cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Sepsis Secondary to an Occult Dental Abscess: A Case Report.

Abstract Background In general, hematogenous spread of bacteria in children is uncommon. Bacteremia, however, is a known complication of dental procedures and severe caries, but is infrequently associated with primary, asymptomatic, non-procedural-related, dentoalveolar infection. Case Report The patient is a 7-year-old previously healthy boy who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with “fever, mottling, and shaking chills.” In the ED, he appeared systemically ill with fever, mottling, delayed capillary refill, and rigors. Physical examination by three different physicians failed to reveal any focus of infection. Laboratory evaluation, including blood cultures, was obtained. The patient later developed unilateral facial swelling and pain, and a dentoalveolar abscess was found. He was started on antibiotics, underwent pulpectomy and eventually, extraction, prior to improvement in symptoms. Blood cultures grew two separate anaerobic bacteria ( Veillonella and Lactobacillus ). This is, to our knowledge, one of the first reported cases of pediatric sepsis with two different anaerobic organisms secondary to occult dentoalveolar abscess in a pediatric patient. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? It is imperative for emergency physicians to recognize the possibility of pediatric sepsis in the setting of acute maxillary or mandibular pain, as well as in patients for whom no clear focus of infection can be found. This is particularly important for those who appear ill at presentation or meet systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria and would benefit from further laboratory evaluation, including blood cultures, and possibly antibiotic therapy.
Influenza vaccination among workers—21 U.S. states, 2013

Background Influenza illnesses can result in missed days at work and societal costs, but influenza vaccination can reduce the risk of disease. Knowledge of vaccination coverage by industry and occupation can help guide prevention efforts and be useful during influenza pandemic planning. Methods Data from 21 states using the 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System industry-occupation module were analyzed. Influenza vaccination coverage was reported by select industry and occupation groups, including health care personnel (HCP) and other occupational groups who may have first priority to receive influenza vaccination during a pandemic (tier 1). The t tests were used to make comparisons between groups. Results Influenza vaccination coverage varied by industry and occupation, with high coverage among persons in health care industries and occupations. Approximately half of persons classified as tier 1 received influenza vaccination, and vaccination coverage among tier 1 and HCP groups varied widely by state. Conclusions This report points to the particular industries and occupations where improvement in influenza vaccination coverage is needed. Prior to a pandemic event, more specificity on occupational codes to define exact industries and occupations in each tier group would be beneficial in implementing pandemic influenza vaccination programs and monitoring the success of these programs.
Dynamic “Range of Motion” Hindlimb Stretching Disrupts Locomotor Function in Rats with Moderate Subacute Spinal Cord Injuries

Abstract Joint contractures and spasticity are two common secondary complications of a severe spinal cord injury (SCI), which can significantly reduce quality of life, and stretching is one of the top strategies for rehabilitation of these complications. We have previously shown that a daily static stretching protocol administered to rats at either acute or chronic time points after a moderate or moderate-severe T10 SCI significantly disrupts their hindlimb locomotor function. The objective of the current study was to examine the effects of dynamic range of motion (ROM) stretching on the locomotor function of rats with SCI as an alternative to static stretching. Starting at 6 weeks post-injury (T10 moderate contusion) eight adult Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to hindlimb stretching for 4 weeks. Our standard stretching protocol (six maneuvers to stretch the major hindlimb muscle groups) was modified from 1 min static stretch-and-hold at the end ROM of each stretch position to a dynamic 2 sec hold, 1 s...
Technology mapping with all spin logic

This work is the first to propose a technology mapping algorithm for All Spin Logic (ASL) device. The ASL is the most actively-pursed one among spintronic devices which themselves fall under emerging post-CMOS nano-technologies. We identify the shortcomings of directly applying classical technology mapping with ASL devices, and propose techniques to extend it to handle these shortcomings. Our results show that our ASL-aware technology mapping algorithm can achieve on-average 9.15% and up to 27.27% improvement in delay (when optimizing delay) with slight improvement in area, compared to the solution generated by classical technology mapping. In a broader sense, our results show the need for developing circuit-level CAD tools that are aware of and optimized for emerging nano-technologies in order to better assess their promise as we move to the post-CMOS era.
Short mobile game development projects for CS1/2: conference tutorial

Game development and mobile computing have been successfully used to increase student motivation. However, instructors with no background in mobile computing, computer graphics, and/or game development may find it difficult to develop or adopt course materials on these topics. This workshop is designed to address these concerns. Using Java Micro Edition, we have developed several project-based course modules focused on mobile game development and designed to study fundamental programming principles (e.g. loops) while also exposing students to more advanced concepts (e.g. databases). Using a mobile phone emulator, participants will test-drive one of our modules and develop a simple game, which can then be transferred to and played on a mobile device. A Windows or Mac laptop is recommended.
Parameter Identification for Unsteady Aerodynamic Systems by the Modulating Function Technique

Abstract The longitudinal dynamics of aircraft is extended into the unsteady aerodynamic regime by the inclusion of indiciai functions. A ‘grey box’ identification problem is formulated with a least squares algorithm for the modulating function technique and Schroeder-phased multisinusoidal input signals are used to improve the noise properties of the algorithm.
Assembling indigeneity: Rethinking innovation, tradition and indigenous materiality in a 19th-century native toolkit

This paper examines a collection of iron artifacts from the Sarah Burnee/Sarah Boston Site, a late 18th- and early 19th-century Nipmuc home site in Grafton, Massachusetts. While the objects represe...
Energy-aware cloud computing

Abstract Cloud computing, as a trending model for the information technology, provides unique features and opportunities including scalability, broad accessibility and dynamic provision of computing resources with limited capital investments. This paper presents the criteria, assets, and models for energy-aware cloud computing practices and envisions a market structure that addresses the impact of the quality and price of energy supply on the quality and cost of cloud computing services. Energy management practices for cloud providers at the macro and micro levels to improve the cost and reliability of cloud services are presented.
Factors Associated With Recurrence of Barrett's Esophagus After Radiofrequency Ablation.

Background & Aims Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is effective treatment for Barrett’s esophagus (BE). However, some patients have recurrence after complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CEIM). We investigated the incidence of and factors associated with BE recurrence, with or without neoplasia, after RFA and CEIM using data from the national Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of Veterans with BE treated by RFA from 2005 through 2016 with follow-up endoscopy. Subjects were followed until BE recurrence, neoplasia, death until October 2016. CEIM, BE recurrence, and factors associated with recurrence were identified by review of medical records. We calculated incidence rates of BE recurrence, with and without neoplasia, after CEIM and identified predictors using Cox proportional hazards models. Results We identified 430 Veterans with BE who were treated with RFA; of these 337 achieved CEIM (78.4%). Most were men (98.6%), White (83.7%), and 66.0% had baseline dysplasia. Of those with CEIM, 98 patients (29.1%) had recurrence of BE during a total 906.0 patient-years of follow-up (median 1.9 years) after CEIM (incidence, 10.8%/patient-year). Dysplasia developed in 20 patients (2.2%/patient-year) and cancer in 3 patients (0.3%/patient-year). Baseline dysplasia (hazard ratio [HR], 1.71; 95% CI, 1.03–2.84) and long-segment BE (HR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.01–2.51) increased risk of BE recurrence whereas treatment at high-volume RFA facilities reduced risk of BE recurrence (for quartile 4 vs quartile 1: HR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.05–0.68). Conclusions In a nationwide VA system study of outcomes of RFA for BE, we associated baseline dysplasia, long-segment BE, and treatment at low-volume RFA centers with recurrence of BE after CEIM. The findings call for performing these procedures in high-volume centers.
Abuse, Dissociative Phenomena, and Childhood Multiple Personality Disorder

Although many dissociative disorders originate in childhood, researchers and clinicians have given little attention to dissociative symptoms and syndromes, such as multiple personality disorder, in children and adolescents. This article describes dissociation in children, its behavioral manifestations, and its relationship to child abuse. Also discussed are the evaluation and treatment of children with dissociative disorders.
Silicon Homoepitaxy Using Tantalum-Filament Hot-Wire Chemical Vapor Deposition;

We have studied silicon films grown epitaxially on silicon wafers using hot-wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD) with a tantalum filament. Silicon films were grown on (100)-oriented hydrogen terminated silicon wafers at temperatures from 175°C to 480°C, using a Ta filament 5 cm from the substrate to decompose pure SiH 4 gas. The progression of epitaxy was monitored using real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry (RTSE). Analysis using RTSE, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy shows that at a characteristic thickness, h epi all of the films break down into a-Si:H cones. Below 380°C, both h epi and the thickness of the transition to pure a-Si:H increase with increasing temperature. Above 380°C, h epi was not observed to increase further but TEM images show fewer defects in the epitaxial regions. Secondary ion-mass spectrometry shows that the oxygen concentration remains nearly constant during growth ( 18 cm -3 ). The hydrogen concentration is found to increase substantially with film thickness from 5·10 18 to 5·10 19 cm -3 , likely due to the incorporation of hydrogen into the a-Si:H cones that grow after the breakdown of epitaxy.
Negotiating Justice for the World: The Role of Power and Inequality in the Drafting of the ICC Statute

This article discusses the structure of the Rome conference convened to finalize a statute for an international criminal court. Contrary to conventional wisdom that presents the conference as a site of argumentation and persuasion this article argues that inequality and power pervaded the negotiations. It shows how the presentation of openness, rational discourse and transparency obfuscates the tension between the highly structured and indeed rational exchange of some countries in negotiation forums and the unequal access and negotiation power of other countries that simply lacked resources to successfully participate and make their position heard. This unequal participation is reflected in the Rome Statute, in which positions advocated by developing countries gave way to compromise solutions that disproportionately affect the standing of less developed states vis‐a‐vis the international court. That power matters in international negotiations is not surprising. However, in the case of the ICC it is not only the conception of material power so central to IR theory. Rather the negotiations were dominated by the representational power of the institutional status quo and in the very project of cosmopolitan legal justice itself. By attempting to show how power can be tamed and reduced in international negotiations scholars reproduce the structures they seek to overcome.
Putting it All Together: Black Hole Engines of All Sizes

This chapter attempts to summarize what we know, and do not know, about how black hole engines of all known sizes operate. It is meant as a companion chapter to the first four, but written with the benefit of the remaining eleven. The goal is to unite black hole theory and observations to present a broad, if incomplete, picture of black hole engines in the universe. The chapter includes some basic and wellknown information about these objects, some new and recently published ideas, and even some more speculative concepts that look good as explanations for what is going on, but have not yet been tried by fire in discussions in the astrophysical literature and the greater community. Because the newest of these ideas may evolve during the referee process, and even after publication, we shall be careful to note which material is fairly well accepted by astrophysicists and which is newer and not established. It is this chapter, along with Chapter 4, that perhaps will require the most revision in future editions of this book. Such is the nature of astrophysical science.
Cardiovascular Consequences of Acute and Chronic Ethanol Use

Recognition of the fact that chronic alcohol abuse in man can have a significant effect on the cardiovascular system has been slow in developing. In the 1950s three separate reports drew attention to the many cardiac patients with a history of long-standing alcoholism without evidence of significant nutritional deficiency in the majority. Eliaser and Giansiracus (1956) related the cardiac abnormalities seen in alcoholics to the severity and duration of alcoholism and concluded that a significant number of alcoholics with heart failure had no vitamin deficiency or hepatic disease. Brigden and Robinson (1964) reported observations in 50 such patients and noted that difficulty in obtaining a history of alcoholism. Other causes of heart disease, namely, hypertension, coronary artery disease, cor pulmonale, and congenital valvular disease, had to be excluded. A small number of patients presented with the high-output failure of beriberi and responded to thiamine. The remainder presented with low-output heart failure often complicated by atrial and ventricular arrhythmia. The occupational diversity of patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy was emphasized by Evans (1959) in that the majority of his group held executive positions. A male predominance has been repeatedly observed in these and subsequent series and is thought to be due to the greater prevalence of alcoholism in the male. The duration of alcoholism reported by most authors is usually at least 10 years before cardiac symptoms appear.
A Structured Tumor-Immune Microenvironment in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Revealed by Multiplexed Ion Beam Imaging

The immune system is critical in modulating cancer progression, but knowledge of immune composition, phenotype, and interactions with tumor is limited. We used multiplexed ion beam imaging by time-of-flight (MIBI-TOF) to simultaneously quantify in situ expression of 36 proteins covering identity, function, and immune regulation at sub-cellular resolution in 41 triple-negative breast cancer patients. Multi-step processing, including deep-learning-based segmentation, revealed variability in the composition of tumor-immune populations across individuals, reconciled by overall immune infiltration and enriched co-occurrence of immune subpopulations and checkpoint expression. Spatial enrichment analysis showed immune mixed and compartmentalized tumors, coinciding with expression of PD1, PD-L1, and IDO in a cell-type- and location-specific manner. Ordered immune structures along the tumor-immune border were associated with compartmentalization and linked to survival. These data demonstrate organization in the tumor-immune microenvironment that is structured in cellular composition, spatial arrangement, and regulatory-protein expression and provide a framework to apply multiplexed imaging to immune oncology.
Did we prioritize quality improvement in general surgery: Time for a focus on outcomes and enhanced recovery care plans?

Abstract Background In 2008, 2005–2006 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data were used to identify surgical operations contributing disproportionately to morbidity and mortality. Since then, numerous enhanced recovery programs have been utilized to augment quality improvement efforts. This study reassesses procedural complication incidence after a decade of quality improvement efforts. Methods Data from the 2015 NSQIP were used. The same original 36 general surgery procedure groups were created using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Ninety percent of our 409,230 patients matched into a procedure group and adverse event rates were analyzed for each. Results Ten procedure groups accounted for 80% of adverse events. Colectomy ranked the highest for adverse events (34%), readmissions (27%) and mortality rates (45.8%). For outpatient cholecystectomy, the relative percent point difference for adverse events has increased by 224% since 2005. Conclusion Refocusing on colectomy and outpatient cholecystectomy represent current priorities in general surgery.
Communication Course for Pediatric Providers Improves Self-efficacy.

Background:Communication is essential to building a trusting, clinician-patient relationship. Multiple studies have demonstrated the effects of experiential communication training on patient experience and provider well-being and resiliency. To date, no studies have described an organization-wide co
An open-label randomized trial of intramuscular olanzapine versus oral clonidine for symptomatic treatment of opioid withdrawal in the emergency department

Background: Patients with opioid withdrawal often present to the Emergency Department (ED), but many EDs do not have the infrastructure in place to initiate treatment with opioid agonists (methadon...
Hierarchical trust management of community of interest groups in mobile ad hoc networks

In mission-critical applications deployed in mobile ad hoc networks, very frequently a commander will need to assemble and dynamically manage Community of Interest (COI) mobile groups to achieve the mission assigned despite failure, disconnection or compromise of COI members. In this paper, we present a dynamic hierarchical trust management protocol that can learn from past experiences and adapt to changing environment conditions (e.g., increasing misbehaving node population, evolving hostility and node density, etc.) to enhance agility and maximize application performance. With trust-based misbehaving node detection as an application, we demonstrate how our proposed COI trust management protocol is resilient to node failure, disconnection and capture events, and can help maximize application performance in terms of minimizing false negatives and positives in the presence of mobile nodes exhibiting vastly distinct QoS and social behaviors.
Hypochlorite Resistant Graphene Oxide Incorporated Ultrafiltration Membranes with High Sustainable Flux

Poly(ether sulfone) (PES) is commonly used polymer in ultrafiltration (UF) membranes which, due to its hydrophobic nature, frequently incorporates the copolymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), to impr...
Practicing What We Preach: Understanding Inhibitors to the Faithful Use of Project Management Practices.

Effective management of software development efforts is one of the most challenging aspects within the IT discipline today. Literature has greatly extended our understanding of project management (PM) practices that enhance the likelihood of software development project success, such as the use of scope change control to manage project changes or structured walkthroughs to enhance product congruence with customer expectations. Nevertheless, a disconnect seems to exist between a software developer’s knowledge of valuable PM practices and their faithful use of those practices. The research model presented in this dissertation seeks to address key antecedents to a software developer’s faithful use of PM practices. The model builds on previous literature by clarifying the role of perceived usefulness in an individual’s usage decision, addressing temporal aspects of the intention to use – usage relationship, examining institutional factors that impact the actual use of a PM practice, and considering drivers of faithful versus ceremonial usage. The ultimate goal of this research is to provide guidance regarding the following question: what factors encourage a software developer to faithfully utilize PM practices?
Research Note: Evaluation of dietary administration of sodium chlorate and sodium nitrate for Histomonas meleagridis prophylaxis in turkeys

Abstract Histomoniasis is currently a re-emerging disease of major significance for many commercial turkey and broiler breeder production companies because of the unavailability of drugs or vaccines. The protozoa Histomonas meleagridis (HM) requires the presence of enteric microflora to promote the disease. The objectives of this research note were to evaluate the effect of dietary administration of sodium chlorate (SC) and sodium nitrate (SN) in vitro and in vivo for HM prophylaxis in poults. A total of 128 day-of-hatch female poults obtained from a commercial hatchery were wing-tagged and randomly assigned into 1 of 4 experimental groups: negative control (NC), positive control, dietary inclusion of SC (3,200 ppm) and SN (500 ppm). Poults from groups SC and SN started on their respective diets on day 12. All groups, except the NC, were challenged with 2 × 105 HM on day 19. Controls were fed a basal diet, identical to the treatment diets but not supplemented with SC or SN. Body weight gain (BWG) was determined weekly, starting on day 1 until day 28, and postchallenge morbidity and mortality were recorded. On day 28 of age, all surviving poults were lesion scored for hepatic and cecal lesions. Ceca and distal ileum were collected on day 28 for bacterial recovery on selective media for total aerobic, lactic acid bacteria, or gram-negative bacteria. The addition of SC and SN in the in vitro growth of HM greatly reduced the growth of the protozoa after 20 h of incubation when compared with the control nontreated group (P
Variability of seizure-like activity in an in vitro model of epilepsy depends on the electrical recording method.

Abstract Background Hippocampal and cortical slice-based models are widely used to study seizures and epilepsy. Seizure detection and quantification are essential components for studying mechanisms of epilepsy and assessing therapeutic interventions. To obtain meaningful signals and maximize experimental throughput, variability should be minimized. Some electrical recording methods require insertion of an electrode into neuronal tissue, change in slice chemical microenvironment, and transients in temperature and pH. These perturbations can cause acute and long-term alterations of the neuronal network which may be reflected in the variability of the recorded signal. New method In this study we investigated the effect of experimental perturbations in three local field potential (LFP) recording methods including substrate micro-wires (s-MWs), multiple electrode arrays (MEAs), and inserted micro wire electrodes (i-MW). These methods enabled us to isolate effects of different perturbations. We used organotypic hippocampal slices (OHCs) as an in-vitro model of posttraumatic epilepsy. To investigate the effect of the disturbances caused by the recording method on the paroxysmal events, we introduced jitter analysis, which is sensitive to small differences in the seizure spike timing. Results Medium replacement can introduce long-lasting perturbations. Electrode insertion increased variability on a shorter time scale. OHCs also underwent spontaneous state transitions characterized by transient increases in variability. Comparison with existing methods This new method of seizure waveform analysis allows for more sensitive assessment of variability of ictal events than simply measuring seizure frequency and duration. Conclusion We demonstrated that some of the variability in OHC recordings are due to experimental perturbations while some are spontaneous and independent of recording method.
Neutrophil elastase: Nonsense lost in translation.

In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Daniel Bauer and colleagues investigate the pathogenesis of ELANE-associated severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) and describe two potentially universal gene correction strategies for autosomal dominant disorders ( Rao et al., 2021 ). One exploits nonsense-mediated decay to prevent translation of the mutant allele. The other unexpectedly blocks translation by shortening the 3′-UTR.
Seasonality or short-term mobility among trophy head victims and villagers?: Understanding late-life dietary change in the pre-Hispanic Andes through stable isotope analysis (δ13C/δ15N) of archaeological hair keratin and bone collagen

Abstract Objectives This study aims to determine whether adults from the site of Uraca in the Lower Majes Valley, Arequipa, Peru altered their diets in late-life—if so, were those short-term changes related to accessing distinct foods during periods of short-term mobility, seasonal subsistence strategies without accompanying mobility, or some other type of short-term change. We address these questions by comparing stable isotope variability (δ13C/δ15N) of Uraca hair keratin and bone collagen to published archaeological hair data from Peru. We propose and apply a landscape bioarchaeology approach—here, the spatially-informed meta-analysis of published δ13C/δ15N data from archaeological hair keratin of known provenience—to determine thresholds for different types of short-term dietary change. Materials and methods We conducted stable isotope analysis (δ13C/δ15N) of archaeological hair keratin (n = 40 samples) and bone collagen (n = 5 samples) from Uraca, including adult male trophy heads and adult male and female villagers. We then compiled published archaeological hair keratin data from the Andes and coded the 11 sites according to biogeographical zones. We compared late-life averages for the entire dataset (n = 131 segments) and ranges for individuals with more than six months of data (n = 101 segments) between sites and between subgroups based on elevational zones, sex, and trophy subgroupings. We compiled archaeological and modern baseline food web data for the region (n = 401 samples) and compared hair data adjusted to diet. Results Meta-analysis shows greater late-life median δ13Ckeratin (VPDB) and δ15Nkeratin (AIR) for yunga vs. coastal burials, greater δ13Ckeratin (VPDB) ranges for coastal burials, greater δ15Nkeratin (AIR) ranges for females, greater median δ15Nkeratin (AIR) for trophy individuals, and greater δ13Ckeratin (VPDB) ranges for trophy individuals. Given these distinct late-life diets and ranges for coastal and yunga burials relative to southern Peruvian food web data, two females and three trophy individuals from Uraca likely changed diets during a short-term move, while the remainder show no evidence for dietary change. Discussion These analyses demonstrate distinct dietary practices between coastal and yunga groups, between males and females, and between trophy head victims and non-trophy villagers. Understanding the nature of late-life dietary change through a comparative synthesis of archaeological hair provides key insights into individual life trajectories, communal practices, mobility, and foodways relative to altitudinally-variable landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
Modeling the effects of martian surface frost on ice table depth

Abstract Ground ice has been observed in small fresh craters in the vicinity of the Viking 2 lander site (48°N, 134°E). To explain these observations, current models for ground ice invoke levels of atmospheric water of 20 precipitable micrometers – higher than observations. However, surface frost has been observed at the Viking 2 site and surface water frost and snow have been shown to have a stabilizing effect on Antarctic subsurface ice. A snow or frost cover provides a source of humidity that should reduce the water vapor gradient and hence retard the sublimation loss from subsurface ice. We have modeled this effect for the Viking 2 landing site with combined ground ice and surface frost models. Our model is driven by atmospheric output fields from the NASA Ames Mars General Circulation Model (MGCM). Our modeling results show that the inclusion of a thin seasonal frost layer, present for a duration similar to that observed by the Viking Lander 2, produces ice table depths that are significantly shallower than a model that omits surface frost. When a maximum frost albedo of 0.35 was permitted, seasonal frost is present in our model from Ls = 182° to Ls = 16°, resulting in an ice table depth of 64 cm – which is 24 cm shallower than the frost-free scenario. The computed ice table depth is only slightly sensitive to the assumed maximum frost albedo or thickness in the model.
Effects of stress and aging on ribonucleoprotein assembly and function in the germ line

In a variety of cell types, ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes play critical roles in regulating RNA metabolism. The germ line contains RNPs found also in somatic cells, such as processing (P) bodies and stress granules, as well as several RNPs unique to the germ line, including germ granules, nuage, Balbiani bodies, P granules, U bodies, and sponge bodies. Recent advances have identified a conserved response of germ line RNPs to environmental stresses such as nutritional stress and heat shock. The RNPs increase significantly in size based on cytology; their morphology and subcellular localization changes, and their composition changes. These dynamic changes are reversible when stresses diminish, and similar changes occur in response to aging or extended meiotic arrest prior to fertilization of oocytes. Intriguing correlations exist between the dynamics of the RNPs and the microtubule cytoskeleton and its motor proteins, suggesting a possible mechanism for the assembly and dissociation of the large RNP granules. Similarly, coordinated changes of the nuclear membrane and endoplasmic reticulum may also help unravel the regulatory mechanisms of RNP dynamics. Based on their composition, the RNPs are thought to regulate mRNA decay and/or translation, and initial support for some of these roles is now at hand. Ultimately, the question of why RNP remodeling occurs to such a large extent during a variety of stresses and aging remains to be fully answered, but a current attractive hypothesis is that the plasticity promotes the maintenance of oocyte quality.
Processes Controlling Transfer of Fine-Grained Sediment Within and Between Channels and Flats on Intertidal Flats

Abstract : A long-term goal of our sediment transport and accumulation investigations is to link sediment transport processes to the formation and preservation of event beds in sediment deposits. The general goal of this project is to investigate how forcing processes (e.g., tidal asymmetry, winds, river discharge and biological activity) affect the sediment-transport dynamics that act to import or export fine-grained sediment in intertidal regions. The resulting product is the formation of mud-flat environments with complex morphology (e.g., multiple scales of tidal channels, differing geotechnical and textural characteristic of flats). We investigate processes that transfer fine-grained sediment in intertidal settings between channels and flats and within channels, and relate them to the temporary and longer-term deposits found in those environments--how is the delicate balance of ebb and flood sediment fluxes maintained to create a relatively stable (or unstable) tidal flat complex. Specifically, we are trying to answer the question: What role do tidal (semidiurnal, fortnightly), riverine and other seasonal (winds/waves, temperature, and biological) processes have on the transfer of sediment between tidal-flat environments, and how is this manifested in terms of channel and flat deposits (temporary and longer-term)?
IO: Recent Observations

Our knowledge of Io has progressed dramatically in the past year. Prior to 1973, observations of Io made at optical, IR and radio wavelengths have revealed that this innermost Galilean satellite of Jupiter is unusual in a number of ways. A list would include post-eclipse brightening, high near-IR albedo, puzzling features (or lack of features) in the reflection spectrum, discordant brightness temperatures measured at 10 and 20 μm, and modulation of Jovian decametric activity. We now understand that Io has an atmosphere and an ionosphere. Their presence and interaction with the Jovian magnetosphere may account for much of the unusual behavior of the enigmatic satellite.
Optimal logic blocks for FPGAs, using factorial design techniques

This paper discusses a powerful experimental technique that makes it possible to examine the effect of logic block attributes on the block area density. The logic block is XOR-AND based, and five unique attributes were investigated. The experiment consisted of several iterations in which benchmark circuits were mapped on to various blocks, each varying in some attribute. Results are plotted on to a response contour map, indicating a point of maximum area density. The results have shown that inverting primary inputs to AND gates of the function structure is insignificant. In addition results indicate that two level function structures with an XOR output gate are able to contain logic in the smallest physical area. >
Dynamic fracture toughness of cellulose-fiber-reinforced polypropylene : Preliminary investigation of microstructural effects

In this study, the microstructure of injection-molded polypropylene reinforced with cellulose fiber was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surfaces and X-ray diffraction were used to investigate fiber orientation. The polypropylene matrix was removed by solvent extraction, and the lengths of the residual fibers were optically determined. Fiber lengths were reduced by one-half when compounded in a high-intensity thermokinetic mixer and then injection molded. At low fiber contents, there is little fiber orientation; at high fiber contents, a layered structure arises. To better understand mechanisms of fracture under impact loading, dynamic fracture analysis was performed based on linear elastic fracture mechanics. Dynamic critical energy release rates and dynamic critical stress intensity factors were deduced from instrumented Charpy impact test measurements. Dynamic fracture toughness increased with cellulose content and with orientation of fibers perpendicular to the crack directio...
Tuna and swordfish catch in the U.S. northwest Atlantic longline fishery in relation to mesoscale eddies.

To analyze the effects of mesoscale eddies, sea surface temperature (SST), and gear configuration on the catch of Atlantic bluefin (Thunnus thynnus), yellowfin (Thunnus albacares), and bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) and swordfish (Xiphias gladius) in the U.S. northwest Atlantic longline fishery, we constructed multivariate statistical models relating these variables to the catch of the four species in 62 121 longline hauls made between 1993 and 2005. During the same 13-year period, 103 anticyclonic eddies and 269 cyclonic eddies were detected by our algorithm in the region 30–55°N, 30–80°W. Our results show that tuna and swordfish catches were associated with different eddy structures. Bluefin tuna catch was highest in anticyclonic eddies whereas yellowfin and bigeye tuna catches were highest in cyclonic eddies. Swordfish catch was found preferentially in regions outside of eddies. Our study confirms that the common practice of targeting tuna with day sets and swordfish with night sets is effective. In addition, bluefin tuna and swordfish catches responded to most of the variables we tested in the opposite directions. Bluefin tuna catch was negatively correlated with longitude and the number of light sticks used whereas swordfish catch was positively correlated with these two variables. We argue that overfishing of bluefin tuna can be alleviated and that swordfish can be targeted more efficiently by avoiding fishing in anticyclonic eddies and in near-shore waters and using more light sticks and fishing at night in our study area, although further studies are needed to propose a solid oceanography-based management plan for catch selection.
Blackouts to Lifelong Memories: Digital Storytelling and the College Alcohol Habitus.

ABSTRACTDigital stories (N = 71) were created in partial fulfillment of undergraduate coursework at a large mid-Atlantic university. Based on the alcohol habitus, two major themes emerged: the content present (e.g., dissonance between visual and narrative representations) and the content conspicuously absent from the stories (e.g., first-person perspectives, monetary considerations). College students create meaning surrounding excessive drinking behavior in order to frame it in a positive light. Even negative aspects of excessive drinking are often reframed for humor and entertainment. Understanding students' interpretation of the alcohol habitus is essential in creating more effective educational programming and a more realistic discourse among university educators.
Creating a virtual enterprise in manufacturing to manage the risk in discontinuous innovation

The paper examines the extent to which elements of the manufacturing function are outsourced in discontinuous innovation. Preliminary observations indicate that a large portion of early manufacturing tasks are performed externally to reduce risk. Firms whose core lies in fabrication and assembly appear to perform more manufacturing tasks externally than do firm's whose core is in materials processing.
Antigenic Experience Dictates Functional Role of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 in Human CD4+ T Cell Responses

Signals induced by the TCR and CD28 costimulatory pathway have been shown to lead to the inactivation of the constitutively active enzyme, glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3), which has been implicated in the regulation of IL-2 and T cell proliferation. However, it is unknown whether GSK3 plays a similar role in naive and memory CD4+ T cell responses. Here we demonstrate a divergence in the dependency on the inactivation of GSK3 in the proliferative responses of human naive and memory CD4+ T cells. We find that although CD28 costimulation increases the frequency of phospho-GSK3 inactivation in TCR-stimulated naive and memory CD4+ T cells, memory cells are less reliant on GSK3 inactivation for their proliferative responses. Rather we find that GSK3β plays a previously unrecognized role in the selective regulation of the IL-10 recall response by human memory CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, GSK3β-inactivated memory CD4+ T cells acquired the capacity to suppress the bystander proliferation of CD4+ T cells in an IL-10-dependent, cell contact-independent manner. Our findings reveal a dichotomy present in the function of GSK3 in distinct human CD4+ T cell populations.
Shape of the Recorded Area in Precession Photographs and Its Application in Orienting Crystals

The equation of the perimeter of the recorded area of zero-level precession photographs as a function of the orientation error is derived in polar coordinates. The angle between the tangent to the perimeter and the radius vector is also derived. How these relations can be conveniently applied to determining the orientation error of a crystal mounted on the precession instrument is discussed.
Sedimentologic Analysis of Tongue River and Sentinel Butte Formations (Paleocene), Western North Dakota: ABSTRACT

The contact between the Tongue River and Sentinel Butte sequences of western North Dakota has been regarded by many workers as a vague color boundary within a relatively homogeneous sequence of continental Paleocene strata. Recognition of distinctive stratigraphic relations at the Tongue River--Sentinel Butte contact, and documentation of their regional persistence, demonstrate that the Sentinel Butte interval is a mappable lithostratigraphic unit which merits formational rank. Granulometric analysis of approximately 500 sediment samples from 11 stratigraphic sections amplify textural differences of the units; Tongue River sediments are finer grained and less well sorted than the Sentinel Butte Formation and median diameter and skewness are environmentally sensitive parti le-size statistics. CM patterns illustrate the fluvial origin of these Paleocene deposits and are used to differentiate sediment-transport types and depositional environment; channel, floodplain, and backswamp facies are recognized. Significant differences in the regimes of fluvial systems which existed during middle and late Paleocene times are suggested by differences in the relative abundance of facies types. Sedimentation models have been formulated for each sequence. Tongue River strata were dispersed eastward across the North Dakota part of the Williston basin by slow-moving streams which drained a low-lying source area on the west. Paleoslope gradient was low and sediments were transported primarily in suspension. The fluvial system was stable and protected backswamps developed. Basinal subsisdence was uniform and controlled the rate of sedimentation during most of the episode; western North Dakota was near base level during the time of Tongue River deposition. Near the close of the episode, the elevation of the source area was reduced, basinal subsidence exceeded sedimentation, and swamp conditions prevailed through much of western North Dakota. Sentinel Butte deposition was begun by an influx of coarse sediment dispersed eastward and southeastward, in deltaic fashion, across the last Tongue River swamps. Streams had slightly greater velocities than those of the previous episode, but sediment transport was still primarily by suspension. The paleoslope appears to have been variable, both in magnitude and direction, and reflects mid-Paleocene tectonism on the west and northwest. The elevation of western North Dakota above base level increased during the time of Sentinel Butte deposition, probably due to vertical accretion and eastward overstepping of the Sentinel Butte sequence. End_of_Article - Last_Page 548------------
The application of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for characterizing the degradation of Ni(OH)2/NiOOH electrodes

Electrochemical impedance spectra of rolled and bonded and sintered porous nickel battery electrodes were recorded periodically during charge/discharge cycling in concentrated KOH solution at various temperatures. A transmission line model (TLM) was adopted to represent the impedance of the porous electrodes, and various model parameters were adjusted in a curve fitting routine to reproduce the experimental impedances. Degradation processes for rolled and bonded electrodes were deduced from changes in model parameters with electrode cycling time. In developing the TLM, impedance spectra of planar (non-porous) electrodes were used to represent the pore wall and backing plate interfacial impedances. These data were measured over a range of potentials and temperatures, and an equivalent circuit model was adopted to represent the planar electrode data. Cyclic voltammetry was used to study the characteristics of the oxygen evolution reaction on planar nickel electrodes during charging, since oxygen evolution can affect battery electrode charging efficiency and ultimately electrode cycle life if the overpotential for oxygen evolution is sufficiently low. Transmission line modeling results suggest that porous rolled and bonded nickel electrodes undergo restructuring during charge/discharge cycling prior to failure.
Comprehensive noninvasive arterial vascular evaluation

Noninvasive evaluation of the health of the vasculature is an increasingly important approach to identifying individuals at risk for cardiovascular morbid events. Vascular health assessment involves functional and structural examination of the large and small arteries. Endothelial dysfunction, which alters small artery function, is a key contributor to progressive structural vascular changes. Ultrasonography of conduit arteries and aortic pulse-wave velocity provide information limited to structural changes in large arteries. Comprehensive assessment of the large and small arteries is best carried out by pulse-contour analysis. This can provide insight into functional and structural abnormalities in the small as well as the large arteries, and may be useful in monitoring response to therapy.
Sweeping-similarity of matrices

Abstract This partly expository paper deals with a canonical-form problem for finite sets of matrices. The problem generalizes matrix equivalence, matrix similarity, and simultaneous equivalence of pairs of matrices [(A,B) → (PAQ, PBQ)], as well as some more complicated matrix problems that originated in work of Nazarova and Roiter.
Deuteron Electromagnetic Form Factor

A vector-mesonic correction to the deuteron form factors is considered which is analogous to the Glauber double-scattering process. This correction dominates the form factors at large momentum transfer. A fit to the static magnetic moment of the deuteron yields a satisfactory fit to the magnetic scattering at large momentum transfer.
H - ions in the high-magnetic-field limit

Results of variational calculations of the energies of the lowest-lying ${M}_{L}=0,\ensuremath{-}1$, and -2 levels of ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ions (or ${\mathrm{D}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ions in direct-gap semiconductors) are presented for magnetic fields in which the cyclotron energy of the electron, $\ensuremath{\hbar}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{c}$, is much greater than the hydrogen-atom rydberg $\mathcal{R}$. Substantial increases in calculated binding energies are obtained for the ${M}_{L}=0 \mathrm{and} \ensuremath{-}1$ levels relative to previous estimates; high-field energies for the ${M}_{L}=\ensuremath{-}2$ level have not been reported previously.
An experimental and theoretical investigation of the carbon dioxide insertion process into the tungsten-nitrogen bond of an anionic W(0) complex.

The pyridine bound 2-aminopyridine (2APH) derivative of tungsten pentacarbonyl has been prepared from photogenerated W(CO)5THF and 2APH. Deprotonation of the distal amine group by sodium hydride has provided two complexes, [Na][W(CO)5(2AP)] and [Na]2[W(CO)4(2AP)]2. Both complexes have been characterized by X-ray crystallography with the monomeric derivative being crystallized as its [Na2(18-crown-6)][W(CO)5(2AP)]2 salt which exhibits strong Na+···-NH interactions. Photolysis of W(CO)6 in the presence of excess 2-aminopyridine in THF has led to an efficient synthesis of the chelated neutral derivative, W(CO)4(2APH)·2APH, where the extra equivalent of 2APH is hydrogen bonded to its bound counterpart. The 2-aminopyridine molecule of solvation was almost quantitatively removed via aqueous washings. Deprotonation of W(CO)4(2APH) with NaH afforded the amidopyridine derivative which was shown to rapidly undergo reaction with CO2 to yield the chelated carbamate complex, W(CO)4(OC(O)2AP)-. Nevertheless, because of...
The Force Ballistocardiogram as an Index of Severity in Congenital Aortic Stenosis

Evidence is presented that the ultra-low frequency force ballistocardiogram is a sensitive index of severity in children with congenital aortic stenosis. In 300 normal children no abnormal tracing was found. In 46 children with clinical aortic stenosis, the ballistocardiogram was abnormal in all patients with a transvalvular peak systolic pressure gradient of over 35 mm Hg.