cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ground truthing spatial disaster recovery metrics with participatory mapping in post-Katrina Mississippi

Abstract Quantitative approximations of community-level recovery are a mainstay in disaster science. These longitudinal spatial metrics, which chart the status of housing stock, economic indices, or demographic change post-disaster, aim to make the complex recovery process more understandable. The question remains, however, whether these technical approaches often imposed by outside researchers draw the same conclusions about recovery as do assessments made by community insiders who have lived through the process. To address this question, this study uses participatory mapping as a means to ground truth spatial disaster recovery metrics compiled from secondary data sources. Techniques for collecting, aggregating, and transforming qualitatively mapped data are detailed. Clustering techniques to ready longitudinal recovery metrics for comparison with the participant-derived data are also described. Acknowledging that the best recovery measurements, whether qualitative or quantitative, should validate one another, this paper contributes to geographical scholarship on disasters by providing a method for conducting such cross-validation.
Using Gaia DR2 to Constrain Local Dark Matter Density and Thin Dark Disk

We use stellar kinematics from the latest Gaia data release (DR2) to measure the local dark matter density $\rho_{\rm DM}$ in a heliocentric cylinder of radius $R= 150 \ {\rm pc}$ and half-height $z= 200 \ {\rm pc}$. We also explore the prospect of using our analysis to estimate the DM density in local substructure by setting constraints on the surface density and scale height of a thin dark disk aligned with the baryonic disk and formed due to dark matter self-interaction. Performing the statistical analysis within a Bayesian framework for three types of tracers, we obtain ${\rho_{\rm DM}= 0.016 \pm 0.010}$ M$_\odot$/pc$^3$ for A stars; early G stars give a similar result, while F stars yield a significantly higher value. For a thin dark disk, A stars set the strongest constraint: excluding surface densities (5-12) M$_\odot$/pc$^2$ for scale heights below 100 pc with 95% confidence. Comparing our results with those derived using Tycho-Gaia Astrometric Solution (TGAS) data, we find that the uncertainty in our measurements of the local DM content is dominated by systematic errors that arise from assumptions of our kinematic analysis in the low $z$ region. Furthermore, there will only be a marginal reduction in these uncertainties with more data in the Gaia era. We comment on the robustness of our method and discuss potential improvements for future work.
Systematic Review of Mobile Health Applications in Rehabilitation

Abstract Objective To conduct systematic review to better define how medical mobile applications (apps) have been used in environments relevant to physical medicine and rehabilitation. Data Sources PUBMED, IEEE, ACM Digital Library, SCOPUS, INSPEC, and EMBASE. Study Selection A 10-year date limit was used, spanning publication dates from June 1, 2006, to June 30, 2016. Terms related to physical medicine and rehabilitation as well as mobile apps were used in 10 individual search strategies. Data Extraction Two investigators screened abstracts and applied inclusion and exclusion criteria. Full-length articles were retrieved. Duplicate articles were removed. If a study met all criteria, the article was reviewed in full. Data Synthesis Specific variables of interest were extracted and added to summary tables. Summary tables were used to categorize studies according themes, and a list of app features was generated. Conclusions The search yielded abstracts from 8116 studies, and 102 studies were included in the systematic review. Approximately one-third of the studies evaluated apps as interventions, and the remaining two-thirds of the studies assessed functioning of the app or participant interaction with the app. Some apps may have positive benefits when used to deliver exercise or gait training interventions, as self-management systems, or as measurement tools. Registration The protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) network (no. CRD42016046672).
Design and techno-economic optimization of a rotary chemical looping combustion power plant with CO2 capture

Abstract The rotary chemical looping combustion reactor design - which utilizes oxygen carriers in a matrix of micro channels for indirect fuel conversion - provides a viable path for fossil-based electric power generation with CO2 capture. Its thermally integrated matrix of micro channels minimizes irreversibilities associated with heat transfer in the reactor, and establishes multiscale coupling between oxygen carrier kinetics, reactor geometry and plant operating conditions. In this study, we implement an optimization framework that exploits this multiscale coupling for simultaneous reactor design and power plant economic optimization. Results for the methane-fueled power plant reveal optimized thermal efficiencies of 54–56% for a rotary chemical looping recuperative Brayton cycle plant, with compressor pressure ratio in the 3–7 range. By switching from an efficiency to an economic objective, we identified solutions that reduced electricity cost by about 11%; by performing scaling and technology maturity projections, we show competitive economics for the rotary chemical looping plant with CO2 capture.
Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Outcomes after Amputation.

Background The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has become a prognostic marker for proinflammatory states. It is associated with outcomes in many clinical processes including critical limb ischemia. We sought to identify predictors of amputation failure and mortality, in addition to the role of NLR in patients undergoing above-knee amputations (AKAs) or below-knee amputations (BKAs). Methods All patients undergoing BKA or AKA between 2004 and 2014 at 3 institutions were identified and analyzed (n = 513). Patients were excluded if they did not have a complete blood count with differential within 7 days prior to their operations. Comparison groups were formed between patients requiring unplanned revision and those who did not, and additionally between survivors and nonsurvivors at 30 days postamputation. Patient demographics, intraoperative data, and postoperative courses were compared. A multinomial logistic regression model was created to further compare the groups. Results Four hundred and ten patients were included for analysis, of which 142 (35%) required unplanned revision. Nearly 5% of patients (19/410) died within 30 days of the initial amputation. On univariate analysis, those requiring revision were more likely to be current smokers compared to former smokers (P = 0.004 and P = 0.021, respectively), have a lower ankle–brachial index (ABI) (P = 0.019), and have undergone a BKA (P Conclusions Postoperative elevated NLR, CAD, and CHF are predictors of 30-day mortality in patients undergoing major limb amputation, while CHF, elevated ABI, and high BMI are predictors of revision. This study suggests that NLR may have a role as a biomarker for poor outcomes in patients with underlying peripheral vascular disease and warrants further investigation.
Religious Sources of Defence-Spending Attitudes in the United States and the Case of Evangelical Distinctiveness

Conventional wisdom suggests religious affiliation—especially evangelical identity—is directly instrumental in driving a distinct set of foreign policy preferences in the United States. I test this...
Molecular Evolution: RNA Splicing Machinery Moonlights in Junk Removal.

Summary A close relative of vertebrates solves the problem of gene-disrupting transposable element insertions by splicing them out at the RNA level. Why is such an elegant solution so rare across eukaryotes?
The Founding Father Was a Mother 50 Years Ago

(1996). The Founding Father Was a Mother 50 Years Ago! Hospitality & Tourism Educator: Vol. 8, No. 2-3, pp. 57-59.
Covalently functionalized uniform amino-silica nanoparticles. Synthesis and validation of amine group accessibility and stability

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of colloidally stable, 18 nm silica nanoparticles that are functionalized with amine groups. Electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and dynamic light scattering show the amine grafting does not impact particle size. SAXS and DLS confirm the particles do not aggregate at 10 mg mL−1 and pH 2 for 30 days. Ninhydrin analysis, fluorescamine binding, and NMR studies of carboxylic acid binding show that the amines are present on the surface and accessible with maximum loading calculated to be 0.14 mmol g−1. These materials should find a range of use in nanotechnology applications.
Systems Science of Secure and Resilient Cyberphysical Systems

We are in the midst of a pervasive, profound shift in the way humans engineer physical systems and manage their physical environment using networking and IT. Because of these disruptive changes, physical systems can now be attacked through cyberspace, and cyberspace can be attacked through physical means.
Clearing the Bench: Using Mandatory Retirement to Promote Gender Parity in the U.S. and the EU Judiciaries

Many European Union (“EU”) countries have been particularly adept at implementing antidiscrimination laws that go beyond merely promoting gender diversity, but also toward obtaining gender parity in some areas. These laws, directives, and policies, along with other factors, have expanded the representation of women in the legal profession generally and specifically in the ranks of professional judge positions, such that women constitute a majority, however slight, of judges throughout the EU. On a parallel track, the EU Council Directive 2000/78/EC prohibits discrimination based on age. It allows member states to fix a minimum age for certain benefits, and maximum ages for recruitment, such as when justified based on the amount of training needed to embark on a profession, as well as compulsory retirement ages. This article is a comparative analysis of the gender demographics of judges in both systems, examining the various rationales for enhancing gender diversity and inclusion. It provides an overview of mandatory retirement policies in the United States, and the EU, and their specific application to judges. The article then examines how to justify mandatory retirement ages for judges, and the role such limits can play in promoting gender parity in the judiciary. The paper concludes with a discussion of the policy implications of using age discrimination to promote gender diversity and inclusion.
Restoring riparian forests according to existing regulations could greatly improve connectivity for forest fauna in Chile

Abstract Habitat connectivity is essential to facilitate species movement across fragmented landscapes, but hard to achieve at broad scales. The enforcement of existing land use policies could improve habitat connectivity, while providing legal support for implementation. Our goal was to evaluate how forest connectivity is affected if forests are restored according to existing riparian buffer regulations in Chile. We simulated forest restoration within 30 and 200 m of rivers in 99 large watersheds, following two sections of the forest regulation. We mapped habitat for two model forest species that have different minimum habitat sizes (15 and 30 ha), and for each we identified forest habitats and corridors using image morphology analysis. To quantify change in connectivity, we used a network graph index, the Relative Equivalent Connected Area. We found that both 30- and 200-m riparian buffers could have a positive effect on habitat connectivity. The 200-m buffers increased connectivity the most where forest cover was 20–40% (40% mean increase in connectivity index), while the 30-m buffers increased connectivity the most where forest cover was 40–60% (30% mean increase in connectivity index). The effect of riparian restoration scenarios was similar for both model species, suggesting that effective implementation of existing forest regulation could improve connectivity for fauna with a range of minimum habitat size requirements. Our findings also suggest that there is some flexibility in the buffer sizes that, if restored, would increase habitat connectivity. This flexibility could help ease the social and economic cost of implementing habitat restoration in productive lands.
Modeled economic potential for Eucalyptus spp. production for jet fuel additives in the United States

Abstract Feedstock price and availability remain a barrier to adoption of cellulosic biofuels. Eucalyptus spp., can produce an energy-dense terpene suitable for high-density synthetic hydrocarbon-type fuel (grade JP-10) production in addition to cellulosic-based feedstock for traditional jet fuels (e.g., grade Jet A) and gasoline. This study modeled economic potential for Eucalyptus to fulfill US fuel markets. Cold-tolerant Eucalyptus was simulated in an annual coppice system for maximized leaf production. Results of the lowest simulated price ($110 t−1) show that within 10 years, there is potential to produce 204 million L yr−1 of fuel, including 51 million L yr−1 of JP-10-type fuel, 75 million L yr−1 of Jet A type fuel, and 77 million L yr−1 of gasoline. These quantities of fuel could be valued at approximately $500 million (USD), with feedstock costs totaling approximately $100 million (USD). Longer-term markets (to 20 years) or higher priced (to $220 t−1) scenarios show potential for more production. Research to determine potential for genetic improvement, delivered fuel costs, and biorefinery siting near existing infrastructure is recommended.
Evaluation of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitor Use in Hospitalized Patients With Diabetes.

Background:Glycemic control within goal blood glucose (BG) ranges is essential to minimize hospital complications for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Optimal treatment in the non–int...
Privacy challenges in wireless communications of the Internet of Things

Also known as the Internet of Things (IoT), the proliferation of connected objects offers unprecedented opportunities to consumers. From fitness trackers to medical assistants, through smarthome appliances, the IoT objects are evolving in a plethora of application fields. However, the benefits that they can bring to our society increase along with their privacy implications. Continuously communicating valuable information via wireless links such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, those connected devices support their owners within their activities. Most of the time emitted on open channels, and sometimes in the absence of encryption, those information are then easily accessible to any passive attacker in range. In this thesis, we explore two major privacy concerns resulting from the expansion of the IoT and its wireless communications: physical tracking and inference of users information. Based on two large datasets composed of radio signals from Bluetooth/BLE devices, we first defeat existing anti-tracking features prior to detail several privacy invasive applications. Relying on passive and active attacks, we also demonstrate that broadcasted messages contain cleartext information ranging from the devices technical characteristics to personal data of the users such as e-mail addresses and phone numbers. In a second time, we design practical countermeasures to address the identified privacy issues. In this direction, we provide recommendations to manufacturers, and propose an approach to verify the absence of flaws in the implementation of their protocols. Finally, to further illustrate the investigated privacy threats, we implement two demonstrators. As a result, Venom introduces a visual and experimental physical tracking system, while Himiko proposes a human interface allowing to infer information on IoT devices and their owners.
Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Profiles of Neurodevelopmental Disorder Genes in Mouse Placenta and Fetal Brain Following Prenatal Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls

Background: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are developmental neurotoxicants implicated as environmental risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Objective: We examined the effects of prenatal exposure to a human-relevant mixture of PCBs on the DNA methylome of fetal mouse brain and placenta to determine if there was a shared subset of differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Methods: A PCB mixture formulated to model the 12 most abundant congeners detected in the serum of pregnant women from a prospective high-risk ASD cohort was administered to female mice prior to and during pregnancy. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) was performed to assess genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of placenta and brain on gestational day 18. Results: We found thousands of significant (empirical p 2.4, q < 0.003) enriched for bivalent chromatin marks. The placenta and brain PCB DMRs overlapped significantly (Z-score = 4.5, p = 0.0001) by genomic coordinate and mapped to a shared subset of genes significantly (q < 0.05) enriched for Wnt signaling, Slit/Robo signaling, and genes differentially expressed in multiple NDD/ASD models. The placenta and brain DMRs also significantly (q < 0.05) overlapped by genomic coordinate with brain samples from humans with Rett syndrome and Dup15q syndrome. Discussion: These results demonstrate that placenta can be used as a surrogate for embryonic brain DNA methylation changes over genes relevant to NDD/ASD in a mouse model of prenatal PCB exposure.
Construction Innovations in Reclamation Work

New techniques being employed in constructing Bureau of Reclamation structures and facilities in the 17 western states are described. In meeting future challenges, the engineering profession and construction industry must devise new construction techniques to accomplish work economically and expeditiously, and use their technologies and experience to provide an improved environment reflecting the relationship of man to his needs and the high standard of living enjoyed in this country. The resourcefulness and skills of engineers and contractors will be challenged as water resourced projects grow in magnitude and complexity and as the Nation’s needs for water continue to mount.
Effect of inhaled nitric oxide on pulmonary function after sepsis in a swine model.

Abstract : SEPSIS, A CONDITION that significantly affects the out come of severely injured patients, is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response that is mediated by various cytokines and activated leukocytes.' Pulmonary dysfunction as indexed by pulmonary arterial hyper- tension, decreasing compliance, and VA/Q mismatching leading to hypoxemia is a common sequeis of sepsis. The exact mechanism by which sepsis affects the pulmonary system is unknown. Activation of both leukocytes and endothelial cells in concert with the release of various compounds results in pulmonary vasoconstriction and increased vascular permeability leading to pulmonary failure, which often necessitates ventilatory support. 3 Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) has been reported to act as a selective pulmonary vasodilator without causing systemic vasodilation. This effect has been shown in various animal models of pulmonary arterial hypertension including those induced by thromboxane analogues, hypoxemia, and endotoxemia.The hypoxemia that accompanies endotoxemia has also been improved by NO.5 These beneficial effects of NO have been documented in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), congenital heart failure, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. JMD
"Do not (mis-)adjust your set": maintaining specimen detail in the video microscope.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the practical aspects of adjusting a video camera and a monitor to prevent the loss of specimen image gray-level information. To maximize the amount of specimen information that is displayed on the video monitor or recorded in electronic format, all components of the video microscopy imaging system must be optimized: microscope, camera coupling to the microscope, camera, image processing system, and monitor. Failure to properly control any of these links in the integrated imaging system inevitably leads to the loss of specimen detail.
Training Japanese listeners to perceive American English vowels: influence of training sets.

Purpose Studies on speech perception training have shown that adult 2nd language learners can learn to perceive non-native consonant contrasts through laboratory training. However, research on perc...
EFFECT OF RELATIVE HUMIDITY, TEMPERATURE AND LENGTH OF STORAGE ON DECAY AND QUALITY OF POTATOES AND ONIONS

Long term storage tests at 0–10°C indicated that for potatoes the optimum relative humidity was 98–100%, whereas for onions a lower humidity was required. For potatoes, the high relative humidity minimized moisture loss, generally reduced decay and maintained firmness and a thin skin. While onions stored at 98–100% RH were firmer and juicier than those held at 75–95% RH, decay was generally greater and the surface layers were not as light and crisp. Sample size (from 1 bu to 11/2 tons) did not affect results. With the larger samples, a study of temperature, relative humidity and air movement in the stored produce was also made.
Practical calculations of quantum breakup cross sections

The Schr\"odinger equation is solved numerically using the method of exterior complex scaling for several models of the breakup of an atom by electron impact. Using the accurate wave functions thereby obtained for these model problems, several well-known integral expressions for quantum-mechanical breakup amplitudes are tested. It is shown that some formally correct integral expressions for the breakup amplitudes can yield numerically unstable or poorly convergent results. Calculations are presented for a case with simple exponential potentials and a case in which a metastable state of the target, analogous to an autoionizing state, can decay into the breakup channel. For cases involving only short-range (non-Coulomb) interactions, alternative expressions can be found that are stable in calculations of practical scale.
Positive Psychology and Attachment: Positive Affect as a Mediator of Developmental Outcomes

Fredrickson’s (1998) broaden-and-build model and Bowlby’s (1969) attachment theory provide alternate explanations for positive cognitive, social, physical, and psychological outcomes, positive affect and secure attachments, respectively. This study examined whether affect mediates the relationship between attachment and positive outcomes. The sample consisted of 99 undergraduate students from a small, public liberal arts college in the mid-Atlantic region. For people high in attachment anxiety, but not those high in attachment avoidance, affect partially mediated social and psychological outcomes and fully mediated health outcomes. People who scored high in attachment anxiety reported less positive affect and more negative affect, which results in poorer social, physical, and psychological outcomes than those with lower levels of attachment anxiety. Perhaps children with caregivers who are more responsive to their needs experience more positive affect; and, it is the experience of positive affect that yields developmental advantages.
A rapid method for detection of influenza virus during epidemics.

SummaryA rapid method for the detection of influenza virus in throat washings during epidemics is described and discussed. Essentially this method consists of concentrating and eluting the virus by red cell adsorption and then neutralizing with specific antisera.
Falstaff's Body, the Body Politic, and the Body of Trade

Abstract The metaphor of the body was at the heart of the symbolic order in early modern England; it forged a language of intersubjectivity that enabled people to see the concrete particulars of experience and the sacrifices and pleasures of everyday life as part of a social totality. Using Falstaff's comic paean to sack in act 4, scene 2, of Henry IV, Part Two as a focal point, this essay argues that the debauched knight calls somatic theories of society into question. Examining metaphors of the body of trade and the body politic, the essay places Falstaff in the context of global trade and argues that his body is a synecdoche for the marketplace.
The stratified composition of inorganic submicron particles produced during coal combustion

The submicron particles, produced by the combustion of a Montana lignite in twenty percent oxygen at furnace temperature of 1700 K were characterized. The particles are found to consist of a core of magnesium and iron oxides with an inner coating of silica and an outer coating of sodium, arsenic, and other trace metals. The silicon and trace, species show an increase in concentration with decreasing particle size in the submicron range (≤400 angstroms). The experimental results can be explained by a model in which MgO nucleates homogeneously in the boundary layer of a burning coal particle and coalesces to a primary particle size of 160 angstroms. Silicon deposition subsequently occurs as a probable consequence of the low rate of oxidation of the SiO vapors released by the burning coal particle. Volatile trance species condense on the outer surface when the combustion products are quenched.
Experimental evaluation of the effect of humidification on the performaance of PEM fuel cell stack

Humidification of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) is needed to prevent the electrolyte from drying out, and prevents the flow of protons through the electrolyte and membranes. Humidifying either electrodes or both is expected to affect the performance enhancement of these cells. In order to establish this effect, an experimental study is conducted on a four-cell stack with an active cell area of 140 cm2 and a built-in, membrane humidifier on the cathode side to analyze how humidifying just the cathode side of the stack varies from humidifying both the cathode and anode sides. A multi-station test bench and a humidification bottle are used to evaluate how varying the humidification on both electrodes affects the performance of the stack. Tests are conducted at various loads and a constant dew-point temperature first without the humidification bottle on the anode side, and then with the bottle to evaluate how humidification of both electrodes affects the fuel cell stack. Various polarization curves are established from the experimental data, and the relationship between different dew-point temperatures and humidifying both electrodes is determined graphically. The effect of varying current densities and corresponding voltages is also investigated from the experimental data.
Temperature and frequency dependence of longitudinal proton relaxation times in sonicated lecithin dispersions.

Abstract The temperature dependence of the longitudinal relaxation time, T 1 for various protons in sonicated dipalmitoyllecithin vesicles at 60 and 220 MHz are compared. In order to qualitatively explain the frequency dependence of T 1 values the anisotropy of motion of individual protons in the phospholipid molecule must be explicitly taken into account. The difficulties in interpreting NMR relaxation times in terms of specific motions in the phospholipid molecule are discussed.
The Tempe volcanic province of Mars and comparisons with the Snake River Plains of Idaho

The Tempe volcanic region of Mars, a relatively low plain of probable basaltic flood lava affinity, is shown to be comparable in many respects to features of the Snake River Plains of Idaho, including both scale and type of features observed. Superimposed upon the Tempe plain are a variety of features that appear structurally controlled, along an orientation of N60 deg E; comprising low shields, irregular hills that may be silicic domes, and possible composite cones. The Tempe/Snake River match is held to be the first in which direct comparison can be made between Martian and terrestrial geologic-geomorphic features without encountering problems of scale.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs--the clinical dilemmas.

Physicians using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are concerned that effective anti-inflammatory doses cause few gastrointestinal side effects. Among the causes of discontinuing therapy, upper gastrointestinal symptoms and the development of ‘ulcer’ complications are major concerns; endoscopic findings in asymptomatic users are not. Initial symptoms, poorly correlated with endoscopic findings, are relieved by anti-ulcer drugs and ameliorate with time of NSAID use in most patients. Symptoms accompanied by epigastric tenderness, or unrelieved by H2 antagonists, or resulting in cessation of NSAID therapy are more predictive of underlying ulcers. Complications probably arise in several ways, including as hemorrhages due to interference with platelet function, and as complications due to exacerbations of underlying ulcer disease or of ulcers caused by the NSAIDs. Pathogenesis and effective prophylaxis (yet to be established) may therefore vary in different patients, a clinical dilemma.
Equatorial solitary waves Part 4. Kelvin solitons in a shear flow

Abstract It is shown that a mean flow with shear makes the Kelvin wave dispersive. This in turn modifies its nonlinear behavior and makes it necessary to replace the one-dimensional advection equation derived in an earlier work of the author's by the Korteweg-deVries equation instead. The frontogenesis predicted in the earlier paper will still occur, but the wave breaking will not. Instead, once a steep front has formed, it will disintegrate into a train of solitary waves. These then propagate towards the east at a faster-than-linear rate. It is also shown that Kelvin solitary waves will have much smaller zonal widths than Rossby solitons of the same height; “round” Kelvin solitary waves (equal zonal and latitudinal width) are to be expected, and are fully consistent with the small amplitude, weak dispersion theory. An interesting implication of the Korteweg-deVries model is that the peak signal from a nonlinear Kelvin wave packet may be roughly double that of a linear Kelvin wavetrain.
EQUILIBRIUM AND METASTABLE PHASE DIAGRAMS FOR ISLAND SELF-ORGANIZATION IN SELECTIVE AREA EPITAXY

An energetic model is used to understand the mechanics of Stranski–Krastanow epitaxial systems constrained to grow on a finite area of a substrate. The model is representative of physical systems that include selective area epitaxy and growth on patterned substrate features such as raised mesas and etched pits. By considering only strain energy, isotropic surface energy, wetting layer potential energy and the geometric constraints of the system, equilibrium configurations consisting of a single island, multiple islands or no islands can be obtained depending on the dimensions of the growth area. These results are in contrast to growth on a substrate of infinite dimensions where the minimum energy configuration of systems with deposited volumes beyond the wetting layer transition thickness is a single large island on top of the wetting layer. It is therefore concluded that growth on a finite area can suppress island coarsening and result in minimum energy configurations consisting of multiple self-organized islands of uniform size and shape. Qualitative comparisons are made to experimental results from literature, and are shown to have good agreement.
Evaluation of the Informed Consent Process of a Multicenter Tuberculosis Treatment Trial

Background: Ethical principles obligate researchers to maximize study participants’ comprehension during the informed consent process for clinical trials. A pilot evaluation of the consent process was conducted during an international clinical trial of treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis to assess the feasibility of conducting an evaluation in a larger population and to guide these future efforts. Methods: Study staff administered an informed consent assessment tool (ICAT) to a convenience sample of trial participants, measuring comprehension of consent components as derived from the Common Rule and FDA Title 21 Part 50, and satisfaction with the process. Participating site staff completed a consent process questionnaire about consent practices at their respective sites and provided improvement recommendations. ICAT scores and corresponding practices were compared where both were completed. Results: ICATs (n = 54) were submitted from one site in Spain (n = 10), one in Uganda (n = 30), and five in the Uni...
The Structure of the Alzheimer Amyloid β 10-35 Peptide Probed through Replica-Exchange Molecular Dynamics Simulations in Explicit Solvent

The conformational states sampled by the Alzheimer amyloid β (10-35) (Aβ 10-35) peptide were probed using replica-exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) simulations in explicit solvent. The Aβ 10-35 peptide is a fragment of the full-length Aβ 40/42 peptide that possesses many of the amyloidogenic properties of its full-length counterpart. Under physiological temperature and pressure, our simulations reveal that the Aβ 10-35 peptide does not possess a single unique folded state. Rather, this peptide exists as a mixture of collapsed globular states that remain in rapid dynamic equilibrium with each other. This conformational ensemble is dominated by random coil and bend structures with insignificant presence of an α-helical or β-sheet structure. The 3D structure of Aβ 10-35 is seen to be defined by a salt bridge formed between the side-chains of K28 and D23. This salt bridge is also observed in Aβ fibrils and our simulations suggest that monomeric conformations of Aβ 10-35 contain pre-folded structural motifs that promote rapid aggregation of this peptide.
Tolerance of MRI procedures by the oldest old

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and discomfort of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures in the oldest-old subjects (age N90 years) using a survey design in a university-affiliated neuroimaging research center. Participants: Forty-one community-dwelling, elderly subjects were considered for participation. Twenty-nine of them underwent voluntary, extensive MRI scanning (up to 1 h) as part of a project on brain function in the oldest old. Thirteen oldest old (OO, range 90–93 years, mean 92 years) were compared to 16 young old (YO, range 72–80 years, mean 76 years). Measurements: Likert-style questionnaire on satisfaction following extensive MRI scanning session (up to 1 h) was administered. Data were analyzed by an analysis of variance (gender by age group). Results: All subjects reported positive experiences with no significant difficulties or concerns. There were minor differences in some rated items, with the OO and males slightly less comfortable than YO and females, respectively. Overall, the OO tolerated the procedures as well as the YO. Conclusion: Very long MRI sessions are feasible, even in the oldest-old subjects, and are not associated with any significant discomfort. Prior screening and thorough education of the subjects probably help to minimize anxiety and dropout.
Intra-fuel cell stack measurements of transient concentration distributions

Intra-fuel-cell measurements are required to understand detailed fuel-cell chemistry and physics, validate models, optimize system design and control, and realize enhanced efficiency regimes; in comparison, conventional integrated fuel-cell supply and effluent measurements are fundamentally limited in value. Intra-reactor measurements are needed for all fuel cell types. This paper demonstrates the ability of a capillary-inlet mass spectrometer to resolve transient species distributions within operating polymer-electrolyte-membrane (PEM) fuel cells and at temperatures typical of solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC). This is the first such demonstration of a diagnostic that is sufficiently minimally invasive as to allow measurements throughout an operating fuel cell stack. Measurements of transient water, hydrogen, oxygen and diluent concentration dynamics associated with fuel-cell load switching suggest oxygen-limited chemistry. Intra-PEM fuel cell measurements of oxygen distribution at various fuel-cell loads are used to demonstrate concentration gradients, non-uniformities, and anomalous fuel cell operation.
Efficiency of 3 single-harvest tests for evaluation of yield in pickling cucumber

Three rapid tests for measuring yield (small plots harvested once-over, and single plants harvested at the green and at the mature fruit stage) of pickling cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) were evaluated for efficiency compared with the standard multiple-harvest trial with 2 or 3 replications and large plots. Fifteen genotypes were tested in 1981 and 18 in 1982 to determine the correlation among the 4 methods. In 1981, single plants were tested at 4 densities to evaluate the effect of using spaced or crowded plantings in selecting for yield. The spaced and crowded plantings were less efficient than the standard density, but none of the single-plant tests run in 1981 or 1982 were more efficient than the standard method in measuring yield. The most efficient method was 1, 2 or 3 replications of small-plots harvested once-over at green fruit stage, with 160% more gain from selection expected than for the replicated, multiple-harvest trial.
Parasitism by Trichogramma spp. (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in Relation to Nantucket Pine Tip Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Egg Density and Location

Patterns of parasitism by Trichogramma spp. relative to density and location of Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock), eggs were examined during 1994 in a 13-ha, 2-yr-old Pinus taeda L. plantation in northeastern Georgia. Egg densities were adjusted by temporarily enclosing trees in fine mesh screen cages and introducing different numbers of tip moths. After exposing eggs to naturally occurring parasitoids, all shoots were removed, and eggs were counted and evaluated for parasitism. Tip moth egg densities ranged from 203 to 2,579 per tree for the spring generation, and from 1 to 89 per tree for the summer generation. Tip moths deposited significantly greater numbers of eggs on needles than shoots on high-versus low-egg-density trees. Overall parasitism rates were 37.2 and 43.3% for spring- and summer-generation eggs, respectively. Parasitism was density independent at the whole-tree level in both generations, but spring-generation parasitism was strongly inversely density dependent in the top whorl. Numbers of eggs per needle fascicle ranged from 1 to 15 for spring-generation trees. Actual numbers of parasitized eggs per discovered fascicle (one on which parasitism occurred) increased with egg density, but the percentage of parasitized eggs decreased. Egg density had no effect on fascicle discovery. These factors produced an inversely density-dependent relationship between egg parasitism and density at the fascicle level. Eggs located on shoots suffered significantly greater parasitism rates than those on needles. Implications of these results are discussed.
Utility of Skin Biopsy in the Diagnosis of IgA Nephropathy

Thirty-seven patients with the diagnosis of IgA nephropathy were evaluated with punch skin biopsies of non-sun exposed skin. Biopsies were performed regardless of clinical activity. Biopsies were positive for IgA immuno-fluorescence in two patients. In an effort to enhance positivity of biopsies, patients were pretreated with 0.1 mL of histamine and then repeat biopsies were performed on 14 patients with previously negative skin biopsies. All 14 patients had negative repeat skin biopsies for IgA immunofluorescence. A review of the literature revealed 76 positive skin biopsies in a total of 138 patients with IgA nephropathy. Positive skin biopsies were also reported in 169 of 510 patients with other renal diseases. We conclude that a 4 mm punch skin biopsy with or without histamine is an insensitive and non-specific test for diagnosing IgA nephropathy.
Paramagnetic Scattering of Neutrons from a Heisenberg System

The neutron paramagnetic scattering function for a Heisenberg system is evaluated in the high-temperature limit and in the cluster model. The numerical results for several different cluster configurations are presented for various values of scattering vector. The scattering function for a simple cubic lattice with spin \textonehalf{} is compared with the frequency distribution functions derived from the method of moments by de Gennes and by Collins and Marshall.
Sub-micron dispersed-phase particle size in polymer blends: overcoming the Taylor limit via solid-state shear pulverization

Abstract A comparison was made of the fineness of dispersion in immiscible polymer blends achieved by a continuous mechanical alloying technique, solid-state shear pulverization, relative to that achieved by melt mixing. Two polymer blend systems were investigated. A polystyrene (PS)/polyethylene (PE) wax blend was studied because, based on a classic analysis by G.I. Taylor, melt mixing was expected to yield a number-average dispersed-phase domain size, D n , well above 1 μm. A PS/high density polyethylene (HDPE) blend was also studied because it was known to produce a sub-micron number-average dispersed-phase particle size when mixed by twin-screw extrusion. In the case of the PS/PE wax blend at compositions ranging from 1 to 15 wt% polyethylene wax, pulverization resulted in nearly identical D n values (typical value of 0.7 μm) independent of minor-phase content; these D n values were an order of magnitude smaller than the anticipated Taylor limit for melt-mixed blends. In contrast, PS/PE wax blends made by batch, intensive melt mixing yielded D n values between ∼3 μm at both 1 and 5 wt% minor-phase content and 17.5 μm at 15 wt% minor-phase content. The increase in D n with increasing dispersed-phase content in the melt-mixed blend is a consequence of coalescence present during melt processing; such effects are disallowed in the pulverization process occurring in the solid state. Scanning electron microscopy of a 95/5 wt% PS/HDPE blend provided D n values of 500 and 270 nm in the twin-screw extruded and pulverized samples, respectively. Fractionated crystallization studies further corroborated the ability of pulverization to result in a finer, nanoscopic dispersion of the minor phase as compared to extrusion.
EFFECT OF SECONDARY INJECTIONS OF ANTIGEN UPON THE RETENTION IN LIVER OF A PRIMARY INJECTION

The retention of antigen in rabbit liver tissue, resulting from a primary intravenous injection, is influenced by immunization brought about by subsequent intravenous injections of the same antigen. In rabbits given a single primary intravenous injection of radioactive antigen, the retention of radioactivity in liver tissue, after a period of 21 days, was greater than when the primary injection was followed by secondary injections of the same, but non-radioactive antigen. The results were similar for both S^(35)-azohemocyanin and S^(35)-azo-bovine-serum-albumin, except the hemocyanin was retained to a greater extent than the albumin. There was very little if any correlation between the number of secondary injections and retention of the initial injection. Quantitative antibody nitrogen data, obtained for the serum of each rabbit showed, in general, an inverse relationship between circulating antibody and radioactivity retained, i.e. the higher the circulating antibody titer, the lower the retention of radioactivity in liver tissue. Passively administered homologous antibody did not produce a change in the retention of the primary injection of antigen nor did secondary injections of a heterologous native protein injected according to the same immunization schedule as the homologous azoprotein. From these results it may be concluded that an intracellular antibody-forming activity influences the loss (or retention) of antigen deposited in liver tissue and that the mechanism is immunologically specific.
Is Time Money? Media Expenditures in Economic and Technological Turbulence

Recent years have seen changing and shifting technologies as well as an uncertain economic climate. This research focuses on how audiences have reacted to these shifts, using a number of different ...
A qualitative analysis of adult incest survivors' responses to sexual involvement with therapists.

Six women who had histories of incest and had been sexually involved with therapists participated in qualitative research employing semi-structured, open-ended interviews. Transcribed interviews were content analyzed for recurrent regularities in topics, themes, events, and dynamics. Following content and cluster analyses of interviews, three overall themes emerged that appeared most salient in attempting to understand the development and maintenance of therapeutic relationships in which incest survivors experienced additional abuse. The themes were (1) early environment that prohibited the development of a sense of "personhood" in incest survivors, (2) repeated experiences of depersonalization inside and outside of therapy that reinforced a state of non-personhood, and (3) adoption of a "surrender pattern" to cope with violations, including therapist violations. Language: en
Engrailed (Gln50→Lys) homeodomain–DNA complex at 1.9 Å resolution: structural basis for enhanced affinity and altered specificity

Abstract Background: The homeodomain is one of the key DNA-binding motifs used in eukaryotic gene regulation, and homeodomain proteins play critical roles in development. The residue at position 50 of many homeodomains appears to determine the differential DNA-binding specificity, helping to distinguish among binding sites of the form TAAT NN . However, the precise role(s) of residue 50 in the differential recognition of alternative sites has not been clear. None of the previously determined structures of homeodomain–DNA complexes has shown evidence for a stable hydrogen bond between residue 50 and a base, and there has been much discussion, based in part on NMR studies, about the potential importance of water-mediated contacts. This study was initiated to help clarify some of these issues. Results: The crystal structure of a complex containing the engrailed Gln50→Lys variant (QK50) with its optimal binding site TAAT CC (versus TAAT TA for the wild-type protein) has been determined at 1.9 A resolution. The overall structure of the QK50 variant is very similar to that of the wild-type complex, but the sidechain of Lys50 projects directly into the major groove and makes several hydrogen bonds to the O6 and N7 atoms of the guanines at base pairs 5 and 6. Lys50 also makes an additional water-mediated contact with the guanine at base pair 5 and has an alternative conformation that allows a hydrogen bond with the O4 of the thymine at base pair 4. Conclusions: The structural context provided by the folding and docking of the engrailed homeodomain allows Lys50 to make remarkably favorable contacts with the guanines at base pairs 5 and 6 of the binding site. Although many different residues occur at position 50 in different homeodomains, and although numerous position 50 variants have been constructed, the most striking examples of altered specificity usually involve introducing or removing a lysine sidechain from position 50. This high-resolution structure also confirms the critical role of Asn51 in homeodomain–DNA recognition and further clarifies the roles of water molecules near residues 50 and 51.