cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Living on Borrowed Breath: Respiratory Distress, Social Breathing, and the Vital Movement of Ventilators

Based on ethnographic research in a public hospital trauma intensive care unit in Mumbai, India, this article formulates the concept of "social breathing" to analyze how breath is central to values of life at the edges of death. Case studies of emergency resuscitation, intubation, and ventilation each illustrate breathing's sociality, as people and machines move air both materially and immaterially. Amid the hospital's rationing of life support technologies, forms of life that seem to be self-regulated are better understood as relational movements of breath. Social breathing stands to reshape our understanding of the biopolitics of intensive care by drawing attention to uncertain techniques of the body. These techniques move at the hinge between person and environment, self and other, public and private health care systems, and medicine and machine. Life's valuation at this hinge takes shape through breath moving against its limits. Ultimately, the article argues that it is crucial to understand how ventilators mediate the edges of life and death by tracing the circulations of life support as the movements of life itself. As patients, families, and hospital workers struggle to make and manage breath, we might better grapple with the social relations that emerge as life support shapes life.
Why They Do It

This chapter discusses about the specific behaviors and actions undertaken by organizational toxin handlers and their motivations, including an examination of typical personality characteristics and requirements of the actual role. Takeaways for Practitioners A drill-down into the personality characteristics of those who undertake the role of toxin handler Clarity about the motivations driving the behaviors An understanding about how these behaviors are not necessarily endemic or expected of HR/OD/coaching professionals An understanding about how exhibiting caring, kindness, and compassion to employees during difficult organizational events can have a positive spill-over to the organizational toxin handler Insight into how these helping actions can also result in “compassion fatigue”
Priming Legality: Perceptions of Latino and Undocumented Latino Immigrants:

Previous work has shown public opinion toward immigrants is malleable based on how immigrants are described in media and elite rhetoric. In a survey experiment on a nationally representative sample...
Revisiting the fundamental properties of Cepheid Polaris using detailed stellar evolution models

Polaris the Cepheid has been observed for centuries, presenting surprises and changing our view of Cepheids and stellar astrophysics, in general. Specifically, understanding Polaris helps anchor the Cepheid Leavitt law, but the distance must be measured precisely. The recent debate regarding the distance to Polaris has raised questions about its role in calibrating the Leavitt law and even its evolutionary status. In this work, I present new stellar evolution models of Cepheids to compare with previously measured CNO abundances, period change and angular diameter. Based on the comparison, I show that Polaris cannot be evolving along the first crossing of the Cepheid instability strip and cannot have evolved from a rapidly-rotating main sequence star. As such, Polaris must also be at least 118 pc away and pulsates in the first overtone, disagreeing with the recent results of Turner et al. (2013).
Automatic Voter Registration as a Housewarming Gift: Quantifying Causal Effects on Turnout Using Movers

How much does automatic voter registration (AVR) increase turnout? Unlike many democracies, American voters in many states face additional costs of registration, resulting in potential disenfranchisement. AVR is expected to promote turnout by alleviating registration costs, but its causal effects have rarely been quantified due to violations of crucial assumptions. I show that automatic voter (re)registration increases turnout by 5.8 percentage points by exploiting a discontinuity in a novel dataset of voters who moved. Election officials in Orange County, California, notified existing registrants who moved that their residential addresses were automatically updated. The treatment alleviated registrants of re-registration burdens--but only for those who moved before the legal cutoff date. Contrary to the popular narrative, AVR had no significant effect on the turnout of registered Democratic voters, but Republicans' and nonpartisans' turnout increased by 8.1 and 7.4 percentage points.
Country Risk: Determinants, Measures and Implications - The 2021 Edition

As companies and investors globalize, we are increasingly faced with estimation questions about the risk associated with this globalization. When investors invest in China Mobile, Infosys or Vale, they may be rewarded with higher returns, but they are also exposed to additional risk. When Siemens and Apple push for growth in Asia and Latin America, they clearly are exposed to the political and economic turmoil that often characterize these markets. In practical terms, how, if at all, should we adjust for this additional risk? We will begin the paper with an overview of overall country risk, its sources and measures. We will continue with a discussion of sovereign default risk and examine sovereign ratings and credit default swaps (CDS) as measures of that risk. We will extend that discussion to look at country risk from the perspective of equity investors, by looking at equity risk premiums for different countries and consequences for valuation. In the fourth section, we argue that a company’s exposure to country risk should not be determined by where it is incorporated and traded. By that measure, neither Coca Cola nor Nestle are exposed to country risk. Exposure to country risk should come from a company’s operations, making country risk a critical component of the valuation of almost every large multinational corporation. In the final section, we will also look at how to move across currencies in valuation and capital budgeting, and how to avoid mismatching errors.
Linguistic dimensions of impromptu test essays compared with successful student disciplinary writing: Effects of language background, topic, and L2 proficiency

Abstract One important validity question with regard to writing assessment is the degree to which performance on a timed writing test can predict performance on future academic writing. Recent developments in corpus linguistics have allowed scholars to describe in detail the linguistic features of a variety of academic texts, including genres of disciplinary writing and writing on essay tests, which can aid in answering this question. The purpose of this paper is to compare the linguistic features of test essays written by native and non-native speakers with a comparison corpus of successful student writing across a range of disciplines using Biber's (1988) multidimensional analysis framework. Essays written on two different test prompts were analyzed along dimensions of successful student writing revealed by an analysis of the Michigan Corpus of Upper-level Student Writing (MICUSP) conducted by Hardy and Romer (2013) . Results demonstrated that test essays differed in significant ways from disciplinary writing, particularly in the natural and health sciences. Furthermore, language background (native vs. non-native), prompt, and language proficiency (i.e., essay scores) were systematically related to scores on all four dimensions. Implications for pedagogy and language assessment are discussed.
Glycemic Control and Development of Retinopathy in Youth-onset Insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus: Results of a 12-year Longitudinal Study

Background: In 1979, the authors began a prospective study of the natural history of retinopathy in youth-onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Their major goal was to determine if there was an association between glycemic control and the development and progression of retinopathy. Methods: The study consisted of 420 individuals with IDDM (onset younger than 20 years of age) and no retinopathy at baseline. Study subjects were enrolled between 1979 and 1988. Stereo color fundus photographs were obtained annually. Two eye endpoints were recorded: duration when retinopathy was first detected, and when proliferative retinopathy was detected. Glycemic control was assessed by quarterly determinations of glycohemoglobin (GHb). Life-table analyses were performed relating duration of diabetes, sex, GHb, and age of diabetes onset to development of retinopathy. Results: Retinopathy did not develop before 2 years' duration or before puberty. The prevalence of retinopathy was 50% by 9 years' duration and 100% by 20 years' duration. Retinopathy developed in females approximately 2 years sooner than in males, but plotting duration as postpubertal years resulted in nearly identical rates. Retinopathy developed significantly earlier in subjects with prepubertal onset of diabetes than in subjects with postpubertal onset if duration was plotted as postpubertal years. When separated into three groups based on GHb levels ( 9%), retinopathy developed approximately 2 years later in subjects in the less than 7.5% GHb group than those in the higher GHb groups. Proliferative retinopathy developed in 11 subjects. Their mean GHb level was higher than the mean GHb for those without proliferative retinopathy (10.9 versus 8.6%; P Conclusion: Long-term glycemic control is significantly related to both development and progression of retinopathy. Prepubertal duration of diabetes is a significant risk factor for the development of retinopathy.
Miracle in South Africa: A historical review of US magazines' coverage of the first heart transplant

Little has been written about magazine coverage of the first heart transplant. Magazine coverage of the first human heart transplant, which was performed in South Africa in December 1967 by Christiaan Barnard, was reviewed. Magazines showed a pro-American slant in their coverage by asserting that luck played a large part in Barnard performing the operation. They also downplayed Barnard's accomplishment by saying he received surgical training in the US. Only a few stories mentioned that Barnard's patients were living much longer than those of American surgeons.
Thriving in the 21st Century: Outcome Assessment, Practice Parameters, and Accountability

The past two decades have brought about major health care changes that have been driven by an ever-increasing cost of health care, practice variability, and medical malpractice litigation. These changes pose a challenge to pediatricians to contain costs, to reduce inappropriate use of health care services, and to demonstrate improved health care outcomes. To meet this challenge, a new clinical tool kit is required, one that will allow the pediatrician to analyze current practices and to document effective interventions. Two of the major tools in this kit are practice guidelines and outcomes assessment instruments. Practice guidelines are optimal care specifications that provide an analytic framework for defining high-quality care and measuring health care outcomes. Ideally, these guidelines should be developed from scientific evidence. In practice, however, scientific evidence to support the majority of recommendations made in guidelines is insufficient. Consequently, these recommendations are instead developed by expert consensus. Measurement of health outcomes includes clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, cost and use, and quality of life. Health care organizations have become very sophisticated in measuring cost and use, but considerably less work has been done in the patient-centered areas of satisfaction and quality of life. This is particularly true for children, because measures are dependent on the viewpoint chosen (parent, child, or teacher), the age of the child, and the adjustment for severity of illness. Analyzing practice patterns and improving health outcomes will not be easy tasks to accomplish. For the pediatrician to use these tools in an efficient and effective manner, a new research agenda and new skills will be required.
Estimating cost for transportation tunnel projects: a systematic literature review

Estimating the cost of transportation tunnel projects during the feasibility stage is highly complex and challenging for state/federal agencies. The use of traditional methods to estimate tunnel project costs has led to significant cost underestimation because of limited information/data to compare different alternatives. To address cost underestimation, 40 cost estimating factors were identified by conducting a systematic literature review. Seven electronic databases were searched and articles were screened based on pre-established criteria. Of the 788 articles retrieved, 39 articles published from 1988 to 2013 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The resulting data was analysed using descriptive and Anderson–Darling statistical methods. The results of the analysis showed that the top five factors contributing to cost underestimation were engineering and construction complexities, geological conditions, cost estimation, market conditions, and environmental requirements. The finding...
Further observations on the influence of the intrauterine device on ovum and sperm distribution in the monkey

Abstract Previously reported studies on the influence of the intrauterine coil on ovum and sperm distribution in the superovulated, artificially inseminated Macaca mulatta monkey have been extended. Among coil animals in 11 cycles, there were 49 counted ovulation points. No tubal oval were found, but 7 uterine ova were recovered. In similarly gonadotropin-treated animals, there were 55 ovulation points and 16 ova were recovered, all from the Fallopian tube. In a group of non-gonadotropin-treated animals, ova were recovered from the Fallopian tubes in coil and noncoil animals in approximately equal numbers. In the small number of monkeys studied, sperm distribution did not appear altered by the presence of an intrauterine coil.
Helping the Astronomer Stay Up-To-Date

Abstract : This survey covers some of the sources of current astronomical information which both astronomers and librarians use. Subjects include preprints, electronic journals, astronomical objects, directories and printed bibliographies. Many, but not all, of the information sources that the astronomer consults will be found on the internet.
The origin of the galactic magnetic field.

The two possible theories of the origin of the galactic magnetic field are discussed. It is shown that the first theory, of the generation by a fast magnetic dynamo, is limited by the size field which can be generated before the back reaction of the generated field on the flow inhibits amplification. The second theory that the galactic field is a relic of a general cosmic magnetic field existing prior to formation of our galaxy is briefly discussed. It is pointed out that such a field would evolve to a field very similar to that which we see today.
Damping of Trapped‐Particle Asymmetry Modes in Non‐Neutral Plasma Columns

Asymmetry modes (m = 1, kz ≠ 0) are diocotron‐like modes in finite‐length plasma columns in Malmberg‐Penning traps. We have investigated the modes with a detailed 3‐d particle‐in‐cell (PIC) drift‐kinetic computer simulation. Although PIC simulations do not employ realistic collisions, the simulations in this case reproduce many of the salient features of the data. Particle transport associated with the damping is seen not to be a direct collisional effect, but rather a feature of orbital dynamics associated with transitions from trapped‐to‐untrapped or untrapped‐to‐trapped state relative to the inversion plane of the asymmetry. In the simulations we observe a B−1 dependence of the mode frequencies and a B−0.5 dependence of the damping constant for large rigidity. We further observe a steepening of the dependence of the decay constant to B−2 as the rigidity of the plasma falls below about 2.0. We have also used the simulations to investigate the modes at small seed amplitudes and observe linear flattening ...
Silicon lateral trench detectors for optical communications

Using a simple model based on a parallel plate approximation it is seen, as expected, that a PIN base receiver can out-perform a lateral trench detector (LTD) analog but that the advantages of monolithic integration can make up for that difference. For bandwidths in excess of 3 GHz the cost advantages of a monolithic silicon technology might still make the LTD the detector of choice in many applications especially for short haul high speed links for computer interconnects.
Design of Schemes for Peptide Synthesis

In the strategical planning that must precede the, synthesis of a larger peptide racemization is one of the most important considerations. Therefore, it seems to be appropriate to discuss the various schemes of synthesis at this point. Due to the individuality of amino acid residues and to variations in the properties of blocked intermediates it appears to be impractical to propose a general scheme (strategy) that would be applicable for any peptide. Peptide synthesis should be based on retrosynthetic analysis, starting with identification of the problems inherent in the sequence of the target compound.
Exercise Reduces Age-dependent Decrease in Platelet Protein Kinase C Activity and Translocation

BACKGROUND This study examined the effect of age and aerobic exercise performed on a regular basis on human platelet protein kinase C (PKC) activity and translocation. METHODS Blood platelets were obtained from young (20-36 years) and older (61-78 years) healthy male human subjects. Platelets were incubated with PMA, 5-HT, or thrombin; PKC activities were measured in partially purified extracts of cytosolic and membranous fractions. RESULTS Platelet PKC activities associated with both the membranes and the cytosol cellular fractions were significantly reduced in older nonexercisers. Redistribution of platelet PKC activity elicited by stimulating the cell surface receptors for 5-HT or thrombin or by direct PKC stimulation (PMA) was found to be reduced in the elderly subjects. Maintenance of aerobic fitness in the older group of exercisers partially prevented the age-associated decline in platelet PKC activity and in stimuli-induced enzyme redistribution. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that platelet PKC activity and its translocation may be biological markers of aging and that aerobic exercise may serve to slow the rate at which enzyme activation declines during senescence.
Persistence of benzo[ a ]pyrene and 7,8-dihydro-7,8-dihydroxybenzo[ a ]pyrene in Fischer 344 rats: time distribution of total metabolites in blood, urine and feces

A comparison of the rates of elimination of [3H]benzo[a] pyrene (BaP) and 7,8-dihydro-7,8-diol-[3H]benzo[a]pyrene (BPD), after subcutaneous injection into Fischer 344 rats, shows they are both eliminated at about the same rates and with the same pattern over at least 7 days post-exposure. The end-rate of combined urinary and fecal excretion was approximately 40 nmol/day. About 20% of the injected BaP and approximately 3% of the injected BPD remained at the site of injection for at least 9 days. The remainder was distributed throughout the animal. If the rate of excretion continued at the observed steady-state rates, the BaP and BPD could persist for up to 40 days for each milligram of injected substance. The concentration of excretion products were highest during day 1 and day 2 following exposure, decreased exponentially to a concentration of approximately 0.5 microM (mixed metabolites) by day 5 following exposure, and then continued to be excreted at that rate. Feces contained the highest total amounts of radioactivity, which were approximately 2- to 4-fold higher than the amounts in urine and approximately 15- to 50-fold higher than in total blood. The conversion of organic 3H to 3H2O during the experimental period indicates that whole-body phenol(quinone) formation was significant for BaP metabolism, but was much less for BPD metabolism. When BaP was injected, both blood and urine contained water-soluble, volatile tritium counts (3H2O). Injection of BPD resulted in volatile 3H2O in urine but not in blood. The persistence of BaP and BPD metabolites in skin, blood, urine and feces compartments indicates there is a substantial reservoir of the chemical(s) that could be used to replenish repaired or discarded DNA adducts.
Endoscopic enteral access for enteral nutrition

Commentary Endoscopic enteral access for enteral nutrition in patients who are unable to maintain an oral intake is an important palliative procedure that is within the gastroenterologist's armamentarium. Many new developments and improvements in this area have been introduced in the last decade. In this review, Dr DeLegge provides a detailed description of several bedside techniques of nasogastric-tube placements. In addition, different percutaneous endoscopic procedures for establishing enteral access are described. Importantly, proper usage of these modalities and potential complications are also presented. In the end, Dr DeLegge recognizes that endoscopists should be well trained in these endoscopic techniques, understand their advantages and disadvantages, and use proper clinical judgment when offering them to patients. – Ronnie Fass, MD, Editor
Altered activation/detoxication enzymology following neonatal diethylstilbestrol treatment.

The effects of neonatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) on hepatic activation/detoxication enzyme levels in the adult rat were investigated. Neonatal exposure of male rats to DES (DES males) decreased the endogenous levels of UDP-glucuronyltransferase as compared to control males. Female rats exposed neonatally to DES (DES females) had higher endogenous epoxide hydrolase and glutathione transferase activity levels than control females. Adult animals treated neonatally with DES also had altered metabolic potential following exposure to 3-methylcholanthrene and phenobarbital. The DES males treated in adulthood with 3-methylcholanthrene had higher benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase activities and lower UDP-glucuronyltransferase activity levels than did control males treated in adulthood with 3-methylcholanthrene. The DES males exposed in adulthood to phenobarbital had reduced cytochrome P-450 and glutathione transferase activity levels as compared with respective controls. The DES females treated in adulthood with 3-methylcholanthrene had lower benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase and epoxide hydrolase activity levels than control females receiving 3-methylcholanthrene. The DES females challenged in adulthood with phenobarbital also had decreased benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase, epoxide hydrolase, UDP- glucuronyltransferase, and glutathione transferase activity levels as compared with respective controls. Our results demonstrated that neonatal exposure to DES changed the endogenous levels of specific hepatic enzymes and altered the metabolic response of these adult animals to a carcinogen and a drug.
Alcohol use and stigmatized sexual practices of HIV seropositive gay and bisexual men

HIV seropositive (HIV+) gay and bisexual men continue to report unprotected sexual practices. Although numerous research studies have examined the relationship between alcohol use and unsafe sex, few have examined this from a qualitative perspective. In this paper, we examined the impact of alcohol use on stigmatized sexual practices among HIV+ gay and bisexual men with alcohol-use disorders. An ethnically diverse sample (81% men of color) from the New York City metropolitan area was recruited from a variety of settings frequented by gay and bisexual men. Using a qualitative interview, contextual issues regarding sexual activities under the influence of alcohol were examined. Qualitative analysis revealed that alcohol use facilitates engagement in sexual practices that are perceived as stigmatic while sober. Interventions targeting alcohol use and unsafe sex should be sensitive to the role which alcohol plays in the sexual practices among HIV+ gay and bisexual men.
Chemical composition of Oidiodendron kalrai

The chemical composition of yeast cells of Oidiodendron kalrai was analyzed and is expressed as percent dry weight. Cultures were grown in tryptone broth and in a liquid synthetic medium containing ammonium salts as a nitrogen source. After 48 h, carbohydrate levels were higher in the synthetic medium, but lipid levels were lower, Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and protein contents did not differ significantly in the two media. The chemical components were also studied at different stages of growth. DNA remained relatively constant, but other components varied with the age of culture. The RNA was 6.6% at 18 h and declined rapidly to 5% by 24 h and remained constant, An initial protein content of 23% at 18 h increased rapidly to 37% by 48 h and gradually declined to 30% by day 10. The lipid content of 33% at 18 h decreased over the entire growth period to 10% by day 10. An initial carbohydrate level of 30% increased to a maximum of 54% by day 5 and then declined.
Monte Carlo analysis of time-of-flight scattering experiments

Abstract Time-of-flight spectra of singly and multiply scattered neutrons are calculated with the Monte Carlo method and are compared with experimental data on scattering from oxygen and CD 2 (polarization measurements). These calculations are used to compute a time-dependent multiple scattering correction. It is important in such analyses to include the specific features of the experiment to be studied, such as exact scatterer geometry, temporal source distribution, or detector characteristics. The technique is not limited to neutron scattering.
Vimentin inhibits ATF4-mediated osteocalcin transcription and osteoblast differentiation.

Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is an osteoblast-enriched transcription factor that regulates osteocalcin transcription and osteoblast terminal differentiation. To identify functional partners of ATF4, we applied ROS17/2.8 osteoblast nuclear extracts and purified recombinant His-ATF4 onto a Ni+ affinity matrix chromatography column. Vimentin was identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Coimmunoprecipitation and pulldown assays revealed that vimentin interacted with ATF4 with its first leucine zipper domain. DNA cotransfection and gel retardation demonstrated that vimentin inhibited the transactivation activity of ATF4 on osteocalcin by preventing it to bind OSE1, the ATF4 binding site on the osteocalcin promoter. Northern hybridization revealed that vimentin was expressed at a high level in immature osteoblasts and a low level in fully differentiated osteoblasts. Down-regulation of vimentin by small interfering RNA induced endogenous osteocalcin transcription in immature osteoblasts. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of vimentin in osteoblasts inhibited osteoblast differentiation as shown by lower alkaline phosphatase activity, delayed mineralization, and decreased expression of osteoblast marker genes such as bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin. Together, our data uncover a novel mechanism whereby a cytoskeletal protein, vimentin, acts as a break on differentiation in immature osteoblasts by interacting with ATF4.
Am I Black Or Am I Indian? An Examination of the Marginality of the Estelusti

This study focused on the ways in which the Estelusti (Black Seminoles/Seminole Freedmen) negotiated their marginality within the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and with non-Freedman blacks. Using content analysis, I analyzed ten in-depth interviews of card carrying Estelusti through the prism of Weisberger’s (1992) general theory of marginality. Weisberger’s theory of marginality contends that the marginal person or group is caught in a structure of double ambivalence that is negotiated via usage of one or more of four response patterns: assimilation, poise, return, and transcendence. Although poise was the most discernible response pattern employed by the Estelusti, further research is needed.
The history of genodermatoses.

Abstract A complete history of the genodermatoses would include as background a full history of both dermatology and genetics. This is obviously beyond the scope of this chapter. Since McKusick's book catalogs 1364 genetic diseases, 1 of which several hundred are manifested in the skin, this work concentrates on the history of the growth in understanding of one group of genodermatoses: the ichthyoses.
Tobacco, Cocaine, and Heroin: Craving and Use During Daily Life

Background Relationships among tobacco smoking, tobacco craving, and other drug use and craving may have treatment implications in polydrug-dependent individuals.
What are we breathing and how can it best be characterized

Inhalation Toxicolo gy, 12(Suppl ement 1):13- 14, 2000 Copy right © 2000 Taylo r & Francis WHAT ARE WE BREATHING AND HOW CAN IT BEST BE CHARACTERIZED? Robert F. Phalen D epartm ent of Community and Environmental M edicin e, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA The opening session of the colloquium, which addressed the issues of defining and characterizing relevant PM exposures, consisted of introductory and summary talks, po ster viewing, and a discussion between the audience and an expert panel. The platform presentations and expert panel members' comm ents tended to point to areas in need of new research, whil e the 50 posters documented recent advances in knowledge, This commentary high- lights some of the information that was presented, Several speakers emphasized that under standing personal exposures is a key to uncovering who might be affected by PM inhalation, under what circum- stances they might be affected, and what pollutant sources (or atmospheric chemical processes) might be producing the effects, Jack Spengler (Boston) commented that the average person spends 87% of his or her time indoors, that air conditioning can greatly reduce the penetration of outdoor PM·into the indoor air, and that as the number of people in a room increases, so do the pollutant levels, Also, O j-generating air cleaners can greatly increase the ultrafine particle count indoors. He pointed to several areas in need of further research: chemical characterization of indoor PM; the toxicology of indoor PM; emi ssion source characteristics; infiltration and turnover rates for air con- taminants indoors; and how human activities modify indoor PM expo sures. Petros Koutraki s (Boston) stated that the perso nal cloud is largely composed of coarse-mode (>2.5 urn aerodynamic diameter) particles, and that the great- est differences in outdoor versus indoor PM is expected in the wintertime. Koutrakis called for additional research on defining actual exposures (both personal and community), better chemical and temporal characterizations of exposures, and uncovering the factors that produce subject variability in PM exposures; such research will require improvements in methodology. Harriet Burge (Boston) emphasized the serious lack of understanding of exposures to biological aerosols. She commented that pollen and spore levels are as- sociated with asthma, hospitalizations, and mo rtality. Burge remarked that a single inhaled ragweed pollen grain can produce symptoms in a sensitive per- son. Judith Chow (Reno, NV) indicated that there is also a need to improve the consistency among the many PM sampling methods that are commonly Add ress cor respondence to D r. Rob ert F. Phalen, Departm ent o f Co mmunity and Environm ent al M edicin e, Universit y o f California , Irvine, Irvi ne, CA 92697-1825, USA. E-mail: rfphalen@uci.edu
Interplay of latent heat and time-dependent nucleation effects following pulsed-laser melting of a thin silicon film

We propose a simple‐form mathematical description that allows us to account simultaneously for the effects of time‐dependent nucleation and of latent heat during rapid cooling of a thin film. The method is based on a combination of analytical description of nucleation and a numerical (or, semianalytical) description of thermal effects due to postnucleation growth of crystallites. The accuracy of the treatment is tested against numerically exact solutions of the Farkas–Becker–Doring master equation, and is applied to several realistic cooling histories consistent with experimental studies of silicon on silicon oxide films of Stiffler et al. [Phys. Rev. B 43, 9851 (1991)] and Sameshima and Usui [J. Appl. Phys. 70, 1281 (1991)], respectively. Special attention is paid to the region of high cooling rates (very thin films of less than 100 nm) where the transition to complete amorphization occurs. For such cooling rates the time‐dependent nucleation effects turn out to be especially important, and their neglect would lead to significant overestimates of the critical cooling rate that separates the recrystallization and the amorphization regions.
A reappraisal of the nitric oxide-binding protein of denitrifying Pseudomonas

Abstract The data presented by Rowe et al. [ Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 77, 253–258 (1977) ] as evidence for a nitric oxide-binding protein in denitrifying Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are the result of a physiologically significant redox transition in the nitrite-reducing system and apparently do not indicate the functioning of such an auxiliary protein for denitrification. Nitrite reductase of this bacterium was identified as cytochrome cd which reduced nitrite to nitric oxide at the expense of electrons supplied by ascorbate-phenazine methosulfate.
An optimal control problem in closed-loop neuroprostheses

A control-theoretic study of complex systems such as closed-loop neural prostheses exhibits several challenges, from the design of an optimal feedback control problem to its solution. In this paper we study one such system, a closed-loop voluntary movement of a prosthetic finger using electrophysio-logical activities of a single cortical motor neuron. We develop an optimal feedback control problem in the nonlinear receding horizon based terminal set constraint framework. We analyze the feasibility and stability of the control problem. Further, we solve the control problem numerically by implementing a local optimum based nonconvex nonlinear programming algorithm. Finally, we study effects of visual and proprioceptive feedback pathways on the closed-loop system. Our results elucidate the importance of multiple feedback paths in designing a closed-loop neural prosthetic system.
Adolescent synthetic cathinone exposures reported to Texas poison centers

Cathinone is a monoamine alkaloid found in the shrub Catha edulis (khat) and is chemically similar to ephedrine and other amphetamines. It is probably the main contributor to the stimulant effect of Catha edulis. Cathinone differs from many other amphetamines in that it has a ketone functional group. Other amphetamines that share this structure include the antidepressant bupropion and the stimulant methcathinone, among others. The sale of khat is legal in some jurisdictions, but illegal in many others where it is a Schedule I drug. Synthetic cathinone is also often used as the key ingredient of recreational drug mixes commonly known as 'bath salts' in the United States. OBJECTIVES: This study describes the pattern of adolescent synthetic cathinone exposures reported to a large, statewide poison center system. METHODS: Synthetic cathinone exposures among patients younger than 20 years reported to Texas poison centers during 2010 to 2011 were identified. The distribution of exposures by various demographic and clinical factors was determined. RESULTS: For 51 adolescent exposures, the mean age was 17.5 years (range, 12-19 years). The exposure was by inhalation in 66.7% of the cases and 60.8% involved male patients. The exposure site was the patient's own or another residence in 58.8% of the cases. The patient was already at or en route to a health care facility in 76.5% of the cases, and the medical outcome was known or suspected to be serious in 74.5%. The most frequently reported adverse clinical effects were agitation/irritability (43.1%), tachycardia (37.3%), drowsiness/lethargy (13.7%), hallucinations (9.8%), fever (9.8%), vomiting (9.8%), and hypertension (7.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent synthetic cathinone exposures reported to Texas poison centers were more likely to have occurred by inhalation. The adolescents were more likely to be male. The exposures more often occurred at the patient's own residence and were managed at a health care facility with a serious outcome. This pattern of exposures was similar to that observed among adults. Language: en
Analysing power and spin dependence in inelastic scattering of protons from 63Cu and 65Cu

Abstract Analysing power measurements in the inelastic scattering of 15.7 MeV protons from 63Cu and 65Cu reveal only small differences between 1 2 − , 5 2 − and 7 2 − angular distributio contrast to the corresponding differential cross-section measurements.
Neophobia in wild and laboratory mice

Thirteen laboratory mice and nine mid mice of the species Mus musculus were used to determine the effects of domestication on neophobic reaction. The neophobic situation was the insertion of a small plastic horse in the S’s home cage for a period of 5 min. Five such tests were conducted over a two-month period. The wild mice were found to be more hesitant in their first approach and also made contact with the novel object less often than did the laboratory mice. These results suggest that the strength of the neophobic reaction has been reduced in the behavioral repertoire of the laboratory mouse.
The Mental Capacity Act and care documentation

The Mental Capacity Act has now been introduced and will be fully implemented by October. Linda Nazarko explains how this will affect care and documentation.
A low‐temperature phase of bis(tetrabutylammonium) octa‐μ3‐chlorido‐hexachlorido‐octahedro‐hexatungstate

The title compound, (C16H36N)2[W6Cl14], undergoes a reversible phase transition at 268 (1) K. The structure at 150 and 200 K has monoclinic (P21/c) symmetry. Both crystallographically independent tungsten chloride cluster anions sit on crystallographic inversion centers [symmetry codes: (−x, −y + 1, −z) and (−x + 1, −y + 2, −z)]. Two previous studies at room temperature describe the structure in the space group P21/n with a unit-cell volume approximately half the size of the low-temperature unit cell [Zietlow, Schaefer et al. (1986). Inorg. Chem. 25, 2195–2198; Venkataraman et al. (1999). Inorg. Chem. 38, 828–830]. The unit cells of the room- and low-temperature polymorphs are closely related. The hydro­carbon chain of one of the tetra­butyl­ammonium cations is disordered at both 150 and 200 K.
PNNL: A Supervised Maximum Entropy Approach to Word Sense Disambiguation

In this paper, we described the PNNL Word Sense Disambiguation system as applied to the English all-word task in SemEval 2007. We use a supervised learning approach, employing a large number of features and using Information Gain for dimension reduction. The rich feature set combined with a Maximum Entropy classifier produces results that are significantly better than baseline and are the highest F-score for the fined-grained English all-words subtask of SemEval.
Analysis of entry aerodynamic heat-transfer data for the orbiter wing lower surface

Flight-derived aerodynamic heat-transfer data for the orbiter wing lower surface, from STS-2, -3, and -5, are presented and compared with both ground-based experimental results and state-of-the-art computational flowfield results for a nominal angle of attack of 40 degrees. The flight data clearly show the development of the interference heat-transfer region on the wing lower surface resulting from the downstream effects of the bow-shock/wing-shock interaction. The location of the interference heating region is well correlated with a region of minimum static enthalpy near the boundary-layer edge as predicted by a 3-dimensional, inviscid flowfield computation. The magnitude of the interference heat transfer is no greater than the undisturbed laminar heat transfer which occurs during the 'peak aerodynamic heating' portion of entry.
Out of Africa: Coping Strategies of African Immigrant Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

We explored the coping behaviors of 15 immigrant African survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the United States. Similarities and differences in coping strategies between African and other immigrant women were noted. Results from the qualitative analysis are that African immigrant survivors utilized multiple coping strategies including beliefs in spirituality and divine retribution, a future orientation, and a sense of self-efficacy. Acceptance/ endurance of abuse, which they believe was "normal" in male/ female relationships; minimization of the abuse; and avoidant behaviors and thoughts also were used. Informal and formal support/help seeking, and knowledge of available services empowered women. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are discussed.
Femoropopliteal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for limb salvage

Abstract The role of balloon catheter femoropopliteal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (FP PTA) continues to be controversial 14 years after its initial description. In high-risk patients with limb-threatening ischemia, the role of FP PTA is unknown. We reviewed the cases of 27 patients in whom high operative risk and advanced ischemia resulted in referral for PTA of the femoropopliteal segment. Technical and hemodynamic success rates were 74% and 52%, respectively. Patient follow-up was 3 to 84 months after PTA (mean 24 months). Nine patients (33%) had successful limb salvage for more than 12 months. The cumulative limb salvage rate was 47% at 2 years. Established prognostic criteria did not predict this subset of patients. Hemodynamic improvement after PTA did correlate closely with both early and late successful limb salvage. There were two periprocedural deaths. Morbidity included an acute arterial occlusion necessitating an emergency FP bypass and two minor complications. FP PTA is useful in selected high-risk limb salvage must include close liaison between the vascular surgeon and interventional radiologist, intensive periprocedural monitoring, and serial noninvasive hemodynamic assessment. (J VASC SURG 1988;8:292-9.)
Many modes of motility

Directed cell migration in multicellular organisms is essential to fundamental processes including embryogenesis, defense from infection, and tissue repair and regeneration. It is also key in cancer progression as metastatic cells disseminate throughout the body. Much research has focused on cells migrating on two-dimensional (2D) extracellular matrices (ECMs) because such experimental systems are easily accessible and observable. However, recent studies of cell motility in 3D environments are challenging the ubiquity and generality of 2D-based models. On page 1062 of this issue, Petrie et al. ( 1 ) propose that in a constrained 3D space, a cell can use its nucleus as a piston to polarize internal pressure and create protrusions that facilitate movement.
An Expert Systems Approach To Completing Partially Routed Printed Circuit Boards(

Expert systems use the expertise of experienced people to evaluate and solve problems in a decision making domain. Such systems use their knowledge base to model a human approach to the problems' solution. Expert system technology has been applied to many areas of problem solving. This paper describes an expert system approach to completing partially routed printed circuits boards. An experimental expert system has been implemented to solve the associated local blockage problem. This research should provide the foundation for the development of an expert system for a Computer Aided Design Workstation.
Lowry assay of dilute protein solutions containing high concentrations of Triton X-100.

Abstract Lowry's method (1) for protein determination is subject to interference from the nonionic detergent Triton X-100 (2,3) which is used in high concentrations (1–5%) to solubilize membrane proteins or enzymes (4–6) and structural acidic proteins (7). Hartree (3) could reduce the errors caused by 0.1% Triton X-100 by a modification of Lowry's method. However, when protein solutions containing 0.2% or more of the detergent are mixed with the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent (1) a precipitate forms that interferes with the assay. We could reduce this interference to an insignificant level either by centrifuging the precipitate and incorporating Triton X-100 in both the reagent blank and standards, or by removing the detergent prior to the assay. This report presents two simple procedures for the Lowry assay of dilute protein samples containing 1–5% Triton X-100.
A Comparison of Using a Microcomputer, Precision Teaching, and Worksheets to Master Basic Multiplication Facts.

Differences among the performances of third-grade students when using a microcomputer, worksheets, and precision teaching timing procedures for independent practice to master basic multiplication facts following process learning, were examined. Based on the data analyses, practice using the daily one-minute timings of precision teaching was the most effective strategy considering a time-cost ratio, although students preferred using the microcomputer for independent practice. Of particular importance, however, was the lack of change in student performance over a six-week period, despite daily drill-and-practice sessions. The practice of reserving the last part of daily lessons for independent practice in mathematics is not supported.
Mass by Energy Loss Quantitation as a Practical Submicrogram Balance

A simple device integrating a thin film support and a standard microcentrifuge tube can be used for making solutions of accurately known concentration of any organic compound in a single step, avoiding serial dilution and the use of microgram balances. Nanogram to microgram quantities of organic material deposited on the thin film are quantified by ion energy loss and transferred to the microcentrifuge tube with high recovery.
Hyperabrupt current switching in GaAs/AlAs superlattices

Abstract We have observed extremely large hyperabrupt changes spanning many orders of magnitude in superlattice current at temperatures ranging from 55–350K. Current is in the 10pA range before threshold and rises abruptly to over 10 mA at 55K, a change of nine orders of magnitude for a voltage change of about 1.0mV. This instantaneous current change is far larger than space charge limited current increases previously reported for bulk semiconductors. A native defect located in the superlattice barriers controls the magnitude of prethreshold current. This defect has a strong temperature and electric field dependent tunneling emission to the superlattice quantum well ground states.
Sulfur K-edge XAS and DFT calculations on [Fe4S4]2+ clusters: effects of H-bonding and structural distortion on covalency and spin topology.

Sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy of a hydrogen-bonded elongated [Fe{sub 4}S{sub 4}]{sup 2+} cube is reported. The data show that this synthetic cube is less covalent than a normal compressed cube with no hydrogen bonding. DFT calculations reveal that the observed difference in electronic structure has significant contributions from both the cluster distortion and from hydrogen bonding. The elongated and compressed Fe{sub 4}S{sub 4} structures are found to have different spin topologies (i.e., orientation of the delocalized Fe{sub 2}S{sub 2} subclusters which are antiferromagnetically coupled to each other). It is suggested that the H-bonding interaction with the counterion does not contribute to the cluster elongation. A magneto-structural correlation is developed for the Fe{sub 4}S{sub 4} cube that is used to identify the redoxactive Fe{sub 2}S{sub 2} subclusters in active sites of HiPIP and ferredoxin proteins involving these clusters.