cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New planar waveguide attenuated total reflectance techniques for organic thin film spectroscopy and chemical sensing

The planar integrated optical waveguide (IOW) is an inherently sensitive geometry for attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy of interfacial samples. A major disadvantage that has limited its wider use is the difficulty of measuring broadband spectra. Due to the quantized nature of light propagation in a planar IOW, conventional grating and prism couplers are efficient only over a narrow (less than 5 nm) spectral range at a given launch angle. We have developed a multichannel spectrometer capable of measuring a broadband visible ATR spectrum at the surface of a single mode, planar waveguide. The bandwidth is greater than 150 nm, which makes it possible to measure spectra of very weakly absorbing molecular films. We have also developed an electrochemically- active, planar IOW (EA-IOW) that combines the information content of spectroelectrochemistry with the sensitivity of the single mode planar waveguide geometry. An evaluation of this device has demonstrated that highly sensitive spectroelectrochemistry of surface confined films can be performed; the estimated pathlength enhancement is ca. 4,000 relative to a transmission geometry.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Simple methods for determination of the release limits for drug products

The potency of a batch of drug product needs to meet a release limits at the time of release so that the potency at the end of shelf life remains above the lower registration limit (LRL). This article discusses two methods which determine the release limits such that the chance to fail LRL at the end of shelf life of the product will be controlled under a desirable level. In additional to controlling failure rate a method which determines the release limits such that the expected total cost due to rejecting a batch at time zero and at the end of shelf life is minimized. All the methods assume a very flexible sampling schedule and are simple to implement. Each method is illustrated in an example.
The evolution of electronic structure in lanthanide metal clusters: Threshold photoionization spectra of and

The photoionization spectra of Pr2-Pr21 and Ce2-Ce17 have been measured near threshold. The ionization potentials (IPs) of and vary discontinuously with size, but trend downward toward the work function of the bulk metals. In general, the IPs of cerium clusters display more variation than those of praseodymium clusters. The sudden discontinuities observed in the IPs of both and is akin to that displayed by clusters of transition metal atoms, suggesting that as in transition metal clusters, the rapid evolution in geometric structure with size is the source of these discontinuities.
High-spin states and superdeformation in the proton-neutron interacting boson model

Abstract The superdeformed band in 192 Hg has a similar structure to the ground-state bands in several actinide nuclei, particularly to the uranium isotopes, such as 232 U. We report on neutron-proton Interacting Boson Model (IBM-2) calculations for the uranium isotopes and make a specific comparison of the superdeformed band in 192 Hg with the ground-state band in 232 U. Theoretically these two bands should have the same structure in the Interacting Boson Model, because they contain the same number of active proton bosons and neutron bosons, with the superdeformed band in 192 Hg being treated as a 4p-6h excited state in terms of fermions. Results of a no new free parameter IBM-2 configuration mixing calculation for the (0p-2h), (2p-4h) and (4p-6h) configurations in 192 Hg are presented.
From Law and Colonialism to Law and Globalization

The study of law's place in the colonial enterprise has finally come of age. The reissue of Martin Chanock's important study on law and colonialism in Africa is an opportune moment to reflect on the emergence of this field of scholarship over the 15 years since its publication. His richly detailed, innovative study of the making of customary law showed for the first time the centrality of law to the colonial process, tracing how it emerged out of intersections among British officials, African chiefs, Christian missionaries, urban migrants, and rural villagers. Law and colonialism is now a mature field with a rich variety of detailed case studies and a sophisticated theoretical understanding of the nature of customary law, the dynamics of legal pluralism, and the kinds of transformations that the legal transplants of colonialism engender. This is no longer understood as a simple process of imposition of law: instead there are spaces of resistance, struggles among colonizers, and forms of accommodation by colonized elites. Although this process was fundamentally one of transforming the colonized society to conform to that of the colonizer, all the while extracting labor, land, and mineral resources, it was never complete. Nor was it completely successful. The effort transformed the society at home as well as in the colony. It is continuing to do so as the former colonized now take up homes in the metropole.
Coevolution of network structure and content

As individuals communicate, their exchanges form a dynamic network. We demonstrate, using time series analysis of communication in three online settings, that network structure alone can be highly revealing of the diversity and novelty of the information being communicated. Our approach uses both standard and novel network metrics to characterize how unexpected a network configuration is, and to capture a network's ability to conduct information. We find that networks with a higher conductance in link structure exhibit higher information entropy, while unexpected network configurations can be tied to information novelty. We use a simulation model to explain the observed correspondence between the evolution of a network's structure and the information it carries.
A randomized prospective study comparing rigid to balloon dilators for benign esophageal strictures and rings

Abstract Background: The optimum choice of dilator (rigid vs. balloon) for benign esophageal strictures has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to compare the immediate relief of dysphagia and the incidence of repeat dilatation within the first year with the use of either a rigid (Savary) dilator or balloon dilator for benign lower esophageal strictures. Methods: Patients with dysphagia found to have benign esophageal strictures during endoscopy were randomized to undergo dilation with a rigid (Savary) or a balloon dilator (Microvasive or Bard). The 1-year incidence of repeat dilatation was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: A total of 251 subjects were stratified at entry according to the type of stricture (peptic vs. Schatzki ring) and severity of stricture (mild vs. moderate/severe) and then randomized to either a Savary (n = 88), Microvasive (n = 81), or Bard (n = 82) dilator. There were no significant differences between the rigid dilator or the two balloons with regard to immediate relief of dysphagia or the need for repeat dilatation at one year. Patients with moderate/severe strictures required repeat dilatation at one year twice as often as those with mild strictures. There were no significant complications reported in these patients. Conclusions: Both rigid and balloon dilators are equally effective and safe in the treatment of benign lower esophageal strictures caused by acid reflux and Schatzki rings. (Gastrointest Endosc 1999;50:13-7.)
The pinch blepharoplasty revisited.

Background: The prevention of scleral show is truly one of plastic surgery's Holy Grails. This postoperative problem may be considered subtle, but it represents the most common cause of the "operated" look that we all strive to avoid. Of course, the postoperative fear of a true ectropion is all too common. These concerns, borne out in patient results following the traditional skin-muscle technique, are what drove the author to consider the "pinch" blepharoplasty. Methods: All patients who were candidates for a lower blepharoplasty, primary or secondary, underwent the pinch blepharoplasty. Patients excluded were only those who underwent a carbon dioxide laser resurfacing of the lower eyelid, as no skin excision was planned. Results: Of the 77 blepharoplasties performed, there were no postoperative findings of lower eyelid malposition: no taping was necessary, no significant scleral show was evident, and no ectropion was produced. There was also noticeably less bruising and swelling postoperatively with this technique. Moreover, it was apparent that the crepe-like skin at the lower eyelid was often fully effaced or improved significantly. Conclusions: The pinch blepharoplasty has proved to be a superior approach to lower eyelid rejuvenation. This series suggests that with this technique significantly more crepe-like skin can be removed with reliably less chance of scleral show. (Plant. Reconstr. Surg.
Consumption path following a tax increase: Implications for the analysis of the welfare cost of taxation

Abstract The consumption path following a capital income tax increase is analyzed to demonstrate that short-run increases in consumption dominate future declines in consumption for a considerable time. It takes 25 years before a tax increase resutls in a loss of welfare.
Neuroendocrine tumor targeting: Study of novel gallium-labeled somatostatin radiopeptides in a rat pancreatic tumor model

Somatostatin analogs labeled with radionuclides are of considerable interest in the diagnosis and therapy of SSTR-expressing tumors, such as gastroenteropancreatic, small cell lung, breast and frequently nervous system tumors. In view of the favorable physical characteristics of the Ga isotopes (67)Ga and (68)Ga, enabling conventional tumor scintigraphy, PET and possibly internal radiotherapy, we focused on the development of a Ga-labeled somatostatin analog suitable for targeting SSTR-expressing tumors. For this purpose, 3 somatostatin analogs, OC, TOC and TATE were conjugated to the metal chelator DOTA and labeled with the radiometals (111)In, (90)Y and (67)Ga. They were then evaluated for their performance in the AR4-2J pancreatic tumor model by testing SSTR2-binding affinity, internalization/externalization in isolated cells and biodistribution in tumor-bearing nude mice. Surprisingly, we found that, compared to (111)In or (90)Y, labeling with (67)Ga considerably improved the biologic performance of the tested somatostatin analogs with respect to SSTR2 affinity and tissue distribution. (67)Ga-labeled DOTA-somatostatin analogs were rapidly excreted from nontarget tissues, leading to excellent tumor-to-nontarget tissue uptake ratios. Of interest for radiotherapeutic application, [(67)Ga]DOTATOC was strongly internalized by AR4-2J cells. Furthermore, our results suggest a link between the radioligand charge and its kidney retention. The excellent tumor selectivity of Ga-DOTA somatostatin analogs together with the different applications of Ga in nuclear oncology suggests that Ga-DOTA somatostatin analogs will become an important tool in the management of SSTR-positive tumors.
Late Holocene glacial history of the Copper River Delta, coastal south-central Alaska, and controls on valley glacier fluctuations

Abstract Fluctuations of four valley glaciers in coastal south-central Alaska are reconstructed for the past two millennia. Tree-ring crossdates on 216 glacially killed stumps and logs provide the primary age control, and are integrated with glacial stratigraphy, ages of living trees on extant landforms, and historic forefield photographs to constrain former ice margin positions. Sheridan Glacier shows four distinct phases of advance: in the 530s to c .640s in the First Millennium A.D., and the 1240s to 1280s, 1510s to 1700s, and c .1810s to 1860s during the Little Ice Age (LIA). The latter two LIA advances are also recorded on the forefields of nearby Scott, Sherman and Saddlebag glaciers. Comparison of the Sheridan record with other two-millennia long tree-ring constrained valley glacier histories from south-central Alaska and Switzerland shows the same four intervals of advance. These expansions were coeval with decreases in insolation, supporting solar irradiance as the primary pacemaker for centennial-scale fluctuations of mid-latitude valley glaciers prior to the 20th century. Volcanic aerosols, coupled atmospheric-oceanic systems, and local glacier-specific effects may be important to glacier fluctuations as supplemental forcing factors, for causing decadal-scale differences between regions, and as a climatic filter affecting the magnitude of advances.
Using Community College Classifications in Research: From Conceptual Model to Useful Tool

ABSTRACT This paper describes the methodology utilized to bring the 1993/1996 Katsinas-Lacey 2 year college classification system into the 21st century. The methodology involved using data from the 2000 United States Census and the National Center for Education Statistic's Integrated Postsecondary Educational Data System surveys for the 2000–2001 and 2001–2002 academic years. The primary purpose of this work was to create an empirically supported, valid tool that can be used by researchers to create useful descriptive portraits of the universe of 2 year, publicly controlled institutions that primarily offer the associate's degree. The study concludes with recommendations for further research. These include using the new Katsinas, Lacey, and Hardy 2005 Classification System to describe and discern similarities and differences within this particular institutional population by class and subclass within the model. This would be achieved through its application to existing national datasets, to researcher-des...
Long-term depression in hippocampal interneurons: joint requirement for pre- and postsynaptic events.

Long-term depression (LTD) is a well-known form of synaptic plasticity of principal neurons in the mammalian brain. Whether such changes occur in interneurons is still controversial. CA3 hippocampal interneurons expressing Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors exhibited LTD after tetanic stimulation of CA3 excitatory inputs. LTD was independent of NMDA receptors and required both Ca2+influx through postsynaptic AMPA receptors and activation of presynaptic mGluR7-like receptors. These results point to the capability of interneurons to undergo plastic changes of synaptic strength through joint activation of pre- and postsynaptic glutamate receptors.
The compressibility of silicate liquids containing Fe 2 O 3 and the effect of composition, temperature, oxygen fugacity and pressure on their redox states

Ultrasonic longitudinal acoustic velocities in oxidized silicate liquids indicate that the pressure derivative of the partial-molar volume of Fe2O3 is the same in iron-rich alkali-, alkaline earth- and natural silicate melt compositions at 1 bar. The dV/dP for multicomponent silicate liquids can be expressed as a linear combination of partial-molar constants plus a positive excess term for Na2O−Al2O3 mixing. Partial-molar properties for FeO and Fe2O3 components allow extension of the empirical expression of Sack et al. (1980) to permit the calculation of Fe-redox equilibrium in a natural silicate liquid as a function of composition, temperature, fo2 and pressure; a more formal thermodynamic expression is presented in the Appendix. The predicted equilibrium fo2 of natural silicate melts, of fixed oxygen content, closely parallels that defined by the metastable assemblage fayalite+magnetite+β-quartz (FMQ), in pressure-temperature space. A silicate melt initially equilibrated at 3 GPa and FMQ, will remain within approximately 0.5 log10 units of FMQ during its closed-system ascent. Thus, for magmas closed to oxygen, iron-redox equilibrium in crystal-poor pristine glassy lavas represents an excellent probe of the relative oxidation state of their source regions.
Randomly accelerated particle in a box: mean absorption time for partially absorbing and inelastic boundaries.

Consider a particle which is randomly accelerated by Gaussian white noise on the line segment $0lxl1$ and is absorbed as soon as it reaches $x=0$ or $x=1$. The mean absorption time $T(x,v)$, where $x$ and $v$ denote the initial position and velocity, was calculated exactly by Masoliver and Porr\`a in 1995. We consider a more general boundary condition. On arriving at either boundary, the particle is absorbed with probability $1\ensuremath{-}p$ and reflected with probability $p$. The reflections are inelastic, with coefficient of restitution, $r$. With exact analytical and numerical methods and simulations, we study the mean absorption time as a function of $p$ and $r$.
Tachy-brady arrhythmias: The critical role of adenosine-induced sinoatrial conduction block in post-tachycardia pauses

Background In patients with sinoatrial nodal (SAN) dysfunction, atrial pauses lasting several seconds may follow rapid atrial pacing or paroxysmal tachycardia (tachy-brady arrhythmias). Clinical studies suggest that adenosine may play an important role in SAN dysfunction, but the mechanism remains unclear. Objective To define the mechanism of SAN dysfunction induced by the combination of adenosine and tachycardia. Methods We studied the mechanism of SAN dysfunction produced by a combination of adenosine and rapid atrial pacing in isolated coronary-perfused canine atrial preparations by using high-resolution optical mapping (n = 9). Sinus cycle length and sinoatrial conduction time (SACT) were measured during adenosine (1–100 μM) and DPCPX (1 μM; A1 receptor antagonist; n=7) perfusion. Sinoatrial node recovery time was measured after 1 minute of "slow" pacing (3.3 Hz) or tachypacing (7–9 Hz). Results Adenosine significantly increased sinus cycle length (477±62 ms vs 778±114 ms; P P P Conclusions These data directly demonstrate that adenosine contributes to post-tachycardia atrial pauses through SAN exit block rather than slowed pacemaker automaticity. Thus, these data suggest an important modulatory role of adenosine in tachy-brady syndrome.
Parallel optical information, concept, and response evolver: POINCARE

It is now possible to build a nonlinear adaptive system which will incorporate many of the properties of the human mind, such as true originality in such skills as reasoning by analogy and reasoning by retrodiction, including literally unpredictable thoughts; and development of individual styles, personalities, expertise, etc. Like humans, these optical processors will have a rich `subconscious'' experience. Like humans, they will be clonable, but clones will develop differently as they experience the world differently, make different decisions, develop different habits, etc. In short, powerful optical processors with some of the properties normally associated with human intelligence can be made. This approach can result in a powerful optical processor with those properties. A demonstration chosen for simplicity of implementation is suggested. This could be the first computer of any type which uses quantum indeterminacy in an integral and important way.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Persistent currents in saturated superfluid4He films on rough surfaces in the presence of third-sound resonances

We have measured persistent current film flow through a long, stainless steel tube by Atkins oscillations between reservoirs at the tube ends and by Doppler-shifted third-sound resonances within the saturated film. Qualitatively the surface roughness is observed to both raise the Atkins oscillation frequency and lower the third-sound phase velocity from that expected for an ideal surface but otherwise has little effect on the motion. The third-sound resonance frequencies are shown to shift with the square of the persistent current velocity by an amount predictable using two-fluid hydrodynamics. The presence of the third sound does not affect the stability of the persistent currents in these thick films. The third-sound phase velocity is observed to have a temperature dependence consistent with (θs/θ)1/2(1 + TS/L) as predicted by Bergman.
Galvanic skin response conditioning deficit in amygdalectomized monkeys

Abstract Amygdalectomized monkeys have depressed galvanic skin responses during tests of the orienting reaction to repeated presentation of simple tones. An effort to condition the galvanic skin response (GSR) with electric stimulation of skin was instituted. No evidence of conditioning of a weak conditional stimulus (light off) was obtained from the amygdalectomized monkeys in a differential classical situation, despite normal GSR to skin stimulation. Normal monkeys were found conditionable.
Development of Arbitrary-Order Hermite Methods for Simulation and Analysis of Turbulent Jet Noise

In this short note a brief description of Hermite methods is given. Previous and ongoing development of arbitrary order Hermite methods for the simulation of turbulent jets is also presented. In addition we outline how Hermite methods can be hybridized with discontinuous Galerkin methods to handle boundary conditions in a straightforward way.
Redeeming Labor: Making Explicit the Virtue Theory in Habermas's Discourse Ethics:

The assertion that neo-classical economics is value-neutral is not just problematic because it is false, but also because it masks the origins of neo-classical economics as a moral science that has had a normative influence on social interaction. However, critics need to move beyond merely exposing the value-laden nature of neo-classical economics if the social sciences are to counter the emotivism of neo-classical economics and to reclaim their foundation as the moral sciences. A social theory of action is needed that acknowledges people's capacity to act virtuously. As a product of the German Enlightenment Tradition, Habermas relies upon an implicit Lutheran neighbor-love ethic when he constructs his theory of communicative action and discourse ethics. A theory that recognizes the capacity of people to collectively generate virtues which then govern their actions offers the potential to redeem labor from emotivism.
Glycinergic inhibition to the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body shows prominent facilitation and can sustain high levels of ongoing activity.

Neurons in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) are well known for their prominent excitatory inputs, mediated by the calyx of Held. Less attention has been paid to the prominent inhibit...
Flavonoids of the Ponderosa lemon.

THE isolation and structure of citronin, a new flavanone glycoside from the peel of immature Ponderosa lemons (Citrus limon Burm. f. ponderosa Hort.) was reported some time ago by Yamamoto and Oshima1. From chemical and spectroscopic evidence it was concluded that citronin is 2′-methoxy-5,7-dihydroxyflavanone 7-rhamnoglucoside (I) and thus belongs to the rather uncommon group of flavonoids having a substituent at position 2′. In attempting to obtain this compound from samples of both mature and immature Ponderosa lemons, under conditions approximating those of Yamamoto and Oshima, it has been our experience that the only glycoside which can be isolated easily in crystalline form is neohesperidin (II). This was identified by elementary analyses, mixed melting point determination, infra-red spectrum, preparation of the phenylhydrazone derivative and isolation of the aglycone hesperetin from the hydrolysate. Neohesperidin differs from hesperidin only in the position of attachment of rhamnose to glucose2:
Mutualist-induced morphological changes enhance growth and survival of corals

Species interactions can induce morphological changes in organisms that affect their subsequent growth and survival. In Moorea, French Polynesia, epibiotic gammaridean amphipods induce the formation of long, branch-like coral “fingers” on otherwise flat, encrusting, or plating Montipora coral colonies. The fingers form as corals encrust tubes built by the amphipods and lead to significant changes in colony morphology. This study examines the costs and benefits of this association to the amphipods and corals and demonstrates that the interaction is a mutualism. Amphipods gain protection from predators by living within corals, and corals benefit by enhanced growth and survival. Benefits to the coral arise through direct effects due to the amphipods’ presence as well as through benefits derived from the altered colony morphology. This study demonstrates that induced morphological plasticity can be a mechanism for facilitation, adding to our knowledge of the roles mutualism, and phenotypic plasticity play in ecology.
EFFECTS OF TESTING, ANALYSIS, DAMAGE, AND ENVIRONMENT ON MODAL PARAMETERS

Abstract Experimental and analytical modal analysis techniques have been widely used in civil engineering for a number of years, mostly in seismic applications. Since the beginning of this decade, these techniques have received considerable attention in non-seismic applications such as structural damage detection, analytical model calibration and remote-monitoring systems. In these applications, most studies have concentrated on correlating modal parameters to changes in structural condition. However, for reliable performance of modal techniques in field situations, it is essential to understand and establish the variability of modal parameters due to test procedures and in-service environments of structures. New York has been researching this subject extensively for the past few years, and has tested several structures including (1) a 1/6-scale model highway bridge, (2) an abandoned fracture-critical highway bridge and (3) an in-service highway bridge. Both the abandoned highway bridge and model bridge were tested under intact and simulated-damage conditions. This paper briefly describes these studies. Results indicate that modal frequencies in conjunction with mode shapes may be used to identify the existence of bridge damage or deterioration of interest, but it is difficult to isolate damage locations using these modal parameters. Operating conditions affect the modal properties and are critical in establishing a baseline for structural monitoring.
Oxacillin-induced neutropenia in children.

outbreak of Yersinia enterocolitica enteritis, N Engl J Med 288:1372, 1973. 7. Nilehn B: Studies on Yersinia enterocolitica with special reference to bacterial diagnosis and occurrence in human a c u t e enteric disease. Acta Path Microbiol (Scand) 206(Suppl):5, 1969. 8. Wauters G: Contribution a l'etudie de Yersinia enterocolitica, These d'agregation, Louvain, 1970. 9. Keet EE: Yersinia enterocotitica septicemia, NY State J Med 74:2226, 1974. 10. Tsubokura M, Otsuki K, Itagaki K: Studies of Yersinia enterocolitica. 1. Isolation of Yersinia enterocolitica from swine, Jap J Vet Sci 35:419, 1973.
Transmission of Citrobacter koseri from mother to infant documented by ribotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis

We describe a case in which Citrobacter koseri (formerly C. diversus) was transmitted from a pregnant mother with chorioamnionitis and bacteremia to her infant who was bacteremic at birth and in apparent septic shock. Two highly discriminating molecular methods, ribotyping and pulsed field gel electrophoresis, were used to examine restriction fragment length polymorphisms within the genomic DNA of maternal and infant isolates. Both techniques identified the maternal and infant isolates as the same strain, distinct from epidemiologically unrelated controls, thus confirming their common origin.
Noninvasive Detection of Bladder Cancer in an Orthotopic Murine Model With Green Fluorescence Protein Cytology

ABSTRACTPurpose: Orthotopic models of bladder cancer mimic the normal microenvironment and provide an opportunity to study new therapies for superficial bladder cancer. The use of green fluorescent protein (GFP) transduced cells provides a sensitive way of monitoring this disease. We investigated whether examining voided urine for GFP expressing cells would indicate the presence of GFP producing tumors in an orthotopic bladder tumor model in nude mice.Materials and Methods: The human bladder cancer cell lines KU-7, UM-UC-3 and UM-UC-14 were used. GFP transductants were generated after transfection with pEGFP-N3, followed by G418 selection. After the cells were inoculated in an orthotopic model of superficial bladder cancer voided urine was collected on slides weekly for 3 weeks and observed for GFP expressing cells by fluorescence microscopy. Bladder tumor imaging for GFP was performed in surgically exposed bladders to determine the tumor incidence.Results: KU-7 GFP cells produced tumors in all 16 mice on...
Provider-initiated HIV testing in rural Haiti: low rate of missed opportunities for diagnosis of HIV in a primary care clinic.

As HIV treatment is scaled-up in resource-poor settings, the timely identification of persons with HIV infection remains an important challenge. Most people with HIV are unaware of their status, and those who are often present late in the course of their illness. Free-standing voluntary counseling and testing sites often have poor uptake of testing. We aimed to evaluate a 'provider-initiated' HIV testing strategy in a primary care clinic in rural resource-poor Haiti by reviewing the number of visits made to clinic before an HIV test was performed in those who were ultimately found to have HIV infection. In collaboration with the Haitian Ministry of Health, a non-governmental organization (Partners In Health) scaled up HIV care in central Haiti by reinforcing primary care clinics, instituting provider-initiated HIV testing and by providing HIV treatment in the context of primary medical care, free of charge to patients. Among a cohort of people with HIV infection, we assessed retrospectively for delays in or 'missed opportunities' for diagnosis of HIV by the providers in one clinic. Of the first 117 patients diagnosed with HIV in one clinic, 100 (85%) were diagnosed at the first medical encounter. Median delay in diagnosis for the remaining 17 was only 62 days (IQR 19 – 122; range 1 – 272). There was no statistical difference in CD4 cell count between those with and without a delay. 3787 HIV tests were performed in the period reviewed. Provider-initiated testing was associated with high volume uptake of HIV testing and minimal delay between first medical encounter and diagnosis of HIV infection. In scale up of HIV care, provider-initiated HIV testing at primary care clinics can be a successful strategy to identify patients with HIV infection.
Attenuating the rate-decreasing effects of phenylpiperidine analgesics by pentobarbital.

The ability of pentobarbital, diazepam, and chlorpromazine to attenuate the rate-decreasing effects of a high dose (10 or 30 mg/kg) of meperidine was tested in pigeons responding under a multiple fixed-ratio, fixed-interval schedule of food presentation. Pentobarbital (10 mg/kg) attenuated the meperidine-induced rate decreases, whereas diazepam (0.3–3 mg/kg) or chlorpromazine (3–30 mg/kg) did not reliably attenuate the response rate decreases. The combination of 10 mg/kg of pentobarbital and meperidine resulted in a marked disruption of the pattern of responding in the fixed-interval component of the multiple schedule. Pentobarbital (1, 3, 10, and 17.5 mg/kg) was also tested in combination with rate-decreasing doses of normeperidine (17.5 mg/kg), anileridine (10 mg/kg), alphaprodine (10 mg/kg), and fentanyl (0.3 mg/kg). Pentobarbital reliably attenuated the rate-decreasing effects of normeperidine, anileridine, and alphaprodine, but not the rate decreases induced by fentanyl.
Truth in Timbre: Morrison's Extension of Slave Narrative Song in Beloved

In her 1987 novel Beloved, Toni Morrison acknowledges and even borrows from Frederick Douglass's 1845 Narrative, but she also makes a resolute break from its rhetorical and political objectives. Historical differences between the audiences of Douglass and Morrison account for a large part of their contrasting styles, particularly in their treatment of slave song. Since Douglass composed his Narrative as a fugitive slave in the early 1840s, he was aware of his principally white audience and also of his precarious task of presenting an attack not on white America, but on the institution of slavery itself. Douglass's judicious decision to report the bleakness of slavery with austerity of tone allows him to present this attack successfully. He relies heavily on factual evidence, rather than on the tremendously emotional slave songs, to present the most appalling scenes of brutality endured by the slaves in his narrative. This shrewd emphasis on the factual enables Douglass to navigate between the specific facts and the general nature of slavery in a way that informs rather than offends his audience. In 1845 Douglass could not afford to focus repeatedly on the "ineffable sadness" of slave songs or on the songs' reflection of "souls boiling over with the bitterest anguish," even though he reports early in the Narrative that "every tone [is] a testimony against slavery" (58). As readers, we learn the importance of slave song at the outset, but we learn far more about the exact number of Colonel Lloyd's slaves, horses, and plantation acreage throughout the remainder of the narrative. We come to know the exact assignments involved in Edward Covey's wheat-fanning operation with a precision that leaves us unsatisfied with the important but brief description of the songs reverberating through the pinewoods of the Great House Farm at the outset of the narrative. Despite this, Douglass's task of uncovering the truth of slavery's brutality without mitigating that truth with indignant protestations has proven to be at once inhibiting and fecund. The aware
Topology and cascading line outages in power grids

Motivated by the small world network research of Watts & Strogatz, this paper studies relationships between topology and cascading line outages in electric power grids. Cascading line outages are a type of cascading collapse that can occur in power grids when the transmission network is congested. It is characterized by a self-sustaining sequence of line outages followed by grid breakup, which generally leads to widespread blackout. The main findings of this work are twofold: On one hand, the work suggests that topologies with more disorder in their interconnection topology tend to be robust with respect to cascading line outages in the sense of being able to support greater generation and demand levels than more regularly interconnected topologies. On the other hand, the work suggests that topologies with more disorder tend to be more fragile in that should a cascade get started, they tend to break apart after fewer outages than more regularly interconnected topologies. Thus, as has been observed in other complex networks, there appears to be a tradeoff between robustness and fragility. These results were established using synthetically generated power grid topologies and verified using the IEEE 57 bus and 188 bus power grid test cases.
Utility and safety of temporary pacing using active fixation leads and externalized re-usable permanent pacemakers after lead extraction

Aims After extraction of an infected cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) in a pacemaker-dependent patient, a temporary pacemaker wire may be required for long periods during antibiotic treatment. Loss of capture and under sensing are commonly observed over time with temporary pacemaker wires, and patient mobility is restricted. The use of an externalized permanent active-fixation pacemaker lead connected to a permanent pacemaker generator for temporary pacing may be beneficial because of improved lead stability, and greater patient mobility and comfort. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of a temporary permanent pacemaker (TPPM) system in patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction due to CIED infection. Methods and results Of 47 patients who underwent lead extraction due to CIED infection over a 2-year period at our centre, 23 were pacemaker dependent and underwent TPPM implantation. A permanent pacemaker lead was implanted in the right ventricle via the internal jugular vein and connected to a TPPM generator, which was secured externally at the base of the neck. The TPPM was used for a mean of 19.4 ± 11.9 days (median 18 days, range 3–45 days), without loss of capture or sensing failure in any patient. Twelve of 23 patients were discharged home or to a nursing facility with the TPPM until completion of antibiotic treatment and re-implantation of a new permanent pacemaker. Conclusion External TPPMs are safe and effective in patients requiring long-term pacing after infected CIED removal.
Investigation of Cascadia segmentation with ambient noise tomography

Abstract Along strike variation in the characteristics of subduction zone processes has been observed throughout the Cascadia Subduction Zone through magmas analysis of arc magmas and the distribution of seismicity. We investigate links between these observations and subduction zone structure by imaging three-dimensional lithospheric scale shear velocity with ambient noise tomography (ANT). The crustal portion of the model is well resolved through typical ANT processing techniques. We expand the methodology to use longer period phase velocities in order to recover structure to ~ 120 km depth. The resulting model, PNW10-S, represents structural information in terms of relative shear velocity in the crust and uppermost mantle. Crustal structure mirrors surface geology to ~ 10 km depth and then transitions to a structure that is dominated by the subducting slab. The subducting slab and overriding crust appear segmented into three parts with boundaries near 43°N and 46°N. This three-way structural segmentation is aligned with the variation in recurrence of episodic tremor and slip along the subduction zone. Upper to middle crustal boundaries between the Klamath Mountains and Siletzia Terrane (43°N) and between the Crescent Formation and Olympic Peninsula (47°N) are also coincident with locations of increased occurrence of tremors raising the question of whether there is a link between the intensity of tremor activity and shallow (
The Microbicide Tenofovir Does Not Inhibit Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests for Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Urine Samples

The potential inhibitory effects of tenofovir and a placebo were examined using the Becton Dickinson ProbeTec, Gen-Probe Aptima Combo 2, and Roche Amplicor tests to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Concentrations of 5% to 0% of tenofovir and the placebo were added to dilutions of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae. No appreciable inhibition was observed.
Optimum radar signal processing in clutter

This paper considers the joint optimization of a class of radar signals and filters in a number of clutter-pins-noise environments. The radar signal processor in this case will be optimum in the sense that its output at the time of target detection yields the maximum ratio of peak signal power to total interference power. If the interference at the input to this signal processor is a Gaussian random process, this processor also yields the maximum probability of detection for a given value of false-alarm probability. The signals used are pulse trains and the filters are tapped delay lines. The purpose of signal design is to determine the optimum complex weighting for each pulse of the pulse train. Filter design yields the optimum complex weighting for the output taps of the delay line. Filter design for a specified signal is considered first. This is followed by combined signal and filter design and matched filter design. Constrained signal and filter design is investigated last. It should be emphasized that the optimizations require a knowledge of the clutter time-frequency distribution. For practical situations, when the clutter distribution is unknown, an adaptive filter is proposed that automatically provides the optimum filter weights for a given transmitted signal. When the clutter has a range-time extent less than the equivalent range-time extent of the signal, filter design alone yields nearly optimum performance. As the clutter becomes extended in range-time, it is necessary to consider jointly the design of signal and filter to obtain an optimum radar signal processor. In this report it is suggested that the signal be designed under the assumption of the clutter being extended over a broad range of Dopplers and that the signal processor consist of a bank of adaptive filters. Then each filter output yields the maximum ratio of peak signal to total interference power for this signal design.
Trial of the Antiviral Action of Isoprinosine Against Rhinovirus Infection of Volunteers

Isoprinosine (NPT-10381) was given orally to a group of 22 volunteers at a daily dose of 6 g for 7 days; a control group of 23 volunteers received placebo. Volunteers were inoculated intranasally with both rhinovirus type 9 and rhinovirus type 31, and the clinical picture, extent of virus shedding, and serological responses were assessed. There was no evidence that the compound had useful antiviral activity under the conditions of this trial.
Linear and nonlinear optical susceptibilities of Maxwell Garnett composites: Dipolar spectral theory

A theory of linear and nonlinear optical susceptibilites of disordered composites consisting of nanospheres in a dielectric host ~Maxwell Garnett composites! is developed. The theory is based on a spectral representation in the dipole approximation. Numerical computations are performed in the framework of the dipolar spectral theory to obtain the linear dielectric function and third-order hypersusceptibility. For the fill factors f ~from 0.001 to 0.12! considered, our spectral function agrees within the expected 10% error with the previously published function. We have introduced a material independent spectral representation for hypersusceptibilities. The third-order hypersusceptibility x c shows regions of strong enhancement ~by up to four orders of magnitude for a silver composite!. The mean-field theory provides a reasonable approximation only at very low fill factors (f &10 23 ). For f *0.04, the mean-field theory fails dramatically almost everywhere, except for distant wings of the spectral contour ~very far from optical resonances!. A physical effect responsible for the failure of the mean-field theories and contributing to the resonant enhancement of nonlinear susceptibilities is large fluctuations of local fields in the resonant region. @S0163-1829~99!01748-8#
The Use of Biodegradable Plates and Screws to Stabilize Facial Fractures

Purpose The purpose of this preliminary retrospective study was to review the demographics and outcome of patients with a variety of facial fractures that were stabilized with PL bone plates and screws. Materials and Methods The records of 295 consecutive patients with facial fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation, performed by the author from 2001 through 2004, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were selected to receive biodegradable fixation on the basis of mechanism of injury, the degree of bony displacement demonstrated on clinical and radiographic examination, patient age, and fracture pattern or location. Outcome measures such as infection, non-union, and mal-union were identified and subjectively assessed. Descriptive statistics were recorded and analyzed. Results Two hundred eighty-one patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study with follow-up of 3 weeks to 3 years. Fifty-nine (21%) patients were identified as having received biodegradable plates and screws. All patients eventually went on to satisfactory healing with favorable restoration of form and function. Complications occurred in 16 patients overall (6%). Of these, 2 patients were treated with resorbable plates and screws; 1 patient with a zygomatico-maxillary complex fracture developed a sterile abscess that presented 1 year postoperatively and responded to local measures. Another patient with a Le Fort I fracture developed an anterior open bite necessitating Le Fort I osteotomy for correction. Conclusions Favorable healing can be observed through the use of biodegradable PL plates and screws to stabilize selected midface fractures in patients of all ages, as well as mandible fractures in early childhood.
Effects of invasive Typha × glauca on wetland nutrient pools, denitrification, and bacterial communities are influenced by time since invasion

Invasive plants dramatically shift the structure of native wetland communities. However, less is known about how they affect belowground soil properties, and how those effects can vary depending on time since invasion. We hypothesized that invasion of a wetland by a widespread invasive plant (Typha × glauca) would result in changes in soil nutrients, denitrification, and bacterial communities, and that these effects would increase with time since invasion. We tested these hypotheses by sampling Typha-invaded sites of different ages (~40, 20, and 13 years), a Typha-free, native vegetation site, and a restored site (previously invaded ~30–40 years ago) but that had Typha return within 2 years of the restoration. At each site, we measured Typha stem density, plant species richness, soil nutrients, denitrification rates, and the abundance and composition of bacterial denitrifier communities. All Typha-dominated sites had the least plant species richness regardless of time since invasion. Additionally, sites that were invaded the longest exhibited significantly higher concentrations of soil organic matter, nitrate, and ammonium than the native site. In contrast, denitrification was higher in sites invaded more recently. Denitrifier diversity for the nirS gene was also significantly different, with highest nirS diversity in sites invaded the longest. Interestingly, the denitrifier communities within the restored site were most similar to the ones in T. × glauca sites, suggesting a legacy effect. Our study suggests this invader can alter important ecosystem properties, such as native species richness, nutrient pools, and transformations, as well as bacterial community composition depending on time since invasion.
AN OVERVIEW OF NONTRADITIONAL FORMULATIONS OF STATIC AND DYNAMIC EQUILIBRIUM NETWORK DESIGN

This paper reviews two classes of nontraditional models for the (dis)equilibrium network design problem and uses these to describe research needed to advance the state-of-the art in the design of both static and dynamic networks. The static equilibrium design model emphasized herein recalls an important earlier result that allows the equilibrium network design problem to be stated as a single level mathematical program (SMP), a result which is surprisingly little known; it also introduces for the first time nonseparable elastic transportation demands and attendant difficulties in evaluating the consumers' surplus line integral. The dynamic, disequilibrium network design model emphasized herein maintains the usual design objective of maximizing some measure of social welfare, but recognizes that traffic on a network is not necessarily in equilibrium and that capacity changes to the network must induce transient phenomena not captured by invocation of the static version of Wardrop's first principle (user equilibrium). It is argued that such disequilibrium models by their very nature avoid temporal versions of Braess' paradox familiar from static equilibrium design and are naturally formulated as optimal control problems. Moreover, properly formulated disequilibrium design models are shown to overcome difficulties associated with evaluating the consumers' surplus line integral. Furthermore, when the associated disequilibrium dynamics are stable, these optimal control formulations are observed to be capable of computing static equilibrium network designs.