cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Approach to Risk Assessment for TiO2

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a poorly soluble, low-toxicity (PSLT) particle. Fine TiO2 (<2.5 microm) has been shown to produce lung tumors in rats exposed to 250 mg/m3, and ultrafine TiO2 (< 0.1 microm diameter) has been shown to produce lung tumors in rats at 10 mg/m3. We have evaluated the rat dose-response data and conducted a quantitative risk assessment for TiO2. Preliminary conclusions are: (1) Fine and ultrafine TiO2 and other PSLT particles show a consistent dose-response relationship when dose is expressed as particle surface area; (2) the mechanism of TiO2 tumor induction in rats appears to be a secondary genotoxic mechanism associated with persistent inflammation; and (3) the inflammatory response shows evidence of a nonzero threshold. Risk estimates for TiO2 depend on both the dosimetric approach and the statistical model that is used. Using 7 different dose-response models in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benchmark dose software, the maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) rat lung dose associated with a 1 per 1000 excess risk ranges from 0.0076 to 0.28 m2/g-lung of particle surface area, with 95% lower confidence limits (LCL) of 0.0059 and 0.042, respectively. Using the ICRP particle deposition and clearance model, estimated human occupational exposures yielding equivalent lung burdens range from approximately 1 to 40 mg/m3 (MLE) for fine TiO2, with 95% LCL approximately 0.7-6 mg/m3. Estimates using an interstitial sequestration lung model are about one-half as large. Bayesian model averaging techniques are now being explored as a method for combining the various estimates into a single estimate, with a confidence interval expressing model uncertainty.
Collagen-enzyme complex membranes and their performance in biocatalytic modules

Collagen was used as carrier for the immobilization of invertase, lysozyme, urease, glucose oxidase, penicillin amidase, and glucose isomerase. Immobilization was accomplished by either impregnation of a preswollen collagen membrane with enzyme solution or electrocodeposition of collagen and enzyme from a collagen dispersion containing dissolved enzyme. The collagen-enzyme complexes prepared are in membrane form. Membranous collagen-enzyme complexes were used to construct biocatalytic reactors such as the capillaric coil modular reactor. Such biocatalytic reactors were used in a recirculation system for the conversion of substrates. The biocatalytic reactors showed initial decreases of activity to stable limits which are maintained over a large number of reactor volume replacements. The stable limits correspond to approximately 35% of the initial activities for lysozyme and invertase, 25% for urease, 15% for glucose oxidase. The mechanism of complex formation between collagen and enzyme involves multiple salt linkages, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals interactions. This protein-protein interaction which leads to stable complexes by both impregnation and electrocodeposition processes is unique among the enzyme immobilization methods currently available.
The acne questionnaire.

ABSTRACT: A printed questionnaire can be used to help uncover the reason(s) for acne flares or failures in response. This method not only enhances office efficiency but is surprisingly thorough and well accepted by patients. A sample form is presented and its proper use is discussed in the text.
Inhibition of platelet aggregation in baboons: therapeutic implications for xenotransplantation.

Activation of endothelial cells and platelet sequestration play major roles in rejection of xenografts. The histopathology of both hyperacute and acute vascular or delayed rejection of vascularized discordant xenografts is characterized by interstitial hemorrhage and intravascular thrombosis. Agents that prevent platelet activation and consequent microthrombus formation have proven beneficial in xenograft rejection but do not fully preclude vascular thrombosis. Recently, several new anti-platelet therapies have undergone extensive clinical testing for atherosclerotic thrombotic vascular disorders; other putative therapies are undergoing pre-clinical evaluation. We have investigated the effect of several of these novel agents on platelet aggregation in baboons in order to screen for future potential in xenograft rejection models.
Free-Forced Convection from a Heated Longitudinal Horizontal Cylinder

Finite-difference solutions of a longitudinal three-dimensional boundary layer along a heated horizontal cylinder are presented for Pr = 1 and 10. The numerical results are compared with earlier asymptotic solutions. The comparison shows that the asymptotic solution is valid only for a narrow region close to the leading edge. Downstream from this narrow region, the asymptotic solution overpredicts the buoyancy effect along the bottom of the cylinder and underpredicts it along the top. The numerical solutions indicate that the flow becomes free-convection dominant far downstream from the leading edge even when Gr/Re2 is small.
Highlighting and Search Strategy Considerations in Computer—Generated Displays

Research on the highlighting of alphanumeric information is expanding greatly due to the increasing use of computer-generated displays. The assumed advantage of highlighting a particular selection or target on the display is that it speeds the search process for that information. However, recent work indicates that the enthusiasm for highlighting may be misplaced. In particular, it has been found that subjects can take longer to identify a target when highlighting is used than when no highlighting is used, at least when the number of options in the display is kept relatively small. One of the purposes of this study is to determine whether highlighting degrades performance when the number of options is increased substantially.
Reconstituted High-Density Lipoprotein Therapies A Cause for Optimism

Despite epidemiological studies showing that increased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are associated with a reduced risk of future coronary heart disease, neither monogenic diseases characterized by extreme HDL-C levels nor genetic variants associated with higher HDL-C levels are associated with coronary heart disease risk reduction.1,2 Most importantly, increasing HDL-C levels as a therapeutic approach to reduce cardiovascular risk has been called into question by the recent failure of several randomized trials in which therapies aimed at increasing HDL-C levels, such as niacin and cholesteryl ester transferase protein inhibitors, have failed to improve cardiovascular outcomes.3–5 See accompanying article on page 2106 However, it remains clear that HDL has multiple potential antiatherogenic functions,6 including its well-described role in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT)7 (Figure [A]). Thus, a novel approach toward coronary heart disease prevention and HDL-targeting therapies focuses on enhancing HDL function rather than HDL-C levels. That cholesterol efflux capacity of HDL isolated from human subjects is inversely correlated with coronary heart disease status8 reinforces the concept that atheroprotection is associated with HDL function rather than HDL-C levels. In this issue of Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology , Gille et al9 present evidence that in healthy volunteers, infusion of CSL112, a reconstituted HDL (rHDL) containing apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) and phospholipids improves biomarkers of RCT and cholesterol efflux when measured ex vivo. Figure. A , Reverse cholesterol transport. Apolipoprotein AI (apoAI; synthesized in the liver and intestines) acquires phospholipid and a small amount of free cholesterol via the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) to …
Accommodative convergence response to off-foveal retinal images.

The influence of off-foveal retinal blur on dynamic accommodative convergence is evaluated using a unique stimulus device which eliminated foveal accommodative stimulation. Three of four subjects tested show a significant convergence response to off-foveal accommodative stimulation with response amplitudes dependent on image distance from the fovea.
Sharing graphs using differentially private graph models

Continuing success of research on social and computer networks requires open access to realistic measurement datasets. While these datasets can be shared, generally in the form of social or Internet graphs, doing so often risks exposing sensitive user data to the public. Unfortunately, current techniques to improve privacy on graphs only target specific attacks, and have been proven to be vulnerable against powerful de-anonymization attacks.Our work seeks a solution to share meaningful graph datasets while preserving privacy. We observe a clear tension between strength of privacy protection and maintaining structural similarity to the original graph. To navigate the tradeoff, we develop a differentially-private graph model we call Pygmalion. Given a graph G and a desired level of e-differential privacy guarantee, Pygmalion extracts a graph's detailed structure into degree correlation statistics, introduces noise into the resulting dataset, and generates a synthetic graph G'. G' maintains as much structural similarity to G as possible, while introducing enough differences to provide the desired privacy guarantee. We show that simply applying differential privacy to graphs results in the addition of significant noise that may disrupt graph structure, making it unsuitable for experimental study. Instead, we introduce a partitioning approach that provides identical privacy guarantees using much less noise. Applied to real graphs, this technique requires an order of magnitude less noise for the same privacy guarantees. Finally, we apply our graph model to Internet, web, and Facebook social graphs, and show that it produces synthetic graphs that closely match the originals in both graph structure metrics and behavior in application-level tests.
The Spontaneous Origin of New Levels in a Scalar Hierarchy

Given a background of universal thermodynamic disequilibrium, I suggest that the interpolation of new levels in a material scale hierarchy is favored when the entropy production of a local region would be increased by such structural complexification. This would involve the separation by order of magnitude of the average dynamical rate of the new level compared to those of the resulting contiguous levels from which it became disentangled, thereby facilitating laminar flows. Here the Second Law of thermodynamics is understood as a final cause, which can be expressed in this creative way when the surrounding superstructure has a form allowing it to mediate this change (by, e.g., focusing kinetics, etc.), and given, as well, sufficiently differentiated local energy gradients to materially support the increased local dissipation.
The Initialization of Numerical Models by a Dynamic-Initialization Technique

Abstract A dynamic-initialization technique is tested with three models of fluid flow. In this technique data are assimilated through the inclusion of terms in the forecast equations which force the model atmosphere toward the observations. Results indicate that accurate, dynamically balanced mass and momentum fields can be obtained from unbalanced, inexact first guesses. In midlatitudes for horizontal scales less than 2000 km, observations of the wind are more important than observations of mass in producing a successful initialization for the systems presented here. There is also evidence that forcing the model winds toward the divergent wind component may slow the initialization process.
Immunofluorescence studies in human leukemia.

Plasma obtained from patients with leukemia, was concentrated by high speed centrifugation and used to prepare antisera in rabbits. Unabsorbed, anti-human leukemia plasma and anti-murine leukemia virus (Rauscher) anti-sera showed similar immunofluorescence with normal and leukemia leukocytes. After absorption of these antisera with normal human antigens, normal cells were non-reactive and leukemia cells still reactive. Each antisera was shown to contain antibodies capable of cross reacting with and/or blocking the immunofluorescent reaction of cells from acute myelogenous, stem cell, or lymphatic leukemia cases. Pre-immunization rabbit serum and anti-human normal plasma antisera failed to show these reactions. These and antisera to other antigens (human globulin, Herpesvirus, adenovirus) were also non-reactive with acute phase leukemia cells. Such findings indicated a specificity for human leukemia cells by the described antisera and that human leukemia cells and Rauscher murine leukemia virus may have common antigens. Serial studies on leukemia patients showed that the number and intensity of fluorescing cells varied with the clinical state of the patient. The three antisera gave similar reactions in acute leukemia. Differences were noted in remission. It was postulated that these differences were due to other cellular antigens, masked during the acute phase reaction. Leukocytes from patients with Hodgkin’s disease, lymphoma(s) and multiple myeloma also showed fluorescence when reacted with anti-murine leukemia. (Rauscher) virus anti-serum. Whether this common antigenicity with leukemia cells indicates similar altered cell growth and/or related etiology remains unresolved.
Renin release in rats during blockade of nitric oxide synthesis

The influence of renal perfusion pressure on renin release was examined in rats administered the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Compared with the control plasma renin of 6.0 +/- 0.7 ng angiotensin I (ANG I).ml-1.h-1, plasma renin activity was suppressed (1.8 +/- 0.2 ng ANG I.ml-1.h-1, P < 0.05) in L-NAME-treated animals in which the renal perfusion pressure was permitted to increase and reached 141 +/- 8 mmHg. Plasma renin activity also was suppressed (2.5 +/- 0.4 ng ANG I.ml-1.h-1, P < 0.05) in a second L-NAME-treated group in which the renal perfusion pressure was controlled to a level of 105 +/- 5 mmHg via tightening of a suprarenal aortic snare. Plasma renin activity was increased (12.0 +/- 1.4 ng ANG I.ml-1.h-1, P < 0.05) in a third L-NAME-treated group in which renal perfusion pressure was reduced to 59 +/- 1 mmHg. Overall, these findings suggest that the intrarenal pressure-sensing mechanism for renin release does not stringently require nitric oxide synthesis. In a second experimental series, bilaterally renal-denervated rats were administered L-NAME, and again plasma renin activity was suppressed significantly whether renal perfusion pressure was permitted to increase or was controlled. Thus L-NAME also suppressed plasma renin activity independently of reflex reductions in renal neuroadrenergic activity even when renal perfusion pressure was controlled. Infusions of sodium nitroprusside completely inhibited L-NAME-induced suppression of plasma renin activity in these renal-denervated rats. Nitric oxide may function as a paracrine stimulatory mechanism for the local regulation of renin release.
Selection Bias and the Evaluation of Distance Classes: Comparing Traditional and On-Line Economics Course Outcomes

This research examines whether MBA students at a regional, comprehensive university taking completely on-line courses learn as much as students taking identical classes in the traditional, face-to-face format. The courses were an introductory statistics class and a managerial economics class, one of each taught in the traditional format and one of each taught completely on-line. We examine average test scores and value-added (average test scores minus a pre-test score given at the beginning of each class). A simple comparison of test scores indicates that learning outcomes are similar in the two formats. However, controlling for other factors that determine outcomes, regression analysis shows that outcomes in the on-line environment are inferior to the traditional format with respect to the amount of material learned. Given that the choice to take a course in the on-line environment may be related to outcomes, we also use a two stage least squares technique and a switching regression model with endogenous switching to control for potential sample selection bias. The two stage least squares analysis yields findings similar to ordinary least squares estimation. The switching regression analysis shows that students in the on-line class would have learned as much as the students in the traditional class had they chosen that format. However, if students in the traditional class had taken the class in the on-line format they would have not performed as well as the students who actually chose the on-line learning environment.
Strain-optic law for a certain class of birefringent composites

A strain-optic law for a certain class of birefringent fiber-reinforced composite materials is developed. The strain-optic law requires both mechanical and optical characterization of the material. Previous investigations have hypothesized the existence of three independent optical properties for the anisotropic birefringent material. The strain-optic relation developed in this study, however, requires only a single strain-optic coefficient, coupled with four independent mechanical material properties, for prediction of the optical response of a birefringent anisotropic material. Experimental results are presented which show good agreement with the developed strain-optic relation. Finally, the isoclinic parameter is investigated and preliminary evidence is presented which indicates a correspondence between principal-strain direction and optical isoclinic angle.
Aperiodic Chaotic Orbits

1. INTRODUCTION. Two common formalizations of the popular notion of unpredictability in the presence of chaos are sensitive dependence on initial conditions and expansiveness. Sensitive dependence on initial conditions suggests that orbits of chaotic systems corresponding to even very nearby initial conditions may separate as time grows. Expansiveness occurs when all initial conditions yield orbits which must, for some time value, be separated by some minimum distance 8 > 0. This note sharpens the distinction between these concepts. The definition of a discrete time, dynamical system acting on a compact set, J, of the real line involves a function, say f, which maps J into itself. The function is applied iteratively. Specifically, the value of the system at time n is xn+1 = f(x") = fn+I(x), where x E J and fn( ) denotes the n-fold composition of f. An orbit of the dynamical system is denoted by {xn}. For ease of exposition, the presentation here is specialized to a familiar example for J = [0, 1], namely, the tent map defined by the function
Effect of Fruit Substrates on Parasitization of Tephritid Fruit Flies (Diptera) by the Parasitoid Biosteres arisanus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

The effect of fruit substrates on the parasitization of tephritid fruit flies by Biosteres arisanus (Sonan) was demonstrated in the laboratory. Naive female parasitoids (15-20-d old after emergence) discriminated among fruit varieties in which eggs of the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), and the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Weidemann), occurred. The preference (in descending order) of B. arisanus for B. dorsalis eggs was apple banana, Musa paradisiaca ssp. sapientum (L.) O. Ktze ; false kamani, Terminalia catappa L. ; solo papaya, Carica papaya L. ; Haden mango, Mangifera indica L. ; and, common lime, Citrus aurantiifolia (Christmann) Swingle. Where C. capitata was the target host, eggs inoculated in common guava, Psidium guajava L., and solo papaya were parasitized more heavily than those in citrus fruits, namely, common lime ; tangerine, Citrus nobilis Lour. ; and, tangelo, a cross between Citrus nobilis and Citrus paradisi Macf. B. dorsalis or C. capitata eggs exposed to B. arisanus concurrently in a pair of fruits of the same variety showed that parasitoids did not discriminate between these 2 fruit flies when eggs occurred in arabian coffee, Coffea arabica L. However, eggs of B. dorsalis were more heavily parasitized than those of C. capitata in common guava or solo papaya.
Activity and longevity of insect growth regulators against mosquitoes.

The efficacy and longevity of various formulations of 10 insect growth regulators were investigated in the laboratory and field. Culex Pipiens quinquefasciatus Say larvae were utilized in the laboratory; C. tarsalis Coquillett, C. peus Speiser and Culiseta inornata Williston were studied in the field. The most effective compounds evaluated in the field were Dimilin® or TH 6040, HE-24108 and Altosid (methoprene). Dimilin [1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)-urea] was evaluated as granules at the rate of 0.05 lb/acre against C. tarsalis , utilizing 4 different carriers. All formulations were equally effective, inhibiting adult emergence for ca. 15–18 days. HE-24108 [3-Butyn-2-yl-N-( p -chlorophenyl) carbamate] as EC and WP was applied at 0.5 and 1.0 lb/acre against C. inomata . Similar results were obtained with both formulations at the higher rate (1.0 lb/acre). yielding inhibition of emergence for 11 days. Methoprene (isopropyl 11-methoxy-3.7, ll-trimethyldodeca-2.4-dienoate) was tested as microencapsulated formulation SR10 with and without charcoal at 0.1 and 0.25 lb/acre against C. tarsalis, C. peus and C. inornata; both formulations were effective, yielding similar results.
Aerosols from Fires: An Examination of the Effects on Ozone Photochemistry in the Western United States

This study presents a first attempt to investigate the roles of fire aerosols in ozone (O3) photochemistry using an online coupled meteorology-chemistry model, the Weather Research and Foresting model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem). Four 1-month WRF-Chem simulations for August 2007, with and without fire emissions, were carried out to assess the sensitivity of O3 predictions to the emissions and subsequent radiative feedbacks associated with large-scale fires in the Western United States (U.S.). Results show that decreases in planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) resulting from the radiative effects of fire aerosols and increases in emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the fires tend to increase modeled O3 concentrations near the source. Reductions in downward shortwave radiation reaching the surface and surface temperature due to fire aerosols cause decreases in biogenic isoprene emissions and J(NO2) photolysis rates, resulting in reductions in O3 concentrations by as...
O HIBRIDISMO TECNOLÓGICO DIGITAL NA CONFIGURAÇÃO DO ESPAÇO DIGITAL VIRTUAL DE CONVIVÊNCIA: FORMAÇÃO DO EDUCADOR

O artigo aborda a formacao do educador por meio das tecnologias digitais emergentes. A pesquisa contempla dois aspectos: contexto do hibridismo tecnologico digital; configuracao dos espacos digitais virtuais de convivencia. A reflexao ocorreu nos cursos de formacao inicial do educador, desenvolvidos no Brasil e na Franca, no contexto do hibridismo tecnologico digital composto por: Ambiente Virtual de Aprendizagem; Comunicador Instantâneo; Blog e Metaverso. Por meio da metodologia de Estudo de Caso, evidenciamos que o espaco digital virtual de convivencia se configura quando: os seres humanos representam a sua percepcao em espacos digitais virtuais; a partir da representacao de cada ser humano se instaura a perturbacao, pois o outro e legitimo; ha a necessidade de compensar a perturbacao configurando um espaco comum, numa perspectiva de coexistencia e de emergencia.
Mechanical stimulation induces intercellular calcium signaling in bovine aortic endothelial cells

To study the mechanism by which endothelial cells respond to mechanical forces, we used digital fluorescence microscopy to measure changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in primary cultures of bovine aortic endothelial cells in response to mechanical stimulation. Before stimulation, [Ca2+]i was stable (approximately 50-75 nM). When an individual cell within the monolayer was mechanically stimulated with a microprobe, [Ca2+]i increased in the stimulated cell and spread in the form of a wave from the site of contact to the cell edges. After a delay of approximately 1 s, nonstimulated adjacent cells showed a similar spreading rise in [Ca2+]i. This outwardly radiating [Ca2+]i wave involved progressively more distal cells to a radius of 4-6 cells. The time delay before the wave appeared in adjacent cells increased, and peak [Ca2+]i in each cell decreased with distance from the stimulated cell. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, there was no increase in [Ca2+]i in the stimulated cell, yet a wave of increased [Ca2+]i occurred in neighboring cells as if communicated from the stimulated cell. These results indicate that endothelial cell mechanosensitivity results in increases in [Ca2+]i and that the temporospatial dynamics of intercellular Ca2+ signaling are mediated by a diffusible substance other than Ca2+.
Field Imaging of the Respiratory Tract: Radiology and Ultrasonography

This article addresses the current status and clinical opportunities for portable radiography and ultrasonography. Radiology is indicated for imaging the nasal cavity, larynx, pharynx and thin portions of the neck. In young foals, adequate radiographs of the entire respiratory tract may be possible. Ultrasonography is indicated in superficial parts of the head and neck, the pleural space and diseased parts of the lungfields.
Improving Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Biodegradation in Contaminated Soil Through Low-Level Surfactant Addition After Conventional Bioremediation.

Abstract Efficacy of bioremediation for soil contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may be limited by the fractions of soil-bound PAHs that are less accessible to PAH-degrading microorganisms. In previous test-tube-scale work, submicellar doses of nonionic surfactants were screened for their ability to enhance the desorption and biodegradation of residual PAHs in soil after conventional bioremediation in a laboratory-scale, slurry-phase bioreactor. Polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate (POESH) was the optimum surfactant for enhancing PAH removal, especially the high–molecular weight PAHs. This work extends that concept by treating the effluent from the slurry-phase bioreactor in a second-stage batch reactor, to which POESH was added, for an additional 7 or 12 days. Surfactant amendment removed substantial amounts of the PAHs and oxy-PAHs remaining after conventional slurry-phase bioremediation, including more than 80% of residual 4-ring PAHs. Surfactant-amended treatment decreased soil cy...
The observational basis

This chapter provides an observational survey of the main elements of the tropical atmosphere and ocean needed in the sequel. In particular, the major circulation features in the atmosphere and ocean important for understanding ENSO: SST, SLP, surface winds, surface heat fluxes, the East–West overturning circulation in the Pacific, the Hadley circulation and the depth of the equatorial thermocline. Because the surface plays such a crucial role in atmosphere–ocean interactions, special emphasis will be placed on the fluxes at the surface, in particular the wind stresses, the latent heat flux and the net heat flux into the ocean. The annual cycle of the crucial quantities needed to define the climatology of the tropics: SST, SLP, precipitation, winds and thermocline depth, will be presented. “Anomalies,” including those characteristic of ENSO, can be defined relative to this climatology. The major features of ENSO and the evolution of ENSO as we now know them will be presented, with some discussion of how typical an ENSO event is likely to be. Some effects of ENSO on the globe, especially tropical temperature and precipitation, Atlantic hurricane landings and monsoon rainfall will be described. Some observations of both higher frequencies (periods less than a year) and lower frequency (especially decadal variability) will be introduced. The nature and source of climate observations relevant to ENSO It would be valuable to have an accurate picture of the Earth's atmosphere and ocean throughout the temporal evolution of climatic variability but, unfortunately, the measurement of variables important for climate has a relatively short history.
Sulfur Dust Bag: A Novel Technique for Ectoparasite Control in Poultry Systems

Animal welfare-driven legislation and consumer demand are changing how laying chickens are housed, thus creating challenges for ectoparasite control. Hens housed in suspended wire cages (battery cages) are usually treated with high-pressure pesticides. This application type is difficult in enriched-cage or cage-free production. Alternatives to pesticide sprays are needed in enriched-cage or cage-free systems. In this study, we tested the efficacy of sulfur dust deployed in “dust bags” for control against the northern fowl mite ( Ornithonyssus sylviarum ), which causes host stress, decreased egg production, and reduced feed conversion efficiency. Dust bags were hung from the tops of cages or were clipped to the inside front of cages. We also tested permethrin-impregnated plastic strips, marketed for ectoparasite control in caged or cage-free commercial and backyard flocks. Previous work has shown sulfur to be very active against poultry ectoparasites; however, we found that the placement of bags was important for mite control. Sulfur in hanging bags reduced mites on treatment birds by 95 or 97% (depending on trial) within one week of being deployed, and mite counts on these birds were zero after 2 wk. Clipped sulfur bags acted more slowly and did not significantly reduce mites in one trial, but reduced mite counts to zero after 4 wk in trial 2. Permethrin strips had no effect on mite populations. This may have been due to mite resistance, even though this mite population had not been exposed to pyrethroids for several years. Sulfur bags should be effective in caged or cage-free systems.
Vectors and Matrices

The chapter introduces the creation of row vectors, column vectors, and matrices. Methods of indexing into elements and subsets of arrays are demonstrated. Functions and operators that find and modify the dimensions of arrays are shown. The use of vectors and matrices as function arguments, and functions that are written specifically to perform common operations on vectors and matrices, such as sums and products, are covered. Logical vectors and other concepts useful in vectorizing code are emphasized in this chapter. Array operations and matrix operations (such as matrix multiplication) are explained.
Paraplegia Following Chemonucleolysis

This is an iatrogenic paraplegia following inadvertently injecting chemolytic agent into the lumbar theca for degenerative disc disease.
The association between cardiorespiratory fitness and pulmonary diffusing capacity.

Abstract Pulmonary diffusing capacity for nitric oxide (DL,NO) and carbon monoxide (DL,CO) measured at rest (mL/min/mmHg) is strongly associated with aerobic capacity (cardiorespiratory fitness or peak oxygen uptake, VO2peak) measured in L/min. Data from healthy, non-obese individuals from various studies (n = 121 males and 81 females) were combined to examine this association. Subjects that were above the upper limit of normal (ULN, 97.5th percentile for age and sex and height) for DL,NO and DLCO had a higher median VO2peak compared to subjects below the ULN (Above the ULN = 4.2–4.5 L/min or 54–56 mL/kg/min; below the ULN = 3.0–3.2 L/min, 45–46 mL/kg/min, p
MODELING THE EFFECTS OF COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING ON MEAT PRODUCERS AND CONSUMERS

Although several studies have estimated the costs of implementing and maintaining country of origin labeling (COOL), no previous study has documented how increased costs imposed by COOL will be distributed throughout the livestock sector and how producer and consumer welfare will ultimately be affected. This paper develops an equilibrium displacement model of the farm, wholesale, and retail markets for beef, pork, and poultry that is able to document how producers and consumers will be affected by added costs of COOL. In addition the model is able to determine the level of increased consumer demand needed to make producers welfare neutral to the policy. Empirical results indicate that as COOL costs are shifted from the producer to the processor and retailer, producers are made increasingly better off while consumers are made increasingly worse off. Empirical model results also indicate that an increase in aggregate consumer demand (willingness-to-pay) on the magnitude of 2% to 3% is likely sufficient to offset lost producer welfare due to increased costs imposed by COOL.
A Meta-Analysis of the Convergence between Leader and Observer Perceptions of Leadership

The convergence between a leader’s assessment of his/her leadership behaviors and assessments from the leader’s subordinates, peers, and superiors-also known as “leader insight”- is linked to impor...
Differential Partitioning of Triterpenes and Triterpene Esters in Apple Peel

Apple peel is a rich source of secondary metabolites, and several studies have outlined the dietary health benefits of ursane-type triterpenes in apple. Changes in triterpene metabolism have also been associated with the development of superficial scald, a postharvest apple peel browning disorder, and postharvest applications of diphenylamine and 1-methylcyclopropene. Previously, studies have generated metabolite profiles for whole apple peel or apple wax. In this study, we report separate metabolic analyses of isolated wax fractions and peel epidermis to investigate the spatial distribution of secondary metabolites in peel. In addition to examining previously reported triterpenes, we identified several unreported fatty acid esters of ursane-type triterpenes (C14–C22). All free pentacyclic triterpenes and triterpenic acids, with the exception of β-amyrin, were localized in the wax layer, along with esters of ursolic acid and uvaol. All sterols, sterol derivatives and α-amyrin esters were localized in the ...
Computational wave modeling of anisotropic plates with implementation of Symmetry Informed Sequential Mapping of Anisotropic Green's function (SISMAG)

In recent years, mesh-free semi-analytical technique called distributed point source method (DPSM) has been increasingly used in computing ultrasonic wave field. A generalized computational method has been used for simulation in generic anisotropic plate using a comprehensive formulation of Green’s function. The Green’s function required for the implementation of DPSM is formulated using Fourier Transform method. Wave fields in unidirectional composite materials with 0 and 90-degree fiber orientations are reported using DPSM followed by generalized mathematical formulations. DPSM is implemented for multilayered anisotropic plates. Applying generalized mathematical formulations, NDE of multilayered anisotropic plate is simulated and reported in this article. Virtual NDE experiments of anisotropic plates in Pulse-Echo mode are simulated using a circular transducer of central frequency ~1MHz. Wave fields inside both the fluid and the solid media were calculated.
COORDINATION COMPOUNDS AS A SOURCE OF ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE SOLID STATE MATERIALS

Abstract Coordination compound systems with appreciable electrical conductivity and other unusual solid state properties are reviewed and discussed. The various modes of solid state electronic interaction in such systems are described and a classification scheme for coordination compounds whose properties are significantly influenced by such interactions is presented. Specific examples from our work are used to illustrate the structural features and solid state properties of these compounds.
Reconfigurable Tamper-resistant Hardware Support Against Insider Threats: The Trusted ILLIAC Approach

“An insider attack, sometimes referred to as an inside job, is defined as a crime perpetrated by, or with the help of, a person working for or trusted by the victim” [1]. This one-sided relationship of trust makes the insider attacks particularly insidious and difficult to protect against. This article motivates the need for secure and tamper-resistant storage of the secret information that is impenetrable even by the operating system and efficient ways of meeting this need. It highlights innovative new work being developed in the context of the Trusted ILLIAC project at the University of Illinois. A progression of techniques is presented providing increasing levels of security starting from a purely software-based approach, to hardware/software partitioned and hardware-only mechanisms. This is to guard the system effectively against insiders having increasing levels of intrusive access from user-level, administrative up to even physical access to the system under threat of attack. Techniques covered include software- and hardwarebased memory randomization, hardware for a threshold cryptography enabled mechanism to allow tamper-proof key management and support the software technique. Further, we describe an Information Flow Signatures based technique to provide runtime data integrity guarantees. Reconfigurable hardware is used to ensure the secure computation of critical data. In order to enable this trusted computing hardware we explore requirements for securely initializing it under the threat of an insider attack. The unique advantage of a hardware implemented mechanism is that the secret, either the key or the code that operates on securitycritical data, cannot be revealed or modified even by the operating system.
Accounting Practices and Education in Russia and Other Republics of the C.I.S.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes accounting practices and education in Russia and other republics of the C.I.S. Accounting education in the republics is conducted at universities, colleges, and vocational schools, in specialized courses, and directly at the workplaces. In the former Soviet Union, 150 schools have accounting faculties, and anyone with ten years of secondary education can enroll after passing entrance exams. Internal operational management systems are a conglomerate of very different methods independent of each other. It is difficult to speak yet about management accounting, although cost accounting, and cost analysis are practiced extensively, mostly by administrators. The management accounting of the West does not exist in the Soviet Union as either a comprehensive concept, or a clear discipline, and practice. The training of specialists in the administrative aspects of accounting falls into three subject matter areas. Accounting education and training in the republics of the former Soviet Union are currently subject to considerable evaluation and restructuring.
[Focal myositis--an indication for surgery? A case report].

In Form einer Fallbeschreibung wird das im chirurgischen Schrifttum bisher nicht behandelte Krankheitsbild der fokalen Myositis, einer seltenen inflammatorisch tumorosen Myopathie unbekannter Genese, dargestellt. Betroffen ist meist ein isolierter Extremitatenmuskel. Diagnostik und Therapie sind in der Regel sehr langwierig. Es werden eine sinnvolle Diagnostik und die chirurgische Therapieoption mit dem Vorteil der histologischen Abgrenzung zu malignen und weiteren entzundlichen Differenzialdiagnosen beschrieben. Zu berucksichtigen ist die sehr gute Prognose auch bei nur partieller Resektion des Tumors.
Monetary Policy and the Interest Rate: Reflections on Allan Meltzer's Contributions to Monetary Economics

The monetary framework developed by Karl Brunner and Allan Meltzer emphasized the interaction between the supply and demand for money and the supply and demand for credit. In a general equilibrium setting, the money market and the credit market jointly determine the short term interest rate and the price level of real assets. Open market operations change the composition of assets and, in turn, the price level of real assets and the interest rate. The effect of monetary policy on real activity depends on both the change in the interest rate and the change in the price level of real assets. The Brunner-Meltzer model therefore emphasizes the role of changes in relative prices of financial and real assets in response to changes in monetary policy. In recent years, the Federal Reserve has moved to a system that uses the interest rate on reserves as the primary tool of monetary policy. In doing so, the Federal Reserve has implicitly accepted the idea that monetary policy is entirely transmitted through the short term nominal interest rate. In this paper, I present Brunner and Meltzer's view of monetary transmission and their critique of monetary models that exclusively focus on the interest rate. In addition, I argue that the lack of evidence in support of the interest rate channel in conjunction with the change in the Federal Reserve's operating procedures presents an opportune time to revisit the Brunner-Meltzer critique.
Thermo-catalytic process for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to fuels and chemicals: A review

Abstract Fossil fuels the dominant source of energy in today rsquo s modern civilization has significant negative impact on global climate change The lignocellulosic biomass can be a more sustainable replacement of fossil fuel in the production of transportation fuels and petrochemical feedstock However high concentration of oxygen functionalized compounds in biomass presents a major challenge in the development of biomass technology For a biomass conversion to be efficient achieving faster heating rate gt deg C s of the solid biomass is the key to achieve higher liquid yield and lower coke make In the fast pyrolysis There are again two major approaches Thermal pyrolysis of biomass and subsequent separate treatment of bio oil Combining catalytic fast pyrolysis within situ upgrading of the generated bio oil in a single reactor system The bio oil produced by the first approach can be co processed in an existing secondary conversion unit of a refinery such as FCC or hydroprocessing Fluidized bed has proven to be the best reactor for biomass pyrolysis in both the approaches i e thermal or catalytic mainly due to the excellent heat mass transfer rate and high solid handling flexibility of fluidized system However the major challenges following the second approach i e the catalytic fast pyrolysis is to achieve high degree of de oxygenation while retaining maximum C and H within the liquid Good de oxygenation gt is essential to get a stable liquid product with acceptable corrosivity The other challenge is the fast deactivation of catalyst due to the impurities present in biomass specifically K gt ppm Upgrading the bio oil quality to achieve the high standard of transportation fuel requires costly multi step high pressure hydroprocessing system Thus the new advent is to directly produce olefins and aromatics from biomass which not only helps to enhance the product value but also greatly minimizes the need of too much hydrotreating Figure
Open data using Cloud infrastructure: An initiative to host, share and use open data using cloud services

In this paper, we discuss Microsoft Research Open Data, a new data repository in the cloud dedicated to facilitating collaboration across the global research community. The repository provides a single, convenient location for research datasets. In a single, convenient, cloud-hosted location, research datasets across many domains such as computer science, social science, biology, genomics and others, representing many years of data curation efforts by researchers. The datasets are accompanied by meaningful research assets such as meta data and publications. The data can seamlessly be copied to a data user's cloud subscription on powerful data science virtual machines that accelerate research reproducibility and further research outcomes using the data.
Ion friction at small values of the Coulomb logarithm.

Transport properties of high-energy-density plasmas are influenced by the ion collision rate. Traditionally, this rate involves the Coulomb logarithm, $ln\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$. Typical values of $ln\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ are $\ensuremath{\approx}10--20$ in kinetic theories where transport properties are dominated by weak-scattering events caused by long-range forces. The validity of these theories breaks down for strongly coupled plasmas, when $ln\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ is of order one. We present measurements and simulations of collision data in strongly coupled plasmas when $ln\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ is small. Experiments are carried out in the first dual-species ultracold neutral plasma (UNP), using ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}$ ions. We find strong collisional coupling between the different ion species in the bulk of the plasma. We simulate the plasma using a two-species fluid code that includes Coulomb logarithms derived from either a screened Coulomb potential or a the potential of mean force. We find generally good agreement between the experimental measurements and the simulations. With some improvements, the mixed ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}$ dual-species UNP will be a promising platform for testing theoretical expressions for $ln\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ and collision cross-sections from kinetic theories through measurements of energy relaxation, stopping power, two-stream instabilities, and the evolution of sculpted distribution functions in an idealized environment in which the initial temperatures, densities, and charge states are accurately known.
Challenging the Limits of Nitro Groups Associated with a Tetrazole Ring

To challenge the limits of nitro groups associated with a tetrazole ring, the polynitrotetrazoles, 2,5-bis(dinitromethyl)-2 H-tetrazole, and 2-(dinitromethyl)-5-(trinitromethyl)-2 H-tetrazole as well as their salts, were designed, synthesized, and characterized. The neutral compounds were also studied by natural bonding orbital (NBO) and Hirshfeld surface calculations. The heats of formation were calculated with Gaussian 03 and combined with experimentally determined densities in order to obtain the detonation properties of the energetic materials with the EXPLO5 program. They exhibit high densities, good oxygen balances, positive heats of formation, and excellent detonation properties.
Zoonosis: Update on Existing and Emerging Vector-Borne Illnesses in the USA

This review describes mosquito- and tick-borne diseases found in the Western Hemisphere. It focuses on emerging diseases and recent geographic shifts in the presence of disease vectors. Mosquito and tick vectors have become more widespread as environmental conditions have become more favorable. Zika recently has emerged as a concern for fetal anomalies. West Nile Virus has become widespread. Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases are more prevalent in areas previously inhospitable to these ticks. Healthcare providers must consider the possibility of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases in broader geographic areas and council patients traveling to endemic areas on precautions against these diseases. Treatment for suspected cases of serious tick-borne illnesses should not be delayed pending culture results.