cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Idiomaticity and Semantic Extension

This chapter explores the relationship between idiomaticity and semantic extension. Idiomaticity is not arbitrary, but systematically developed through semantic extension at various levels, which is, in turn, motivated by a variety of cognitive mechanisms. Idiomaticity of particle verbs can result from the semantic extension of the particle component, the verb component, both the verb and the particle component, the subject or object taken by the particle verb, the particle-verb schemas, or the semantic extension at the level of the full particle verb. In addition to conceptual metaphor, other mechanisms such as metonymy, framing, vantage point, profiling, and pragmatic strengthening can also motivate the semantic extension of particle verbs.
Analysis in vitro of Mutations in the Cloned Precursor to the Terminal Protein (pTP) and the Adenovirus DNA Polymerase (Ad Pol) Genes

Human adenoviruses have been a good model system for the study of eukaryotic DNA replication (for a review, see Freifeld et al., 1984; Tamanoi and Stillman, 1984; Challberg and Kelly, 1989); this virus family shares a protein-priming mechanism with the B. subtilis bacteriophage ϕ29 and several other bacterial phages. In the case of adenovirus DNA replication, an in vitro system has been widely used to study the molecular requirements of the replication reactions (Challberg and Kelly, 1979). This system has been used to characterize the initiation process, to show how a deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate (dCTP) is covalently attached to the precursor to the terminal protein (pTP2) in a reaction that also requires an adenovirus-specific DNA polymerase (Ad Pol), and two nuclear factors (NFI and NFIII). Elongation then occurs by the formation of 5’ to 3’ phosphodiester bonds from this initiation complex and requires the action of Ad DBP and a type I topoisomerase (NFII).
Letter from the Editor (June 2019)

Highlights of this issue include a new look to journal, regular columns, and the 2019 LITA/Ex Libris Student Writing Award-winning paper
ASR and Aquifer Recharge Using Wells

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) using wells includes aquifer storage and recovery (ASR; local storage of water by injection and recovery using often the same well), aquifer recharge using wells (injection intended to increase aquifer water levels or improve water quality), and vadose or dry wells. ASR systems commonly store freshwater in brackish or saline aquifers and are evaluated in terms of their recovery efficiency; the percentage of the injected water that can be recovered at a useable quality. Numerous modeling studies and reviews of field data have been performed to elucidate the hydrogeological controls over recovery efficiency. Poor recovery efficiency may be caused by high native groundwater salinities and high degrees of aquifer heterogeneity. Gravity drainage wells are used for stormwater management and aquifer recharge. Key design and operational issues are avoiding groundwater contamination and managing well clogging.
The Spillover Effect in the Adoption of Multiple Voluntary Certification Programs

The study examines the interaction between multiple voluntary certification programs and how the increased adoption of one certification program stimulate the adoption of another program. Specifica...
Repercussions of International Trade on the Market Power of Firms in Different Market

The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction of market power in different market structures and how this market power diminishes because of international trade and the effects on welfare. A review of relevant literature from Pugel (2012), McConnel Bruce and Flynn (2012) and Bernheim and Winston (2014) provides the effects of international trade on the market power conditions in different market structures and the effects on welfare. Asprilla, Berman, Cadot and Jaud (2019), Feenstra (2018), Devereux and Lee (2001) and Krugman (1994) serve to provide further evidence through PTM literature, gains from trade, bilateral exchange rate shocks and protectionism.
Fact-checking as risk communication: the multi-layered risk of misinformation in times of COVID-19

The emergence of the 2019 novel coronavirus has led to more than a pandemic—indeed, COVID-19 is spawning myriad other concerns as it rapidly marches around the globe. One of these concerns is a sur...
A clinical study on ten-day sequential therapy for H.pylori eradication

Objective To observe the clinical curative effect of ten-day sequential therapy composed of omeprazole,amoxicillin,clarithromycin,levofloxacin in Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication.Methods 120 adult patients with positive rapid urease test of gastric mucosa were selected,they were randomly divided into the sequential group (60 cases) and control group (60 cases).The sequential group was treated with 10 d sequential therapy and control group was given 10 d standard therapy for eradication of Hp.In the two groups,patients with active ulcerative continued taking omeprazole for 4 weeks,the 14C urea breath test was taken after stopping drug,negative for Hp eradication.The clinical efficacy of two groups was observed.Results Hp eradication rate of sequential group was 94.8 ％,which was significantly higher than 79.3 ％ of the control group (x2 =6.20,P ＜ 0.05).The incidence rate of adverse reactions in the sequential group was 17.5％,which in control group was 15.0％,the difference was not significant (x2 =0.06,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Ten-day sequential therapy composed of omeprazole,amoxicillin,clarithromycin,levofloxacin for eradication of Hp is safe,the cure rate is high,and the adverse reaction is similar with standard therapy,it is worth the clinical promotion. Key words: Helicobacter pylori ; Drug therapy, combination; Oral, sequential
Spatially displaced excitation contributes to the encoding of interrupted motion by the retinal direction-selective circuit

Spatially distributed excitation and inhibition collectively shape a visual neuron9s receptive field (RF) properties. In the direction-selective circuit of the mammalian retina, the effects of strong null-direction inhibition of On-Off direction-selective ganglion cells (ON-OFF DSGCs) on their direction selectivity are well-studied. However, how excitatory inputs influence the On-Off DSGC;s visual response is underexplored. Here, we report that the glutamatergic excitation of On-Off DSGCs shows a spatial displacement to the side where preferred-direction motion stimuli approach the soma (the 9preferred side9). Underlying this displacement is a non-uniform distribution of excitatory conductance across the dendritic span of the DSGC on the preferred-null motion axis. The skewed excitatory RF contributes to robust null-direction spiking during RF activation limited to the preferred side, a potential ethologically relevant signal to encode interrupted or discontinuous motion trajectories abundant in natural scenes. Theoretical analysis indicates that such differential firing patterns of On-Off DSGCs to continuous and interrupted motion stimuli may help leverage synchronous firing to signal the spatial location of a novel moving object in complex, naturalistic visual environments. Our study highlights that visual circuitry, even the well-defined direction-selective circuit, exploits different sets of neural mechanisms under different stimulus conditions to generate context-dependent neural representations of visual features.
Regulation of vocal precision by noradrenergic modulation of a motor nucleus.

Norepinephrine (NE) function is often implicated in regulating arousal levels. Recent theory suggests that the noradrenergic system also regulates the optimization of behavior with respect to rewar...
Assessments of Normal Returns

The conventional approach for fitting the specification of normal returns is either to apply the time series models or the market model using the market index return as an explanatory variable. However, it is obvious that with the newly available systematic information, the specification of the normal returns should be adjusting accordingly.
Abstract 14250: Semi-automated Analysis of Tricuspid Regurgitation Doppler Profile for Detection and Evaluation of Pulmonary Hypertension

Introduction: Non-invasive detection of pulmonary hypertension relies on the tricuspid regurgitant (TR) Doppler maximal velocity (Vmax). When the TR signal is incomplete, Vmax must be estimated by ...
Novel Use of Tamoxifen to Reduce Recurrent Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a frequent complication in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). We retrospectively evaluated eight patients implanted with a HeartWare LVAD between July 2017 and June 2020 who experienced at least one episode of GIB and were started on tamoxifen 20 mg once daily for secondary prevention. Tamoxifen was associated with a significant decrease in major GIB from a median of 3 (IQR 1.4–7) events/patient-year pre-tamoxifen initiation to 0 (IQR 0–0.9) events/patient-year post-tamoxifen initiation (p = 0.02). Transfusion of packed red blood cells also decreased from 16.8 (IQR 9.9–30.6) units/patient-year pre-tamoxifen initiation to 1.5 (IQR 0–7.5) units/patient-year post-tamoxifen (p = 0.04). Tamoxifen was well tolerated and no thromboembolic complications were observed. This small cohort study suggests that tamoxifen is associated with reduced GIB and transfusion requirements, with no apparent increase in thrombotic risk. A larger, randomized study is warranted to confirm the results of this exploratory analysis.
Fourier Analysis Method for Wireless Power Transfer Coil Design

Wireless power transfer (WPT) systems for Electric Vehicles (EVs) are designed to meet specifications such as stray field, power transfer, efficiency, and ground clearance. Typical design approaches include iterative analysis of predetermined coil geometries to identify candidates that meet these constraints. This work instead directly generates WPT coil shapes and magnetic fields to meet specifications and constraints through the optimization of Fourier basis function coefficients. The proposed Fourier Analysis Method (FAM) applies to arbitrary planar coil geometries and does not rely on iterative finite-element analysis (FEA) simulations. This flexibility allows for rapid design evaluation across a larger range of coil geometries and design specifications. A prototype coil is built to compare FAM outputs to experimental measurements and FEA simulations. The FAM is then used to illustrate the tradeoff of coil current and stray field for a given power level showing that the method is capable of generating optimized coil shapes to meet arbitrary field constraints.
Deciding over the territory governance of mining conflicts. The cases of andalgalá, in catamarca, and famatina, in La rioja, Argentina. (2005–2016)

Abstract In recent times, two global phenomena have converged: the growing demand for natural resources and a mobilized citizenry that claims participation in the decisions about their territories. Thus, socio-environmental conflicts often arise where communities, appealing to environmental and cultural values, confront transnational companies and governments interested in natural resources exploitation. Despite the multiplication of literature and environmental governance strategies, these disputes continue to be characterized more by the trend toward radicalized conflict than by consensus and democratic resolutions. Aiming to deepen the understanding of this phenomena, we study the conflicts unleashed from the installation of open-pit mining projects in the provinces of Catamarca and La Rioja in Argentina. We look for the characteristics of the interactions between the State, the civil society and the business sector that hinder the progress towards governance processes that bring by democratic resolutions to mining conflicts. Based on a comparative study at the subnational level, it is shown that mining conflicts are characterized by not developing effective governance processes. We argue that this is related to three central factors. First, a failed articulation between the actors, ineffective negotiation instances, disparate normative and cognitive frameworks, inefficient external agents, and the absence of joint public policy proposals. Second, the lack of will and capacity of the provincial governments combined with the weakness of the institutional mechanisms. And finally, the generation of a deep antagonism in the positions and discourses of the actors provoked by the particularities of the mining projects.
Artificial Intelligence Techniques: How Can it Solve Problems in Power Electronics?: An Advancing Frontier

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have recently emerged as the powerful and advancing frontier in power electronics and their impact in the next generation of power electronics appears to be tremendous. The advent of AI has brought a challenge to the engineers specialized in power electronics which is already a complex, interdisciplinary and fast-moving technology. The AI provides very powerful tools for design, simulation, control, estimation, fault diagnostics, and fault-tolerant control of power electronic systems, which are particularly important in modern smart grid and renewable energy systems (RESs) in addition to its applications in traditional power electronics and motor drives area. A smart or intelligent grid is basically an advanced electric power grid of tomorrow using state-of-the-art technologies in power electronics, power systems, computers, communications, information, AI and cyber that will improve the system availability, reliability, power quality, energy efficiency, and security with optimum resource utilization and economical electricity to the consumers.
Assessment of the Implementation of AUC Dosing and Monitoring Practices With Vancomycin at Hospitals Across the United States.

Introduction:The latest vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring guidelines for serious MRSA infections have made a pivotal change in dosing, switching from targeting trough levels to AUC dosing. Bec...
Rocks and Minerals by Chris and Helen Pellant. Princeton University Press, press.princeton.edu/books. 208 pages; 2020; $19.95 plus shipping and handling (softbound).

Rocks and Minerals, a new title in the Princeton Field Guide Series, is standard fare as introductory books on rocks and minerals go, but it’s certainly not a “field guide.” It discusses the three ...
Who Benefits From Brownfield Cleanup and Gentrification? Evidence From Chicago:

This paper presents research on the distribution of economic benefits from brownfield cleanup and land development. There is growing concern that cleaning up blighted areas, including brownfields, ...
Pirate Trails: Tracking the Illicit Financial Flows from Pirate Activities off the Horn of Africa

Pirate Trails documents a World Bank study on the financial flows of the proceeds of Somali piracy. It is a valuable work in that there exists very little published information on the business model and economics supporting Somali pirate activities. For comparison, much more information has been published on terrorist threat financial flows and the economics that support terrorism, even though some of the same processes and procedures support both activities. Like terrorist threat finance, the study of pirate financial flows suffers from a lack of publicly available and reliable empirical data. The World Bank study as documented in Pirate Trails begins to remedy this gap.
Romantic relationships and psychological distress among adolescents: Moderating role of friendship closeness.

Background:The formation of romantic relationships and friendships in adolescence is a defining milestone in the progression toward social maturity. Thus, examining adolescents’ friendship and romantic experiences serves a vital role in understanding their psychological adjustment.Aims:The main purposes of the current study were to examine (a) whether romantic involvement, romantic security, and friendship closeness were independently predictive of late adolescents’ depression and loneliness, and (b) whether friendship closeness would moderate the negative effects of adolescents’ lower degrees of romantic involvement and romantic security on depression and loneliness.Method:Data came from 12th grade adolescents (N = 110, 53 females) as well as their parents and a same-sex best friend. Adolescents reported on their romantic involvement, romantic security, and psychological distress. Parent reports of adolescents’ depressive symptoms and friend reports of friendship closeness were also included.Results:High...
Energy, Global Warming and Impact of Power Electronics in the Present Century

The chapter gives a brief but comprehensive review of the world's energy resources and climate change problems due to fossil fuel burning, along with possible solutions or mitigation methods. Then, it discusses the impact of power electronics on energy conservation, renewable energy systems, bulk storage of energy, and electric/hybrid vehicles in the present century. Although tidal and geothermal powers may not use power electronics, these are included for the completeness of the discussion on renewable energy systems.
Amphipods as potential prey of the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus: Laboratory and field experiments

Abstract The invasive crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus has a generalist diet, consuming primarily macroalgae and sessile and sedentary invertebrate prey. To assess the dietary importance of motile prey, predation by H. sanguineus on the amphipod Hyale plumulosa was examined in laboratory and field experiments. Male and female crabs 7–27 mm in carapace width were offered H. plumulosa in laboratory microcosms with and without sediment (sand and rocks) present. Despite sex differences in claw morphology, male and female H. sanguineus consumed similar numbers of amphipods. Large crabs of both sexes consumed fewer H. plumulosa than small crabs, and consumption was lower when sediment was present. Crab abundance was then manipulated in the field in randomized complete block experiments in the lower rocky intertidal zone. In three 14-day experiments, H. sanguineus had no negative effect on amphipod abundance. In fact, excluding crabs from cages led to lower amphipod densities. The results of the 2-species predator–prey laboratory experiments did not transfer to the natural environment, suggesting that complex interactions exist between H. sanguineus and motile amphipod prey in rocky intertidal areas.
Nanomechanical and Morphological Characterization of Tungsten Trioxide (WO3) Thin Films Grown by Atomic Layer Deposition

This study investigates the nanomechanical properties and surface morphology of tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films deposited on p-type Si (100) substrates using atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology with 2000 ALD deposition cycles at a growth temperature of 300 ◦ C and annealed at different temperatures. The samples were further furnace annealed at 500, 600 and 700 ◦ C for 60 min. The influence of the deposition process on the structure and properties of the WO3 films is discussed, presented and correlated to the characteristic features of the ALD technique. The results depict significant difference in the hardness and modulus measurements between the as deposited sample and the annealed ones. The hardness and modulus drop from 14 and 170 GPa for the as deposited sample to 10 and 140 GPa for the annealed ones respectively. Surface roughness was observed to increase with annealing temperature and the initially amorphous as deposited sample reached complete recrystallization and transformed into polycrystalline films as indicated by XRD. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by ECS. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (CC BY, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse of the work in any
Novel Roles for Lyn in B Cell Migration and Lipopolysaccharide Responsiveness Revealed Using Anti-Double-Stranded DNA Ig Transgenic Mice

Lyn-deficient mice produce Abs against dsDNA, yet exhibit exaggerated tolerance to the model Ag hen-egg lysozyme. To investigate this apparent contradiction, and to further examine the function of Lyn in Ag-engaged cells, we have used an anti-dsDNA Ig transgenic model. Previously, looking at these anti-dsDNA B cells in Lyn-sufficient BALB/c mice, we showed that they are regulated by functional inactivation (anergy). In the absence of Lyn, these anti-dsDNA B cells remain unable to secrete Ab. This suggests that functional inactivation of anti-dsDNA B cells does not depend on Lyn, and that the anti-dsDNA Abs that are produced in lyn(-/-) mice arise from a defect in another mechanism of B cell tolerance. Although the anti-dsDNA B cells remain anergic, Lyn deficiency does restore their ability to proliferate to LPS. This reveals a novel role for Lyn in mediating the LPS unresponsiveness that normally follows surface Ig engagement. Furthermore, Lyn deficiency leads to an altered splenic localization and EBV-induced molecule 1 ligand chemokine responsiveness of anti-dsDNA B cells, as well as an absence of marginal zone B cells, suggesting additional roles for Lyn in controlling the migration and development of specific B cell populations.
Relationships among Alcohol Consumption, Drug Use, and Goal Orientation among College Students in the Southeastern USA

Students attending 2 different universities completed a Goals Inventory as well as a self-report survey designed to address their use of alcohol and other drugs. University 1 was a large, public state-supported school that did not restrict alcohol use. From this university were 30 male and 77 female students who ranged in age from 18–25 years (M = 20 yr.). University 2 was a small, private church-affiliated school that enforced a no-alcohol-on-campus policy. This sample included 41 male and 50 female students, whose ages ranged from 18–24 years (M = 19 yr.). More than half of the sample at each school had consumed alcohol at some time. While men drank more than women at University 1, the sex-ratio at University 2 was not different. Students at University 2 had higher learning and performance goal scores, alcohol-use scores, and drug-abuse scores than those at University 1. Students at University 2 had higher alcohol-abuse scores. Learning goal orientation was inversely related to alcohol-abuse behaviors b...
Improving color measurements of displays

It is generally believed that the most accurate means of measuring the CIE tristimulus values X, Y, Z or chromaticity coordinates x,y from a display is by using a spectroradiometer. Nevertheless, tristimulus colorimeters employing three or four colored filters find wide use because of their simplicity and lower cost. These devices cannot be calibrated to give accurate results in all situations because the spectral responsivities of their filtered detectors are not exactly the CIE color-matching functions. However, for a display that produces a linear superposition of three primary colored lights of fixed spectra, a tristimulus colorimeter can be correctly calibrated to measure all colors on that display. Signals from all of the filtered detectors are used to compute each of the X, Y, z values. The calibration matrix is computed by data fitting to a reference colorimeter. An improvement to the previously published method is reported, an a numerical example is shown. This technique is more tractable with today's digital instrumentation than it was when it was discovered, yet it remains underused. The American Society for Testing and Materials, through its Committee on Color and Appearance, is revising its standard on display measurements using tristimulus colorimeters to encourage the adoption of the technique.
Plasmodium octamerium n. sp., an avian malaria parasite from the pintail whydah bird Vidua macroura.

SYNOPSIS. A new species of avian malaria parasite is described from the pintail whydah Vidua macroura, a very small African finch of the weaver bird family (Ploceidae). Its structure has been studied chiefly in the canary, to which it is easily transmissible by blood inoculation. Since the segmenters most often produce 8 merozoites, the name Plasmodium octamerium n. sp. is proposed. Other characteristics include sexual stages which are usually elongate, often slender, and do not displace the host cell nucleus, and gametocytes indistinguishable from those of many species of Haemoproteus. Erythrocytes are the only blood cells parasitized. The new species resembles Plasmodium fallax in many respects, but gives rise to fewer merozoites and the asexual forms are smaller. Blood-induced infections are also of strikingly different type in some host species. Among susceptible host species are several kinds of finches, pigeons, quail, young chicks, chukars, tree and song sparrows. In most of these hosts infections are mild, but some tree sparrows die as the result of blood infection, and chukars usually die because of massive invasion of the capillary endothelium of the brain by exoerythrocytic forms. These are of the gallinaceum type and may be quite large, producing hundreds of merozoites. Exoerythrocytic stages were sought but not found in other host species.
Semantic based learning of syntax in an autonomous robot

It is the goal of the Language Acquisition Group at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (LAR-UIUC) to build a robot that is able to learn language as well as humans through embodied sensori-motor interaction with the physical world. This paper proposes cognitive structures to enable an autonomous robot to learn the syntax of two-word sentences using its understanding of lexical semantics. A production rule of syntax in Chomsky Normal Form will be explicitly represented using a hidden Markov Model. Results of robotic experiments show that these models can learn representations of syntax in this form and that they can be used to produce novel sentences.
Benign mesothelial tumor of bladder

Two cases of benign mesothelial tumor of the bladder are presented, one causing urinary retention following surgery for stress incontinence and the other a softball-sized fibroma with a fifteen-year follow-up.
Clinical features of hepatic artery thrombosis after pediatric liver transplantation

Thrombosis of the hepatic artery (HAT) is a severe complication of liver transplantation, and most cases need regrafting. The aim of this study was to review our experience with this complication. From January 1986 through January 1992, 76 liver transplants were performed in 59 pediatric patients at the Children's Hospital “La Paz”, Madrid. The diagnosis of HAT was made in 12 cases (15.7%). The common patterns of clinical presentation were: fulminant liver necrosis (5), bile leak due to necrosis of the bile duct (4), and relapsing bacteremia (3). Clinical symptoms of fulminant liver necrosis started within the first 2 weeks after transplantation, with rapid deterioration and steep rises in SGOT and SGPT levels. All these patients were retransplanted on an urgent basis, but only 1 is alive 4 years later. Four patients developed bile leaks 13 to 60 days after transplantation; SGOT, SGPT, and total bilirubin were only slightly increased. Three children were retransplanted electively and are alive with a mean follow-up of 3 years. One exceptional patient had a Roux-en-Y jejunostomy and is doing well 30 months later with his original graft. The 3 remaining children had episodes of septicemia with hepatic abscess, liver infarction, and pleural effusion. Liver function tests were normal, with bilirubin levels below 2 mg/dl. All patients were retransplanted, but only 1 is alive and well 13 months later. In the present series, we found that early HAT produces fulminant clinical deterioration requiring an urgent regraft. Late HAT presenting with either infection or bile leak allows time for treatment by elective retransplantation. The best survival was obtained in the latter group.
Progressive sequence alignment and molecular evolution of the Zn-containing alcohol dehydrogenase family

Sequences of 47 members of the Zn-containing alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) family were aligned progressively, and an evolutionary tree with detailed branch order and branch lengths was produced. The alignment shows that only 9 amino acid residues (of 374 in the horse liver ADH sequence) are conserved in this family; these include eight Gly and one Val with structural roles. Three residues that bind the catalytic Zn and modulate its electrostatic environment are conserved in 45 members. Asp 223, which determines specificity for NAD, is found in all but the two NADP-dependent enzymes, which have Gly or Ala. Ser or Thr 48, which makes a hydrogen bond to the substrate, is present in 46 members. The four Cys ligands for the structural zinc are conserved except in ζ-crystallin, the sorbitol dehydrogenases, and two bacterial enzymes. Analysis of the evolutionary tree gives estimates of the times of divergence for different animal ADHs. The human class II (π) and class III (κ) ADHs probably diverged about 630 million years ago, and the newly identified human ADH6 appeared about 520 million years ago, implying that these classes of enzymes may exist or have existed in all vertebrates. The human class I ADH isoenzymes (α, β, and γ) diverged about 80 million years ago, suggesting that these isoenzymes may exist or have existed in all primates. Analysis of branch lengths shows that these plant ADHs are more conserved than the animal ones and that class III ADHs are more conserved than class I ADHs. The rate of acceptance of point mutations (PAM units) shows that selection pressure has existed for ADHs, implying that these enzymes play definite metabolic roles.
In-utero stenting: development of a low-cost high-fidelity task trainer.

Objective To develop an in-utero stent placement training model. Methods The in-utero stent task trainer was constructed using a formalin-preserved gravid pig uterus. Altering the size of the uterine segment, changing the fluid level in the uterus and addition of a large Ziploc freezer bag variably filled with differing amounts of ultrasound gel can vary the procedural skill required. Results Thoracoamniotic and vesicoamniotic shunts can be simulated using this life-like model. The cost of eight to 10 learning stations is approximately US $ 60. Fetal position, maternal size and amniotic fluid status can be altered rapidly to increase the complexity of the procedure. Conclusions This low-cost and realistic task trainer can provide the opportunity to practice in-utero shunt procedures in a non-clinical environment. This model should enhance learning and reinforce acquired skills. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoinduced-Reaction Dynamics of Halogenated Alkanes on Iron Oxide Surfaces: CH3I on Fe3O4(111)−(2×2)†

The adsorption, thermal chemistry, and photoreaction dynamics of methyl iodide on the (2×2) magnetite termination of natural single-crystal hematite have been investigated by time-of-flight quadrupole mass spectrometry (TOF-QMS), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The methyl iodide thermal desorption spectra, taken after dosing the (2×2) surface at 100 K with CH3I, show a multiple-peak coverage-dependent behavior, consistent with the presence of several distinct adsorbed phases, along with defect-mediated dissociative chemisorption in the first monolayer. At >1 ML, methyl iodide forms a metastable physisorbed second layer, which desorbs at 148 K, but at higher coverage converts to a layer, which desorbs at 170 K. In the presence of low-fluence-pulse irradiation at 248 nm, angle-resolved TOF-QMS measurements show that 1.6 and 0.3 eV CH3 fragments are ejected from the adsorbate surface; these fragments originate from direct photodissociation and dissociative photo...
A working definition for total quality management (TQM) researchers

Abstract Total quality management represents a movement which is revolutionizing the way business is done in the industrialized world. Using points of agreement between the writings of the quality gurus, this paper develops a definition of TQM to serve as a reference point for those interested in doing research on this important topic.
Socioeconomic Trajectories and Incident Hypertension in a Biracial Cohort of Young Adults

We assessed the impact of initial socioeconomic status and change in socioeconomic status across 10 years, ie, status trajectories, on the development of essential hypertension among black and white young men and women. Three thousand eight hundred twenty-seven normotensive individuals ages 18 to 30 years at study entry were followed for 10 years, with blood pressure, body mass index, and socioeconomic status characteristics measured at years 0, 2, 5, 7, and 10. Socioeconomic status trajectory measures were a new educational degree earned by year 10; difficulties paying for basics during years 2 to 10; and change in income category from year 5 to 10, defined in relation to year 0 status. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure > or =140, diastolic blood pressure > or =90, or antihypertensive medication use at year 10. Reporting difficulties paying for basics at study entry (odds ratio=1.45, 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 2.02) and continued difficulties during year 2 to 10 follow-up (odds ratio=1.62, 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 2.53) were independently associated with incident hypertension, adjusted for race-gender group, body mass index, site, age, and initial systolic blood pressure. Decline in income from year 5 to 10 tended to be associated with hypertension, P=0.07, but a new educational degree after study onset was not. Socioeconomic trajectories are independently associated with incidence of hypertension. A dynamic index of socioeconomic status may be a useful concept in understanding the effects of socioeconomic status on the natural history of hypertension.
Examination of laser conditioning using atomic force microscopy

The modification of an optical coating surface with laser exposure at fluences below the damage threshold resulted in localized minimization of asperities. Topological changes with time were mapped using an atomic force microscope. It is suggested that charge accumulation on the dielectric coating drives the surface morphology to higher uniformity.
Dendritic cells: therapy and imaging

Background: Dendritic cells (DCs) play a major role in cell-mediated immunotherapy. In this approach, DCs are isolated from cancer patients and pulsed with exogenous and specific tumor antigens in vitro, and the antigen-loaded DCs are then transferred to the hosts to enhance the immune response against tumor targets. Clinical observations and animal studies have shown that tumors can elicit immune responses caused by tumor infiltration of T-lymphocytes. Several pilot clinical trials have been recently conducted using this strategy for treating several types of cancers. Objective: To optimize DC-based therapy with emerging molecular imaging techniques. Methods: A review of the most current literature on DCs and imaging work. Results/conclusion: The translational application of DC-based therapy can be supported greatly through molecular imaging. New discoveries on DC migration and behavior in vivo will lead to new advances in the treatment of a broad range of cancers.
HPLC determination of stability and distribution of added folic acid and some endogenous folates during breadmaking

ABSTRACT Bread flour was spiked with folic acid (1.40 mg/lb or 3.08 μg/g of flour) and processed into bread by the sponge and dough method. Changes that occurred to added folic acid and endogenous folate contents through different processing stages, including sponge formation, proofing, and baking, were assessed by reversed-phase ion-pair HPLC combined with UV and fluorometric detection. Sample extraction required α-amylase and rat plasma deconjugase digestion, and sample preparation required purification by solid-phase extraction. Added folic acid was measured by monitoring UV absorption at 280 nm. Four selected forms of endogenous folates including tetrahydrofolate (THF), 5-formyl-THF, 10-formylfolate, and 5-methyl-THF were identified and quantified throughout the bread processing using a fluorescence excitation wavelength of 290 nm and emission wavelength of 350 or 450 nm. Data indicate a relatively good stability of added folic acid and native folates to the baking process, and increased endogenous fo...
Petroleum hydrocarbons in the surface water of two estuaries in the Southeastern united states

Abstract Surface water samples from Charleston Harbor, SC and Winyah Bay, SC were analysed for total hydrocarbons by gas chromatography (GC) and for petroleum residues (expressed as crude oil equivalents) by fluorescence spectrometry. Cleanup by column chromatography and saponification was necessary to reduce the background from extraneous fluorescing materials. Oil concentrations determined by FS ranged from 0·5–25 μg l−1 in Charleston Harbor and
It Can't Happen in My Backyard: The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Girls in the United States

This article describes the issue of commercial sexual exploitation in the United States and details the risk factors associated with young girls entering the life. The consequences of commercial sexual exploitation are detailed and the barriers to effectively combat this growing phenomenon are investigated. Service providers who work with this population are highlighted, promising practices are discussed, current research is critiqued, and recommendations for developing a comprehensive response to the issue of commercial sexual exploitation are outlined.
Ex-utero intrapartum treatment procedure for giant neck masses—fetal and maternal outcomes

Background/Purpose: For fetuses with giant neck masses and tracheal obstruction, an ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure allows for safe nonemergent airway management while on placental support. Our objective was to examine fetal and maternal outcomes after EXIT procedure specifically for giant neck masses. Methods: The medical records of all patients referred to a comprehensive fetal center for a giant neck mass between 2001 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Among 24 patients referred, an EXIT procedure was performed in 12 with evidence of tracheal compression. An EXIT procedure was not performed because of minimal tracheal involvement (n = 8), elective abortion (n = 2), fetal demise (n = 1), or obstetric complication (n = 1). In all fetuses, the airway was successfully secured; tracheal intubation was achieved with rigid bronchoscopy (n = 10), direct laryngoscopy (n = 1), and tracheostomy (n = 1). Eleven patients survived to discharge, whereas 1 patient with significant pulmonary hypoplasia died 8 days after emergency EXIT procedure. Of 11 surviving infants, 10 are neurodevelopmentally intact. All mothers who desired future pregnancies have subsequently had uncomplicated deliveries (n = 6). Conclusions: Ex-utero intrapartum treatment procedure for giant neck mass can be performed safely for both mother and child. Most fetuses can be orotracheally intubated with minimal long-term morbidity.
Real-Time Use of Paper in Air Traffic Control Towers: Criticality and Benefits

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of how and why flight progress strips are currently used in air traffic control towers in the United States. The 3 main staffing positions in the tower, flight-data/clearance delivery (FD/CD), ground control (GC), and local control (LC), were observed by subject-matter experts at 10 control towers. Frequency of occurrence, importance ratings, and type of paper used were recorded. In addition, perceived benefits of marks made on the paper were assessed using open item responses and a series of Likert-scale questions. The positions varied in the marks the controllers made and in their reasons for making the marks. FD/CD controllers tended to make marks because they reduced workload or aided communication. LC tended to make marks because they aided memory, organization, and situation awareness. GC proved to be an interesting hybrid of the FD/CD and LC.
Synthesis of C_(60) from Small Carbon Clusters

A model based on experiment and ab initio theory for the high-yield carbon-arc synthesis of C_(60) and other fullerenes is presented. Evidence that is given indicates that the synthesis must start with the smallest units of carbon (atoms, dimers, etc.). The model is then broken into four steps: (1) the growth of carbon chains up to length C_(10) from initial reactants present in the carbon vapor, (2) growth from chains into monocyclic rings (C_(10)—C_(20)), (3) production and growth of three-dimensional reactive carbon networks (C_(21)—C_x, x = 30—40), and (4) growth of small fullerene cages via a closed-shell mechanism that exclusively produces C_(60), C_(70), and the higher fullerenes as the stable products.
Relatively low plasma leptin concentrations precede weight gain in Pima Indians.

Leptin, the product of the ob gene1, is a hormone, produced by adipose cells, that inhibits food intake2–5 and increases energy expenditure2,3 in rodents. In humans, plasma leptin concentrations correlate closely with the size of the adipose tissue depot; however, there is considerable variation in plasma leptin concentrations at any given degree of fatness6,7. To investigate whether individuals prone to weight gain are hypoleptinemic, we measured fasting plasma leptin concentrations in two groups of weight-matched nondiabetic Pima Indians followed for approximately 3 years, 19 of whom subsequently gained weight and 17 of whom maintained their weight. After we adjusted for initial percent body fat, mean plasma leptin concentration was lower in those who gained weight than in those whose weight was stable. These data indicate that relatively low plasma leptin concentrations may play a role in the development of obesity in Pima Indians, a population prone to obesity.
Epitaxy and Chemical Reactions During Thin Film Formation from Low Energy Ions New Kinetic Pathways, New Phases and New Properties

Three important effects of low energy direct Ion Beam Deposition (IBD) are the athermal incorporation of material into a substrate, the enhancement of atomic mobility in the subsurface, and the modification of growth kinetics it creates. All lead to a significant lowering of the temperature necessary to induce epitaxial growth and chemical reactions. The fundamental understanding and new applications of low temperature kinetics induced by low energy ions in thin film growth and surface processing of semiconductors are reviewed. It is shown that the mechanism of IBD growth can be understood and computed quantitatively using a simple model including ion induced defect generation and sputtering, elastic recombination, thermal diffusion, chemical reactivity, and desorption. The energy, temperature and dose dependence of growth rate, epitaxy, and chemical reaction during IBD is found to be controlled by the net recombination rate of interstitials at the surface in the case of epitaxy and unreacted films, and by the balance between ion beam decomposition and phase formation induced by ion beam generated defects in the case of compound thin films. Recent systematic experiments on the formation of oxides and nitrides on Si, Ge/Si(100), heteroepitaxial Si x Ge 1−x /Si(100) and GaAs(lOO) illustrate applications of this mechanism using IBD in the form of Ion Beam Nitridation (IBN), Ion Beam Oxidation (IBO) and Combined Ion and Molecular beam Deposition (CIMD). It is shown that these techniques enable (1) the formation of conventional phases in conditions never used before, (2) the control and creation of properties via new degrees of freedom such as ion energy and lowered substrate temperatures, and (3) the formation of new metastable heterostructures that cannot be grown by pure thermal means.
Assembly of a Large Modular Optical Telescope (ALMOST)

Future space telescope programs need to assess in-space robotic assembly of large apertures at GEO and ESL2 to support ever increasing aperture sizes. Since such large apertures will not fit within a fairing, they must rely on robotic assembly/deployment. Proper assessment requires hardware-in-the-loop testing in a representative environment. Developing, testing, and flight qualifying the myriad of technologies needed to perform such a test is complex and expensive using conventional means. Therefore, the objective of the ALMOST program is to develop a methodology for hardware-in-the-loop assessment of in-space robotic assembly of a telescope under micro-gravity conditions in a more cost-effective and risk-tolerant manner. The approach uses SPHERES, currently operating inside ISS, to demonstrate inspace robotic assembly of a telescope that will phase its primary mirror to optical tolerances to compensate for assembly misalignment. Such a demonstration, exploiting the low cost and risk of SPHERES, will dramatically improve the maturity of the guidance, navigation and control algorithms, as well as the mechanisms and concept of operations, needed to properly assess such a capability.
Scaling Study of Wave Rotor Turbo-normalization of a Small Internal Combustion Engine

Abstract : One issue facing small Remotely Piloted Aircraft engines is their ability to maintain performance at altitude. Since many of these aircraft use commercial off the shelf engines originally designed for radio controlled aircraft and lawn care implements, the reduced pressure environment significantly degrades the operability of the engine as the altitude increases. An option to overcome this difficulty is to supercharge the system; however most superchargers are designed for larger, typically automotive, engines. As a supercharger's size is decreased, there are large efficiency losses. Therefore, there is a need to accomplish this function on a smaller scale without. One option is to utilize a device similar to the Comprex(registered trademark) wave rotor supercharger scaled for small engines. For this investigation, the author installed and evaluated the performance of a commercial Comprex(registered trademark) designed for a Mazda 626 2.0 liter diesel engine. The results were compared to simulation results from a one-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model. The loss models used by the code have been developed for and validated on wave machines designed for substantially higher corrected flow rates. Part of the current objective was to assess these scale related losses at a smaller scale. Results revealed a favorable comparison that demonstrates the loss models are applicable to the scale of the Comprex(registered trademark). The computational fluid dynamics code's ability to simulate a wide range of wave rotor sizes indicated the code could be used on a pressure wave supercharger scaled to fit today's Remotely Piloted Aircraft engines to predict performance. The wave rotor code predicts the performance of the scaled pressure wave supercharger to be similar to the full sized Comprex(registered trademark) providing approximately two times the ambient air pressure to the engine inlet.
The effect of pH on the transformation of syringic and vanillic acids by the laccases of Rhizoctonia praticola and Trametes versicolor

Laccases (benzenediol: oxygen oxidoreductases, EC 1.10.3.2) from Rhizoctonia praticola and Trametes versicolor formed different products from syringic and vanillic acids at different pH values, but both enzymes generated the same chemicals at a particular pH. The products were separated by thin-layer and high-performance liquid chromatography. Four compounds were determined from syringic acid (m/z 168, 334, 350 and 486) at pH 6.9, but only two of these (m/z 168 and 334) were found at pH 3.5. In the case of vanillic acid two isomeric dimers (m/z 304) and 2-methoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (m/z 138) were identified. The dimers were formed at both pH values (pH 3.5 and 6.9), but 2-methoxy-1,4-benzoquinone appeared only at pH 3.5.