cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impacts of channel selection on industrial wireless sensor-actuator networks

Industrial automation has emerged as an important application of wireless sensor-actuator networks (WSANs). To meet stringent reliability requirements of industrial applications, industrial standards such as WirelessHART adopt Time Slotted Channel Hopping (TSCH) as its MAC protocol. Since every link hops through all the channels used in TSCH, a straightforward policy to ensure reliability is to retain a link in the network topology only if it is reliable in all channels used. However, this policy has surprising side effects. While using more channels may enhance reliability due to channel diversity, more channels may also reduce the number of links and route diversity in the network topology. We empirically analyze the impact of channel selection on network topology, routing, and scheduling on a 52-node WSAN testbed. We observe inherent tradeoff between channel diversity and route diversity in channel selection, where using an excessive number of channels may negatively impact routing and scheduling. We propose novel channel and link selection strategies to improve route diversity and network schedulability. Experimental results on two different testbeds show that our algorithms can drastically improve routing and scheduling of industrial WSANs.
Forest conservation effects of Brazil's zero deforestation cattle agreements undermined by leakage

Abstract Supply chain interventions, which include certification schemes and zero-deforestation commitments that aim to produce environmentally and socially beneficial outcomes, are increasingly common, but evidence of their efficacy is scarce. We quantified avoided deforestation from Brazil's zero-deforestation cattle agreements by exploiting variation in the policy's rollout and the acquisition of slaughterhouses by the agreements’ signatories from 2007 to 2015 in the Amazonian states of Mato Grosso and Para. We found no average impact of the agreements on forest cover in the regions surrounding signatory slaughterhouses by the end of 2014. Our results show avoided deforestation of about 6% from the agreements on properties that enrolled early in the rural environmental land registry. However, forest loss increased commensurately on those properties that registered later, thus washing out the positive conservation effects from the early registrants. Our results also highlight that slaughterhouses bought plants in regions with higher deforestation both before and after the agreement, suggesting that companies are not avoiding these important hotspots. We conclude that the agreements have led to some avoided deforestation on registered properties, whose boundaries are transparent and publicly accessible, but that more robust reductions in deforestation will require additional action. The agreements could be made more effective by expanding monitoring to include all properties in the supply chain, as well as ensuring that all slaughterhouses monitor.
Polarity Sorting of Microtubules in the Axon

A longstanding question in cellular neuroscience is how microtubules in the axon become organized with their plus ends out, a pattern starkly different from the mixed orientation of microtubules in vertebrate dendrites. Recent attention has focused on a mechanism called polarity sorting, in which microtubules of opposite orientation are spatially separated by molecular motor proteins. Here we discuss this mechanism, and conclude that microtubules are polarity sorted in the axon by cytoplasmic dynein but that additional factors are also needed. In particular, computational modeling and experimental evidence suggest that static crosslinking proteins are required to appropriately restrict microtubule movements so that polarity sorting by cytoplasmic dynein can occur in a manner unimpeded by other motor proteins.
Three-dimensional molecular and nanoparticle crystallization by DNA nanotechnology

Structural DNA nanotechnology has been particularly driven toward three-dimensional (3D) construction since its inception at the start of the 1980s. Part of the driving force was the goal of building specific crystals from macromolecular components, without having to use trial and error for determining appropriate crystallization conditions. With the first demonstration of DNA attachment to gold nanoparticles in the 1990s, DNA became a player in inorganic nanomaterials as a programmable agent for structure assembly. For pure DNA structures, the crystallization goal has been mediated by sticky-ended cohesion with some success, although trial and error crystallizations have produced better diffracting crystals than those directed self-assembly. For nanoparticles, different types of 3D nanoscale crystalline organizations have been realized. Recent efforts not only expand the diversity of particle lattices, but also strive to achieve designed lattice symmetries and their transformations. In this article, we review the development of 3D assembly of DNA and DNA-guided nanoparticle arrays, the issues that have prevented and facilitated formation of such structures, and recent strategies toward this goal.
Quantification of carbon nanotubes in polymer composites

Quantifying carbonaceous nanomaterials (CNMs) has largely been limited to soil, water or biological matrices, but the largest application of CNMs is carbon nanotubes (CNTs) embedded in polymers or plastics. This study introduces a two-step analytical method that matches solvents to dissolve a broad range of polymers, with a subsequent programmed thermal analysis (PTA) quantification technique. Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) and chloroform dissolved the broadest range of polymers containing CNMs. Subsequent PTA could accurately detect and quantify multi-walled (MWCNT) or single-walled (SWCNT) carbon nanotubes at an absolute amount of 0.2 μg (0.2 ppm (m m−1) for a 1 g sample) at a high reproducibility (<20% standard deviation). Lower detection limits can be obtained by using larger sample sizes. For SWCNTs with high metal catalyst concentration, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was demonstrated as secondary confirmational analytical technique. In that case, the CNM concentration was determined based on the specific metal in CNMs detected by ICP-MS. The result was comparable to the two-step technique, although PTA may be a facile choice as this approach includes a microwave digestion process with concentrated nitric acid. The approach developed here enables CNT detection in a broad range of polymer-based consumer and industrial products.
Integration of Severely Handicapped Students and the Proportion of IEP Objectives Achieved

The study investigated the educational impact of integration of severely handicapped students in regular public schools. Thirteen school districts and one residential institution were selected on t...
Toxicity and Carcinogenicity of Essential and Non-essential Metals

The major toxic effects of selected metals and their compounds have been considered, along with discussions of their essentiality, distribution and environmental exposure. The carcinogenic and mutagenic properties of these metals are discussed in detail with critical consideration of epidemiological and in vitro studies conducted with these metals and their compounds. Extensive individual consideration has been given Al, As, Be, Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg and Ni. Other metals such as Co, Cu, Mn, Ag and V have been discussed in less detail grouped together. It is hoped that the discussion of these metals will provide a useful general reference for understanding their toxicity and a more complete reference for consideration of their carcinogenic properties.
Methylation of Mammalian Deoxyribonucleic Acid II. THE DISTRIBUTION OF 5-METHYLCYTOSINE IN PYRIMIDINE DEOXYRIBONUCLEOTIDE CLUSTERS IN NOVIKOFF HEPATOMA CELL DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID

Abstract DNA extracted from Novikoff hepatoma cells grown in suspension culture in the presence of [14C]methyl-labeled methionine was hydrolyzed with formic acid-diphenylamine and resultant pyrimidine clusters separated on DEAE-columns at pH 5.2. Clusters containing up to nine adjacent pyrimidines were resolved. Shorter clusters were more scarce and longer clusters more abundant than would be expected on the basis of a random distribution. Label was incorporated into 5-methylcytosine residues in clusters of all sizes with an indication of preferential methylation of cytosine in the monopyrimidine fraction. Each cluster was subfractionated according to over-all base composition with DEAE-columns at acid pH. The tetracytosine component was the longest purely cytosine-containing component detected in this DNA, but purely thymine-containing runs up to 7 residues in length were observed. There appeared to be more cytosine-containing and fewer thymine-containing components in any given cluster than might have been expected on the basis of a random distribution of the nonisomeric components. The [14C]labeling patterns both within the nonisomeric components of a given cluster and between the components of different cluster sizes indicated unique and preferential distributions of 5-methylcytosine. A small amount of label found in DNA-thymine in only some of the nonisomeric components of the pyrimidine clusters was postulated to have arisen from deamination of 5-methylcytosine at the level of polymeric DNA. The latter phenomenon has also been reported to occur in sea urchin embryo DNA.
A phase I trial of ipilimumab (ipi) in patients (pts) with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) after hypomethylating agent (HMAs) failure.

7010Background: Pts with HR-MDS after HMA failure have a poor overall survival (OS) of < 6 months. Immune escape is associated with resistance to HMAs in MDS. We hypothesized that CTLA-4 blockade i...
Cefazolin versus vancomycin for neurosurgical operative prophylaxis - A single institution retrospective cohort study.

Abstract Objectives Cefazolin and vancomycin are common choices for neurosurgical antimicrobial prophylaxis. Cefazolin is typically first-line due to its lower toxicity profile and specificity for gram-positives such as skin commensals, while vancomycin is often reserved for patients with cephalosporin or penicillin allergies. However, one randomized clinical trial demonstrated superiority of vancomycin for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertions at a hospital with a high prevalence of methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We aimed to evaluate the association of prophylaxis choice and incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) at our own institution. Patients and methods This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent a neurosurgical operation from January 2013 to April 2016 at one particular hospital belonging to our institution. We included patients who received either only cefazolin or only vancomycin as their pre-incisional prophylaxis. Vancomycin was substituted for cefazolin in patients with known penicillin or cephalosporin allergy. Procedures requiring multiple attending surgeons were excluded. We defined a SSI as a confirmed culture isolated from the wound, implant (if pertinent), or CSF (if pertinent) within a year of surgery. Multivariable logistic regression was performed with consideration of antibiotic, operation performed, wound class, and procedure length. Results A total of 859 operations met study criteria; 664 patients received Cefazolin, and 195 received Vancomycin. We identified 22 SSIs, with 14 in the cefazolin (2.2%) and 8 in the vancomycin (4.1%) group. Upon logistic regression, there was no significant association of vancomycin substitution with incidence of SSIs between the two groups (odds ratio, 1.59; 95% CI, 0.42–6.00, p = .49). In the cefazolin group, 8/14 cultures were positive for S. aureus compared to 1/8 of the vancomycin group. Conclusions There was no significant difference in neurosurgical site infection incidence when vancomycin prophylaxis was substituted for cefazolin. S. aureus was isolated from patients who received cefazolin at a higher rate although this was not statistically significant. At our institution, S. aureus makes up 36% of isolated organisms from inpatient and intensive care units. Institutions should consider their own investigations into local antibiograms, SSI rates, and choice of prophylaxis.
Factors Associated With Increased Mortality After Isolated Abdominal Aortic Dissection Repair.

Abstract Objective Postoperative mortality following open and endovascular repair of thoracic aortic dissection (AD) has been the focus of previous research. However, a little has been published on the far less common Isolated Abdominal Aortic Dissection (IAAD). The aim of our study was to identify risk factors associated with 30-day postoperative mortality in IAAD patients. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) was queried for patients who underwent open or endovascular aortic dissection repair from January 2010 to December 2015. Information regarding patient demographics, comorbidities, pre-operative laboratory values, procedure details, and post-operative complications were analyzed, and predictors of 30-day mortality were identified. Risk stratification by the type of aortic repair and surgery setting was performed, and patient characteristics associated with mortality in each setting were determined. We employed Chi-square test, Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney U test for the univariate analysis; while the multivariate analysis was performed using a stepwise binary logistic regression test. Results There were 229 patients who met the specified criteria, 15 died within 30 days postoperatively, and 214 survived beyond the same period (mortality rate was 6.5%). Among preoperative factors, a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), preoperative ventilator dependence, preoperative transfusion of ≥1 unit packed RBCs, emergent operation and advanced American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class were associated with increased risk of mortality. Postoperative complications associated with a higher risk of mortality were acute kidney injury, mechanical ventilation ≥48 hours, unplanned intubation, myocardial infarction, septic shock, and blood transfusion. On multivariate analysis, risk factors independently associated with increased risk of mortality were a history of COPD (AOR, 10.5; p =0.013), postoperative acute renal failure (AOR, 12.8; p =0.003) and septic shock (AOR, 15.3; p =0.014). Conclusion Multiple preoperative and postoperative factors are associated with a high risk of death following IAAD repair. A better control of COPD and prevention of postoperative acute renal failure and septic shock may result in better outcomes.
Radiation doses and image quality of abdominal CT scans at different patient sizes using spectral detector CT scanner: a phantom and clinical study

To compare radiation dose and image quality for abdominal CTs performed on a spectral detector CT (SDCT) and a comparable single-energy conventional CT scanner for patients of different sizes. Four semi-anthropomorphic phantoms were scanned on an SDCT (IQon, Philips Healthcare) and a comparable single-energy CT (iCT 256, Philips Healthcare) under matched scan parameters. Image noise and radiation dose were compared. For the HIPAA-compliant, IRB-approved retrospective cohort patient study, radiation dose was compared after adjusting for patient water equivalent diameter. Difference in subjective and objective image quality was assessed on a subset of 50 patients scanned on both scanners by two readers. CTDIvol and noise from SDCT were higher than conventional CT for all phantoms, with a relative difference of 7.8% (range 5.3–14%) for radiation dose and average difference of 9.0% (range 5.5–11%) for noise. 718 SDCT and 937 conventional CT patients were included in the patient study. CTDIvol for SDCT patients tends to be lower for smaller patients (− 2%, 95% confidence interval (− 5%, − 0.2%) for 200 mm water equivalent diameter) and higher for larger patients compared to conventional CT (8%, (6%, 11%) for 400 mm). No difference was seen for subjective image quality, SNR, CNR, or image noise between the two scanners, except for higher image noise in the portal vein and higher signal in the aorta on SDCT. Radiation dose for abdominal CT performed on SDCT is similar to the dose on a conventional CT for average size patients, lower for smaller patients, and slightly higher for larger patients. Image quality is similar between the two scanners.
Foxy Underpants: Or the Use of Chelators and Enzymes to Reduce Foxing Stains on Early Nineteenth Century Men’s Linen Underpants

This paper describes a successful treatment to reduce foxing stains on a pair of men’s linen underpants ca. 1830 in the collection of the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The un...
Exploring multisensory experiences in infants’ learning and development in the child care classrooms

Infants come to know about the world and develop an understanding about themselves through multisenses. This qualitative case study aimed to explore how three infant head teachers engaged in and fa...
Jordan Peterson and the Postmodern University

The Social Sciences and Humanities are in crisis across North America. The reasons for this are manifold—dwindling enrollments and revenues, students lacking basic skills needed to thrive in university settings, administrative bloat, and the campus culture wars. Jordan Peterson, Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto, is a polarizing personality who rose to prominence by focusing relentlessly on merely one aspect of this burgeoning crisis, the campus culture wars. As a fierce critic of feminism, “cultural Marxism,” Marxist humanism, postmodernism, political correctness, and so on, he advocates de-funding any and all programs that have a predominantly Left-leaning faculty in charge. His critique of contemporary cultural trends and Liberal Arts education is not entirely without merit, but is riddled with exaggerations, distortions, and gaping omissions that mark him as a traditionalist conservative, rather than a “classical Liberal,” which is what he claims to be.
Are QE and Conventional Monetary Policy Substitutable

Yes! We study the substitutability between conventional monetary policy based on the adjustment of a short term policy interest rate with quantitative easing (QE). We do so in a four equation New Keynesian model featuring financial frictions that allows QE to be economically relevant. We analytically derive how much QE vs conventional policy is necessary to implement an inflation target. Quantitatively, the observed expansion of the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet over the zero lower bound (ZLB) period provides stimulus equivalent to cutting the policy rate to two percentage points below zero. This is in-line with the decline in the empirical shadow Federal Funds rate series. Moreover, we show that the amount of QE required to achieve price stability depends on the expected duration of the ZLB.
Geospatial and Hydraulic Simulation to Design District Metered Areas for Large Water Distribution Networks

AbstractWater distribution systems can be divided into district metered areas (DMAs) to improve their management. DMAs are individual service regions within a distribution system that have a define...
Social vulnerability and short-term disaster assistance in the United States

Abstract Short-term disaster assistance is an important component of federal disaster response in the United States, providing over $63 billion from 2007 to 2016. Though assistance programs are designed to facilitate the return to basic living conditions, ambiguity surrounds their relationship with socially vulnerable populations who are most likely to require external aid. This study explores the spatial and statistical association between short-term disaster assistance and social vulnerability across the contiguous US. Analysis using bivariate Local Indicators of Spatial Association revealed places with high levels of both assistance and social vulnerability to be clustered in the southeastern United States, as were those with low assistance and high social vulnerability. Overall, places with high social vulnerability were predominantly rural. Based on multivariate regression analysis, dollar damage was the major determinant of allocated assistance for homeowners, but was not explanatory for renters. Indicators of race were associated with lower levels of assistance to homeowners in places where assistance was otherwise high. Among renters, indicators associated with increased coping capacities were associated with greater levels of assistance in places with low allocations of assistance disbursement. Our findings indicate disaster assistance may be underserving some places with more socially vulnerable populations. We recommend that social vulnerability should be explicitly considered in the allocation of assistance to improve social equity in short-term assistance programs.
SARS-CoV-2 Serologic Assays in Control and Unknown Populations Demonstrate the Necessity of Virus Neutralization Testing.

BACKGROUND To determine how serologic antibody testing outcome links with virus neutralization of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), we evaluated individuals for SARS-CoV-2 antibody level and viral neutralization. METHODS We compared serum Ig levels across platforms of viral antigens and antibodies with 15 positive and 30 negative SARS-CoV-2 controls followed by viral neutralization assessment. We then applied these platforms to a clinically relevant cohort of 114 individuals with unknown histories of SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS In controls, the best-performing virus-specific antibody detection platforms were SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG (sensitivity 87%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value [PPV] 100%, negative predictive value [NPV] 94%), spike IgG3 (sensitivity 93%, specificity 97%, PPV 93%, NPV 97%), and nucleocapsid protein (NP) IgG (sensitivity 93%, specificity 97%, PPV 93%, NPV 97%). Neutralization of positive and negative control sera showed 100% agreement. Twenty individuals with unknown history had detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with 16 demonstrating virus neutralization. Spike IgG3 provided the highest accuracy for predicting serologically positive individuals with virus neutralization activity (misidentified 1/20 unknowns compared to 2/20 for RBD and NP IgG). CONCLUSIONS The coupling of virus neutralization analysis to a spike IgG3 antibody test is optimal to categorize patients for correlates of SARS-CoV-2 immune protection status.
SARS-CoV-2 Infects Hamster Testes

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect millions of people worldwide. Although SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus, there is growing concern that the disease could cause damage and pathology outside the lungs, including in the genital tract. Studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection can damage the testes and reduce testosterone levels, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown and evidence of virus replication in testicular cells is lacking. We infected golden Syrian hamsters intranasally, a model for mild human COVID-19, and detected viral RNA in testes samples without histopathological changes up to one month post-infection. Using an ex vivo infection model, we detected SARS-CoV-2 replication in hamster testicular cells. Taken together, our data raise the possibility that testes damage observed in severe cases of COVID-19 could be partly explained by direct SARS-CoV-2 infection of the testicular cells.
Time to achieve delivery of nutrition targets is associated with clinical outcomes in critically ill children.

Background Optimal nutrition in critically ill children involves a complex interplay between the doses, route, and timing of macronutrient delivery. Objectives We aimed to examine the association between the time to achieve delivery of 60% of the prescribed energy and protein targets and clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated children. Methods We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study of mechanically ventilated children admitted to pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) worldwide. Daily energy and protein delivery were recorded for up to 10 d in the PICU. We calculated "adequacy" as the percentage of the prescribed energy or protein goal delivered by enteral nutrition (EN), parenteral nutrition (PN), and total nutrition (EN + PN). Based on the days required to reach 60% energy or protein adequacy after PICU admission, we categorized patients into 3 groups: early (≤3 d), pragmatic (4 to 7 d), and late (more than 7 d). The primary outcome was 60-d all-cause mortality; secondary outcomes were the incidence of acquired infections and 28-d ventilator-free days (VFDs). Results From 77 participating PICUs, 1844 patients, with a median age of 1.64 y (IQR, 0.47-7.05), were included; the 60-d mortality rate was 5.3% (n = 97). The average adequacies of delivery via EN + PN was 49% (IQR, 26-70) for energy and 66% (IQR, 44-89) for protein. In multivariable models adjusted for confounders, mortality was significantly lower in patients who achieved targets within 7 d, for energy (adjusted HR, 0.48; 95% CI: 0.28-0.82; P = 0.007) or protein (adjusted HR, 0.55; 95% CI: 0.33-0.94; P = 0.027) delivery. There were no clinically significant differences in infections or VFDs between groups. Conclusions Achieving 60% of energy or protein delivery targets within the first 7 d after PICU admission is associated with lower 60-d mortality in mechanically ventilated children, and is not associated with a greater incidence of infections or a reduction in VFDs compared to later achievement of targets. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03223038.
Maternal Perceptions of Physical Activity Spaces for Children in Texas Border colonias

This study examined differences in mother-reported physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) based on child sex and mothers’ perceptions of PA resources for Mexican-heritage (MH) children residin...
Supporting the President in a #NotMyPresident Context: Experiences of College-Aged Trump Supporters at a Southern University

In light of sexual misconduct allegations involving the former president of the United States, this study analyzes the reasons some university students provide for their continued support of Donald Trump. Relying on ten semi-structured qualitative interviews with college students who align with the president, this paper identifies three interrelated stages making up a model of support. First, students identify their conservative worldviews as helping to explain their initial support of Trump. Second, given the numerous accusations leveled against the president in the media, students readily use neutralization tactics to counter these narratives and rationalize their continued support. Finally, they feel vilified at their university and elsewhere for supporting Trump, and they find it necessary to conceal their opinions. Such experiences do not contribute to them questioning their beliefs. On the contrary, they lead to more entrenched and rigid support of the president. By identifying this three-stage process and applying neutralization theory to better understand it, this paper contributes to the existing sociological literature on the persistence of conservatism in the United States today.
Morphometric analysis of rat muscle fibers following space flight and hypogravity

The effect of hypogravity on striate muscles, containing both fast twitch glycolytic and slow twitch oxidative fibers, was studied in rats aboard two Cosmos biosatellites. Results of a computer-assisted image analysis of extensor digitorum muscles from five rats, exposed to 18.5 days of hypogravity and processed for the alkaline ATPase reaction, showed a reduction of the mean fiber diameter (41.32 + or - 0.55 microns), compared to synchronous (46.32 + or - 0.55 microns) and vivarium (49 + or - 0.5 microns) controls. A further experiment studied the ratio of fast to slow twitch fibers in 25 rats exposed to 18.5 days of hypogravity and analyzed at four different periods of recovery following the space flight. Using the previous techniques, the gastrocnemius muscle showed a reduction of the total muscle fiber area in square microns and a reduction in the percentage of slow fibers of flight animals compared to the control animals.
Natural History, Pathogenesis, and Prevention of HCV Infection

Approximately 170 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), but most of these individuals are unaware of being infected. HCV is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality, and it frequently causes extrahepatic manifestations of disease. This chapter considers the natural history, pathogenesis, and prevention of HCV. This positive strand RNA virus is transmitted by percutaneous or, in very rare circumstances, mucosal exposure to HCV-infected blood. Infection targets the hepatocytes, with resultant liver inflammation and eventual fibrosis. In a subset of individuals the hepatic disease will progress to cirrhosis, placing them at risk for hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. Extrahepatic manifestations are seen in 10–50% of HCV-infected persons, most commonly mixed cryoglobulinemia, which is fundamentally a B cell lymphoproliferative disorder. Some individuals develop B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is usually of low-grade, although more aggressive forms have been reported. Mixed cryoglobulinemia causes a small-vessel vasculitis, manifesting as palpable purpura, arthritis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and peripheral neuropathy. Extrahepatic signs and symptoms usually regress with successful eradication of HCV. The prevention of HCV rests upon the screening of individuals at highest risk for HCV infection, coupled with appropriate risk reduction strategies to reduce viral transmission and appropriate treatment of HCV infection to reduce the potentially infectious reservoir.
Reintegrative Processes in Regeneration

One of the fundamental characteristics of regeneration is that the regenerating structure takes shape in association with an already existing remainder of the body. Reintegration entails the harmonious coupling of the regenerate with the body, and it can develop into a variety of forms. Reintegration can also begin near the termination of a regenerative process. This is particularly true for neural and sensory structures. Only after a regenerating motor nerve reaches its target muscle fiber, true structural and functional integration can be established. The classic case of skeletal tissue regeneration is the healing of a fracture of a long bone. Although at a microscopic level, there is considerable similarity in the healing of virtually all types of fractures, some reintegrative processes are most apparent in the healing of a nontreated displaced compound fracture. One of the fundamental reintegrative processes in bone regeneration is the remodeling of the regenerating bone to provide the best structural fit to the mechanical demands placed on the bone.
Full-spectrum optically detected resonance (ODR) spectroscopy of GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells

Abstract Resonant magneto-absorption of far-infrared (FIR) laser radiation by neutral and negatively charged donors and free electrons, and the mechanisms of coupling of the power absorbed to various photoluminescence recombination paths in a Si-doped GaAs/AlGaAs multiple-quantum-well structure was studied by optically detected resonance (ODR) spectroscopy. A sensitive charge-coupled-device detection scheme was used to record complete PL/ODR spectra at high resolution with good signal-to-noise. The rich and complex ODR spectra were analyzed by a line-fitting procedure. Results on the neutral donor 1s–2p + transition show that at low FIR laster intensities, the recombination is modified by processes that do not involve carrier heating. At high FIR laser intensities, carrier heating effects dominate.
Acute pesticide poisoning among cut-flower farmers.

The study reported here looked at adverse health effects associated with pesticide exposure among cut-flower farmers in La Trinidad, Philippines. Survey questionnaires and detailed physical and laboratory examinations were administered to 114 and 102 respondents, respectively, to determine pesticide exposure, work and safety practices, individual and family illnesses, and cholinesterase levels. Results showed that pesticide application was the activity most frequently associated with pesticide exposure, and entry was mostly ocular and dermal. Involvement of the skin was noted, with 21 percent of farmers having integumentary abnormalities. Upon physical examination, 90 respondents, or 88.2 percent of those examined, were found to have abnormal peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Abnormal temperature was found in 81.3 percent, and the next most frequent finding was abnormal general-survey results, at 75.5 percent. In 51 percent, cholinesterase levels were below the mean value of 0.7 delta pH/hour. (The unit of measure A pH/hour refers to the change in cholinesterase activity as measured by the difference between the initial pH and the final pH when acetylcholine solution has been added to the red blood cell for 1 1/2 hours. A decrease in cholinesterase activity will produce a low delta pH/hour level) In 25.5 percent, a more than 10 percent depression in the level of RBC cholinesterase was found. Certain hematological parameters were also abnormal, namely hemoglobin, hematocrit, and eosinophil count. Using Pearson's r, the author found that factors strongly associated with illness due to pesticides include use of a contaminated piece of fabric to wipe off sweat (p = .01) and reuse of pesticide containers to store water (p = .01), Recycling of containers poses great health hazards and risks of contamination, and the current recommendation is that used containers should be buried. There was a moderate relationship between illness and average number of years of pesticide use (p = .05), and between illness and re-entering a recently sprayed area (p = .05). Those with motor scale scores of Language: en
Strategic Decapitalization: Does Excess Cash Matter?

Cash balances are at record levels and continue to grow. With balance sheets largely mended, cash flow improving, and the cost of capital rising, balanced decapitalizations can offer compelling economics: lower capital costs, higher returns, enhanced credit strength, and real intrinsic value. * Why Now? * How Much Is Too Much? * The Costs & Benefits of Excess Cash * How the Market Views Excess Cash * When Too Much Is a Good Thing * Optimal Capital Allocation
Digital Signal Processing and Control and Estimation Theory: Points of Tangency, Areas of Intersection, and Parallel Directions

A number of current research directions in the fields of digital signal processing and modern control and estimation theory were studied. Topics such as stability theory, linear prediction and parameter identification, system analysis and implementation, two-dimensional filtering, decentralized control and estimation, image processing, and nonlinear system theory were examined in order to uncover some of the basic similarities and differences in the goals, techniques, and philosophy of the two disciplines. An extensive bibliography is included.
Neonatal macaque model to study Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in pediatric AIDS

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death in AIDS patients worldwide; the earliest opportunistic infection occurring in conjunction with HIV; an accelerant of HIV replication and immune system deterioration. Co-infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and HIV is an increasing global emergency. Little is known regarding the early events of Mtb infection in humans especially infants. There is an urgent need for a clinically relevant animal model that mimics TB disease in human children to better understand early immune responses, pathogenicity and disease progression in newborn/infants.
Information Structure in Sentences: New Information:

New information in sentences is theorized as being marked by surface-structure word order and by word stress. Experiment 1 tested these theories by giving subjects active and passive sentences with...
Water Quality in Three Creeks in the Backcountry of Grand Teton National Park, USA

ABSTRACT This study was conducted in Grand Teton National Park during the summers of 1996 and 1997 to investigate the water quality in two high human use areas: Garnet Canyon and lower Cascade Canyon. To evaluate the water quality in these creeks, fecal coliform, Giardia lamblia, coccidia, and microparticulates were measured in water samples. No evidence of fecal coliform, Giardia lamblia, or coccidia, was found in Garnet Creek. The water quality and general water chemistry of Garnet Creek was similar to the reference site. No Giardia lamblia or coccidia were found in Cascade Creek, but fecal coliforms were present. The isolated colonies of Escherichia coli from Cascade Creek matched the ribosome patterns of avian, deer, canine, elk, rodent, and human coliforms.
Spatial and temporal scales of new particle formation events in eastern North America

Abstract New particle formation (NPF) events have been observed in numerous locations. However, questions remain as to the scale of the events and their importance to regional and global particle number concentrations, size distributions and climate forcing. This study presents measured particle size distributions (PSD) at multiple sites across eastern North America and evaluates the degree of coherence on large (hundreds of kilometer) scales and the site-to-site variability across scales of tens of kilometers. Long-term data from sites separated by 1500 km demonstrate frequent and synchronous NPF, that over 80% of event days at both sites are followed by another event day and that event sequences are best described by a Markov Chain of order 1. Estimates of the mean spatial scale of NPF from a site in southern Indiana range from at least 120–850 km depending on the season and the precise assumptions applied. Despite the evidence for regional coherence in NPF, detailed measurements along an 80 km transect in southern Indiana also indicate some important sub-regional variability. While PSD from individual days typically indicate NPF at all three sites or at none of the sites, PSD measured in two urban environments show greater coherence than those from a centrally located site in a forest, and both the number of ultrafine particles and their growth rates are typically (but not uniformly) higher at the forested site. Some of the site-to-site variability appears to be causally linked to planetary boundary layer dynamics and variations in land cover.
MEASUREMENTS OF NEUTRON SPECTRA FROM FISSION

Abstract The neutron spectra from the fission of U235, U233, and Pu239 by thermal neutrons have been measured by means of the sphere moderated neutron spectrometer. The spectra fit a Maxwellian distribution of the form N(E) = √ Ee−E|θ. The value of the energy parameter θ was found to be 1.332±0.030 MeV in the case of U235+n; the energies of the prompt neutrons from the fission of U233 and Pu239 were respectively 1.8 % and 4.0 % greater than that of U235. Experiments on the spontaneous fission of Pu240 and Cf252 give values of θ of 1.189 and 1.367 MeV. The most probable energy of the leakage neutrons from Jezebel was found to be 15 % lower than that of Pu239 + n. The variation of the energy of fission nneutrons with v is compared to evaporation theory.
Interannual variations of total ozone at northern midlatitudes correlated with stratospheric EP flux and potential vorticity

This work was supported by a grant from the NASA Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling and Analysis Program.
Thin Maintenance Surface Treatments: Comparative Study

Thin maintenance surfaces (TMSs) provide an economical method of extending pavement life for asphaltic concrete or bituminous roads. Two phases of research were undertaken to demonstrate TMSs and establish guidelines for their use in Iowa. The project involved the construction and observation of multiple test sections on four rural U.S. highways in Iowa over a 3-year period. Average annual daily traffic on these highways ranged from approximately 1,000 to 5,000. Test sections included single and double chip seals with various types and sizes of aggregates and two types of binder: cationic emulsion and high-float emulsion. Test sections of microsurfacing, microsurfacing cape seal, and thin-lift hot-mix overlay were also placed. These TMS treatments were compared with control sections. Researchers designed the chip seal test sections, monitored the construction process, and collected quality-control information on materials. The pavement condition index (PCI) and skid resistance were measured and compared for each test section before and after construction. TMSs improved PCI when materials were selected properly and quality construction techniques were used. Success was achieved with chip seal that used graded cover aggregates and small cover aggregates and also with various thin-lift overlays. Difficulties were experienced with microsurfacing aggregates that had few fines. The results of the study reinforce the importance of selecting the right type of TMS, ensuring construction quality, and having favorable weather during and after construction.
Studies on the total synthesis of fredericamycin A: Development of an intermolecular alkyne-chromium carbene complex cyclization approach to the ABCDE ring system

Abstract The development of a synthetic approach to the fredericamycin A ABCDE ring system based on a regiospecific intermolecular alkyne-chromium carbene complex cyclization is detailed.
Two deterministic approaches to topography evolution

We discuss two deterministic approaches to model free-molecular transport and reaction inside features on patterned wafers during thermal deposition processes. One approach that has been widely used to model chemical vapor deposition processes, which are largely steady state at the equipment scale, is based upon the ballistic transport and reaction model (BTRM). The major computational burden in BTRM based codes is usually computing the geometry-defined matrix of transmission probabilities; each element of which is used to determine what fraction of material leaving one point on the surface goes to each other point. This computation scales quadratically in the size of the discretizations, but is done in parallel. The second approach to modeling transport and reaction in the free-molecular flow regime is based on the kinetic transport and reaction model (KTRM). The KTRM starts from the Boltzmann equation and is particularly appropriate for processes operated under transient conditions at the reactor scale; e.g., atomic layer deposition. The KTRM is computationally expensive; models in three spatial dimensions require the discretization of the three spatial dimensions, three velocity dimensions, and time for transient studies. The spatial mesh scales with the third power of the system size, for the same resolution. The KTRM is implemented in parallel.
New Phenomena in Excitoa Condensation in Germanium

We report a sharp optical pumping threshold for the 709-meV luminescence in pure Ge, the simultaneous onset of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}11}$-C charge pulses in Ge junctions, and a pronounced optical hysteresis characteristic of supersaturation. Our results favor the model of exciton condensation into electron-hole droplets over the biexciton model. Our droplet-free exciton coexistence curves yield $\ensuremath{\phi}=1.54\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.25$ meV for the condensation energy.
Size and composition of Asian dust transported to Hawaii

The 1981 spring dust episode observed at the Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii, was studied by particulate size and elemental composition, strengthening its association with Asian sources and establishing its mass median diameter at 1.0 ± 0.3 μm. An average mass loading of 400 ng m−3 was observed during the three peak weeks of the episode (5/12/81–6/2/81) for soil-derived elements (Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe plus their oxides). Elemental ratios remained very constant in this period, and closely resembled those previously reported in North China dust storms. The size and concentration of sulfur panicles also remained constant during the dust episode periods, while differing strongly from non-dust episode periods for the 8 months before and after the events.
On the foundations of the universal relation model

The universal relation model aims at achieving complete access-path independence in relational databases by relieving the user of the need for logical navigation among relations. We clarify the assumptions underlying it and explore the approaches suggested for implementing it.The essential idea of the universal relation model is that access paths are embedded in attribute names. Thus attribute names must play unique “roles.” Furthermore, it assumes that for every set of attributes there is a basic relationship that the user has in mind. The user's queries refer to these basic relationships rather than to the underlying database.Two fundamentally different approaches to the universal relation model have been taken. According to the first approach, the user's view of the database is a universal relation or many universal relations, about which the user poses queries. The second approach sees the model as having query-processing capabilities that relieve the user of the need to specify the logical access path. Thus, while the first approach gives a denotational semantics to query answering, the second approach gives it an operational semantics. We investigate the relationship between these two approaches.
Medium Voltage Motor Surge Protection

Much research has been done in recent years to aid in the determination of surge protection requirements for medium voltage (MV) motors rated typically between 500-10,000 HP ranges at 4.16 kV-13.2 kV. This paper summarizes all such activities and provides some application guidelines. In order to determine the actual surge magnitude and the corresponding rise time seen by the motor windings, the sources of surges and the factors affecting the surge transmission to the motor terminals are examined. The actual surge withstands capabilities of the motor windings, both in terms of magnitudes and rise-times are also reviewed. Based on the probability of such surge occurrences, decisions about additional surge protection requirements can be made.
Tetra‐μ2‐acetato‐κ8O:O′‐bis{[1‐(1‐adamantyliminiomethyl)‐2‐naphtholato‐κO]rhodium(II)}

The title compound, [Rh2(C2H3O2)4(C21H23NO)2], is a centrosymmetric carboxyl­ate-bridged dirhodium dimer, with each RhII ion in a slightly distorted octa­hedral coordination environment. One axial bond involves the oxo O atom of the 1-(adamant-1-yliminio­meth­yl)-2-naphtholate ligand, with a longer than normal Rh—O bond distance which is likely to be due to the bond-lengthening effect of the Rh—Rh bond trans to this O atom. A strong intra­molecular hydrogen bond exists between the H atom of the imino N atom and the oxo O atom of the ligand. In addition, the 1-(adamant-1-yliminio­meth­yl)-2-naphtholate ligand shows delocalization of π-electron density over the sequence of five atoms that extends from the N atom to the O atom.