cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transmembrane potential changes associated with superoxide release from human granulocytes.

Treatment of human granulocytes with concanavalin A, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), and A23187 (a calcium ionophore) stimulates the release of superoxide anion and the generation of chemiluminescence. The fluorescent probe, Di-S-C3(5), has been used to monitor shifts in membrane potential in response to these stimulants which precede the secretion of superoxide. Concanavalin A, PMA, and FMLP induce a biphasic shift in transmembrane potential (Em), i.e., a rapid depolarization followed by a prolonged hyperpolarization. This depolarization is dependent on both external sodium and calcium while the hyperpolarization is inhibited by ouabain which blocks the electrogenic Na-K pump. In contrast, A23187 induces a rapid and prolonged depolarization. This monophasic shift in Em is dependent on external calcium. These results suggest that depolarization acts as a signal to initiate events associated with the "respiratory burst" of these phagocytes.
Questions, complexities, and limitations in disclosing individual genetic results.

Ravitsky and Wilfond (2006) offer important insights concerning disclosures of individual genetic results to research participants, but in acting on their recommendations, complicated issues remain...
Clinical neurosensory testing: Practical applications

A relatively large percentage of the practicing oral and maxillofacial surgeon's patients experience some degree of neurosensory impairment as a normal concomitant of major surgery. Additionally, some patients develop neurosensory disturbances unexpectedly following routine surgical procedures. This report describes a practical approach to evaluating these individuals, which is essential in making intelligent decisions regarding the objective nature of the nerve injury, potential for recovery, and/or possible need for secondary microneurosurgical intervention.
Optimal design of dual-wavelength multiple beam splitters

Dual-wavelength multiple beam splitters (DWMBS's) are designed to split a dual-wavelength beam into two beam arrays, one for each of the two wavelengths. These two beam arrays may have either the same dimension and structure or different dimensions and structures, depending on applications. We present results of our computer simulations for a 1 x 5 DWMBS that exhibits one-dimensional diffraction efficiency and uniformity of 83.8% and 98.4%, respectively, for a wavelength of 514.5 nm and of 85.1% and 99.0%, respectively, for a wavelength of 632.8 nm.
Quantum dot-nanocavity devices for information processing

A combination of a single quantum emitter (a semiconductor quantum dot) with a semiconductor optical nanocavity has been employed to demonstrate devices ranging from optical switches and modulators controlled with sub-fJ energies, to quantum gates.
Development, Calibration, and Validation of a New M-E Rutting Model for HMA Overlay Design and Analysis

The purpose of this paper is to present a new mechanistic-empirical (M-E) rutting model developed for hot-mix asphalt (HMA) overlay thickness design and analysis. After reviewing existing rutting models in the literature, it was found that the well-known VESYS layer rutting model still is a rational choice and was adopted with minor modification to model HMA overlay rutting development. The main feature of the proposed M-E HMA overlay rutting model is to characterize layer specific permanent deformation properties rather than global rutting parameters used in the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide. For each specific layer, the proposed model requires rutting parameters α and μ ; and these rutting parameters, which are two of the fundamental input parameters required in the proposed M-E rutting model, can be directly determined from the repeated load test following the test protocol discussed in the paper. Additionally, the proposed M-E HMA overlay rutting model was calibrated using 8 test section...
Chronic tetanus: Clinical report and histochemistry of muscle

A patient who was partially immune to tetanus developed nonfulminant tetanus after a minor injury. Manifestations of the disease persisted for over 17 months. Electrophysiologic studies revealed an absent silent period in the masseter muscle, large-amplitude F-responses, and denervation. A muscle biopsy showed neurogenic atrophy with reinnervation. This observation supports the existence of chronic tetanus and provides morphologic evidence for a peripheral action of tetanus toxin in humans.
Radiosynthesis of [18F]fluoromethyldeoxyspergualin for molecular imaging of heat shock proteins

To probe the in vivo role of stress response factors in normal physiology and in solid tumors we have designed a stable 18F-labeled molecular imaging agent based on a ligand for heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). We describe the synthesis of [18F] fluorodeoxymethylspergualin ([18F]MeDSG) as a new radiopharmaceutical probe using a prosthetic group, [18F]SFB, for efficient and rapid radiolabeling. Ongoing molecular imaging studies are under way to detect HSP70 expression in tumors by positron emission tomography.
Low-temperature properties of triglyceride-based diesel fuels : transesterified methyl esters and petroleum middle distillate/ester blends

This work examines low-temperature properties of triglyceride-based alternate fuels for direct-injection compression-ignition engines. Methyl esters from transesterified soybean oil were studied as neat fuels and in blends with petroleum middle distillates (No. 1 or No. 2 diesel fuel). Admixed methyl esters composed of 5–30 vol% tallowate methyl esters in soyate methyl esters were also examined. Pour points, cloud points, and kinematic viscosities were measured; viscosities at cooler temperatures were studied to evaluate effects of sustained exposure. Low-temperature filterability studies were conducted in accordance with two standard methodologies. The North American standard was the low-temperature flow test (LTFT), and its European equivalent was the cold-filter plugging point (CFPP). With respect to cold-flow properties, blending methyl esters with middle distillates is limited to relatively low ester contents before the properties become preclusive. Under most conditions, cold-flow properties were not greatly affected by admixing the methyl esters with up to 30 vol% tallowate (before blending). Least squares analysis showed that both LTFT and CFPP of formulations containing at least 10 vol% methyl esters are linear functions of cloud point. In addition, statistical analysis of the LTFT data showed a strong 1:1 correlation between LTFT and CP. This result may prove crucial in efforts to improve low-temperature flow properties of alternate diesel fuels that contain methyl esters derived from triglycerides.
Management of neurotropic low-grade B-cell lymphoma: report of two cases.

Background. Low-grade lymphomas do not commonly involve the central or peripheral nervous system. Methods. Case report and review of the literature of two cases of B-cell lymphoma of the extranodal marginal zone type involving the head and neck region with evidence of extensive neurotropism are detailed in this report. Results. One patient was initially seen with a mass in the temporalis muscle and the other with a masticator space mass. The clinical course was indolent in both cases, although associated imaging studies suggested a more aggressive tumor. Both patients were treated with moderate-dose radiotherapy only. At the time of writing, one patient has no evidence of disease 6.5 years after treatment and the other at 6 months. Conclusions. This suggests that some marginal zone lymphomas exhibit a low-grade clinical course despite an aggressive radiographic pattern of perineural and neurotropic spread. This type of lymphoma might be effectively treated with moderate-dose radiotherapy. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head and Neck 25: 000–000, 2003
The Motel Entrepreneur and The Motel Manager

The article presents a comparative analysis of managers and entrepreneurs. The article defines entrepreneurs as those who are goal and action-oriented, and managers who carry out policies and proce...
The Effects of Particle Size, Morphology, and Mass Loading on the Reactivity of Nanocatalytic Particles

Nanocatalytic particles of Gold (Au), Platinum (Pt), and Palladium (Pd) are highly reactive at room-temperature and can be used to generate heat in micro-scale devices for portable power generation. No pre-heating is required for light-off and high steady-state operating temperatures can be sustained with high density alcohol-air premixtures. Preliminary experiments conducted in our lab and those reported by Hu and co-workers at Oak Ridge National Lab have measured peak operating temperatures ∼ 300–500 degrees Celsius using near-stoichiometric methanol/air and ethanol/air premixtures at ambient initial temperature and atmospheric pressure. The effect of particle size, morphology, mass loading, and flow residence time are reported for different mixture stoichiometries. Temperature measurements and gas species analyses are also tabulated. Interestingly, smaller particles were observed to be less reactive than larger particles for the same mass loadings for select conditions. Materials characterization of the particles has also been conducted to characterize the specific surface area of the catalyst and evaluate the importance of particle sintering, morphology changes, and particle distribution.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Effects of additions of sodium bicarbonate, salt, Aspergillus oryzae culture extract, niacin, lysine or phenylalanine to ground corn-based supplements on feed intake and digestion by Holstein steers consuming bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay

Abstract Holstein steers were fed bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay ad libitum and ground corn-based supplements, to determine if various additives might improve feed intake and/or digestion. Five steers (199 and 260 kg initial and final body weights, respectively) used in the first study (Latin square) were not supplemented (Control) or received 0.75% body weight (BW; dry matter basis) daily of corn in one or two meals (1M and 2M, respectively) or corn once daily with added sodium bicarbonate (0.02% BW, dry matter basis; BUFF) or sodium chloride (0.15% BW, dry matter basis; SALT). Hay organic matter (OM) intake was lower with than without supplementation (P
Laboratory evaluation of a prototype photochemical chamber designed to investigate the health effects of fresh and aged vehicular exhaust emissions.

Laboratory experiments simulating atmospheric aging of motor vehicle exhaust emissions were conducted using a single vehicle and a photochemical chamber. A compact automobile was used as a source of emissions. The vehicle exhaust was diluted with ambient air to achieve carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations similar to those observed in an urban highway tunnel. With the car engine idling, it is expected that the CO concentration is a reasonable surrogate for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions. Varying the amount of dilution of the exhaust gas to produce different CO concentrations, allowed adjustment of the concentrations of VOCs in the chamber to optimize production of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) needed for animal toxicological exposures. Photochemical reactions in the chamber resulted in nitric oxide (NO) depletion, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) formation, ozone (O3) accumulation, and SOA formation. A stable SOA concentration of approximately 40 μg m−3 at a chamber mean residence time of 30 min was ac...
Role of Nitric Oxide in Defense of the Central Nervous System against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Murine models of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) have not reflected the severity of disease in humans. Based on reports that activated murine microglial cells, but not human microglial cells, express inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), the objective of this study was to determine whether iNOS-knockout (iNOS -/- ) mice would provide such a model. iNOS -/- mice infected with M. tuberculosis developed serious clinical manifestations and granulomatous lesions containing tubercle bacilli throughout the meninges, all of which were absent in wild-type mice. This study underscores the importance of nitric oxide in defense against TBM and suggests that iNOS -/- mice are an appropriate model for human TBM.
Synthesis of cyclic peptides through hydroxyl side-chain anchoring

Abstract A general method was developed for the synthesis of serine or threonine containing cyclic peptides utilizing the β-hydroxyl side-chain of these residues as an anchor point to Wang resin. The peptide chain was assembled by conventional Fmoc/tBu solid-phase chemistry followed by palladium catalyzed exposure of the allyl protected C-terminus group and on-resin cyclization. The cyclic heptapeptide stylostatin 1 was prepared to demonstrate the utility of this technique.
Gustatory neurons derived from epibranchial placodes are attracted to, and trophically supported by, taste bud-bearing endoderm in vitro

Taste buds are multicellular receptor organs innervated by the VIIth, IXth, and Xth cranial nerves. In most vertebrates, taste buds differentiate after nerve fibers have reached the lingual epithelium, suggesting that nerves induce taste buds. However, under experimental conditions, taste buds of amphibians develop independently of innervation. Thus, rather than being induced by nerves, the developing taste periphery likely regulates ingrowing nerve fibers. To test this idea, we devised a culture approach using axolotl embryos. Gustatory neurons were generated from cultured epibranchial placodes, and when cultured alone, axon outgrowth was random over 4 days, a time period coincident with axon growth to the periphery in vivo. In contrast, cocultures of placodal neurons with oropharyngeal endoderm (OPE), the normal taste bud-containing target for these neurons, resulted in neurite growth toward the target tissue. Unexpectedly, placodal neurons also grew toward flank ectoderm (FE), which these neurons do not encounter in vivo. To compare further the impact of OPE and FE explants on gustatory neurons, cocultures were extended and examined at 6, 8, and 10 days, when, in vivo, placodal fibers have innervated the epithelium but prior to taste bud formation, when taste buds have differentiated and are innervated, and when the mouth has opened and larvae have begun to feed, respectively. The behavior of placodal axons with respect to target type did not differ between OPE and FE cocultures at 6 days. However, by 8 days, differences in axonal outgrowth were observed with respect to target type, and these differences were enhanced by 10 days in vitro. Most clearly, exuberant placodal fibers grew in 10-day OPE cocultures, and numerous neurites had invaded OPE explants by this time, whereas gustatory neurites were sparse in FE cocultures, and rarely approached and almost never contacted FE explants. Thus, embryonic endoderm destined to give rise to taste buds specifically attracts its innervation early in development, as placodal neurons send out axons. Later, when gustatory axons synapse with differentiated taste buds in vivo, the OPE provides trophic support for cultured gustatory neurons.
Kinetically distinct triplets in the photorearrangement of 2-phenylcyclohexanone to cis- and trans-6-phenyl-5-hexenals

Abstract A reinvestigation of the photochemistry of 2-phenylcyclohexanone reveals that the two aldehyde products, cis- and trans-6-phenyl-5-hexanal, come from triplets of different lifetimes. That the two distinct triplets are not simply the two conformers with phenyl axial and equatorial is demonstrated by the similar behavior of cis-4-t-butyl-2-phenylcyclohexanone. The trans isomer of this ketone is photostable. It is concluded that trans-enal arises by an almost concerted out-of-plane cleavage which forms a 1,6-biradical in the perfect geometry for disproportionation to trans-enal.The precursor to cis-enal may be a minor rotamer of 1 which is forced by nonbonded interactions into a cleavage mode which twists the biradical into a geometry suitable for at least partial formation of cis-enal. In both cases biradicals must be very short-lived and not rotationally equilibrated.
Conservation and taxonomic updates for the Jamaican endemic genus Dendrocousinsia (Euphorbiaceae)

The nomenclature of Dendrocousinsia (Hippomaneae, Euphorbiaceae) is revised and we present four new taxonomic combinations within the genus. It comprises six species and one variety. Extensive field surveys were conducted and conservation assessments are presented based on the IUCN redlist system for threatened species. Three of the species are Critically Endangered as each of them has a very restricted distribution. The other three species are Vulnerable. There has been a long debate pertinent to the taxonomic placement of Dendrocousinsia. Until extensive phylogenetic studies are performed within the Hippomaneae we propose to maintain this group as a distinct genus and not as a section within Sebastiania. This study highlights Dendrocousinsia as restricted to Jamaica with a high conservation priority because of its uniqueness and the Critically Endangered status of half of its species.
Higher Education in Nigeria: A Status Report

The government of Nigeria recently initiated higher education policy reforms intended to bring its university system more in line with international good practices. The reforms promote increased institutional autonomy, greater system differentiation, strengthened governance, and mechanisms for quality assurance. They seek to create a more flexible and responsive system of university teaching and research that, over time, will contribute increasingly to national innovation capacities, productivity gains, and economic growth. This paper reports on the current status of higher education in Nigeria and reviews the country's new policy initiatives in this context. The discussion gives particular attention to issues of access, teaching/learning, finance, and governance/management.
Reflectance spectroscopy of marine phytoplankton. Part 2. A simple model of ocean color1

Drawing upon principles of reflectance spectroscopy, we present a model of ocean color which consists of two optical components, water and phytoplankton. Diffuse spectral reflectance immediately below the sea surface is calculated from the diffuse absorption and diffuse backscattering coefficients for water and phytoplankton. Coefficients for phytoplankton were determined from measurements with a spectrophotometer of cells grown in the laboratory, coefficients for water calculated from optical measurements made in the oligotrophic waters of the Sargasso Sea. Broad spectral changes in diffuse reflectance of the model ocean were cffccted by increases in the total absorption and backscattering coefficients of the phytoplankton crop. These spectral changes are a function not only of crop size, but also of the age or physiological state of the cells. The study concludes with a derivation of a dichromatic function for calculating diffuse absorption by the phytoplankton crop from measured values of rc’flectance in a two-component ocean and a comparison of the model with field measurements.
Characterization of adsorption states of atomic iodine on Pt(111)

Abstract Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), work function change (Δφ) and photoelectron yield measurements have been made for atomic iodine on Pt(111). By correlation with known adsorbate structures formed at various coverages, we conclude that atomic iodine in threefold hollow and onefold atop sites have distinguishable thermal and electronic properties. The results, particularly the conclusion that threefold hollow I gives a negative Δφ, whereas onefold atop I gives a positive Δφ, are interpreted in terms of a recent theoretical model.
Bibliometric analysis of the impact of Internet use on scholarly productivity

Variables measuring the nature and level of Internet usage by natural scientists improve the explanatory power of a traditional bibliographic model of scholarly productivity. The data used to construct these variables come from the log files generated by the internal accounting modules of the UNIX operating system. The effects of Internet usage on productivity are quantifiable, and it is possible to calculate tradeoffs between Internet usage and the more traditional inputs. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Information Suppression and Status Persistence in Group Decision Making The Effects of Communication Media

This experiment investigated the conditions under which a member with information critical for making the best group decision will positively influence the group's final choice. The impact of two factors on group decision quality, information exchange, and perceptions of influence was examined: (a) status differences among members (equal-status vs. mixed-status groups) and (b) communication media (face-to-face vs. computer-mediated communication). Three-person groups were composed such that the critical information required to make the best decision was given only to the low-status member in the mixed-status groups and randomly assigned to one member in the equal-status groups. The results indicated that the mixed-status groups made poorer decisions and made fewer references to critical information than equal-status groups, regardless of the communication medium. Computer-mediated communication suppressed information exchange and the perceived influence of group members, suggesting that the relation between status and communication media is more complex than proposed in past research.
How can intelligent CAL better adapt to learners

Abstract Tutoring is assumed to be a conversational activity shared among the learner, the machine tutor and the educator/developer. The sort of student model that the machine should build, update and run simulations on, to help all three to be effective, is then derived. This derivation amounts to a demand for a new and different architecture for intelligent computer aided learning support systems. It is argued from cybernetic theory, and on the basis of empirical attribute-treatment results, that the student model must be a dynamic multi-level, and multi-personae model that also incorporates in rudimentary form the student's model of the teacher. Human tutors use multi-level models of learners' various characteristics to advantage. The promise of doing this in intelligent CAL systems is evaluated. Specific learner characteristics (including aspirations, expectations and cognitive style) are considered as elements of intelligent CAL student models. Since little is known yet about the moment-by-moment variability of many important learner characteristics, an intelligent CAL system is arguably a better laboratory for studying them. A formal connexion-matrix based language, and a fuzzy-logic based lesson planner, are advocated as a means for implementing and exploiting more adequate learner models in intelligent CAL systems.
Kinetic Limit of Heterogeneous Melting in Metals

The velocity and nanoscale shape of the melting front are investigated in a model that combines the molecular dynamics method with a continuum description of the electron heat conduction and electron-phonon coupling. The velocity of the melting front is strongly affected by the local drop of the lattice temperature, defined by the kinetic balance between the transfer of thermal energy to the latent heat of melting, the electron heat conduction from the overheated solid, and the electron-phonon coupling. The maximum velocity of the melting front is found to be below 3% of the room temperature speed of sound in the crystal, suggesting a limited contribution of heterogeneous melting under conditions of fast heating.
A note on topological degree for potential operators

Let E be a real Hilbert space and T: E -+ E be a compact potential operator with T(u) = t’(u) where t: E -+ IF!. Let g(u) = $ /I u II2 t(u). Our main goal in this note is to show that the index of an isolated critical point of g which is also a local minimum is 1 and to indicate how this can be used to get further information on the number of critical points g possesses. In particular, in certain problems in which we are interested g has a global minimum as well as another isolated critical point, and under some additional hypotheses one can conclude the existence of at least a third distinct critical point of g. This sort of situation arises in particular in nonlinear elasticity in studying the question of the number of buckled states possessed by a thin elastic shell. Here the unbuckled state of the shell corresponds to one solution, and for supercritical values of the buckling load, minimizing the potential energy of the shell provides a second. Some a priori bounds and a degree computation using the result mentioned above then gives a third solution. This improves an earlier result of Berger [l]. The abstract results are presented in Section 1 and the application to the buckling problem is carried out in Section 2.
Safe Haven?: A History of Refugees in America

The notion of America as land of refuge is vital to American civic consciousness yet over the past seventy years the country has had a complicated and sometimes fickle relationship with its refugee populations. Attitudes and policies toward refugees from the government, voluntary organizations, and the general public have ranged from acceptance to rejection; from well-wrought program efforts to botched ones. Drawing on a wide range of contemporary and historical material, and based on the author's three-decade experience in refugee research and policy, Safe Haven? provides an integrated portrait of this crucial component of American immigration-and of American engagement with the world. Covering seven decades of immigration history, Haines shows how refugees, their supporters and detractors continue to struggle with national identities and the effect this struggle has had on American institutions and attitudes.|The notion of America as land of refuge is vital to American civic consciousness yet over the past seventy years the country has had a complicated and sometimes fickle relationship with its refugee populations. Attitudes and policies toward refugees from the government, voluntary organizations, and the general public have ranged from acceptance to rejection; from well-wrought program efforts to botched ones. Drawing on a wide range of contemporary and historical material, and based on the author's three-decade experience in refugee research and policy, Safe Haven? provides an integrated portrait of this crucial component of American immigration-and of American engagement with the world. Covering seven decades of immigration history, Haines shows how refugees, their supporters and detractors continue to struggle with national identities and the effect this struggle has had on American institutions and attitudes.
Properties of sex factor and related episomes isolated from purified Escherichia coli zygote cells.

Abstract Whole cells of 13C,15N-labeled (heavy) Escherichia coli and non-labeled (light) E. coli were separated as discrete bands by centrifugation in a preformed sucrose-CsCl density gradient. By this technique, primary zygote cells were freed from donor cells in a mating mixture in which [3H]thymidine labeled heavy donor cells carrying sex factor (F+) or a related episome had been crossed with light recipient cells. Radioactive DNA transferred from the donor cells to recipient cells during mating, was extracted from the purified zygotes and analyzed by equilibrium centrifugation and zone sedimentation. Most of the F+ DNA isolated by this technique, behaves as linear duplex molecules with a weight of 1.0 × 108 daltons. The major components in F′8, F′lac and F'try DNA preparations isolated similarly have molecular weights of 1.0 × 108, 1.6 × 108 and 2.1 × 108, respectively. The transferred E. coli sex factor (F+) replicates semiconservatively in the zygotes, probably once in a generation time of the recipient cells.
Familiarization in Infants' Perception of Addition Problems

Previous research suggests that infants can calculate simple arithmetic (Wynn, 1992). This study sought to replicate this finding and examine how familiarization may influence response. Experiment 1 confirmed that 3- to 5-month-old infants looked longer at an incorrect outcome (1 + 1 = 1) when no familiarization trials were presented. Experiment 2 presented infants with 8 familiarization trials (either to the possible or impossible mathematical event). When familiarized to the incorrect outcome, infants looked longer at the correct outcome; however, when familiarized to the correct outcome, infants showed no preference for either display. Experiment 3 confirmed that infants could have become familiarized to both 1 and 2 dolls during the familiarization to the possible event and raised the possibility that infants may not process the display as a mathematical event, but rather as a series of unconnected stimuli.
The measurement and characteristics of sleep in older personsv of sleep in older persons

Measures of the sleep structure, patterns and evaluative responses of 40 males and 40 females between the ages of 50-60 years are presented. Measurement methodology is emphasized. The inability to sustain sleep is clearly indexed by the sleep structure measures. These tendencies are greater in the males. The absolute diminution of slow wave sleep is questioned. Sleep pattern measures show wide inter and intra subject variability with few sex differences. Three fourths of the subjects reported naps in a two week period and men report more frequent but shorter naps. The subjective measures have limited concurrent relations to EEG measures and constitute a complex multifaceted content domain. The overall picture is of a system in change characterized by a wide range of individual differences.
Separation through divorce: supportive professional practices

Child care professionals are in a uniquely influential position with “divorce transition” families. During the approximately 24-month-long period of family reorganization, child care professionals can recognize certain parental behaviors as indicative of specific types of stress surrounding the divorce process. Supportive practices to assist parents are outlined.
Interaction of multiple sclerosis serum with liposomes containing ganglioside GM1

Multiple sclerosis serum contains a factor or factors capable of releasing sequestered [14C]glucose from liposomes containing GM1, the major ganglioside present in human central nervous system myelin. Although some control sera can also release large quantities of liposomal glucose, multiple sclerosis and control sera differ in the mechanism of this release. Liposomal damage by multiple sclerosis serum does not appear to be complement mediated, but shares certain releasing characteristics of cholera toxin.
A characteristic mixed method with dynamic finite-element space for convection-dominated diffusion problems

Abstract A method for numerically solving convection-dominated diffusion problems using a combination of the method of characteristics with the mixed finite-element method is presented and analyzed in this paper. Different numbers of elements and different basis functions are implemented at different time levels in order to accurately resolve time-changing critical features. This new method provides the ability to obtain approximations of the solution and its gradient simultaneously, adopt large time steps, and make grid refinements and basis function adjustments at any time necessary. Convergence analysis and error estimates are established. Furthermore, comments are made on the efficiency and capability of the method for accurately solving transient problems with localized phenomena, such as fronts, shocks and boundary layers.
Maximal oxygenation of dilute blood Cardioplegic solution

Abstract The content of dissolved O 2 (the major source of O 2 far the myocardium) of dilute blood cardioplegic solution (dBCS) varied widely when oxygenated at 4 °C by surface flow of O 2 in a Bentley BCR-3500 cardiotomy reservoir. We have modified the system to consistently deliver maximally oxygenated dBCS to the heart. Laboratory studies indicated that bubbling O 2 through a 16-gauge intravenous catheter in a central Luer-Lok port of the cardiotomy reservoir provided contents of dissolved O 2 that were consistently near maximal. We then studied 17 patients in the operating room. The first 6 patients received dBCS oxygenated with 100% O 2 with a high dissolved O 2 content of 3.2 ± 0.2 ml/dl. However, the pH of the dBCS became highly alkaline (7.83 ± 0.11 at 37 °C). Therefore, in the remaining 11 patients, 2% CO 2 was added to the O 2 . The dissolved O 2 content remained high (3.3 ± 0.1 ml/dl), and the pH was in a more physiological range (7.35 ± 0.09 at 37 °C). We conclude that consistently maximal oxygenation of a dBCS at a more physiological pH can be achieved by this method.
Home total parenteral nutrition in cancer patients

Home parenteral nutrition has been used in a carefully selected group of patients with recurrent, incurable cancer. The goal of this treatment was to allow the patients to live their final months at home, instead of confined to hospital. Experiences with this program have shown that a rigidly defined group of patients can lead a comfortable existence with an acceptably low complication rate before eventually succumbing to their cancer. Additionally, a significant cost savings is realized, compared to the alternative of prolonged hospitalization.
A comparison of future recruitment needs in urban and rural hospitals: the rural imperative.

Background The potential impact of shortages of the surgical workforce on both urban and rural hospitals is undefined. There is a predicted shortage of 30,000 surgeons by 2030 and the need to train and hire more than 100,000 surgeons. The aim of this study is to estimate the average recruitment needs in our nation’s hospitals for 7 surgical specialties to ensure adequate access to surgical care as the U.S. population grows to 364 million by 2030. Methods We used the census figure of 309 million in 2010 for U.S. population. Currently there are estimated to be 3,012 urban hospitals and 1,998 rural hospitals in the U.S. (American Hospital Association’s Trend Watch report, 2009). At 253 million people (82 % of the population of 309 million in 2010) receive healthcare in urban hospitals; 56 million people receive healthcare in rural hospitals (18%). We assumed a work force model based on our previous publications, equal population growth in all geographic areas, recruitment by rural hospitals limited to Ob-Gyn, General Surgery, and Orthopedics, and that the percentage of the population receiving care at urban and rural hospitals will stay constant. Results Rural hospitals will have to recruit an average of 3.4 OBGYN’s, and an average of 1.6 Orthos, and 2.0 GS for a total of 7 full-time equivalents in the period from 2011 to 2030. Urban hospitals which have to recruit surgical specialists will have to recruit ten Ob-Gyns, about 5 Orthos, 6 GS’s, 5 ear, nose, and throat surgeons (ENT’s), an average of 2.5 urologists, a neurosurgeon, and a thoracic surgeon to meet the recruiting goals for the surgical services for their hospitals. Conclusion Rural hospitals will be in competition with urban hospitals for hiring from a limited pool of surgeons. As urban hospitals have a socioeconomic advantage in hiring, surgical care in rural areas may be at risk. It is imperative that each rural hospital analyze local future healthcare needs and devise strategies that will enhance hiring and retention to optimize access to surgical care.
Measuring solar wind velocity with spacecraft phase scintillations

The measurement of spacecraft phase scintillations with a coherent dual-frequency radio system permits solar-wind velocity measurements based on multiple-station phase scintillations. Advantages of measuring solar-wind velocity on the basis of multiple-station phase scintillations are discussed with respect to amplitude scintillations. These advantages include the ability to carry out observations closer to the sun, a much wider range of possible baselines, a lower S/N ratio for long-baseline phase measurements, and a wider range of antenna sizes and receiver noise temperatures. NASA antennas particularly suitable for these measurements are identified, and observations with the coherent S/X radio system aboard various NASA spacecraft intended for deep-space missions are proposed.
Anisotropic packing and diffraction-peak shifts in icosahedral glasses.

We show that the anisotropic random packing of units with icosahedral symmetry produces diffraction patterns with distortions similar to recent electron and x-ray diffraction measurements. Using the Hendricks-Teller formalism discussed in an earlier paper, we show that the peak shifts predicted by the introduction of phason strain in an ideal quasilattice may also be described by this anisotropic, random-packing, icosahedral glass model.
Doping Effects on the Thermoelectric Properties of AgSbTe2

A doping study of ternary alloys AgSbTe2 doped with excess AgTe, NaTe, NaSe, TlTe, BiTe, and excess Pb showed that carrier concentrations can be effectively manipulated. Measured thermopower and resistivity indicate a shift of the power factor peak toward the lower-temperature regime. The measured figure of merit ZT increases from 0.5 to 1.2 after doping with NaSe, and 1.05 with TlTe, at 400 K. We also show that doping with Bi and Pb has a negative effect on the thermoelectric properties of these alloys.
Carnival in Galicia Scattered Ants, Whipped Backs, and Hammered Plowshares

Vigorous masking, dancing, music, drinking, and celebratory chaos mixing old and new animate Carnival in Portugal and northern Spain. Harris attended five Galician carnivals in 1998, reporting here on his experiences.
IMAGE RECALL USING A LARGE SCALE GENERALIZED BRAIN-STATE-IN-A-BOX NEURAL NETWORK

An image recall system using a large scale associative memory employing the generalized Brain-State-in-a-Box (gBSB) neural network model is proposed. The gBSB neural network can store binary vectors as stable equilibrium points. This property is used to store images in the gBSB memory. When a noisy image is presented as an input to the gBSB network, the gBSB net processes it to filter out the noise. The overlapping decomposition method is utilized to efficiently process images using their binary representation. Furthermore, the uniform quantization is employed to reduce the size of the data representation of the images. Simulation results for monochrome gray scale and color images are presented. Also, a hybrid gBSB-McCulloch-Pitts neural model is introduced and an image recall system is built around this neural net. Simulation results for this model are presented and compared with the results for the system employing the gBSB neural model.
Improving on Kyoto: Greenhouse Gas Control as the Purchase of a Global Public Good

One way to obtain a global public good is to set up an institution to buy it, with the nations of the world contributing to the cost according to whatever sharing arrangements make political sense. An example would be the purchase of the services of national armed forces to carry out peacekeeping, with the cost separately apportioned. In these notes I suggest a way to exploit this approach to limiting accumulations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The “service” that produces the control is the reduction, by nations, in the levels of emissions over time from what they would otherwise choose, also known as the “business as usual” emissions path. In the scheme as envisioned, which could be used in a successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol, the fact that all nations are sellers of reductions ameliorates the enforcement problems typical of commitments to particular emission paths. Another difference from the Kyoto-style system: In the scheme sketched here, the distributive of burdens is explicit, rather than implicit in the allowable emission amounts. The conflation of distributive and allocational issues is, arguably, an unnecessary source of contention in the design of institutions to control anthropogenic effects on the climate system.
Shuttlebox performance in BALB/cByJ, C57BL/6ByJ, and CXB recombinant inbred mice: Environmental and genetic determinants and constraints

Male mice from nine strains (the CXB recombinant inbred set and their progenitors, BALB/cByJ and C57BL/6ByJ) were tested in a shuttlebox for two-way avoidance acquisition in an effort to resolve discrepancies between earlier studies. Mice were tested at one of three times of day (TOD) using one of three apparatus configurations. Analysis of variance revealed complex interactions between strain, apparatus configuration, and TOD. Subsequent analyses and tests of simple effects indicated very strong influences of apparatus configuration and/or TOD upon rate of acquisition in some strains, but not in others. C57BL/6 mice were relatively little affected by either variable; BALB/c mice were responsive to apparatus configuration but not to TOD. The recombinant inbred strains performed variously at levels that were either intermediate to, comparable with, or higher than those of the progenitors, depending upon the context of the testing situation. Genetic determination of behavior is, in part, a function of the particular context in which the behavior occurs. Both TOD and apparatus configuration are significant environmental factors.
A Two-Factor Theory for Concussion Assessment Using ImPACT: Memory and Speed

We present the initial validation of a two-factor structure of Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) using ImPACT composite scores and document the reliability and validity of this factor structure. Factor analyses were conducted for baseline (N = 21,537) and post-concussion (N = 560) data, yielding "Memory" (Verbal and Visual) and "Speed" (Visual Motor Speed and Reaction Time) Factors; inclusion of Total Symptom Scores resulted in a third discrete factor. Speed and Memory z-scores were calculated, and test-retest reliability (using intra-class correlation coefficients) at 1 month (0.88/0.81), 1 year (0.85/0.75), and 2 years (0.76/0.74) were higher than published data using Composite scores. Speed and Memory scores yielded 89% sensitivity and 70% specificity, which was higher than composites (80%/62%) and comparable with subscales (91%/69%). This emergent two-factor structure has improved test-retest reliability with no loss of sensitivity/specificity and may improve understanding and interpretability of ImPACT test results.
Disturbance alters local-regional richness relationships in Appalachian forests

Whether biological diversity within communities is limited by local interactions or regional species pools remains an important question in ecology. In this paper, we investigate how an experimentally applied tree-harvesting disturbance gradient influenced local-regional richness relationships. Plant species richness was measured at three spatial scales (2 ha! regional; 576 m 2 and 1 m 2 ! local) on three occasions (one year pre-disturbance, one year post-disturbance, and 10 years post-disturbance) across five disturbance treatments (uncut control through clearcut) replicated throughout the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA. We investigated whether species richness in 576-m 2 plots and 1-m 2 subplots depended on species richness in 2-ha experimental units and whether this relationship changed through time before and after canopy disturbance. We found that, before disturbance, the relationship between local and regional richness was weak or nonexistent. One year after disturbance local richness was a positive function of regional richness, because local sites were colonized from the regional species pool. Ten years after disturbance, the positive relationship persisted, but the slope had decreased by half. These results suggest that disturbance can set the stage for strong influences of regional species pools on local community assembly in temperate forests. However, as time since disturbance increases, local controls on community assembly decouple the relationships between regional and local diversity.
Localized Surface Disruptions Observed by InSAR during Strong Earthquakes in Java and Hawai‘i

Abstract Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar data spanning strong earthquakes on the islands of Java and Hawai‘i in 2006 reveal patches of subsidence and incoherence indicative of localized ground failure. Interferograms spanning the 26 May 2006 Java earthquake suggest an area of about 7.5 km 2 of subsidence (∼2 cm) and incoherence south of the city of Yogyakarta that correlates with significant damage to housing, high modeled peak ground accelerations, and poorly consolidated geologic deposits. The subsidence and incoherence is inferred to be a result of intense shaking and/or damage. At least five subsidence patches on the west side of the Island of Hawai‘i, ranging 0.3–2.2 km 2 in area and 3–8 cm in magnitude, occurred as a result of a pair of strong earthquakes on 15 October 2006. Although no felt reports or seismic data are available from the areas in Hawai‘i, the Java example suggests that the subsidence patches indicate areas of amplified earthquake shaking. Surprisingly, all subsidence areas in Hawai‘i were limited to recent, and supposedly stable, lava flows and may reflect geological conditions not detectable at the surface. In addition, two ‘a‘ā lava flows in Hawai‘i were partially incoherent in interferograms spanning the earthquakes, indicating surface disruption as a result of the earthquake shaking. Coearthquake incoherence of rubbly deposits, like ‘a‘ā flows, should be explored as a potential indicator of earthquake intensity and past strong seismic activity.
Nonstate Actors and the Diffusion of Innovations: The Case of Suicide Terrorism

Studies of terrorism in general and suicide terrorism in particular tend to view terrorist groups independently+ However, what if the propensity for a terror- ist group to adopt suicide tactics depends in part on its external linkages and the relationship between the organizational capabilities required to adopt the innovation and the organizational capabilities of the group? This article shows that the organi- zational change requirements for adopting an innovation significantly influence the overall adoption pattern, along with interlinkages between groups+ Additionally, eval- uating the universe of terrorist groups, not only those groups that adopted suicide terrorism but those that did not, shows that Pape's key variable of interest, occupa- tion, does not significantly predict the adoption of suicide terrorism+ Thinking about suicide terrorism as a special case of diffusion in the military area—an innovation for nonstate groups—can help bring the study of suicide terrorism further into the mainstream and highlight how the phenomenon has not just differences, but similar- ities, to other innovations+
Rebels, Rivals, and Post-colonial State-Building: Identifying Bellicist Influences on State Extractive Capability

Kisangani, Emizet F. and Jeffrey Pickering. (2013) Rebels, Rivals, and Postcolonial State-Building: Identifying Bellicist Influences on State Extractive Capability. International Studies Quarterly, doi: 10.1111/isqu.12042 © 2013 International Studies Association A recent, notable strain of empirical research argues that postcolonial state-building follows a pattern similar to the European state-building experience. It acknowledges that war is less common today, but contends that interstate rivalry now drives state-building. We argue that postcolonial state-managers have little reason to build state capacity in response to rival states. There is only a slight chance that these rivalries will escalate into an existential threat for the government. Attention should instead be focused on the more tangible threat posed by transnational rebels and postcolonial governments� use of low-scale military force to combat such non-state actors. Using interrupted time series methodology on a sample of 72 countries from 1972 to 2002, we find that postcolonial state military intervention against transnational rebels increases direct taxes (a measure of state penetration) and non-tax revenue (state autonomy) collected by governments, while intervention against rival states reduces direct taxation.