cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toxicity of indoxacarb and spinosad to the multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), via three routes of exposure

The use of selective insecticides may improve conservation of natural enemies and therefore contribute to the success of integrated pest management (IPM) programs. In this study, the toxicity of two commonly used selective insecticides, indoxacarb and spinosad, to the multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), was evaluated. Third instars and adults of H. axyridis were exposed to indoxacarb at 50 and 100% of the field rate (FR), to spinosad at 100% FR and to water (untreated check) under laboratory conditions via three routes of exposure. Treatments were applied directly on insects (i.e., topical application), on Petri dishes (i.e., residues), or on soybean aphids, Aphis glycines Matsumara (i.e., treated prey). Mortality of exposed individuals in each life stage was recorded 2 and 7 days after treatment. Logistic regression indicated that indoxacarb at 100% FR, followed by indoxacarb at 50% FR, was more insecticidal than spinosad to third instars. Mortality was higher when H. axyridis were exposed to both insecticides via residues followed by treated prey. Indoxacarb at 100 or 50% FR was insecticidal to adults. Adults were tolerant to spinosad via all routes of exposure. The present results suggest that indoxacarb may decrease H. axyridis field populations by causing mortality to larvae and adults via all routes of exposure. Implications of the toxicity of indoxacarb to H. axyridis within an IPM context and possible reasons for the differences in susceptibility of H. axyridis for each route of exposure are discussed.
The effect of vertical sleeve gastrectomy on food choice in rats.

Objective Diets high in fat are implicated in the development and maintenance of obesity, and obese individuals display greater preferences for high-fat foods than do their lean counterparts. Weight-reduction bariatric surgery is associated with changes in food choice. In particular, after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), humans and rodents select or prefer foods which are lower in fat content. We asked whether a bariatric surgical procedure limited to the stomach, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), causes a similar reduction of fat intake/preference.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Early Diagnosis of Group A β Streptococcal Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Case Report

Abstract Early diagnosis of invasive group A β streptococcal (GABS) infection has been achieved in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) complemented by needle aspiration. Life-saving treatments of GABS infection that include immediate surgical debridement along with the administration of i.v. antibiotics, gamma globulin, and hyperbaric oxygen were then implemented successfully to prevent the development of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. While MRI is valuable in making early diagnosis of GABS, it should not delay surgical intervention.
MAPs: a database of modular antibody parts for predicting tertiary structures and designing affinity matured antibodies

The de novo design of a novel protein with a particular function remains a formidable challenge with only isolated and hard-to-repeat successes to date. Due to their many structurally conserved features, antibodies are a family of proteins amenable to predictable rational design. Design algorithms must consider the structural diversity of possible naturally occurring antibodies. The human immune system samples this design space (2 1012) by randomly combining variable, diversity, and joining genes in a process known as V-(D)-J recombination. By analyzing structural features found in affinity matured antibodies, a database of Modular Antibody Parts (MAPs) analogous to the variable, diversity, and joining genes has been constructed for the prediction of antibody tertiary structures. The database contains 929 parts constructed from an analysis of 1168 human, humanized, chimeric, and mouse antibody structures and encompasses all currently observed structural diversity of antibodies. The generation of 260 antibody structures shows that the MAPs database can be used to reliably predict antibody tertiary structures with an average all-atom RMSD of 1.9 A. Using the broadly neutralizing anti-influenza antibody CH65 and anti-HIV antibody 4E10 as examples, promising starting antibodies for affinity maturation are identified and amino acid changes are traced as antibody affinity maturation occurs.
One-stage Soave pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease: a comparison of the transanal and open approaches

Abstract Purpose: The authors reviewed their experience using the transanal Soave technique, to determine (1) if it offers any advantages over the standard open approach and (2) whether routine laparoscopic visualization is necessary. Methods: The case reports of 37 consecutive children less than 3 years old undergoing Soave pull-through were reviewed. Patients were excluded from analysis if they had total colon disease or had a previous colostomy. The patients were divided into 3 groups: open Soave (OS, n=13), transanal Soave with routine laparoscopic visualization (LVS, n=9), and transanal Soave with selective laparoscopy or minilaparotomy (TAS, n=15). Cost was calculated based on hospital stay, operating room time, and use of laparoscopic equipment. Results: In the TAS group, suspicion of a longer segment led to the selective use of laparoscopy with or without biopsy in 2 children, and the use of a small umbilical incision for mobilization of the splenic flexure in 2. There were no differences among groups with respect to age, weight, gender, transition zone, operating time, blood loss, intraoperative complications, enterocolitis, or stricture or cuff narrowing. Hospital stay was significantly longer in the OS group (median, 7 days; range, 3 to 47) than the LVS (median, 1; range 1 to 6) or TAS (median, 1, range, 1 to 3) groups. Cost (in thousands of dollars) was also higher in the OS group (median, 6.9; range, 3.9-25.7) than the LVS (median, 3.9; range, 3.6 to 6.4) or TAS (median, 3.4; range, 2.2 to 9.4) groups. Repeat surgery was necessary for 4 OS patients: 2 adhesive small bowel obstructions (1 of whom died), 1 twisted pull-through, and 1 recurrent aganglionosis. Three TAS patients required repeat surgery: 1 twisted pull-through, 1 anastomotic leak, and 1 cuff narrowing. Conclusions: These data suggest that the transanal pull-through is associated with a significantly shorter hospital stay and lower cost than the open approach, without an increased risk of complications. Because there is no intraabdominal dissection, there probably is a lower incidence of adhesive bowel obstruction. Routine laparoscopic visualization or minilaparotomy is not necessary but should be used in children who are at higher risk for long segment disease. J Pediatr Surg 35:820-822. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Distinguishing Between Pathways for Transmetalation in Suzuki−Miyaura Reactions

We report a systematic study of the stoichiometric reactions of isolated arylpalladium hydroxo and halide complexes with arylboronic acids and aryltrihydroxyborates to evaluate the relative rates of the two reaction pathways commonly proposed to account for transmetalation in the Suzuki−Miyaura reaction. On the basis of the relative populations of the palladium and organoboron species generated under conditions common for the catalytic process and the observed rate constants for the stoichiometric reactions between the two classes of reaction components, we conclude that the reaction of a palladium hydroxo complex with boronic acid, not the reaction of a palladium halide complex with trihydroxyborate, accounts for transmetalation in catalytic Suzuki−Miyaura reactions conducted with weak base and aqueous solvent mixtures.
Analog and digital storage of radioisotope indicator concentration data on FM analog magnetic tape.

Abstract A scheme is presented which will permit simultaneous storage of the analog signal representing radioisotope indicator concentration data and its digital (BCD) equivalent on FM analog tape. The basic process involves the modification of a previous design which provides for multiplexing two data channels onto a single tape channel. Record and playback multiplexor networks have been designed to provide this facility.
Some unusual forms of imperforate anus in female infants

Summary In a series of forty-two female patients with imperforate anus, seven had unusual findings. In all but one the bowel ended above the pelvic floor. In two the bowel ended blindly. In five the findings can be classified as a persistent cloaca. In two of these the cloacal channel appeared to be a continuation of the vagina and was similar to previously reported cases. In three patients the cloacal channel appeared to be a continuation of the urethra which has not been previously reported. A possible embryologic explanation is given. Treatment consists of an initial colostomy followed by corrective measures which are discussed.
Comparison of binary encoding schemes for electron-beam fabrication of computer generated holograms

The suitability of various binary encoding methods for electron-beam recording of computer generated holograms is systematically evaluated. Subjected to the limitations of computing resources, a set of criteria is established according to which these encoding schemes are evaluated and compared. This comparison can be used to determine the optimum encoding method for desired wavefront properties.
Optical constants of carbon dioxide ice

Laboratory measurements of the absorption coefficient and refractive index of solid CO2 are reviewed for all parts of the electromagnetic spectrum from the ultraviolet to the microwave with emphasis on values for temperatures above 77 K. The available measurements in some cases require reinterpretation. A compilation of the spectral absorption coefficient kabs is made for 52-nm to 160-nm wavelength (with some gaps because of lack of data), and the complex refractive index is then computed by Kramers-Kronig analysis. The uncertainty in imaginary refractive index is discussed; it varies greatly with wavelength. The real part of the refractive index is close to 1.4 for all parts of the spectrum except near strong absorption bands and is accurate to ±0.05 outside those bands. No measurements of absorption are available for 180–330-nm, 1.0–2.5-μm, and 25-μm–25-mm wavelength, except in the strong narrow absorption lines. Remeasurement of kabs is also needed for parts of the IR spectrum between 2.5 and 25 μm because of experimental error in the available measurements.
Interaction of Fungicide Physical Modes of Action and Plant Phenology in Control of Stem Rust of Perennial Ryegrass Grown for Seed

Azoxystrobin provided protective and curative effects against stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis subsp. graminicola) of inoculated perennial ryegrass under field conditions, significantly reducing disease severity compared with the nontreated check when applied as much as 15 days before infection or 14 days after infection. Propiconazole had a significant effect when applied 13, but not 15, days before infection or 7, but not 9, days after infection. Either fungicide was very effective when applied near the time of infection, and the effectiveness of each fungicide was well described by a second- or third-order polynomial with time (days or stem rust latent periods) as the independent variable. When symptomatic plants were sprayed with a fungicide, subsequent urediniospore production per pustule was reduced by 73% in propiconazole-treated plants and by 95% in azoxystrobin-treated plants. Azoxystrobin modestly but significantly reduced germinability of urediniospores from sprayed pustules, unlike propiconazole. These differences between the two fungicides in physical modes of action resulted in a marked difference in their effects on secondary, within-plant spread of the disease. In normal disease development, sporulation from the inner (adaxial) face of pustules on the flag-leaf sheath produces inoculum that leads to numerous contiguous secondary infections along the length of the emerging inflorescence, but only 7% of azoxystrobin-treated sheath pustules had sporulation from the adaxial surface compared with 72 and 90% of propiconazole-treated and nontreated pustules, respectively. Tillers treated with propiconazole early in the process of within-plant spread had significantly greater final stem rust severity than those treated with azoxystrobin at this time. Results of these experiments will allow effects of fungicide application to be incorporated into quantitative epidemic models that describe disease development as a function of environment and plant phenology.
Placement of an Implantable Drug Delivery System Under the Breast

Objective. Our case will demonstrate a safe and practical alternative location for an implantable drug delivery system (IDDS) pump. Traditionally, these pumps have been placed subcutaneously in the lower abdomen. We will describe the technique used for under the breast placement. Patient. The patient was a 52-year-old female with metastatic colon cancer and chronic flank pain. Results. The pump was placed in the retromammary location with no complications or problems with patient discomfort. Adequate pain control was achieved. Conclusion. The retromammary location for the IDDS pump is a safe and aesthetically pleasing option for some patients. This location is a useful alternative for female cachectic patients, or patients with abdominal ostomies.
Twenty–first century United States governance: statecraft as reform craft and the peculiar governing paradox it perpetuates

The United States is commonly referred to as the last global superpower, exercising unrivalled political, economic, military and social influence. Yet, paradoxically, unlike any other nation, Americans were – and remain – radically antistatist. Until roughly the twentieth century the United States did not want, need, nor create a powerful administrative state to govern itself, let alone others abroad. This essay explores that peculiar paradox, namely how Americans govern as the last global superpower today, yet retain an inherently fierce hostility to government. The thesis that is developed argues that it is a deep–rooted reformist faith which ultimately shapes US statecraft as a unique style of reformcraft, with both benign and not–sobenign consequences.
Atomic Layer Deposition of SiO2 Films on BN Particles Using Sequential Surface Reactions

Alternating SiCl4 and H2O exposures were used to deposit SiO2 films with atomic layer control on BN particles. The high surface area of the BN particles facilitated the use of transmission Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to monitor the sequential surface reactions. The BN particles initially displayed vibrational modes consistent with BOH* and BNH2* surface species. SiCl4 exposure at 700 K converted these species to SiClx* surface species. The subsequent H2O exposure at 700 K converted the SiClx* species to SiOH* surface species. Alternate exposures of SiCl4 and H2O yielded SiClx* and SiOH* species, respectively, sequentially depositing silicon and oxygen with atomic layer control. By repeating the sequential surface reactions, the absorbance of SiO2 bulk vibrational modes on the BN particles increased versus the number of SiCl4 and H2O reaction cycles. Transmission electron microscopy studies revealed fairly uniform SiO2 films of ∼28−38 A on the edge planes of the BN particles after 32 rea...
Neurodevelopmental outcome after early repair of a ventricular septal defect with or without aortic arch obstruction

Objectives Cross-sectional studies of intermediate-term survivors of infant cardiac surgery have revealed a high frequency of neurodevelopmental disabilities. Few data exist regarding neurodevelopmental outcome of infants undergoing surgical intervention for a ventricular septal defect. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcome at 1 year of age of children who had surgical repair in infancy of a ventricular septal defect or a ventricular septal defect with aortic arch obstruction. Methods Children who underwent repair of a ventricular septal defect or single-stage repair of a ventricular septal defect with aortic arch obstruction at less than 6 months of age were assessed at 1 year of age by using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II, which yields the Mental Development Index and the Psychomotor Development Index, both with an expected mean of 100 ± 15. Results At 1 year, 55 patients (ventricular septal defect alone=36; ventricular septal defect with aortic arch obstruction=19) returned for evaluation. The mean Mental Development Index was 92.6 ± 11.7, with 3 (5%) patients scoring 70 or less. The mean Psychomotor Development Index was 86.1 ± 16.4, with 10 (18%) patients scoring 70 or less. Patients with a suspected or confirmed genetic syndrome had both a lower Mental Development Index score ( P = .011) and a lower Psychomotor Development Index score ( P = .001). Mental Development Index and Psychomotor Development Index were independent of anatomic (specifically aortic arch obstruction) and intraoperative factors (specifically deep hypothermic circulatory arrest). Conclusions Neurodevelopmental outcome at 1 year of age was within the normal limits for most patients who underwent repair of a ventricular septal defect or a ventricular septal defect with aortic arch obstruction during infancy.
Surgical Skill Performance Under Combat Conditions in a Virtual Environment

A group of medical students were taught to perform a tube thoracostomy on a mannequin simulator in a traditional medical school setting and demonstrate competency in that environment. Immediately afterward and again four months later, they performed the procedure in a CAVE virtual environment running a combat simulation under day and nighttime lighting conditions. The results showed that accuracy suffered in the simulation. Participants also needed more time to perform the procedures under the nighttime conditions. Further, performance did not change over the retention interval. The results suggest that although the surgical skills acquired by students in a traditional medical school setting are robust, they may still be compromised under hazardous conditions. More important, these findings show that virtual environments can provide a safe and effective venue for military medical personnel to train for dangerous duty.
Observation of electromigration of hydrogen in polycrystalline silicon using poly emitter bipolar transistors

Electromigration of hydrogen inside polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) has been observed for the first time. Experiments were conducted on polysilicon emitter (poly emitter) n‐p‐n transistors with and without atomic hydrogen inside polysilicon. The current gain (β) of n‐p‐n was selected to monitor electromigration of hydrogen during current stress because of its high sensitivity to hydrogen passivation of dangling bonds. The major characteristics of hydrogen electromigration are shown in this letter.
"The Greatest Game Ever": Swatball.

“This is the greatest game ever!” is just one rave review overheard during numerous presentations of the game Swatball. Swatball is a game that can help solve many common physical education problem...
A new twist for CD38 antigen expression in CLL

Comment on Deaglio et al, page [3042][1] Deaglio and colleagues in this issue of Blood provide an important series of investigations that establish that CD38 expression is not simply a prognostic factor unrelated to the biology of CLL that correlates rapid disease progression, poor response to
Antibiotic Use for Plant Disease Management in the United States

Abstract Streptomycin and oxytetracycline have been used on crop plants for 45 years and 25 years, respectively, without reports of adverse effects on humans. Their efficacy for control of plant di...
An epidemiologic study of first degree atrioventricular block in Tecumseh, Michigan.

PR intervals of 0.22 sec or longer were detected in the electrocardiograms of 95 of 4,678 participants past 20 years of age in the Tecumseh Community Health Study. The prevalence rates were similar in men and women and remained low through the sixth decade, but increased sharply in succeeding decades. Nineteen of the 95 persons had some other manifestation of heart disease and there was a significant association between delayed atrioventricular conduction and angina pectoris or asymptomatic T wave inversion in participants past 60 years of age. Most of the cardiac abnormalities were found among older individuals. Atrioventricular block was more constant on second examination in this group and may have been due in part to sclerosis of the left side of the cardiac skeleton, as well as specific etiologic types of heart disease. Among younger and apparently healthy participants the PR interval usually shortened on repeat examination, frequently to less than 0.22 sec. There was no excess incidence of cardiovascular disease or mortality among the persons with long PR intervals during a mean period of observation of four years. Delay in atrioventricular conduction by itself appears to be a benign condition with no unfavorable prognostic significance. It is probably a transient finding among many members of the population.
Relapse of depressed patients after effective continuation therapy

Forty-one elderly depressed patients who had responded to either nortriptyline or phenelzine were given continuation treatment for approximately 4 months (mean = 16.5 weeks) after which 19 were switched under double-blind conditions to placebo. At the end of 8 weeks, three (15.8%) of the placebo patients had relapsed and three (13.6%) of the patients kept on antidepressants had relapsed. Patients who had more prior episodes of depression had a greater risk of relapsing. The implications of these findings for continuation pharmacologic treatment in the elderly depressed are discussed.
Computational chemistry predictions of reaction processes in organometallic vapor phase epitaxy

Quantitative understanding of reaction mechanisms in organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE) is critical for selection of precursors, design of equipment, and optimization of process conditions. Progress has been made in the simulation of fluid flow as well as heat and mass transfer, but predictions of growth rates, alloy composition, and dopant incorporation are limited by the availability of thermodynamic and kinetic data for OMVPE precursors. Chemical kinetic experiments are expensive and difficult to perform, and the organometallic compounds being toxic and/or pyrophoric further complicates the situation. It is therefore desirable to study OMVPE reactions from first principles, quantum chemistry computations. We describe current quantum chemistry methods, Hartree-Fock and post-Hartree-Fock ab initio molecular orbital techniques and density functional theory (DFT) methods, with emphasis on issues related to OMVPE applications. The primary examples in this review are drawn from OMVPE applications, but studies on silicon chemistry are also included to illustrate important elements in simulation of vapor phase growth processes. Molecular structure and energy are reported for trialkyl group III species and group V hydrides by ab initio molecular orbital and density functional theory. The results are evaluated against experimental data. Vibrational frequencies needed for calculation of thermochemical properties (e.g., ΔH and ΔS) at process temperatures are also computed and compared to experimental data. The bimolecular reaction of methyl with arsine exemplifies the combined use of quantum chemistry and transition state theory to predict a reaction rate. A reaction mechanism for thermal decomposition of phosphine further demonstrates the use of these techniques. Lewis-acid-base adduct reactions of group III and V precursors exemplifies the use of quantum chemistry to evaluate adduct bond strengths and potential alkane elimination reaction pathways. A study of thermochemical properties of bridging organometallic aluminum compounds serves to illustrate variations in accuracy among different first principle methods. Overall, the selected examples demonstrate that computational chemistry techniques can provide useful insight into OMVPE chemical processes, but also that additional investigations are needed to establish which methods would be best for particular subsets of OMVPE chemistry.
A multi-dimensional measure of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Abstract A tool assessing position within Maslow's hierarchy of needs is presented. The Maslowian Assessment Survey (MAS) taps the safety, belonging, and esteem levels of the hierarchy with the following subscales for each of the three levels: (a) need gratification, (b) need importance, (c) need salience, (d) self-concept (i.e., how much one is like a prototypical person at each level). Correlational data, gathered in a series of four studies, supported the reliability and validity of these subscales. Combining the four samples ( N = 612), the MAS exhibited a Cronbach's α (averaged across subscales) of .89. With a subsample of 88, the subscales exhibited an average 6-week test-retest correlation of .83. As to validity evidence, safety self-concept correlated positively with depression and neuroticism and negatively with self-esteem, dominance, and desirability. Belonging selfconcept was negatively related to self-esteem and autonomy, while being positively related to neuroticism, depression, social recognition, and affiliation. An esteem level self-concept was positively related to self-acceptance, autonomy, dominance, and (inconsistently across studies) desirability. Across all three levels of the hierarchy, degree of need gratification was found to be positively related to selfesteem and negatively related to neuroticism and depression.
MPI/MS detection of SiF and SiF2 radicals produced from the reaction of F2 and NF3 with silicon

Abstract SiF and SiF 2 radicals, produced in the thermal reaction of F 2 and NF 3 with solid silicon, have been detected by multiphoton ionization mass spectrometry in the 438 and 321 nm wavelength regions, respectively. The reaction pathway to the production of SiF radicals is of minor significance compared with SiF 2 production over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. In both cases it was found that little or no fragmentation of the parent ion occurs upon ionization. MPI/MS is thus shown to be a useful diagnostic tool for studies of fluorine-silicon etching reactions.
Allyl-Functionalization enhanced thermally stable graphene/fluoroelastomer nanocomposites

Abstract Development of new elastomers with novel functionality has continued since their discovery in order to meet industrial and defense needs in harsh environments. The recent advance of carbon nanomaterials inspired innovative material design strategies and enable more effective production of high-performance elastomers. In this paper, the free radical initiated crosslinking reaction in graphene/fluoroelastomer nanocomposites was studied and the effects of chemical functionalization of graphene nanosheets were analyzed. It indicated that graphene oxide (GO) enhanced fluoroelastomer nanocomposites demonstrated poor high-temperature stability due to the pyrolysis at around 200 °C. In contrast, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) enhanced fluoroelastomer exhibited good thermal stability, but RGO didn't participate in the crosslinking, resulting in very limited improvement in mechanical properties. In this paper, reduced allyl functionalized graphene was studied for the first time to enhance free radical initiated elastomers. The reduced allyl functionalization of graphene was demonstrated to impart superior thermal stability and enhanced mechanical properties to the elastomer matrices. The study of vulcanization kinetics provided insights that the allyl functional groups participated in and accelerated the crosslinking. These results indicated a scalable method to incorporate the advantages of graphene into polymer matrices through free radical reaction. The discovery is very promising to be used in the industry to fabricate gaskets, o-rings, and membranes for high temperature applications.
The prospects of transition to sustainability from the perspective of environmental values and behaviors in the EU 27 and globally

The goal of this paper is to identify the present potential for transition to sustainability in industrialized economies by analyzing environmental values and behaviors obtained from public opinion studies. Semiotics is used in the reconstruction of values from attitudinal data obtained in the European Union (EU) 27 and the US. The relationship between environmental values, attitudes, and behaviors is theoretically framed with the aid of specification hierarchy theory (Salthe SN. 1993. Development and evolution: complexity and change in biology. Cambridge (MA): MIT Press). The results, represented in the Environmental Values and Behavior Matrix, suggest that on average people did not start yet to question seriously about their consumption habits and lifestyles in the context of sustainability. The diffusion of environmental values in observed populations of EU 27 and in the US is relatively low and, consequently, people's actions in preserving the environment are mostly low-effort and low-scale. This resu...
A system level partitioning approach for analyzing the origins of variability in life prediction of tungsten filaments for incandescent lamps

Abstract The assessment of the origins of variability in the life expectancy has important ramifications in optimizing the cost–benefit ratio for the design and manufacture of a ‘system’. In this paper we study a model example, the tungsten filament, to develop a methodology for this process. The lifetime of tungsten filaments, in service, can vary for several reasons. The microstructure of tungsten may vary, the geometrical parameters of the filament coil or the radius of the tungsten wire may change, or the operating voltage for the filament may fluctuate. Additional uncertainty may arise from the fundamental material parameters, such as the activation energies for self-diffusion. Using a system level partitioning of system variables’ approach permits a quantitative examination of each of these parameters on the total lifetime of the filament. Important and surprising results emerge when the partitioning approach is utilized, notably, the uncertainty arising from fluctuation in temperature, which is related to fluctuation in the operating voltage, produces a variability that is comparable to the variability expected from the distributed nature of the microstructure. Furthermore, we find that a relatively narrow normal (Gaussian) distribution in the operating voltage transforms into a broad and log-normal distribution for the lifetime because of the thermally activated mechanisms that control the rate of deformation in tungsten. The results presented here may have a significant influence on cost analysis; they suggests that gains in reliability emanating from better microstructural control must be weighed against variability that is inherent in the system’s operating environment.
Novel Membrane-Based Synergistic Metal Extraction and Recovery Processes

Individual metal recovery and separation by solvent extraction has been an important technique in pollution control as well as in hydrometallurgical processes. Synergistic extraction and separation of two cations, e.g., Cu(II) and Zn(II), a cation and an anion, e.g., Cu(II) and Cr(VI), and two cations and one anion, such as Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cr(VI), have been demonstrated employing a novel hydrophobic microporous hollow fiber membrane-based (HFM) extraction technique. The extraction selectivity of Cu(II) and Zn(II) by LIX 84 (anti-2-hydroxy-5-nonylacetophenone oxime) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA), respectively, in a two-fiber-set HFM extractor is significantly enhanced due to competitive extraction. The efficiencies of extraction of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) by LIX 84 and tri-n-octylamine (TOA), respectively, are increased due to the self-control of the aqueous feed pH. A simplified mathematical model for synergistic extraction of Cu(II) and Zn(II) has been developed. The model predicts the obse...
Negotiation, Lawyering, and Adjudication: Kritzer on Brokers and Deals

Litigotiation, in Marc Galanter's word, is the dominant feature of American adjudication.1 The filing of a lawsuit usually commences a negotiation between the parties that culminates in settlement. Formal adjudication in filed disputes is the exception, not the rule. Although settlements occur in the shadow of the law, the settlement process is itself important.2 Two books by Herbert Kritzer and several other recent works shed important light on the process of negotiated settlements and lawyers' influence on that
Correlation of endotracheal tube size with sore throat and hoarseness following general anesthesia

Correlation of Endotracheal Tube Size with Sore Throat and Hoarseness Following General Anesthesia DAVID STOUT;MICHAEL BISHOP;JOCHEN DWERSTEC;BRUCE CULLEN; Anesthesiology
Problems and progress in switching networks for terabit networks

Summary form only given. The author reviews research on ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) switch architectures by exploring one architecture in some detail and exploring how that architecture can be modified to support a large number of gigabit-per-second transmission links. He then turns to how one can address the various challenges posed by the need for continuing improvement in performance, in the context of public networks with hundreds of millions of users. He believes that as technology improves to the point that gigabit-per-second user channel rates become economical, new uses will arise that consume the available bandwidth and spur even greater demands. The key challenge for today's network architects is not simply how to design the biggest and fastest networks possible, but how to design them in such a way that they do not become obsolete overnight. New networks should be structured so that anticipated technology improvements can be incorporated in an evolutionary way, allowing incremental performance improvements with no disruption in network operation. >
A new buses scheme for fast inner-product computation

In this paper we adopt and modify the shift switching mechanism to propose a novel VLSI inner product processor architecture involving broadcasting on short buses, i.e. buses with no more than 8 switches each. The computation of the inner product of two positive vectors of N item each consisting of m bits takes only [log/sub 3/ (mN/7)]+1 broadcasts, plus a carry-save and a carry-propagate additions. >
Gene expression profiling of Caco-2 BBe cells suggests a role for specific signaling pathways during intestinal differentiation

We examined the pattern of gene expression resulting from spontaneous differentiation of Caco-2 BBe cells to gain insight into the molecular changes necessary for enterocyte differentiation. RNA wa...
Wilhelm Jerusalem’s sociology of knowledge in the dialogue of ideas

While recent calls have been made for a ‘dialogical’ approach in the study of classical sociology, little empirical work has taken up this charge. This paper seeks to examine an under-appreciated a...
On characterization of the conformations of nine‐membered rings

We have undertaken the task of characterizing conformations of nine-membered rings. Each of the 16 symmetrical conformations of puckered nine-membered rings considered is characterized by distance-dependent Dk structural invariants, referred to as molecular profiles. In this way we succeeded to map a three-dimensional molecular object by a one-dimensional mathematical object, a sequence. The quantity D1 represents the average row sum of the distance matrix and is proportional to the average interatomic separations in a molecule. The corresponding Dk values give the average of the row sums for the kth power of interatomic separations normalized by the factorial k!. Hence, derived molecular profiles are independent of the orientation of a molecule or labeling of its atoms, i.e., derived molecular profiles are structural invariants. Properties of the derived profile sequences for the nine-membered rings are analyzed and discussed. Molecular profiles were used to establish which pairs of nine-membered ring conformers are the least similar and which are the most similar—a task that is difficult to do by mere inspection of the corresponding molecular models and cannot be considered using standard graph theoretical schemes that are devoid of information pertaining to the relative orientation of molecular groups in the 3-dimensional space. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nature’s Looking Glass

How we see nature is to a large extent a reflection of ourselves. Sociologists Hillary Angelo and Colin Jerolmack use the example of New Yorkers’ fascination with two red-tailed hawks to reveal dee...
Diffusive equilibrium in the topside ionosphere

Diffusive equilibrium is an idealized concept, representing a limiting case of the continuity equation for charged particles in the ionosphere. Since plasma diffusion can proceed rather rapidly above the F 2 peak, the plasma density distribution in the topside ionosphere can, in general, be approximated by a diffusive equilibrium distribution. The density scale height of this distribution depends on the mean ionic mass (i.e., ion composition), and the electron and ion temperatures and their gradients. While diffusive equilibrium is reasonably representative of the distribution of plasma density (and therefore of the major ions), the distribution of the minor ions in the topside ionosphere may still be affected strongly by chemical and transport processes. Because of the magnetic field control of plasma diffusion, equilibrium conditions apply along magnetic field lines. At latitudes where the magnetic dip is fairly high (I > 60°), diffusive equilibrium applies directly to vertical density profiles. At high latitudes (beyond the "trough"), where the local plasma density can be very low, an almost "collisionless" regime prevails, leading to an "ion-exosphere" distribution, which decays with altitude much faster than a diffusive equilibrium distribution. Although diffusive equilibrium may not always be strictly applicable, the concept provides a readily available analytical model for the general features of the topside ionosphere.
Wettability effects on two- and three-fluid relative permeabilities

Specification of relative permeability (k,)-saturation (S) relations for all fluid phases is required for the simulation of multiphase flow and transport in porous media. Indirect methods are frequently employed to estimate these /c-S relations owing to the time, expense, and difficulty associated with direct measurements. A common indirect approach uses capillary pressure data in conjunction with a selected pore-size distribution model to estimate k,-S relations. Such methods typically assume perfect wettability of the solid. Natural porous media, however, are composed of a variety of mineral constituents with different adsorptive properties, which can exhibit non-zero contact angles and/or fractional wettability. Consequently, fluid distributions in natural media may be more complex than those predicted by simple pore-size distribution models and, under such conditions, current estimation approaches for k, may be inadequate. In this work, the pore-size distribution model of N.T. Burdine (1953, Relative permeability calculations from pore-size distribution data. Transactions of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers 198, 71-77) is extended to incorporate wettability variations. In this model, wetting and less wetting (non-wetting or intermediate) fluid pore classes are used to calculate k, for water or organic. The wettability of the porous medium is used to determine the contributions of the pore classes to k,. For both two- and three-fluid systems, the model predicts that an increase in the contact angle (measured through water) or organic-wet fraction of a medium will be accompanied by an increase in the water k, and a decrease in the organic k,. In three-fluid media, k, values for water and organic depend on both liquid saturations when the solid is imperfectly wetted. The model assumes that wettability variation has no influence on the air k,.
Selective attention modulates implicit learning

The effect of selective attention on implicit learning was tested in four experiments using the “contextual cueing” paradigm (Chun & Jiang, 1998, 1999). Observers performed visual search through it...
Hardware based frequency/voltage control of voltage frequency island systems

The ability to do fine grain power management via local voltage selection has shown much promise via the use of Voltage/Frequency Islands (VFIs). VFI-based designs combine the advantages of using fine-grain speed and voltage control for reducing energy requirements, while allowing for maintaining performance constraints. We propose a hardware based technique to dynamically change the clock frequencies and potentially voltages of a VFI system driven by the dynamic workload. This technique tries to change the frequency of a synchronous island such that it will have efficient power utilization while satisfying performance constraints. We propose a hardware design that can be used to change the frequencies of various synchronous islands interconnected together by mixed-clock/mixed-voltage FIFO interfaces. Results show up to 65% power savings for the set of benchmarks considered with no loss in throughput.
Revascularization of asymptomatic carotid stenosis is not appropriate in patients on dialysis

Objective Outcomes of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) for asymptomatic disease in patients on dialysis are not well characterized, with questionable stroke prevention and survival. This study reports outcomes of carotid revascularization in asymptomatic dialysis patients in the United States. Methods Using United States Renal Data System (USRDS) databases, we identified all dialysis patients who underwent CEA or CAS for asymptomatic disease from 2005 to 2008. CEA and CAS were identified by Current Procedural Terminology (American Medical Association, Chicago, Ill) codes, and symptom status and comorbidities by International Classification of Diseases-9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Primary outcomes were stroke, cardiac complications, and death at 30 days and at 1 and 3 years. Predictors of death were identified using multivariate regression models. Results Of 738,561 dialysis patients, 2131 asymptomatic patients underwent carotid revascularization (1805 CEA, 326 CAS). The mortality rate was 4.7% at 30 days (4.6% CEA, 4.9% CAS; P = .807). Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival were 75.1% at 1 year (75.9% CEA, 70.7% CAS) and 43.4% at 3 years (43.7% CEA, 41.6% CAS). The stroke rate was 6.5% at 30 days (6.4% CEA, 6.9% CAS; P = .774) and 13.6% at 1 year (13.3% CEA, 15.0% CAS; P = .490). Cardiac complications occurred in 22.0% of patients (3.3% myocardial infarction) at 30 days (22.2% CEA, 20.6% CAS; P = .525). The combined stroke or death rate was 10.2% at 30 days (10.1% CEA, 10.9% CAS; P = .490) and 33.5% at 1 year (32.2% CEA, 39.6% CAS; P = .025). Age >70 years at the time of surgery and increased time on dialysis were predictive of death, whereas a history of renal transplant was a protective factor. Conclusions Patients on dialysis have high perioperative and long-term stroke or death rates after CEA or CAS for asymptomatic stenosis, with a median survival that is less than recommended by current guidelines. As a result, carotid intervention in these patients appears to be inappropriate.
Natural Variation in Translational Activities of the 5′ Nontranslated RNAs of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes 1a and 1b: Evidence for a Long-Range RNA-RNA Interaction outside of the Internal Ribosomal Entry Site

The 5' nontranslated RNA (5'NTR) of a genotype 1b hepatitis C virus (HCV-N) directs cap-independent translation of the HCV-N polyprotein with about twofold less efficiency than the 5'NTR of a genotype 1a virus under physiologic conditions (Hutchinson strain, or HCV-H) (M. Honda et al., Virology 222:31-42, 1996). Here, we show by mutational analysis that substitution of the AG dinucleotide sequence at nucleotides (nt) 34 and 35 of HCV-N with GA (present in HCV-H) restores the translational activity to that of the HCV-H 5'NTR both in vitro and in vivo. These nucleotides are located upstream of the minimal essential internal ribosome entry site (IRES), as a 6-nt deletion spanning nt 32 to 37 also increased the translational activity of the HCV-N 5'NTR to that of HCV-H. Thus, the upstream AG dinucleotide sequence has an inhibitory effect on IRES-directed translation. Surprisingly, however, this inhibitory effect was observed only when the translated, downstream RNA sequence contained nt 408 to 929 of HCV (capsid-coding RNA). Further analysis of RNA transcripts containing frameshift mutations demonstrated that the nucleotide sequence of the transcript, and not the amino acid sequence of the expressed capsid protein, determines this difference in translation efficiency. The difference between the translational activities of the HCV-N and HCV-H transcripts was increased when translation was carried out in reticulocyte lysates containing high K+ concentrations, with a sevenfold difference evident at 130 to 150 mM K+. These results suggest that there is an RNA-RNA interaction involving 5'NTR and capsid-coding sequences flanking the IRES and that this is responsible for the reduced IRES activity of the genotype 1b virus, HCV-N.
Discrimination between Paralogs using Microarray Analysis: Application to the Yap1p and Yap2p Transcriptional Networks

Ohno [Ohno, S. (1970) in Evolution by Gene Duplication, Springer, New York] proposed that gene duplication with subsequent divergence of paralogs could be a major force in the evolution of new gene functions. In practice the functional differences between closely related homologues produced by duplications can be subtle and difficult to separate experimentally. Here we show that DNA microarrays can distinguish the functions of two closely related homologues from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Yap1p and Yap2p. Although Yap1p and Yap2p are both bZIP transcription factors involved in multiple stress responses and are 88% identical in their DNA binding domains, our work shows that these proteins activate nonoverlapping sets of genes. Yap1p controls a set of genes involved in detoxifying the effects of reactive oxygen species, whereas Yap2p controls a set of genes over represented for the function of stabilizing proteins. In addition we show that the binding sites in the promoters of the Yap1p-dependent genes differ from the sites in the promoters of Yap2p-dependent genes and we validate experimentally that these differences are important for regulation by Yap1p. We conclude that while Yap1p and Yap2p may have some overlapping functions they are clearly not redundant and, more generally, that DNA microarray analysis will be an important tool for distinguishing the functions of the large numbers of highly conserved genes found in all eukaryotic genomes.
LIGATION OF PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS IN PREMATURE INFANTS

Twenty-four neonates, at 25–34 weeks' gestation with a weight range of 570–1530 g underwent ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The infants had mild to severe respiratory distress syndrome at birth and later developed signs of heart failure as a result of left-to-right shunting through a PDA. Surgical closure of the PDA was performed within 2–31 days after birth. In the period before operation the heart rate was monitored constantly and the arterial blood-gases were assessed frequently. The trachea was intubated and respiration was controlled with a ventilator. Surgery was performed under controlled ventilation and no anaesthesia was used. Care was taken not to overventilate the lungs. Nine infants died. Death was associated with higher peak inspiratory ventilator pressures at the time of operation and with comphcations occurring during or after the operation. The most common complication was tension pneumomediastinum which appears to be related to excessive ventilator pressures during surgery.