cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Graft versus host disease: clinical evaluation, diagnosis and management

Graft versus H\host disease (GVHD) can be a devastating complication following bone marrow transplantation. Acute or chronic systemic GVHD can be lethal, and severe damage of different organs and tissues can occur with both types of GVHD. Ocular involvement, either in an acute or chronic presentation, may range from mild to severe with accompanying vision loss present in 60–90 % of patients. Chronic ocular GVHD, the most common form of GVHD, affects mainly the lacrimal gland, meibomian glands, cornea and conjunctiva, mimicking other immunologically mediated inflammatory diseases of the ocular surface without specific symptoms or signs. However, dry eye disease is the main manifestation of GVHD. The long-term treatment of ocular GVHD continues to be challenging and involves a multidisciplinary approach wherein the ophthalmologist plays a major role. Besides systemic immunosuppression and ocular lubricants, topical steroids and topical cyclosporine are commonly prescribed. Newer therapeutic interventions for moderate and severe ocular GVHD include the use of serum eye drops and scleral contact lenses. In this manuscript, we review the mechanisms, clinical findings, and treatment of ocular GVHD.
ASPIRIN PROPHYLAXIS IN MIGRAINE

A prospective double-blind trial of aspirin prophylaxis demonstrated a reduction of more than 50% in headache frequency in 9 of 12 migraine patients. Response to aspirin did not correlate with age, duration of headache history, family history, or platelet ultrastructure. There is some evidence that response to aspirin is associated with raised platelet aggregation. This pilot study indicates that aspirin is effective in migraine prophylaxis.
A New Eye Shield Based on an Optimized Pinhole Array

The new eye shield described here incorporates the principles of a compound array that provides a significant improvement in vision (from hand movements to 20/100 or better) in a nonaccommodative eye, while retaining all other properties (protection, ventilation, reduction of glare) of eye shields used currently. It is recommended for routine use in patients after intraocular surgery and pupillary dilatation.
Economics of online music and consumer behavior

In this paper we first provide a literature review about the economics of online music. Second, we then present an economical model for online music by incorporating various parameters such as the price of a legal download, as well as parameters taking into account the quality and security risk associated with purchasing or copying music form the Internet. Furthermore, we incorporate legal and technological parameters in our model, such as law enforcement and its underlying penalties, as well as rights and usage restrictions enforced through so called Digital Rights Management Systems. We then present the optimal choice for a consumer for purchasing online music with the presence of online piracy. Finally, we discuss three possible scenarios. By using empirical numerical values we establish a link between our model and practical application. Each scenario is discussed in detail and we conclude that content providers should either demand a higher price but not restrict consumers or demand a lower price but restrict consumers more. However, doing both does not seem to motive consumers to purchase online music but rather copying it.
The great “say on pay” debate

With the recent political changes, some analysts predict a stronger “say on pay” movement in the corporate world—with shareholders demanding the right for a nonbinding vote on the CEO's compensation. But what's really likely to happen? And what should you do right now? © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Jordaens' Portraits of his Family

The Family Group in the Hermitage at Leningrad (Fig. 1)1 has for a long time been known as one of the outstanding works of Jacob Jordaens. Two very important questions about the picture, however, have not yet been answered convincingly: Who are the persons portrayed in the work, and in what year was it done?
Microstructures of phased-in Cr–Cu/Cu/Au bump-limiting metallization and its soldering behavior with high Pb content and eutectic PbSn solders

The microstructure of phased-in Cr–Cu/Cu/Au multilayer thin films and their solderability with high Pb-content PbSn solder (95/5%) and eutectic PbSn solder (37/63%) were studied by using cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. We found that the phased-in Cr–Cu layer is intermixed and grains of both Cr and Cu are elongated along the growth direction. This special compositionally graded or functionally graded microstructure presents a lock-in effect of the Cr and Cu grains. It has succeeded in preventing the spalling of Cu3Sn in solder joints formed using the 95/5% solder, but failed in preventing the spalling of Cu6Sn5 in those formed using the eutectic solder. We suggest that the difference may be due to the different dissolution rates of the two compounds in the solders.
Sovereignty and the Chinese Red Cross Society: The Differentiated Practice of International Law in Shandong, 1914–1916

This article looks at the strategic manipulation of national Red Cross Societies as markers of sovereignty during a period of heightened world nationalism in the early twentieth century. Using Chinese archival materials, it examines how in 1916, on China's much contested Shandong Peninsula, a Japanese delegation set up a Japanese Red Cross chapter and hospital in the Chinese port city of Longkou, in flagrant disregard of widely recognized principles of sovereignty and international law. Occurring just as the larger “Shandong Question” was roiling the international legal community, this incident shows how the local practice of international legal statutes diverged from a more publicized, transnational discussion of those same principles. The article explores this disjuncture, and considers one instance of what I term the differentiated practice of international law : the early twentiethcentury Japanese “double policy” – “one policy for the East and another for the West.” Revealing much about the use of humanitarian activity and the laws of war to further national agendas, the Longkou Incident was later used by the Chinese Red Cross Society as precedent for checking further incursions into China's sovereignty.
Detecting the Neutrino

In 1930 Wolfgang Pauli suggested that a new particle might be required to make sense of the radioactive-disintegration mode known as beta decay. This conjecture initially seemed impossible to verify since the new particle, which became known as the neutrino, was uncharged, had zero or small mass, and interacted only insignificantly with other matter. In 1951 Frederick Reines and Clyde L. Cowan, Jr., of the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory undertook the difficult task of detecting the free neutrino by observing its inverse beta-decay interaction with matter. They succeeded in 1956. The neutrino was accepted rapidly as a fundamental particle despite discrepancies in reported details of the experiments and despite the absence of independent verification of the result. This paper describes the experiments, examines the nature of the discrepancies, and discusses the circumstances of the acceptance of the neutrino's detection by the physics community.
Synthesis, characterization and DFT study of 1-bromo-4-(3,7-dimethyloctyl)benzene

Abstract In this paper, we present the synthesis, characterization, and ab initio calculations of 1-bromo-4-(3,7-dimethyloctyl)benzene. This compound is a precursor for the bottom-up synthesis of planar one-dimensional graphene nanoribbons with controlled edge morphology and narrow widths. We discuss the synthetic procedures and characterization using 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. These results are complemented by density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the optimized structure, as well as calculated IR and NMR spectra for this compound.
Effects of the Study-Test or Test-Study Sequence on Transfer from Verbal Discrimination to Paired-Associate Learning

Summary The present study (N = 20 college students) further investigated transfer from verbal discrimination to paired-associate learning using three types of transfer pairings; correct items become stimuli, C-S; correct items become responses, C-R; and new pairings and two paired-associate presentation sequences; Normal, Study followed by Test; and Reversed, Test followed by Study. Based on the frequency theory of verbal discrimination learning, it seemed that positive transfer would be found for both C-S and C-R pairings with more transfer with the C-R type. This should have been more pronounced with the Reversed presentation method. The results indicated positive transfer with both the C-S and C-R types regardless of method of presentation.
Beat-type Langmuir wave emissions associated with a type III solar radio burst: Evidence of parametric decay

Recent measurements from the plasma wave instrument on the Galileo spacecraft have shown that Langmuir waves observed in conjunction with a type III solar radio burst contain many beat-type waveforms, with beat frequencies ranging from about 150 to 650 Hz. Strong evidence exists that the beat pattern is produced by two closely spaced narrowband components. The most likely candidates for these two waves are a beam-generated Langmuir wave and an oppositely propagating Langmuir wave produced by parametric decay. In the parametric decay process, nonlinear interactions cause the beam-driven Langmuir wave to decay into a Langmuir wave and a low-frequency ion sound wave. Comparisons of the observed beat frequency are in good agreement with theoretical predictions for a three-wave parametric decay process. Weak low-frequency emissions are also sometimes observed at the predicted frequency of the ion sound wave.
Silicon microstrip electronics operating with 20 ns FWHM signals

For experiment E771 at Fermilab, semicustom integrated circuit (IC) preamplifiers and discriminators have been designed to operate at near single-bucket speed, i.e. to give signals, from a silicon microstrip detector (SMD), shaped to 15 or 20 ns FWHM. Measurements of signal size, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and noise rate and signal efficiency versus discriminator threshold setting were made. The test setup used an SMD plane 300- mu m thick with 50- mu m strips and the prototype ICs produced for experiment E771. Signals were produced by near-relativistic beta rays. The test setup had somewhat larger detector capacitance (C/sub d/ approximately=25 pF) than the final experiment detector will have. For tracks passing through the SMD plane nearly perpendicularly, good efficiency was found at acceptable noise rates. When the signal comes almost entirely from a single strip, the SNR is about eight to one. Under these conditions, when the discriminator threshold is set to give about 0.001 to 0.002 noise hits per strip per trigger, the latching efficiency is above 95%. For tracks at an appreciable angle from perpendicular, the deposited charge is shared between strips. For tracks with 60% of the charge or more in a single strip, the efficiency is well over 90%. >
Class and Conservatism in the Black Community

Is there a growing middle-class conservative movement in black America? Previous attempts to analyze conservatism in the black community have been plagued with several problems, among them small bl...
Punctuated Equilibria and Budgets in the American States

In this article, we examine long-term state budget trends to find evidence of punctuated equilibrium. We use the American states as a broad set of institutional variation with which to examine the nature of policy change through the lens of incrementalism and punctuated equilibrium theories of policymaking. The strength of this article is its sensitivity of variations in policy outcomes across time (18 years), across space (50 state institutions), and across issue space (10 budget categories). This research advances the characterization of policy outcomes by employing a quantitative measure that is both less sensitive to outliers and one that characterizes budget distributions on a simple numeric scale. Our general findings are: (i) state budget categories are interdependent; (ii) state budgets are generally punctuated; but (iii) to varying degrees: Thus, considerable stability (indicated by tall peaks) and punctuations (represented by fat tails) are a central feature of policy outcomes in the American states. This result confirms the logic of punctuated equilibrium theory, but raises future questions about the impact specific variations in institutional costs have on policymaking across the 50 states.
Apparent molar volumes and heat capacities of aqueousn-dodecylpyridinium chloride at molalities from 0.003 mol·kg−1to 0.15 mol·kg−1, at temperatures from 283.15 K to 393.15 K, and at the pressure 0.35MPa

Abstract Apparent molar volumes of aqueous solutions ofn-dodecylpyridinium chloride (DDPC) were measured atT=(298.15, 313.15, 328.15, 343.15, 358.15, and 372.05) K atp=0.35MPa. A mass-action model was used to describe the results and to obtain densities of DDPC solutions at 5 K intervals fromT=283.15 K toT=393.15 K. Apparent molar heat capacities of aqueous solutions of DDPC were determined at 5 K intervals fromT=283.15 K toT=393.15 K atp=0.35MPa using a fixed-cell, power-compensation, differential-output, temperature-scanning calorimeter. Measurements were made from molalities 0.003 mol·kg−1to 0.15 mol·kg−1for both densities and heat capacities. The same mass-action law model was used to try to describe all the apparent molar heat capacity results simultaneously.
Measuring Anxiety in Children: A Methodological Review of the Literature

This paper provides a comprehensive methodological review of the literature concerning anxiety measurement in children. Initially, a conceptual basis for anxiety measures is introduced, followed by specific approaches to measuring childhood anxiety based on 14 original articles. In particular, a variety of strategies that have been used in previous research are discussed in detail with theoretical underpinnings. Common approaches to measure anxiety such as self-reported instruments, observational ratings, and behavioral checklists are reviewed one by one with a critical look at the strengths and weaknesses of each of these approaches. While multiple measures of anxiety are available to assess the level of anxiety in children, selection of measurement approach should be an iterative process based on rigorous evaluation of evidence of reliability and cross-validation of the tool across different age groups of children.
Robert Cooper Liebermann Receives 2012 Edward A. Flinn III Award: Citation

Robert Cooper Liebermann received the 2012 Edward A. Flinn III Award at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 5 December 2012 in San Francisco, Calif. The award honors “individuals who personify the Union's motto ‘unselfish cooperation in research’ through their facilitating, coordinating, and implementing activities.”
Study on Method of Magnetic Flux Leakage Signals De-Noising for Cracks of Bar

During bars manufacturing and using process, the use of bars with cracks influenced the service life and sustainable work, on the premise of certain detection system, the choose of signal de-noising method plays an important part in magnetic flux leakage testing process, for which determining the global performance of testing equipment. This paper studies on magnetic flux leakage signals characteristic of cracks on the bar, analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of wavelet analysis and wavelet packet threshold de-noising, and on this basis, in order to give consideration to both the low and high frequency interference signal removing, adopted an integration method that combines wavelet packet threshold de-noising, wavelet packet decomposition and wavelet reconstruction, which greatly improved signal processing results.
Spectrophotometry Study of Aqueous Salt Solution in Carbon Dioxide Microemulsions

A systematic investigation on the dissolution of metal salts in reverse micellar emulsions in CO2 is reported. In the investigation, copper nitrate was used as a probe to take advantage of the distinctive color and absorption characteristics of the aqueous copper ion, and perfluoropolyether ammonium carboxylate was used as the surfactant. The dissolution and absorption properties of the copper ion in the reverse micelles in CO2 were evaluated under various experimental conditions, such as different salt concentrations, Wo values, and temperatures. The results and their implication for the use of water-in-CO2 microemulsions as solvent systems in the preparation and processing of semiconductor and metal nanomaterials are discussed.
Polyester Separators for Lithium‐Ion Cells: Improving Thermal Stability and Abuse Tolerance

This report describes the preparation and performance of electro-spun polyester-based separators for lithium-ion batteries. Polyester fibers (200–500 nm) are electro-spun into nonwoven mats and pressed into separator sheets ∼55 μm thick. The resulting polyester separators are 75% porous, highly permeable (Gurley number (s/100 mL) = 6), and have good wettability with conventional carbonate-based electrolyte. In NMC/graphite lithium-ion cells, results show comparable performance to commercially available polyolefin separators (rate, capacity fade, and reactivity) but with improved thermal stability to >200 °C. The use of this higher melting temperature polymer separator is one approach to close the gap between potential thermal instabilities (softening, shrinking, melting, etc.) of separators and the onset of thermal runaway reactions of commonly used cathode materials.
Stress and changing lifestyles in the Pacific: Physiological stress responses of Samoans in rural and urban settings

The lifestyles and social environments of Pacific Islanders have changed profoundly as a result of local development and migration to urban, cosmopolitan centers. These changes have often been accompanied by an increase in chronic diseases, alcoholism, and suicide. As a result, the health effects of psychological and physiological stress have become an increasing concern in Pacific Island nations and in countries with significant Pacific migrant communities. Several studies in the Samoan Studies Project have examined catecholamine excretion rates in order to understand how the behavioral, psychological, and environmental changes of modernization affect the physiological stress responses of young Samoan adults. The results of studies in rural and urban Western Samoa, American Samoa, and Honolulu, Hawaii show that several complex factors associated with urban, more cosmopolitan lifestyles tend to increase stress hormone levels. Specifically, lifestyle differences in physical activity, diet, and social interaction have significant independent and interactive contributions. These behavioral factors can lead to a high degree of day-to-day variability in catecholamine excretion. The implications of these findings for future research designs are discussed. However, the data suggest that it is a complex interaction of lifestyle factors, not any specific single factor, that determines the physiological stress responses of Samoans in different environments. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Theism and other minds: On the falsifiability of non-theories

In this paper I consider three necessary conditions for a proposition counting as a theory: that the proposition be posited for its explanatory power; that it derive its feasibility from the extent to which it provides such explanatory power; and that it be empirically falsifiable. I then argue that some propositions might fail as theories because they do not satisfy the first two conditions, yet still satisfy the third condition. Such propositions I label “falsifiable non-theories.” I offer folk psychology (the proposition that beliefs, desires, and other intentional phenomena exist and play essential motivational and causal roles in many human actions) as a paradigm example of a falsifiable non-theory. I then argue that theism is in an analogous position. Like folk psychology, it fails to satisfy the first two conditions above for most theists. However, the empirical implications that theism has do make it susceptible to falsification. I demonstrate such falsifiability by an extreme scenario from Keith Yandell. Then I argue that recent work by Paul Draper demonstrates how a well articulated empirical argument from evil might threaten just such falsification.
Universal distribution of transparencies in highly conductive Nb/AlO(x)/Nb junctions.

We report the observation of the universal distribution of transparencies, predicted by Schep and Bauer [Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 3015 (1997)] for dirty sharp interfaces, in uniform $\mathrm{Nb}/{\mathrm{AlO}}_{x}/\mathrm{Nb}$ junctions with high specific conductance ( ${10}^{8}{\mathrm{ohm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$). Experiments used the BCS density of states in superconducting niobium for transparency distribution probing. Experimental results for both the dc $I\ensuremath{-}V$ curves at magnetic-field-suppressed supercurrent and the Josephson critical current in zero magnetic field coincide remarkably well with calculations based on the multimode theory of multiple Andreev reflections and the Schep-Bauer distribution.
Application of Multivariate Data Analysis for Identification and Successful Resolution of a Root Cause for a Bioprocessing Application

Multivariate Data Analysis (MVDA) can be used for supporting key activities required for successful bioprocessing. These activities include process characterization, process scale-up, process monitoring, fault diagnosis and root cause analysis. This paper examines an application of MVDA towards root cause analysis for identifying scale-up differences and parameter interactions that adversely impact cell culture process performance. Multivariate data analysis and modeling were performed using data from small-scale (2 L), pilot-scale (2,000 L) and commercial-scale (15,000 L) batches. The input parameters examined included bioreactor pCO2, glucose, lactate, ammonium, raw materials and seed inocula. The output parameters included product attributes, product titer, viable cell density, cell viability and osmolality. Time course performance variables (daily, initial, peak and end point) were also evaluated. Application of MVDA as a diagnostic tool was successful in identifying the root cause and designing experimental conditions to demonstrate and correct it. Process parameters and their interactions that adversely impact cell culture performance and product attributes were successfully identified. MVDA was successfully used as an effective tool for collating process knowledge and increasing process understanding.
On Credible Monetary Policy and Private Government Information

Credible and optimal monetary policies are considered in environments in which the government observes a signal that is correlated with the state of the economy. When the signal is public information it is optimal for monetary policy to be conditioned upon it. The extent to which such conditioning should occur when the signal is the private information of the government depends upon the government's incentives to misrepresent information. It is shown that in some cases the Ramsey policy is incentive compatible, in others it is not. In the latter cases, policy must be constrained to be incentive compatible. This may result in “penalty phases” along the equilibrium path following apparent “mistakes” by the policy maker; it may result in the optimal monetary policy making no use of the signal. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C73, E52, E58.
Recent advances in classical density functional theory for associating and polyatomic molecules

Abstract The function and stability of macromolecular systems, important in industrial and biological processes, are governed not only by molecular size and shape, but also by temperature-dependent hydrogen bonding forces and hydrophobicity of the system. Such processes can be found in many facets of chemistry and biology, most notably in self-assembly processes such as the formation of membranes and micelles in liquid or surfactant solutions, structuring in polymer/nanoparticle systems and the folding of proteins into stable, functional complexes. We explore the range of capabilities to model such systems through classical density functional theory. Examples demonstrate capabilities of providing molecular insight into properties and structure of branched copolymer/nanoparticle systems, surfactant systems, and grafted polymers. Further opportunities to extend the theories to supramolecular assemblies and to create hybrid approaches with molecular simulation are discussed.
Anti-immigrant Sentiment and the Problem of Reproduction/Maintenance in Mexican Immigration to the United States:

This article explores the links between 1) the growing militarization of the US–Mexico border; 2) state legislation such as California’s Proposition 187 designed to deny undocumented workers and their non-citizen wives and children state-funded medical, educational, and other social services; 3) the call by some sectors of the population to deny US citizenship to children born in the US to undocumented immigrants, but in most cases also to legally permanent residents who have not yet acquired citizenship; and 5) threats of deportation of undocumented workers, cases highly publicized in both the US and Mexico. It is argued that these phenomena are related to the desire to re-separate the processes of production and reproduction among the now more permanent Mexican labor force working in the US. With the fall of the USSR no other nation has taken upon itself the moral task of criticizing human rights abuses in the US, providing a more permissive environment for the abuses perpetrated against Mexican workers...
Bevacizumab-related toxicities in the National Cancer Institute malignant glioma trial cohort

Bevacizumab is an antiangiogenic agent approved for recurrent glioblastoma due to high response rates. Prior reviews focused on severe or cardiovascular bevacizumab toxicities. We performed a comprehensive review of toxicities experienced among 210 patients enrolled in 3 phase II bevacizumab trials for recurrent malignant gliomas at the National Cancer Institute. No bevacizumab toxicities were experienced by 20 % patients, 40.2 % on monotherapy versus ≤9.5 % on combination therapy. Hypertension and proteinuria occurred in ~25 %. Fatigue, hypophosphatemia, aspartate aminotransferase elevation, rashes were common. Low grade headache, hoarseness, myalgias/arthralgias, liver enzyme elevation, azotemia and electrolyte abnormalities were noted. Rare severe toxicities, including thrombosis, hemorrhage, wound complications and colonic perforations, occurred at rates seen in other diseases. Leukopenia and neutropenia occurred solely with combination therapy, while thrombocytopenia occurred in 12.5 % on bevacizumab monotherapy. Thrombocytopenia was generally mild, but severe in (1.4 %) and increased in frequency with prolonged or combination therapy. Bevacizumab-related deaths occurred in 4 (1.9 %) patients, including brain ischemia (n = 1) and sudden unexplained deaths (n = 2). Prior hypertension increased the odds of hypertension by ≥3.4-fold (p < 0.001) and grade 3+ hypertension by ≥11.2 (p < 0.001). Prior hypertension increased the odds of hypophosphatemia by 2.4-fold (p = 0.011), but failed to predict proteinuria or azotemia. Age did not greatly impact toxicity. Hypertension, proteinuria and hypophosphatemia often occurred concurrently, more frequently and severely with prolonged use. Our study shows bevacizumab monotherapy is well tolerated, but toxicity increases with combination therapy. Balancing the risks and benefits of bevacizumab requires understanding the spectrum of bevacizumab toxicities and predisposing factors.
Cognate and Analogical Curses in Moroccan Arabic: A Comparative Study of Arabic Speech Genres

This study describes the form and function of Moroccan Arabic cognate and analogical curses. Drawing on scholarship on curses in other Arabic dialects, it provides a comparative discussion of the Moroccan variety and analyzes a corpus of cognate curses that includes many of the standard members of the genre. It then defines the analogical curse, arguing that this particular type of curses derives from proverbs based on the simile. It suggests that the speech genre of curses in the Arabic dialects goes back to a common repertoire that predates the Islamic period.
Qaluyaarminui Nunamtenek Qanemciput/Our Nelson Island Stories Meanings of Place on the Bering Sea Coast

Qaluyaarminui Nunamtenek Qanemciput/Our Nelson Island Stories is a remarkable collection of oral histories that document the Yup’ik oral traditions along the lowland delta and coastal environments ...
Patient factors affecting operative times for single-incision trans-axillary robotic-assisted (STAR) thyroid lobectomy: does size matter?

Background Single-incision, transaxillary, robotic-assisted (STAR) thyroid lobectomy using a robotic surgical system is a novel surgical approach that is extensively described in Korean patients. Some have suggested that this experience will not translate into the American population because of differing body habitus and because the mean size of the thyroid nodules removed in Korea are <1 cm. We reviewed our experience with STAR thyroid lobectomy.
Protonation studies of electrophilic platinum(II) alkyl complexes: synthesis and characterization of (dfepe)Pt(Me)X (X = O2CCF3, OSO2CF3, OSO3H)

Abstract The platinum methyl complexes (dfepe)Pt(Me)X (dfepe = (C 2 F 5 ) 2 PCH 2 CH 2 P(C 2 F 5 ) 2 , X = O 2 CCF 3 , OSO 2 CF 3 , OSO 3 H) have been prepared by the reaction of (dfepe)Pt(Me) 2 with an excess of the corresponding acid, HX. These compounds have been characterized by 1 H, 19 F and 31 P NMR data. (dfepe)Pt(Me) 2 and (dfepe)Pt(Me)(OSO 2 CF 3 ) have also been characterized in the solid state by X-ray diffraction. Both of these compounds exhibit short PtMe bonds, consistent with the highly electrophilic nature of the (dfepe)Pt moiety. In contrast to analogous donor phosphine systems (R 3 P) 2 Pt(Me) 2 , which undergo complete protonolysis and methane loss by HX at −78°C to give (R 3 P) 2 Pt(X) 2 , (dfepe)Pt(Me)X complexes are remarkably stable to further protonolysis even in neat strong acid media. In dichloromethane, treatment of (dfepe)Pt(Me)(OSO 2 CF 3 ) with excess CF 3 SO 3 H results in the association of one equivalent of acid with the bound triflate ligand to form (dfepe)Pt(Me)((OTf) 2 H).
Europe Inside Out

The constitutional crisis may actually strengthen the EU and increase its global engagement over the next decade by recalibrating the drivers of European integration from economics to the search for common foreign policies and closer cooperation on issues of domestic security.
Preinduction cervical ripening with the Foley catheter and the risk of subsequent preterm birth

Abstract Objective The Foley catheter is a safe and effective form of preinduction cervical ripening and is quickly growing in popularity. Its major effect appears to be through mechanical dilation, which has raised the concern that the use of the Foley catheter for cervical ripening may damage the cervix and result in a higher rate of subsequent preterm birth. Study design We conducted a review of all induction of labor at our institution from July 1998 to July 2001 that required preinduction cervical ripening and had a subsequent birth. The primary outcome variable was preterm birth at Results The cases of 126 women (63 women in the Foley group and 63 women in the prostaglandin group) were studied. Women in the prostaglandin group had a prostaglandin agent used. There was no difference in maternal age, gravidity, parity, Bishop score, total time of induction, gestational age, oxytocin use, maximum oxytocin level, tobacco or drug use, or type of delivery in the index pregnancy between the groups. In the subsequent pregnancies, there were no differences in maternal age, gravidity, parity, spontaneous abortions, terminations, cone or Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) procedures, history of cervical manipulation, tobacco or drug use, stillbirth, need for induction, mode of delivery, episiotomy, gestational age at delivery, Apgar scores, labor duration, use of oxytocin, or birth weight. There were no differences in preterm birth at 37, 35, or 32 weeks of gestation between the groups. Conclusion The use of the Foley catheter for preinduction cervical ripening does not appear to increase the risk of preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy.
The vanadium Magnéli phases VnO2n-1

To compare the metal-insulator transitions (MITs) of VO2 and V2O3 we analyze the relations between the structural and electronic properties of the vanadium Magneli phases. These materials set up the homologous series VnO2n-1 (3 ≤ n ≤ 9) and have crystal structures comprising typical dioxide-like and sesquioxide-like regions. As the MITs of the vanadium Magneli phases are accompanied by structural transformations, we are able to discuss the effects of characteristic changes in the local atomic environments. The systematic investigation of the transport properties is based on a new and unifying description of the crystal structures of the Magneli phases including VO2 and V2O3. Our results lead to a comprehensive understanding of the MITs in the Magneli class and shed new light on the role of particular electronic states for the MIT of V2O3.
Utilization and impact on fellowship training of non-physician advanced practice providers in intensive care units of academic medical centers: a survey of critical care program directors.

Abstract Background Non-physician advanced practice providers (APPs) such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants are being increasingly utilized as critical care providers in the United States. The objectives of this study were to determine the utilization of APPs in the intensive care units (ICU)s of academic medical centers (AMCs) and to assess the perceptions of critical care fellowship program directors (PDs) regarding the impact of these APPs on fellowship training. Methods A cross-sectional national survey questionnaire was distributed to program directors of 331 adult Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-approved critical care fellowship training programs (internal medicine, anesthesiology and surgery) in US AMCs. Results We received 124 (37.5%) PD responses. Of these, 81 (65%) respondents indicated that an APP was part of the care team in either the primary ICU or any ICU in which the fellow trained. The majority of respondents reported that patient care was positively affected by APPs with nearly two-thirds of PDs reporting that fellowship training was also positively impacted. Conclusions Our survey revealed that APPs are utilized in a large number of US AMCs with critical care training programs. Program director respondents believed that patient care and fellowship training were positively impacted by APPs.
Optimal multicast routing with quality of service constraints

We consider the problem of optimal multicast routing with Quality of Service constraints motivated by the requirements of interactive continuous media communication, e.g., real-time teleconferencing. We concentrate on distributed algorithms for determining a tree over the network topology, rooted at the source and spanning the intended destinations. Quality of Service requirements for interactive continuous media typically impose constraints on some metric over the individual paths from the source to each destination, usually in the form of an upper bound on the delay. Thus, we focus on the problem of minimizing the cost of the tree while at the same time satisfying a common constraint over individual source-destination paths. We have shown that this problem is intractable, but have also devised centralized polynomial time heuristics that perform well. Here we present distributed algorithms to minimize tree cost while satisfying the constraints on the paths from the source to each destination.
MMP-9 Polymorphisms Are Not Associated With Spontaneous Cervical Artery Dissection

Background and Purpose— Cervical artery dissection (CAD) is a common cause of ischemic stroke in young adults. Alteration in the structure of the vascular extracellular matrix has been described in CAD. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade extracellular matrix proteins and can lead to vascular damage. Methods— We tested 2 different MMP-9 DNA polymorphisms, a CA repeat and a cytosine to thymidine transition in the promotor sequence, for frequency in 52 patients with CAD. We compared the results with those of 52 healthy controls. Results— No differences were found in the allelic distribution of either polymorphism. Conclusions— Alleles of these well-characterized functional polymorphisms of MMP-9 gene are not associated with structural alterations in the matrix of vessels of patients with CAD.
Reducing the thermal expansion anisotropy in Mo5Si3 by Nb and V additions: theory and experiment

Abstract Mo 5 Si 3 exhibits a high anisotropy of its coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) in the a and c directions, i.e., CTE( c )/CTE( a )=2.0. The high CTE anisotropy is due to the existence of prominent atom chains along the c -axis. Ternary alloying additions that effectively stretch the atom chains are likely to reduce the bonding directionality/strength and CTE anisotropy. First-principles local-density-functional calculations were carried out for two alloy systems, MoNb 4 Si 3 and Mo 4 VSi 3 . Indeed, we find a significant reduction of the CTE ratio to a value of 1.5 for MoNb 4 Si 3 and a value close to 1.0 for Mo 4 VSi 3 . The decrease in the CTE anisotropy mainly comes from the reduction in CTE in the c -direction. While a conventional approach to reduce the CTE would involve an increase in lattice rigidity by increasing the bond strength, our strategy focuses on the reduction of driving force for thermal expansion by decreasing the bond directionality.
African Burkitt's lymphoma: Case report and light and electron microscopic findings

An African Burkitt's lymphoma occurred in a 9-year-old American boy who had jaw tumors, proptosis, and abdominal masses. Histologically, the tumor consisted of a monotonous overgrowth of undifferentiated lymphocytes with a "starry sky" appearance. The differential diagnosis of African versus American form and Burkitt's lymphoma versus non-Burkitt's lymphoma is discussed.
Aggregate neural responses to speech sounds in the central auditory system

The fundamental complexity of speech--in both the spectral and temporal domains--elicits extensive dynamic activity from a broad neural population. Evoked potentials rely on a summation of synchronous aggregate neural activity, making them especially suitable for speech-sound investigation.This paper summarizes research from our lab that demonstrates the efficacy of speech-evoked responses in addressing three fundamental issues. First, the neural bases of left-brain specialization to speech are investigated in an animal model. Second, studies are aimed at inferring the underlying causes of certain language-based learning disabilities. Finally, in a series of before-and-after designs, the underlying neural plasticity that accompanies directed speech-sound training is explored.
Why Peacekeeping Fails

Dennis Jett examines why peacekeeping operations fail by comparing the unsuccessful attempt at peacekeeping in Angola with the successful effort in Mozambique, alongside a wide range of other peacekeeping experiences. The book argues that while the causes of past peacekeeping failures can be identified, the chances for success will be difficult to improve because of the way such operations are initiated and conducted and the way the United Nations operates as an organization. Jett reviews the history of peacekeeping and the evolution in the number, size, scope and cost of peacekeeping missions. He also explains why peacekeeping has become more necessary, possible and desired and yet, at the same time, more complex, more difficult and less frequently used. The book takes a hard look at the UN7;s actions and provides useful information for understanding current conflicts.
Mortality of cadaveric kidney transplantation versus combined kidney-pancreas transplantation in diabetic patients

In the United States diabetes in now the principle cause of end-stage renal disease. For diabetic patients undergoing cadaveric kidney transplantation, a combined kidney-pancreas (KP) transplant is often recommended because this option is perceived to carry no additional risk. However, most transplant centres have restricted KP transplantation to patients with few diabetic complications and no coronary artery disease. We compared survival rates after KP transplantation with those after kidney transplantation alone in clinically similar though non-randomised patient groups. In 173 consecutive diabetic renal transplant candidates, 3-year patient survival in 54 KP recipients was 68%, versus 90% in 46 patients who received a cadaveric kidney alone (p = 0.01). The remaining patients had a living-related-donor kidney transplant, either alone (65) or followed 4-20 months later by a pancreas transplant (8), with survival similar to that with a cadaveric kidney. Independent variables associated with early death were age, history of congestive heart failure, and pancreas transplantation. A serious complication of pancreas transplantation was infection, or which 14 of 54 recipients required pancreatectomy; KP recipients had a higher death rate from infection in the first 12 months (p = 0.034). In view of the excess mortality associated with KP transplantation, we suggest that the combined operation should be reserved for young patients with no history of congestive heart failure, or for patients in whom hyperglycaemia is life-threatening. A randomised trial is needed to compare the long-term outcomes of these procedures.
A distance-based approach to entity reconciliation in heterogeneous databases

In modern organizations, decision makers must often be able to quickly access information from diverse sources in order to make timely decisions. A critical problem facing many such organizations is the inability to easily reconcile the information contained in heterogeneous data sources. To overcome this limitation, an organization must resolve several types of heterogeneity problems that may exist across different sources. We examine one such problem called the entity heterogeneity problem, which arises when the same real-world entity type is represented using different identifiers in different applications. A decision-theoretic model to resolve the problem is proposed. Our model uses a distance measure to express the similarity between two entity instances. We have implemented the model and tested it on real-world data. The results indicate that the model performs quite well in terms of its ability to predict whether two entity instances should be matched or not. The model is shown to be computationally efficient. It also scales well to large relations from the perspective of the accuracy of prediction. Overall, the test results imply that this is certainly a viable approach in practical situations.
Vacuum ultraviolet emission of solid xenon

Abstract An optically excited emission band at 1363 A having a Stokes shift of 2 A is observed in the absorption spectrum of solid xenon deposited from the gas phase at 48–51°K.
The Initial Post-buckling Behavior of Face-Sheet Delaminations in Sandwich Composites

Should an interface crack between the layers of the composite face-sheet or between the core and the composite face-sheet of a sandwich beam/ plate exists, local buckling and possible subsequent growth of this interface crack (delamination) may occur under compression. In this study, the buckling, and initial post-buckling behavior is studied through a perturbation procedure that is based on the nonlinear beam equations with transverse shear included. Closed-form solutions for the load and midpoint delamination deflection versus applied compressive strain during the initial posthuckling phase are derived. IIlustrative results are presented for seweral sandwich construction configurations, in particular with regard to the effect of material system and transverse shear.
Low-Frequency Oscillations In Radiative-Convective Systems. Part II: An Idealized Model.

A simple model is used to examine the hypothesis that nonlinear interactions among atmospheric radiation, cumulus convection, and the surface moisture flux can result in a stationary, low-frequency (30-60 day period) oscillating heat source in the tropical atmosphere. The model produces low-frequency oscillations of temperature, moisture, and precipitation. The mechanism that produces these oscillations is identified through analyses of the model and its results. The relevance of this mechanism to understand the observed Madden-Julian oscillation in the tropical atmosphere over the Indian and western Pacific Oceans is discussed.
Tympanic Membrane Temperature for Indicating Rapid Changes in Body Temperature

Abstract Sections of cattle heads were made to study the ear canal and its relationship to the tympanic membrane and the hypothalamus. The ear canal extends forward and downward and tapers slightly. Approximately 0.6 cm distal to the tympanic membrane, it turns approximately 45 degrees. In mature animals, the ear canal—base of the outer ear to the 45-degree turn—measured 10-13 cm in length and 0.6 cm in diameter. Semiflexible thermistor probes were used to sense the temperature near the tympanic membrane and 20 cm in the rectum. Comparisons of the response of tympanic membrane and rectal temperatures were made with ambient temperatures cycling]20-45-20 C) and constant]52 C). A comparison of the speed of response to an internal stimulus—introduction of ice into the rumen—was made at 42 C. Tympanic temperature responded more rapidly to rising and declining ambient temperatures]rising tympanic 2-4 min, rectal 20 min; declining tympanic 2 min, rectal 6 min). Following the internal stimulus, tympanic declined in 2-4 min, whereas rectal averaged 15 min. It appears that temperature sensed at the tympanic membrane is move suitable than rectal temperature for determining the speed of response of cattle to both internal and external temperature changes.
Carotenoid bilayer lipid membrane model for the visual receptor.

INTEREST in black or bilayer membranes (BLM) of about bimolecular thickness separating two aqueous solutions has grown rapidly since the methods for their formation were discovered1,2. Their attractiveness as a model system lies in the dimensional, electrical, permeability and “excitability” characteristics which they possess and which correspond to those of biological membranes. BLM have been used as models for the plasma membrane, for nerve membrane and, more recently, for the mitochondrial membrane3; and in a modified BLM system the active transport of ions seems to have been demon strated4. Other interesting findings have been light-induced phenomena in reconstituted chloroplast BLM5. We now report a type of black lipid membranes containing carotenoid pigments (“carotenoid BLM”) which exhibit photoelectric responses not unlike those found in vertebrate retina6.
Understanding the M-form Hypothesis

This lecture describes the M-form Hypothesis (due to Chandler, 1962 and Williamson, 1975), with a mathematical model and examples.
Men's self-definitions of abusive childhood sexual experiences, and potentially related risky behavioral and psychiatric outcomes

Objectives To estimate how many heterosexual and gay/bisexual men self-define abusive childhood sexual experiences (CSEs) to be childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and to assess whether CSA self-definition is associated with risky behavioral and psychiatric outcomes in adulthood.