cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pressurized liquid extraction technique for the analysis of pesticides, PCBs, PBDEs, OPEs, PAHs, alkanes, hopanes, and steranes in atmospheric particulate matter.

Abstract An analytical method has been developed for the pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) of a wide range of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) from atmospheric particulate matter. Approximately 130 SVOCs from eight compound classes were selected as molecular markers of (1) agricultural activity (30 current and historic-use pesticides), (2) industrial activity (18 PCBs), (3) consumer products and building materials (16 PBDEs, 11 OPEs), and (4) motor vehicle exhaust (22 PAHs, 16 alkanes, 9 hopanes, 8 steranes). Currently, there is no analytical method validated for the extraction of all eight compound classes in a single automated technique. The extraction efficiencies of varying solvents and solvent combinations at high temperatures and pressures were examined. Extracts were concentrated and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The optimized PLE method utilized methylene chloride:acetone (2:1 v/v) at 100 °C with three (5 min) static cycles, flush volume of 80%, and a 100 s N2 purge. Spike and recovery experiments (n = 7) provided average percent recoveries for pesticides, PCBs, PBDEs, OPEs, PAHs, alkanes, hopanes, and steranes of 88.8 ± 4.0%, 86.9 ± 2.6%, 83.8 ± 2.9%, 101 ± 6%, 90.3 ± 6.1%, 74.4 ± 8.8%, 104 ± 8%, and 86.5 ± 8.6%, respectively. The developed method was applied to atmospheric particulate matter samples collected in the greater Houston, TX metropolitan area. Ambient concentrations of eight classes of compounds (92 SVOCs) were reported in pg m−3.
Factors Affecting Fungicidal Control of Entomosporium Leaf Spot of Photinia

Abstract Entomosporium leaf spot of photinia (Photinia × fraseri Dress) was epidemic throughout most of Georgia and much of the Southeast during the spring of 1991. It has been endemic for many yea...
Impact of Binge Alcohol Intoxication on the Humoral Immune Response during Burkholderia spp. Infections.

Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis can occur in healthy humans, yet binge alcohol use is progressively being recognized as a major risk factor. Currently, no experimental studies have investigated the effects of binge alcohol on the adaptive immune system during an active infection. In this study, we used B. thailandensis and B. vietnamiensis, to investigate the impact of a single binge alcohol episode on the humoral response during infection. Eight-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were administered alcohol comparable to human binge drinking (4.4 g/kg) or PBS intraperitoneally 30 min before intranasal infection. Mice infected with B. thailandensis had a 100% survival rate, while those infected with B. vietnamiensis had a 33% survivability rate when a binge alcohol dose was administered. B. thailandensis was detected in blood of mice administered alcohol at only 7 days post infection (PI), while those infected with B. vietnamiensis and receiving alcohol were found throughout the 28-day infection as well as in tissues at day 28 PI. Binge alcohol elevated IgM and delayed IgG specific to the whole cell lysate (WCL) of B. vietnamiensis but not B. thailandensis infections. Differences in immunogenicity of B. pseudomallei near-neighbors provide a framework for novel insights into the effects of binge alcohol’s suppression of the humoral immune response that can cause opportunistic infections in otherwise healthy hosts.
Uncovering Dominant Social Class in Neighborhoods through Building Footprints: A Case Study of Residential Zones in Massachusetts using Computer Vision.

In urban theory, urban form is related to social and economic status. This paper explores to uncover zip-code level income through urban form by analyzing figure-ground map, a simple, prevailing and precise representation of urban form in the field of urban study. Deep learning in computer vision enables such representation maps to be studied at a large scale. We propose to train a DCNN model to identify and uncover the internal bridge between social class and urban form. Further, using hand-crafted informative visual features related with urban form properties (building size, building density, etc.), we apply a random forest classifier to interpret how morphological properties are related with social class.
Deviation from expected cognitive ability is a core cognitive feature of schizophrenia related to neurophysiologic, clinical and psychosocial functioning.

Abstract Cognitive functioning in schizophrenia is characterized by a generalized impairment in current cognitive ability based on traditional population-based norms. However, these norms assume a normal cognitive trajectory and do not directly account for illness-related declines from expected cognitive potential. Indeed, schizophrenia patients exhibit even greater deviation between their observed and expected cognitive functioning based on expanded norms that leverage premorbid variables resistant to illness-related features. The current study further quantified the extent to which illness-related features account for this deviation from expectation and assessed its relationship to neurophysiologic (mismatch negativity, P3a, theta oscillations), clinical, and psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia patients. Expected cognitive ability (PENN-CNB global cognition) in patients (n = 684) was calculated using healthy comparison subject (n = 660) weighted regression based on premorbid variables resistant to illness-related decline (demographics, single-word reading, parental education). The magnitude of any deviation between current (observed) and regression-predicted (expected) cognitive ability was calculated. Results indicated that 24% (n = 164) of the total patient population exhibited significant ( ≥ -1.96 SD) deviation between observed and expected global cognitive ability. Interestingly, 20% of the total patient population (n = 136) had “normal” range cognitive performance when using traditional population-based norms, but also had significant deviation from expected cognitive ability. The magnitude of this deviation was associated with more severe neurophysiologic abnormalities, longer illness duration, higher levels of negative symptoms, and worse psychosocial functioning. Assessment of cognitive deviation is thus a complementary metric for characterizing the severity of illness-related cognitive declines in patients, while also reflecting the expression and severity of key endophenotypes of schizophrenia.
Finger Lime: An Alternative Crop with Great Potential in South Florida

Cylindrical Australian finger limes (Microcitrus australasica) taste like a combination of lemon, lime, and grapefruit, come in a rainbow of colors, and have a texture like caviar. Like other citrus fruits, finger limes are nutritious, low in calories, and vitamin-rich. So far in the United States only California grows finger limes commercially, but this 4-page fact sheet written by Aditya Singh, Edward Evans, Jeff Wasielewski, Manjul Dutt, and Jude Grosser and published by the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department makes the case that exotic, colorful finger limes would likely grow well in Florida, where they would appeal to hoteliers and restaurants and to adventurous, health-conscious consumers on the lookout for a delicious new fresh fruit snack to try. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe1033
Immunogenicity of the hepatitis A vaccine 20 years after infant immunization.

Abstract To determine the duration of immunity provided by the Hepatitis A vaccination (HepA), we evaluated a cohort of participants in Alaska 20 years after being immunized as infants. At recruitment, participants received two doses of inactivated HepA vaccine on one of three schedules. We conducted hepatitis A antibody (anti-HAV) testing for participants at the 20-year time-point. Seventy-five of the original 183 participants (41%) were available for follow-up. The overall anti-HAV geometric mean concentration was 29.9 mIU/mL (95% CI 22.4 mIU/mL, 39.7 mIU/mL) and 50 participants (68%) remained seropositive (titer ≥ 20 mIU/mL). Using a fractional polynomial model, the predicted percent seropositive at 25 years was 55.3%, 49.8% at 30 years and 45.7% at 35 years, suggesting that the percent sero-positive could drop below 50% earlier than previously expected. Further research is necessary to understand if protection continues after seropositivity diminishes or if a HepA booster dose may become necessary.
Unusual presentation of an obstructing cardiac myxoma.

Abstract Pediatric cardiac tumors are rare, with a prevalence as low as 0.0017 (autopsy studies). The majority of these tumors are primary, and approximately 90% are benign. Myxomas comprise 2-4% of the benign cardiac tumors in the pediatric population, and are most frequently found in the left atrium.1,2 Here we present a case of a myxoma in the right ventricle (RV) causing syncope after blood donation.
AI in Transportation and Video Inference Speedup

This presentation will first introduce our license plate recognition technology, which integrates three models, respectively, to find the license plates, align, and recognize digits/alphabets. It can be applied to many different scenarios, such as high-way ETC, road-side parking, and smart street lamp, etc. Also, a traffic transfer station can use not only license plate recognition but also many other AI like people tracking, luggage detection, and cloth color recognition, etc. In these scenarios, video inference speedup is an important technique to improve AI inference performance and greatly reduce the hardware cost of AI.
High-Dimensional Interaction Detection With False Sign Rate Control

Identifying interaction effects is fundamentally important in many scientific discoveries and contemporary applications, but it is challenging since the number of pairwise interactions increases qu...
I know I am not out of control, but I just cannot shake the feeling: exploring feeling out of control in eating disorders.

Individuals with anorexia (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN) often present with fear of loss of control in the context of eating. It is unclear whether this fear of loss of control, which has been associated with fear of failure and a sense of not being in charge of one’s own life in eating disorders, can be distinguished from self-perceived maintained control over food intake in AN. Further, anxious traits are elevated across eating disorders and could contribute to this fear of loss of control. We recruited 113 adult women: restricting type AN (n = 26), BN (n = 28), and healthy controls (CW, n = 59). Participants completed the Eating Expectancies Inventory (EEI), which assesses learned expectations on the effects of eating, including whether Eating Leads to Feeling out of Control, and the Trait Food Craving Questionnaire (FCQ-T), which measures food craving and the ability to withstand those cravings, including self-perceived Lack of Control Over Eating. Eating Leads to Feeling out of Control was elevated in AN and BN compared to CW. Lack of Control Over Eating was similar between AN and CW but elevated in BN. Intolerance of uncertainty correlated with those measures in CW only. Individuals with restricting-type AN experience feeling out of control when eating while maintaining self-perceived control over eating. The EEI’s eating leads to feeling out of control is associated with negative self-improvement expectations. Targeting self-improvement through more functional strategies could be an important aspect in psychotherapy in AN and reduce the perceived need to restrict food intake. Level III, Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies.
Professor Punditry, The Performance

This chapter is the first of two focused on professional tips for how Professor Pundits can effectively make media contributions, especially on screen (i.e., television, web videos, video versions of podcasts, etc.). The chapter provides practical tips about physicality, vocalization, and eye contact, as well as “inner dialogue” ideas on how to bring one’s authentic qualities to bear in relating complex material to general audiences. Beyond media contributions, the tips in this chapter are useful for any kind of public-facing communication at any stage of professional experience.
“An Act Authorizing Sterilization of Persons Convicted of Murder, Rape, Chicken Stealing…”: Southern Chicken Theft Laws as an Expression of Racialised Political Violence

This chapter examines the history of laws surrounding chicken theft in the American South, arguing that harsh state punishment of this act served as a form of racist structural violence targeted at the region’s African American population. The paper frames this discussion around a 1929 Missouri General Assembly bill that called for the “sterilization of persons convicted of murder, rape, chicken stealing, automobile theft, highway robbery, bombing, mental defectives, epeleptics [sic], and persons afflicted with venereal diseases”. Although singling out chicken stealing for such extreme punishment alongside several violent crimes may seem strange to modern eyes, its presence is no aberration. A survey of chicken theft criminalization across three phases of American history reveals that the laws (or lack thereof) punishing this act frequently utilized and reinforced racist stereotypes associating African Americans with chicken theft as a way to target and control this group. State-sanctioned punishments included: slavery’s unrestricted physical violence; Reconstruction’s disenfranchisement of convicted poultry thieves; and ultimately Progressive Era attempts at sterilization. This chapter proposes that, while specific chicken theft punishments shifted in accordance with their eras’ politically acceptable forms of racialised violence, they are unified by their discriminatory intent and application.
Cluster headache epidemiology including pediatric onset, sex, and ICHD criteria: Results from the International Cluster Headache Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE To validate the diagnoses and to investigate epidemiological data from an international, non-clinic-based, and large (n = 1604) survey of participants with cluster headache. BACKGROUND There are several limitations in current epidemiological data in cluster headache including a lack of large non-clinic-based studies. There is also limited information on several aspects of cluster headache, such as pediatric incidence. METHODS The International Cluster Headache Questionnaire was an internet-based survey that included questions on cluster headache demographics, criteria from the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD), and medications. RESULTS A total of 3251 subjects participated in the survey, and 1604 respondents met ICHD criteria for cluster headache. For validation, we interviewed a random sample of 5% (81/1604) of participants and confirmed the diagnosis of cluster headache in 97.5% (79/81). Pediatric onset was found in 27.5% (341/1583) of participants, and only 15.2% (52/341) of participants with pediatric onset were diagnosed before the age of 18. Men were more likely to have episodic cluster headache between ages 10 and 50, but the sex ratio was approximately equal for other ages. An overwhelming majority of respondents had at least one autonomic feature (99.0%, 1588/1604) and had restlessness (96.6%, 1550/1604), but many also had prototypical migrainous features including photophobia or phonophobia (50.1%, 804/1604), pain aggravated by physical activity (31.4%, 503/1604), or nausea and vomiting (27.5%, 441/1604). Interestingly, the first-line medications for acute treatment (oxygen) and preventive treatment (calcium channel blockers) were perceived as significantly less effective in chronic cluster headache (3.2 ± 1.1 and 2.1 ± 1.0 respectively on a 5-point ordinal scale) compared with episodic cluster headache (3.5 ± 1.0 and 2.4 ± 1.1, respectively, p < 0.001 for both comparisons). CONCLUSIONS Cluster headache often occurs in the pediatric population, although they are typically not diagnosed until adulthood. The onset of cluster headache is the inverse of that in migraine; in migraine women are more likely to have migraine between ages 10 and 50 but the sex ratio is approximately equal otherwise. Prototypical migrainous features are not useful in differentiating cluster headache from migraine. Participant data from a large international study also suggest that chronic cluster headache is not only less responsive to newer treatments (like noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation and galcanezumab), but to traditional first-line treatments as well.
A high-resolution and large force-range load cell by means of nonlinear cantilever beams

Abstract In the present work, we describe a nonlinear stiffening load cell with high resolution (the ability to detect 1% changes in the force) that can function over a large force range (5 orders of magnitude), and exhibit minimal hysteresis and intrinsic geometric protection from force overload. The stiffening nature of the load cell causes its deflection and strain to be very sensitive to small forces and less sensitive to large forces. High stiffness at high forces prevents the load cell from over-straining. We physically implement the nonlinear springs with cantilever beams that increasingly contact rigid surfaces with carefully chosen curvatures as more force is applied. We analytically describe the performance of the load cell as a function of its geometric and material parameters. We also describe a method for manufacturing the mechanical component of the load cell out of one monolithic part, which decreases hysteresis and assembly costs. We experimentally verify the theory for two load cells with two different sets of parameters.
Organic production potential of artificial upwelling marine culture

Increased population and rising expectations have put an enormous strain on the world's food and energy supplies. Petroleum reserves and land resource limitations severely hinder the expansion of conventional agriculture and animal husbandry. In tropical and subtropical areas of the oceans, the warm surface waters constitute the world's largest storage of solar energy. The underlying, cold deep water constitutes a cold sink, making it possible to generate mechanical energy by inserting a suitable heat engine between the warm and cold waters. The nitrate, phosphate, and other nutrients dissolved in deep sea water constitute the raw materials for plant growth when brought into the light at the surface. Extrapolation of results from small-scale experiments conducted at the St. Croix ''''Artificial Upwelling'' station indicate that this system could produce 20 times more algal protein per hectare than alfalfa can produce. A commercial feasibility test of a combined thermal sea power plant and mariculture operation utilizing deep sea water and sunshine as major raw materials is recommended. (3 diagrams, 4 graphs, 10 references, 5 tables)
Hydrogen‐Assisted Combustion and Emission Characteristics of Fossil Fuels

A blended fuel strategy using mixtures of renewable and petroleum-based fuels can play an important role in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels along with a measurable reduction in the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and local pollutants, and achieving the goal of a sustainable energy future. This chapter focuses on the fundamental and practical aspects of using hydrogen–hydrocarbon fuel blends. Flame studies dealing with the effects of hydrogen addition on the combustion and emission characteristics of hydrocarbon fuels are reviewed. The combustion characteristics include ignition, extinction, flammability limits, laminar burning velocity, flame structure, and dynamics including flame–stretch interactions and cellular instabilities. The use of hydrogen for enhancing the performance and emissions of petroleum-based internal combustion engines is considered. The effects of hydrogen addition on the emissions of GHGs (CO2, CO, and unburned hydrocarbons), NOx, and particulate matter from flames in both laboratory-scale and practical combustors are discussed. Future research needs pertaining to the combustion and emission characteristics of such blends are identified. Keywords: fossil fuels; blended fuels; combustion; emissions; hydrogen; hydrocarbons; greenhouse gases
Using lidocaine for peripheral i.v. insertions: patients' preferences and pain experiences.

Patients' pain experiences with peripheral i.v. insertions, with and without the use of lidocaine for anesthesia, were described and compared. Patients reported their preferences related to the use of intradermal lidocaine with future i.v. insertions.
Samir Okasha: Evolution and the levels of selection

The debate about the levels of selection has been one of the most controversial both in evolutionary biology and in philosophy of science. Okasha’s book makes the sort of contribution that simply will not be able to be ignored by anyone interested in this field for many years to come. However, my interest here is in highlighting some examples of how Okasha goes about discussing his material to suggest that his book is part of an increasingly interesting trend that sees scientists and philosophers coming together to build a broadened concept of “theory” through a combination of standard mathematical treatments and conceptual analyses. Given the often contentious history of the relationship between philosophy and science, such trend cannot but be welcome.
College-aged young consumers’ interpretation of Twitter and marketing information on Twitter

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate young consumers’ perceptions toward Twitter and marketing information on Twitter. Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical perspective guiding the study is interpretative phenomenology analysis, and the essay assignment and in-depth interviews were used to collect data. Findings – Five themes emerged from the current data regarding the participants’ perception of Twitter: trendy and cool; adoption, incubation and action; dependence on smartphone; entertainment and fun; and low involvement and high frequency; and three themes emerged toward their interpretation of marketing information on Twitter: randomness, awareness builder and relevance and fun. Originality/value – The previous research on the topic of Twitter and marketing is rather sporadic, lacking both breadth and depth. Specifically, two research gaps can be identified from the literature: first, companies and organizations’ strategic use of Twitter is the single focus of the previous rese...
Policy complementarity and conflict in regionally disaggregated macroeconomic models: an example from the brazilian experience

In this paper, the interrelated nature of the growth and regional inequality goals is examined. Then we analise the interdependencies between simultaneous pursuit of national growth and regional equality, and the possible complementarity or conflicting results of exogenous events and macroeconomic policies toward those ends. These interdependecies are ilustrated through the use of a simple two-region aggregated demand model. As an application of the previous analysis a case study of Brazil's experience during the 1960's and 1970's is presented.
The structure of internal layers for unstable nonlinear diffusion equations

We study the structure of diffusive layers in solutions of unstable nonlinear diffusion equations. These equations are regularizations of the forward-backward heat equation and have diffusion coefficients that become negative. Such models include the Cahn-Hilliard equation and the pseudoparabolic viscous diffusion equation. Using singular perturbation methods we show that the balance between diffusion and higher-order regularization terms uniquely determines the interface structure in these equations. It is shown that the well-known “equal area” rule for the Cahn-Hilliard equation is a special case of a more general rule for shock construction in the viscous Cahn-Hilliard equation.
Approach to the Exstrophy Patient

Bladder exstrophy presents by prenatal ultrasound or at birth. It is a major birth defect that causes distortion of the lower abdominal wall and external genitalia. Exstrophy is thought to be on the spectrum of disease including epispadias, bladder exstrophy (both classic and variants), and cloacal exstrophy (EEC). Epispadias is the least severe form on the spectrum, presenting with a dorsally open urethra, mild pelvic diastasis, and a closed bladder. Classic bladder exstrophy (CBE) presents with a lower abdominal wall defect with an open bladder and a significant pubic diastasis. Cloacal exstrophy is the most severe end of the spectrum and presents with two bladder halves with the cecum in between. Cloacal exstrophy can present with other anomalies as well including gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and musculoskeletal.
Segmented polyether ester copolymers—A new generation of high performance thermoplastic elastomers

This paper reviews a series of high-melting thermoplastic polyether esters prepared by transesterification from dimethyl terephthalate, polytetramethylene ether glycol (MW 600–2000), and 1,4-butanediol. The resulting copolyesters exhibit a two-phase domain structure consisting of amorphous polyether ester soft segments and crystalline tetramethylene terephthalate hard segments. By proper selection of the relative amounts of soft and hard segments, polymers ranging from relatively soft elastomers to impact resistant elastoplastics may be obtained. The preparation, polymer structure as well as the physical and environmental properties of polyether esters are discussed. The combination of good melt flow properties, excellent melt stability, and rapid hardening rates permits the processing of these polymers by a wide variety of methods. The excellent processing characteristics in conjunction with the unusual physical and mechanical properties of segmented polyether esters has led to their wide acceptance.
Current Forecast for Tunnel-Element Immersion in the Bosphorus Strait, Turkey

The Bosphorus Tube Tunnel beneath the Bosphorus Strait is under construction in Istanbul, Turkey, using the tunnel-element immersed method. It is well known that the Bosphorus Strait has a two-layer current system with a rapidly changing flow. To maintain quality and safety of tunnel-element installation, it is important to accurately forecast the current-flow condition for periods of 48 h to identify windows of opportunity for the element-immersion process. In this study, a forecast system is developed based on the information collected and analyzed over an immediate past five-day period (120 h) to provide a two-day (48 h) period current prediction required for the element-immersion process. The system consists of a water-level forecast model and a current forecast model. The water level is forecasted from air pressure and wind information obtained from on-line monitoring data and meteorological service forecasts. The current is then forecasted from the water-level data taking the two-layer density interface effect and the immediate preceding 120-h current data (including its concurrent value) into consideration. This selected data-analysis period is determined based on our operational experience at the site. Both models are statistically constructed and calibrated using a year-long observation data set (October 2004–September 2005). It is found that the proposed forecast system gives sufficiently accurate current information for safe ongoing marine construction operation.
Mathematical Modeling of RDX and HMX Metabolism in Poplar (Populus deltoides × Populus nigra, DN34) Tissue Culture

ABSTRACT Three mathematical models were developed based on a fate study as an approach to define transformation pathways of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) within plant cells. [U-14C]RDX and [U-14C]HMX were added in Murashige and Skoog (MS) liquid media containing Populus deltoides × P. nigra (DN34) tissue cultures. Radioactivity of samples was analyzed using HPLC, a bio-oxidizer and liquid scintillation counter. Based on information collected, transformation pathways of nitramine compounds were fitted with the raw data obtained and using a modified “green liver” model. Ordinary differential equations were developed and simulations were performed with MicroMath Scientist version 2.0 (MicroMath Inc., St. Louis, MO, USA). The three models, with different sequential transformation processes, were tested in order to support the raw data (model I) and the assumptions of the modified “green liver” model (models II and III). The results sho...
The influence of neighborhood environment on the incidence of childhood asthma: a multilevel approach

Some ecological analyses suggest an influence of neighborhood environment on asthma outcomes. However, no previous study has applied a multilevel approach to assess an ecological effect of neighborhood environment on the incidence of childhood asthma accounting for individual risk factors. This study assessed the influence of neighborhood and individual-level factors on the incidence of childhood asthma among all children born in Rochester, Minnesota, between 1976 and 1979. We identified asthmatics among all children born in Rochester, between 1976 and 1983. We applied a multilevel survival model with the frailty term to assess the effects of neighborhood characteristics, such as mean family income per census tract (n = 16) from the 1980 census report and the status of whether a census tract faces intersections with major highways or railroads, on asthma incidence. The relative risks (RR) of neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES), the status of whether census tracts face intersections with highways or railroads and the variance of random effect of census tracts were calculated adjusting individual-level covariates for asthma, including gender, birth weight, mother's age at birth and parental educational level at birth. We found that the RR of developing asthma among children living in census tracts facing intersections with highways or railroads was 1.6 (95% CI: 1.1-2.2) compared to those who lived in census tracts not facing intersections, adjusting individual- and neighborhood-level covariates. The variance of the frailty term attributable to census tracts was small (0.0085) and was modified (from 0.004 to 0.0085, 112% change) by adding neighborhood covariates. The overall effects of individual-level factors on asthma incidence were independent of neighborhood environment. The influence of neighborhood environment on childhood asthma in a non-inner-city setting, like Rochester, Minnesota, was small to modest. Incorporating pertinent neighborhood-level covariates into multilevel models needs to be considered in assessing the random effect of clusters.
Perchlorate in water, soil, vegetation, and rodents collected from the Las Vegas Wash, Nevada, USA

Water, soil, vegetation, and rodents were collected from three areas along the Las Vegas Wash, a watershed heavily contaminated with perchlorate. Perchlorate was detected at elevated concentrations in water, soil, and vegetation, but was not frequently detected in rodent liver or kidney tissues. Broadleaf weeds contained the highest concentrations of perchlorate among all plant types examined. Perchlorate in rodent tissues and vegetation was correlated with perchlorate concentrations in soil as expected, however rodent residues were not highly correlated with plant perchlorate concentrations. This indicates that soil may be a greater source, or a more constant source of perchlorate exposure in rodents than vegetation.
The distribution of cells in the upper forelimb of the axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum

The number and relative density of cells in specific regions of the upper forelimb of the axolotl were compared. Selected transverse sections taken from the distal one-third of the upper forelimb were analysed by light microscopy. Comparisons were made between the total numbers of cells observed in each of the major tissue components of the forelimb (epidermis, dermis, muscle, connective tissues and skeletal tissues). Comparisons were also made between the total numbers of cells located in the major limb quadrants (anterior, posterior, dorsal and ventral). In addition, cellular density (cells/mm2) was compared among eight limb sectors. The results indicate that the posterior quadrant of the upper forelimb contains more cells than any other forelimb quadrant. Cellular density did not favor a particular forelimb quadrant. These results suggest that the proposed clumping of positional values in the posterior region of the forelimb in the axolotl (Tank, unpublished data) may correspond to the presence of a larger number of cells in the posterior quadrant, but does not correspond to a higher cellular density in that region of the upper forelimb.
Effect of liver cell fragments on Entamoeba histolytica in monobacterial cultures.

Abstract Cell fractions isolated from the liver and spleen of rabbits, hamsters and guinea-pigs were used in the modified Shaffer-Frye culture technique to study their effect on the growth and survival of E. histolytica . The results demonstrate that E. histolytica can utilize cellular fractions from the rabbit and hamster (but not the guinea-pig) for survival, in that growth and reproduction did take place in this cultural situation. Initial attempts to subculture the amoebae were successful, but attempts to subculture by a second transfer failed.
Double ionization of helium by fast bare ion collisions

A time-dependent close-coupling method is developed to treat the double ionization of helium by fast bare ion collisions. At high incident energies, charge transfer to the projectile is quite small, so that the two-electron wavefunction remains centred on the target, subject to a time-dependent projectile interaction. A multipole expansion of the projectile?atom interaction includes monopole, dipole, quadrupole and octopole terms. Time-dependent close-coupling calculations are carried out for ? + He collisions at incident energies greater or equal to 1.0 MeV amu?1. Over 100 coupled channels are needed to obtain total double ionization cross sections that are in good agreement with recent non-perturbative basis-set coupled channels calculations and absolute experimental measurements.
Globalization and Population: International Trade and the Demographic Transition

I study the effect of international trade on birth rates across a large number of countries. A supply-demand model of the birth rate explains that a rise in international trade reduces the demand for children and encourages an earlier onset of the mortality revolution. These two effects caused by the rise of international trade lead to a lower birth rate. A time-series cross-section empirical analysis for a large sample of developed and developing countries exhibits that international trade has a statistically significant and inverse effect on the birth rate. The policy implications relating to trade, economic growth, and conflict are discussed in the conclusion.
Metrology sensors for advanced resists

We have initiated an effort to develop metrology tools that isolate the effect of each process step. Light scattered from diffracting structures is analyzed to determine characteristics of the structure. The technique is rapid, non-destructive, and extremely sensitive to variations in the samples that were examined. Through our technical collaboration with Texas Instruments Inc. we obtained wafers coated with surface imaging resists and exposed under varying focus and exposure conditions. We present results that utilize scatterometry to monitor the exposure step to determine defocus and exposure variations in the latent image. We also report using scatterometry to monitor the post-exposure bake (PEB) process for chemically amplified resists. Wafer-to-wafer variations in resist and underlying film thicknesses result in CD variations for constant exposure. The PEB time can be adjusted for each wafer to account for some of the parameter variations. We present experimental data supporting the concept of a scatterometer PEB monitor.
Blunt Diaphragmatic Rupture in Children

Background: Although several series of blunt diaphragmatic rupture in adults have been published, this injury remains largely uncharacterized in the pediatric population. Methods: We queried our trauma registry for all children admitted with blunt diaphragmatic rupture over a 10-year period at a Level I pediatric trauma center. Results: Six children (aged 2-15 years; mean, 7 years) were identified with blunt diaphragmatic rupture (three right, two left, one bilateral), representing 0.4% of admissions. All of the children had associated injuries (4.5 per child), with a mean Injury Severity Score of 32. Four diaphragmatic injuries were identified during the initial evaluation. The two missed injuries were diagnosed at postinjury days 5 and 8. There were no deaths and all children were eventually discharged without sequelae. Conclusion: Blunt diaphragmatic rupture occurs in children with a frequency and severity commensurate with that observed in adults. Our data suggest improved survival compared with adults with this injury.
Charged-particle stopping powers in inertial confinement fusion plasmas

The effects of large-angle scattering, important for plasmas for which the Coulomb logarithm is of order 1, have been properly treated in calculating the range (R) and the \ensuremath{\rho}R (the fuel-areal density) of inertial confinement fusion plasmas. This new calculation, which also includes the important effects of plasma ion stopping, collective plasma oscillations, and quantum effects, leads to an accurate estimate, not just an upper limit of \ensuremath{\rho}R. For example, 3.5 MeV \ensuremath{\alpha}'s from D-T fusion reactions are found to directly deposit \ensuremath{\simeq}47% of their energy into 20 keV deuterons and tritons. Consequently the \ensuremath{\alpha} range (R) and \ensuremath{\rho}R are reduced by about 60% from the case of pure electron stopping.
Ethical standards in phase 1 trials of neuroprotective agents for stroke therapy.

Dr Slyter1 raises a number of important points. Investigational drug trials are ultimately the result of a complex scientific and ethical balancing act very familiar to the investigators involved in the studies that Dr Slyter cites. It is unfortunate that new treatments cannot be developed without risk, but we do not believe that the principle of “do no harm” should be translated into “make no attempt to help unless risks can be eliminated.” Virtually all forms of treatment involve risks. A physician’s role is to try to assess the benefit-to-risk ratio. Most commonly accepted therapies can have side effects ranging from serious injury to death, and many patients do not respond to a given form of treatment. If avoiding harm was the only objective of physicians, it would be a logically defensible position that we should not treat anyone. The purpose of a phase 1 trial is not to prove the efficacy of a new agent, and one can predict with near certainty that some patients will suffer adverse events. This is inevitable in almost any drug development program, because the tolerability limits of a new form of treatment must be explored to define its safety profile. Initial estimates are derived from preclinical testing, but the final determination must come from human studies. It is not more ethical to expose healthy volunteers to potential side effects than to conduct these trials in patients who have at least the possibility of benefit from the investigational agent. The …
The Mariner 10 mission to Venus and Mercury

Abstract The Mariner 10 Mission to Venus and Mercury, also known as Mariner Venus Mercury 1973, is the only spacecraft to have flown past the innermost planet. The mission was done for the very low cost of $98M and was extremely successful, although, due to numerous spacecraft anomalies, it was very demanding to operate. Mariner 10 was the first mission to use gravity assist and demonstrated this technique for reaching planetary targets with a minimum of launch energy. Among other science accomplishments, the mission discovered Hadley circulation at Venus and a magnetic field at Mercury.
Corrosion of metals and alloys in sulfate melts at 750°C

The corrosion of Ni, Co, Ni-10Cr, Co-21Cr, and IN738 was studied at 750 C in the presence of molten sulfate mixtures (Na2SO4-Li2SO4 and Na2SO4-CoSO4) and in an atmosphere consisting of O2 + 0.12 percent SO2-SO3. The corrosion was observed to be similar for both Na2SO4-Li2SO4 and Na2SO4-CoSO4 melts. The corrosion of Ni and Co took place by the formation of a mixed oxide plus sulfide scale, very similar to the corrosion in SO2 or SO3 alone. The initial stage for the corrosion of Ni-10Cr involved the formation of a thick NiO + Ni3S2 duplex scale, and Cr sulfide was formed during the later stages. A pitting type of morphology was observed for both Co-21Cr and IN738. The pit was Cr sulfide at the beginning, and subsequently the sulfides oxidized to Cr2O3. A base-metal oxide layer was present above the pit, and this was observed to be formed very early in the corrosion process. A mechanism is proposed to explain this. In general, the formation of sulfides appears to be the primary mode of degradation in mixed sulfide melts.
Effect of Insolation Boundary Conditions on Type B Package Internal Temperatures

The prescription of the initial conditions and the final conditions for a thermal accident for Type B packages are different for differing regulations. This paper presents an analytical method for estimating the effect of the boundary conditions on post-fire peak internal package temperatures. Results are given for several boundary conditions for a Type B drum-type package.
The millimeter-wave spectrum of methoxyacetonitrile

This paper is the second as part of a study to elucidate cyano group chemistry in the interstellar medium, wherein we present a characterization of the millimeter-wave spectrum of methoxyacetonitrile. Its structural isomer, 2-cyanoethanol was described in paper Braakman and Blake (submitted for publication) [1]. The rotational spectrum of methoxyacetonitrile shows the characteristics of a well-behaved asymmetric rigid-rotor. We assigned nearly 7400 transitions to 2 conformers and 2 excited states. All were fit to Watson A-reduced Hamiltonians, including only the effects of centrifugal distortion. The lowest energy states are fit close to experimental accuracy, with a gradual decrease in quality for higher energy states. No repulsive interactions are apparent. The measurements and predictions from the fits reported here are being used as a basis for observational studies of this species.
The distribution of drop size and velocity in gas-liquid annular flow

Abstract An experimental study of the droplet size and velocity distributions in gas-liquid annular upflow is reported for a 50.8 mm i.d. vertical tube. Included are the effects of liquid viscosity and the radial variation of drop size and velocity. Additional measurements of the centerline gas velocity are used to estimate the gas-droplet slip ratio. The drop size distributions exhibit a bimodal nature, discounting the use of previously suggested functions for their description. Mean drop sizes are observed to increase with liquid flow rate and viscosity. On average, droplets at the tube centerline are observed to travel at 80% of the local gas velocity.
Preformed grafts of porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS) for bridging segmental bone defects

Previous studies suggest that fresh, morselized porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS) may have promise in the treatment of large bone defects. This study evaluated the bone regenerative potential of preformed tubular SIS grafts, designed to provide a scaffold for regeneration of diaphyseal bone. Critical length segmental defects in the femurs of male rats were either left unfilled (n = 11) or filled with morselized cancellous bone (n = 12), or spanned with intramedullary tubes (n = 12) or periosteal sleeves (n = 12) fabricated from SIS. All of the animals were euthanized 12 weeks postoperatively. Healing was assessed with biweekly radiographs, routine histology, and mechanical testing. Copious new bone formed in the defects of all of the animals treated with cancellous bone; 10 of the 12 animals in that group had healed their defects. In contrast, no new bone was formed in the defects left unfilled or treated with SIS; only fibrous tissue was found. In both of the SIS-treated groups, the SIS persisted at twelve weeks. The cellular response to the SIS involved a mild mononuclear infiltrate in the loose or delaminated superficial layers of the tubes and sleeves, with few cells in the deeper layers. The results of this study cast doubt on the ability of SIS to support or stimulate growth of bone across a critical length segmental bone defect. Additional work will be required to determine whether our results reflect the protocols used to prepare and fabricate the SIS grafts used in the study or the inherent inability of SIS to support new bone growth.
Influence of Polyphosphate Soak and Cooking Procedures on Yield and Quality of Dungeness Crab Meat

Soaking raw sections in polyphosphate solutions and cooking in water or steam for varying times was evaluated to improve processing. Optimum meat yield, quality and frozen storage stability was achieved by soaking raw section ≥60, but ≥120 min in 10% polyphosphate (2–4°C) and then cooking in steam for a minimum time for complete protein coagulation (8 min). Moisture and proteins, rich in phosphorus, retained by polyphosphate treatment and cooking in steam (rather than water) were believed responsible for improving meat yield, quality and storage stability.
Liquid phase epitaxial films of MnZn spinel ferrites grown under reduced oxygen partial pressures

Abstract Spinel films of MnZn ferrite were grown by liquid phase epitaxy on MnGa 2 O 4 substrates under controlled mixtures of H 2 and CO 2 . Each layer was deposited at 660°C from a single Na 2 B 4 O 7 based charge. Film composition varied with the growth ambient; CO 2 atmospheres yielded films with a nominal composition of Mn .9 Zn .5 Fe 1.6 O 4 and Curie temperatures near 110°C. As the oxygen partial pressure in the growth ambient was reduced by the addition of H 2 to the CO 2 , film composition changed, the Fe content increased while the proportions of Mn and Zn decreased. As a result of the change in composition, film strain went from tensile to compressive and the magnetic properties varied. Film homogeneity also improved significantly with addition of H 2 to the growth ambient. A H 2 CO 2 volume ratio of 1 to 10 produced films whose composition was nominally Mn .3 Zn .3 Fe 2.4 O 4 and which had Curie temperatures of about 430°C. As H 2 was added, film magnetization increased and induced magnetic anisotropy changed from easy axis to easy plane. In-plane coercivity was not simply related to growth ambient and varied between 8 and 18 Oe. The influence of the oxygen partial pressure on the growth process is interpreted in terms of the oxidation states of the Fe and Mn cations in the flux.
Design and characterization of a PZT driven micromachining tool based on single-point tool tip geometry

Abstract This paper presents the design and characterization of a piezoelectric tube scanner (PZT) driven micromachining tool that is based on single-point tool tip geometries. The cutting module is made of a diamond stylus, which is known as the hardest material available. Therefore, this tool can be used to machine a wide range of materials ranging from polymers, through metals to glass. The microscopic cutting motion is achieved by using a piezo tube scanner as an actuator. The tool tip is attached to the free end of the PZT while the other end is firmly held stationary. By applying sinusoidal waveforms with different phase angles to the x and y electrodes of the PZT, the micro orbital motion of the diamond tip can be generated for machining purposes. This paper details the design of the tool and reports on its dynamic behavior in both short- and long-term experiments.