cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Marine Communities and Introduced Species in Pearl Harbor, O’ahu, Hawai’i

Harbours are protected inlets or embayments that provide shelter and anchorage or port facilities for vessels from small craft to giant super tankers or bulk-cargo carriers. Often, but not always, harbours are restricted from the open ocean by narrow entrance channels, and the water quality within the harbours may differ dramatically from the open ocean, usually with higher turbidity, organic particulates, dissolved organic matter, inorganic nutrients and primary productivity. Also, because harbours are usually surrounded by industrial developments and urban areas, a harbour often receives a wide variety of man-related effluents that may remain confined within the harbour because of limited mixing with the surrounding ocean. These environmental characteristics often favor the spread and establishment of introduced marine species from one organic-rich harbour to another. Even before recorded history, vessels moving from one place to another provided a mechanism for the spread of marine organisms from their original habitats to new areas. Known variously as “nonindigenous” “introduced”, “exotic” or “non-native” species, these organisms may become a normal or even dominant component of the harbour communities into which they are introduced. Vessel movement of introduced species on a world-wide scale probably began at least 500 years ago, with long distance transport on slow-moving ships of fouling organisms that had accumulated while the vessels remained at anchor for months or even years in harbours or bays. Pearl Harbor (Figures 1 and 2), called Ke-awa-lau-o-Pu’uloa (The Many Harbors of Pu’uloa), or Awawa-lei (Garland of Harbors) by Hawaiians before European contact (Handy and Handy, 1972), is the largest and most enclosed harbour in the state of Hawai‘i, and, for approximately the last hundred years, has been the site of the largest U.S. Navy base in the central or western Pacific. Hawai‘i and especially the Island of O‘ahu has been a major crossroads of Pacific ship traffic
The case for compressed caching in virtual memory systems

Compressed caching uses part of the available RAM to hold pages in compressed form, effectively adding a new level to the virtual memory hierarchy. This level attempts to bridge the huge performance gap between normal (uncompressed) RAM and disk. Unfortunately, previous studies did not show a consistent benefit from the use of compressed virtual memory. In this study, we show that technology trends favor compressed virtual memory--it is attractive now, offering reduction of paging costs of several tens of percent, and it will be increasingly attractive as CPU speeds increase faster than disk speeds. Two of the elements of our approach are innovative. First, we introduce novel compression algorithms suited to compressing in-memory data representations. These algorithms are competitive with more mature Ziv-Lempel compressors, and complement them. Second, we adaptively determine how much memory (if at all) should be compressed by keeping track of recent program behavior. This solves the problem of different programs, or phases within the same program, performing best for different amounts of compressed memory.
FATIGUE CRACK PROPAGATION IN AN HSLA STEEL (MF-80) IN AIR AND IN SALT WATER

Fatigue crack propagation was studied in MF-80 HSLA steel in ambient room air and in 3.5 percent sodium chloride salt water. Region II fatigue crack growth rate (da/dN) data were obtained at two load ratios, R = 0.10 and R = 0.67. The da/dN values were found to be affected by both load ratio and environment, with the greatest effect being caused by the combination of high load ratio and saltwater environment. Overall, the results of this study suggest that MF-80 HSLA steel may have slightly less Region II fatigue crack propagation resistance than other high-strength steels of comparable strength.
Controlling light on a microelectronics' chip: solving the coupling, modulation and switching challenges

This paper discusses the state of the art as well as the approach for light coupling, switching and modulating on Si. These results are based on sub-micron highly confined structures. It is primarily this principle, of manipulating light by confinement, that has enabled light control and coupling on silicon using ultra-compact structures.
Near-horizon solution for Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati perturbations

We develop a scaling ansatz for the master equation in Dvali, Gabadadze, Porrati cosmologies, which allows us to solve the equations of motion for perturbations off the brane during periods when the on-brane evolution is scale free. This allows us to understand the behavior of the gravitational potentials outside the horizon at high redshifts and close to the horizon today. We confirm that the results of Koyama and Maartens are valid at scales relevant for observations such as galaxy-ISW correlations. At larger scales, there is an additional suppression of the potential which reduces the growth rate even further and would strengthen the integrated Sachs-Wolf effect.
Surveillance Cameras in Schools: An Ethical Analysis

In this essay, Bryan R. Warnick responds to the increasing use of surveillance cameras in public schools by examining the ethical questions raised by their use. He explores the extent of a student's right to privacy in schools, stipulates how video surveillance is similar to and different from commonly accepted in-person surveillance practices, and discusses the possible impact of surveillance technology on educational environments. In response to the ethical concerns he raises, Warnick offers five suggestions for how schools can use video surveillance technology in more ethically sensitive ways.
New commutation methods in switched reluctance motors based on active phase vectors

A new sensorless commutation scheme based on the terminal measurements of the active phase coil is presented in this paper. In contrast to the conventional method of commutation based on rotor position, this new technique is based on a vector of observable parameters of the active phase coil. Based on the mechanism of electromagnetic energy conversion, the effect of flux linkage in the active phase coils is analysed to derive a commutation strategy. A digital implementation of the sensorless scheme is presented in this paper. >
Clinically relevant levels of Depressive symptoms in community-dwelling middle-aged African Americans

Objectives: To identify the prevalence of and potentially modifiable risk factors for clinically relevant levels of depressive symptoms in a population-based sample of community-dwelling African Americans and the prevalence of treatment by prescription and alternative medications. Design: Cross-sectional survey, 2000–01. Setting: Community-based. Participants: Nine hundred ninety-eight noninstitutionalized African Americans in St. Louis, Missouri, born between 1936 and 1950. Measurements: Depressive symptoms were measured using the 11-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D). Clinically relevant levels of depressive symptoms were defined as nine or more (equivalent to ≥16 on the 20-item CES-D). A comprehensive set of risk factors was considered that included three demographic variables, eight socioeconomic-access measures, four environmental factors, seven measures of functional status, 15 biomedical markers, one service utilization indicator, and three psychosocial measures. All analyses were weighted to the represented population. Treatment with an antidepressant was determined by examining subjects' medications compiled in their homes. Results: Two hundred ten subjects (21.1%) had clinically relevant levels of depressive symptoms. Several multivariate logistic regression approaches were used for model building, which identified a consistent set of nine predictive factors: female sex (odds ratio adjusted (AOR) for all factors in the final model=1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01–2.27), lower objective income (AOR=1.62, 95% CI=1.08–2.43), perceived income inadequacy (AOR=2.33, 95% CI=1.49–3.65), lower assessment of home environment (AOR=1.07 per scale point, 95% CI=1.01–1.12), limitations in visual acuity (AOR=1.12 per scale point, 95% CI=1.04–1.21), being severely underweight (AOR=2.52, 95% CI=1.02–6.20), being obese (AOR=1.72, 95% CI=1.16–2.54), being hospitalized in the previous year (AOR=2.25, 95% CI=1.45–3.49), and lower social support (AOR=1.20 per scale point, 95% CI=1.16–1.26). Of these, social support was the most important (adjusted standardized odds ratio =2.41). Forty-one (19.5%) of the subjects with clinically relevant levels of depressive symptoms were taking prescription antidepressants. Conclusion: The prevalence of clinically relevant levels of depressive symptoms in middle-aged African Americans was greater than that for the general U.S. population. Community-based health programs that screen for depression and refer individuals to clinical care sites with appropriately designed systems of care for depression management should be developed. For optimal effect, these programs should concentrate their efforts in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas and address socioeconomic factors such as income inadequacy and social support in addition to the biomedical risk factors. Given the pervasive adverse effects of depression, such interventions have the potential for significantly enhancing the health of African Americans in their later years and reducing current health disparities.
A new, high torque brake design using sliding discs

This paper presents an alternative brake that uses two floating discs, with four rubbing surfaces, to provide a step change improvement in performance over existing products. The paper details the development of this product highlighting the test data, which demonstrates the significant improvements in specific torque, fluid consumption and cooling rates. The design retains conventional materials, existing processes and fits within current package constraints. The sliding discs, which compensate for wear, allow opportunities to simplify the caliper to a fixed design and allow integration with the steering knuckle. Performance, refinement and durability test results indicate the current status of the design as implemented on a small passenger car and an SUV, and show its compatibility with existing vehicle brake control systems. Design options to implement this technology within current and future vehicle systems are also described.
Abstract 1529: Ovarian low grade serous cancer: Mutation analysis with a comprehensive 409 cancer gene panel

Patients with ovarian serous cancer are usually younger and survive longer than patients with high-grade serous cancer. Unfortunately, most low-grade serous cancer patients eventually die of the disease because recurrent low-grade serous carcinoma is relative chemoresistant. So far, the known mutations identified in low-grade ovarian serous carcinomas and their putative precursor ovarian serous borderline tumors are BRAF and KRAS mutations. BRAF and KRAS mutations together have been identified in approximately 60% of serous borderline tumors and early stage low-grade serous carcinomas. However, BRAF mutation is rare in advanced-stage low-grade serous carcinomas. To further investigate the molecular pathogenesis of low-grade serous carcinoma, mutation analyses of 409 cancer related genes were performed in 21 low-grade ovarian serous carcinoma, 8 ovarian serous borderline tumors and one ovarian cystadenoma using next generation sequencer. A total of nineteen missense mutations were identified in 20 samples but ten samples had no detectable mutations. BRAF mutation was detected in 3 serous borderline tumors and one low-grade serous carcinoma. KRAS mutations were detected in three low-grade serous carcinomas. Other than BRAF and KRAS mutations, we also detected other prevalent mutations: ATRX mutations were detected in 3 low-grade ovarian serous carcinomas and a cystadenoma; KMT2C mutations were detected in 3 low-grade ovarian serous carcinomas; ATM mutations were detected in 2 low-grade ovarian serous carcinomas. Interestingly, both ATRX and MLL3 genes are involved in the chromatin remodeling. Moreover, both ATRX and ATM are involved in DNA damaging response. Thus, the pathogenesis of low-grade serous carcinoma may involve de-regulation of chromatin remodeling pathway and DNA damaging response. Further analysis of a large cohort of low-grade serous carcinomas for these prevalent mutations is ongoing. Citation Format: Yvonne TM Tsang, Daisy Izaguirre, Suet-Yan Kwan, Samuel C. Mok, David Gershenson, Kwong-Kwok Wong. Ovarian low grade serous cancer: Mutation analysis with a comprehensive 409 cancer gene panel. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1529. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1529
Nonuniform classical fluid mixture in one-dimensional space with next neighbor interactions

An overcomplete description is used to represent thermodynamic potentials, for a one-dimensional classical fluid mixture with next neighbor interaction, in compact closed form. In descriptions of this class, a thermodynamic potential depends not only on minimally sufficient control variables, but on others as well with respect to which it is stationary. Here, this is done first in the direct, or fugacity-controlled format, with the grand potential as the relevant generating function. It is then transcribed to an indirect, relative density functional format, with overcompleteness restricted to a set of grand potential densities. Poly-dispersity requires a separate treatment. Extensions outside of the range of strict one-dimensionality are discussed, as are several approximation methods.
Accuracy of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of placenta accreta and percreta

DIAGNOSIS OF PLACENTA ACCRETA AND PERCRETA CARRI WARSHAK (F), RAMEZ ESKANDER, ANDREW HULL, ANGELA SCIOSCIA, ROBERT MATTREY, KURT BENIRSCHKE, ROBERT RESNIK, University of California, San Diego, Reproductive Medicine, San Diego, California, University of California, San Diego, Radiology, San Diego, California, UCSD Medical Center, Reproductive Medicine, San Diego, California, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California OBJECTIVE: The incidence of placenta accreta and percreta (PA) has increased dramatically over the last three decades. Optimal management requires accurate prenatal diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the precision and reliability of ultrasound and MRI to accurately diagnose PA. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of our perinatal database from 1/ 2000 to 6/2005 yielded 433 patients with placenta previa. Ultrasound records were reviewed for findings considered to be positive for PA including obliteration of the bladder wall-uterine interface, loss of hypoechoic area between the placenta and the uterine wall, and adjacent placental sonolucent spaces with increased vascularity by color or power Doppler. We also reviewed 58 patients who underwent MRI from 1/1992 to 6/2005 for suspected PA on ultrasound. MRI findings considered to be positive included bulge of the outer margin of the uterus at the footprint of the placenta, a dark nodular band at the outer margin of the uterus and heterogenous placental signal with dark internal bands/vessels. RESULTS: Of the 433 women with placenta previa, 32 had PA confirmed by pathologic examination. Ultrasound accurately predicted PA in 25/32 women and correctly ruled out PA in 396/401 patients (sensitivity 0.78; specificity 0.99). Of the 58 women referred for MRI, 39 patients had PA. MRI accurately predicted 35/39 PA cases and ruled out 19/19 patients without disease (sensitivity 0.90; specificity 1.00). CONCLUSION: Pelvic ultrasound was highly accurate for ruling out PA, and should be the primary modality for screening women at high risk for PA. However, MRI should be considered as part of the evaluation of all suspected cases.
HOSPITAL MORBIDITY RANKINGS AND COMPLICATION SEVERITY IN VASCULAR SURGERY

Introduction The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program ranks hospitals according to risk-adjusted rates of postoperative complications. However, this approach does not consider the severity or number of complications that occurred. We sought to determine whether incorporating this information would alter hospital rankings. Methods The study examined data for the 39,519 patients who underwent major vascular surgery in 206 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program hospitals during 2008 to 2009. We categorized postoperative complications as minor or severe and evaluated the extent to which minor and severe complications increased a patient's risk of death and prolonged length of stay. We then ranked hospitals on two alternative approaches that included severity or number of complications. We determined the effect of these alternative methods by assessing the proportion of hospitals that moved out of the top and bottom 20% of hospitals compared with standard rankings. Results Compared with patients with minor complications, patients with severe complications had a higher mortality rate (16.2% vs 3.6%; P P P P Conclusions Although the severity and number of postoperative complications affect mortality and length of stay, and subsequently, hospital rankings, existing measurement systems do not take this into account. Quality measurement platforms should consider weighting complications according to severity and number.
Synaptic development in long-term organized cultures of murine hypothalamus.

Synapse formation and development were studied in organized cultures of mouse hypothalamic tissues from perinatal stages through a high degree of maturation during several months in vitro. Original explants from fetal and newborn animals were found to contain few definitive primordial synapses (ca. 4 per 10 grid-squares); newly-formed synaptic configurations began to appear with regularity in explanted tissues after the third day in vitro. These “immature” synapses contain small clusters of ∼ 300–600 A agranular vesicles adjoining the presynaptic membrane, are usually devoid of mitochondria, and display diminutive junctional areas as yet little specialized. They are principally axodendritic, and may occur in the company of short, symmetrical, avesicular membrane-junctions which link neuritic extensions. By about one month in vitro a substantial increase in number of synapses (up to 25/grid square) as well as advances in degree of maturity are evident in the outgrown neuropil; axosomatic synapses are relatively less numerous, as in vivo. Synaptic junction complexes henceforth appear well developed, and the presynaptic portions of boutons terminaux and boutons en passant now contain mitochondria and numerous agranular vesicles (sometimes packed in crystalloid arrays). Glomerulus-like profiles, synaptic spines displaying typical spine apparatuses, and multifarious synaptic complexes containing a variety of ∼ 500–1,400 A granular vesicles are also in evidence. The impressive amount of synapse formation and degree of specialization observed here suggests the utility of such cultures as a model system for further hypothalamic investigations.
Polytetrafluoroethylene nano/microfibers by jet blowing

Abstract Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fluoropolymer exhibits extreme chemical and thermal stability, low friction coefficients and many other exceptional properties. Unfortunately, very high molecular weight PTFE has an extremely high melt viscosity (∼1010–1012 poise) and negligible solubility in common solvents. Under tensile stress, molten PTFE elongates and breaks rather than forming fibers and processing it is generally laborious and expensive. We have developed a simple, environmentally friendly, single step, solvent-free technique to process very high molecular weight PTFE inside of a high pressure jet of gases such as nitrogen or argon into mats of micro and nanofibers that are up to several millimeter long. Plasticization of PTFE by the hot, high pressure gases within the jet and extensional stretching in the jet nozzle appear to facilitate fiber formation even at temperatures below the melting point. Polarized Raman spectra demonstrate that the PTFE polymer chains exhibit substantial alignment along the fiber axis. The fibers are produced at a rapid rate and adhere to many different materials, allowing for facile fabrication of surface modifying coatings and dense fibrous mats to control properties such as surface hydrophobicity, drag, and biocompatibility. Jet blowing is also suitable for more conventionally processible polymers and formation of polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers is demonstrated.
Estimate Revisions: A Quantitative Study

is jrs t vice president and director of quantitative research at Prudential Securities in New York. Since 1982 she has held various positions in the quantitative research and investment strategy departments. Her current function is to research, develop, and deliver stock valuation analysis and ratings, as well as an overall quantitative market perspective. Melissa has appeared on Institutional Investor’s “All Star” list each year since 1988. A Chartered Financial Analyst, she received a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an M . B.A. in finance from New York University.
Etheric C-O bond hydrogenolysis using a tandem lanthanide triflate/supported palladium nanoparticle catalyst system.

Selective hydrogenolysis of cyclic and linear ether C–O bonds is accomplished by a tandem catalytic system consisting of lanthanide triflates and sinter-resistant supported palladium nanoparticles in an ionic liquid. The lanthanide triflates catalyze endothermic dehydroalkoxylation, while the palladium nanoparticles hydrogenate the resulting intermediate alkenols to afford saturated alkanols with high overall selectivity. The catalytic C–O hydrogenolysis is shown to have significant scope, and the C–O bond cleavage is turnover-limiting.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type: A characterization of the patients' lived experience

Hypermobility type Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS-HT) is an inherited connective tissue disorder clinically diagnosed by the presence of significant joint hypermobility and associated skin manifestations. This article presents a large-scale study that reports the lived experience of EDS-HT patients, the broad range of symptoms that individuals with EDS-HT experience, and the impact these symptoms have on daily functioning. A 237-item online survey, including validated questions regarding pain and depression, was developed. Four hundred sixty-six (466) adults (90% female, 52% college or higher degree) with a self-reported diagnosis of EDS-HT made in a clinic or hospital were included. The most frequently reported symptoms were joint pain (99%), hypermobility (99%), and limb pain (91%). They also reported a high frequency of other conditions including chronic fatigue (82%), anxiety (73%), depression (69%), and fibromyalgia (42%). Forty-six percent of respondents reported constant pain often described as aching and tiring/exhausting. Despite multiple interventions and therapies, many individuals (53%) indicated that their diagnosis negatively affected their ability to work or attend school. Our results show that individuals with EDS-HT can experience a wide array of symptoms and co-morbid conditions. The degree of constant pain and disability experienced by the majority of EDS-HT respondents is striking and illustrates the impact this disorder has on quality of life as well as the clinical challenges inherent in managing this complex connective tissue disorder.
Mesopredators dominate competition for carrion in an agricultural landscape

The role of carrion in food webs is governed by complex competitive interactions among a wide range of taxa. Although this competition is known to be influenced by several biotic and abiotic factors, relatively few data are available from highly altered landscapes. We investigated the fate of mouse carcasses in an intensively farmed region in Indiana, USA, using remote cameras. Vertebrates removed 234 of 266 (88%) carcasses within two weeks after placement. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) were the predominant scavengers, removing 184 of 197 (93%) carcasses for which a scavenger could be identified. Air temperature influenced carcass removal by vertebrates only at higher temperatures, with fewer carcasses removed as temperatures increased over ∼22 ◦ C. Elevated densities of mesopredators, coupled with the reduced search area for carrion due to the sparse distribution of forested habitat, likely were responsible for the rapid discovery and high level of carcass removal by vertebrates compared to previous investigations. Our data suggest that in agricultural landscapes, the competitive balance for carrion can differ substantially from that found in more pristine habitats. Moreover, the monopolization of carrion resources by abundant mesopredators may have negative consequences for other species that use carrion.
The mechanism of anion inhibition of pork heart aspartate aminotransferase

Abstract The mechanism of anion inhibition of the reaction of the pork heart extramitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1) with erythro-β-hydroxy- l -aspartate was investigated. This reaction produces a mixture of complexes, one of which is characterized by an absorption maximum at 492 nm. Spectrophotometric analysis of equilibrium mixtures of aspartate aminotransferase and erythro-β-hydroxy- l -aspartate, in different buffers, indicated that acetate, chloride, and cacodylate were competitive inhibitors of hydroxyaspartate binding. Pyrophosphate, however, was not a competitive inhibitor. Between pH 4.5 and 9.0 the affinity of the enzyme for the monovalent anions decreased as the pH increased. The data indicated that the anion binding group had a pKa in the range from pH 6 to 7, depending upon the anion studied. From pH 4.5 to 9.0, the substrate dissociation constant and the distribution of enzyme-substrate complexes were both unaffected by pH. By stopped-flow spectrophotometry, an initial rapid relaxation ( t 1 2 = 2–8 ms ) was associated with an increase in absorbance at 492 nm, and this rate depended upon both substrate and buffer concentrations. A slower relaxation ( t 1 2 = 180 ms ) was associated with a decrease in the absorbance at 492 nm to approximately 70% of the value attained in the first rapid reaction. The rate of this slower reaction was largely independent of substrate and buffer concentrations. Kinetic analysis of the rates of the first relaxation in several different concentrations of Tris-acetate buffer of pH 8 showed that the rate of association decreased with increasing acetate concentration whereas the reaction rate for dissociation was unaffected. Thus, acetate appears to exert its inhibitory effect by preventing the formation of the enzyme-substrate complex rather than by displacing the substrate from the enzyme.
SOLUTION OF LAPLACE'S EQUATION FOR A RIGID CONDUCTING CONE AND PLANAR COUNTER-ELECTRODE : COMPARISON WITH THE SOLUTION TO THE TAYLOR CONICAL MODEL OF A FIELD EMISSION LMIS

En accordant les solutions a longue et a courte distance on donne une formule pour le champ au voisinage de l'apex. On montre aussi que la solution de Taylor au probleme electrostatique d'un cone rigide et d'une contre-electrode plane ne satisfait pas l'equation de Laplace
Cauchy principal values and finite parts of boundary integrals—revisited

Abstract The relationship between Finite Parts (FPs) and Cauchy Principal Values (CPVs) (when they exist) of certain integrals has been previously studied by Toh and Mukherjee [Toh K-C, Mukherjee S. Hypersingular and finite part integrals in the boundary element method. Int J Solids Struct 1994;31:2299–2312] and Mukherjee [Mukherjee S. CPV and HFP integrals and their applications in the boundary element method. Int J Solids Struct 2000;37:6623–6634, Mukherjee S. Finite parts of singular and hypersingular integrals with irregular boundary source points. Engrg Anal Bound Elem 2000;24:767–776]. This paper continues this study and presents and proves an interesting new relationship between the CPV and FP of certain boundary integrals (on closed boundaries) that occur in Boundary Integral Equation (BIE) formulations of some common Boundary Value Problems (BVPs) in science and engineering.
Utility of electroencephalography in the pediatric emergency department.

To assess the role of electroencephalography (EEG) in the pediatric emergency department, we reviewed the records of all patients having an EEG in the pediatric emergency department of our hospital between 1995 and 1997. EEG findings, clinical presentations, and follow-up data were analyzed, and patients were distributed into three groups according to clinical presentation: group 1 included patients with new-onset seizures, group 2 included patients with known epilepsy presenting with worsening seizures and altered mentation, and group 3 comprised patients with acute confusional states. Overall, 56 patients with 57 EEGs were included. In group 1 (n = 36), 20 (55.6%) had an abnormal EEG. The risk of recurrence was much higher in children with abnormal EEGs (80% vs. 31%) (P < .01). In retrospect, among all of the patients receiving the diagnosis of epilepsy, 76% had an abnormal emergency department EEG. Four in group 2 (n = 14) and one in group 3 (n = 7) were proven to have nonconvulsive status epilepticus and were treated accordingly. No patients in group 1 had nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Ongoing seizures were promptly excluded in the remainder. The EEG directly contributed to the diagnosis in 84% of all referrals in the pediatric emergency department, either being abnormal and leading to a diagnosis of a seizure disorder or confirming low suspicion for seizures. Thus, a prompt EEG should be considered in children with new-onset seizures and unexplained altered consciousness.
Mean excitation energies of Al, Ni, Se, Ag and Au extracted from alpha particle stopping power measurements

Abstract Stopping power measurements for alpha particles traversing targets of Al, Ni, Se, Ag and Au have been analyzed both with and without inclusion of a low velocity projectile-z3 correction in the Bethe-Bloch formula in order to extract mean excitation energies. In the former case, the values obtained for Al and Ni are consistent with expectation, whereas those obtained for Se, Ag and Au lie 34%, 28% and 12%, respectively, above generally accepted values. Also, the method of analysis was modified by incorporation of an effective charge parameter while fixing mean excitation energies at the generally accepted values in order to include some stopping power measurements at energies below the limit of strict applicability of the Bethe-Bloch formula; the quality of fit to the data deteriorated for all targets except Ni.
Forward scattering of GeV photons from carbon and tungsten

Abstract Small angle (≈3°) scattering of GeV photons from carbon and tungsten has been measured. The results are compared with the predictions of a simple “optical theorem” model, where the total cross-section for photon absorption is taken to be the incoherent sum of absorption on single nucleons.
A Fatal Accident Involving a Glass-Topped Cocktail Table

A 25-year-old male fell backward onto a glass-topped cocktail table causing the untempered glass to break into shards, one of which entered his back causing a fatal injury. To investigate the accident, two exemplar tables were purchased. One of these, like the accident table, had an untempered glass tabletop, while the other had a tabletop which was tempered. The tabletop on each table rested on the table’s iron frame supported by iron tabs at each corner and at the mid-point of each edge. Impact tests were carried out by dropping bags of sand onto the center of a table being tested from a height corresponding to the center of gravity of the accident victim when standing. These tests showed that a 4.54-kg (10-lb) sandbag was sufficient to shatter an untempered tabletop. An 18.14-kg (40-lb) sandbag dropped on a tempered tabletop deformed the frame and mid-point tabs forcing the glass through the frame to the ground without breaking it. It was concluded that the use of untempered glass and other design flaws caused this cocktail table to be an unreasonably dangerous product. The litigation relating to this accident was settled out of court.
Southern hemisphere distributional patterns in plant bugs (Hemiptera : Miridae : Phylinae): Xiphoidellus, gen. nov. from Australia and Ampimpacoris, gen. nov. from Argentina, show transantarctic relationships

Transantarctic distributional patterns are common in many groups of insects and plants including Coleorrhyncha, the sister group of Heteroptera. In contrast, evidence for such patterns within Heteroptera, or true bugs, is rare. We here describe two new genera of Phylini (Miridae : Phylinae) – Xiphoidellus, gen. nov. from Australia with six included species, and the monotypic Ampimpacoris, gen. nov. from Argentina. Xiphoidellus shows relationships to taxa in New Zealand and southern South America. Two sets of cladistic analyses, using equal and implied weights approaches, analyse relationships of the seven new species and 19 or 29 additional phyline taxa using 54 and 45 morphological characters, respectively. Both analyses support the New Zealand endemic genus Xiphoides Eyles & Schuh as the sister group to the Australian Xiphoidellus; Araucanophylus pacificus Carvalho from Chile is the sister taxon to the Xiphoides + Xiphoidellus clade. Affinities of the monotypic genus Ampimpacoris, gen. nov. are less clear cut and may be with a clade of Australian plant bugs or a Nearctic taxon. A primary Brooks parsimony analysis, based on one of the tree topologies, resulted in an area cladogram that proposes a close relationship between Australia and New Zealand, with southern South America being the sister to that area. This pattern differs from the classical vicariance pattern reported for many groups of insects, but is consistent with the ‘southern pattern’ frequently observed in plants.
Differential sensitivity of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA synthesis to suppression by cortisone treatment.

Abstract The administration of cortisone to young rats is known to result in a prompt suppression of liver DNA synthesis. The present study demonstrates that this suppression represents a selective inhibition of thymidine incorporation into nuclear DNA, and that after a single dose of cortisone to weanling animals the ratio of thymidine incorporated into nuclear DNA to that incorporated into mitochondrial DNA falls to 10–15 % of the ratio in control animals. The persistence of mitochondrial DNA synthesis in these animals despite nearly total suppression of nuclear DNA synthesis provides another example of mitochondrial autonomy. In older rats incorporation of thymidine into nuclear DNA is shown to be considerably less sensitive to inhibition than it is in more rapidly growing animals; even in the larger animals, however, it continues to be more easily suppressed than incorporation into mitochondrial DNA.
Mental rotation test performances and familial sinistrality in dextrals, with special reference to the bent twig theory

Recently, in this journal, Casey 1995 and McKeever (1996) noted that they have reached opposite conclusions regarding the effect of familial sinistrality on mental rotation ability in dextral females. Casey and colleagues concluded that those dextral women with a family history of left handedness (the FS+) are comparable to men in mental rotation ability and that the overall male superiority on such tasks is a function of the poor performances of dextral women who lack left handedness (the FS−) in their families. McKeever and colleagues had come to the exact opposite conclusion. We restudied this question and eliminated three possible methodological factors that might conceivably have accounted for the different outcomes. The results of the present study failed to find any relationship of FS status to mental rotation ability. These findings raise serious questions as to the replicability of any FS status/mental rotation ability relationships.
IMPACT OF MEETING PROCEDURES ON MEETING EFFECTIVENESS

This study examined the relationships between meeting procedures and perceived meeting effectiveness. Sixty-seven subjects from a variety of organizations completed a questionnaire containing 20 meeting procedure items. Meeting effectiveness was measured by two items, goal attainment and decision satisfaction. Factor analysis of meeting procedure items revealed four major factors: open communication, task focus, systematic approach, and timeliness. Several meeting procedures were related to effectiveness. Results suggest that the following may be important processes leading to effective meetings: open communication, focus on tasks, thorough exploration of options, analysis of decision consequences, action planning, temporal integrity, agenda integrity, and leader impartiality.
Evaluation of a novel nimodipine delivery system in conscious rats that allows sustained release for 24 h.

Methodologies that allow prolonged drug administration in animal models, while minimizing surgery and anesthesia, are an important contribution towards studies in awake conditions. Commercially available drug delivery systems like pellets can be customized for the evaluation of experimental therapies with minimal or no discomfort to animals. Our objective was to evaluate pharmacokinetic and physiologic parameters after subcutaneous implantation of rapid 24 h release nimodipine pellets in rats for their potential use as a delivery system for stroke therapeutics. A day prior to the study Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized (halothane, N2O, O2) for femoral vessel cannulation and later returned to their cages. On the day of the study the rats were briefly anesthetized (identical regimen as before), and assigned to two groups: nimodipine (NP) and placebo (PL). NP rats received either 0.5 (n = 4), 1 (n = 3), 2 (n = 2), 4 (n = 2), or 15 (n = 5) mg pellets (Innovative Research of America Inc., Sarasota, FL, USA) and PL rats (n = 5) received placebo pellets. Nimodipine plasma levels were measured at 1, 3, and 6 h. In addition, the 15 mg NP group was followed at 18 and 24 h. Immediately following decapitation the brain was removed for later determination of nimodipine tissue concentration. The NP 15 mg group showed a significant decline of 10% in MABP from base line to 24 h post implantation (p < 0.001). All NP animals achieved at least 83% of their highest plasma concentration at 1 h and 94% at 3 h. A high degree of correspondence (r2 = 0.95, y = 0.36 + 0.28x, n = 16) between the plasma and brain concentrations of nimodipine was present. Although a significant drop in MABP was observed the drop was no greater than 10% in 24 h. Plasma nimodipine levels for the 15 mg animals were within the cerebrovascular effective range. This is the first report to show that 24 h release nimodipine pellets subcutaneously implanted in rats are a reliable delivery system that allows rapid rise and constant nimodipine plasma levels. Therefore, 24 h release pellets are a suitable alternative to other delivery systems like osmotic pumps.
Comfort as Process and Product, Merged in Holistic-Nursing Art

Although many scholars discuss nursing as an art and science, the practice of nursing art remains unspecified and elusive, especially to learners. Nursing art is the esthetic use by nurses of scientific and humanistic principles of care applied creatively within specific contexts of care. One form of nursing art is called comfort care. Comfort care entails the process of comforting actions and the product of enhanced comfort, both of which have been described in separate programs of research. Because the process of comfort includes the product of comfort, the construct of comfort care designates a necessary merger between the programs of research. A template is presented that guides the practice of comfort care within a context of holistic nursing art.
Advances in the radiation stabilization of polypropylene

Abstract The addition of mobilizing additives to polypropylene increases the rate of radical termination as measured by ESR. The reduced radical population reduces the extent of polymer oxidation and improves the mechanical properties of the polymer.
Usability Analysis of a Business Process Management Software Platform

This study reports the results of a usability analysis on a leading suite of software for the creation, management, tracking, and automation of business process management (BPM) software, a system designed to make collaborative work quicker and easier to complete. The analysis focuses on two tools within the suite, and their effectiveness in enabling end users to model processes. Diverse methodologies that may be of interest to other BPM developers were used to examine how users would conceptualize, model, and execute processes using the software. A number of resulting recommendations are made to enhance usability and to better examine similar webbased software.
Necessary conditions for welfare improving reforms

Abstract We develop necessary conditions for welfare improving reforms. We show that our work may be useful in evaluating the desirability of preferential trading areas ( PTAs) and reforming Article XXIV of GATT . The conditions that no country necessarily loses from world trade reform are also derived.
Chronic Suppression of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Patients with ICDs

In this review, we examine the data evaluating the role of adjuvant therapy with antiarrthymic drugs (AADs) in chronic suppression of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in the patient with an ICD. It must be noted that all uses of AADs for this indication represent "off-label" prescription. No AAD is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically as a therapy to reduce ICD shocks.
Effect of the flow rate on the measurement of adsorption data by dynamic frontal analysis.

Abstract The adsorption data of propyl benzoate were acquired by frontal analysis (FA) on a Symmetry-C18 column, using a mixture of methanol (65%, v/v) and water as the mobile phase, at three different flow rates, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mL/min. The exact flow rates F v were measured by collecting the mobile phase in volumetric glasses ( δ F v / F v ≤ 0.2 % ). The extra-column volumes and the column hold-up volume were accurately measured at each flow rate by tracer injections. The detailed effect of the flow rate on the value of the amount adsorbed was investigated. The best isotherm model accounting for the adsorption data was the same BET isotherm model at all three flow rates. Only slight differences (always less than 5%) were found between the three different sets of isotherm parameters (saturation capacity, q S , equilibrium constant on the adsorbent, b S and equilibrium constant on successive layers of propyl benzoate, b L ). The reproducibility of the same isotherm parameters measured by the inverse method (IM) is less satisfactory, leading to R.S.D.s of up to 10%. A flow rate increase is systematically accompanied by a slight increase of the amount adsorbed. This phenomenon is consistent with the influence of the pressure on the equilibrium constant of adsorption due to the difference between the partial molar volumes of the solute and the adsorbate. The larger average pressure along the column that is required to achieve a larger flow rate causes a larger amount of solute to be adsorbed on the column at equilibrium. This result comforts the high sensitivity and versatility of the FA method for isotherm determination under any kind of situation.
Epidemiology and outcomes of serious influenza-related infections in the cancer population

BACKGROUND Although patients with cancer generally respond favorably to vaccination, they may not receive annual influenza vaccinations. The current population-based study described the epidemiology and outcomes of potentially preventable, serious influenza-related infections in patients with cancer. METHODS From the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the authors created a subsample that included discharges with any International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, diagnosis code for cancer and principal diagnosis code for influenza, bronchopneumonia, or pneumonia caused by an unspecified organism. From the latter two diagnosis codes, the authors estimated excess cases during the influenza season for each year and stratum, then selected a random sample from fall and winter discharges. Subset analyses included weighted sample means, frequencies, and analysis of variance values. The authors converted charges to costs using cost-to-charge ratios and inflated these to 2003 U.S. dollars. Hospitalization and mortality rates were calculated using 5-year cancer prevalence estimates. RESULTS The estimated mean annual hospital discharges of patients with cancer with potentially preventable, serious influenza-related infections numbered 16,000. The average length and cost per stay were 6 days and > $6300, respectively. Approximately 9% of patients died in the hospital and 31% needed further skilled care. The estimated age-specific rates for hospitalization and death per 100,000 in the prevalent cancer population were 219 and 17.4, respectively, for patients age < 65 years and 623 and 59.4, respectively, for those age ≥ 65 years. Hospitalization costs averaged $1300 more for patients age < 65 years. CONCLUSIONS Death from influenza-related infections occurred in an estimated 9% of patients with cancer hospitalized for such. Using recommended vaccination schedules for patients with cancer and their contacts reduced hospitalizations, treatment delays, and deaths in this highly susceptible population. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Near-Field Tomography without Phase Retrieval

We investigate the near-field inverse scattering problem with evanescent waves. An analytic solution to this problem within the weak-scattering approximation is used to show that the usual Rayleigh limit may be overcome even when measurements are made without phase information. Applications to a novel form of three-dimensional microscopy with subwavelength resolution are described.
A method for multiprotein assembly in cells reveals independent action of kinesins in complex

Teams of processive molecular motors are critical for intracellular transport and organization, yet coordination between motors remains poorly understood. Here, we develop a system using protein components to generate assemblies of defined spacing and composition inside cells. This system is applicable to studying macromolecular complexes in the context of cell signaling, motility, and intracellular trafficking. We use the system to study the emergent behavior of kinesin motors in teams. We find that two kinesin motors in complex act independently (do not help or hinder each other) and can alternate their activities. For complexes containing a slow kinesin-1 and fast kinesin-3 motor, the slow motor dominates motility in vitro but the fast motor can dominate on certain subpopulations of microtubules in cells. Both motors showed dynamic interactions with the complex, suggesting that motor–cargo linkages are sensitive to forces applied by the motors. We conclude that kinesin motors in complex act independently in a manner regulated by the microtubule track.