cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catalytic direct conversion of ethane to value-added chemicals under microwave irradiation

Abstract The reaction mechanism of ethane conversion over 4 % Mo-0.5 % Fe/ZSM-5 catalyst was investigated using two different reactors with different heating modes. A microwave fixed-bed reactor (MWFB) was used and its performance was compared to a conventional thermal fixed-bed reactor (CTFB). Over 80 % ethane conversion was achieved under microwave irradiation mode at 375 °C. To achieve the same ethane conversion conventionally, the reaction temperature had to be elevated to 660 °C in the CTFB. The formation rates and selectivity of the products were compared under these two heating methods. The CTFB products had a higher selectivity towards aromatic compounds; whereas, the MWFB products had a higher selectivity towards ethylene; 26.5 % higher than the CTFB. Carbon analysis over spent catalysts of CTFB showed three distinct types of coke, whereas the microwave resulted in a single higher temperature coke type.
Trends in gender-based disparity in incidence, mortality and survival for major digestive disease cancers in the U.S. (2000-2016).

e13621Background: Males have excess risk of most digestive cancers; whether cancer mainly due to virus (stomach), lifestyle including obesity/alcohol (colon/esophagus), or both (liver). We evaluate...
Longitudinal MRI brain volume changes over one year in children with mucopolysaccharidosis types IIIA and IIIB.

Abstract Objective To quantify changes in segmented brain volumes over 12 months in children with mucopolysaccharidosis types IIIA and IIIB (MPS IIIA and IIIB). Methods In order to establish suitable outcome measures for clinical trials, twenty-five children greater than 2 years of age were enrolled in a prospective natural history study of MPS IIIA and IIIB at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Data from sedated non-contrast brain 3 T MRIs and neuropsychological measures were reviewed from the baseline visit and at 12-month follow-up. No intervention beyond standard clinical care was provided. Age- and sex-matched controls were gathered from the National Institute of Mental Health Data Archive. Automated brain volume segmentation with longitudinal processing was performed using FreeSurfer. Results Of the 25 subjects enrolled with MPS III, 17 children (4 females, 13 males) completed at least one MRI with interpretable volumetric data. The ages ranged from 2.8 to 13.7 years old (average 7.2 years old) at enrollment, including 8 with MPS IIIA and 9 with MPS IIIB. At baseline, individuals with MPS III demonstrated reduced cerebral white matter and corpus callosum volumes, but greater volumes of the lateral ventricles, cerebellar cortex, and cerebellar white matter compared to controls. Among the 13 individuals with MPS III with two interpretable MRIs, there were annualized losses or plateaus in supratentorial brain tissue volumes (cerebral cortex −42.10 ± 18.52 cm3/year [mean ± SD], cerebral white matter −4.37 ± 11.82 cm3/year, subcortical gray matter −6.54 ± 3.63 cm3/year, corpus callosum −0.18 ± 0.62 cm3/yr) and in cerebellar cortex (−0.49 ± 12.57 cm3/year), with a compensatory increase in lateral ventricular volume (7.17 ± 6.79 cm3/year). Reductions in the cerebral cortex and subcortical gray matter were more striking in individuals younger than 8 years of age. Greater cerebral cortex volume was associated with higher fine and gross motor functioning on the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, while greater subcortical gray matter volume was associated with higher nonverbal functioning on the Leiter International Performance Scale. Larger cerebellar cortex was associated with higher receptive language performance on the Mullen, but greater cerebellar white matter correlated with worse adaptive functioning on the Vineland Adaptive Behavioral Scales and visual problem-solving on the Mullen. Conclusions Loss or plateauing of supratentorial brain tissue volumes may serve as longitudinal biomarkers of MPS III age-related disease progression compared to age-related growth in typically developing controls. Abnormally increased cerebellar white matter in MPS III, and its association with worse performance on neuropsychological measures, suggest the possibility of pathophysiological mechanisms distinct from neurodegeneration-associated atrophy that warrant further investigation.
Policy compression: An information bottleneck in action selection

Abstract The brain has evolved to produce a diversity of behaviors under stringent computational resource constraints. Given this limited capacity, how do biological agents balance reward maximization against the costs of representing complex action policies? In this chapter, we examine behavioral evidence for this reward-complexity trade-off. First, we introduce a theoretical framework that formalizes the idea of policy compression, or the reduction in cognitive cost of representing action policies by making them simpler. We then describe how a wide range of behavioral phenomena, including stochasticity, perseveration, response time, state and action chunking, and navigation are brought together under this framework. Finally, we discuss how our model can be used to probe the neural underpinnings of policy compression and their dysfunction in psychiatric illness.
UNAMIRADA GLOBAL DEL ESTADO DE LAACUMULACIÓN POR METALES PESADOS POR HELMINTOS CON UNA NOTA EN EL USO DE CULTIVO IN VITRO DE ACANTOCÉFALOS ADULTOS PARA ESTUDIAR LOS MECANISMOS DE BIOACUMULACIÓN

Bioaccumulation of metals by helminths is a well acknowledged phenomenon that has triggered increasing research interest in the past two decades and found applications in environmental studies. The ecological literature is fairly abundant but still shows gaps with some taxa not having been studied. Variations in the ability of helminths to sequester various metals are recognized and a synthetic overview of the literature is provided herein. Adult acanthocephalans are known to be particularly efficient as bioaccumulators of heavy metals. We optimized an in vitro culture technique of the acanthocephalan Moniliformis moniliformis and initiated in vitro exposure to cadmium and lead. We propose to use this technique to study the mechanisms of uptake and sequestration of heavy metals, which are yet to be understood.
Uso de niveles de nitrógeno uréico en sangre (BUN) y leche (MUN) como guía para la suplementación protéica y energética en bovinos

As an adjunct to monitoring body weight changes and body condition score, blood or milk urea nitrogen (BUN or MUN) can be a useful tool for monitoring the protein­energy status of cattle. In healthy beef cows or finishing steers, urea nitrogen concentrations of less than about 7 mg/dL would indicate a deficiency of dietary protein (nitrogen) relative to the intake of digestible energy. In rapidly growing cattle or high producing dairy cows, urea nitrogen concentrations of less than about 15 mg/dL indicate a relative deficiency of dietary protein. Urea nitrogen concentrations of greater than 19 to 20 mg/dL have been associated with reduced conception and pregnancy rates in dairy cows.
Making Witches: Newfoundland Traditions of Spells and Counterspells

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Barbara Rieti Year: 2008 Pages: 188 Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press ISBN: 9780773533608 (hard cover). Prices: $34.95 USD(hard cover).
Reduced Conservatism in the Ultimate Boundedness Control of Mismatched Uncertain Linear Systems

This paper addresses the aspect of the control of uncertain linear systems based on the theory of ultimate boundedness. A similarity transformation on the original system is proposed which yields a better decomposition of the matched and mismatched parts and/or a less conservative bound on the mismatched perturbation. The proposed method can be applied to both zero as well as nonzero set point control. A simple example is presented to illustrate the proposed methodology.
Modeling the resolution of bistatic SAR used for navigation

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is an all-weather sensor that can generate photo-like images of the Earth's surface, day or night, through clouds, rain, dust storms, and fog when infrared and visible light sensors cannot. SAR cross range resolution is inversely proportional to the length of the radar's flight path projected onto a vector that is perpendicular to both the range vector and the normal vector of the ground plane. Traditional monostatic SAR systems experience degradation in cross range resolution when imaging a scene directly in line with the platform's flight path. If not for this limitation, SAR would be an excellent aid to navigation for aircraft landing in adverse weather conditions. This limitation can be overcome with a bistatic SAR configuration where the transmitter is placed on a standoff aircraft and the receiver is placed on the landing aircraft. In this configuration, the bistatic SAR cross range resolution is achieved through the transmitter's flight path. Bistatic SAR provides a landing aid capability at the cost of greater geometric complexity. In this study, an analytical model for SAR image resolution is developed as a function the relative geometry between the transmitter aircraft and the receiver aircraft. The model is used to investigate the sensitivity of resolution to multiple SAR imaging geometries. This model is then used to optimize transmitter aircraft flight parameters to achieve the finest possible image resolution.
LUC: Limiting the Unintended Consequences of Power Scaling on Parallel Transaction-Oriented Workloads

Following an exhaustive set of experiments, we identify slowdowns in I/O performance that occur when processor power and frequency are increased. Our initial analyses indicate slowdowns are more likely to occur and more acute when the number of parallel I/O threads increases and the variability between runs is high. We use a micro benchmark-driven methodology to simplify isolation of the root causes of I/O performance loss. We classify the observed performance loss into two categories: file synchronization and file write delays. We introduce LUC, a runtime system to Limit the Unintended Consequences of power scaling and dynamically improve I/O performance. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the LUC system running on two platforms for two critical parallel transaction-oriented workloads including a mail server (vermeil) and online transaction processing (lotp).
Cloning of the Thermomonospora fusca Endoglucanase E2 Gene in Streptomyces lividans: Affinity Purification and Functional Domains of the Cloned Gene Product.

Abstract Thermomonospora fusca YX grown in the presence of cellulose produces a number of β-1-4-endoglucanases, some of which bind to microcrystalline cellulose. By using a multicopy plasmid, pIJ702, a gene coding for one of these enzymes (E2) was cloned into Streptomyces lividans and then mobilized into both Escherichia coli and Streptomyces albus. The gene was localized to a 1.6-kilobase PvuII-ClaI segment of the originally cloned 3.0-kilobase SstI fragment of Thermomonospora DNA. The culture supernatants of Streptomyces transformants contain a major endoglucanase that cross-reacts with antibody against Thermomonospora cellulase E2 and has the same molecular weight (43,000) as T. fusca E2. This protein binds quickly and tightly to Avicel, from which it can be eluted with guanidine hydrochloride but not with water. It also binds to filter paper but at a slower rate than to Avicel. Several large proteolytic degradation products of this enzyme generated in vivo lose the ability to bind to Avicel and have higher activity on carboxymethyl cellulose than the native enzyme. Other smaller products bind to Avicel but lack activity. A weak cellobiose-binding site not observed in the native enzyme was present in one of the degradation products. In E. coli, the cloned gene produced a cellulase that also binds tightly to Avicel but appeared to be slightly larger than T. fusca E2. The activity of intact E2 from all organisms can be inactivated by Hg2+ ions. Dithiothreitol protected against Hg2+ inactivation and reactivated both unbound and Avicel-bound Hg2+-inhibited E2, but at different rates.
The Role of Magnetic Fields in the Interstellar Medium of the Milky Way

Synchrotron radiation is generated throughout the Milky Way. It fills the sky, and carries with it the imprint of the magnetic field at the point of origin and along the propagation path. Observations of the diffuse polarized radio emission should be able to provide information on Galactic magnetic fields with detail matching the angular resolution of the telescope. I review what has been learned from existing data, but the full potential cannot be realized from current observations because they do not adequately sample the frequency structure of the polarized emission, or they lack information on large-scale structure. I discuss three surveys, each overcoming one of these limitations, and show how use of complementary data on other ISM tracers can help elucidate the role of magnetic fields in interstellar processes. The focus of this review is on the small-scale field, on sizes comparable with the various forms of interaction of stars with their surroundings. The future is bright for this field of research as new telescopes are being built, designed for the survey mode of observation, equipped for wideband, multichannel polarization observations.
THE MANUFACTURE, EXAMINATION, AND IDENTIFICATION OF DIE CUT CORRUGATED BOXES

Corrugated boxes are often used as containers for the delivery of bombs or may otherwise be part of the evidence in an investigation. For that reason, forensic examinations may be necessary to compare a corrugated box with its manufacturing source or with other boxes. The methods of manufacturing steel rule box dies, which are used to cut boxes from corrugated stock, result in some important physical characteristics that can assist in the examinations of those items. Dies, which are produced for flat bed platen presses for cutting and folding corrugated boxes, may develop characteristics that can be used to positively associate boxes with a die or with one another.
Trans splicing of mrna precursors in vitro

Two exon segments from two separate RNA molecules can be joined in a trans splicing process. In trans splicing reactions, an RNA molecule containing an exon, a 5' splice site, and adjacent intron sequences was mixed with an RNA molecule containing an exon, a 3' splice site, and adjacent intron sequences. The efficiency of trans splicing of these two RNAs increased if the two termini of the intervening sequences were paired in a short RNA duplex. However, trans splicing of two RNA molecules with no significant complementarity was also observed. These results strongly suggest that significant secondary structures within intervening sequences could affect the splicing of flanking exons. Similarly, RNAs that are complementary to segments within the intervening sequences could potentially regulate the selection of splice sites. Finally, some organisms might use trans splicing to distribute a single exon to many different mRNAs.
Lignans and aporphine alkaloids in bark of Liriodendron tulipifera

Lirionol, a novel tetracyclic lignan, has been isolated from the bark of Liriodendron tulipifera and its structure determined by spectroscopic analysis. In addition, syringic acid methyl ester, (+)-pinoresinol, (+)-syringaresinol, N-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)benzamide and O-methyl-N-norlirinine have also been isolated. The structures of lirinine and related compounds isolated from the leaves of this tree-species by Yunusov et al. are also discussed.
Review article: the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of proton pump inhibitors – overview and clinical implications

SUMMARY During the past two decades, enormous changes occurred in the management of gastric acid-related diseases. First, the histamine2-receptor antagonists were introduced, offering patients the first single-agent therapy that effectively reduced gastric acid secretion. Proton pump inhibitors became widely available in the early 1990s, and they generally appeared to be superior to the histamine2-receptor antagonists in acid-suppressing activity, symptom control and healing. Most physicians now use proton pump inhibitors as first-line treatment for many patients with acid-peptic disorders, including erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) and duodenal and gastric ulcers. Although proton pump inhibitors are often thought to be interchangeable, some differences have emerged in their pharmacological properties, which may be reflected in some aspects of clinical efficacy. Such differences include potency, speed of onset and duration of pH holding times. Helicobacter pylori has now been recognized as an important factor in the pathogenesis of acid-peptic disorders. It is clear that H. pylori eradication can dramatically reduce the chronicity of gastric and duodenal ulcers, and accepted therapeutic regimens for H. pylori eradication now include proton pump inhibitors and two or more antibiotics. Although all accepted proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapies are roughly equivalent in efficacy, there is now a shortened regimen available that will potentially enhance compliance and decrease cost. This review examines the relative advantages of proton pump inhibitors vs. histamine2-receptor antagonists in the context of acid suppression and in various gastric acid-related diseases. A brief overview presents the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the proton pump inhibitors with particular attention paid to rabeprazole, one of the newer drugs in its class.
Changes in dark matter properties after freeze-out

The properties of the dark matter that determine its thermal relic abundance can be very different from the dark matter properties today. We investigate this possibility by coupling a dark matter sector to a scalar that undergoes a phase transition after the dark matter freezes out. If the value of ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{\mathrm{DM}}{h}^{2}$ calculated from parameters measured at colliders and by direct and indirect detection experiments does not match the astrophysically observed value, a novel cosmology of this type could provide the explanation.
Structural and Magnetic Property Characterization of PY/CO Multilayer Films

Multilayered films have emerged as an attractive choice of coating material in magnetic recording media and magneto-resistance device related applications. These films possess advantages such as excellent magnetic properties, good corrosion resistance and high chemical stability. Hence, it is imperative that their structural and magnetic properties be characterized so that they can be tailored for specific applications. The present study aims towards the development and characterization of Platinum (Pt)/Cobalt (Co) multilayer films for magnetic and structural properties. Pt/Co multilayered films were deposited on Silicon (Si) substrate using dual electron beam co-evaporation. Four layers of each Pt and Co were deposited on a Si substrate, forming a multilayer film. Controlled deposition rates were used in order to attain the desired thickness of Co and Pt layers. The films were characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopy and surface profilometry. Magnetic property measurements were conducted on these films in both perpendicular and parallel orientations, in order to understand the correlation between structure of various constituent elements of the film and their magnetic behavior. Results are analyzed and compared with those obtained from previous studies on similar multilayer films, to gain a better understanding of the effect of various parameters on properties of the film.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Southwestern Internal Medicine Conference: The Premise, Promise, and Perils of the Prevention of Lethal Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias

ABSTRACT Sudden cardiac death caused by ventricular tachyarrhythmias claims about 360,000 lives a year in the United States. The premature ventricular complex (PVC) hypothesis has been the cornerstone for understanding this problem, but it is now recognized as an incomplete explanation for this catastrophy. The recognition of the importance of structural heart disease in this process has led to the development of the Substrate Hypothesis as an alternative explanation. In this construct, PVCs may trigger lethal arrhythmias but only if an abnormal electrophysiologic substrate is present. This hypothesis more completely describes the pathophysiology of the process, provides the basis for understanding the value and limitations of the techniques used for risk assessment and management, and helps clarify the potential endpoints and potential adverse effects of therapy to prevent arrhythmias. Since no single diagnostic technique is ideal and no therapeutic modality is universally effective, an approach to the management of this problem must be multidimensional and based on a firm understanding of the actual risk of a life-threatening arrhythmia, the potential but unproven benefits and uncertain endpoints of drug therapy, the cost, and the potential for arrhythmia exacerbation or significant side effect.
Team Decision-Making Strategies: Implications for Designing the Interface in Complex Tasks:

Two longitudinal experiments were designed to challenge teams performing a time-critical aircraft identification task (Team Argus). In the first experiment, it was predicted that teams would use different strategies to maintain performance across increasing levels of time pressure. However, at some point these strategies would become inadequate, and performance would not be recoverable. The identification of these critical temporal stress levels and strategies suggested interface design modifications that would help teams maintain performance longer. The findings obtained were then used to inform improved interface designs, that would mediate the effects of time pressure. The successfulness of these interface changes were evaluated in the second experiment, comparing team performance on the same task using perceptually-aided and cognitively-aided interfaces and the original un-aided interface.
Thermodynamics of reactions catalyzed byL-iditol 2-dehydrogenase: the xylose assimilation pathway

Abstract Apparent equilibrium constants and calorimetric enthalpies of reaction have been measured for the following enzyme catalyzed ( L -iditol 2-dehydrogenase) biochemical reactions in phosphate buffer at pHs near 7.5 and at the temperature 298.15 K D -sorbitol(aq) + NADox(aq) = D -fructose(aq) + NADred(aq). L -iditol(aq) + NADox(aq) = L -sorbose(aq) + NADred(aq).
Macroergonomics: Analysis and design of work systems

Attending to the larger system components such as organizational design and management is not novel for ergonomists. In Europe, there has been a strong tradition to investigate ergonomic problems within a holistic, systems context. "Macroergonomics" builds upon this tradition by providing specific methods and tools that yield large-scale results. It is believed that meaningful and large-scale results are needed in today's competitive and turbulent work environments. Macroergonomics is defined, its history is uncovered and focus is given to a key methodology, macroergonomic analysis and design. Case studies are used to validate the method and illustrate that performance results in the 60-90% range can be expected.
Simultaneous detection of atmospheric nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide using a quantum cascade laser

We describe a non-intrusive, open-path, fast-response compact sensor for simultaneous measurements of nitrous-oxide (N 2 O) and carbon-monoxide (CO) primarily designed for UAV applications. N 2 O is the third most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas, but the spatial and temporal distributions of N 2 O emissions are poorly quantified. On the other hand, CO is an important tracer to distinguish between fossil fuel and biogenic sources. We use a 4.5 micron thermoelectrically-cooled, distributed feedback, continuous wave quantum cascade laser as a mid-infrared radiation source to scan CO and N 2 O transitions centered at 4538.9 nm and 4539.8 nm respectively. Detection was achieved by a thermo-electrically (TE) cooled 5 micron Indium-Phosphide (InSb) infrared detector. For the first time in this application, a compact cylindrical cell with a pattern configuration to minimize the sensor size with a pathlength of 10 meters (2.54 cm radius mirrors, 25 cm basepath). Wavelength modulation spectroscopy was employed to achieve high sensitivity detection. The detection limit of 10 -5 fractional absorbance was achieved at a 10 sec. averaging time. This is equivalent to less than 1 ppbv of N 2 O and 2 ppbv of CO out of 320 ppbv and 200 ppbv ambient levels respectively. In summary we report a cryogen-free, consumable-free sensor that can operate with 10s W of electrical power and packaged in a small shoe-box size which is ideal for UAV or airborne applications.
Local centering in multivariate calibration

Multivariate calibration models are constructed using measured responses of variables (e.g. spectra) on a set of calibration samples and values of a quantity of interest (e.g. concentration) measured by a reference method. The goal is to replace the reference method. Traditionally the calibration data are mean centered, which insures minimum average prediction error (for a prediction set having the same distribution as the calibration set). An alternative to this preliminary data treatment is presented. Instead of using the entire calibration set for centering, a subset of samples from the calibration set that are closest to the unknown is selected for centering. This preliminary data treatment reduces reliance on regression. Thus it is expected to perform well in cases where model errors are dominating or extrapolation occurs. The method is tested on data from near-infrared reflectance and infrared emission spectroscopy, showing that an average improvement of 20% in prediction accuracy is achievable. This method is fundamentally different from locally weighted regression because it uses the entire calibration set for the regression step.
Apoptosis in heart: basic mechanisms and implications in cardiovascular diseases

Apoptosis has been implicated in both acute and chronic heart diseases. The loss of myocardium is an important pathogenic process in heart and, hence, the inhibition of apoptosis is a promising therapeutic option. Significant progress has been made in demonstrating the role of apoptosis in various heart diseases, and in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cardiac apoptosis. In addition, the effects of various hypertrophic signaling molecules on apoptosis have been characterized. However, the significance of apoptosis to the overall pathogenesis of heart failure, and the relationship between cardiac hypertrophic signaling and apoptosis still needs further investigation.
The Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Methods with Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities: A Research Review

This review sought to determine the evidence base of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) use with infants and toddlers with disabilities. The review identified 12 studies, involving 190 participants aged 36 months or younger. The majority of the studies investigated unaided AAC methods (e.g., gestures or sign language), with 42% of the studies also including aided AAC methods. Although all studies reported improvement in child communication following AAC intervention, in-depth analyses of study methodology indicated that only 7 out of 12 provided conclusive evidence. Implications for early intervention AAC practice and suggestions for future research are proposed.
ATTENDING: Critiquing a Physician's Management Plan

The ATTENDING system is designed to critique a physician's preoperative plan for anesthetic management. In undertaking to critique a physician's plan, ATTENDING differs from other medical decision making systems, which in effect attempt to tell a physician what to do. ATTENDING's approach may prove more acceptable clinically, and may avoid certain social, medical, and medicolegal drawbacks. To cri-tique a physician's plan, ATTENDING must confront three basic problems. 1) It must be able to explore flexibly all possible approaches for a patient's management. The formalism of an ``augmented decision network'' allows this. 2) It must be able to assess the relative risks and benefits of alternative approaches intelligently. A heuristic approach to risk analysis is outlined, based on three basic principles which are de-scribed in detail. 3) It must produce a potentially complex analysis which critiques the plan in focused, readable prose. This is facilitated by PROSENET, an approach which allows clean separation between the organization of the content of an analysis and its expression in English prose.
A framework for generalized control dependence

We generalize the notion of dominance by defining a generalized dominance relation with respect to a set of paths in the control flow graph G = (V, E). This new definition leads to a generalized notion of control dependence, which includes standard control dependence and weak control dependence as special cases.If the set of paths underlying a generalized dominance relation satisfies some natural closure conditions, that dominance relation is tree-structured. Given this tree, the corresponding control dependence relation can be computed optimally by reduction to the Roman Chariots Problem, which we have developed previously for computing standard control dependence. More precisely, given linear preprocessing time and space, we can answer the (generalized version of the) so called cd, conds, and cdequiv queries in time proportional to the output of the query.To illustrate the utility of the framework, we show how weak control dependence can be computed optimally in O(|E|) preprocessing space and time. This improves the O(|V|3) time required by the best previous algorithm for this problem.
Leibniz and Newton on Space

This paper reexamines the historical debate between Leibniz and Newton on the nature of space. According to the traditional reading, Leibniz (in his correspondence with Clarke) produced metaphysical arguments (relying on the Principle of Sufficient Reason and the Principle of Identity of Indiscernibles) in favor of a relational account of space. Newton, according to the traditional account, refuted the metaphysical arguments with the help of an empirical argument based on the bucket experiment. The paper claims that Leibniz’s and Newton’s arguments cannot be understood apart from the distinct dialectics of their respective positions vis-a-vis Descartes’ theory of space and physics. Against the traditional reading, the paper argues that Leibniz and Newton are operating within a different metaphysics and different conceptions of “place,” and that their respective arguments can largely remain intact without undermining the other philosopher’s conception of space. The paper also takes up the task of clarifying the distinction between true and absolute motion, and of explaining the relativity of motion implied by Leibniz’s account. The paper finally argues that the two philosophers have different conceptions of the relation between metaphysics and science, and that Leibniz’s attempt to base physical theory on an underlying metaphysical account of forces renders his account of physics unstable.
Towards an assistive robot that autonomously performs bed baths for patient hygiene

This paper describes the design and implementation of a behavior that allows a robot with a compliant arm to perform wiping motions that are involved in bed baths. A laser-based operator-selection interface enables an operator to select an area to clean, and the robot autonomously performs a wiping motion using equilibrium point control. We evaluated the performance of the system by measuring the ability of the robot to remove an area of debris on human skin. We tested the performance of the behavior algorithm by commanding the robot to wipe off a 1-inch square area of debris placed on the surface of the upper arm, forearm, thigh, and shank of a human subject. Using image processing, we determined the hue content of the debris and used this representation to determine the percentage of debris that remained on the arm after the robot completed the task. In our experiments, the robot removed most of the debris (>96%) on four parts of the limbs. In addition, the robot performed the wiping task using relatively low force (<3 N).
Randomized, controlled trial comparing the effects of anesthesia with propofol, isoflurane, desflurane and sevoflurane on pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Pain is the primary complaint and the main reason for prolonged recovery after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The authors hypothesized that patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy will have less pain four hours after surgery when receiving maintenance of anesthesia with propofol when compared to isoflurane, desflurane, or sevoflurane. Methods: In this prospective, randomized trial, 80 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were assigned to propofol, isoflurane, desflurane, or sevoflurane for the maintenance of anesthesia. Our primary outcome was pain measured on the numeric analog scale four hours after surgery. We also recorded intraoperative use of opioids as well as analgesic consumption during the first 24 h after surgery. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in pain scores four hours after surgery (p = 0.72). There were also no statistically significant differences in pain scores between treatment groups during the 24 h after surgery (p = 0.45). Intraoperative use of fentanyl and morphine did not vary significantly among the groups (p = 0.21 and 0.24, respectively). There were no differences in total morphine and hydrocodone/APAP use during the first 24 h (p = 0.61 and 0.53, respectively). Conclusion: Patients receiving maintenance of general anesthesia with propofol do not have less pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy when compared to isoflurane, desflurane, or sevoflurane.
Interpretive work in milieu groups.

Abstract Interpretive work in milieu psychotherapy groups aims to bring concealed and hidden material to the fore so that it can be discussed openly. A host of clinically important issues thrive in the milieu, about which the patients are fully aware, but are unable to discuss. Two types of interventions are described whose goal is to overcome resistance to discussion; they are clarifying interpretations and making a parallel statement. Clarifying statements help patients understand their experience in the milieu; they are interpretive when they bring avoided material into the open. In those instances where resistance to discussion is great, the subject first appears in metaphor, is worked with, and then emerges in a displaced form. Working indirectly with metaphor and displaced material can serve to overcome transference resistance. The therapist then need only ask a direct question or make a statement in order for the avoided material to emerge. The combination of working with displaced material followe...
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and coronary heart disease: the NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study.

Abstract Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a simple and relatively inexpensive laboratory test. Data were examined to determine whether elevated ESR was a predictor of CHD incidence and death in a large U.S. national sample of persons aged 45–74 at baseline. In the NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study cohort, white men aged 45–64 years with ESR in the upper quintile at baseline had increased incidence of CHD (RR = 1.73, 95% CL 1.12, 2.68) over a 15 year follow-up after controlling multiple risk factors compared to white men with ESR in the lowest quintile. Furthermore, men aged 45–64 with ESR in the upper quintile had more than twice the risk of CHD death (RR = 2.73, 95% CL 1.21, 6.15) of men with ESR in the lowest quintile after adjusting other risk factors. No significant associations were seen in white women. The mechanism of this association is unclear. Further studies are needed to replicate this finding and elucidate the mechanism for this association in longitudinal studies in which plasma fibrinogen, HDL cholesterol, as well as ESR are measured.
Quantitative measurements of CO2 and CH4 using a multipass Raman capillary cell

Raman measurements of two common gases are made using a simple multipass capillary Raman cell (MCC) coupled to an unfiltered 18 around 1 fiber-optic Raman probe. The MCC, which is fabricated by chemical deposition of silver on the inner walls of a 2 mm inner diameter glass capillary tube, gives up to 20-fold signal enhancements for nonabsorbing gases. The device is relatively small and suitable for remote and in situ Raman measurements with optical fibers. The optical behavior of the MCC is similar to previously described liquid-core waveguides and hollow metal-coated waveguides used for laser transmission, but unlike the former devices, the MCC is generally applicable to a very wide range of nonabsorbing gases.
Distal pancreatectomy is not associated with increased perioperative morbidity when performed as part of a multivisceral resection.

To evaluate the indications for and the outcomes from distal pancreatectomy. Retrospective chart review of 171 patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy at Brigham and Women’s Hospital between January 1996 and August 2005. Nearly one-third of distal pancreatectomies were performed as part of an en bloc resection for a contiguous or metastatic tumor. Fifty-six percent of the patients underwent a standard distal pancreatectomy +/− splenectomy (group 1), whereas 44% of distal pancreatic resections included additional organs or contiguous intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal tumor (group 2). The overall post-operative complication rate was 37%; the most common complication was pancreatic duct leak (23%). When compared to patients undergoing standard distal pancreatectomy, those with a more extensive resection including multiple viscera and/or metastatic or contiguous tumor resection had no significant difference in overall complication rate (35% v. 39%, p = 0.75), leak rate (25% v. 20%, p = 0.47), new-onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (3% v. 4%, p = 1.0), and mortality (2% v. 4%, p = 0.656). This series includes a large number of patients in whom distal pancreatectomy was performed as part of a multivisceral resection or with en bloc resection of contiguous tumor. Complications were no different in these patients when compared to patients undergoing straightforward distal pancreatectomy.
Fibromatosis of the remnant pancreas after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy

Intra-abdominal fibromatosis or desmoid tumors are rare forms of connective tissue cellular dysplasia characterized by proliferation of fibroblasts and abundant collagen. Most often these tumors associated with familial adenomatous polyposis or Gardner's syndrome. Those tumors not associated with polyposis are termed sporadic desmoids and tend to be locally aggressive in nature. Sporadic intra-abdominal desmoids involving the pancreas are quite rare, as only six previously reported cases exist. In this report we present a seventh case of a sporadic intraabdominal desmoid involving the pancreas. The patient, a 63-year-old white man, developed the desmoid tumor following a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy for an insulinoma. The patient was managed via further pancreatectomy, consisting of a distal pancreatectomy with en bloc splenectomy, sparing a 6-cm portion of pancreatic neck and proximal body. Finally, we present a complete review of the six previous cases of sporadic pancreatic fibromatosis.
On the distribution of a deforming triangle

This paper presents the mathematical treatment of a new measure, sphericity, which is used to quantify the similarity between two triangles. Various properties of sphericity such as maximal invariance and its probability density function are derived.
Fine-needle aspiration cytopathology of soft tissue: chondromyxoid and myxoid lesions.

Soft-tissue lesions pose an intimidating challenge to diagnostic interpretation by fine-needle aspiration cytology. to better characterize such aspirates, we investigated a subgroup of lesions which yielded a large amount of chondromyxoid and myxoid stroma (CMS). Thirty-three cases (22 malignant lesions, 11 benign lesions) in which CMS was a prominent feature of the smears were studied. the most common malignant neoplasms were extraskeletal chondrosarcoma (6 cases), myxoid liposarcoma (6), and malignant fibrous histiocytoma (5). the benign entities consisted of ganglion cyst (4), myxoma (3), and neurofibroma (2). of the aspirates from 22 malignant neoplasms, 15 (68%) contained opaque stroma, and in 18 (81%) the stroma was distributed as discrete clumps or fragments; all extraskeletal chondrosarcomas and chordomas contained these features. Additionally, in five of six chondrosarcomas the matrix exhibited cells within lacunae. Except for a tracheal chondroma which extended into the adjacent soft tissue, no benign aspirates had all three of these cytologic features. Twenty-three aspirates (70%) were moderately or highly cellular; all but two of these were malignant. Moderate to marked nuclear atypia occurred in 13/22 (59%) malignant and 1/11 (9.0%) benign aspirates. With a few exceptions, aspiration smears of benign lesions with abundant CMS were characterized by low cellularity, semitransparent amorphous stroma, and lack of nuclear irregularity. Recognition of variations in the character of the background material in addition to traditional cytologic criteria can aid in the diagnosis of benign and malignant chondromyxoid and myxoid aspirates of soft tissue. © 1995 Wiley- Liss, Inc.
Optimal actuation of nonlinear resonant systems

In this study, we examine a new approach for actuation of dynamical systems with minimum work and maximum amplitude while maintaining constraints on the actuation force. Two methodology issues are addressed in the paper: sensitivity analysis about the nonlinear transient response and exploration of the strongly nonlinear relationship between the two objectives and the actuation design variables. The optimization analysis is carried out on lightly damped Duffing systems. The formulation of the optimization problem is found ideally suited to resolve the difficulty of dependence of response on initial conditions. The tradeoff curve of work and amplitude is computed. The optimal actuation strove to compensate for the limited force amplitude by an abrupt change in the force in time. Finally the optimization procedure is demonstrated on the kinematic design of hovering insect flight. The optimal design gives 50% reduction in power consumption, with a larger cutback for an actuation with high acceleration.
City center revitalization in Portugal

Abstract Retail activity in Portugal is undergoing tremendous changes. New forms of commercial development, such as shopping centers and hypermarkets, have been built in locations far from the traditional shopping districts, and normally near a major road or highway intersection. This out-of-town commercial development has impacts on traditional forms of retail in established city centers. This article analyzes ways in which retail planning and city center commercial revitalization can be used to make Portuguese city centers more livable for city dwellers. Its main objective is to categorize, evaluate and compare the actions proposed by two commercial urbanism projects in Portugal. This study uses the cities of Coimbra and Aveiro to discuss the hypothesis that the measures proposed under the PROCOM program will help to revitalize Portuguese city centers. The key finding is that commercial revitalization is crucial for the livability of Portuguese city centers.
Relation between neuroticism and dimensions of relationship commitment: Evidence from gay, lesbian, and heterosexual couples.

The link between one's own and one's partner's neuroticism and components of one's own relationship commitment (perceived rewards, costs, match to ideal standard, alternatives, investments, and barriers) was examined for both partners from 61 gay, 42 lesbian, and 155 heterosexual couples. With controls for the other Big Five traits, one's own neuroticism and one's partner's neuroticism independently predicted costs, match to ideal standard, and alternatives. The link between one's neuroticism and these dimensions of one's commitment was mediated by one's life satisfaction, whereas the link between one's partner's neuroticism and these same dimensions was mediated by the partner's conflict resolution styles. It is concluded that neuroticism affects personal dedication to a relationship through both intrapersonal and interpersonal pathways.
Current status and prospects of farming the giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii De Man 1879) in the United States

Production of freshwater prawns has expanded in the US with some production in >20 states. Two different approaches to reducing production costs have evolved, one based on minimizing input costs and maximizing harvest sizes, the other on maximizing production (kg/ha). Profitability in both is largely dependent on optimizing selling prices by offering product forms which do not face direct import competition (i.e. live, fresh, whole) Prawns have been recognized as one of the most environmentally sustainable aquaculture crops, and attribute which is very appealing in many markets, especially those emphasizing local foods.
Strategies for Writing about Innovation: Navigating the Relationship between Technical Documentation, Patent Prosecution, and Technology Transfer

Problem: Technical writers rarely work on patent applications, but the typical documents writers prepare during research and development are important during patent disputes. Patent disputes are so costly that the potential for these disputes weighs heavily on the minds of those preparing patent applications. The relationship between technical documentation and the legal processes surrounding research and development need to shape a writer's documentation practice. Research question: What legal concepts do technical writers need to know when working in research and development? Key concepts: Patent prosecution is the process of obtaining a patent. Technology transfer is the communication that places an innovation into the marketplace. Patent disputes arise when a party believes its patent rights have been infringed. The work of technical writers becomes relevant during patent disputes. Two Supreme Court cases inform the process for reconstructing the meaning of patent claims during a dispute: ${\rm Markman \,v.\, Westview\, Instruments, \, Inc.}$ and ${\rm Phillips \,v. \, AWH Corp. \, Markman}$ limits the audience who determines the meaning of a claim to the judge instead of a jury, and Phillips establishes the role written documents have in a patent dispute. The ${\rm Phillips}$ case shows how a judge might use technical documentation to determine the meaning of a patent claim or term. From these cases, we can draw strategies for preparing technical documents. Key lessons: While impossible to know prior to a patent dispute how a document will affect the outcome of the dispute, technical communicators can adopt three strategies for preparing precise and complete documents. First, technical writers can adopt a “liminal” practice—the ability to interact as needed with different disciplines. Second, technical communicators can approach new subjects with assent, a type of seeking understood in order to fully explore a new technology. And third, technical communicators can approach writing about research and development as a technical translation practice to translate highly scientific or technical language into precise plain language. Implications to practice: By developing a liminal practice, technical communicators can build a robust documentation practice that includes the contextual nuances essential for work in patent prosecution and technology transfer.