cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tuberculosis tracking: Determining the frequency of the booster effect in patients and staff

Abstract Background: Two-step tuberculin skin testing, which is recommended to exclude the booster effect as a cause of converting nonreactive skin test responses to reactive responses, can be expensive and logistically challenging. We studied the booster effect in our patients and staff to determine its frequency and to identify factors that might predict its occurrence. Methods: Hospital staff members and long-term care patients were given 2-step Mantoux tests and evaluated prospectively. Results: Of 619 staff members tested, the initial tuberculin response was reactive in 39 (6.3%). Of the 97 nonreactive staff members who presented for retesting 6 to 30 days later, 6 were now reactive (6.2%; [95% CI, 2.3%-11.8%]). Twelve (13.6%) of eighty-eight patients were tuberculin reactive on their initial skin test. Of the 37 nonreactive patients appropriately administered their second test, 2 (5.4%, [95% CI, 0.7-18.2%]) were tuberculin-reactive. Thirteen percent of tuberculin-reactive staff members and 16% of tuberculin-reactive patients were identified only after their second skin test. Foreign birth ( P =.02) was associated with purified protein derivative response boosting in staff members; anemia was associated with boosting in patients ( P =.05). Conclusions: Our results support 2-step skin testing of all new employees and patients who are likely to receive periodic retesting. In our population, age alone is an inadequate criterion for selecting candidates for retesting. (AJIC Am J Infect Control 2001;29:7-12)
COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF PRESCRIBED WEIGHT-TRAINING AND BASKETBALL PROGRAMS ON BASKETBALL SKILL TEST SCORES OF NINTH GRADE BOYS

To compare the effects of prescribed weight-training and basketball programs on scores of four test items of the AAHPER basketball skill test for boys, pretests and posttests were administered to t...
The effect of hyperbaria on the glycerolization of the canine kidney

Summary Thirty-seven dog kidneys were perfused extracorporeally with varying concentrations of glycerol, using 3 atm of hyperbaric oxygen and helium to attempt reduction of organ edema and osmotic damage. Measurement of renal vein blood flow and reimplantation showed no beneficial effect. Sequential osmolarity measurements of renal vein effluent demonstrated that hyperbaria did not adversely affect equilibration of glycerol between renal cells and perfusate.
A standards framework for academic e-advising services

E-advising services provide a mechanism for using the internet to provide many aspects of academic advising. Benefits include the ability to offer advising to off-campus students enrolled in distance learning programmes and increase advising opportunities for on-campus students. Currently, little standardisation exists among e-advising programmes, and there are indications that initial development of e-advising systems is unstructured and atheoretical. This paper presents a standards framework for e-advising services that is based on theories of communication needs. The framework provides a guide to developing e-advising standards that are flexible to needs of advisees, advisors, and administrators.
ALTERATIONS IN SERUM IODINE FRACTIONS INDUCED BY THE ADMINISTRATION OF INORGANIC IODIDEL IN MASSIVE DOSAGE

IT HAS been shown that in euthyroid adults on an intake of inorganic iodide limited to that ordinarily present in the diet the serum precipitable or protein-bound iodine remains relatively constant within the range of 4.0 to 8.0 gamma per cent (1, 2). Under these circumstances the inorganic iodide in serum also remains constant at approximately one gamma per cent (3, 4). If, however, the intake of inorganic iodide is greatly increased, the concentration of this inorganic fraction rises several hundred fold, or more (4, 5). The present study defines alterations in serum proteinbound or precipitable iodine which accompany such rises during the administration of inorganic iodide in massive doses. Materials and Methods The pertinent clinical data on 8 patients who received up to 3 grams of potassium iodide or up to 7 ml. of a saturated solution of the same salt daily during periods as long as six months are presented in the legends to Figures 2 through 9. The sera of these subjects were analyzed at intervals ...
Evaluation of snow albedo in land models for weather and climate studies

Snow albedo plays an important role in land models for weather, climate, and hydrometeorological studies, but its treatment in various land models still contains significant deficiencies. Complementary to previous studies that evaluated the snow albedo as part of an overall land model study, the snow albedo formulations as used in four major weather forecasting and climate models [European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) ‘‘Noah’’ land model, National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Land Model (CLM3), and NCEP global model] were directly evaluated here using multiyear Boreal Ecosystem‐Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) in situ data over grass and forest sites. First, four idealized cases over grass and forest sites were designed to understand better the different albedo formulations in these models. Then the BOREAS data were used to evaluate snow albedo and relevant formulations and to identify deficiencies of each model. Based on these analyses, suggestions that involve only minor changes in parameters or formulations were made to significantly reduce these deficiencies of each model. For the ECMWF land model, using the square root of snow water equivalent (SWE), rather than SWE itself, in the computation of snow fraction would significantly reduce the underestimation of albedo over grass. For the NCEP Noah land model, reducing (increasing) the critical SWE for full snow cover over short (tall) vegetation would reduce the underestimate (overestimate) of snow albedo over the grass (forest) site. For the NCAR CLM3, revising the coefficient used in the ground snow-fraction computation would substantially reduce the albedo underestimation over grass. For the albedo formulations in the NCEP global model, replacing the globally constant fresh snow albedo by the vegetation-typedependent Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) maximum snow albedo would significantly improve the overestimation of model albedo over forest.
Vectored dispersal of Symbiodinium by larvae of a Caribbean gorgonian octocoral.

The ability of coral reefs to recover from natural and anthropogenic disturbance is difficult to predict, in part due to uncertainty regarding the dispersal capabilities and connectivity of their reef inhabitants. We developed microsatellite markers for the broadcast spawning gorgonian octocoral Eunicea (Plexaura) flexuosa (four markers) and its dinoflagellate symbiont, Symbiodinium B1 (five markers), and used them to assess genetic connectivity, specificity and directionality of gene flow among sites in Florida, Panama, Saba and the Dominican Republic. Bayesian analyses found that most E. flexuosa from the Florida reef tract, Saba and the Dominican Republic were strongly differentiated from many E. flexuosa in Panama, with the exception of five colonies from Key West that clustered with colonies from Panama. In contrast, Symbiodinium B1 was more highly structured. At least seven populations were detected that showed patterns of isolation by distance. The symbionts in the five unusual Key West colonies also clustered with symbionts from Panama, suggesting these colonies are the result of long-distance dispersal. Migration rate tests indicated a weak signal of northward immigration from the Panama population into the lower Florida Keys. As E. flexuosa clonemates only rarely associated with the same Symbiodinium B1 genotype (and vice versa), these data suggest a dynamic host–symbiont relationship in which E. flexuosa is relatively well dispersed but likely acquires Symbiodinium B1 from highly structured natal areas prior to dispersal. Once vectored by host larvae, these symbionts may then spread through the local population, and/or host colonies may acquire different local symbiont genotypes over time.
Does tourniquet use during anterior cruciate ligament surgery interfere with postsurgical recovery of function? A review of the literature

This article explores the issue of whether use of a tourniquet during arthroscopically assisted repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) slows the postoperative recovery of function. A tourniquet is customarily used to provide a bloodless field, thus enabling the surgeon to visualize the joint clearly. However, there is increasing evidence that tourniquets cause muscle and nerve damage that can have long-term consequences for the recovery of function following surgery. The two randomized trials that investigated tourniquet use during meniscectomy reached contradictory conclusions about the effects of the tourniquet. There have been no randomized trials of tourniquet use during the longer and more complex ACL surgery. This article reviews the pertinent literature and suggests some clinical implications of the available information.
Phonological parsing for reversible letter-to-sound/sound-to-letter generation

In this paper, we describe a reversible letter-to-sound/sound-to-letter generation system based on an approach which combines a rule-based formalism with data-driven techniques. We adopt a probabilistic parsing strategy to provide a hierarchical lexical analysis of a word, including information such as morphology, stress, syllabification, phonemics and graphemics. Long-distance constraints are propagated by enforcing local constraints throughout the hierarchy. Our training and testing corpora are derived from the high-frequency portion of the Brown Corpus (10,000 words), augmented with markers indicating stress and word morphology. We evaluated our performance on both letter-to-sound and sound-to-letter generation in terms of whole word accuracy and phoneme/letter accuracy. Using 26 letters and 52 phonemes with an unseen test set, we achieved a word accuracy of 69.3% and a phoneme accuracy of 91.7% for letter-to-sound generation, and a word accuracy of 51.9% and letter accuracy of 88.6% for sound-to-letter generation. >
Atomic Layer Deposition to Fine-Tune the Surface Properties and Diameters of Fabricated Nanopores

Atomic layer deposition of alumina enhanced the molecule sensing characteristics of fabricated nanopores by fine-tuning their surface properties, reducing 1/f noise, neutralizing surface charge to favor capture of DNA and other negative polyelectrolytes, and controlling the diameter and aspect ratio of the pores with near single Angstrom precision. The control over the chemical and physical nature of the pore surface provided by atomic layer deposition produced a higher yield of functional nanopore detectors.
Probabilistic roadmap motion planning for deformable objects

In this paper, we investigate methods for motion planning for deformable robots. Our framework is based on a probabilistic roadmap planner. As with traditional motion planning, the planner's goal is to find a valid path for the robot. Unlike typical motion planning, the robot is allowed to change its shape (deform) to avoid collisions as it moves along the path. We propose a two-stage approach. First, an 'approximate' path which may contain collisions is found. Next, we attempt to correct any collisions on this path by deforming the robot. We propose and analyze two methods for performing the deformations. Both techniques are inspired by a physically correct behavior, but are more efficient than completely, physically correct methods. Our approach can be applied in several domains, including flexible robots, computer modeling and animation, and biological simulations.
Optimal Ordering Policy and Value of Information under Delayed Lost Sales Observations

Under many circumstances, demand observations are often censored due to the lack of tracking lost sales caused by stockouts. To understand the impact of the lost sales information on the ordering decisions, a periodic-review inventory model is formulated in which only the sales information is obtained immediately upon the realization of the demand. This is equivalent to observing the demand when the sales are less than the available stock and to inferring that the demand is higher than the stock when there is a stockout. Subsequently, the lost sales information is obtained after a delay. In the resulting model, an optimal policy, if exists, reveals a very complex structure. By decomposing the derivative of the value function, we demonstrate two different roles of inventory in our model: satisfying the demand and extracting the demand information. We show that the optimal inventory levels under the delayed observation of the lost sales are always higher than those for which the demands are fully observed. Moreover, as illustrated in numerical examples, the optimal policy possesses a counterintuitive behavior with respect to the problem parameters. To understand the key drivers of the optimal decisions, we further compare the costs under different demand observations. Two important observations are made. First, a lower cost is obtained when the realized demand is observed than when the demand is only observed to be higher than the inventory level, and, furthermore, the cost difference represents the value of demand information. Second, while a higher inventory level induces a more accurate demand forecast, the value of exact demand observation is not monotone in the procurement cost. Consequently, the optimal ordering quantity is not always decreasing in the procurement cost.
Functional impairment as a predictor of short-term symptom course in bipolar I disorder.

Objectives: Most prior research has focused on functional impairment as a consequence, rather than a predictor, of mood symptoms in bipolar disorder (BD). Yet the majority of this research has been cross-sectional, thus limiting conclusions regarding directionality of effects. Indeed, just as functional impairment may represent an important outcome of BD, it may also serve as a risk factor for future affective symptoms or episodes. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate functional impairment as a predictor of mood symptoms in BD. Methods: Ninety-two patients with bipolar I disorder, recruited from hospital settings, were administered the Modified Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Bech–Rafaelson Mania Scale, and UCLA Social Attainment Survey (SAS) at baseline and at four-month follow-up. Results: Overall, patients evidenced a moderate level of functional impairment at both time points. Whereas baseline functional impairment was not associated with subsequent manic symptoms, baseline functional impairment was significantly predictive of depressive symptom levels at four-month follow-up. When individual SAS subscales were evaluated, impaired romantic relationship functioning and activity involvement were each significantly predictive of subsequent depressive symptoms, whereas baseline peer functioning was not. Conclusions: The study results suggest that functional impairment may be predictive of subsequent depressive, but not manic, symptoms over a relatively short-term follow-up period. Future studies that evaluate illness course over longer follow-up periods would be useful to further clarify the potential bidirectional relationship between depression and functional impairment in BD.
The mRNA cap-binding complex stimulates the formation of pre-initiation complex at the promoter via its interaction with Mot1p in vivo

The cap-binding complex (CBC) binds to the cap structure of mRNA to protect it from exonucleases as well as to regulate downstream post-transcriptional events, translational initiation and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. However, its role in regulation of the upstream transcriptional events such as initiation or elongation remains unknown. Here, using a formaldehyde-based in vivo cross-linking and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay in conjunction with transcriptional, mutational and co-immunoprecipitational analyses, we show that CBC is recruited to the body of yeast gene, and then stimulates the formation of pre-initiation complex (PIC) at several yeast promoters through its interaction with Mot1p (modifier of transcription). Mot1p is recruited to these promoters, and enhances the PIC formation. We find that CBC promotes the recruitment of Mot1p which subsequently stimulates PIC formation at these promoters. Furthermore, the formation of PIC is essential for recruitment of CBC. Thus, our study presents an interesting observation that an mRNA binding factor exhibits a reciprocal synergistic effect on formation of PIC (and hence transcriptional initiation) at the promoter, revealing a new pathway of eukaryotic gene regulation in vivo.
Detection of cancer cells in the cerebrospinal fluid: current methods and future directions

The spread of cancer into the central nervous system is a serious problem leading to neurological symptoms and rapid mortality. The current tools available for detecting the spread of cancer into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are cytology, neurologic examination, and neuroimaging. All three of these methods can be applied in concert to reach a diagnosis, but they all suffer from a lack of sensitivity, leading to delays in treatment in many cases. An overview of research tools in the field of CSF cancer detection reveals a variety of promising technologies that can be used to answer questions about the biology of metastatic cancer and to develop more powerful clinical detection methods. Methods currently under investigation include new immunocytochemistry methods and flow cytometry for the in vitro detection of cells. Additionally, polymerase chain reaction, fluorescence in situ hybridization, capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence, and mass spectrometry using matrix-assisted laser absorption-deionization time-of-flight and surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight techniques are being tested for in vitro assessment of the non-cellular biomarkers in CSF. For in vivo detection of cancer in the CSF, research techniques include certain quantum dot platforms as well as magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. As systemic therapies for cancer improve, the CNS is becoming a more common site of disease recurrence. This increases the importance of effective detection methods in the CSF, since early intervention can maximize therapeutic benefit. Furthermore, many cell-based detection methods can be combined with therapeutic agents to serve multiple medical functions through a common targeting system.
Conformation and normal frequency distribution of polymer chains

It is argued on the basis of a simple model for a polymer chain that characteristics of conformation can be determined from the analysis of the frequency distribution of backbone vibrations. In a chain with one degree of freedom per repeat unit, a fold tends to uncouple the motions on each side of the fold. This transfers highest and lowest modes towards the mean value. Conversely, a local unfolding of a random chain enhances the coupling and produces out-of-band modes. From the ordering of these modes, statistical aftereffects can be detected. The Green's function method allows a calculation of the single localized mode as a function of angular parameters. The dynamical matrix elements of the Kirkwood-Pitzer model are calculated for a folded polyethylene backbone chain. The eigenvalue distribution is determined with the Givens-Sturm procedure. It indicates a one-to-one correspondence between modes in the vicinity of 670 cm.−1 in the stretch-bend gap and chain folds, for low concentration of folds. We conclude that conformations should have two characteristic parameters distinctively reflected in the frequency distribution, namely the range of allowed dihedral angles and the ordering of configurations along the chain. The frequency distribution for a given conformation depends however on the force constant ratios when the degree of freedom is greater than one. Interpretation of the frequency spectrum is then made by adjustment of dynamical and geometrical parameters. These are seen to be dependent variables with respect to the spectrum.
Development of a swine-specific fecal pollution marker based on host differences in methanogen mcrA genes.

Swine waste is a significant source of fecal pollution (1) and can cause contamination of soil, groundwater, and surface waters from lagoon overflow and the use of lagoon surface water for irrigation (19, 27). Studies have shown that spills from swine waste lagoons have high pollution potential with increased levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and Clostridium perfringens counts of 40,000 CFU·ml−1 (23). A similar study found that addition of pig manure or fecal slurries to agricultural soils led to persistence of pathogens (Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter spp.) on the soil surface (13). Because swine waste can lead to watershed pollution due to runoff from rain events or leaching into groundwater systems, it is important to develop swine-specific fecal markers to identify the source of pollution for effective remediation efforts. Only two potential methods currently exist for identifying swine waste (7, 17). The STII swine biomarker assay developed by Khatib et al. (17) shows specificity, sensitivity, and geographic stability. However, targeting toxin genes for host-specific source tracking may be problematic due to horizontal gene transfer events occurring in eubacterial populations (25), which may account for the presence of this gene in animals other than swine and humans with diarrhea (17). A swine-specific marker developed using Bacteroides spp. also shows potential specificity for swine (7), although no tests have been conducted to determine the efficacy of this primer for microbial source tracking. Although many methanogens appear to be specific to the intestinal tract of animals and have the potential for use as host-specific markers of fecal pollution (36), there are no known archaeal markers of swine fecal pollution. Methanogens have been isolated in high numbers from the swine gastrointestinal system in counts of 106 to 108 methanogens per g wet feces (14). Only two methanogen species have been isolated and characterized from swine (5, 14), but molecular studies of swine fecal slurries and waste lagoons have indicated the presence of several unknown methanogens (32, 37) that, if host specific, may be useful for swine-specific marker development. Because characterizing host distribution patterns of methanogens is essential to delineate potential host-specific archaeal indicators of fecal pollution, a large-scale examination of methanogen-specific mcrA genes in the feces of different host animals was conducted to identify sequences for swine-specific molecular marker development. The mcrA gene, encoding the α subunit of methyl coenzyme M reductase, was targeted due to the conserved nature of the gene, the specificity of the mcrA gene to methanogens, and the use of this gene as an environmental marker for methanogens (10). This study describes the development of an archaeal swine-specific marker of fecal pollution based on host distribution patterns of methanogens in the feces of six different animals (pig, deer, cow, sheep, horse, and chicken) and sewage.
Identification of a novel adenovirus in a cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus)

A novel adenovirus was identified in a cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) with diarrhea by negative-staining electron microscopy of feces, consensus polymerase chain reaction, and sequencing. Partial sequences were obtained from the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase, the p52k gene, and the hexon. Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses indicated that the virus is a member of the genus Mastadenovirus, and is herein termed Saguinus siadenovirus 1. The phylogeny of the mastadenoviruses is similar to that of their hosts, supporting coevolution. Support for this was strongest in the analysis of the predicted hexon protein. The obtained sequences were GC-rich, which may suggest a lack of recent host jumps. The diversity and evolution of the adenoviruses of platyrrhine primates merits further investigation. Additional study of the association of this virus with diarrhea is indicated.
Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA Analysis of Clinical and Environmental Isolates of Vibrio vulnificus and Other Vibrio Species

Vibrio vulnificus is an estuarine bacterium that is capable of causing a rapidly fatal infection in humans. A randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR protocol was developed for use in detecting V. vulnificus, as well as other members of the genus Vibrio. The resulting RAPD profiles were analyzed by using RFLPScan software. This RAPD method clearly differentiated between members of the genus Vibrio and between isolates of V. vulnificus. Each V. vulnificus strain produced a unique band pattern, indicating that the members of this species are genetically quite heterogeneous. All of the vibrios were found to have amplification products whose sizes were within four common molecular weight ranges, while the V. vulnificus strains had an additional two molecular weight range bands in common. All of the V. vulnificus strains isolated from clinical specimens produced an additional band that was only occasionally found in environmental strains; this suggests that, as is the case with the Kanagawa hemolysin of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the presence of this band may be correlated with the ability of a strain to produce an infection in humans. In addition, band pattern differences were observed between encapsulated and nonencapsulated isogenic morphotypes of the same strain of V. vulnificus.
Degradation of TCE by TEOS coated nZVI in the presence of Cu(II) for groundwater remediation

The removal of TCE by nanofer zero valent iron (nanofer ZVI) coated with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in the presence of Cu(II) at different environmental conditions was studied. The kinetics of TCE degradation by nanofer ZVI was determined. At a dosage of 10 mg of nanofer ZVI, almost 63% of TCE was removed, when Cu(II) and TCE were present. It contrasts with 42% degradation of TCE in the absence of Cu(II). SEM/EDS images indicated that Cu(II) is reduced to form Cu0 and Cu2O. These formations are considered to be responsible for enhancing TCE degradation. Direct reduction involves hydrogenolysis and β-elimination in the transformation of TCE, while indirect reduction involves atomic hydrogen and no direct electron transfer from the metal to reactants. The reduction of activation energy was also noted indicating that the rate limiting step for TCE degradation in the presence of Cu(II) is surface chemical reaction rather than diffusion. Most of iron present in nanofer ZVI get dissolved causing the generation of localized positive charge regions and form metal chlorides. Local accumulation of hydrochloric acid inside the pits regenerates new reactive surfaces to serve as sources of continuous electron generation. No significant effect of TCE was noticed for Cu(II) sequestration.
Orthogonal-Like Space–Time-Coded CPM Systems With Fast Decoding for Three and Four Transmit Antennas

The Alamouti orthogonal space-time block code for two transmit antennas was designed primarily for QAM and PSK modulations, and we have previously generalized it for the continuous phase modulation (CPM), denoted as OST-CPM, by maintaining the orthogonality (for the fast ML decoding/demodulation) and the phase continuity of two signals from two transmit antennas. In this paper, we design orthogonal-like space-time coded CPM systems for three and four transmit antennas based on orthogonal and quasi-orthogonal space-time codes. Although the signals from transmit antennas in the proposed orthogonal-like space-time coded CPM systems are not orthogonal, the fast decoding/demodulation is maintained like the two transmit antenna case. Simulation results show that the performance of the proposed orthogonal-like space-time coded CPM systems for four transmit antennas is much better than that of the OST-CPM systems for two transmit antennas.
Infrared Absorption Spectrum of Silicon Dioxide

The absorption spectra of fused silica and α-quartz were investigated in the 2600 to 50 cm−1 wave number region. Only part of the absorption frequency bands of the crystal quartz appeared in the fused state and some of them were shifted to higher wave numbers. The principal absorption frequencies in the fused silica were at 1126, 809, 452, and 200 cm−1 It is proposed that the infrared spectrum of the fused silica results from two vibrating units, of point group Td and D3h, simultaneously. In the vitreous state, some of the Si-O-Si bonds are disrupted allowing random orientation of the tetrahedral SiO4 groups (point group Td). As a consequence of the formation of nonbridging oxygen, the force constant will be increased, as indicated by the shift of the vibrational frequencies to higher values. For every nonbridging oxygen atom formed, the silicon atom previously connected to it would be left with a positive hole. The point group D3h is due to such a silicon atom and its v3 and v4 modes coincide with the v3 and v4 modes of the Td point group.
Tunnel transit-time (TUNNETT) devices for terahertz sources

The potential and capabilities of tunnel transit-time (TUNNETT) devices for power generation in the 100-1000 GHz range are presented. The basic properties of these devices and the important material parameters which determine their properties are discussed and criteria for designing such devices are presented. It is shown from a first-order model that significant amounts of power can be obtained from these devices in the terahertz frequency range.
Unscented Color Traps for Non-Apis Bees (Hymenoptera: Apiformes)

Abstract Asian ladybug (semitransparent blue) and Japanese beetle (semitransparent yellow) insect traps (Springstar™) were tested for their utility in studies on bee diversity. The unscented traps were placed at four diverse ecological sites in Oregon in 2004 for approximately 48 hr and catches identified. Trap vanes were highly UV-A and UV-B reflective. The bee catch was diverse with a total of 369 bees, in 17 genera in five families. Bee captures were consistent with bee fauna at each site during the test periods. The semitransparent blue yielded an average of 17.3 bees/trap/day and the yellow 5.75 bees/trap/day. Bombus spp. made up 62.1% of all the bees captured, followed by the halictines (23.8%). It was surprising that Apis was virtually absent from all traps in all zones even though they were abundant in the immediate proximity of each trap. The current study is the first one in which colored traps captured sizeable numbers of bees: 1) in the absence of a pheromone or other attractant; 2) over a sho...
Courtship Behavior of the Soybean Stem Borer Dectes texanus texanus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): Evidence for a Female Contact Sex Pheromone

Abstract The mating behavior and developmental reproductive biology of the soybean stem borer Dectes texanus texanus LeConte were studied. Adults live for up to a month, but reach sexual maturity and are able to mate at 5 d of age. At hour-long observation times between 0900 and 1700 hours, no peak time of mating was observed. Females did, however, stridulate more often between 0900 and 1300 hours. Males approach females and tap the surface of the female’s elytra and thorax with their antennae. Subsequently, the male mounts the female, strokes her elytra with his palpi, bends his abdomen, and copulates. Male responses to solvent washes of females suggest the use of a contact sex pheromone. Mature eggs are first observed in virgin female ovarioles at 14 d of age, whereas mated females (8 d old) are able to oviposit just 4–8 d after mating.
Dynamic range enhancement of RF rectifiers through adaptive power distribution employing an extended resonance network

This paper presents an extended resonance power divider to increase the dynamic range of RF rectifiers. Such a power divider distributes the RF input power among several different rectifier cells adaptively based on the input power level. Therefore, high rectification efficiency can be maintained over a very wide dynamic range. As a proof of concept, a two-way dynamic enhancement rectifier network has been designed, which exhibits a rectification efficiency greater than 50% within a dynamic range of 35 dB (from −15 dBm to 20 dBm).
Modeling of Adverse Air Quality Effects

Often the real goal of an air pollution study is not only to evaluate the concentration field of atmospheric pollutants, but also to quantify their adverse effects.
Specific heat measurements of five different propylene glycol based nanofluids and development of a new correlation

Abstract This paper presents the specific heat measurements of five different nanofluids containing aluminum oxide (Al2O3), zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (CuO), titanium oxide (TiO2) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles dispersed in a base fluid of 60% propylene glycol and 40% water by mass (60:40 PG/W). The measurements were carried out over a temperature range of −30 to 90 °C, for nanoparticle volumetric concentrations of 0.5% to 6% and for average particle sizes ranging from 15 to 76 nm to evaluate their effects on the specific heat. From comparison, it was found that the existing specific heat correlations were not able to predict the measured experimental values. Therefore, a new correlation was developed to predict the specific heat of measured nanofluids. This new correlation is in good agreement with 610 experimental data points of the five nanofluids with a maximum deviation of −5% exhibited by the Al2O3 nanofluid and an average deviation of −0.094%, considering all five nanofluids.
Abstract T P132: Rapid loss of the Mexican American Survival Advantage After Stroke--The BASIC Study

Background/Objective: As a primary, pre-specified objective of the population-based Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project we studied trends in mortality following ischemic stroke among Mexican Americans (MAs) and non Hispanic whites (NHWs). MAs were previously found to have lower mortality following stroke than NHWs. Methods: We performed active and passive surveillance, and using source documentation, validated all ischemic stroke cases from January, 2000-December, 2010. Deaths were ascertained from the Texas Department of Health through December 31, 2011. Cumulative 30 day and 1 year mortality adjusted for covariates was estimated using log-binomial models with a linear term for year of stroke onset used to model time trends. Pre-specified adjustment factors were: age, sex, prior stroke or TIA, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol and stroke severity. Models used data from the entire study period to estimate adjusted mortality among stroke cases in 2000 and 2010, and to calculate projected ethnic differences. Results: There were 1,822 ischemic strokes among NHWs and 2,211 among MAs. Between 2000 and 2010, 30 day and 1 year mortality declined among NHWs, from 8.6% to 5.9% (p=0.14), and 21.7% to 17.0% (p=0.06), respectively. Among MAs, 30 day mortality remained stagnant at 5.6% (p=0.98), and a slight decline from 18.3% to 16.4% was observed for 1 year mortality (p=0.41). While, the ethnic differences in 30 day (p=0.01) and 1 year (p=0.07) mortality were robust in 2000, they were not so in 2010 (30 day, p=0.76; 1 year p=0.78). See figure. MAs are projected to have higher post-stroke mortality by 2022. Conclusions: Overall, mortality following ischemic stroke has declined in the last decade. However, the survival advantage previously documented among MAs vanished by 2010. Further, faster declines in mortality among NHWs than MAs imply a reversal of the survival advantage by approximately 2022. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
The Unsuitability of Some Viruliferous Plants as Hosts for the Green Peach Aphid, Myzus persicae

Significant differences were observed in the rates of multiplication of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) when reared on healthy and on cucumber mosaic virus-infected seedlings of Nicotiana tabacum L., Gomphrena globosa L., and Zinnia elegans Jacq. Aphid populations after 8 to 12 days were 2.10, 2.04 and 4.77 times larger on healthy than on the diseased seedlings, respectively. It is suggested that the altered amino acid composition of the viruliferous plants rendered them unsuitable as hosts.
Facts, Anecdotes, and New Horizons in the Medical Treatment of Duodenal Ulcers

There continue to be marked differences of opinion regarding how to manage duodenal ulcer disease. Recent developments in medical management which appear of major importance include the development of antagonists of H2-receptors of histamine, the prostaglandins, and transendoscopic instrumentation. Intractability of duodenal ulcer continues to be an over-used category which disguises situations that are easily remedied. Until we have more long-term and complete evaluations of ulcer treatment, we will continue to base therapy on anecdotes and incomplete data.
Butorphanol use in laboring patients with preeclampsia or chronic hypertension.

Abstract Objective The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends against the use of butorphanol in patients diagnosed with preeclampsia or chronic hypertension secondary to a theoretical concern that the drug will further elevate blood pressures. No past study has examined the drug’s potential to elevate blood pressures in laboring patients. Methods In this retrospective cohort study all chronic hypertensive and preeclamptic patients who underwent an induction of labor and delivered a viable, singleton pregnancy between the dates of 1/1/2013 and 12/31/2014 at a single academic hospital were included. Results The use of butorphanol in chronically hypertensive patients during labor was not associated with the presence of severe range blood pressures during labor (OR = 0.92 95% CI: (0.04–19.34) P = 0.96). In preeclamptic patients there was similarly no change in the frequency of severe range blood pressures with the use of the drug (OR = 0.59 95% CI: (0.19–1.83) P = 0.36). Conclusion In laboring patients with chronic hypertension or preeclampsia butorphanol is not associated with severe range blood pressures, and therefore it is a reasonable option for providing pain relief in these populations.
Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) describes a spectrum ranging from anterolateral bowing of the tibia to frank pseudarthrosis and disappearance of bone. It is strongly associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. While many classification systems exist, the most important criterion is the status of the tibia (fractured versus intact). CPT management is typically surgical, with bracing used to supplement surgical procedures. Many procedures exist; these include bypass grafting, intramedullary fixation, free fibula transfer, Ilizarov external fixation, periosteal grafting, and Masquelet’s procedure. Bone morphogenetic proteins and bisphosphonates may also be used as adjuncts. Some patients following unsuccessful surgical attempts may be better served with an amputation.
Can We Obtain Invasion Depth with Directional Borehole Radar

We examine whether directional borehole radar while drilling is a feasible method to detect the fluid interface that forms when mud filtrate invades a permeable layer. This interface should be relatively sharp for some time after drilling through the layer. During this time, the boundary between the invaded and uninvaded zone constitutes a reflective interface for high frequency electromagnetic waves. Through numerical modeling we show that a reflection does originate at this boundary if sufficient electromagnetic contrast is present across it. In non-magnetic media, electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity of fluid-filled rocks are largely determined by the amount and conductivity of water in the pores. Consequently, petrophysical parameters that predominantly influence electromagnetic wave propagation are drilling fluid resistivity, formation water resistivity, and water saturation. When oil-base mud invades a permeable formation, a measurable reflection is evident in numerical models provided that formation water resistivity is greater or equal to 0.01 ohm-m and the water phase is continuous. In the case of a water-base fluid invading the formation, measurable reflections are observed for mud resistivities greater than or equal to 0.5 ohm-m, for a formation water resistivity of 0.1 ohm-m. Invasion depth has to exceed a certain minimum value in order to keep direct arrival and invasion front reflection separate in the recorded waveforms. Preliminary results of work currently in progress indicate that this value is around 6.5 cm (3 in.). Overall we conclude that directional borehole radar is a feasible method to measure invasion depth within relatively narrow constraints imposed by water saturations, drilling fluid and formation water resistivities.
Transfer of Merit and the Law as Juridical

In the previous chapter we raised the question of the relation of the law of karma to justice. Two issues—whether transfer of merit is possible and consistent with justice, and whether the law of karma is a juridical or moral law—remain outstanding. We shall take them up in this chapter, which is a continuation of chapter 9.
Distance colorings of hypercubes from Z 2 Z 4 -linear codes

In this paper, we give distance- ź colorings of the hypercube using nonlinear binary codes which are images of codes which exhibit linear structure over more general rings; specifically, we employ images of Z 2 Z 4 -additive codes. This is an extension of the work of Fu, Ling, and Xing (Fu etźal., 2013) where the authors demonstrate that distance- ź colorings may be obtained from nonlinear codes which are binary images of codes that have a linear structure over Z 4 .
Social Justice Pedagogy, Deconstruction, & Teaching What Makes a Baby

A primary lesson within social justice education for pre-service teachers is learning to be attentive to the production of social norms and the ways in which the maintenance of said norms sustains practices of oppression and marginalization. In this paper, I critique additive frameworks of diversity that often emerge when discussing social norms with students newly exposed to ideas of power and privilege. In light of additive approaches to addressing systemic marginalization, in which the “solution” is to simply add various kinds of diversity onto an uninterrogated central norm, I propose deconstruction and critical literacy (Janks, 2010; Luke, 2012) as strategies that can both broaden students’ understanding of oppression and also through which they can explore ways to address it. Drawing on queer (Britzman, 1995; Butler, 2004) and poststructural (Derrida, 1976; Kumashiro, 2000) approaches, I offer possibilities for helping education students to explore their own relationships to cultural texts. In leveraging the idea of deconstruction as a way to consider qualities of openness as well as moments where openness fails, I investigate frameworks through which students can learn to trouble calls for diversity education as an exercise in “inclusivity”, to call dominant norms themselves into question, and to pursue justice as an openness toward the unknown. As a specific example of exploring critical literacy and deconstructive strategies in teacher education, I do a close reading of Silverberg’s (2012) What Makes a Baby and its accompanying reader’s guide. In addition to framing analysis of this book as a springboard for engaging critical literacy practices, I propose that closely considering deconstructive strategizing in relation to this text can provide a valuable analysis of ideological and political elements of schooling for future educators.
Model Distribution for Distributed Kalman Filters: A Graph Theoretic Approach

This paper discusses the distributed Kalman filter problem for the state estimation of sparse large-scale systems monitored by sensor networks. With limited computing resources at each sensor, no sensor has the ability to replicate locally the entire large-scale state-space model. We investigate techniques to distribute the model, i.e., to have at each sensor low-dimensional coupled local models that are computationally viable and provide accurate representation of the local states. We implement local Kalman filters over these coupled reduced models. We use system digraphs and cut-point sets for model distribution. Under certain conditions, the local Kalman filters asymptotically guarantee the performance of the centralized Kalman filter.
Neurosurgical Anesthesia for the Elderly: Is Age Really Just a Number?

Advances in medicine have increased the survival and health of our population in recent years. The result is an increasing age trend that has led to growth in the surgical sector overall and in the neuroscience service line. The geriatric patient with aging organ systems combined with neurologic disease presents unique challenges to the neuroanesthesiologist. The aim of this chapter is to review the perioperative challenges of the elderly patient as they pertain to neurosurgical anesthesia. We will explore the pertinent preoperative findings and identify risk factors most relevant to the neurosurgical patient. The individualized anesthetic plan will be discussed based on procedure, need for neurophysiological monitoring, patient’s age-related comorbid conditions, baseline neurologic condition, and necessary preoperative testing. The anesthetic plan segues to intraoperative management including positioning for key neurosurgical procedures commonly performed in the geriatric population. We will also discuss troubleshooting commonly anticipated complications to the described procedures. Our discussion will conclude by highlighting themes in postoperative ICU including pain management in this vulnerable population.
An Analytical Solution for Relative Motion with an Elliptic Reference Orbit

A method for the determination of accurate analytical expressions for the time dependence of the relative motion of two noninteracting masses under the gravitational influence of a spherical primary mass is presented and discussed. The case of the elliptic reference orbit is considered and the case of a circular reference orbit is analyzed as a special case. The approach also leads to accurate initial conditions for the elimination of drift away from periodic relative motion. The solution for the relative motion is in closed-form in terms of the eccentric anomalies of the target and chaser orbits, while the eccentric anomalies themselves are expressed in terms of the orbits’ respective eccentricities, using an iterative method.
Behavioral Characteristics and Functions of Pheromones of Earthworms

2 behavioral functions of mucus that is secreted by worms (L, terrestris) are investigated in four experiments. One function is an alarm pheromone function in which mucus from one worm leads to rapid escape by other worms. This occurs with mucus from electrically shocked worms, as previously reported, and from pinched worms. Neither mucus nor a pheromone effect occurs if worms are stimulated by moderate tactile stimulation or bright light. If worms that secrete mucus are kept at room temperature or if worms that react to the mucus are chilled, the pheromone effect does not occur. A second function of the mucus is a predator repellent function. Mucous covered worms are actively rejected by several types of predators that regularly eat worms.