cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A qualitative study of head and neck cancer.

The findings presented contribute to quality of life (QOL) research by highlighting the significance of factors affecting the communication by patients with primary-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck cancer (SCCHN) of their experiences of suffering after treatment to their clinicians. Qualitative research methodology based on open-ended interviews with 18 survivors of American Joint Committee on Cancer primary stage I and II SCCHN were used. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. Three important themes emerged: (1) a diminished self (2) fears of addiction, and (3) hopelessness and the loss of meaning in life after SCCHN. The findings indicate that SCCHN patients under-report their experiences mainly due to fear. As a consequence, and perhaps due to a failure on the part of clinicians and patients to adequately address such fears, SCCHN patients may experience greater psychological morbidity, becoming increasingly fatalistic about biomedicine’s ability to restore them to health after cancer despite being “cured”, or to relieve related symptoms. This qualitative study provides a perspective as to why such under-reporting occurs, thereby potentially enhancing clinician-patient communication and the QOL of SCCHN patients who present with curable disease.
REGULATORY EFFECTS OF AMMONIA ON CARBON METABOLISM IN PHOTOSYNTHESIZING CHLORELLA PYRENOIDOSA

Abstract Addition of ammonia to Chlorella pyrenoidosa , photosynthesizing under steady-state conditions, causes changes in the metabolism which are due not only to the increased availability of NH 4 + for reductive amination but also to regulation of controlled enzymes. One such effect is an increased rate of the reaction which converts phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate in vivo . This regulatory effect was revealed by kinetic tracer studies with 14 CO 2 , paper chromatography and radioautographic analysis, which showed that upon addition of NH 4 + (1) the levels of both 3-phosphoglycerate and phosphoenolpyruvate drop, with the ratio of 3-phosphoglycerate/phosphoenolpyruvate increasing, (2) the level of labeled pyruvic acid increases and the rate of formation of alanine increases rapidly, while the rate of formation of serine is unaffected, (3) the rate of flow of carbon into the tricarboxylic acid cycle acids, malate and citrate, increases along with the increased rates of formation of glutamate, glutamine and aspartate and (4) the rate of labeling of lipids increases. The increased flow of carbon into amino acids is mostly at the expense of sucrose synthesis; starch synthesis decreases only slightly. The interruption of sucrose synthesis apparently is due to stopping the reaction between UDP-glucose and fructose 6-phosphate. The rate of conversion of fructose 1,6-diphosphate to fructose 6-phosphate is also decreased upon NH 4 + addition.
Framework for Autonomous Delivery Drones

Traditional delivery services are a ubiquitous and key piece to our current commerce model, though the underlying technology is antiquated 20th century machinery, wasteful, and expensive. As an answer to these problems many companies have begun to explore alternative delivery technologies. This project set out to design and implement a viable quadcopter based autonomous delivery system using off-the-shelf hardware and open-source software. The requirements for design included fully autonomous carry and delivery, static route navigation, and single touch-point interaction (via phone app). A successful flight demonstrating each of these features was performed.
The Influence of Microstructure on the Fracture and Tensile Properties of Die Cast and Thixomolded Magnesium Alloys

In this investigation, the fracture and tensile properties of die cast and thixomolded magnesium alloys are compared and shown to be dependent on the microstructure of the test specimens. The principal features of a die cast structure that inhibit crack propagation and contribute to high ductility are the presence of highly structured primary α-magnesium dendrites and a continuous network of the α-magnesium phase. The lower tensile properties of thixomolded magnesium alloys are attributed to the presence of nodular a-magnesium dendrites. Cracks propagate around the nodular dendrites through the divorced eutectic that surrounds the nodular α-magnesium dendrites. In the thixomolded alloys, there is also a less developed continuous network of the α-magnesium phase.
Improved BRT structures fabricated using SIMOX technology

The SIMBRT is a new power device in which SIMOX technology is used to isolate the P-channel turnoff MOSFET resulting in improved cathode injection efficiencies and higher maximum controllable current densities when compared to the conventional BRT. In this paper, experimentally measured characteristics on four novel SIMBRT structures fabricated using a 9-mask SIMOX smart power process are presented, and their performance is compared with conventional BRT structures fabricated alongside. The lowest on-state voltage drop and highest maximum controllable current density are demonstrated to occur for the structure with the smallest cell pitch.
SIN1/MIP1 Maintains rictor-mTOR Complex Integrity and Regulates Akt Phosphorylation and Substrate Specificity

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) controls cell growth and proliferation via the raptor-mTOR (TORC1) and rictor-mTOR (TORC2) protein complexes. Recent biochemical studies suggested that TORC2 is the elusive PDK2 for Akt/PKB Ser473 phosphorylation in the hydrophobic motif. Phosphorylation at Ser473, along with Thr308 of its activation loop, is deemed necessary for Akt function, although the regulatory mechanisms and physiological importance of each phosphorylation site remain to be fully understood. Here, we report that SIN1/MIP1 is an essential TORC2/PDK2 subunit. Genetic ablation of sin1 abolished Akt-Ser473 phosphorylation and disrupted rictor-mTOR interaction but maintained Thr308 phosphorylation. Surprisingly, defective Ser473 phosphorylation affected only a subset of Akt targets in vivo, including FoxO1/3a, while other Akt targets, TSC2 and GSK3, and the TORC1 effectors, S6K and 4E-BP1, were unaffected. Our findings reveal that the SIN1-rictor-mTOR function in Akt-Ser473 phosphorylation is required for TORC2 function in cell survival but is dispensable for TORC1 function.
A Tribute to Franz Halberg, MD.

Dr Franz Halberg, a towering figure in cardiovascular research who founded and developed the new science of modernized chronobiology, passed away a month shy of 94 years of age on June 9, 2013. The chronobiological vocabulary and ambulatory monitoring methods were his original conceptions. Dr Halberg’s international stature and contributions to hypertension research through chronobiological methods were monumental, and we pay our respects to this outstanding scientist, educator, and scientific father and his dedication to the advancement of heart attack and stroke victims, hypertension research through chronobiological methods in individual monitoring, analyses, and interpretation in variations as a function of Time. In the early stages of his professional life, his keen observations of biological variations in living beings enabled him to find periodicities shared between biological systems and their broad environments, influenced by the sun and the cosmos, leading to chronomics (broad time structures beyond circadian rhythms). Biological time structures (clock hours) and chronomes are considered essential parameters in blood pressure monitoring, as well as in neurohormonal rhythms and other organs/systemic variations. The impact Dr Halberg had in science stemmed not only from his original findings but also from his vision of their implications that led beyond a scientific breakthrough to a new way of thinking as a truly great scientist. His lifetime of hard work after his medical education and training seeking optimal configurations of the time structure has contributed to some of the greatest advancements in the modern scientific world and standardized clinical practice, especially in hypertension. His research on timing guided by the circadian clock observed early changes in blood pressure and heart rate variability, especially large fluctuations in amplitudes and shift changes in peak hours among heart attack and stroke victims, and cancer patients. The changed rhythms can be detected during subclinical stages by ambulatory monitoring, …
Mercury methylation in estuaries: Insights from using measuring rates using stable mercury isotopes

Rates of mercury (Hg) methylation and methylmercury (MeHg) demethylation in sediment of the Hudson River, Chesapeake Bay and Bay of Fundy were measured using stable isotopes of mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg). Methylation of the isotope correlated well with in situ MeHg concentration, and MeHg turnover times were on the order of days. It was concluded that methylation was more important than demethylation in controlling the differences in concentrations of MeHg among ecosystems. Also in situ MeHg concentration appeared to be a good indicator of methylation activity in sediment across ecosystems. Examination of a temporal data set, collected from the vicinity of Hart Miller Island, Chesapeake Bay between 1998 and 2002, and a spatial data set of a longitudinal transect of the main stem of the Chesapeake Bay, is used to further examine the controls on Hg methylation and MeHg concentration. Microbial activity and the formation of sulfide appear to be at least as important as Hg concentration in controlling MeHg concentration in estuarine sediment.
The chromatic eye: a new reduced-eye model of ocular chromatic aberration in humans

New measurements of the chromatic difference of focus of the human eye were obtained with a two-color, vernier-alignment technique. The results were used to redefine the variation of refractive index of the reduced eye over the visible spectrum. The reduced eye was further modified by changing the refracting surface to an aspherical shape to reduce the amount of spherical aberration. The resulting chromatic-eye model provides an improved account of both the longitudinal and transverse forms of ocular chromatic aberration.
Institutions and Technological Innovation During Early Economic Growth: Evidence from the Great Inventors of the United States, 1790-1930

Employing a sample of renowned U.S. inventors that combines biographical detail with information on the patents they received over their careers, we highlight the impact of early U.S. patent institutions in providing broad access to economic opportunity and in encouraging trade in new technological knowledge. Through setting low fees and establishing administrative procedures for application, the United States deliberately created a patent system that allowed a much wider range, in socioeconomic class terms, of technologically creative individuals to obtain property rights to their inventions than did European patent institutions. Moreover, by requiring that applications be examined for novelty by technical experts, and by enforcing patent rights strictly, the U.S. system reduced uncertainty about the validity of patent rights, and in that way lowered the cost of transacting in them. Creating secure assets in new technological knowledge and facilitating access to markets in technology in this way both stimulated specialization at invention and further enhanced the opportunities available to technologically creative individuals who would otherwise have lacked the capital to directly extract returns from their efforts. Indeed, we show that until the late 19th century, the 'great inventors' of the U.S. generally had backgrounds that permitted them only limited formal schooling, and made extensive use of their abilities under the patent system to extract returns from trading their patent rights. The usefulness of the 19th century U.S. patent system to inventors with humble origins may have implications for the design of intellectual property institutions in contemporary developing countries.
Computational Architectures for Computer-Integrated Engineering and Manufacturing: An Artificial Intelligence Perspective

We discuss principles of computational architectures for knowledge-based computer-integrated engineering and manufacturing, and propose one that is currently developed for semiconductor manufacturing at Intel. The architecture extends existing substrates of conventional CIEM capabilities by arranging it in a framework of interacting agents that evolves from a computational model of manufacturing.
The technology of system management

This paper describes a set of basic principles of system management which are fundamental to successful management of large systems. They were developed from my 25 years of experience in managing large programming systems in IBM and are the principles I would follow when managing a product or system. While the paper is oriented towards the management of large programming systems, the principles are generally applicable to the management of any large system. The list of principles is not in priority order, but are grouped first by principles dealing with requirements followed by a collection of principles dealing with the management process.
Dictyostelium discoideum cAMP Chemotaxis Pathway

Cells migrating directionally toward a chemoattractant display highly polarized cytoskeletal organizations, with F-actin predominantly at the anterior and myosin II localized laterally and posteriorly. Dictyostelium discoideum has proven a remarkable model system for elucidating signaling pathways that regulate this chemotactic response. During development, extracellular adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) functions as a primary signal to activate a specific family of heterotrimeric guanosine triphosphate-binding protein (G protein)-coupled, seven-transmembrane receptors and their downstream effectors, phospholipase C (PLC), adenylyl cyclase (AC), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), the lipid phosphatase PTEN, and guanylyl cyclase (GC). The PI3K-PTEN and GC pathways interact to establish polarity in chemotaxing D. discoideum . Receptor-mediated signaling spatially restricts PI3K and PTEN localization; this directs phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P 3 ] to the anterior of the cell, thus recruiting a family of pleckstrin homology (PH) domain-containing proteins. These and other signaling components ultimately localize F-actin. Data suggest that guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP) target proteins and p21-activated kinase (PAKa) cooperate to regulate the phosphorylation state and assembly of myosin II. Many of the molecular interactions described in the Connections Map are fundamental to regulating chemotaxis in all eukaryotic cells. Science Viewpoint A. R. Kimmel, C. A. Parent, The signal to move: D. discoideum go orienteering. Science 300 , 1525-1527 (2003). [Abstract] [Full Text]
notions of grief and catharsis among the Toraja

This article concerns indigenous notions regarding grief and mourning among the Toraja of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. It argues that Toraja beliefs about the expression of grief are part of an implicit “cathartic” theory of emotion that is closely related to ideas concerning “heat” and “coolness.” The article concludes by suggesting that indigenous notions about the expression of grief correspond closely to the experiences of many grieving individuals.
Basal cell carcinoma: biology, morphology and clinical implications

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm of humans. Rising dramatically in incidence in North America, as likely reflects changing habits of the population and a move from more northerly climes to the sunbelt of the Southern and Southwestern United States, the incidence is surely to rise even higher in the future. The last decade has seen significant advances in our understanding of BCC biology and novel approaches to therapy, which hinge upon accurate diagnosis and subclassification by pathologists. The purpose of this review article is to summate the research advances in our understanding of BCC biology and to acquaint pathologists and clinicians to the practical issues in BCC diagnosis and subclassification which flow there from.
PROTEIN AND ENERGY INTERRELATIONSHIPS FOR LAYING HENS.

Abstract PROTEIN × energy interrelationships for optimum reproductive performance of chickens have been discussed by Thornton and Whittet (I960), Frank and Waibel (1960), and Touchburn and Naber (1962). Considerable evidence has appeared in literature to indicate a disparity regarding protein × energy interrelationships, and Harms (1964) has attempted to discuss the reasons for the discrepancies. A majority of studies on protein × energy interrelationships involved Single Comb White Leghorns, or Leghorn-type strain crosses, and in many cases, what was considered a low energy level by one investigator was considered a high energy level by another investigator. For example, the low and high energy values of Frank and Waibel (1960) ranged from 634 to 947 and from 984 to 1250 kilocalories of productive energy per pound, respectively, as contrasted with a low and high energy level of 640 and 930 kilocalories of productive energy per pound, respectively, (Miller et al., 1957). Therefore,…
Formulating information and communication technology (ICT) policy through discourse: how internet discussions shape policies on ICTs for developing countries

How is policy for information and communication technology (ICT) for developing countries actually formulated? How are the negotiations made, and with whom? What are the dialectical queries and responses, the give and take that compose policy discussions? Some of this is accomplished behind the scenes, and will remain inaccessible to our scrutiny. However, much of the critical interaction among key players such as government officials, academics, consultants, employees of nongovernment organizations, donors, and development officers is available publicly for analysis and interpretation via the text exchanges produced on open forum Intemet discussion groups. Thus, when subjected to systematic analysis, this data becomes a prime source for developing a rich understanding of policy formulation. In this article the authors use a special kind of qualitative rhetorical analysis called dramatism to analyze and thus understand the formulation of policy online through an open discussion forum. Rationales for ICTs for development, appropriate ICT impact assessment, and implementation for economic development in a variety of countries were available via the Internet forum studied. The language of the discussion from actual, unedited texts of Internet discussions using dramatistic analysis is examined. The ensuing discussions reveal a collective vision that helps influence ICT policy formulation, rationales, distribution, implementation, and use in developing countries. Dramatism is construed to be a humanistic method that rests on the assumption that dramas are created through small group interaction and chain through written speeches and documents until they reach the mass media and are picked back up by small groups once again. Through analysis, the emerging main plot, subplot, hero, and villain of the ICT policy drama that took place from 1998-2002 in an Internet discussion forum are identified. The conclusions drawn are intended to be useful to both researchers and policy makers, who will be able to draw on this contribution to create a wide-ranging set of information technology strategies and policies that can be implemented in many developing nation contexts.
Evidence-Based Psychosocial Treatment: Advances, Surprises, and Needed Shifts in Foci

Abstract In the past 50 years, ABCT and its members have contributed enormously to the development and evaluation of psychosocial treatments. Advances are evident in the quantity and quality of research, expansion of conceptual models, the development of treatments that can span many different clinical problems, the use of technology and social media to deliver treatments, and greater attention to ethnic and cultural issues. Certainly the development of evidence-based psychosocial treatments is a highlight although some surprises have emerged as those treatment multiply. Salient challenges are discussed including disseminating treatment, evaluating moderators in a way that can help clinical practice, understanding precisely how treatments work, and expanding our models of delivery so that we can reach the large numbers of unserved individuals in need of services. Our first 50 years provides a sound base for qualitative changes to go beyond generating more techniques and demonstrating that they are effective.
Catalytic Deoxygenation of Guaiacol Using Methane

Guaiacol, produced by thermal degradation of lignin, represents a model compound for upgrading of fast pyrolysis bio-oils by deoxygenation. In our prior work, with Pt/C catalyst, such a process using H2 was studied. To overcome the high cost of H2, methane is used in this work to deoxygenate guaiacol. On Pt/C catalyst, in terms of guaiacol conversion and product distribution, methane is found to exhibit as good deoxygenation performance as H2. The lifetime of this catalyst, however, is short (<3 h). The lifetime of Pt–Bi/C catalyst is extended (no significant deactivation in 5 h), by addition of bismuth as a promoter. This work provides a new approach for bio-oil upgrading using methane as a reductant instead of hydrogen.
An Oxidation Pond as a Tertiary Treatment Device

Tertiary treatment is becoming necessary to effect greater removal of BOD, solids, and coliform organisms from the effluents of conventional secondary wastewater treatment facilities. In addition, increasing emphasis is being placed on the removal of nitrogen and phosphorous from treated wastewater. These criteria were used to evaluate an aerobic oxidation pond as a tertiary treatment device. Recommendations are made concerning design loadings for tertiary ponds. Better operation devices are suggested to make oxidation ponds more effective as a tertiary treatment device.
Reaction of E-1,4-poly(2-triethylsilyl-1,3-butadiene) with bromine: Stereoselective sythesis of Z-1,4-poly(2-bromo-1,3-butadiene)

Addition of bromine to E-1,4-poly(2-triethylsilyl-1,3-butadiene) (I) followed by treatment with potassium fluoride dihydrate yields Z-1,4-poly(2-bromo-1,3-butadiene) (II). The mechanism of this reaction is discussed. The product polymer has been characterized by 1H, 13C NMR, IR, GPC, TGA and elemental analysis.
Performance Evaluation of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Strips by Colloidal Gold Immunochromatographic Assay (GICA)

Objective: Evaluate the performance characteristics of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) strips by Colloidal Gold Immunochromatographic Assay (GICA). Method: Analyze the HCG strips from 7 manufacturers on sensitivity, speciality, the negative percent (%) agreement, the positive percent (%) agreement, HOOK effect and stability. Result: Regarding to the sensitivity , 3 of 7 were 12.5mIU/mL, 2 of 7 were 20mIU/mL, 1 of 7 was 5mIU/mL and 1 of 7 was lower than 1mIU/mL; During the speciality test,only 1 of 7 manufacturers showed human Luteinizing Hormone having interference on the test of 0 mIU/mL HCG,and the result displayed weak positive; the negative percent (%) agreement and the positive percent (%) agreement of all 7 manufacturers were 100%;there was still no HOOK effect even when the concentration of HCG reached 100,000mIU/mL; as settled under the temperature of( 37±1)?C, the stability period of HCG strips could be over 21days. Conclusion: Some critical performance of the HCG strips by GICA from 7 manufacturers showed discrepancy, which is expected to be standardized.
Investingation on normal reference value of hematologic and biochemical index of clean SD rats

Objective:To study the normal reference value of hematological and biochemical index of clean SD rat for animal experiment in our laboratory.Methods:SD rats of 4～8 weeks old(male 100 and female 100) were weighted in the 8th week.The of hematological and biochemical indexes were measured.The food utilization rate and coefficiant variation(CV) and so on were calculated.The correlation coefficient between biochemical indexes and food utilization rate were analyzed.Results:The differences of WBC,BUN,Cr,TP,TG,HGB,RBC,ALT,Glu,Alb level between male and female in rats were significant(P0.01,P0.05).The CV of biochemical indexes were 9.05%～26.65% and 8.95%～24.32%.The food utilization rate and AST showed negative correlation tendency,the food utilization rate and Glu or TG showed positive correlation tendency.Conclusion:The normal reference value is valuable in practice and supplies the reference for establishing the country standard.
Innovative approaches in caring for people with Parkinson disease: Filling the gaps.

The advent of levodopa 50 years ago ushered in the era of meaningful symptomatic treatment for Parkinson disease (PD), making PD care perhaps the most therapeutically advanced of any neurodegenerative disorder. Medications, surgical treatments, and rehabilitative services can substantially alleviate symptoms such as tremor, stiffness, slowness, and motor fluctuations, allowing many people with PD to continue to lead active and meaningful lives for many years. Treatment by a neurologist is associated with many improved outcomes, including fewer PD-related hospitalizations, reduced placement in skilled nursing facilities, fewer hip fractures, and improved survival.1,2
Transfer of Pathogens from Cantaloupe Rind to Preparation Surfaces and Edible Tissue as a Function of Cutting Method

ABSTRACT Whole and cut cantaloupes have been implicated as vehicles in foodborne illness outbreaks of norovirus, salmonellosis, and listeriosis. Preparation methods that minimize pathogen transfer from external surfaces to the edible tissue are needed. Two preparation methods were compared for the transfer of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2, murine norovirus, and Tulane virus from inoculated cantaloupe rinds to edible tissue and preparation surfaces. For the first method, cantaloupes were cut into eighths, and edible tissue was separated from the rind and cubed with the same knife used to open the cantaloupes. For the second method, cantaloupes were scored with a knife around the circumference sufficient to allow manual separation of the cantaloupes into halves. Edible tissue was scooped with a spoon and did not contact the preparation surface touched by the rind. Bacteria and virus were recovered from the rinds, preparation surfaces, and edible tissue and enumerated by...
Manganese and aging

Manganese (Mn) is an essential metal that is required as a cofactor for many enzymes and is necessary for optimal biological function. Mn is abundant in the earth's crust and is present in soil and well water. Mn is also found in industrial settings, including mining, welding, and battery manufacture. Mn is also present in infant formula, parenteral nutrition, as well as pesticides and gasoline additives. A sufficient amount of Mn is obtained from most diets, and Mn deficiency is exceedingly rare. Excessive exposure to Mn in high doses can result in a condition known as manganism that results in psychological and emotional disturbances and motor symptoms that are reminiscent of Parkinson's disease, including gait disturbance, tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Treatment for manganism is to remove the patient from Mn exposure, though symptoms are generally irreversible. The effects of exposure to Mn at lower doses are less clear. Little work has been done to evaluate the effects of chronic exposure to subclinical levels of Mn, especially in regard to lifelong exposures and the effects on the aging process. Mn is known to have effects on some of the same mechanistic processes that are altered in aging. This review will describe the general effects of Mn exposure and will focus on how Mn may be related to some of the mechanism of aging: neurogenesis, oxidative stress, and microglial activation and inflammation.
Deceleration of a thermal beam of Rb

We have used diode laser beams that counter- propagate against a thermal beam of Rb to decelerate the atoms to near-zero velocity and bunch their speeds into a very narrow range. As the atoms decelerate, their changing Doppler shift is compensated by increasing the laser frequency. This chirping is easily accomplished with diode lasers because of their strong frequency dependence on current.
A Microanalysis of Physicians’ Hours of Work Decisions

This study analyzes physician decisions regarding their work-week and the number of weeks worked per year, using data on 1,800 physicians from the Public Use Sample of 1960 United States Census. For several reasons, the demand that the physician faces is an endogenous variable. Therefore, wage equations in both the hourly and weekly wage are developed, in addition to two supply equations. The results indicate a positive supply response to the weekly, but a negative response to the hourly, wage. The latter result should be interpreted cautiously, since the pure income effect is very small and inconsistent with a backward-bending supply curve. In addition, income determines the impact of various demographic characteristics on physician supply. Female physicians with children work less than their colleagues do. The physician/population ratio in the area in which the physician practices affects individual physician supply negatively, especially in the week dimension.
Imaging of the Fetal Brain and Spine

This chapter reviews the indications for prenatal imaging of the central nervous system (CNS) and illustrates the complementary roles of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The techniques employed by each modality and their respective strengths and weaknesses are presented. The normal CNS anatomy identified by each modality is discussed and we review the appearance of the most common pathologic CNS conditions investigated during pregnancy including ventriculomegaly, neural tube defects, agenesis of the corpus callosum, and malformations of the posterior fossa and cortical development.
Mathematical Models of Spacer Grids

The fuel rods in Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) and Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) cores are supported by spacer grids. Even though spacer grids add to the pressure loss in the reactor core, spacer grids have several benefits in Light Water Reactors (LWRs). Some of these benefits are: (i) increasing the turbulence at the bottom of the reactor core for better heat transfer in single phase region of the LWRs, (ii) improving the departure nucleate boiling ratio results for PWRs, and (iii) improving critical power ratio (CPR) values by increasing the thickness of film in annular flow regime in the top section of the reactor core of BWRs. Several mathematical models have been developed for single and two phase pressure loss across the grid spacer. Almost all of them significantly depend on Reynolds Number. Spacer designs have evolved (incorporating mixing vanes, springs, dimples, etc), resulting in the complexity of the analysis across the grid, all the models have been compared not only theoretically but also quantitatively. For the quantitative comparisons, this work compares the results of mathematical spacer models with experimental data of BWR Full Size Fine Mesh Bundle Tests (BFBT). The experimental data of BFBT provides very detailed experimental results for pressure drop by using several different boundary condition and detailed pressure drop measurements. Since one CT-scanner was used at the bundle exit and three X-ray densitometers were used for the chordal average void distribution at different elevations to generate the BFBT results, detailed two phase parameters have been measured in BFBT database. Two bundle types of BFBT, the current 8×8 type and the high burn-up 8×8 type, were simulated. Three combinations of radial and axial power shapes were tested: 1) beginning of cycle (BOC) radial power pattern/cosine axial power shape (the C2A pattern); 2) end of cycle (EOC) radial power pattern/cosine axial power shape (C2B pattern); and 3) beginning of cycle radial power pattern/inlet peaked axial power shape (C3 pattern) in BFBT. The pressure drop in BFBT database was measured in both single-phase flow and two-phase flow conditions that cover the normal operational behavior. BFBT database gives the three combinations of high burnup assemblies with different radial and axial power shapes, namely C2A, C2B and C3, which were utilized in the critical power measurements. There are two types of spacers in this program — ferrule type and grid type. Therefore, detailed experimental data of BFBT was used for analyzing mathematical models of spacer grid for various boundary conditions of BWR in this paper. It was observed and discussed that pressure drop values due to spacer models can be significantly different.© 2016 ASME
Optimal Interleaving Schemes for 2-D Arrays

Given an m times n array of k single random error correction (or erasure) codewords, each having length l such that mn = kl, we construct optimal interleaving schemes that provide the maximum burst error correction power such that an arbitrarily shaped error burst of size t can be corrected for the largest possible value of t. We show that for all such m times n arrays, the maximum possible interleaving distance, or equivalently, the largest value of t such that an arbitrary error burst of size up to t can be corrected, is bounded by lfloorradic2krfloor if k les lceil(min{m, n})2/2rceil, and by min{m, n} + lfloor(k - lceil(min{m, n})2/2rceil) / min{m, n}rfloor if k ges lceil(min{m, n})2/2rceil. We generalize the cyclic shifting algorithm developed by the authors in a previous paper and construct, in several special cases, optimal interleaving arrays achieving these upper bounds
Role of Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy for Clinical Stage B2 Prostate Cancer

To examine the role of nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy in patients with clinical stage B2 prostate cancer we reviewed the first 77 such patients in our series since we adopted the nerve-sparing technique. A total of 47 patients (61%) underwent bilateral and 26 (34%) underwent unilateral nerve-sparing prostatectomy, while in 4 (5%) both neurovascular bundles were resected. Among the patients followed for 12 months 27 of 41 (66%) treated with bilateral and 7 of 19 (37%) treated with unilateral nerve-sparing prostatectomy had potency preserved. With the strict clinicopathological criteria of organ-confined tumor, that is intracapsular tumor with negative surgical margins and undetectable postoperative prostate specific antigen levels, complete tumor excision was achieved in 17 patients (36%) treated with bilateral and 7 of 26 (27%) treated with unilateral nerve-sparing prostatectomy. All patients in whom both neurovascular bundles were resected had pathological stage C or D1 disease. Of the 24 patients who had complete tumor excision by the strict criteria only 15 (19.5% of the 77 preoperatively potent patients) had potency preserved. Of these patients 19 had microscopically positive margins without seminal vesicle invasion (pathological stage C1) with undetectable postoperative prostate specific antigen levels. In addition, 4 patients had seminal vesicle involvement with negative surgical margins and undetectable postoperative prostate specific antigen levels. If these patients also are considered as having complete tumor excision, there was an over-all complete tumor excision rate of 61% (47 of 77), of whom 25 (32% of the 77 patients) had preservation of potency. Ten patients with clinical stage B2 tumor whose potency was preserved had histological and serological evidence of incomplete tumor excision. Of 53 patients with pathological stage C1 disease 9 (17%) had margins positive only in the regions of the neurovascular bundles. Preoperative prostate specific antigen and acid phosphatase levels, and findings on transrectal ultrasonography failed to predict accurately which patients had extracapsular tumor extension. Patients with poorly differentiated tumors and/or bulky disease on rectal examination had a higher incidence of extracapsular extension and positive margins. We conclude that in the majority of potent patients with clinical stage B2 prostate cancer not all of the goals of nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy are realized.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Keeping Track of Where We Are: Spatial Working Memory in Navigation

Spatial working memory (WM) seems to include two types of spatial information, locations and relations. However, this distinction has been based on small-scale tasks. Here, we used a virtual navigation paradigm to examine whether WM for locations and relations applies to the large-scale spatial world. We found that navigators who successfully learned two routes and also integrated them were superior at maintaining multiple locations and multiple relations in WM. However, over the entire spectrum of navigators, WM for spatial relations, but not locations, was specifically predictive of route integration performance. These results lend further support to the distinction between these two forms of spatial WM and point to their critical role in individual differences in navigation proficiency.
Frequency and Predictors of Self-Reported Hypoglycemia in Insulin-Treated Diabetes.

Aims. Hypoglycemia is a limiting factor for achieving stringent glycemic control in diabetes. This study analyzes the frequency and predictors of hypoglycemia in insulin-treated diabetes in an ambulatory setting. Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed to study self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) data for 3 months prior to a patient’s HbA1c test. Results. Hypoglycemia occurred more frequently in type 1 than in type 2 diabetes; however, 19% of type 2 diabetes patients did experience at least one episode of severe hypoglycemia. For type 1 diabetes, hypoglycemia had a positive association with glycemic variability and duration of diabetes and a negative association with HbA1c and lowest blood glucose (BG). For type 2 diabetes, a positive association was noted with glycemic variability and a negative association with age and lowest BG. Conclusions. Delineating factors predisposing to hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes is difficult. Lower HbA1c is a potential predictor of hypoglycemia in type 1 but not in type 2 diabetes. Longer duration of diabetes for type 1 and younger age for type 2 are associated with more hypoglycemia. Glycemic variability portends increased risk for hypoglycemia and should be a focus of further research.
Recent advances in engineered biochar productions and applications

ABSTRACTBiochar is mainly used as a soil amendment and for carbon sequestration; while other applications such as environmental remediation may be equally important. Recently, different engineering...
Cambio diacrónico en la familia lingüística yucatecana

This study presents a sketch of the history of the languages of the Yucatecan branch and how the linguistic differences of the current languages reflect their histories. Based on a comparative study, one may trace the differences in phonology and morphosyntax that developed in each language since the Proto-Yucatecan of 950 CE. Innovations among members of the branch are shown, which reflect separations of groups, including migrations, mostly from the north to the south. Also evidence, principally lexical evidence, is shown of contacts of members of the branch with one another and with speakers of Ch’olan languages. The result is that each language of the branch has unique characteristics and shared characteristics, which reflect their distinct histories.
Legislative Voting Dynamics in Ukraine

Current work in roll call modeling focuses on the legislative decision process and does not take advantage of the dynamic nature of legislation. Some political systems, such as Ukraine’s Verkovna Rada, are inherently dynamic, and should be modeled as such. In the model proposed, the entire legislative body is modeled together and bills are viewed as a dynamic process. This model requires no contextual information about individual legislators and predicts the amount of favorable votes a bill will receive within 6.2%, on average. Additionally, we find differences in behavior of bills proposed by the President and those proposed by parliament members or the Cabinet. This work only uses a simple differential model, opening the door to the use of more complex models capable of leveraging contextual information in the future.
A variational approach in magnetofluid dynamics

The definition of the electromagnetic field in terms of Hertz’s potential makes it possible to give a variational formulation in the dynamics of ideal magnetofluids, both in non-relativistic and relativistic representations. The theory is applied in two cases: (i) Using Noether’s theorem, the fundamental equations of conservation for our model of magnetofluid are obtained. (ii) By means of the four-dimensional generalization of Hertz’s vector, a relativistically-covariant formulation of a constrained minimum energy problem in the case of force-free plasma configurations is given.
A k − ∈ Calculation of Transitional Boundary Layers

A recently proposed k−∈ model for low Reynolds number turbulent flows (Yang and Shih, 1991) was modified by introducing a new damping function f μ . The modified model is used to calculate the transitional boundary layer over a flat plate with different freestream turbulence levels. It is found that the model could mimic the transitional flow. However, the predicted transition is found to be sensitive to the initial conditions.
Designed DNA Interactions

Using a fluorescence-detected ethidium displacement array, the complexation properties of several tri- and tetracationic polyamines with natural and synthetic polynucleotides were determined. The compounds exhibited different binding affinities which were dependent upon the structure and charge of the polyamine compound. The GC/AT DNA binding selectivities were measured for several of the polyamines, and two of the tricationic derivatives (compounds 3 and 4) were observed to exhibit significant GC-selectivity. Computer modelling results were in agreement with a major groove spanning binding mode which possessed site specific interactions between the polyamines and DNA hydrogen bonding sites.
Neurosurgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia

As early as 1730, the first treatments for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) involved direct section of peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve and later injection of caustic liquids. The main limitation of these simple peripheral destructive procedures was the short duration of pain relief [21]. Section of more central branches of the trigeminal nerve was first attempted by Victor Horsley in 1891, who, using a subtemporal intradural approach, cut the trigeminal root between the brainstem and the gasserian ganglia [11]. This approach was later popularized by Spiller and Frazier, who used a selective resection sparing the motor and first division fibers [7]. In 1925, Walter Dandy proposed a posterior fossa approach to partial sectioning of the sensory root at the pons and reported 500 cases in 1932 with excellent results [5]. Percutaneous approaches to the trigeminal ganglion commenced with direct injections of alcohol by Harris in 1912 [9]; however, although effective, alcohol leakage outside the cistern and production of other cranial neuropathies limited its applicability. In 1914, Hartel subsequently detailed a percutaneous technique for needle insertion outside the oral cavity using external landmarks which are still used today [10]. Percutaneous electrocoagulation of the ganglion was described by Kirschner in 1932 using a head frame and a diathermy apparatus [14]. In 1965, William Sweet introduced a less painful and safer technique which included intermittent sedation, physiological localization and controlled lesion production using radiofrequency [26].
The synergistic effects of nanoparticle-surfactant nanofluids in EOR applications

Abstract Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques are receiving substantial attention worldwide due to the major decline in the available oil resources. However, lots of challenges and limitations such as high costs, low sweep efficiency, and possible formation damage hinder the improvement of these EOR techniques. In addition, nanoparticles have proven to be potential solutions or improvements to a number of challenges associated with the traditional EOR techniques. Furthermore, surfactants are added to nanoparticle solutions to enhance their stability. In general, surfactant-coated nanoparticles are functionalized nanoparticles that consist of a nanoscale part with their surface active groups to perform specific tasks such as adsorbing at the oil-water interface to modify some of their properties including wettability and interfacial tension (IFT). The relative concentration ratio between surfactants and nanoparticles defines the properties of the modified surfactant-coated nanoparticles. If the concentration ratio between surfactants and nanoparticles is low, only a small portion of the nanoparticles would be coated with surfactants. Conversely, large concentration ratios mean that surfactants can form a double layer on the particle's surface. The interactions between surfactants and nanoparticles can lead to a considerable change in the surface activity of surfactants. Multiple layers of surfactant-nanoparticle can be formed by the strong attraction between surfactant and nanoparticle molecules. Generally, surfactants with higher concentrations, which are entitled with a higher adsorption into the surface, can greatly reduce the interfacial tension (IFT) and alter the wettability towards a water-wet condition. The aim of this paper is to conduct a review of the recent literature on nano-technology and determine the most reliable mechanisms associated with different particles. The paper mainly focuses on the development and usage of nanoparticles in combination with surfactants to improve and enhance oil recovery. Different tests and experimental studies are presented to better understand the recovery mechanisms of the combination. The first part of this paper focuses on the recovery mechanisms of different types of nanoparticles. Next, the recovery mechanisms of surfactant-nanoparticle solutions are presented along with different experimental studies. Finally, the possible limitations and challenges that face the combination of surfactants and nanoparticles in EOR applications are presented.
AACR Cancer Progress Report 2018: Harnessing Research Discoveries for Patient Benefit.

The American Association for Cancer Research is proud to announce the release of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Cancer Progress Report 2018 . This eighth edition of the annual report details how the advances made across the clinical cancer care continuum between August 1, 2017
Exact and Approximate Map-Reduce Algorithms for Convex Hull

Given a set of points P in the Euclidean plane, the classic problem of convex hull in computational geometry asks to compute the smallest convex polygon C with the vertex set \(X \subseteq P\), such that every point in P belongs to C.
ABILITY OF VIDEO TELEMEDICINE TO PREDICT UNPLANNED HOSPITAL READMISSIONS FOR SINGLE VENTRICLE INFANTS

Our Cardiac High Acuity Monitoring program (CHAMP) utilizes video telemetry to monitor inter-stage single ventricle infants (SVI) at home. Our objective is to develop a reliable video telemetry scoring system to predict unplanned hospital admissions (UHA) in this high-risk population. Videos from
Abstract MP45: Cardiovascular Health in Early Adulthood Predicts the Development of Coronary Artery Disease: 25 Year Follow Up in Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes From the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is especially burdensome among individuals with type 1 diabetes (TID). The AHA created metrics to monitor cardiovascular health (CVH) to promote primordi...