cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visit-to-Visit Variability of Systolic Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease

Visit-to-visit variability of blood pressure (VVV of BP) is gaining interest as a prognostic marker for stroke, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. In this review, we discuss different metrics used to define VVV of BP, explore the potential sources of this phenomenon including patient characteristics and antihypertensive medication classes, and discuss recent evidence of its relation with cardiovascular outcomes. Current evidence relies on secondary analyses of clinical trials or on observational studies, none of which was designed to examine VVV of BP specifically. More research is required to develop standardized definitions of VVV of BP, to confirm the value of VVV as a prognostic indicator, and to ascertain whether efforts to reduce VVV of BP in addition to mean BP will improve outcomes.
Fertility-sparing radical abdominal trachelectomy for cervical carcinoma: technique and review of the literature.

Abstract Objectives. Radical trachelectomy has emerged as a reasonable fertility-sparing operation for selected patients with stage I cervical cancer. The purpose of this report is to describe our technique of radical abdominal trachelectomy , a fertility-sparing operation in women with cervical cancer, and review the current literature on this procedure. Methods. A review of a prospectively maintained database of all fertility-sparing radical trachelectomy procedures performed at our institution. Results. Between 11/01 and 3/06, we performed a total of 42 fertility-preserving radical trachelectomies with pelvic lymphadenectomy for women with invasive cervical cancer. We had previously reported on 2 pediatric abdominal trachelectomies, which are excluded from this report. Five of the remaining 40 cases had undergone a radical abdominal trachelectomy, and 35 cases were performed laparoscopically with a radical vaginal approach. The characteristics of the 5 adult patients who underwent abdominal radical trachelectomy included stage IB1 disease in all cases, a mean age of 36 years (range, 33–39), and a mean estimated blood loss of 280 ml (range, 50–400); 1 patient with squamous cell carcinoma needed completion radical hysterectomy at the time of trachelectomy due to disease extending into the endometrium, and 1 patient needed postoperative chemoradiation due to a positive parametrial lymph node. The remaining 3 patients resumed normal menstruation postoperatively. All patients remain disease-free at the time of this report. The only remaining uterine blood supply in these patients are the utero-ovarian vessels. There were no postoperative complications, and transurethral Foley catheters were removed in all cases within 2 weeks. Conclusions. Radical abdominal trachelectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy is a feasible operation for selected women with stage I cervical cancer who desire to preserve reproductive function. Menstruation and reproductive function may be preserved after bilateral uterine vessel ligation. The procedure expands the inclusion criteria of radical vaginal trachelectomy to patients with distorted cervicovaginal anatomy in which the vaginal approach may not be feasible.
Role of Lithium Salt on Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI) Formation and Structure in Lithium Ion Batteries

A comparative investigation of the different lithium salts on formation of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on binder free graphite anodes for lithium ion batteries has been conducted. The electrolytes investigated include 1 M LiPF6, LiBF4, LiTFSI, LiFSI, LiDFOB or LiBOB dissolved in ethylene carbonate (EC). The SEI has been investigated via a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allows direct observation of the SEI formed from the different electrolytes. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of D2O extracts are utilized to characterize the soluble species of SEI. XPS and FTIR provide additional elemental and functional group information for the SEI components. The SEI for all electrolytes contains lithium ethylene dicarbonate (LEDC), the primary reduction product of EC. In addition, the SEI for all electrolytes contain LiF except for the SEI generated from the LiBOB electrolyte. The SEI generated in the presence of LiBOB or LiDFOB electrolytes contain multiple oxalate containing species, including lithium oxalate (Li2C2O4), and borates. © 2014 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.054406jes] All rights reserved.
Iodine and the thyroid hormones

Abstract The retention of thyromimetic activity when alkyl groups replace the halogens in triiodothyronine requires a re-examination of the relationship between iodine and the thyroid hormones. The primary role of iodine is to provide appropriate spatial constraints on the 3,5,3′-substituents on a semirigid three-dimensional matrix (thyronine) and to facilitate the biosynthesis of tri- and tetra-iodothyronine in the thyroid gland.
The Lung Microbiome and Development of Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome after Pediatric Lung Transplantation

Purpose Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is a major complication following lung transplant. Infection is a known risk factor for the development of BOS. Microbiome analysis has an advantage over traditional culture as it detects uncultivable organisms. In addition, reduced bacterial diversity has been associated with increases in morbidity and mortality. We hypothesize that significant differences exist in the microbiome of post lung transplant patients with BOS vs. non-BOS. Methods and Materials Ninety-four bronchoalveolar lavage specimens from 21 patients were collected during surveillance bronchoscopies throughout the first year post-transplant. Bacterial DNA was extracted, and the V3V5 variable regions of the 16SrRNA gene were amplified using universal barcoded primers. Subsequent 454 sequencing produced an average of 6,000 reads per sample with an average length of 500 bases. Resulting sequences were analyzed by the Genboree Microbiome Workbench. Results In lung transplant recipients (LTRs) who developed BOS, Firmicutes decreased and Proteobacteria increased over time. Conversely, the non-BOS group revealed a longitudinal increase in Firmicutes and a decreased in Proteobacteria. 33 genera were noted in the BOS compared to 49 genera in the non-BOS group, indicating an overall decreased bacterial diversity in the BOS group. Bacterial diversity was similar in both the groups at 2 weeks post transplant but steadily declined in the BOS group while it increased in the non-BOS group during the first year post transplant. Conclusions Longitudinal genus-level variation clearly differed in the BOS vs. non-BOS groups. Moreover, BOS was associated with reduced bacterial diversity, which has been associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality in previous studies of the lung microbiome. Further studies are required to investigate if a change in the lung microbiome of post-transplant individuals is an indication of the future development of BOS.
Synthesis and characterization of a small, membrane-permeant, caspase-activatable far-red fluorescent peptide for imaging apoptosis.

To image apoptosis in vivo with a small, membrane-permeant probe, TcapQ647 was synthesized comprising a Tat-peptide-based permeation peptide sequence, an effector caspase recognition sequence, DEVD, and a flanking optically activatable pair comprising a far-red quencher, QSY 21, and a fluorophore, Alexa Fluor 647. Under baseline conditions, high quenching efficiencies were observed resulting in low background fluorescence. Upon exposure to executioner caspases, TcapQ647 was specifically cleaved, thereby releasing the fluorophore from the quencher and enabling imaging of apoptosis.
A Naive-Bayes model observer for detection and localization of perfusion defects in cardiac SPECT-MPI

Model observers (MO) are widely used in medical imaging to act as surrogates of human observers in task-based image quality evaluation, frequently towards optimization of reconstruction algorithms. In SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), a realistic task-based approach involves detection and localization of perfusion defects, as well as a subsequent assessment of defect severity. In this paper we explore a machine-learning MO based on Naive- Bayes classification (NB-MO). NB-MO uses a set of polar-map image features to predict lesion detection, localization and severity scores given by five human readers for a set of simulated 3D SPECT-MPI patients. The simulated dataset included lesions with different sizes, perfusion-reduction ratios, and locations. Simulated projections were reconstructed using two readily used methods namely: FBP and OSEM. For validation, a multireader multi-case (MRMC) analysis of alternative free-response ROC (AFROC) curve was performed for NB-MO and human observers. For comparison, we also report performances of a statistical Hotelling Observer applied on polar-map images. Results show excellent agreement between NB-MO and humans, as well as model’s good generalization between different reconstruction treatments.
A member of the dance

The joy of genuine learning is too often lost in the competitive atmosphere of university work.
Facilitating Idea Generation and Decision-Making with Concept Maps

This paper contains a description of the creation of Concept Maps in facilitated sessions to promote idea generation and group decision-making. A number of issues pertain to facilitated Concept Mapping, including the number of facilitators, the optimal or manageable size of groups, the sorts of group interactions that are encountered and their impacts on the proceedings, and the sorts of outcomes that can be expected. This article describes these basic issues as well as attributes, concerns, and skills required of facilitators. It presents two case studies illustrating methodological issues pertaining to the facilitation process and the sorts of outcomes that can be achieved.
A Stein-Rosenberg theorem for rectangular matrices☆

Abstract In the theory of iterative methods, the classical Stein-Rosenberg theorem can be viewed as giving the simultaneous convergence (or divergence) of the extrapolated Jacobi (JOR) matrix J ω and the successive overrelaxation (SOR) matrix L ω, in the case when the Jacobi matrix J 1 is nonegative. As has been established by Buoni and Varga, necessary and sufficient conditions for the simultaneous convergence (or divergence) of J ω and L ω have been established which do not depend on the assumption that J 1 is nonnegative. More recently, Buoni, Neumann, and Varga extended these results to the singular case, using the notion of semiconvergence. The aim here is to extend these results to consistent rectangular systems.
Green's-function Monte Carlo study of the two-dimensional, spin-1/2 XY ferromagnet.

The ground states of quantum spin-1/2 XY ferromagnetic triangular and square systems are investigated with the Green's-function Monte Carlo method. Simulations are performed on L\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}L two-dimensional lattices with L up to 19. The long-range orders as well as ground-state energies are obtained for both lattices and are extrapolated to infinite system size. The long-range order (LRO) is computed directly using kernels from the system Hamiltonian and a ``perturbed'' Hamiltonian involving the LRO operator. It is seen that LRO exists in the infinite triangular lattice, contrary to conclusions drawn from previous exact-diagonalization studies. The second-order spin-wave theory again appears to yield very good results on these systems.
CT-guided intracavitary radiotherapy for cervical cancer: Comparison of conventional point A plan with clinical target volume-based three-dimensional plan using dose–volume parameters

Purpose: To perform an intracavitary radiotherapy (ICR) plan comparison between the conventional point A plan (conventional plan) and computed tomography (CT)-guided clinical target volume-based plan (CTV plan) by analysis of the quantitative dose–volume parameters and irradiated volumes of organs at risk in patients with cervical cancer. Methods and Materials: Thirty plans for 192 Ir high-dose-rate ICR after 30–40-Gy external beam radiotherapy were investigated. CT images were acquired at the first ICR session with artifact-free applicators in place. The gross tumor volume, clinical target volume (CTV), point A, and International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements Report 38 rectal and bladder points were defined on reconstructed CT images. A fractional 100% dose was prescribed to point A in the conventional plan and to the outermost point to cover all CTVs in the CTV plan. The reference volume receiving 100% of the prescribed dose (V ref ), and the dose–volume parameters of the coverage index, conformal index, and external volume index were calculated from the dose–volume histogram. The bladder, rectal point doses, and percentage of volumes receiving 50%, 80%, and 100% of the prescribed dose were also analyzed. Results: Conventional plans were performed, and patients were categorized on the basis of whether the 100% isodose line of point A prescription dose fully encompassed the CTV (Group 1, n = 20) or not (Group 2, n = 10). The mean gross tumor volume (11.6 cm 3 ) and CTV (24.9 cm 3 ) of Group 1 were smaller than the corresponding values (23.7 and 44.7 cm 3 , respectively) for Group 2 ( p = 0.003). The mean V ref for all patients was 129.6 cm 3 for the conventional plan and 97.0 cm 3 for the CTV plan ( p = 0.003). The mean V ref in Group 1 decreased markedly with the CTV plan ( p Conclusion: Computed tomography-guided CTV planning of ICR is superior to conventional point A planning in terms of conformity of target coverage and avoidance of overdosed normal tissue volume. To ascertain the potential benefit of treatment outcome, ICR with image-guided three-dimensional plans will be pursued and correlated with the dose–volume parameters.
Distorted-field approximation to the static pion potential.

The interaction potentials for two static sources of the ..pi..-meson field are calculated in the distorted-field approximation. The spin- and isospin-dependent parts of the potential are shown to be close to the corresponding one-pion-exchange potentials. In addition, there is a very strong Wigner potential that is not present in the one-pion-exchange potential. All of the components of the potential depend significantly on the shape of the assumed pion-nucleon Yukawa interaction.
Neuropharmacology of Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy: Response to 5-Hydroxy-L-Tryptophan

Low concentrations of the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME) suggest hypofunctional serotonergic neurotransmission. To study this hypothesis, we enrolled 6 patients with PME [Unverricht-Lundborg disease (U-L), mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, or Lafora disease] in a controlled, double-blinded, dose-ranging, cross-over add-on pilot clinical trial of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (L-5-HTP) plus carbidopa after 2 other patients had received open-label L-5-HTP for compassionate use. Prestudy CSF 5-HIAA concentrations were low (< 20 ng/ml) in 6 patients regardless of the etiology of PME. One patient with U-L disease showed clinical improvement and a fivefold increase in CSF 5-HIAA, and 1 with Lafora disease showed a twofold increase in CSF 5-HIAA without improvement. A patient with Lafora disease reported enough improvement in myoclonus-evoked convulsions to continue chronic use of the drug. One patient with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy developed status epilepticus during treatment with L-5-HTP. As a group, patients had no statistically significant changes in myoclonus evaluation scale scores, subjective and objective measures of ataxia, seizure frequency, antiepileptic drug (AED) levels, or routine blood tests. These data suggest a serotonergic abnormality regardless of the underlying etiology of PME, but one that seldom responds to acute treatment with L-5-HTP.
HOW CAN WE INSPIRE A NEW GENERATION TO THE ACHIEVEMENT OF CHRISTIAN CHARACTER? 1

1For a fuller description of these principles, see Ernest M. Ligon, Adventures in Character Research, An Outline of the Conceptual History of the Union College Character Research Project, 1935‐1953. Union College Studies in Character Research, 1954.
Migratory fishermen: A case study in interjurisdictional natural resource management☆

Abstract The need for interjurisdictional management of natural resources arises because both the natural resources themselves and the users of those resources move across political and administrative jurisdictions. Since the users of the resources, and not the resources themselves, are the entities whose behavior is most often regulated, sound policy and management requires dependable data on the nature and extent of those behaviors. This paper describes the migratory fishing behavior of small-scale inshore shrimp fishermen from North Carolina who migrate south across state boundaries to harvest shrimp in South Carolina. Based on data collected through surveys, personal interviews, and ethnographic fieldwork and analyzed using formal social network techniques, the basic social organization and fishing patterns of this group are presented. These are then analyzed with respect to physical and cultural environmental factors underlying their migration. Finally, the relationships between the fishermen, their communities, and their fishing patterns and the three different potential management jurisdictions under which they catch or land fish are explored. Migratory fishing patterns are found to depend on a combination of physical, occupational, economic, political, and social structural factors. Migratory fishing increases flexibility for fishermen, but creates hardship on the fishermen's communities and presents a number of difficulties for fishery management agencies. The paper concludes with suggestions for taking migratory fishing behavior into account in an interjurisdictional management framework.
Space Charge in Cylindrical Magnetron

The space charge equation for the cylindrical magnetron is solved, the current is obtained as a function of the magnetic field, and the effect of the magnetic field on the distribution of potential and charge is determined.
NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE AND RELAXATION OF FOUR SPIN MOLECULES IN A LIQUID

The semiclassical form of the density operator theory of relaxation is employed to calculate the longitudinal and transverse relaxation and the resonance line shape of a liquid sample whose molecules contain four identical spin \textonehalf{} nuclei at the corners of an equilateral tetrahedron. The relaxation is assumed to be due to the time dependence of the intramolecular dipole-dipole interactions that results from the classical rotational diffusion of the molecules. The calculation is not restricted to correlation times shorter than the Larmor period, but it is restricted to correlation times much shorter than the reciprocal coupling frequency. The second-order correction to the Zeeman energy due to the dipole-dipole interactions is included. The longitudinal relaxation is found to be, in general, the sum of three exponentials decaying with different time constants, but in the limit of either short or long correlation time there are only two exponentials. The expression for short correlation time agrees with the author's previous calculation. The transverse magnetization ${M}_{x}+i{M}_{y}$, in the absence of a radio-frequency field, is, in general, found to be the sum of three terms each precessing with slightly different frequencies and decaying exponentially with different time constants. In the case of short correlation time the precession frequencies are the same, and the amplitude decays in the same manner as the longitudinal magnetization for short correlation time. The resonance line shape, correct to first order in the magnitude of the radio frequency field, can be expressed in terms of a complex susceptibility $\ensuremath{\chi}={\ensuremath{\chi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}+i{\ensuremath{\chi}}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}$, which is shown to be proportional to $\ensuremath{\int}{0}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}[{M}_{x}(t)+i{M}_{y}(t)]\mathrm{exp}(i\ensuremath{\omega}t)dt$, where ${M}_{x}(t)+i{M}_{y}(t)$ is the transverse magnetization after a 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} pulse. The saturation behavior of the resonance line shape is calculated for the case of short correlation time. The numerical values occurring in the expressions for the longitudinal and transverse relaxation and the resonance line shape are such that there is little difference between the results calculated here and the results obtained by neglecting in the calculation the effects of the correlations of different dipole-dipole interactions with one another.
Decision support systems and expert systems: a comparison

Abstract In recent years there have been rapid developments in two technologies aimed at improving decision-making: decision support systems (DSS) and expert systems (ES). A DSS is an interactive system that helps decision-makers utilize data and models to solve unstructured or semi-structured problems. An ES is a problem-solving computer program that achieves good performance in a specialized problem domain that is considered difficult and requires specialized knowledge and skill. While both types seek to improve the quality of the decision, there are some distinct differences between the two. To understand and distinguish them, DSS and ES are compared in four primary areas: 1) objectives and intents, 2) operational differences, 3) users, and 4) development methodology.
Percutaneous Transluminal Stent Placement to Treat Subclavian Steal Syndrome

Purpose To describe nonsurgical stent placement to treat subclavian steal syndrome after failure of traditional balloon angioplasty. Patients and Methods Seven patients with subclavian steal syndrome underwent diagnostic angiography, which showed four stenoses and three occlusions of the proximal left subclavian artery. Most patients presented with vertigo, left arm claudication, or syncope. Initial balloon angioplasty failed; there was elastic recoil with more than 30% residual stenosis or subintimal dissection. The three occlusions were treated with urokinase pulse-spray thrombolysis. All seven patients then underwent stent placement. Results Initial technical success was achieved in all seven cases (100%), with an average right versus left arm blood pressure gradient of 0 mm Hg (–11 to 12 mm Hg) at mean follow-up of 12 months (4–24 months) (positive gradient = systolic pressure of right arm > that of left arm; negative gradient = systolic pressure of left arm > that of right arm). Symptoms of arm claudication and syncope resolved, and vertigo improved or resolved after the procedure. There were no deaths, strokes, or emboli in the perioperative or follow-up period. Conclusion Percutaneous transluminal stent placement may be an effective treatment of subclavian steal syndrome in patients with lesions that are refractory to traditional angioplasty.
A graphical interface for modeling a hierarchy of performance models for software systems

A computer-aided performance evaluation (CAPE) tool to support the evaluation of graphical, hierarchical performance models used to design parallel/distributed real-time software systems is presented. It is a graphical interface for CAPE environments called GRAPE. GRAPE supports five different performance models: a queuing model, a state model, a computation structure model, a data flow model and a statistical model. Each of these models is contained in a separate subsystem, but they are linked together to represent multilevel hierarchical modeling, allowing the user to integrate the relationships between different performance metrics at different levels of analysis. The overall structure and graphic environment of GRAPE and the five models are described. >
A viscous flow solver for time-dependent free surface calculations

In the present work, a robust and efficient algorithm for the computation of steady and time-dependent viscous fluid flow about advancing ships is developed. The baseline numerical algorithm couples the method of artificial compressibility with a finite volume cell-center discretization of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. An efficient multigrid time-stepping scheme with residual smoothing and local time-stepping is implemented, resulting in an algorithm with fast convergence rates. Dual time-stepping is used to advance the system of equations in a time accurate manner. Fully nonlinear treatment of the wave field is provided by conforming the grid to the free surface shape. This core scheme is implemented for solution on parallel computers using the method of domain decomposition. The resulting computational tool is highly efficient and provides fast and accurate solutions of fluid flow about general hull shapes. Demonstration of the method for computation of the hydrodynamic forces on a Wigley hull in regular headwaves is presented.
Sun compass-based spatial learning impaired in homing pigeons with hippocampal lesions

The hippocampal formation is known to be critical for spatial cognition, for example, regulating the learning of environmental maps. But how is a spatial map learned, and what is the role of the hippocampal formation in the learning process? The sun compass is perhaps the most ubiquitous, naturally occurring spatial orientation mechanism found in the animal kingdom. The sun compass may also serve as a directional reference that supports spatial learning. We report that homing pigeons with hippocampal lesions were unable to use the sun compass to learn the directional location of food in an outdoor, experimental arena. Homing pigeons with lesions of the caudal neostriatum readily learned the same task, and showed appropriately shifted directional responses following a clock-shift manipulation demonstrating that they were indeed using the sun compass to learn the task. Finally, both hippocampal and control lesioned birds quickly learned a procedurally similar task where a color cue identified the location of food in the same experimental arena. The results indicate that hippocampal lesions impair sun compass use in the context of learning. As such, the results support the hypothesis that the importance of the hippocampal formation in spatial cognition may be related to its participation in a neural process in which information from a directional reference, in this case the sun compass, is used to learn the directional relationship among stimuli in space.
Between Being and Looking Queer Tourism Promotion and Lesbian Social Space in Greater Philadelphia

t “Between Being and Looking” is a political and personal investigation of lesbian social space in Philadelphia, set within the context of mainstream promotion of queer tourism in the city. It is also part of a body of work I have been doing for the last few years, the goal of which is to develop alternative methods of generating, analyzing and communicating geographic information through a variety of accessible texts and tools of visualization drawn from geography, the arts and popular culture. Central to this effort is a desire to offer new and potent ways of telling geographic stories that emanate not so much from ‘authoritative’ sources such as government officials, planners, marketers, the news media and the geographic mainstream as from the populations themselves that are generally studied and represented by these authorities. Project findings include evidence that lesbians do not generally maintain the same relationship with capitalist spaces of consumption as gay males do, though queer tourism promoters have conflated lesbian tourism with gay male tourism. In a society where the presence and agency of lesbians and bisexual women are both ignored and overly generalized, “Between Being and Looking” seeks to encourage further investigation into their relationship to space and place within critical social geography and critical cartography.
Full-Spectrum Correlated-k Distribution for Shortwave Atmospheric Radiative Transfer

Abstract The full-spectrum correlated k-distribution (FSCK) method, originally developed for applications in combustion systems, is adapted for use in shortwave atmospheric radiative transfer. By weighting k distributions by the solar source function, the FSCK method eliminates the requirement that the Planck function be constant over a spectral interval. As a consequence, integration may be carried out across the full spectrum as long as the assumption of correlation from one atmospheric level to the next remains valid. Problems with the lack of correlation across the full spectrum are removed by partitioning the spectrum at a wavelength of 0.68 μm into two bands. The resulting two-band approach in the FSCK formalism produces broadband rms clear-sky flux and heating rate errors less than 1% and 6%, respectively, relative to monochromatic calculations and requires only 15 quadrature points per layer, which represents a 60%–90% reduction in computation time relative to other models currently in use. An eva...
Design and experimental verification of steerable reflect-arrays based on two-bit antenna-filter-antenna elements

This paper presents a novel beam-steerable reflectarray topology based on reflective type antenna-filter-antenna (AFA) unit cells. A two-bit phase control is realized by using multi-moded AFA elements with programmable 3-pole/4-pole bandpass frequency response. A switchable AFA element of this type is designed and verified using finite-element method simulations and used to demonstrate the proposed beam steering scheme. Four proof-of-concept reflect-arrays with fixed preconfigured AFA elements have been fabricated for output beams scanned at 0°, 15°, 30° and 45° in the H-plane. The measurement results show that up to ±45° of scan is possible at 35 GHz with a scan loss of less than 2.3 dB and a sidelobe level of ≪−11.2 dB. The average insertion loss measures at 1.4 dB at the center frequency assuming ideal switches.
Inhibition of bactericidal activity of anticapsular antibody by nonspecific antibodies reactive with surface-exposed antigenic determinants on Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae.

In an attempt to understand the mechanism of serum resistance in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, in the present study we examined various interactions among the bacterial surface constituents, serum antibodies, and complement. Analysis of swine sera revealed the presence of anticapsular antibodies in convalescent-phase sera but not in preimmune sera. Both types of sera contained antibodies which reacted with each of 14 polypeptides present in saline extracts of the bacteria. Absorption of the preimmune sera with intact bacteria depleted antibodies to two of the polypeptides (27 and 32 kDa) and high-molecular-weight (greater than 97.4,000) components which did not stain with Coomassie blue. Data derived from complement consumption and C3-binding experiments indicated that the organism was capable of initiating complement activation and binding C3 during incubation in preimmune and immune sera. Experiments designed to evaluate the bactericidal effectiveness of anticapsular antibody revealed that the purified antibody was bactericidal only when preimmune sera absorbed with intact bacteria were used as a source of complement. The bactericidal effects of anticapsular antibody and absorbed preimmune sera were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by heat-inactivated preimmune sera and immunoglobulin G derived from the sera. The inhibitory activity of the preimmune sera was neutralized by preincubating the sera with column fractions of the saline extract which contained either the 27- or the 32-kDa polypeptide. These results indicate that serum resistance in A. pleuropneumoniae 4074 could be related to inhibition of the bactericidal action of anticapsular antibody by nonspecific antibodies which recognize surface-exposed epitopes on the polypeptides. Images
Early childhood general anaesthesia exposure and neurocognitive development

Summary A great deal of concern has recently arisen regarding the safety of anaesthesia in infants and children. There is mounting and convincing preclinical evidence in rodents and non-human primates that anaesthetics in common clinical use are neurotoxic to the developing brain in vitro and cause long-term neurobehavioural abnormalities in vivo . An estimated 6 million children (including 1.5 million infants) undergo surgery and anaesthesia each year in the USA alone, so the clinical relevance of anaesthetic neurotoxicity is an urgent matter of public health. Clinical studies that have been conducted on the long-term neurodevelopmental effects of anaesthetic agents in infants and children are retrospective analyses of existing data. Two large-scale clinical studies are currently underway to further address this issue. The PANDA study is a large-scale, multisite, ambi-directional sibling-matched cohort study in the USA. The aim of this study is to examine the neurodevelopmental effects of exposure to general anaesthesia during inguinal hernia surgery before 36 months of age. Another large-scale study is the GAS study, which will compare the neurodevelopmental outcome between two anaesthetic techniques, general sevoflurane anaesthesia and regional anaesthesia, in infants undergoing inguinal hernia repair. These study results should contribute significant information related to anaesthetic neurotoxicity in children.
The Statistical Evolution of Multiple Generations of Oxidation Products in the Photochemical Aging of Chemically Reduced Organic Aerosol

The heterogeneous reactions of hydroxyl radicals (OH) with squalane and bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (BES) particles are used as model systems to examine how distributions of reaction products evolve during the oxidation of chemically reduced organic aerosol. A kinetic model of multigenerational chemistry, which is compared to previously measured (squalane) and new (BES) experimental data, reveals that it is the statistical mixtures of different generations of oxidation products that control the average particle mass and elemental composition during the reaction. The model suggests that more highly oxidized reaction products, although initially formed with low probability, play a large role in the production of gas phase reaction products. In general, these results highlight the importance of considering atmospheric oxidation as a statistical process, further suggesting that the underlying distribution of molecules could play important roles in aerosol formation as well as in the evolution of key physicochemical properties such as volatility and hygroscopicity.
2D write addressability of tunneling junction MRAM elements

In magnetic tunneling junction MRAM devices, write addressing of each individual memory element is accomplished by using an x-y grid of word lines, which generate easy and hard axis fields. We present a systematic micromagnetic modeling study of switching behavior with both easy and hard axis fields for memory elements with ends tapered into various angles and at different aspect ratios. The write margin and addressability are discussed.
Institutions, Resources, and Organizational Effectiveness in Africa

While management research has made significant progress in globalizing its reach, African organizations have remained a missing link. We argue that Africa-focused management research may address the major problem of organizational effectiveness through work on the two major theoretical building blocks: institutions and resources. Building a model of organizational effectiveness in Africa, this article discusses the interactive processes within each of the two building blocks and the transformational mechanisms that link each theory and organizational effectiveness in the African context.
Toward a Behavioral Model of “Homegrown” Radicalization Trajectories

This research note presents a dynamic risk assessment model of homegrown terrorists. The model was tested in a study of convicted “homegrown” American terrorism offenders inspired by Al Qaeda's ideology. The New York Police Department model developed by Silber and Bhatt was chosen as the basis for creating a typology of overt and detectable indicators of individual behaviors widely thought to be associated with extremism. Twenty-four specific cues associated with each stage of radicalization were used to code and estimate the sequencing of behaviors and the duration of the average radicalization trajectory. Sixty-eight cases have been analyzed thus far. A decision was made to publish the initial results when it became apparent that the model was an effective tool for the evaluation of terrorist offenders.
CE‐ESI‐MS separation of divalent organic and inorganic anions using a tricationic complexing reagent

A tricationic ion-pairing reagent, 1,3,5-1-butyl-3-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, was used to form complexes with doubly charged anions for their subsequent analysis by capillary electrophoresis-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (CE-ESI-MS) in the positive-ion mode. This methodology offers the advantages of greater versatility and sensitivity relative to direct detection of the anions in negative-ion mode, and it can be realized by a number of possible complexation strategies, including pre-column, on-column, and post-column modes. Three model anions, sulfate [SO₄²⁻], thiosulfate [TSFA, S₂O₃²⁻], and benzenedisulfonate [BZDS, C₆H₄(SO₃)₂²⁻], were amenable to complexation with the tricationic reagent, yielding singly charged cations with greater mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios than the native analytes. By utilizing optimized parameters obtained through previous work with dicationic reagents and singly charged anions, including the CE separation buffer composition and pH, the concentration of the dicationic reagent, the mode of complexation, the nebulizing gas pressure, and the sheath liquid composition, it was possible to develop a robust CE-ESI-MS method appropriate for the analysis of divalent anions in a mixture.
American Indian and Tribal Intellectual Property Rights

American Indians and tribal governments possess many intellectual property rights that have barely been addressed or protected to date. This article surveys some of the issues, litigation, and literature on this cutting edge legal topic.
Fluoxetine kinetics and protein binding in normal and impaired renal function

The effect of decreased renal function on the disposition and elimination of the nontricyclic antidepressant fluoxetine was examined in 25 adult male subjects after a single 40-mg oral dose. Blood samples for the measurement of fluoxetine and its active metabolite norfluoxetine were drawn 13 times in the first 48 hr after dosing and thrice weekly thereafter for 4 wk. All urine was collected in daily aliquots for 4 wk and was assayed for fluoxetine and norfluoxetine concentrations. The extent of fluoxetine binding to plasma protein was determined by equilibrium dialysis. Kinetic analyses were by noncompartmental methods. The drug and its metabolite were distributed over a large apparent volume and both were eliminated slowly. No correlations between the degree of renal dysfunction and the rate of elimination, volume of distribution, or protein binding were found. Plasma concentrations of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine were not significantly changed by hemodialysis.
The Optical Phytoplankton Discriminator

The toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis forms harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Gulf of Mexico. The toxins produced by K. brevis cause massive fish kills, contaminate bivalves such as clams and oysters, and produce toxic aerosols. These HABs result in closure of commercial seafood production, disruption of recreational fishing enterprises, and despondent tourists due to the dead fish and toxic aerosols at the beach. Mitigation of some of these harmful effects of these algal blooms can be achieved by early detection and tracking. Our observatory system for the monitoring of Karenia brevis blooms is based on the Optical Phytoplankton Discriminator (OPD) instrument. The OPD uses a HAB species discrimination algorithm to select K. brevis from mixed samples. Advances in miniaturized optical technology allowed us to put the assembly together in a unit that could be used in gliders as well as in fixed units. A variety of platforms have been adapted for the OPD such as vertical profilers, channel markers, buoys, gliders and propelled autonomous vehicles. The data is transferred in a variety of methods depending on the platform being used but includes direct cable, wireless network, VHF radio, cell phone, and satellite phones. We have expanded from detection of only K. brevis to a community structure library that includes taxonomic classes of phytoplankton. Our observatory instrument fulfills the need for near real-time ocean observing tools to detect and track harmful algal blooms.
Cost effectiveness of two army physical fitness programs.

ABSTRACTRepeated failure in the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) is associated with lower fitness level, premature discharge, and significant career disruption, at high economic and health costs to the individual soldier and the U.S. Army. We used cost-effectiveness analysis to estimate the health and economic implications of two exercise interventions for Army National Guard (ARNG) soldiers who had failed the APFT, a traditional remediation program and a new pedometer-based program called Fitness for Life, involving individual counseling and follow-up telephone calls. Effectiveness of the interventions was analyzed in terms of APFT pass rates and calculated 10-year coronary heart disease risk. Costs were calculated based on tracking of resources used in the programs. APFT pass rates were 54.3% and 47.9%, respectively, for traditional and Fitness for Life programs, p = not significant. Neither program affected 10-year coronary heart disease risk. For assumed APFT pass rates up to 40% without any formal r...
Life cycle assessment of silicon solar panels manufacturing in the United States

This work discusses the life-cycle impact associated with manufacturing silicon monocrystalline (c-Si) and multi-crystalline (mc-Si) photovoltaic (PV) panels in the United States compared to China. It has two significant contributions. First, the impact of importing panels manufactured in China to install in the US is compared with domestic US manufacturing using a database modeling approach. Second, the life cycle analysis is improved by using specific electricity and material inventory based on disassembled Suniva panels for which the actual material inventory has been compiled. The results from the U.S. lifecycle assessment using standard lifecycle inventory shows that modules entirely made in China or assembled in U.S. from Chinese solar cells have a similar carbon footprint. However, the complete manufacturing of panels in the U.S. reduces the carbon footprint by 13 to 22% because of the difference in the energy mix and the reduction in transportation. By incorporating the data from dismantling and digesting modules, the use of metals in small quantities is accounted for, unlike previous studies, and allows for a more complete environmental comparison. Evaluating the metal use in PV modules shows the metal usage in the U.S. manufactured c-Si module is four times higher than other scenarios.
A Conversation with Fred von Lohmann

Fred von Lohmann is literally one of those special voices who needs no introduction. Agree with him, think his views extreme, or fall anywhere in between, one can still not help but respect and be thoughtfully engaged by his comprehensive and careful views on the proper scope and structure of federal copyright law. Join us in this podcast as Fred and moderator Doug Lichtman engage a group of UCLA law students in a wide-ranging conversation about the Cablevision case, third-party liability, and copyright law’s struggle to simultaneously encourage authorship while leaving adequate flexibility for disruptive technologies. (Podcast available for free in the archives at ipcolloquium.com.)
Big Five Measurement via Q-Sort: An Alternative Method for Constraining Socially Desirable Responding

Socially desirable responding presents a difficult challenge in measuring personality. I tested whether a partially ipsative measure—a normatively scored Q-sort containing traditional Big Five items—would produce personality scores indicative of less socially desirable responding compared with Likert-based measures. Across both instructions to respond honestly and in the context of applying for a job, the Q-sort produced lower mean scores, lower intercorrelations between dimensions, and similar validity in predicting supervisor performance ratings to Likert. In addition, the Q-sort produced a more orthogonal structure (but not fully orthogonal) when modeled at the latent level. These results indicate that the Q-sort method did constrain socially desirable responding. Researchers and practitioners should consider Big Five measurement via Q-sort for contexts in which high socially desirable responding is expected.
Correlation between oscillations in ventilation and frequency content of the electroencephalogram.

Periodicities of ventilation are common in elderly subjects during stage 1/2 sleep. The mechanism producing these periodicities is unknown. We hypothesized that the oscillations in ventilation might be related to oscillations in sleep state. To address this hypothesis, we examined, using cross correlation, the relationship between the oscillations in ventilation and parameters (alpha power, mean frequency) derived from spectral analysis of the electroencephalogram. In wakefulness, although ventilation and mean frequency, and ventilation and alpha power, were related, there were no consistent patterns to these relationships. Both positive and negative correlations were found. Clearer relationships were found in stage 1/2 sleep. Correlation between mean frequency and ventilation was the most consistent. All correlations were positive; i.e., ventilation fell as mean frequency fell. The maximum correlation occurred at zero lag between the time series. Thus these oscillations are synchronous within the time resolution of our methodology. These data are compatible with the hypothesis that the initiation of apnea in stage 1/2 sleep is related to a reduction in the state-dependent input to the ventilatory control system.
Method and Morality in the New Private Law of Torts

The just-christened New Private Law is especially intriguing, for it self-consciously aspires to draw insight from both instrumentalism and formalism. In his ambitious and illuminating "Palsgraf, Punitive Damages, and Preemption," for example, Benjamin Zipursky could not be any more forthright in combining instrumentalist and formalist themes. On his view, the New Private Law’s methodology is sensitive to both the functions and the concepts internal to law. Thus the New Private Law promises to be the elusive third way. And in Zipursky’s hands, it seems to me, the New Private Law of Torts makes good on that promise, offering a sound approach to the adjudication of vexing questions at the frontier of tort law. But Zipursky nevertheless falters in eschewing consideration of the approach’s moral foundations. In addition to explicating just what a commitment to the New Private Law of Torts comes to, then, it is the aim of this essay to assess where normative and specifically moral considerations do, should, and must come into play in the New Private Law of Torts.
Accommodating a Conservative Agenda While Securing the Black Vote: How Alvin Brown Became the First African American Mayor of Jacksonville, Florida

On July 1, 2011, Alvin Brown was sworn-in as the first African American Mayor of Jacksonville, Florida. Running as a Democrat, Alvin Brown defeated a well-established, entrenched Republican, Mike Hogan, whose family help found the city. This paper will examine and explain how Alvin Brown, a black candidate who never held office elective office before, was able to win election in the Republican-dominated city of Jacksonville, Florida.