The educational goals of residency training programs and the learning objectives of residents must not be compromised by excessive clinical service obligations. The Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has charged sponsoring institutions with ensuring that formal written policies governing resident duty hours be established at both the institutional and program level.
Esophageal Foreign Body: An Uncommon Cause of Stridor

Esophageal foreign bodies do not commonly cause inspiratory stridor. Esophageal foreign bodies are considered in the child who presents with anorexia, dysphagia, and drooling. This diagnosis is not so readily apparent when the child has the symptom of stridor only.1 The diagnosis must be made early and appropriate treatment initiated. Undue delay can lead to complications such as esophageal ulcerations, stenosis, perforation, mediastinitis or aspiration pneumonia. The otolaryngological and radiological literature has placed more emphasis on inhaled and ingested foreign bodies than has the pediatric literature.
LCAO-MO-SCF-CI semi-empirical π-electron calculations on heteroaromatic systems

The electronic spectra and structures of aromatic monoamino and diamino compounds have been calculated using a modification of the Pariser-Parr-Pople method. Electronic transitions investigated involve singlet-singlet and triplet-triplet π-π* excitations. A limited configuration interaction has been included involving single electron excitations and both single and double electron excitations between the two highest occupied and two lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals. Improvement of oscillator strengths was observed with increasing number of configurations considered. Good agreement was obtained between calculated and experimental molecular ionization potentials.
Evaluation of Pet And Recycled Pet as Replacements for a Petg Packaging Tray

The purpose of this study was to determine if a thermoformed packaging part could be made more environmentally friendly. The goal was to replace the material originally qualified for a packaging tr...
Applying parallel design techniques to template matching with GPUs

Designing algorithms for data parallelism can create significant gains in performance on SIMD architectures. The performance of General Purpose GPUs can also benefit from careful analysis of memory usage and data flow due to their large throughput and system memory bottlenecks. In this paper we present an algorithm for template matching that is designed from the beginning for the GPU architecture and achieves greater than an order of magnitude speedup over traditional algorithms designed for the CPU and reimplemented on the GPU. This shows that it is not only desirable to adapt existing algorithms to run on GPUs, but also that future algorithms should be designed with the GPU architecture in mind.
Receiver Work at the CFA

We describe initial plans for the construction of submillimeter heterodyne receivers at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
Evidence-based practice beliefs and implementation before and after an initiative to promote evidence-based nursing in an ambulatory oncology setting.

Background The purpose of evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing is to improve patient outcomes, providing the best and most up-to-date care practices. In 2011, a nurse-led committee convened to develop an institute-wide initiative to promote EBP with oncology nurses at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Aims Compare and describe oncology nurse beliefs and perceived implementation of EBP and explore beliefs and implementation before and after implementing an institutional EBP initiative. Methods Based on the Advancing Research and Clinical practice through close Collaboration (ARCC) Model, the Evidence-Based Practice Beliefs (EBP-B) and Implementation (EBP-I) scales were distributed to all Dana-Farber Cancer Institute registered and advanced practice nurses through an online survey in 2011 (T1) and again in 2013 (T2) after the implementation of an institute-wide nursing EBP initiative (orientation, poster presentations, education). Descriptive and correlation statistics were completed on total scores and demographics. Differences in beliefs and implementation scores based on demographics were analyzed with Mann–Whitney U tests. Open-ended item responses at each time point (T) were summarized for EBP barriers and promoters. Findings Thirty-two percent (n = 112 at T1; n = 113 at T2) of 350 nurses began the survey. A history of formal EBP education and nurse role were associated with higher EBP-B and EBP-I scores (p < .05). Highest level of education was significantly correlated with both EBP-B (r = .25; p = .03) and EBP-I (r = .32; p = .01). Narrative responses to open-ended questions described perceived personal and environmental barriers to engaging in EBP. Linking Evidence to Action Although no significant differences were noted in beliefs and implementation after the EBP initiative, nurses reported valuing EBP. Respondents acknowledged a lack of full preparation in the EBP process to engage in and implement EBP consistently. Nurse role, formal EBP education, and highest level of education were associated with perceptions of EBP beliefs and implementation. Nurses should be provided the mentorship and support to obtain continuing education about how to engage in EBP and about implementing EBP change.
Production of a Diffractionless Ultrasonic Beam

The propagation of ultrasonic beams is a phenomenon of widespread interest to a variety of technologies including sonar, medical ultrasound, and nondestructive evaluation. One goal in most applications is the production of a narrow, highly collimated beam of sound. Rigid piston radiators have often been employed and have been thoroughly analyzed. This type of source has the generally undesirable attributes of a complicated near field interference structure as well as far field side lobes. Sources which produce a Gaussian amplitude distribution have been studied since, for this case, the previous disadvantages are eliminated. Unfortunately, Gaussian radiators are more difficult to manufacture [1,2]. Various types of focusing probes have also been analyzed for concentrating the sound in a narrow band over a short depth of field. Conically focussed, or axicon, probes have been examined for the purpose of extending the focal region for resolution over a greater depth of field. One disadvantage common to all of the above sources, and indeed to any physically realizable source, is the phenomenon of beam spread due to diffraction.
Ulcer complications during short-term therapy of duodenal ulcer with active agents and placebo.

One of the surprises of the flood of placebocontrolled, endoscopic, double-blind studies of duodenal ulcer healing in the last 10 yr has been the realization that placebo therapy results in healing in up to 50% of patients treated for 4-6 wk and may approach the rate of healing noted with active therapy* after this time (;1,2). For example, in a large American multicenter double-blind study of cimetidine versus placebo for duodenal ulcer (3), a significant difference in healing rates was evident only at 2 wk but not at 4 or 6 wk. Even more striking is the similarity in symptom relief between placebo and active agents: no statistically significant differences are demonstrable in most studies (4-6). These observations have led some to conclude that ulcer therapy with currently available drugs such as antacids, antisecretory agents, or sucralfate may not be truly efficacious (7) and others to conclude that placebo treatment for peptic ulcer might be the ideal therapy: safe, cheap, and effective (8). These conclusions, however, may be wrong. Because of the relatively small size of each individual study, the good overall results with placebo might mask rare but important complications or problems that might be avoided by using active agents. To evaluate this, we examined the results of 48 double-
A Proteomic Snapshot of Life at a Vent

Survival of a polychaete worm in a deep sea hydrothermal vent depends on complex metabolic interactions with symbiotic bacteria.
Linear Programming Relaxations of Quadratically Constrained Quadratic Programs

We investigate the use of linear programming tools for solving semidefinite programming relaxations of quadratically constrained quadratic problems. Classes of valid linear inequalities are presented, including sparse PSD cuts, and principal minors PSD cuts. Computational results based on instances from the literature are presented.
High Density Lipoprotein-induced Endothelial Nitric-oxide Synthase Activation Is Mediated by Akt and MAP Kinases *

High density lipoprotein (HDL) activates endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS), leading to increased production of the antiatherogenic molecule NO. A variety of stimuli regulate eNOS activity through signaling pathways involving Akt kinase and/or mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. In the present study, we investigated the role of kinase cascades in HDL-induced eNOS stimulation in cultured endothelial cells and COS M6 cells transfected with eNOS and the HDL receptor, scavenger receptor B-I. HDL (10–50 μg/ml, 20 min) caused eNOS phosphorylation at Ser-1179, and dominant negative Akt inhibited both HDL-mediated phosphorylation and activation of the enzyme. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3 kinase) inhibition or dominant negative PI3 kinase also blocked the phosphorylation and activation of eNOS by HDL. Studies with genistein and PP2 showed that the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, Src, is an upstream stimulator of the PI3 kinase-Akt pathway in this paradigm. In addition, HDL activated MAP kinase through PI3 kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase inhibition fully attenuated eNOS stimulation by HDL without affecting Akt or eNOS Ser-1179 phosphorylation. Conversely, dominant negative Akt did not alter HDL-induced MAP kinase activation. These results indicate that HDL stimulates eNOS through common upstream, Src-mediated signaling, which leads to parallel activation of Akt and MAP kinases and their resultant independent modulation of the enzyme.
Pyrimidine nucleotide and nucleic acid synthesis in human monocytes and macrophages.

Abstract In most cell types, the production of deoxynucleotides is tightly coupled to the pace of cell division, and nearly all deoxynucleotides are used for semiconservative DNA synthesis. The capacity of peripheral blood monocytes and macrophages to proliferate is controversial. However, these cells have been reported to produce and release thymidine, which can serve as a precursor or regulator of DNA synthesis by lymphocytes and other cells. To determine to what extent de novo pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis is linked to cell division in peripheral blood monocytes and macrophages, compared to human U937 promonocytes and CEM lymphoblasts, we used a precise precursor-product labeling method. The results showed that in all three cell types, the pace of pyrimidine deoxynucleotide production, and of thymidylate synthesis, was in proportion to the rate of DNA synthesis. The human blood monocytes and macrophages, in contrast to U937 cells, had extraordinarily low deoxyribonucleotide pools (less than 1 pmol/106 cells) and synthesized neither thymidylate nor DNA de novo during 7 days culture. Colony-stimulating factors augmented RNA synthesis in monocyte-derived macrophages, and enhanced cell survival, without inducing either DNA or thymidylate synthesis. We conclude that the thymidine released by macrophages derives from dead or dying cells, and not from de novo synthesis.
Comparative evaluation of different classifiers for robust distorted-character recognition

This paper investigates and compares between applying the algorithms of Support Vector Machine (SVM), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Individual Principal Component Analysis (iPCA), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), and Single-Nearest-Neighbor Method (1-NNM) to distorted-character recognition. Applying SVM achieves a classification error rate of 2.15% on the Letter-Image Dataset [Frey and Slate 1991]. This error rate is statistically comparable to the best number in the literature on this dataset that the authors are aware of, which is 2%. This was archived by a fully connected MLP neural network with adaboosting, where training was performed on 20 machines [Schwenk and Bengio 1997]. However, using SVM on a single machine, takes less than 3.5 minutes for training. The features of the dataset and the errors committed by SVM were analyzed in an attempt to combine classifiers and reduce the error rate. We report the results achieved for the different techniques used.
Treatment of spinal epidural metastasis improves patient survival and functional state

Objectives: To determine factors affecting the success of radiation therapy (RT) of spinal epidural metastases and patient survival after RT. Design/Methods: One hundred thirty-nine male veterans with an initial spinal epidural metastases treated with dexamethasone and RT were evaluated prospectively. Patients were followed until death. Results: At presentation, 84 patients could walk. After RT, 119 patients walked. The likelihood of regaining ambulation increased if treatment began Conclusions: Patients who walked after treatment lived longer, were ambulatory for most of their remaining life, had less pain, and had a lower incidence of depression.
Clutter background spectral density estimation for SAR target recognition with composite correlation filters

Composite correlation filters have been demonstrated in many synthetic aperture radar (SAR) automatic target recognition (ATR) applications because of their ability for class discrimination and distortion-tolerance with shift invariance. For many implementations, a simple model of white noise spectral density has been used to reduce output noise variance. Substituting a colored noise model or real clutter imagery in synthesizing correlation filters has shown improved clutter rejection and target recognition. However, the spectral response of SAR imagery is quite different than other types of images. We demonstrate the use of SAR clutter imagery and a new model for SAR clutter estimation for use in maximum average correlation height (MACH) and optimal tradeoff distance classifier correlation filter (OTDCCF) approaches. Test results using the MSTAR database are shown.
Campaign-Related Social Networking and the Political Participation of College Students

College students politically participate through traditional mechanisms at lower rates than their elders. Yet, members of this group may participate by other means, like friending candidates and joining political groups through social networking websites. We argue that these online activities serve as a meaningful form of civic engagement by broadening who participates and encouraging other forms of participation. Using a survey of randomly chosen undergraduates at a large Midwestern university, we discover that important distinctions exist between those who friend or join these online social networks and those who participate in more traditional off-line political activities. While interest in politics is a precursor to off-line engagement, it does not predict friending or joining an online social network that is political in nature. However, friending candidates or joining such networks appears to mobilize college students to engage in other forms of political participation.
Revenue management implications of branded vs. independent hotels price-parity and online distribution effectiveness

The rapid evolution of social media, user generated content, search engine optimisation and mobile technologies have all contributed to increased openness and transparency of hotel pricing approaches. Internet driven transparency in price positioning and product offerings has intensified hotelier competition for consumer loyalty and brand awareness. Utilising content analysis and the RCO 2 P competency index, this study investigated the online distribution effectiveness of (10) full-service upper-upscale, branded and independent hotels. Key findings of this study indicated an ineffective range of competency driven by inconsistency in price-parity, content and reach across multiple distribution channels. Specifically, preferential display sequencing and price-parity emerged as significant performance issues of the RCO 2 P index among both branded and independent properties. The price-parity index reflected the most situation critical performance among sampled properties with 60% of hotels sampled falling in the situation risk and critical range of online distribution competency.
Typical Broiler Chicken Growth Rates, 1981

Abstract During research on heat and moisture production of broilers, growth rates typical of commercial mixed sexed broilers were obtained during brooding and during grow-out at three temperatures. The nonlinear equation for growth rate during brooding was: W = .04 + 6.9 1 D × 10 − 3 + 1.27 D 2 × 10 − 4 + 2.04 D 3 × 10 − 5 where D is chick age in days and W is weight in kilograms. The growth rate during the 4 to 7-week grow-out period was linear for all three temperatures tested.
The role of seasonality in the dynamics of deer tick populations

In this paper, we formulate a nonlinear system of difference equations that models the three-stage life cycle of the deer tick over four seasons. We study the effect of seasonality on the stability and oscillatory behavior of the tick population by comparing analytically the seasonal model with a non-seasonal one. The analysis of the models reveals the existence of two equilibrium points. We discuss the necessary and sufficient conditions for local asymptotic stability of the equilibria and analyze the boundedness and oscillatory behavior of the solutions. A main result of the mathematical analysis is that seasonality in the life cycle of the deer tick can have a positive effect, in the sense that it increases the stability of the system. It is also shown that for some combination of parameters within the stability region, perturbations will result in a return to the equilibrium through transient oscillations. The models are used to explore the biological consequences of parameter variations reflecting expected environmental changes.
Ethogram of Celebes monkeys (Macaca nigra) in two captive habitats

A well-composed and stable group of Celebes monkeys in captivity (one dominant adult male, one sub-adult male, three juvenile males, three adult females, and two juvenile females; housed together for several years) were studied in three successive 10-week periods. The first two periods consisted of a preliminary study and replication of the animals' behaviors while in a large cage enclosure. In the third period, observations were gathered on the same animals while they were on a simulated island to which they had been permanently moved. The study was designed to obtain an ethogram on the monkeys as well as to compare their social behaviors in these two captive environments. With respect to the latter, the acquisition of an acculturated social behavior involving a water-filled moat surrounding their new island environment was observed.
A Spectral Representation of a Class of Nonstationary Processes

In this paper, an extension of the weakly harmonizable class of processes is considered. This class, termed almost periodic contractive harmonizable, is based upon the natural contractive operator associated with harmonizable processes. A spectral representation of these processes is obtained. A relation between the almost periodic contractive harmonizable and the oscillatory harmonizable classes is considered. The paper concludes with a series representation for the almost periodic contractive harmonizable class.
The pre-onset, transitional, and foot regions in resistance vs temperature behavior in high-critical temperature superconducting cuprates: Inferences regarding maximum critical temperature

We have studied the pre- onset deviation-from-linearity region, the transitional regime, and the foot region in the resistance vs temperature behavior of high- Critical Temperature oxide superconductors, employing time-varying magnetic fields and carefully controlled precise temperatures. We have previously shown that the best value of critical temperature can be extrapolated from the magnetic field induced divergence of the resistance vs inverse absolute temperature data as derived from the transitionaland/or foot regions, and that these data are in accord with results from Hall effect studies. The pre-onset region however, shows a differing non -diverging behavior. However sweep magnetic field studies show that, as a function of field, differential resistance data points corresponding to temperature values in the normal state, pre-onset state,and transitional state all lie on a straight line, whereas data points corresponding to the foot region and zero resistance region deviate from this line. We interpret these data to indicate that the phenomena that govern the pre- onset state constitute a different stage of processes that arise initially in the normal state at temperature slightly greater than the critical temperature, and continue in the transitional state at temperature slightly less than the critical temperature. We believe that the lifetime of the particle that mediates Cooper-pairing establishes these different stages of the process leading to superconductivity in the cuprates.
Applicator exposure to acetochlor based on biomonitoring

Abstract Biomonitoring was used to assess the combined dermal, oral, and inhalation exposure associated with the agricultural use of Harness Plus, an emulsifiable concentrate formulation of the herbicide acetochlor. Twenty Spanish farmers handled and applied acetochlor to maize in the spring of 2003, following the product label recommendations. Open- and closed-cabin applications were equally represented. Urine was collected during six consecutive days, starting the day prior to application. Daily composites were analyzed for 2-ethyl-6-methyl-aniline, a common chemophore representing the major urinary acetochlor metabolites. All applicators showed detectable concentrations in urine after application. Although, the open-cabin applicators treated fewer hectares, they showed significantly higher exposure compared to the closed-cabin applicators (average exposure: 0.004 and 0.002 mg/kg bw/day, respectively). Linear regression analysis suggested that untracked incidents had a significant impact on the total exposure. Other events that may have contributed to the observed exposure are repair of faulty equipment, accidental spillages, splashes, and inadequate use of protective gloves. The average margins of exposure (MOE) for farmers ranged from 23,000 (open cabin) to about 44,000 (closed cabin). For professional applicators the MOEs were 10-fold lower. These MOEs clearly indicate that no adverse health effects should be expected from agricultural acetochlor applications.
Optical Properties of Metal Wire Array Composites

According to effective medium theories, electrically conducting composites consisting of parallel metal wires embedded in a transparent dielectric can propagate light in the direction of the wire length. We have prepared densely packed arrays (76% volume fraction) of 100μm diameter indium wires by high pressure injection of glass microchannel plates. For wavelengths longer than 100 μm (< 100 cm-1) the absorption of the wire array is almost three orders of magnitude smaller than that of an indium foil of equal thickness. The measured absorption increases as k0.45+0.07 and can be accounted for by including magnetic dipole effects.
Hydrophobic moments of tertiary protein structures

The helical hydrophobic moment is a measure of the amphiphilicity of a segment of protein secondary structure. Such measure yields information of potential relevance for issues relating to cell surface binding and secondary structure function. The present article describes a global analog of the helical hydrophobic moment. The global moment provides a concise measure of the degree and direction of the amphiphilicity or hydrophobic imbalance across the entire protein tertiary structure. Therefore, this measure is a succinct representation of the spatial organization of residue hydrophobicity for each protein. With this measure, a simple comparison of the hydrophobic imbalance or segregation of different protein structures can be made. For example, two structures having the same fold and close in root-mean-square deviation may exhibit very different overall hydrophobic organization. Such difference is classified simply by the global moment. Furthermore, the direction of the global moment may point to regions of functional interest. Certain formal issues in the development of such moment are described, and a number of applications to particular protein structures are discussed.
Small Protease Sensitive Oligomers of PrPSc in Distinct Human Prions Determine Conversion Rate of PrPC

The mammalian prions replicate by converting cellular prion protein (PrPC) into pathogenic conformational isoform (PrPSc). Variations in prions, which cause different disease phenotypes, are referred to as strains. The mechanism of high-fidelity replication of prion strains in the absence of nucleic acid remains unsolved. We investigated the impact of different conformational characteristics of PrPSc on conversion of PrPC in vitro using PrPSc seeds from the most frequent human prion disease worldwide, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD). The conversion potency of a broad spectrum of distinct sCJD prions was governed by the level, conformation, and stability of small oligomers of the protease-sensitive (s) PrPSc. The smallest most potent prions present in sCJD brains were composed only of∼20 monomers of PrPSc. The tight correlation between conversion potency of small oligomers of human sPrPSc observed in vitro and duration of the disease suggests that sPrPSc conformers are an important determinant of prion strain characteristics that control the progression rate of the disease.
Hydrogen desorption kinetics from monohydride and dihydride species on silicon surfaces.

Hydrogen desorption kinetics from monohydride and dihydride species on crystalline-silicon surfaces were measured using transmission Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The FTIR desorption measurements were performed in situ in an ultrahigh-vacuum chamber using high-surface-area porous-silicon samples. The kinetics for hydrogen desorption from the monohydride and dihydride species was monitored using the SiH stretch mode at 2102 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ and the ${\mathrm{SiH}}_{2}$ scissors mode at 910 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, respectively. Annealing studies revealed that hydrogen from the ${\mathrm{SiH}}_{2}$ species desorbed between 640 and 700 K, whereas hydrogen from the SiH species desorbed between 720 and 800 K. Isothermal studies revealed second-order hydrogen desorption kinetics for both the monohydride and dihydride surface species. Desorption activation barriers of 65 kcal/mol (2.82 eV) and 43 kcal/mol (1.86 eV) were measured for the monohydride and dihydride species, respectively. These desorption activation barriers yield upper limits of 84.6 kcal/mol (3.67 eV) and 73.6 kcal/mol (3.19 eV) for the Si-H chemical bond energies of the SiH and ${\mathrm{SiH}}_{2}$ surface species.
The medical and surgical management of typhlitis in children with acute nonlymphocytic (myelogenous) leukemia

The treatment of acute leukemia in childhood has been increasingly successful. Infectious complications are the major cause of morbidity and mortality among these patients receiving aggressive chemotherapy. In particular, neutropenic enterocolitis or typhlitis has had a reported mortality of 50% to 100%. The authors reviewed a series of 77 previously untreated patients with acute myelogenous leukemia begun on treatment from March 1976 to June 1984 to better define the characteristics of typhlitis and its optimum management. Twenty-five patients had episodes of typhlitis, characterized by fever, abdominal pain, and tenderness, occurring during periods of neutropenia. Ten of these patients had watery diarrhea as a major additional symptom, and nine patients had a significant episode of gastrointestinal bleeding. In seven instances, blood culture results were positive, all for intestinal flora. The episodes of typhlitis occurred most frequently during the induction therapy (19 patients). Five patients experienced typhlitis during maintenance therapy, and one patient had acute appendicitis. Two patients had typhlitis during their reinduction therapy, and of note, one had had abdominal symptoms during her initial induction. All patients were treated initially with broad-spectrum antibiotics and bowel rest. Four criteria have been used for surgical intervention: (1) persistent gastrointestinal bleeding after resolution of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia and correction of clotting abnormalities; (2) evidence of free intraperitoneal perforation; (3) clinical deterioration requiring support with vasopressors, or large volumes of fluid, suggesting uncontrolled sepsis; and (4) development of symptoms of an intra-abdominal process, in the absence of neutropenia, which would normally require surgery. Using these criteria, five patients required surgical intervention for typhlitis or its sequelae and one for acute appendicitis. There was one perioperative death resulting from miliary tuberculosis. Among the 21 patients managed medically, there was 1 death resulting from typhlitis in a patient in whom surgery was deferred because of her multiple failures to enter remission.
Muslim Peace-Building Actors in Africa and the Balkan Context: Challenges and Needs

Religion and conflict resolution in general, and Islam in particular, have become a main area of research since the September 11 attacks. This article argues that, to develop effective conflict resolution models and practices for sustainable peace in the Muslim world, it is not only necessary to understand how religious and cultural traditions can contribute to peace, but also to work together with and incorporate local peace-building actors, as their legitimacy and knowledge can contribute to the effectiveness of peace-building initiatives. Although there is a growing literature exploring Islamic principles of peace and conflict resolution, research analyzing how these principles are put to use by Muslim actors to resolve their conflicts is lagging behind. This gives the impression that there are no actors working toward peace in these communities. The authors argue to the contrary, which is based on an analysis of data collected from the Balkans and the Great Lakes region and includes a combination of interviews and surveys submitted by more than fifty Muslim peace actors that describe their efforts and perception of Islamic peace. This essay analyzes the unique characteristics of Muslim peace-building actors, who are doing critical work under extremely difficult conditions, and evaluates their strengths and weaknesses to inform the development of effective conflict resolution and peace-building models in these regions.
Soldier defensive secretions of two rare nearctic desert termite species

Termite defensive secretions were analysed by GC-MS from hexane extracts of the heads of soldiers from five colonies of A. emersoni and a single foraging group of A. coachellae collected in southern Califomia. The sesquiterpene ether, 4,11-epoxy-cis-eudesmane, was the major component (ca 90%) in soldier secretions of both species. Limonene, three sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and additional unknown compounds, including a possible diterpene hydrocarbon, were also detected. Intracolony variability of secretions among individual soldiers from one colony of A. emersoni was not observed; however, some minor interspecific differences were found. The occurrence of 4,11-epoxy-cis-eudesmane in four Nearctic and at least four Amitermes spp. from other zoogeographic regions suggests a pre-Cretaceous evolution and dispersal of ancestral Amiterrnes.
Observation of local melting in an aluminum bicrystal by molecular dynamics simulation

Simulation par dynamique moleculaire du comportement structural a haute temperature d'un bicristal modele d'aluminium
Charge selection algorithms for maximizing sensor network life with UAV-based limited wireless recharging

Monitoring bridges with wireless sensor networks aids in detecting failures early, but faces power challenges in ensuring reasonable network lifetimes. Recharging select nodes with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provides a solution that currently can recharge a single node. However, questions arise on the effectiveness of a limited recharging system, the appropriate node to recharge, and the best sink selection algorithm for improving network lifetime given a limited recharging system. This paper simulates such a network in order to answer those questions. It explores five different sink positioning algorithms to find which provides the longest network lifetime with the added capability of limited recharging. For a range of network sizes, our results show that network lifetime improves by over 350% when recharging a single node in the network, the best node to recharge is the one with the lowest power level, and that either the Greedy Heuristic or LP sink selection algorithms perform equally well.
The Effect of Hematopoietic Growth Factors on Platelet Aggregability

We compared the in vitro effect of thrombopoietin (TPO) on platelet aggregation to other hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs): granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G- CSF), granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM- CSF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and erythro poietin (EPO). The platelet aggregation response of the venous blood of eight volunteers with differing aggregation patterns was characterized by a platelet aggregation (PA) score that provided numerical assessment of an individual's platelet ag gregation tendency to adenosine diphosphate (ADP). The method for analysis of the data included constructing regres sion lines for each participant's PA score versus the HGF con centration (range of 0.5 nG/mL to 100 nG/mL) and calculating the regression coefficients for the slope and the Y axis inter cept. We demonstrated that the proposed method resulted in accurate assessment of the HGF effect or lack of it on the platelet aggregation response. Within the concentration range ev...
Let’s Clear the Air for Casino Patrons and Employees

The benefits of smoke-free workplaces and public spaces have been clearly demonstrated.1,2 In fact, a 2012 scientific statement by the American Heart Association provided a class IA recommendation for legislation mandating smoke-free public spaces.3 Many regions of the country have implemented smoking restrictions in bars, restaurants, and other worksites, but workers and patrons in many states and regions remain unprotected.4 Although it is not surprising that tobacco companies would lobby fiercely against such policies, they are sometimes joined by other business interests to prevent the creation of smoke-free spaces. Article see p 811 In July 2006, when the state of Colorado banned smoking in the workplace, casinos were exempted. Many other states that have implemented clean indoor air laws have done the same, bowing to industry pressure that smoking restrictions in casinos would be bad for business and reduce tax revenues. Industry pressure has kept other states, particularly in the South, from implementing any substantive workplace smoking restrictions at all.4 An article in …
Faith in Nation: Exclusionary Origins of Nationalism

Faith in Nation: Exclusionary Origins of Nationalism. By Anthony W. Marx. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003. 288p. $26.00.This is a bold and challenging study of European nationalism based on the following thesis: Nationalism was a phenomenon of state building that predated the eighteenth-century starting point favored by most scholars and whose genesis was elite pragmatism and popular mobilization. Moving the origins of nationalism back to the sixteenth (and even late fifteenth) century allows Anthony Marx to make two arguments, one explanatory and the other evaluative. Of the two, the former seems to be more persuasive.
Lipogenesis by adipose tissue, dietary effects.

Summary1. The incorporation of C14-acetate into lipid and carbon dioxide by rat adipose tissue (in vitro) was investigated. This investigation concerned the effect of the nutritional status upon the lipogenic activity of adipose tissue. 2. Fasting was found to produce an increase in nitrogen concentration and a decrease in lipid concentration and lipogenic activity. 3. In normal rats lipogenic activity of the tissue was found to increase during recovery feeding following fasting. The increased activity was paralleled by increased nitrogen and glucose content of the tissue and by decreased lipid content. 4. Lipogenic activity of adipose tissue of rats could be made relatively constant by depletion of fat stores followed by recovery feeding.