cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Band gap reduction of titania thin films using graphene nanosheets

Abstract Titania possesses a band gap of ~3.2 eV, whereas the work function of graphene ~4.5 eV exists near the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of titania. The photoexcitation of electrons in titania (TiO 2 ) is possible only under the ultraviolet radiation. If such conversion is required in visible light range, band gap has to be lowered below 3.1 eV. This research work hence aims at lowering the band gap of titania thin films by incorporation of graphene nanosheets. Graphene was synthesized using modified Hummer׳s method. Oxidation of graphite was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealing a peak at 11.8° with interplanar distance of 7.5 A and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis revealed exfoliation of single layer graphene oxide nanosheets having thickness of 0.6–1.0 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis confirmed the reduction of graphene oxide by revealing removal of carbonyl group (C O). Titania sol was obtained using hydrolysis and condensation of titanium tetraisopropoxide. The TiO 2 –graphene composite was prepared by liquid phase dispersion of graphene oxide into titania sol and reduction of deposited films was carried out by exposing hydrazine hydrate vapors. In the second method, nanoparticles of reduced graphene oxide were dispersed in titania sol; thin films were deposited on indium–tin oxide (ITO) coated glass using spin coating and subsequently heat treated. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to reveal dispersion of graphene nanosheets among homogenously distributed titania nanoparticles of uniform size distribution (~30–50 nm). Surface roughness of about 16 nm was observed by AFM topographic images. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and LUMO levels were calculated by cyclic voltammetry and subsequent band gap was calculated which came out to be as low as 2.9 eV. Ti–O–C chemical bonding between titania and graphene sheets resulted in enhanced electron transport in the obtained composite films.
Space shuttle main engine model identification

System identification techniques are used to represent the dynamic behavior of the SSME (space shuttle main engine). The comparison of the responses of a nonlinear simulation with the responses of an identified model indicates very good agreement. The identified model can be used for control design purposes. The identified model does not include valve linkage backlash and valve stiction nonlinearities. These nonlinearities should be added to the identified model, and the validity of the model should be checked by comparing it with the full nonlinear simulation. The identified model is valid for a limited response region at about the 100% power level operating condition. >
Halocins and sulfolobicins: the emerging story of archaeal protein and peptide antibiotics.

Production of antibiotic peptides and proteins is a near-universal feature of living organisms regardless of phylogenetic classification. Bacteriocins (proteinaceous antimicrobials from the domain Bacteria) have been studied for over 75 years, and the eucaryocins (proteinaceous antimicrobials from the domain Eucarya) since the early 1960s. However, one domain of organisms, the Archaea, containing hyperthermophiles, extreme halophiles and the methanogens, is just beginning to be scrutinized for the production of peptide antibiotics. Production of archaeal proteinaceous antimicrobials (archaeocins) from extreme halophiles (halocins) is a nearly universal feature of the rod-shaped haloarchaea. Halocin activity is first detectable in culture supernatants at the beginning of the transition into stationary phase, concomitant with an induction of transcription of the structural gene. Halocins are diverse in size, consisting of proteins as large as 35 kDa and peptide “microhalocins” as small as 3.6 kDa. The 36 amino acids of microhalocin HalS8 are located in the interior of a 311-residue pro-protein from which they are liberated by an unknown mechanism. Microhalocins are hydrophobic and robust, withstanding heat, desalting and exposure to organic solvents. Unlike the peptide bacteriocins and the eucaryocins, microhalocins possess a large number of neutral residues and are not cationic, leaving their mechanism(s) of action mostly a mystery. While microhalocins affect a variety of haloarchaeal genera (kingdom Euryarchaeota), they also exhibit cross-kingdom toxicity, inhibiting or killing Sulfolobus species (kingdom Crenarchaeota). Finally, archaeocins also are produced by the hyperthermophile “Sulfolobus islandicus”. These 20-kDa protein antibiotics are not excreted into the environment, but are associated with small particles apparently derived from the cell's S-layer. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2002) 28, 23–31 DOI: 10.1038/sj/jim/7000190
In Vitro Comparison of the Three Loop Pulley and Locking Loop Suture Patterns for Repair of Canine Weightbearing Tendons and Collateral Ligaments

Both triceps tendons and the medial collateral ligaments of both stifles of 10 freshly euthanized dogs were sharply transected. One tendon and one ligament of each dog were sutured with a three loop pulley pattern, and the opposite tendons and ligaments were sutured with a locking loop pattern. The tendons and ligaments were harvested with their muscular and bony attachments. The anastomoses were slowly tested in tension until failure occurred. The amount of tensile load required to produce failure of the anastomosis, the amount of distraction of the sutured ends prior to failure, and the modes of failure were recorded. In both tendons and ligaments, the three loop pulley pattern provided significantly greater tensile strength (p < 0.01) and allowed significantly less distraction between the sutured ends (p < 0.01) than the locking loop pattern. In tendons, disruption of the suture material was the most common mode of failure with both patterns. In ligaments, both patterns failed most commonly by pulling free from the tissue.
Effect of Medicaments Used in Endodontic Regeneration Technique on the Chemical Structure of Human Immature Radicular Dentin: An In Vitro Study

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 3 intracanal medicaments used in pulp regeneration on the chemical structure of radicular dentin. Methods Human immature radicular dentin specimens were exposed to triple antibiotic paste (tripaste), double antibiotic paste (bipaste), calcium hydroxide [(Ca(OH)2] paste, or deionized water (control) for 1, 2, or 4 weeks. After each time point, specimens were examined with attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to analyze the relative loss of organic and inorganic components by using phosphate/amide I ratios. Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance followed by post hoc comparisons. Results Phosphate/amide ratios were significantly different between the 4 groups at all time points (P untreated control dentin > bipaste-treated dentin > tripaste-treated dentin. For bipaste groups, 4-week treated dentin had significantly lower phosphate/amide I ratios than 1- and 2-week treated dentin (P .05). Conclusions The results suggested a superficial collagen degradation or demineralization of radicular dentin caused by Ca(OH)2 or antibiotic pastes, respectively, after 1, 2, or 4 weeks of exposure.
Noise suppression in ultra wide band (UWB) applications using alternating impedance electromagnetic bandgap (AI-EBG) structures

In this paper, we propose a novel hybrid alternating impedance electromagnetic bandgap (AI-EBG) structure for noise suppression in ultra wide band (UWB) applications (from 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz). In UWB technology, since the maximum signal power is limited to a very low level (-41.3 dBm) by Federal Communications Commission (FCC), any noise from digital circuits could destroy RF circuits and cause system failure. Hence, noise suppression is a major bottleneck for UWB technology since very high isolation is required for UWB frequency range. For the first time, a novel hybrid AI-EBG structure has been designed, simulated, fabricated, and measured for UWB isolation requirement. This novel hybrid AI-EBG structure shows very good isolation over UWB frequency range.
Mild Cystic Fibrosis Presenting as an Asymptomatic Distended Appendiceal Mass: A Case Report

A case of cystic fibrosis presenting as a right lower quadrant mass in a five-year-old white female is presented. At laparotomy, a mucoid, impacted appendix was found which microscopically suggested the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis must be added to conditions presenting with abdominal masses.
Spatiotemporal Variation in Insect Mutualists of a Neotropical Herb

We observed striking spatiotemporal variation in the antguard and pollinator mutualist assemblages of a neotropical herb. Fifteen different ant taxa (in five subfamilies) and five pollinator taxa (four euglossine bees and one anthophorid bee) were associated with the plants during censuses at four sites. Ants and pollinators were censused for 4 and 3 yr, respectively. The mean number of taxa per site per year was 6.8 for ants and 3.6 for pollinators. The ant assemblage varied more than the pollinator assemblage, particularly spatially. The ant assemblage varied more through space than through time (means of the proportional similarities for pairwise comparisons of assemblages were 0.37 and 0.51, respectively), while the pollinator assemblage varied equally through space and time (means of the proportional similarities were 0.53 and 0.50, respectively). For individual taxa of both assemblages, the coefficient of variation in relative abundance was large (>75%) for the majority of spatial and temporal comparisons. In each assemblage there was a single taxon (in the antguard, a rare taxon, but in the pollinators, an abundant taxon) that was the least variable, surprisingly in both time and space, in its relative abundance. These results, coupled with our previous findings of significant variation among mu- tualist taxa in the magnitude of their beneficial effects, indicate that plants may be subject to highly variable selection by their mutualist assemblages. The most beneficial antguard was consistently rare; the most beneficial pollinator was abundant in one site-year but rare or absent in most site-years. The taxon that was consistently abundant was not an efficient pollinator. Evolutionary specialization of plants on particular animals may be constrained by lack of constancy in the relative abundance of animals and the opportunity for spe- cialization may differ greatly between interactions (e.g., antguards and pollinators) due to divergent patterns of constancy, rarity, and quality.
Multiple Phased-Burst Correcting Superposition Product LDPC Codes

In this paper, a class of product codes based on low- density parity check (LDPC) constituent codes are constructed for multiple phased-burst erasure correction (MPBEC). These codes are shown to correct one large burst and/or a number of shorter bursts. A simple novel recursive erasure correction algorithm is proposed based on a recently discovered zero-span approach to linear block code analysis that can produce very powerful MPBEC capabilities. Analysis and data on how these codes work for additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel are also presented.
Strategies and correlates of jigsaw puzzle and visuospatial performance by persons with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Abstract Some individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome exhibit strengths in solving jigsaw puzzles. We compared visuospatial ability and jigsaw puzzle performance and strategies of 26 persons with Prader-Willi syndrome and 26 MA-matched typically developing controls. Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome relied on piece shape. Those in the control group used a different, picture-focused strategy. Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome performed better than did the control group on an achromatic interlocking puzzle, whereas scores on puzzles with pictures (interlocking or noninterlocking) did not differ. Visuospatial scores related to performance on all puzzles in the control group and on the noninterlocking puzzle in the Prader-Willi syndrome group. The most proficient jigsaw puzzlers with Prader-Willi syndrome tended to be older and have shape-based strategies.
Large eddy simulation modelling of spray-induced turbulence effects

AbstractThis study is focused on the development of spray models for large eddy simulations (LESs) of high injection pressure diesel sprays. Basic governing equations are numerically solved using the Lagrangian—Eulerian approach for liquid and gas phases respectively, in the KIVA-3V code. Non-reacting simulations of evaporating spray are performed using a dynamic structure LES model in which the subgrid stress tensor is modelled with a non-viscosity tensor coefficient. This is a one equation based model, in which an extra transport equation for the subgrid kinetic energy (k) is solved. Subgrid scale energy exchange between droplets and the gas phase is identified as an important mechanism to capture the correct scaling of k, which eventually feeds back to both the spray droplets and the gas phase turbulent mixing. Hence, to account for spray-induced gas turbulence, a LES spray source model for k is developed. This model requires subfilter scale velocities, which are obtained by defiltering the filtered ve...
The Structure of the Hen’s Egg Shell

Abstract THE properties of the shell affect or control the success of incubation and of egg storage. An egg minus its shell is one of the most perishable foods known, while in the shell with a tenth of the care an open egg requires, it may be kept for months without losing its quality. A small crack in the shell enormously decreases the egg’s keeping and hatching qualities, and such eggs are usually of little value. In the author’s studies of egg storage it became increasingly evident that a review of shell structure studies would be of value to the workers of the poultry industries. Continual search brought forth no such review of recent date. The shell is now generally considered to be made up of five essential parts; the inner membranes, the mammilla layer, the spongy layer, the cuticle, and the pores. It will be more consistent to study the . . .
Superhydrophobic turbulent drag reduction as a function of surface grating parameters

© 2014 Cambridge University Press. Despite the confirmation of slip flows and successful drag reduction (DR) in small-scaled laminar flows, the full impact of superhydrophobic (SHPo) DR remained questionable because of the sporadic and inconsistent experimental results in turbulent flows. Here we report a systematic set of bias-free reduction data obtained by measuring the skin-friction drags on a SHPo surface and a smooth surface at the same time and location in a turbulent boundary layer (TBL) flow. Each monolithic sample consists of a SHPo surface and a smooth surface suspended by flexure springs, all carved out from a 2.7 × 2.7 mm2 silicon chip by photolithographic microfabrication. The flow tests allow continuous monitoring of the plastron on the SHPo surfaces, so that the DR data are genuine and consistent. A family of SHPo samples with precise profiles reveals the effects of grating parameters on turbulent DR, which was measured to be as much as ∼75.
A Content Analysis of Qualitative Research in the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education from 1998 to 2008

Previous reviews of research have documented the increasing use of qualitative inquiry in physical education. In this research note, the authors present a content analysis of qualitative research articles published between 1998 and 2008 in the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education (JTPE). A total of 110 empirical articles were published that included a qualitative component, 38.2% of those used mixed methods. Results include analyses of types of qualitative research, research focus, theoretical frameworks, data collection techniques, trustworthiness techniques, and participants. The Research Authorship Score revealed that qualitative research tends to rely on teams of researchers in the conduct of studies. By extending previous work, this study reveals that qualitative research continues to play a significant role in research on physical education.
Use of a Geo Flowmeter for the Determination of Ground Water Flow Direction

The Geo Flowmeter is manufactured by K.V. Associates of Falmouth, Massachusetts, and is used to determine ground water flow direction and velocity in monitoring wells or open boreholes. It operates by emitting heat pulses and measuring subsequent temperature increases carried by the ground water movement. The meter can be used in wells as small as 2 inches in diameter and only a single well is required for determination of ground water flow direction and rate. This paper is a case history of the use of the Geo Flowmeter in a complex hydrogeologic setting consisting of a partially above grade landfill located between a navigable waterway and a large storm water impoundment basin. Mounding effects of the landfill, tidal changes in the channel, varying water levels in the impoundment basin and a complex substrate (alternating layers of sand, silt and clay) presented a challenge for ground water interpretation and analysis. The Geo Flowmeter was lowered into existing monitoring wells surrounding the landfill to determine ground water flow direction and rate. Sensitivity of the meter was sufficient to distinguish two separate flow directions in a single well screen. Later investigation involving installation of piezometers, long-term ground water level monitoring and plotting of ground water contours verified initial findings of the meter. This article presents numerous graphs and pictures to illustrate field use of the instrument and discusses advantages and disadvantages of its use. Actual field data collected is included to provide a basis for evaluating the accuracy of the instrument and identifying situations where it may be used.
Rapid acquisition of auditory subcortical steady state responses using multichannel recordings

Objective: Auditory subcortical steady state responses (SSSRs), also known as frequency following responses (FFRs), provide a non-invasive measure of phase-locked neural responses to acoustic and cochlear-induced periodicities. SSSRs have been used both clinically and in basic neurophysiological investigation of auditory function. SSSR data acquisition typically involves thousands of presentations of each stimulus type, sometimes in two polarities, with acquisition times often exceeding an hour per subject. Here, we present a novel approach to reduce the data acquisition times significantly. Methods: Because the sources of the SSSR are deep compared to the primary noise sources, namely background spontaneous cortical activity, the SSSR varies more smoothly over the scalp than the noise. We exploit this property and extract SSSRs efficiently, using multichannel recordings and an eigendecomposition of the complex cross-channel spectral density matrix. Results: Our proposed method yields SNR improvement exceeding a factor of 3 compared to traditional single-channel methods. Conclusions: It is possible to reduce data acquisition times for SSSRs significantly with our approach. Significance: The proposed method allows SSSRs to be recorded for several stimulus conditions within a single session and also makes it possible to acquire both SSSRs and cortical EEG responses without increasing the session length.
Olfactory identification deficits and increased mortality in the community

Objective To examine the association between odor identification deficits and future mortality in a multiethnic community cohort of older adults. Methods Participants were evaluated with the 40-item University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). Follow-up occurred at 2-year intervals with information on death obtained from informant interviews and the National Death Index. Results During follow-up (mean = 4.1 years, standard deviation = 2.6), 349 of 1,169 (29.9%) participants died. Participants who died were more likely to be older (p < 0.001), be male (p < 0.001), have lower UPSIT scores (p < 0.001), and have a diagnosis of dementia (p < 0.001). In a Cox model, the association between lower UPSIT score and mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.07 per point interval, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–1.08, p < 0.001) persisted after controlling for age, gender, education, ethnicity, language, modified Charlson medical comorbidity index, dementia, depression, alcohol abuse, head injury, smoking, body mass index, and vision and hearing impairment (HR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.03–1.07, p < 0.001). Compared to the fourth quartile with the highest UPSIT scores, HRs for mortality for the first, second, and third quartiles of UPSIT scores were 3.81 (95% CI = 2.71–5.34), 1.75 (95% CI = 1.23–2.50), and 1.58 (95% CI = 1.09–2.30), respectively. Participant mortality rate was 45% in the lowest quartile of UPSIT scores (anosmia) and 18% in the highest quartile of UPSIT scores. Interpretation Impaired odor identification, particularly in the anosmic range, is associated with increased mortality in older adults even after controlling for dementia and medical comorbidity. Ann Neurol 2015;78:401–411
Survival at Rough Rock: A Historical Overview of Rough Rock Demonstration School

This article is a historical research account of the Navajo Bilingual School at Rough Rock. The Rough Rock Demonstration School was a bilingual experiment to synthesize white education with a community Navajo school, utilizing both Navajo and white teachers, and headed by an all-Navajo administration.
Developing a simulator for the USC Orthogonal Multiprocessor

The author describes the development of a CSIM-based simulator during the RISC (reduced instruction set computer) based design of a prototype multiprocessor, the Orthogonal Multiprocessor (OMP). The prototype machine is to be built with Intel i860 microprocessors and parallel memory modules that are 2-D interleaved and orthogonally accessed using custom-designed spanning buses. Initial application areas for the machine are image processing, computer vision, and neural network simulation. After briefly describing the machine architecture and the simulator, the authors discuss the interplay between simulation and design, and show specific cases where simulation results have impacted the design. The simulator has been used to project machine performance and evaluate design choices. >
To Educate and Protect: Politicians, Nurses and Poor Women in Rio de Janeiro, 1930-1945

This research examines articles in various public health journals that surrounded the issue of infant and maternal mortality in Brazil from 1930-1945. It uses the increased professionalization and supervision of nurses as a lens in which to fully analyze various policies and programs that were debated within the medical community and Vargas administration. The corporatist state, in conjunction with doctors, consistently looked to nurses as a viable solution to this problem.
Grazing Systems for Yearling Cattle on Tallgrass Prairie

This 9-yr study tested steer gains, residual aboveground biomass (AGB) in mid-July and early October, and economic returns and risk for tallgrass prairie grazed annually under season-long stocking (SLS) at 1.62 ha ? steer 21 until early October or intensive early stocking (IES) at 0.81 ha ? steer 21 until mid-July compared to a composite grazing system. The three-pasture, three-herd ‘‘IES+ System’’ is a 3-yr fixed sequence of SLS, IES, and IES (0.81 ha ? steer 21 ) plus late-season grazing (LSG; 1.62 ha ? steer 21 ) until early October (IES/LSG). All grazing treatments began in late April. Average gains per steer for SLS and SLS in the IES+ System did not differ, but were significantly less than gains for steers that grazed the entire season under IES/ LSG. Gains per steer in mid-July under IES alone or in combination with LSG were similar to the same repeated grazing treatments, but were significantly less than those for steers grazed season-long. Gains per hectare under SLS did not differ, but were significantly less than those for IES treatments and the IES+ System. Gain per hectare in July was similar for IES repeated annually and IES/LSG, but there was greater gain per hectare for IES-treated pastures rotated within the system. Residual grass and total aboveground biomass (AGB) in mid-July did not vary among years and was generally greater on SLS than IES. In early October, grass AGB was similar for all treatments except IES/LSG, which had less residual AGB. When pasture rent was charged per head, the IES+ System increased the 20-yr mean return per hectare by $5.98 compared to repeated use of IES, and $8.52 compared to using only SLS. Measures of economic risk were generally intermediate for the IES+ system compared to IES, which consistently had the highest risk, and SLS.
Erythroblastosis—A changing serologic problem

Abstract The current management of erythroblastosis fetalis, based on the concept of the antenatal possibility of developing anti-Rh o (D) is reviewed from the aspect of the obstetrician, laboratory, and pediatrician. A rising incidence of antibodies other than anti-Rh o (D) in the population is documented, and the effect of this on the changing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures necessary for the adequate care of erythroblastotic fetalis cases emphasized. A more accurate and inclusive procedure for the management of this discase is outlined. The recommended procedures are based on the ability to document the absence or presence of all significant antibodies in the pregnant patient, and to identify the antibody prior to delivery. This procedure will permit the clinical laboratory to carry out accurate titrations will enable the pediatrician to have compatible blood available at the time of delivery, and will supply the obstetrician with the necessary data to inform the parents of possible risks in future pregnancies.
Plague Vector Studies Part I. The rate of transfer of fleas among Citellus, Rattus and Sylvilagus under field conditions in southern California

The extent of transfer of fleas among Citellus, Rattus and Sylvilagus was studied. Electrical fences were used to confine the mammals in O.4-ha fields. Based on analysis of 92,694 fleas from 620 hosts, it is concluded that Xenopsylla cheopis, Diamanus montanus, and Hoplopsyllus anomalus will attack atypical hosts, in the same habitat as their usual hosts, at epizootiologically significant rates. An X. cheopis index of 1 occurred on ground squirrels (Citellus beecheyi), and of 0.9 on rabbits (Sylvilagus audubonii).
Regulation of catabolism in Nocardia erythropolis.

The regulation of catabolism in five strains of Nocardia erythropolis has been examined with respect to six different carbon sources. The carbon sources examined included asparagine (,ASN), gluconate (GLC), glucose (GLU), glycerol (GLY), mannitol (MTL), and succinate (SUC). ASN, GLC, and SUC supported good growth of all five strains, whereas GLU supported good growth of strain 305 only and GLY or MTL of strains 474 and 520 when the inoculum had been cultivated on peptone-yeast extract agar. Capability to oxidize GLU and GLC in strain 305 and GLY in strain 520 was constitutive. However, in strain 305, ASN, GLY, MTL, and SUC utilization was inducible. Induction of catabolic systems for ASN and GLY with strain 305 grown in SUC and for MTL and SUC with ASN-grown cells occurred in 1 hr. Both ASN or SUC repressed utilization of MTL in strain 305 while GLU or GLC allowed for partial derepression of the MTL system. Inducibility of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, hexokinase and mannitol dehydrogenase was confirmed by enzymic assays.
Dynamic Coupling between Electrode Interface and Donor/Acceptor Interface via Charge Dissociation in Organic Solar Cells at Device-Operating Condition

Organic solar cells exhibit both electrode/photovoltaic (E/P) interface and donor/acceptor (D/A) interface in controlling the critical photovoltaic processes. Here, on the basis of the efficient PTB7:PC71BM solar cells, our studies on magneto-photocurrent with external bias provide the first evidence that the E/P interface and D/A interface are dynamically coupled at device-operating condition. Specifically, we observe a significant decrease (90%) in the critical bias required to completely dissociate the charge transfer (CT) states at D/A interface by changing the E/P interface with increased interface dipole field from ZnO to the polyelectrolyte (PFN). The experimental results demonstrate that strong dipole field at the E/P interface can effectively decrease the electron–hole binding energy at D/A interface through the enhancement of built-in field applied on CT states. Clearly, our experimental studies provide new insight on the interfacial engineering through addressing the dynamic coupling between E/...
An Aphytis Complex (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) of Chaff Scale

Records on chaff scale, Parlatoria pergandii Comstock, for 34-40 months (1956-59) at 7 locations in the Lower Rio Grande Valley showed the percentage of live adult scale on citrus generally increased during the June-September period. Parasitism percentages were generally greater during the October-February period while theie was a tendency for percentage parasitism to be smaller in the May-August period. The percentage of adult females with immature parasites was greater during the August-October period and small during the January-March period. The latter record gave a good indication of parasite activity, or live parasite to live scale ratio, and the possible influence that might be expected on the chaff scale population. The predominant chaff scale parasite in this area was an Aphytis sp. of the “ proclia complex” as determined by pupal charcateristics. Other Aphytis spp. were found, although difficulty in identification prevented evaluation of their relative importance. An Aphytis complex was therefore considered. Prospaltella fasciata Malenotti was of incidental importance.
Cultural Capital Accumulation on a World Scale The Role of Imperialist Theodicies within Metropolitan Literary Fields

Pierre Bourdieu’s work can help to clarify precisely how culture in general and literature in particular operate among and within societies as a form of symbolic violence and as a mechanism of distinction. All agents within any cultural field possess a specific set of cultural interests that are determined by their location within that cultural field as well as in the social field and the field of intersocial relations. The power to represent the world becomes a stake within the literary field, a form of cultural authority that writers and critics have an interest in preserving. Asserting the superiority of national culture and its products yields symbolic profits. These interests fulfill rather than contradict the norms of autonomy within the field. Theoretical attempts to attribute a critical potential to this autonomy may therefore reach their limit at the point where culture and imperialism meet.
Cellular mechanisms of skin repair in humans and other mammals

The increased incidence of non-healing skin wounds in developed societies has prompted tremendous research efforts on the complex process known as “wound healing”. Unfortunately, the weak relevance of modern wound healing research to human health continues to be a matter of concern. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the cellular mechanisms that mediate wound closure in the skin of humans and laboratory animals. The author highlights the anatomical singularities of human skin vs. the skin of other mammals commonly used for wound healing research (i.e. as mice, rats, rabbits, and pigs), and discusses the roles of stem cells, myofibroblasts, and the matrix environment in the repair process. The majority of this review focuses on reepithelialization and wound closure. Other aspects of wound healing (e.g. inflammation, fibrous healing) are referred to when relevant to the main topic. This review aims at providing the reader with a clear understanding of the similarities and differences that have been reported over the past 100 years between the healing of human wounds and that of other mammals.
A Discussion on the Business Model Innovation of Motor Vehicle Insurance Rate During the Market Reform

Motor vehicle insurance( hereinafter referred to as auto insurance),as a leader and a window of China's insurance industry,has great influence on property insurance sector and the insurance industry as a whole. As a result,over the years,auto insurance terms and rates are set by the regulatory authorities. In 2007 some provisions were developed by the insurance industry associations and implemented in the country under strict government scrutiny. However,as China 's market economic system gradually established,the reforms on the market-controlled rate have begun. This article provided the fundamental strategies for the industry participants upon analyzing significant impact on these players from the auto insurance market reform.
Totipotent Suspensions as a Means of Multiplication

It was disclosed in the mid- to late-1950’s that cultured higher plant cells could develop into plantlets via a series of developmental events closely resembling zygotic embryogenesis. As the information base grew, it was recognized that this route of multiplication offered potential for mass cloning of elite specimens. Even so, it became apparent rather quickly that not nearly enough was known about the factors controlling somatic embryogenesis so that these ideas could be applied with any degree of confidence to very many species or cultivars (6).
Chapter Nine – Nonaqueous Acid–Base Titrations

Publisher Summary Neutralization in an organic reaction is very rapid and quantitative. Many methods for determining organic compounds involve neutralization. It might be a direct titration, in which the organic compound—being acidic or basic—is titrated with a standard base or acid. Or, it might be an indirect titration where the product produced or reactant that is consumed exhibits acidic or basic properties. This chapter discusses many common functional groups that exhibit acidic or basic properties. But there are many special cases in which the acidic or basic properties are only brought out by the solvent, substituents, or other structural features within the molecule. This chapter explains the limitations of nonaqueous acid-base titration, which involve the quantitative derivation of expressions that describe the various equilibria that are involved in nonaqueous solutions. Analysis in a nonaqueous solvent is controlled by the strength of an acid or base in the solvent, the acid-base properties of a solvent, and the dielectric constant of a solvent. One method of classifying the solvents is to refer to those solvents with acidic and basic properties as amphiprotic. On the other hand, those without these properties are called aprotic (inert) solvents.
Our shared geoheritage — Earth Science Week 2016

What is geoheritage? Geoscience heritage — or geoheritage — consists of the dazzling array of natural wonders, landforms, and resources that have formed over time and come to this generation to manage, use, and conserve effectively. But it is more than that.
Classification of Postoperative Complications in Robotic-assisted Compared With Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer.

Abstract Study Objective To compare intraoperative and postoperative surgical complications and outcomes between robotic-assisted and laparoscopic surgical management of endometrial cancer using a standardized classification system. Design A retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting An integrated health care system in Northern California. Patients One thousand four hundred thirty-three women with a diagnosis of complex atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer managed by minimally invasive hysterectomy and surgical staging from January 2009 to January 2014. Interventions Seven hundred forty-five robotic-assisted and 688 laparoscopic hysterectomies were evaluated. Measurements and Main Results The primary outcome was intraoperative and postoperative complications within 30 days. All complications were categorized using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Secondary outcomes included total operative time, estimated blood loss, transfusion rates, length of stay, conversion to laparotomy, and number of pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes retrieved. The modality of hysterectomy was not associated with either overall intraoperative complications or major postoperative complications (p > .1). However, there were significantly fewer minor postoperative complications with robotic surgery (16.6% vs 25.6%, p Conclusion There was no difference in the rate of major complication between robotic and laparoscopic surgery using the Clavien-Dindo system of categorizing surgical complications; however, there were clinically significant differences favoring the robotic approach, including a lower rate of minor complications and conversion rate to laparotomy.
Basket scales of the green alga, Mesostigma viride : chemistry and ultrastructure

The unicellular green algal flagellate, Mesostigma viride , possesses an extracellular matrix consisting of three layers of highly distinct scales. This study focused upon the elaborate basket scales. The basket scale is approximately 450–500 nm in height and consists of a solid base, two distinct lattices, two upper rims and various struts and roots. Pure preparations of isolated basket scales were obtained and used for subsequent chemical and immunological analyses. X-ray microanalyses revealed the scale as being mineralized with both calcium and phosphorus. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic analyses revealed the presence of phosphate, suggesting in turn that the basket scale is complexed with calcium phosphate. SDS-gel electrophoresis of partially digested scales revealed the presence of two protein components, a high M r, non-migrating form and a form with a M r of approximately 48000. Further biochemical analyses of scales showed the presence of two major sugars: glucose and the unusual keto sugar acid, 3-deoxy-lyxo-2-heptulosaric acid, or DHA. Antibodies to scales were raised in rats and used in immunolabeling studies. It is estimated from immunofluorescence studies that a cell of 8 μm contains about 800 basket scales. The scales are in a close-packed arrangement resulting in quasi-crystalline arrays upon the cell surface.
Trends in Laboratory Rotavirus Detection: 2003 to 2014

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the impact of rotavirus vaccination at national and state levels by evaluating the change in rotavirus antigen detection after vaccination licensure. We examined herd immunity in an unlikely vaccinated cohort and waning immunity with aging in a likely vaccinated cohort. We proposed a new approach to estimate the length of season by contrasting with what is recently reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. METHODS: We analyzed 11-year results of rotavirus testing ( n = 276 342) conducted at Quest Diagnostics, a national clinical reference laboratory, spanning from September 2003 to August 2014. An enzyme immunoassay was used to test children’s stool specimens for the presence of rotavirus antigen; results were reported as not detected or detected. RESULTS: Nationally, there was a significant reduction in the number of positive results (82.4%) and positivity rate (73.3%) after vaccination availability. The reductions were seen in all major states, although with geographic variability. The declining positivity rate in unlikely vaccinated children suggests herd immunity. Among those who were likely vaccinated, the positivity rate was higher in older children, indicating potential waning immunity with aging. Seasonal outbreaks continued in the postvaccine period, with peaks in alternating years. Seasons were longer in the postvaccine period than the prevaccine period. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show a marked reduction in rotavirus detection throughout the nation after vaccine licensure, consistent with herd immunity. Postvaccine effectiveness may wane with aging. Seasons appear to be longer in the postvaccine period.
Emergency Preparedness and the Development of Health Care Coalitions: A Dynamic Process

Health care emergency preparedness has undergone significant changes since the first widespread distribution of federal funds occurred in 2002. Prior to the development of the Health Resources and Service Administration Bioterrorism Preparedness grant, support to hospitals and public health was limited to smaller regional preparedness programs such as the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program. Measurable progress with both the hospital preparedness program and public health emergency preparedness requires development of partnerships, establishment of coalitions, development of measurable objectives, and a community willingness to work together to solve complex preparedness problems.
Nile Basin Climate Changes Impacts and Variabilities

Global climate is changing and this is apparent across the Nile basin countries in a wide range of observations. The global warming of the past 50 years is primarily due to human activities, climate change is already affecting the Nile basin people in far-reaching ways. Certain types of extreme weather events with links to climate change have become more frequent and/or intense, including prolonged periods of heat, heavy downpours, and, in some regions, floods and droughts. In addition, warming is causing sea level to rise and oceans are becoming more acidic as they absorb carbon dioxide. These and other aspects of climate change are disrupting people’s lives and damaging some sectors of our economy. So this chapter presents the climate changes and variability all over the basin and sub-basins. It structures around historical climatology and hydrology of Nile basin, variability of Nile climate, in addition to the Impacts of Climate Change on Growth and Development.
Race, ethnicity and disciplinary divides: what is the path forward?

ABSTRACTWe pose several questions that emerged for us from Valdez and Golash-Boza’s “U.S. Racial and Ethnic Relations in the twenty-first Century.” First, we raise questions about their framing of the problem with current scholarship – are immigration/ethnicity and race scholars talking past each other or are they having more fundamental disagreements? Second, we raise questions about their critique of the “the race literature” – do too many of us ignore questions of agency and inclusion? Finally, we raise questions about the stability and utility of the concepts they deploy (“race” and “ethnicity”) and draw on recent scholarship that has argued that we need new language or frameworks to adequately describe the reality on the ground.
Broken Windows in the Cul-de-Sac? Race/Ethnicity and Quality-of-Life Policing in the Changing Suburbs:

The racially disparate impacts of the carceral state are well studied, but most of the research has focused on large cities. Are suburban and urban policing similar? One trend suggests suburban pol...
Personality pathology grows up: adolescence as a sensitive period

There is mounting evidence that personality pathology, in particular, borderline pathology is a valid and reliable construct in adolescence, with prevalence, phenomenology, stability and risk factors similar to that of adult borderline personality disorder. Scientific evidence also delineates a marked separation of course and outcome of adolescent borderline personality disorder from other disorders and supports the efficacy of disorder-specific treatment. The current article addresses recent findings in these areas which point to adolescence as a sensitive period for the development for personality pathology. A conceptual model of psychopathology is presented wherein personality pathology is described as a qualitatively different level of psychopathology in the form of maladaptive self-other relatedness that is developmentally tied to identity formation in adolescence.
Closely Related BCR/ABL Oncogenes Are Associated with the Distinctive Clinical Biologies of Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Chronic Myelogenous and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

The study of oncogene activation in naturally occurring human leukemias provides a useful approach to define the range of growth regulatory mechanisms used by hematopoietic stem cells. Recent analysis of the structural changes created by the Philadelphia chromosome translocation [t(9;22) — (q34;q11)] shows that two alternative regions of the BCR gene on chromosome 22 can be used as the breakpoint site. This results in two alternative subsets of exons of the BCR gene remaining on the Philadelphia chromosome, which can be joined by RNA splicing to a common set of exons of the ABL oncogene derived from chromosome 9 sequences. The resulting chimeric mRNAs encode a 210,000 MW protein in CML (P210BCR/ABL) and a 185,000 MW protein in ALL (P185BCR/ABL). Both proteins retain an active tyrosine kinase activity derived from the ABL portion.
Petrophysical Constraints on Deformation Styles in Aztec Sandstone, Southern Nevada, USA

— Adjacent stratigraphic units that have undergone an identical deformation history often show variability with regard to deformation style. We present one such example and attribute the variability in deformation to variations in host rock properties. The Aztec sandstone of southern Nevada has two distinct zones of deformation style, the Lower and Upper structural domains. The Lower domain has deformed predominantly by opening mode fractures, whereas the Upper domain has deformed predominantly by deformation band faulting. Within a Transitional domain, deformation band abundance increases toward the Upper domain. We use petrophysical data (ultrasonic velocity, elastic moduli, grain and bulk density, helium porosity, and gas permeability) to distinguish among the host rocks of the differently deformed domains. The laboratory results of 29 samples of Upper, Transitional, and Lower domain Aztec sandstone impart the following petrophysical distinctions among the stru ctural domains: (1) the Lower and Transitional domains show similarly high VP and VS and are both well cemented; (2) the Transitional and Upper domains show similarly high porosity and permeability; and, (3) the Upper domain is poorly cemented. We demonstrate that: (1) the nature of intergranular cement controls VP and VS; and, (2) based on the petrophysical properties we have examined, deformation style is controlled by porosity.
Infections of the Alimentary Tract in AIDS

With continued growth of the HIV epidemic, it is becoming increasingly important that radiologists are aware of the gastrointestinal manifestations of this illness. Most patients with AIDS will exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms at some time during the course of their disease, and clinical AIDS is often determined by identifying an opportunistic infection or neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. Hence, radiology often plays a key role in helping to determine the diagnosis as well as in directing the management.
Image enhancement and analysis with weighted medians

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on image enhancement and analysis by using weighted medians (WM). Image enhancement tools are often classified into point operations and spatial operators. Point operations are nonlinear operations, which include contrast stretching, histogram modification, and pseudo-coloring. Spatial operations used in image processing are linear operations. The chapter presents the principles behind WM smoothers and WM filters and discusses the applications of these nonlinear methods to image processing. It also explains how WM filters can be used for image denoising. The center WM filter and a simple permutation WM filter are described as tunable smoothers highly effective in impulse noise. The chapter then focuses on image enlargement, or zooming, using WM smoother structures, which cause little edge degradation. Thereafter, it describes image sharpening algorithms based on WM filters, and methods for designing optimal frequency selective WM filters. Finally, it explains the edge detection methods based on WM filters, highlighting their advantages over traditional edge-detection algorithms.