cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance analysis of RAID-5 disk arrays

The impact of major I/O system parameters on the performance of RAID-5 disk array systems is described in this paper. It is shown that the system throughput is a nonlinear function of the number of disks per rank, number of ranks in the system, compounded data rate of SCSIs installed between a host and a controller, the size of a controller buffer, the way files are striped across individual disks, and the application dependent read/write ratio. >
Efficacy of a new fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of photodamage and acne scarring

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a novel fractional CO(2) laser device for improving facial rhytids, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, skin laxity, and acne scarring. Subjects (n= 15) were treated three to five times at 3-week intervals. Biopsy specimens were used to evaluate healing response and neocollagenesis. Clinical improvement was rated on a quartile rating scale from digital photographs. Subject discomfort during treatment was evaluated on a scale of 0 to 5. Fourteen subjects who completed the study achieved good to excellent improvement in overall appearance, with 60% rated excellent. Improvement in photodamage was good to excellent in 92% of subjects, and reduction in rhytids was good to excellent in 85%. A total of 79% of subjects achieved good to excellent improvement in pore sizes and skin laxity. Subject discomfort during treatment was 3.0 +/- 0.7. Erythema persisted for 2-3 days, and subjects resumed normal activities 1-2 days after the procedure. Histological slides after a single treatment showed new collagen formation. The SmartSkin fractional CO(2) system (Cynosure, Inc., Westford, MA, USA) provides significant improvement for the treatment of facial wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, pore size, and skin laxity associated with photodamage.
Stability of itraconazole in an extemporaneously compounded oral liquid.

The stability of itraconazole in an extemporaneously compounded oral liquid formulation was studied. A suspension was prepared from the beads contained in commercially available 100-mg itraconazole capsules and sufficient Simple Syrup, NF, to make a final volume of 60 mL. The final concentration of itraconazole in the suspension was 40 mg/mL. Three identical volumes of each suspension were prepared and stored in 2-oz capped, amber glass prescription bottles and refrigerated at 4 degrees C (range, 2-6 degrees C). Immediately after preparation and at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days, samples were visually inspected and assayed in duplicate by high-performance liquid chromatography; the pH of the samples was also determined. On day 35, the mean +/- S.D. percentage of initial itraconazole concentration remaining in the three suspensions was 95.3 +/- 2.2%. The color, odor, and pH of the samples did not change appreciably over the study period. Itraconazole 40 mg/mL in an oral liquid compounded from simple syrup and beads from capsules, stored in amber glass bottles, was stable for 35 days at 4 degrees C.
Making Sense of Honor

This chapter engages in an analysis of the concept of honor. It begins with a critique of the evolutionary account of honor, according to which retribution and revenge are evolutionary adaptations the purpose of which is to deter future harms. In fact, there is a better explanation of honor that gives it a non-instrumental explanation, while allowing that the prevention of future harm is a side effect of the exercise of honor. In order to defend one’s honor, one has to demonstrate a willingness to stand up to the wrongdoer in a confrontation involving significant physical risk. In the modern world, the state has taken on this role on behalf of the victim, by bringing the wrongdoer to justice. We then turn to a defense of the moral value of honor. Although honor is often taken as an obsolete value, in fact it can be understood as rooted in the value of individual dignity and autonomy. Honor is often misunderstood as being merely “external,” i.e. as consisting entirely in public reputation, but a careful analysis shows this to be a misinterpretation. Honor, properly understood, is a legitimate and even essential moral value.
Have a safe trip global mobility and machine readable travel documents: experiences from latin america and the caribbean

This paper examines the use of personal identification information currently requested by governments to issue international travel documents, as well as the scope of government duties to manage and protect this sensitive information. Many national governments have moved to augment citizen identification requirements for international travel. Increasingly, personal identification information—including biometric data—is collected for issuance of travel documents and required for border crossings. It is of interest to governments to efficiently process travelers, identify potential security threats, and prevent identity fraud. However, less attention is paid to minimizing the intrusiveness of the identity information collected and to ensuring its effective management and security. This paper draws attention to these issues through an examination of case studies in Latin America and the Caribbean, and also makes recommendations for establishing standards in the collection and protection of personal identity information as related to border crossing.
Optimizing Humanitarian Relief Operations with Transloads

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti caused nearly 112,000 fatalities making it one of the deadliest natural disasters ever recorded in the western hemisphere. In the weeks following the disaster, the United States Air Force Air Mobility Command moved over 29,000 passengers and 18,000 tons of relief aid in support of the relief effort, Operation Unified Response. During the first 96 hours of the operation 59% of aircraft transporting relief aid to Haiti arrived late. In order to assist planners in responding to future disaster relief efforts, we introduce a mixed integer programming (MIP) model that reduces the time required to deliver available relief aid into Haiti. The aircraft routing schedule outputted by the model demonstrates that our optimized airlift network increases the amount of relief aid delivered in the first 96 hours of the operation. Due to issues with the tractability of the MIP, we introduce an aircraft routing heuristic for use in real-world humanitarian relief operations. We show that our heuristic is able to produce similar results to the optimization, provides greater flexibility to account for realistic planning considerations, and solves within seconds.
Science, gender and moral ascendancy in liberal Italy

Abstract Following Italian unification ‘progressive’ physicians, jurists, and criminal sociologists, who constituted a sizeable if particular school of anticlericalism, adopted organic explanations separating responsible from pathological citizens. Positivist criminology enabled the conflation of sexual with political turbulence, of women with peasants and workers, of feminine deficiencies with Mezzogiorno underdevelopment. A secular, literate minority succeeded in resurrecting hierarchies grounded in gender, class and regional differences, and it did so without invoking the moral authority of the Catholic Church.
Modeling Demographics and Genetic Diversity in Ex Situ Collections during Seed Storage and Regeneration

Gene banks have a critical role in preserving genetic diversity for many conservation uses. A key challenge in this task is maintaining both the genetic integrity and the viability of a collection during regeneration and long-term storage. In this study we examine the interacting effects of sampling and viability decline from seed aging on genetic diversity. To do this, we developed a model that simulates sampling during regeneration of individual genotypes using two commonly used but contrasting regeneration protocols. Critically, the model simulates a realistic nonlinear decline in viability across time, and the combined effects of sampling and mortality were evaluated for their effect on allelic diversity. In addition, the model was used to contrast the kinetics of allelic richness among rounds of regeneration in accessions with different heterozygosity levels (e.g., cultivars vs. wild) and different breeding systems (outcrossing vs. inbred). Results underscore a significant interaction between regeneration timing and regeneration size. Regeneration procedures should consider viability kinetics and intra-accession diversity to best manage genetic erosion. These changes highlight the trade-off faced by curators between the logistics of increasing regeneration sampling size and improving the technical procedures for seed storage and monitoring.
Detection of Salmonella enteritidis in pooled poultry environmental samples using a serotype-specific real-time-polymerase chain reaction assay.

SUMMARY. While real-time–polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) has been used as a rapid test for detection of Salmonella Enteritidis in recent years, little research has been done to assess the feasibility of pooling poultry environmental samples with a Salmonella Enteritidis–specific RT PCR assay. Therefore the objective of this study was to compare RT PCR Salmonella Enteritidis detection in individual and pooled (in groups of two, three, and four) poultry environmental drag swab samples to traditional cultural methods. The drag swabs were collected from poultry facilities previously confirmed positive for Salmonella Enteritidis and were cultured according to National Poultry Improvement Plan guidelines. Initial, Salmonella Enteritidis–specific RT PCR assay threshold cycle cutoff values of ≤36, ≤30, and ≤28 were evaluated in comparison to culture. The average limit of detection of the RT PCR assay was 2.4 × 103 colony-forming units (CFUs)/ml, which corresponded to an average threshold cycle value of 36.6. B...
A study of bacteria present within unfertilized salmon eggs at the time of spawning and their possible relation to early lifestage disease

. The eggs of 30 female chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawvtscha (Walbaum), were collected at spawning. Some eggs from each fish were collected for bacteriologic study. Two salmon produced eggs judged to be of poor quality which were not used. The remaining 28 of the 30 groups of eggs were fertilized from a single sperm pool and the eggs incubated in separate groups. Mortality data on the developing salmon were recorded regularly through the twelfth week on feed. Unfertilized eggs from each group were surface-disinfected with an iodine solution, then crushed and subjected to a culture procedure designed to permit growth of as many bacterial types as possible. Bacteria were cultured and identified, and a comparison made of the types of organisms present in eggs from groups which later incurred high or low mortalities. Bacteria were recovered from both groups of salmon eggs. Although no single organism could be identified as a cause of increased mortality, the more frequent occurrence in the eggs of the ‘high mortality’ group of species of Vibrio, Listeria, Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus suggests that these bacteria may play a role. It is suggested that the cause of so-called early lifestage disease of salmon is multifactorial.
The sexual interaction system scale: A new inventory for assessing sexual dysfunction and sexual distress

Abstract This paper reports on the development, reliability, and validity of a new self-report instrument: the Sexual Interaction System Scale (SISS). Initial research on 143 couples supports reliability as measured by the internal consistency of the five factors. Validity is supported by several tests: the SISS differentiated between a nonclinical group and couples in therapy for sex dysfunction and also between two clinical groups–couples with sex dysfunction and couples with other problems. It also correlated strongly with a measure of sexual satisfaction and with the Affection subscale and overall score of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Discussion focuses on interpretation of results via case examples and on the utility of the SISS in research and clinical practice.
Ammonium (15N) metabolism in cotton under salt stress

Abstract Plant growth and metabolism is impaired under stress conditions, resulting in decreased crop yields. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the NaCl stress effects on NH+ 4 metabolism in cotton plants at vegetative and reproductive stages of growth. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants grown in normal (control) and NaCl treated Hoagland solutions were analyzed for distribution of N15 in NH+ 4 plus amide‐N, free α‐amino‐N, total soluble‐N and protein‐N after the plants were provided 15NH4NO3 in nutrient solutions for 6, 12 and 24 h. The concentration of protein‐15N was enhanced under a low level of NaCl (‐0.4 MPa osmotic potential) at the vegetative growth stage. The difference between the protein‐15N concentration of the moderately salinized (‐0.8 MPa) plants and the controls was not significant. A high level of NaCl (‐1.2 MPa) significantly decreased protein‐N content of plants compared with the controls and any other level of salinity. The NaCl increased accumulation of NH4 + plus a...
Sticks, Stones, and Ideology: The Discourse of Reform in Teacher Education

Many highly politicized debates about reforming teacher education are embedded within two larger national agendas: the agenda to professionalize teaching and teacher education, which is linked to the K–12 standards movement, and the movement to deregulate teacher preparation, which aims to dismantle teacher education institutions and break up the monopoly of the profession. In this article, the authors analyze how these two agendas are publicly constructed, critiqued, and debated, drawing on public documents from each side and using the language and arguments of the advocates themselves. The authors argue that, despite very different agendas, the discourse of both deregulation and professionalization revolves rhetorically around the establishment of three interrelated warrants, which legitimize certain policies and undermine others. Taken together, what Cochran-Smith and Fries label “the evidentiary warrant,” “the political warrant,” and “the accountability warrant,” are intended by advocates of competing...
Note-New Confidence Interval Estimators Using Standardized Time Series

We develop new asymptotically valid confidence interval estimators CIE's for the underlying mean of a stationary simulation process. The new estimators are weighted generalizations of Schruben's standardized time series area CIE. We show that the weighted CIE's have the same asymptotic expected length and variance of the length as the area CIE; but in the small sample environment, the new CIE's exhibit performance characteristics which are different from those of the area CIE.
Effect of Grafted Lewis Base Groups on the Phase Behavior of Model Poly(dimethyl siloxanes) in CO2

The impact of various Lewis bases on the miscibility of siloxane polymers in CO2 was investigated using both ab initio calculations and experimental phase behavior studies. A series of side-chain functional silicones were synthesized containing various Lewis bases in the side chain, and their phase behavior was compared in CO2 at 295 K. Calculations showed that interactions between CO2 and ethers (either a dialkyl ether or the ether oxygen in an ester group) should be as favorable as interactions between CO2 and a carbonyl oxygen. Indeed, phase behavior results seemed to support this, as ether-functional silicones exhibited miscibility pressures as low or lower than acetate-functional analogues. Further, a keto-functional material was not nearly as CO2-philic as the acetate functional analogue. In general, the location of the phase boundary in CO2 is governed by a balance between forces working to increase miscibility pressures, such as increased cohesive energy density of the polymer or factors suppressi...
All Joking Aside: A Serious Investigation into the Persuasive Effect of Funny Social Issue Messages

This research was designed to assess the effects of contemporary political humor on information processing and persuasion, focusing specifically on two competing processes: processing motivation/counterargument distraction and message discounting. In Study 1, 212 undergraduates read one of four monologues by political comedian Bill Maher. Correlations and path modeling suggested that, in general, humor associated with greater source liking, closer information processing, and reduced counterargument, but also with greater message discounting. In Study 2, 204 undergraduates read one of four versions of a message based on the comedy of Chris Rock, manipulated to be more or less funny and attributed to the comedian or not. Results largely replicated those from Study 1. In addition, the humorous messages promoted more discounting than the serious messages, though they were processed with comparable depth. Although no more likely to be persuasive in the short run, the comedic transcript evidenced a sleeper effe...
X-ray streak camera electrode design using a plasma simulation code

Abstract A two dimensional electrostatic particle-in-cell plasma simulation code hasbeen used to follow the motion of a beam of photoelectrons generated in an X-ray streak camera. Design criteria have been developed which enable us to find optimum sweep electrode configurations given external constraints such as physical dimensions of the streak camera, and amplitude and time dependence of applied streak voltages. Performance of the design incorporated into a prototype streak camera is evaluated in the presence of transverse and longitudinal velocity dispersion in the photoelectron beam. Approximately 2 ps resolution is predicted from the simulations for the prototype streak camera in agreement with experiment. Subpicosecond resolution should be possible in future versions of the device.
Aspects of free analysis

We survey the analysis around the free difference quotient derivation, which is the natural derivation for variables with the highest degree of noncommutativity. The analogue of the Fourier transform is then bialgebra duality for the bialgebra with derivation-comultiplication to which the free difference quotient gives rise and which involves fully matricial analytic functions. Some of the motivation from free probability, especially free entropy and random matrices are also discussed.
Regulation of phospholipase C isozymes

Abstract Phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate hydrolysis is an immediate response to many hormones, including growth factors. The hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate is catalyzed by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. A number of phospholipase C isozymes have been identified. Different isozymes are activated by different receptor classes. This review will summarize the different isozymes of phospholipase C, and the current knowledge of the mechanisms by which phospholipase C acitivity is modulated by growth factors.
Relationship Between HIV-1 Antibody Seropositivity and AIcohoI/Non intravenous Drug Abuse Among Psychiatric Inpatients: A Pilot Study

Of 132 psychiatric inpatients tested for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 antibody seropositivity, 41.7% (10/24) of intravenous drug abusers, 11.4% (8/70) of alcohol and/or nonintravenous drug abusers, and 2.6% (1/38) of nonabusers showed seropositivity, indicating a fourfold increase in the seropositivity among alcohol/non-intravenous drug abusers compared with nonabusers. This difference, however, did not reach the level of statistical significance.
Nanoscale engineering facilitated by controlled synthesis: From structure to function

Abstract It is now well known that the optical properties of semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots (NQDs) – absorption onset and position of the photoluminescence maximum – can be precisely controlled by simple tuning of particle size within the quantum-confinement regime. More recently, however, the field has evolved beyond straightforward particle-size control to embrace more complex NQD heterostructures. As a result of the inclusion of internal, nanoscale compositional interfaces, heterostructured NQDs afford opportunities for enhanced, emergent and even multi-functional behavior and properties. A common structural motif for achieving such ‘engineered’ NQDs is to envelop the NQD core within a shell of a different composition. Herein, a summary of our recent research in the development, synthesis, characterization and application of ‘core/shell’ NQDs is provided. In the first part, enhancement of properties is demonstrated through our work in lead chalcogenide core/shell NQDs. In a subsequent section, emergence of novel properties resulting from specific combinations of core and shell physical and electronic structures is described in the context of non-blinking behavior and suppressed Auger recombination realized for our “giant” NQDs. Examples in this case entail both CdSe and InP cores. Application of these ultra-stable NQDs in the area of light-emission technologies is also demonstrated and discussed. Finally, multi-functionality is shown for the case of a coupled magnetic-semiconductor Co/CdSe core/shell nanocrystal system.
Assessment of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels during luteal phase in women using intrauterine contraception.

Abstract 103 Blood specimens, obtained during the luteal phase from women using various types of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD) were examined for the presence of hCG. A sensitive radioreceptor assay for hCG was used. In contrast with recent reports, all specimens examined were negative for hCG. Hence, we question the validity of the hypothesis that the presence of an IUD may allow for fertilization, but cause degeneration of the blastocyst.
Membrane-mediated Amyloidogenesis and the Promotion of Oxidative Lipid Damage by Amyloid β Proteins *

Evidence of oxidative stress and the accumulation of fibrillar amyloid β proteins (Aβ) in senile plaques throughout the cerebral cortex are consistent features in the pathology of Alzheimer disease. To define a mechanistic link between these two processes, various aspects of the relationship between oxidative lipid membrane damage and amyloidogenesis were characterized by chemical and physical techniques. Earlier studies of this relationship demonstrated that oxidatively damaged synthetic lipid membranes promoted amyloidogenesis. The studies reported herein specify that 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is produced in both synthetic lipids and human brain lipid extracts by oxidative lipid damage and that it can account for accelerated amyloidogenesis. Aβ promotes the copper-mediated generation of HNE from polyunsaturated lipids, and in turn, HNE covalently modifies the histidine side chains of Aβ. HNE-modified Aβ have an increased affinity for lipid membranes and an increased tendency to aggregate into amyloid fibrils. Thus, the prooxidant activity of Aβ leads to its own covalent modification and to accelerated amyloidogenesis. These results illustrate how lipid membranes may be involved in templating the pathological misfolding of Aβ, and they suggest a possible chemical mechanism linking oxidative stress with amyloid formation.
Amino acid inhibition of pseudomonads and its reversal by biosynthetically related amino acids

Abstract Homoserine inhibited fluorescent phytopathogenic pseudomonads of the Pseudomonas syringae group. An intermediate in a branched pathway of amino acid biosynthesis, homoserine was not toxic in the presence of the pathway's end products, methionine, threonine and lysine. Various inhibitions in four branched biosynthetic pathways by certain amino acid end products, in the absence of others, lead to cessations of growth of phytopathogenic strains representing P. coronafaciens var. atropurpurea, P. glycinae, P. helianthi, P. mori, P. phaseolicola, P. syringae and P. tabaci. Saprophytic strains representing P. fluorescens and P. putida were only inhibited by cysteine, an inhibitor of all the strains studied. Conditions of free amino acid imbalances, as exist in plants, may lead to inhibitions of these pathogens and may in some instances determine their range of compatible hosts and tissues.
the connections of the mouse olfactory bulb: A study using orthograde and retrograde transport of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase

The efferent and centrifugal afferent connections of the main olfactory bulb (MOB) of the mouse were studied by orthograde and retrograde transport of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP). MOB projects ipsilaterally to the anterior olfactory nucleus, taenia tecta, anterior hippocampal continuation, indusium grisium, olfactory tubercle, and the lateral and medial divisions of the entorhinal area. In the region of the anterior one-half to two-thirds of the posterior division of the insular cortex the projection from MOB extends into the insular cortex. The only efferent projection of MOB to the contralateral half of the brain was to the anterior olfactory nucleus. All efferent projections of MOB, thus, are to telencephalic structures. By contrast the centrifugal afferents to MOB originate from every major division of the neuraxis. Neurons projecting to the bulb were found ipsilaterally in all divisions of the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON). In some cases, labeling in the external division of AON was weak or absent. In the contralateral AON, pars externa was the most intensively labeled sub-division. Retrogradely labeled neurons were also present in all other subdivisions of the contralateral AON but were fewer in number and less heavily labeled than in the ipsilateral AON. Ipsilaterally, positive neurons were also present in taenia tecta, and the anterior hippocampal continuation. There was profuse retrograde labeling of neurons in the entire extent of the ipsilateral piriform cortex (PC). There was a rostral to caudal gradient of labeling in PC with more positive neurons in rostral than caudal parts. Labeled neurons were present in the lateral entorhinal cortex LEC and in the transitional cortex between LEC and PC. Very heavy retrograde labeling was present in the nuclei of the horizontal and vertical limbs of the diagonal band (HDB and VDB). More cells were labeled in HDB than in VDB. Neurons were labeled in the ipsilateral nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract (NLOT) and, when the injection spread into the accessory olfactory bulb, labeled neurons were present ventral to NLOT in accessory NLOT. A few lightly labeled neurons were always present in the posterolateral and medial cortical amygdaloid areas. Neurons were labeled in the zona inserta and scattered throughout several hypothalamic nuclei. There was massive retrograde labeling of neurons in the locus coeruleus and neurons were abundantly labeled in the dorsal and medial raphe nuclei and nucleus raphe pontis. In general, the labeling of MOB connections was more extensive than that which has been reported in closely related species.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Cycloheximide inhibition of the DNA-dependent RNA-polymerase I of Achlyabisexualis

Summary Achlya bisexualis has multiple forms of DNA-dependent RNA-polymerase similar to those of other eukaryotes. Cycloheximide acts as a specific inhibitor of DEAE-fraction I enzyme at low concentrations with 50% inhibition at 0.47 μM cycloheximide.
Repeated treatment with ascorbate or haloperidol, but not clozapine, elevates extracellular ascorbate in the neostriatum of freely moving rats

Acute administration of neuroleptic drugs alters the extracellular level of ascorbate in the neostriatum, and increasing evidence suggests a role for this vitamin in the behavioral, and possibly therapeutic, effects of these drugs. To shed further light on this issue, extracellular ascorbate was recorded in the neostriatum and nucleus accumbens of awake, behaving rats following chronic treatment with either classical (haloperidol) or atypical (clozapine) neuroleptics or ascorbate itself. Electrochemically modified, carbon-fiber microelectrodes were lowered in place the day after the last of 21 daily injections of either haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg, SC), clozapine (20 mg/kg, IP), sodium ascorbate (500 mg/kg, IP) or vehicle. Voltammetric measurements were obtained during quiet rest and following administration ofd-amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg). Repeated treatment with either haloperidol or ascorbate elevated basal extracellular ascorbate and potentiated the amphetamine-induced increase in ascorbate release in neostriatum but not nucleus accumbens. Both treatment groups also showed a significant increase in amphetamine-induced sniffing and repetitive head movements compared to vehicle-treated animals. In contrast, repeated clozapine had no effect on extracellular ascorbate in either neostriatum or nucleus accumbens, but increased the locomotor response to an amphetamine challenge. Thus, to the extent that increases in neostriatal ascorbate exert neuroleptic-like effects, such effects are likely to parallel haloperidol rather than clozapine.
Sexual behavior and hemispheric laterality of the focus in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

Various studies have described an unusually common incidence of sexual and reproductive dysfunction in patients affected by temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The purpose of the present study was to further investigate, by means of an ad hoc questionnaire, the relationship between sexual disorders and the hemispheric laterality of the epileptic focus in men and women with right (R) TLE and left (L) TLE. The results suggest a reduction of sexual interest in patients with R-TLE as compared with L-TLE in both men and women. This effect was fundamentally observed when sexual interest was implicitly explored. No significant difference was found between R-TLE and L-TLE groups concerning most aspects of sexual performance. Various hypotheses are discussed to interpret this effect of hemispheric lateralization on sexual interest.
Acromionectomy and deltoid deficiency: a solution.

Deltoid insufficiency after iatrogenic or traumatic acromionectomy results from separation of the deltoid from its origin and mechanical fulcrum. Subsequent retraction of the tendon and formation of subdeltoid adhesions to the cuff and humerus result in stiffness and pain. We evaluated clinical outcomes of patients treated with autogenous tricortical iliac crest bone graft combined with deltoid reconstruction or deltoidplasty for deltoid insufficiency after acromionectomy. We retrospectively reviewed four patients, three males, and one female treated with deltoidplasty reconstructions as revision surgery. Their mean age was 41 years, and the minimum followup was 41 months (mean, 50 months; range, 41–66 months). There were three work-related injuries. Outcomes evaluated were pain relief (visual analog score), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, cosmesis, and complications. The mean pain score improved from 8 (range, 3–10) preoperatively to 1 (range, 0–3) postoperatively. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 31 ± 14 to 68 ± 13. One patient required revision deltoidplasty for abductor weakness. Three patients underwent hardware removal. One patient who underwent concurrent latissimus dorsi transfer had limited functional improvement but decreased pain. Two patients had improved cosmesis. All had CT scans with three-dimensional reconstructions documenting union. All patients stated they would undergo the procedure again. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
HAEMOCYTE COUNTS ON THE LARGE MILKWEED BUG, ONCOPELTUS FASCIATUS.

THE increasing interest in biological means of controlling insects intensifies the need for investigations of the response of insects to disease organisms and foreign proteins. The haemolymph, the haemocytes in particular, offers a readily accessible criterion of response. For work on responses of insects to be meaningful, the normal laboratory insect should be examined thoroughly throughout its life. It was decided to use the milkweed bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus: Hemiptera, Lygaeidae) as the experimental animal in these investigations because it represents a relatively important group of plant-sucking insects and it can be reared easily in the laboratory throughout the year.
Validation Case Study: Prediction of Compressible Turbulent Mixing Layer Growth Rate

A recently developed validation metric is applied to the example problem of growth-rate prediction for a turbulent, compressible mixing layer. Emphasis is placed on the validation exercise as a well-defined process, which must include quantification of numerical error, evaluation of the level of confidence in the experimental data, and estimation of model accuracy. Available data for compressible mixing layers are reexamined, resulting in a new recommended data set for the study of mixing layer growth rate. Numerical solutions to the Favre-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with various two-equation turbulence closures and compressibility models are obtained and verified through formal solution verification procedures. The validation metric results are presented for each of the models, including local error estimates for detailed evaluation of model performance and global metrics that facilitate model performance comparisons.
VARIATION IN CERCOCARPUS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Summary Present-day Cercocarptis leaves are compared with fossil leaf impressions from Miocene, Pliocene and Pleistocene floras of California and adjacent states in order to interpret the present pattern of geographic variation in leaf size in southern California. The various taxa described have had separate histories since at least the Miocene, and have remained morphologically stable despite changes in the climate and topography in the region.
Mechanistic features and radical intermediates in atom transfer radical polymerization

Fundamental mechanistic features of copper mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) are presented together with a discussion on radical intermediates involved in atom transfer process. Rate constants of racemization of optically active methyl 2-bromopropionate, of halogen exchange, of trapping with TEMPO and with methyl methacrylate are very similar, confirming free radical intermediates. Rate constant of reaction of propionate radical with methyl methacrylate under model ATRP conditions at 22 °C (k= 5.6 10 4 mol -1 L s -1 ) is nearly identical to that measured by time resolved EPR (k= 6.0 10 4 mol -1 L s -1 ).
Elucidation of bacteria found in car interiors and strategies to reduce the presence of potential pathogens

The human microbiome is influenced by a number of factors, including environmental exposure to microbes. Because many humans spend a large amount of time in built environments, it can be expected that the microbial ecology of these environments will influence the human microbiome. In an attempt to further understand the microbial ecology of built environments, the microbiota of car interiors was analyzed using culture dependent and culture independent methods. While it was found that the number and type of bacteria varied widely among the cars and sites tested, Staphylococcus and Propionibacterium were nearly always the dominant genera found at the locations sampled. Because Staphylococcus is of particular concern to human health, the characteristics of this genus found in car interiors were investigated. Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, and S. warnerii were the most prevalent staphylococcal species found, and 22.6% of S. aureus strains isolated from shared community vehicles were resistant to methicillin. The reduction in the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in cars by using silver-based antimicrobial surface coatings was also evaluated. Coatings containing 5% silver ion additives were applied to steering wheels, placed in cars for five months and were found to eliminate the presence of culturable pathogenic bacteria recovered from these sites relative to controls. Together, these results provide new insight into the microbiota found in an important built environment, the automobile, and potential strategies for controlling the presence of human pathogens.
Basis For The Broad-spectrum Antimicrobial Activity Of Interfacially-active Peptides

Recently, we rationally designed and screened a library of small, membrane pore-forming beta-strand peptides based on interfacial activity: “the ability of a molecule to partition into the membrane-water interface and to alter the packing and organization of lipids”. From this library we selected ten soluble and highly potent pore-forming peptides using a function based high-throughput screen. Many natural antimicrobial peptides (AMP) act directly on microbes and permeabilize their membranes. Our library peptides were rationally designed to disrupt membranes which were similar to those of microbial membranes. Accordingly, in vitro experiments showed that the selected peptides permeabilize live microbial cell membranes and all ten have potent, broad-spectrum activity against many different species bacteria and fungi. These potent, biologically-active peptides apparently undergo nonspecific interactions with membranes. Here we explore the basis for broad-spectrum antimicrobial which is a very poorly understood phenomenon. We find that many members of the library have potent activity against some microbes, however broad-spectrum against multiple classes of microbes is rare overall. Similarly, subtle changes in peptide structure propensity cause the loss of activity against some microbes, but not others. Comparison of structure-function relation of these peptides in lipid vesicles to their activity in biological membrane suggests that “interfacial activity” is the basis for biological activity. A very specific and narrow range of interfacial activity gives rise to broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
A study of porosity and permeability using a lattice Boltzmann simulation

We explicitly calculate the absolute (single-phase) permeability of simulated granular rocks as the pore space is evolved by various diagenetic schemes. Our goal is to match our computed curves to laboratory measurements of porosity-permeability relationships in real rocks. To achieve this goal we model rock as a dense random pack of identical spherical grains with diagenetic cement deposited in the pore space. The positions of the sphere centers in our numerical model are taken from experimental measurements (the Finney pack). The diagenesis is simulated in various ways: uniform cement deposition on the surface of each grain (uniform growth of the grains); cement deposition at grain contacts; cement deposition away from grain contacts; random filling of the pore spaces; and various combinations of these. Permeability is computed by explicitly modeling Stokes flow in the simulated pore space using a lattice Boltzmann method. Our simulations produce distinctively different porosity-permeability relationships which are characteristic of the cement deposition pattern. The distinctive porosity-permeability relationships found in laboratory measurements of real rocks are matched by certain simulation schemes.
Statistical modeling of coating lifetimes in disparate environments

The effect of environmental loads on the propensity for failure of automotive coating systems was evaluated for both the United States and China. Population weighted climate distribution functions were created for both nations and applied to various failure modes including yellowing or color change, gloss loss, delamination, and cracking. The effect of process variability on specific failure modes was captured through the use of minimum and maximum film builds measured on vehicles produced in a commercial automotive assembly plant. The U.S. was shown to be a significantly harsher environment for most failure modes driven by UV radiation and high temperatures. China was shown to be a harsher environment for failure modes driven by liquid water and cold temperatures. The use of these models allowed for the prediction of regional failure rates given the time to failure of a coating of known thickness in a different location.
Potassium ions and the regulation of cell growth in culture.

Abstract The potassium ion concentration was measured in growing and density-inhibited chick embryo fibroblasts in culture and found to be about 105 mEq/1 in both. Over 90% of the K + exchanged with a single half-time which averaged 19 and 25 min, respectively, for growing and density-inhibited cells. These results show no important differences in K + concentration, compartmentalization or permeability between growing and non-growing cells and indicate that the regulation of growth of these cells does not involve a significant alteration of general K + metabolism.
Laser-produced plasma bubble

In the aftermath of a plasma in atmospheric density H2 produced by a 6 ns, 600 mJ, 1064 nm, Nd:YAG laser pulse, a bubble develops behind the shock front. Within 2 micros the shock detaches from it, but the bubble persists for 100 micros before it is clearly turbulent. While initially spheroidal in appearance with a diameter of about 0.6 cm, after 16 micros the enveloping cold gas penetrates the bubble along the axial channel left by the laser. This results in a distorted torus with a protrusion that moves slowly toward the laser. The images show that the gas processed by the laser-plasma shock front is isolated from the surrounding unprocessed gas until mixed by this flow.
A mathematical model for the control mechanism of free fatty acid-glucose metabolism in normal humans

Abstract This paper presents a mathematical model for the control mechanism of free fatty acid-glucose metabolism under resting conditions in normal humans. The objective is to explain in a consistent manner clinical laboratory observations such as glucose, insulin and free fatty acid responses to intravenous glucose, insulin, etc. At present attention is focused on only short-term effects. The model is an extension of the one for glucose homeostasis proposed by Charette, Kadish, and Sridhar (4, 5). It is based upon a systems approach and agrees with current theories of glucose and free fatty acid metabolism. Description is in terms of ordinary differential equations and validation is based on clinical laboratory data.
Yield and Stand Persistence of Switchgrass as Affected by Cutting Height and Variety

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a high-yielding forage species with low input demands on marginal soils. However, long-term response of prominent varieties to cutting heights is not well documented. To examine varietal type and cutting height impacts, three varieties of switchgrass (‘Cave-in-Rock’, ‘Kanlow’, and ‘Alamo’) that were established in 1992 for a previous study were evaluated in Knoxville, TN, from 2008 to 2011. Switchgrass plots were harvested at 10-, 20-, 30-, and 41-cm cutting heights in a two-cut system (June and September annually) to determine if lower harvest height affected forage yield and stand persistence. Plots were visually rated during the final year (2011) to assess stand vigor. Interactions were detected for total yield by cutting height and year (P < 0.05); shorter cutting heights appeared to negatively impact yields in subsequent years and the highest cutting height resulted in lower yields. However, there were no varietal yield responses to cutting heights. Shorter cutting height treatments (10 and 20 cm) had reduced Alamo and Kanlow presence (P < 0.05) by the end of the 4-yr study period. Consequently, lower switchgrass cutting heights (10 and 20 cm) may maximize short-term forage yield; however, stand persistence may be compromised long term, especially in
Use of glass transitions in carbohydrate excipient design for lyophilized protein formulations.

This work describes an effort to apply methods from process systems engineering to a pharmaceutical product design problem, with a novel application of statistical approaches to comparing solutions. A computational molecular design framework was employed to design carbohydrate molecules with high glass transition temperatures and low water content in the maximally freeze-concentrated matrix, with the objective of stabilizing lyophilized protein formulations. Quantitative structure–property relationships were developed for glass transition temperature of the anhydrous solute, glass transition temperature of the maximally concentrated solute, melting point of ice and Gordon–Taylor constant for carbohydrates. An optimization problem was formulated to design an excipient with optimal property values. Use of a stochastic optimization algorithm, Tabu search, provided several carbohydrate excipient candidates with statistically similar property values, as indicated by prediction intervals calculated for each property.
The determinant of gij in Aesthetic Field Theory

Abstract In a multicomponent tensor theory, the question arises of which component should represent the particle system. In Aesthetic Field Theory, all scalars are constant, so we cannot choose a scalar to play such a role. A possibility is to choose Γ000, as this is the only component of the basic field Γjki that is unaffected by three dimensional rotations (or three dimensional linear transformations). Such a possibility treats the coordinates x,y,z, and x0 in a different way from the outset. Another possibility is to represent the particle system by √g (or possibly g). g is the determinant of a second rank tensor and is unchanged by a four dimensional rotation. The first question we ask is which gij do we take, considering there are infinite possible ways to construct a gij from other basic fields such as Γjki. We show that the choice of gij makes no difference so far as the map of √g (or g) is concerned up to a constant scale factor. We choose to map √g although our arguments are valid for g as well. In order to obtain a nontrivial solution for √g, it is necessary for Γtkt ≠ 0. In this paper, we find an example of a Γtkt ≠ 0 system that leads to a multiparticle lattice solution for √g when we specify an integration path. (From a numerical point of view, it is not clear if the lattice system found represents a “perfect” lattice.) This result enlarges the scope of Aesthetic Field Theory as Γtkt ≠ 0 solutions should be considered as well. We investigate other features of the √g system.
Uniformly primary ideals

Abstract This article introduces and advances the basic theory of “uniformly primary ideals” for commutative rings, a concept that imposes a certain boundedness condition on the usual notion of “primary ideal”. Characterizations of uniformly primary ideals are provided along with examples that give the theory independent value. Applications are also provided in contexts that are relevant to Noetherian rings.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis: A Case Series

Abstract Background: Cannabinoid use is prevalent in the United States, with recent reports of increased usage among younger Americans. Traditionally, cannabinoids have been used recreationally or as antiemetics; however, recent reports suggest that chronic abuse can result in the paradoxical effect of a cyclic vomiting syndrome, termed cannabinoid hyperemesis. Objective: We report on this recently described clinical syndrome characterized by severe nausea and hyperemesis in the setting of chronic cannabinoid use. Case Reports: We report the cases of 3 patients who presented to two academic emergency departments (EDs) on multiple occasions with nausea and vomiting in the setting of chronic cannabinoid use. There were extensive medical evaluations and frequent inpatient hospital admissions before the diagnosis of cannabinoid hyperemesis was considered. Conclusion: With the relatively high prevalence of cannabinoid use in the United States and increasing interest in the applications of marijuana for therapeutic purposes, this entity may be encountered in the ED. Cannabinoid hyperemesis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with similar symptoms.