cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Penicillin Versus Tetracycline in the Treatment of Childhood Osteomyelitis

Summary Fifty-eight children with acute haema-togenous osteomyelitis have been studied. The incidence of infection by penicillin-resistant organisms was found to be 54.5 % in 33 cases in which an organism was recovered. Tetracycline has been found to be more effective than penicillin in the primary treatment of this condition.
A biomechanical analysis of strength and motion following total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: The primary goal of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has traditionally been pain relief and motion improvement. The literature contains multiple studies that have documented the restoration of motion and consistent pain relief following the procedure. However, there has been little attention placed on strength following TSA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine in an objective manner whether strength and motion improve with shoulder arthroplasty and over what time course this may occur. Materials and Methods: Between April 2002 and January 2004, 15 patients who underwent TSA for osteoarthritis had biomechanical strength testing preoperatively, at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The mean age at the time of TSA was 66 years (range, 52-82). None of the patients had full thickness rotator cuff tears at the time of surgery. Peak forces for shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation strength were recorded. In addition, patients had shoulder range of motion measurements performed. Findings: Range of motion improved significantly with TSA from preoperative to 6 months postoperative: flexion 104° to 147° ( P = 0.0034), abduction 86° to 145° ( P = 0.0001), internal rotation 43° to 54° ( P = 0.0475) and external rotation 25° to 50° ( P = 0.0008). There was minimal improvement in range of motion from 6 to 12 months. In contrast, there continued to be improvements in strength from the 6 month to the 12 month postoperative time frame: extension 18.3 kg to 22.4 kg ( P = 0.006), abduction 11.3 kg to 12.8 kg (0.0474) and external rotation 8.8 kg to 10.1 kg ( P = 0.016). Despite these improvements, compared to normative values, there continued to be relative weakness of the shoulder following TSA. Interpretation: The data from this study suggest that recovery of strength and motion follow different time frames after TSA. The results of this study may allow the surgeon to more accurately discuss with the patient over what time course strength and motion may return. In addition, this study raises important questions in regard to the current rehabilitation program used after shoulder arthroplasty and whether development of new protocols may improve the functional outcome from surgery. Level of Evidence: Level 2
The Racial Politics of Mixed Race

Etude de la question de l'experience et de l'identite de la population multiraciale ou population metisse (mixed-race) aux Etats-Unis, a travers la revendication des droits individuels pour les groupes multi-ethniques entreprise par l'Association des Americains Multi-ethniques (AMEA) et par le Projet RACE (Reclassify All Children Equally). Analysant la definition de la categorie multiraciale et evaluant la politique de l'auto-identitification raciale dans l'oeuvre de N. Zack, M. Omi et H. Winant, l'A. examine les processus de la formation raciale dans le cadre de la politique raciale, fondee sur la solidarite avec les groupes radicaux et un sens de la subjectivite collective
Minimum entropy approach to denoising time-frequency distributions

Signals used in time-frequency analysis are usually corrupted by noise. Therefore, denoising the time-frequency representation is a necessity for producing readable time-frequency images. Denoising is defined as the operation of smoothing a noisy signal or image for producing a noise free representation. Linear smoothing of time-frequency distributions (TFDs) suppresses noise at the expense of considerable smearing of the signal components. For this reason, nonlinear denoising has been preferred. A common example to nonlinear denoising methods is the wavelet thresholding. In this paper, we introduce an entropy based approach to denoising time-frequency distributions. This new approach uses the spectrogram decomposition of time-frequency kernels proposed by Cunningham and Williams.In order to denoise the time-frequency distribution, we combine those spectrograms with smallest entropy values, thus ensuring that each spectrogram is well concentrated on the time-frequency plane and contains as little noise as possible. Renyi entropy is used as the measure to quantify the complexity of each spectrogram. The threshold for the number of spectrograms to combine is chosen adaptively based on the tradeoff between entropy and variance. The denoised time-frequency distributions for several signals are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. The improvement in performance is quantitatively evaluated.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Purification and characterization of a histidine-rich glycoprotein that binds cadmium from the blood plasma of the bivalve Mytilus edulis.

Abstract An unusual cadmium-binding protein was purified for the first time from the blood plasma of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis. The protein was isolated and purified to homogeneity using ammonium sulfate precipitation and immobilized metal-ion affinity chromatography. It was identified as a glycoprotein with an apparent M r of 63 kDa and a p I of 4.8. Electrophoresis of the protein under denaturing conditions on polyacrylamide gels produced four bands of 35, 37, 39 and 29 kDa. Isoelectric focusing under denaturing conditions produced 12 closely spaced bands with p I s of 4.2 to 5.8, revealing charge microheterogeneity. Molecular proterties ( M r and p I ), carbohydrate content (11.6%) and composition, high histidine content (13.7%), as well cadmium-binding property of the protein (approximate log K ≥ 5.4) indicated that it is similar to the mammalian histidine-rich glycoprotein, hitherto unreported in aquatic invertebrates. The cadmium-binding ability of the protein was retained even after heat denaturation and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
Proactively designing nanomaterials to enhance performance and minimise hazard

The innovative field of nanotechnology is most likely to benefit society and gain acceptance if environmental and human health considerations are investigated systematically, and those results are used to optimise safety as well as performance. Since nanotechnology fundamentally allows manipulation of matter at the atomic level, toxic interactions could potentially be eliminated by creative design once our knowledge of how nanomaterials interact with biological systems is sufficient. Our approach to the development of benign nanoparticles begins with the synthesis of precisely engineered, high-purity nanoparticle libraries using the principles of green chemistry. Next, evaluations for biocompatibility are performed using a rapid in vivo system (embryonic zebrafish) to assess the biological activity and toxic potential of nanomaterials at multiple levels of biological organisation (i.e., molecular, cellular, systems, organismal). Our iterative testing and redesign strategy utilises information gained from the biological studies to inform the nanomaterial design process until benign products and processes are identified. To make this information more generally available, a knowledgebase of Nanomaterial-Biological Interactions (NBI) is being developed that will offer industry, academia and regulatory agencies a mechanism to rationally inquire for unbiased interpretation of nanomaterial exposure effects in biological systems. Timely evaluation and dissemination of information on nanomaterial-biological interactions will provide much needed data, improve public trust of the nanotechnology industry, and provide nanomaterial designers in academia and industry with information to direct the development of safer nanomaterials and resulting technologies.
The mobile nature of acrocentric elements illustrated by three unusual chromosome variants

Variant chromosomes are polymorphic in areas that are rich in repeat sequences such as the pericentromeric regions or in the acrocentric short arm regions. The dynamic nature of these regions is evident in the polymorphisms they exhibit. In this paper three unusual variants are described: a chromosome 21 with additional material on its short arm, a chromosome 7 with an insertion in the short arm and a chromosome 2 with satellites at the end of the long arm. All three variants were shown to involve acrocentric elements using special banding techniques and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The 21 variant was found to be a tricentric with a 21 and two 15 alpha-, two classical and three acrocentric beta-satellite signals interspersed by AgNOR-positive regions. The telomeres were present at the two terminal ends. The insertion on chromosome 7 was found to be C-band positive and to contain acrocentric beta-satellite DNA. However, acrocentric alpha-satellite, classical satellite, whole-chromosome-painting or all-telomeres sequence probes did not hybridize to the insertion. The satellited region of chromosome 2 had two C-bands, a small positive all-centromeres probe signal, and two signals for the beta-satellite probe. Sandwiched between the beta-satellite sequences was an AgNOR-positive region. The telomeres were present at the two ends of the satellited chromosome 2. Chromosome 2 subtelomeric probes hybridized to the terminal ends of the short and long arm of chromosome 2. The common thread in these three variants is the involvement of acrocentric short arm elements. The acrocentric short arm elements are shown to move to other acrocentric or nonacrocentric chromosomes and relocate to both terminal and interstitial positions. The integrations are stable and heritable.
Eriophyes zoysiae (Acari: Eriophyidae), a new species of eriophyid mite on zoysiagrass

Abstract Eriophyes zoysiae , n. sp. (Eriophyidae) is reported from the foliage of Zoysia japonica Steud. and other Zoysia species introduced to the United States from Japan and Korea. Damage to the plants is described.
Differential effects and rates of normal aging in cerebellum and hippocampus

Cognitive functions show many alternative outcomes and great individual variation during normal aging. We examined learning over the adult life span in CBA mice, along with morphological and electrophysiological substrates. Our aim was to compare cerebellum-dependent delay eyeblink classical conditioning and hippocampus-dependent contextual fear conditioning in the same animals using the same conditioned and unconditioned stimuli for eyeblink and fear conditioning. In a subset of the behaviorally tested mice, we used unbiased stereology to estimate the total number of Purkinje neurons in cerebellar cortex and pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus. Several forms of synaptic plasticity were assessed at different ages in CBA mice: long-term depression (LTD) in both cerebellum and hippocampus and NMDA-mediated long-term potentiation (LTP) and voltage-dependent calcium channel LTP in hippocampus. Forty-four CBA mice tested at one of five ages (4, 8, 12, 18, or 24 months) demonstrated statistically significant age differences in cerebellum-dependent delay eyeblink conditioning, with 24-month mice showing impairment in comparison with younger mice. These same CBA mice showed no significant differences in contextual or cued fear conditioning. Stereology indicated significant loss of Purkinje neurons in the 18- and 24-month groups, whereas pyramidal neuron numbers were stable across age. Slice electrophysiology recorded from an additional 48 CBA mice indicated significant deficits in LTD appearing in cerebellum between 4 and 8 months, whereas 4- to 12-month mice demonstrated similar hippocampal LTD and LTP values. Our results demonstrate that processes of aging impact brain structures and associated behaviors differentially, with cerebellum showing earlier senescence than hippocampus.
Accurate Component Model Based Optimal Control for Energy Storage Systems in Households with Photovoltaic Modules

Integrating residential photovoltaic (PV) power generation and energy storage systems into the Smart Grid is an effective way of utilizing renewable power and reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. This has become a particularly interesting problem with the introduction of dynamic electricity energy pricing models since electricity consumers can use their PV-based energy generation and controllable energy storage devices for peak shaving on their power demand profile from the grid, and thereby, minimize their electricity bill cost. A realistic electricity price function is considered in this paper with billing period of a month, comprised of both the energy price component and the demand price component. Due to the characteristics of the realistic electricity price function and the energy storage capacity limitation, the residential storage control algorithm should properly account for various energy loss components during system operation, including the energy loss components due to rate capacity effect in the storage system as well as power dissipation in the power conversion circuitries. A near-optimal storage control algorithm is proposed accounting for these aspects, based on the PV power generation and load power consumption prediction results in the previous papers. The near-optimal control algorithm, which controls charging/discharging schemes of the storage system, is effectively implemented by solving a convex optimization problem at the beginning of each day with polynomial time complexity. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed near-optimal residential storage control algorithm achieves up to 36.0% enhancement in electricity cost reduction than the baseline control algorithm.
First generation and characterization of the enol of glycine, H2N?CH?C(OH)2, in the gas phase

The enol of glycine, H(2)N-CHdC(OH)(2), is generated in the gas phase by neutralization of the corresponding radical cation, which is available by dissociative electron ionization of isoleucine. Reionization approximately 0.6 micros later shows that the isolated enol (2) exists and does not isomerize to the significantly more stable glycine molecule, H(2)N--CH(2)--COOH (1); hence the intramolecular tautomerization 2-->1 must be associated with high barriers. The neutralization-reionization reactivity of 1(+*) further confirms that neutral glycine has a canonical structure (1) and is not a zwitterion. The unimolecular chemistry of 1(+*) is dominated by C--C bond cleavage to the immonium ion (+)H(2)NCH(2); in sharp contrast, 2(+*) primarily loses H(2)O. The ylide ion (+)H(3)N--CH(*)--COOH, an intermediate in the water loss from 2(+*), is found to readily equilibrate to 2(+*) prior to dissociation. Tautomers 1(+*) and 2(+*) differ in their charge-stripping behavior, with only 2(+*) forming a stable dication. The radical anions 1(-*) and 2(-*), formed by charge reversal of 1(+*) and 2(+*), respectively, dissociate extensively to (mainly) different closed-shell fragment anions. An important channel is H(*) loss; 1(-*) yields the carboxylate ion H(2)N--CH(2)--COO(-) whereas 2(-*) yields the enolate ion H(2)N--CH=C(OH)O(-).
Effect of nonparabolic momentum on Fowler-Nordheim tunneling through an insulator☆

Abstract The current behavior in Fowler-Nordheim tunneling through an insulator is considered. Experimental results are interpreted by taking into account the effect of nonparabolic energy-momentum relationship in the insulator.
The fine structure of Comanthus japonica (Echinodermata: Crinoidea) from zygote through early gastrula

Abstract The fine structure of the early embryo of Comanthus has been described by scanning and transmission electron microscopy at approximately 20-min intervals from zygote (20 min) through early gastrula (260 min). In normally developing (and presumably monospermic) embryos, some non-fertilizing sperm were invariably trapped in the perivitelline space; this suggests that there is an effective block to polyspermy at the level of the plasma membrane. No trace of a hyaline layer is encountered in the pervitelline space. At first cleavage, which begins unilaterally at the animal pole, the contractile ring filaments are rather thick (50–150 A) in comparison to those known for other marine invertebrates. From first cleavage through early gastrula, the lateral surfaces of the blastomeres are broadly adherent, and there is an intercellular material, presumably an adhesive, in the intercellular space. The blastocoel first appears during the four-cell stage. From the eight-cell stage through the start of gastrulation, only one opening, the vegetal pore, connects the blastocoel with the perivitelline space. Gastrulation begins at the 50–100-cell stage, while the vegetal pore is still open, and a clearly defined blastula stage is bypassed. Gastrulation is by a novel process, which I have called holoblastic involution. At gastrulation the eight most vegetal blastomeres, which encircle the vegetal pore, shoot out erect, unbranched filopodia for many microns through the blastocoel. The filopodia adhere to the blastocoelic surfaces of the animal blastomeres and contract, pulling the vegetal blastomeres into the blastocoel. The migrated vegetal blastomeres adhere to one another, forming the entoderm in the vegetal region of the embryo; the remaining blastomeres become the ectoderm. Soon after the completion of cell migration, the entodermal blastomeres appear to cast off their contractile microappendages and adhesive membranes into the blastocoel.
The role of opioids in feeding and reward elicited by lateral hypothalamic electrical stimulation.

Abstract We have previously shown that feeding induced by electrical stimulation in the lateral hypothalamus of rats is inhibited by naloxone but not its quaternary analogue. In the present study, effects of morphine and loperamide -an opiate that does not pass the blood-brain barrier- were examined. Loperamide inhibited stimulation-induced feeding; reversal of this effect by quaternary naloxone confirmed the peripheral site of action. A low dose of morphine (1.25 mg/kg) facilitated feeding but higher doses were inhibitory. An inhibitory nose of morphine became facilitory, however, when preceded by quaternary naloxone. It therefore appears that central opioid activity promotes ingestive behavior while peripheral activity inhibits ingestion. To evaluate the function served by the central facilitory process, we exploited the relation that exists between feeding and self-stimulation elicited through a common electrode. It was found that potentiation of self-stimulation by food deprivation is blocked by naloxone. It is concluded that endogenous opioid activity may promote feeding by enhancing the reward value of food as a function of hunger.
The Utility of Routine Screening of Patients With Uveitis for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or Tuberculosis: A Bayesian Analysis

• The indications for many laboratory tests in patients with uveitis are controversial. Bayes' theorem allows a mathematical approach to the assessment of the utility of a laboratory test based on the sensitivity of the test, the specificity of the test, and the pretest likelihood that the disease the test is intended to identify is present. We have utilized Bayes' theorem to assess the utility of routine antinuclear antibody and purified protein derivative testing in patients with uveitis. Based on published data about the sensitivity and specificity of each of these tests, as well as the prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus and tuberculosis among patients with uveitis, we calculated that a patient with uveitis and a positive antinuclear antibody test result has less than a 1% chance of having systemic lupus erythematosus and that a patient with uveitis and a positive purified protein derivative test result has a 1% likelihood of having tuberculosis. These low probabilities mean that neither test is useful in the routine evaluation of patients with uveitis, and indiscriminate use may lead to improper diagnosis, increased costs, and, occasionally, inappropriate therapy.
Pain in the older adult in the intensive care unit

Effective pain management of the older adult begins with pain assessment using the proper tools. Understanding the complexities of the older adult in the ICU is the first step; this can be done by integrating the evidence-based practice guidelines provided by the American Geriatrics Society, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO pain standards: www.jcaho.org/standard/pm_hap.html), and the Society of Critical Care Medicine into physicians' and nurses' practice. Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations now recommends considering pain as the "fifth vital sign" (JCAHO pain standards: www.jcaho.org/standard/pm_hap.html). In summary, Park et al highlight key concepts that must be considered for all effective treatment plans: "anticipation, recognition, quantification, treatment and reassessment of the needs of the patient." Only then can we anticipate the impacts of chronic and critical illnesses and realize reliable and superior comfort for the elderly.
Chemical Aids to Preservation of High Moisture Feeds

Abstract In three laboratory trials we evaluated effectiveness of several chemicals as mold inhibitors for storage of grains and forages. Chemicals tested were sodium chloride, sodium propionate, propionic acid, 57% acetic:40% propionic acid, and ammonium isobutyrate. Laboratory trials varied, but propionic acid was the most effective mold inhibitor. With small snow-fence stacks of forage we also evaluated effectiveness of propionic acid, acetic:propionic acid (57:40), and ammonium isobutyrate for preventing molding and heating. Ammonium isobutyrate and acetic:propionic acid produced less temperature rise than other treatments. Propionic acid prevented the temperature from going as high as the control stacks. Ammonium isobutyrate was the most effective preventor of mold and forage shrinkage in forage stacks. Propionic acid was an effective mold inhibitor for grains and forages stored in jars with the only air exposure through a loose lid. This would be more like silo grain and forage storage than the stack experiment.
A Reinforcement Learning Algorithm Based on Policy Iteration for Average Reward: Empirical Results with Yield Management and Convergence Analysis

We present a Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithm based on policy iteration for solving average reward Markov and semi-Markov decision problems. In the literature on discounted reward RL, algorithms based on policy iteration and actor-critic algorithms have appeared. Our algorithm is an asynchronous, model-free algorithm (which can be used on large-scale problems) that hinges on the idea of computing the value function of a given policy and searching over policy space. In the applied operations research community, RL has been used to derive good solutions to problems previously considered intractable. Hence in this paper, we have tested the proposed algorithm on a commercially significant case study related to a real-world problem from the airline industry. It focuses on yield management, which has been hailed as the key factor for generating profits in the airline industry. In the experiments conducted, we use our algorithm with a nearest-neighbor approach to tackle a large state space. We also present a convergence analysis of the algorithm via an ordinary differential equation method.
Using a Choice Function for Guiding Enumeration in Constraint Solving

In Constraint Programming, selection of a variable and a value of its domain enumeration strategies are crucial for resolution performances. We propose to use a Choice Function for guiding enumeration: we exploit search process features to dynamically adapt a Constraint Programming solver in order to more efficiently solve Constraint Satisfaction Problems. The Choice Function provides guidance to the solver by indicating which enumeration strategy should be applied next based upon the information of the search process, it should be captured through some indicators. The Choice Function is defined as a weighted sum of indicators expressing the recent improvement produced by the enumeration strategy had been called. The weights are determined by a Genetic Algorithm in a multilevel approach. We report results where our combination of strategies outperforms the use of individual strategies
Pathophysiology of Atrial Flutter

Atrial flutter is a macroreentrant tachyarrhythmia most often contained within the right atrium. Typical atrial flutter is defined on an electrocardiogram by the classic "sawtooth" pattern of flutter waves with negative polarity in leads II, III, and aVF. In contrast to atrial fibrillation, which is sustained by multiple reentrant wavelets defined by anatomic and/or functional barriers, typical atrial flutter is sustained by a single reentrant circuit defined by anatomical barriers. The isthmus of atrial tissue bordered by the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid annulus forms a critical zone of slow conduction in the reentry circuit of atrial flutter. The goal of radiofrequency catheter ablation is to create a line of conduction block across this isthmus. This line of block interrupts the flutter circuit and often provides long-term freedom from recurrence.
Increased Lower Respiratory Tract Iron Concentrations in Alkaloidal ("Crack") Cocaine Users*

Study objective: We hypothesized that the use of inhaled alkaloidal (“crack”) cocaine could increase lung content of iron, either by inducing alveolar hemorrhage or by other mechanisms. Intrapulmonary accumulation of iron could promote chronic lung diseases in crack users. The goal of this study was to determine whether iron and ferritin content of alveolar macrophages or fluid recovered by BAL was increased in subjects using crack, compared with nonsmokers. Methods: BAL was performed in 31 volunteer subjects, including healthy nonsmokers (n 5 7), subjects smoking crack alone (n 5 7), as well as subjects smoking both crack and cigarettes (n 5 7) or cigarettes alone (n 5 10). Iron content of alveolar macrophages and BAL fluid was determined by a colorimetric method and ferritin content of alveolar macrophages, and BAL fluid was measured by a two-sided immunoradiometric method. Results: Alveolar macrophages recovered from crack users contained more iron than did alveolar macrophages from nonsmokers (25.4 6 2.9 nmol/10 6 vs 5.5 6 0.6 nmol/10 6 [mean 6 SE]; p < 0.01). There were similar increases in alveolar macrophage ferritin as well as BAL fluid iron and ferritin in crack users, compared with nonsmokers. BAL fluid ferritin concentrations in subjects smoking both crack and cigarettes were increased, compared with subjects smoking crack alone or cigarettes alone (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Use of crack increases intrapulmonary concentrations of iron and ferritin. Effects of crack on extracellular ferritin concentrations may be additive with effects of cigarette smoking. Although the mechanism(s) causing pulmonary iron accumulation were not identified by this study, it may be a result of occult alveolar hemorrhage or increased vascular permeability. The increase in lung iron burden in habitual crack users could promote chronic lung diseases in these subjects. (CHEST 2001; 119:422‐ 427)
Invited Commentary: Causal Diagrams and Measurement Bias

Causal inferences about the effect of an exposure on an outcome may be biased by errors in the measurement of either the exposure or the outcome. Measurement errors of exposure and outcome can be classified into 4 types: independent nondifferential, dependent nondifferential, independent differential, and dependent differential. Here the authors describe how causal diagrams can be used to represent these 4 types of measurement bias and discuss some problems that arise when using measured exposure variables (e.g., body mass index) to make inferences about the causal effects of unmeasured constructs (e.g., "adiposity"). The authors conclude that causal diagrams need to be used to represent biases arising not only from confounding and selection but also from measurement.
Reduced order modeling of transcritical AC system dynamics using singular perturbation

This paper presents a reduced order dynamic model of a transcritical air-conditioning system, specifically suited for multivariable controller design. An 11/sup th/ order nonlinear dynamic model of the system is derived using first principles. Two methods of deriving the governing equations are presented. The first method simplifies the governing partial differential equations using lumped parameter assumptions. The second method uses the unsteady state conservation equations, and is shown to be equivalent to the first method. An analysis of the resulting model indicates that the system is singularly perturbed. The model reduction procedure exposes that the first derivation approach results in a model ill-suited for model reduction. The second modeling approach is shown to be simpler conceptually, and well suited for model reduction. The model reduction procedure yields physical insight as to which physical phenomenon are relatively fast/slow, as well as providing a 5/sup th/ order dynamic model appropriate for multivariable controller design. Although all results shown are for a transcritical cycle, the methodology presented can easily be extended to the more common subcritical cycles.
Pesticides in export and domestic agriculture: Reconsidering market orientation and pesticide use in Costa Rica

Abstract The environmental impact of agro-export production in developing countries remains an important research topic. The political economy-inspired literature on developing country agro-exports maintains that export crops are pesticide intensive – or, more generally, environmentally destructive – while local and national market crops are less pesticide intensive, or environmentally benign. If used to draw conclusions about the impact of national market versus export market expansion, this view has significant limitations, most importantly the comparison of high-commodity value export crops with low-commodity value crops for national market. To overcome this and other limitations of prior analyses, this paper addresses the question: how does market orientation influence pesticide intensity where the same crops are grown for both the national market and for export? Data from a survey of Costa Rican vegetable farmers are used to compare pesticide intensity of 27 vegetable crops, five of which are produced for both national and export markets. The general pattern that emerges is that national market vegetables are more pesticide intensive than export vegetables in the area. Yet, controlling more for the crop variable is important, and specific comparisons of the five vegetables grown for both markets – carrot, chayote, corn, green beans, and squash – illustrate that market orientation alone does not determine pesticide intensity, but that it is jointly influenced by regulatory risk, crop value, and pest susceptibility, among other factors. Continued attention to both political economy and ecological processes in “second nature” will allow political ecology to make important contributions to understanding pesticide problems and implementing agroecological solutions.
ON THE ORIGIN AND PERSISTENCE OF ERROR IN GEOGRAPHY

ABSTRACT Human error concerning the geography of the earth has been recurrent throughout historic time. Some kinds of error arise because of the problems of dealing with phenomena in the three-dimensional zone forming earth-space. The broad curvature of the earth, the sheer diversity of earth-space, and the patterns of change through time all form pitfalls for the geographer who is, thereby, liable to error in his descriptive analyses. The problems of placing percepts (things perceived) against concepts (mental abstractions) make for difficulties in analyzing the three-dimensional spatial zone in which geographers work. Among the kinds of error committed there are avoidable varieties, such as the inexact use of descriptive and analytical language, the uncritical use of statistical data, the acceptance of unreliable data, and the confusion of the several kinds of spatial distributions. Less avoidable error derives from the formulation of hypotheses accounting for phenomena which, when critically examined a...
Optical analysis of liquid mixing in a minibioreactor.

A novel optical sensor was used to study mixing and mean circulation time in a model minibioreactor (12.5 mL stirred vessel, equipped with a paddle impeller). Rotational rates in the range of 10–1,000 rpm corresponding to Reynolds number between 14 and 1,350 were studied. Results suggest that depending on the impeller rotational speed, mixing times up to 214 ± 87 s can be reproducibly achieved. The minibioreactor was operated in the transitional regime, and it was determined that the non-dimensional form for mixing time, NΘM was linearly dependent on Reynolds number. A linear correlation between mean circulation time and the inverse of rotational speed was also determined. The mean circulation time dependence on rotational speed in the 12.5 mL stirred vessel is similar to those found in large-scale stirred vessels. These results suggest that mixing and circulation times found in large-scale reactors can be replicated in minibioreactors. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Size of food bowl and scoop affects amount of food owners feed their dogs

Summary The incidence of canine obesity appears to be increasing dramatically and understanding factors impacting the amount of food pet owners provide their dogs may improve weight management. Human research has shown the size of food bowls, plates and utensils can significantly impact the amount of food portioned and consumed. This effect can be attributed to both the Delboeuf optical illusion and the Ebbinghaus-Titchener size-contrast illusion. To investigate the existence of a similar effect with dog owners, 54 dogs and their owners were recruited for a four treatment randomized prospective trial. Owners scooped out a normal kibble-based meal using a small bowl and small scoop, small bowl and large scoop, large bowl and small scoop or a large bowl and large scoop. Each treatment was used once per owner over four visits. Repeated measures anova revealed the mean amount of food portioned using the small bowl and small scoop was significantly less than all other bowl and scoop combinations (150.7 g vs. 171.5 g vs. 172.7 g vs. 184.5 g, p 0.05). Owners were more likely to portion a larger amount of food with a large bowl and large scoop. Results are consistent with human data and emphasize the need for owners to use standard measuring cups. Results also suggest owner compliance during weight loss programs may be improved with smaller bowls and serving scoops.
ESD simulator tip voltage at the instant of test

It is pointed out that, for air-discharge (as compared with contact-mode) ESD (electrostatic discharge) testing, the actual voltage at the tip of an ESD simulator at the instant of test can depend on simulator design. Different simulator designs give different test outcomes, particularly for plastic-enclosed products. In one ESD simulator design, the constant-voltage configuration, simulator voltage remains constant during victim approach. In another design, the isolated-capacitor configuration, the tip voltage may decrease as it approaches the equipment victim. A third design, called the quasi-isolated capacitor design, is proposed. It retains the advantages of the constant-voltage configuration and high accuracy for the basic simulator voltage. Its output voltage is also invariant, for practical purposed, with capacitance change due to victim approach. However, it does retain the advantage of the isolated-capacitor design when it is desired. >
Absolute photoionization cross section of excited titanium

The absolute cross section for photoionization from the 3d24s4p3P2 excited level of neutral Ti has been measured by using pulsed-laser excitation and ionization of Ti atoms in an atomic beam. Absolute cross sections are obtained by recording the depletion in 3P−3d24s2 3F fluorescence resulting from ionization. The wavelength range of the ionizing radiation was varied from 307 to 280 nm, corresponding to ionization from 2990 to 6070 cm−1 above the ground level of Ti+. The average cross section is approximately 2 × 10−17 cm2, and there is considerable structure in the cross section as a function of energy. We find good agreement between the shapes of the curves of the absolute cross section obtained from fluorescence depletion and the relative cross section obtained from total photoelectron yields as a function of ionizing wavelength.
Pathology of breast carcinomas after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: an overview with recommendations on specimen processing and reporting.

Abstract Context.—Currently, more women are being treated with chemotherapy or hormonal agents before surgery (neoadjuvant chemoendocrine therapy) for earlier-stage operable breast carcinoma. The pathologic examination of these specimens can be quite challenging. Objective.—To give an overview of (1) pathologic changes that occur during treatment, (2) systems for evaluating response to treatment, and (3) recommendations for pathologic examination and reporting of such cases. Data Sources.—The recommendations are based on the review of selected literature on breast carcinoma after neoadjuvant therapy and the authors' personal experience with the clinical and pathologic characteristics of cases from each of the authors' own institutions. Conclusions.—Pathologists play a key role in the evaluation of pathologic response, which is extremely important as a prognostic factor for individual patients, as a short-term endpoint for clinical trials, and as an adjunct for research studies. Therefore, surgical patholo...
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading species isolated from Hawaiian soils: Mycobacterium crocinum sp. nov., Mycobacterium pallens sp. nov., Mycobacterium rutilum sp. nov., Mycobacterium rufum sp. nov. and Mycobacterium aromaticivorans sp. nov.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental contaminants. In this study, both pristine and contaminated soils were sampled as a source of PAH-degrading organisms. Nine strains isolated from these soils were identified as rapidly growing members of the genus Mycobacterium through basic phenotypic characteristics and through sequence similarity of three genes. Because the sequence similarity of the 16S rRNA gene is relatively high among members of this genus, additional conserved genes encoding the β subunit of RNA polymerase (rpoB) and a heat-shock protein (hsp65) were sequenced. Several analyses were completed to differentiate the strains from one another and to determine their species-level taxonomy, including fatty acid methyl ester analysis, biochemical tests and substrate-utilization profiling. A phylogenetic tree incorporating sequences for all three genes was constructed with the isolates and their close described relatives. Results for biochemical tests, substrate-utilization tests and DNA sequencing were compared with those of the phylogenetically similar organisms to establish the isolated strains as representatives of novel species with characteristics unlike those of previously described species of Mycobacterium. Finally, DNA–DNA hybridization was performed between strains and their close relatives to confirm their position within novel species. Our results demonstrated that the isolates represent five novel species, which were named Mycobacterium crocinum sp. nov. (type strain czh-42T =ATCC BAA-1373T =CIP 109262T; reference strains czh-1A =ATCC BAA-1370 =CIP 109266 and czh-3 =ATCC BAA-1371=CIP 109267), Mycobacterium pallens sp. nov. (type strain czh-8T =ATCC BAA-1372T =CIP 109268T), Mycobacterium rutilum sp. nov. (type strain czh-117T =ATCC BAA-1375T =CIP 109271T; reference strains czh-107 =ATCC BAA-1374 =CIP 109270 and czh-132 =ATCC BAA-1376 =CIP 109272), Mycobacterium rufum sp. nov. (type strain JS14T =ATCC BAA-1377T =CIP 109273T) and Mycobacterium aromaticivorans sp. nov. (type strain JS19b1T =ATCC BAA-1378T =CIP 109274T).
The need for a national systems center: An ad-hoc committee report

The purpose of this report is to outline the findings and recommendations of an ad-hoc committee of systems engineers and scientists with respect to the establishment of a National Systems Center (NSC). The chairman of the ad-hoc NSC committee is Michael Athans of M.I.T. The committee concluded that there is a national need for a high-quality, independent, non-profit National Systems Center and that steps have to be initiated to establish such an entity. This report summarizes the developments to date (November 1 1978) and is written for the purposes of (a) information dissemination to the engineering and scientific community and (b) to solicit criticism and suggestions for future plans.
Current Diagnosis and Management of Peripheral Tuberculous Lymphadenitis

Peripheral tuberculous lymphadenitis accounts for ~10% of tuberculosis cases in the United States. Epidemiologic characteristics include a 1.4:1 female-to-male ratio, a peak age range of 30-40 years, and dominant foreign birth, especially East Asian. Patients present with a 1-2 month history of painless swelling of a single group of cervical lymph nodes. Definitive diagnosis is by culture or nucleic amplification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis; demonstration of acid fast bacilli and granulomatous inflammation may be helpful. Excisional biopsy has the highest sensitivity at 80%, but fine-needle aspiration is less invasive and may be useful, especially in immunocompromised hosts and in resource-limited settings. Antimycobacterial therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, but response is slower than with pulmonary tuberculosis; persistent pain and swelling are common, and paradoxical upgrading reactions may occur in 20% of patients. The role of steroids is controversial. Initial excisional biopsy deserves consideration for both optimal diagnosis and management of the otherwise slow response to therapy.
Relevance of Surface Energy Budget within Florida Sea-Breeze Front to Cross-Peninsula Rainwater Runoff Gradient

Abstract Analysis of surface latent heat flux measurements taken within the sea-breeze front of the coast of Florida during active thunderstorm periods demonstrates an important effect of the timing of coastal storms on the seasonal surface water budget. Historical records document a systematic cross-peninsula water runoff gradient across Florida, with total runoff greater on the east coast (Atlantic side) than on the west coast (gulf side). This situation persists even though convective rainfall tends to be greater in the summertime on the gulf side. In this paper, the authors examine the effect of the time of day that summer thunderstorms occur at a given location on poststorm evaporation of rainfall and place these effects into the context of the annual runoff at the coasts and seasonal rainfall in order to assess their possible significance. A surface water exchange analysis, based on datasets obtained during the 1991 summertime Convection and Precipitation Electrification Experiment, finds that part ...
Shear Wave Elastography in the Living, Perfused, Post-Delivery Placenta

The placenta is the critical interface between the mother and the developing fetus and is essential for survival and growth. Despite the widespread use of ultrasound imaging and Doppler in obstetrics and gynecology and the recent growth of elastographic technologies, little is known about the biomechanical (elastic shear wave) properties of the placenta and the range of normal and pathologic parameters that are present. This study uses a well-developed protocol for perfusing whole placentas, post-delivery, to maintain tissue integrity and function for hours. In this model, the placenta is living, whole and maintained within normal physiologic parameters such as flow, arterial pressure and oxygen, throughout examination by ultrasound, Doppler and shear wave elastography. The preliminary results indicate that normal placental tissue on the fetal side has shear wave speeds on the order of 2 m/s, in a range similar to those of animal livers. Some abnormalities are found outside this range, and thus, elastographic measures of the placenta may provide useful assessments related to the state of the tissue.
The roots of trust in local government in western Europe

When people say that they trust local authorities, is it simply because they have generalized trust in national government? Or is trust in local government rooted in distinctive considerations, con...
Confirmation of a low pre-extensional geothermal gradient in the Grayback normal fault block, Arizona: Structural and AHe thermochronologic evidence

Previous work at the Grayback normal fault block in Arizona suggested that a low geothermal gradient (~17 °C/km) existed just prior to crustal extension in the late Oligocene to early Miocene. We present new structural data and (U-Th)/He apatite (AHe) thermochronometry that robustly support this conclusion. New 40 Ar/ 39 Ar geochronology and structural analysis of dikes support a uniform tilting across the width of the block of ~80° east as a result of extension, removing an important uncertainty in calculating the paleodepth. New AHe results document decreasing ages at deeper paleodepths until ~4–6 km, below which preferred AHe ages are essentially invariant between 22 and 17 Ma. We interpret this inflection in the age-paleodepth trend as the base of the fossil Oligocene AHe partial retention zone (~70 °C), which yields an estimated paleogeothermal gradient of 14 ± 7 °C/km at the inception of extension, strongly confirming earlier estimates. Recent studies suggest that the crust across much of the Basin and Range was quite cold prior to major extension, which has important implications for estimating the degree of fault block tilt from thermochronologic data and for assessing the role of crustal heating in triggering continental extension.