cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Poison Center Data for Postdisaster Surveillance

The role of public health surveillance in disaster response continues to expand as timely, accurate information is needed to mitigate the impact of disasters. Health surveillance after a disaster involves the rapid assessment of the distribution and determinants of disaster-related deaths, illnesses, and injuries in the affected population. Public health disaster surveillance is one mechanism that can provide information to identify health problems faced by the affected population, establish priorities for decision makers, and target interventions to meet specific needs. Public health surveillance traditionally relies on a wide variety of data sources and methods. Poison center (PC) data can serve as data sources of chemical exposures and poisonings during a disaster. In the US, a system of 57 regional PCs serves the entire population. Poison centers respond to poison-related questions from the public, health care professionals, and public health agencies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses PC data during disasters for surveillance of disaster-related toxic exposures and associated illnesses to enhance situational awareness during disaster response and recovery. Poison center data can also be leveraged during a disaster by local and state public health to supplement existing surveillance systems. Augmenting traditional surveillance data (ie, emergency room visits and death records) with other data sources, such as PCs, allows for better characterization of disaster-related morbidity and mortality. Poison center data can be used during a disaster to detect outbreaks, monitor trends, track particular exposures, and characterize the epidemiology of the event. This timely and accurate information can be used to inform public health decision making during a disaster and mitigate future disaster-related morbidity and mortality.
Differential mobility analysis of molecular ions and nanometer particles

Abstract Differential mobility analyzers (DMAs) can classify a steady and narrowly monomobile stream of charged particles from a continuum spectrum of electrical mobilities. This feature has been widely exploited in aerosol research involving particles larger than some 10 nm. But high losses and low resolution due to Brownian diffusion have traditionally impaired DMA use for smaller particle sizes. These aerosol instruments have thus been poor competitors with time of flight drift tubes for mobility-based analysis of molecular ions and clusters. Recently, however, these problems have been overcome. Specially designed and run DMAs can now supply a pure and steady stream of molecular ions or clusters in a gas by classification from a complex ion mixture. The potential of such devices for investigations involving ions and nanoparticles is illustrated through various examples of recent work.
Etiology and management of coagulation abnormalities in the pain management patient.

Coagulation abnormalities and bleeding disorders are frequently encountered in patients undergoing invasive procedures. These are of particular importance in the pain management setting where even small amounts of excessive bleeding can result in devastating complications. It is imperative that physicians treating those patients understand the basic concepts of coagulation and be able to identify and manage the common bleeding disorders. This article provides a brief overview of the coagulation system and describes the use of appropriate screening tests and management strategies to limit bleeding in pain management procedures.
Point-contact solar cells: Modeling and experiment

Abstract A new type of silicon solar cell designed for high concentration applications, the point-contact solar cell (PCSC), is discussed. It is predicted that the PCSC is capable of an efficiency of 28% at the design point of 500X geometric concentration and 60°C cell temperature. This paper discusses the modeling of this device and presents recent experimental results which have obtained 23% efficiency at 200X and 21% at 500X, both at a temperature of 24°C.
Childbearing History and Self-Reported Well-Being in Later Life: Contrasting Older African American and White Women

The authors examined how numbers of live births and pregnancy losses affected the self-rated health and depressive symptoms of women aged 50 years and older, contrasting African Americans and Whites. The authors used data from Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities, a large, prospective study with substantial minority representation. They tested hypotheses that childbearing-history variables would influence self-rated well-being among older women and that perceived social support would mediate the associations. The authors also tested whether these associations would be stronger among older African American versus White women. The results suggest that the impact of child-bearing history is greater among older African American than White women. Pregnancy loss worsened depressive symptoms and self-rated health among African American women; the effect was reduced by social-support variables. High parity was associated with worse self-rated health among African American women, mediated by social support. Having ...
Immediate early-gene induction in rat osteoblastic cells after mechanical deformation

Abstract Previous studies have reported changes in proliferation, second-messenger generation and activation of various cellular processes when osteoblasts have been mechanically stimulated. Recent evidence suggests that mechanical loading of long bones induces immediate early-gene expression. Immediate early genets, such as Egr-1, are genes that control cell proliferation, are involved in signal transduction, and share properties of transcription factors. The purpose of this study was to examine how mechanical deformation of osteoblasts affects cellular proliferation and Egr-1 mRNA induction. Osteoblasts were isolated from collagenase digestion of newborn rat calvariae, cultured in Petri dishes with flexible bottoms and then constantly stretched, producing an increase of 3 or 7% in surface area. A mechanical stretch of 7% for 0.5 or 24 h resulted in a doubling of [3H]thymidine incorporation, while 50 nM of epidermal growth factor resulted in a 4-fold increase. A time-course experiment showed that a 7% stretch induced Egr-1 mRNA as early as 15 min, reaching maximum levels by 60 min and returning to baseline by 120 min. Epidermal growth factor at 50 nM for 60 min resulted in a 3.8-fold Egr-1 mRNA induction. A mechanical stretch of 3% for 30 min also produced an Egr-1 mRNA induction. No induction of Egr-1 mRNA was seen in osteoblasts that were exposed to conditioned media from deformed cells. It is concluded that the immediate early gene, Egr-1, may be directly involved in the signal-transduction pathway of mechanical stimuli in osteoblasts.
Parametric unification of matrix structural analysis: classical formulation and d-connected mixed elements

Abstract Concepts and techniques from the field of Parametrized Variational Principles (PVPs) are extended to Matrix Structural Analysis (MSA). Free parameters are used as weighting factors of governing discrete equations. Combining this idea with matrix manipulation techniques yields a continuous spectrum of supermatrix equations. Setting parameters to numerical values provides specific solution methods, some of which are well known whereas others are not. The approach is applied to the classical MSA of truss and framework structures as well as to displacement-connected FE models generated by a parametrized mixed functional. The main advantage of this “top down” derivation of solution schemes is the unification of seemingly disjoint methods for instructional and classification purposes. In addition, the question of duality between range-space and null-space representations is clarified.
EXPERIENCE WITH A NEW RADIOIMMUNOASSAY FOR SOMATOMEDIN-C

Using a highly sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA), serum somatc-medin-C (Sm-C) concentrations were determined in a variety of clinical conditions. Relative to a pooled serum standard containing 1.0 u of Sm-C activity/ml, levels for normals were lowest in cord serum (0.38±0.05[SEM]u/ml), rose rapidly in early life, and approached adult levels (1.50±0.10u/ml) by 5 years of age. Evidence that the substance measured is growth hormone (hGH) dependent includes the finding that 14 acromegalics had a mean value of 6.28±0.37 u/ml, while 19 hypopituitary children all had levels below 0.2 u/ml. Serum Sm-C concentrations rose significantly in 9 of 10 hypopituitary patients within 12 hours following hGH administration. Four children with psychosocial dwarfism had low Sm-C levels prior to hospltalization and showed significant increases concurrent with accelerated linear growth. Concentrations were normal in 10 patients with achondroplasia (1.19±0.14u/ml) and 7 children with non-hGH deficient dwarfism (1.55±0.50u/ml). Six children with hypothyroidism had a mean level of 0.80±0.23u/ml. The mean serum Sm-C concentration in 4 patients with cortisol excess was elevated (2.6±0.10u/ml). Five patients with protein calorie malnutrition and elevated hGH had low Sm-C levels. In three, significant rises were observed during refeeding. Evidence was obtained that a portion of the activity detected in bioassays and membrane receptor assays is not attributable to Sm-C and is less hGH dependent.
Paradoxical vocal cord motion: Classification and treatment

Paradoxical vocal cord motion (PVCM), or vocal cord dysfunction, is a descriptive term for inappropriate adduction of the vocal folds during respiration. The laryngeal mistiming leads to breathing difficulty and is often misdiagnosed as refractory asthma. The etiology of PVCM has been unclear but has long been hypothesized to be psychological. The present thesis is a prospective study of 170 patients older than 18 years being evaluated for PVCM, with 117 of the 170 (68.8%) identified as having PVCM by video laryngoscopy. Laryngeal edema (P = .021) and reflux (P = .026) were increased in patients with PVCM. A flat inspiratory arm of the flow volume loop during spirometry testing was a predictor of PVCM (P = .034). A subgroup of 47 newly diagnosed patients with PVCM underwent psychological analysis. The psychological profiles were elucidated using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and the Life Experiences Survey to evaluate stress. Compared to established normative data, PVCM demonstrated a conversion disorder pattern (P < .01) but not an anxiety disorder or a correlation with stress. A subgroup, 11 of the 47 (23.4%), had normal psychological outcomes, and two of the 47 (4.3%) were identified as malingering. Previous studies have suggested that PVCM is strictly a psychological disorder. It is proposed that PVCM is a descriptive term that is multifactorial and the etiology should direct treatment. A classification scheme divides PVCM into primary, or psychological, and secondary. The secondary form consists of medical disorders divided into irritable larynx syndrome and neurologic disorders.
Squeezing flow of a highly viscous incompressible liquid pressed between slightly inclined lubricated wide plates

The theoretical force-height relationships of Newtonian and pseudo plastic liquids compressed between slightly tilted frictionless plates are compared with those produced when the plates are perfectly parallel. It is shown that a very small inclination angle can distort the flow curve to such an extent that a Newtonian liquid will appear as a pseudo plastic fluid, and a pseudo plastic liquid as having a flow index considerably smaller than its true one. The shape of the biaxial elongational viscosity vs biaxial strain rate relationship is also highly sensitive to the plates' inclination angle. Thus, if an experimental force-height relationship is used to determine a material's biaxial elongational viscosity, an unsuspected slight tilt will result in a considerable underestimate of the viscosity. A slight tilt will also produce an apparent strain rate dependency in a Newtonian liquid, which obviously does not exist. The mathematical model developed to reach these conclusions was tested with commercial mayonnaise, a self-lubricating fluid. A reasonable agreement was found between the predicted force-height relationships and those experimentally determined at tilts of 1°, 3°, and 5°.
Perceptions and experiences of nursing students enrolled in a palliative and end-of-life nursing elective: A qualitative study

Summary Background The Carnegie Foundation has identified three professional apprenticeships in nursing that are key to helping students acquire a professional identity. These apprenticeships integrate knowledge acquisition (cognitive apprenticeship), practical experience (practical apprenticeship), and an ethical identity (ethical comportment) for guiding conduct. To ensure that patients have a good death, it is important that faculty incorporate diverse teaching strategies from all three apprenticeships into palliative and end-of life nursing education. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine perceptions and experiences of nursing students enrolled in a palliative and end-of-life nursing elective that was developed and implemented using the three professional apprenticeships. Design A qualitative research design was used to obtain data from students who completed the palliative and end-of-life nursing elective. Setting The study was implemented at a state supported baccalaureate nursing program located in the south eastern United States. Participants A purposive sample of 19 students who had completed the palliative and end-of-life nursing elective was included in the study. Methods After completing the course, focus groups were conducted with the student participants. Discussion was guided by questions to elicit which experiences were most helpful to student learning. Thematic analysis of the data was conducted by three researchers. Findings Three themes reflecting the apprenticeships were identified: learning from stories, learning from being there, and learning from caring. Students' understandings about end-of-life care were enhanced by incorporating teaching strategies addressing the apprenticeships. Conclusion In end-of-life nursing education, teaching strategies must provide meaningful connections between the student, course content, practical experience, and the dying patient.
Cytokeratin CK 7 and CK 20 expression in pituitary adenomas

The pattern of immunohistochemical expression of cytokeratins 7 (CK 7) and 20 (CK 20) is commonly used to assess possible primary sites of metastatic carcinomas. Because pituitary tumors are almost always benign, there has been little interest in their cytokeratin profile. However, we recently reported the use of CK 7/20 expression to document malignant progression and metastasis of a pituitary tumor, indicating the potential diagnostic usefulness of the CK 7/20 profile of pituitary adenomas. We analyzed CK 7/20 expression in 97 pituitary adenomas subclassified by immunohistochemical hormone expression. In about 90% of all subtypes, CK 7 was either negative or reactive in only a few scattered cells. Corticotrophs and sparsely granulated growth hormone-positive adenomas were consistently CK 20 positive (and CK 7 negative) whereas all other subtypes were almost always CK 20 negative. This CK 20-positive, CK 7-negative profile is previously described consistently only in colonic adenocarcinomas. This study documents that subtypes of pituitary adenomas have different CK 7/20 profiles. Whereas this pattern is likely to have diagnostic usefulness in only rare adenomas, the presence of a unique CK signature in corticotrophs and sparsely granulated growth hormone-positive adenomas, subtypes particularly noted for invasive and aggressive behavior, merits further investigation.
Effect of acute respiratory acidosis on multimodality sensory evoked potentials of Long-Evans rats

Abstract Auditory, visual and somatosensory evoked potentials (EPs), recorded epidurally from 31 chronically implanted male Long-Evans rats, were studied to examine the pattern of sensory effects caused by hypercapnia. Recordings were obtained before exposures, 10–20 min after the beginning of exposure to CO2 in synthetic air, and 30 min after the end of exposure. Previous recordings revealed no substantial effects of the recording period itself. Blood pH during an average exposure of 18.8% CO2 was about 7.1. During this level of CO2 exposure the somatosensory response was almost completely abolished, but the latencies of early detectable components were not affected. In contrast, the latencies of all brainstem auditory evoked response components and the 1–5 interwave time increased, whereas amplitudes were only slightly affected. Amplitudes and latencies of early and late components of the flash EP were decreased and lengthened, but the after-discharge components appeared to be most sensitive to CO2. Concentration-response relationships were examined by exposure of rats to 8 and 16% CO2. The most sensitive EP parameter was average amplitude of the late somatosensory EP components. These results suggest that EPs might be useful for assessing acute metabolic disturbances as well as more commonly assessed neurologic disorders.
Vibrational calculations for some alkyl thiocyanates

Abstract Vibrational calculations have been made for methyl thiocyanate, methyl thiocyanate- d 3 , ethyl thiocyanate, and isopropyl thiocyanate. The force constants were transferred from methyl thiocyanate and a saturated hydrocarbon force field with enough success to check the vibrational assignments of ethyl and isopropyl thiocyanates. The calculations support assignment of the observed bands of isopropyl thiocyanate to the unsymmetrical form of the molecule.
Cometary coma ions

For comets whose nuclei are composed of water ice conglomerates it is shown that the ion H3O(+) can predominate to distances of 5000 km in the subsolar direction. Beyond this distance H2O(+) is the most important ion. The crossover point is a sensitive function of the rate of evaporation from the nucleus. The presence of ammonia or metals such as sodium, in concentrations greater than 0.1% H2O, can lead to NH4(+) and Na(+) ions.
Electron microscopy in the diagnosis of lysosomal storage diseases

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) affect cells of the conjunctiva in the absence of clinical eye findings. Consequently conjunctiva was added to skin, rectal mucosa, and peripheral blood lymphocytes as a biopsy site for electron microscopic examination in suspected LSD. The abnormally stored substrates in LSD are the result of diminished lysosomal enzyme activity. Although all cells lack the deficient lysosomal enzyme, the quantity of stored material varies with the extent of breakdown of substrate in the cell under normal circumstances. The stored material does not accumulate in all cells and may have a different cellular morphology at different sites. Although no one tissue provides universally diagnostic material for electron microscopy, skin and conjunctiva are optimal for most LSD. Rectal mucosa and peripheral blood lymphocytes are also useful in many cases. Biochemical assays have replaced brain biopsy for diagnosis but these techniques may give equivocal or non-diagnostic results, and in some diseases the enzyme defect remains undefined. Of the 359 biopsies of conjunctiva, skin, rectal mucosa, and lymphocytes we evaluated for LSD and other neurodegenerative diseases, 65 showed abnormal lysosomal storage; in 41 a specific diagnosis was made by biochemical assay or morphology. Ultrastructural examination of tissue from patients with clinically suspected storage disease may disclose pathognomonic alterations or suggest a differential diagnosis even in the absence of clinically evident involvement of the biopsied tissue. Biopsy has particular value in those diseases with incompletely characterized biochemical abnormalities.
The acquisition of antibodies adeno-associated satellite viruses

The adeno-associated satellite viruses were first recognized in 1965. In spite of significant investigations since that time, their role in human disease remains obscure. In an attempt to define this role a longitudinal study of 42 infants (birth–2 yrs.) from a low socioeconomic group was initiated in 1968. The infants were examined at regular intervals and during illnesses. Specimens for viral isolation were collected on each occasion. Sera for antibody titers were obtained at birth and every 3 months thereafter. The purpose of this paper is to report the result of the serologic portion of this study. Neutralization tests revealed that at birth 50% of the infants had antibody to Type 1 satellite virus and 71% to the Type 2-3 complex. These percentages declined to 9% and 18%, respectively, at 6 months, remained low from 6 to 12 months, then rose sharply at 15 months. At 2 years 66% of the infants had antibody against Type 1 and 73% against Type 2-3. Mean geometric titers were high at birth, low from 6–12 months, and highest at 24 months. These data indicate the passive transfer of maternal antibody, and its decline. They also indicate infection due to adeno-associated satellite viruses early in life.
High value wind: A method to explore the relationship between wind speed and electricity locational marginal price

Abstract Wind and solar resources are, by nature, spatially distributed and temporally variable. The process of siting generators that use these renewable resources and integrating them into the electricity system therefore raises different issues than the same process for combustion facilities does. A method for discovering wind power sites with the highest value to the electricity system was developed and is illustrated here using data for the state of Michigan. This method combines readily available hourly average 10 m wind speed data with wholesale electricity price data, as hourly locational marginal price (LMP). The 10 m wind speed data from 72 sites were extrapolated vertically to 80 m turbine hub height, converted to wind power density, and interpolated horizontally via kriging to reconstruct a continuous surface. LMP data from 178 generator nodes were allocated across space using Thiessen polygons. High LMP was interpreted as a signal of insufficiency or weakness in the electricity system, and wind energy was considered a possible remedy. The method, implemented in a GIS, identifies when and where peaks in LMP and wind power density co-occur and highlights these events as high value. As the drive to incorporate more renewable generators into the electricity system increases, this method will help locate the most desirable sites based on wind resource characteristics and the structure of the larger electricity system. Proposing a new way to think about the value of the wind resource to the electricity system is a primary contribution of this work.
MEASURING RHEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SPREADABILITY OF SOFT FOODS USING A MODIFIED SQUEEZE‐FLOW APPARATUS

jts_181 275..287 The rheological characteristics of soft foods such as peanut butter, mayonnaise and margarine were evaluated by the UW Meltmeter, a modified squeezing-flow device, applying a constant load under constant volume and changing area. Sample thickness profiles were measured as a function of time and the yield stress was calculated via a Herschel‐Bulkley model as a measure of spreadability. Peanut butter exhibited the highest yield stress value (1.31‐1.45 kPa) followed by margarine (0.80 kPa) and mayonnaise (0.31 kPa). Calculated values of biaxial extensional viscosity and consistency coefficient values calculated from the UW Meltmeter data followed the expected trends of relative spreadability of peanut butter, margarine, and mayonnaise. These results show that the UW Meltmeter is a relatively simple and reliable device for measuring yield stress and rheological properties of soft foods.
The Structuring of Interfirm Exchanges in Business Know-How: Evidence from International Collaborative Ventures

This is the author's final draft. The publisher's official version is available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1468(199706)18:4<279
A Fight for Love and Glory: The Moguls of Hollywood and the Third Reich

The story of Hollywood in Weimar is essential to understanding how the American studios (and thus American culture) dealt with the Nazis. To ignore its impact is to risk misunderstanding the issues of the 1930s, both large and small. Any simple interpretation of the American film studios' connections with the Third Reich belies the actual interactions of those involved. Claims to the contrary, and efforts to slap empty labels on them, inevitably fail to convince.
Effects of essential fatty acid deficiency in young swine.

SummaryRigid exclusion of essential fatty acids from the diet of young swine leads to a deficiency disease not characterized by consistent or early skin lesions. The severity of the dietary regime imposed caused high mortality, but of the 8 pigs that survived beyond the normal weanling age, skin lesions were observed in one and aortic lesions in 5, at or before 98 days on experiment. The data suggest that essential fatty acids are required by swine and that deficiency of essential fatty acids may lead to impairment of the arterial wall.
Why Text Planning (Still) Isn’t Planning

Research on language generation typically divides the generation task into two components—selecting what to say and determining how to say it. Within the framework of text planning, a planner performs the first task, then passes a completed “text plan” to a realization component that implements the plan in the words and phrases it produces. The problem with this model is that it assumes that difficult linguistic choices, such as lexical selection and clause structure, are either made by the planner or guided by the details of the text plan. This places an undue burden on the text planner: either too much is included in the what to say component, or the planner becomes directly involved in how to say it.
Phylogenetic analysis of cpDNA restriction sites and rps16 intron sequences reveals relationships among Apiaceae tribes Caucalideae, Scandiceae and related taxa

Evolutionary relationships among members of Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) tribe Caucalideae Spreng. and related taxa were inferred from maximum parsimony analyses of chloroplast DNA restriction sites andrps16 intron sequences and the results compared to an existing phylogeny for the group based on nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer sequences. While these three data sets were not similar in size or composition, the relationships among the shared taxa, with few exceptions, were concordant. Three major lineages are recognized, coinciding with the previously delimited Scandiceae subtribes Daucinae Dumort. (Agrocharis, Ammodaucus, Cuminum, Daucus, Orlaya, Pachyctenium, Pseudorlaya), Torilidinae Dumort. (Astrodaucus, Caucalis, Glochidotheca, Lisaea, Szovitsia, Torilis, Turgenia, Yabea), and Scandicinae Tausch (Anthriscus, Kozlovia, Myrrhis, Osmorhiza, Scandix). Included in Daucinae is representation from tribe Laserpitieae (Laser, Laserpitium, Melanoselinum, Monizia, Polylophium). Daucinae and Torilidinae arise as sister taxa in the chloroplast DNA-based phylogenies, whereas in the ITS trees relationships among the three major lineages are unresolved. Unexpectedly, three species ofFerula ally with Daucinae and Torilidinae. The position ofArtedia is equivocal, occurring either sister to Daucinae in the ITS trees, within Torilidinae in the intron trees, or sister to Torilidinae upon analysis of combined ITS and intron data.Chaetosciadium trichospermum emerges withinTorilis, and is recognized asTorilis trichosperma (L.) Spreng.
Performance-based financing at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria: an analysis of grant ratings and funding, 2003-12.

Summary Background Performance-based financing can be used by global health funding agencies to improve programme performance and thus value for money. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was one of the first global-health funders to deploy a performance-based financing system. However, its complex, multistep system for calculating and paying on grant ratings has several components that are subjective and discretionary. We aimed to test the association between grant ratings and disbursements, an indication of the extent to which incentives for performance are transmitted to grant recipients. Methods We obtained publicly available data for 508 Global Fund grants from 2003 to 2012 with performance ratings and corresponding disbursements, merged with other datasets that contained data for relevant country characteristics. We used regression analysis to identify predictors of grant disbursements in phase 2 (typically the latter 3 of 5 years of a grant), using two dependent variables: whether a grant had any phase-2 disbursements, and the phase-2 disbursement amount. In a separate analysis, we also investigated the predictors of grant performance ratings. Findings Grant performance rating in phase 1 was positively associated with having any disbursements in phase 2, but no association was seen between phase-1 ratings and phase-2 disbursement amounts. Furthermore, performance ratings are not replicable by external observers, both because subjective and discretionary decisions are made in the generation of performance measures and because the underlying data are not available. Interpretation The Global Fund's present performance-based funding system does not adequately convey incentives for performance to recipients, and the organisation should redesign this system to explicitly link a portion of the funds to a simple performance measure in health coverage or outcomes, measured independently and robustly. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Democratic Trading Partners: The Liberal Connection, 1962–1989

Many liberals believe that shared democracy can be a foundation for peace not only directly, but indirectly through increased trade between countries as well. We test the hypothesis that democratic states will conduct more trade with each other by relating pairs of states' trade to their political regime type, official language, openness to trade, alliance status, and the presence of militarized disputes, as well as to the states' gross domestic product and the distance between them. We report analyses for 882 dyads from 1962 to 1989 and for 1,042 dyads from 1973 to 1989. Our results provide strong support for the hypothesis that shared democratic polity, common language, and openness to trade are associated with higher values of international trade.
A selective monotropic elevation of FSH, but not that of LH, amplifies the proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia in the adult rhesus monkey ( Macaca mulatta )

BACKGROUND: Unilateral orchidectomy in monkeys increases spermatogenesis in the remaining testis in association with elevated fol- licle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion and testicular testosterone. The present study examined the relative importance of FSH and tes- tosterone in driving the primate testis toward its spermatogenic ceiling. METHODS: Adult male rhesus monkeys were treated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist to inhibit endogenous FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. The gonadotrophin drive to the testis was replaced with a pulsatile recombinant human FSH and LH infusion to maintain testicular volume and circulating testosterone and inhibin B at physiological levels. A selective monotropic elevation of FSH or LH that doubled the concentrations of inhibin B or testosterone, respectively, was then imposed for 4 weeks, each in a group of four monkeys. In a third group (n = 4), the gonadotrophin drive remained clamped at physiological levels. Bromo-deoxyuridine was administered 3 h prior to castration, and the effects of the monotropic hormone increments on germ cell number, S-phase labeling and degeneration were determined. RESULTS: Increased FSH, but not LH, produced increases in testicular volume (P < 0.05), the proportion of A pale spermatogonia enter- ing the cell cycle and the numbers of differentiated spermatogonia and more advanced germ cells (P < 0.05). Indexes for spermatogonia labeling and germ cell degeneration were not affected. CONCLUSIONS: Under physiological conditions, circulating concentrations of FSH directly dictate sperm output of the primate testis by regulating the proportion of Ap spermatogonia in the growth fraction. An effect of FSH on survival of the first generation of differentiated B spermatogonia is not excluded.
Free Lipid A Isolated from Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide Is Contaminated with Phosphorylated Dihydroceramide Lipids: Recovery in Diseased Dental Samples

Recent reports indicate that Porphyromonas gingivalis mediates alveolar bone loss or osteoclast modulation through engagement of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), though the factors responsible for TLR2 engagement have yet to be determined. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipid A, lipoprotein, fimbriae, and phosphorylated dihydroceramides of P. gingivalis have been reported to activate host cell responses through engagement of TLR2. LPS and lipid A are the most controversial in this regard because conflicting evidence has been reported concerning the capacity of P. gingivalis LPS or lipid A to engage TLR2 versus TLR4. In the present study, we first prepared P. gingivalis LPS by the Tri-Reagent method and evaluated this isolate for contamination with phosphorylated dihydroceramide lipids. Next, the lipid A prepared from this LPS was evaluated for the presence of phosphorylated dihydroceramide lipids. Finally, we characterized the lipid A by the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and electrospray-MS methods in order to quantify recovery of lipid A in lipid extracts from diseased teeth or subgingival plaque samples. Our results demonstrate that both the LPS and lipid A derived from P. gingivalis are contaminated with phosphorylated dihydroceramide lipids. Furthermore, the lipid extracts derived from diseased teeth or subgingival plaque do not contain free lipid A constituents of P. gingivalis but contain substantial amounts of phosphorylated dihydroceramide lipids. Therefore, the free lipid A of P. gingivalis is not present in measurable levels at periodontal disease sites. Our results also suggest that the TLR2 activation of host tissues attributed to LPS and lipid A of P. gingivalis could actually be mediated by phosphorylated dihydroceramides.
Grid convergence errors in hemodynamic solution of patient-specific cerebral aneurysms

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become a cutting-edge tool for investigating hemodynamic dysfunctions in the body. It has the potential to help physicians quantify in more detail the phenomena difficult to capture with in vivo imaging techniques. CFD simulations in anatomically realistic geometries pose challenges in generating accurate solutions due to the grid distortion that may occur when the grid is aligned with complex geometries. In addition, results obtained with computational methods should be trusted only after the solution has been verified on multiple high-quality grids. The objective of this study was to present a comprehensive solution verification of the intra-aneurysmal flow results obtained on different morphologies of patient-specific cerebral aneurysms. We chose five patient-specific brain aneurysm models with different dome morphologies and estimated the grid convergence errors for each model. The grid convergence errors were estimated with respect to an extrapolated solution based on the Richardson extrapolation method, which accounts for the degree of grid refinement. For four of the five models, calculated velocity, pressure, and wall shear stress values at six different spatial locations converged monotonically, with maximum uncertainty magnitudes ranging from 12% to 16% on the finest grids. Due to the geometric complexity of the fifth model, the grid convergence errors showed oscillatory behavior; therefore, each patient-specific model required its own grid convergence study to establish the accuracy of the analysis.
Factors affecting the adoption of an e‐assessment system

A case study was conducted in 2006–07 to explore how one US campus implemented a centralised e‐assessment system. The study specifically measured the extent of adoption by faculty members, identified their reasons for adoption and evaluated the impact on teaching and learning. The purposes of the system, entitled researching learning (REAL, a pseudonym), were to measure student learning, meet accountability requirements and assist the university in becoming a learning organisation. An electronic database included programme assessment plans, results and sample instruments. The system also included a peer review process to improve plans by an assessment committee of faculty and administrators.
Power Enhancement, Noise Reduction, and Linewidth Narrowing of THz Output by Mixing Beams from Coupled Oscillators

THz radiation was generated by mixing idler-idler waves from coupled optical parametric oscillators based on stacked KTP plates. Power enhancement, noise reduction, and linewidth narrowing have been attributed to noise reduction between idler waves.
Atomic layer deposition of high-/spl kappa/ dielectric for germanium MOS applications - substrate

In this letter, we present the use of atomic layer deposition (ALD) for high-/spl kappa/ gate dielectric formation in Ge MOS devices. Different Ge surface cleaning methods prior to high-/spl kappa/ ALD have been evaluated together with the effects on inserting a Ge oxynitride (GeO/sub x/N/sub y/) interlayer between the high-/spl kappa/ layer and the Ge substrate. By incorporating a thin GeO/sub x/N/sub y/ interlayer, we have demonstrated excellent MOS capacitors with very small capacitance-voltage hysteresis and low gate leakage. Physical characterization has also been done to further investigate the quality of the oxynitride interlayer.
Increasing engineering opportunities for K-12 students in south Central Kentucky

Recruiting students is always an important issue for any engineering program. One method of recruiting is to involve K-12 students in hands-on engineering applications. Many K-12 students have no appreciation for the field of engineering and what engineers do. Informing students can be achieved by providing students with the opportunity to experience engineering. Faculty members in the Department of Engineering at Western Kentucky University (WKU) are involved in several means of outreach to the K-12 community such as a high school robot competition, elementary school enrichment programs, junior high student summer programs, and elementary school Saturday programs. These measures will provide students with a concept of the field of engineering and eventually increase enrollment at WKU.
A conceptual model of raster graphics systems

In this paper we present a conceptual model of raster graphics systems which integrates, at a suitable level of abstraction, the major features found in both contemporary and anticipated graphics systems. These features are the refresh buffer; the image creation (scan-conversion) system; the single address-space architecture which integrates the address space of the refresh buffer with those of the image creation system and the associated general-purpose computer; the RasterOp or BitBlt instructions found in some single address-space architectures; the video look-up table, and refresh buffer to screen transformations. Also included are the major components from the conceptual model of vector graphics systems which are embodied in the ACM/SIGGGRAPH/GSPC Core System. Using the conceptual model as a base, we proceed to sketch out the capabilities we have defined in a substantial addition to the Core System. The capabilities are currently being implemented as part of the George Washington University Core System.
Reproducibility and Validity of Sodium Sulfate Fractionation of Proteins in Plasma and Knee Joint Fluid

Blood was drawn from 14 laboratory workers under conditions similar to those under which blood samples are taken from ambulatory clinic patients. The sera were analyzed for the various proteins by the method of Mine. Eighteen knee joint fluids were analyzed by the same method; and 8 fluids from one patient were also analyzed electrophoretically. Results for these 8 fluids, and for all of the sera, are presented in tabular form and discussed. A component moving faster than albumin was noted in all knee joint fluids. This could not be concentrated from a pooled lot from 4 patients by electrophoresis-convection, but disappeared instead.
Generalized model for fixed transmission rights auction

Abstract In the open access deregulated power market, fixed transmission rights (FTR) are proposed to facilitate the way to deal with transmission congestion issues. When these rights are utilized with locational marginal prices, they lead to an efficient use of the transmission system and assign prices to transmission system users based on the way energy is actually delivered. These rights are primarily proposed as purchased rights that can hedge congestion charges on constrained transmission paths. By holding an FTR, transmission customer gains advantageous features such as gaining a mechanism to offset the extra cost due to congestion charges when some lines are constrained, provide financial certainty, provide operational certainty and maximize efficient use of the system. To guarantee its availability to all parties on a non-discriminatory basis, these rights should have a mechanism to permit system users to buy, sell and trade FTRs. This mechanism is guaranteed by conducting an auction for these rights. On the other hand, trading these rights in secondary markets can self-arrange access across different paths, create long-term transmission rights and provide more commercial certainty. This paper introduces a mathematical model that covers FTR auction operation to model purchase, sale and base case FTRs. Some examples that show auction operations and some operations that are conducted after the action is finished are given in the paper to support the model.
Modeling A Deburring Process, Using DELMIA V5®

This paper investigates a Deburring process which is integrated with a robotics application. Conventional tumble deburring processes have been used for years in the surface finishing industries. The manual process is tedious, inconsistent and inaccurate. Automation in the finishing process has been proved very beneficial. Integration of robots in the process provides more flexible and convenient process. We investigate the off-line simulation of finishing edges using the Product Life Cycle tool DELMIA®. The process extracts the feature to generate a part finishing process plan. Collisions with the environment are detected and avoided through the simulation of cutting the path before the path is downloaded to the actual hardware. Either the tool or the part is being fixed on the robot’s end effector and simulated with respect to the defined path. This paper presents the complete off-line simulation of the Part in Hand as well as Tool in Hand approaches for the deburring process.
Automating the design of prime length FFT programs

The automatic design of prime-length fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) based on S. Winograd's (1980) theory is described. A program is described that generates code for FFTs so that longer prime length FFTs that were formerly practical to design are now easily generated. For those prime lengths ( >
Inexpensive Apple Macintosh-Based Electrocardiography in Small Animals

SummaryThe MacRecorder is a device used for recording digitized sound files by the Apple Macintosh line of microcomputers. Rather than recording sounds, the procedure described in this article involves the use of the MacRecorder as an analog-to digital converter to record electrocardiograms (ECGs) in rats and mice. This is much less expensive than is the usual use of costly analog-to-digital converter boards mounted in high-performance computers. Conical, wire cages were constructed to immobilize the animals and simultaneously to act as shields against electrical noise. Electrodes were placed subcutaneously in an animal. Then, the electrode wires were connected to the external microphone jack of the MacRecorder. In this manner, the MacRecorder digitized and recorded the electrical activity produced by the animal's heart, rather than the electrical activity produced by a microphone. Simple techniques for manipulation of the resulting data files and for measurement of the ECG data were used. Demonstration d...
Design and fabrication of ultra-small GaAs Schottky barrier diodes for low-noise tetrahertz receiver applications

The optimization of GaAs Schottky barrier mixer diodes for use in heterodyne receivers in the frequency range from 1-3 THz is investigated. The principal design rules are: (1) the substrate doping must be as high as possible to minimize series resistance; (2) the diode cutoff frequency must be increased as much as possible, which requires a small anode diameter and a higher epilayer doping density than has previously been used; and (3) the diode's RF impedance must be made to match the impedance of the corner cube antenna, which requires a low junction capacitance. To achieve these goals, a nominal epilayer doping density of 5*10/sup 17/ cm/sup -3/, an anode diameter of 0.5 mu m, and the most highly doped substrate available (4.5*10/sup 18/ cm/sup -3/) were used. The diodes were fabricated with UV lithography and reactive ion etching. The resulting figure-of-merit cutoff frequency (10.6 THz) and zero-bias junction capacitance (0.4-0.5 fF) are both state of the art. The diodes have been RF-tested at 1.5 THz and yielded significant improvements in receiver sensitivity and reduced LO (local oscillator) power requirements. >
Platelet disaggregation: putting time on your side in acute myocardial infarction.

“Since the amount of potentially salvageable myocardium progressively decreases as the period of ischemia is prolonged, time is the most critical variable involved in delaying or preventing ischemic myocardial cell death.” —Reimer and co-workers, 1977 [(1)][1]“Time is on my side, yes it is
Assessment of comorbidity in lung cancer: How, why, and in whom?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer associated mortality in the US. Majority of patients with lung cancer are diagnosed with advanced stage cancer and median age at diagnosis is 70 years. The prevalence of comorbidity increases with age and older patients with lung cancer have a particularly high burden, given the common association with smoking. Based on recent data from the US, the vast majority of adults 65 years or older have significant and often multiple comorbid conditions: hypertension (73%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (57%), ischemic heart disease (53%), diabetes (32%), congestive cardiac failure (31%), chronic kidney disease (30%), and depression (21%). Since the prognosis in older adults with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is particularly poor, it is essential to capture the “host” factors that rendermanagement of this disease challenging. Many elderly do not receive treatment for advanced NSCLC. This is largely attributed to poor performance status (PS), a high comorbid disease burden, or a combination thereof. The thoracic medical oncologist typically relies on Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) PS for decision making regarding chemotherapy. The relative contribution of underlying comorbid disease and cancer in defining PS is undetermined. Recent ASCO guidelines allude to the importance of comorbidity (described as multiple chronic