cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of Postoperative Antibiotics With Surgical Site Infection in Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

Background Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most frequent complication of Mohs micrographic surgery. Previous studies have identified risk factors for SSI, but it is not known whether antibiotic prophylaxis mitigates this risk. Objective To measure the association between antibiotic prophylaxis and SSI in a convenience sample of Mohs cases and to report on the utility of propensity scoring to control for confounding by indication in registry data. Methods Data were drawn from a pilot quality improvement registry of 816 Mohs cases. The relationship between antibiotic prophylaxis and SSI was assessed with logistic regression modeling using propensity score methods to adjust for confounding. Results One hundred fifty-one cases were prescribed antibiotic prophylaxis (18.5%). Of 467 cases with follow-up, 16 (3.4%) developed SSI. Infection rates were higher in subjects prescribed prophylaxis, but propensity adjustment reduced this effect. Adjusted odds of infection were 1.47-fold higher in subjects prescribed antibiotics and not statistically significant (95% confidence interval 0.29-7.39; p = .64). Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in SSI among patients prescribed prophylactic antibiotics, statistical precision was limited by the low incidence of infection. Larger population-based prospective registry studies including propensity adjustment are needed to confirm the benefit of prophylactic antibiotics in high-risk surgical cases.
Abstract # 2055 Beta-adrenergic blockade inhibits stress-related transcriptome profiles associated with worse cancer outcomes: A randomized controlled study of propranolol in hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients

Beta-adrenergic signaling regulates multiple molecular pathways that contribute to cancer progression; beta-adrenergic antagonists efficiently block many of these effects in animals. We previously demonstrated that hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) patients exposed to socioeconomic stress show activation of a conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA) transcriptome profile, which in turn is associated with increased relapse and decreased disease-free survival. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether the beta-antagonist propranolol is effective in decreasing gene expression of CTRA-related genes of 25 individuals receiving an autologous HCT for multiple myeloma. Propranolol was administered for one week prior to transplant and 4 weeks following transplant. Blood was collected at baseline, Day −2, and Day +28. Intention-to-treat analyses assessed effects on the 53-gene CTRA indicator profile and measures of CTRA-related cellular processes. Twelve participants were randomized to the intervention group and 13 to the control arm. Relative to the control group, propranolol-treated patients showed greater decreases from baseline to Day −2 and Day +28 for both CTRA gene expression (p = .017) and bioinformatic measures of CD16- classical monocyte activation (p = .005). Propranolol-treated patients also showed up-regulation of CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (p = .011). Peri-transplant administration of propranolol can down-regulate CTRA gene expression, inhibit myeloid-based cellular dynamics, and up-regulate the CD34+ cells. Ongoing follow-up and future replication studies will be required to assess impacts on clinical outcomes.
Effects of triploidy on genetic gains in a rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) population selectively bred for diploid growth performance

Abstract A monosex female, pedigreed rainbow trout population was selected as diploids to improve growth performance to the standard ~500-gram US market weight and beyond (Select line), and a contemporary, randomly-mated control line was maintained to empirically estimate selection response (Synthetic Control line). After two generations of selection, 10 Select and 7 Synthetic Control families were evaluated for growth performance as diploids and pressure-induced triploids with the aim of evaluating effects of triploidy on genetic gains made by selecting on diploid performance. Approximately 24 fish per ploidy × family subclass (810 fish total) were tagged at 5 months of age, commingled into one of three replicated tanks, and measured monthly for body weight, fork length, and condition factor until 21 months of age. Data were analyzed separately by month using a mixed-effects linear model to evaluate fixed effects of genetic line, ploidy, tank, genetic line × ploidy, and genetic line × ploidy × tank, and random effects of family nested within genetic line and family nested within ploidy. By 7 months of age and throughout the remainder of the study, Select-line fish and diploids were heavier compared to Synthetic Control fish and triploids (P ≤ .03). Select-line fish and diploids had numerically larger condition factors throughout most of the study, but differences were generally not significant (P
Relationships Between Fear of Cancer Recurrence and Lifestyle Factors Among Cancer Survivors.

We examine the relationships between fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), physical activity, smoking status, and engagement in healthier habits in a US population-based sample of post-treatment cancer survivors. We used data from the 2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) Experience with Cancer Survivorship Supplement. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the relationship of FCR to physical activity, smoking status, and engagement in healthier habits. In all analyses, MEPS survey weights were applied to account for the survey design. Compared with those reporting no FCR, survivors reporting high FCR had significantly lower odds of reporting that they were not currently smokers (odds ratio [OR] = 0.46; 95% CI 0.24, 0.91) and those with any level of FCR had significantly higher odds of reporting healthier habits since diagnosis relative to those with no FCR (low FCR OR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.36, 2.85; high FCR OR = 2.40; 95% CI 1.33, 4.32). FCR was not associated with the odds of reporting physical activity. Findings from this large population-based survey suggest that some of survivors’ lifestyle factors may be related to their level of FCR. Understanding the effects of FCR on lifestyle factors may help survivors, survivorship care providers, and policy makers better understand important differences among cancer survivors and personalize interventions in clinical care.
Discordance between eNOS phosphorylation and activation revealed by multispectral imaging and chemogenetic methods

Nitric oxide (NO) synthesized by the endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a critical determinant of vascular homeostasis. However, the real-time detection of intracellular NO-a free radical gas-has been difficult, and surrogate markers for eNOS activation are widely utilized. eNOS phosphorylation can be easily measured in cells by probing immunoblots with phosphospecific antibodies. Here, we pursued multispectral imaging approaches using biosensors to visualize intracellular NO and Ca2+ and exploited chemogenetic approaches to define the relationships between NO synthesis and eNOS phosphorylation in cultured endothelial cells. We found that the G protein-coupled receptor agonists adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and histamine promoted rapid increases in eNOS phosphorylation, as did the receptor tyrosine kinase agonists insulin and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Histamine and ATP also promoted robust NO formation and increased intracellular Ca2+ By contrast, neither insulin nor VEGF caused any increase whatsoever in intracellular NO or Ca2+-despite eliciting strong eNOS phosphorylation responses. Our findings demonstrate an unexpected and striking discordance between receptor-modulated eNOS phosphorylation and NO formation in endothelial cells. Previous reports in which phosphorylation of eNOS has been studied as a surrogate for enzyme activation may need to be reassessed.
Associations between perceived illicit fentanyl use and infectious disease risks among people who inject drugs.

Abstract Background Over the last several years, fentanyl has been introduced into the illicit drug supply in the United States. While the impact of fentanyl on overdose fatalities is clear, the increase in fentanyl use may also be affecting drug use practices with implications for infectious disease transmission. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to explore associations of perceived illicit fentanyl use with opioid use frequency, injection frequency and syringe sharing among people who inject drugs in two California cities. Methods People who inject drugs (PWID) were recruited from community settings in Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA from June 2017 to September 2018. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore adjusted associations between perceived illicit fentanyl use and high frequency opioid use, high frequency injection and syringe sharing. Results Among the 395 study participants, the median age of participants was 44 years; 74% of participants were cisgender male; 73% reported to be homeless; 61% lived in San Francisco and 39% in Los Angeles. The prevalence of perceived illicit fentanyl use in the past six months was 50.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 45.4%-55.3%) among PWID. Findings from our adjusted logistic regression models suggested that people reporting perceived illicit fentanyl use had a greater odds of high frequency opioid use (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.43–3.91; p = 0.001), high frequency injection (aOR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.08–3.13; p = 0.03) and receptive syringe sharing (aOR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.06–4.36; p = 0.03), as compared to people using heroin and other street drugs but not fentanyl. Conclusion People reporting perceived illicit fentanyl use were at increased risk for injection-related infectious disease risks. Actions must be taken to reduce these risks, including improved access to syringe service programs and opioid treatment and consideration of innovative approaches, such as supervised consumption services.
Sensing Landscape as a Media Object

Array-based remote sensing has been influencing knowledge practices across many fields, from geology, military planning, and archaeology to landscape architecture and artistic research. These uses have been made possible by declassified image-data and the proliferation of sensing technologies, enabling myriad interpretations of a single landscape. Following a series of remotely-sensed landscape visualizations created via training and conversation with archaeologists, in this article I reflect on using satellite remote sensing for analyzing the impact of militarization on archaeological landscapes in Afghanistan. The article surveys techniques of image generation using exploratory practices that reveal how obscurity is overcome in the process of image interpretation and visualization. In doing so, it tackles the liminality of digital, image-like worlds where mediated perceptions of landscapes aid the creation of evidence for sites that are physically inaccessible to fieldwork. The entanglement of aesthetics and objective knowledge marks this foray into a landscape of data that is composed of digital, virtual, and computable surfaces with imaginations of territory, topography, and terrain that have a materiality of their own, despite being intangible.
Evaluation of the secondary use of electronic health records to detect seasonal, holiday-related, and rare events related to traumatic injury and poisoning

The increasing adoption of electronic health record (EHR) systems enables automated, large scale, and meaningful analysis of regional population health. We explored how EHR systems could inform surveillance of trauma-related emergency department visits arising from seasonal, holiday-related, and rare environmental events. We analyzed temporal variation in diagnosis codes over 24 years of trauma visit data at the three hospitals in the University of Washington Medicine system in Seattle, Washington, USA. We identified seasons and days in which specific codes and categories of codes were statistically enriched, meaning that a significantly greater than average proportion of trauma visits included a given diagnosis code during that time period. We confirmed known seasonal patterns in emergency department visits for trauma. As expected, cold weather-related incidents (e.g. frostbite, snowboarding injury) were enriched in the winter, whereas fair weather-related incidents (e.g. bug bites, boating accidents, bicycle accidents) were enriched in the spring and summer. Our analysis of specific days of the year found that holidays were enriched for alcohol poisoning, assaults, and firework accidents. We also detected one time regional events such as the 2001 Nisqually earthquake and the 2006 Hanukkah Eve Windstorm. Though EHR systems were developed to prioritize operational rather than analytic priorities and have consequent limitations for surveillance, our EHR enrichment analysis nonetheless re-identified expected temporal population health patterns. EHRs are potentially a valuable source of information to inform public health policy, both in retrospective analysis and in a surveillance capacity.
Sexual Assault and Co-Occurrence of Mental Health Outcomes Among Cisgender Female, Cisgender Male, and Gender Minority U.S. College Students

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the co-occurrence of mental health (depression, anxiety, nonsuicidal self-injury, and suicide ideation) and substance use outcomes among cisgender female, cisgender male, and gender minority college students exposed to sexual assault (SA). Methods Data were drawn from a 2018 U.S. national survey of college student well-being (N = 50,438). Inverse propensity-weighted three-step latent class analysis was used to examine co-occurrence of outcomes while adjusting for 31 potential confounders of the relation between SA and outcome classes. Results Four latent classes were identified for cisgender female and male participants and two for gender minority participants, reflecting a range from low to high risk of co-occurring outcomes. SA was associated with significantly and substantially increased odds (odds ratio: 2.03–3.64) of membership to the highest-risk outcome class compared with the lowest-risk class across gender identity subgroups. Conclusions SA in the college setting is associated with substantially increased odds of co-occurring depression, anxiety, nonsuicidal self-injury, and suicide ideation, regardless of gender identity.
Predictors of Mortality and Associated Lactate Trends in Cardiogenic Shock Patients Treated with Impella® Placement - A Single Center Experience

Background : The Impella® devices have increasingly become a desired treatment option for cardiogenic shock (CS) as demonstrated by studies analyzing real-world use of hemodynamic support devices. However, data regarding outcomes after Impella® device implant and optimal timing of device placement remains scarce. This study investigates prognostic factors including serial lactate levels in CS patients treated with Impella®. Methods : This retrospective study reviewed 76 consecutive patients diagnosed with CS supported with Impella® at a large, tertiary-care university medical center. Clinical variables and outcomes examined include co-morbidities, pre- and post-procedural lactate levels, and mortality. Results : Of the 76 patients requiring an Impella®, 70% of patients survived to hospital discharge. Those who died post-device implant had a higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia (HLD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and more likely to require multiple (>1) vasopressors. The mean pre-procedural lactate levels were significantly higher (5.86 +/- 5.11 vs 2.16 +/- 1.50, p = 0.01) in the population who died, along with the change in lactate levels (1.90 +/- 2.56 vs -0.40 +/- 1.73, p=0.04). Those who died within 24 hours of implant showed a trend toward higher mean pre-procedural lactate levels (8.46 +/- 6.00 vs 3.86 +/- 3.31, p = 0.12). Conclusions : Higher pre-procedural lactate levels, HLD, CKD, and increased vasopressor requirement were predictive of increased mortality in CS patients post-Impella® placement, especially within 24 hours of implant. Through serial lactate measurements, we demonstrated favorable outcomes in patients with early stabilization or greater lowering of post-procedural lactate levels suggestive of improved end organ perfusion.
Are Kansas farms profit maximizers? A stochastic additive error approach

Profit maximization is widely assumed as a behavioral objective in agricultural economics research. This paper applies deterministic and stochastic tests to examine adherence of a sample of Kansas farms to the profit maximization hypothesis. A modification of Varian's stochastic method is developed to account for farms that have zero netput. Results indicate that none of the farms satisfy the joint hypothesis of profit maximization and nonregressive monotonic technological change under the deterministic case. Results support the existence of nonregressive technological change during the study period for the sample of Kansas farms. Using a rejection criterion of 10% for measurement error in quantity data, most of the sample of Kansas farms (81% based on the additive error model and 92% based on the proportional error model) adheres to joint hypothesis of profit maximization and nonregressive monotonic technological change. The consistency with profit maximization is stronger for those farms that do not enter and exit in the production of an output.
Fascial plane mapping for superficial tumor resection in dogs. Part I: Neck and trunk.

Objective To provide qualitative fascial categories and classify the intersections of various fascial planes of the trunk of the dog to facilitate preoperative planning for superficial cancers. Study design Qualitative anatomical study. Sample population Two male and three female mixed breed canine cadavers weighing approximately 15 to 35 kg. Methods The skin and subcutaneous fat were excised. Fascial planes were incised and elevated to allow exploration of their quality and borders. Fascia was categorized as type I (discrete sheets), type II (tightly adhered to thin muscles), type III (tightly adhered to thick muscles), or type IV (associated with periosteum). Photographs of specimens were digitally modified with overlays to map tissue types. Results Differences between cadavers were largely associated with muscle mass or sex, with only minor anatomical differences and enough subjective similarity among specimens to allow mapping. The fasciae of the neck and trunk were predominantly type I or type II, with type III fascia at the shoulder and type IV fascia at the scapular spine, 13th rib, dorsal spinous processes, and the wing of the ilium. Conclusion The superficial fasciae of the canine trunk were consistent among the dogs evaluated and can be classified as four broad fascial types. The population used was small, and individual variation should be considered when using these images in a clinical setting. Clinical significance The images and categorization of fascia and transitions between fascial layers detailed here provide a visual and written reference for surgeons to facilitate preoperative planning and excision of superficial cancers.
Biobased foams for thermal insulation: material selection, processing, modelling, and performance

With the urgent need for the development of sustainable materials and a circular economy, a surge of research regarding biobased materials and associated processing methods has resulted in many experimental biobased foams. Although several biobased foams are already shown to have thermal and mechanical properties competitive with expanded polystyrene, there remains a fundamental knowledge gap leading to limited understanding of the principles that determine performance. This review outlines the progress in this burgeoning field, introducing materials selection and processing, comparing performance, examining efforts in modelling physical properties, and discusses challenges in applying models to real biobased systems. The focus is on low thermal conductivity, which is a critical property for temperature-controlled applications such as packaging for refrigerated/frozen foods, medications, and vaccines as well as building materials. Currently, the trend in the field is moving towards fully biobased and compostable foams, though partially biobased polyurethane foams remain the most consistent performers. To illustrate the foam structure–property relationship, thermal conductivity, cell size, and density data were compiled. Given the complexity of biobased foams, heat transfer models aid in identifying crucial variables. However, data relevant to the insulation capability of biobased foams is not fully reported in many references. To address this issue, we employed a dimensional analysis to fill the gaps, revealing a power law correlation between thermal conductivity and relative density. Our approach is not intended as a robust prediction technique, but rather a simple demonstration of how biobased foams data could be utilized to predict the most promising materials and methods.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Parallel Elastic Actuators on High-Speed, Variable Stiffness Running

Although they take many forms, legged robots rely upon springs to achieve high speed, dynamic locomotion. In this paper we examine the effect of adding parallel springs to robots that rely on virtual compliance. Specifically, we consider the trade-off between energetic efficiency and leg versatility that comes while using Parallel Elastic Actuators (PEAs). To do this, we vary the ratio of physical to virtual compliance for legged systems using a) a modified SLIP model, b) a single legged hopping robot, and c) a multibody simulation of the quadruped robot LLAMA. In each case we show that having a small physical compliance significantly improves the efficiency while also maintaining the robot’s versatility.
The Kingdom of Jesus and Atonement Theology: Friends or Foes?:

Does maintaining that the Kingdom was central to Jesus’ ministry put one at odds with atonement theology? Some contemporary theologians have argued that these are mutually exclusive options, requir...
Relationships Among Maternal Size and Carcass Composition, Lactational Performance, and Growth and Composition of the Young: Comparisons Across Varying Degrees of Chronic Malnutrition

To describe the relationships among dietary intake, lactational performance, and litter growth in chronically underfed Sprague-Dawley rats, data from four studies were combined. In all experiments, animals were assigned at random to their dietary treatment group at 42 d of age and were bred over a 3- or 4-wk period beginning at 70 d of age. Throughout the experiments, rats were fed diet AIN-76A ad libitum (AL) or were fed 75%, 60%, 50% or 40% of AL intake. Litter size was adjusted to 8 pups at day 1 of lactation (L). At day 14 of L, milk yield was determined among half the dams by the tritiated water method. Milk and carcass composition were determined among the remaining dams and litters. At day O of L, maternal weight was a positive, linear function of food intake. At day 14 of L, milk yield and energy content were positively related to maternal body weight and carcass fat values; both increased at decreasing rates as body weight and carcass fat increased. Only within the AL range were decreases in maternal food intake not associated with compromised lactational performance. Pup weight gain also was compromised by restriction of maternal food intake but not by changes in maternal food intake within the AL range. At any given milk energy intake, pups of the AL-fed dams grew better than those of the restricted dams. Weight gain of the pups increased at a decreasing rate as a function of milk energy intake. The pups of restricted dams grew better as milk energy increased, whereas the pups of AL-fed dams grew at similar rates across a wide range of milk energy intake. A potential explanation for this is that as maternal food intake increased pups of the AL-fed dams deposited more of their new tissue as fat; however, the limited data available here on litter carcass composition are insufficient to support this hypothesis. This is the first time that these relationships have been explored across varying degrees of chronic underfeeding. These data support the existence of a non-linear relationship between chronic dietary intake and lactational performance. They also provide clear evidence of adaptation in milk yield and pup growth over the range of intake characteristic of AL-fed rats. However, this adaptation was overwhelmed by maternal dietary restriction with a resultant compromise in lactational performance and pup weight gain. (Supported by NIH Grant HD-14953.)
RESPIRATORY INHIBITOR FROM SERRATIA MARCESCENS

Neufeld, Harold A. (U.S. Army Biological Laboratories, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Md.), Ronald L. Coleman, and Joseph S. Zannucci. Respiratory inhibitor from Serratia marcescens. J. Bacteriol. 85:614–618. 1963.—A substance was obtained from Serratia marcescens in conjunction with lipopolysaccharide that is a potent inhibitor of mammalian succinoxidase activity. It was determined that the purified lipopolysaccharide is not an in vitro inhibitor of the succinoxidase system. The inhibitor has no effect on succinic dehydrogenase or cytochrome oxidase but apparently exerts its effect on some portion of the electron-transport chain between the dehydrogenase and cytochrome c.
A (Slightly Less Brutal) Method for Numerically Evaluating Structure Functions

A fast numerical algorithm for the evolution of parton distributions in x space is described. The method is close in spirit to `brute' force techniques. The necessary integrals are performed by summing the approximate contributions from small steps of the integration region. Because it is a numerical evaluation it shares the advantage with brute force numerical integration that there are no restrictions placed on the functional form of the distributions to be evolved. However, an improvement in the approximation technique results in a significant reduction in the number of integration steps and a savings in time on the order of three hundred fifty. The method has been implemented for the structure functions F_2 and g_1 at next-to-leading order.
Stability of Fumonisins in Food Processing

Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced by Fusarium verticillioides (moniliforme) and Fusarium proliferatum that are found in corn and processed corn-based food products. Although generally heat stable, fumonisin concentrations appear to decline as processing temperatures increase. At processing temperatures of 125 degrees C or lower, losses of fumonisin are low (25-30%), whereas at temperatures of 175 degrees C and higher, losses are greater (90% or more). Processes such as baking and canning, where product temperatures rarely reach 175 degrees C, result in little or no loss of fumonisin. Processes such as frying and extrusion cooking, where temperatures can exceed 175 degrees C, result in greater losses. Heating fumonisin in the presence of glucose results in an apparent first order loss of the toxin. Adding glucose to corn muffins and extrusion mixes results in high losses of fumonisins during baking and extrusion processing. Little information exists on the effects of chemical and bioprocessing on fumonisins. Alkaline processing of corn, such as in the nixtamalization process, hydrolyzes fumonisins and results in a more toxic product. Additional research is needed to identify and to determine the toxicity of fumonisin decomposition products.
Cfd Analysis of Nozzle Jet Plume Effects on Sonic Boom Signature

A computational fluid dynamics study is conducted to examine nozzle exhaust jet plume effects on the Sonic boom signature of a supersonic aircraft. A simplified axisymmetric nozzle geometry, representative of the nozzle on the NASA Dryden NF-15B Lift and Nozzle Change Effects on Tail Shock research airplane, is considered. The computational fluid dynamics code is validated using available wind-tunnel sonic boom experimental data. The effects of grid size, spatial order of accuracy. grid type, and flow viscosity on the accuracy of the predicted sonic boom pressure signature are quantified. Grid lines parallel to the Mach wave direction are found to give the best results. Second-order accurate upwind methods are required as a minimum for accurate sonic boom simulations. The highly underexpanded nozzle flow is found to provide significantly more reduction in the tail shock strength in the sonic boom N-wave pressure signature than perfectly expanded and overexpanded nozzle flows. A tail shock train in the sonic boom signature is observed for the highly underexpanded nozzle flow. Axisymmetric computational fluid dynamics simulations show the flow physics inside the F-15 nozzle to be nonisentropic and complex.
On Balanced Games Without Side Payments

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a new proof of a basic theorem of game theory, because of Scarf, that states that every balanced game without side payments has a nonempty core. The main tool is a new generalization of Sperner's celebrated topological lemma concerning triangulations of the simplex, which will be of independent interest. The chapter describes balanced sets and provides the simple but very useful geometric characterization of these sets. It also describes iterated barycentric partitions.
Prodrugs: Strategic Deployment, Metabolic Considerations, and Chemical Design Principles

This chapter offers a review of the historical and present-day design and development of prodrugs. Several case studies are presented to further illustrate the principles being discussed. Keywords: ADMET; drug design; esterase; prodrugs
Phase mapping in the diagnostic of a turbojet engine

This paper describes possibilities of using the phase portrait for the diagnosis of the turbojet engine AŁ-21F3 type. Attention is paid to description of the theoretical basis of application of this method to identify the engine fuel system. The identification of the engine fuel system was conducted for each operating adjusting point according to the mono-selection 3r plan with variable data sampling period with a frequency equal to a constant submultiple of the engine rotation frequency. It is explained how the settings of the operational control of the AŁ-23F3 engine fuel system influence the shape of the phase characteristics of engine rotation speed. Additionally, the location of the phase portrait distinctive points is determined. Moreover, there are shown examples of phase portraits for selected ranges of engine operation. It is shown, as an example of using the phase mapping, the ability to monitor parameters of the automatic engine start up using the adjusting machine screw of the altitude corrector of the start-up automaton and changes of the diameter of the start-up automaton nozzle. It is also shown that the qualitative analysis of the adjustment of specific ranges of engine operation is sufficient to determine the influence of the individual adjusting points for those operating ranges.
New Technologies and Techniques for NASS Accident investigations

The National Accident Sampling System (NASS) has investigated more than 40,000 traffic accidents in its six years of operation. This paper discusses some of the new technologies and techniques of accident investigation being adopted in NASS. These include a microcomputer data entry system, the CRASH 3 program for estimating the severity of an impact, a contour gauge for measuring vehicle deformation, and automated scene diagramming techniques. The authors also define some of the unsolved problems in mass accident investigation, and discuss the constraints on solving them.
GROSS AND MICROSCOPIC FINDINGS IN CLINICALLY NORMAL THYROID GLANDS

BASIC and essential to reliable understanding of the disorders of anybodily organ or system is thorough knowledge of the minute gross and histologic anatomic characteristics of that organ. The pathologic findings observed must then be correlated with clinical observations under various circumstances of health, physiologic alterations and pathologic deviations. In reference to the thyroid gland, such basic pathologic data have been rather slow to accumulate because often the routine necropsy does not include removal of the entire gland. Even when the thyroid is removed, a systematic, minute study of the gland is rarely undertaken as part of the routine examination if the gland appears normal externally or when bisected. In order, then, to obtain additional basic pathologic data concerning the thyroid gland, the following study was undertaken. MATERIAL AND METHODS The thyroid gland was removed en toto from each of 1,000 subjects undergoing routine consecutive postmortem examination in the Section of Patholo...
Surface properties and abhesion of undecyl oxazoline block and homopolymers

The surface properties of three undecyl oxazoline homopolymers and two phenyl/undecyl oxazoline block copolymers (as comparison) were studied. After coating on glass slides and annealing, all films had a low critical surface energy of 21 dynes/cm. Water contact angles were higher than 107° for the most hydrophobic films. The deduction that the polymer surfaces contained close-packed methyl groups was further confirmed by electron spectroscopy chemical analysis (ESCA) angle profiling on an annealed undecyl oxazoline homopolymer film. A model was developed for the variation of elemental ratios as a function of photoelectron take-off angle. This verified that the polymer films had the polymer backbones parallel to the surface with the undecyl tails oriented toward the surface. When these block and homopolymers were coated on copy paper and glass slides, the peel strengths of pressure-sensitive adhesives with these surfaces were very low for short dwell times at room temperature. At long dwell times or at elevated temperatures, the peel strengths remained low for the homopolymers but increased greatly for the block copolymers to values higher than those in the tape on glass. After 24 h at 70°C, ESCA analysis showed that the adhesive diffused into the phenyl block domains of the diblock copolymer, generating high peel strength and cohesive failure. However, under the same annealing conditions, the triblock copolymer showed adhesive failure while peel strength increased. ESCA analysis showed very litle diffusion of the adhesive into the triblock copolymer. The homopolymers were stable toward vinyl acetate type adhesives even at elevated temperature; they were abhesive up to 100°C with no interdiffusion.
Mating patterns of Darwin's Finch hybrids determined by song and morphology

Three species of Darwin's Finches hybridize on the Galapagos island of Daphne Major. We examined mating patterns to determine if hybrids exhibit mate preferences.Geospiza fortis×G. scandensF1hybrids backcrossed to both of the parental species, whereas all backcrosses bred with the parental species to which they were most related, or with hybrids. Paternal song was shown to be the crucial factor determining the mating pattern ofG. fortis×G. scandensF1hybrids and their offspring. Song is culturally inherited, transmitted faithfully from father to son (with few exceptions) as a result of an imprinting-like process. Size also contributes to the choice of mates.G. fortis×G. scandensF1hybrid females paired with largeG. scandens-likeG. fortismales.G. fortis×G. fuliginosaF1hybrids paired negatively assortatively with respect to the size of theirG. fortismates. Non-random mating of hybrids based on song, a non-genetic trait, has interesting evolutionary consequences. Song characteristics and nuclear and mitochondrial genes flow fromG. fuliginosainto theG. fortispopulation, whereas the direction of transfer of genetic and song information betweenG. fortisandG. scandensdepends on which song was sung by the father of the hybrids.
Lament as Transitional Justice

Chapter 2, Through interpretations of poetry in Carolyn Forche’s anthology, Against Forgetting, and novels from Rwanda, the USA, and Bosnia, Chapter 2, “Lament as Transitional Justice,” argues that lament is a social and ritualized form, the purposes of which are congruent with the aims of transitional justice institutions. Both laments and truth commissions employ grieving narratives to help survivors of human rights trauma bequeath to the ghosts of the past the justice of a monument while renewing the survivors’ capacity for rebuilding civil society in the future. Human rights scholars need a broader, extra-juridical meaning for “transitional justice” to capture its true power.
Disciplining Investment Bankers, Disciplining the Economy: Wall Street's Institutional Culture of Crisis and the Downsizing of “Corporate America”

ABSTRACT Countering the “mystique” of finance as abstract and disembedding, in this article I approach the financial market from the site of investment banking corporate culture to concretize large-scale processes and access its effects in the world. By investigating Wall Street investment banks’ role in two pivotal socioeconomic phenomena—rampant downsizings throughout “corporate America” and the financial bubble and bust of 2001—I explore whether financial crises and corporate downsizing can be better understood via Wall Street's quotidian practices. I draw theoretical inspiration from the figure of the downsized investment banker, who embodies and connects Wall Street's rationales for downsizing as well as “the effects.” Although shareholder value and externalized market justifications are Wall Street's models for understanding downsizing, I move beyond these dominant assumptions, demonstrating that bankers’ own work experiences, market temporalities, and organizational culture serve as an incisive model to explain Wall Street's role in downsizing and financial crisis. [Keywords: Wall Street, corporate downsizing, financial markets, shareholder value, organizational culture]
Sita, Surpanakha and Kaikeyi as political bodies: representations of female sexuality in idealised culture

For 40 years, Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) comics have been synonymous with the Indian comic book industry, and as such have garnered critical attention, including three books and numerous articles. In contrast, other English comics, especially those published since ACK stopped releasing new books in 1990, are the subjects of significantly less discussion. New publishers are now continuing and expanding the ACK tradition in significant ways. One major contribution to the industry is new comics based on the Ramayana, which has spawned six series/graphic novels in the last 5 years. In this essay, I will focus on Liquid (previously Virgin) Comic’s series, Ramayan 3392 AD, as one of the heirs to the ACK tradition, specifically one which maintains a perspective sympathetic to Rama. I will discuss how 3392 AD perpetuates ACK’s use of the feminine Vedic ideal while expanding into diasporic and non-Indian audiences. This expansion allows the series to capitalise on the fear of cultural loss to proscribe gendered norma...
Electrochemical reaction with RedOx electrolyte in toroidal conduits in the presence of natural convection

Abstract Transport processes in an upright, concentric, annular, electrochemical reactor filled with RedOx electrolyte solution are studied experimentally and theoretically. The electrodes form the two vertical surfaces of the reactor. The theoretical calculations consist of the solution of the Navier–Stokes and the Nernst–Planck equations accounting for species’ diffusion, migration, convection, and electrochemical reactions on the electrodes’ surfaces as a function of the difference in electrodes’ potentials and the average concentration of the electrolyte. Since the convection is driven by density gradients, the momentum and mass transport equations are coupled. The current transmitted through the electrolyte is significantly enhanced by natural convection. The current is measured as a function of the difference in the electrodes’ potentials. To obtain the reaction rate constants, an inverse problem is solved and the reaction rate constants are determined by minimizing the discrepancy between theoretical predictions and experimental observations. As an example, we study the reversible electrochemical reaction Fe +++ + e − = Fe ++ on platinum electrodes.
Dynamics factors preceding the initiation of atrial fibrillation in humans.

Summary Several mechanisms may explain AF in animal models, but the extent to which they operatein human paroxysmal or persistent AF is undefined. AF may result from reentrant or focalmechanisms yet, in either case, the mechanisms enabling single beats or regular tachycardiasto cause fibrillation with regional organization are unclear. These questions are increasinglyrelevant as advances in imaging, mapping and ablation allow us to translate these concepts tothe bedside for improved therapies for AF. Acknowledgements This work was supported, in part, by grants from the National Institutes of Health (K23 HL70529, R01 HL83359) andDoris Duke Clinical Foundation to SMN, and by a grant from the American College of Cardiology Foundation/Merckto DEK. ReferencesTSC1 1. Calkins H, Brugada J, Packer D, et al. HRS/EHRA/ECAS expert Consensus Statement on catheter andsurgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: recommendations for personnel, policy, procedures and follow-up. A report of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Task Force on catheter and surgical ablation of atrialfibrillation.European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA); European Cardiac Arrhythmia Scoiety(ECAS); American College of Cardiology (ACC); American Heart Association (AHA); Society ofThoracic Surgeons (STS). Heart Rhythm 2007;4:816–861. [PubMed: 17556213]2. Haissaguerre M, Jais P, Shah DC, et al. Spontaneous Initiation of Atrial Fibrillation by Ectopic BeatsOriginating in the Pulmonary Veins. N Engl J Med 1998;339:659–666. [PubMed: 9725923]3. Scherlag BJ, Nakagawa H, Jackman WM, et al. Electrical Stimulation to Identify Neural Elements onthe Heart: Their Role in Atrial Fibrillation. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology2005;13:37–42. [PubMed: 16133854]4. Patterson E, Lazzara R, Szabo B, et al. Sodium-calcium exchange initiated by the Ca2+ transient: anarrhythmia trigger within pulmonary veins. J Am Coll Cardiol 2006;47:1196–1206. [PubMed:16545652]5. Arentz T, Haegeli L, Sanders P, et al. High-density mapping of spontaneous pulmonary vein activityinitiating atrial fibrillation in humans. J Cardiovasc Electrophys 2007;18:31–38.6. Verma A, Saliba W, Lakkireddy D, et al. Vagal responses induced by endocardial left atrial autonomicganglion stimulation before and after pulmonary vein antrum isolation for atrial fibrillation. HeartRhythm 2007;4:1177–1182. [PubMed: 17765618]
What to look for in your first job.

The first job is very important in setting a trajectory for career development and progress. Although new pharmacy graduates will generally enjoy excellent job opportunities, they need to consider specific factors in choosing their first job. In addition, the increased number of pharmacy schools has produced more pharmacy graduates, leading to more competition for jobs. This tight job market may cause students or residents to make a hasty decision about their first job. The goal of this Director’s Forum is to provide guidance to young pharmacists as they choose their first job after schooling or training. This article specifically addresses the importance of the first job on career and personal development, lists the specific considerations in finding and deciding on the first job, and presents some experiences from others that may highlight possible pitfalls in choosing the first job. We hope the information in this article will provide some guidance to young pharmacists in choosing a job that meets the ...
The Raman spectra of the superionic conductor CuI in its three phases

Abstract We report Raman measurements of the superionic conductor CuI in all three phases. We show that the major features of the spectra, particularly the highest temperature α'-phase, can be accounted for by simple lattice dynamics calculations if the defect nature of the phase is taken into account. Thus, while some of the more specialized ideas that have been proposed to explain these types of spectra are undoubtedly appropriate, the major features actually can be explained rather straightforwardly.
What can we learn from studies of children raised by gay or lesbian parents

The papers by Loren Marks and Mark Regnerus, in tandem, provide a challenge to the broad scholarly consensus that children raised by gay or lesbian parents suffer no deficits. Let me be clear, these papers do not prove anything. Instead they offer reasonable arguments for (1) more caution when drawing strong conclusions based on the available science; and (2) that data based on probability samples might lead to different findings than are currently drawn from available data.
Some predicted properties of amorphous semiconductors with undulatorily-graded band edges

Abstract After a brief review of the theory proposed by Inglis and Williams 1 ), some properties predictable from the model are discussed. The probable origin of the graded compositional or structural inhomogeneities is considered. The temperature- and field-dependent conductivity is formulated. The application of the theory is outlined for several types of amorphous semiconductors, for an associated liquid, and for materials unidirectionally-graded undulatorily.
Ultrastructural changes accompanying the growth of isolated oligodendrocytes.

The changes in the ultrastructure of oligodendrocytes with time in culture were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Oligodendrocytes were isolated from ovine white matter and maintained in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 20% horse serum. One day after being placed in plastic culture dishes, most cells aggregate into clusters that do not attach to the surface for several days. Cells within these clusters form junctional complexes resembling gap junctions, their nuclear chromatin becomes uniformly dispersed, they are rich in polyribosomes, and their cytoplasm is less osmiophilic than oligodendrocytes in ovine white matter or cells fixed immediately after isolation. At this time, the cells in culture fit the description of light oligodendrocytes. After several days in culture, the cells become attached to the plastic surface, chromatin once again becomes clumped beneath the nuclear membrane, rough endoplasmic reticulum accumulates within the cytoplasm and the cells extend long processes containing cytoplasmic organelles. From these observations, it appears that oligodendrocytes undergo a transient dedifferentiation during their recovery from the trauma of isolation, not unlike the central chromatolysis seen in neurons following axonal injury. After acclimatization to tissue culture conditions, isolated oligodendrocytes show many of the morphologic features seen in vivo and therefore offer a good model to study myelination.