cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Readmissions After Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Nationally Representative Data.

Objectives We aimed to obtain nationally representative data on hospital readmission rates after Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). Methods International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision codes from the 2013 National Readmissions Database identified adult GBS admissions, comorbidities, and readmission diagnoses. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) for readmission. Results Of 2109 GBS admissions identified, 20.8% were readmitted within 1 year and 12.2% within 30 days. Age did not predict readmission. Plasmapheresis use showed a nonsignificant trend toward readmission versus intravenous immunoglobulin use [OR 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-2.051, P = 0.050]. Respiratory failure (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.23-2.35, P = 0.0014), heart failure (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.25-3.66, P = 0.0057), and renal failure (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.20-3.32, P = 0.0078) predicted readmission. Top readmission diagnoses included GBS or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (42.0%) and sepsis (3.5%). Conclusions One-fifth of GBS patients were readmitted within 1 year. Comorbid illnesses and respiratory complications increased a readmission risk but age did not.
Evaluation of the website of Dawar vet Extension from the point of view of its users تقييم موقع دوار الإرشاد البيطرى الالکترونى من وجهة نظر مستخدميه

The research aimed to:identifying the opinion of the respondents in the website of Dawar Vet Extension in terms of providing some criteria for evaluation of authority, content, design, organization of the studied site, as well as identify the communication behavior of the respondents for the Dawar vet Extension website.( This research was conducted on a Purposive sample of 78 respondents who use the website of Dawar vet Extension, The data was collected electronically by using an electronic questionnaire form posted on the home page of the the website of Dawar vet Extension (http://dawarvetext.org/index.aspx) during the period from August to October 2020, frequencies, percentages, and arithmetic mean were used to present and analyze data statistically. The most important results were:High level of authority criteria of the website respondents is 1.89 degrees by 94.5%. High level of availability of content criteria of The website, The overall average view of the researchers is 1.82 degrees by 91%. High level of provision of design criteria of the website studied. The overall average view of the respondents is 1.82 degrees by 91%. The high level of availability of organization standards from the point of view of the respondents has averaged 1.74 degrees overall, by 87%. The majority of the obstacles are related to the technical form of the site, such as the poor download speed of the site, and the weak playback speed of the (media) used by the site in terms of pictures and videos.
DeepSpatial'21: 2nd International Workshop on Deep Learning for Spatiotemporal Data, Applications, and Systems

With the advancement of GPS and remote sensing technologies and the pervasiveness of smartphones and mobile devices, large amounts of spatiotemporal data are being collected from various domains. Knowledge discovery from spatiotemporal data is crucial in broad societal applications. Examples range from mapping flooded areas on satellite imagery for disaster response to monitoring crop health for food security, from estimating travel time between locations on Google Maps to forecasting hotspots of diseases like Covid-19 in public health. The recent success in deep learning technologies in computer vision and natural language processing provides unique opportunities for spatiotemporal data mining (e.g., automatically extracting spatial contextual features without manual feature engineering) but also faces unique challenges (e.g., spatial autocorrelation, heterogeneity, multiple scales, and resolutions, the existence of domain knowledge and constraints). This workshop provides a premium platform for researchers from both academia and industry to exchange ideas on opportunities, challenges, and cutting-edge techniques of deep learning for spatiotemporal data. We hope to inspire novel ideas and visions through the workshop and facilitate the development of this emerging research area.
A study of atherosclerosis regression in Macaca mulatta. II. Chemical changes in arteries from animals with atherosclerosis induced for 19 months then regressed for 24 months at plasma cholesterol concentrations of 300 or 200 mg/dl.

Abstract A clinically important question in people with existing atherosclerosis is whether a low concentration of plasma cholesterol attainable with diet or drug therapy influences preexisting atherosclerotic plaques and at what level of plasma cholesterol do these changes occur. Groups of young adult male rhesus monkeys were fed atherogenic diets for 19 months, then regression diets for 24 months. Regression diets contained sufficient cholesterol to maintain plasma cholesterol concentrations either at 302 ± 8 mg/dl, mean ± SEM (a concentration associated with a high risk for continued progression of atherosclerosis in man) or 194 ± 4 mg/dl (low risk for continued atherosclerosis development). A significantly greater amount of the accumulated arterial cholesterol, esterified cholesterol and phospholipid was removed in monkeys that underwent regression at 200 in comparison to 300 mg/dl. Decreases in arterial cholesterol in animals after 24 months at 200 mg/dl amounted to 100, 100, 93, and 96%, respectively, for carotid artery, thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta and iliaco-femoral artery in sharp contrast to decreases of only 80, 25, 56, and 72% in similar vessels of monkeys at the higher plasma cholesterol concentration. No major difference in arterial collagen or elastin was seen between the two regression groups. The frequency of mineralized plaques as assessed by aortic calcium accumulation was greater in the rhesus monkeys at the higher plasma cholesterol concentration during regression. Translated to human beings, these results suggest that for relatively uncomplicated fatty atherosclerotic lesions the plasma cholesterol concentration influences the degree of plaque regession and that significantly greater regression (as measured by a reduction in arterial lipid content) may be expected to occur at plasma cholesterol concentrations of 200 mg/dl as opposed to 300 mg/dl.
Una higa a los españoles: Un documento inédito de la propaganda anticatólica en la Inglaterra de Isabel I (1591)

Entre fines del siglo XVI y comienzos del siglo XVII se desarrollo una importante produccion de literatura panfletaria y politico-religiosa relacionada con los acontecimientos historicos que involucraron a Espana e Inglaterra. Hasta el momento esta literatura no ha sido estudiada en profundidad ni se le ha dado la atencion critica debida. El documento que aqui se presenta recoge los sucesos inmediatamente posteriores a la derrota de la Armada Invencible (1588) y se hace eco de las rebeliones de Aragon, Cataluna y Valencia por los mismos anos, asi como de un episodio de lucha entre ciudadanos de Portugal y Espana en Lisboa y de las malas cosechas de Napoles del ano 1590.
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3, Mediated Remodeling of the Tumor Microenvironment Results in Enhanced Tumor Drug Delivery in a Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer

Background & Aims A hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the presence of a dense desmoplastic reaction (stroma) that impedes drug delivery to the tumor. Attempts to deplete the tumor stroma have resulted in formation of more aggressive tumors. We have identified signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 as a biomarker of resistance to cytotoxic and molecularly targeted therapy in PDAC. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of targeting STAT3 on the PDAC stroma and on therapeutic resistance. Methods Activated STAT3 protein expression was determined in human pancreatic tissues and tumor cell lines. In vivo effects of AZD1480, a JAK/STAT3 inhibitor, gemcitabine or the combination were determined in Ptf1a cre/+ ;LSL-Kras G12D/+ ;Tgfbr2 flox/flox (PKT) mice and in orthotopic tumor xenografts. Drug delivery was analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry. Collagen second harmonic generation imaging quantified tumor collagen alignment and density. Results STAT3 activation correlates with decreased survival and advanced tumor stage in patients with PDAC. STAT3 inhibition combined with gemcitabine significantly inhibits tumor growth in both an orthotopic and the PKT mouse model of PDAC. This combined therapy attenuates in vivo expression of SPARC, increases microvessel density, and enhances drug delivery to the tumor without depletion of stromal collagen or hyaluronan. Instead, the PDAC tumors demonstrate vascular normalization, remodeling of the tumor stroma, and down-regulation of cytidine deaminase. Conclusions Targeted inhibition of STAT3 combined with gemcitabine enhances in vivo drug delivery and therapeutic response in PDAC. These effects occur through tumor stromal remodeling and down-regulation of cytidine deaminase without depletion of tumor stromal content.
Reducing nitrogen crossover in microbial reverse-electrodialysis cells by using adjacent anion exchange membranes and anion exchange resin

Microbial reverse electrodialysis cells (MRECs) combine power generation from salinity gradient energy using reverse electrodialysis (RED), with power generation from organic matter using a microbial fuel cell. Waste heat can be used to distill ammonium bicarbonate into high (HC) and low salt concentration (LC) solutions for use in the RED stack, but nitrogen crossover into the anode chamber must be minimized to avoid ammonia loses, and foster a healthy microbial community. To reduce nitrogen crossover, an additional low concentration (LC) chamber was inserted before the anode using an additional anion exchange membrane (AEM) next to another AEM, and filled with different amounts of anion or cation ion exchange resins. Addition of the extra AEM increased the ohmic resistance of the test RED stack from 103 Ω cm2 (1 AEM) to 295 Ω cm2 (2 AEMs). However, the use of the anion exchange resin decreased the solution resistance of the LC chamber by 74% (637 Ω cm2, no resin; 166 Ω cm2 with resin). Nitrogen crossover into the anode chamber was reduced by up to 97% using 50% of the chamber filled with an anion exchange resin compared to the control (no additional chamber). The added resistance contributed by the use of the additional LC chamber could be compensated for by using additional LC and HC membrane pairs in the RED stack.
Stability and conductivity study of the BaCe0.9−xZrxY0.1O2.95 systems

Abstract Solid oxide components such as protonic separation membranes for the hydrogen purification and electrolyte for solid oxide fuel cell require thermo-chemical stability and high conductance. The perovskite BaCe0.9Y0.1O2.95 exhibits good proton conduction at high temperatures, but shows poor thermo-chemical stability. Substituting Zr for Ce in BaCe0.9Y0.1O2.95 improves the thermo-chemical stability but reduces proton conduction. The objective of this work was to study the optimization of protonic conductance and thermo-chemical stability by changing the ratio of Ce to Zr in BaCe0.9−xZrxY0.1O2.95. To elucidate the dopant effect, a coprecipitation and freeze drying method has been developed to produce single phase perovskites of BaCe0.9−xZrxY0.1O2.95 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.9). The method has been optimized to yield high purity and homogeneous powders with a particle size of 50–100 nm in diameter. The sintering characteristics were studied in the temperature range of 1400–1650 °C. BaCe0.9Y0.1O2.95, BaCe0.7Zr0.2Y0.1O2.95 and BaCe0.5Zr0.4Y0.1O2.95 can be sintered to high density at 1650 °C. Sintered BaCe0.5Zr0.4Y0.1O2.95 and BaCe0.3Zr0.6Y0.1O2.95 show good chemical stability against water and carbon dioxide. Electric conductivities of sintered samples, which have been measured by impedance spectroscopy, decrease with their Zr content.
The case study approach to teaching scientific integrity in nursing and the biomedical sciences

Scientific integrity courses for graduate trainees are emerging at many institutions. The content of such courses varies and is evolving as faculty strive to meet the needs of their specific student audiences. Typical course subject matters include responsible authorship, conflict of interest, handling of scientific misconduct, data management, and the use of humans and animals in biomedical experimentation. These and other topic areas are amenable to teaching methods that use the case study approach. In this article we discuss our experiences in teaching scientific integrity using the case study approach. Issues covered include underlying philosophy of the approach, preparation and use of cases, desired inclass preparation and teaching. Examples of short cases are presented and, where appropriate, discussed in the context of these issues.
A vibrational study of ammonia chemisorbed on Ni(110) and Ni(111): whither goest the metal-nitrogen stretching mode on FCC (111) surfaces?

Abstract The adsorption of ammonia on the Ni(110) and Ni(111) surfaces has been studied with high resolution (≤ 65 cm −1 ) electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) combined with thermal desorption spectroscopy. The EELS spectra of the initial chemisorbed layer or α state on each surface are very different. Ammonia chemisorbed on the Ni(110) surface exhibits a strong Ni-N stretching mode at 570 cm −1 which is absent on the Ni(111) surface. The Ammonia adsorption site appears to be different on the Ni(110) and Ni(111) surfaces. We suggest that the absence of the M-N stretching mode on the Ni(111) surface is a general characteristic of the ammonia adsorption site on the (111) surfaces of fcc Group VIII metals.
The Autonomy of Science in Totalitarian Societies

An analysis of the relations between sociopolitical ideology, needs for scientific development, and independence of science in Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union is made. The concept of instrumentalization of science, in conjunction with control and support by political institutions, was found more useful than the conventional categories of "pure" and "applied" science.
Suicide facts and myths: A study of prevalence

Abstract Although statements regarding “myths” about suicide are common in the literature, few empirical investigations have been conducted to determine the extent to which such “myths” are believed. A 32-item questionnaire concerning demographic and clinical correlates of suicidality was administered to 271 college students. Past history of personal suicidal behavior and that of others known to the subjects were also determined. In general, performance was poor with an average score of 59.1 percent, or 18.9 items correctly answered. Subjects with the following characteristics performed best (though still at generally low levels): those with training in suicide prevention or crisis intervention, those with some educational experience about suicide, older students, those with higher college class standing and those enrolled in upper level college courses. In a second study, 49 home health care personnel and 32 individuals being trained to do outreach work with the elderly were given a 16-item subset of the...
A Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis of the Cerebellar Deficit Hypothesis of Dyslexia

Recent evidence suggests that the primary source of dysfunction in dyslexia is the cerebellum. To examine the cerebellar deficit hypothesis of dyslexia, 20 children with dyslexia and 20 children without dyslexia were assessed using neuropsychological testing and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. Results demonstrated that the volumes of both hemispheres and the vermis were not statistically significantly different between groups. However, children without dyslexia demonstrated greater rightward cerebellar hemisphere asymmetry. The relationship between cerebellar morphologic structure and phonological processing was assessed. For children without dyslexia, bilateral hemisphere volume moderately correlated with phonological awareness and phonological short-term memory. Hemisphere asymmetry moderately correlated with rapid naming errors, and the anterior vermis volume moderately correlated with phonological awareness. For children with dyslexia, the only statistically significant correlation was betwee...
A review of the surgical management of breast cancer: plastic reconstructive techniques and timing implications.

The oncologic management of breast cancer has evolved over the past several decades from radical mastectomy to modern-day preservation of chest and breast structures. The increased rate of mastectomies over recent years made breast reconstruction an integral part of the breast cancer management. Plastic surgery now offers patients a wide variety of reconstruction options from primary closure of the skin flaps to performance of microvascular and autologous tissue transplantation. Well-coordinated partnerships between surgical oncologists, plastic surgeons, and patients address concerns of tumor control, cosmesis, and patients’ wishes. The gamut of breast reconstruction options is reviewed, particularly noting state-of-the-art techniques, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of various timing modalities.
Computer simulation to determine how rapid anesthetic recovery protocols to decrease the time for emergence or increase the phase I postanesthesia care unit bypass rate affect staffing of an ambulatory surgery center.

MDDepartment of Anesthesia, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IowaAmbulatory surgery centers (ASC) are implementingnew anesthetic techniques and rapid recovery proto-cols in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) to achieveearlier discharge after general anesthesia. Using com-puter simulation, we addressed two questions. First,what is the decrease in an ASC’s operating room (OR)staffifthetimefromwhichthesurgeryisfinishedtothetime the patient leaves the OR is decreased? Second,what is the decrease in PACU nursing staffing if pa-tients bypass phase I PACU (i.e., proceed from the ORdirectly to the phase II PACU)? The decrease in laborcostsfromrapidemergenceorfast-trackingdependsonhow staff are compensated, how many ORs routinelyrun concurrently, and what percentage of patients un-dergo general anesthesia. The results show potentialdecreases in ASCs’ labor costs ($7.39 per case) fromtechnologies(e.g.,newanestheticsorBispectralIndex
Geometric construction of some families of two-class and three-class association schemes and codes from nondegenerate and degenerate Hermitian varieties

Taking a nondegenerate Hermitian variety as a projective set in a projective plane PG(2,s2), Mesner (1967) derived a two-class association scheme on the points of the affine space of dimension 3, for which the projective plane is the plane at infinity.We generalize his construction in two ways. We show how his construction works both for nondegenerate and degenerate Hermitian varieties in any dimension.We consider a projective space of dimension N, partitioned into an affine space of dimension N and a hyperplane H of dimension N ? 1 at infinity.The points of the hyperplane are next partitioned into 2 or 3 subsets. A pair of points a,b of the affine space is defined to belong to class i if the line ab meets the subset i of H.In the first case, the two subsets of the hyperplane are a nondegenerate Hermitian variety and its complement. In this case, we show that the classification of pairs of affine points defines a family of two-class association schemes. This family of association schemes has the same set of parameters as those derived as restrictions of the Hamming association schemes to two-weight codes defined as linear spans of coordinate vectors of points on a nondegenerate Hermitian variety in a projective space of dimension N ? 1. The relations of these codes to orthogonal arrays and difference sets are described in 5,6].In the second case, the three subsets are the singular point of the variety, the regular points of the variety and the complement of the variety defined by a Hermitian form of rank N ? 1. This leads to a family of three-class association schemes on the points of the affine space. A geometric construction is first given for the case N = 3.Using a general algebraic method pointed out by the referee, we have also derived the three-class association scheme for general N.
Age specific electrophoretic patterns of prostatic fluid.

Abstract Human prostatic fluid contains many distinct proteins that have only been partially characterized. Separations conducted with newer and more sensitive electrophoretic techniques afford an opportunity not only to identify the presence of previously unrecognized proteins but also a means to detect alterations that may occur secondary to aging and disease. Utilizing SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the protein components of expressed prostatic fluid from 106 infection-free patients of varying ages were separated and specific protein bands quantitated by densitometry. Examination of the electrophoretic patterns obtained revealed the separation of only six protein components in sufficient quantity to allow further analysis. The variability of the individual components increased with advancing age. Patients less than 30 years of age had a more stable pattern when compared with those greater than 55 years of age. There did not appear to be any demonstrable difference between those patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic carcinoma. Comparisons of one protein component to another demonstrated significant difference between young and old patients. Analysis of protein concentrations of prostatic fluid failed to reveal any significant differences related either to age or disease. Age specific changes in human prostatic secretions have not been previously described. Further studies are planned to isolate and identify the variable components of prostatic fluid in an effort to gain further understanding of the metabolic alterations associated with aging as well as with benign and malignant growth of the human prostate.
Hydrogen effects on dislocation activity in austenitic stainless steel

Abstract Nanoindentation has been used to study the effect of dissolved hydrogen on the deformation of small volumes for the austenitic stainless steel 21Cr–6Ni–9Mn. Hydrogen reduces the load at which dislocations are nucleated and it is further shown that this is likely due to hydrogen reducing the shear modulus. Slip steps around indentations have been imaged and have shown hydrogen increases slip planarity. This is attributed as the cause of the increase in the measured hardness. Additionally, regions in which slip steps resulted primarily from a single slip plane prior to hydrogen charging exhibited slip steps from two different slip planes after hydrogen charging. This suggests that hydrogen may lower the stress necessary for dislocations to glide on the second slip plane. The increase in slip planarity and activation of slip on additional planes are consistent with the hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity mechanism.
Nurturing R&D in the new electric power regime

The authors argue that technological changes coming in the wake of electric power restructuring will be even greater tan those that have preceded it. They also argue that new means of financing and conducting research and development are urgently needed.
Monoclonal antibodies to three strains of hantaviruses: Hantaan, R22, and Puumala.

Thirty hybrid cell lines that produce monoclonal antibodies to three strains of hantaviruses have been generated and characterized. One clone specific to Hantaan 76–118 strain, four clones specific to Rattus strains and one clone specific to Puumala virus have been identified. Most of the monoclones produced antibodies specific to nucleoproteins. Only two monoclones were found to produce glycoprotein specific, neutralizing antibodies. The immunofluorescent (IFA) staining patterns of the monoclonal antibodies show consistent correlation with viral protein specificities as described for other hemorrhagic fever viruses. Cross-reactivity studies with hantaviruses tested demonstrate conserved antigenic sites on nucleoproteins among these hantaviruses tested. Puumala specific monoclones, produced for the first time, reveal both conserved and strain specific sites on the viral nucleoproteins of the Scandinavian virus.
Modeling of crystallization activation energy for GeTe-Sb2Te3-based phase change materials

In this paper, we modeled the activation energies of GeSbTe type of phase change materials. This model is based on the analysis of the atomic bonding types in the amorphous state and the crystalline state. Both the bond numbers and bond energies were used to calculate the crystallization activation energies. The calculated crystallization activation energies of the as-deposited amorphous states match the experimental data in the literature. We also estimated the crystallization activation energies of the melt-quenched amorphous states for different GeTe-Sb 2 Te 3 phase change materials. The results show that the activation energies of the melt-quenched amorphous state are 0.21~0.48 eV lower than those of the as-deposited amorphous state. This might explain the difference of the crystallization behaviors between the as-deposited and the melt-quenched amorphous states.
Microdroplet dissolution into a second-phase solvent using a micropipet technique: test of the Epstein-Plesset model for an aniline-water system.

The Epstein−Plesset model was originally derived for the dissolution of a single gas bubble in an infinite aqueous solution (Epstein, P. S.; Plesset, M. S. J. Chem. Phys. 1950, 18, 1505−1509). The micropipet manipulation technique was previously shown to test this theory on air microbubbles and air-filled lipid-coated microparticles accurately and appropriately (Duncan, P. B.; Needham, D. Langmuir 2004, 20, 2567−2578). This same theory is now tested to model liquid microdroplet dissolution in a well-defined solution environment. As presented previously for the gas-bubble system, holding a single microparticle at the end of a micropipet was not shown to affect the dissolution profile and allowed isotropic diffusion significantly, a necessary condition for the validation of the theory. Here, an aniline−water system with an initial droplet diameter of 50 μm was used as a model liquid−liquid system. A microdroplet of aniline in an aqueous solution presatureated with aniline at distinct levels was tested, as w...
Does the type of somatosensory information from the contralateral finger touch affect grip force control while lifting an object

The magnitude of grip force used to lift and transport a hand-held object is decreased if a light finger touch from the contralateral arm is provided to the wrist of the target arm. We investigated whether the type of contralateral arm sensory input that became available with the finger touch to the target arm affects the way grip force is reduced. Nine healthy subjects performed the same task of lifting and transporting an instrumented object with no involvement of the contralateral arm and when an index finger touch of the contralateral arm was provided to the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Touching the wrist and elbow involved movements of the contralateral arm; no movements were produced while touching the shoulder. Grip force was reduced by approximately the same amount in all conditions with the finger touch compared to the no touch condition. This suggests that information from the muscle and joint receptors of the contralateral arm is used in control of grip force when a finger touch is provided to the wrist and elbow, and cutaneous information is utilized when lifting an object while touching the shoulder. The results of the study provide additional evidence to support the use of a second arm in the performance of activities of daily living and stress the importance of future studies investigating contralateral arm sensory input in grip force control.
Technological knowledge breadth and depth: performance impacts

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how the depth and breadth of firms' technological knowledge affect their performance.Design/methodology/approach – An empirical investigation of a sample of US manufacturing firms was conducted. The main independent variables were measured using firms' patent data. Three hypotheses based on theory were developed and tested using multivariate regressions. To increase reliability, alternative industry and firm explanators of performance are controlled.Findings – The depth and breadth of technological knowledge, rather than total stock, are significantly better at predicting three measures of firm performance that was used in the study – return on invested capital, sales growth, and Tobin's q. The two knowledge dimensions exhibited either independent non‐linear effects or mutually reinforcing effects on each of the three performance measures.Research limitations/implications – The study is limited to a fine‐grained analysis of effects of technological knowled...
Lanthanide complexes with 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid: solvent organization and coordination geometry in crystalline and amorphous solids

In has been suggested in an earlier report that a 1:2 complex between europium(III) and 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid, Eu(H3HEDP)2, adopts an unexpected coordination geometry in aqueous solution. Thermodynamic and spectroscopic results were interpreted to indicate extensive hydrogen bonding within the complex, and between the complex and the water molecules in its second coordination sphere. In an attempt to confirm some of these features, samples of six amorphous and ten crystalline 1:2 complexes of selected lanthanides with HEDP have been prepared and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. For the heavy lanthanides (Tb---Lu plus Y) the crystals are polymeric chains in which the metal ions are seven-coordinate, five water molecules are dispersed in interlamellar spaces, and the fifth hydrogen ion is bound to a free phosphonate oxygen on HEDP. The structure parameters for Tb(H3HEDP)(H2HEDP){center_dot}5H2O (representative of the heavy lanthanides) are a=10.465, B=11.415, C=17.252 angstroms, {alpha}=17.90, {beta}=94.22, {gamma}=90 degrees and the crystal system is monoclinic. In the corresponding crystalline complexes of the light lanthanides (Eu and Nd), the metal ion is eight-coordinate and the hydration numbers are higher. The fifth hydrogen ion is not closely associated with the phosphonate group in the Eu complex but is bound inmore » the Nd crystal. The crystal indices for [H3O] [Eu(H2HEDP)2]{center_dot}12H2O are a=10.0988, B=11.4846, C=11.9303 Angstroms, {alpha}=99.637, {beta}=91.277, {gamma}=95.828 degrees. The corresponding values for Nd(H3HEDP)(H2HEDP){center_dot}TH2O are a=9.318, B=10.272, C=11.766 Angstroms, {alpha}=91.09, {beta}=111.24, {gamma}=98.50 degrees. Both crystallize in the triclinic crystal system. The amorphous analogs for both light and heavy lanthanides are more strongly hydrate (Ln(H3HEDP)(H2HEDP){center_dot}18H2O). FT-IR spectra confirm that there are no inner sphere water molecules in either the crystalline or amorphous solids, but the water stretching and bending frequencies are proportional to the cation radius in the amorphous species (though not in the crystalline analogs). The crystal position parameters indicate extensive hydrogen bonding between the interstitial water molecules and the bound ligands, and a hydrogen bonding interaction between the bound ligands. Though the polymeric nature of the solids is different from that in solution, the solvent organization features are consistent with the previously postulated structure of the 1:2 complex between Eu(III) and HEDP in aqueous solution.« less
Elucidating Mechanisms of Nucleosome Aggregation: Low Resolution Structure Studies of a Variety of Nucleosome Core Particle Constructs as a Function of Changing Ion Conditions

Nucleosome aggregation and the related process of chromatin condensation are known to be greatly influenced by ion concentration, ion valence, and the presence and charged state of the positively charged histone tails. In particular, previous studies have shown the importance of the H3 and H4 tails to nucleosome aggregation; however, the exact role of these tails in nucleosome-nucleosome attraction has yet to be determined. Using small-angle x-ray scattering, we report on a low-resolution structural study of a variety of nucleosome core particle constructs (wild type as well as H3 and H4 mutants), the response of these constructs to changes in ion concentrations and the implications of these results for current theories of nucleosome packing.
Three-Dimensional Trajectory Optimization Satisfying Waypoint and No-Fly Zone Constraints

To support the U.S. Air Force's global reach concept, a Common Aero Vehicle is being designed to support the global strike mission. Waypoints are specified for reconnaissance or multiple payload deployments and no-fly zones are specified for geopolitical restrictions or threat avoidance. Because of time critical targets and multiple scenario analysis, an autonomous solution is preferred over a time-intensive, manually iterative one. Thus, a real-time or near real-time autonomous trajectory optimization technique is presented to minimize the flight time, satisfy terminal and intermediate constraints, and remain within the specified vehicle heating and control limitations. This research uses the hypersonic cruise vehicle as a simplified two-dimensional platform to compute an optimal analytical solution. An up-and-coming numerical technique is a direct solution method involving discretization and then dualization, with pseudospectral methods and nonlinear programming used to converge to the optimal solution. This numerical technique is first compared to the previously derived 2-D hypersonic cruise vehicle analytical results to demonstrate convergence to the optimal solution. Then, the numerical approach is applied to the 3-D Common Aero Vehicle as the test platform for the flat Earth three-dimensional reentry trajectory optimization problem. The culmination of this research is the verification of the optimality of this proposed numerical technique, as shown for both the two-dimensional and three-dimensional models. Additionally, user implementation strategies are presented to improve accuracy, enhance solution convergence, and facilitate autonomous implementation.
Information genealogy: uncovering the flow of ideas in non-hyperlinked document databases

We now have incrementally-grown databases of text documents ranging back for over a decade in areas ranging from personal email, to news-articles and conference proceedings. While accessing individual documents is easy, methods for overviewing and understanding these collections as a whole are lacking in number and in scope. In this paper, we address one such global analysis task, namely the problem of automatically uncovering how ideas spread through the collection over time. We refer to this problem as Information Genealogy. In contrast to bibliometric methods that are limited to collections with explicit citation structure, we investigate content-based methods requiring only the text and timestamps of the documents. In particular, we propose a language-modeling approach and a likelihood ratio test to detect influence between documents in a statistically well-founded way. Furthermore, we show how this method can be used to infer citation graphs and to identify the most influential documents in the collection. Experiments on the NIPS conference proceedings and the Physics ArXiv show that our method is more effective than methods based on document similarity.
Computation of Bolted Joint Stiffness Using Strain Energy

The joint stiffness of preloaded, bolted connections were determined using strain energy calculations from finite element models. The strain energy method, proposed here, provides a new, more comprehensive method for interpreting results from finite element models than methods used previously. Previous works using finite element models have approximated joint stiffness values by computing the average deflections at the bolt-head-to-member interface and dividing this into the applied load in the bolt. Other works have enforced a uniform deflection at the bolt-head-to-member interface, effectively ignoring the coupled stiffness of the bolt head and abutment. Three-dimensional finite elements were used to model axisymmetric bolted joints. Bolt head geometry was modeled to account for the coupled bending stiffness at the bearing interface. The strain energy method was verified by comparison with previously published results. Results indicate that the strain energy method represents a simple and accurate method for calculating joint stiffness values.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Application of laboratory data to the sputtering of a planetary regolith

The effective yield from a planetary regolith composed of approximately spherical grains is characterized in light of expressions for laboratory sputtering data. In the case of a fully-exposed regolith, the effective yield is of the order of 0.4-1 times the measured yield at normal incidence; the range of variation for this value depends on the nature of the sputtering process employed. These results are applicable to such problems as the magnetospheric plasma sputtering of the outer solar system's icy satellites.
Combined effects of photoperiod and salinity on growth, survival, and osmoregulatory ability of larval southern flounder Paralichthys lethostigma

Abstract The southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma , is an important commercial and recreational marine flatfish that inhabits estuaries and shelf waters in the south Atlantic, from North Carolina through the Gulf coasts, with the exception of south Florida. Because juvenile and adult fish are highly euryhaline, it is a prime candidate for aquaculture. Methods for captive spawning of southern flounder are well developed; however, information on optimal culture requirements of the early larval stages is required for reliable mass production of juveniles. To determine the optimal photoperiod and salinity conditions for culture from hatching to day 15 post-hatching (d15ph), embryos were stocked into black 15-l tanks (75 l −1 ) under four photoperiods (24L:0D, 18L:6D, 12L:12D, and 6L:18D) and two salinities (25 and 34 ppt) in a 4×2 factorial design. Temperature was 18 °C, light intensity was 150 lx, and aeration was 50 ml min −1 . Significant ( P −1 ; and 84% vs. 76% water, respectively), suggesting stress and nonadaptation to 25 ppt, a salinity more nearly isoosmotic than full-strength seawater. Since larvae from both salinity treatments were neutrally or positively buoyant at 34 ppt, but negatively buoyant at 25 ppt, larvae reared at 25 ppt probably allocated energy to maintain vertical positioning, compromising growth and survival. The results demonstrate that growth and survival of early-stage southern flounder larvae are maximized under long photoperiods of 18–24L and in full-strength seawater. Longer photoperiods probably extend the time larvae have for feeding, while full-strength seawater salinity optimizes buoyancy and vertical positioning, conserving energy. The results show that early larval stage southern flounder larvae are not entirely euryhaline, which involves not only the ability to osmoregulate, but to conserve energy under reduced buoyancy. This is consistent with suboptimal vs. maximal growth of larvae reared at 25 and 34 ppt, respectively, under 18L (i.e., photoperiod×salinity interaction). This is also consistent with other reports that tolerance to lower salinities in these euryhaline flatfish increases post-metamorphosis when transition from a pelagic to benthic existence alleviates the need to counteract reduced buoyancy.
Asset stocks and flows in macroeconomic theory: Resolving the ambiguities in the general IS-LM model

In this paper we have critically examined the macroeconomic model developed by Benavie as a generalization of the beginning-of-period model of Tobin and of Patinkin's end-of-period approach. We have focused our attention on the ambiguous effects on income of government spending changes and tax changes that result from this model. Our conclusions are twofold. First, with respect to the effects of government spending on equilibrium income, we find that, if the demand function for money is decreasing in the interest rate, then the effect of government spending onY is unambiguously positive for any value ofφ. The ambiguity discovered by Benavie is a result of his implicit assumption that money has the characteristics of a Giffen good. Second, in the case of the tax ambiguity, we find the source of the problem to be in the particular formulation of Benavie's asset demand functions. Benavie specifies his asset demand functions in such a way that tax changes impinge directly on these demands. If both stock and flow demands depend upon gross income and not taxes, then there isno ambiguity with respect to tax changes regardless of the value ofφ. However, if both stock and flow demands depend upon disposable income, and hence taxes, the effect of tax changes on equilibrium income becomes ambiguous, but again independently of the value ofφ.
Latencies for movement naming with congruent and incongruent word stimuli.

Naming of movement directions was found to be subject to a small but significant amount of interference from incongruent names integrated with the movement stimuli. The delay of direction naming was less than the larga delay of color naming when colors and incongruent color names were combined in the Stroop test. A hypothesis that faster processing of movement directions than of colors is the basis of this difference in interference was tested by beginning the processing of the words at various intervals prior to their movement. No appreciable increase in interference resulted from any of these stationary preexposures of the words. When word preexposures were longest (200 and 300 msec), interference was reduced. The reduced naming interference for movement direction and other dimensions compared to color suggests a basic difference between the central processing of color and other dimensions. Conditions with congruent combination of words and directions provided substantial speeding of direction naming over control conditions.
TGF-β receptor-binding proteins: Complex interactions

Members of the Smad protein family are fundamental downstream mediators of TGF-β signals. However, the basic, linear Smad signaling pathway is unlikely to be the sole contributor to the plethora of cell type-specific TGF-β responses. Investigators have identified a number of molecules that interact with the TGF-β receptors (TβRs) and may explain, at least in part, the tight regulation of TGF-β effects. Understanding these TβR-interacting molecules is thus a matter of great potential significance for elucidating TGF-β-family signal transduction. The present article reviews our current understanding of the roles and mechanisms of action of this relatively understudied group of molecules.
Antimicrobial therapy of otitis media reduces the incidence of mastoiditis.

Otitis media is one of the most common infections of children and can rarely lead to bacteremia, meningitis, and mastoiditis [1]. Most episodes of acute otitis media in children are self-limiting and do not require antibiotic treatment. Although antibiotic use in the management of otitis media is routine in the United States, it is common practice in some countries in Europe to initially treat otitis media symptomatically and institute antimicrobial therapy only if clinical improvement does not occur. The implementation of the “watchful waiting” approach recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of acute otitis media in 2004 [2] contributed to the reduction of antimicrobial use in the treatment of this infection. This option’s premise is that antibiotic treatment of some uncomplicated acute otitis media cases can be deferred if certain criteria are met, including diagnostic certainty and disease severity. The observation option was limited to children 6 months to 2 years of age who are otherwise healthy, with nonsevere illness at presentation, and an uncertain diagnosis, and to children 2 years of age and older with nonsevere symptoms at presentation and an uncertain diagnosis. One of the concerns that was voiced after the introduction of the “watchful waiting” approach was that it would cause an increase the rate of complications following otitis media.
Hooray for Hollywood? The 2011 Golden Globes and Ricky Gervais’ image repair strategies

Abstract British comedian Ricky Gervais created a media stir as host of the 2011 Golden Globes Awards ceremony by using what many celebrities in attendance and people in the television audience saw as harsh, mean-spirited jokes about the awards, guests, and nominees. Four days after the show, Gervais tried to respond to the backlash by appearing on Piers Morgan Tonight to defend his performance and to repair his image. Gervais employed a variety of image repair strategies: denial, evasion of responsibility, minimization, and mortification. He focused most attention on transcendence, inviting his audience to view the awards show and his performance as an artistic pursuit of truth and self-discovery. Ultimately, Gervais failed to adapt to his audience and failed to repair his image.
High-resolution photometry of a thin planetary atmosphere☆

Abstract High-resolution photometry near the limb of a planet can be inverted to yield the scale height and optical depth of the atmosphere if the scattering phase function is known. The method is applied to Mariner IV observations of Mars, assuming a Rayleigh phase function. After making a large correction for scattered light, we find h 0 ≈ 10 km and τ ≈ 0.03 at λ = 0.6 μ . There is some evidence for a dusty layer within a few kilometers of the ground. Better spacecraft data are needed to determine the optical properties of the Martian atmosphere.
String correlation functions in the anisotropic spin-1 Heisenberg chain.

We study the string correlation functions proposed by den Nijs and Rommelse for the S=1 XXZ Hamiltonian by an exact diagonalization method. Using a finite size analysis, we estimate values of the string order parameters in the thermodynamic limit. Using the extrapolated values of the string order parameter we investigate the phase boundary between the two expected phases of the model, namely, the massive Haldane phase and the x-y--like massless phase. In the massless phase the exponent of the string correlation functions on the periodic system seems to be given by dimensions, which normally occur in the operator content of the chain when antiperiodic boundary condition is imposed.