cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors to Determine Business Intelligence Implementation in Organizations

In this study, we deploy review centric research of User Satisfaction, Cost Reducing, and Time Optimization impacting decision making on whether to implement Business Intelligence in organizations. The purpose of this paper is to present a literature review to examine the association between Business Intelligence and these three different factors. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the user’s satisfaction, cost reducing, and time optimization implications in order to choose Business Intelligence as a business tool. A comprehensive literature review of business intelligence created a theoretical foundation for this paper. Using the grounded theory, a model was developed and evaluated based on how User Satisfaction, Cost Reducing and Time Optimization impacts managerial decision-making using Business Intelligence. Using data from JSTOR and Academic Search Premier databases a new model is presented to encapsulate the highly dynamic interaction of user satisfaction, cost reducing, and time optimization with business intelligence to provide elements to consider the implementation of BI in a firm. This model highlights three key aspects that administrators consider in order to determine the possibility of taking Business Intelligence as an instrument in their daily duties. The theoretical model is limited to three factors only, which could be extended in future studies on this topic. Moreover, this model has been discussed using a theoretical perspective whereas practical contributions has been given less attention. This study provides an exciting opportunity to advance our knowledge of business intelligence to efficiently and flexibly help companies make the right decisions in real time, grasp business opportunities, and gain competitive advantage.
The Cerebellar Cognitive Affective / Schmahmann Syndrome Scale (P6.206)

Objective: Perform comprehensive neurocognitive testing in cerebellar patients to i) attempt to replicate the original findings of the cerebellar cognitive affective / Schmahmann syndrome (CCAS; Schmahmann and Sherman, 1998; Levisohn et al., 2000; Manto and Marien, 2015), ii) delineate a brief set of tests sensitive to the CCAS, and iii) compare performance between patients with isolated cerebellar versus complex cerebrocerebellar disease. Background: The CCAS is characterized by deficits in executive function, linguistic processing, spatial cognition, and affect regulation. Diagnosis currently relies on neuropsychological testing, and clinicians may miss it on brief mental state tests. Design/Methods: Standard and experimental neuropsychological tests and clinical rating scales were administered to 77 patients with cerebellar disease: 36 with isolated cerebellar pathology, 41 with complex cerebrocerebellar pathology, and to 77 healthy controls matched for age, education and gender. Results: Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores did not distinguish patients from controls. In contrast, neuropsychological testing reconfirmed CCAS in patients with both isolated cerebellar damage and with complex cerebrocerebellar disease. Deficits were noted in attention, executive function (working memory, abstract reasoning, go-no-go), language (verb for noun, semantic and phonemic fluency), visual spatial function, and neuropsychiatric features. We then used statistical measures to derive a set of cognitive tasks that distinguished patients from controls in the exploratory cohort with high sensitivity (0.97) and selectivity (0.95). We designate this battery the Cerebellar Cognitive Affective / Schmahmann Syndrome Scale (CCAS/Schmahmann Scale) ©. It takes ~10–12 minutes to administer. A validation cohort of cerebellar patients is currently being tested. Conclusions: The CCAS is common in patients with cerebellar damage, as shown by neuropsychological testing. Here we introduce the CCAS/Schmahmann Scale, a screening instrument sensitive to cerebellar-based cognitive deficits. It will facilitate definition of the CCAS in cerebellar patients, and is available for prospective validation tests in cerebellar vs non-cerebellar populations. Study Supported by: NIMH RO1MH67980, National Ataxia Foundation, MINDlink Foundation Disclosure: Dr. Hoche has nothing to disclose. Dr. Guell has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vangel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sherman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Schmahmann has received personal compensation for activities with Ataxion, Biohaven, Biogen, Pfizer, Takeda as a consultant. Dr. Schmahmann has received royalty payments from Elsevier, Oxford, MacKeith, and Springer. Dr. Schmahmann has received license fees payments from Massachusetts General Hospital.
State-Based Formal Methods in Scientific Computation

Control systems, protocols, and hardware design are among the most common applications of state-based formal methods, and yet the types of modeling and analysis they enable are also well-suited to problems in scientific computation, where quality, reproducibility, and productivity are growing concerns. We survey the challenges faced by developers of scientific software, characterize the nature of the programs they write, and offer some perspective on the role that state-based methods can play in scientific domains.
Electrochemistry and electrode applications of electroactive/conductive polymers

This report describes some of the recent work on the electrochemical and electrode applications of polymers which are electroactive and can be switched to an electrically conductive state, as well as the inherently conductive (SN)x. The materials fall into two general categories. There are the polymer films which can be prepared in situ by the electrochemical polymerization of aromatic compounds, and there are the polyenes such as polyacetylene and polythiazyl. Many of the electrode applications being considered are based on the electroactive/conductive properties of the films such as display devices, and storage batteries. Some applications make use of the conductive property of the materials such as protective coatings against corrosion, and other applications make use of the possibility for molecular selectivity such as chemically selective electrodes and sensors.
Polarization Intermittency and Its Influence on MHD Turbulence

The Goldreich-Sridhar model of incompressible turbulence provides us with an elegant approach to describing strong MHD turbulence. It relies on the fact that interacting Alfvenic waves are independent and have random polarization. However, in case of strong interaction, a spontaneous local axial asymmetry can arise. We used direct numerical simulations to show that polarization alignment occurs and that it grows larger at smaller scales. Assuming critical balance, this effect could lead to a shallower spectrum and stronger anisotropy. Even small changes in these two properties will have important astrophysical consequences, e.g., for the cosmic-ray physics.
Introduction to Tests of Statistical Hypotheses

Chapter 5 addressed real-world questions of the form, “Based on this sample data, what’s the unknown value of our parameter?” A confidence interval is required as an answer. In this chapter, we consider two other types of real-world problem. Both types of problem involve a statistical hypothesis and ask us, in a sense which we must make precise, to “test” that hypothesis against sample data. First, we’ll see exactly what a statistical hypothesis is and then give an overview of these two new problems.
Reconfigurable beam steering metasurface at telecommunication wavelengths (Conference Presentation)

The ability to control all the important constitutive properties of light via interaction with nanoscale elements is a central concept in nanophotonics. In the last several years, metasurfaces have demonstrated promise as both flat optical elements to replace conventional three-dimensional components as well as to access functions that are unachievable in conventional optics. To date, the functional performance of metasurfaces has typically been encoded at the time of fabrication. However, active control of the properties of metasurfaces would enable dynamic holograms, focusing lenses with reconfigurable focal lengths, and beam steering, a key requirement for future chip-based light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. Here, we report the design and experimental demonstration of a continuous beam steering at telecommunication wavelengths using field-effect-tunable metasurfaces. The proposed beam steering device is actively controlled by incorporating indium tin oxide (ITO), as a material with voltage-tunable optical properties, into a metasurface. Using ITO as an active material and a composite hafnium-aluminum-oxide nanolaminate as the gate dielectric, we demonstrate a prototype tunable metasurface with a continuous phase shift from 0 to 300°. Our design enables independent control of each metasurface element via an individual application of DC voltage. This enables electrical control of the metasurface phase profile, which is an essential requirement for demonstration of continuous beam steering. By careful application of bias voltages to 96 biasing channels, we achieve a quasi-continuous beam steering with the steering angles of up to 75°.
Bar Mitzvah: A HistoryComing of Age in Jewish America: Bar and Bat Mitzvah Reinterpreted

Observers of the Jewish educational landscape will be familiar with the presumption that the contemporary moment demands that the Jewish student be treated as a prosumer—a producer as well as a con...
Using Scheduling Apps to Streamline a Social Media Workflow

Abstract Creating an account is only the first step in developing a social media presence. In order to have an impact, there must be interaction with the university community. One of the most important steps to increasing engagement is through the creation and regular posting of diverse content. Creating a steady stream of content can be a challenge. Integrating third-party scheduling applications into your library's social media plan can allow for asynchronous posting, which ensures a steady stream of posts. The availability, robustness, and efficiency of third-party scheduling apps varies and there are multiple factors to consider when selecting an app. We will explore the different third-party scheduling apps currently available. In addition, we will discuss what criteria to consider when selecting and implementing scheduling apps. We will share how the librarians at Valdosta State University's Odum Library are using Trello, a project management app, to improve their Instagram account.
Limitations of the Envelope Difference Index as a Metric for Nonlinear Distortion in Hearing Aids.

Objectives The envelope difference index (EDI) compares the envelopes of two signals. It has been used to measure nonlinear distortion in hearing aids, but it also responds to linear processing. This article compares linear and nonlinear processing effects on the EDI. Design The EDI for spectral tilt and peak clipping distortion is computed to illustrate the effects of linear and nonlinear signal modifications. The EDI for wide dynamic-range compression is then compared with that obtained for linear amplification for a set of standard audiograms to show the expected range of EDI values for linear and nonlinear hearing aid processing. The EDI for hearing aid amplification and compression is also compared with a measure of time-frequency envelope modulation distortion for the same conditions. Results The EDI is shown to be as sensitive to linear amplification as it is to nonlinear processing. The EDI values for spectral tilt can exceed those for peak clipping, and the EDI values for linear amplification exceed those for wide dynamic-range compression for four of the nine audiograms considered. The agreement of the EDI with a nonlinear envelope distortion measure is shown to depend on the long-term spectra of the signals being compared when computing the EDI. Conclusions The accuracy of the EDI as an indicator of nonlinear distortion for sentence materials can be improved by equalizing the long-term spectrum of the processed signal to match that of the unprocessed input. However, the EDI does not have a clear interpretation because of the confound between linear and nonlinear processing effects and the lack of an auditory model in calculating the signal differences.
Data and Mapping for Environmental Sustainability

One of the key methods of trying to “do” sustainability is benchmarking data across time and space. For example, an organization may compare its energy use over time and against other similar organizations to try to reduce energy consumption. Data collection and quantitative and qualitative analysis are thus crucial aspects within the field of environmental sustainability. Two of the most important recent innovations in sustainability are the use of big data analytical tools and the Internet of everything. Each of these areas helps bring together large amounts of information, often in real time, to make decisions that help improve sustainability. Remote sensing, maps, and geographic information systems are also important tools used to visualize and analyze information.
Larval thermal characteristics of multiple ixodid ticks underlie their range dynamics

Temperature is a major factor that impacts tick populations by limiting geographic range of different species. Little is known about the thermal characteristics of these pests outside of a few studies on survival related to thermal tolerance. In this study, thermal tolerance limits, thermal preference, impact of temperature on metabolic rate, and temperature-activity dynamics were examined in larvae for six species of ixodid ticks. Tolerance of low temperatures ranged from -15 to -24{degrees}C with Dermacentor andersoni surviving at the lowest temperatures. High temperature survival ranged from 41 to 47 {degrees}C, with Rhipicephalus sanguineus having the highest upper lethal limit. Ixodes scapularis showed the lowest survival at both low and high temperatures. Thermal preference temperatures were tested from 0-41{degrees}C. D. variabilis exhibited a significant distribution of individuals in the lower temperatures, while the majority of other species gathered around 20-30{degrees}C. Activity was measured from 10-60{degrees}C, and the highest activity was observed in most species was near 30{degrees}C. Metabolic rate was the highest for most species around 40{degrees}C. Both activity and metabolic rate dropped dramatically at temperatures below 10{degrees}C and above 50{degrees}C. In summary, tick species vary greatly in their thermal characteristics, and our results will be critical to predict distribution of these ectoparasites with changing climates.
The “Social Magic” of Merit: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the English and Welsh Legal Profession

This working paper contributes to the debate over diversity and inclusion in the legal profession by exploring the meaning of 'merit' and its social and cultural context.
Chapter 13 – Personal Computing

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of personal computers (PC). The computing and communications revolutions are opening up a world of information to people with PCs. Personal computing has completely changed the character and composition of the software industry. A PC is a complete computer system that is available for the personal use of one or more people at work or at home. It is generally small enough to fit on a desktop and economical enough to be affordable by an individual. It should be user-friendly, so that it can be used easily by people who are not computer specialists. It should be usable directly out of the box, reliable, and serviceable, and should have easy-to-read documentation. It should be able to run the huge variety of personal computing applications software available.
Development of pseudoachalasia following magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) with restoration of peristalsis after endoscopic dilation

Pseudoachalasia is mimicking clinical and physiologic manifestations of idiopathic achalasia but results from alternative etiologies that infiltrate or obstruct the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). Anti-reflux surgery is one of the potential etiologies of pseudoachalasia. The majority of cases with persistent dysphagia after a tightly constructed Nissen fundoplication results from EGJ outlet obstruction (EGJOO) and in rare cases progresses to pseudoachalasia. In these extreme cases, endoscopic dilation is not a sufficient treatment and take down of fundoplication would be necessary. In this case report, we present a patient with long-standing GERD symptoms that underwent magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) with complete resolution of his reflux symptoms. He did not have dysphagia prior to surgery and his preoperative manometry showed normal peristaltic progression of esophageal contractions. He developed pseudoachalasia 14 months after surgery. Repeated endoscopic dilation in this case resulted in resolution of dysphagia and complete restoration of peristaltic contractions.
Steady-State Thermal-Hydraulic Model for Fluoride-Salt-Cooled Small Modular High-Temperature Reactors

A whole-core, steady-state, thermal-hydraulic model for the cylindrical pin-type fluoride-salt-cooled small modular advanced high-temperature reactor (SmAHTR) is developed. In this preconceptual re...
Effect of Combining Solder Pastes with SAC305 Spheres on Component Reliability in Harsh Thermal Cycling

There has been a strong drive to remove Lead from electronics since the early 2000s. Solder alloys based on tin (Sn), copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) were regarded as promising candidates to replace the traditional SnPb solder. Later, it was found that one year of aging reduced the life of the components by more than 50% in the case of SAC based alloys. Once the detrimental effects of aging were discovered, the industry began search for improved solder materials. Several elements such as Bismuth (Bi), Indium (In), Antimony (Sb) and Nickel (Ni) are added to SAC alloys to make them more reliable. Extensive tests are required to analyze these new alloys and thereby to filter the best solder pastes. In the study, three high reliability solder materials along with SAC305 alloy from different manufacturers have been selected and used for the test vehicle assembly. The test vehicle is a printed circuit board (PCB) of FR-4 laminate material with three CABGA208s (15x15mm) and three CABGA36s with SAC305 spheres and six surface mount resistors. In order to reduce variability, single surface finish, namely Organic Solderability Preserve (OSP) has been used for all test vehicles. Immediately after assembly, all boards are aged for a period of three months at 125oC. The boards were then thermally cycled for 4700 cycles from -40oC to +125oC with a ramp rate of 10oC per minute and dwell times of 15 minutes at high and low temperatures.Two parameter Weibull analysis is used to quantify the performance of the different alloy materials. B10 life is also used to analyze the early failures in each case. Generally, all the new alloys with new elements were found to mitigate the aging effects. It was also found that there was not much improvement in reliability when the solder alloys are used alone instead of combining them with SAC305 to form solder joints.
CP Violation from Slepton Oscillations at the LHC and NLC

In supersymmetric theories the charged sleptons of different generations may oscillate amongst themselves while they decay. In the case of three generation oscillations, superpartner production at the LHC and NLC may lead to an observable $CP$-violating signal $N(e^+\mu^-) - N(\mu^+e^-)$. This signal is proportional to a $CP$-violating invariant of the slepton mass matrix, $\widetilde{J}$, which is not constrained by searches for the electric dipole moment of the electron. The sensitivity of the LHC and NLC to this signal is highly dependent on superpartner masses, but $\widetilde{J}$ may be probed to a level of $10^{-3}$. Observation of the $CP$-violating signal would imply a definite structure for the slepton mass matrices and have strong implications for models of flavor and SUSY breaking.
Using multimodal MRI to investigate alterations in brain structure and function in the BBZDR/Wor rat model of type 2 diabetes.

Background This is an exploratory study using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to interrogate the brain of rats with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) as compared to controls. It was hypothesized there would be changes in brain structure and function that reflected the human disorder, thus providing a model system by which to follow disease progression with noninvasive MRI. Methods The transgenic BBZDR/Wor rat, an animal model of T2MD, and age-matched controls were studied for changes in brain structure using voxel-based morphometry, alteration in white and gray matter microarchitecture using diffusion weighted imaging with indices of anisotropy, and functional coupling using resting-state BOLD functional connectivity. Images from each modality were registered to, and analyzed, using a 3D MRI rat atlas providing site-specific data on over 168 different brain areas. Results There was an overall reduction in brain volume focused primarily on the somatosensory cortex, cerebellum, and white matter tracts. The putative changes in white and gray matter microarchitecture were pervasive affecting much of the brain and not localized to any region. There was a general increase in connectivity in T2DM rats as compared to controls. The cerebellum presented with strong functional coupling to pons and brainstem in T2DM rats but negative connectivity to hippocampus. Conclusion The neuroradiological measures collected in BBBKZ/Wor rats using multimodal imaging methods did not reflect those reported for T2DB patients in the clinic. The data would suggest the BBBKZ/Wor rat is not an appropriate imaging model for T2DM.
Ethics Consultation in Surgical Specialties.

Multiple studies have been performed to identify the most common ethical dilemmas encountered by ethics consultation services. However, limited data exists comparing the content of ethics consultations requested by specific hospital specialties. It remains unclear whether the scope of ethical dilemmas prompting an ethics consultation differ between specialties and if there are types of ethics consultations that are more or less frequently called based on the specialty initiating the ethics consult. This study retrospectively assessed the incidence and content of ethics consultations called by surgical vs. non-surgical specialties between January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2018 using our RedCap Database and information collected through the EMR via our Clinical and Translational Science Center. 548 total ethics consultations were analyzed (surgical n = 135, non-surgical n = 413). Our results demonstrate that more surgical consults originated from the ICU, as opposed to lower acuity units (45.9% vs. 14.3%, p ≤ 0.001), and surgical patients were more likely to have a DNR in place (37.5% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.002). Surgical specialties were more likely to call about issues relating to withholding/withdrawing life-sustaining treatment (p ≤ 0.001), while non-surgical specialties were more likely to call about issues related to discharge planning (p = 0.001). There appear to be morally relevant differences between consults classified as the “same” that are not entirely captured by the usual ethics consultations classification system. In conclusion, this study highlights the unique ethical issues experienced by surgical vs. non-surgical specialties. Ultimately, our data can help ethics consultation services determine how best to educate various hospital specialties to approach ethical issues commonly experienced within their field.
Transport of Dietary Anti-Inflammatory Peptide, γ-Glutamyl Valine (γ-EV), across the Intestinal Caco-2 Monolayer

The present study analyzed the transepithelial transport of the dietary anti-inflammatory peptide, γ-glutamyl valine (γ-EV). γ-EV is naturally found in dry edible beans. Our previous study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory potency of γ-EV against vascular inflammation at a concentration of 1mM, and that it can transport with the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of 1.56 × 10−6 ± 0.7 × 10−6 cm/s across the intestinal Caco-2 cells. The purpose of the current study was to explore whether the permeability of the peptide could be enhanced and to elucidate the mechanism of transport of γ-EV across Caco-2 cells. The initial results indicated that γ-EV was nontoxic to the Caco-2 cells up to 5 mM concentration and could be transported across the intestinal cells intact. During apical-to-basolateral transport, a higher peptide dose (5 mM) significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced the transport rate to 2.5 × 10−6 ± 0.6 × 10−6 cm/s. Cytochalasin-D disintegrated the tight-junction proteins of the Caco-2 monolayer and increased the Papp of γ-EV to 4.36 × 10−6 ± 0.16 × 10−6 cm/s (p < 0.001), while theaflavin 3′-gallate and Gly-Sar significantly decreased the Papp (p < 0.05), with wortmannin having no effects on the peptide transport, indicating that the transport route of γ-EV could be via both PepT1-mediated and paracellular.
“Population Drag” and the Role of the International Sector

Differing policies toward international trade and investment in the course of economic development may have implications for the pressure of excess population within a country. The relative merits insofar as population pressures are concerned of an internationalist set of policies are contrasted with those of an inward-looking strategy of import substitution. Internationalist policies as featured in export-led growth strategies, seem to have distinct advantages over a strategy of import substitution provided that the industrialized countries of the world do not set arbitrary limits to the volume of imports from the developing world.
Spontaneous light-driven heat cycles in metallic nanofluids with nanobubbles

We present the first experiments of spontaneous oscillatory behavior in binary-solvent nanofluids, which occurs when collimated light grazes menisci. The robust heat cycles identify nanobubbles, new mechanisms for probing nanoparticle-solvent chemistry, and novel thermo-mechanical dynamics.
Adhesion‐Non Adhesion Behavior of Non‐Polar Solvent Based SiC Slurries for Electro‐Photographic Solid Freeform Fabrication Applications

Solid Freeform Fabrication is still a major challenge for ceramic materials. For a novel solid freeform fabrication technique, Electro-photographic Solid Freeform Fabrication [ESFF] -a process similar to photocopying - special ceramic liquid toners are required. ESFF is a novel freeform technique for ceramics that requires well adjusted properties of the "toner". This technique is based on slicing a 3-D structure into 2-D layers and electro-phoretically depositing these 2-D layers on top of each other by a photosensitive semiconductor drum. To achieve the best possible resolution of the printed structures nano particles are necessary. Here, we focus on developing new inks containing sub micron and nano size ceramic particles. In this case we use nano sized alpha silicon carbide. The liquid toner slurries are primarily composed of ceramic particles, dispersing media, dispersants, binders, plasticizers and charge control agents. The electro-deposition of the ceramic particles, their solids loading and the flow behavior are important factors for developing a liquid toner. Here, we report on sub micron sized silicon carbide powders that are processed in a non polar solvent. The adhesion-non adhesion behavior of decahydronapthalene based SiC slurries for electro-photographic solid freeform fabrication applications is presented and discussed.
Technology in the Classroom: Teacher Education Programs and Technology: Preparing Teacher Candidates for Working With P-8 Students

Teacher education faculty, who are often baby boomers, are revisiting the role of technology in the preparation of current digital native undergraduates. The term “digital native” is often used to ...
The Question of Outsourcing

Abstract This paper argues that colleges and universities must review proposals to “outsource” campus counseling and psychological services within the framework of their overall missions and the contributions that on-campus services make toward fulfilling these missions. College mental health is a specialized field with professional staff who are both knowledgeableabout the developmental issues of late adolescence, college life, and the psychological problems inherent in such settings and with such an age group and are also keenly attunedto the specific college culture in which they work. The roles and functions of on-campus services evolve as part of each college through negotiation and collaboration. Six case vignettes help to exemplify how seasoned college counseors use their knowledge of the college community to provide specialized assistance.
How Can Brane World Physics Influence the Existence of a Relic Graviton Burst in the Onset of Inflation

We use an explicit Randall-Sundrum brane world effective potential as congruent with conditions needed to form a minimum entropy starting point for an early universe vacuum state. We justify this by pointing to the Ashtekar, Pawlowski, and Singh (2006) article about a prior universe being modeled via their quantum bounce hypothesis which states that this prior universe geometrically can be modeled via a discretized Wheeler - De Witt equation, with it being the collapsing into a quantum bounce point singularity converse of the present day universe expanding from the quantum bounce point so delineated in their calculations. In doing so, we use thermal/ gravitational inputs into our present universe, using a simplified model of graviton production similar to what was done by Wheeler in the 1970s for spin two gravitons . Doing so permits modeling of experimental conditions needed for directional graviton production which conceivably could be used for space craft in the foreseeable future once an experimental verification of early universe conditions for graviton production and power radiation are finalized. This leads to intense power production using a model for power production reported by Dr. Fontana in 2005 in the new frontiers section of STAIF. We report upon what we think is a range of intense graviton production parameters in the onset of cosmological inflation. This builds upon an idea of a semi resonant cavity effect for spin two gravitons, with the walls dissolving after ten to the minus 43 seconds, with a build up of temperature, and a steady energy insertion leading to , after axion wall collapse due to rising temperatures, a massive release of relic gravitons at the same time the initiation of inflation takes place. This answers the apparent incongruency of low entropy, low temperatures postulated by S. Carroll, and J. Chen, with a naturally occurring 'laboratory' as to necessary and sufficient conditions needed to model graviton production on a large scale.
The amino-acid compositions of CNBr fragment C1 from antihapten antibodies. Use of guanidine for reproducible isolation of the C1 fragment.

Most rabbit antibodies contain a methionine residue about 240 residues from the NH2-terminus of the heavy chain sequence. Cleavage of heavy chains by CNBr at this methionine leads to the formation of a fragment, C1, which contains the variable portion of the H-chain but is slightly longer than the Fd fragment. Published amino acid compositions of fractions from different antibodies, all taken to represent fragment C1, showed marked similarity. In this work it is shown that the primary reason for this similarity is that previous methods of isolating C1, by gel filtration using 6 M urea or 1 M acetic acid as solvent, led to the isolation of aggregates contaminated with an extensive section of the constant region. Six M guanidine · HCl prevented the formation of these aggregates and gel filtration in this solvent yielded a C1 fragment with an amino acid composition quite different from that of the contaminated aggregate. The amino acid compositions of the uncontaminated C1 fragments from antihapten antibodies from individual rabbits showed large differences. The differences were apparent because of the restricted heterogeneity of the antibodies being compared. Amino acid compositions of C1 fragments from γ-globulins from individual uninjected rabbits showed appreciably less variation because, unlike the antibodies, the γ-globulins were complex mixtures.
SOME NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PREDOMINANT CULTURABLE RUMINAL BACTERIA

Bryant, M. P. (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Md.) and I. M. Robinson. Some nutritional characteristics of predominant culturable ruminal bacteria. J. Bacteriol. 84:605–614. 1962.—The effect of enzymatic hydrolysate of casein, NH4+, a mixture of volatile fatty acids (acetic, n-valeric, isovaleric, 2-methylbutyric, and isobutyric), hemin, and ruminal fluid on growth of 89 freshly isolated strains of predominant culturable ruminal bacteria was studied, using basal media containing glucose, cellobiose, or maltose as energy source, minerals, cysteine, and S= as reducing agents, and H2CO3-HCO3− buffer. Of these strains, 13% (four morphological groups) grew poorly or not at all in defined medium plus casein hydrolysate; 6% (one morphological group) required casein hydrolysate; 56% (four morphological groups) grew with either NH4+ or casein hydrolysate as the main source of nitrogen; and NH4+, but not casein hydrolysate, was essential for 25% of the strains (five morphological groups). The volatile fatty acid mixture excluding acetate was essential for 19% of the strains (five morphological groups), and this mixture and acetate were necessary for good growth of 23% of the strains (one morphological group) when casein hydrolysate was excluded from the medium; 30% of the strains (one morphological group) required hemin. Similar studies are reported on 35 old laboratory strains of ruminal bacteria, most of which were previously identified. The results indicate that most strains of ruminal bacteria can be grown in defined media, and suggest the relative importance of NH4+ and volatile fatty acids and the relative lack of importance of organic nitrogen compounds such as amino acids in the nutrition of these bacteria.
Evaluation of a new immunologic pregnancy slide test

Abstract In recent years a number of papers have been published indicating the advantages of the immunologic pregnancy test as a rapid and reliable method. This paper evaluates a new 3 minute pregnancy slide test based on the inhibition of agglutination of HCG-coated latex particles. Its accuracy and sensitivity were evaluated on random urine specimens from patients with normal pregnancies, abnormal pregnancies, and a group of nonpregnant women. The time post partum when the test became negative was determined. Several clinical cases demonstrate the importance of the test in diagnosis. The sensitivity lies in the range of 3 I.U. per milliliter. The test had an over-all accuracy of 95 per cent in the pregnant women studied, with a 98 per cent figure in pregnancy under 18 weeks.
Improved low-frequency performance of pyramid-cone absorbers for application in semi-anechoic chambers

A mathematical model, developed by the authors to describe the low-frequency reflection properties of arrays of pyramid-cone absorbers, is used to improve the design of these cones in the range of 30 to 300 MHz. The model shows that at frequencies such that the transverse spacing of the cones is small compared to a wavelength, a reflecting wave is not influenced by the individual cones, but rather the wave is acted upon as if only a one-dimensionally layered, anisotropic equivalent medium exists, whose parameters depend on the geometry and electrical composition of the cones. It is thus possible using elementary means to calculate the reflection coefficient of an arbitrarily polarized and incident plane wave from an array of these cones and hence to assess their performance in an anechoic chamber. Results of the application of this design to semianechoic measurement chambers are presented. These are found to provide closer correlation to the site attenuation curves for an ideal open-field test site. >
Many-body effects on the electronic and optical properties of strained semiconducting carbon nanotubes

We present many-body ab initio calculations of the electronic and optical properties of semiconducting zigzag carbon nanotubes under uniaxial strain. The $GW$ approach is utilized to obtain the quasiparticle band gaps and is combined with the Bethe-Salpeter equation to obtain the optical absorption spectrum. We find that the dependence of the electronic band gaps on strain is more complex than previously predicted based on tight-binding models or density functional theory. In addition, we show that the exciton energy and exciton binding energy depend significantly on strain, with variations of tens of milli-electron-volts per percent strain, but despite these strong changes the absorbance is found to be nearly independent of strain. Our results provide new guidance for the understanding and design of optomechanical systems based on carbon nanotubes.
Understanding the Use of Mental Health Placements by the Juvenile Justice System

Philosophically, juvenile justice incorporates the need to assess offender needs and provide appropriate services to them.Yet the extent to which juvenile justice systems currently identify and ser...
Full-Arm Haptics in an Accessibility Task

This paper develops haptic rendering for the Sarcos dextrous teleoperation system, a full-arm force-feedback device, and demonstrates a virtual prototyping application where a user must access a particular location in a mechanical system and apply forces. A user study suggests that users receiving full-arm force-feedback were able to more quickly access the desired portion of the mechanical system and could more easily generate required forces. Thus, for this task, the full-arm haptics were shown to have better virtual prototyping predictive capabilities and better ergonomic factors for users.
Study of phase transformation in iron oxides using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Abstract Synthetic magnetite (Fe3O4) was heated in air at 200–500 °C for different time periods to study its phase transformation to maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) and hematite (α-Fe2O3). Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) was used to take the spectra of these samples which were then compared to the spectra of standard iron oxide powders using linear correlation. The linear correlation procedure used showed probabilities of identification close to unity. Complementary techniques to LIBS, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis were also used to characterize iron oxides. By taking advantage of the time gated detector capability of LIBS, the identification of iron oxide phases was found to be in good agreement with FTIR and XRD analysis. This study demonstrates that LIBS can be successfully applied to the characterization of the oxidation states of multivalent oxides of elements like Fe, Cr, Pb, and others.
Estimation of HIV Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Testing Frequency among Sexually Active Men Who Have Sex with Men, Aged 18–64 Years—New York City, 2002

Population-based estimates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence and risk behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) are valuable for HIV prevention planning but not widely available, especially at the local level. We combined two population-based data sources to estimate prevalence of diagnosed HIV infection, HIV-associated risk-behaviors, and HIV testing patterns among sexually active MSM in New York City (NYC). HIV/AIDS surveillance data were used to determine the number of living males reporting a history of sex with men who had been diagnosed in NYC with HIV infection through 2002 (23% of HIV-infected males did not have HIV transmission risk information available). Sexual behavior data from a cross-sectional telephone survey were used to estimate the number of sexually active MSM in NYC in 2002. Prevalence of diagnosed HIV infection was estimated using the ratio of HIV-infected MSM to sexually active MSM. The estimated base prevalence of diagnosed HIV infection was 8.4% overall (95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.5–9.6). Diagnosed HIV prevalence was highest among MSM who were non-Hispanic black (12.6%, 95% CI = 9.8–17.6), aged 35–44 (12.6%, 95% CI = 10.4–15.9), or 45–54 years (13.1%, 95% CI = 10.2–18.3), and residents of Manhattan (17.7%, 95% CI = 14.5–22.8). Overall, 37% (95% CI = 32–43%) of MSM reported using a condom at last sex, and 34% (95% CI = 28–39%) reported being tested for HIV in the past year. Estimates derived through sensitivity analyses (assigning a range of HIV-infected males with no reported risk information as MSM) yielded higher diagnosed HIV prevalence estimates (11.0–13.2%). Accounting for additional undiagnosed HIV-infected MSM yielded even higher prevalence estimates. The high prevalence of diagnosed HIV among sexually active MSM in NYC is likely due to a combination of high incidence over the course of the epidemic and prolonged survival in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Despite high HIV prevalence in this population, condom use and HIV testing are low. Combining complementary population-based data sources can provide critical HIV-related information to guide prevention efforts. Individual counseling and education interventions should focus on increasing condom use and encouraging safer sex practices among all sexually active MSM, particularly those groups with low levels of condom use and multiple sex partners
Flow injection analysis: a novel tool for plasma spectroscopy

Abstract The principles of flow injection analysis (FIA) are briefly described, along with some advantages for analytical measurement. The applications of FIA to ICP for trace and multielement analysis are reviewed. Topics discussed include the sampling process and ways of improving the efficiency of sample introduction, multicomponent analysis, speciation, standard addition, hydride generation, preconcentration techniques and conversion methods. Methods used in atomic absorption spectrometry are mentioned as potential applications in ICP, including use of nonaqueous solvents and gas carriers.
Study of Ni‐Nb System by Ion Mixing

Amorphous thin films are formed by 300 ke V Xe+ ion mixing of multiple-layered samples in the Ni-Nb (f.c.c.–b.c.c.) system at four different compositions (Ni35Nb65, Ni55Nb45, Ni65Nb35, and Ni80Nb20). This confirms the “structural difference rule for amorphous alloy formation” by ion mixing. Some properties of the Ni-Nb amorphous thin films, including their recrystallization temperatures and irradiation stability, are studied. The amorphous alloy formation in this system, as well as the said properties, are compared to those of a similar system, the Ni-Mo (f.c.c.–b.c.c.) system. Des couches minces amorphes ont ete formees par mixage ionique de couches multiples Ni-Nb (f.c.c.–b.c.c.) en utilisant un faisceau Xe+ a 300 ke V. Des alliages Ni-Nb de quatre compositions differentes (Ni35Nb65, Ni55Nb45, Ni65Nb35 et Ni80Nb20) ont ete etudies. Les resultats confirment la regle de difference, structurelle pour la formation d'alliages amorphes par mixage ionique. On a etudie quelques proprietes des couches minces amorphes Ni-Nb tel que leur temperature de recristallisation et leur stabillte sous irradiation. L'article compare leur processus de formation ainsi que les proprietes mentionnees avec les caracteristiques du systeme similaire Ni-Mo (f.c.c.–b.c.c.).
Decolonization with Mupirocin and Subsequent Risk of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Carriage in Veterans Affairs Hospitals

Introduction Hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections remain one of the leading causes of preventable patient mortality in the US. Eradication of MRSA through decolonization could prevent both MRSA infections and transmission; however, there is currently no consensus within the infectious disease community on the proper role of decolonization in the prevention of infections. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of decolonization with mupirocin on subsequent MRSA carriage.
Delocalization transition via supersymmetry in one dimension

We use supersymmetric (SUSY) methods to study the delocalization transition at zero energy in a one-dimensional tight-binding model of spinless fermions with particle-hole symmetric disorder. Like the McCoy-Wu random transverse-field Ising model to which it is related, the fermionic problem displays two different correlation lengths for typical and mean correlations. Using the SUSY technique, mean correlators are obtained as quantum-mechanical expectation values for a U(2$|$1,1) ``superspin.'' In the scaling limit, this quantum mechanics is closely related to a $0+1$-dimensional Liouville theory, allowing an interpretation of the results in terms of simple properties of the zero-energy wave functions. Our primary results are the exact two-parameter scaling functions for the mean single-particle Green's functions. We also show how the Liouville quantum-mechanics approach can be extended to obtain the full set of multifractal scaling exponents $\ensuremath{\tau}(q)$, $y(q)$ at criticality. A thorough understanding of the unusual features of the present theory may be useful in applying SUSY to other delocalization transitions.
Novel Endogenous Glycan Therapy for Retinal Diseases: Safety, In Vitro Stability, Ocular Pharmacokinetic Modeling, and Biodistribution

Asialo, tri-antennary oligosaccharide (NA3 glycan) is an endogenous compound, which supports proper folding of outer segment membranes, promotes normal ultrastructure, and maintains protein expression patterns of photoreceptors and Muller cells in the absence of retinal pigment epithelium support. It is a potential new therapeutic for atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other retinal degenerative disorders. Herein, we evaluate the safety, in vitro stability, ocular pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of NA3. NA3 was injected into the vitreous of New Zealand white rabbits at two concentrations viz. 1 nM (minimum effective concentration (MEC)) and 100 nM (100XMEC) at three time points. Safety was evaluated using routine clinical and laboratory tests. Ocular pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of [3H]NA3 were estimated using scintillation counting in various parts of the eye, multiple peripheral organs, and plasma. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by non-compartmental modeling. A 2-aminobenzamide labeling and hydrophilic interaction liquid interaction chromatography were used to assess plasma and vitreous stability. NA3 was well tolerated by the eye. The concentration of NA3 in eye tissues was in the order: vitreous > retina > sclera/choroid > aqueous humor > cornea > lens. Area under the curve (0 to infinity) (AUC∞) was the highest in the vitreous thereby providing a positive concentration gradient for NA3 to reach the retina. Half-lives in critical eye tissues ranged between 40 and 60 h. NA3 concentrations were negligible in peripheral organs. Radioactivity from [3H]NA3 was excreted via urine and feces. NA3 was stable at 37°C in vitreous over a minimum of 6 days, while it degraded rapidly in plasma. Collectively, these results document that NA3 shows a good safety profile and favorable ocular pharmacokinetics.
Age and mental incompetence.

Excerpt To the editor: The article by Thomasma (1) will no doubt inspire serious and heated debate among physicians, ethicists, and attorneys concerned with the physician-patient relationship. I wi...