cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiopulmonary bypass considerations for pediatric patients on the ketogenic diet.

Background:There is a population of children with epilepsy that is refractory to anti-epileptic drugs. The ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate regimen, is one alternative treatment to decrease seizure activity. Special considerations are required for patients on the ketogenic diet undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to prevent exposure to glucose substrates that could alter ketosis, increasing the risk of recurrent seizures.Case Study:A 2-year-old, 9 kilogram male with a history of infantile spasms with intractable epilepsy, trisomy 21 status post tetralogy of Fallot repair, presented to the cardiac operating room for closure of a residual atrial septal defect. All disciplines of the surgical case minimized the use of carbohydrate-containing and contraindicated medications. Changes to the standard protocol and metabolic monitoring ensured the patient maintained ketosis.Discussion:All disciplines within cardiac surgery need to be cognizant of patients on the ketogenic diet and prepare a modifi...
Improved Oceanic Cool-Skin Corrections Using a Refined Solar Penetration Model

Abstract The oceanic near-surface temperature profile must be accurately characterized to enable precise determination of air–sea heat exchange and satellite retrievals of sea surface temperature. An improved solar transmission parameterization is integrated into existing models for the oceanic warm layer and cool skin within the Tropical Ocean and Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA COARE) bulk flux model to improve the accuracy of predictions of the temperature profile and corresponding heat flux components. Application of the revised bulk flux model to data from 12 diverse cruises demonstrates that the improved parameterization results in significant changes to the predicted cool-skin effect and latent heat fluxes at low wind speeds with high solar radiation due to reduced absorption of solar radiation just below the surface. Daytime skin-layer cooling is predicted to increase by 0.03 K on average but by more than 0.25 K for winds below 1 m s−1 and surface irradiance ex...
Consumers' lack of awareness on issues pertaining to their prescription drug coverage.

Abstract Prescription drug coverage is an increasingly important component of any health insurance plan. Previous research has indicated that the optimal use of health insurance by plan members is at least somewhat dependent upon their understanding of its design and inherent cost-containment features. This study employed face-to-face interviews of pharmacy patrons with at least some sort of prescription drug coverage to determine their understanding of any pharmacy plan's limitations, the use of formularies, and the concept of generic versus branded drugs, in addition to assessing their sources for obtaining information about their prescription drug plans. Most respondents were able to differentiate between generic and branded drugs, but few of them understood the other cost-containment components of their prescription drug plans. Many subjects relied on their pharmacist, rather than their employer or insurer to provide such information. Despite statistically significant contributions by income level and...
Growing Pains: Commentary on the Field of Posttraumatic Growth and Hobfoll and Colleagues’ Recent Contributions to it

The field of research on benefit-finding and growth following traumatic experience lacks consensus with respect to some central conceptual questions, and a number of these issues are apparent in the research reported by Stevan Hobfoll and his colleagues. In this commentary I briefly discuss, and at times dispute, some of the assertions and assumptions in this target article that I believe reflect these broader issues, including that: psychosocial gains (or benefits) and psychological growth are equivalent, reporting gains (or benefits) represents maladaptive efforts at coping, posttraumatic growth (PTG) is necessarily linked with positive psychological adjustment, and trauma symptoms represent poor adjustment following traumatic event exposure. I also discuss the intriguing proposal of this research: that action is essential to true growth. Les recherches sur la maturation et les avantages que l’on peut tirer d’une experience traumatisante sont en desaccord sur des aspects theoriques majeurs, et certains de ces problemes apparaissent dans l’etude presentee par Stevan Hobfoll et ses collegues. Dans ce commentaire, je discute brievement et parfois conteste certaines des affirmations et hypotheses de cet article de reference qui, je pense, renvoie a des questions plus vastes telles que: les gains (ou benefices) psychosociaux et le developpement psychologique sont equivalents; signaler des gains (ou des benefices) represente un effort inapproprie pour faire face a la situation; le developpement post-traumatique est necessairement en relation avec une adaptation psychologique positive; les symptomes traumatiques traduisent une adaptation faible suite a l’exposition a l’evenement penible. Je discute aussi cette idee curieuse selon laquelle l’action est essentielle au vrai developpement.
Applying inductive learning to enhance knowledge-based expert systems

Abstract This paper describes the use of inductive learning in MARBLE, a knowledge-based expert system I have developed for assisting business loan evaluation. Inductive learning is the process of inferring classification concepts from raw data; I use this technique to generate loan-granting decision rules based on historical and proforma financial information. A learning method is presented in this paper that can induce decision rules from training examples.
Cassini-Huygens maneuver experience: ending the prime mission

The Cassini-Huygens spacecraft was launched in 1997 on a mission to observe Saturn and its many moons. After a seven-year cruise, it entered a Saturnian orbit for a four-year, prime mission. This paper highlights significant maneuver activities performed during the last year of the prime mission. Specifically, results of 42 recent maneuvers are presented. Many maneuvers have been skipped, saving fuel and flight team effort. The system has performed more accurately than the pre-launch expectations and requirements. This is in large part why the Cassini-Huygens spacecraft has been navigated with tremendous success during the prime mission.
Clinical implementation of the AAPM Task Group 36 recommendations on fetal dose from radiotherapy with photon beams: a head and neck irradiation case report.

We present the results of our efforts in estimating and diminishing the fetal dose expected when a 29-year-old patient, 22 weeks pregnant, received external beam radiation therapy for a squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. We explain our use of the information contained, and recommendations made, in the Report of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Radiation Therapy Committee Task Group 36 Med. Phys. 22, 6382 (1995). We also explain our dose estimation, describe our validation measurements, and demonstrate the effectiveness of supplemental shielding. Consequently, this case report will serve as a guide to radiation oncologists and medical physicists who may encounter similar cases. 2000 American College of Medical Physics.
Competent citizenship: The only way to good government

There is great need for an intelligent, determined, and nationwide effort to improve the quality of citizen thinking and citizen action.
Views from both sides of the bridge? Gender, sexual legitimacy and transgender people's experiences of relationships

The aim of this paper is to examine whether transgender people's experiences of relationships are influenced by heteronormativity, the related concept of sexual legitimacy, and gender as a binary construct. Data from an Internet-based study of transgender people in the USA was used. Findings seem to indicate that participants were strongly influenced by heteronormative discourses. However, less rigid gender beliefs are associated with lower levels of internalised transphobia, which, in turn, are associated with higher levels of self-esteem. Transgender people can therefore find themselves in a double-bind where, on one hand, conforming to gender and sexual norms leads to validation by mainstream US society, but could possibly entail diminished psychological well-being.
Sputter-induced modification of alloy composition in near-surface regions

Abstract Changes in alloy composition which are induced during sputtering at elevated temperatures were studied by Auger electron spectroscopy at different temperatures during sputtering. By using pairs of Auger electrons with different average escape depths, changes in surface composition could be distinguished from subsurface effects. Rapid specimen cooling permitted subsequent room temperature profiling of the subsurface changes induced at elevated temperatures. A sputtering yield ratio S Cu / S Ni ≈ 2 was determined from measurements of the surface composition of a Cu-40at.%Ni alloy during sputtering with 5 kV Ar + ions; this ratio exhibits little dependence on temperature between 50 and 600 °C. Changes in subsurface composition at elevated temperatures were found to exceed those at the surface and were observed to depths considerably beyond the projected range of the bombarding ions. Measurements of the effect of sputtering rate on the subsurface nickel enrichment are presented. The results support the interpretation that the sputter-induced subsurface maximum in nickel enrichment arises from gibbsian segregation of copper to the external surface at elevated temperatures.
Battery Vehicles Reduce CO2 Emissions

R. F. Service's “Battery FAQs” (News Focus, 24 June, p. [1495][1]) attempts to answer the question “How will widespread adoption of electric vehicles affect CO2 emissions and possible climate change?” The answer Service provides—that CO2 emissions will not be affected unless renewable energy sources generate the electricity that powers the cars—is inaccurate. Even in the U.S. mid-Atlantic region, with a large percentage of electric power generated by coal, switching 10% of the fleet from gasoline vehicles to electric would cause the net CO2 emissions (including emissions from power generation) per switched vehicle to drop by about 5%; in less coal-heavy New York state, net CO2 emissions per switched vehicle would drop by about 12% ([ 1 ][2]). The decrease would occur because an electric motor is more efficient than an internal combustion engine ([ 2 ][3]) and because the electric vehicle recycles some of its energy by using regenerative braking. 1. [↵][4] 1. S. B. Peterson, 2. J. F. Whitacre, 3. J. Apt , Environ. Sci. Technol. 45, 1792 (2011). [OpenUrl][5][PubMed][6] 2. [↵][7] 1. M. Ahman , Energy 26, 973 (2001). [OpenUrl][8][CrossRef][9] [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/332/6037/1495.full [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #ref-2 [4]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [5]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DEnvironmental%2BScience%2B%2526%2BTechnology%252C%2BES%2B%2526%2BT%26rft.stitle%253DEnvironmental%2BScience%2B%2526%2BTechnology%252C%2BES%2B%2526%2BT%26rft.aulast%253DPeterson%26rft.auinit1%253DS.%2BB.%26rft.volume%253D45%26rft.issue%253D5%26rft.spage%253D1792%26rft.epage%253D1797%26rft.atitle%253DNet%2Bair%2Bemissions%2Bfrom%2Belectric%2Bvehicles%253A%2Bthe%2Beffect%2Bof%2Bcarbon%2Bprice%2Band%2Bcharging%2Bstrategies.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F21309508%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [6]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=21309508&link_type=MED&atom=%2Fsci%2F333%2F6044%2F823.1.atom [7]: #xref-ref-2-1 "View reference 2 in text" [8]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DEnergy%26rft.volume%253D26%26rft.spage%253D973%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1016%252FS0360-5442%252801%252900049-4%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [9]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1016/S0360-5442(01)00049-4&link_type=DOI
Using computers to Analyze Item Response Data

A survey of existing item analysis programs shows that the information provided by most of the programs is either inappropriate for guiding instruction or too difficult for practitioners to use. Studies comparing the performance of IRT item calibration programs are summarized. Future directions for the development of item analysis programs are discussed.
Paracrine Mediators of Mechanotransduction in Lung Development

The process of normal fetal lung development is dependent on "mild" tissue distension (approximately 3 mm Hg) by fluid, resulting in the production of pulmonary surfactant which is necessary for survival at the time of birth. The mechanical "stretching" of lung tissue triggers a cellular differentiation cycle, in part by stimulating the expression and production of cell phenotype-specific soluble cytokines. Pulmonary cytokines regulate differentiation and metabolic function of neighboring cells. For example, tonic stretching of type II alveolar epithelial cells in monolayer culture stimulates the expression and production of the differentiation factor parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), which is released by type II cells and specifically binds to its receptor on contiguous fibroblasts, stimulating the "second messenger" cyclic AMP. Tonic distension of cultured type II cells increases PTHrP production, and distension of fibroblasts in monolayer culture increases their PTHrP responsiveness, suggesting that stretching couples and coordinates the production and receptor-mediated action of PTHrP. These data provide a mechanistic basis for the previously observed hand-in-glove spatial pattern of PTHrP and the PTHrP receptor (PTHrPR) in developing terminal airways. PTHrP stimulates specific differentiated functions of fetal lung fibroblasts by: 1) augmenting glucocorticoid binding; 2) increasing metabolic activities directly related to surfactant synthesis, such as lipoprotein lipase elaboration and triglyceride uptake rate; 3) stimulating cytokines, such as interleukins 6 and 11, that can act in a retrograde fashion on epithelial cells; 4) thereby increasing the synthesis of surfactant phospholipids and surfactant-associated proteins, closing this stretch-mediated cell-cell interactive loop. Experimental interruption of this mechanism at any of these steps blocks the spontaneous maturation of the lung in vitro, as evidenced by the inhibition of surfactant production.
Age, area, and acheiropody

Analysis of the geographic distribution of acheiropody suggests spread from Sao Paulo along the Sao Francisco valley at a rate consistent with current parent-offspring distribution and 20 generations of gene flow.
Kant and the Brain : A New Empirical Hypothesis

Immanuel Kant's three great Critiques stand among the bulkier monuments of Enlightenment thought. The first is best known; the last had until recently been rather less studied. But his final Critique contains, I contend, a remarkable development of his theory of how human beings create and use systems of knowledge. While Kant was not himself concerned with the neuronal substrates of cognition, I argue this development yields a novel empirical hypothesis susceptible of experimental investigation. Here I present the Kantian motivation and describe experimental work aimed at testing predictions arising from the new hypothesis.
Binding of carbamyl-platelet-activating factor to the Raji lymphoblast platelet-activating factor receptor.

Abstract Carbamyl-platelet-activating factor (1-hexadecyl-2- N -methylcarbamyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine; CPAF) is an analog of platelet-activating factor (PAF) containing an N -methylcarbamyl moiety at the sn -2 position. CPAF was tested for effects on the Raji lymphoblast PAF receptor. Binding studies conducted at 4°C demonstrated specific binding that reached saturation within 60–80 min. Scatchard analysis of CPAF binding data revealed a single class of CPAF binding sites (14,800/cell) with a K = 2.9 ± 0.9 nM. Competition binding studies with PAF indicated that CPAF has about one-third the potency of native PAF. Unlike PAF, however, CPAF was not significantly metabolized by Raji lymphoblasts at 37°C. CPAF was shown to have PAF-agonistic qualities, since 100 pM to 1 μM CPAF increased free intracellular calcium in a dose-dependent manner. The structurally dissimilar PAF receptor antagonists CV-6209 and alprazolam inhibited the CPAF-induced calcium changes at doses that compared with CPAF binding. Treatment of Raji lymphoblasts with PAF or CPAF (10 pM - 1 μM) did not affect spontaneous proliferation, suggesting that the PAF receptor is not involved in the proliferation process in this cell line. These studies demonstrate that CPAF is a metabolically stable lymphoblast PAF receptor agonist that may provide a useful tool in the further elucidation of the role of PAF in lymphocyte function.
Competing modes of self-association in the regulatory domains of Bruton's tyrosine kinase: intramolecular contact versus asymmetric homodimerization.

A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) investigation of a fragment of the nonreceptor Tec family tyrosine kinase Btk has revealed an intricate set of coupled monomer-dimer equilibria. The Btk fragment studied contains two consecutive proline-rich motifs followed by a single Src homology 3 (SH3) domain. We provide evidence for an asymmetric homodimer in which the amino-terminal proline sequence of one monomer contacts the opposite SH3 binding pocket, whereas the carboxy-terminal proline sequence of the other monomer is engaged by the second SH3 domain across the dimer interface. We show that the asymmetric homodimer structure is mimicked by a heterodimer formed in an equimolar mixture of complimentary mutants: one carrying mutations in the amino-terminal proline stretch; the other, in the carboxy-terminal proline motif. Moreover, a monomeric species characterized by an intramolecular complex between the amino-terminal proline motif and the SH3 domain predominates at low concentration. Association constants were determined for each of the competing equilibria by NMR titration. The similarity of the determined Ka values reveals a delicate balance between the alternative conformational states available to Btk. Thus, changes in the local concentration of Btk itself, or co-localization with exogenous signaling molecules that have high affinity for either proline sequence or the SH3 domain, can significantly alter species composition and regulate Btk kinase activity.
Is the number of neighbors in ad hoc wireless networks a good indicator of connectivity

Finding the minimum necessary number of neighbors required to provide full connectivity in wireless networks is an important problem which has been addressed by several researchers. In this paper, we show that the number of neighbors is a meaningful parameter to describe the connectivity only if the ad hoc wireless network has a perfectly uniform node distribution, i.e., the nodes lie approximately on the vertices of a regular grid. It is also shown that, in the case of nonuniform ad hoc wireless networks the number of neighbors becomes less meaningful. In this case, we propose instead, as indicator of the connectivity level, a reasonable measure of the likelihood of broadcast percolation for a given average number of neighbors.
Young children can add and subtract by predicting and checking

We argue that to test preschoolers’ understanding of counting, one has to use tasks that relate counting to the goal of doing arithmetic, as counting and arithmetic principles are mutually constrained. A naturalistic study in the preschool classroom led to the development of an “arithmetic-counting” task, where counting was being related to the goal of doing arithmetic. In solving an arithmetic problem, the child viewed the addition or subtraction of X items from a set with a known number, predicted the answer, and then counted the items in the resultant array to check the prediction. Three experiments, one with 4-year-olds who had relevant in-class experience with the task (Experiment 1), and two others with 4-year-olds (Experiment 2) and 3-year-olds (Experiment 3) who were novices with regard to the task, are reported. All children, even the 3-year-olds, offered reasonable cardinal values during the prediction phase and used counting to check their predictions. Predictions were reliable, in the correct direction or correct, and checking counts were very accurate. Young children’s ability to make reasonable predictions and coordinate these with counts “to check” indicated the implicit understanding of counting and arithmetic principles. The theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed. © 2004 Published by Elsevier Inc.
The function of epideictic and deliberative strategies in presidential crisis rhetoric

This essay argues for a revised perspective on presidential crisis rhetoric informed by an understanding of differing exigencies. Using speeches by Ronald Reagan, two types of crisis rhetoric are examined: those which fulfill a need for communal understanding and are characterized by epideictic strategies, and those which strive for policy approval and are characterized by deliberative strategies. The essay concludes that crisis rhetoric cannot be viewed as a homogeneous type of discourse; rather, it should be analyzed in relation to the different exigencies it responds to and the different functions it performs. Implications for the study of crisis rhetoric as a rhetorical genre are also discussed.
Plasma charging damage to gate dielectric-past, present and future

Plasma charging damage to thin gate dielectric evolves with the integrated circuit technology. As gate dielectric thins down, its sensitivity to electrical stress changes, so are the impacts of such stress on device and circuit reliability. Concurrent to that change, is the change in plasma systems used in production. The convolution of the two determines the seriousness of plasma charging damage, as well as its methods of characterization. As the industry poise to make yet another major change, namely to high-k gate dielectric, the problem of plasma charging damage will have to be treated differently again.
Chronic Pain and Aberrant Drug‐Related Behavior in the Emergency Department

761 Pain is the single most common reason patients seek care in the emergency department.1 Given the prevalence of pain as a presenting complaint, one might expect emergency physicians to assign its treatment a high priority; however, pain is often seemingly invisible to the emergency physician. Multiple research studies have documented that the undertreatment of pain, or oligoanalgesia, is a frequent occurrence.2 Pain that is not acknowledged and managed appropriately causes dissatisfaction with medical care, hostility toward the physician, unscheduled returns to the emergency department, delayed return to full function, and potentially, an increased risk of litigation. Failure to recognize and treat pain may result in anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, increased oxygen demands with the potential for end organ ischemia, and decreased movement with an increased risk of venous thrombosis. Given this state affairs, we should examine the barriers that serve to block the adequate recognition and treatment of pain in emergency departments, as well as other healthcare delivery settings. One of these barriers is the physician’s fear of being “duped” by patients who fabricate pain symptoms in order to obtain controlled substances for recreational use or diversion. This article will focus on the problem of substance abuse, and the perceptions of healthcare providers regarding substance abuse, as they relate to patients who present to the emergency department with complaints of pain.
Simulation of transient heat conduction using one-dimensional mapped infinite elements

SUMMARY Many engineering problems exist in physical domains that can be said to be infinitely large. A common problem in the simulation of these unbounded domains is that a balance must be met between a practically sized mesh and the accuracy of the solution. In transient applications, developing an appropriate mesh size becomes increasingly difficult as time marches forward. The concept of the infinite element was introduced and implemented for elliptic and for parabolic problems using exponential decay functions. This paper presents a different methodology for modeling transient heat conduction using a simplified mesh consisting of only two-node, one-dimensional infinite elements for diffusion into an unbounded domain and is shown to be applicable for multi-dimensional problems. A brief review of infinite elements applied to static and transient problems is presented. A transient infinite element is presented in which the element length is time-dependent such that it provides the optimal solution at each time step. The element is validated against the exact solution for constant surface heat flux into an infinite half-space and then applied to the problem of heat loss in thermal reservoirs. The methodology presented accurately models these phenomena and presents an alternative methodology for modeling heat loss in thermal reservoirs. Copyright 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combination Chemotherapy with the Nitroimidazopyran PA-824 and First-Line Drugs in a Murine Model of Tuberculosis

The creation of new chemotherapeutic regimens that permit shortening the duration of treatment is a major priority for antituberculosis drug development. In this study, we used the murine model of experimental tuberculosis therapy to determine whether incorporation of the investigational new nitroimidazopyran PA-824 into the standard first-line regimen has the potential to shorten the 6-month duration of treatment. As demonstrated previously, PA-824 alone had significant bactericidal activity over the first 2 months of treatment. Moreover, the substitution of PA-824 for isoniazid led to significantly lower lung CFU counts after 2 months of treatment and to more rapid culture-negative conversion compared to the standard regimen of rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide. Despite this, there was no difference in the proportion of mice relapsing after completing 6 months of therapy (2 of 19 mice treated with PA-824 in place of isoniazid relapsed versus 0 of 46 mice treated with the standard regimen). Meanwhile, no other PA-824-containing regimen tested was superior to the standard regimen on any assessment. Thus, we were unable to establish a clear role for PA-824 in a treatment-shortening regimen that includes two or more of the current first-line drugs. Future preclinical studies should include the evaluation of novel combinations of PA-824 with new drug candidates in addition to existing antituberculosis drugs for their potential to substantially improve the treatment of both drug-susceptible and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
SOCIOECONOMIC RESOURCES AND SELF-RATED HEALTH: A STUDY IN THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA

Numerous factors influence health, including family background, individual behaviors, and community context. Access to care and insurance are critical, especially for people in lower socioeconomic groups who often face challenges beyond their immediate control. Building from a synthesis of theoretical frameworks, and using data from the Delta Rural Poll, this article utilizes logistic regression to explore the relationship between macro and micro socioeconomic resources and self-rated health among residents of the Mississippi Delta. Results demonstrate that these are important factors, although associations vary by racial group. Theory and policy considerations arising from the results are discussed.
Stable high dV/dt switching of SiC JFETs using simple drive methods

Due to low on-resistance and low intrinsic capacitance the SiC JFET is capable of very high dV/dt in principle. However, these advantages often result in the excitation of resonant modes during switching. The low on on-resistance of the device results in less contributes little damping of to the L-C resonance in the circuit. Under conditions which are realizable in applications, the devices will manifest sustained oscillations. Typically these problems are addressed by reducing the switching speeds using various dissipative methods. These methods focus on symptomatic effects rather than causes. Careful consideration to parasitic inductances in circuit layout can yield very high dV/dt switching (e.g. <; 30 V/ns) with only the need for modest series gate resistance to achieve stable operation. This paper demonstrates this effect experimentally, reporting the highest known switching rates of inductive currents for these devices to date.
Time Domain Detection of Partial Discharge in Current Transformer

The partial discharge test is an efficient technique for detecting early failure of high-voltage equipments. Depending on the application, it is possible to use acoustic, optical or electrical methods. For electrical detection, the UHF method is widely used for PD measurements. For the noise issue, this method is more sensitive than other methods. However, the UHF antenna is often installed at a specific location near the device under test (DUT), so it is difficult to detect the PD at all locations with the same sensitivity. In this study, we use RF coils to detect the radiating frequency (RF) from partial discharge. Two RF coils installed at two surfaces of the current transformer are used to pick up the partial discharge. From the amplitude and the occurrence of the PD signal on the time scale, we can locate where the partial discharge occurs. The spread of the PD signal is explained by a one- dimensional propagation model.
Implementation and applications of dual-modality imaging

In medical diagnosis, functional or physiological data can be acquired using radionuclide imaging with positron emission tomography or with single-photon emission computed tomography. However, anatomical or structural data can be acquired using X-ray computed tomography. In dual-modality imaging, both radionuclide and X-ray detectors are incorporated in an imaging system to allow both functional and structural data to be acquired in a single procedure without removing the patient from the imaging system. In a clinical setting, dual-modality imaging systems commonly are used to localize radiopharmaceutical uptake with respect to the patient's anatomy. This helps the clinician to differentiate disease from regions of normal radiopharmaceutical accumulation, to improve diagnosis or cancer staging, or to facilitate planning for radiation therapy or surgery. While initial applications of dual-modality imaging were developed for clinical imaging on humans, it now is recognized that these systems have potentially important applications for imaging small animals involved in experimental studies including basic investigations of mammalian biology and development of new pharmaceuticals for diagnosis or treatment of disease.
Mitigating swine odor with strategically designed shelterbelt systems: a review

Recent reports clearly indicate that odor emitted from concentrated livestock production facilities in the Midwest of the US is a significant social problem that negatively impacts rural and state economies, human health, and the quality of rural life. A potential incremental approach to dealing with livestock odor is the use of shelterbelts arranged in strategic designs near and within livestock facilities. This review outlines the various ways that shelterbelts can be effective technology which bio-physically mitigates odor thereby reducing social conflict from odor nuisance. The biophysical potential of shelterbelts to mitigate livestock odor arises from the tree/shrub impacts on the central characteristics and physical behavior of livestock odor. As the majority of odors generated in animal facilities that are detectable at appreciable distances travel as particulates, there is compelling evidence that shelterbelts can ameliorate livestock odor by impeding the movement of these particulates. Because the odor source is near the ground and the tendency of livestock odor is to travel along the ground, shelterbelts of modest heights (i.e. 20–30 ft) may be ideal for odor interception, disruption, and dilution. Shelterbelts can be adapted to fit almost any production situation. Depending on shelterbelt health, these trees can provide long term, year round odor interception, with increasing effectiveness over time. Additionally, more is becoming known about how landscape aesthetics affect how people might perceive livestock odor, suggesting that landscape elements such as shelterbelts can lead to aesthetic improvements and perhaps more positive opinions of livestock odor and the farm systems that create them.
What happens to the triangular fibrocartilage complex during pronation and supination of the forearm? Analysis of its morphology and diagnostic assessment with MR arthrography.

Objective: To evaluate the dynamic morphologic changes of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) during pronation and supination of the forearm using high-resolution MR arthrography in cadavers and to evaluate the impact of these changes on the diagnostic assessment of the normal and abnormal TFCC. Design and specimens: High-resolution MR arthrography of 10 wrists of cadaveric specimens was obtained in maximum pronation, in the neutral position, and in maximum supination of the forearm. The structures of the TFCC were evaluated by two musculoskeletal radiologists and correlated with anatomic sections. The position of the forearm that allowed the best visualization of normal structures and lesions of the TFCC was determined. Results: The shape and extent of the articular disc as well as the radial portions of the radioulnar ligaments did not change with pronation and supination. The articular disc was horizontal in the neutral position and tilted more distally to align with the proximal carpal row in pronation and supination. The fibers of the ulnar part of the radioulnar ligaments (ulnar attachment of the articular disc) revealed the most significant changes: their orientation was coronal in the neutral position and sagittal in positions of pronation and supination. The ulnomeniscal homologue was largest in the neutral position and was reduced in size during pronation and supination. The extensor carpi ulnaris tendon was centered in its groove in the neutral position and pronation. In supination this tendon revealed subluxation from this groove. The dorsal capsule of the distal radioulnar joint was taut in pronation, and the palmar capsule was taut in supination. The preferred forearm position for analysis of most of the structures of the TFCC was the neutral position, followed by the pronated position. The neutral position was rated best for the detection of ulnar and radial detachments of the TFCC, followed by the pronated position, except for two central perforations of the TFCC which were best seen with supination. Conclusion: The articular disc and the surrounding radial portions of the radioulnar ligaments form a rigid, unified complex with the radius without change in their shape in positions of pronation and supination of the forearm, while the ulnar attachment of the TFCC shows important dynamic changes. The neutral forearm position is the best position to analyze both the normal and the abnormal TFCC.
Comparative in vitro metabolism of chloroxylenol, chlorophene, and triclosan with rat, mouse, and human hepatic microsomes

A number of studies have reported the presence of chlorinated phenols, commonly used as antiseptics, in the environment. Chloroxylenol, chlorophene, and triclosan are three such chemicals believed to have leached into water supplies through the wastewater treatment facilities. Understanding how these compounds are metabolized is important in determining the risks of chemical exposure. In this study, we compared the in vitro metabolism of these three chlorinated phenols with rat, mouse, and human liver microsomes. The structures of the metabolites formed during the microsomal reactions were identical when rat, mouse, and human liver extracts were used, but variations existed in the kinetics of the reactions.
Glycolipid-lectin interactions: Reactivity of lectins from Helix pomatia, Wisteria floribunda, and Dolichos biflorus with glycolipids containing N-acetylgalactosamine☆

Abstract The autoradiographic detection of 125 I-labeled lectins binding to glycolipids on thinlayer chromatograms can be used to rapidly analyze total glycolipid extracts of cells or tissues for specific oligosaccharide structures. The Helix pomatia lectin which binds with high affinity to terminal α-linked GalNAc residues did not bind to globoside (terminal β1-3GalNAc) but did bind the ganglioside GM 2 and its asialo derivative which have terminal β1-4GalNAc residues. The lectin from Dolichos biflorus bound specifically to the Forssman glycolipid with relatively low affinity. The lectin from Wisteria floribunda was bound to Forssman glycolipid, globoside, and the asialo derivative of the ganglioside GM 2 . The interactions of these lectins with the glycolipid-derived, 3 -labeled oligosaccharides was also analyzed by affinity chromatography. The results indicated that the reactivity of multivalent carbohydrate-binding proteins with polyvalent surfaces of glycolipids is strong enough to permit detection of low-affinity interactions that may not be observed in binding assays that are based on carbohydrate-protein interactions in solution. The autoradiographic analysis of 125 I- Helix pomatia lectin binding to thin-layer chromatograms of total lipid extracts from human erythrocyte membranes detected the quantitative differences in the A-active glycolipids from type A 1 and A 2 Cells.
Development of a recombinant bacterial expression system for the active form of a human transforming growth factor beta type II receptor ligand binding domain.

Expression systems have been designed to test the suitability of expressing the high cysteine containing extracellular domain (residues 1-136) of human transforming growth factor beta type II receptor (TbetaRII). Receptor expressed using a baculovirus system was functional following both enzymatic deglycosylation and elimination of the N-terminal 22 amino acids by protease degradation. Bacterial expression of a TbetaRII lacking the 26 N-terminal amino acids retained the ability to bind its ligand, TGF-beta1. Receptor expressed in bacteria was sensitive to proteolytic degradation at residue Lys98 but a K98T mutation eliminated degradation and did not disrupt binding. Although several different forms of TbetaRII were expressed, only a fusion with glutathione S-transferase gave soluble TbetaRII, which was purified at a yield of 0.1 mg/10 L of bacterial growth. N-Terminal truncations of TbetaRII (residues 22-136 or 27-136) could be refolded from inclusion bodies and purified to an active form with an efficiency of 10%.
Evolution and mechanisms of long life and high fertility in queen honey bees.

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are eusocial insects that exhibit striking caste-specific differences in longevity. Queen honey bees live on average 1–2 years whereas workers live on average 15–38 days in the summer and 150–200 days in the winter. Previous studies of senescence in the honey bee have focused on establishing the importance of extrinsic mortality factors (predation, weather) and behavior (nursing and foraging) in worker bee longevity. However, few studies have tried to elucidate the mechanisms that allow queen honey bees to achieve their long lifespan without sacrificing fecundity. Here, we review both types of studies and emphasize the importance of understanding both proximate and ultimate causes of the unusual life history of honey bee queens.
Void Formation and Helium Effects in 9Cr-1MoVNb and 12Cr-1MoVW Steels Irradiated in HFIR and FFTF at 400°C

Martensitic/ferritic 9Cr-1MoVNb and 12Cr-1MoVW steels doped with up to 2 wt% Ni have up to 450 appm He after HFIR irradiation to /approximately/38 dpa, but only 5 appm He after 47 dpa in FFTF. No fine He bubbles and few or no larger voids were observable in any of these steels after FFTF irradiation at 407/degree/C. By contrast, many voids were found in the undoped steels (30-90 appm He) irradiated in HFIR at 400/degree/C, while voids plus many more fine He bubbles were found in the Ni-doped steels (400-450 appm He). Irradiation in both reactors at /approximately/400/degree/C produced significant changes in the as-tempered lath/subgrain boundary, dislocation, and precipitation structures that were sensitive to alloy composition, including doping with Ni. However, for each specific alloy the irradiation-produced changes were exactly the same comparing samples irradiated in FFTF and HFIR, particularly the Ni-doped steels. Therefore, the increased void formation appears solely due to the increased helium generation found in HFIR. While the levels of void swelling are relatively low after 37-39 dpa in HFIR (0.1-0.4%), details of the microstructural evolution suggest that void nucleation is still progressing, and swelling could increase with dose. The effect of helium on void swelling remains amore » valid concern for fusion application that requires higher dose experiments. 15 refs., 14 figs., 8 tabs.« less
A high-throughput infrastructure for density functional theory calculations

The use of high-throughput density functional theory (DFT) calculations to screen for new materials and conduct fundamental research presents an exciting opportunity for materials science and materials innovation. High-throughput DFT typically involves computations on hundreds, thousands, or tens of thousands of compounds, and such a change of scale requires new calculation and data management methodologies. In this article, we describe aspects of the necessary data infrastructure for such projects to handle data generation and data analysis in a scalable way. We discuss the problem of accurately computing properties of compounds across diverse chemical spaces with a single exchange correlation functional, and demonstrate that errors in the generalized gradient approximation are highly dependent on chemical environment.
Harmonic force field for nitro compounds

Molecular simulations leading to sensors for the detection of explosive compounds require force field parameters that can reproduce the mechanical and vibrational properties of energetic materials. We developed precise harmonic force fields for alanine polypeptides and glycine oligopeptides using the FUERZA procedure that uses the Hessian tensor (obtained from ab initio calculations) to calculate precise parameters. In this work, we used the same procedure to calculate generalized force field parameters of several nitro compounds. We found a linear relationship between force constant and bond distance. The average angle in the nitro compounds was 116°, excluding the 90° angle of the carbon atoms in the octanitrocubane. The calculated parameters permitted the accurate molecular modeling of nitro compounds containing many functional groups. Results were acceptable when compared with others obtained using methods that are specific for one type of molecule, and much better than others obtained using methods that are too general (these ignore the chemical effects of surrounding atoms on the bonding and therefore the bond strength, which affects the mechanical and vibrational properties of the whole molecule).
A 5 kW Bi-directional Multilevel Modular DC-DC Converter (MMCCC) Featuring Built in Power Management for Fuel Cell and Hybrid Electric Automobiles

A new capacitor clamped modular dc-dc converter with bi-directional power handling capability will be presented in this paper. This inductor-free design is modular, and it is possible to integrate multiple loads and sources simultaneously in the converter. Moreover, this 5 kW dc-dc converter can produce multiple ac outputs to feed power to ac loads or transformers to get further control over the conversion ratio of the circuit. This high efficiency modular converter has flexible conversion ratio, and it could be successfully used in a multi-bus power system by virtue of its inherent power management properties.
Left ventricular ejection fraction in advanced cancer patients: A valuable prognostic tool?

Left ventricular (LV) systolic function is determined by the resting left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), which is assessed as the ratio of the stroke volume (LV enddiastolic–LV end-systolic volumes) divided by the end-diastolic volume. The prognosis of patients with LV dysfunction varies inversely with the LVEF, which repre
Regulation of Arachidonic Acid Release for Prostaglandin Production during Parturition

The sources of arachidonic acid for the production of prostanoids during early labor have been identified as (diacyl)phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. The enzymatic mechanisms that account for the selective mobilization of arachidonic acid in amnion tissue from these two glycerophospholipids are described. Based on the activation/inhibition of the enzymes involved in these processes, we suggest a central role for \(C{{a}^{{{{2}^{ + }}}}}\) in the regulation of prostanoid biosynthesis in this tissue. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been identified in amniotic fluid from women in labor, in the urine and tracheal fluid of the newborn, and in amnion tissue. Increased PAF concentrations were found in the amnion tissue obtained at term from women in labor. PAF biosynthesis and hydrolysis has been demonstrated in amnion tissue. LysoPAF:acetylCoA acetyltransferase was activated by \(C{{a}^{{{{2}^{ + }}}}}\) at micromolar concentrations. A biochemical model for the regulation of arachidonic acid release and prostanoid formation in relation to parturition is presented.
AIH Using Split Ejaculate and Cap Insemination

Characteristics of the split ejaculate have long been recognized. MacCloud and Hotchkiss described the characteristics of the split ejaculate for the first time in 1942. This have been repeated by others (McDonough, 1979). Characteristically, the split ejaculate contains most of the viable motile sperm in the first impulse. This has led to investigations into the possibility of improving sperm density by using the first impulse of the ejaculate for homologous insemination in infertile couples.
A Substitute for Potato as a Culture Medium

The appearance of bacterial cultures on potato, which in the early days of bacteriology was considered of diagnostic value, has been shown to be subject to considerable variation. The cause of this variability is sometimes due to differences in composition and reaction of potatoes of various origin. The "invisible" film of B. typhosus is an example of the unreliability of potato as a substratum. On potatoes of slightly acid reaction there is a hardly visible growth; if the reaction is alkaline, however, there is abundant growth, which resembles that of other bacteria. The "honey" appearance of B. mallei also remains indistinct, if the potato is more acid than usual. Still, most bacteriologists adhere tenaciously to the use of potato as a culture medium, because certain characters develop better on this medium than on any other. Pigments especially often develop abundantly on potato, and frequently appear on this medium only. The secretion of an amylolytic enzym can be demonstrated only on a starch-containing medium. A substratum which enables microorganisms to exhibit these faculties to advantage must, therefore, be of some value.
Research Note: On the Helical Twisting Power of α-Phenethylamine in Nematic Liquid Crystals

It is the purpose of this Note to point out that the extraordinarily high helical twisting power reported for (+) and (−) forms of α-phenethylamine (PEA) dissolved in Schiff base-type nematic liquid crystals1,2 is solely due to amine exchange reactions.
Detecting pre-cancerous cells using angle-resolved low coherence interferometry

Angle-resolved low coherence interferometry is used to detect pre-cancerous basal epithelial cells in intact, unstained animal tissues via quantitative nuclear morphology measurements. Recent results are presented, demonstrating the ability to assess efficacy of chemopreventive agents.