cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of artificial gastric juice composition on bioaccessibility of cobalt- and tungsten-containing powders

The dissolution of metal-containing particles in the gastric compartment is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the influence of artificial gastric juice chemical composition on bioaccessibility of metals associated with ingestion-based health concerns. Dissolution rates were evaluated for well-characterized feedstock cobalt, tungsten metal, and tungsten carbide powders, chemically bonded pre-sintered (spray dryer material) and post-sintered (chamfer grinder) cemented tungsten carbide materials, and an admixture of pure cobalt and pure tungsten carbide, prepared by mechanically blending the two feedstock powders. Dissolution of each study material was evaluated in three different formulations of artificial gastric juice (from simplest to most chemically complex): American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM), U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP), and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Approximately 20% of cobalt dissolved in the first dissolution phase (t(1/2) = 0.02 days) and the remaining 80% was released in the second long-term dissolution phase (t(1/2) = 0.5 to 1 days). Artificial gastric juice chemical composition did not influence dissolution rate constant values (k, g/cm(2)day) of cobalt powder, either alone or as an admixture. Approximately 100% of the tungsten and tungsten carbide that dissolved was released in a single dissolution phase; k-values of each material differed significantly in the solvents: NIOSH > ASTM > USP (p<0.05). The k-values of cobalt and tungsten carbide in pre- and post-sintered cemented tungsten carbide powders were significantly different from values for the pure feedstock powders. Solvent composition had little influence on oral bioaccessibility of highly soluble cobalt and our data support consideration of the oral exposure route as a contributing pathway to total-body exposure. Solvent composition appeared to influence bioaccessibility of the low soluble tungsten compounds, though differences may be due to variability in the data associated with the small masses of materials that dissolved. Nonetheless, ingestion exposure may not contribute appreciably to total body burden given the short residence time of material in the stomach and relatively long dissolution half-times of these materials (t(1/2) = 60 to 380 days).
Generalized extreme gust wind speeds distributions

Abstract Since summer 1996, the US wind engineers are using the extreme gust (or 3-s gust) as the basic wind speed to quantify the destruction of extreme winds. In order to better understand these destructive wind forces, it is important to know the appropriate representations of these extreme gust wind speeds. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the most suitable extreme value distributions for the annual extreme gust wind speeds recorded in large selected areas. To achieve this objective, we are using the generalized Pareto distribution as the diagnostic tool for determining the types of extreme gust wind speed distributions. The three-parameter generalized extreme value distribution function is, thus, reduced to either Type I Gumbel, Type II Frechet or Type III reverse Weibull distribution function for the annual extreme gust wind speeds recorded at a specific site. With the considerations of the quality and homogeneity of gust wind data collected at more than 750 weather stations throughout the United States, annual extreme gust wind speeds at selected 143 stations in the contiguous United States were used in the study.
Three Pillars of the Liberal Peace

Sebastian Rosato (2003) finds the logic of the “democratic peace” flawed in his “The Flawed Logic of Democratic Peace Theory,” and he cites my work and other studies as examples of the flawed logic. Some of the logic he describes is flawed, and it may characterize some of the literature in the wide field of “democratic peace,” but it is not the logic underlying the core of liberal peace theory. Indeed, the persuasive core of the logic underlying the theory of liberal democratic peace is missing from Rosato's account. Republican representation, an ideological commitment to fundamental human rights, and transnational interdependence are the three pillars of the explanation. The logic underlying the peace among liberal states rests on a simple and straightforward proposition that connects those three causal mechanisms as they operate together and only together, and not separately as Sebastian Rosato claims.
ΔK = 2 transitions in H2CO and D2CO

Abstract Weak transitions of the type ΔJ = ± 1, Δ K a = ⊣ 2 , ΔKc = ± 3 have been observed in H2CO and D2CO by the millimeterwave double resonance method and also by direct absorption with a Stark modulated spectrometer. The addition of these new transitions in a least-squares analysis, in which all previously known microwave and millimeterwave data are also included, results in an improved set of rotational and distortion constants.
Children's skin conductance level and reactivity: are these measures stable over time and across tasks?

The stability of children's skin conductance level during baselines (SCL-B) and SCL reactivity (SCL-R) were examined longitudinally. During two laboratory sessions (T1 and T2), 2 years apart, children participated in procedures during which they were exposed to two stressors namely exposure to an audiotaped conflict between two adults, and a problem solving task. Children ranged in age between 6 and 13 years at T1. Measures of SCL-B and SCL-R during the two stressors were obtained. Findings illustrated the temporal stability of SCL-B and SCL-R to the star-tracing task over 2 years. Results also indicated stability in SCL-R to the two stressors (argument and problem-solving) examined within the same session at either T1 or T2. These results support the proposition that SCL-B and SCL-R constitute stable individual differences at the ages examined, and build on the scant longitudinal literature on psychophysiological development in children. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 49: 180–186, 2007.
Dynamic hashing with distributed overflow space: a file organization with good insertion performance

Abstract Retrieval, insertion and cycling performance in dynamic hash file organizations is influenced by a number of factors. These include the growth rate experienced by the file, the distribution of hashkeys over the address space, and the method used for handling overflow records. In this paper we propose a dynamic hashing scheme which uses a generalized exponential hash function and a directory-based overflow handling scheme. The hash function, which is designed to accommodate a variety of file growth rates, ensures that retrieval, insertion and file expansion performance is non-cyclic. We extend the concept of dynamic overflow sharing by distributing overflow space in the file. This is accomplished by combining contiguous sets of pages in the file into groups and assigning each group an additional page, referred to as a preallocated overflow page, for storing some or all of the records that overflow the pages in the group. Overflow records that cannot be stored in the preallocated page are directed to a separate overflow file. The resulting system is analyzed mathematically and results obtained have been confirmed using simulation. Based on these results we conclude that the proposed method, while providing good support for retrieval-intensive databases, is ideal for databases which experience a large proportion of insertion transactions. In addition, the characteristics of the scheme enable efficient implementation in a disk cache environment.
Enzyme-linked immuno-culture assay

The current study outlines a procedure, designated enzyme-linked immuno-culture assay (ELICA), that will measure phenotypic expression of cultured cells in small plate assays. Given standard curves for phenotypic expression markers and in situ DNA analysis, this procedure will quantitate (to nanogram levels) intracellular, cell surface, or extracellular phenotypic expression markers; visualize the location of the markers; and determine DNA content, all within the same well of a 24- or 96-well tissue culture plate.
Estimating relative intensity using individualized accelerometer cutpoints: the importance of fitness level

Background Accelerometer cutpoints based on absolute intensity may under or overestimate levels of physical activity due to the lack of consideration for an individual’s current fitness level. The purpose of this study was to illustrate the interindividual variability in accelerometer activity counts measured at relative intensities (40 and 60% heart rate reserve (HRR)) and demonstrate the differences between relative activity counts between low, moderate and high fitness groups.
Interaction between stochastic differential equations and partial differential equations

It is well known that this problem has a unique classical solution. Since the matrix a(x) = (alj(x)) is positive definite and uniformly Lipschltz continuous in D, there exists a square matrix o(x) = (olj(x)) which is syn~etrlc, positive definite and uniformly Lipschitz continuous in D such that a(x) m o2(x). We extend o(x) into R n so that it remains uniformly Lipschltz continuous; b(x) = (bl(X) .... ,bn(X)) is extended similarly into R n. Consider the system of stochastic differential equations
Can There Be a Feminist Rational Choice Institutionalism? 1

Gender and politics scholars have long recognized the importance of political institutions (Lovenduski 1998). Most of this work focuses on formal institutions (Chappell 2006; Kenney 1996), but several studies discuss gendered practices and norms in ways that can be seen as consistent with definitions of informal institutions (Duerst-Lahti and Kelly 1995; Kenny 2007). Despite these shared concerns, few feminists frame their research in relation to institutionalism. To the degree that they do, they tend to view the most promising point of intersections to be with historical, sociological, and discursive versions. In contrast, they seem more wary of rational choice, arguing that this brand of institutionalism is unhelpful to, if not fundamentally incompatible with, the objectives of feminist research (cf. Kenny and Paantjens 2006).
Feline cytokines TNFα AND IL‐1β: PCR cloning and sequencing of cDNA

Abstract Using oligonucleotide primers and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cDNAs for feline cytokines TNFα and IL‐1β were amplified, cloned, and sequenced. The cDNA for PCR amplification was prepared from mRNA derived from lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated feline bone marrow derived macrophages. PCR was performed using sets of oligonucleotide primers designed to specifically amplify cDNAs for IL‐1β or TNFα. PCR fragments were cloned into pGEM 3ZF(‐) or pCR 1000 vectors, sequenced and consensus nucleotide sequences reported. The cDNA for feline TNFα had a 98.6% match with coding regions of a genomic clone for feline TNFα which was recently reported (McGraw, 1990). The two feline TNFα clones differ by 8 nucleotide base pair (bp) changes which result in 5 amino acid differences in the predicted protein sequence. A search of GenBank and EMBL determined that the feline TNFα cDNA consensus sequence had a 90, 86, 85, 82 and 83 percent overall match with human, porcine, ovine, mouse and goat TNFα cDNAs, respec...
Scaling constraints in nanoelectronic random-access memories.

Nanoelectronic molecular and magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) MRAM crossbar memory systems have the potential to present significant area advantages (4 to 6F2) compared to CMOS-based systems. The scalability of these conductivity-switched RAM arrays is examined by establishing criteria for correct functionality based on the readout margin. Using a combined circuit theoretical modelling and simulation approach, the impact of both the device and interconnect architecture on the scalability of a conductivity-state memory system is quantified. This establishes criteria showing the conditions and on/off ratios for the large-scale integration of molecular devices, guiding molecular device design. With 10% readout margin on the resistive load, a memory device needs to have an on/off ratio of at least 7 to be integrated into a 64 × 64 array, while an on/off ratio of 43 is necessary to scale the memory to 512 × 512.
Fatigue in older adults with stable heart failure.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe fatigue and the relationships among fatigue intensity, self-reported functional status, and quality of life in older adults with stable heart failure. Methods A descriptive, correlational design was used to collect quantitative data with reliable and valid instruments. Fifty-three eligible volunteers completed a questionnaire during an interview. Those with recent changes in their medical regimen, other fatigue-inducing illnesses, and isolated diastolic dysfunction were excluded. Results Fatigue intensity (Profile of Mood States fatigue subscale) was associated with lower quality of life, perceived health, and satisfaction with life. Fatigue was common, and no relationship was found between fatigue intensity and self-reported functional status. Marital status was the only independent predictor of fatigue. Conclusions In stable heart failure, fatigue is a persistent symptom. Clinicians need to ask patients about fatigue and assess the impact on quality of life. Self-reported functional status cannot serve as a proxy measure for fatigue.
Spectrum of immune-mediated inner ear disease and cochlear implant results.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To characterize the progression of hearing loss in patients with immune-mediated inner ear disease (IMIED), and to identify disease- and patient-specific factors associated with cochlear implant (CI) performance. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Subjects consisted of CI patients suspected to have lost their hearing due to IMIED. The primary dependent variable for functional decline was time to deafness, whereas for CI benefit it was post-CI speech perception scores. Independent variables included presence or absence of systemic autoimmune disease, age at CI, and insertion depth of the cochlear electrode. Results: A transient favorable response to immunosuppressive therapy was reported in 16 of 26 patients (66.67%). The time to deafness differed between an organ (ear)-specific immune-mediated group, a systemic immune-mediated group including Cogan syndrome and relapsing polychondritis (subgroup A), and a systemic immune-mediated group associated with other autoimmune diseases (subgroup B; P = .001). Disease group (−15.52; P = .04), insertion depth of the CI electrode (40.71; P = .01), and the age at CI (−0.48, P = .05) were associated with speech perception results. Conclusions: Triaging IMIED cases based on presence and type of systemic autoimmune disease may aid in selecting a management strategy. Knowledge about the predictors of CI outcome will help clinicians select appropriate patients for CIs. In the setting of significant and irreversible hearing deficit, the restoration of hearing using a cochlear prosthesis may be appropriate earlier rather than later.
Effects of Various Salts on the Binding of Indole Compounds with Bovine Albumin

Abstract Influences of different concentrations of salts (0.002 to 1.25 eq per liter) on the binding of skatole and acetyl-l-tryptophan at the primary binding site of bovine plasma albumin have been studied by equilibrium dialysis. With the exception of Na2-ethylenediaminetetraacetate and ethylenediammonium aspartate, which have little effect, all salts in the concentration range of 0.005 to 0.1 eq per liter inhibit the binding of acetyl-l-tryptophan; their order of effectiveness, which is invariant with salt concentration, is KClO4 g KSCN g KI g LiCl g CaCl2 g KF g KCl g NaCl g ethylenediammonium chloride g K2SO4. With skatole the addition of halide-like salts (except KF) in the concentration range of 0 to 0.05 eq per liter increases the binding markedly. The order at 0.002 eq per liter solute is KClO4 g KSCN g KI g ethylenediammonium chloride g KCl g LiCl g CaCl2 (this order is consistent with increased skatole binding with increased salt anion binding). Between 0.05 and 0.25 eq per liter binding of skatole decreases with further addition of KClO4 and KSCN, remains approximately constant with further addition of KI, but increases with further addition of the Cl- salts. Other solutes have no effect (Na2-ethylenediaminetetraacetate, ethylenediammonium aspartate, K2SO4, and glycine), or a small enhancing effect (KF) on skatole binding. Between 0.25 and 1.25 eq per liter the addition of most salts increases the binding of skatole. The salt concentration binding profile of β-3-indolylethanol in KSCN solutions is similar to that of acetyl-l-tryptophan, implying that the charge of the acetyl-l-tryptophan is not the element which leads to the differences between its binding and that of skatole. Effects of SCN- and Cl- on acetyl-l-tryptophan-albumin binding show direct competitive inhibition as well as anomalous ionic strength effects. It is concluded that the primary influence of salts is against the polar elements of the binding center.
Silicon clusters doped with an yttrium metal atom impurity

The structures, energetics, and bonding properties of small Sin (n = 1–6) clusters doped with an yttrium atom are studied by means of a hybrid density functional technique (B3LYP). Close similarity is found between YSin and ScSin clusters in their geometries, size dependences of binding energies and fragmentation energies, charge transfer, spin distribution, and bonding features. It is found important in density functional calculations as well as in Hartree–Fock calculations to examine several different electronic configurations for a given spin multiplicity to determine the most stable configuration because these systems are characterized by small energy gaps and numerous close-lying states. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Generalization of the two-dimensional random checkerboard process

A generalization of the two-dimensional random checkerboard process is described and a complete statistical characterization of its second-order properties provided. In particular, we allow arbitrary correlation between the intensities or gray levels in contiguous square regions. The construction procedure is shown to result in a homogeneous and isotropic two-dimensional random field. Explicit evaluation of the autocorrelation function and power spectral density are provided. The resulting random field provides a useful model for a variety of image processing applications. Several applications are discussed.
Master Production Scheduling Under Rolling Planning Horizons with Fixed Order Intervals

Fixed interval scheduling is studied in the context of a rolling horizon framework that is developed by building on previous work in the master scheduling area. The rolling horizon framework includes a stationary scheduling model which uses the “time fencing’concept by partitioning the planning horizon into three sections. The lengths of these sections and the frequency at which the stationary problem is updated and resolved are discussed as parameters of the rolling horizon model. Two different interpretations of the freeze interval parameter are examined, enabling confirmation and clarification of results presented in an earlier study. Details are given for three methods of calculating safety stocks as a function of rolling horizon parameters, including a method which results in optimal safety stock levels. A comparison of the safety stock methods shows that the constant safety stock method can result in inventories that are significantly above optimal under certain conditions, whereas the constant service level method consistently yields nearly optimal results.
Algorithms for the traveling Salesman Problem with Neighborhoods involving a dubins vehicle

We study the problem of finding the minimum-length curvature constrained closed path through a set of regions in the plane. This problem is referred to as the Dubins Traveling Salesperson Problem with Neighborhoods (DTSPN). Two algorithms are presented that transform this infinite dimensional combinatorial optimization problem into a finite dimensional asymmetric TSP by sampling and applying the appropriate transformations, thus allowing the use of existing approximation algorithms. We show for the case of disjoint regions, the first algorithm needs only to sample each region once to produce a tour within a factor of the length of the optimal tour that is independent of the number of regions. We present a second algorithm that performs no worse than the best existing algorithm and can perform significantly better when the regions overlap.
Portland, oregon, seeks to simplify her regional government

The Report of the Commission for the Simplification of Local Government in Multnomah County, Oregon.
Tools for Building Intelligent Tutoring Systems

Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs) have proved useful in a variety of domains, but are notoriously resource intensive to build. We have created two programs ("tutor generators") for assisting users in building ITSs conforming to two prominent intelligent tutoring paradigms: model-tracing and constraint-based. We tested the tools by using them to create two tutors (one following each paradigm). We found that it was easier to build a generic ITS generator based on the constraint-based paradigm, but that the tutor generator based on the model-tracing paradigm was more feature rich. Our generators are based on Java and therefore platform independent. They can generate applications with rich user interaction and powerful theory-based remediation capabilities. Our constraint-based tutor generator has a generic constraint evaluator which can support declarative development of constraints for several domains, whereas our model-tracing implementation requires the rules to be coded in the JESS language.
Large-Scale Sequencing Reveals 21U-RNAs and Additional MicroRNAs and Endogenous siRNAs in C. elegans

We sequenced approximately 400,000 small RNAs from Caenorhabditis elegans. Another 18 microRNA (miRNA) genes were identified, thereby extending to 112 our tally of confidently identified miRNA genes in C. elegans. Also observed were thousands of endogenous siRNAs generated by RNA-directed RNA polymerases acting preferentially on transcripts associated with spermatogenesis and transposons. In addition, a third class of nematode small RNAs, called 21U-RNAs, was discovered. 21U-RNAs are precisely 21 nucleotides long, begin with a uridine 5'-monophosphate but are diverse in their remaining 20 nucleotides, and appear modified at their 3'-terminal ribose. 21U-RNAs originate from more than 5700 genomic loci dispersed in two broad regions of chromosome IV-primarily between protein-coding genes or within their introns. These loci share a large upstream motif that enables accurate prediction of additional 21U-RNAs. The motif is conserved in other nematodes, presumably because of its importance for producing these diverse, autonomously expressed, small RNAs (dasRNAs).
Agent Type, Social Contracts, and Constitutional Mythologies

The quest to constrain the power of the state has been ongoing since ancient Athens. And the fundamental paradox of governance has been the same ever since, how can we empower government with the ability to govern over men, but also constrain government so it does not abuse the powers entrusted with it. This is the essence of the argument for limited government, and the Constitutional project. “If all men were angels,” they would not have to be governed, and if we could select omniscient angels for government, the question of “who guards the guardians” would be ­obsolete. Realizing that men are neither perfectly noble nor all-knowing leaves us with the task of constraining those that do the governing. The social contract that defines the rules of the game of governing allows government to limit private ­predation and limit pubic predation by the government only if it is robust against the flaws of the available agent types.
A survey of fortune 500 companies' interest in accounting faculty residencies

Abstract This paper examines the attitudes of members of the business community toward faculty residency programs by surveying top financial executives in Fortune 500 companies. The results of the study show that 31 percent of the 175 respondents either have a residency program in place or are interested in starting such a program. Conversely, 69 percent of the respondents stated they had little or no interest in a residency program.
Manuscript peer review: A guide for advanced practice nurses

Purpose: Dissemination of scholarly findings in peer-reviewed journals is critical for sustaining optimal evidence-based practice standards for advanced practice nurses (APNs). However, many schools of nursing do not teach the process or significance of peer review. The purpose of this article is to describe the peer review process and provide practical suggestions for APNs reviewing a research-based manuscript. Data sources: This article was prepared by reviewing both theoretical and data-based literature concerning editorial peer review. Conclusions: Reviewing manuscripts requires a high level of professional expertise and commitment. This article describes the history and benefits of peer review and provides a practical overview of the peer review process. A template has also been developed to serve as a checklist for critical elements relating to peer review. Implications for practice: Peer review has a critical role in improving the quality of nursing's published knowledge base and ultimately the quality of patient care. The ability to provide sound critique of nursing manuscripts is essential to the continued development of advanced practice nursing
The long-term buffering of the oceans

Abstract The dissolved constituents being carried to the oceans by rivers cannot all be removed by sedimentary processes, including authigenesis. Direct introduction of formation waters to the oceans has no significant effect. Reaction of seawater with basaltic rocks is, however, potentially capable of removing the excess cations by a combination of low-temperature weathering (removing K+), and higher temperature hydrothermal reaction (removing Na+ and Mg2+), although these processes seem to release more silica than can be conveniently accounted for. Although these are essentially kinetic rather than equilibrium buffer mechanisms, they appear to be sufficient to have maintained a constant seawater composition (except for SiO2) during the Phanerozoic.
A taxonomy for simulation modeling based on programming language principles

Although many diverse areas employ simulation models, no agreed-upon taxonomy has been developed to categorize and structure simulation models for all science and engineering disciplines. The discipline of simulation is often splintered due to this lack of structure, with ad hoc model classes such as ‘discrete event,’ ‘continuous’ and ‘combined.’ These classes most often reflect the method of execution used on a model rather than the design structure of the model. We present a uniform model design taxonomy whose categories are inspired from categories in programming language principles within the field of computer science. The taxonomy includes a set of primitive model types (conceptual, declarative, functional, constraint, spatial) and a way of integrating primitive model types together (multimodeling). These model types are discussed using a single application: a robot server for an assembly line. We have found this taxonomy enables simulators to more easily define and categorize their models as well as to understand how model types from seemingly disparate application areas are interrelated.
Treatment of acute gout with naproxen.

The effectiveness of orally administered naproxen in the treatment of acute gout was assessed in an open study of twelve patients given the drug in known amounts for a preset period of time. The patients were selected in part from admissions to Harborview Medical Center, an affiliated hospital of the University of Washington, and from a private rheumatology practice. The patients were primarily older males who had well-established diagnoses of gout and who had had several prior episodes managed with a variety of anti-inflammatory regimens.
Searching for graphic content in USPTO trademark databases

Abstract The techniques of searching for non-word US trademarks using codes from the Design Search Code Manual are described. These codes are used in an electronic search, either on the USPTO website or on CASSIS DVDs. The search is sometimes supplemented by consultation with the Official Gazette . A specific example of using a section of the codes for search is included. Similar searches on the Madrid express database of WIPO, using the Vienna Classification, are also briefly described.
Distortion and Approximation

Various notions of the distortion between random variables, vectors, and processes as well as between different codings of a common source are quantified in this chapter. A distortion measure is not a “measure” in the sense used so far — it is an assignment of a nonnegative real number which indicates how bad an approximation one symbol or random object or coding is of another. The smaller the distortion, the better the approximation. If the two objects correspond to the input and output of a communication system, then the average distortion provides a measure of the performance or fidelity of the system. Small average distortion means high fidelity and good performance, while large average distortion means low fidelity and poor performance. Distortion measures generalize the idea of a distance or metric and they need not have metric properties such as the triangle inequality and symmetry, but such properties can be exploited when available and unsurprisingly the most important notions of distortion are either metrics or simple functions of metrics. We shall encounter several notions of distortion and a diversity of applications, with the most important application being the average distortion between input and output as a measure of the performance of a communications system. Other applications include extensions of finite memory channels to channels which approximate finite memory channels, geometric characterizations of the optimal performance of communications systems, approximations of complicated codes by simpler ones, and modeling random processes.
Constrained multitrack RLL codes for the storage channel

Multitrack codes that have recently been proposed for the magnetic storage channel promise larger capacities than conventional run-length limited (RLL) single-track codes. We propose two additional constraints that allow the design of efficient multitrack RLL codes, while incorporating more tolerance to timing and synchronization failures. The effect on the capacity is minimal. >
Direct-drive inertial confinement fusion research at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics: charting the path to thermonuclear ignition

Significant theoretical and experimental progress continues to be made at the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE), charting the path to direct-drive inertial confinement fusion (ICF) ignition. Direct drive offers the potential for higher-gain implosions than x-ray drive and is a leading candidate for an inertial fusion energy power plant. LLE's direct-drive ICF ignition target designs for the National Ignition Facility (NIF) are based on hot-spot ignition. A cryogenic target with a spherical DT-ice layer, within or without a foam matrix, enclosed by a thin plastic shell, will be directly irradiated with ~1.5 MJ of laser energy. Cryogenic and plastic/foam (surrogate-cryogenic) targets that are hydrodynamically scaled from these ignition target designs are imploded on the 60-beam, 30 kJ, UV OMEGA laser system to validate the key target physics issues, including energy coupling, hydrodynamic instabilities and implosion symmetry. Prospects for direct-drive ignition on the NIF are extremely favourable, even while it is in its x-ray-drive irradiation configuration, with the development of the polar-direct-drive concept. A high-energy petawatt capability is being constructed at LLE next to the existing 60-beam OMEGA compression facility. This OMEGA EP (extended performance) laser will add two short-pulse, 2.6 kJ beams to the OMEGA laser system to backlight direct-drive ICF implosions and study fast-ignition physics with focused intensities up to 6 × 1020 W cm−2.
Tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis

Atypical mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis is predominantly a disease of childhood, presenting with lesions high in the neck. The incidence of this disease is apparently on the increase. There is rarely concurrent pulmonary involvement. Although management is controversial, the case reported demonstrates an instance in which surgery was combined with chemotherapy. Coincidently, surgery provides the best opportunity for definitive bacteriologic identification. Diagnosis should be based on histologic studies combined with tuberculin skin testing, bacteriologic identification, and cultures from the affected glands. Although it is uncommon, tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis should definitely be entertained in the differential diagnosis of neck masses, especially in young children.
Use of benzo analogs to enhance antimycotic activity of kresoxim methyl for control of aflatoxigenic fungal pathogens.

The aim of this study was to examine two benzo analogs, octylgallate (OG) and veratraldehyde (VT), as antifungal agents against strains of Aspergillus parasiticus and A.flavus (toxigenic or atoxigenic). Both toxigenic and atoxigenic strains used were capable of producing kojic acid, another cellular secondary product. A. fumigatus was used as a genetic model for this study. When applied independently, OG exhibits considerably higher antifungal activity compared to VT. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of OG were 0.3–0.5 mM, while that of VT were 3.0–5.0 mM in agar plate-bioassays. OG or VT in concert with the fungicide kresoxim methyl (Kre-Me; strobilurin) greatly enhanced sensitivity of Aspergillus strains to Kre-Me. The combination with OG also overcame the tolerance of A. fumigatus mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) mutants to Kre-Me. The degree of compound interaction resulting from chemosensitization of the fungi by OG was determined using checkerboard bioassays, where synergistic activity greatly lowered MICs or minimum fungicidal concentrations. However, the control chemosensitizer benzohydroxamic acid, an alternative oxidase inhibitor conventionally applied in concert with strobilurin, did not achieve synergism. The level of antifungal or chemosensitizing activity was also “compound—strain” specific, indicating differential susceptibility of tested strains to OG or VT, and/or heat stress. Besides targeting the antioxidant system, OG also negatively affected the cell wall-integrity pathway, as determined by the inhibition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall-integrity MAPK pathway mutants. We concluded that certain benzo analogs effectively inhibit fungal growth. They possess chemosensitizing capability to increase efficacy of Kre-Me and thus, could reduce effective dosages of strobilurins and alleviate negative side effects associated with current antifungal practices. OG also exhibits moderate antiaflatoxigenic activity.
Properties of isolated frog liver and kidney nuclei.

In order for a nuclear preparation to be used for analytical purposes, the method of isolation and composition of the suspension medium must be carefully examined. Accordingly, satisfactory techniques for the isolation of frog liver and kidney nuclei were developed. The medium for frog liver nuclei consisted of: 55% glycerol, 0.001 M magnesium chloride, 0.033 M sodium β-glycerophosphate and/or 0.002 M KH2PO4, K2HPO4 (pH 6.8), however, the addition of 0.15 M sucrose was essential for satisfactory isolation of kidney nuclei. Inclusion of sucrose (0.15 M) in the isolation medium promoted nucleolar swelling and a decrease in nuclear volume in liver cell nuclei. Nucleolar migration and extrusion were noted in solutions with high cationic content. The morphological appearance of isolated nuclei was found to be extremely sensitive to the ionic strength of the isolation medium, as was the isolation procedure in toto. Effects were considered to be the result of precipitation and swelling of nucleoprotein. Dissociation of nucleoprotein was considered to be associated with temperature change. The uptake of supra-vital dyes aided in recognition of the morphological alterations and was also an indicator of nuclear viability. Trypsin readily altered the nuclear membrane and a rapid decrease in nuclear density occurred, but the nucleolus remained intact. The diverse response of liver and kidney nuclei as compared with the nucleated red blood cells (a contaminant) to treatment with trypsin was noted and its implications discussed.
Revealing Racial Purity Ideology: Fear of Black-White Intimacy as a Framework for Understanding School Discipline in Post-"Brown" Schools.

PURPOSE: In this article, I explore White racial purity desire as an underexamined ideology that might help us understand the compulsion of disciplinary violence against Black boys in U.S. public schools. By pointing to the dearth of research on sexual desire as a site of racial conflict and through revisiting Civil Rights-era fears about interracial intimacy between Black men and White women, I encourage readers to consider if and to what extent fears about sexual desires remain in the fabric of our school and social lives. Proposed Conceptual Argument: I argue that in schools, White-supremacist patriarchy reproduces normative Whiteness through the continual surveillance, punishment, distancing, and removal of primarily heteronormative Black male bodies, locating its justification in protecting the bodily safety and academic achievement of heteronormative White girls. I suggest that in predominantly White desegregated schools, disciplining heteronormative Black boys represents a new policy-based campaign of institutionalized violence and intimidation that reflects a subtle, but nonetheless pernicious, White male segregationist agenda. Implications: Considering fear/desire of interracial intimacy as a lens, alongside economic and political explanations of resistance to desegregation, provides a more complete analytical framework to comprehend racial conflict and segregationism in contemporary school settings. Our collective failure to acknowledge and interrogate the ways schools produce Whiteness by seeking to protect White girls from Black boys ensures Black boys' bodies and minds will continue to be unfairly subjected to the violence of harsh and disproportionate disciplinary measures. Language: en
A fast algorithm for maximum-likelihood imaging with coherent speckle measurements

The application of the space alternating, expectation-maximization (SAGE) method is discussed for a problem in coherent-speckle imaging (or two-dimensional spectrum estimation). For this algorithm, convergence of the likelihood is demonstrated to be significantly faster than that of an expectation-maximization (EM) based algorithm that has been previously proposed. In addition, the utilization of the SAGE method for penalized maximum-likelihood estimation is demonstrated.
Clinical Significance of Additional Ablation of Atrial Premature Beats after Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

PURPOSE The clinical significance of post-procedural atrial premature beats immediately after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been clearly determined. We hypothesized that the provocation of immediate recurrence of atrial premature beats (IRAPB) and additional ablation improves the clinical outcome of AF ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS We enrolled 200 patients with AF (76.5% males; 57.4±11.1 years old; 64.3% paroxysmal AF) who underwent catheter ablation. Post-procedure IRAPB was defined as frequent atrial premature beats (≥6/min) under isoproterenol infusion (5 μg/min), monitored for 10 min after internal cardioversion, and we ablated mappable IRAPBs. Post-procedural IRAPB provocations were conducted in 100 patients. We compared the patients who showed IRAPB with those who did not. We also compared the IRAPB provocation group with 100 age-, sex-, and AF-type-matched patients who completed ablation without provocation (No-Test group). RESULTS 1) Among the post-procedural IRAPB provocation group, 33% showed IRAPB and required additional ablation with a longer procedure time (p=0.001) than those without IRAPB, without increasing the complication rate. 2) During 18.0±6.6 months of follow-up, the patients who showed IRAPB had a worse clinical recurrence rate than those who did not (27.3% vs. 9.0%; p=0.016), in spite of additional IRAPB ablation. 3) However, the clinical recurrence rate was significantly lower in the IRAPB provocation group (15.0%) than in the No-Test group (28.0%; p=0.025) without lengthening of the procedure time or raising complication rate. CONCLUSION The presence of post-procedural IRAPB was associated with a higher recurrence rate after AF ablation. However, IRAPB provocation and additional ablation might facilitate a better clinical outcome. A further prospective randomized study is warranted.
A Framework for Priority Arguments

This book presents a unifying framework for using priority arguments to prove theorems in computability. Priority arguments provide the most powerful theorem-proving technique in the field, but most of the applications of this technique are ad hoc, masking the unifying principles used in the proofs. The proposed framework presented isolates many of these unifying combinatorial principles and uses them to give shorter and easier-to-follow proofs of computability-theoretic theorems. Standard theorems of priority levels 1, 2, and 3 are chosen to demonstrate the framework's use, with all proofs following the same pattern. The last section features a new example requiring priority at all finite levels. The book will serve as a resource and reference for researchers in logic and computability, helping them to prove theorems in a shorter and more transparent manner.
PCR-based marker systems

There has been a continual evolution in methods used to determine the genetic makeup of individuals. The complete genetic makeup or genotype of an individual is represented by its entire DNA sequence; however, until entire genomes can be sequenced with little effort, geneticists will continue to rely on genetic markers as a means of characterising the genotypic variation of individuals.
Quantitative In-Cylinder Fluid Composition Measurements Using Broadband Spontaneous Raman Scattering

A measurement technique is described which permits quantitative, multi-point, in-cylinder fluid composition measurements in an internal combustion engine. The technique is based on spontaneous Raman scattering with broadband signal collection, and provides simultaneous determination of the mole fractions of H{sub 2}O, CO{sub 2}, N{sub 2}, O{sub 2}, and fuel (C{sub 3}H{sub 8}). Calibration and data reduction procedures which largely eliminate interference between the signals from the various species are discussed. Mean mole fractions obtained in an optical access engine from the beginning of the intake stroke to the end of the compression stroke are reported. The mean mole fractions of the individual species are used to obtain independent estimates of the mean mole fraction of burnt residual gases, which, in turn, are used to evaluate the accuracy and consistency of the data. An over-prediction of the CO{sub 2} mole fraction in hot exhaust gases is found to be the most significant shortcoming of the technique. This over-prediction is believed due to variation in the scattering cross-section of CO{sub 2} with temperature.
Disparities in home health service providers among Medicare beneficiaries with stroke

This study examined the intensity of home health services, as defined by the number of visits and service delivery by rehabilitation specialists, among Medicare beneficiaries with stroke. A cross-sectional secondary data analysis was conducted using 2009 home health claims data obtained from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Research Data Assistance Center. There were no significant rural-urban differences in the number of home health visits. Rural beneficiaries were significantly less likely than urban beneficiaries to receive services from rehabilitation specialists. Current home health payment reform recommendations may have unintended consequences for rural home health beneficiaries who need therapy services.
Selected Bibliography of the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and its Application to Entomology

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is an extremely sensitive and specific serological technique that is well suited to many areas of entomological research. Other serological techniques, e.g., the ring precipitin test, agar gel diffusion, immunofluorescence, radioimmunoassay, and serologically specific electron microscopy, have been incorporated into taxonomies insect pathogen, predator-prey, insect vector, and plant virus studies (Mollet and Armbrust 1978, Reinganum and Scotti 1976, Kalmakoff et al. 1977, Whalon and Parker 1978, Lund and Turpin 1977, Sinha and Paliwal 1976, Thomas 1980). ELISA offers a more efficient and reproducible technique for these and other research areas in entomology, especially in the testing of large numbers of specimens.
Research on the effectiveness of a tuberculosis control program from 2003 to 2010 in Langfang

Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of a tuberculosis(TB) control project in Langfang from 2003 to 2010 and to offer scientific grounds for the development of TB control programs in Langfang.Methods Routine surveillance data,including monthly,quarterly,and annual reports from 2003 to 2010,were described statistically and analyzed.Results In total,18 151 cases of active tuberculosis were identified.Cases of active tuberculosis were registered at a rate of 56.51/100 000.There were 12 580 patients with smears positive for TB.Of these,10 366 patients had new cases of TB while 2 214 had recurrent TB.TB was cured in 2 061 patients.The recovery rate was 93.13%.Conclusion In the City of Langfang,a tuberculosis control project had marked social and financial benefits,but control efforts are long-term and substantial.
Clinical analysis on 20 cases of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Objective To investigate clinical characteristics,diagnostic basis and treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae( RMP). Methods The clinical data of 20 hospitalized children diagnosed as RMP during June 2013 and May 2014 at Tianjin Children' s Hospital were collected,including blood RT,MP-Ig M,MP-DNA and pulmonary CT etc.,and were analyzed. Results All the patients suffered from persistent high fever with positive sign of lung consolidation along with the development of the disease. Complications such as impairment of liver function,rash and blood system damage developed in a few patients. Early hormone therapy was effective. Bronchofibroscope resulted in a satisfactory resmission of airway obsrtuction. Combination of multi-treatment approaches was the key to cure RMP. Conclusion RMP with older age of onset tends to complicate with injury of other systems. Early diagnosis is crucial for RMP. Hormone and Bronchofibroscope have positive effects. Multimodality therapy is necessary.