cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ocular injury from the venom of the Southern walkingstick.

Abstract Purpose To report a case of severe conjunctival and corneal epithelial defects resulting from exposure to the venom of the Southern walkingstick, Anisomorpha buprestoides . Design Case report. Intervention The patient was treated with cyclopentolate 1% and underwent daily examinations until the corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects resolved. Main outcome measure Resolution of corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects. Results The corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects slowly resolved over 6 days. Visual acuity improved to 20/20 in the affected eye. No residual corneal scarring was evident. Conclusions Slowly resolving corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects can occur from direct contact with the venom from the Southern walkingstick, A. buprestoides ; therefore, this insect should be approached with caution.
Multi-objective genetic algorithm for the automated planning of a wireless sensor network to monitor a critical facility

This paper examines the optimal placement of nodes for a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) designed to monitor a critical facility in a hostile region. The sensors are dropped from an aircraft, and they must be connected (directly or via hops) to a High Energy Communication Node (HECN), which serves as a relay from the ground to a satellite or a high-altitude aircraft. The sensors are assumed to have fixed communication and sensing ranges. The facility is modeled as circular and served by two roads. This simple model is used to benchmark the performance of the optimizer (a Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm, or MOGA) in creating WSN designs that provide clear assessments of movements in and out of the facility, while minimizing both the likelihood of sensors being discovered and the number of sensors to be dropped. The algorithm is also tested on two other scenarios; in the first one the WSN must detect movements in and out of a circular area, and in the second one it must cover uniformly a square region. The MOGA is shown again to perform well on those scenarios, which shows its flexibility and possible application to more complex mission scenarios with multiple and diverse targets of observation.
Detection of small targets in compressed imagery: II. Performance of advanced edge detectors, morphological operations, and component labeling over VQ- and VPIC-compressed imagery

In this paper, we discuss methods of enhancing such compressive edge detectors to achieve greater accuracy, then derive morphological operations of erosion and dilation with the von Neumann template over VQ- and VPIC-compressed Boolean imagery. Additional analysis pertains to the formulation and testing of compressive component labeling algorithms. Analyses include a model of computational complexity as well as theoretical and experimental assessment of information loss incurred by computing over lossy compressed imagery. We show that numerous operations over VPIC-compressed imagery can be implemented in terms of one invocation per compressed pixel of a small lookup table. This facilitates fast computation on workstations and parallel processors, which our algorithms are designed to support.
Human and Organization Errors in Reliability of Offshore Structures

This paper addresses human and organization errors (HOE) in the context of quantitative reliability analyses (QRA) that are intended to help improve the quality of offshore structures. A classification of HOE is proposed that addresses individual, organization, equipment/hardware, procedures/software, and environmental considerations. A generic process to address the life-cycle quality characteristics of offshore structures incorporating HOE is discussed. Based on these developments, a probability-based risk analysis is developed that addresses HOE in addition to the structure system aspects. Alternatives for improved management of HOE are discussed including quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), and design of error-tolerant or “robust” structures. Application of the HOE classification, generic assessment process, QRA formulation, and QA/QC measures are illustrated.
Hydrodynamic stability of thin liquid films flowing down an inclined plane with accompanying heat transfer and interfacial shear

An analysis is made on the influence of heat transfer and interfacial shear on the hydrodynamic stability of thin liquid films flowing down an inclined plane. The linear stability of the flow is determined by a successive perturbation solution of the governing Orr-Sommerfeld equation modified to include the effects of temperature on viscosity. Stability criteria are presented which show that a cooled wall is destabilizing, while a heated wall is stabilizing. The surface perturbation stresses of the concurrent gas shear are also shown to be destabilizing factors. Neutral stability curves are presented and compared with the isothermal case.
Reinscribing the Jews: The Story of Aristides’ Apology 2.2–4 and 14.1b–15.2

In his Apology, Aristides paints a picture of Judaism that commentators have summarily praised as “surprising,” manifesting a “Jewish-friendly spirit,” “very favorable,” bearing “no trace of ill-feeling to the Jews,” “rather mild,” and lacking “every severity of tone, every anti-Jewish polemic.”1 In light of these positive notes, it seems rather shocking that scholarship on Aristides has traditionally devoted only cursory and insubstantial attention to his evaluation of the Jews, especially since it informs the study of early Jewish-Christian relations.2 Recently Judith Lieu and Denise Kimber Buell have attempted to remedy this gap.3 They have invigorated the study of Apology by approaching the text with a fresh set of questions and by posing solutions based on recent methodologies in literary and ethno-racial analysis. Their informed studies spotlight an “ethnic” discourse in Apology and the controlling influence it plays in Aristides’ construction of a Christian “race” distinguished from other ethnicities, including a Jewish “race.”
Management education: obsolete by default?

Purpose – Business Schools have received much criticism up to, and definitely after, the most recent economic meltdown. Management education in particular, whether at the undergraduate or graduate level, has come under scrutiny, and the pressure is on to make management education more aligned with contemporary workforce needs. This paper aims to review the validity of this demand, and offer some options to prepare current students for the volatile work environment that awaits them. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on the author's experiences as a management educator, and her observations of the changed nature of management, hence, the changed needs to educate this phenomenon. Findings – Reflections are offered on what is perceived as possible ways for management educators to prepare future workforce members for management in a rapidly changing work environment. This is presented in a unifying, three-tier approach: 1. Connection: Establishing interaction with current workforce members and ...
The Impact of Brief Messages on HSV-2 Screening Uptake Among Female Defendants in a Court Setting: A Randomized Controlled Trial Utilizing Prospect Theory

Epidemiologic data demonstrate that women involved with the criminal justice system in the United States are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections, including herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Female defendants were recruited from a misdemeanor court to assess whether brief framed messages utilizing prospect theory could encourage testing for HSV-2. Participants were randomly assigned to a message condition (gain, loss, or control), completed an interviewer-administered survey assessing factors associated with antibody test uptake/refusal and were offered free point-of-care HSV-2 serologic testing. Although individuals in the loss-frame group accepted testing at the highest rate, an overall statistical difference in HSV-2 testing behavior by group (p ≤ .43) was not detected. The majority of the sample (74.6%) characterized receiving a serological test for HSV-2 as health affirming. However, this did not moderate the effect of the intervention nor was it significantly associated with test acce...
Antagonizing reactive oxygen by treatment with a manganese (III) metalloporphyrin-based superoxide dismutase mimetic in cardiac transplants.

Objective Oxidative stress might be an important factor contributing to injury during alloimmune activation. Herein, we evaluated the efficacy of a superoxide dismutase mimetic, manganese (III) tetrakis (1-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin pentachloride (MnTmPyP), on cytokine gene expression and apoptotic signaling in a rat model of cardiac transplantation. Methods Lewis→Lewis (isografts) or Wistar-Furth→Lewis (allografts) heterotopic rat transplants without and with treatment with MnTmPyP were used. Reactive oxygen formation was determined on the basis of dihydroethidine fluorescence and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. In situ graft function was determined by means of sonomicrometry. Inflammatory cytokine, proapoptotic, and antiapoptotic gene expression at either postoperative day 4 (early rejection) or postoperative day 6 (late rejection) was determined by means of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results An increased production of reactive oxygen in allografts was inhibited to isograft control levels by MnTmPyP. MnTmPyP restored either the percentage of fractional shortening, the distended diastolic and systolic myocardial segment lengths, or both in allografts. Of the increases in cytokine and proapoptotic gene expression in allografts, only interleukin 6 was decreased by MnTmPyP. MnTmPyP inhibited antiapoptotic gene expression (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL) during early rejection but restored expression at later stages. The increase in activated caspase-3 levels in allografts was inhibited by MnTmPyP. Conclusions The mechanism of the beneficial effect of MnTmPyP on graft function appear related, in part, to scavenging O 2 •− and by decreasing apoptotic signaling rather than an effect on inflammatory cytokine gene expression.
The influence of the DNA polymerase γ accessory subunit on base excision repair by the catalytic subunit

Mammalian DNA polymerase gamma, the sole polymerase responsible for replication and repair of mitochondrial DNA, contains a large catalytic subunit and a smaller accessory subunit, pol gammaB. In addition to the polymerase domain, the large subunit contains a 3'-5' editing exonuclease domain as well as a dRP lyase activity that can remove a 5'-deoxyribosephosphate (dRP) group during base excision repair. We show that the accessory subunit enhances the ability of the catalytic subunit to function in base excision repair mainly by stimulating two subreactions in the repair process. Pol gammaB appeared to specifically enhance the rate at which pol gamma was able to locate damage in high molecular weight DNA. One pol gammaB point mutant known to have impaired ability to bind duplex DNA stimulated repair poorly, suggesting that duplex DNA binding through pol gammaB may help the catalytic subunit locate sites of DNA damage. In addition, the small subunit significantly stimulated the dRP lyase activity of pol gammaA, although it did not increase the rate at which the dRP group dissociated from the enzyme. The ability of DNA pol gamma to process a high load of damaged DNA may be compromised by the slow release of the dRP group.
Nanocarbon field emission devices

We are fabricating and examining nanocarbon derived electron emission devices, specifically, nanodiamond lateral field emission diodes and gated carbon nanotube triodes. These novel microstructures provide interesting means of accomplishing electronics that are unaffected by temperature and radiation.
Quantitative analysis with FT-Raman: pratfalls and possibilities

FT-Raman and quantitative analysis are by some standards a rough mix. Scattering efficiencies of samples are dependent on a variety of factors. For example, sample morphology, homogeneity, beam geometry, sample presentation to excitation source, to name but a few, may all contribute towards scattering efficiency. Add to this the possibility for source radiation variation. These, together with the lower signal-to-noise generally available in a Raman experiment as compared with a mid-IR experiment, make the possibility of performing a satisfactory quantitative analysis with FT-Raman seem remote. However, the possibilities of FT-Raman make the goal of quantitative analysis by this technique an attractive one: ease of sample preparation, speed of data collection, non-destructive nature, and possibilities for remote analysis.
Analysis of Local Decision Rules in a Dual-Kanban Flow Shop

A recent article reported the results of a study on the effects of two kanban policy variables—the length of withdrawal cycle and the type of priority rule—on average customer wait time and total inventory. This study extends that work by adding two kanban policy variables and two performance criteria. It reports the results of simulation experiments that were conducted to determine how four policy variables—withdrawal cycle, priority rule, status of waiting withdrawal kanbans, and number of kanbans influence four performance criteria—average customer wait-time, total inventory, and average number of full containers in the input and output stock points of stations. It was found that the information about waiting withdrawal kanbans in sequencing decisions results in the simultaneous improvement in two conflicting objectives—customer wait time and total inventory. Also, the effects of including the information regarding the status of waiting withdrawal kanbans on system performance are larger than the effects associated with the type of priority rule. The results provide insights into determining the level of each policy variable while fully considering the possible interactions among the variables and the levels of other policy variables to improve system performance. These insights allow for setting the levels of policy variables to make the improvement process smooth.
A Survey of Knowledge-Based Systems for Computer-Aided Control System Design

During the last few years several knowledge-based systems for Computer-Aided Control System Design (CACSD) have been built. This paper provides a review of those artificial intelligence (AI) programming techniques which support the construction of these knowledge-based systems, surveys some of the systems built thus far, and comments on the characteristics that one should require of software tools in order to build a knowledge-based system for control system design. Section 1 introduces the subject. Section 2 reviews the data structures (knowledge bases) which store the symbolic data used by the various inference mechanisms. Section 3 surveys knowledge-based systems for computer-aided control system design. Section 4 comments on capabilities of expert system programming environments for CACSD and the paper is concluded in Section 5.
Advances in quantitative perfusion SPECT imaging.

Quantitative software for myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has advanced significantly over the last 25 years. The strength and availability of quantitative tools for perfusion SPECT have in many ways provided a competitive advantage to nuclear cardiology compared with other higher-resolution noninvasive imaging modalities for the detection of coronary artery disease. The purpose of this report is to review the advances in quantitative diagnostic software for cardiac SPECT over the past 25 years. The time period ending with the 1980s (“the past”) saw the origins of nuclear cardiology with the development of planar thallium 201 imaging and perfusion SPECT imaging without electrocardiographic gating. The period from 1990 to the present saw the development of gated SPECT imaging providing both perfusion and functional information and attenuation correction SPECT with improved perfusion information. The report concludes with a look into the future, where hybrid multimodality imaging systems may provide a comprehensive noninvasive evaluation with previously unmatched accuracy in a single imaging session.
Phase Boundaries for Fibril and Metastable Oligomer Formation of Lysozyme

Deposition of protein fibers with a characteristic cross-beta sheet structure is the molecular marker for many human disorders including Alzheimer's disease, type II diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Given the large number of proteins and peptides beyond those associated with diseases that have been shown to form amyloid fibrils in vitro, it has been suggested that amyloid fibril formation represents a generic protein phase transition. Mapping out the corresponding phase boundaries is complicated by the presence of least two distinct fibril assembly pathways. One pathway is characterized by the nucleation of long, rigid fibrils common to the late stages of amyloid diseases. A second pathway involves the formation of globular oligomeric species and curvilinear protofibril. The relation of this latter pathway to the mature fibrils is not entirely clear. Intriguingly, it is these latter oligomers and protofibrils that have been implicated as the molecular species mediating the cellular toxicity associated with amyloid diseases.For the amyloidogenic protein lysozyme, we have systematically mapped out the combination of protein and salt concentrations resulting in the formation of either long rigid or oligomeric amyloid aggregates for fixed temperature and pH. Using dynamic light scattering, thioflavin fluorescence spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and infrared spectroscopy, we detected three distinct types of aggregates. Growth of long straight fibrils prevailed at either low salt or protein concentrations. At intermediate salt and protein concentration oligomer formation with subsequent protofibril nucleation prevailed. Oligomers and protofibrils represent metastable phases that are kinetically favored, while long straight fibrils are the thermodynamically stable state. Eventually, fibril formation gives way to amorphous precipitation. This phase behavior shows intriguing similarities with the phase diagram for protein crystallization where a metastable liquid-liquid phase is located within the stable coexistence region for protein crystals.
Shotgun Stochastic Search for “Large p” Regression

Model search in regression with very large numbers of candidate predictors raises challenges for both model specification and computation, for which standard approaches such as Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods are often infeasible or ineffective. We describe a novel shotgun stochastic search (SSS) approach that explores “interesting” regions of the resulting high-dimensional model spaces and quickly identifies regions of high posterior probability over models. We describe algorithmic and modeling aspects, priors over the model space that induce sparsity and parsimony over and above the traditional dimension penalization implicit in Bayesian and likelihood analyses, and parallel computation using cluster computers. We discuss an example from gene expression cancer genomics, comparisons with MCMC and other methods, and theoretical and simulation-based aspects of performance characteristics in large-scale regression model searches. We also provide software implementing the methods.
SIMULATING EFFECTS OF LANDSCAPE CONTEXT AND TIMBER HARVEST ON TREE SPECIES DIVERSITY

Although the need for implementing ecosystem management across bound- aries has been widely recognized, little is known regarding the extent to which loss of species richness resulting from timber harvesting in a focal forest could be offset by the surrounding areas. Using an individual-based, spatially explicit landscape simulation model (FORMOSAIC), which considers not only the dynamics of a focal forest, but also the interactions between the focal forest and the neighboring areas, we found that tree species richness of a tropical forest was related to the interactions between harvest impacts and immigration from adjacent areas. Simulation results indicated that adjacent species-rich forests increased species richness in a focal forest, but neighboring single-species planta- tions had opposite effects, and these effects were enhanced by the duration of immigration. Heavier harvest impacts on residual trees resulted in lower species richness, although the negative effects were partially offset by immigration from species-rich forests. Immigration after heavy harvest impact led to higher species richness than did immigration before harvesting, when the surroundings were species-rich forests. Harvesting on the edges of a focal forest resulted in higher species richness than harvesting at the center when seed dispersal distances were short, but spatial patterns of harvesting caused no differences in species richness if seeds could disperse into the focal forest from more distant sources. Under the option of no harvest, immigration was more important at small spatial scales than at large spatial scales. From the simulations, we also noticed some unexpected results. For example, heavy harvest impacts reduced a higher percentage of timber species than nontimber species. Simulation results from this study could provide insights into identi- fication of alternative methods for sustainable timber production and conservation of tree species richness beyond natural, management, and ownership boundaries. One potential method would be to establish a species-rich seed zone around a focal forest to partially compensate for negative harvest impacts. Another option would be to harvest timber trees at optimal locations and during optimal periods of time to accommodate dispersal ability and availability of seeds from the surroundings.
Technology and civic life: making and implementing development decisions

Despite current doubts about its misuse, technology still offers the best hope of eliminating disease, poverty, and ignorance in developing nations. "Widespread misgivings about the quality of contemporary life suggest that technology should do better," the author remarks--but how?This study examines the relationships between technology and social change at three levels--national governments, lesser organized groups, and individual citizens--in order to explore their respective roles in the Western experience of industrialization. The author uses historians' conclusions about the Industrial Revolution and economists' judgments about the development in the Western context to illuminate some of the choices open to Third World political leaders, planners, and administrators, as well as to international agencies and corporations investing in development.Chapters in the book draw on Western experience to answer a number of questions: Why does technological innovation occur at all, and who wants it? Who benefits from it, and how does participation in it affect governments, private institutions, and individuals? What must individuals do to take advantage of opportunities created by technology? When and how does modernizing change come, and how do the processes by which technology is diffused affect the course of modernization? How can technological opportunities be designed to accommodate the dimensions of social need and capacity? And, finally, how can planners link together the decisions that take place at all three levels in allocating institutional and individual resources for developmental purposes?Dr. Montgomery concludes that, properly used, technology can permit industrializing societies to enjoy a better standard of living without suffering the worst of the social and environmental ills that accompanied modernization in the West.The noted political scientist Samuel P. Huntington has written that the book "is an impressive work, sweeping in scope, exhaustive in research, and original in approach. It is basically concerned with the question of how public administrators can use technology to bring about social change so as to improve the conditions of poor people in poor countries."
Decoding biological principles using gene circuits

A major flavor of synthetic biology is the creation of artificial gene circuits to perform user-defined tasks. One aspect of this area is to realize ever-increasingly more complicated circuit behavior. Such efforts have led to the identification and evaluation of design strategies that enable robust control of dynamics in single cells and in cell populations. On the other hand, there is increasing emphasis on using artificial systems programmed by simple circuits to explore fundamental biological questions of broad significance.
Variability of dissolved organic carbon in sediments of a seagrass bed and an unvegetated area within an estuary in Southern Texas

Pore-water dissolved organic carbon (PWDOC) concentrations were examined in vegetated and bare sediments of aHalodule wrightii seagrass bed, and in a mud bottom sediment of a southern Texas estuary. Temporal variability was examined at diel (dawn and noon) and bimonthly time scales. Distribution patterns of PWDOC were compared with physical, chemical, and biological factors thought to exert control on PWDOC. Concentration of PWDOC, bacterial production, and resultant PWDOC turnover times displayed statistically significant spatial and temporal variability. Concentration of PWDOC ranged from 14 mg C 1−1 to 107 mg C 1−1 of pore water, or 9–71 μg C cm−3 wet sediment. PWDOC was more variable and was approximately 5 times higher than DOC concentrations in the water column. Low PWDOC concentrations (mean = 14.6 μg C cm−3) and high bacterial production rates (mean = 1.92 μg C cm−3 h−1) were observed at the mud station, whereas PWDOC concentrations were high (mean = 24.6 μg C cm−3) and bacterial production rates were low (mean = 0.43 μg C cm−3 h−1) at the bare station. PWDOC turnover times (Tt), assuming 50% bacterial growth efficiency (1–840 h) were shortest at the mud station (mean=13 h) and longest at the bare station (mean=180 h). In the overlying water column, Tt values were longer, ranging from 1,000–10,000 h. PWDOC concentrations were 25% higher in vegetated sediments than in neighboring bare sediments. This difference was probably due to inputs of labile photosynthetic excretia, since bacterial production rates in vegetated sediments displayed significant diel variability and were 4 times greater than that of bare sediments. Based upon the entire data set, PWDOC was significantly related to macrofaunal biomass, sediment POC, sediment C:N ratios, and oxygen metabolism, but was significantly correlated only to the latter two variables in stepwise multiple regression. Our findings suggest that organism activities and detrital quality are the major determinants controlling variability in PWDOC.
Predictors of ninety day mortality in post TIPS patients

Purpose The impact of clinical and cardiovascular parameters on post TIPS survival has been poorly defined. This study aims to evaluate the role of multiple factors, including race, liver pathology, pre-TIPS MELD, change in MELD post-TIPS (ΔMELD), and EKG and echocardiographic parameters, as predictors of 90 day survival after TIPS. Materials and Methods A retrospective institutional review was performed on 121 consecutive patients that underwent successful TIPS placement between January 2006 and December 2011. MELD was calculated within 30 days prior to TIPS and also 15 to 45 days after TIPS. Echocardiographic and EKG parameters were obtained within 6 months before and after TIPS. Race, procedural indication, and liver pathology were also documented. Univariate and multivariate analysis was then performed to look at 90-day mortality predictors. Results 96 of the patients had a minimum of 90 day follow-up, and calculations were based on these patients. Mean age was 55. 55% of patients had HCV and 49% had alcohol related liver disease. Pre and post-TIPS MELD scores were 15.4 and 17.6, respectively. On EKG, mean pre and post TIPS QTc were 461 and 469. 18 patients (19%) died within 90 days of the procedure. In univariate analysis, pre-TIPS MELD (OR=1.33, p 4 post-TIPS (OR=1.34, p=0.001), post-TIPS MELD >18 (OR=8.72, p 480 (OR=7.00, p=0.01) were statistically significant predictors of 90-day mortality. In multivariate analysis, pre-TIPS MELD (OR=1.59, p=0.004) and ΔMELD >4 post-TIPS (OR=1.4, p=0.006) were the only statistically significant predictors of 90 day mortality. Sex, race, age, liver pathology, procedure indication, and echocardiography were not statistically significant predictors in 90 day mortality. Conclusion Pre-TIPS MELD and ΔMELD >4 post-TIPS are strong predictors of 90-day mortality. Other factors such as race, cardiac parameters, procedure indication, and liver pathology are unreliable in predicting 90 day mortality.
A stress transport model for rapid granular flows in a rotating frame

Abstract The basic conservation laws governing the flow of rapid granular materials in a rotating frame of reference along with a transport equation for the granular kinetic stress tensor and the corresponding Clausius-Duhem inequality are considered. The thermodynamics of the mean granular motion is described and based on the averaged entropy inequality, constitutive equations for the pressure-strain tensor, collisional stress, flux of granular stress and heat flux are formulated. The model parameters for the special case of spherical nearly elastic particles are evaluated. The resulting stress transport model is used and the case of rapid simple shear flow of a collection of particles is analyzed. The results for the granular stresses and the normal stress differences are compared with the available experimental and simulation data and discussed.
Trends in cardiovascular diseases and risk factors in Malaysia

Abstract Background: Data from the Information and Documentation System Unit of the Ministry of Health of Malaysia showed that cardiovascular disease had been the principal cause of death in government hospitals over the years, accounting for 23% to 26% of deaths from 1994 to 2001. Heart disease accounted for 14% to 16.6%. Of cardiovascular disease admissions and deaths in government hospitals from 1985 to 2000, ischaemic heart disease accounted for 25% to 33% of admissions and 27% to 35% of deaths. A National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) conducted in 1996 to evaluate health status, health-related behavior and health services utilization in 21,708 individuals aged 30 years or older, of whom 17,390 (80%) agreed to participate, 39% had no risk factors, 34% had one risk factor, 19% had 2 risk factors, 7% had 3 risk factors and 1% had 4 risk factors. Conclusions: Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of hospital admissions and death in government hospitals in Malaysia. The National Health and Morbidity survey showed 61% of Malaysians had one risk factor or more.
Fine-structure population distributions of O(3Pj) in the H + O2 reaction and the photolysis of NO2

Abstract The relative populations of the oxygen-atom fine-structure levels 3 P j have been measured for the bimolecular reaction H+O 2 →OH+O and the unimolecular reaction NO 2 + hv →NO+O using two-photon laser-induced fluorescence. In this method the 3s 3 S j″ ←3p 3 P j′ fluorescence intensity at 845 nm is recorded following the two-photon transition 3p 3 P j′ ← 2p 3 P j at 226 nm. In the H+O 2 reaction, the fine-structure distribution is approximately in the ratio of the statistical degeneracies (5:3:1) at a collision energy of 1.6 eV, whereas at a collision energy of 2.4 eV the population favors the fine-structure levels with lower energies. For NO 2 photolysis, the O( 3 P j ) distribution is described by a temperature of 200 K at 355 nm, whereas at 226 nm the O( 3 P j ) distribution is inverted, i.e. the population distribution favors fine-structure levels with higher energies. Those observations are compared with predictions from a model in which the kinetic energy of the recoiling products is responsible for fine-structure changing transitions.
Optical damage to LiNbO 3 from GaAs laser radiation

We have observed optical damage to LiNbO3, at room temperature from focused cw GaAs laser radiation at a wavelength of 8450 A. Visible damage was apparent after a 20-sec exposure corresponding to an energy flux of about 1.2 × 105 J/cm2 and was observed by changes in the diffraction pattern of the crystal. This is believed to be the first report of such damage in the potentially useful wavelength range of 0.8 to 0.9 µm. No damage was observed at a wavelength of 9030 A in a similar but pulsed-laser experiment.
Piezo-optical effects in solids by sample rotation

Abstract The differential absorption and reflection coefficients of uniaxially stressed Si and SrTiO 3 were determined by rotating the samples in a linearly polarized light beam.
Late Precambrian-Early Cambrian Stratigraphy of Kelso Mountains, Eastern Mojave Desert, California: ABSTRACT

A detailed study has been made of several outcrops of late Precambrian-Early Cambrian strata in the southern Kelso Mountains. These strata, which are part of the predominantly detrital basal sequence of the Cordilleran miogeocline, previously have been described only in reconnaissance. In the Kelso Mountains, these strata have been assigned to 5 regionally recognized formations. The late Precambrian Johnnie Formation, which lies unconformably on metamorphic basement, displays rapid lateral changes in lithology and thickness, perhaps due in part to infilling of uneven basement topography. Of 4 sections of Johnnie exposed, 3 are similar, consisting of 91-141 ft of quartzite and dolomite. Conformably overlying the Johnnie Formation are the late Precambrian Stirling Quartzite (186 ft thick, only the uppermost regional member is present), the late Precambrian-Early Cambrian Wood Canyon Formation (712 ft thick), the Early Cambrian Zabriskie Quartzite (75 ft thick), and the Early Cambrian lower part of the Carrara Formation (70 ft thick). Comparison of these strata with equivalent miogeoclinal strata in the Providence Mountains 8 mi southeast and with Early Cambrian cratonic strata in the Marble Mountains 30 mi south shows that the northeast-trending craton-miogeocline boundary was not an abrupt break (an interpretation based on comparison in Nevada and Utah of thick allochthonous miogeoclinal strata with autochthonous cratonic strata), but rather a relatively broad transition zone of gradual thickening of strata from southeast to northwest. End_of_Article - Last_Page 776------------
Molecular thermodynamics for charged biomacromolecules

Abstract Significant progress has been made over the past 25–30 years toward understanding the molecular basis of stability and biological functions of proteins and nucleic acids. Electrostatic calculations hold a prominent place among most advanced and popular computational methods to describe the influence of solution conditions on and the precise role played by individual amino acids or atoms in stability, folding and molecular recognition. In this article, we present a tutorial overview of coarse-grained and atomistic thermodynamic methods commonly used in modeling electrostatic interactions that are prevalent among biological processes including structural transitions of biomacromolecules and ligand–receptor associations. Illustrative examples are discussed on applications of these thermodynamics models to computational design of proteins with improved function and stability, to charge-transfer equilibria, to structure transitions of nucleic acids and proteins, to protein–ligand interactions, and to ion transport through lipid membranes. Some perspectives are also given on the future trends of computational modeling in biological thermodynamics.
Models for visualization in parallel debuggers

The complexity of parallel programming has stimulated the development of a variety of debugging tools. This survey of recent research focuses on debugger visualization systems. The effectiveness of such systems is bounded by the degree to which their representations of run-time behavior correlate with the language structures used to incorporate parallelism, as well as the logical framework adopted by the programmer. Current visualization systems are compared with the conceptual models supported by parallel languages. Attention is drawn to the fact that debuggers are tied to specific models and that this association may restrict their usefulness and acceptability.
Predictors of Recycling Behavior: An Application of a Modified Health Belief Model1

In an examination of environmentally related behavior, the health belief model (HBM) was applied to the recycling behavior of a random sample of Missouri residents. The results indicated that both the basic and modified versions of the HBM significantly predict recycling behavior; significant predictors include perceived barriers, perceived likelihood of negative outcomes due to failure to recycle, self-efficacy, and consideration of future consequences. These findings are consistent with applications of the HBM to health-related actions. The poor performance of several variables provides evidence of the psychological processes underlying decisions to recycle.
58-Year-Old Man With Fatigue and Flank Pain

58-year-old man presented to our institution because of a 2-week history of fatigue, malaise, and lower extremity myalgias associated with bilateral flank pain and passage of sandy material on micturition. He denied having fever, hematuria, nausea, vomiting, or weight loss. The patient’s medical history was notable for recurrent nephrolithiasis for which hydrochlorothiazide was prescribed and psoriasis, which was well controlled with Goeckerman treatment. Surgical history included nasal polypectomy and orchiopexy for cryptorchidism. The patient’s vital signs on admission included a temperature of 37.4°C, regular heart rate of 78 beats/min, and blood pressure of 153/83 mm Hg. Physical examination findings were unremarkable except for multiple scaly plaques distributed primarily on the extensor surfaces of his knees and elbows, consistent with psoriasis. He had no palpable lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly. The initial complete blood cell count showed a hemoglobin level of 11.9 g/dL (reference range shown parenthetically) (13.5-17.5 g/dL), hematocrit of 33.6% (38.8%50%), mean corpuscular volume of 89.2 fL (81.2-95 fL),
Coalescence and Breakup-Induced Oscillations in the Evolution of the Raindrop Size Distribution

Abstract Models or the coalescence/breakup process yield drop number distributions that approach equilibrium but the number density often is not a monotonic function of time. In some cases, the small-raindrop portion of the distribution rapidly attains high concentration levels before settling back toward an equilibrium position. An eigenanalysis of the coalescence/breakup equation is performed to gain an understanding of the solution behavior near equilibrium. The analysis reveals that the departure of the solution from equilibrium can be expressed as a linear combination of basis functions of the form eλj where Re(λj) < 0 so that the equilibrium drop distribution is asymptotically stable. The exponential basis functions feature a wide range of decay rates, and since Im (λj) ≠ 0 in some cases, the functions provide evidence of oscillations in the drop spectrum. It is shown that one particular damped oscillation can combine with a rapidly decaying transient to describe very well the nonmonotonic behavior ...
The effects of employment role and motive for employment on the perceptions of mothers

This study adds to our knowledge regarding college students' perceptions of employed mothers by examining the effects of their motive for employment on these impressions. Participants were students at a public university with a primarily Caucasian lower middle-class student body. Students read a brief description of a mother of an infant. She was presented as either currently or previously employed, and her motive for employment was personal fulfillment or financial need. Participants rated the stimulus person's communal traits and indicated their approval of her. Analyses of variance showed that the employed, compared to the nonemployed, mother received lower communality and approval ratings. In addition, the devaluation of the employed mother's communality was greater for the stimulus person with a fulfillment than a financial motive. The findings are discussed in the context of A. H. Eagly's [(1987)(M), Sex Differences in Social Behavior: A Social-Role Interpretation, Hillsdale, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum] social role theory of gender stereotypes.
Geographical distribution of antimicrobial resistance among Escherichia coli causing acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis in the United States.

The susceptibility to 12 antimicrobial agents of 165 Escherichia coli isolates from women with acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis of mild to moderate severity was analyzed by geographic region in the US. Ampicillin, trimethoprim, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole resistance exhibited a descending prevalence gradient from west to east. Composite antimicrobial resistance phenotypes also exhibited significant regional differences, with a greater prevalence of most combined resistance profiles seen in the Pacific region of the US, but with significant north–south variation for combined ampicillin/sulfisoxazole resistance. These findings suggest geographical segregation of resistant clones and/or resistance elements among uropathogenic E. coli within the US, which is relevant both to clinical practice and to understanding the basis for the current epidemic of antimicrobial resistance in E. coli.
How to generate worst-case scenarios when testing already deployed systems against unexpected situations

Before a system of systems is deployed, it is tested - but it is tested against known operational mission, under several known operational scenarios. Once the system is deployed, new possible unexpected and/or uncertain operational scenarios emerge. It is desirable to develop methodologies to test the system against such scenarios. A possible methodology to test the system would be to generate the worst case scenario that we can think of - to understand, in principle, the behavior of the system. So, we face a question of generating such worst-case scenarios. In this paper, we provide some guidance on how to generate such worst-case scenarios.
Investigations on the extractability of gluten proteins from wheat bread in comparison with flour

Immunochemical methods are recommended for the quantitation of small amounts of gluten in food produced for those with coeliac disease. A major problem, however, is the reduced extractability of gliadin, the toxic factor of gluten, with aqueous alcohol, when foods have been heat-processed. A combined extraction/HPLC procedure was used to study the extractability of all gluten protein types from wheat flour and bread under both non-reducing and reducing conditions. Gliadin isolated from wheat flour was used as a reference protein for quantitation. The results indicate that the extractability of gliadin from bread with 60% ethanol under non-reducing conditions is strongly reduced. α- and γ-gliadins are much more affected than ω-gliadins, and less gliadin was extracted from the crust than from the crumb. For a complete extraction of gliadins from bread, reducing conditions and increased temperature are required. However, glutenin subunits are coextracted with the gliadins. This extract can be used for the quantitation of total gluten proteins by RP-HPLC. The recovery of gliadin added to flour before dough-mixing and bread-making is 98%.
The star exponential and SU(2) path integrals

An expression is found for the Feynman path integral on SU(2) in terms of the star-exponential.
Seven New Species in the Genus Longicauda (Hemiptera; Cicadellidae; Idiocerinae) from Thailand

Seven new species of Longicauda Zhang & Wu in the subfamily Idiocerinae are described from Thailand. The new species are: L. circula, L. fasciata, L. loeiensis, L. obliqua, L. plura, L. quadrata, and L. similis.
Imaging Sub-Diffraction Membrane Curvature Dynamics during Clathrin Mediated Endocytosis

Proteins can generate and recognize curved membranes that in turn, modulate protein clustering, diffusion and biochemical reactions. The biophysical mechanisms of this dynamic relationship influence numerous biologically important events including receptor signal transduction, endocytosis, exocytosis and viral assembly. New approaches are needed to measure the dynamics of membrane bending in conjunction with protein recruitment and assembly. Here, I will discuss our work using back focal plane (BFP) spinning total internal reflection fluorescence (360-TIRF) microscopy to create uniform evanescent fields for quantitative imaging of molecular recruitment and assembly. We have paired these methods with BFP positioning for polarized-TIRF microscopy of membrane-oriented lipophilic fluorophores to image the sub-resolution membrane curvature. Using these methods, we have imaged the membrane bending dynamics during assembly of clathrin and dynamin at single endocytic sites in living cells. Our data demonstrate that this method is capable of imaging sub-resolution endocytic events and within the context of their surrounding topography. Together, these methods are enabling new insights into the interplay between assembly, reaction dynamics and membrane topography in living cells.
Racial profiling as institutional practice: Theorizing the experiences of Black male undergraduates

This article draws upon racial profiling literature as an analytic lens with data collected in a qualitative study of Black males at one university. The authors argue that racial profiling provides a system of assumptions and rules that inform decisions made and attach to interactions between Black males and their faculty, staff, and peers. The authors conclude with implications for practice and future research.
Extradural ecchordosis physaliphora of the thoracic spine: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: We report an unusual case of ecchordosis physaliphora of the thoracic spine. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The clinical presentation was one of disabling thoracic radicular pain without objective neurological deficit. The imaging characteristics of the lesion were those of a cyst containing aqueous fluid. There was no bone destruction. INTERVENTION: Gross total removal of the lesion was accomplished. CONCLUSION: We present the only well-documented case of thoracic extradural ecchordosis physaliphora and discuss the relationship between the notochord, ecchordosis physaliphora, and chordoma. We provide a comprehensive list of lesions exhibiting physaliphorous cells.
Disciplinary Duality: The Contested Terrain of Book Studies

Book Studies is an emerging field, which encompasses Book History and Book Arts. Because of this duality it is not always clear whether it is a free-standing discipline or merely an interdisciplinary academic program. This article attempts to investigates its disciplinary identity through an in-depth analysis of Book Studies' history, discursive field, major stakeholders, and scholarly communications. In addition, the article identifies and explores a few major academic programs in Book Studies in the United States and abroad. Based on the evidence gathered from the syllabi of the academic programs and the scholarly communication of the participants, some of the implications of the article are: the discursive field of Book Studies is developing around two very different centers, Book History and Book Arts; Book Studies’ acquired dual disciplinary identity is not a “birth defect” but rather a goal of including sociocultural, historic and aesthetic aspects of the book. The potential future of Book Studies as a field is also discussed.