cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Classification and Atherosclerosis Distribution in Patients with Left Main Coronary Disease

Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to characterize clinical variables and angiographic distribution of coronary atherosclerosis to classify patients with de novo left main (LM) disease in a real-world population presenting for coronary angiography. Background: Limited quantitative and angiographic published data exist that provide detailed quantitative information to classify potential target population for elective LM percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and guide development of dedicated LM PCI platforms. Methods: Medical history and clinical presentation were prospectively collected on 177 consecutive patients with LM stenosis ≥50% by coronary angiography. Blinded quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) was performed on all LM stenoses to classify LM-A (ostial), LM-B (nonostial, non-bifurcation), and LM-C (bifurcation involvement). QCA was performed on the left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCx), and right coronary arteries (RCA) and branches (≥2.5 mm) to identify lesions with ≥60% stenosis or occlusion. Results: No differences in baseline clinical history or presentation discriminated the distribution patterns of LM stenosis. QCA revealed 66% of LM stenoses were LM-C. Mean LM reference vessel diameter was 4.65 mm and average lesion length was 11.12 mm. Around 88.7% of patients had at least one lesion ≥60% in a major epicardial artery and 32.2% of patients had RCA chronic total occlusion. Right-to-left coronary collateralization was only identified in patients with obstructive stenosis in the LAD or LCx in addition to the LM stenosis. Conclusion: Dedicated LM stent platforms may need to be developed to accommodate larger vessel size and bifurcation distributions. A majority of patients with LM stenosis will require adjunctive epicardial vessel PCI to achieve complete anatomic revascularization.
3-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Ship Motion in Pack Ice

In OMAE2010, the authors presented a two dimensional numerical simulation for predicting ship maneuvering in pack ice. This paper is an expansion of this analysis to include a three dimensional numerical simulation for an arctic drill ship moving in pack ice (with ice concentration up to 90%) using a discrete element modeling program (DECICE3D) combined with a ship maneuvering code (SML). The mathematical models of ship motion, ice motion and ship-ice interaction are introduced in the paper. Ship motions of steady drift angle, turning about a turret, turning circle and zigzag maneuvers in pack ice are simulated. The results of the simulations are compared with experimental data or results of simulations for ice free conditions. A sensitive study for the effects of the mass damping term used in the equations of motion is conducted.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Prolactin and breast cancer etiology: an epidemiologic perspective.

A number of epidemiologic studies of prolactin and breast cancer etiology have recently become available. Retrospective case-control studies have suggested a modest positive or null relationship between circulating prolactin concentrations and risk of breast cancer. However these studies are limited by small sample sizes and the collection of blood after case diagnosis. Several large prospective studies, in which blood was collected prior to diagnosis, have observed modest positive associations between prolactin and risk. In a pooled analysis of ~80% of the world’s prospective data, the relative risk (RR) comparing women in the top vs bottom quartile of prolactin levels was 1.3 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1, 1.6, p-trend = 0.002). The results were similar for premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Most notably, high prolactin levels were associated with a 60% increased risk of estrogen receptor (ER) positive tumors, but not with ER negative tumors. Limited genetic data suggest a role of polymorphisms in the prolactin and prolactin receptor genes in risk of breast cancer. Studies of survival have suggested that high pretreatment prolactin levels were associated with treatment failure, earlier recurrence, and worse overall survival. Parity and certain medications are the only confirmed factors associated with prolactin levels in women. Overall, epidemiologic data suggest that prolactin is involved in breast cancer etiology. Further research to better elucidate these associations and their underlying mechanisms is warranted.
Measurement of local statistical properties of particle motion in a dense gas-solid suspension

Determination of local intensity of motion of particles in a gas-solid suspension from separate measurements of mass flow and density involves the error due to covariance of the average of mass flow. The two-dimensional nature of horizontal pipe flow of a suspension under strong influence of gravity was validated by simultaneous measurements of density by fiber optic probes at various gaps and mass flow by electrostatic probes at a horizontal diameter. Flow distributions over the pipe height were determined by traverses with simultaneous measurements of mass flow and density with an electrostatic ball probe and a laser beam at the same location. This provides for direct determination of local velocity, intensity, autocorrelation, length scale of the motion of particles and their diffusivity.
Competitive formation of N-diazeniumdiolates and N-nitrosamines via anaerobic reactions of polyamines with nitric oxide

Reactions of amines with nitric oxide (NO) at high pressures form diverse NO donor species, highly dependent on the precursor structure. While monoamine precursors favor the formation of N-diazeniumdiolates in high yield, polyamines exhibit competitive formation of N-nitrosamines and diazeniumdiolates, resulting in mixed products containing significant percentages of undesired N-nitroso compounds.
The infrared line IR4 at the NSLS

Abstract We describe the infrared beamline which is being constructed at the NSLS. In order to maintain the high brightness at long wavelengths (up to 1 mm) where diffraction becomes a problem, a high aperture extraction port is used. Problems of cooling of the first mirror will also be discussed. Large off-axis ellipsoids are used to bring the beam to a secondary focus on a mezzanine floor before entering a monochromator or being collimated for an interferometer.
INFLUENCE OF PROCESSING METHODOLOGY ON THE STRENGTH OF WASTEWATER FROM CANNING DRY BEANS

A study was conducted to determine the effect of soaking procedures on wastewater strength during canning of dried beans. Several soaking times (3, 6, 14 hr), temperatures (15°, 25°, 35°C) and soaking solutions (EDTA, citric acid, malic acid, H2O, deionized H2O) were studied. Wastewater strength was measured as Chemical Oxveen Demand (COD). Total Susoended Solids (TSS). and Total Phosphorus (TP). Reducing soaking times and temperature and the addition of EDTA reduced wastewater strength, while the addition of citric and malic acid increased wastewater strength. Navy beans generated more COD and TP than Pinto or Red Kidney beans. The wastewater strength from soaking Navy beans increased dramatically at 25° and 35°C as compared to 15°C. Significant interactions indicated that the type of soaking solution was of greater importance on Navy and Pinto beans than on Red Kidney.
Nonuniversal gaugino masses, CDMS, and the LHC

We consider the possibility that the recently reported events at the CDMS-II direct dark matter detection experiment are the result of a coherent scattering of supersymmetric neutralinos. In such a scenario we argue that nonuniversal soft supersymmetry breaking gaugino masses are favored with a resulting lightest neutralino with significant Higgsino and wino components. We discuss the accompanying signals which must be seen at liquid-xenon direct detection experiments and indirect detection experiments if such a supersymmetric interpretation is to be maintained. We illustrate the possible consequences for early discovery channels at the LHC via a set of benchmark points designed to give rise to an observed event rate comparable to the reported CDMS-II data.
Harman, negative coherentism, and the problem of ongoing justification

L'A. s'attaque a la theorie du coherentisme negatif defendue par Gilbert Herman. Il s'agit d'une theorie epistemologique qui s'appuie sur la notion de justification concernant les propositions emises. C'est pourquoi l'A. consacre une partie a distinguer de la justification initiale la justification qui poursuit (ongoing justification). Puis dans un deuxieme temps, expose de facon objective la theorie de Herman. Enfin, le reste de l'article est une remise en cause de cette position. En conclusion, l'A. s'oppose a cette sorte de coherentisme
Relationship between intensity, concentration, and temperature for drinking water odorants.

Odor analyses experiments indicated that, for the concentrations and temperatures tested, odor intensity was a function of both aqueous concentration and water temperature for water containing 1-butanol, free available chlorine, geosmin, n-hexanal, 2-methylisoborneol, and trans-2, cis-6 nonadienal. At weak odorant concentrations (approximately 4 on the flavor profile rating scale) the perceived odor intensity of these six chemicals was greater when the temperature was 45°C than was 25°C. Both of these temperatures are commonly encountered by consumers when they use tap water. Odor response to water containing isobutanal was affected by concentration but not water temperature. Experiments also revealed that reduction in aqueous concentration did not consistently reduce odor intensity; for some aqueous concentrations and chemicals an increase in odor intensity occurred at lower concentrations.
Importance of Testing Stool Specimens for Shiga Toxins

Shiga toxins (ST) I and II, elaborated by serotypes of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ECO157), are well established as the major cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and hemorrhagic colitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 200 deaths and 20,000 illnesses in
Induction of drug metabolizing enzymes by 1,7-phenanthroline and oltipraz in mice is unrelated to Ah-responsiveness.

The protective effect of several classes of compounds against the toxic and neoplastic effects of xenobiotics has been attributed to the induction of noncytochrome P450 (P450) drug metabolizing enzymes. Glutathione S-transferases (GST), NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase (QOR), and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) play a prominent role in detoxification and can be induced by oltipraz and other N-heterocyclic compounds in rats. In contrast to the induction of these enzymes by aryl hydrocarbon (Ah)-receptor agonists, induction by oltipraz and 1,7-phenanthroline is not accompanied by CYP1A induction. This study investigated the induction of drug metabolizing enzymes following administration of oltipraz and 1,7-phenanthroline in four mouse strains (C57B6A-J, Frings x C57B6J, Frings, CF-1) exhibiting varying degrees of responsiveness to an Ah-receptor agonist. The relative Ah responsiveness was determined in all strains by the induction of hepatic Cypla after three daily doses of 3-methylcholanthrene (20 mg/kg). After treatment with 1,7-phenanthroline and oltipraz (150 mg/kg i.g.) daily for 3 days, all strains showed similar induction of GST and QOR activities for each inducer. Both compounds were equally effective in elevating GST activity, but 1,7-phenanthroline was more effective than oltipraz in elevating QOR activity. In addition to GST and QOR changes, 1,7-phenanthroline significantly elevated UGT (1-naphthol) activity in the Frings strain. Neither compound produced significant changes in Cypla parameters. The independence of 1,7-phenanthroline and oltipraz induction of GST and QOR from Cypla-responsiveness is in line with the concept that N-heterocycle-containing inducers act by mechanisms other than an Ah-receptor-dependent pathway in which the P450 response has been masked or prevented.
Sensitization for Anticancer Drug-Induced Apoptosis by Betulinic Acid

We previously described that betulinic acid (BetA), a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid, induces apoptosis in tumor cells through the mitochondrial pathway. Here, for the first time, we provide evidence that BetA cooperated with anticancer drugs to induce apoptosis and to inhibit clonogenic survival of tumor cells. Combined treatment with BetA and anticancer drugs acted in concert to induce loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and the release of cytochrome c and Smac from mitochondria, resulting in activation of caspases and apoptosis. Overexpression of Bcl-2, which blocked mitochondrial perturbations, also inhibited the cooperative effect of BetA and anticancer drugs, indicating that cooperative interaction involved the mitochondrial pathway. Notably, cooperation of BetA and anticancer drugs was found for various cytotoxic compounds with different modes of action (e.g., doxorubicin, cisplatin, Taxol, VP16, or actinomycin D). Importantly, BetA and anticancer drugs cooperated to induce apoptosis in different tumor cell lines, including p53 mutant cells, and also in primary tumor cells, but not in human fibroblasts indicating some tumor specificity. These findings indicate that using BetA as sensitizer in chemotherapy-based combination regimens may be a novel strategy to enhance the efficacy of anticancer therapy, which warrants further investigation.
Fracture toughness: A rationalization of the role of microstructure in an α-β titanium alloy

The role of microstructure in affecting fracture toughness is examined by considering how microstructure affects the formation of a critical increment of crack extension leading to catastrophic fracture. It is proposed that this critical increment of crack extension occurs by void formation ahead of the main crack and growth back to it. Factors affecting void nucleation and void growth are, therefore, examined in this connection. Published data on the Ti-5.25Al-5.5V-0.9Fe-0.5Cu alloy are used for this purpose. In equiaxed(E) α structure voids nucleate at Eα/agedβ matrix interfaces for both tensile and fracture toughness tests. Although the interparticle spacing, A, is four times more effective than priorβ grain size,D β, in controlling void growth rate,G L, in a tensile test,D β is at least five times more effective in controlling fracture toughness. For Widmanstatten plus grain boundary (W + GB) α structures there are marked similarities betweenG Lbehavior as a function of GBa thickness, J, and the contribution of J to fracture toughness. These similarities have led to the proposal that the increase in fracture toughness, ΔKQ, with increasingl is due to blunting of the crack tip, and the plateau in ΔKQ which follows, with increasingl, is due to a balance between blunting and sharpening processes. Blunting occurs by crack penetration into GBα. The sharpening occurs by void formation and growth along GBα/agedβ interfaces back to the main crack.
Economic analyses of phase III cooperative cancer group clinical trials: are they feasible?

Both economic and clinical evaluations of new pharmaceutical agents are important to physicians who practice in the current health care environment. While cooperative cancer groups carry out large-scale phase III clinical evaluations of these agents, few cooperative group studies incorporate economic analyses because of concerns over overburdening of data management, investigators, and statistical center personnel. In this study, we describe the results and operational considerations of one of the first completed economic analyses of a phase III cooperative group trial of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). We developed an economic model estimating economic benefits of yeast-derived granulocyte-macropliage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as adjunct therapy for adult patients (56-70 years) with acute myelogenous leukemia. Clinical data were based on prospectively collected information from a recently reported double-blind phase III multi-institutional study carried out by ECOG. Retrospective ...
Modeling of nano-sized macromolecules in silane-based self-assembled nano-phase particle coatings

Abstract Molecular simulation approaches have been used to enhance the understanding of complex chemical interactions in coatings related processes. The Self-assembled NAno-phase Particle (SNAP) coating process relies on aqueous solution processes, similar to those used in conventional sol–gel synthesis, to form siloxane nano-sized structures, which are subsequently cross-linked upon film application. This process has been shown to produce a dense, protective thin film on metal substrates. The SNAP process involves design and selection of the coating constituents, based on the desired functionalities for network formation and cross-linking chemistry. In order to facilitate the design of coating components at the molecular level, it is imperative to gain a fundamental understanding of these complex phenomena. Molecular simulations on several oligomers with different side chains have been performed to study components of the of Si–O networks during the SNAP particle formation process. Several ring structures of tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS) and 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) have been considered. Geometry optimization of the cyclic Si–O structure formation has been performed, and ring strain parameters have been calculated.
Highly Active and Durable Co-Doped Pt/CCC Cathode Catalyst for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract Cathode catalyst based on Co-doped Pt deposited on carbon composite catalyst (CCC) support with high measured activity and stability under potential cycling conditions for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells was developed in this study. The catalyst was synthesized through platinum deposition on Co-doped CCC support containing pyridinic-nitrogen active sites followed by controlled heat-treatment. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies confirmed uniform Pt deposition (Pt/CCC catalyst, dPt = 2 nm) and formation of Co-doped Pt/CCC catalyst (dPt = 5.4 nm) respectively. X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry (XEDS) line-scan studies showed the formation of Co-core Pt-shell type catalyst with a Pt-shell thickness of ∼0.75 nm. At 0.9 ViR-free, the Co-doped Pt/CCC catalyst showed initial mass activity of 0.44 A mgPt−1 and 0.25 A mgPt−1 after 30,000 potential cycles between 0.6 and 1.0 V corresponding to an overall measured activity loss of 42.8%. The commercial Pt-Co/C showed initial mass activity of 0.38 A mgPt−1 and ∼70% loss of activity after 30,000 cycles. The enhanced catalytic activity at high potentials and stability of mass activity for the Co-doped Pt/CCC catalyst are attributed to the formation of compressive Pt lattice catalyst due to Co doping. The Co-doped Pt/CCC showed stable open circuit potential close to 1.0 V under H2-air with an initial power density of 857 mW cm−2 and only 16% loss after 30,000 cycles. Catalyst durability studies performed between 0.6 and 1.0 V indicated that Co doping increased the onset potential for PtO2 formation close to 1.0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The enhanced catalytic activity and stability of Co-doped Pt/CCC catalyst are attributed to (i) higher onset potential for PtO2 formation resulting in less PtO2 formation during potential cycling which alleviates Pt dissolution in the reverse scan (ii) higher stability of CCC used as a support compared with commercially used supports, and (iii) optimized electrochemical properties of the catalyst and the support which result in synergistic effect between pyridinic nitrogen catalytic sites from the Co-doped CCC support and compressive Pt-lattice catalyst.
Functional Analysis of the Rat N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor 2A Promoter MULTIPLE TRANSCRIPTION START POINTS, POSITIVE REGULATION BY Sp FACTORS, AND TRANSLATIONAL REGULATION

Abstract N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit 2A (NR2A) is an important modulatory component of the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptors. To investigate the transcription mechanism of the NR2A gene, we cloned the 5′-flanking sequence from a rat genomic library. RNA mapping with rat brain RNA revealed two sets of major and several minor transcription start points in a single exon of 1140 bp. Reporter gene and mutation studies indicated that core promoter activity resided in exon 1, whereas the 5′-flanking sequence up to 1.5 kb showed no significant impact on promoter activity. Fragments containing minor transcription start points were able to drive a reporter gene in transfected cells and produce nascent RNAs in an in vitro transcription system. All fragments tested showed more promoter activity in dissociated neurons of the rat embryonic cerebrocortex and cell lines expressing NR2A mRNA than that in glial cultures and non-neuronal cells. Within exon 1 there are three GC-box elements that displayed distinct binding affinity to both Sp1- and Sp4-like factors. Overexpression of Sp1 or Sp4, but not Sp3, significantly increased the activity of the promoter containing these elements. Inclusion of exon 2 and 3 sequences, which contain five short open-reading frames, attenuated promoter-driven reporter activity more than 3-fold but attenuated the level of reporter mRNA less than 1.4-fold. Our results suggest that the core promoter of the rat NR2A gene requires exon 1, that Sp factors positively regulate this core promoter, and that a post-transcriptional mechanism may negatively regulate expression of the gene.
The Effect of the Frontal Plane Tibiofemoral Angle on the Stress and Strain at the Knee Cartilage During the Stance Phase of the Gait Cycle

Three-dimensional (3-D) finite element analysis (FEA) knee models were created to determine the effect of the frontal plane tibiofemoral angle on the stress and strain at the knee cartilage during the stance phase of the gait cycle. Knee models of three healthy subjects of different tibiofemoral angles and weight were created from sagittal view magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the knee. The loading conditions were determined from motion analysis and force platform data and a muscle force reduction model. During the stance phase, the subjects exhibited a valgus-varus-valgus knee moment pattern that determined the location and magnitude of the maximum stress and strain in the cartilage on the lateral or medial compartment of the knee. The highest values of the normal stress, Tresca shear stress and normal strain for each subject occurred at 25% of the stance phase of the gait cycle, where the maximum compressive load and varus knee moment occurred. The individual with the varus aligned knee had the largest stress and strain at the medial compartment of the knee compared to the normal aligned and valgus aligned individuals due to the larger varus knee moment exhibited during the stance phase of the gait cycle in the varus aligned individual. The results from the FEA data may be used by health care professional to identify individuals most susceptible to knee osteoarthritis (OA) and assist in developing preventive measure to slow and possibly stop the initiation and progression of OA.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Contrast-agent phase effects: An experimental system for analysis of susceptibility, concentration, and bolus input function kinetics

A system is presented for experimental arterial input function (AIF) simulation and for accurate measurement of the concentration, susceptibility effects, and magnetic moment of paramagnetic MR contrast agents. Signal effects of contrast agents are evaluated with a stable, well-characterized, and precise experimental setup. A cylindrical phantom and a closed-loop circulating flow system were designed for AIF simulation, assessment of the physical determinants of contrast-agent phase effects, and measurement of contrast-agent properties under controlled conditions. A mathematical model of the AIF dynamics is proposed. From the experimental phase shift (delta phi), either the concentration or molar susceptibility, chiM, is determined. The linear dependence of delta phi on concentration and echo time (TE), the orientation dependence, and the lack of dependence on T1, T2, and diffusion time are proven precisely for water solutions under a wide variety of conditions. The measured effective magnetic moment of Gd+3, mu(eff), was 7.924 +/- 0.015 Bohr magnetons in agreement with the theoretical value of 7.937.
Simultaneous beam sampling and aperture shape optimization for SPORT.

Purpose: Station parameter optimized radiation therapy (SPORT) was recently proposed to fully utilize the technical capability of emerging digital linear accelerators, in which the station parameters of a delivery system, such as aperture shape and weight, couch position/angle, gantry/collimator angle, can be optimized simultaneously. SPORT promises to deliver remarkable radiation dose distributions in an efficient manner, yet there exists no optimization algorithm for its implementation. The purpose of this work is to develop an algorithm to simultaneously optimize the beam sampling and aperture shapes. Methods: The authors build a mathematical model with the fundamental station point parameters as the decision variables. To solve the resulting large-scale optimization problem, the authors devise an effective algorithm by integrating three advanced optimization techniques: column generation, subgradient method, and pattern search. Column generation adds the most beneficial stations sequentially until the plan quality improvement saturates and provides a good starting point for the subsequent optimization. It also adds the new stations during the algorithm if beneficial. For each update resulted from column generation, the subgradient method improves the selected stations locally by reshaping the apertures and updating the beam angles toward a descent subgradient direction. The algorithm continues to improve the selected stations locallymore » and globally by a pattern search algorithm to explore the part of search space not reachable by the subgradient method. By combining these three techniques together, all plausible combinations of station parameters are searched efficiently to yield the optimal solution. Results: A SPORT optimization framework with seamlessly integration of three complementary algorithms, column generation, subgradient method, and pattern search, was established. The proposed technique was applied to two previously treated clinical cases: a head and neck and a prostate case. It significantly improved the target conformality and at the same time critical structure sparing compared with conventional intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). In the head and neck case, for example, the average PTV coverage D99% for two PTVs, cord and brainstem max doses, and right parotid gland mean dose were improved, respectively, by about 7%, 37%, 12%, and 16%. Conclusions: The proposed method automatically determines the number of the stations required to generate a satisfactory plan and optimizes simultaneously the involved station parameters, leading to improved quality of the resultant treatment plans as compared with the conventional IMRT plans.« less
International Spillovers of Macroeconomic Shocks

The increasing integration of the world economy in recent decades, through trade and capital flows, is a well-documented phenomenon. Such integration has many advantages, including the benefits of specialization, enhanced diversification of country-specific risks, and the optimal allocation of capital investment. However, a corollary to this integration is the possibility of more rapid transmission of macroeconomic shocks across national borders. This has implications for the analysis of economic fluctuations in an international context (see, e.g., Lumsdaine and Prasad, 1997) as well as for the conduct of macroeconomic policy in response to exogenous shocks, either domestic or external.
Efficiency comparisons in linear inference

Abstract A new approach to comparative design efficiency is given in linear estimation and in tests for linear hypotheses. In contrast to others, this approach gives a complete assessment of two designs for any model on identifying precisely the subspaces of parameters for which one design is more efficient than another, or two designs are equally efficient. Local and global bounds on relative design efficiencies are given with reference to these subspaces, and connections to information functionals are noted. The relative influences of design points with regard to deletion and augmentation are examined and related to measures of influence from the literature. Our approach provides numerical diagnostics for use in design evaluation before an experiment has been run. The concepts are illustrated with reference to selected second-order designs.
Immunology of SIV infection in natural hosts: implications for HIV pathogenesis

AIDS is one of the worst pathologies of our time. Unfortunately, and despite a very large number of studies, the mechanisms of HIV pathogenesis in humans are still poorly understood. Nonpathogenic SIV infection of African nonhuman primates represents a key model for unraveling the pathogenesis of HIV infection in humans, since these animals, natural hosts of SIV, are able to preserve the homeostasis of their peripheral CD4+ T-cell compartment and do not progress to AIDS, despite high levels of virus replication. The final mechanisms underlying how natural hosts remain AIDS-free are still not well understood; however, some crucial features of the nonpathogenic outcome of SIV infection in these species have recently been elucidated. These specific features, and their implications for HIV pathogenesis, will be discussed in this article.
A measurement infrastructure for sustainable manufacturing

Global resource degradation, climate change, and environmental pollution are worsening due to increasing globalised industrialisation. Manufacturing industries have thus been put under pressure to cope with these problems while maintaining competitiveness. Sustainable manufacturing has been proposed to meet these challenges. The measurement of sustainability in manufacturing enables the quantitative measure of sustainability performance in specific manufacturing processes that will support decision-making for more sustainable processes and products. This paper describes a proposed sustainable manufacturing measurement infrastructure. The centre piece of this infrastructure is a sustainability performance management component that will effectively manage a sustainable indicator repository, measurement process guidelines, and sustainability performance analysis, evaluation, and reporting. The sustainability measurement infrastructure provides a foundation for decision-making tools development and enables users to create a tight integration into business strategy development processes. Examples in this paper are on carbon emissions and energy consumption.
How Bayesian Confirmation Theory Handles the Paradox of the Ravens

The Paradox of the Ravens (aka, The Paradox of Confirmation) is indeed an old chestnut. A great many things have been written and said about this paradox and its implications for the logic of evidential support. The first part of this paper will provide a brief survey of the early history of the paradox. This will include the original formulation of the paradox and the early responses of Hempel, Goodman, and Quine. The second part of the paper will describe attempts to resolve the paradox within a Bayesian framework, and show how to improve upon them. This part begins with a discussion of how probabilistic methods can help to clarify the statement of the paradox itself. And it describes some of the early responses to probabilistic explications. We then inspect the assumptions employed by traditional (canonical) Bayesian approaches to the paradox. These assumptions may appear to be overly strong. So, drawing on weaker assumptions, we formulate a new-and-improved Bayesian confirmation-theoretic resolution of the Paradox of the Ravens.
Selection for Rapid Embryo Development Correlates with Embryo Exposure to Maternal Androgens among Passerine Birds

Abstract: Greater offspring predation favors evolution of faster development among species. We hypothesized that greater offspring predation exerts selection on mothers to increase levels of anabolic androgens in egg yolks to achieve faster development. Here, we tested whether (1) concentrations of yolk androgens in passerine species were associated with offspring predation and (2) embryo and nestling development rates were associated with yolk androgen concentrations. We examined three androgens that increase in potency along the synthesis pathway: androstenedione (A4) to testosterone (T) to 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (5α‐DHT). Concentrations of none of these steroids were related to clutch size; only A4 was allometrically related to egg volume. Species that experience greater predation showed higher yolk concentrations of T and 5α‐DHT. Higher concentrations of T and particularly 5α‐DHT were strongly correlated with faster development during the embryo period and less so during the nestling period. Developme...
Artificial carbon dioxide source to attract lesser cornstalk borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae.

Different combinations of urea, urease (in jack bean meal, Canavalia DC.), and water were tested as carbon dioxide sources to attract larvae of lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller), by using olfactory bioassays with an olfactometer and infrared gas analysis. A combination of urea, jack bean meal, and water was necessary to release a high level of carbon dioxide to attract the larvae. Different proportions of the three ingredients had different carbon dioxide release rates and exhibited different levels of attraction to the larvae. When carbon dioxide concentration was too high, attractiveness declined. Combinations with different amounts of water remained attractive for a period of up to 3 d, depending on the moisture of the samples. When Zonolite was used to simulate the soil conditions in the olfactometer, significantly more larvae located the area near the artificial carbon dioxide sources compared with the control. When combined with the artificial carbon dioxide sources, three insecticides (Lorsban, Temik, and Force) did not obviously affect the release rates of carbon dioxide, and more larvae were attracted to samples with the carbon dioxide source than to the samples without carbon dioxide.
EFFECT OF ISCHEMIA ON ADENINE NUCLEOTIDES IN CARDIAC AND SKELETAL MUSCLE.

Rabbit skeletal muscle contains 56% more ATP and 225% more creatine phosphate than rabbit cardiac muscle. With ischemia the per cent reduction in ATP and creatine phosphate is less in skeletal than cardiac muscle and ADP and AMP decrease in skeletal and increase in cardiac muscle, IMP is present in skeletal muscle and increases with ischemia, whereas it is absent in cardiac muscle but appears with ischemia. Adenosine, inosine, and hypoxanthine are absent in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Ischemia results in the appearance of adenosine, inosine, and hypoxanthine in cardiac muscle but only the latter two compounds appear in ischemic skeletal muscle. Although complete ischemia is required to demonstrate the presence of adenosine in cardiac muscle, the appearance of this nucleoside is nevertheless consistent with the hypothesis that under physiological conditions quantities of adenosine, undetectable by present methods, may play a role in the regulation of coronary blood flow.
Chemically Selective Force Mapping of Electrochemically Generated Two-Component ω-Substituted Alkanethiol Monolayer Gradients by Pulsed-Force-Mode Atomic Force Microscopy

Pulsed-force-mode atomic force microscopy (PFM-AFM) was used to map the adhesion force between an AFM tip and samples prepared by microcontact printing (μCP) and electrochemically generated ω-substituted alkanethiol monolayer gradients. AFM tips chemically derivatized to terminate with either -CH 3 or -COOH end functional groups were used to measure the adhesion foree difference between CH 3 - and COOH-terminated regions on a μCP sample in both air and deionized H 2 O. Images acquired in air with a CH 3 -terminated tip yielded mean adhesion force differences between CH 3 - and COOH-terminated sample regions, |ΔF|, of 7.5 ± 4.8 nN for tips prepared from alkanethiols on Au and 11.1 ± 3.0 nN for tips prepared from alkylsiloxanes on Si. The variability in |ΔF| was significantly reduced in deionized H 2 O. PFM-AFM was also able to distinguish CH 3 - and COOH-terminated regions in an electrochemically generated gradient in air and deionized H 2 O. The contrast of the image and adhesion force differences measured on electrochemically generated gradients in H 2 O were comparable to those measured on μCP samples. PFM-AFM images of electrochemically generated gradients indicated a transition region 75 mV wide in rough correspondence to the 60 mV width of the Fermi-Dirac distribution at 300 K.
Public Administrators' Acceptance of the Practice of Digital Democracy: A Model Explaining the Utilization of Online Policy Forums in South Korea

The Internet provides a new digital opportunity for realizing democracy in public administration, and this study raises a central question: What factors determine public officials’ acceptance of the practice of digital democracy on government Web sites? We focused on online policy forums among many practices of digital democracy. To gauge public officials’ behavioral intentions to use online policy forums on government Web sites, we examined individual and organizational factors, as well as system characteristics. We administered a survey questionnaire to Korean public officials and analyzed a total of 895 responses. Path analysis indicates that three causal variables are important in predicting public officials’ intentions to use online policy forums: perceived usefulness, attitudes toward citizen participation, and information quality. We discuss implications of this study for practices and theories of digital democracy.
Gender Discrimination at Work Connecting Gender Stereotypes, Institutional Policies, and Gender Composition of Workplace

Research on gender inequality has posited the importance of gender discrimination for women’s experiences at work. Previous studies have suggested that gender stereotyping and organizational factors may contribute to discrimination. Yet it is not well understood how these elements connect to foster gender discrimination in everyday workplaces. This work contributes to our understanding of these relationships by analyzing 219 discrimination narratives constructed from sex discrimination cases brought before the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. By looking across a variety of actual work settings, the analysis sheds light on the cultural underpinnings and structural contexts in which discriminatory actions occur. The analyses reveal how gender stereotyping combines in predictable ways with sex composition of workplaces and organizational policies, often through interactional dynamics of discretionary policy usage, to result in discrimination. The findings suggest the importance of cultural, structural, and inte...
Heart rate and EKG changes in 102 seizures: analysis of influencing factors.

Purpose: Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a major cause of mortality in patients with epilepsy. Since cardiac arrhythmia may be a responsible factor, we sought to determine the prevalence of significant EKG abnormalities during and immediately after epileptic seizures, and to identify risk factors for these changes. Methods: We retrospectively assessed changes in heart rate (HR) and the occurrence of EKG abnormalities in 102 seizures (71 non-generalized, 31 generalized) from 41 patients using video-EKG-EEG recordings. Results: The majority of seizures (101/102; 99%) led to an increase in HR. EKG abnormalities (other than sinus tachycardia) were noted in 22/102 (21.5%) seizures overall. Most EKG changes were benign, but potentially serious changes occurred in 6/102 (6%) seizures and 4/41 (10%) patients. These included ST-depression (5 seizures in 3 patients) and T-wave inversion (1 seizure). Ictal HR was higher (P<0.03) and EKG-abnormalities were more common (P<0.05) in generalized compared to non-generalized seizures. Ictal EKG abnormalities were seen in 35% of generalized seizures, including potentially serious changes in 13%. There was a trend towards higher risk of ictal EKG abnormalities when seizures arose from sleep or from the left hemisphere, when MRI showed evidence of hippocampal sclerosis, and when ictal HR was higher. Age and seizure duration had no effect on the occurrence of EKG abnormalities. Conclusion: We conclude that ictal EKG abnormalities other than sinus tachycardia are not unusual, especially in generalized seizures. These findings may be relevant to the phenomenon of SUDEP.
Demonstration for rapid prototyping of micro-systems packaging by data-driven chip-first process using nano-particles metal colloids

In order to reduce process complexity, manufacturing cost and lead time, while enhancing electrical and mechanical reliability performance, a new innovative approach, which specifically targeted to prototype and low volume production in microsystems packaging and system in package, is being developed. The approach is rapid prototyping of microsystems packaging by data driven chip-first packaging process using nanoparticle metal colloids. According to the concept of the chip-first process, bare dice and standard passive components are first embedded into a carrier substrate to achieve a common, planar surface. On the planar substrate, polyimide film is laminated to make a dielectric layer. Over the dielectric layers and chip metal pads, silver nanoparticles, which has high conductivity and good adhesion to copper, polyimide, benzocyclobutene (BCB) and liquid crystal polymer (LCP), are deposited by screen printing, forming a three dimensional electrical circuit. This approach is data-driven so that it requires no photo masks and reduces turnaround time and is also less limited by substrate composition and morphology. This approach also eliminates the need for special chip processing such as the need required for flip chip solder bumps and permits using any chip technology and any chip supplier allowing mixed devices. In addition, the data-driven process with metallic nanoparticle avoids the extreme processing conditions required for standard IC fabrication such as wet chemistry processing and vacuum sputtering. Nanoparticles typically measure around 5nm in diameter and can be sintered at plastic-compatible temperatures as low as 220C to form material nearly indistinguishable from the bulk material. These results represent an important step to a system packaging characterized by high density, low cost, and data-driven fabrication for rapid turn-around time.
rac-(6S)-6-Hy-droxy-6-{2-[2-(propan-2-yl-idene)hydrazinyl-idene]prop-yl}indolo[2,1-b]quinazolin-12(6H)-one.

The chiral title compound, C21H20N4O2, crystallizes as a racemic mixture. In the crystal, mol­ecules form centrosymmetric π-overlapping dimers [inter­planar distance = 3.338 (6) A], which are further connected along the a axis forming centrosymmetric dimers via O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds. C—H⋯O inter­actions are also observed. The indolo[2,1-b]quinazoline group is somewhat bent, with a small dihedral angle of 6.3 (4)° between the plane of the quinazoline system and the plane of the benzene ring of the indole moiety. The C=N—N=C atoms of the azine group is oriented almost perpendicular [84.1 (2)°] to the mean plane of the quinazoline system.
Rank-Free Monography: A Practical Example From the Moss Clade Leucophanella (Calymperaceae)

Abstract Here I present a cladistically based monograph of a group of closely related mosses known as the Syrrhopodon involutus complex. Monographs remain a critical and indispensable component of systematics, but traditional monographic practices require some revisions if modern monographs are to truly reflect and incorporate phylogenetic understanding. I summarize the methods used to address issues relating to sampling and the formation of OTUs for this monograph, and emphasize the importance of incorporating morphological character data in a total evidence phylogenetic analysis. In addition to a traditional Linnaean taxonomic treatment, I provide rank-free definitions of the terminal taxa in the S. involutus complex. Following the PhyloCode recommendations for the designation and naming of more inclusive taxa, I present a novel method for naming terminal taxa as least-inclusive clades. This monographic treatment represents a first attempt at applying the PhyloCode at the terminal level in any plant gro...
Study on Depression Status and Related Factors among Men who have Sex with Men in Jiading District

OBJECTIVE To learn about the depression status of men who have sex with men(MSM) and analyze the related factors in Jiading District of Shanghai. METHODS Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale(CES-D) were applied to investigate depression among MSM, and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the related risk factors. RESULT 153 MSM were surveyed and the average was(16.41 ±10.83)points. The difference on age, education level, marital status, monthly income and sexual orientation have no significance(P0.05). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that the more regular male partners in the past 6 months and worring about HIV infection, the higher detection rate of depressive symptoms, while the later having sex with man for the first time and the higher awareness of HIV transmission knowledge were opposite. CONCLUSION Depression is prevalent as a mental health problem among MSM. It should strengthen the propaganda spread of AIDS-related knowledge and psychological intervention to improve the effect of fighting against AIDS.
Synchronous Undifferentiated and Medullary Carcinomas of the Colon; Recurrence of Undifferentiated Colonic Carcinoma in the Peripancreatic Retroperitoneum

In the World Health Organization 2010 classification, undifferentiated carcinoma of the colon has been subclassified separately from medullary carcinoma of the colon. It is a rare colorectal malignancy with inconsistent histological features and lack of morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular evidence of differentiation. Some of these tumors have microsatellite instability (MSI). The tumor has infiltrative borders and …
Experience with extracorporeal surgery and autotransplantation for renal cell and transitional cell cancer of the kidney.

AbstractOf 21 patients who underwent bench surgery for renal malignancies (renal cell carcinoma in 16 and transitional cell carcinoma in 5) 15 also had autotransplantation and 6 did not. In 5 patients the contralateral kidney was removed simultaneously for synchronous bilateral renal malignancy, and 16 had cancer in a solitary kidney. In the 3 patients who underwent nephrectomy for complications after autotransplantation no evidence of residual tumor was noted on histopathological examination. Of 9 patients 1 (11 per cent) had local recurrence after successful autotransplantation (renal cell carcinoma). Two patients with transitional cell carcinoma died of metastatic disease. Treatment failed in 31 per cent of the 16 patients with renal cell carcinoma (metastatic disease in 4 and metastatic disease with local recurrence in 1).Removal of solitary or synchronous bilateral renal cell cancer by bench surgery with subsequent autotransplantation is effective. For high grade transitional cell carcinoma of a soli...
Pancreatic Pseudocysts Presenting as Thick-walled Renal and Perinephric Cysts

Abstract Posterior extension of a pancreatic pseudocyst should be considered In the differential diagnosis of a thick-walled renal or perinephric cyst seen on Infusion pyelography with tomography. Opacification of the wall of apancreatic pseudocyst by this technique has not been reported previously and lack of knowledge of this possibility canlead to mistaken diagnosis and the possibility of an unnecessary exploratory operation, particularly when angiography Isinconclusive and a gastrointestinal series is negative or equivocal. The mechanism of opacification of the wall of apancreatic pseudocyst is discussed. Parasitization of the renal capsular arteries by a pancreatic pseudocyst can further compound the difficulty of diagnosis.