cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An ode to polyethylene

Polyethylene is one of the most produced materials in the world—is it a blessing or a curse? This article makes the case for the former by highlighting a range of emerging applications of polyethylene in energy and sustainability, including passive cooling of electronics and wearables, water treatment and harvesting, and even ocean cleanup from plastic waste debris. Usually, when the word “polyethylene” is mentioned in the context of discussing sustainability issues, a good chance the message is that “the current level of environmental plastic pollution is unsustainable.” Polyethylene does indeed comprise a large volume of plastic waste, but only because it is used in so many different products, which eventually reach the end of their lifetime and end up on the landfills and in the ocean. There is, however, a good reason—actually, many good reasons—why polyethylene is one of the most produced materials in the world, and this review discusses various useful applications stemming from the unique material properties of polyethylene. Some of the emerging applications of polyethylene hold high promise for sustainable energy generation from renewable sources and for sustainable management of planetary energy and water resources. Light weight and corrosion resistance of polyethylene, combined with its unique infrared transparency and heat transfer properties, which can be engineered to span between the near-perfect insulation and metal-like conduction, are at the core of new technological applications of a not-so-old material.
Development and Validation of a Socioeconomic Kidney Transplant Derailers Index.

Author(s): Peipert, John D; Beaumont, Jennifer L; Robbins, Mark L; Paiva, Andrea L; Anderson, Crystal; Cui, Yujie; Waterman, Amy D | Abstract: Socioeconomic barriers can prevent successful kidney transplant (KT) but are difficult to measure efficiently in clinical settings. We created and validated an individual-level, single score Kidney Transplant Derailers Index (KTDI) and assessed its association with waitlisting and living donor KT (LDKT) rates. Methods:The dataset included 733 patients presenting for KT evaluation in a transplant center in California. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify socioeconomic barriers to KT (derailers) to include in the index. Potential KT derailers included health insurance, employment, financial insecurity, educational attainment, perception of neighborhood safety, access to a vehicle, having a washer/dryer, and quality of social support. Validity was tested with associations between KTDI scores and the following: (1) the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and (2) time to KT waitlisting and LDKT. Results:Nine derailers were retained, omitting only social support level from the original set. The KTDI was scored by summing the number of derailers endorsed (mean: 3.0; range: 0-9). Black patients had higher estimated KTDI scores than other patient groups (versus White patients, 3.8 versus 2.1; P l 0.001, effect size = 0.81). In addition, the KTDI was associated with the ADI (γ = 0.70, SE = 0.07; P l 0.001). Finally, in comparison to the lower tertile, patients in the upper and middle KTDI tertiles had lower hazard of waitlisting (upper tertile hazard ratio [HR]: 0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25-0.45; middle tertile HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.40-0.72) and receiving an LDKT (upper tertile HR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.08-0.30; middle tertile HR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20-0.62). These associations remained significant when adjusting for the ADI and other patient characteristics. Conclusions:The KTDI is a valid indicator of socioeconomic barriers to KT for individual patients that can be used to identify patients at risk for not receiving a KT.
Expanding the scope of distillation network synthesis using superstructure-based methods

Abstract We study two new challenging problems in distillation network synthesis: (1) how to synthesize a distillation sequence when streams can have variable, including zero, component flows, which is common when the distillation network is simultaneously designed with the reactor network, and (2) how to couple the reactor and distillation networks, especially when there are multiple coupling streams. We introduce a superstructure-based method for distillation sequence synthesis using a “matrix” representation. We use binary variables and mixed-integer constraints to determine the separation task for each distillation column accounting for the possible zero component flows. Departing from existing methods, the proposed approach yields the optimal coupling configuration of distillation and reactor networks.
A Language’s Demise Through a Curricular Evolution: A Preliminary Study

This phenomenological research aims to identify and examine the impact of curricular changes on language preservation in Lebanon, Egypt, and Morocco. This preliminary qualitative study seeks to analyze any potential patterns that may exist among the curricular changes in the Arab nations; analyze the factors that led to these changes; and assess the impact of the current curricular design on the native language of Arabic. The rationale is to understand how curricular progressivism affected the native language of the people of the aforementioned Arab nations and assess the current status of Arabic. The study thoroughly examines the roles of colonization, globalization, antiquated teaching methods, outdated curricula, negative attitudes towards the language, curricular policies, and the numerous regional dialects in corroding the Arabic language in Lebanon, Egypt, and Morocco.
THE GAS CONSUMPTION HISTORY TO REDSHIFT 4

Using the observations of the star formation rate (SFR) and H I densities to z ~ 4, with measurements of the molecular gas depletion rate (MGDR) and local density of H2 at z = 0, we derive the history of the gas consumption by star formation to z ~ 4. We find that closed-box models in which H2 is not replenished by H I require improbably large increases in ρ(H 2) and a decrease in the MGDR with lookback time that is inconsistent with observations. Allowing the H2 used in star formation to be replenished by H I does not alleviate the problem because observations show that there is very little evolution of ρH I (z) from z = 0 to z = 4. We show that to be consistent with observational constraints, star formation on cosmic timescales must be fueled by intergalactic ionized gas, which may come from either accretion of gas through cold (but ionized) flows, or from ionized gas associated with accretion of dark matter halos. We constrain the rate at which the extragalactic ionized gas must be converted into H I and ultimately into H2. The ionized gas inflow rate roughly traces the SFR density: about 1-2 × 108 M ☉ Gyr–1 Mpc–3 from z 1-4, decreasing by about an order of magnitude from z = 1 to z = 0 with details depending largely on MGDR(t). All models considered require the volume-averaged density of to increase by a factor of 1.5-10 to z ~ 1.5 over the currently measured value. Because the molecular gas must reside in galaxies, it implies that galaxies at high-z must, on average, be more molecule rich than they are at the present epoch, which is consistent with observations. These quantitative results, derived solely from observations, agree well with cosmological simulations.
Physical Stability and Dissolution of Lumefantrine Amorphous Solid Dispersions Produced by Spray Anti-Solvent Precipitation.

Abstract This study aims to develop amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) of lumefantrine with a cost-effective approach of spray anti-solvent precipitation. Four acidic polymers, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS), poly(methacrylic acid–ethyl acrylate) (EL100) and cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) were studied as excipients at various drug-polymer ratios. Of the studied polymers, satisfactory physical stability was demonstrated for HPMCP- and HPMCAS-based ASDs with no observed powder X-ray diffraction peaks for up to 3 months of storage at 40 °C/75% RH. HPMCP and HPMCAS ASDs also achieved greater drug release levels in the dissolution study than other polymers. The HPMCP-based ASDs with a drug:polymer ratio of 2:8 exhibited a maximum drug release of 140 μg/mL for up to 2 h, which is significantly higher than the currently marketed formulation of Coartem® (
Psychometric Properties of the POAGTS: A Tool for Understanding Parents' Perceptions Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder Genetic Testing.

Due to the increased prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), more children with ASD may be referred for genetic testing. It is important to develop a tool to help parents consider the benefits and drawbacks of genetic testing for ASD before pursuing genetic testing for children with ASD. We developed the first theory-based survey—Perceptions of ASD Genetic Testing Survey (POAGTS), as a tool to assist healthcare providers to better understand parents’ perceptions and concerns regarding ASD genetic testing. The psychometric properties of POAGTS were first pre-tested and then formally tested with 308 parents of children with ASD who had not decided whether to pursue genetic testing for their children diagnosed with ASD. Findings suggest that the eight scales of the POAGTS were psychometrically sound, and had acceptable data reliability and validity. Additional research with various samples, such as parents of children with ASD who belong to diverse racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups, is warranted in the future to determine whether the POAGTS is applicable to these particular groups. Condensing and refining this tool to a shorter, more user-friendly version is also recommended for future research.
#MaternalStroke Trending Now: Time to Cancel It.

Pregnant people are considered to be young and healthy. However, increasingly, they are older at the time of their first delivery and are more likely to have complex comorbid conditions, including obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. In this context, the rate of many adverse pregnancy outcomes has increased.1 In particular, the rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (e.g., gestational hypertension, preeclampsia/eclampsia) are on the rise in the United States and other countries.2
Three-dimensional particle tracking in microfluidic channel flow using in and out of focus diffraction

Abstract Three-dimensional particle tracking is important to accurately understand the motion of particles within complex flow fields. We show that three-dimensional trajectories of particles within microfluidic flow can be extracted from two-dimensional bright field video microscopy. The method utilizes the defocusing that occurs as particles move out of the objective focal plane when viewed through a high numerical aperture objective lens. A fast and simple algorithm based on cross correlation to a set of reference images taken at prescribed amounts of defocus is used to extract out-of-plane particle position. In-plane particle position is determined through center point detection and therefore the particle position in all three dimensions can be constructed at each time point. Particle trajectories at high flow velocity of greater than 2 mm/s can be tracked by utilizing a high speed camera to obtain unblurred images. Three dimensional computational fluid simulations are used to validate the particle tracking methods.
The Strategic Timing of Management Forecasts

In this study, we examine the strategic intraday and intraweek timing of management forecast announcements based on whether they contain good or bad news. In contrast to past research using highly visible earnings announcements, unscheduled voluntary management forecasts provide a setting in which there may be greater benefits to strategic announcement timing. We find strong evidence that bad news tends to be strategically released after the market closes and on Fridays. In addition, we find evidence that strategically timed bad news forecast announcements that are released after the market closes are associated with less negative market returns, less trading volume, and less market volatility. Thus, our results suggest that the strategic timing of bad news forecasts during times of lower investor attention is successful at mitigating negative market reactions.
Variable-precision, interval arithmetic coprocessors

This chapter presents the design and analysis of variable-precision, interval arithmetic processors. The processors give the user the ability to specify the precision of the computation, determine the accuracy of the results, and recompute inaccurate results with higher precision. The processors support a wide variety of arithmetic operations on variable-precision floating point numbers and intervals. Efficient hardware algorithms and specially designed functional units increase the speed, accuracy, and reliability of numerical computations. Area and delay estimates indicate that the processors can be implemented with areas and cycle times that are comparable to conventional IEEE double-precision floating point coprocessors. Execution time estimates indicate that the processors are two to three orders of magnitude faster than a conventional software package for variable-precision, interval arithmetic.
Lymphocyte and polymorphonuclear enzymes in stress: III. Variations resulting from multiple bleedings and source of New Zealand white rabbits

Abstract Protein, LDH, aldolase, MDH and CPK concentrations of differentially separated peripheral leukocytes of 78 New Zealand white male rabbits obtained from five different suppliers, have been determined. The similarities and differences among breeds and the individual differences within a breed have been pointed out. Levels obtained on repeated daily bleeding have been detailed. Leukocyte protein concentration does not always vary to the same extent or in the same direction as some enzymes. Protein and enzyme levels of different leukocytes from one individual do not all vary to the same extent.
Improving the accuracy of defect diagnosis by considering reduced diagnostic information

It was noted earlier that the accuracy of defect diagnosis may be improved if certain tests are removed from consideration by the defect diagnosis procedure. This paper observes that the effects, which support the removal of tests, also support the removal of observable outputs from consideration during defect diagnosis. Specifically, a test may create an output response that a defect diagnosis procedure will not be able to interpret correctly. This may affect some observable outputs more strongly than others. Therefore, the removal of observable outputs from consideration can improve the accuracy of diagnosis. This paper describes a generalized augmented defect diagnosis procedure that removes tests and observable outputs from consideration. It presents experimental results to demonstrate the effects of removing observable outputs on the accuracy of diagnosis.
The Measurement of Consumer Expectations Using Survey Data

Surveys of consumers collect considerable information on consumer expectations. However, the simple categorical structure of the questions -- such as "Do you expect your income to rise, fall, or stay the same?" -- makes their value for research uncertain. This paper analyzes the information content of the survey measures. I draw on Manski's finding that, while categorical questions do not identify the probability of an event occurring, they do provide information on probability bounds. I analyze data from two well-known surveys, showing that, although the bounds are often wide, for some measures they move closely with the series they are intended to track or predict.
Chemical state of the cysteine residues in the Neurospora crassa plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase.

The plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase of Neurospora crassa was treated with 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoate) to determine its cysteine content and with 2-nitro-5-thiosulfobenzoate to determine its cystine content. Six and seven mol of thiols/mol of H(+)-ATPase were detected in the 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoate) and 2-nitro-5-thiosulfobenzoate reactions, respectively, indicating that 6 of the 8 cysteine residues in the molecule are present as free cysteines and that 2 are present in disulfide linkage. The results of quantitative carboxymethylation experiments using [14C]iodoacetate under nonreducing and reducing conditions fully support this conclusion. Preparations of the ATPase 14C carboxymethylated under the above conditions were treated with trypsin, and the tryptic digests were resolved into hydrophilic and hydrophobic peptide fractions by our recently published procedure (Rao, U.S., Hennessey, J.P., Jr., and Scarborough, G.A. (1988) Anal. Biochem. 173, 251-264). Five of the six labeled free cysteine peptides partitioned into the hydrophilic peptide fraction and were purified and established to contain Cys376, Cys409, Cys472, Cys532, and Cys545. The labeled free cysteine residue in the hydrophobic peptide fraction was identified as either Cys840 or Cys869 by virtue of its presence in a large approximately 21-kDa hydrophobic peptide established previously to begin at Ser660. This in turn identified either Cys840 or Cys869 as one of the disulfide bridge cysteines. The other disulfide bridge cysteine was identified as Cys148 by purification and NH2-terminal sequencing of an additional peptide labeled in the reduced enzyme. The disulfide bridge is therefore between Cys148 and either Cys840 or Cys869. Because Cys148 is present in a putative membrane-embedded sector near the NH2 terminus of the ATPase molecule and Cys840 and Cys869 are present in a similar sector near the COOH terminus, it is possible that the disulfide bridge plays an important structural role in holding the two major membrane-embedded sectors of the molecule, distant in the linear sequence, together.
Does the Free Market for Labor Care about Fairness

The excessive compensation packages of CEOs of U.S. corporations in recent years have brought the issue of fairness to the foreground in economics. The conventional wisdom is that the free market for labor, which determines the pay packages, cares only about efficiency and not fairness. We present an alternative theory that shows that an ideal free market environment also promotes fairness, as an emergent property resulting from the self-organizing market dynamics. Even though an individual employee may care only about his or her salary and no one else’s, the collective actions of all the employees, combined with the profit maximizing actions of all the companies, in a free market environment, lead towards, guided by Adam Smith’s invisible hand of self-organization, a more fair allocation of wages. By exploring deep connections with statistical thermodynamics, we show that entropy is the appropriate measure of fairness in a free market environment which is maximized at equilibrium to yield the lognormal distribution of salaries as the fairest inequality of pay in an organization under ideal conditions.
Interactions between landscape structure and animal behavior: the roles of heterogeneously distributed resources and food deprivation on movement patterns

To examine how resource distributions affect the movement behaviors of fed and food-deprived Eleodes extricata Say darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), we experimentally manipulated the dispersion of food to create clumped, random, and uniform distributions in an otherwise homogeneous 25-m2 experimental field landscape. Quantitative measures of the tortuosity, net linear displacement, overall path length, and velocity of beetle movement pathways showed that food-deprived beetles generally moved more slowly and over shorter distances than did fed beetles. This effect was mediated by the spatial distribution of food, however; food distributed randomly over the landscape evoked more tortuous paths over larger overall distances. The foraging movements of food-deprived beetles were most different from those of fed individuals in treatments with randomly distributed food resources. These results show that the influence of spatial structure on individuals depends not only on the arrangement of pattern but also on the function that the structure plays. Thus, 'spatial structure' is defined not only by physical characteristics of the landscape but also by how that structure is used by animals.
Classifying Process Behavior with Neural Networks: Strategies for Improved Training and Generalization

Artificial neural networks trained by backpropagation have recently been applied to fault diagnosis problems. Backpropagation produces-decision surface that effectively separate training examples of different cases. However, separation of the training examples does not necessarily result in the most plausible or robust classifier. The decision surfaces may deviate from optimality and take on non-intuitive shapes because the decision surfaces are based on hyperplanes. This also results in backpropagation networks having no mechanism to detect when a case to be classified falls in a region with no training data. To remedy these difficulties a network is proposed which uses Radial Basis Functions instead of sigmoid threshold units. This network is compared to the standard backpropagation network on an prototypical example problem.
Teen Meetings Outside the Box (TeenMOB): Building Science Communication Skills through a Network of Graduate Level Trainees, Science Teachers, and High School Teens.

TeenMOB leverages the knowledge and skills of graduate level trainees in a science outreach program targeting high school teens in local schools with limited science resources. This develops effect...
Vicinal thiols are required for activation of the αIIbβ3 platelet integrin.

Summary. Background: Closely spaced thiols in proteins that interconvert between the dithiol form and disulfide bonds are called vicinal thiols. These thiols provide a mechanism to regulate protein function. We previously found that thiols in both αIIb and β3 of the αIIbβ3 fibrinogen receptor were required for platelet aggregation. Methods and Results: Using p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate (pCMBS) we provide evidence that surface thiols in αIIbβ3 are exposed during platelet activation. Phenylarsine oxide (PAO), a reagent that binds vicinal thiols, inhibits platelet aggregation and labeling of sulfhydryls in both αIIb and β3. For the aggregation and labeling studies, binding of PAO to vicinal thiols was confirmed by reversal of PAO binding with the dithiol reagent 2,3-Dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid (DMPS). In contrast, the monothiol β-mercaptoethanol did not reverse the effects of PAO. Additionally, PAO did not inhibit sulfhydryl labeling of the monothiol protein albumin, confirming the specificity of PAO for vicinal thiols in αIIbβ3. As vicinal thiols represent redox sensitive sites that can be regulated by reducing equivalents from the extracellular or cytoplasmic environment, they are likely to be important in regulating activation of αIIbβ3. Additionally, when the labeled integrin was passed though a lectin column containing wheat germ agglutinin and lentil lectin a substantial amount of non-labeled αIIbβ3 eluted separately from the labeled receptor. This suggests that two populations of integrin exist on platelets that can be distinguished by thiol labeling. Conclusion: A vicinal thiol-containing population of αIIbβ3 provides redox sensitive sites for regulation of αIIbβ3.
Regulatory T Cells Require TCR Signaling for Their Suppressive Function

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of CD4(+) T cells that maintain immune tolerance in part by their ability to inhibit the proliferation of conventional CD4(+) T cells (Tconvs). The role of the TCR and the downstream signaling pathways required for this suppressive function of Tregs are not fully understood. To yield insight into how TCR-mediated signals influence Treg suppressive function, we assessed the ability of Tregs with altered TCR-mediated signaling capacity to inhibit Tconv proliferation. Mature Tregs deficient in Src homology 2 domain containing leukocyte protein of 76 kDa (SLP-76), an adaptor protein that nucleates the proximal signaling complex downstream of the TCR, were unable to inhibit Tconv proliferation, suggesting that TCR signaling is required for Treg suppressive function. Moreover, Tregs with defective phospholipase C γ (PLCγ) activation due to a Y145F mutation of SLP-76 were also defective in their suppressive function. Conversely, enhancement of diacylglycerol-mediated signaling downstream of PLCγ by genetic ablation of a negative regulator of diacylglycerol kinase ζ increased the suppressive ability of Tregs. Because SLP-76 is also important for integrin activation and signaling, we tested the role of integrin activation in Treg-mediated suppression. Tregs lacking the adaptor proteins adhesion and degranulation promoting adapter protein or CT10 regulator of kinase/CT10 regulator of kinase-like, which are required for TCR-mediated integrin activation, inhibited Tconv proliferation to a similar extent as wild-type Tregs. Together, these data suggest that TCR-mediated PLCγ activation, but not integrin activation, is required for Tregs to inhibit Tconv proliferation.
The impact of pulmonary venous hypertension on the pulmonary circulation in the young.

Objective and Design. Pulmonary venous hypertension is a well-characterized cause of pulmonary hypertension in adults, but little is known regarding the relationship between left atrial pressure and pulmonary arteriolar resistance in the young. Also, in adults relief of pulmonary venous hypertension results in a marked fall in pulmonary arteriolar resistance, but this could be different in children because vascular changes are more severe in young patients than adults with mitral stenosis. We inspected records of children at Children's Hospital Boston having mitral balloon valvuloplasty, and patients ≤5 years old having mitral valve replacement, to determine (1) the relationship between left atrial pressure and pulmonary arterial pressure and resistance (n = 94 children, median age 17.8 months) and (2) how pulmonary arteriolar resistance changes after mitral valve replacement. Results. The average indexed pulmonary arteriolar resistance was 7.8 ± 5.9 units and was unrelated to age but was positively related to left atrial pressure. There was great variability in pulmonary arteriolar resistance for any given left atrial pressure. Pulmonary arterial pressure (n = 16) and pulmonary arterial resistance (n = 9) were measured before and after mitral valve replacement (median = 29.4 months old). Despite preoperative indexed pulmonary arterial resistance of ≥5 units in 11 of 15 patients, postoperative pulmonary arterial pressure was substantially lower in all save three, and two patients with high pulmonary arterial pressure still had high left atrial pressure postoperatively (25 mmHg). Conclusions. We conclude that in young children, as in adults, pulmonary arterial resistance generally falls greatly with reduction in left atrial pressure.
Archaeal MCM Proteins as an Analog for the Eukaryotic Mcm2–7 Helicase to Reveal Essential Features of Structure and Function

In eukaryotes, the replicative helicase is the large multisubunit CMG complex consisting of the Mcm2-7 hexameric ring, Cdc45, and the tetrameric GINS complex. The Mcm2-7 ring assembles from six different, related proteins and forms the core of this complex. In archaea, a homologous MCM hexameric ring functions as the replicative helicase at the replication fork. Archaeal MCM proteins form thermostable homohexamers, facilitating their use as models of the eukaryotic Mcm2-7 helicase. Here we review archaeal MCM helicase structure and function and how the archaeal findings relate to the eukaryotic Mcm2-7 ring.
Word and image in Arthurian literature

Preface 1. A Pictorial Synopsis of Arthurian Episodes for Jacques D'Armagnac, Duke of Nemours Susan A. Blackman 2. Text and Image: The Case of Erec et Enide Carleton W. Carroll 3. "Imagines Historiarum": Text and Image in the French Prose Lancelot Carol R. Dover 4. Seeing the Seer: Images of Merlin in the Middle Ages and Beyond Donald L. Hoffman 5. The Implied Arthur: Mass Publics and Splintered Subjects in Spenser's Faerie Queene, Book II Elizabeth Mazzola 6. Arthurian Illuminations in Middle Dutch Manuscripts Martine Meuwese 7. The Discourse of the Figural Narrative in the Illuminated Manuscripts of Tristan (C. 1250-1475) Jacqueline Thibault Schaefer 8. The Illustrations of BN, FR. 95 and Yale 229: Prolegomena to a Comparative Analysis Alison Stones 9. Discursive Illustrations in Three Tristan Manuscripts Stephanie Cain van D'Elden 10. The "Roi Pescheor" and Iconographic Implications in the Conte Del Graal Michele Vauthier 11. Wonders and Illuminations: Pierart Duo Tielt and the Queste Del Saint Graal Lori Walters
EVALUATION OF ATTACHMENT AND PENETRATION ABILITIES OF CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI ISOLATES OBTAINED FROM HUMANS AND CHICKEN CARCASSES DURING PROCESSING AND AT RETAIL

The differences in attachment and penetration ability of Campylobacter jejuni were determined by analyzing C. jejuni isolates obtained from chicken carcasses and from humans exhibiting symptoms of campylobacteriosis. INT 407 cells, a human cell line originating from the jejunal/ileal region, were used as the in vitro model, and attachment and penetration abilities were evaluated for each isolate. There were no significant differences between the attachment and penetration abilities of chicken isolates and human isolates (HUMN). In addition, a wide range of attachment and penetration abilities was found for the isolates, with many of the HUMN possessing low attachment and penetration abilities. These data indicate that C. jejuni attachment and penetration into the human ileal and jejunal regions may not be primary virulence factors and may only be important in causing more acute symptoms.
Evidence for the influence of weeds on corky ringspot persistence in alfalfa and Scotch spearmint rotations

Corky ringspot disease (CRS) of potato is caused by tobacco rattle virus (TRV). The virus is transmitted by the stubby root nematode (Paratrichodorus allius) in the Pacific Northwest potato-producing regions. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Scotch spearmint (Mentha cardiaca Baker) rarely serve as hosts for TRV. Therefore,P. allius reared on these plants for 1 to 3 months are cleansed of TRV in greenhouse trials. However, weeds in alfalfa and Scotch spearmint rotation crops may serve as hosts for the virus. In greenhouse trials, hairy nightshade (Solanum sarrachoides), prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola), henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) and, green foxtail (Setaria viridis) grown alone were found to be suitable hosts ofP. allius, whereas Powell amaranth (Amaranthus powellii) was not. ViruliferousP. allius added to hairy nightshade, prickly lettuce, henbit, green foxtail, or Powell amaranth in mixtures with alfalfa and/or Scotch spearmint occasionally remained viruliferous over a 3-to 4-month period, whereasP. allius maintained on weed-free alfalfa or Scotch spearmint became virus-free after 1 to 2 months. Potato grown in soil containingP. allius that had been maintained on weed-alfalfa or weed-Scotch spearmint mixtures for 3 to 4 months exhibited slight to severe CRS symptoms on new tubers, whereas potato following weed-free Scotch spearmint or alfalfa were free from CRS symptoms. Severe CRS symptoms on potato tubers were only observed when potatoes were grown in soil containingP. allius that were maintained on hairy nightshade or hairy nightshade mixtures with alfalfa or Scotch spearmint. These preliminary data suggest that the presence of weeds that serve as hosts of both TRV and P.allius may nullify the positive effects of growing alfalfa or Scotch spearmint for CRS control. Targeted control efforts of known weed hosts may be required to successfully eliminate CRS from fields using alfalfa and Scotch spearmint rotational crops.
Evaluation of an Existing Thermal Model of an Induction Motor and its Further Application to an Advanced Cooling Topology

In this paper, an existing lumped-parameter thermal model is analyzed and evaluated using experimental results. In order to verify the validity and effectiveness of the thermal model a 10 hp machine was dismantled, physically measured and reassembled inserting thermal probes in it at different locations to test their temperatures. The model is simulated using PSPICE schematics for finding temperatures at different locations. The simulated results match with the experimental results. The model is further modified to fit a new direct lamination cooling (DLC) topology, characterized by coolant flowing through tubes inserted into the back iron and by modified dimensions to make the active cooling more effective. The flow within the tubes inserted in the back iron of a DLC motor is modeled using lumped parameter approach. The parameters are formulated from purely dimensional data and thermal constants for convection and conduction. The heat that is pulled out by the circulating liquid in the holes is modeled by adding a lumped heat sink which is represented as a current sink at the stator iron node in the model. The model is simulated for 30% and 60% cooling using PSPICE Schematics for finding temperatures at different locations. An empirical 10 hp DLC model is simulated inferring the data from AeroVironment. A comparative study between the two models shows the effectiveness in cooling technique employed.
Familiality of female and male homosexuality

We examined data from a large cohort of homosexual and heterosexual females and males concerning their siblings' sexual orientations. As in previous studies, both male and female homosexuality were familial. Homosexual females had an excess of homosexual brothers compared to heterosexual subjects, thus providing evidence that similar familial factors influence both male and female homosexuality. Furthermore, despite the large sample size, homosexual females and males did not differ significantly from each other in their proportions of either homosexual sisters or homosexual brothers. Thus, results were most consistent with the possibility that similar familial factors influence male and female sexual orientation. However, because results conflicted with those of some other studies, and because siblings' sexual orientations were obtained in a manner likely to yield more errors than in these other, smaller studies, further work is needed using large samples and more careful methods before the degree of cofamiliality of male and female homosexuality can be resolved definitively. We also examined whether some parental influences comprised shared environmental effects on sexual orientation. Scales attempting to measure such influences failed to distinguish subjects with homosexual siblings from subjects with only heterosexual siblings and, thus, did not appear to measure shared environmental determinants of sexual orientation.
Household Income and Pollution Implications for the Debate About the Environmental Kuznets Curve Hypothesis

Country-level analyses of global Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) relationships that use multicountry panel data sets are likely to suffer from several types of aggregation bias that may explain why previous studies have yielded conflicting results. The authors analyze 1990 cross-sectional data for the United States for three pollutants and test the general EKC relationship as well as the pure income effect. Their results suggest that the income level at which households reduce their exposure to pollution depends on the nature of the pollutant. They find consistent evidence for such a relationship for coarse particulate matter but little evidence for nonmonotonic relationships for carbon monoxide and ground-level ozone.
Neutrophil chemotaxis in refractory cases of periodontitis.

Abstract Refractory cases of periodontitis were assayed for chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes using an in vivo assay. 9 refractory patients and 9 normal patients were studied. When cell counts were plotted against time, normal patients showed a single peak at 25–30 min after casein (chemo-attractant) challenge, whereas refractory patients showed 2 and 3 peaks of PMN's at varying time intervals. 5 of the refractory patients showed this pattern in tests of normal sulci as well as deep periodontal pockets. 4 of the refractory cases showed a double peak in tests of deep periodontal pockets. This suggests that some refractory cases have an intrinsic chemotactic defect of polymorphonuclear neutrophils while in others the defect may be a secondary phenomenon. It appears that patients with refractory periodontitis have the characteristic cell response that was reported for LJP.
The Quality of Research Articles in the "Journal of Educational Research," 1970 and 1980.

AbstractThe empirical articles in the Journal of Educational Research in 1970 and 1980 were analyzed in order to determine if there were qualitative differences. Several quality indicators were used including statistics, focus of study, external funding, type of study, type of explanation, and reference characteristics. Improvement was found in eight of thirteen indicators.
Using X-ray fluorescence to measure inorganics in biopharmaceutical raw materials

Small deviations in metal content found in biopharmaceutical raw materials can have detrimental effects on cell culture activity and growth. Here we report the use of a portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer for elemental analysis of powdered raw materials (hydrolysates and chemically defined media) to help maintain consistent therapeutic protein quality and production. Unlike traditional metal analysis techniques such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), EDXRF analysis requires no sample preparation and acquisition times range from 2 to 10 minutes for a sub-ppm limit of detection for elements such as Cu and Zn. However, issues with sensitivity, matrix interferences and calibration standards have prevented EDXRF from being adopted in the biopharmaceutical industry. This paper presents an alternative method to overcome these limitations, involving: measuring raw materials before dilution to ensure the largest metal concentration; the use of wavelet transforms to process EDXRF spectra, removing background and matrix variability; and utilizing the resultant spectral intensity to correlate to cell culture process parameters before developing calibration standards. Finally, a brief case study will outline the methodology and illustrate the high throughput of the EDXRF spectrometer for identifying the raw material and quantifying the key trace metal associated with process attributes.
Recent demographic and injury trends in people served by the Model Spinal Cord Injury Care Systems.

Abstract Objective: To identify trends in the demographic and injury data of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Consecutive case series. Settings: Model Spinal Cord Injury Care Systems throughout the United States. Patients: A total of 25,054 persons admitted to a Model Spinal Cord Injury Care System within 365 days of injury between 1973 and 1998. Results: Many trends and changes have been noted in the clinical features of patients who have been admitted to the Model SCI Care Systems. Average age at time of injury is rising; persons older than 60 comprise 11.5% of all persons enrolled in the National Database during the 1994–1998 period. Although the overall male-to-female ratio is greater than 4:1, the proportion of males has decreased significantly in recent years. Violence-related injuries have increased dramatically from 13.9% in 1973–1977 to 21.8% in 1994–1998. Since 1973, the proportions of injuries resulting from vehicular crashes and sports declined while injuries from falls increased. Injury continues to occur most commonly in the summer. When age, race, and gender are considered, violence is a more common cause of injury among individuals who are younger, male, or African American. Complete injuries were more common among younger individuals and among men than among older adults and women. Conclusion: Trends in the national database provide valuable data for tracking groups at risk for traumatic SCI.
The informational relevance of corporate social responsibility: evidence from DS400 index reconstitutions

This study examines the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance by analyzing the intra-industry wealth impact of additions and deletions to the Domini Social 400 index. Results from the event study analysis indicate that additions to the index generate a positive share price response for the announcement firm and a negative response by rival firms. The opposite reaction is observed for index deletions. Additionally, the share price response is more pronounced for informationally opaque industries. Our study highlights the importance of external monitoring agencies in providing meaningful information that helps resolve investor uncertainty regarding the quality of a firm's relationships with its primary stakeholders. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The importance of applying a sentinel lymph node mapping algorithm in endometrial cancer staging: Beyond removal of blue nodes

Abstract Objective To determine the false-negative rate of a surgical sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping algorithm that incorporates more than just removing SLNs in detecting metastatic endometrial cancer. Methods A prospective database of all patients who underwent lymphatic mapping for endometrial cancer was reviewed. Cervical injection of blue dye was used in all cases. The surgical algorithm is as follows: 1) peritoneal and serosal evaluation and washings; 2) retroperitoneal evaluation including excision of all mapped SLNs and suspicious nodes regardless of mapping; and 3) if there is no mapping on a hemi-pelvis, a side-specific pelvic, common iliac, and interiliac lymph node dissection (LND) is performed. Paraaortic LND is performed at the attendings' discretion. The algorithm was retrospectively applied. Results From 9/2005 to 4/2011, 498 patients received a blue dye cervical injection for SLN mapping. At least one LN was removed in 95% of cases (474/498); at least one SLN was identified in 81% (401/498). SLN correctly diagnosed 40/47 patients with nodal metastases who had at least one SLN mapped, resulting in a 15% false-negative rate. After applying the algorithm, the false-negative rate dropped to 2%. Only one patient, whose LN spread would not have been caught by the algorithm, had an isolated positive right paraaortic LN with a negative ipsilateral SLN and pelvic LND. Conclusions Satisfactory SLN mapping in endometrial cancer requires adherence to a surgical SLN algorithm and goes beyond just the removal of blue SLNs. Removal of any suspicious node along with side-specific lymphadenectomy for failed mapping are an integral part of this algorithm. Further validation of the false-negative rate of this algorithm is necessary.
Use of an independent group contingency management system in a regular classroom setting

This paper examines the usefulness of an independent group contingency system for decreasing inappropriate behaviors. Twenty-five fourth-grade students enrolled in a regular class setting participated in this intervention, which involved a public posting system using positive reinforcement for desired behaviors. The program involved identification of target behaviors, collection of baseline data, program implementation, and follow-up. Targeted behaviors showed marked decreases across the 8-week treatment period and remained at this level through the end of the school year. Positive and negative factors influencing the effectiveness of the independent group contingency approach are reviewed. A second aspect of this paper is to discuss teacher-related variables that can influence the success of a management program developed by a psychological consultant.
Science, Commerce, and Control: Patronage and the Development of Anthropological Archaeology in the Americas

At the end of the nineteenth century, the drive to "professionalize" anthropology in the United States promoted the development of particular patterns of interaction between archaeologists and their patrons, which had a significant impact on the conduct of research. The expansion of fieldwork and the acquisition of collections required the financial backing of sponsors, whose own ambitions often diverged from those of the scholars whom they supported. This essay explores shifts in patron-professional relationships in southwestern archaeology at the turn of the century, using the case of the Hyde Expedition to Chaco Canyon (1896-1909). [archaeology, history, patronage, U.S. Southwest]
Modulation of biphasic rate of end-plate potential recovery in rat diaphragm.

Previous diaphragm studies found that during intermittent stimulation, intratrain end-plate potential (EPP) amplitude rundown is accelerated by increasing stimulation frequency, whereas intertrain EPP rundown is independent of frequency. We hypothesized that increasing stimulation frequency accelerates rundown recovery, and with a biphasic time course. Intracellular recordings were made in vitro from rat phrenic nerve–hemidiaphragm preparations. EPP amplitude recovery after a 100-ms stimulation train and 100 ms of quiescence was significantly greater following stimulation at 200 HZ than at 20–100 HZ, despite larger antecedent EPP decline. EPP amplitudes recovered with a biphasic pattern: an early component with a fast time-constant (0.03–0.06 s) and a late component with a slow time-constant (0.5–5 s). Increased antecedent stimulation frequency accelerated the early component, but stimulation duration or pulse number modulated the late component. When interpreted in the context of vesicle recycling and replenishment models involving multiple pools and pathways, these data suggest that antecedent stimulation frequency regulates predominantly the fast pathways. This may have important implications for the development of respiratory failure in diseases of the neuromuscular junction, such as myasthenia gravis, when the firing duration and frequency are altered in association with changes in breathing pattern. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Optically addressed droplet-based protein assay

We demonstrate a new method for performing protein assays with very small volumes (∼1.7 μL to 14 pL). Using a laser to modify local surface energy, we manipulate, fuse, and mix droplets containing horseradish peroxidase and its substrates. A detection limit of ∼30 attomoles of reacting enzyme was measured by optical absorption. We discuss the possibility of extending this lower limit to zeptomoles of enzyme.
Ideology Drives Health Care Reforms in Chile

The health care system of Chile evolved from rather unique historical circumstances to become one of the most progressive in Latin America, offering universal access to all citizens. Since the advent of the Pinochet regime in 1973, Chile has implemented Thatcherite/Reaganite reforms resulting in the privatization of much of the health care system. In the process, state support for health care has been sharply curtailed with deleterious effects on health services. As Chile emerges from the shadow of the Pinochet dictatorship, it faces numerous challenges as it struggles to rebuild its health care system. Other developing nations considering free-market reforms may wish to consider the high costs of the Chilean experiment.