cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temperature dependence of the unimolecular decomposition of pernitric acid and its atmospheric implications

Abstract The decay of pernitric acid (HO 2 NO 2 ) in the presence of excess nitric oxide has been studied in a 5800-liter, Teflon-lined chamber over the temperature range 254 to 283 K at 1 atm pressure of N 2 by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A heterogeneous reaction of NO 2 and H 2 O 2 was used to generate HO 2 NO 2 with less than 20% HNO 3 and less than 5% NO 2 present as impurities. The HO 2 NO 2 had lifetimes of 5 to 20 h in our chamber, presumably determined by heterogeneous loss to the walls. Two paths have been proposed for the reaction of NO 2 with HO 2 : (1), NO 2 + HO 2 → HONO + O 2 (2). In this study the ratio k 1 / k 2 was calculated to be greater than 10 3 throughout the temperature range studied. The homogeneous unimolecular decay of the HO 2 NO 2 , reaction (3), was investigated by adding excess NO in order to remove HO 2 by reaction (4). (3), HO 2 + NO → NO 2 + OH (4). The rate constant k 3 was determined to be 1.4 × 10 14 exp(−20700 ± 500/ RT )s −1 . The thermal decomposition lifetimes of HO 2 O 2 at 1 atm total pressure calculated from k 3 are 12 s at 298 K, 5 min at 273 K and 1 month at 220 K. Implications of these results for the role of pernitric acid in the lower and upper atmosphere are discussed.
Omental pedicle used to manage a large dorsal wound in a dog

An eight-year-old miniature schnauzer was presented with full thickness skin necrosis over most of the back, probably caused by a chemical burn. Management consisted of debridement, bandaging, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, topical application of tris-EDTA and oral administration of antimicrobials. A pedicle created from the greater omentum was used to fill the wound and provide a vascular bed for a full thickness meshed skin graft. Despite epidermal loss from the majority of the graft, the wound healed with acceptable appearance and function. This is the first clinical case described in the veterinary literature using an omental pedicle in prepare a free skin graft bed.
Acceptability of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Among Urban Adolescent Males

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was recently approved for use in males. Certain groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), are at increased risk of HPV infection. The purpose of the study was to understand perceptions of HPV and the vaccine among adolescent and young adult males, both heterosexual and MSM. Seventy-six males (45 heterosexual, 31 MSM) completed a questionnaire and participated in a focus group. Overall, 42% had heard of HPV and 39% had heard of the HPV vaccine. Males had moderate to favorable attitudes toward vaccination, although intentions to vaccinate were more neutral. MSM were more knowledgeable, aware, and in control of the decision to vaccinate than heterosexual males. Increasing awareness and knowledge about HPV and the vaccine may be necessary to encourage vaccination; certain subgroups of males may be more receptive to HPV vaccination than others.
Effect of glauconite on the elastic properties, porosity, and permeability of reservoir rocks

Glauconite is an iron rich variety of clay that can be found as individual pellets, composite grains, and intergranular cement. Its density ranges between 2.4 g/cm3 and 2.95 g/cm3, averaging 2.67 g/cm3. It has a Moh's scale hardness of 2. Authigenic glauconite is formed under a limited range of geologic and geochemical conditions; it typically develops on the outer margins of continental shelves, in areas of low sediment input (Odin, 1980), and its presence is valuable as an indicator of transgressive sequences. Identifying glauconite in the subsurface is important for depositional environment interpretation, stratigraphic correlation, dating, tracing of unconformities, and geochemical exploration for source and reservoir rocks (Srivastava, 1986). A number of commercial hydrocarbon reservoirs are glauconitic sandstones—for example in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Australia, Eastern China, North Sea, United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Ireland. Although glauconite tends to exist as grains and as such is part of the rock framework, under moderate overburden pressure, these grains are easily compacted (Figure 1) and may form a pseudomatrix that occludes the original primary porosity. This behavior is in contrast to that observed in clay minerals. This problem, and the fact that there are no published studies about the elastic properties of glauconite and glauconitic sandstones, motivated this research to understand their rock physics properties. We present analyses of data from five lithologies containing varying amounts of glauconite and identify the best seismic attributes to evaluate its presence and the reservoir quality. Figure 1. Optical image of a glauconitic sandstone (made at 20X magnification) showing formation of a pseudomatrix that occludes the original primary porosity. Glauconite=green, Quartz=white. The samples in this study come from Caballos Formation in Putumayo and Upper Magdalena Basins, Colombia (Figure 2), which is described as a marine transgressive blanket sandstone deposited in a shallow …
Design and Evaluation of Technology-Agnostic Heterogeneous Networks-on-Chip

Traditional metal-wire-based networks-on-chip (NoC) suffer from high latency and power dissipation as the system size scales up in the number of cores. This limitation stems from the inherent multihop communication nature of larger NoCs. It has previously been shown that the performance of NoCs can be significantly improved by introducing long-range, low power, and high-bandwidth single-hop links between distant cores. While previous work has focused on specific NoC architectures and configurations, it remains an open question whether heterogeneous link types are beneficial in a broad range of NoC architectures. In this article, we show that a generic NoC architecture with heterogeneous link types allows for NoCs with higher bandwidth at a lower cost compared to homogeneous networks. We further show that such NoCs scale up significantly better in terms of performance and cost. We demonstrate these broadly-applicable results by using a technology-agnostic complex network approach that targets NoC architectures with various emerging link types.
Nanoelectrodes for biological measurements

Nanoelectrodes are electrodes with a critical dimension in the range of one to hundreds of nanometers and include individual electrodes, nanoelectrode ensembles, and arrays. Metallic nanowires, carbon nanotubes, magnetic nanoparticles, and metal oxide nanowires have been employed to fabricate nanoelectrodes and platforms. In this review, applications of single electrodes, nanoelectrode arrays, and ensembles are briefly evaluated, with emphasis on biological analysis. Nanoelectrodes offer great advantages in numerous areas of biological investigations, particularly in single cells studies, fabrication of microchips, design of coordinated biosensors, and in addressable patterned electrodes. Consequently, nanoelectrodes have immense potential in the development of efficient, specific, sensitive, and intelligent sensors. In conjunction with the rapidly evolving, cost-effective fabrication and materials development approaches, these sensors can be used as direct, point-of-care clinical devices, enabling more personalized medical care. The development and application of nanodevices in biology and medicine will have enormous implications for society and human health.
The user and terrain-machine system research

Abstract Designing off-road equipment to meet user requirements assumes that research results are brought to bear on real design problems, that the user has been identified, and that the user's needs are communicated to the designer. In the area of military vehicles, these conditions are met. The U.S. Army Mobility Model is an example of how this is done. The Army Mobility Model, a computer simulation technique, allows terrain, vehicle, and driver characteristics to be combined to predict the performance of vehicles according to various criteria such as speed, fuel consumption, etc. The results of the computer analysis appear in map form, and there are also special techniques for finding the optimum route between two points. The data base has been validated by actual vehicle performance measurements. Several recent applications of the Army Mobility Model are discussed. These applications demonstrate that the need for a systematic application of terrain-vehicle research results to vehicle design has been at least partly fulfilled. This simulation technique has developed a stronger communication link between the vehicle designer and user. Establishing this link has created a new demand for a wide variety of vehicle performance predictions for which many predictive relations are not yet fully developed and validated. Adequate research will be necessary to ensure further progress in this direction.
Notes in case-control studies with matched pairs under inverse sampling

In case-control studies with matched pairs, the traditional point estimator of odds ratio (OR) is well-known to be biased with no exact finite variance under binomial sampling. In this paper, we consider use of inverse sampling in which we continue to sample subjects to form matched pairs until we obtain a pre-determined number (>0) of index pairs with the case unexposed but the control exposed. In contrast to use of binomial sampling, we show that the uniformly minimum variance unbiased estimator (UMVUE) of OR does exist under inverse sampling. We further derive an exact confidence interval of OR in closed form. Finally, we develop an exact test and an asymptotic test for testing the null hypothesis H 0 : OR = 1, as well as discuss sample size determination on the minimum required number of index pairs for a desired power at α-level.
Influence of Proline upon the Folding and Geometry of the WALP19 Transmembrane Peptide

The orientations, geometries and lipid interactions of designed, specifically anchored, transmembrane (TM) peptides have attracted significant experimental and theoretical interest. Because Pro will introduce a known discontinuity into an alpha-helix, we have sought to measure the extent of helix kinking caused by a single proline within an isolated TM helical domain, and to address the question: To what extent do the individual N-terminal and C-terminal segments adjust their tilts with respect to the bilayer normal in response to the proline? For this purpose, we synthesized WALP19-P10, acetyl-GWWLALALAP10ALALALWWA-ethanolamide, and included pairs of deuterated alanines by using 60-100% fmoc-d4-Ala at selected sequence positions. Remarkably, solid-state 2H NMR spectra from oriented, hydrated samples (1/40, peptide/lipid; using DOPC, DMPC or DLPC) reveal signals from many of the Ala Cα deuterons as well as the Ala Cβ methyls; whereas signals from backbone Cα deuterons had not been observed for WALP19 without Pro. For example the magnitudes of the 2H quadrupolar splittings are 70 and 10.7 kHz for the Ala11 Cα-D and side-chain methyl groups, respectively. We are considering possible reasons for the apparent “unmasking” of the backbone resonances in the presence of the proline. At the same time, the observed backbone resonances provide valuable additional data points for evaluating the segmental tilt angles of the N- and C-terminal segments. In order to make available still more data points for the Geometric Analysis of Labeled Alanines (GALA), we also are substituting selected leucines with d4-Ala. Together the results suggest that the central proline influences not only the geometry but also the dynamics of WALP19.
MR imaging of sports injuries to the rotator cuff

Impingement pain and rotator cuff injury are common in athletes, particularly in overhead throwers. The cuff can be injured in these patients in the typical location in the anterior supraspinatus tendon and near the junction of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons. The cuff tears in athletes are usually small, articular surface partial-thickness tears. The posterior cuff tears in overhead throwers are seen best at MR arthrography with the arm in abduction and external rotation. Other abnormalities, such as instability lesions or labral fraying, can be associated with rotator cuff tears in athletes.
Virtual play and communities: the evolution of group roles in electronic trace data

In this study we focus on the development of jargon within an online community dedicated to a national adult recreational sports league. The complete dataset incorporates 336,642 discussion forum posts contained within 9,559 discussion threads over the course of four years. We analyze one cross cutting discussion dedicated to the development of the community's lexicon, in order to establish a baseline of community jargon to be applied in later analysis of the other forums. This discussion, titled "the code", contains 249 comments made by 44 individuals. Our methods marry social network analysis with identification of individual, task and maintenance roles, to examine the roles of actors in establishing and contributing to the adoption of the set of jargon. Our findings build an understanding how individuals construct a shared language in a virtual space that is used in both the discussion forum and in physical interactions.
Solving fixed configuration problems with genetic search

Configuring a design from parts out of catalogs requires searching large numbers of combinations of parts. Optimizing search techniques are not practical for searching for parts in catalogus because the computation time is often excessive. Rule-based approaches suffer from being domain specific and thus are not appropriate for the general solution methods sought for in this work. The research reported in this paper found that a satisficing technique based on genetic search is a feasible alternative. It shows how catalog search can be solved with a genetic-search approach. It was discovered that encoding catalogs without any regard to part features did not reduce the effectiveness of the technique. The performance of genetic search also compares vary favorably with branch and bound.
Pre-procedural planning for percutaneous atrial septal defect closure: transesophageal echocardiography compared with cardiac computed tomographic angiography.

Background The safety and efficacy of percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) is determined by several variables, including defect size, presence of adequate rim tissue, relationship to other cardiac structures, and associated congenital anomalies. Objective We sought to determine the accuracy of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in predicting a defect’s size compared with pre-procedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and to the current “gold standard” balloon sizing by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). Methods Thirty-five consecutive patients referred for possible percutaneous closure of suspected secundum ASD were evaluated with gated multislice CTA after initial TEE screening. Axial and sagittal image planes of the ASD from the CTA multiplanar reformation (MPR) images were used to measure the defect size and surface area. Results Of the 35 patients with secundum-type ASDs, 5 subjects had disqualifying anatomy by CTA and 2 had an unsuccessful closure, resulting in a procedural success rate of 93%. Measurement of defect area by gated MPR images provided the strongest correlate to ICE balloon size. In large ASDs, TEE was less well correlated to the maximum defect size and identification of the inferior/inferoposterior rims than CTA. Conclusions Cardiac CTA is an accurate and useful technique for pre-procedural assessment of ASDs and may be superior to conventional TEE in large defects that have deficient inferior rims.
Modeling of selectively buried ion-exchanged waveguides using the beam propagation method

The beam propagation method is used to model a selectively buried ion-exchanged waveguide in glass. The results presented demonstrate that the waveguide remains adiabatic throughout its entire length. Theoretical calculations of mode profiles and losses are compared with experimental results.
Effects of dietary fat on hepatic microsomal metabolism of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine

The present study was designed to examine the effects of different high fat diets on the liver microsomal metabolism of aminopyrine (AMP) and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a low fat (5% corn oil) or high fat (20%) diets containing either corn oil, menhaden oil or beef tallow for a period of up to 9 months. Liver microsomes were assayed for N-demethylase activity for both AMP and DMH substrates at 2 weeks, 1, 6 and 9 months of diet only, and also after 1, 2, 5 and 10 DMH treatments (20 mg/kg body weight). The menhaden oil-fed group had consistently higher AMP demethylase activity, which increased up to 6 months and then declined. Beef tallow-fed rats had the highest DMH demethylase activity following DMH, but this decreased by 10 treatments. These data indicate that type and amount of dietary fat affects microsomal metabolism of carcinogens, which may enhance tumor initiation.
Deformation and fracture of NiAl single crystals tested in torsion

Binary NiAl single crystals were tested in torsion. [001] oriented samples exhibited lower shear strength and higher shear strain to failure compared to [110] oriented samples. Transmission electron microscopy revealed an increasing dislocation density from the center of the sample to the outer surface. Most dislocations that were analyzed were of the b= <100= type, however, some 〈110〉 type dislocations were observed in the [110] oriented samples. Electron backscatter patterns and tilting experiments were used to determine the crystallography of two types of facets on failed samples: those near {112} and those ∼10° away from {001}.
A globally well-posed nonlinear nonlocal diffusion

Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.Nonlinear diffusions have successfully been employed to perform a variety of tasks in image processing. In the context of de-noising, the Perona-Malik equation is a particularly successful example. In spite of its cherished qualities, it is mathematicallyill-posed and has some practical short-comings. In this short paper a new nonlocal nonlinear diffusion is reported upon, whichis globally well-posed and shares with Perona-Malik all its qualities even improving on its weaknesses. It can be viewed as anew kind of regularization.
Realizing UTC(NIST) at a remote location

I will describe the backup time scale system that I have constructed at the site of the NIST radio stations near Fort Collins, Colorado, and I will compare its performance with the primary ensemble in Boulder. The Fort Collins system is designed to be a backup for the Boulder system and is intended to support all of the NIST time services should the primary scale become unavailable for any reason. The backup time has a number of unique problems and requirements, and I will discuss the design considerations that I used to address these issues. The backup scale tracks UTC(NIST) in frequency with an uncertainty (measured by the Allan deviation of the difference) of about 1 × 10 −14 by use of administrative steering that is applied not more often than once per week. The corresponding time deviation is less than 1 ns for all averaging times less than 1 week, and the peak time difference between UTC(NIST) and its backup realization is less than ±25 ns and is generally much better than this value. This is much better than would be needed for supporting the radio stations, the digital time services (ACTS, a time service that provides time in a digital format using dial-up telephone lines, and the Internet services) and the Frequency Measurement Service. Its frequency stability and time accuracy would not be adequate for the most demanding users of the Global Time Service and for international time and frequency coordination. The primary limitations to the performance of the backup time scale are caused by environmental perturbations, especially temperature and supply voltage, and the existing hardware could probably support all of the NIST services if the environment were improved. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Analysis of a high throughput n-dodecane fueled heterogeneous/homogeneous parallel plate microreactor for portable power conversion

Abstract To date, conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy for portable power sources has primarily focused on available thermoelectric elements limited to low temperatures and, therefore, low Carnot efficiencies. With advances in thermoelectric (TE) and thermophotovoltaic (TPV) devices allowing higher hot side temperatures, there is an increasing need for small (cm3 scale, O(10–100) Wchemical), stable platforms to fully oxidize practical liquid fuels with little pressure drop at high (∼800–1000 °C), uniform temperatures. Hybrid heterogeneous/homogeneous (HH) reactors provide a means to achieve this. The heterogeneous nature of HH reactors offers inherent stability against reaction extinction while homogeneous reactions are capable of fully converting the fuel; combined, the net effect of HH operation shows promise to both intensify and stabilize a reactor subject to high throughput and heat losses. In this work, we examine the operation of a dodecane fueled parallel plate microreactor with platinum-coated walls targeted for TPV applications. Increasing the confinement of the reactor increases the rate of heat and mass transport to the catalytic walls and, simultaneously the reactor temperature and homogeneous reaction rates. It is shown that, by tuning the reactor confinement, it may be possible to deliver the high, uniform temperatures required for efficient thermal-to-electric power conversion with low diffusivity tactical fuels. Simplified models provide insight into the thermal behavior of the reactor and the role of homogeneous dodecane decomposition on reactor performance.
Combination of nateglinide with thiazolidinediones in Type 2 diabetes

Insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion are reciprocally related such that insulin resistance is adapted by increased insulin secretion to maintain normal glucose and lipid homeostasis. Treatment of Type 2 diabetes should aim to restore and sustain the normal relationship between insulin sensitivity and secretion. Nateglinide is a rapid-onset, short-acting insulin-secretion enhancer that restores early-phase insulin secretion, reduces postprandial glucose excursions and prevents long-term hyperinsulinemia. Given its mechanism of action, it is evident that nateglinide would be more effective when used in combination with an insulin sensitizer, such as the thiazolidinediones. Thiazolidinediones do not stimulate insulin release and, therefore, are potentially suitable candidates for combination therapy with an insulin-secretion enhancer, such as nateglinide. Combination therapy of thiazolidinediones with nateglinide is effective, carries low risk of hypoglycemia and is suitable for patients with moderate renal impairment, although weight gain and edema are common side effects. Further studies are needed to determine whether nateglinide in combination with thiazolidinediones will help clinicians better achieve their treatment goals in targeting Type 2 diabetes. Moreover, comparative studies between nateglinide and medications targeting postprandial glycemia, such as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues, are necessary. This article summarizes data concerning the mechanism of action, efficacy and safety of therapy with nateglinide and thiazolidinediones as monotherapy and in combination treatment, and aims at a better understanding of the substrate defects their synergy hopes to defy.
The balance point: Indexing policies

In this column, indexing and abstracting company representatives discuss several aspects of indexing policy and database selection. Authors were asked to describe the selection of titles and the content of the database and how the database is revised and updated. They also discuss how the subject is defined, how balance, quality, and appropriateness of the indexing are achieved, and the publisher's approach to nontraditional sources. In conclusion, they address the future of the publication, download and tapeload versions of indexing of specific periodical titles, and related topics.
The NOνA experiment

NOνA is a long-baseline neutrino experiment designed to study ν μ →ν e and $\overline \nu_{\mu} \to \overline \nu_e $ oscillations. It will measure the neutrino mixing angles θ 13 and θ 23 with high precision, probe the neutrino mass hierarchy, and search for CP violation in neutrino oscillations. The experiment consists of two detectors. The Near Detector will be located at Fermilab close to the source of the neutrino beam. The Far Detector is being built at Ash River in northern Minnesota. It is positioned 14 mrad off the neutrino beam axis where the neutrinos have an energy distribution with a narrow peak around 2 GeV, and where the transition probability of ν μ →ν e is close to its maximum.
Reputation systems, aggression, and deterrence in social interaction

Abstract Why do individuals sometimes pursue apparently senseless aggression, whether on the street, in court, at work, or in politics? Past work converges on the idea that individuals do so to establish social rank and deter prospective challengers. However, the fundamental claims of this argument – that concerns for one’s reputation cause individuals to behave aggressively, and that a reputation for aggression deters threats from others – remain controversial. This paper offers a theoretical argument linking concern for reputation to aggressive behavior and deterrence. The theory argues that in competitive interactions, determining one’s likelihood of prevailing in conflict (“competitive ability”) is crucial for deciding whether to pursue conflict, but also rife with uncertainty. This motivates individuals to engage in aggressive behavior to signal to others (perhaps falsely) that they are strong competitors. Two behavioral experiments test this argument, and find that reputation systems motivate aggressive behavior, competitive ability moderates this effect, and reputations for aggressive behavior deter aggression from others. The results contribute to understanding the role reputation systems play in the social organization of aggressive behavior.
Genomic sequencing of uncultured microorganisms from single cells

Sequencing DNA from single cells has opened new windows onto the microbial world. It is becoming routine to sequence bacterial species directly from environmental samples or clinical specimens without the need to develop cultivation methods. Recent technical improvements often allow nearly complete genome assembly from these otherwise inaccessible species. New bioinformatics methods are also improving genome assembly from single cells. The use of single-cell sequencing in combination with metagenomic analysis is also emerging as a powerful new strategy to analyse bacterial communities. Here, the technical developments that have enabled single-cell sequencing, as well as some of the most exciting applications of this approach from the past few years, are reviewed.
Tri-ethnic alcohol use and religion, family, and gender

Nine different behavioral responses to alcohol by over two hundred ninth-graders in Austin, Texas, were examined in a survey designed to identify the relationship between adolescents' alcohol use, religious affiliation, religiosity, and gender. The relationship between alcohol use and family adaptability was also examined. While religious affiliation was found to be mildly predictive of use, religiosity determined only specific behavior. Gender differences in alcohol use appeared to be narrowing. Family adaptability was the most predictive variable, showing a relationship with six of the nine kinds of alcohol behavior. Future studies of family influences on adolescents' alcohol behavior and alcohol use among females are recommended.
Chemical Synthesis and Molecular Recognition of Phosphatase-Resistant Analogues of Phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate

The remodeling of phosphatidylinositol polyphosphates in cellular membranes by phosphatases and kinases orchestrates the signaling by these lipids in space and time. To provide chemical tools to study the changes in cell physiology mediated by these lipids, three new metabolically stabilized (ms) analogues of phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PtdIns(3)P) were synthesized. We describe herein the total asymmetric synthesis of 3-methylphosphonate, 3-(monofluoromethyl)phosphonate and 3-phosphorothioate analogues of PtdIns(3)P. From differentially protected d-myo-inositol key intermediates, a versatile phosphoramidite reagent was employed in the synthesis of PtdIns(3)P analogues with diacylglyceryl moieties containing dioleoyl, dipalmitoyl, and dibutyryl chains. In addition, we introduce a new phosphorylation reagent, (monofluoromethyl)phosphonyl chloride, which has general applications for the preparation of “pKa-matched” monofluorophosphonates. These ms-PtdIns(3)P analogues exhibited reduced binding activiti...
The impact of place? A reassessment of the importance of the South in affecting beliefs about racial inequality

Abstract Research shows that individuals living in the southern part of the United States express more negative racial attitudes than those living outside the South. Using data from The American National Election Study (NES), the purpose of this paper is to assess whether key factors often associated with the Southern attitude distinction are indeed more potent in the South than elsewhere. Drawing data from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, we further assess whether the impact of the South has increased or decreased over time. Results indicate that the impact of the South is negligible at best. Findings do show that place does matter for conservatives. However, in this case, non-South location matters more than the South. Relative to their liberal counterparts, conservatives in the non-South espouse more individualistic beliefs than do their Southern counterparts. These findings are discussed within the dominant theoretical framework in this area.
Stochastic simulation of heat flow with application to laser–solid interactions

A general method for calculating time-dependent temperature distributions in materials is described. It treats the energy input and redistribution process as a kinetics problem, and uses the stochastic method for simulating chemical kinetics in order to model heat flow. The algorithm is applied to the particular problem of laser heating of solids. Simulated temperature distributions are compared with conventional calculations and to experimental results for cw-visible laser heating of silicon and pulsed infrared laser heating of silver to demonstrate accuracy over a wide dynamic range of illumination conditions. The results are in agreement within the error limits of theory and experiment, indicating that less well-characterized systems can be treated with confidence. The main advantages of the method are its computational simplicity and extensibility, which should enable very complex systems to be modeled using minimal computational resources.
The motion of electrolytic gas bubbles near electrodes

Several reports in the literature mention oscillatory bubble motions close to, or in contact with electrodes. Such behaviour is obviously related to a time-variable force, but it was not apparent what the origin of this variable force was. Recent advances in understanding of the surfactant behaviour of gases, and in particular the gases liberated during electrolysis, have cast a new light on the underlying mechanism of these oscillations. Other unexpected, but not necessarily oscillatory bubble behaviour is discussed, and the role of electrolytic gas acting as a surfactant illuminates these non-oscillatory motions as well. Finally, the paradox of bubbles remaining attached to electrodes with zero contact angle is resolved.
Unemployment: A labor market perspective

Twentieth century economists have made countless attempts to resolve the causes and cures of unemployment. However none have ventured to consider unemployment not as a social problem but as a market response to political and economic incentives. By treating unemployment as a labor market, where workers rationally select periods of joblessness and where special interest groups profit from unemployment, this paper develops a theoretically consistent model to explain the effects that policy and economic variables have on unemployment. Empirical results support this approach and the worker disincentive effects of UI compensation by estimating simultaneously a demand and supply for unemployment.
Opportunity Costing Decision Heuristics for Product Acceptance Decisions

Full‐cost heuristics have been proposed as proxies for opportunity costs in order acceptance decisions. We continue this investigation by considering the effect of different levels of stochastic product demand, lead‐time allowances, variations in product cost structure, and the balance of workstation capacity, on the efficacy of the full‐cost heuristic compared to other accounting based heuristics. We use simulation to consider a common job shop where order arrivals are stochastic and capacity acquisition takes place prior to demand realization. We find that the full‐cost heuristic performs well when lead‐time allowances are long and the shop is balanced. However, deviations from these conditions can lead to a reduction in its usefulness and better performance by other accounting heuristics.
The haematopoietic cell transplantation comorbidity index score is predictive of early death and survival in patients over 60 years of age receiving induction therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia

Summary The haematopoietic cell transplantation comorbidity index (HCTCI) predicts nonrelapse mortality and overall survival (OS) post-stem cell transplantation. HCTCI scores were assessed in 177 patients over 60 years of age receiving acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) induction therapy. HCTCI score was 0 in 22% of patients, 1–2 in 30%, and ≥3 in 48%. In patients with scores of 0, 1–2, or ≥3, early death rates were 3%, 11% and 29% (P < 0·001) respectively; median OS was 45, 31 and 19 weeks (P = 0·04) respectively. The HCTCI score is predictive of early death rates and OS in older patients receiving AML induction therapy.
Attribution of responsibility for a naturally occurring event: The 1973 Nobel Peace Prize

On October 16, 1973, the Nobel Peace Prize awards were announced. Within 4 days, a field study was conducted to examine attribution of responsibility for contributions toward peace. Two major findings included (1) an inverse relationship between extremity of outcome and responsibility attribution, and (2) a positive relationship between the respondent’s personal similarity to the target person and responsibility attribution. These results demonstrate the utility of field studies inasmuch as the data are consistent with predictions derived from laboratory investigations of attribution theory.
E-Glass/Vinylester Composites in Aqueous Environments: Effects on Short-Beam Shear Strength

The paper present the results of extended (225 weeks) aqueous immersion of E-glass/vinylester composites, fabricated by the resin infusion process. Two different architectures (unidirectional and bidirectional) are tested to assess effects of temperature levels between 5 and 60°C on the short-beam shear strength. Tests show the competing effects of plasticization and postcuring balanced by hydrolytic degradation. The maximum reduction in performance is seen through immersion in deionized water at 60°C wherein pronounced interface and fiber level degradation is noted. Cycling between the two extremes of 5 and 60°C is also seen to cause acceleration of some interface and bulk resin related degradation phenomena. Experimental results obtained from hygrothermal aging at 23°C are compared with predictions based on an Arrhenius type model, and it is shown that good correlation can be obtained in sets where degradation mechanisms remain the same. Shortcomings of this type of model for life predictions are discussed to emphasize viability of use in design.
Reevaluation of the Nucleotide Cofactor Specificity of the RecA Protein from Bacillus subtilis

The RecA protein from the Gram-positive bacterium, Bacillus subtilis, has been reported to catalyze dATP hydrolysis and to promote strand exchange in the presence of dATP but to have no ATP hydrolysis or ATP-dependent strand exchange activity (Lovett, C. M., Jr., and Roberts, J. W. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 3305–3313). The well characterized RecA protein from Escherichia coli, in contrast, catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP and dATP at similar rates and can use either ATP or dATP as a cofactor for the strand exchange reaction. To explore this reported difference in nucleotide cofactor specificity in detail, we developed an overexpression system for the B. subtilis RecA protein and purified the protein to greater than 95% homogeneity. Contrary to the previous report, we find that the B. subtilis RecA protein catalyzes the hydrolysis of both dATP and ATP and can perform strand exchange using either dATP or ATP as a cofactor. Our results suggest that the inability of previous investigators to detect the ATP hydrolysis and ATP-dependent strand exchange activities of the B. subtilis RecA protein may have been due to the particular assay conditions that were used in the earlier study.
The Sociology of Knowledge and Community Mental Health Research

The sociology of knowledge is concerned with the social genesis of ideas as well as extra-theoretical influences upon their forms and content. An attempt is made to assess some of these influences upon community mental health research. A comparison is made of the concepts, theories, and methods in community mental health research with that of general sociology. The major referents of the comparison are the Detroit, Hutterite, Kalamazoo, Midtown Manhattan, New Haven, Nova Scotia, Philadelphia, and Texas studies. Alternatives to current concepts, theories, and methods in community mental health research are considered. Among the major influences are the value-free perspective, medical perspective, expediency perspective, demographic perspective, attribute perspective, empiricist procedure, and the inductive procedure.
Carbon paste electrodes application to cathodic reductions and anodic stripping voltammetry

Abstract The utility of carbon paste electrodes for metal ion reductions and anodic stripping voltammetry is demonstrated. In addition certain organic reductions can be accomplished. Extension of the use of carbon electrodes to the cathodic range shows that this electrode has a wide range of potential applications. For anodic oxidations, the carbon paste electrode is perhaps the most versatile and useful stationary electrode available; it possesses practically zero anodic residual current and readily reproducible surfaces, and is simple to prepare and use. On the cathodic side carbon pastes arc limited by a non-removable residual current but this difficulty seems readily circumvented.
An analysis of selective beta receptor blockade

Abstract The beta adrenergic receptor blocking properties of 1-(4′-methyl-phenyl)-2-isopropylamino-propanol HCl (H 35/25), 1-(4′-methylphenyl)-2-isopropylaminoethanol — HCl (H 29/50) and 4-(2-hydroxy-3-isopropylaminopropoxy) acetanilide (ICI 50172) were compared according to their ability to block the positive chronotropic, vasodepressor and intestinal inhibitory responses to three doses of isoproterenol in the anesthetized dog. The results obtained suggest that these three agents differ in the selectivity of their beta receptor blocking actions. H 29/50 blocked all three responses to isoproterenol in the same dose range. H 35/25 blocked the vasodepressor but not the positive chronotropic or intestinal inhibitory responses to isoproterenol. ICI 50172 blocked the positive chronotropic response, the intestinal inhibitory response but not the vasodepressor response to isoproterenol. These data support the conclusion that there are beta receptor blocking agents with varying degrees of selectivity.
Regional cardiac sympathetic denervation in patients with ventricular tachycardia in the absence of coronary artery disease

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to determine whether patients with ventricular arrhythmias in the absence of coronary artery disease also have abnormalities in sympathetic innervation. Background. We have previously shown by cardiac sympathetic scintigraphy using iodine-123-metasiodobenzylguanidine (I-123-MIBG) that patients with ventricular tachycardia after myocardial infarction have regional cardiac sympathetic denervation. It is not known whether patients with ventricular tachycardia in the absence of coronary artery disease also have regional cardiac sympathetic denervation. Method. We performed cardiac I-123-MIBG and thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) scans at rest in 18 patients (mean age 47 ± 18 years) with cardiomyopathy (n = 6), left ventricular hypertrophy (n = 1), valvular disease (n = 2) or a structurally normal heart (n = 9) who presented with monomorphic (n = 15) or polymorphic (n = 3) ventricular tachycardia. These scans were compared with scans in 12 control patients without ventricular tachycardia (mean age 30 ± 17 years) who had cardiomyopathy (n = 3) or a structurally normal heart (n = 9). Cardiac sympathetic denervation was defined as myocardial areas having thallium uptake with reduced or absent I-123-MIBG uptake. Results. Twelve (67%) of 18 patients with ventricular tachycardia had regional cardiac sympathetic denervatlon compared with 1 (8%) of 12 patients who did not have ventricular tachycardia (p = 0.002). In the nine patients with a structurally normal heart and ventricular tachycardia, five (55%) patients had regional cardiac sympathetic denervatlon compared with zero of nine control patients with a structurally normal heart (p = 0.029). Five patients underwent right ventricular radiofrequency ablation for ventricular tachycardia, and sympathetic denervatton was adjacent to the ablation site in one of these patients. Conclusions. Patients with ventricular tachycardia in the absence of coronary artery disease have abnormal cardiac sympathetic innervation detectable by cardiac sympathetic scintigraphy. The rote of regional cardiac sympathetic denervatton in arrhythmogenesis remains to be determined.
Fungal diagnosis: how do we do it and can we do better?

AbstractBackground:Morbidity and mortality remain high for patients with invasive fungal infections (IFIs) despite an increasing number of antifungals and other treatments. Many studies indicate that delayed or inaccurate diagnosis and treatment are major causes of poor outcomes in patients with IFIs.Objective:The aim of the current paper is to provide a review of traditional and newer approaches to the diagnosis of IFIs, with a particular focus on invasive candidiasis (IC) and aspergillosis (IA). Recent studies from the author’s institution are highlighted, along with an advancement in cryptococcal meningitis diagnosis that should improve the care of AIDS and its opportunistic infection in many developing countries.Findings:Currently available tools for the diagnosis of IFIs include traditional methods like histopathology, culture, and radiology, and newer antigen- and PCR-based diagnostic assays. Attempts have also been made to predict IFIs based on colonization or other factors, including genetic polym...
Intravenous immunoglobulin in treatment of Clostridium difficile colitis

Clostridium difficile infection is the most common infectious cause of healthcare-acquired diarrhoea. Severe infections cause therapeutic challenges for healthcare providers. Various novel treatment modalities are currently being explored for treatment of severe disease. The authors report a 70-year-old female who presented to the emergency room with 1 week history of fever, watery diarrhoea, diffuse abdominal pain and weakness. C difficile toxin was detected in the stool and abdominal CAT scan showed extensive colonic wall thickening. The patient was started on intravenous metronidazole along with oral vancomycin. Due to the severity of the infection the patient was given intravenous immunoglobin for 4 consecutive days. The patient had vast improvement in her clinical symptoms with resolution of the multi-organ system failure. It is currently considered that the predominant intravenous immunoglobin’s mechanism of action is through binding and neutralisation of toxin A by IgG antitoxin A antibodies.
Cell Manipulation and Sub-Cellular Force Measurements Using Magnetic Nanowires

This paper focuses on applications that take advantage of the large magnetic moment and anisotropy of the nanowires for cell positioning and manipulation, and for new approaches to measurements of sub-cellular force transduction.
Adaptive Sky: From Instrument Pixels to a Sensor Web Gestalt

A variety of sensors have been developed and deployed to monitor the Earth, ranging from in situ seismographic networks to hyperspectral imaging instruments carried onboard NASA satellites. Despite an impressive collection of sensing assets, there is still much untapped potential, as evidenced by the limited number of studies that successfully employ high-resolution data from multiple instruments. Sensor webs offer the potential to go beyond simple data fusion by dynamically combining sensing assets into coordinated, multi-instrument observers of specific geophysical objects, phenomena, and processes. In this paper, we describe Adaptive Sky, an algorithm package for sensor webs developed through funding from the NASA Earth Science Technology Office under the Advanced Information Systems Technology program. Fundamentally, Adaptive Sky aims to relate the observations from one sensor at time t to the observations from another sensor at time t', providing a “gestalt,” or unified, perspective that is more than the sum of its parts. A scenario involving the eruption of Bezymianny Volcano on the remote Kamchatka Peninsula on 14 October 2007 demonstrates conceptually how Adaptive Sky can be leveraged to create unprecedented spatio-temporal and phenomenological coverage of a complex geophysical event of interest, despite limitations inherent in the individual sensors.