cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of fraud cues and classification methods for fake escrow website detection

The ability to automatically detect fraudulent escrow websites is important in order to alleviate online auction fraud. Despite research on related topics, such as web spam and spoof site detection, fake escrow website categorization has received little attention. The authentic appearance of fake escrow websites makes it difficult for Internet users to differentiate legitimate sites from phonies; making systems for detecting such websites an important endeavor. In this study we evaluated the effectiveness of various features and techniques for detecting fake escrow websites. Our analysis included a rich set of fraud cues extracted from web page text, image, and link information. We also compared several machine learning algorithms, including support vector machines, neural networks, decision trees, naive bayes, and principal component analysis. Experiments were conducted to assess the proposed fraud cues and techniques on a test bed encompassing nearly 90,000 web pages derived from 410 legitimate and fake escrow websites. The combination of an extended feature set and a support vector machines ensemble classifier enabled accuracies over 90 and 96% for page and site level classification, respectively, when differentiating fake pages from real ones. Deeper analysis revealed that an extended set of fraud cues is necessary due to the broad spectrum of tactics employed by fraudsters. The study confirms the feasibility of using automated methods for detecting fake escrow websites. The results may also be useful for informing existing online escrow fraud resources and communities of practice about the plethora of fraud cues pervasive in fake websites.
Pressure Behavior of Layered and Dual-Porosity Reservoirs in the Presence of Wellbore Effects

This paper presents a new analytical solution for pressure-transient from layered reservoirs with or without crossflow. The analytical solution is for modeling layered-reservoir systems with unsteady-state or pseudosteady interlayer crossflow, commingled or stratified flow, and even dual-porosity systems with pseudosteady matrix-to-fracture transfer in the presence of skin, wellbore storage, and phase segregation.
Patterns of patient specific dosimetry in total body irradiation

Purpose: Total body irradiation (TBI) has been used for bone marrow transplant for hematologic and immune deficiency conditions. The goal of TBI is to deliver a homogeneous dose to the entire body, with a generally accepted range of dose uniformity being within ±10% of the prescribed dose. The moving table technique for TBI could make dose uniform in whole body by adjusting couch speed. However, it is difficult to accurately estimate the actual dose by calculation and hencein vivo dosimetry (IVD) is routinely performed. Here, the authors present patterns of patient-specific IVD in 161 TBI patients treated at our institution. Methods: Cobalt-60 teletherapy unit (Model C9 Cobalt-60 teletherapy unit, Picker X-ray Corporation) with customized moving bed (SITI Industrial Products, Inc., Fishers, IN) were used for TBI treatment. During treatment, OneDoseTM (Sicel Technology, NC) Metal Oxide-silicon Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor detectors were placed at patient body surface; both entrance and exit side of the beam at patient head, neck, mediastinum, umbilicus, and knee to estimate midplane dose. When large differences (>10%) between the prescribed and measured dose were observed, dose delivery was corrected for subsequent fractions by the adjustment of couch speed and/or bolus placement. Under IRB exempt status, the authors retrospectively analyzed the treatment records of 161 patients who received TBI treatment between 2006 and 2011. Results: Across the entire cohort, the median ± SD (range) percent variance between calculated and measured dose for head, neck, mediastinum, umbilicus, and knee was −2.3 ± 10.2% (−66.2 to +35.3), 1.1 ± 11.5% (−62.2 to +40.3), −1.9 ± 9.5% (−66.4 to +46.6), −1.1 ± 7.2% (−35.2 to +42.9), and 3.4 ± 12.2% (−47.9 to +108.5), respectively. More than half of treatments were within ±10% of the prescribed dose for all anatomical regions. For 80% of treatments (10%–90%), dose at the umbilicus was within ±10%. However, some large differences greater than 35% were also found at several points. For one case, the knee received double the prescribed dose. When the dose differences for multiple fractions were averaged, compliance (±10%) between the prescription and measured dose was improved compared to the dose difference of the first single fraction, for example, as at umbilicus, which improved from 83.9% to 98.5%. Conclusions: Actual dose measurement analysis of TBI patients revealed a potentially wide variance from the calculated dose. Based from their IVD method for TBI using Cobalt-60 irradiator and moving table, ±10% over entire body is hard to achieve. However, it can be significantly improved with immediate feedback after the first fraction prior to subsequent treatments.
Misdiagnosis of aortic atresia due to catheter malposition

A single film portable aortogram through a highly placed umbilical artery catheter suggested aortic atresia, but subsequent study revealed a normal aorta and a patent ductus arteriosus. This demonstrates the importance of proper catheter placement in single film portable aortography, which is a reliable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of distressed neonates.
The phzI gene of Pseudomonas aureofaciens 30-84 is responsible for the production of a diffusible signal required for phenazine antibiotic production.

Abstract The production of phenazine (Ph) antibiotics in Pseudomonas aureofaciens (Pau) 30–84 is positively regulated by PhzR, a protein belonging to the LuxR family of transcriptional activators. We have now identified phzI, a second gene required for Ph production. The product of phzI is a member of the LuxI family of N-acyl-homoserine lactone (N-acyl-HSL) synthases. Inactivation of phzI results in the loss of Ph production in Pau 30–84. The presence of phzI in Escherichia coli is sufficient for the production of a diffusible signal which activates phzB expression in Pau 30–84 and traA expression in a N-acyl-HSL-dependent reporter strain of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. In addition, synthetic N-(3-oxohexanoyl)- l -HSL induces phzB expression in Pau 30–84. These results suggest that Pau 30–84 produces a N-acyl-HSL signal that regulates Ph production, and that phzI plays a central role in this signaling pathway.
Autoradiography of serial cross-sections of undecalcified bone.

Abstract A method is described for producing serial Ca45 autoradiograms with corresponding photomicrographs of cross-sections of bone by mounting thin blocks and facing one surface repeatedly on a lathe.
Identification of a β-like DNA Polymerase Activity in Bovine Heart Mitochondria

A new DNA polymerase activity, distinct from DNA polymerase gamma, has been identified in bovine heart mitochondria. First detected among proteins isolated in a complex with mitochondrial DNA, the DNA polymerase activity has been partially purified 47,000-fold. Enzyme activity separates from DNA polymerase gamma on several chromatographic columns and appears to copurify with a 38 +/- 2-kDa polypeptide. Unlike DNA polymerase gamma, this enzyme is relatively resistant to inhibition by N-ethylmaleimide and dideoxynucleotides, has moderately low monovalent and high divalent cation requirements, and possesses 20-fold-higher apparent K(m) values for deoxynucleotides. The enzyme polymerizes deoxynucleotides onto a primed template DNA in a relatively nonprocessive fashion and lacks a detectable 3' to 5' exonuclease activity. Many of these characteristics resemble a beta-like mitochondrial DNA polymerase previously identified in, and considered unique to, trypanosomes. We propose that the bovine and trypanosomal enzymes are related and represent a new class of ubiquitous mitochondrial DNA polymerases.
Enhanced-acceptor fluorescence-based single cell ATP biosensor monitors ATP in heterogeneous cancer populations in real time

Current methods to monitor cellular ATP do not provide spatial or temporal localization of ATP in single cells in real time or they display imperfect specificity to ATP. Here, we have developed a single cell, Enhanced Acceptor Fluorescence (EAF)-based ATP biosensor to visualize ATP in real time. This biosensor utilizes a modified mimic of the e-subunits of the Bacillus subtilis F(0)F(1) synthase and is coupled to the EAF fluorophores pairs, GFP and YFP. The sensor was then used to monitor ATP in a heterogeneous glioblastoma multiform cancer cell population. We anticipate that this innovative technology and our better understanding of the ATP machinery will have substantial influence on future translational studies.
Fatal gestational choriocarcinoma. Clinicopathologic study of patients treated at a trophoblastic disease center

We studied 31 autopsied cases of gestational choriocarcinoma encountered at the Northwestern University Trophoblastic Disease Center in the past two decades to learn if the clinical and morphologic aspects of these cases have been altered by therapy. These cases were analyzed for cause of death, distribution of tumor and histologic patterns in relation to the amount of chemotherapy. Tumor hemorrhage and/or pulmonary insufficiency were the most common causes of death, irrespective of the amount of therapy although other factors including drug toxicity, sepsis, and uremia led to death in six cases. The amount of chemotherapy generally did not affect the number or distribution of metastases. Histologically, nine cases showed extensive or complete necrosis. Eighteen of the remaining tumors had typical biphasic patterns, but four patients who received multiple courses of chemotherapy had atypical patterns with a marked predominance of cytotrophoblast and infiltrative growth. These atypical patterns do not appear to be a direct result of chemotherapy but may represent a more aggressive form of this tumor. This study shows that fatal gestational choriocarcinoma can have a variety of clinicopathologic features which reflect not only the biologic capabilities of the neoplasm but also the effects of chemotherapy and prolonged disease. Cancer 50:1833-1846, 1982.
Flame suppression by aerosols derived from aqueous solutions containing phosphorus

Abstract Aerosols derived from aqueous solutions containing phosphorus are investigated as possible alternatives to halon-based flame suppressants. Phosphorus-containing compounds (PCCs) have been shown to be effective flame suppressants in the gas phase; a water-based solution would provide a practical means of delivering a condensed-phase PCC to the flame. Flame suppression was characterized by measuring the global extinction strain rate of a counterflow, nonpremixed methane–air flame with and without a PCC additive. An aqueous solution of the additive was introduced as an aerosol into a heated chamber upstream of the air flow tube. A high-efficiency nebulizer produced a polydisperse spray of droplets with a Sauter mean diameter of 8 μm, as measured with a phase-Doppler particle analyzer. The droplet size distribution was nearly independent of the composition and flow rate of the liquid. Externally maintaining the reactant streams at 360 K allowed the water in the aerosol to evaporate prior to reaching the flame. Evaporation of water leaves behind residual particles for solutes that are solids at 360 K, and thus solid particulates, not droplets of solution, enter the flame zone. Comparisons of different solutions with different phase solutes were used to provide an estimate of the physical effect of particles on the flame. Three neat phosphorus-containing compounds, dimethylmethylphosphonate (DMMP), diethylmethylphoshonate (DEMP) and dimethylphosphonate (DMP) and five 1.6% molar aqueous solutions, orthophosphoric acid (OPA), phosphorus acid, phosphonic acid, methylphosphonic acid, and dimethylmethylphosphonate (DMMP), were investigated. The acid solutions (with solid solutes) all displayed similar effectiveness, and were all slightly more effective, on a per mole basis, than the DMMP solution (a liquid solute). The effectiveness of a DMMP/water solution is found to be a weighted average of the effectiveness of its constituents. Per mole of water delivered, a 1.6% molar solution of a PCC is approximately twice as effective in fire suppression compared to neat water vapor. Flame modeling calculations for the extinction condition with added gas-phase phosphorus compounds using a published phosphorus reaction mechanism grossly underpredict the total effectiveness of the compounds investigated.
Frequent Gain and Loss of Functional Transcription Factor Binding Sites

Cis-regulatory sequences are not always conserved across species. Divergence within cis-regulatory sequences may result from the evolution of species-specific patterns of gene expression or the flexible nature of the cis-regulatory code. The identification of functional divergence in cis-regulatory sequences is therefore important for both understanding the role of gene regulation in evolution and annotating regulatory elements. We have developed an evolutionary model to detect the loss of constraint on individual transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs). We find that a significant fraction of functionally constrained binding sites have been lost in a lineage-specific manner among three closely related yeast species. Binding site loss has previously been explained by turnover, where the concurrent gain and loss of a binding site maintains gene regulation. We estimate that nearly half of all loss events cannot be explained by binding site turnover. Recreating the mutations that led to binding site loss confirms that these sequence changes affect gene expression in some cases. We also estimate that there is a high rate of binding site gain, as more than half of experimentally identified S. cerevisiae binding sites are not conserved across species. The frequent gain and loss of TFBSs implies that cis-regulatory sequences are labile and, in the absence of turnover, may contribute to species-specific patterns of gene expression.
The Discounting Principle in Attribution

It is proposed that attributional discounting is more adequately represented by a model based on the proportion of total valence associated with the alternative effects of a given act than it is by a model based on the sheer number of those effects. Evidence for this proportionate valence model is provided in two experiments. In experiment 1, a single high-valenced alternative effect was associated with greater attributional discounting than two lesser-valenced effects. In experiment 2, attributional discounting of a given effect was demonstrated to be a direct. function of the proportion of the total valence associated with alternative effects.
Scent counter-marking by male meadow voles : Females prefer the top-scent male

Scent counter-marking, in which one individual deposits scent in close proximity to the scent of another individual, is a widespread but poorly understood aspect of olfactory communication. Recent work with golden hamsters suggests that animals may have specially evolved mechanisms for determining which individual has marked most recently, and this work emphasizes the need for studies with other species. In Experiment 1 it was shown for the first time that male meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, scent mark with urine and anogenital scents and probably also counter-mark with these scents. Female meadow voles, after investigation of an area marked by two males, preferred the whole-body odours of the male that had marked the arena most recently (Experiment 2). After females investigated a male's home cage that had just been marked by another male, they again preferred the whole-body odours of the male that had marked in the cage most recently (Experiment 3). These results demonstrate that female voles, like male hamsters, can distinguish the top or most recent individual's scent from the bottom or older scent in places marked by two males, and further indicate that female voles may prefer the individual that deposited the top scent. Taken together, the results suggest that counter-marking by male voles may be a type of competitive advertising and that females may base mate-choice decisions on information from the pattern of such counter-marks.
Functional Brain Imaging of Young, Nondemented, and Demented Older Adults

Brain imaging based on functional MRI (fMRI) provides a powerful tool for characterizing age-related changes in functional anatomy. However, between-population comparisons confront potential differences in measurement properties. The present experiment explores the feasibility of conducting fMRI studies in nondemented and demented older adults by measuring hemodynamic response properties in an event-related design. A paradigm involving repeated presentation of sensory-motor response trials was administered to 41 participants (14 young adults, 14 nondemented older adults, and 13 demented older adults). For half of the trials a single sensory-motor event was presented in isolation and in the other half in pairs. Hemodynamic response characteristics to the isolated events allowed basic response properties (e.g., amplitude and variance) between subject groups to be contrasted. The paired events further allowed the summation properties of the hemodynamic response to be characterized. Robust and qualitatively similar activation maps were produced for all subject groups. Quantitative results showed that for certain regions, such as in the visual cortex, there were marked reductions in the amplitude of the hemodynamic response in older adults. In other regions, such as in the motor cortex, relatively intact response characteristics were observed. These results suggest caution should be exhibited in interpreting simple main effects in response amplitude between subject groups. However, across all regions examined, the summation of the hemodynamic response over trials was highly similar between groups. This latter finding suggests that, even if absolute measurement differences do exist between subject groups, relative activation change should be preserved. Designs that rely on group interactions between task conditions, parametric manipulations, or group interactions between regions should provide valuable data for making inferences about functional-anatomic changes between different populations.
Analyzing Patterns and Relationships Around a Bond of Common Text: Purposes, Dilemmas, and Possibilities of a Virtual Community

AbstractThe article documents a two-year interpretive case study of fourth through sixth grade students engaged in a problem-based telecollaboration exchange between classrooms in Laramie, Wyoming, and Monteverde, Costa Rica. Problem-based learning was viewed in concert with a constructivist perspective to guide examination of global issues. The investigation of participants in sites that were separated by nation, language, and culture informed a framework for problem-based learning collectively across international boundaries. Issues of access to computer mediated technology in a world context and the importance of an agreed upon language of communication were also examined.
A Statewide Case–Control Study of Spousal Homicide–Suicide in Older Persons

Objective Homicide–suicides are rare relative to suicides and homicides, but these lethal events are an emerging public health concern. They have a mortality count similar to meningitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, influenza, and viral hepatitis, and the rate may be increasing in the United States, especially among older persons. The goal of this case–control study was to identify factors that differentiate older married men who commit homicide–suicide from those who commit suicide only. Methods A total of 20 spousal homicide–suicides involving persons age 55 years and older were ascertained in Florida between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 1999 from medical examiner records. Two suicide controls were matched to each homicide–suicide perpetrator by age, race, marital status, method of death, and medical examiner district. Perpetrator groups were compared on sociodemographic characteristics, medical variables, and autopsy findings. Results Homicide–suicide perpetrators displayed significantly more domestic violence or were caregivers for their wives, in contrast to suicide perpetrators, who had health problems and were receiving care from their spouses. Both groups of perpetrators had reported depressed mood, and there were no differences in sociodemographic factors. Conclusions Depression plays a significant role in both homicide–suicide and suicide, but the associated factors are different: we see caregiving strain in perpetrators of homicide–suicide, and living with physical health disorders as a care-recipient in men who commit suicide. Marital conflict is a significant factor in some spousal homicide–suicides.
Raft and Floating Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Antenna Systems for Detecting and Estimating Abundance of PIT-tagged Fish in Rivers

AbstractPortable radio frequency identification (RFID) PIT tag antenna systems are increasingly being used in studies examining aquatic animal movement, survival, and habitat use, and their design flexibility permits application in a wide variety of settings. We describe the construction, use, and performance of two portable floating RFID PIT tag antenna systems designed to detect fish that were unavailable for recapture using stationary antennas or electrofishing. A raft antenna system was designed to detect and locate PIT-tagged fish in relatively long (i.e., ≥10 km) river reaches, and consisted of two antennas: (1) a horizontal antenna (4 × 1.2 m) installed on the bottom of the raft and used to detect fish in shallower river reaches (<1 m), and (2) a vertical antenna (2.7 × 1.2 m) for detecting fish in deeper pools (≥1 m). Detection distances of the horizontal antenna were between 0.7 and 1.0 m, and detection probability was 0.32 ± 0.02 (mean ± SE) in a field test using rocks marked with 32-mm PIT tags...
Vibration Analysis Of A Motor-flexible Coupling-Rotor System Subject To Misalignment And Unbalance, Part II: Experimental Validation

Abstract Experimental studies were performed on a rotordynamic test apparatus to verify the theoretical model of shaft misalignment and rotor unbalance. A self-designed simplified flexible coupling and a commercial helical coupling were used in the experiments. The rotor shaft displacements were measured under the different misalignment and unbalance conditions. The measured and predicted frequency spectra were obtained. The theoretical predictions are in good agreement with the experimental measurements. Both the measured and predicted spectra show that unbalance and misalignment can be characterized primarily by one and two times shaft running speed, respectively. However, misalignment effects at times may not be apparent because the forcing frequency of misalignment (2 × shaft running speed) is not close enough to one of the system natural frequencies to excite the system appreciably. Therefore, in some cases the misalignment response is hidden and does not show up in the vibration spectrum. On the other hand, if 2 × shaft running speed is at or close to one of the system natural frequencies, the misalignment effect can be amplified and a high frequency density level at 2 × shaft running speed is pronounced in the frequency spectrum.
The determination and scaling of a bivariate utility function

A considerable body of evidence exists which indicates a lack of a monotonic relationship between real rewards and the utility for the corresponding outcomes in an experimental game environment. This phenomenon we have called utility function confounding. It often appears that individuals are influenced in their choice behavior not only by their expected rewards, but also by the relative amount of their reward to that of the other party or parties to the game. The authors develop a bivariate utility function designed to accommodate both utility for own reward and for own reward relative to that of the other party. This model is then shown to be general enough to encompass several distinct types of utility function confounding which have appeared in experimental situations. While difficulties remain in the measures required of the model, the authors' main hope is that this neglected aspect of subjects' utilities will receive the attention that it deserves, to the benefit of more meaningful experimentation of interpersonal interactions.
On the Relationship Between Catchment Scale and Climatological Variability of Surface‐Runoff Volume

The relationship between catchment scale and climatological variability of surface-runoff volume is evaluated through theoretical and empirical analyses. Using a point description of surface-runoff volume following infiltration excess under the time compression approximation, climatological mean and variance of areal runoff volume over heterogeneous soil are evaluated by integrating second-order statistics of point runoff volume. Second-order statistics of rainfall duration and intensity, required for evaluation of those of point runoff volume, are obtained from mean and variance of areal rainfall volume under fractional coverage considerations. Hourly Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler rainfall data were used to estimate rainfall parameters following a set of simplifying assumptions on the space-time correlation structure. Two contrasting climate-soil systems were considered in specifying soil and soil moisture parameters following a set of assumptions on spatial variability and interdependency of the soil parameters.
Observation of wavelength and multiple bistabilities in 850nm Vertical-Cavity Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (VCSOAs).

Both wavelength bistability (WB) and multiple bistability (MB) were predicted theoretically by Adams’ model in resonant optical amplifiers. We report here, for the first time to our knowledge, their experimental observation in 850nm Vertical-Cavity Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (VCSOA). Clockwise hysteresis of WB is observed at constant input power while the input wavelength is swept across the gain window. MB is observed at a fixed operation wavelength biased on the long-wavelength side of the two separated Polarization-Dependent Gain (PDG) windows of the VCSOA by sweeping the optical input. The polarization of the input is set to a fixed angle with respect to the two intrinsic principal axes of the VCSOA. Two MB levels were experimentally observed at 160µW and 320µW, respectively. These observations are in good agreement with theoretical prediction by Adams’ model and may lead to multi-valued optical information manipulation.
Advanced cardiac amyloidosis associated with normal interventricular septal thickness: an uncommon presentation of infiltrative cardiomyopathy.

Background Increased interventricular septal (IVS) thickness on echocardiography is a diagnostic criterion for cardiac amyloidosis and classically precedes decrement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The investigators describe patients with histologically confirmed cardiac amyloidosis who had significant myocardial dysfunction (LVEF ≤ 40%) despite having normal IVS thickness. Methods All patients with systemic amyloidosis and LVEFs ≤ 40% were analyzed to identify the prevalence of normal IVS thickness. Patients with known histories of cardiomyopathy or coronary artery disease were excluded. Histologic evaluation of tissue included assessment of amyloid burden and average myocyte diameter. Results There were 255 patients with amyloidosis with LVEFs ≤ 40%, of whom seven (3%) had normal IVS thickness and histologic confirmation of cardiac involvement. Of these, six had immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis, and one had senile amyloidosis. A majority of patients (86%) presented with new-onset cardiac dysfunction associated with edema and/or dyspnea. Electrocardiographic findings included low voltage (43%) and a pseudoinfarct pattern (29%). The 1-year survival from initial tissue diagnosis in the cohort with normal IVS thickness was similar to matched patients with amyloidosis with increased IVS thickness and LVEF ≤ 40% (21% vs 18%, respectively, P = .32). Myocardial tissue amyloid burden and average myocyte diameter were significantly reduced in cases compared with controls. Conclusions Cardiac amyloidosis can uncommonly present with normal IVS thickness despite significant myocardial dysfunction. The prognosis of these patients is as poor as those with increased IVS thickness. Amyloidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with cardiomyopathy and reduced LVEFs despite normal IVS thickness.
A predictive decode filter cache for reducing power consumption in embedded processors

With advances in semiconductor technology, power management has increasingly become a very important design constraint in processor design. In embedded processors, instruction fetch and decode consume more than 40p of processor power. This calls for development of power minimization techniques for the fetch and decode stages of the processor pipeline. For this, filter cache has been proposed as an architectural extension for reducing the power consumption. A filter cache is placed between the CPU and the instruction cache (I-cache) to provide the instruction stream. A filter cache has the advantages of shorter access time and lower power consumption. However, the downside of a filter cache is a possible performance loss in case of cache misses. In this article, we present a novel technique---decode filter cache (DFC)---for minimizing power consumption with minimal performance impact. The DFC stores decoded instructions. Thus, a hit in the DFC eliminates instruction fetch and its subsequent decoding. The bypassing of both instruction fetch and decode reduces processor power. We present a runtime approach for predicting whether the next fetch source is present in the DFC. In case a miss is predicted, we reduce the miss penalty by accessing the I-cache directly. We propose to classify instructions as cacheable or noncacheable, depending on the decode width. For efficient use of the cache space, a sectored cache design is used for the DFC so that both cacheable and noncacheable instructions can coexist in the DFC sector. Experimental results show that the DFC reduces processor power by 34p on an average and our next fetch prediction mechanism reduces miss penalty by more than 91p.
Restricting the time of injury in fatal inflicted head injuries

OBJECTIVE: To determine the normal clinical progression of fatal head injuries in children. Such information can then be used to estimate the time of injury in cases with obscure histories and will thus aid investigations of nonaccidental trauma. METHOD: A retrospective chart review design was used. One hundred and thirty eight accidental fatalities involving head injury were identified and 95 of these were used as the study group. Details of the cases were reviewed and cases in which a child either had a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 14-15 or was described as having a "lucid interval" or as being "conscious" were further studied. RESULTS: One "lucid interval" case was identified. This case involved an epidural hematoma. Three other cases that partially met the criteria for a lucid interval were also identified; one of these cases did not meet the criteria for inclusion in the study group. Review of head CTs revealed that brain swelling could be detected as early as 1 hour and 17 minutes post injury. CONCLUSIONS: The children studied were in obvious serious medical condition from the time of injury until death. If a history purports a lucid interval in a fatal head injury case that does not involve an epidural hematoma, that history is likely false and the injury is likely inflicted. The time of most fatal head injury events can be restricted to the time period after the last confirmed period of wellness for the child. In addition, the presence of brain swelling on a head CT scan is not helpful in restricting the time of injury. Language: en
Olefin Metathesis as an Inorganic Synthetic Tool: Cross and Ring Closing Metathesis Reactions of Diruthenium-Bound ω-Alkene-α-carboxylates

Diruthenium compounds containing one omega-alkene-alpha-carboxylate ligand, Ru2Cl(D(3,5-Cl2Ph)F)3(O2C(CH2)nCH=CH2) (n=1 (1a) and 2 (1b)), were prepared from the reaction between Ru2Cl(D(3,5-Cl2Ph)F)3(O2CCH3) (D(3,5-Cl2Ph)F=N,N'-bis(3,5-dicholorophenyl)formamidinate) and the corresponding omega-alkene-alpha-carboxylic acid. Compounds 1a and 1b both underwent olefin cross metathesis reactions catalyzed by (Cy3P)2Cl2Ru(=CHPh) to afford the dimerized compounds [Ru2Cl(D(3,5-Cl2Ph)F)3]2(mu-O2C(CH2)nCH=CH(CH2)nCO2) (n=1 (2a) and 2 (2b)). Similarly, diruthenium compounds containing two omega-alkene-alpha-carboxylate ligands, cis-Ru2Cl(D(3,5-Cl2Ph)F)2(O2C(CH2)nCH=CH2)2 (n=1 (3a), 2 (3b), and 3 (3c)), were prepared by substituting the acetate ligands in cis-Ru2Cl(D(3,5-Cl2Ph)F)2(O2CCH3)2 with the corresponding omega-alkene-alpha-carboxylate ligands. Compounds 3 exhibited different reactivity under olefin metathesis conditions: both 3b and 3c underwent the intramolecular ring closing reaction quantitatively to afford compounds cis-Ru2(D(3,5-Cl2Ph)F)2(mu-O2C(CH2)nCH=CH2(CH2)nCO2)Cl with n=2 (4b) and 3 (4c), respectively, but 3a displayed no metathesis reactivity. Molecular structures of compounds 1a/1b, 2a/2b, 3a/3b, and 4b were established via X-ray diffraction studies, confirming the formation of cross and ring closing metathesis products. Voltammograms of compounds 2 are nearly identical to those of compounds 1, indicating the absence of electronic interactions mediated by the tether derived from olefin metathesis.
Epitaxial lateral overgrowth of gallium nitride on silicon substrate

Abstract Many studies have been undertaken on how to reduce defects and dislocations in gallium nitride films due to the lattice mismatch and difference in thermal conductivity between GaN and the substrate. The ability of epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) for extended defect reduction in the heteroepitaxial growth of III–V semiconductors has been demonstrated and utilized in the deposition of GaN. The purpose of this study is to experimentally investigate the effect of growth conditions on GaN film growth in the MOCVD process. The effect of different buffer layers was studied for the second growth of GaN in the ELO process. It was found that ELO significantly improved the morphology of GaN films. The best such films obtained in this work, as measured by X-ray rocking curve and photoluminescence, were obtained when a low-temperature GaN buffer layer was used prior to the deposition of the GaN seeding layer and the GaN overgrowth layer.
Investigation of Compressor Rear Frame Cracking of United States Navy LM2500 Gas Turbine Engines

In December 2000, a 7” long axial crack was visually identified on the compressor rear frame of an LM2500 propulsion gas turbine engine aboard the USS MITSCHER (DDG 57). This was originally thought to be a unique failure mode possibly caused by misaligned brackets external to the engine imparting undo thermal stresses onto the engine casing and flange. Since that time, 17 additional engines in the Navy fleet have been identified with either the large axial crack on the compressor casing or a small craze crack on the CRF flange, which appears to be the origination point prior to crack propagation. This paper discusses the extent of the cracking problem in the US Navy, the engineering investigation undertaken by the OEM and Navy to determine the root cause of the cracks and development of a field repair strategy to mitigate the impact of these cracks. The focus of the paper includes metallurgical analysis of failed compressor rear frame hardware, vibratory evaluation of the engine’s external piping system as a contributory failure mode and results of strain gage testing of the mid flange region.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Flow Patterns During Friction Stir Welding

Friction Stir Welding is a relatively new technique for welding that uses a cylindrical pin or nib inserted along the weld seam. The nib (usually threaded) and the shoulder in which it is mounted are rapidly rotated and advanced along the seam. Extreme deformation takes place leaving a fine equiaxed structure in the weld region., The flow of metal during Friction Stir Welding is investigated using a faying surface tracer and a nib frozen in place during welding. It is shown that material is transported by two processes. The first is a wiping of material from the advancing front side of the nib onto a zone of material that rotates and advances with the nib. The material undergoes a helical motion within the rotational zone that both rotates and advances and descends in the wash of the threads on the nib and rises on the outer part of the rotational zone. After one or more rotations, this material is sloughed off in its wake of the nib, primarily on the advancing side. The second process is an entrainment of material from the front retreating side of the nib that fills in between the sloughed off pieces from the advancing side.
The effects of microfinance programs on women members in traditional societies

One of the stated goals of microfinance programs is to increase the bargaining power of women within the household. However, little is known about other ways women in patriarchal communities may be affected by these programs. This study assessed the effects of the membership in a microfinance joint liability group (MJLG) on the lives and social networks of its women members by focusing on the interplay of MJLG practices and gendered cultural practices such as ‘purdah’ (veiling of the face). Using in-depth interviews of 35 women in Lucknow, a city in northern India, the study found that, overall, respondents who were members of an MJLG reported developing new and stronger relationships with other members of the group. These social interactions were found to be deeper among women who were using the microloans for self-employment than among women who were redirecting their loan funds to other family members. The study also found that the adaptability of microfinance organizations to the local culture appeare...
A model for Neogene crustal rotations, transtension, and transpression in southern California

Two episodes of crustal rotation have occurred in the regions of southern California and the Mojave Desert since the beginning of Miocene time. An early Miocene episode of clockwise crustal rotation is associated with widespread north-south to north-northeast-south-southwest crustal extension throughout southeast California and western Arizona. This episode is apparently related to changing subduction parameters of the Farallon plate. A middle Miocene and later episode of clockwise rotation in the Transverse Ranges and bordering areas is related to shear between the Pacific and North American plates. In both episodes, clockwise crustal rotations first occur in a deforming zone which has a component of extension across its trend and shear along its trend. The effects of extension are most pronounced in the earlier episode but clear in the later one also. The Pacific-North American deforming zone began contracting in width during Pliocene time, but clockwise rotations continued and are probably in progress today.
Laparoscopic-assisted versus open pancreaticoduodenectomy: early favorable physical quality-of-life measures.

Background We compared outcomes and postpancreatectomy quality of life (QOL) in paired cohorts of patients undergoing conventional open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) or laparoscopic-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy (LAPD). Methods Comparative analysis of QOL was performed in a matched cohort of 53 patients after OPD or LAPD between 2010 and 2013. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Health Survey and the Karnofsky score were used. Results Physical component score, mental component score, and Karnofsky scores were calculated at multiple time points for OPD (n = 25) and LAPD (n = 28). Operative times, complications, and readmission rates were equivalent. Time to starting adjuvant therapy trended toward clinical importance in LAPD (61 vs 110 days, P = .0878). Duration of stay was less in LAPD (7.10 vs 9.44 days, P = .02). LAPD had a superior QOL centered on functional status compared with OPD (physical component score 49.09 vs 38.4, P = .04; Karnofsky 92.22 vs 66.92%, P = .003). These statistical differences were not observed beyond 6 months. Conclusion LAPD provided a more favorable QOL within the first 6 months and shorter length of stay compared with conventional OPD. LAPD may serve as an alternative operative therapy to potentially minimize delays in receipt of and enhance tolerability of adjuvant therapies.
ROLE OF CONTEXTUAL MEDIATION IN DIRECT VERSUS RECONSTRUCTED ANGELIC ENCOUNTERS

Szrmmary.-A sample of 89 instances of angelic encounters found on Internet web sites were analyzed using the classification scheme for contextual variables proposed by Lange, Houran, Harte, and Havens (1996). Consistent with previous research, the contents of the contextual variables operating during these angelic encounters were consistent with the content of percipients' experiences. In addition, contextual variables were related to the modalities of the experiences as well as to the percipients' apparent arousal. The proposed existence of rwo different types of encounters was supported. Percipients' experiences in "direct" encounters strongly resembled those found in other hallucinatory experiences such as poltergeist-like episodes, death-bed visions, and shamanic trances. By contrast, there is strong evidence that "reconstructed" encouniers are often the result of accidental or puzzling (but otherwise normal) encounters with actual human beings. Throughout history, people have reported encounters with beings
FINE STRUCTURE IN CORE LEVEL PHOTOEMISSION INTENSITIES — A STUDY OF THE Si(111)−(7×7) SURFACE

Photoemission intensities from core levels derived from surface and bulk atoms of a solid exhibit oscillations as a function of the excitation photon energy. These oscillations cannot be described by the classical layer attenuation model, which has been the basis for intensity analysis and quantitative structural modeling in a number of studies. The physics responsible for these oscillations is the extended photoemission fine structure (EPFS) above the core level absorption edge, which contains structural information in regard to surface bond lengths. The present paper examines in detail this phenomenon for the Si 2p core level of the Si(111)−(7×7) surface. The EPFS is found to modulate the surface-to-bulk Si 2p core level intensity ratios up to ~50%; thus, structural models based on a surface-to-bulk intensity ratio analysis using the classical layer attenuation model at a few photon energies may suffer large errors. This EPFS may be responsible for the ongoing debate in the literature over the assignment of the surface core levels to structural features on both the (111) and (100) surfaces of Si and Ge. This dilemma is resolved for the (7×7) surface. Using the usual three-component fit of the Si 2p core level (a bulk component and two surface components, S1 and S2), the EPFS signals from the individual components are separately analyzed. The results show the S2 component to be derived from adatom emission. The S1 component is unresolved, and represents emission from several different types of atoms in the top double layer of the (7×7) reconstruction.
Present Status of Digitalis Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction

The available experimental and clinical data still leave many unanswered questions concerning the role of digitalis therapy after acute myocardial infarction. It seems clear that little is to be gained by glycoside administration to patients with uncomplicated infarctions who do not have cardiomegaly. The precise role of digitalis therapy in the treatment of cardiogenic shock remains undefined on the basis of the available data. However, until evidence to the contrary appears, its use should be continued on the basis of experience with experimental cardiogenic shock and the presumption that this state, when observed clinically, is a form of extreme left ventricular failure. Digitalis appears to be indicated in the treatment of atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate complicating acute myocardial infarction. Other supraventricular arrhythmias, such as atrial flutter and ectopic atrial tachycardia, frequently require larger doses of the glycoside, and other means of therapy, such as antiarrhythmic a...
A Project for Awareness of Environmental Issues for Non-Traditional Mechanical Engineering Students

A thermodynamics project for a small class of Ford Motor Company's students, working towards a BS degree in mechanical engineering, is described. It consisted of identifying one of the negative impacts of energy conversions on the environment, describing it, its cause, pollutants and its effect on the environment. The students picked acid rain, greenhouse effect and smog formation. The assignment put one of the topics of thermodynamics in perspective and related it directly to what the students are familiar with in their workplace making a real-life connection. The project also partially fulfilled one of the targeted outcomes for accreditation: awareness of environmental issues. The benefits of the project were assessed by analyzing their reports and by using a survey. Both methods showed that the students learned a great deal about the topic they had to write about, and that they would take the environmental effects as a factor when making engineering decisions.
Exploring the free energy landscape of a model β-hairpin peptide and its isoform.

Secondary structural transitions from α-helix to β-sheet conformations are observed in several misfolding diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Determining factors contributing favorably to the formation of each of these secondary structures is therefore essential to better understand these disease states. β-hairpin peptides form basic components of anti-parallel β-sheets and are suitable model systems for characterizing the fundamental forces stabilizing β-sheets in fibrillar structures. In this study, we explore the free energy landscape of the model β-hairpin peptide GB1 and its E2 isoform that preferentially adopts α-helical conformations at ambient conditions. Umbrella sampling simulations using all-atom models and explicit solvent are performed over a large range of end-to-end distances. Our results show the strong preference of GB1 and the E2 isoform for β-hairpin and α-helical conformations, respectively, consistent with previous studies. We show that the unfolded states of GB1 are largely populated by misfolded β-hairpin structures which differ from each other in the position of the β-turn. We discuss the energetic factors contributing favorably to the formation of α-helix and β-hairpin conformations in these peptides and highlight the energetic role of hydrogen bonds and non-bonded interactions. Proteins 2014; 82:2394–2402. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optical performance of absorber-reflector combinations for photothermal solar energy conversion

For a number of absorber-reflector combinations the reflectance spectrum as well as the figure of merit a/e has been computed numerically in order to find an optimum set of parameters. Values of a/e in excess of 20 result for an absorber consisting of 0.5 μm Ge on a silver reflector, overlaid by 2.0 μm Si carrying a four-layer antirereflection sequence in which the refractive index varies from 2.79 to 1.43. To maximize the optical acceptance angle the antireflection coatings must vary the refractive index in a graded profile from the value of index of silicon to the one of air.