cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Titanium-Containing Additives on the Dehydrogenation Properties of LiAlH4: A Computational and Experimental Study

Metal hydrides are attractive materials for use in thermal storage systems to manage excessive transient heat loads and for hydrogen storage applications. This paper presents a combined computational and experimental investigation of the influence of Ti, TiO2, and TiCl3 additives on the dehydrogenation properties of milled LiAlH4. Density functional theory (DFT) is used to predict the effect of Ti-containing additives on the electronic structure of the region surrounding the additive after its adsorption on the LiAlH4 (010) surface. The electron distribution and charge transfer within the LiAlH4/additive system is evaluated. Electronic structure calculations predict covalent-like bonding between the Ti atom of the adsorbate and surrounding H atoms. The hydrogen (H) binding energy associated with the removal of the first H from the modified LiAlH4 surface is calculated and compared with experimental dehydration activation energies. It is seen that the weaker H binding corresponds to the larger amount of ch...
Volkov limit for atomic ionization by ultraintense laser fields

We examine the Volkov limit in the interaction of an atom with an ultrastrong laser field, where the atom-laser coupling energy becomes larger than the atomic binding energy. The full time-dependent wave function is expressible as an expansion in the atomic potential. Numerical results are obtained for the ionization probability of a one-dimensional \ensuremath{\delta}-potential model atom, for which full dynamical solutions are also found. We find uniform convergence toward full ionization with increasing field strength, with no sign of ground-state stabilization.
A Robust Algorithm for Faster SAR Measurement in the 30-6000 MHz Frequency Range

An algorithm to quickly estimate the measured specific absorption rate (SAR) from planar scans is presented. This algorithm results in a savings in measurement time of up to 70%. Previously published work from the authors has been extended here to cover the entire frequency range of 30 MHz - 6 GHz specified in draft international standards. SAR data have been collected on real cellular phones to demonstrate that the previous algorithm is accurate. Numerical electromagnetic simulations were conducted in order to extend the frequency range of the algorithm. It is shown that the new algorithm gives similar results to the previous algorithm in the 150 - 2450 MHz frequency range, but it performs much better in the extended frequency range.
Type studies of sequestrate Russulales. I. Generic type species

Holotypes of the type species of the gen- era of sequestrate Russulales (Arcangeliella, Cystan- gium, Elasmomyces, Gymnomyces, Macowanites, Mar- tellia, and Zelleromyces) were studied. Characters used to define genera were re-examined and several were found to be of little or no use at the generic level. The structure of the peridiopellis proved to be more stable than other characters used previously to define genera in the sequestrate Russulales. Proposed re- alignments include (i) merging Martellia into Gym- nomyces, (ii) merging Elasmomyces into Macowanites, and (iii) redefining the boundaries of Gymnomyces and Cystangium.
Effects of bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens on endometrial safety and bone in postmenopausal women.

ABSTRACTObjectives Bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens (BZA/CE) has demonstrated efficacy in improving vasomotor and vulvar/vaginal atrophy symptoms in postmenopausal women. This study evaluated the endometrial safety of BZA/CE and effects on bone mineral density (BMD) compared with CE/medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and placebo.Methods The Selective estrogens, Menopause, And Response to Therapy (SMART)-4 trial was a 1-year, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo– and active-controlled, phase-3 study in non-hysterectomized, postmenopausal women (n = 1061; aged 40 −< 65 years). Subjects received BZA 20 mg/CE 0.45 or 0.625 mg, CE 0.45 mg/MPA 1.5 mg, or placebo daily. Primary endpoints were the incidence of endometrial hyperplasia and the change in lumbar spine BMD at 1 year. Secondary endpoints included the change in total hip BMD and rates of amenorrhea and breast pain.Results At 1 year, no cases of endometrial hyperplasia were identified in the BZA 20-mg/CE 0.45-mg group, while three cases (1.1%) ...
Expression of the hilA Salmonella typhimurium gene in a poultry Salm. enteritidis isolate in response to lactate and nutrients

Pathogens express virulence genes in response to the combination of environmental conditions present in the host environment. The crop is the first gastrointestinal environment encountered in birds. However, feed withdrawal alters the crop environment resulting in an increased pH, and decreased concentrations of lactate, glucose and amino acids compared with unmoulted birds. Salmonella enteritidis infections increase significantly in hens that have been force moulted by feed withdrawal. The present study examined the effects of pH, carbohydrate sources, amino acids and lactate on expression of Salm. enteritidis virulence by measuring expression of hilA. The hilA gene encodes a transcriptional activator that regulates expression of Salmonella virulence genes in response to environmental stimuli. HilA expression was determined using a poultry isolate of Salm. enteritidis carrying a hilA-lacZY transcriptional fusion from Salm. typhimurium. The media used were Luria Bertani (LB) broth and LB broth diluted 1:5 (DLB). The expression of hilA was 2.9-fold higher in DLB broth compared with LB broth which suggested that there is a nutritional component to the regulation of hilA. Addition of 0.2% glucose, fructose or mannose to LB and DLB reduced hilA expression 1.5 to twofold. Addition of 0.2% Casaminoacids, arabinose, fucose, or lactose had little effect on hilA expression. Lactate (25 and 50 mmmol 1-1) reduced hilA expression at pH 6, 5 and 4, with the lowest expression occurring at pH 4. Based on these results it appears that the composition of the crop lumen could potentially influence Salm. enteritidis virulence expression.
Correctional Alternatives for Drug Offenders in an Era of Overcrowding

Given the severe overcrowding suffered by nearly all state and federal correctional systems, the antidrug movement in the United States faces extreme resource constraints. This article argues that patterns in the relationship between drug use and criminal behavior call for different correctional strategies. The utility of various nontraditional correctional alternatives for drug offenders is described based on the drug-crime relationship. Recent research on correctional strategies is applied to the special problems involved in the management of drug offenders.
Evidence for Mate Choice in a Sulphur Butterfly (Colias eurytheme)

Abstract and Summary Available information suggests that male alfalfa butterflies (Colias eurytheme) make a nutrient investment during copulation. Sexual selection theory predicts that females, to maximize the material they receive, should preferentially mate with large, young, persistent males. In addition, males, to maximize the return on their investment, are predicted to mate preferentially with large females. To test these predictions, observations were made on interactions between lab-reared virgin females and males flying in the field. About half of all interactions ended in copulation. Analysis of the interactions revealed that: 1) young (fresh) males are more successful in courtship than old (worn) males, 2) males accepted by females are significantly less variable in size than males rejected by females, 3) persistence increases, up to a point, a male's chances of attaining copulation, and 4) the size of females accepted by males is less variable than that of rejected females. These results support the predictions in part but leave unanswered questions about why exceptionally large conspecific individuals are unattractive to members of both sexes. Zusammenfassung Die Interaktionen noch unbesamter Weibchen von Colias eurytheme mit umherfliegenden Mannchen lassen vermuten, das beide Geschlechter in der “Balz”-Phase eine Partnerwahl treffen. Weibchen paaren sich bevorzugt mit frischgeschlupften Mannchen mittlerer Grose, die das fliegende Weibchen 7–10 s lang oder das sitzende Weibchen 4–5 s lang umbalzen. Diese Alters-und Grosenbevorzugung zeigt sich auch an verpaarten — im Gegensatz zu einzeln gefangenen — Mannchen. Mannchen bevorzugen mittelgrose Weibchen.
Hemodynamic Effects of Angiotensin in Normal and Environmentally Stressed Monkeys

Simultaneous regional blood flow and resistance measurements were made in 21 organs in 11 supine unanesthetized rhesus monkeys before and during two different doses of intravenously infused angiotensin II or saline. Systemic arterial pressure and total peripheral resistance significantly increased at both infusion rates in the six experimental monkeys, compared with changes in five control monkeys; cardiac output decreased at the high dose level. Among major organs, the kidneys, skin, liver (hepatic artery), and mesentery had reductions in the fraction of cardiac output they received and, thus, the greatst increase in resistance and decrease in blood flow. No organ had a significant increase in its blood flow; however, skeletal muscle and bone were normally perfused due to increases in the fraction of cardiac output they received. Four other monkeys received continuous intravenous angiotensin infusions at initially subpressor rates for periods of 26 to 30 days. There were steady increases of systemic arterial blood pressure due to a rise in total peripheral resistance which reached a plateau in about 5 days. Avoidance schedules or other environmental stresses in these angiotensin-infused monkeys produced much more marked pressor episodes than those which occur in noninfused monkeys. These observations support the hypothesis that small amounts of angiotensin can potentiate sympathetic mediated vasomotor activity.
Chronic oral treatment with isotretinoin alters measures of activity but not anxiety in male and female rats.

Abstract Use of the anti-acne drug, Accutane® (ACC) (isotretinoin, 13-cis-retinoic acid), has been associated with neuropsychiatric events ranging from depression in animal models to depression and suicide ideation in humans. Our studies, however, have consistently indicated few effects on measures of depression in male and female rats. Still, the comorbidity of depression and anxiety suggests that anxiety assessments in ACC-treated rats could be informative. Such assessments must be balanced with measures of activity since drug-induced activity alterations may impact the expression of anxiety-like behaviors. Here, Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 15/sex/dose) were gavaged daily with 0 (soy oil), 7.5, or 30 mg/kg/day ACC beginning on postnatal day (PND) 59. Blood ACC levels similar to humans taking recommended ACC doses are produced by 7.5 mg/kg/day. Short-term activity was assessed in open fields prior to ACC treatment (PND 51) and again at PNDs 129 and 164 and in a complex environment at PNDs 66 and PND 184. Long-term residential activity was measured in running wheels (PNDs 85–92) and figure 8 mazes (PNDs 99–106). Anxiety-like behavior was assessed via elevated plus maze (EPM) activity on PND 98 and in a black/white apparatus on PND 125. The typical sex differences in most behaviors were exhibited (i.e., increased EPM open arm entries and overall activity in most measures in females); however, there were no significant effects of ACC treatment on open field activity, complex environment activity, residential running wheel activity, or EPM activity. Residential figure 8 maze activity indicated that male and female rats treated with 30 mg/kg/day were less active on all nights (p
Homeschooling the Gifted: A Parent's Perspective.

Homeschooling has witnessed a dramatic growth over the past decade. Included in this population are gifted and talented students, yet despite this growth there has been no appreciable increase in the research literature. To better understand the gifted homeschooling family, researchers interviewed 13 parents of homeschooled children their parents identified as being gifted. Four major themes emerged from the data: (a) parents know best, (b) isolation, (c) challenges, and (d) family roles. Findings reveal that these parents decided to homeschool only after numerous attempts to work in collaboration with the public school and that the mothers bore the primary burden of responsibility for homeschooling in these families. Though the move to homeschooling alleviated many of the issues experienced in public school, it brought a different set of challenges to these families. This exploratory study establishes a better understanding of why parents of gifted children ultimately decide to homeschool.
Sequence-specific scission of DNA by RNAs linked to a chemical nuclease

RNAs linked to the chemical nuclease 1,10-phenanthroline-copper cut double-stranded DNA of complementary sequence. This cleavage reaction is applicable to all sequences and can be used to measure the distance between marker genes in base pairs, map the size of a transcription unit and define positions of chromosomal breakpoints.
Aging of poly(2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene)/toluene solutions and subsequent effects on luminescence behavior of cast films.

Morphological effects in luminescence properties of a representative semiconducting polymer, poly(2-methoxy-5-(2‘-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV), has recently attracted much attention. Previous studies indicated that short-term heat treatment of solution-cast MEH-PPV films may result in the formation of mesomorphic order that is responsible for the “red” emission around 640 nm, in contrast to the single-chromophore “yellow” emission near 590 nm from the disordered matrix. On the basis of microscopic and spectroscopic evidence for films cast from freshly prepared and aged solutions, here we show that prolonged storage of MEHyellowPPV solutions at room temperature or lower may result in retardation of the thermally induced mesophase formation in the subsequently cast films. According to small-angle neutron scattering and differential scanning calorimetric observations over aged MEH-PPV/toluene solutions, we propose that the suppressed transformation into mesomorphic order is due to further ...
Comparison of N- and Ga-Face GaN HEMTs Through Cellular Monte Carlo Simulations

We compare the performance of GaN HEMT devices based on the established Ga-face technology and the emerging N-face technology. Starting from a state-of-the-art N-face device, we obtain the analogous Ga-face layout imposing the constraint of the same channel charge in both structures, and then, we simulate both the configurations with our full-band cellular Monte Carlo simulator, which includes the full details of the band structure and the phonon spectra. Moreover, we define a modeling approach based on gate-to-2-D electron gas distance and capacitance discussions, which allows a fair comparison between the N- and Ga-face technologies. Full direct current and RF simulations were performed and compared with available experimental data for the N-face device in order to calibrate the few adjustable simulator parameters. Our simulations indicate that N-face GaN HEMTs exhibit improved RF performance with respect to Ga-face devices. Furthermore, the use of an AlN layer in N-face devices results in a reduced alloy scattering and offers a strong back-barrier electron confinement to mitigate short-channel effects, thus improving the cutoff frequency for highly scaled devices.
Fractures of the femoral head

Abstract Femoral head fractures are rare injuries. The Pipkin classification is a well-accepted system used to describe these fractures. Pelvic roentgenograms and a computerized tomography scan will provide the information necessary to classify and thereby develop a management plan for these injuries. Although there is general agreement regarding the treatment of associated fractures of the femoral neck and acetabulum, treatment of the femoral head fracture varies depending on the size and location of the fragment. Options range from closed reduction and traction for some nondisplaced fractures to arthrotomy with excision or open reduction and internal fixation of the femoral head fragment. Stabilization can be obtained using a variety of fixation devices. The hip joint may be approached anteriorly or posteriorly depending on the location of the femoral head fragment. The classification, treatment options, operative techniques, postoperative management, and potential complications associated with femoral head fractures are presented.
Immunity as a Factor in the Epidemiology of Medieval Plague

explain these aspects of medieval plague. The absence of a focus of sylvatic plague in medieval Europe is postulated, while it is suggested that the susceptible population was much more varied both in terms of immunity and number of species than has been assumed. The sex, age, and regional variations in incidence of plague among humans are examined on the basis of primary and secondary historical sources. Nutritional factors, especially iron status, and cross-immunities with other diseases help provide an explanation of the observations in the literature. After an absence of seven centuries, plague struck Europe in 1348 with devastating force and produced recurrent epidemics into the 18th century. Discussions of the demographic, economic, social, political, and even artistic implications of the disease have produced an enormous historical literature. Many questions remain unanswered, but a consensus exists on some points. A brief historiographic review will help place the work presented here in an intelligible context. Plague struck the Roman Empire and western Europe during the age of Justinian and raged through the seventh century. Then, for reasons as yet unexplained, the disease disappeared until 1348, when it was reintroduced from the East. These two epidemics are frequently referred to as
Fault Tolerant Control for an Electric 4WD Vehicle's Path Tracking with Active Fault Diagnosis

Abstract This paper investigates the path tracking problem for an electric vehicle which has four electromechanical wheel systems under normal and faulty conditions. With considering wheel slip constraints and certain actuator faults, a passive fault-tolerant controller based on variable structure control is developed to maintain the system stability and guarantee the acceptable tracking performance. Then based on the designed controller, a simple active fault diagnosis approach is introduced for this typical over-actuated system to isolate and evaluate faults more precisely. With the diagnosed information, an accommodated fault tolerant controller is designed to maintain the tracking performance. Finally, simulations of traction engine multiple faults are conducted to illustrate the proposed method.
Evaluation of Drug Abuse Treatment: A Repeated Measures Design Assessing Methadone Maintenance

The present study utilizes a repeated measures design to evaluate methadone maintenance (MM) treatment effects. The addiction history of MM clients was examined from the beginning of daily narcotic use to the date of interview and was aggregated into the following three time periods: (1) a relatively long pretreatment baseline, (2) all time periods while in treatment, and (3) all time periods not in treatment after the initial treatment entry. These three time periods reflect treatment statuses before, on, and off treatment, respectively. Multiple measures were taken during each treatment status for a sample of 720 MM clients with heterogeneous background characteristics. A repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted for each measure, treating treatment status as the repeated factor, or within-subject variable, and sex, ethnicity, and treatment duration ratio as three between-subject variables. Overall, compared to pretreatment measures, results showed significant improvement for both postadmissi...
Perceptions of Severely and Multiply Disabled Persons

Data from studies of rankings of acceptability and severity of various disabilities were converted to a common metric of percentile equivalent ranks. A total of 1331 data points from 53 studies yielded the following overall percentile equivalent ranks for 24 disabilities: diabetes (most acceptable), ulcer, arthritis, asthma, heart condition, speech problems, crippled, orthopedic disability, physical disability, amputation, emotional disturbance, appearance disability, deafness, learning disability, stroke, cancer, paraplegia, blindness, epilepsy, tuberculosis, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, mental illness, and multiple disabilities (least acceptable). Rankings of the severity of seven disabilities yielded a somewhat different order that correlated 0.55 with the total data. Rankings of a mild disability were, on average, 40 percentile points higher than rankings for the same disability labeled severe or profound.
Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: A developmental perspective

Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are medically fragile and developmentally at risk for neuromotor and sensory delays. Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes can be positively impacted by an organized and purposeful program of developmental follow-up and early intervention. Nurses play an integral role in the provision and coordination of the multifaceted health care required by these medically fragile infants.
Discrimination, other psychosocial stressors, and self-reported sleep duration and difficulties.

Objectives To advance understanding of the relationship between discrimination and sleep duration and difficulties, with consideration of multiple dimensions of discrimination, and attention to concurrent stressors; and to examine the contribution of discrimination and other stressors to racial/ ethnic differences in these outcomes. Design Cross-sectional probability sample. Setting Chicago, IL. Participants There were 2,983 black, Hispanic, and white adults. Measurements and results Outcomes included self-reported sleep duration and difficulties. Discrimination, including racial and nonracial everyday and major experiences of discrimination, workplace harassment and incivilities, and other stressors were assessed via questionnaire. In models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, greater exposure to racial (β = -0.14)) and nonracial (β = -0.08) everyday discrimination, major experiences of discrimination attributed to race/ethnicity (β = -0.17), and workplace harassment and incivilities (β = -0.14) were associated with shorter sleep (P 0.05). Conclusions Discrimination was associated with shorter sleep and more sleep difficulties, independent of socioeconomic status and other stressors, and may account for some of the racial/ethnic differences in sleep.
Orientation of the DNA in the filamentous bacteriophage f1

Abstract The filamentous bacteriophage f1 consists of a molecule of circular single-stranded DNA coated along its length by about 2700 molecules of the B protein. Five molecules of the A protein and five molecules of the D protein are located near or at one end of the virion, while ten molecules of the C protein are located near or at the opposite end. The two ends of the phage can be separated by reacting phage fragments, which have been generated by passage of intact phage through a French press, with antibody directed against the A protein (Grant et al. , 1981 a ). By hybridizing the DNA isolated from either end of 32 P-labeled phage to specific restriction fragments of fl replicative form I DNA, we have determined that the single-stranded DNA of the filamentous bacteriophage f1 is oriented within the virion. For wild-type phage, the DNA that codes for the gene III protein is located at the A and D protein end and that which corresponds to the intergenic region is located close to the C protein end of the particle. The intergenic region codes for no protein but contains the origins for both viral and complementary strand DNA synthesis. Analysis of the DNA orientation in phage in which the plasmid pBR322 has been inserted into different positions within the intergenic region of fl shows that the C protein end of all sizes of filamentous phage particles appears to contain a common sequence of phage DNA. This sequence is located near the junction of gene IV and the intergenic region, and probably is important for normal packaging of phage DNA into infectious particles. There appears to be no specific requirement for the origins of viral and complementary strand DNA synthesis to be at the end of a phage particle.
Microcirculation and Venous Ulcers:A Review

Recent histological and immunocytochemical analyses of venous leg ulcers suggest that lesions observed in the different stages of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) may be related to an inflammatory process. This inflammatory process leads to fibrosclerotic remodeling of the skin and then to ulceration. The vascular network of the most superficial layers of the skin appears to be the target of the inflammatory reaction. Hemodynamic forces such as venous hypertension, circulatory stasis, and modified conditions of shear stress appear to play an important role in an inflammatory reaction accompanied by leukocyte activation which clinically leads to CVI: venous dermatitis and venous ulceration. The leukocyte activation is accompanied by the expression of integrins and by synthesis and release of many inflammatory molecules, including proteolytic enzymes, leukotrienes, prostaglandin, bradykinin, free oxygen radicals, cytokines, and possibly other classes of inflammatory mediators. The inflammatory reaction perpetuates itself, leading to liposclerotic skin and subcutaneous tissue remodeling. In light of the mechanisms of venous ulcer formation cited above, therapy in the future might be directed against leukocyte activation in order to diminish the magnitude of the inflammatory response. With this in mind, the attention of many investigators has been drawn to two different drugs with an anti-inflammatory effect: pentoxifylline and flavonoids.
Retinotopic organization of areas 18 and 19 in the cat

The location and retinotopic organization of areas 18 and 19 in cat cortex were determined using electrophysiological mapping techniques. These two areas each contain a single representation of the visual hemifield and each has a distinctive cytoarchitecture. The visual hemifield representations in these two areas are nearly mirror images of each other. Compared to area 17, areas 18 and 19 have less cortical surface area, have a lower cortical magnification factor, contain less of the visual field and contain second order instead of first order transformations of the visual hemifield. An unusual asymmetry was found between the representations of the upper and lower visual quadrants not seen before in maps of other areas of cat or other species. A considerable amount of variability in the retinotopic organization of these two areas was found among cats.
Ion beam bombardment effects during films deposition

Abstract Ion bombardment during the deposition of a thin film has been observed to modify strongly some of the properties of the thin film. This paper examines the effects of low energy ion beam bombardment during the deposition of a thin film by either sputtering or evaporation. The ion bombardment can cause physical changes in the film, such as a change in the grain size, the degree or direction of orientation, the film density and number of voids, the film stress, and other related properties such as the electrical resistivity, the dielectric constant, and the stability of the film. Chemical changes can also be induced, such as the formation of compounds or the incorporation of gas into the film. The understanding of these phenomena is at an early stage. Models have been presented which examine such features as the change in density and void structure, or the changes in stress and resistivity.
Poly(3-methylthiophene) conducting polymer solutions and films

Abstract Poly(3-methylthiophene),P3MT, has been polymerized from 3-methylthiophene, 3MT, with AsF 5 in AsF 3 solution. Addition of excess AsF 5 yields solutions of AsF 5 -doped P3MT in AsF 3 from which electrically conductically conductive films are cast upon solvent removal. The chemistry and physics of these solutions and films are not clearly understood. We have characterized some of the chemistry and physics via solution and solid state NMR and EPR and SEM/EDX techniques. These P3MT solutions which exhibit three distinct stages in the polymerization and doping process contain different species in each stage some of which have been identified by NMR. One of the species identified at dopant levels below 1 AsF 5 per monomer unit is AsF 6 − which has long been propssed as a dopant counterion. Above 2 AsF 5 per monomer units, sulfur-centered radicals are observed in solution while carbon-centered radicals are observed in the corresponding cast films. These radicals in both the solution and solids state do not appear to correlate with the conductivity. Consequently this data suggests that the radicals observed do not participate in the conduction mechanism. The electrical and mechanical properties of the electrically conductive films cast from solution depend on the sample morphology. The method of film casting controls the morphology and thus the final sample properties. Hard compact films are approximately 100 times more conducting than brittle porous films suggetting a decrease in interparticle resistivity in the compact films. This work clearly illustrates the complexity of the chemical and physical interactions which govern polymer solubility and final film properties and the need for further spectroscopic studies in order to better understand the chemistry and physics of the systems.
Experience with modeling and simulations in education and in hardware implementation for research

This paper illustrates the benefits of modeling and simulations in education and in implementing hardware to conduct research projects that lead to creativity. The education material is developed through grants from NSF, NASA and ONR and is being disseminated proactively nationwide through a grant from ONR.
Comprehensive Surveillance Program at a Large Teaching Hospital

Abstract Introduction: The Infection Control Unit at our 950-bed (two-site) teaching facility is a member of the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (NNIS) system. Targeted surveillance, using NNIS criteria by five infection control practitioners has been performed in surgery and in the medical, surgical, pediatric, and neonatal intensive care units (ICUs). OBJECTIVES: Our comprehensive surveillance program is to monitor high-risk, high-volume surgical procedures; to monitor compliance with surgical prophylactic antibiotic guidelines; to monitor high-risk, compromised patients in the ICU setting; to reduce the incidence of hospital-associated infections by feedback of data to healthcare providers; to compare results from year to year; and to initiate quality improvement (QI) strategies. RESULTS: Surgical site infection (SSI) rates during the past 4 years of vascular, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery has ranged from 0% to 3%. A cluster of SSIs during 4 months of cardiothoracic (CT) surveillance contributed to a 9.4% SSI rate in 2000. Following QI strategies, subsequent annual CT SSI rates ranged from 0.16% to 4%. Excellent compliance with selection and timing of prophylactic antibiotic agents was identified during surgical surveillance. Post-op antibiotic dosing has been targeted for QI initiatives. Inappropriate use of vancomycin as a prophylactic agent by CT surgery decreased from 25% in 1995 to 5% in 1996, with subsequent rates not exceeding 2%. Ventilator-associated pneumonia rates (VAPR) during the last four surveillance periods in the surgical ICU ranged from 21 to 29 per 1000 ventilator days. Initiatives were implemented to reduce these rates. NICU surveillance has documented that neonates in the birthweight category (BWC) 1–1000 gm are at higher risk of infection. From January through June 2003, 17 of 19 NICU infections occurred in the BWC 1–1000 gm. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of our surveillance and prevention program is demonstrated by an overall decrease in hospital-associated infections and the ability to identify areas for improvement. This surveillance program with ongoing data feedback and quality improvement initiatives has contributed to our patient safety initiatives.
Surface structure of anatase TiO 2 ( 001 ) : Reconstruction, atomic steps, and domains

The surface structure of anatase ${\mathrm{TiO}}_{2}(001)$ was investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED), and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). A two-domain $(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4)/(4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)$ reconstruction, similar to those previously reported in LEED and ion scattering studies, was observed by STM and RHEED. This reconstruction was found to be stable not only from room temperature to 850 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C in ultrahigh vacuum and oxygen-rich environments, but also during the anatase film growth. High-resolution STM images obtained at positive sample biases revealed two types of atomic row within each surface unit cell, indicating different Ti-derived states at the surface. At the same time, XPS of the reconstructed surfaces showed no evidence of ${\mathrm{Ti}}^{3+}.$ Based on the STM, XPS, RHEED, and LEED results, an ``added''-and-``missing''-row model is proposed to account for the $(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4)$ reconstruction. Atomic steps and their relationship to the population of $(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4)$ and $(4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)$ domains were also investigated. The results showed that for vicinal surfaces the domain population depended strongly on the overall surface step orientation. While populations of the $(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4)$ and the $(4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)$ domains were nearly equal on flat (001) surfaces, they became significantly lopsided on a surface with its normal 2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} away from the (001) direction, demonstrating a strong correlation between surface steps and domain population on vicinal surfaces.
Malignant Ascites and Small Renal Mass: An Unusual Presentation of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) presenting with peritoneal involvement or ascites is rare and has been previously described clinically in the setting of large renal mass or other distant metastases. We report an unusual case of RCC presenting with ascites without large mass or other distant metastases. Advances in cytologic diagnosis of metastatic RCC in serous ascitic fluid is discussed, while a potential mechanism of tumor spread is presented.
Incivility at Academic Conferences: Gender Differences and the Mediating Role of Climate

In a survey study of 458 U.S. women and men, we examined experiences of incivility at an academic conference, a context that represents an important extension of the academic/professional workplace. We hypothesized and found that women reported more incivility, perceived the climate to be more sexist, and reported more conference exclusion than men. Counter to our prediction, men and women did not differ in how negatively they viewed the climate or their conference satisfaction. Since incivility may be a subtle form of bias that targets women more than men, women’s experiences of incivility may lead them to view the environment as more sexist. We found support for this, such that the relationship between incivility and sexist climate perceptions were stronger for women than men. Finally, we proposed that incivility would be related to negative conference outcomes through more negative perceptions of the conference climate for both genders, and through sexist climate perceptions only for women. Results of our path analyses indicated that positive, but not sexist, climate perceptions mediated the relationship between incivility and conference satisfaction for both genders. Further, both sexist and positive climate perceptions mediated the relationship between incivility and conference exclusion for both genders. We discuss incivility as a gendered phenomenon related to sexist contexts, as well as reasons for the observed mediated relationships. Additionally, we discuss the significant role that conference experiences may play for women and men in academia and professional settings, and implications for conference organizers.
Dopaminergic A14/A15 neurons are activated during estradiol negative feedback in anestrous, but not breeding season, ewes.

A major factor responsible for seasonal anestrus in sheep is a striking increase in the ability of estradiol (E) to inhibit pulsatile GnRH and LH secretion. Previous studies suggest that dopaminergic neurons in the A14 and A15 groups of the ovine hypothalamus play a key role in conveying the inhibitory effects of E in anestrous ewes. The present study tested the hypothesis that A14/A15 neurons in anestrous ewes are activated in response to E, and that this activation is specifically related to seasonal changes in E negative feedback. Expression of the immediate early gene products, Fos and the Fos-related antigens (FRAs), was used as a marker of neuronal activation. Ovariectomized anestrous ewes received either blank implants (no E) or 0.5-cm long E implants sc and were killed 6 h later (E+6h) or 7 days later (E+7d and no E groups). During the breeding season, two additional groups of ovariectomized ewes were perfused 7 days after insertion of either blank or E implants. During anestrus, E completely supp...
A study of the comparative efficiency between nylon and linen gillnets

Field tests were conducted during the spring of 1959 to compare the differences in the catches of soft-rayed fishes by synthetic (nylon) fiber and natural (linen) fiber gillnets. Test nets were matched as closely as possible from commercial net sources and each section was located randomly as to sequence of mesh size and material.
A Framework to Develop Task Complexity

The element of task difficulty is inherent in the design of simulations, games, and experimental testbeds. However, there is no organizing and quantifying framework for the construct of task comple...
Piriform (Olfactory) cortex model on the hypercube

We present a concurrent hypercube implementation of a neurophysiological model for the piriform (olfactory) cortex.The project was undertaken as the first step towards constructing a general neural network simulator on the hypercube, suitable both for applied and biological nets.The method presented here is expected to be useful for a class of complex and computationally expensive network models with long range connectivity and non-homogeneous activity patterns. The hypercube communication for the fully interconnected case is efficiently realized by the fold algorithm, constructed previously for problems in concurrent matrix algebra whereas the patchy activity is successfully load balanced by the scattered decomposition. We discuss also briefly other communication strategies, relevant for sparse and variable connectivities.Sample numerical results presented here were derived on the NCUBE hypercube at Caltech.
Rotational excitation and damping as probes of interior structures of asteroids and comets

Rotational excitation and damping are discussed in the context of inferring structural properties of asteroids and comets. Opportunities for carrying out deterministic experiments are outlined and basic concepts involving space missions are discussed. Spacecraft carrying an impactor or explosives together with an orbiter are suggested as effective probes of the interiors of asteroid and comets. The feasibility of such missions, especially to near-Earth objects (NEOs), is highlighted as NEOs provide an appropriate cost-effective path to explore interiors of asteroids and comets.
Enhanced sensitivity of chemical dosimeters using liquid-core optical waveguides

Abstract The spectrophotometric sensitivity of chromophoric chemical dosimeters can be enhanced by increasing the optical path length through the light absorbing medium. This approach is used with optical waveguide (OWG) dosimeters, consisting of liquid-phase light-propagating media filling the core of a long, thin flexible polymer tubing. The liquid phase consists of dimethyl sulfoxide, N, N,-dimethylformamide, or triethyl phosphate solutions of hexa (hydroxyethyl) pararosaniline cyanide, a wellknown radiochromic dye precursor, which on irradiation converts from the leucoform into a brightly colored dye chromophore. The experimental design is described, as well as the influences of some experimental parameters: length of the OWG, curvature of the waveguide loops, cross section of the liquid light-guiding core, the temperature and the solvent. It was shown that concentrations of the radiation-generated dye as low as 5 × 10−8 mol dm−3 (corresponding to absorbed doses of about 10 mGy) can be measured on a standard spectrophotometer using a 100 cm long waveguide. It was also shown that sensitivity (optical absorbance increase per unit length per unit dose) was the same whether the light passed on a straight path or through a multiply looped waveguide as long as 150 cm. It is suggested that such long OWG assemblies can be used for enhancing the response of chemical dosimeters for medical and radiation protection applications, as well as in analytical chemistry and for chemical kinetics studies.
Maternal and Infant Characteristics Associated With Human Milk Feeding in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

This study identified maternal and infant characteristics predicting human milk (HM) feeding in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants whose mothers (n = 184) participated in a study of lactation counseling and initiated milk expression. Data were collected prospectively, by maternal interview and medical record review. During hospitalization, 159 (86%) infants received at least 50% HM proportion of feedings in the first 2 weeks of life, and 114 (62%) received some HM until the day of hospital discharge. Analysis showed plan to breastfeed was the strongest predictor of initiation and duration of HM feeding. Greater than 12 years of education, respiratory distress syndrome, Apgar score >6, and female gender were significant predictors, and no perinatal hypertensive disorder, white race, and mechanical ventilation were marginal predictors of HM feeding. Women with a high-risk pregnancy should be provided education about the benefits of breastfeeding for infants who are likely to be born prematurely.
A Study of Latex Film Formation by Atomic Force Microscopy. 2. Film Formation vs Rheological Properties: Theory and Experiment

In this second paper of a series dealing with the film-forming behavior of latex systems, we show the relationship between the kinetics of film formation and rheological properties. The kinetics of...
Phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of human retinoblastoma cells: correlations with metabolic indices

Abstract The 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of cultured human Y-79 retinoblastoma cells was obtained at 121 MHz on intact cells trapped in agarose threads. The spectrum was dominated by monoester peaks, which varied in relative concentration from preparation to preparation. Resonances from phosphocreatine, phosphodiesters and diphosphodiesters also exhibited variability relative to ATP. The main monoester was identified as phosphorylcholine by 31 P-NMR of perchloric acid extracts. It was determined that the changes in monoester concentration correlated with feeding pattern. Phosphorus spectra of cells 1,2 and 3 days post feeding showed a 40% decrese in the relative concentration of phosphorylcholine concentration over the 3 day period. Phosphocreatine, phosphodiesters and diphosphodiesters increased relative to ATP during the same period. Growth curve experiments and oxygen consumption measurements indicated that the decrease in phosphorylcholine correlated with a decrease in cellular growth and oxygen consumption. We conclude that monoester concentration may be a useful indicator of nutritional status in these cells and possibly in intact tumors.
In Situ Resource Utilization for Processing of Metal Alloys on Lunar and Mars Bases

Current plans for practical missions leading to a sustained human presence on our Moon and Mars rely on utilizing their in situ resources. Initially, resource availability must be assessed followed by the development of economically acceptable and technically feasible extractive processes. In regard to metals processing and fabrication, the lower gravity level on the Moon (0.125 g) and Mars (0.369 g) will dramatically change the presently accepted hierarchy of materials in terms of specific properties, a factor which must be understood and exploited. Furthermore, significant changes are expected in the behavior of liquid metals during processing. In metal casting, for example, mold filling and associated solidification processes have to be reevaluated. Finally, microstructural development and therefore material properties, presently being documented through ongoing research in microgravity science and applications, needs to be understood and scaled to the reduced gravity environments. These and other issues are addressed in this paper.
The onset of spring melt in first-year ice regions of the Arctic as determined from scanning multichannel microwave radiometer data for 1979 and 1980

Sea ice ablation is an important physical process affecting the global climate system. During the Arctic melt season, rapid changes occur in both sea ice surface conditions and the extent of ice. These changes alter the albedo and vary the surface energy budget. Understanding variations in Arctic sea ice is critical for global climate studies. This paper investigates the spring onset of melt in the Arctic seasonal sea ice zone through analysis of melt signatures derived from Nimbus 7 scanning multichannel microwave radiometer data. Satellite-derived melt signatures, determined by 18- and 37-GHz vertical brightness temperatures, are associated with the initial melt of the snow pack on the sea ice surface. Sea ice melt events vary spatially and temporally. Within the arctic basin the melt signature is observed first in the Chukchi Sea and the Kara and Barents seas. As melting progresses, the melt signature moves westward from the Chukchi Sea and eastward from the Kara and Barents seas to the Laptev Sea region. The initial location of the melt signal also varies with year. In 1979 the melt signature occurs first in the Chukchi Sea; and in 1980 in the Kara Sea. The date for the initial melt varies between 1979 and 1980 by an average of 7–10 days with a maximum of 25 days in the Chukchi Sea region. Monitoring the occurrence of melt signatures can be used as an indicator of climate variability in the Arctic's seasonal sea ice zones.
Feasibility analysis of critical infrastructure information sharing in Virginia

In order to ensure safer, more secure, and resilient localities and regions in the Commonwealth of Virginia, there exists a need to effectively protect the Commonwealth's critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR) [1], [2]. The contribution of this work is a creation of a set of exploratory simulation models that help investigate the impact of various policy measures on the security of major stakeholders involved in CIKR protection. We show that under certain circumstances, all stakeholders benefit from more cost-effective CIKR risk management through sharing of information related to CIKR threats and vulnerabilities of CIKR owners. We conclude by suggesting modifications of government regulations and current laws that could improve the efficacy of the information-sharing framework that is inherent to critical infrastructure protection.