cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Production of gas phase NO2 and halogens from the photolysis of thin water films containing nitrate, chloride and bromide ions at room temperature

Nitrate and halide ions coexist in particles generated in marine regions, around alkaline dry lakes, and in the Arctic snowpack. Although the photochemistry of nitrate ions in bulk aqueous solution is well known, there is recent evidence that it may be more efficient at liquid–gas interfaces, and that the presence of other ions in solution may enhance interfacial reactivity. This study examines the 311 nm photolysis of thin aqueous films of ternary halide–nitrate salt mixtures (NaCl–NaBr–NaNO3) deposited on the walls of a Teflon chamber at 298 K. The films were generated by nebulizing aqueous 0.25 M NaNO3 solutions which had NaCl and NaBr added to vary the mole fraction of halide ions. Molar ratios of chloride to bromide ions were chosen to be 0.25, 1.0, or 4.0. The subsequent generation of gas phase NO2 and reactive halogen gases (Br2, BrCl and Cl2) were monitored with time. The rate of gas phase NO2 formation was shown to be enhanced by the addition of the halide ions to thin films containing only aqueous NaNO3. At [Cl−]/[Br−] ≤ 1.0, the NO2 enhancement was similar to that observed for binary NaBr–NaNO3 mixtures, while with excess chloride NO2 enhancement was similar to that observed for binary NaCl–NaNO3 mixtures. Molecular dynamics simulations predict that the halide ions draw nitrate ions closer to the interface where a less complete solvent shell allows more efficient escape of NO2 to the gas phase, and that bromide ions are more effective in bringing nitrate ions closer to the surface. The combination of theory and experiments suggests that under atmospheric conditions where nitrate ion photochemistry plays a role, the impact of other species such as halide ions should be taken into account in predicting the impacts of nitrate ion photochemistry.
Chronic Morphine’s Role on Innate Immunity, Bacterial Susceptibility and Implications in Wound Healing

Opioids are considered the gold standard in treating pain. Patients who are prescribed morphine for the management of chronic pain also present themselves with complications such as increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and inadequate healing of wounds. Yet, an in vivo model useful in elucidating mechanisms’ underlying this phenomenon has not been established.
Are Supply and Plant Inspections Complements or Substitutes? A Strategic and Operational Assessment of Inspection Practices in Biotechnology

This paper theoretically and empirically examines the conventional wisdom in procurement management that often portrays supply inspections and supplier plant inspections as substitutes. We develop a theoretical model that focuses on potential internal spillover costs of the buyer receiving low-quality inputs and external spillover costs should low-quality inputs go undetected. Key to our analysis is the condition of whether a buyer can commit to the intensity of supply inspection. If a buyer cannot commit, supply inspections and plant inspections are substitutes, as widely believed. The two types of inspections, however, may become complements when a buyer is able to commit to the intensity of supply inspection. Complementarity is especially likely when (a) external spillovers are smaller than expected internal spillovers, which depends on the level of buffer inventory, (b) when knowledge sharing between buyer and supplier becomes more effective as the supplier allocates more resources to learning for quality improvement, or (c) when hiding aspects of the production processes is easier for suppliers. We empirically evaluate our model with a new data set drawn from a large biotechnology manufacturer. Empirical results provide broad support for theory, which, we argue, might help to explain variation in inspection practices across industries. Our theory and empirical analysis contribute to the literatures on strategic management, organizational economics, and procurement management by highlighting the organizational and strategic use of inspection practices.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to cardiopulmonary bypass with a single circuit exposure.

Due to the short supply of donor organs available, many patients decompensate or die while waiting for transplantation. Options for mechanical support for infants and pediatrics with congenital hea...
Properties of carboxymethylated cotton prepared in nonaqueous media

Mercerized cotton printcloth was converted to sodium cellulosates of various degrees of substitution by reaction with sodium methoxide in methanol. These sodium cellulosates were reacted with sodium monochloroacetate in dimethyl sulfoxide at room temperature. The sodium hydroxide pretreatment affected not only the yield of the sodium cellulosate but also the degree of conversion of cellulosate to carboxymethyl (CM) cellulose. The nonaqueously prepared CM cottons had fabric properties that differed from the properties of CM cottons prepared by conventional aqueous methods. By the nonaqueous method, CM cottons of increased capacity, or degree of substitution (D.S.), were obtained by a one-treatment procedure. These CM cottons in the sodium salt or acid form were insoluble in water and in 23% NaOH. Those of D.S. of about 0.3, when in the acid form, possessed improved wrinkle recovery angles. The salt form of CM cotton acts as a built-in catalyst for the reactions of cotton with methylolated ureas such as dimethylolurea (DMU) and dimethylolethyleneurea (DMEU). However, only DMU was effective in imparting improved conditioned and wet wrinkle recovery to CM cotton. Initial replacement of Na+ ions of CM cotton by H+ was easily accomplished. After replacement of approximately half of the Na+ ions, it was more difficult to replace the remaining half of Na+ from CM cottons that had been prepared in nonaqueous media. Affinity of carboxylate ions in CM cottons prepared nonaqueously for cations did not decrease with size of cation even though affinity for H+ ions was greatest.
Modeling Material Removal Rates for Copper CMP Using Copper Nanohardness and Etch Rates

Measurements of copper nanohardness and etch rate were used with alumina agglomerate size distributions in a model to predict material removal rates (MRRs), which were then compared to experimental copper chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) data. Generally, model predictions improved using measured nanohardness compared to predictions using a constant nanohardness of Cu metal. When the slurry pH was acidic ( 7) increased the nanohardness, and MRR predictions agreed with experimental results. For slurries with small etch rates ( 8 nm/min), and was unable to predict the MRR.
Chordoma Cutis: An Unusual Malignant Tumor Metastatic to Skin

A seventy-year-old woman developed back pain associated with a sacral mass seven years prior to presentation. Biopsy of the sacral mass showed chordoma. The patient underwent two surgical resections because of recurrent disease. She presented after developing a firm, non-tender skin nodule on the left back. Biopsy of the lesion showed a dermal neoplasm composed of nests of cells in a mucinous stroma. There was moderate cytologic atypia of the cells, and occasional mitotic figures were seen. Physaliphorous cells were present. The immunostains S-100, cytokeratin, and EMA were all positive. A diagnosis of metastatic chordoma to the skin or chordoma cutis was made. The patient died 15 months later from complications of metastatic disease. Chordomas are rare, representing only 1–4% of malignant bone tumors, which most often occur in the sacral area. Metastasis to the skin is unusual. In one study, 207 cases of chordoma were evaluated, and only 19 had skin involvement. Chordoma cutis has been described as nodules which are firm, blue domed, cystic-appearing, erythematous, translucent, flesh-colored, and reddish brown. Cutaneous metastasis of chordoma has been reported to the nose, chest, back, thigh, shoulders, left arm, face, neck, and scalp.
Automatic Termination of a Protective Action

Subcommittee 6 of NPEC is responsible for the development of IEEE Standard 603. The adequacy of requirements concerning control and termination of protective actions was raised during the balloting of IEEE Standard 603-1980. In essence, the concern dealt with the requirement for deliberate operator action to return the system to normal. It was questioned if control actions such as automatic termination of system operation were allowed. Changes in the standard were made to clarify that there was a distinction between control (including termination) and return to normal and also to state that automatic control may be required. Additionally, an action item was identified in the forward of IEEE Standard 603-1980 to determine if any additional changes were needed. The purpose of the paper is to present the results of this additional work.
EQUATING ACHIEVEMENT TESTS USING SAMPLES MATCHED ON ABILITY

The equating of reasonably parallel forms of College Board Achievement Tests in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics Level II, American History and Social Studies, and French is discussed in this paper. The results of five equating methods are compared: (1) Tucker, (2) Levine equally reliable, (3) Levine unequally reliable, (4) frequency estimation equipercentile, and (5) chained equipercentile. These methods are used with an internal common-item anchor-test data collection design. Three sampling strategies were evaluated: (1) random samples from populations similar in ability level, (2) random samples from populations dissimilar in ability level, and (3) samples from populations dissimilar in ability level that have been constructed to be similar in ability level by matching on the basis of a covariate, such as the distribution of scores on a set of common items. The criteria for comparison in all cases were the results of the Tucker procedure used with random samples from populations similar in ability level. These results were used as the criterion for equating results because they represent results obtained under the most optimal operational conditions. The results of the study indicate that it may be difficult, and in some cases impossible, to equate achievement tests using new- and old-form samples obtained from populations that are different in ability level. All equating methods investigated in this study appear to be affected by group differences in ability. The equating methods that appear to be the most affected by these differences are the Tucker and frequency estimation equipercentile procedures. The methods that appear to be the most robust to group differences in ability are the chained equipercentile and the two Levine procedures. Matching on the basis of observed scores on a set of internal common items does not remedy the situation. In general, matching produces results, particularly scaled-score means, for all equating procedures that are similar but that over- or underestimate the criterion scaled-score means. Because the results (i.e., scaled-score means) are similar across methods, the effect can be quite misleading in that, in the absence of a criterion, one could conclude that because consistent results are obtained across methods the results are close to “truth.” This was not found to be the case for the situations investigated in this study, and matching cannot be recommended as a procedure for rectifying the problem of sample ability-level differences.
The Person/Environment Dynamics of Employee Empowerment: An Organizational Culture Analysis

Using an organizational culture framework, this case study examines the critical preconditions necessary for employee empowerment and highlights how the multiple cultures within one public bureaucracy differently impacted their implementation. SERVE, a large human service organization, initiated an employee empowerment program that contradicted and thus collided with many elements of its overall organizational culture. Despite the best intentions of the organizational leaders, upper management support, and opportunities for participatory decision making, the organization could not foster the critical preconditions needed for employee empowerment. Leaders had difficulty expanding the employees' power and promoting member inclusion. Concurrently, most employees rejected these new opportunities for control and distrusted the leader's intentions. Yet, despite the widespread rejection of these empowerment initiatives, most employees described their work lives as empowering. The role the local site subculture played in promoting employee empowerment is examined. We discuss how a localized (vs. system-wide) empowerment endeavor may be a more appropriate and feasible focus for public bureaucracies seeking to initiate greater staff empowerment. Particular attention is paid to the interaction between individuals and their environments, and how this interaction affects the empowerment process.
Brief History and Recent Developments in Electron Theory and Quantumelectrodynamics

Major steps in the hundred years history of the electron concerning its selfenergy due to its own electromagnetic field are outlined and the present status and revival of the selfenergy and radiative problems of the electron are discussed.
Limited Labels for Unlimited Data: Active Learning for Speaker Recognition

In this paper, we attempt to quantify the amount of labeled data necessary to build a state-of-the-art speaker recognition system. We begin by using i-vectors and the cosine similarity metric to represent an unlabeled set of utterances, then obtain labels from a noiseless oracle in the form of pairwise queries. Finally, we use the resulting speaker clusters to train a PLDA scoring function, which is assessed on the 2010 NIST Speaker Recognition Evaluation. After presenting the initial results of an algorithm that sorts queries based on nearest-neighbor pairs, we develop techniques that further minimize the number of queries needed to obtain state-of-the-art performance. We show the generalizability of our methods in anecdotal fashion by applying our methods to two different distributions of utterances-per-speaker and, ultimately, find that the actual number of pairwise labels needed to obtain state-of-the-art results may be a mere fraction of the queries required to fully label the entire set of utterances. Index Terms: speaker recognition, i-vectors, active learning
Cults Disrupted and Memories Recaptured: Events in the Life of the Icon of the Virgin Hodegetria in Constantinople

The icon of the Virgin Hodegetria was one of the most important cult images in Constantinople. The origins of the image seem to lie in the fifth century. At times, the sources have been interpreted as if the history of the icon were linear. A careful consideration of the visual and textual evidence, however, indicates that the cult of the image was subject to considerable change. The icon of the Hodegetria is mentioned for the first time in the tenth century, but the image may go as far back as the ninth century. Processions, confraternities maintaining the cult of the image, as well as the belief that the icon was painted by St. Luke are attested from the eleventh century. The role of the icon in the ritual topography of Constantinople was seriously affected by the establishment of Latin rule over the Byzantine capital (1204–1261). In the aftermath of the Latin interlude the importance of the image in the religious life of Constantinople increased greatly. In the Palaiologan period much emphasis was given to creating a sense of continuity in the history of the image. This may be interpreted as an attempt to erase the memory of the Latin occupation.
Cancer immunology essentials: a preface.

![Figure][1] As cancer immunology enters the mainstream of cancer research and cancer medicine, there arises within the general community a pressing need for an easily accessible and expert resource devoted to the discipline. Indeed, cancer immunology encompasses a diverse range of activities
Experimental studies of factors influencing hepatic metastases. XI. Effect of hepatic trauma in hypophysectomized animals.

SummaryThese findings reveal that the profound inhibition of metastases observed in pituitary ablated animals is overcome by hepatic damage. The effect was no longer evident in animals subjected to hepatic manipulation 7 and 14 days after injection of tumor cells.
Teaching Technical Writing to Non-Native Speakers of English:

Teaching technical writing to non-native speakers of English is complicated by their special needs. Central to the discussion is the idea that expository writing ought to be a key element of any pr...
Informatics and scientific information exchange in forensic toxicology.

I want to thank Dr. Steven Wong and the organizers of SOFT 2000 for the opportunity to speak to this large and distinguished group of forensic scientists. Although I am uncertain that I am qualified to speak knowledgably on both these topics, I have had some experience as the Editor of the Journal of Forensic Sciences in the area of scientific information exchange involving forensic scientists. And, I come from the only academic forensic science program in the country located within a College of Pharmacy, so even though I think of myself primarily as a criminalist, I have more exposure to some of the issues of interest to forensic toxicologists than many other academic people. After considering what I might say to you on these two subjects, I have concluded that both of them are likely to play an important role as "30 years of forensic toxicology [is launched into] the new millennium". We will first consider how bioinformatics might have an impact on toxicology and even forensic toxicology. Then, we have to realize that the traditional mechanisms and delivery systems of information exchange are rapidly being replaced by new ones, much faster than the old ones, and ask whether accuracy and rigor can be maintained and be recognizable in the information blizzard of the Internet age. Let us consider informatics first.
Développement intrathymique des lymphocytes T : le rôle des peptides du soi dans le processus de sélection positive

Au cours du developpement des lymphocytes T αβ, le processus de selection positive requiert l'interaction du recepteur de l'antigene (TCR) avec les molecules du complexe majeur d'histocompatibilite (CMH) exprimees a la surface des cellules epitheliales du cortex thymique. On s'est longtemps demande si l'interaction TCR-CMH est intrinsequement suffisante ou si les peptides du soi complexes aux molecules du CMH remplissent un role particulier lors de la selection positive. L'utilisation d'animaux genetiquement modifies, presentant des alterations des processus d'appretement et/ou de presentation de l'antigene a permis de montrer que la diversite des peptides du soi presentes par les molecules du CMH a un impact direct sur l'efficacite du developpement des lymphocytes CD4 + et CD8 + . L'ensemble de ces resultats experimentaux indique que le developpement intrathymique des lymphocytes T αβ, et par consequent l'elaboration du repertoire T fonctionnel, est fondee sur la reconnaissance des peptides du soi au cours du processus de selection positive.
Seasonal distribution and routes of pronghorn in the northern Great Basin

Abstract. Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) exhibit complex spatial and temporal variation in seasonal movements and range use across their distribution. However, knowledge of seasonal movements, routes, and distribution of pronghorn within the sagebrush-steppe of the northern Great Basin is lacking. From October 2011 to October 2013, I monitored movements of adult female pronghorn across an area of over 1.5 million hectares along the northwestern Nevada and southeastern Oregon border using GPS/VHF-equipped collars. I used 68,834 GPS locations from 32 female pronghorn to determine migration timing, seasonal distributions, individual fidelity to winter and summer ranges, and population-level routes used during the migration period. Collared pronghorn were conditionally migratory, with 65% migrating an average of 30.0 km the first year and 100% migrating an average of 39.1 km the second; one individual migrated over 160 km between summer and winter ranges. Seasonal ranges averaged 143.3 km2 during the summe...
Application and Study on Overtake Control Strategy of IDF in (ultra) Supercritical Thermal Power Unit

Overtake control strategic for induced fan makes up the shortage of traditional furnace press control system effectively.The principle of (ultra) supercritical unit boiler furnace press forward control is described in detail.The comparison and analysis of furnace press control quality around the strategy were performed has been done based on the commissioning of Yueqing Power Plant and Third-phase Engineering Project of Beilun Power Plant.
The Intermetallic Compound in Al/Cu

The rolled composite can enhance the combined intensity after heat treatment but also can bring some problems such as intermetallic compounds.This paper investigated the forming rules of compounds in interface of the Al/Cu composite and got under different time and temperature.The kinetic model of intermetallic compound growth was built.
The Role of Acrosin in Sperm Penetration Through Human Cervical Mucus

Enzymes have been implicated in facilitating cervical mucus penetration by spermatozoa. One of these enzymes is the neutral proteinase acrosin, which is associated with the sperm acrosome. To determine the validity of this hypothesis, human spermatozoa were incubated with the following acrosin inhibitors: p-aminobenzamidine (AB), N-α-p-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK), and p-nitropheyl-p'-guanidino benzoate (NPGB). An in vitro slide test system was developed which allowed inhibitor-treated and control spermatozoa to be evaluated against the same human cervical mucus sample. At inhibitor concentrations far exceeding those necessary for the inhibition of human acrosin, there was no effect on spermatozoal penetration into or through the mucus. These findings indicate that, in man, acrosin activity is neither necessary nor facilitory to sperm penetration of cervical mucus. Evidence is also presented that demonstrates the superiority of the newly developed double-interface slide test, especially for comparative purposes, over the tests currently in use.
IsisWorld: an open source commonsense simulator for AI researchers

A metareasoning problem involves three parts: 1) a set of concrete problem domains; 2) reasoners to reason about the problems; and, 3) metareasoners to reason about the reasoners. We believe that the metareasoning community would benefit from agreeing on the first two problems. To support this kind of collaboration, we offer an open source 3D simulator containing everyday, commonsense problems that take place in kitchens. This paper presents several arguments for using a simulator to solve commonsense problems. The paper concludes by describing future work in simulator-based unified generative benchmarks for AI.
Complications of intercostal nerve blocks performed under direct vision during thoracotomy: a report of two cases.

Intrathoracic intercostal nerve block is a well-described procedure used to provide postoperative pain relieffollowing thoracotomy. The two cases described present possible complications secondary to such blocks and suggest that the routine use ofintrathoracic intercostal nerve blocks should be discouraged.
Career and family dilemmas in doctor's lives.

"How do you combine work and family life?" is a question that has much relevance for busy professionals and their families. For physicians especially the dilemma of combining both is particularly acute. As a group committed to caring for others, how do physicians decide that their own and their families' needs are also important, and how do they find the time and energy to tend to those needs? The author closely followed a group of practicing physicians and their families for more than five years in an effort to understand the above questions. During this process of listening, talking, and observing, issues of "specialness," "work," "time," and "caring" were repeatedly mentioned by those professionals and families he followed. He found that the way medical families dealt with these specific notions helped determine the outcome of their struggle with the career/family dilemma.
Evolution of the national flood forecasting system in the USA

A brief history of the evolution of the National Weather Service Program in the United States is presented. Emphasis in the past 40 years has been on development and implementation of new technology and a computerized River Forecast System plus automation of data collection. Although scientific hydrology has made many strides in this period, many problems still remain. Possible solutions and new directions are discussed.
Monitoring: methods and significance.

Surgical monitoring, to justify its cost and risk, must provide useful information to those caring for high risk patients. A monitoring system which has worked well for the authors is based upon oxygen transport and utilization with a graphic display derived from hemodynamic and blood gas data obtained at the bedside.
Change of Landmark Movement: the Bolsheviks not as Patriotic Jacobins

The profoundness of the feeling that the Bolsheviks would never follow the patriotic road of the French Jacobins, and that Russia was on the eve of disaster or perhaps had already fallen could be seen in the ‘Change of Landmark’ movement (Smenavekh). Later, would-be participants came to believe that there was a strong dose of healthy nationalism in the Bolsheviks, which made them quite similar to the Jacobins, and the Bolsheviks were regarded as the most ardent nationalists among all the political players. They believed then that the Bolsheviks’ advent to power had been the means for the country’s move to its pinnacle.
Hypoosmotic Swelling Test (HOS)

The hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test evaluates the functional integrity of the sperm’s plasma membrane and also serves as a useful indicator of its fertility potential. The functional integrity can be demonstrated by allowing sperm to react in a hypoosmotic medium. The hypoosmotic swelling test presumes that only cells with intact membranes (live cells) will swell in hypotonic solutions. The results of the HOS test correlate closely with the hamster egg penetration test. Spermatozoa with intact membranes swell within 5 min in hypoosmotic medium, and all flagellar shapes are stabilized in 30 min.
Top Supreme Court Advocates of the Twenty-First Century

This article identifies the Supreme Court litigators who have argued at least five times since October 2000, making them — by some measures — "expert Supreme Court litigators." It identifies all members of this elite tier and then breaks them down by demographics such as gender, ethnicity, law school, past clerkships, and experience in the Office of the Solicitor General. Identifying the members of today's elite Supreme Court bar reveals several interesting trends. The members skew overwhelmingly white, although there are several young, minority members of the Supreme Court bar who have the potential to argue many cases in the near future. The elite bar also contains more men than women, but, like with minorities, several women in recent years have taken positions that place them before the Supreme Court with increasing frequency. Predictably, top law schools are the best represented, although their presence may be smaller than some suspect. The best predictor of a law school's presence in the elite Supreme Court bar is it's Supreme Court clerkship potential, not it's U.S. News & World Report ranking — although those two measures closely track one another.
Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) microwave radiometer radio-frequency interference (RFI) mitigation: Algorithm updates and performance assessment

The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission, launched January 31, 2015, provides global observations of 1.4 GHz Earth thermal emissions from space [1] through its L-band radiometer. Although SMAP's radiometer passband lies within the protected 1.4–1.427 GHz band, both unauthorized in-band transmitters as well as out-of-band emissions from transmitters operating at frequencies adjacent to this allocated spectrum have been documented as sources of radio frequency interference (RFI) to the L-band radiometers on SMOS and Aquarius [2, 3]. Low level RFI (0.1–10 Kelvin) is especially problematic as it can be mistaken for natural variability and if left unmitigated can corrupt radiometer measurements leading to flawed retrievals. SMAP has an aggressive approach to RFI mitigation using an advanced digital microwave radiometer to provide time and frequency measurements as well as a comprehensive ground processing algorithm [3]–[4].
Agent-based modeling of bioenergy crop adoption and farmer decision-making

Abstract We formulate an agent-based simulation model to analyze farmers' decision-making in bioenergy crops adoption and predict related farmers' group behavior. Agents include farmers and biofuel producers, and each is represented with their own decision-making mechanism. We quantitatively model the decision-making of farmers in Iowa, USA as an optimization model based on values derived from published literature and social survey data; results were further validated with social survey data. Economic and environmental impacts of growing conventional row crops versus dedicated energy crops are considered and evaluated under a series of operational constraints including neighborhood influence. We apply the model to forecast biomass supply in the next three decades and reveal that Iowa has the potential to produce 2.27 billion gallons (8.59 billion liters) of cellulosic biofuel by 2022, which constitutes 14.2% of RFS2 cellulosic ethanol mandate. We also find improved publicity to be more efficient in promoting biomass production than raising the contract price. This paper provides a new approach to study farmers' behavior, and insights we derive on managerial operations may be of interest to bioenergy investors, producers, and government policy makers.
The Poet as an Anti-Christ in John Donne's TWICKENHAM GARDEN

John Donne's poem “Twickenham Garden” is a lover's lament and a hyperbolic complaint in which the poet's reaction to his beloved is presented in opposition to the salvific work of Christ. The poem'...
Two for one: inadvertent introduction of Euglandina species during failed bio-control efforts in Hawaii

The introduction of the predatory land snail, Euglandina rosea (Ferrusac, 1821) from Florida to Hawaii to control the giant African snail, Lissachatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822) is among the most publicized biological control cases gone awry. Following preliminary genetic analyses that revealed a second, possibly undescribed Euglandina species was probably introduced to Hawaii, we used an integrative systematic approach combining both genetic and morphological assessments to examine the taxonomic status of the snail referred to as E. rosea in Hawaii. Genetic and morphological analyses support the interpretation that two Euglandina species were introduced to and have become established in Hawaii and can be readily distinguished based on morphological differences. This finding has significant ramifications for understanding both historical and contemporary biocontrol as it suggests that: (1) other species may have been inadvertently introduced through bio-control programs, (2) inadequate understanding of the taxonomy of bio-control agents has obscured our ability to effectively study their ecological impacts, and (3) while the US has no comprehensive regulatory framework for importing biological control agents, one is urgently needed. This also has wide-ranging implications for conservation efforts throughout the tropics because Euglandina from Oahu, Hawaii were released on other Hawaiian Islands, New Guinea, Okinawa, Palau Islands, Philippines, India, Bonin Islands and Bermuda for use in biological control programs that led to catastrophic loss of endemic land snail diversity.
Intravascular Ultrasound to Guide Complex Endovascular Aortic Repair

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a useful and accurate imaging modality in determining the location of target vessels during fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR). IVUS may also assist in improving the operative plan in many procedures. Although IVUS is less reliable for the precise location of visceral and renal vessels in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, it can accurately predict target vessel location in most juxtarenal and suprarenal aneurysms, which may facilitate safe and expeditious FEVAR.
Comparing Extremist Perpetrators of Suicide and Non-Suicide Attacks in the United States

ABSTRACTThis study explores differences in perpetrators of suicide attacks and non-suicide attacks in the United States. The study uses data on far-right and Al Qaeda and affiliated/inspired terrorists between 1990 and 2013 from the United States Extremist Crime Database. Our analysis estimates logistic regression models to test whether suicide attackers were more likely to have exhibited specific risk factors for suicidality, while examining other prominent claims regarding patterns of suicide terrorism. Suicide attackers were no more likely than non-suicide attackers to have previously attempted suicide or to have been diagnosed as mentally ill. Suicide attackers were more likely, though, to have a history of substance abuse, to be loners, have served in the military, participated in paramilitary training, and be more ideologically committed to the cause. We found that Al Qaeda affiliated/inspired attackers were more likely than far-right attackers to have engaged in a suicide mission. With the current ...
Characterizing road segments using compass sensors to predict approaching bus stops

We devise an inexpensive and intuitive system for bus route navigation for locales where public transportation may serve as a prevalent mode of commute but where technologies that make arrival predictions through tracking vehicles in transit through GPS or other means do not exist. These systems typically require real-time monitoring of traffic variations. We provide a personalized approach where in a world of pervasive smart phone use, users may take advantage of sensor data to learn and personalize their bus routes, and alert them on time when a bus stop is approaching. We accomplish this through the development and implementation of two algorithms: 1) turn detection using on-board compass sensor of a smart phone, and 2) characterizing road segments in terms of turns and thereby predicting approaching bus stops. We conduct field experiments on a route with four selected bus stops in the town of Chapel Hill. Results show that the accuracy of turn detection and detection of approaching bus stops are 95.7% and 83%, respectively.
Music and Language in Joyce’s “The Dead”

Joyce’s work as a writer testifies to his interest in the acoustical properties of language and the attempt to incorporate musical devices and strategies into literature. Likewise, his activties as a singer, coupled with his life-long interest in vocal music, placed him in touch with the more conventional merger of word and tone. Much has been made of the lyrical language, musical allusions, and possible musical structures to be found in Ulysses and Finnegans Wake; however, Joyce’s attempt to conflate the codes of music and language in his short story “The Dead” has not been adequately addressed. Given Joyce’s interest in musico-literary interrelationships, it is not surprising that “The Dead” draws heavily upon musical sources and exhibits certain musical characteristics. Richard Ellmann has said of the story, “In its lyrical melancholic acceptance of all life and death offer, ‘The Dead’ is a lynch pin in Joyce’s work” (252). This essay will elaborate upon those “lyrical” qualities mentioned by Ellmann and their phenomenological and semiotic implications.
Obesity: childhood obesity--methylate now, pay later?

A recent report has found an association between the methylation status of specific genes in human fetal tissue and the subsequent development of childhood adiposity in two longitudinal cohorts. Would epigenetic analysis at birth, therefore, have utility in identifying future risk of obesity?
Band target entropy minimization and target partial least squares for spectral recovery and quantitation.

Abstract The resolution and quantitation of pure spectra of minority components in measurements of chemical mixtures without prior knowledge of the mixture is a challenging problem. In this work, a combination of band target entropy minimization (BTEM) and target partial least squares (T-PLS) was used to obtain estimates for single pure component spectra and to calibrate those estimates in a true, one-at-a-time fashion. This approach allows for minor components to be targeted and their relative amounts estimated in the presence of other varying components in spectral data. The use of T-PLS estimation is an improvement to the BTEM method because it overcomes the need to identify all of the pure components prior to estimation. Estimated amounts from this combination were found to be similar to those obtained from a standard method, multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS), on a simple, three component mixture dataset. Studies from two experimental datasets demonstrate where the combination of BTEM and T-PLS was used to model the pure component spectra and to obtain concentration profiles of minor components, but MCR-ALS could not.
Measuring Within and Between Group Inequality in Early-Life Mortality Over Time: A Bayesian Approach with Application to India

Most studies on inequality in early-life mortality (ELM) compare average mortality rates between large groups of births, for example, between births from different countries, income groups, ethnicities, or different times. These studies do not measure within-group disparities. The few studies that have measured within-group variability in ELM have used tools from the income inequality literature. We show that measures from the income inequality literature, such as Gini indices, are inappropriate for ELM. Instead we develop novel tools that are appropriate for analyzing ELM inequality. We illustrate our methodology using a large data set from India, where we estimate ELM risk for over 400,000 births using a Bayesian hierarchical model. We show that most of the variance in mortality risk exists within groups of births, not between them, and thus that within-group mortality needs to be taken into account when assessing inequality in ELM. Our approach has broad applicability to many health indicators.
Trends in High-Grade Cervical Cancer Precursors in the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Era

Introduction The 2006 introduction of human papillomavirus vaccine targeted against genotypes 6, 11, 16, and 18 should result in decreased cervical dysplasia in vaccinated women. However, new cervical cancer guidelines to increase screening intervals complicate interpretation of trends. The hypothesis is that cervical dysplasia would decrease only in young vaccine-eligible women, and not older women. Methods The authors identified Davidson County, Tennessee, women aged 18–39 years with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 or greater and adenocarcinoma in situ, denoted as CIN2+, through pathology reports from laboratories serving this population. Biopsy specimens for human papillomavirus genotyping were collected. Trends in CIN2+ rates and associated human papillomavirus genotypes, 2008 through 2013, were examined. Results The authors identified 2,031 women with CIN2+. Rates of CIN2+ fell from 188.9 to 58.7 per 100,000 women aged 18–20 years (annual percentage change= –24.2, 95% CI= –41.4, –2.1) and from 495.6 to 332.4 per 100,000 women aged 21–24 years (annual percentage change= –10.2%, 95% CI= –16.3, –3.4). There was no significant change in CIN2+ rates for women aged 25–29 or 30–39 years. In biopsy specimens from 1,319 of 2,031 (65%) women, at least one human papillomavirus genotype was identified in 1,270 (96%). The prevalence of at least one of four vaccine human papillomavirus genotypes (6, 11, 16, and 18) declined from 59% in 2008 to 52% in 2013 ( p =0.003). Conclusions Diagnosis of CIN2+ decreased in women aged 18–24 years, but not in older women. Both changes in screening and human papillomavirus vaccination could have contributed to the decline of CIN2+ in young women.
Does glyceraldehyde enter pancreatic islet metabolism via both the triokinase and the glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase reactions? A study of these enzymes in islets.

Abstract Glyceraldehyde has been known to be an insulin secretagogue for more than 15 years. It has been (reasonably) assumed that glyceraldehyde enters the glycolytic pathway via its phosphorylation by ATP to form glyceraldehyde phosphate, a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme triokinase, and that subsequent metabolism is identical to that of glucose. However, up to now there have been no studies verifying the presence of triokinase in the pancreatic beta cell. We report here that (1) the activity of triokinase in pancreatic islets is very low, indicating that the activity is intrinsically low and/or the enzyme was rapidly inactivated during the preparation of tissue for assay; (2) the activity is much lower than glucose phosphorylating activity (hexokinase plus glucokinase) in islets, even though glyceraldehyde is a more efficient insulin secretagogue than glucose; (3) glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase from pancreatic islets can use glyceraldehyde as a substrate in place of glyceraldehyde phosphate (the Vmax of glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase from islets when glyceraldehyde is the substrate is 20-fold that of triokinase when glyceraldehyde is the substrate); and (4) the Km of glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase with respect to glyceraldehyde (4.8 m m ) is similar to the concentration of glyceraldehyde that gives one-half maximal rates of insulin release from pancreatic islets, whereas the Km of triokinase with respect to glyceraldehyde is much lower ( m ). These data suggest that besides stimulating insulin release in islets via its entering metabolism by phosphorylation to glyceraldehyde phosphate in the triokinase reaction, glyceraldehyde could be phosphorylated by Pi in the glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase reaction to form glycerate 1-phosphate which is probably unmetabolizable in islets. The second reaction could drastically increase the NADH/NAD ratio in islets without providing substrates for hydrogen shuttles that reoxidize cytosolic NADH. Since an increased NAD(P)H/NAD(P) ratio is believed to be a key part of the signal for insulin release, such a mechanism would explain the potent insulinotropism of glyceraldehyde in short-term experiments. In addition, the formation of unmetabolizable acids may explain the toxic effects of long-term exposure of islets to glyceraldehyde and why glyceraldehyde causes the beta cell to become acidic, whereas glucose does not.
Biology-based mapping of vector-borne parasites by Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing.

Application of growing degree day-water budget analysis and satellite climatology to vector-borne parasites will be reviewed to demonstrate the value of using the unique thermal-hydrological preferences and limits of tolerance of individual parasite-vector systems to define the environmental niche of disease agents in the landscape by modern geospatial analysis methods. Applications of geospatial modeling will be illustrated by examples on fascioliasis, malaria, leprosy and leishmaniasis.
On the differential equations of the linear theory of elastic shells

Recent developments in the foundations of the linear theory of thin elastic shells have substantially contributed toward establishing a satisfactory system of differential equations for bending of shells. Among these, we mention in particular the derivations by Koiter [1], Naghdi [2], and Green and Naghdi [3]. The latter contains a derivation which is effected via suitable asymptotic expansion of the three-dimensional equations of the classical theory of linear elasticity and leads to a system of shell equations equivalent to those in [1] and [2]. These shell equations involve only symmetric resultants and couples and symmetric shell-strain measures and conform to all invariance requirements appropriate to the linear theory. References to earlier and related contributions on the subject may be found in the references already cited, as well as in [4].
Free-electron x-ray source based on a solid-state superlattice

When fast electrons pass through a periodic medium, resonant transition radiation is emitted.1 The angle of emission θ between the electromagnetic wave and the beam is related to the wavelength λ of radiation by e ¯ cos θ = c / v − n λ / l, where e is the average dielectric constant, ν is the velocity of the electron, n is an integer, and l is the spatial period of interfaces.
Rationale for administering beta-blocker therapy to patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery: a systematic review.

Introduction: Secondary preventative therapies are essential for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery to optimize perioperative and long-term outcomes. Beta-blockers are ...
Free Probability Theory: Random Matrices and von Neumann Algebras

Independence in usual noncommutative probability theory (or in quantum physics) is based on tensor products. This lecture is about what happens if tensor products are replaced by free products. The theory one obtains is highly noncommutative: freely independent random variables do not commute in general. Also, at the level of groups, this means instead of ℤ n we will consider the noncommutative free group F(n) = ℤ* ⋯ *ℤ or, looking at the Cayler graphs, a lattice is replaced by a homogeneous tree.
Matching the LenStar optical biometer to A-Scan ultrasonography for use in small animal eyes with application to tree shrews

We describe an analysis strategy to obtain ultrasonography-matched axial dimensions of small animal eyes using the LenStar biometer. The LenStar optical low-coherence reflectometer is an attractive device for animal research due to its high precision, non-invasiveness, and the ability to measure the axial dimensions of cornea, anterior chamber, lens, vitreous chamber, and axial length. However, this optical biometer was designed for clinical applications in human eyes and its internal analysis provides inaccurate values when used on small eyes due to species-dependent differences in refractive indices and relative axial dimensions. The LenStar uses a near infrared light source to measure optical path lengths (OPLs) that are converted by the LenStar's EyeSuite software into geometrical lengths (GLs) based on the refractive indices and axial dimensions of the human eye. We present a strategy that extracts the OPLs, determines refractive indices specific for the small animal eye of interest and then calculates corrected GLs. The refractive indices are obtained by matching the LenStar values to ultrasonography values in the same eyes. As compared to ultrasounography, we found that the internal calculations of the LenStar underestimate the axial dimensions of all ocular compartments of the tree shrew eye: anterior segment depth by 6.17±4.50%, lens thickness by 1.37±3.06%, vitreous chamber depth by 29.23±2.35%, and axial length by 10.62±1.75%. Using tree shrew-specific refractive indices, the axial dimensions closely matched those measured by ultrasonography for each compartment. Our analysis strategy can be easily translated to other species by obtaining a similar paired data set using ultrasonography and LenStar, and applying our step by step procedures.
Growth Response of Crapemyrtle to Coppicing and Production Light Level

Abstract The effects of production light level on coppicing and coppice timing were evaluated as means of accelerating the development of tree-form crapemyrtles. By the end of the growing season, ‘...