cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Boron isotope effect in single crystals of superconductor

Abstract The influence of local moment magnetism on the boron isotope effect of was studied on single crystals of . Values of the partial isotope effect exponent of and were obtained based on two different criteria applied to extract . No significant change in the partial isotope effect exponent compared to the ones obtained for was observed. Based on this result, we conclude that pair-breaking due to the Er local magnetic moment appears to have no detectable influence on boron isotope effect of .
Formation of hydrogen peroxide from illuminated polar snows and frozen solutions of model compounds

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide (HOOH) is an important trace constituent in snow and ice, including in Arctic and Antarctic ice cores. To better understand the budget of snowpack HOOH, here we examine its production in illuminated snow and ice. To evaluate what types of compounds might be important photochemical sources of HOOH, we first illuminated laboratory ice samples containing 10 different model organic compounds: guaiacol, phenol, syringol, benzoate, formate, octanal, octanoic acid, octanedioic acid, phenylalanine, and mixtures of oxalate with iron (III). Half of these compounds produced little or no HOOH during illumination, but two classes of compounds were very reactive: phenolic compounds (with rates of HOOH of 6–62 nM-HOOH h −1 μM −1 -phenolic) and mixtures of Fe(III) with a stoichiometric excess of oxalate (with rates of HOOH production as high as 2,000,000 nM h −1 per μM iron). To quantify rates of HOOH production in the environment we also illuminated snow samples collected from the Arctic and Antarctic. The average (±1 σ ) HOOH production rate in these samples was low, 5.3 ± 5.0 nM h −1 and replicate measurements showed high variability. In some natural samples there was an initial burst of HOOH production (with a rate approximately 10 times higher than the average production rate), followed by reduced rates at subsequent time points. Although our laboratory ice samples reveal that illuminated organics and metal-organic complexes can form HOOH, the low rates of HOOH formation in the Arctic and Antarctic snow samples suggest this process has only a modest impact on the HOOH budget in the snowpack.
Critical challenges and impediments affecting rural physicians during a public health emergency.

Objective: Disaster preparedness has become a health policy priority for the United States in the aftermath of the anthrax attacks, 9/11, and other calamities. It is important for rural health care professionals to be prepared for a bioterrorist attack or other public health emergency. We sought to determine the barriers impeding rural physicians from being prepared for a human-induced disaster such as a bioterrorist attack. Methods: This study employed a qualitative methodology using key informant interviews followed by grounded theory methods for data analysis. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 6 physicians in the state of Florida from federally designated rural areas. Results: The interview participants articulated primary barriers and the associated factors contributing to these barriers that may affect rural physician preparedness for human-induced emergencies. Rural physicians identified 3 primary barriers: accessibility to health care, communication between physicians and patients, and rural infrastructure and resources. Each of these barriers included associated factors and influences. For instance, according to our participants, access to care was affected by a lack of health insurance, a lack of finances for health services, and transportation difficulties. Conclusions: Existing rural organizational infrastructure and resources are insufficient to meet current health needs owing to a number of factors including the paucity of health care providers, particularly medical specialists, and the associated patient-level barriers. These barriers presumably would be exacerbated in the advent of a human-induced public health emergency. Thus, strategically implemented health policies are needed to mitigate the barriers identified in this study. Language: en
The Origin of the “Ideal” Body Weight Equations

OBJECTIVE:To provide a historical perspective on the origin and similarity of the “ideal” body weight (IBW) equations, and clarify the terms ideal and lean body weight (LBW).DATA SOURCES:Primary and review literature were identified using MEDLINE (1966–November 1999) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–November 1999) pertaining to ideal and lean weight, height–weight tables, and obesity. In addition, textbooks and relevant reference lists were reviewed.DATA EXTRACTION:All articles identified through the data sources were evaluated. Information deemed to be relevant to the objectives of the review were included.DATA SYNTHESIS:Height–weight tables were generated to provide a means of comparing a population with respect to their relative weight. The weight data were found to correlate with mortality and resulted in the use of the terms desirable or ideal to describe these weights. Over the years, IBW was interpreted to represent a “fat-free” weight and thus was used as a surrogate for LBW. In ad...
Diminished Dihydropyridine Block of Timothy Syndrome Cav1.2 Channels Independent from Mutation-Altered Open State Inactivation

Timothy syndrome (TS) is a multisystem developmental disorder presenting clinical phenotypes of autism and cardiac arrhythmias. The disease is linked to single amino acid mutations (G402S or G406R) in the Cav1.2 L-type calcium channel which dramatically disrupt voltage-gated inactivation from the open state, as seen in electrophysiological recordings with barium as the charge carrier to remove calcium-dependent inactivation. Initial reports suggested that inactivation-deficient TS channels are less sensitive to DHP antagonists, presumably because these drugs preferentially inhibit inactivated channels. Here we thoroughly investigated inactivation and isradipine inhibition of G406R channels at voltages where the channel inactivates directly from closed states. Interestingly, despite dramatic differences in open state inactivation, closed state inactivation during long 25s conditioning pulses is minimal and not distinguishable between WT and G406R channels. Nevertheless, TS channels are still less sensitive than WT channels to DHP block at these voltages: 10nM isradipine blocks 10% of G406R channels vs. 30% of WT channels at −100mV and 35% of G406R channels vs. 70% of WT channels at −40mV. Investigation of −100mV block by multiple concentrations of isradipine revealed that G406R channels in deep closed states have a greatly reduced affinity (Kd ∼4.5 greater) for isradipine. To test how altered −100mV block affects block at modestly depolarized potentials, a drug concentration was chosen for TS channels (50nM isradipine) that produced the same 30% block at −100mV. Strikingly, when the change in affinity at −100mV was accounted for, block at −40mV prior to channel opening was identical between mutant and WT. These results suggest that the G406R mutation alters rested state block and that this accounts for the reduced drug block at modestly depolarized voltages, independent of the severe disruption in open state inactivation of the channel.
Data integrity protection through security monitoring for just-in-time news feeds

There has recently been a major shift in news related media consumption trends and readers are increasingly relying on just-in-time news feeds versus the traditional newspaper print medium. Cloud-networked infrastructures are being setup by the media companies to aggregate news feeds from affiliates, and to meet the elastic demands of Internet-scale users accessing news feeds. However, cyber attacks could compromise these just-in-time news feed services and hackers could particularly launch data integrity as well as denial-of-service attacks that: (a) tarnish the reputation of media companies and (b) impact the service availability for users. In this paper, we describe data integrity and availability checking techniques to protect just-in-time news feed services against cyber attacks in use cases such as: (a) “Data-in-Motion” — when obtaining just-in-time news feeds (e.g., RSS feeds) from affiliates and (b) “Data-at-Rest” — when compiled news feeds reside within cloud-networked infrastructure for real-time premium subscriber access. Using concepts of distributed trust and anomaly detection and a realistic testbed environment in the DeterLab infrastructure, we show the impact of the different cyber attacks and propose solutions to defend against them.
LP‐1: Late‐News Poster: Strong Accommodation Bias to a Collimated Retinal Scanned Light Display

Accommodation was measured while subjects viewed a retinal scanned light display that has a focus plane near optical infinity. Compared with dark accommodation, subjects over-accommodated to the display (mean 2D; 0–8D range). Subjects were unaware of blurring, suggesting open-loop accommodation. Accommodation fluctuates greatly between subjects viewing a fixed-focus retinal scanning display.
Earthquake Hydrodynamic Pressure on Dams

Hydrodynamic pressures on the vertical upstream face of straight dams during horizontal earthquakes were studied by Westergaad in 1933, and an analytical solution was obtained. Assuming that water is incompressible, an approximation can be made to reduce Westergaad’s mathematical formulation to the Laplace equation. The computer program SEEP2D, from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), is available for the study of seepage flow in porous media; this flow can be expressed mathematically in a form of the Laplace equation. Therefore, we can use this computer program to study the hydrodynamic pressure on dams during a horizontal earthquake in the upstream/downstream direction. In practice, the proposed procedure is not limited to SEEP2D but can also be applied to any computer model capable of solving Laplace equations in bounded domains. Two examples are presented to show the application of the COE’s computer program, and the accuracy of the proposed method is discussed.
Knowledge Transfer in an Internet Environment

The demand for students who can compete in the expanding global marketplace and the number of working adults that are returning to the classroom is growing rapidly. The College Board reports that nearly 50% of all students enrolled in higher education also work. Working adults need both flexibility and off-line support in undertaking a degree program. These dynamics call for new and innovative systems for providing educational content in a distance-learning environment. Typically, the working business student is interested in a practical curriculum that focuses on results and convenience. One approach to meeting these requirements is to provide knowledge transfer via a distance learning system (DLS). Distance learning has come a long way since Sir Isaac Pitman initiated the first correspondence course in the early 1840’s. Today, distance learning in higher education and industry is experiencing rapid growth (Huntley, 1999; Hopey, 1996). Internet based distance learning systems have reached the state of development to significantly improve the quality and delivery of business education.
Geochemical heterogeneity within mid-ocean ridge lava flows: insights into eruption, emplacement and global variations in magma generation

Compositional heterogeneity in mid-ocean ridge (MOR) lava flows is a powerful yet presently under-utilized volcanological and petrological tracer. Here, it is demonstrated that variations in pre- and syn-eruptive magmatic conditions throughout the global ridge system can be constrained with intra-flow compositional heterogeneity among 10 discrete MOR flows. Geographical distribution of chemical heterogeneity within flows is also used along with mapped physical features to help decipher the range of conditions that apply to seafloor eruptions (i.e. inferred vent locations and whether there were single or multiple eruptive episodes). Although low-pressure equilibrium fractional crystallization can account for much of the observed intra-flow compositional heterogeneity, some cases require multiple parent magmas and/or more complex crystallization conditions. Globally, the extent of within-flow compositional heterogeneity is well correlated (positively) with estimated erupted volume for flows from the northern East Pacific Rise (EPR), and the Mid Atlantic, Juan de Fuca and Gorda Ridges; however, some lavas from the superfast spreading southern EPR fall below this trend. Compositional heterogeneity is also inversely correlated with spreading rate. The more homogeneous compositions of lavas from faster spreading ridges likely reflect the relative thermal stability and longevity of sub-ridge crustal magma bodies, and possibly higher eruption frequencies. By contrast, greater compositional heterogeneity in lavas at slower spreading rates probably results from low thermal stability of the crust (due to diminished magma supply and greater hydrothermal cooling). Finally, the within-flow compositional variations observed here imply that caution must be exercised when interpreting MOR basalt data on samples where individual flows have not been mapped because chemical variations between lava samples may not necessarily record the history of spatially and temporally distinct eruptions. fl 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
A Bistatic Phased-Array Doppler Sonar for Wave-Current Research

Wave breaking and wave-forced flows are important to air‐sea interactions and to the transport and dispersal of materials at sea. But recent measurements have shown a discrepancy in the Eulerian response to wave groups compared to scientists’ current theoretical understanding of wave‐current interactions. Flow structures on scales of centimeters to meters occur underneath breaking waves, and larger-scale flows are driven by wave‐current interactions (e.g., Langmuir circulation, alongshore flows). Such details of the vertically resolved flow are just beginning to be modeled, and observational guidance is needed. Here a new instrument is described that is intended to measure waves and currents over a 2D vertical plane underwater, resolving two components of velocity on this plane. Initial observations were made near the Scripps Pier (La Jolla, California), where steep waves and strong currents can be reliably found, yet logistics are not too burdensome. To get the spatial resolution desired using 200-kHz sound, ping-to-ping ‘‘coherent processing’’ would have be used for Doppler estimation; however, near shore the reverberations remain too strong for far toolongtogetany coherence,unlikethepreviousexperience in deepwater.Inview ofthis,usingmuch higher frequencies (.1MHz) with ‘‘incoherent processing’’ is suggested; the increased attenuation at higher frequencies then would subdue the reverberation problem, but with comparable space‐time resolution.
Cervical spine reconstruction in cases of compromised bone quality.

( b r a s s m m a p b p t D d r C i B d T he prevalence of patients suffering from end-stage renal disease has increased in the United States (3). With the increasing availability of hemodialysis treatment, these atients are living longer but continue to suffer from the econdary complications of the illness. Renal osteodystrophy ROD) and hemodialysis-associated destructive spondyloarhropathy (DSA) are two related but distinct syndromes. ROD s a direct result of secondary (and rarely primary) hyperparahyroidism and is characterized by alternating areas of subhondral bone resorption, osteomalacia, and osteosclerosis 5). When these bony changes occur in the spine, they do so arallel to the vertebral end plates, creating alternating bands f lucency and sclerosis. The classic radiographic finding of rugger jersey spine” is a reflection of this pattern on lateral pine radiographs, as the alternating bands mimic the design f English rugby jerseys (4, 9, 17). The related phenomenon of emodialysis-associated destructive spondyloarthropathy DSA) was first described by Kuntz (7) in 1984. Kuntz’s group iscovered crystal deposition in the discs and vertebral bodies f patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis for chronic enal failure. This crystal was classified as beta-2-microglobuin ( 2M), a protein that is filtered by the healthy glomerulus, but cannot be filtered by dialysis filters due to its large size. Therefore, dialysis patients may have serum levels of 2M 50 to 60 times normal, resulting in deposition in not only the spine, but also the tendons leading to carpal tunnel syndrome and in the heart causing cardiomyopathy (5). DSA has a similar radiographic appearance to ROD in the spine, with the typical lack of osteophytic change (4). In addition to the compressive and destabilizing lesions that may result from ROD and DSA, surgeons must be aware of the high incidence of comorbidities (6), such as hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease, when caring for patients with end-stage renal dis-
Destabilization of the oceanic density structure and its significance to marine “extinction” events

Abstract Areally extensive overturn of deep toxic or biologically unconditioned water, at the beginning of climatic change, is suggested as a possible contributing factor to mass extinction events in the oceans. The overturn and transfer to the photic zone of such waters is due to disruption of the stable stratification of the oceans as the source of oceanic deep water shifts from middle to high latitudes during climatic cooling. In such a weakly stratified ocean, normal geophysical phenomena such as internal tides, heat flow, etc., could provide the uplift. Comparison of extinction events, climate, sulfur-isotope data, pyrite burial rates, sea-level changes, with times of potential overturn since the Late Precambrian suggest that overturn was a contributing factor in extinction events reported for the Late Ordovician, Late Devonian, Late Triassic, and Late Cretaceous; and for marine faunal change in the Late Precambrian and Middle Silurian.
Poster: Evaluation of menu techniques using a 3D game input device

With the rise in popularity of 3D spatial interaction in console gaming, such as the Nintendo Wii, it is important to determine whether existing menuing technique findings still hold true when using a 3D pointing device such as the Wii Controller. Linear menus were compared with two other menu techniques: radial menus and rotary menus. Effectiveness was measured through task completion time and the number of task errors. A subjective measure was also taken to determine participant preferences. Participants performed faster and made fewer errors when using the radial menu technique. Radial menus were also preferred by participants. These results indicate that radial menus are an effective menu technique when used with a 3D pointing device. This is consistent with previous work regarding radial menus and indicates that the usage of radial menus in gaming applications should be investigated further.
Taking Charge of the Future

Re-Framing the International: Law, Culture, Politics. Edited by Richard Falk, Edwin Lester J. Ruiz, R. B. J Walker. New York: Routledge, 2002. 256 pp., $80.00 cloth (ISBN: 0-415-93175-4), $24.95 paper (ISBN: 0-415-93176-2). At a time when the demands of nations clash with those of the state, eroding the comfortable fiction of sovereignty, a palpable need has emerged to understand the international system not as a static entity but as an ongoing evolutionary process. Such a vision, which allows for growth without the underlying panic that accompanies the shattering of the concrete, forms the basis of Richard Falk, Lester Edwin J. Ruiz, and R. J. B. Walker's edited book: Re-Framing the International . In this respect, the book echoes other critiques of realist theory, seeing it as focused on short-term linear choices made by identifiable but artificial hard-shelled entities. The strength of Re-Framing the International , however, is that it moves beyond this stock criticism to reanimate threads of a vision that first appeared in the debates on world order in the 1970s (see Mendlovitz 1975). These threads involve the creation of tangible supranational institutions and the development of global citizenship and identity, even as one visualizes the global system itself as a dynamic and ever-changing idea. According to Falk, Ruiz, and Walker, the reframing (that is, the process of moving from the static to the fluid) occurs first and foremost as a reinterpretation of sovereignty. Since the Treaty of Westphalia, the international system has come to …
Gene regulatory networks for development

The genomic program for development operates primarily by the regulated expression of genes encoding transcription factors and components of cell signaling pathways. This program is executed by cis-regulatory DNAs (e.g., enhancers and silencers) that control gene expression. The regulatory inputs and functional outputs of developmental control genes constitute network-like architectures. In this PNAS Special Feature are assembled papers on developmental gene regulatory networks governing the formation of various tissues and organs in nematodes, flies, sea urchins, frogs, and mammals. Here, we survey salient points of these networks, by using as reference those governing specification of the endomesoderm in sea urchin embryos and dorsal-ventral patterning in the Drosophila embryo.
Strategic analysis with simulation-based games

We present an overview of an emerging methodology for applying game-theoretic analysis to strategic environments described by a simulator. We first introduce the problem of solving a simulation-based game, and proceed to review convergence results and confidence bounds about game-theoretic equilibrium estimates. Next, we present techniques for approximating equilibria in simulation-based games, and close with a series of applications.
Amblyopia therapy in children identified by photoscreening.

Purpose To determine the efficacy of amblyopia treatment in children identified through a community photoscreening program. Design Case series. Participants We included 125 children diagnosed with amblyopia after referral from a photoscreening program. Methods Retrospective chart review of 125 amblyopic children identified by photoscreening and treated in a single academic pediatric ophthalmology group practice. Treatment regimens included spectacles, patching, and/or atropine penalization. Successful treatment was defined as ≥3 Snellen line equivalent improvement in visual acuity and/or 20/30 visual acuity in the amblyopic eye in literate children. Successful treatment in initially preliterate children was defined as 20/30 or better visual acuity in the amblyopic eye. Main Outcome Measures Percentage of successfully treated amblyopic children. Results Of 901 children evaluated after being referred from photoscreening, 551 had amblyopiogenic risk factors without amblyopia, 185 were diagnosed with amblyopia, and 165 were false positives. Of 185 children with amblyopia, 125 met inclusion criteria for analysis and 78% (97 of 125) were successfully treated. Conclusions The success rate of amblyopia treatment in children identified through our photoscreening program is high. This study supports the role of photoscreening programs in the prevention of amblyopia-related vision loss. Such early screening may translate to true visual acuity improvement. Financial Disclosure(s) The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article.
Ion binding in the open HCN pacemaker channel pore: fast mechanisms to shape "slow" channels.

IH pacemaker channels carry a mixed monovalent cation current that, under physiological ion gradients, reverses at ∼−34 mV, reflecting a 4:1 selectivity for K over Na. However, IH channels display anomalous behavior with respect to permeant ions such that (a) open channels do not exhibit the outward rectification anticipated assuming independence; (b) gating and selectivity are sensitive to the identity and concentrations of externally presented permeant ions; (c) the channels' ability to carry an inward Na current requires the presence of external K even though K is a minor charge carrier at negative voltages. Here we show that open HCN channels (the hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide sensitive pore forming subunits of IH) undergo a fast, voltage-dependent block by intracellular Mg in a manner that suggests the ion binds close to, or within, the selectivity filter. Eliminating internal divalent ion block reveals that (a) the K dependence of conduction is mediated via K occupancy of site(s) within the pore and that asymmetrical occupancy and/or coupling of these sites to flux further shapes ion flow, and (b) the kinetics of equilibration between K-vacant and K-occupied states of the pore (10–20 μs or faster) is close to the ion transit time when the pore is occupied by K alone (∼0.5–3 μs), a finding that indicates that either ion:ion repulsion involving Na is adequate to support flux (albeit at a rate below our detection threshold) and/or the pore undergoes rapid, permeant ion-sensitive equilibration between nonconducting and conducting configurations. Biophysically, further exploration of the Mg site and of interactions of Na and K within the pore will tell us much about the architecture and operation of this unusual pore. Physiologically, these results suggest ways in which “slow” pacemaker channels may contribute dynamically to the shaping of fast processes such as Na-K or Ca action potentials.
Solving convergent vector problems with internal maxillary distractors through the use of a fixed rapid palatal expander.

s d t Le Fort I maxillary distraction is a useful technique to advance the hypoplastic midface in patients with cleft lip and palate. Whereas both internal and external alo devices have been used successfully, internal evices are used at our center for patients who will ot accept an external halo. Some problems with the se of internal devices have included an inability to djust the vector of distraction and, in patients with left lip and palate, disruption of the alveolar cleft site ith convergence and overlap of dental segments. he problem of convergent vectors is due to the ttachment of straight distractors to the rounded arch orm of the maxilla. The situation is complicated by he tight space between the buccal mucosa and the istractor, which places soft tissue pressure on the istractor and can cause the anterior part of the disractor to be pushed toward the midline. In an attempt to remedy the transverse dimensional roblems, we have used a method whereby a rapid alatal expander is inserted before surgery to mainain the arch form during the distraction period. The igidity of the rapid palatal expander prevents the
REVERSE OSMOSIS CONCENTRATION of APPLE JUICE: FLUX and FLAVOR RETENTION BY CELLULOSE ACETATE and POLYAMIDE MEMBRANES

Apple juice was concentrated in a pilot scale reverse osmosis unit using two commercial spiral wound cellulose acetate membranes with 97% (CA-97) and 99% (CA-99) NaCl rejection ratings and an experimental polyamide (PA-99) membrane with 99% salt rejection rating. Flux and concentration rates were higher for the PA-99 membrane than for the CA membranes. Gas chromatographic analysis of feed, permeate, and concentrate samples was undertaken and a mass balance of odor-active volatiles was performed. the PA-99 membrane retained 45% of the total odor-active volatiles while the CA-99 retained 23 %. Acetates were not found to increase when apple juice was concentrated with the cellulose acetate membrane. Retention of individual aroma compounds for the CA-99 and PA-99 membrane was rationalized using polar, nonpolar, and steric parameters.
Can Robots Be Lawyers? Computers, Lawyers, and the Practice of Law

We assess frequently-advanced arguments that automation will soon replace much of the work currently performed by lawyers. Our assessment addresses three core weaknesses in the existing literature: (i) a failure to engage with technical details to appreciate the capacities and limits of existing and emerging software; (ii) an absence of data on how lawyers divide their time among various tasks, only some of which can be automated; and (iii) inadequate consideration of whether algorithmic performance of a task conforms to the values, ideals and challenges of the legal profession. Combining a detailed technical analysis with a unique data set on time allocation in large law firms, we estimate that automation has an impact on the demand for lawyers’ time that while measureable, is far less significant than popular accounts suggest. We then argue that the existing literature’s narrow focus on employment effects should be broadened to include the many ways in which computers are changing (as opposed to replacing) the work of lawyers. We show that the relevant evaluative and normative inquiries must begin with the ways in which computers perform various lawyering tasks differently than humans. These differences inform the desirability of automating various aspects of legal practice, while also shedding light on the core values of legal professionalism.
The Balance of Fluid and Osmotic Pressures across Active Biological Membranes with Application to the Corneal Endothelium

The movement of fluid and solutes across biological membranes facilitates the transport of nutrients for living organisms and maintains the fluid and osmotic pressures in biological systems. Understanding the pressure balances across membranes is crucial for studying fluid and electrolyte homeostasis in living systems, and is an area of active research. In this study, a set of enhanced Kedem-Katchalsky (KK) equations is proposed to describe fluxes of water and solutes across biological membranes, and is applied to analyze the relationship between fluid and osmotic pressures, accounting for active transport mechanisms that propel substances against their concentration gradients and for fixed charges that alter ionic distributions in separated environments. The equilibrium analysis demonstrates that the proposed theory recovers the Donnan osmotic pressure and can predict the correct fluid pressure difference across membranes, a result which cannot be achieved by existing KK theories due to the neglect of fixed charges. The steady-state analysis on active membranes suggests a new pressure mechanism which balances the fluid pressure together with the osmotic pressure. The source of this pressure arises from active ionic fluxes and from interactions between solvent and solutes in membrane transport. We apply the proposed theory to study the transendothelial fluid pressure in the in vivo cornea, which is a crucial factor maintaining the hydration and transparency of the tissue. The results show the importance of the proposed pressure mechanism in mediating stromal fluid pressure and provide a new interpretation of the pressure modulation mechanism in the in vivo cornea.
Reversible O-ylide formation in carbene/ether reactions.

p-Nitrophenylchlorocarbene reacted reversibly with diethyl ether, di-n-propyl ether, or tetrahydrofuran (THF) to form O-ylides, which were visualized by their UV–visible spectroscopic signatures. Equilibrium constants (Keq) were determined spectroscopically and ranged from 0.10 M–1 (di-n-propyl ether) to 7.5 M–1 (THF) at 295 K. Studies of Keq as a function of temperature afforded ΔHo, ΔSo, and ΔGo for the di-n-propyl ether and THF/O-ylide equilibria. ΔHo was favorable for ylide formation, but ΔSo was quite negative, so that ΔGos for the equilibria were small. Electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory provided structures, spectroscopic signatures, and energetics for the carbene/ether O-ylides.
Presence of a Specific Toxic Factor in the Stools and Urines of Poliomyelitis Patients

The subcutaneous injection of urine specimens or saline emulsions of stools obtained from patients ill with poliomyelitis brought about the death of guinea pigs in greater numbers than similar specimens obtained from normal individuals.Of 201 guinea pigs injected with stool suspensions from infantile paralysis patients, 66% died and 95% had reactions ranging from a simple local induration to a generalized cystic condition of the abdomen.Of 120 guinea pigs injected with stool suspensions from normal adults, 41% died and 60% had local or generalized skin reactions.Of 42 guinea pigs injected with stool suspensions from normal infants, 3% died and 21% had local or generalized skin reactions.Of 145 guinea pigs injected with suspensions of stools from patients ill with diseases other than infantile paralysis, 23% died and 50% had local or generalized skin reactions.Of 214 guinea pigs injected subcutaneously with urines from infantile paralysis patients, 14% died and 61% had local or generalized skin reactions.O...
EL2 Related Anomalous Splitting in the Photoreflectance Response of Semi-Insulating GaAs

Anomalous splitting has been observed in the photoreflectance (PR) response of SI:GaAs in the vicinity of the exciton at 78 K. Recent photolUminescence (PL) measurements suggest the splitting is correlated with the EL2 content of the samples. Separation between the two peaks in PR measurements range from about 2 to 4 meV. A striking effect is that each peak is maximized by a different phase setting of the lock-in. The splitting is sample dependent and is also affected by several other factors including surface conditions, temperature, pump beam intensity and modulation frequency.
Washington: A Cabinet Department of Education: The Time Is Now

(1977). Washington: A Cabinet Department of Education: The Time Is Now. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning: Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 37-38.
Biosynthesis of [14C]arachidonic acid from [14C]linoleate in primary cultures of rat Sertoli cells

The conversion of [14C]linoleate to [14C]arachidonate by rat Sertoli cells was established by use of primary cultures. Most of the14C from [1-14C]linoleate was located in C-3 of the synthesized arachidonate, indicating that the labeled tetraene had originated largely by elongation and desaturation of the intact labeled substrate rather than by mere addition of14C-acetate generated by bio-oxidation of the radioactive substrate to an already existing 18-carbon precursor. Although a relatively small amount of14C was present in 18∶3ω6 and a relatively large amount of14C was present in 20∶2, it was not possible from these data to establish the relative importance of 20∶2 in the biosynthesis of arachidonic acid in rat Sertoli cells.
Scalable Autonomy for UAVs

because of the great number of constraints that have to be respected for safety and reliable performance. The diculty of the problem of autonomy is because of the unstructured environment, and uncertainties in sensing and actuation. We develop scalable methods by which UAVs, individually or cooperatively, can perform standard functions of search, surveillance, and ground target tracking and hando with a minimum of human intervention, and fulll mission requirements in real-time in highly uncertain environments. Our method relies on an oine discretization of space, followed by an oine discretization of time for the travel of dierent vehicles, and the oine solution of the search, surveillance, and tracking problems. These oine solutions are then used online with suitable modications to account for environment uncertainty, UAV degradation/failure and changing mission requirements.
Localization of Angiogenesis Markers to Inner and Outer Retina

Ever since the pioneering observations of Dr. Michaelson (1) and others (2,3), there has been mounting evidence to suggest that there is a diffusible substance released by retina that plays a role in the development of neovascularization. Several authors have noted the association of retinal capillary nonperfusion and neovascularization (2– 5), implicating ischemia in the pathogenesis. The diffusible nature of the factor is suggested by the occurrence of neovascularization remote from the area of ischemia, such as neovascularization on the disc and rubeosis. Angiogenic activity has been demonstrated in mammalian retina (6,7), and several laboratories are in the process of purifying it. Since assays for angiogenesis are difficult to perform and hard to quantitate, assays for cellular events involved in the process of neovascularization are often substituted. These include vascular endothelial cell migration (8), proliferation (8), and production of plasminogen activator by vascular endothelial cells (9). Extracts prepared from mammalian retina contain significant activity for each of these three parameters (7,9,10). However, little is known about the source of these activities within the retina, or whether they are mediated by one agent or multiple agents.
Real estate sentiment as information for REIT bond pricing

AbstractFor corporate bond investors, credit ratings have been found to be informationally insufficient due to their limited timeliness and accuracy. This paper investigates the information content of forward-looking commercial real estate investor sentiment for pricing decisions of US REIT bond investors. Using an unbalanced panel data-set for the post-crisis period (2010–2013) and Prais–Winsten regression correcting for contemporaneous and serial correlation, sentiment is found to have a negative effect on REIT bond yields irrespective of S&P index inclusion or credit rating. The effect of sentiment, however, is larger for REITs that are not included in S&P indices than for S&P REITs. Explanations for this finding include institutional investor and REIT characteristics.
Surveillance of Plaque in Qingxin County in 2007

Objective To analyze the plague epidemic data, monitoring results of people and host animals in Qingxin county in 2007, and to provide a scientific basis for plague prevention and control. Method The epidemic data of plague in Qingyuan was collected. Monitoring site for people and host animals in Qingxin county were set up. Serum samples were collected from health people and rats for the F1 antibody detection by IHA method. The organs of rats were used for plague cultivation. Result No sign of plague epidemic and death rat was reported in monitoring periods. Indirect hemorrhagic assay(IHA) was used to test the F1 antibody against plague in the serum samples of 206 healthy people, and the results were all negative. 381 rodents were captured and which were grouped into 8 species: Rattus norvegicus, Rattus flavipectus, Bandicota indica, Rattus rattoides, Rattus sladoni, Suneus murinus, Mus musculus, and Rattus bowersi, which were accounted for 70.52%, 11.28%, 8.66%, 3.41%, 3.15%, 1.57%, 1.05%, 0.52% and 0.26%, respectively. House rats and wild rats were accounted for 84.51% and 15.49%, respectively. Gender ratio(female:male) was 1.31:1. Total densities of rodents, house rats and wild rats were 10.76%, 10.14% and 11.33%, respectively. Total flea index of rodents, house rats, wild rats were 0.2, 0.21 and 0.16, respectively. The total free flea index was 0. The index for Xenopsylla cheopis was 0.15. F1 antibody was detected by IHA from 318 rat serum samples. The results of Yersinia pestis culture from 172 organs were all negative. Conclusion The major rodent species found in Qingxin county is Rattus norvegicus, and Xenopsylla cheopis is the dominant species of flea in these rats. No sign of plague epidemic among rats and people was found, but serious plague epidemic had occurred in the history of Qingyuan, so there are still conditions for plague transmission in Qingyuan, which request more monitor of hosts and vectors related to plague.
Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants: Practical Considerations for Emergency Medicine Physicians.

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation- (NVAF-) related stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are cardiovascular diseases associated with significant morbidity and economic burden. The historical standard treatment of VTE has been the administration of parenteral heparinoid until oral warfarin therapy attains a therapeutic international normalized ratio. Warfarin has been the most common medication for stroke prevention in NVAF. Warfarin use is complicated by a narrow therapeutic window, unpredictable dose response, numerous food and drug interactions, and requirements for frequent monitoring. To overcome these disadvantages, direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs)—dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban—have been developed for the prevention of stroke or systemic embolic events (SEE) in patients with NVAF and for the treatment of VTE. Advantages of DOACs include predictable pharmacokinetics, few drug-drug interactions, and low monitoring requirements. In clinical studies, DOACs are noninferior to warfarin for the prevention of NVAF-related stroke and the treatment and prevention of VTE as well as postoperative knee and hip surgery VTE prophylaxis, with decreased bleeding risks. This review addresses the practical considerations for the emergency physician in DOAC use, including dosing recommendations, laboratory monitoring, anticoagulation reversal, and cost-effectiveness. The challenges of DOACs, such as the lack of specific laboratory measurements and antidotes, are also discussed.
Detection of Apoptosis in Cell-Free Systems

Apoptosis is a fundamental process required for proper embryonic development. Various methods have been described to detect apoptosis both in vitro as well as in vivo. Activation of caspases represents the key event in the apoptotic process. To dissect the molecular events leading to caspase activation, we have been using cell-free systems that recapitulate the mitochondrial death pathway. In the cell-free apoptosis assays, we either detect caspase activation in stimulated cells by utilizing subcellular fractions or reconstitute various components in cytosol (or mitochondria) to study molecular mechanisms of caspase activation. In either case, we utilize Western blot and/or substrate cleavage to monitor caspase activation. Using in-vitro reconstitution approach of caspase activation, we have discovered various factors that regulate caspase activity. Therefore, cell-free system not only is an invaluable tool to study apoptosis signaling but also provides molecular insight on caspase activation patterns and inhibitor specificities.
Fiscal Issues in Adjustment Programs

Because of large macroeconomic disequilibria characterized by inflation, balance of payments difficulties, and increasing debt obligations, in recent years many countries have adopted economic programs aimed at “adjusting” their economies. By and large, adjustment has aimed at reducing the rate of inflation, improving the balance of payments, and promoting economic growth.
Management of paracetamol overdose

Abstract Paracetamol is a widely available as an ‘over-the-counter medication' for children in the UK and overdose is one of the commonest reasons for contacting the UK Toxic Poisons Centre. The severity of presentation with paracetamol overdose may vary from no effect on liver function to severely deranged liver function tests causing liver failure and being rescued by liver transplantation or leading to death. N -Acetyl cysteine is highly effective therapy and the implementation of appropriate management in the early period of presentation to prevent the toxicity related to the liver and kidneys cannot be overemphasized. The article will aim to answer some key clinical questions facing the clinicians in the early management of paracetamol overdose.
Electronic and Structural Properties of C60 and Sc3N@C80 Supported on Graphene Nanoflakes

A theoretical study on the geometric and electronic structure of C60 and Sc3N@C80 absorbed on pristine graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) is presented. C60 is found to adsorb in two nearly degenerate configurations: with a pentagon facing the GNF, which is the most stable one, and with a hexagon facing the GNF in a face-to-face perfect alignment, rarely common in π–π interactions, 0.06 eV higher in energy. The calculated binding energy of 0.76 eV, which includes dispersion effects, is in good agreement with previous theoretical and experimental reports. On the contrary, Sc3N@C80 adsorption on the GNF resulted in a higher binding energy of 1.00 eV for nearly degenerate isomers that have a pentagon and a hexagon facing the SLG. This larger binding energy is explained in terms of a higher dispersion interaction between the larger metallofullerene and the GNF, and due to the fact that charge separation in Sc3N@C80, which results in a positively charged Sc3N inside a negatively charged C80, favors binding with the GNF...
On-Line Hard Real-Time Scheduling of Parallel Tasks on Partitionable Multiprocessors

Until now little research has addressed the problem of on line scheduling of sporadic parallel tasks with hard deadlines in partitionable multiprocessor systems In this paper we present two on-line scheduling algorithms - Buddy/RTand Stacking, for such environments Both the algorithms either guarantee or reject a task at the time of its arrival Buddy/RT is a straight-forward extension of the well-known Buddy strategy to the real-time environment, while Stacking is a more sophisticated algorithm based on the lessons learned from Buddy/RT The underlying concept behind the Stacking algorithm is to reduce fragmentation by 'stacking' equal-sized jobs in the time dimension The Stacking algorithm is found to perform significantly better than Buddy/RT over a wide range of workloads, even though both the algorithms have the same time complexity
MORTALITY REDUCTION ASSOCIATED WITH SURVEILLANCE USING AN EMR-BASED ACUITY SCORE AT AN ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTER

Background Early detection of subtle changes in a patient9s condition is critical to patient safety, but is difficult to achieve, even with electronic medical records. Objectives To identify at-risk patients and reduce in-hospital mortality through the implementation of surveillance protocols based upon a patient acuity score. Methods The Rothman Index (RI) is a validated patient acuity score, integrated into the EHR, updated in real-time, computed using: vital signs, laboratory values, and nursing assessments. In a nurse-driven initiative at Houston Methodist Hospital, a surveillance system based on RI was implemented on 11 clinical units. On each unit, RI-time-graphs, one for each patient, color-coded by severity, organized so that patients with poor or deteriorating scores were highlighted, were displayed. Graphs were reviewed by nurses at shift-change, during safety huddles, at least 5 times per day. Nurse practitioners rounded on those patients whose RI graphs were highlighted as high risk. Protocols were established for bedside nurses, and charge nurses, specifying actions (e.g. increased monitoring, notification of physicians) required upon triggering of a high risk alert level. Results Risk adjusted mortality (using the UHC mortality model) fell 32% in the 9-months following the intervention as compared to prior 9-months (historical control). Also there was a coincident control group, the remainder of the hospital, where risk-adjusted mortality was unchanged during the 18-months. Conclusions Enhanced surveillance reduced mortality, and the nursing-based protocols were subsequently implemented throughout the hospital, and are being implemented throughout the 8-hospital system. Implications are that this approach will also aid in improving the general quality of care.