cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Framing the Early Middle Ages

Chris Wickham’s important intervention in debates about the transformation of the Roman world from the fifth century onwards presents a vast array of evidence about the nature of social relations, the economy and the late-Roman and early-medieval state across the Mediterranean and Western-European world. Wickham is successful in taking into account both the high level of regional variation and differentiation across the Roman world and, at the same time, the various key unifying elements which bound these regions together. But, in arguing that the nature of the fiscal apparatus and structures of extraction, redistribution and consumption of surpluses of the late-Roman state were formative in the structure and appearance of the late-Roman elites in East and West as well as in the evolution of their early-medieval successors, a number of structural tensions in the model become apparent. This discussion highlights some of the issues at stake, while, at the same time, affirming the critical importance of the book, more especially its emphasis on the structural force of late-Roman institutions and social relations for the successor-states of the early-medieval West.
Requisites for reliable determination of phase equilibria

Abstract Three primary criteria for generating reliable data for phase equilibria are (1) use of an experimental technique with adequate resolution, (2) establishment and retention of equilibrium for the regime of interest and (3) adequate characterization of materials to ensure that the determination of equilibria is representative of the system of interest. Examples are given of experimental investigations of equilibria in the FeNi and LiAl systems where these three criteria are adequately fulfilled. An additional example from the VSi system is given to illustrate a case in which none of the criteria is fulfilled. Possible modifying effects from minor contaminants are emphasized.
Stigma, prejudice and discrimination in global public health

This article reviews the development of international research on the relationship between discrimination and health. It provides an overview of theoretical and empirical work on stigma and prejudice and their impact on discrimination and health. It argues that the literature on these issues has drawn primarily from social psychology and has focused on the impact of attitudes associated with stigma and prejudice on discriminatory practices and consequently health outcomes. It also identifies a growing trend in recent research towards a reconceptualization of stigma, prejudice and discrimination from the perspective of social inequality and structural violence, highlighting relations of power and exclusion that reinforce vulnerability within a complex social and political process. It concludes by briefly examining the ways in which this reconceptualization of discriminatory practices has generated a growing interest in the linkages between health and human rights and renewed interest in health and social justice; two major trends in the field of global public health.
Optical Emission Detection of Charged Particles after Selective Laser Ionization of Mercury Atoms in a Buffer Gas

A method for the optical detection of the resonance ionization signal of mercury atoms in a buffer gas is described that is based on the emission from buffer gas atoms that are collisionally excited by interactions with electrons in a strong electric field. The first observations of this phenomenon are reported here, along with comparisons between optical and electrical detection. Advantages of a pulsed electric field over a continuous field are described. A wide range of possible applications for this type of gas phase detector are suggested.
Integration of cytogenomic data for furthering the characterization of pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a multi-institution, multi-platform microarray study.

It is well documented that among subgroups of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), the genetic profile of the leukemic blasts has significant impact on prognosis and stratification for therapy. Recent studies have documented the power of microarrays to screen genome-wide for copy number aberrations (CNAs) and regions of copy number–neutral loss of heterozygosity (CNLOH) that are not detectable by G-banding or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). These studies have involved application of a single array platform for the respective cases. The present investigation demonstrates the feasibility and usefulness of integrating array results from multiple laboratories (ARUP, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and University of Minnesota Medical Center) that utilize different array platforms (Affymetrix, Agilent, or Illumina) in their respective clinical settings. A total of 65 patients enrolled on the Children's Oncology Group (COG) study AALL08B1 were identified for study, as cytogenetic and FISH studies had also been performed on these patients, with a central review of those results available for comparison. Microarray data were first analyzed by the individual laboratories with their respective software systems; raw data files were then centrally validated using NEXUS software. The results demonstrated the added value of integrating multi-platform data with cytogenetic and FISH data and highlight novel findings identified by array including the co-occurrence of low and high risk abnormalities not previously reported to coexist within a clone, novel regions of chromosomal amplification, clones characterized by numerous whole chromosome LOH that do not meet criteria for doubling of a near-haploid, and characterization of array profiles associated with an IKZF1 deletion. Each of these findings raises questions that are clinically relevant to risk stratification.
The Open Video Digital Library: A Möbius strip of research and practice

The Open Video Digital Library (OVDL) provides digital video files to the education and research community and is distinguished by an innovative user interface that offers multiple kinds of visual surrogates to people searching for video content. The OVDL is used by several thousand people around the world each month and part of this success is due to its user interface. This article examines the interplay between research and practice in the development of this particular digital library with an eye toward lessons for all digital libraries. We argue that theoretical and research goals blur into practical goals and practical goals raise new research questions as research and development progress—this process is akin to walking along a Mobius strip in which a locally two-sided surface is actually part of a globally one-sided world. We consider the gulf between the theories that guide current digital library research and current practice in operational digital libraries, provide a developmental history of the OVDL and the research frameworks that drove its development, illustrate how user studies informed its implementation and revision, and conclude with reflections and recommendations on the interplay between research and practice. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MO-D-332-02: A Formulism Towards Clinically Relevant Radiographic Imaging Metrics in the Presence of Patient Build-Up, Scatter and Attenuation: CMTF, CNPS, and CDQE

Purpose: We present a formulism to extend conventional radiographic metrics: modulation transfer function(MTF),noise power spectrum (NPS) and detective quantum efficiency (DQE), to clinically equivalent analogues: cMTF, cNPS and cDQE, that include patient specific influences of scatter and beam attenuation. We also propose a clinical interpretation of the above metrics: clinical resolution index (CRI), clinical noise index (CNI) and clinical contrast index (CCI), in which a clinical confidence level of resolution, noise and contrast is predicted for a given anatomical structure and geometry. Method and Materials: The formulation and validation of our clinical metrics were conducted on an Elekta iViewGT portal imager. We used a bar‐pattern to evaluate MTF as a function of spatial frequency (f), build‐up (b) and scatter depth (s) within 30 cm thickness of water to obtain cMTF(f,b,s). Uniform flat‐fields through 30 cm thickness of water containing varying attenuating media indicated by mass thickness (δt), a reasonable approximation for Compton limited megavoltage imaging, were used to measure cNPS(f,δt). Finally, cDQE(f,b,s,δt) was computed and normalized by the exit fluence associated with the attenuated fields. Clinical confidence indices for delineating anatomical structures (CRI, CNI and CCI) were obtained by expressing cMTF, cNPS and cDQE as a function of radiographic object size (w = 0.5/f), along with calibrated charts providing the transformation from anatomical size or form to the radiographic size marker (w). Results: Major differences were observed between conventional MTF, NPS and DQE measurements and our clinical equivalents (cMTF, cNPS and cDQE) that reflected the significant influence of patient attenuation and scatter. CRI, CNI and CCI curves were established for several selected anatomical sites that included bony as well as soft tissuecontrast.Conclusion: The clinically equivalent imaging metrics described above provide a significant link between conventional radiographic metrics defined for idealized systems and realistic clinical image quality.
Sugar crops as a solar energy converter

Biomass crops are renewable resources with multiple uses that can benefit mankind1. Current attention centers on replacement of petroleum as a principal source of energy for transportation applications. Fuels for electric power generation and household heating and/or cooking also are needed. Rising global demand for chemicals, food, construction materials, and paper products increase resource requirements even further.
Automated sizing of DNA fragments in atomic force microscope images.

Current techniques used to measure lengths of DNA fragments in atomic force microscope (AFM) images require a user to operate interactive software and execute tedious error-prone cursor selections. An algorithm is proposed which provides an automated method for determining DNA fragment lengths from AFM images without interaction from the computer operator (e.g. cursor selections or mouse clicks). The approach utilises image processing techniques tailored to characteristics of AFM images of DNA fragments. The automated measurements have a mean absolute deviation of less than 1 pixel when compared to manual image-based measurements. The DNA length determined from the histogram of calculated lengths is accurate to within 3% of the actual DNA length in solution. For fragments that are 250 base-pairs long, the precision is estimated to be within 17 nm, which is about 20% of the total length. This precision was confirmed when the algorithm easily resolved fragments in one image that differed by only 17 nm. Fragment sizes up to 2000 base-pairs have been tested and successfully sized. This algorithm is being developed as part of a new solid-state DNA sizing technique for applications such as genotyping and construction of physical genome maps.
Tracking of serum apolipoproteins A-I and B in children and young adults: the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Abstract Serum apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and apo B were measured along with lipoprotein cholesterols in two cross-sectional surveys 4 years apart on 1728 children and young adults in the Bogalusa Heart Study. Tracking was assessed in terms of correlation coefficients and persistence at extreme quintiles. The year 1 vs year 4 correlation coefficients ranged from 0.24–0.45 for apo A-1 and 0.57–0.59 for apo B among different race and sex groups. Corresponding values for serum high-density (HDL) and low-density (LDL) lipoprotein cholesterols were 0.39–0.46 and 0.64–0.67, respectively. Thirty-one percent of those individuals who had apo A-1 levels in the highest quintile at year 1 remained in this quintile at year 4; for apo B, 50% of those in the highest quintile persisted in this rank at year 4. On the other hand, for those individuals in the lowest quintile at baseline, 36% for apo A-I and 53% for apo B remained in this rank at follow-up. The best predictor of follow-up apolipoprotein levels was the baseline level. Since tracking of apo A-1 and apo B was similar in magnitude to those of HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, the measurement of either lipoprotein cholesterols or apolipoproteins may be equally useful in terms of intervention strategies to control coronary heart disease risk.
Defining and Measuring the Library’s Impact on Campuswide Outcomes

Accreditation agencies, higher education institutions, and professional organizations all emphasize the importance of measuring and assessing the impacts or effects of teaching, learning, and other valued institutional activities. Academic libraries, one of the key players in providing and structuring instructional resources and services, also are expected to document how their performance contributes to institutional goals and outcomes. Using accreditation and ACRL sectional standards/criteria, higher education outcomes assessment research findings and recent findings from performance effectiveness studies, this article identifies important institutional outcomes to which academic libraries contribute; describes specific performance indicators whose measures of impacts and outputs provide evidence about progress and achievement; and offers a conceptual framework of assessment domains for the teaching–learning library.
Greek Oligarchy, and the pre-Solonian Areopagos Council in [Aristotle] Ath. Pol. 2.2-8.4

Unlike the Senate of Republican Rome, this essay argues that councils were not the dominant or governing power in Greek oligarchies. Together with powerful officials and other powerful individuals, citizen assemblies mainly governed oligarchies, but admission to oligarchic assemblies was restricted by wealth. Before Solon, did the Areopagos Council govern oligarchic Athens? The principal source for this claim, [Arist.] Ath. Pol. 2-8, at least assigns the early Areopagos a broad judicial competence. Where did Ath. Pol.’s notion come from, and what is it worth? Although ‘some people’ (Aristotle) or ‘most people’ (Plutarch) believed that Solon established the Areopagos Council, Ath. Pol. (and also Aristotle and Plutarch) rejected that notion, possibly because along with others, Ath. Pol. and Aristotle thought that Solon founded Athens’ democracy, while for fourth century conservatives the early Areopagos was non-democratic. In part the competence of Ath. Pol.’s pre-Solonian Areopagos derives from and expanded its Solonian competence in Ath. Pol. 8.4, so that for Ath. Pol. democratic Solon will have reduced the Areopagos’ powers. In part it derives from fourth century conservative propaganda. This evidence is inadequate to claim that the Areopagos Council governed oligarchic Athens.
Molecular basis for mutation in a surface protein expressed by malaria parasites.

Plasmodium knowlesi parasites isolated from a rhesus monkey vaccinated with a 143,000140,000Mr merozoite surface protein no longer expressed this protein. To study the molecular basis for the mutations, a λgtll cDNA expression library constructed from the original parasite clone was screened with rabbit antiserum specific for the 143,000140,000 Mr protein. Two cDNA clones that mapped to the 5′ and 3′ ends of the gene hybridized to two chromosomes of 3.6 × 106 kilobases and 1.8 × 106 kilobases. The gene on the 3.6 × 106 base chromosome was identified as the gene expressing the sol143,000140,000 Mr protein. Since the two cDNA clones also hybridized at high stringency with the 1.8 × 106 base chromosome, it appears that the 143,000140,000 Mr gene was involved in an ancestral duplication and interchromosomal transposition. We have analyzed mutant parasites, using the cDNA clones and a 7000 base fragment of genomic DNA that contains the 143,000140,000 Mr gene. In one type of mutation, the 143,000140,000 Mr protein was replaced by a 76,00072,000 Mr protein. The identical restriction sites and the identical size of the mRNA indicated that a point mutation resulted in premature interruption of translation. Sequence analysis revealed an AT substitution for a C in the middle of the coding region of the gene that created a frameshift and a stop codon. In a second type of mutation, no protein was expressed; a 4000 base deletion encompassed the transcriptional unit of the gene. The rapid mutation under vaccine pressure of an otherwise stable parasite protein emphasizes the need to identify vaccine candidates in which mutations would be lethal.
3523 PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY FOR DYSPLASTIC BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS AND MUCOSAL ESOPHAGEAL ADENOCARCINOMA: THE VALUE OF ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND AND RESULTS USING THE BARE FIBER TECHNIQUE.

Introduction: Since 1997 we have prospectively studied the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for dysplastic Barrett's esophagus and early esophageal adenocarcinoma. Methods: All patients with Barrett's esophagus and high grade dysplasia (BE+HGD) were prospectively evaluated including physical examination, laboratory studies, and chest/abdomen computed tomography, as well as standard and high frequency catheter EUS. BE+HGD patients and those upstaged to mucosal adenocarcinoma (T1-ACA) then underwent PDT using 2 mg/kg porfimer sodium (Photofrin, QLT Photo Therapeutics, Vancouver, Canada) activated with 632 nm red laser light (Laserscope, San Jose, CA). The bare fiber technique was used (2.5 cm cylindrical diffusing fiber; no centering balloon). Light doses were 150-175 J/cm fiber length for BE+HGD and 175-200 J/cm fiber length for T1-ACA. Patients were maintained on 40-80 mg/day of omeprazole after PDT and were followed every 12-16 weeks with 4 quadrant surveillance biopsies obtained in every 1 cm through the treated segment. Results: Fifteen patients previously diagnosed with BE+HGD (10 male; mean age 69 yrs, range 50-85) were treated with PDT. The use of EUS upstaged 2 patients from BE+HGD to T1-ACA. At a followup of 9.5 months (range 2-24 months) all patients had complete ablation of BE+HGD and T1-ACA with neosquamous re-epithelialization of the treated esophagus. Eight BE+HGD patients had minute areas of Barrett's glands (
Competing ground states in heavy-fermion materials

Abstract Competing interactions in the presence of coupled spin, charge, and lattice degrees of freedom in heavy-fermion materials lead to a near degeneracy of ground states in some systems. A small perturbation in unit-cell volume or composition subsequently can produce a qualitative change in the ground state, for example, from magnetically ordered to superconducting, with, in some instances, the appearance of a non-Fermi-liquid (NFL) state near their boundary. We have studied two heavy-fermion materials, CeCu 2 Si 2 and CeRh 2 Si 2 , which illustrate these behaviors. Measurements of the atomic structure of CeCu 2+ x Si 2 as a function of x suggest that structural inhomogeneity may influence the preferred ground state and the existence of NFL behavior in this material. Thermal expansion measurements on CeRh 2 Si 2 as a function of pressure reveal the evolution of spin-lattice coupling as the balance between RKKY and Kondo interactions is tuned by small volume changes.
The Pitsch-Petch orientation relationship in ferrous pearlite at small undercooling

The factors behind the occurrence of the Pitsch-Petch pearlitic orientation relationship (OR) in ferrous systems are investigated using a combination of crystallographic information obtained through electron-backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and knowledge of the three-dimensional (3-D) morphology of pearlite from serial sectioning. Both hypereutectoid and hypoeutectoid ferrous systems of various compositions providing a variety of morphologies are examined to consider the relationship between pearlite nucleation sites and ferrite-cementite interlamellar ORs. It is shown that the Pitsch-Petch OR occurs when a colony is cementite nucleated and this conclusion is valid for both sides of the eutectoid composition.
Calculation of hypersonic forebody/inlet flow fields

The National Aero-Space Plane (NASP) is unique in its integration of the airframe and propulsion system. The performance of the NASP propulsion system (scramjet) is dependent upon the quality of the flow into the scramjet inlet. Hence, the calculation of the inlet flow field must be coupled to the forebody flow field for accurate performance predictions. The Compressible Navier-Stokes code has been extended to perform both external and internal hypersonic flow fields. Computations are presented that validate these changes and demonstrate the capability to perform coupled forebody/inlet computations for hypersonic flows.
E-Mail from Professor Enhances Student Motivation and Attitudes

Traditionally, professors use the first day of class to build rapport. However, current technology allows professors to contact students prior to the first day of class. This study assessed how the receipt of a welcoming e-mail from a female professor 1 week before the first day of class affected student motivation and attitudes toward the instructor and course. Introductory psychology students evaluated the professor at 3 time points throughout the semester. Several outcomes indicated that an e-mail sent before the semester began was sufficient to enhance motivation and attitudes toward the instructor and course on the first day (and, for female students, throughout the semester) and also impacted student retention. Thus, a welcoming e-mail might offer an easy way for professors to communicate immediacy to their students before they even enter the classroom.
D/H ratios of atmospheric H2 in urban air: results using new methods for analysis of nano-molar H2 samples

We present the results of a study of the concentration and D/H ratio of molecular hydrogen from air in the Los Angeles Basin and adjacent San Gabriel Mountains. These data define a mixing relationship in dimensions of D/H ratio vs. 1/(H_2) which constrains the δD_(VSMOW) of unpolluted winter air in this region to be ca. +100 to +125 ‰ and that of urban H2 sources to be ca. −270 ‰. This study makes use of a new method for measuring the deuterium content of molecular hydrogen in small samples (∼100 to 500 cc) of air, which we describe in detail. The method consists of an off-line separation of H_2 followed by introduction to the mass spectrometer in a continuous flow of He. Off-line, all components of an atmospheric gas sample, with the exception of He, H_2, and Ne are condensed by exposure to a cold-trap held at 30 Kelvin. This separation is followed by cryo-transfer of non-condensable gases to a small volume molecular sieve finger, with assist from a mercury piston pump. At the mass spectrometer, the sample is put in line with a continuous flow of He where it is focused on to an additional column of molecular sieve before subsequent introduction into the ion source. Analyses of DH/H_2 ratio have accuracy and precision of ±4 to 7 per mil. Comparison of sample peak area to peak areas of standards of known size allows for determination of H_2 concentration with accuracy and precision of ∼±5%, relative. The method reduces sample size and processing time by several orders of magnitude compared to previous methods, allowing for sampling at proportionately higher spatial and temporal resolution.
Pathophysiology of newborn hypotension outside the transitional period

Hypotension is a common diagnosis in neonatal intensive care units. Although there are epidemiological data for normative blood pressure values in preterm and term infants, the ranges of normal blood pressure where adequate organ perfusion is ensured for different gestational and postnatal ages remain unclear. An understanding of the developmentally regulated differences in the physiology and pathophysiology of the neonatal cardiovascular system in comparison to that of mature subjects is important to formulate an appropriate treatment strategy in neonates with circulatory compromise. This article reviews the current understanding of pathophysiology of hypotension and shock in the neonate beyond the transitional period, focusing on hypovolemia, myocardial dysfunction, abnormal peripheral vasoregulation, and relative or absolute adrenal insufficiency with potentially associated down regulation of adrenergic receptors.
Preliminary findings on the interactive effects of IV ethanol and IV nicotine on human behavior and cognition: a laboratory study.

INTRODUCTION There are mixed reports on nicotine's effects on alcohol-induced impairment in cognitive performance and behavior in humans. The main objective of this study was to characterize the interactive effects of acute intravenous (IV) alcohol and nicotine administration on behavior and cognition in healthy nonsmokers. METHODS Healthy subjects aged 21-44 years participated in 3 test days. On each test day, they received in a double-blind randomized manner one of three IV alcohol infusion conditions using a "clamp": placebo, targeted breathalyzer of 40 mg%, or targeted breathalyzer of 80 mg%. Alcohol infusion was delivered over 20 min and lasted for 120 min. They also received both placebo and active nicotine in a fixed order delivered intravenously. Placebo nicotine was delivered first over 10 min at the timepoint when the breath alcohol was "clamped"; active nicotine (1.0 mcg/kg/min) was delivered for 10 min, 70 min after the alcohol infusion was clamped. Subjective effects of alcohol were measured using the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale and the Number of Drinks Scale. Cognitive inhibition and attention were measured by the Continuous Performance Task-Identical Pairs and working memory by the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task (RAVLT). RESULTS Nicotine significantly reversed subjective intoxication and sedation of alcohol at the low dose. Alcohol impaired performance on the RAVLT, and nicotine further impaired verbal learning and recall at both doses of alcohol. CONCLUSIONS The data showed that nicotine had an effect on subjective alcohol effects but did not reverse and actually worsened alcohol-induced deficits in memory.
Tracheostomy after pediatric cardiac surgery: frequency, indications, and outcomes.

Objectives This study was designed to review baseline characteristics and outcomes of children requiring tracheostomy after cardiac surgery. Methods A retrospective review of children under age 2 requiring tracheostomy after cardiac surgery between January 1999 and December 2005 was performed. Indications for tracheostomy, survival, and completion of staged palliation were documented. Results After cardiac surgery, 59 (1.3%) of 4503 patients with a median age at surgery of 15 days and weight of 3.5 kg required tracheostomy. Median duration from surgery to tracheostomy was 36 days (range 10–145 days). Genetic syndromes or major noncardiac comorbidities were present in 40% of patients. Biventricular repair was performed in 34 patients and univentricular repair in 25. Tetralogy of Fallot variants (29%) and coarctation ± ventricular septal defect (21%) constituted the majority of biventricular lesions associated with tracheostomy, whereas unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect and hypoplastic left heart syndrome with highly restrictive atrial septal defect accounted for 52% of the single ventricle group. Indications for tracheostomy included the following: multifactorial (37%), tracheobronchomalacia, (24%), cardiac (12%), bilateral vocal cord paralysis (10%), bilateral diaphragm paralysis (2%), and other airway issues (15%). Hospital survival was 75% with intermediate-term (median, 25.5 months; range, 1–122 months) survival of 53%. Of 25 single ventricle patients, 6 (24%) had successful completion of the Fontan procedure. Of 12 patients with single ventricle who were ventilator-dependent after initial repair, 10 died, 1 remains at hemi-Fontan, and 1 has undergone completion of the Fontan procedure. Conclusions Requirement for tracheostomy in pediatric patients after cardiac surgery was associated with significant mortality. Patients with single ventricle have the highest late death rate and those with chronic ventilator dependency were unlikely to undergo successful Fontan completion.
Gene therapy in the treatment of ocular inflammation

Gene therapy may become a powerful therapeutic modality in the treatment of both ocular inflammatory disease and as a means of preventing rejection following tissue transplantation. By directly introducing into ocular cells genes that encode proteins capable of down-regulating the immune response, gene therapy has potential for both therapy and as a method for studying mechanisms of disease. While marked and rapid advances in the study of gene therapy have been realized, technical questions regarding the appropriate vector or the choice of efficacious immunomodulatory protein still remain.
Replication of the relationship between dogmatism and locus of control.

The relationship between Dogmatism and three subscales of Levenson's Locus of Control measure was examined with 36 female undergraduates as subjects. Results supported the hypothesis that internality, across all three domains of the Locus of Control construct, is related to a cognitively differentiated personality structure as measured by the Dogmatism scale.
Establishing a swine model to compare vascular prostheses in a contaminated field.

Abstract Objective Patch arteriotomies are performed during many vascular procedures. Whereas synthetic materials are generally felt to be inappropriate for infected environments, the suitability of glutaraldehyde-treated bovine pericardium (GBP), a biologic material, in such instances is unknown. Our main objectives were to develop an animal model to study vascular prostheses while comparing the infectability of polyester (Dacron) and GBP in a topically infected environment. Methods Twenty-three pigs underwent transabdominal patch arteriotomy of the infrarenal aorta with either Dacron or GBP. The patches were inoculated with sterile saline (1 per group), Staphylococcus aureus 10 4 colony-forming units (CFUs) (4 per group), or S. aureus 10 5 CFUs (6 per group). At 3 wk, the animals were euthanized, and the patches were removed via a left retroperitoneal approach. Specimens were collected for microbiologic and histologic analysis. Results One animal from each group inoculated with 10 5 CFUs died during the study period, and another died immediately postoperatively of an airway complication. All aortas were patent and without evidence of pseudoaneurysm formation. Gross abscesses were found in 4/6 Dacron and 5/6 GBP animals receiving 10 5 CFUs. Similarly, 4/6 animals implanted with Dacron and 5/6 animals implanted with GBP had positive tissue cultures. A histologic grading system of inflammation substantiated the culture results. Conclusions No significant difference exists between Dacron and GBP to resist bacterial infection at 3 wk. We have established a reproducible in vivo model to study arterial patch materials in a topically infected environment.
Constant global population with demographic heterogeneity

To understand better a possible future constant global population that is demographically heterogeneous this paper analyzes several models. Classical theory of stationary populations generally fails to apply. However if constant global population size P(global) is the sum of all country population sizes and if constant global annual number of births B(global) is the sum of the annual number of births of all countries and if constant global life expectancy at birth e(global) is the population-weighted mean of the life expectancy at birth of all countries then B(global)|e(global) always exceeds P(global) unless all countries have the same life expectancy at birth in which case B(global)|e(global) = P(global). (authors)
Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on surface-uninjured and -injured green pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) by chlorine dioxide gas as demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy

Cells of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on uninjured and injured surfaces of green pepper were inactivated by 0·15–1·2 mg l−1ClO2gas treatments. A membrane-surface-plating method was used for resuscitation and enumeration of E. coli O157:H7 treated with ClO2. The location and viability ofE. coli O157:H7 on uninjured and injured green pepper surfaces after ClO2gas treatments were visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Live and dead cells of E. coli O157:H7 on pepper surfaces were labeled with a fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled antibody and propidium iodide, respectively. A 7·27 log reduction of E. coli O157:H7 on uninjured green pepper surfaces was obtained with a 0·60 mg l−1ClO2gas treatment for 30 min at 20°C under 90–95% relative humidity. For injured surfaces, a 6·45 log reduction was achieved with a 1·2 mg l−1ClO2gas treatment. Each ClO2gas treatment (0·15–1·2 mg l−1ClO2) for inoculated bacteria on uninjured surfaces showed significantly more reductions (1·23–4·24 log) than for those on injured surfaces (P<0·05). The microphotographs of CLSM showed that bacteria preferentially attached to injured surfaces and those bacteria could be protected from bacterial reduction by the injuries. This study indicates that ClO2gas treatment can be a potential effective method of pathogen reduction for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Circadian activity rhythms in rats with midbrain raphe lesions.

Abstract The dorsal and median mesencephalic raphe nuclei provide a robust projection to the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus, the site of a putative neuronal circadian pacemaker. Although it has been suggested that the raphe may play a role in the circadian timing system, this role has not yet been specified. In the present report, we examined the circadian activity patterns of rats with large midbrain lesions aimed at the median and dorsal raphe nuclei under conditions of light-dark entrainment, and while free-running in constant light and constant darkness. The results indicate that midbrain raphe lesions may interface with the expression of free-running circadian activity rhythms.
Determining the reliability of psychophysiological assessment in childhood anxiety

Abstract The measurement of psychophysiological responses in anxious children is a relatively new area of behavioral assessment. Therefore, basic assessment issues such as reliability and validity should be studied carefully prior to wide-spread acceptance of these procedures as useful assessment strategies. This manuscript discusses the current measurement questions, presents a review of the available literature, and some preliminary reliability data for a group of anxious children. The need for further research to clearly delineate the usefulness and limitations of this form of assessment is discussed.
Wood, bark and stem anatomy of New World species of Gnetum

Abstract Quantitative and qualitative data are presented for 11 collections of six species. The wide range of character states for the species is presented in the form of a key to emphasize their potential systematic correlations. Distinctive among these are phellem characteristics. Fibre-tracheids are newly reported for lianoid Gnetum species. Cells previously thought to be like companion cells in secondary phloem are shown to be uniseriate rays, counterparts to uniseriate xylem rays. Laticifers are abundant in most of the species, and are newly described for secondary tissues of Gnetum . Presence of tyloses in laticifers of two species is apparently a new report for vascular plants. Tori are present in two New World Gnetum species, adding to the report in African species. Perforation plates are simple except near or in primary xylem, where they are simple or foraminate. Torus presence and foraminate perforation plate presence are features more reminiscent of Ephedra and other gymnosperms than of angiosperms. The bark of Gnetum is also very similar to that of Ephedra .
Applications of SABRE to research and management

In this paper, we highlight the major results from the SABRE programme and applications to research and management. In particular, SABRE provided new scientific insights into the fisheries oceanography of the estuarine-dependent fishes of the South Atlantic Bight. Although we concentrated our efforts on Atlantic menhaden, we also gained insights on the coupling of physics to biology in the early life history of a number of marine fishes. Larval transport from spawning sites to and through barrier island inlets is now better understood. Analysis of menhaden population dynamics suggests survival in the late larval/early juvenile stage is particularly important to population growth. This phase of the life history appears likely to present a bottleneck to recruitment for Atlantic menhaden. We also made a number of technological breakthroughs which are already being applied elsewhere in research and assessments including the Continuous, Underway Egg Sampler (CUFES), enzyme-based approaches to evaluating condition of individual larvae and various physical and biological modelling innovations. Our experiences establishing and managing the SABRE research team also provide insights into one model for promoting multidisciplinary research in fisheries oceanography. Throughout SABRE, we have sought an open exchange of information and insights from a wide variety of researchers and environmental managers. We hope the synthesis provided here continues that dialogue.
Characterization of a harbor seal whisker-inspired flow sensor

A sensor with the undulatory geometry of a harbor seal whisker has been designed, fabricated, and characterized for use as a mechanical sensor of flow velocity. Bend sensors at the whisker base provide deflection information in four directions. A waterproof design with a pressure housing has been made, allowing the sensor to operate at depth, in a stand-alone configuration. Characterization was performed by correlating tip deflection to voltage output in each of the four sensors.
Hepatitis C virus.

The number of people in the population infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is large but not easily estimated. Although HCV is a reportable infectious disease in the United States, the number of cases actually reported is probably an underestimation. The initial acute phase of the infection is often symptomless, and antibodies are not detectable in the first couple of months. Thus, the infection goes unnoticed and untreated until 20 to 30 years later when patients develop symptoms of liver disease. Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES 1998–1994), 1.8% of a persons 6 years or older have antibodies to HCV; 74% of those are chronically infected [2]. The NHANES study reported twice as many nonHispanic blacks (3.2%) were positive for HCV than non-Hispanic whites (1.5%); 2.1% of Mexican Americans were infected. Women were less likely to be infected (1.2%) than men (2.5%), perhaps because they are less likely to part of high-risk groups. Even so, this represents a significant health risk for almost 1 million women. This article reviews the prevalence of HCV in the United States, describes the natural history and viral-host responses, and discusses how the virus is diagnosed, the effect of chronic hepatitis C on patients’ quality of life, and the treatments currently available, with a special emphasis on women’s experiences.
High Moisture Corn Preserved with Esters of Propionic Acid for Lactating Cows

Abstract Forty lactating Holstein cows over 2 yr of age were used to compare rolled dry shelled corn with high moisture (75.6% DM) ground shelled corn preserved with esters of propionic acid (1% of corn weight) in a concrete bunker silo. Cows were fed complete mixed rations containing (dry basis) 34.9% corn silage, 20.0% alfalfa haylage, 33.6% corn grain, and 11.5% of soybean oil meal, vitamins, and mineral premix. Milk yields, its composition, feed intakes, and body weight changes were similar for cows fed dry corn and high moisture corn. Rumen proprionate was higher and isobutyrate and isovalerate were lower for cows fed high moisture corn than for dry corn diets. Rumen pH and ammonia were lower for cows fed high moisture corn than for those fed dry corn.
A Case Series Using a Care Management Checklist to Decrease Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations in Children With Epilepsy

Each year, 1 million people are seen in an emergency department for seizures or epilepsy. We implemented a care management checklist for patients with frequent visits. A database was searched for patients with the highest number of emergency department visits and/or unplanned hospitalizations in 2011. Four patients were selected. A care management checklist was implemented in 2012. Compliance with the office visits, number of emergency department visits and/or hospitalizations, and the associated costs were tracked following implementation of the checklist for 2011 and 2012. These 4 epilepsy patients accounted for 46 visits in the year 2011 with associated health care costs of $380,209. Following a year using a care management checklist, the same patients accounted for 11 visits with a cost reduction of $188,130. Using a care management checklist was useful in these 4 epilepsy patients to decrease emergency department visits and/or unplanned hospitalizations. A limitation of this study is its small numbers.
Social patterning of obesity in Spain: A systematic review of the relationship between education and obesity

Introduction: In high-income countries around the world, there appears to be an inverse association between educational attainment and obesity. However, the literature about this association in Spain remains disorganized and disparate. Material and Methods: We systematically reviewed peer-reviewed English- or Spanish language studies of this association in Spain from 10 databases from all periods of time available. Results: Our search identified twenty-four studies. In both nationally representative and subnational studies, women with less education had higher odds of obesity than their more educated counterparts. Men, despite exhibiting greater variability in the education-body weight relationship, also demonstrated a similar social patterning of body weight in many studies, with those at lower levels of educational attainment having higher odds of obesity relative to their more-educated counterparts. These associations in men and women were fairly consistent across time and place, though some regional variations did exist. Discussion and conclusions: We encourage future researchers to move towards more meaningful, unbiased estimates of the association between educational attainment and obesity by measuring height and weight with physical exams, controlling for a more robust set of possible confounders, and exploring potential modifying factors of the association. Additionally, when possible, we encourage researchers to employ prospective study designs that facilitate causal inference with respect to this association.
On the Mechanism of Integration of Transforming Deoxyribonucleate

The characteristics of the intermediates in the reaction, between DNA and pneumococcus, that results in genetic transformation are described in so far as they have been characterized. Transformation with DNA isolated from bacteria carrying in addition to genetic markers 32P as a radioactive label and 2H and 15N as density labels has permitted the characterization of the product of recombination between the newly introduced DNA and the DNA of a recipient bacterium. The evidence for a single strand displacement mechanism producing a hybrid structure in the DNA of the recipient bacteria is presented. Progeny of single transformants have been examined. The results of these segregation studies permit the further characterization of this hybrid product of transformation as a genetically heterozygous structure.
Fourier-Bessel error performance analysis and evaluation of M-ary QAM schemes in an impulsive noise environment

The authors derive closed-form expressions for the BER (bit error rate) performance of coherent M-ary quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM) system in the presence of an additive combination of Gaussian and highly impulsive noise by using a Fourier-Bessel series expansion method. The model used for the impulse noise, which closely models atmospheric and/or ignition noise, consists of a stream of Poisson impulses with areas distributed according to a bilateral Rayleigh probability distribution function. Although the methodology is general enough to accommodate any M-ary QAM scheme, they present analytical as well as some computer simulated results for 16-, 64-, and 256-QAM systems. An almost insignificant increase of the truncation error with the increase of the modulation levels verifies that the proposed method of analysis can be a useful tool in evaluating the performance of very large-alphabet M-ary QAM systems, e.g. M>or=256. >
The Clash of Rival and Incompatible Philosophical Traditions within Constitutional Interpretation: Originalism and the Aristotelian Tradition

I argue in this Article that a central dispute between originalism and nonoriginalism, driven by divergent philosophical traditions, revolves around the nature of “democracy.” Originalists appeal to democracy and government by “the People.” Nonoriginalists respond that “the people” relied upon by originalists are a minority of a long-dead majority: the dead-hand argument. Nonoriginalists, beginning at least with Alexander Bickel, posit that there is a countermajoritarian difficulty implicit in constitutional judicial review making it undemocratic. The difficulty arises and democracy is undermined when judges overturn the will of the present majority. To resolve this dilemma, nonoriginalists propose numerous solutions, all of which attempt to bring the allegedly undemocratic institution of judicial review in line with democracy. Both originalists and nonoriginalists seek to justify their modes of constitutional interpretation through appeals to democracy, but they differ in what they understand democracy, materially, to consist of. Originalists, I contend, understand democracy as a “transtemporal” entity composed of all the members of a society, past, present, and future. By contrast, nonoriginalists understand democracy to consist of governance by the current majority of the members of a society: a “presentist” conception.
NEGOTIATING POWER, IDENTITY, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY Women's Community Participation

Women's community participation re(creates) community and identity. In this article, the author explores the collective identities that are built around motherhood, rape-crisis work, Latino empowerment, and political activism for 39 Anglo and 11 Latina women. The reflexive relationship between communities and identities in relation to class background, gender, age, generation, and race-ethnicity are examined. It is argued that women embrace—as well as negotiate—cultural expectations of mothers, homemakers, and elders through their community participation. The author explores work in the community as a venue for women to stretch across class-based interests and race-ethnic identities even while both influence women's community involvements. Finally, the often overlooked relationships between women's community participation and discourses of state responsibility for citizens are considered by indicating ways in which women channel state resources and expand the parameters of the needs and meaning of “commun...
A Hybrid Islanding Detection Technique Using Voltage Unbalance and Frequency Set Point

The phenomenon of unintentional islanding occurs when a distributed generator (DG) continues to feed power into the grid when power flow from the central utility source has been interrupted. This phenomenon can result in serious injury to the linemen who are trying to fix the power outage problem. Several techniques have been proposed in the past to avoid such an occurrence. This paper first gives an overview of the dominant islanding detection techniques. Then, the principles of two of the suggested techniques are combined to obtain a new hybrid islanding detection technique for synchronously rotating DGs. Simulation results show that the proposed hybrid technique is more effective than each of the techniques used. Simulation results are given for two testbeds to verify the advantages of the proposed hybrid islanding detection technique