cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Soft Tissue, Bone, and Joint Infections in People Who Inject Drugs

Infections are a common complication among people who inject drugs (PWID). Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) as well as bone and joint infections comprise a significant source of morbidity and mortality among this population. The appropriate recognition and management of these infections are critical for providers, as is familiarity with harm-reduction strategies. This review provides an overview of the presentation and management of SSTI and bone and joint infections among PWID, as well as key prevention measures that providers can take.
Hydrogen Phases on the Surface of a Strongly Magnetized Neutron Star

The outermost layers of some neutron stars are likely to be dominated by hydrogen, as a result of fast gravitational settling of heavier elements. These layers directly mediate thermal radiation from the stars, and determine the characteristics of X-ray/EUV spectra. For a neutron star with surface temperature $T\lo 10^6$ K and magnetic field $B\go 10^{12}$ G, various forms of hydrogen can be present in the envelope, including atom, poly-molecules, and condensed metal. We study the physical properties of different hydrogen phases on the surface of a strongly magnetized neutron star for a wide range of field strength $B$ and surface temperature $T$. Depending on the values of $B$ and $T$, the outer envelope can be either in a nondegenerate gaseous phase or in a degenerate metallic phase. For $T\go 10^5$ K and moderately strong magnetic field, $B\lo 10^{13}$ G, the envelope is nondegenerate and the surface material gradually transforms into a degenerate Coulomb plasma as density increases. For higher field strength, $B>> 10^{13}$ G, there exists a first-order phase transition from the nondegenerate gaseous phase to the condensed metallic phase. The column density of saturated vapor above the metallic hydrogen decreases rapidly as the magnetic field increases or/and temperature decreases. Thus the thermal radiation can directly emerge from the degenerate metallic hydrogen surface. The characteristics of surface X-ray/EUV emission for different phases are discussed. A separate study concerning the possibility of magnetic field induced nuclear fusion of hydrogen on the neutron star surface is also presented.
Integrating environmental and social impacts into optimal design of guayule and guar supply chains

Abstract Guayule and guar are two desert-dwelling crops that can provide raw materials year-round for bioproducts such as rubber, resin, guar gum, and guar meal. Both crops are low-water-use, drought-tolerant, as well as heat-resistant, and these features enable their great potential for the agricultural economy in the Southwestern U.S. However, there exist challenges when considering the design of their supply chains in not only the economic benefits but also the environmental and social impacts, such as the process facility location and transportation problems. Furthermore, the optimal supply chains are heavily dependent on the amount of crop production, which can be measured by the adoption rate, i.e., the percentage of current crops in the field that is switched to either guayule or guar. In this paper, stochastic scenarios are utilized to capture the uncertainties of the adoption rates of each field. Afterward, a stochastic optimization is deployed to identify optimal decisions for facility locations, transportations from fields to facilities, and finally to customers, with a multi-objective approach to quantify the economic benefits (minimizing the costs of supply chains), environmental impacts (minimizing CO 2 equivalent greenhouse gas emissions), and social impacts (maximizing the local accrued jobs). Based on the Geographic Information System for capturing field information and relevant factors, and deciding facility locations, the model is formulated as a complex large-scale mixed-integer linear optimization problem. For an efficient solution, the Benders Decomposition algorithm is implemented. The proposed approaches are evaluated based on the cases of two areas: Maricopa and Pinal counties in Arizona for the guayule supply chain, and Dona Ana County in New Mexico for the guar supply chain.
Screening of plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial strains for the degradation and utilization of exogenous pectin as a sole carbon source

Universal primers for gyrB were used to screen 79 strains of Bacillus species. The genomic DNA from each strain was extracted, and the PCR product of gyrB was amplified and purified for gene sequencing. Gene sequences were edited, and aligned, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum (Bap) strains identified based on the gyrB phylogenetic tree. Two primers (exuT and uxuB) were designed to detect pectin-associated transporter gene exuT and D-mannonate oxidoreductase gene uxuB. The Bap strains were then screened for the presence of the exuT and uxuB genes. These two pectin-utilizing genes were confirmed in 57 and 54 Bap strains by PCR amplification. Second, an in vitro tests were conducted to screen 59 Bap strains using pectin as a sole carbon source to confirm the pectate lyase and utilizing activity. Pectate Agar (PA) and Tris-Spizizen Salts (TSS) medium were used for the in vitro pectate lyase and degradation assays.
Habitat edges alter arthropod community composition

Historically, habitat edges were thought to increase diversity by combining communities from two habitats, but empirical results are mixed. Variation in edge responses may be driven by lumping specialists and generalists with divergent responses. We examined arthropod communities associated with a habitat edge in an intertidal salt marsh in New Jersey. We predicted that herbivores, largely specialists, would decline along the habitat edge due to their failure to expand across the boundary, and specialist natural enemies should track prey. Generalists should be less impacted by the edge if they use resources from both sides. Thus, habitat edges should affect species composition more than species diversity. We studied the edge responses of 115 arthropod species to the habitat edge formed between Spartina patens (SP) and Spartina alterniflora (SA) throughout the growing season. We found that the edge between SA and SP affected the abundance and composition of the associated arthropod community, but not species richness. Composition of herbivores, epigeic feeders, specialist natural enemies, and generalist predators shifted not only between SA and SP interiors, but also the edges. Compositional shifts were driven by dietary or habitat specialists. We found that edges change community composition via divergent responses by species with different resource requirements. This change in composition is not between two disparate habitat types but two congeneric grass species. Our results demonstrate that biodiversity losses due to edge effects associated with habitat fragmentation will not be random but will be driven by specialization and resource use.
Extraocular Muscle Injury

Extraocular muscle injury is a rare but potentially devastating complication of endoscopic sinus surgery. Preoperative analysis of the patient’s CT will help the surgeon to form a mental roadmap of the planned surgery, while also identifying anatomic features and “danger zones” that may lead to increased risk of injury. Intraoperative strategies to mitigate injury including careful, meticulous dissection of the lamina papyracea using proper techniques with both hand instruments as well as microdebriders further reduce risk. Control of intraoperative bleeding in the surgical field is also critical to injury prevention. Employing these strategies will help to reduce the risks to the patient, even in the setting of distorted anatomy and advanced disease.
The role of public relations firms in climate change politics

Climate change policy has long been subject to influence by a wide variety of organizations. Despite their importance, the key role of public relations (PR) firms has long been overlooked in the climate political space. This paper provides an exploratory overview of the extent and nature of involvement of PR firms in climate political action by organizations in five sectors: Coal/Steel/Rail, Oil & Gas, Utilities, Renewable Energy, and the Environmental Movement. The analysis shows that the engagement of public relations firms by organizations in all of these sectors is widespread. In absolute terms, the Utility and Gas & Oil sectors engage the most PR firms, and the Environmental Movement engages the fewest. Organizations in the Utilities Sector show a statistically significant higher use of PR firms than the other sectors. Within each sector, engagement of PR firms is concentrated in a few firms, and the major oil companies and electrical-supply manufactures are the heaviest employers of such firms. PR firms generally specialize in representing specific sectors, and a few larger PR firms are widely engaged in climate and energy political activity. PR firms developed campaigns that frequently relied on third-party groups to engage with the public, criticize opponents, and serve as the face of an advertising campaign. Our analysis shows that PR firms are a key organizational actor in climate politics.
Market Mechanisms and Consumer Involvement in the Delivery of Mental Health Services: A UK-US Comparison

This is the final published version of an article published in the the Open Access Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare by the Western Michigan University School of Social Work.
Revisiting Gujarat: Is There a Capability Trap?

This chapter applies the Perception Driven Joint Learning Approach (PeDJoLA) model of capacity development to understand Gujarat’s post-2011 earthquake capacity building process. The chapter focuses on understanding capacity building efforts from two levels: top-down level, within different levels of governments, and bottom-up level, within different community groups. Sustainability of capacity development efforts is also discussed along with challenges that inhibit developing effective capacity. The chapter presents findings from field research carried out in 2012, through interviews, surveys, and review of documents. A methodology to apply the conceptual model through field research is discussed first. The second section describes the perception of research participants regarding capacity deficit and disaster risk. The third section describes different forms of capacity development efforts undertaken by different stakeholders, including the government and the community. The fourth section looks into whether capacity development under the Gujarat Emergency Earthquake Reconstruction Project (GEERP) has taken place or not, focusing on changes in the local government and the community. The fifth section explores how sustainable the current capacity development efforts are, in terms of learning and empowerment. The final section, which relies heavily on formal and informal interviews, highlights the potential factors responsible for inhibiting capacity development in the three study towns.
Age-Related Effects in Consistent Memory Search: Performance is the Same but What about Learning?

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the mechanisms which underlie the learning in consistently mapped (CM) memory search. In Experiment 1, old and young adults were trained in both CM and variably mapped (VM) category search. The training results replicate previous findings by Fisk and Rogers (1991). Even though older adults are initially at a disadvantage relative to young adults, the comparison times of young and old adults are near zero after CM training. For VM, older adults remain at a disadvantage relative to younger adults, even after extensive training. A full reversal manipulation was implemented in Experiment 2 to investigate the learning in memory search. Initially, the young subjects were less affected by the full reversal condition compared to the performance of the older adults. However, older subjects quickly recovered and both young and old were performing at trained CM levels within 60 trials of additional practice. These results suggest: (a) attention is not being trained in CM...
Better, faster, cheaper tools: a case study and demonstration

In this paper, the author describes his approach to the rapid construction of high-quality software tools for engineering, based on the integration of very large-scale components-in this case, existing, commercial off-the-shelf, shrink-wrapped application packages.
Investigations of the chymotrypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis of specific substrates. IV. Pre-steady state kinetic approaches to the investigation of the catalytic hydrolysis of esters.

Abstract Pre-steady state kinetic parameters pertaining to chymotrypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis of specific substrate esters can be obtained from measurements of the displacement of the competitive inhibitor proflavin from enzyme by substrate. This method, which was previously used in experiments with specific substrate amides, has now been applied to the investigation of N-acetyl-l-phenylalanine methyl ester, N-acetyl-l-tryptophan ethyl ester, and N-furylacryloyl-l-tyrosine ethyl ester. Results were found to be in agreement with data obtained by established procedures including measurement of spectral changes of the enzyme upon formation of complexes with substrate and direct measurement of product formation. All available data on chymotrypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis of specific substrate esters are consistent with the previously proposed mechanism [see PDF for equation] in which P1 represents an alcohol and P2 an acid.
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone and thyroid hormones in amniotic fluid

Abstract Immunoassayable TRH (iTRH) was measured in 50 amniotic fluid specimens with a mean concentration of 207 ± 26 (SE) pg/ml. This iTRH demonstrates parallelism with the standard curve for synthetic TRH. With increasing gestational age there is an increase in iTRH levels in amniotic fluid with a decrease in 3,3′,5′-triiodothyronine levels (rT 3 ), while thyroxine levels (T 4 ) remain unaltered. Preliminary data suggest that iTRH levels in amniotic fluid that are less than 150 pg/ml after 32 weeks of gestation may correlate well with low Apgar scores at birth. There was no correlation of rT 3 or T 4 amniotic fluid levels with the Apgar scores.
Accurate Determination of Electron Densities in Active and Quiescent Prominences: the Mid-Infrared Advantage

We have analyzed all lines in the MIR (8 to 20 micron) spectra of a quiescent and two time-frames of an active prominence. In the quiescent prominence, in addition to those lines found by Zirker (1985), we have identified a higher excitation hydrogen line and two helium recombination lines. Accounting for instrumental broadening, we can further separate out the Doppler and the Stark contributions to the line width. The former yields maximum temperatures of 6200 K, 34000 K and 12000 K and the latter electric field strengths of 7, 17, and 10 V cm-1 for the above prominences, respectively. We show that these electric fields when divided by 2.2 are equal to the normal electric field in Holtsmark's quasi-static Stark broadening theory. Hence, we obtain electron densities of N3=2.4(0.3), 9.1(1.2), and 5.5(0.6) in units of 1010 cm-3 respectively. Using the same assumptions as made by Zirker, namely, (1) the strongest line (7-6) is optically thin, (2) the population of the lower level (n=6) is determined by direct radiative recombination and photo-ionization, (3) the equality of proton and electron densities, and (4) the thickness of the prominence is at least 108 cm, we derive a new inequality, Ne ≤ 1.83 × 108 T0.75 e-2195/T. Substituting our maximum temperatures into the right-hand side, we find upper bound Ne values of 9, 43, and 30 in the same units as above. These upper bound values are comfortably higher than our measurement, unlike those of Zirker's derived from the same set of assumptions. We have also observed the helium recombination spectrum which has been postulated by Tandberg-Hanssen as one of three possible ways of equilibrating the triplet/singlet ratio. Surprisingly, it is present in the quiescent as well as in the active prominence. We show that no meaningful values can be found for the turbulent velocities by combining the helium with the hydrogen line widths.
Lambda in Motion: Controlling Robots with Haskell

We present our experiences using a purely functional language, Haskell, in what has been traditionally the realm of low-level languages: robot control. Frob (Functional Robotics) is a domain-specific language embedded in Haskell for robot control. Frob is based on Functional Reactive Programming (FRP), as initially developed for Fran, a language of reactive animations. Frob presents the interaction between a robot and its stimuli, both onboard sensors and messages from other agents, in a purely functional manner. This serves as a basis for composable high level abstractions supporting complex control regimens in a concise and reusable manner.
A computational model for predicting experimental RNA nearest-neighbor free energy rankings: Inosine·uridine pairs

Abstract A computational model for predicting RNA nearest neighbor free energy rankings has been expanded to include the nonstandard nucleotide inosine. The model uses average fiber diffraction data and molecular dynamic simulations to generate input geometries for Quantum mechanic calculations. This resulted in calculated intrastrand stacking, interstrand stacking, and hydrogen bonding energies that were combined to give total binding energies. Total binding energies for RNA dimer duplexes containing inosine were ranked and compared to experimentally determined free energy rankings for RNA duplexes containing inosine. Statistical analysis showed significant agreement between the computationally determined rankings and the experimentally determined rankings.
Evolution: The genomics of adaptation in yeast

A recent study has combined methods of experimental evolution and DNA microarray technology to examine evolved changes in gene expression in yeast, providing intriguing insights into the genetics of adaptation and functional genomics, and pointing to future uses of microarray technology in evolutionary genetics.
Two presentations of nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy.

Abstract Background Nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the most common acute optic neuropathy in adults over the age of 50. Patients affected notice sudden and painless loss of vision in 1 eye, often upon awaking. Studies have found that the opposite eye may be affected in approximately 15% to 20% of cases within a 5-year period. NAION vision loss results from an ischemic event often affecting the short posterior ciliary arteries. This results in optic nerve pallor, nerve fiber layer defects, and corresponding visual field defects. Case Reports Two cases of NAION are discussed here. The first patient, a 57-year-old woman, had a 10-year history of visual symptoms, and the second, a 66-year-old man, presented in less than a week after first noticing symptoms. Both had predisposing systemic risk factors and resultant visual field loss and decreased visual acuity. Conclusions Predisposing factors for NAION include small cup-to-disc ratios of the optic nerve, obstructive sleep apnea, nocturnal hypotension, diabetes, and other vascular diseases. The vision loss is irreversible, and there is no known effective treatment to prevent subsequent disc atrophy or recurring episodes.
Recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage from sarcoid angiitis

Background . Sarcoid affecting the central nervous system may cause granulomatous angiitis. Nevertheless, neurosarcoid manifesting as intracerebral hemorrhage has been infrequently reported. Case Description . A 48-year-old woman with systemic sarcoid developed recurrent intracerebral hemorrhages culminating in death despite treatment with corticosteroids. Pathological examination of the brain revealed inflammatory changes of blood vessels including multinucleated giant cells. Conclusion . Sarcoid cerebral angiitis may result in intracerebral hemorrhage. This emphasizes one potentially devasting neurological outcome of this disorder.
Social Economics: A Place in the Sun

There is a substantial body of practitioners within the American economics community whose interests, methods, and outlook differ from the mainstream. Elsewhere, we have labelled this dissenting tradition social economics and attempted to exemplify its scope and method. The social economics perspective is underdeveloped. The purpose here is to open discussion on a strategy to remedy this neglect of social economics. This is obviously a tentative enterprise and the actions we discuss are offered more for purposes of discussion than as policy proposals.
Biochemistry of amphibian oocytes. I. Method of isolation and nucleic acid content of nuclei.

Abstract A procedure for the mass isolation of frog mature ovarian egg nuclei is described. Chemical analyses of these nuclei indicate they contain approximately 800 times more DNA and roughly 3600 times more RNA than frog liver nuclei. Because of the extraordinary DNA content, the mature ovarian egg nucleus is apparently an exception to the general rule of DNA constancy in nuclei of a species. Regardless of its remarkable DNA content, the nucleus contributes only about one-sixth to one-tenth of the total DNA found in the egg. These measurements support the suggestion that DNA of mature ovarian egg nucleus is metabolically highly active.
Catheter salvage in home infusion patients with central line-associated bloodstream infection.

In a retrospective study of home infusion patients with central line–associated bloodstream infection, use of a central venous port, cancer diagnosis, and absence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome were associated with use of catheter salvage. Relapse of infection was uncommon.
Terahertz Laser Spectroscopy of the Water Pentamer: Structure and Hydrogen Bond Rearrangement Dynamics

The detailed analysis of a parallel vibration−rotation-tunneling (VRT) band of the isolated cyclic perdeuterated (d10) water pentamer measured near 2.4 THz (81.2 cm-1) is presented. The vibrational...
Searches and Seizures in the School Workplace: What are a Teacher's Rights under the Fourth Amendment?

In Shaul v. Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School District, decided in March 2004, a teacher sued a New York school district and several school officials for violating his constitutional right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment. School officials had suspended the teacher based on allegations of impropriety toward a female student. During the suspension, officials searched the teacher’s classroom and a locked file cabinet; and they attempted to introduce some items that they found at the teacher’s disciplinary hearing. The teacher filed a federal lawsuit, claiming that the workplace search was unconstitutional, but a federal district court dismissed his claim prior to trial (Shaul v. Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School District, 2002). On appeal, a Second Circuit panel affirmed (Shaul v. Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School District, 2004). In the appellate court’s view, the search was reasonable and did not violate the teacher’s constitutional rights. Shaul (2004) is the only federal appellate court decision to examine Fourth Amendment constraints on school administrators who conduct workplace searches related to teacher misconduct. Thus, the decision provides important guidance to school officials across the country regarding the legality of such searches. In addition, the facts of the case illustrate some of the practical problems that arise when school officials search a teacher’s work area.
Nuclear magnetic resonance of 57Fe in BaFe12O19

Abstract The nuclear magnetic resonance of 57 Fe has been studied in powdered single crystals of BaFe 12 O 19 using a spin-echo technique. Hyperfine fields associated with the various crystallographically inequivalent lattice sites have been identified.
How Bell pinches power: Both design and good fortune play a role in conserving electricity, gasoline, and building fuels for the Bell System

A comprehensive energy-conservation program by Bell System is developed that is designed neither to impair telecommunications services nor to affect negatively employee welfare and morale. This program covers the following major areas: electric power for the operation of switching and transmission equipment for the US nationwide telecommunications network; electric power and fuel for building systems; transportation fuels for the vehicle fleet; and electric power and fuel for the manufacture of cable, wire, printed wiring products, and various telecommunications equipment such as telephones, data sets, and teletypewriters.
Levels and sources of PCDDs, PCDFs, chlorophenols (CPs) and chlorobenzenes (CBzs) in composts from a municipal yard waste composting facility

Abstract PCDD, PCDF, CP and CBz concentrations in composts from a municipal yard waste composting facility were found to be significantly higher than in local soils. Comparison of the HxCDF and HpCDF isomer patterns of composts, soils, a domestic oil heater soot sample and a pentachlorophenol (PCP)-based biocide suggests that residual contamination from the past use of PCP-based biocides could be a major source of PCDDs and PCDFs in composts.
Genetic Architecture of Intrinsic Antibiotic Susceptibility

Background: Antibiotic exposure rapidly selects for more resistant bacterial strains, and both a drug’s chemical structure and a bacterium’s cellular network affect the types of mutations acquired. Methodology/Principal Findings: To better characterize the genetic determinants of antibiotic susceptibility, we exposed a transposon-mutagenized library of Escherichia coli to each of 17 antibiotics that encompass a wide range of drug classes and mechanisms of action. Propagating the library for multiple generations with drug concentrations that moderately inhibited the growth of the isogenic parental strain caused the abundance of strains with even minor fitness advantages or disadvantages to change measurably and reproducibly. Using a microarray-based genetic footprinting strategy, we then determined the quantitative contribution of each gene to E. coli’s intrinsic antibiotic susceptibility. We found both loci whose removal increased general antibiotic tolerance as well as pathways whose down-regulation increased tolerance to specific drugs and drug classes. The beneficial mutations identified span multiple pathways, and we identified pairs of mutations that individually provide only minor decreases in antibiotic susceptibility but that combine to provide higher tolerance. Conclusions/Significance: Our results illustrate that a wide-range of mutations can modulate the activity of many cellular resistance processes and demonstrate that E. coli has a large mutational target size for increasing antibiotic tolerance. Furthermore, the work suggests that clinical levels of antibiotic resistance might develop through the sequential accumulation of chromosomal mutations of small individual effect.
Novel 4,4-disubstituted piperidine-based C-C chemokine receptor-5 inhibitors with high potency against human immunodeficiency virus-1 and an improved human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) profile.

We recently described (J. Med. Chem. 2008, 51, 6538−6546) a novel class of CCR5 antagonists with strong anti-HIV potency. Herein, we detail SAR converting leads 1 and 2 to druglike molecules. The pivotal structural motif enabling this transition was the secondary sulfonamide substituent. Further fine-tuning of the substituent pattern in the sulfonamide paved the way to enhancing potency and bioavailability and minimizing hERG inhibition, resulting in discovery of clinical compound 122 (GSK163929).
Helical assembly in the MyD88–IRAK4–IRAK2 complex in TLR/IL-1R signalling

MyD88, IRAK4 and IRAK2 are critical signalling mediators of the TLR/IL1-R superfamily. Here we report the crystal structure of the MyD88-IRAK4-IRAK2 death domain (DD) complex, which surprisingly reveals a left-handed helical oligomer that consists of 6 MyD88, 4 IRAK4 and 4 IRAK2 DDs. Assembly of this helical signalling tower is hierarchical, in which MyD88 recruits IRAK4 and the MyD88-IRAK4 complex recruits the IRAK4 substrates IRAK2 or the related IRAK1. Formation of these Myddosome complexes brings the kinase domains of IRAKs into proximity for phosphorylation and activation. Composite binding sites are required for recruitment of the individual DDs in the complex, which are confirmed by mutagenesis and previously identified signalling mutations. Specificities in Myddosome formation are dictated by both molecular complementarity and correspondence of surface electrostatics. The MyD88-IRAK4-IRAK2 complex provides a template for Toll signalling in Drosophila and an elegant mechanism for versatile assembly and regulation of DD complexes in signal transduction.
Social support and psychological distress in Kuwaiti boys and girls exposed to the Gulf crisis

Tested hypotheses about the role of social support in the relation between trauma from the Gulf crisis experience and psychological or health distress 2 years after the crisis. Participants were 151 Kuwaiti boys and girls exposed to high or low levels of trauma during the crisis. Participants were administered the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Index (PTSDI), Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), and measures of social support and health complaints. Children exposed to high levels of trauma had higher PTSDI and CDI scores and more health complaints than controls. Social support did not mediate the relation between trauma and distress. However, social support and sex functioned jointly as moderators of trauma on distress. Social support was shown to buffer the effect of trauma in girls but not in boys. Boys, however, reported lower levels of support than girls. The findings underscore the importance of the appropriate model specification in studies of stress and social support.
Reassessing the alcohol-violence linkage: Results from a multiethnic city

This article examines the relationship between alcohol availability and nonlethal violence at the census-tract level in Miami, a multiethnic city with high levels of disadvantage and immigration. The effects of alcohol (total outlet rate) are considered from the perspectives of social disorganization and routine activities theories. Nonlethal violence is the average annual rates of robbery, aggravated assault, and total violence (combined aggravated assault and robbery). The analyses include corrections for spatial autocorrelation. The results show that alcohol availability has strong positive effects on rates of nonlethal violence and that the percentage of recent immigrants is also a significant positive predictor.
Preparation and flammability properties of polyethylene-clay nanocomposites

Abstract Polyethylene (PE)–clay nanocomposites have been prepared using melt blending in a Brabrender mixer. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the nano-structure of these composites while the thermal stability was evaluated from thermogravimetric analysis and the flammability parameters using cone calorimetry. It is found that the PE–clay nanocomposites have a mixed immiscible-intercalated structure and there is better intercalation when maleic anhydride is combined with the polymer and clay to be melt blended. The reduction in peak heat release rate is 30–40%.
Optimal design of multi-purpose structures*

Abstract Minimum-weight design of a sandwich member that has to serve as a tie in some circumstances and as a beam in others is used to illustrate a general method of optimal design of sandwich structures that have to meet several design requirements. The extension of the method to solid construction is discussed.
New Technique to Label Pesticide-Contaminated Fabrics for SEM Analysis:

Backscattered electron imaging (BEI) and x-ray analysis have been beneficial in studying the distribution patterns of pesticides on various fabrics. In order to analyze the samples, pesticides were labeled with osmium tetroxide solution, but there was a possibility of inaccurate results because the pesticide on the surface of the fabric could be dislocated in the aqueous medium. A new technique has been developed for labeling the pesticide on the textile material with osmium tetroxide in vapor form, which could produce more accurate results. The overall objective of the study was to compare BEI and x-ray microanalysis results using the earlier and the new methods. Fifteen samples with different fabric, yarn, and fiber characteristics were used for the study. One half of the samples were labeled and prepared using the earlier method and the other half with the new one. The samples were analyzed using BEI and x-ray microanalysis and the results of the two methods compared for similarities and differences.
Management of Posterior Uveal Melanoma: Past, Present, and Future: The 2014 Charles L. Schepens Lecture

Purpose To review the management of ciliary body and choroidal melanoma (posterior uveal melanoma [PUM]) over the last century with an emphasis on changing concepts. Design Retrospective review. Participants Review of personal experience over 40 years and pertinent literature on management of PUM. Methods Diagnosis and therapy for PUM. Main Outcome Measures Patient survival. Results In the early 1900s, most patients presented with a large symptomatic melanoma that necessitated enucleation, and the systemic prognosis was poor. In the 1970s, controversy erupted regarding the role of enucleation for PUM. Some authorities advocated prompt enucleation, and others proposed that enucleation promoted metastasis, known as the "Zimmerman hypothesis." Others recommended observation, withholding treatment until tumor growth was documented. During the 1970s, there was a trend toward eye-saving procedures, including laser photocoagulation, surgical removal of tumor, and techniques of radiotherapy. Despite local treatment success, systemic prognosis remained guarded with approximately 40% mortality overall. However, there was convincing evidence that smaller tumors offered a significantly better prognosis. Currently, there is a movement toward earlier identification and treatment of small melanomas using clinical factors predictive of malignant potential, in keeping with similar philosophy regarding other cancers. Further understanding of melanoma cytogenetics and molecular pathways have helped to recognize patients at risk for metastasis. At-risk patients are offered systemic therapeutic trials to prevent metastasis. We anticipate that the future management of PUM will focus on detection of clinical and imaging clues for earliest diagnosis, prompt local tumor treatment, and systemic targeted therapies for microscopic metastasis or prevention of metastasis. Personalized evaluation of patient-specific melanoma molecular pathway signature could allow for therapeutic intervention at a site specific to the pathway abnormality that leads to the development of melanoma. Conclusions Management of PUM has made major strides over the past century from the days of enucleation for massive, fatal tumor to early detection of smallest tumors with a more favorable prognosis. Current and future targeted specific tumor pathway interruption using systemic agents could improve survival.
RNA research in the rustbelt

Deep in the heart of Ohio, scientists from across the Midwest gathered in October to share their latest findings and highlight the strength of RNA research in the heartland. Represented were researchers from Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. With over 220 participants, the 2008 annual Rustbelt RNA Meeting (RRM) was the largest gathering of this group in its 10-year history. The success of this year's RRM lies on the extraordinary efforts of organizers Dawn Chandler (Ohio State University) and Girish Shukla (Cleveland State University).
m-substate populations in resonant heavy-ion reactions

We have employed the line shape analysis technique to study nuclear spin alignment produced in the $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ + $^{16}\mathrm{O}$ reaction populating the ${2}^{+}$ 4.43-MeV state in $^{12}\mathrm{C}$. We present excitation functions of $m$-substate population $P(m)$ measured in the range ${E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}=19\ensuremath{-}22.6$ MeV and detailed angular distributions of $P(m)$ obtained at ${E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}=21.7,21.9, \mathrm{and} 22.3$ MeV. Results have been analyzed in terms of a single resonance with sharp spin in the compound nucleus and found to contradict previous spin assignment based on studies of angular distributions of cross section in the ${E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}\ensuremath{\approx}22 \mathrm{to} 22.6$ MeV region.
Retrieval of total atmospheric ozone from GOES

The potential for using Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Sounder radiance measurements to monitor total atmospheric ozone is examined. A statistical regression using GOES channel 1 (14.7 micrometer), 2 (14.4 micrometer), 3 (14.1 micrometer), 4 (13.6 micrometer) and 9 (9.7 micrometer) radiances, followed by a physical iterative retrieval using only the channel 9 radiance, allows retrieval of total atmospheric ozone. Simulations show that the algorithm is suitable for retrieving total ozone with reasonable accuracy. In addition, GOES retrieved ozone values are compared with Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) ozone measurements from the Earth Probe (EP) satellite. Both qualitative and quantitative comparisons show that GOES retrievals are able to capture most of the main features of the ozone distribution. Because of the high temporal and spatial density provided by GOES Sounder measurements, the potential uses of GOES ozone retrievals and associated products is exciting.
SALICYLATE INGESTION AND IDIOPATHIC HAIR LOSS

Abstract During an investigation of coproporphyrin excretion in cases of idiopathic hair loss an unexpected blue fluorescence was detected in the urine. Chromatographic and spectrophotofluorimetric properties characterised this " blue spot " as being caused by o-hydroxyhippuric acid, a urinary metabolite of salicylate. The blue spot disappeared if salicylates were forbidden, but could be induced in previously normal urine if clinical doses were given to controls. This unexpected " aspirin addiction " might reflect underlying chronic disease in patients with unexplained hair loss, cause gastrointestinal bleeding leading to anaemia and hair loss, or act directly by interfering with cellular activity necessary for hair production.
Approach to interior noise control. I - Damped trim panels

The attenuation mechanisms for interior trim panel systems are reviewed, emphasizing the significance of structure-borne transmission through the trim attachments. The significant factors for high-frequency performance include number of attachments per unit area, panel critical frequency, and panel damping. The need for sufficient damping below and maximal damping above the trim panel critical frequency is described. Described are two experimental flight demonstrations that emphasize the role of trim panel damping. One program involves the new interior system design for a large business jet. Utilization of portions of the weight budget in the form of structural damping treatments permitted a +40% weight savings in acoustical materials with no significant increase in cabin noise levels. Significant reductions in noise levels were achieved in the cockpit, galley, and lavatory. A second program involved a commercial twin-engine jet, with a design objective of significant reduction in noise with minimal weight increase. A reduction of 5 dBA and 5 dB in the speech interference level in the cabin average noise was achieved with only a 0.7% increase in the maximum gross takeoff weight. Only simple add-on skin, trim, and bulkhead damping treatments were used.
Segmental Analysis and Evaluation of User Focused Search Process

In general, IR systems assist searchers by predicting or assuming what could be useful for their information needs by providing query suggestions or pseudo-relevance feedback. Most of these approaches are based on analyzing information objects (documents, queries) seen or used in the past and then proposing other related objects that may be relevant. Such approaches often ignore the underlying process of information seeking that guides how a searcher performs during information seeking episode, thus forgoing opportunities for making process-based recommendations. In order to address this, we propose a search process-based analysis of discovering different segments, which leads to analyzing different search action based features and evaluating the search performance for each stage. Further, we propose a query recommendation strategy to improve the search performance of each low performing user for each stage, which shows that the proposed overall model yields effective search performance improvements above 90% in most cases. This could lead to better recommendations and optimizations within each segment in order to enhance the overall search performance of a user.
On simple combinatorial optimization problems

Abstract We characterize (0,1) linear programming matrices for which a greedy algorithm and its dual solve certain covering and packing problems. Special cases are shortest path and minimum spanning tree algorithms.
Signal Transduction Pathways Mediating Neurotensin-stimulated Interleukin-8 Expression in Human Colonocytes

Neurotensin (NT), a neuropeptide released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to several stimuli, is involved in the pathophysiology of colonic inflammation. However, the molecular mechanism(s) mediating this proinflammatory response remains unclear. We found that NCM460, non-transformed human colonocytes, express a functional high affinity NT receptor that mediates NT-induced Erk activation. By using NCM460 cells stably transfected with NTR1, we show that NTR1 activation leads to interleukin (IL)-8 secretion that is mediated via both NF-κB- and Erk-dependent pathways. In addition, NT-stimulated NF-κB activation is dependent on intracellular calcium release. NT-stimulated Erk activity requires Ras activation because overexpression of the dominant negative Ras mutant Ras-17N almost completely inhibits the Erk activation. Furthermore, NT directly stimulates Ras-GTP formation as shown by a Ras-GTP pull-down assay. By using reporter gene constructs containing targeted substitutions in the IL-8 promoter, we show that the NF-κB, AP-1, and to a lesser degree the C/EBP sites in the IL-8 promoter region are required for IL-8 gene expression induced by NT. In summary, our results demonstrate that NT stimulates calcium-dependent NF-κB and Ras-dependent Erk pathways that mediate the release of IL-8 from non-transformed human colonocytes. We speculate that these NT-related proinflammatory pathways are important in the pathophysiology of colonic inflammation.
Regulation of GLUT1-Mediated Sugar Transport by an Antiport/Uniport Switch Mechanism†

Avian erythrocyte sugar transport is stimulated during anoxia and during exposure to inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation. This stimulation results from catalytic desuppression of the cell surface glucose transporter GLUT1 [Diamond, D., & Carruthers, A. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 6437-6444]. The present study was undertaken to investigate the mechanisms of GLUT1 suppression/desuppression. Sugar uniport (sugar uptake or exit in the absence of sugar at the opposite side of the membrane) is absent in normoxic avian erythrocytes, but sugar antiport (sugar uptake coupled to sugar exit) is present. Exposure to cyanide and/or to FCCP (mitochondrial inhibitors) stimulates erythrocyte sugar uniport but not sugar antiport. K(m)(app) for 3-O-methylglucose uniport and antiport are unaffected by metabolic poisoning. Ki(app) for inhibitions of 3-O-methylglucose uniport by cytochalasin B and forskolin (sugar export site ligands) are unaffected by progressive stimulation of sugar uniport. Cyanide and FCCP stimulation of 3-O-methylglucose uniport are associated with increased AMP-activated protein kinase activity. Purified human GLUT1 is not phosphorylated by exposure to cytosol extracted from poisoned avian erythrocytes. FCCP does not stimulate GLUT1-mediated 3-O-methylglucose uptake in K562 cells but does increase K562 AMP-activated protein kinase activity. FCCP stimulation of 3-O-methylglucose uniport in resealed erythrocyte ghosts requires cytosolic ATP and/or glutathione. The nonmetabolizable ATP analog AMP-PNP cannot be substituted for ATP in this action. These results are contrasted with allosteric regulation of human erythrocyte sugar transport and suggest that avian erythrocyte sugar transport suppression results from inhibition of carrier uniport function. Uniport suppression is not mediated by interaction with cytosolic molecular species that bind to the sugar export site. The antiport to uniport switch mechanism requires ATP hydrolysis, is associated with elevated AMP-activated kinase function, and, if triggered by this kinase, is mediated by factors absent in K562 cells and downstream from the kinase.
Metrization and stratification of squares of topological spaces

Abstract Various separation properties, from normality to monotone normality to proto-metrizability, are presented on the common framework of neighbourhood assignments. Two hybrid separation properties, incorporating features from all of them, but in weak concentrations, are defined and shown to be equivalent to metrizability and stratifiability for squares of Hausdorff spaces with embeddings of ω + 1.
Why Are Agroecosystems Green

Brodeur, Jacques, and Guy Boivin, editors. 2006. Trophic and guild interactions in biological control. Progress in Biological Control. Volume 3. Springer, New York. x + 249 p. $139.00, ISBN: 978-1-4020-4766-4 (acid-free paper).
Creating an Advanced Practice Nurse-friendly Culture: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Advanced practice nurses (APNs) have extraordinary opportunities in acute and critical care settings. However, new obstacles accompany these opportunities and these obstacles can needlessly hamper APN practice and reduce the APN's contributions to patient care. Contributions by APNs can be maximized by deliberately and thoughtfully creating a practice culture that is APN-friendly. This article analyzes eight characteristics important to creating the APN-friendly culture: clarity of vision and values, commitment, communication, collaboration, credibility, contributions, confidence, and complexity. Creating an APN-friendly culture is a worthwhile organizational investment in order to enhance optimal APN practice and to benefit patients and families.
Devil in the Details: Success and Failure of Haiti’s Nonengineered Structures

Abstract The Mw 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti on 12 January 2010 exposed deeply rooted weaknesses of the built environment. Numerous factors contributed to the severity of this disaster, including building materials, design, construction, and oversight, all of which were deficient and represent a lower bound condition. Yet despite poor quality, some structures were undamaged. A minor change in construction sequence resulted in an altered load path and a drastically different outcome for some buildings. Infilled frame systems performed poorly and account for the majority of structural collapses. Buildings assembled in a manner similar to confined masonry, however, performed well and experienced little damage. Damage assessments conducted around Port-au-Prince reveal that 20% of the housing stock was completely destroyed and 27% was significantly damaged. These assessments illuminate Haiti’s vulnerability to future and repeated devastation, since the remaining damaged and brittle structures could likely ...