cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Construction of a compact spectrofluorometer/spectrophotometer system using a flexible liquid core waveguide

A liquid-core waveguide made of Teflon AF-2400 has been used to construct a simple, sensitive and robust instrument capable of performing fluorimetric and spectrophotometric analyses on aqueous solutions. The instrument, which uses a CCD array detection system, is unique in that high performance is achieved for both measurement techniques with minimal changes in instrument configuration. The fluorimetric detection limits for quinine sulfate and chlorophyll-a are 0.06 nanomolar and 0.03 nanomolar, respectively. Absorbance measurements using the same instrument demonstrate nanomolar detection capacities for hydrogen sulfide and subnanomolar detection limits for methylene blue.
Spin-orbit spillage as a measure of band inversion in insulators

We propose a straightforward and effective approach for quantifying the band inversion induced by spin-orbit coupling in band insulators. In this approach we define a quantity as a function of wave vector in the Brillouin zone (BZ) measuring the mismatch, or ``spillage,'' between the occupied states of a system with and without SOC. Plots of the spillage throughout the BZ provide a ready indication of the number and location of band inversions driven by SOC. To illustrate the method, we apply this approach to the two-band Dirac model, the 2D Kane-Mele model, a 2D Bi bilayer with applied Zeeman field, and to first-principles calculations of some 3D materials including both trivial and ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ topological insulators. We argue that the distribution of spillage in the BZ is closely related to the topological indices in these systems. Our approach provides a fresh perspective for understanding topological character in band theory, and should be helpful in searching for new materials with nontrivial band topology.
Solvation of cobalt salts by oligomeric polyethers

Abstract Polyether-salt systems involving CoBr 2 dissolved in oligomeric polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polytetramethylene glycol (PTMG) have been investigated. Both systems demonstrated conductivity maxima as a function of salt concentration. PTMG electrolytes had dramatically lower conductivities (σ max ≈ 3.6 × 10 −7 S cm −1 for PTMG, σ max ≈ 1.45 × 10 −5 S cm −1 for PEG at room temperature) which can be explained on the basis of spectral data which indicate the existence of predominantly neutral species in PTMG. The reason for the difference in the types of species present in PEG and PTMG can be rationalized on the basis of the chelate effect.
The Reflood Time as a Determination for Dryout

Demonstration experimentale de la possibilite d'utiliser la duree de renoyage pour determiner la temperature d'assechement d'un lit de particules
Using a wiki to facilitate an online professional learning community for induction and mentoring teachers

The purpose of this case study was to report on the use of a wiki as a tool for conducting online professional learning communities (OLCs) with 26 induction and mentor teachers. Data sources include teachers' wiki postings and teacher interviews. Results indicate that: (a) Web 2.0 tools may be most effective in OLCs when the social features are utilized in addition to the features that enable task completion; (b) Using Web 2.0 tools restrictively, and without consideration of their affordances, may inhibit the success of OLCs; (c) Online learning communities for induction teachers may be most effective when supplemented with face-to-face discussion; and (d) A task-driven environment in OLCs can encourage professional dialogue and reflection, but may make induction teachers feel isolated and unsupported.
Stress and land‐use legacies alter the relationship between invasive‐ and native‐ plant richness

Questions Does the driver of native richness impact invasion–diversity relationships? In high stress systems, do negative invasion–diversity relationships emerge from biotic resistance (as predicted by the diversity–resistance hypothesis) or from stress acting as a selective driver of native richness? Do invasion–diversity relationships change when abiotic and biotic legacies, rather than stress, act as non-selective drivers of richness? Location Calcareous fens, Wisconsin, USA. Methods We compared plot-level relationships between native and invasive species richness in 220 plots in 11 calcareous fens, six of which had stress alleviation and community impoverishment due to historic ploughing. We measured nutrient availability (resource stress) and saturation stress (non-resource stress), native richness and invasive richness in each plot. Results Residual maximum likelihood (REML) regression found a negative correlation between native and invasive richness in never ploughed plots, but no relationship was found in ploughed plots. REML multiple regression found that after accounting for saturation and nutrients, there was no relationship between native and invasive richness in ploughed or never ploughed plots. Saturation stress predicted low invasive richness and high native richness in never ploughed plots. Time since abandonment did not predict invasive richness. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) found most invasive species present only in areas with the least saturation stress. Conclusions Negative relationships between native and invasive richness can result when the main driver of native richness favour native species (such as stress), and therefore may not support the diversity–resistance hypothesis. When the main driver of native richness does not select between native and invasive richness, there may be no relationship between native and invasive richness, even at very small spatial scales.
Cytokine-to-brain communication: A review & analysis of alternative mechanisms

It is becoming well accepted that products of the immune system (cytokines) can signal the brain that infection has occurred. This cytokine-to-brain communication can result in marked alterations in brain function and behavior. This review examines alternative mechanisms that have been proposed to explain how such immune products can reach the brain via the blood to cause centrally-mediated "illness" responses. Finally, we describe a new view which argues that cytokines signal brain in quite a different manner, by stimulating afferent terminals of peripheral nerves at local sites of synthesis and release.
Basic molecular biology

Rapid advances in molecular biology over the past 20 years have and will continue to impact on the practice of medicine. Advances in molecular biology are having an immense impact in determining the underlying aetiology of lung disease and its treatment. In this review, basic molecular biology techniques will be discussed with examples of how these techniques are used in clinical practice.
Viral Hepatitis and Agranulocytosis

T r a n s i e n t h e m a t o p o i e t i c a b e r r a t i o n s a r e oft en f o u n d in a s s o c i a t i o n w i t h v i ra l h e p a t i t i s bu t a r e u s u a l l y c o n s i d e r e d to be c l in ica l ly ins ign i f i can t . H o w e v e r , t h e s e c h a n g e s a r e occas iona l ly seve re a n d s o m e t i m e s fatal . O f t h e va r i ous h e m a t o l o g i c m a n i f e s t a t i o n s w h i c h h a v e been r e p o r t e d , a g r a n u l o c y t o s i s is ve ry ra re . O n l y t w o case r e p o r t s a r e p r e v i o u s l y d e s c r i b e d in t h e l i t e r a t u r e (1, 2).
Individual variability in the migratory orientation of the savannah sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis

and Summary Variability characterizes the orientation of migratory birds much as it does other aspects of their behavior. Yet, in most orientation experiments measures of central tendency are emphasized, while existing individual variability is seldom addressed other than to make special statistical effort to reduce it. Massing individuals is only useful, however, if there are insignificant differences among them. When the behavior of individual migrants was monitored over several nights and then compared, individual directional preferences were evident. Among-individual variability in compass orientation was greater than within-individual variability. The statistical variation that exists around a group mean seems to be a function of differences among individuals showing rather specific preferences. Because the samples may have consisted of individuals representing different breeding localities, the observed differences among individuals may reflect different migratory goals. Zusammenfassung Untersucht wurde an der Grasammer (Passerculus sandwichensis) die Variabilitat sowohl innerhalb einer Gruppe als auch am einzelnen Vogel auf dem Fruhjahrszug. Mittelwerte fur die Gruppe zeigten jahreszeitlich angemessene nordliche Orientierung fur jede Versuchsgruppe. Das Verhalten einzelner Zugvogel durch mehrere Nachte lies individuelle Unterschiede erkennen. Variabilitat innerhalb der Gruppe war ausgepragter als im Verhalten des einzelnen Vogels. Die statistische Abweichung vom Gruppenmittelwert ist allem Anschein nach eine Funktion der Unterschiede zwischen einzelnen Vogeln, die ganz bestimmte Richtungen bevorzugen. Da beide Versuchsgruppen vermutlich aus Vogeln bestanden, die geographisch verschiedenen Populationen mit entsprechend verschiedenen Brutgebieten angehorten, ist es moglich, das die beobachteten Unterschiede zwischen einzelnen Vogeln auf unterschiedlichen Zugzielen beruhen.
Dilatancy-based impression and fabrication technique for custom foot orthoses

Background and aim:Current methods used to take impressions for custom foot orthoses include plaster bandage, foam box, fiberglass, and laser-optical scanner. Impressions are converted to positive plaster or foam models. These methods create waste and may not be feasible in resource-limited areas. This technical note presents an alternative, greener impression and fabrication technique for foot orthoses that utilizes the dilatancy principle.Technique:Steps of the dilatancy (vacuum-based) procedure include taking an impression of the foot, converting the negative mold to a positive sand model, modifying the positive sand model, and thermoforming the foot orthosis.Discussion:This plaster-less system is inexpensive to set up and maintain, is reusable thereby minimizing cost and waste, and is clean to use. It enables a practitioner to quickly take an impression for fabricating a foot orthosis in a short period of time during a single clinic visit by the patient.Clinical relevanceThe dilatancy casting system c...
Prescribing cylinders: The problem of distortion

Astigmatic spectacle corrections produce distortion of retinal images. Under binocular conditions, small amounts of monocular distortion may significantly alter the sense of spatial localization, producing symptomatic binocular distortion. From examination of the nature and sources of monocular distortion, a rational basis may be developed for methods to minimize distortion when necessary. Adaptation to distortion occurs both by interpretive and physiological mechanisms, with the physiological mechanism appearing to be a type of rotational anomalous retinal correspondence. Through better knowledge of distortion and adaptive mechanisms, a revised set of practical guidelines for prescribing cylinders is presented.
Robotic Microlaryngeal Surgery: A Technical Feasibility Study Using the daVinci Surgical Robot and an Airway Mannequin

Objectives/Hypothesis: The trend toward minimally invasive surgery has led to the development and mastery of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgical techniques. These minimally invasive approaches, which only two decades ago were either novel or experimental, are now mainstream. More recently, robot-assisted surgery has evolved as an adjunct to open and endoscopic techniques. Surgical robots are now approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for a variety of thoracic and abdominal/pelvic surgical procedures. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of robot-assisted microlaryngeal surgery. Study Design: Experimental surgical manipulation of the larynx in an airway mannequin with a surgical robot. Methods: A variety of laryngoscopes and mouthgags, coupled with the daVinci Surgical Robot’s (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) 0-degree and 30-degree, twodimensional and three-dimensional endoscopes, were utilized to optimize visualization of the larynx in an airway mannequin. Five millimeter and 8 mm microinstruments compatible with the daVinci robot were utilized to manipulate different elements of the larynx. Experiments were recorded with both still and video photography. Results: The endoscope and robotic arms of the daVinci robot are well suited to airway surgery. Conclusions: Robot-assisted laryngeal surgery can be performed with currently available technology. The potential for fine manipulation of tissues, increased freedom of instrument movement, and endolaryngeal suturing may increase the precision of endoscopic laryngeal microsurgery and offers the potential to increase the variety of laryngeal procedures that can be performed endoscopi
Zero-aliasing space compaction using linear compactors with bounded overhead

Space compaction is employed in built-in self-testing schemes to compress the test responses from a k-output circuit to q signature streams, where q/spl Lt/k. The effectiveness of a compaction method is measured by its compaction ratio k/q and the amount of hardware required to implement the compaction circuit. However, a high compaction ratio can require a very large compactor as well as introduce aliasing, which occurs when a faulty test response maps to the fault-free signature. We investigate the problem of designing linear, zero-aliasing space compactors that provide a high compaction ratio and introduce bounded hardware overhead. We develop a graph model for the space-compaction process and relate space-compactor design to the graph coloring problem. This technique can also be used to reduce the width of multiple-input signature registers that are used for response compaction. We apply our design method to the ISCAS 85 benchmark circuits and present experimental data on the compaction ratio achieved for these circuits.
An analysis of the writings of janet geister and mary roberts regarding the problems of private duty nursing

Abstract Fifty years ago there were two widely circulated nursing journals, each with a unique purpose and style. The Trained Nurse and Hospital Review was the privately owned older journal, and the American Journal of Nursing was the voice of the professional organization. Each journal was edited by a strong nursing leader, Janet Geister and mary Roberts, respectively. Each editor had many years of service to the nursing profession in varied capacities. Naturally, each had distinctly different interests, visions, and styles of communication. These editors witnessed and commented on the change in the sphere of nursing practice from a private duty and public health orientation to one that eventually became dominated by the hospital. Although their approaches differed, both recognized the need for organization, versatility, and creative problem solving. However, the legacy of these leaders must be considered in view of the gap that continues to exist between practicing nurses and the American Nurses' Association leadership.
Judging cost-effectiveness of management of Snake River salmon: response to Halsing and Moore.

PAUL H. WILSON,∗§ HOWARD A. SCHALLER,∗ CHARLES E. PETROSKY,† AND JOHN LOOMIS‡ ∗Columbia River Fisheries Program Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1211 SE Cardinal Court, Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 98683, U.S.A. †Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 600 South Walnut Avenue, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707, U.S.A. ‡Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, U.S.A.
The effect of ZnO replacement by ZnMgO ON ZnO/CdS/Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 solar cells

We studied the electrical properties and device performance of the Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 solar cell when i-ZnO is replaced by i-ZnMgO. Admittance spectroscopy reveals a deep level attributed to the i-ZnMgO/CdS interface. The capacitance voltage experiment indicates a pronounced reduction of carrier concentration in the p-CIGS absorber. Inserting a thin i-ZnO layer between i-ZnMgO and CdS completely removes the detrimental effect of the interface states and partially reverts the carrier concentration reduction effect. Device simulations indicate that the open circuit voltage is lowered due to the carrier concentration reduction while the fill factor is sensitive to the defects at the interface.
Internet and Magazine Advertising: Integrated Partnerships or Not?

ABSTRACT This study examines the mixed-media strategy of advertising online and publicizing the web location in magazine advertisements. It also analyzes the extent of integration between websites and print advertisements in six major U.S. magazines. In creating an online commercial site, it is important to recognize that the internet requires different marketing and advertising practices than those used in traditional media. Mixed-media advertising necessitates coordinated efforts between those managing the website and those designing advertisements for other media. The findings suggest that marketers are not exploiting all possible benefits of their websites by not adequately integrating print and online advertising efforts.
Shadow allometry: Estimating tree structural parameters using hyperspatial image analysis

Abstract We present a novel approach to generating regional scale aboveground biomass estimates for tree species of the Lake Tahoe Basin using hyperspatial (
Characterization of pyrethroid hydrolysis by the human liver carboxylesterases hCE-1 and hCE-2.

Carboxylesterases hydrolyze a large array of endogenous and exogenous ester-containing compounds, including pyrethroid insecticides. Herein, we report the specific activities and kinetic parameters of human carboxylesterase (hCE)-1 and hCE-2 using authentic pyrethroids and pyrethroid-like, fluorescent surrogates. Both hCE-1 and hCE-2 hydrolyzed type I and II pyrethroids with strong stereoselectivity. For example, the trans-isomers of permethrin and cypermethrin were hydrolyzed much faster than corresponding cis-counterparts by both enzymes. Kinetic values of hCE-1 and hCE-2 were determined using cypermethrin and 11 stereoisomers of the pyrethroid-like, fluorescent surrogates. Km values for the authentic pyrethroids and fluorescent surrogates were in general lower than those for other ester-containing substrates of hCEs. The pyrethroid-like, fluorescent surrogates were hydrolyzed at rates similar to the authentic pyrethroids by both enzymes, suggesting the potential of these compounds as tools for high throughput screening of esterases that hydrolyze pyrethroids.
Estimating NAA in cortical gray matter with applications for measuring changes due to aging.

N-acetylaspartic acid (NAA), a prominent peak in the proton spectrum, is an amino acid thought to be present almost exclusively in neurons and their dendritic and axonal extensions. While 1H MRS studies are showing promise in identifying NAA deficits in different patient groups, unwanted lipid signal from subcutaneous fat surrounding the skull, and necessarily large voxels have limited investigators' ability to assess NAA in cortical gray matter. Here we report a technique developed to derive estimates of NAA signal from cortical gray matter. This approach uses an inversion recovery imaging pulse sequence with a long TE to suppress lipid signal from the scalp and information from concurrently obtained structural MR images to determine the CSF, white and gray matter composition of each spectroscopic voxel. A regression analysis is then used to estimate what NAA levels would be in pure white and gray matter voxels. This technique has been applied to demonstrate reduced NAA gray/white levels in the brains of five healthy older compared with five healthy younger women.
The Joy of CWIS: Establishing the Human Scale

Looks at the prospects of implementing CWIS networks. Considers the issues of cost savings, staff reductions, improved scholarship, time savings, computer resource reductions, data policies, data sharing, and using e‐mail. Argues that the real benefit of CWIS is that it turns a computer from anadvanced scientific tool into something that users can relate to and enjoy.
Large males have a mating advantage in a species of darter with smaller, allopaternal males Etheostoma olmstedi

Theory suggests that males that are larger than their competitors may have increased mating success, due to both greater competitive ability and increased attractiveness to females. We examined how male mating success varies with male size in the tessellated darter Etheostoma olmstedi. Previous work has shown that large males tend to move around and breed in vacant breeding sites, and consequently provide less care for their eggs, while smaller individuals can be allopaternal, caring for the eggs of other males as well as for their own. We studied female egg deposition in a natural breeding population using artificial breed- ing sites and in the laboratory, where female choice of spawning site was restricted to two breeding sites tended by two males of different sizes. In both the field and the laboratory, nests tended by larger males were more likely to receive new eggs. Addition- ally, the mean size of males associated with a nest was positively correlated with both the maximum coverage of eggs at the nest and the number of times new eggs were deposited. We discuss how the increased mating success of larger males, despite their de-
Perceptions of prototypical users of complementary and alternative medicine: a possible barrier to participation

Background Interest and participation in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has steadily increased over the last decade. Research is needed to empirically explore beliefs about the characteristics of individuals who participate in CAM to determine the pervasiveness and generalisability of these opinions. Objective To explore the stereotype of the typical CAM user and how this construct may impact recruitment and retention in paediatric CAM research. Methods Parents and emerging adults were recruited using community sampling. Subjects responded to an electronic survey by judging likeliness to participate based on a series of demographic factors. From a total of 570 individuals who completed the survey, 209 responded to a vignette on acupuncture and 361 to a vignette on yoga. Results Taking the results together, it appears that the individual characteristics associated with a higher likelihood of engaging in CAM, or being stereotypical of a CAM user, were being white or Asian, female or homosexual male, highly educated, identifying as socially liberal and having a religious affiliation of Buddhist or Hindu. Conclusions It is important to understand how these factors may affect people's decisions to participate in CAM interventions and the potential implication for future research on the effectiveness of CAM therapies.
The Emergency as Prehistory of the New Indian Middle Class

Recent accounts of the National Emergency of 1975–1977 concur that the deviations it represented, while genuine, did not represent any fundamental change on the part of the Indian state, and that the period offers little distinct insight on the post-independence period as a whole. This paper seeks to argue, to the contrary, that the Emergency was a watershed in post-independence history. With its ban on dissent and suspension of constitutional rights, the Emergency sought to suppress all political disturbances to governance. By doing so, it forefronted the problems of postcolonial politics in at least three respects. First, the Emergency demonstrated that coercion was inextricably combined with consent in state-led development. Second, this led to a heavy reliance on practices of communication to redefine coercion and to stage popular consent. Third, in the process, the boundaries of the political were reinforced, emphasizing the friend/enemy difference fundamental to politics. Governance in the aftermath of the Emergency placed an overt reliance on consent over coercion, but in ways that are themselves significant. Categories of culture and community, and related forms of social distinction, gained in importance over earlier developmental distinctions premised on an authoritarian relationship between state and the people. The change meant a shift away from the Nehruvian focus on the economy as the crucial arena of nation-building, involving labour as the key modality of citizenship. Instead, culture and community became the categories that gained political salience in the period of economic liberalization. The mass media were central to this redefinition of the political, multiplying in size and reach, and acquiring market-sensitive forms of address couched in the rhetoric of individual choice. These events, I suggest, are critical to understanding the formation of the new middle class in India, as a category that increasingly defines itself through cultural and consumerist forms of identity, and is less identified with the state.
Wood and bark anatomy of Muntingiaceae: A phylogenetic comparison within Malvales s. l.

Quantitative and qualitative data on wood and bark anatomy are given for Muntingia calabura L. and Dicraspidia donnell-smithii Standley. These data are compared with phylogenetic schemes, based on DNA analysis, in which Muntingiaceae belong to the “dipterocarp clade” within Malvales. The data are consistent with this hypothesis, although Muntingiaceae lack pit vestures in vessels, which are seen in the other malvalean families (Cistaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Neuradaceae, Sarcolaenaceae, Thymeleaceae), and this may represent a loss of pit vestures. All families of the dipterocarp clade agree with both genera of Muntingiaceae in having tracheids as the imperforate tracheary element type (at least ancestrally), although fiber-tracheids also occur in some Dipterocarpaceae and Thymeleaceae. The large size of some malvalean families (with attendant greater diversity in character states) and a paucity of wood studies in those families make for difficulty in comparison of features such as axial parenchyma and ray types with those of Muntingiaceae; character states of these features are consistent with placement of Muntingiaceae in the dipterocarp clade of Malvales. Banded phloem fibers in bark of Muntingiaceae are much like those of other Malvales. Wood of Muntingiaceae is highly mesomorphic according to quantitative vessel features.
FEDERAL SENTENCING AS A COMPLEX COLLABORATIVE PROCESS: JUDGES, PROSECUTORS, JUDGE–PROSECUTOR DYADS, AND DISPARITY IN SENTENCING

Investigations of how criminal justice actors contribute to variation in sentencing typically focus on the role played by the judge. We argue that sentencing should be viewed as a collaborative process involving actors other than the judge and that the role of the prosecutor is particularly salient. We also contend that the courtroom workgroup literature has suggested that sentences may vary depending on the particular judge and prosecutor to whom the case is assigned. By using a unique data set from three U.S. district courts (N = 2,686) that identifies both the judge and the prosecutor handling the case, we examine how the judge, the prosecutor, and the judge–prosecutor dyad contribute to variance in offender sentences. We do this by employing cross-classified random-effects models to estimate the variance components associated with judges, prosecutors, and judge–prosecutor interactions. The results indicate that disparity attributable to the prosecutor is larger than disparity from the judge. Moreover, the role that the judge plays is moderated by the prosecutor to whom the case is assigned, as the judge–prosecutor effect is consistently larger than other random effects across the models. We also find that results vary by judicial district.
Physical and genetic mapping of the muscle phosphofructokinase gene (PFKM): Reassignment to human chromosome 12q

Phosphofructokinase (PFK) is a key rate-limiting enzyme in glycolysis and represents a major control point in the metabolism of glucose. There are at least three known isoforms of PFK in humans, referred to as the muscle, platelet, and liver forms, each of which is differentially expressed in various tissues. The gene for muscle phosphofructokinase, PFKM, is mutated in Tarui disease and conceivably contributes to non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Based on physical and genetic mapping, we have found that the gene for PFKM does not map to chromosome 1 as previously described, but instead maps to chromosome 12. PCR analysis with a somatic cell hybrid mapping panel using primers derived from intron 6 and exon 18 of the PFKM gene showed consistent amplification of cell lines containing chromosome 12 (concordance, 100%). Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis with CEPH YAC 762G4, isolated with exon 18 primers, indicated that this clone maps to 12q13, centromeric to the diacylglycerol kinase gene (DAGK) at 12q13. 3. A highly informative genetic marker isolated from YAC 762G4 was used to map PFKM genetically between the CHLC framework markers D12S1090 and D12S390. This placement for 762G4 was significantly proximal to the recently reported locus for a third gene for maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY). The PFKM-associated microsatellite will be a valuable tool in the evaluation of PFKM in diabetic populations as well as in linkage analysis in families with Tarui disease.
Changing characteristics of invasive pneumococcal disease in Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, after introduction of a 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

Background. The rate of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) has decreased among both immunized children and nonimmunized adults since the licensure of a heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) for use in infants in the United States in 2000.Methods. Temporal trends in IPD incidence, clinical syndromes, and underlying conditions were analyzed using active laboratory- and population-based surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-sponsored Georgia Emerging Infections Program for the 20-county Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, for the period of July 1997 through June 2004. P values were determined by test for trend.Results. Since 2000, there have been significant decreases in the rates of invasive pneumococcal pneumonia (relative risk [RR], 0.80; P = .002) and meningitis (RR, 0.41; P = .003) in adults and for primary bacteremia, invasive pneumonia, and meningitis in children (RR, 0.16 [P < .001], 0.60 [P = .003], and 0.70 [P = .009], respectively). Among human immunodeficiency virus-infected persons, there were significant decreases in the overall rates of IPD (decrease of 43%; P < .001) and invasive pneumonia (decrease of 44%; P < .001) since 2000–2001, although the rate of IPD increased significantly (increase of 53%; P = .022) among patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. There was a concurrent increase in the proportion of adults aged ⩾40 years with underlying comorbidities. Rates of non-PCV7 serotypes increased 1.61-fold and 1.28-fold from 2000–2001 to 2003–2004 in children and adults (P = .005 for both).Conclusions. The decreasing incidence of IPD in Atlanta since 2000–2001 was associated with decreases in cases of pneumonia and meningitis in adult and pediatric subjects and in cases of primary bacteremia in children. The burden of serotype-replacement disease remained small. Adults with comorbidities represent a growing proportion of patients with IPD.
Concomitant aortic valve repair with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices: Results and implications

Abstract Objectives Aortic insufficiency (AI) after continuous-flow left ventricular assist device implantation can affect patient outcomes. Central aortic valve closure (CAVC) is a strategy commonly practiced; however, its efficacy has not been extensively investigated. Methods From March 2004 to May 2014, a total of 340 patients received a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (89; 26.2%) as destination therapy (DT). Outcomes were compared between patients with CAVC (n = 57 [16.8%]; group A) versus without repair (n = 283 [83.2%]; group B). Results Patients in group A were older, were more likely to be having DT, had a greater cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic crossclamp time, and more often received intraoperative transfusions than did patients in group B. Twenty-three (40.4%) patients in group A had significant pre-existing AI, defined as >mild AI, whereas none did in group B. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that freedom from significant AI was 66.7% and 59.9% at 2 years ( P = .77) in groups A and B, respectively. In the DT cohort, freedom from significant AI was 78.1% and 41.8% at 2 years ( P = .077). A generalized mixed-effects model demonstrated a 57% and 69% decrease in the odds of significant AI progression among repaired patients in the entire and DT cohort, respectively, after adjusting for time effect and degree of baseline pre-existing AI. Conclusions Despite pre-existing AI, the prevalence of significant AI in patients with CAVC was comparable to the AI in those without pre-existing AI/CAVC. The efficacy of this technique was more evident in DT patients. Thus, CAVC may be an effective and durable strategy, especially in patients who require lengthy device support.
V.—A synoptic classification of the false scorpions or chela-spinners, with a report on a cosmopolitan collection of the same.—Part I. The Heterosphyronida (Chthoniidæ) (Archnida-Chelonethida)

(1929). V.—A synoptic classification of the false scorpions or chela-spinners, with a report on a cosmopolitan collection of the same.—Part I. The Heterosphyronida (Chthoniidae) (Archnida-Chelonethida) Annals and Magazine of Natural History: Vol. 4, No. 19, pp. 50-80.
S5. The History and Evolution of Anesthetic Care in Rwanda.

Although the development of anesthesia as a specialty and its practice in Rwanda have occurred postindependence, there are several contributing factors that have had an impact on the current state of the delivery of anesthetic care. European colonization of Africa, in general, and Belgium's control, in particular, are primary factors that have had a significant impact on education. The ripple effect has had a long-lasting impact on health care as well as other facets of present-day Rwandan society. Tertiary education did not start until the latter half of the 20th century and has left this country with the belated development of an educated population in sufficient numbers to handle health care problems and provide sufficient care to its population. This article will examine the history of Rwanda and delineate factors that have led to the current state of anesthetic practice.
The Review of Russian Economic Legislation

In July 2013, amendments were introduced into Part Four of the Civil Code as regards to state regulation of relations in the sphere of intellectual property. Procedure was specified for intestate succession of escheat property into ownership of a municipal entity and constituent entity of the Russian Federation. The age of a foreign national at which he/she has the right to work in the territory of the Russian Federation has been established. It is established that when a foreign national stays in the Russian Federation under an ordinary work visa he/she can study at an educational establishment in the Russian Federation without securing a change in the purpose of the visit to the Russian Federation. From September 1, 2013 the procedure for acknowledging of the documents on education and qualification issued by Russian educational establishments, as well as those of RSFSR and the USSR will be renewed.
Abstract T P396: Endothelial Inflammation Correlates with Severity of Bleed and Outcome in SAH Patients

Introduction: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating disease that portends a high rate of morbidity and early mortality in its patients. Although brain injury that is assumed in the early phases of SAH is an important prognosticator of functional outcome, the underlying mechanism behind the acute phase of the disease is still poorly understood. The aim of this study is to investigate endothelial inflammation in the early phases of SAH, and to determine its association with severity of bleed, mortality risk, and functional outcome. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that endothelial inflammation will be higher in SAH patients with severe bleed and poor functional outcome. Methods: Patients (n=15) admitted to our neurosurgical intensive care unit within 24 hours of bleed onset (day 1) and angiographic evidence of aneurysmal SAH were identified. Endothelial inflammation was studied as intracellular adhesion marker-1 (ICAM-1) levels in blood samples drawn at admission and on days 3 and 7 post-SAH (ICAM-1 ELIS...
Overcharge protection of lithium-ion batteries above 4 V with a perfluorinated phenothiazine derivative

Electron-withdrawing substituents are introduced onto the phenothiazine core to raise its oxidation potential for use as a redox shuttle in high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. A perfluorinated derivative oxidizes at 4.3 V vs. Li+/0, and functions for ca. 500 h of 100% overcharge in LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2/graphite coin cells at a charging rate of C/10.
Fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agents.

These drugs, also called quinolones, include norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, enoxacin, and pefloxacin. We shall evaluate here the current status of the quinolones, considering mechanisms of action and resistance, activity in vitro, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, and clinical uses
Synthesis and Optoelectronic Properties of Two-Dimensional FeS2 Nanoplates

There is a growing interest in the earth abundant and nontoxic iron disulfide (FeS(2)) photovoltaic materials. Here, we report the synthesis of FeS(2) nanoplates with different spectral features which we have associated with thicknesses and crystallization. The structure and crystalline order of ultrathin FeS(2) nanoplates have a strong influence on the carrier lifetime, electronic and optical properties. We demonstrate that two-dimensional FeS(2) nanoplates show great promise for fabrication of hybrid bulk heterojunction solar cells. This opens up a host of applications of these materials as inexpensive solar cells and photocatalysts.
Aluminum foils: the contrasting characters of hyperconjugation and steric repulsion in aluminum dimetallocenes.

The novel sandwich complex Cp2*Al2I2, which was recently synthesized by Minasian and Arnold, has been characterized using ab initio and density functional methods. A large family of related compoun...
Spectrum of sleep disorders in a patient with spinocerebellar ataxia 13.

We report the case of a 52-year-old female with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) 13. She presented with complaints of insomnia and had a history of restless legs syndrome. Her polysomnogram revealed th...
Adaptations of Lactate Metabolism in Iron-Deficient Rats

Effects of dietary iron deficiency on lactate metabolism were studied in weanling female rats. Following an iron-deficient diet for 5 weeks, mean hemoglobin concentration was lowered to 6.4 g/dl relative to 12.2 in the control group. Mean plasma iron levels were 58 and 162 micrograms/dl, respectively. Significantly elevated resting lactate levels were observed in whole blood and plasma from iron-deficient anemic (relative to control) rats. Total activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was elevated in soleus and gastrocnemius muscles in response to iron deficiency from 269 +/- 51 to 364 +/- 60 (Mean +/- SD) and from 265 +/- 65 to 372 +/- 61 IU . 10(-3) . g-1, respectively. The LDH activity in heart was lowered from 700 +/- 61 to 593 +/- 45 IU . 10(-3) . g-1. The M3H and M2H2 isozymes in soleus were increased from 12.7 +/- 2.8 to 20.4 +/- 5.8% and from 19.4 +/- 6.1 to 28.2 +/- 3.6%, respectively. Similar increase was observed in M2H2 and MH3 in gastrocnemius from 9.8 +/- 0.9 to 14.8 +/- 2.0% and from 17.4 +/- 2.0 to 20.5 +/- 2.3%, respectively. The H4 isozyme was significantly reduced in soleus, gastrocnemius, and plantaris muscles from 27.7 +/- 4.7 to 12.4 +/- 4.4, from 15.8 +/- 1.9 to 7.2 +/- 2.9, and from 10.5 +/- 2.9 to 3.9 +/- 2.1%, respectively. It was suggested that iron-deficiency anemia induces an elevation of lactate production following an increase in total LDH activity and change in LDH isozyme patterns.
The Politics of Financial Development: A Review of Calomiris and Haber's Fragile by Design

Fragile by Design by Charles W. Calomiris and Stephen H. Haber introduces a framework for understanding financial crises and credit abundance with politics at its center. Using the historical experiences of five nations to illustrate, the authors propose that democracies such as the United States and Canada can have stable banks and ample credit so long as populist forces do not dominate the policy agenda, and that strong autocratic states such as Mexico can also achieve stability at the cost of restricting credit. Weak autocracies, such as Brazil over much of its history, often require inflationary finance and suffer from the banking fragility that comes with it. The authors identify populist ideologies and related policy decisions (such as unit banking, deposit insurance, and the Community Reinvestment Act) as underlying causes of banking instability in the United States as typified by the recent subprime crisis. Canada, in contrast, by holding populist forces in check through calculated political choices, remains crisis-free.
A Review of “The Distracted Couple: The Impact of ADHD on Adult Relationships”: edited by Larry Maucieri and Jon Carlson. Bethel, CT: Crown House Publishing Ltd, 2013, 364 pages, $35.00 (paperback).

The Distracted Couple takes the perspective that attention is a vital process shaping the quality of adult relationships. Editors Larry Maucieri and Jon Carlson invite the reader to contemplate how...
A Preliminary Study on the Morphological and Biological Characteristics of Jakowleffia setulosa

The morphological characteristics,life habits and life history of Jakowleffia setulosa from Alashan,Inner Mongolia were described.Jakowleffia setulosa occurs 1.5 generations each year and overwinters as nymphs and adults at Alashan region.
Metabolism of human Fallopian tube epithelium

The uptake of 3H-thymidine was studied in the epithelium of adult human Fallopian tubes. Grossly normal Fallopian tubes were obtained at operation from 16 premenopausal women. Radioautograms were prepared after in vitro incubation of infundibular and ampullary portions with tritiated thymidine. The majority of labeled cells was found in the epithelium of the infundibulum. The labeling of epithelial cells varied from 0.5 to 1.8 per cent in 13 cases. There was no correlation between labeling and the patient’s age. The percentage of labeled cells was higher in patients with tubal inflammation, during their menstrual period, or with a history of exogenous estrogen intake. The uptake of tritiated thymidine occurred in the ciliated, secretory, and “undiferertiated” cells.
Ghost Reduction in CP-SSOCT Having Multiple References Using Fourier-Domain Shift and Sum

We propose, test, and validate a novel Fourier-domain-based method for ghost image artifacts reduction in a common-path SSOCT system having multiple adjacent reference planes. Common-path probes with imaging systems containing high-index sapphire ball or other lenses produce multiple fixed references due to Fresnel reflections from the lens surfaces. The multiple reference planes produce multiple and overlapping optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Since such ghost artifacts are the result of the superposition of multiple identical images having different amplitudes and spatial shifts, one can correctly shift and sum the images in the Fourier-domain once the relative amplitude and lateral position between the reference planes are known. This theory and numerical testing are presented to elucidate our method. We then validate the potential effectiveness using OCT imaging experiments.
Dietary folate intake and modification of the association of urinary bisphenol A concentrations with in vitro fertilization outcomes among women from a fertility clinic.

Experimental data in rodents suggest that the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on oocyte development may be modified by dietary methyl donors. Whether the same interaction exists in humans is unknown. We evaluated whether intake of methyl donors modified the associations between urinary BPA concentrations and treatment outcomes among 178 women who underwent 248 IVF cycles at a fertility center in Boston between 2007 and 2012. Participants completed a validated food frequency questionnaire and provided up to two urine samples per treatment cycle. High urinary BPA concentrations were associated with a 66% lower probability of implantation (p=0.007) among women who consumed <400μg/day of food folate, but not among women consuming ≥400μg/day (21% higher probability of implantation, p=0.18) (p,interaction=0.04). A similar pattern was observed for probability of clinical pregnancy (p,interaction=0.07) and live birth (p,interaction=0.16). These results are consistent with previous animal data but further evaluation in other human populations is needed.
A match not made in heaven: on the applicability of mathematics in physics

In his seminal 1960 paper, the physicist Eugene Wigner formulated the question of the applicability of mathematics in physics in a way nobody had before. This formulation has been (almost) entirely overlooked due to an exclusive concern with (dis)solving Wigner’s problem and explaining the effectiveness of mathematics in the natural sciences, in one way or another. Many have attempted to attribute Wigner’s unjustified conclusion—that mathematics is unreasonably effective in the natural sciences—to his (dogmatic) formalist views on mathematics. My goal is to show that this reading misses out on Wigner’s highly original formulation of the problem which is presented throughout his body of work in physics as well as in philosophy. This formulation, as I will show, leads us in a new direction in solving the applicability problem.