cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation and analysis of overseas imported malaria prevalence in Henan Province from 2012 to 2014

Objective To understand the epidemic characteristics of imported malaria in Henan Province from 2012 to 2014, so as to provide the evidence for proposing the reasonable suggestions for imported malaria prevention and control. Methods The data of imported malaria were collected and the epidemic characteristics were analyzed in Henan Province from 2012 to 2014. Results A total of 569 imported malaria cases were reported in Henan Province from 2012 to 2014, including 445 cases of falciparum malaria, 48 cases of vivax malaria, 61 cases of ovale malaria, 14 cases of quartan malaria, and 1 case of mixed infection. All the malaria cases were confirmed in laboratory. During the three years, the time of higher incidence was in Spring Festival, and May and June, and the cases mainly distributed in Luoyang, Zhengzhou, Puyang, Xinxiang, Anyang, Xuchang and Nanyang cities, accounting for 68.54%. Totally 82.43% of the patients were male youth and middle-aged. Of the 569 patients, 534 (93.85%) returned from Africa and 35 (6.15%) returned from Southeast Asian countries. The average time was 6.22 d and the median was 4 d from the onset to diagnosis. Among 569 cases, 290 (50.97%) were confirmed by different levels of centers for disease prevention and control, and 279 (49.03%) were diagnosed by different levels of medical institutions. Conclusions The imported malaria cases have been increased obviously in recent 3 years in Henan Province. Therefore, the health education for the knowledge about malaria prevention and control, and the technician training should be strengthened.
Method for Assessment of Modeling Quality for Asphalt Dielectric Constant to Density Calibration

AbstractTraditional measures of asphalt compaction rely primarily on random cores that only measure a small fraction of the pavement. Recently, the use of ground penetrating radar was indicated to ...
Vortex topology of a pitching and rolling wing in forward flight

Vortex topology is analyzed from measurements of flow over a flat, rectangular plate with an aspect ratio of 2 which was articulated in pitch and roll, individually and simultaneously. The plate was immersed into a $$\text {Re} = 10,000$$ flow (based on chord length). Measurements were made using a 3D–3C plenoptic PIV system to allow for the study of complete vortex topology of the entire wing. The prominent focus is the early development of the leading-edge vortex (LEV) and resulting topology. The effect of the wing kinematics on the topology was explored through a parameter space involving multiple values of pitch rate and roll rate at pitch and roll angles up to $${50}^{\circ }$$ . Characterization and comparisons across the expansive data set are made possible through the use of a newly defined dimensionless parameter, $${\textit{k}_{\text {Rg}}}$$ . Termed the effective reduced pitch rate, $${\textit{k}_{\text {Rg}}}$$ , is a measure of the pitch rate that takes into account the relative rolling motion of the wing in addition to the pitching motion and freestream velocity. This study has found that for a purely pitching wing, increasing the reduced pitch rate $${\textit{k}}$$ delays the vortex evolution with respect to $$\alpha _\mathrm {eff}$$ . For a purely rolling wing, as the advance coefficient $${\textit{J}}$$ is increased, the vortex evolution is advanced with respect to nondimensionalized time and the bifurcation point of the LEV shifts inboard. For a pitching and rolling wing, the addition of roll stabilizes and delays the evolution of the LEV in both nondimensionalized time and effective angle of attack.
Sedimentation Velocity Analytical Ultracentrifugation Analysis of Marketed Rituximab Drug Product Size Distribution

Analytical methods suitable for intact drug products are often necessary to evaluate the equivalence in physicochemical properties between two drug products (DP) containing the same drug substance (DS), e.g., an innovator biologic drug and its proposed biosimilar. Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC) is a biophysics technique applied to the analysis of size and shape of biomolecules. However, the application of AUC to formulated monoclonal antibody (mAb) DP at high concentration has not been reported. A sedimentation velocity (SV) AUC procedure with a short-pathlength centerpiece was applied to two marketed rituximab DPs, Rituxan® (US) and Reditux® (India), without any buffer exchange or dilution. Detailed precision analysis was performed. Highly reproducible sedimentation coefficient values (S) and peak areas were obtained for the dominant (> 84%) monomeric rituximab peak. The minor mAb fragment peaks had large variation in both S values and peak areas (3–12%). The identification of oligomer peaks was only reproducible once the abundance was higher than 2%. SV-AUC provides an orthogonal characterization tool for protein size distribution, composition and assay, which could be informative for biosimilar drug developers who mostly only have access to formulated mAb. However, AUC needs thorough validation on its accuracy, precision and sensitivity.
Molecular Biology of Childhood Leukemia

Childhood hematological malignancies (HM) exhibit profound genetic and biological heterogeneity. Many sporadic and familial HM have a heritable predisposition. Genomic sequencing has revised the ta...
Unplanned Return to the Operating Room in Upper-Extremity Surgery: Incidence and Reason for Return.

Purpose Complications after upper-extremity surgery are generally infrequent. The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of early unplanned return to the operating room (URTO) within 3 months after surgery) in upper-extremity surgical procedures. Our hypotheses were that the rate of URTO in upper-extremity surgery would be low and that surgically treated fractures would be at greatest risk for complications. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all upper-extremity surgical procedures performed at a large academic practice of fellowship-trained hand surgeons over a 5-year period. A chart review was conducted of all patients who underwent a second surgery within 3 months of the initial surgery. The surgical billing database was queried to determine the incidence of URTO per Current Procedural Terminology code. Results There were 422 Current Procedural Terminology codes with URTO out of a total of 62,608, for an incidence of 0.6%. The most frequently performed procedures were carpal tunnel release (10,674; 0.1% URTO), trigger finger release (4,549; 0.5% URTO), and open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for distal radius fracture (2,728; 1.2% URTO). Procedures with the highest incidences of URTO were open reduction and internal fixation of the ulna (4.9%) and excision of the olecranon bursa (4.1%). Traumatic injuries were more commonly associated with URTO compared with elective procedures. Bony trauma and soft tissue trauma had URTO incidences of 1.4% and 1.1%, respectively, whereas bony elective and soft tissue elective cases were 0.6% and 0.4%, respectively. Conclusions The 90-day URTO rate after upper-extremity surgery was low but higher than previously reported 30-day reoperation rates. Elbow procedures were most likely to result in URTO, as were procedures relating to bony and soft tissue trauma. Based on these results, we are able to counsel patients that the most common procedures we perform have low URTO rates, but surgically treated fractures are at greatest risk. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic II.
P015. Implementing Telemedicine Practices for Mechanical Circulatory Support Patients During COVID-19 Global Pandemic

Objective To provide safe, comprehensive, medical care to homebound MCS patients during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Background The first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in New Jersey on March 2, 2020. Eight days later the first death from the virus occurred. With cases rapidly increasing, the statewide stay at home order came shortly after on March 21, 2020, closing down all non-essential businesses and non-urgent travel. Hospitals became COVID only and the majority of non-emergent medical cases were discharged home. MCS patients, who were used to being seen in clinic on a monthly basis, were suddenly required to adapt to a new care model. The team of MCS coordinators collaborated and were able to provide continuous, safe, medical care remotely to this complex population by utilizing telemedicine and home diagnostic services; a novel change in practice. Methods • Initiation of telemedicine platform for routine "visits" • Referral of all patients to mobile lab services for blood work and/or administration of home INR monitoring equipment • Utilization of mobile radiology for remote x-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds • Patients given Doppler and blood pressure cuff with instructions for home use Results The team completed a total of 81 telemedicine visits in 4 months, averaging 20 visits/month. There was 100% compliance with visits. Providers worked around the patients' schedules, completing visits outside of regular business hours. Our average monthly visits prior to COVID were around 30 visits/month, with 25% no show/cancellation rate. The MCS team was able to increase our compliance with weekly lab reporting from April (60%) to July (93%). Patients stated that they like the option of telemedicine and are more comfortable in their home setting during visits. The coordinators also like the ability to see patients in their home environment and the ability to observe return demonstration of dressing change at follow up intervals via video conferencing. Conclusion Telemedicine and home monitoring have come a long way in the past few months, and can most definitely be used effectively in the MCS population. We observed an increase in adherence with treatment and an overall satisfaction in care received when patients were able to take an active role in their care, in their home, and at their preferred time of day. This study supports a change in practice to incorporate telemedicine into the routine care of the MCS population. We hope this will continue to increase patient satisfaction and decrease time patients spend in the hospital, which will increase quality of life.
Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of diabetes among adults in Namibia and South Africa.

Abstract Objective The aims of this study were to understand the prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics associated with diabetes among adults in Namibia and South Africa. Methods Data from the Demographic and Health Survey for Namibia (2013) and South Africa (2016) were analyzed. The dependent variable, diabetes, was defined using lab values for blood glucose≥ 126 for Namibia, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5% for South Africa. Logistic regression was used to identify independent correlates of diabetes for each country. Demographic (age, sex, geographic location, number of children), economic (wealth index, education level), and cultural (religion – Namibia, ethnicity – South Africa) factors were added in blocks to the models. Results In Namibia, 4.6% had diabetes based on blood glucose, and 14.6% had diabetes based on HbA1c in South Africa. In Namibia, after adjustment, higher wealth was independently associated with diabetes (OR:1.67; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.50). In South Africa, after adjustment, those who were older (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.07), female (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.52), lived in a rural area (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.96), and Black (OR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.17, 4.42) or Other (OR: 5.74; 95% CI: 2.50, 13.20) compared to White, had increased odds of diabetes. Conclusions Prevalence of diabetes is high in South Africa and relatively low in Namibia using reliable laboratory diagnostic indices. Strategies to address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases like diabetes are needed in sub-Saharan Africa.
A fuzzy classification technique for predictive assessment of chip breakability for use in intelligent machining systems

The authors present a new methodology developed for predicting the chip breakability levels achievable in machining operations. This method is based on a fuzzy classification technique involving neighboring cluster groups. The new chip control diagrams with classified regions are suitable for use in computer-aided process planning systems for providing a predictive assessment of chip breakability at the planning stage, prior to the actual machining. The integral role of this methodology in the process of intelligent machining is illustrated. It is possible to predict chip breakability for any combination of feed and depth of cut values. >
Studies of Ice Nucleation by Carbonaceous Soot Aerosols

Carbonaceous soot is a common atmospheric aerosol and nucleation is an important scavenging process for such aerosols. Descriptions of the CCN and ice nucleating activity of soot particles are important to the general understanding of mans' influence on clouds and precipitation and are especially relevant to the "nuclear winter" hypothesis [I]. Hallett et al. [2] showed that certain carbonaceous aerosols o can function as CCN, and they found no ice nucleation activity at -15 C. At colder temperatures soot particles might act as ice nuclei.
S1-S0 FLUORESCENCE AFTER NARROW BAND EXCITATION OF GLYOXAL. SINGLE ROTATIONAL LEVEL FLUORESCENCE AND A TECHNIQUE FOR DECONVOLUTION OF DOPPPLER CONGESTED ABSORPTIONS

Abstract Individual rovibronic transitions are isolated at high resolution from a crowded absorption feature with a fluorescence excitation technique which is based on detection of fluorescence from one and only one rovibronic level. The method is illustrated by resolving four rovibronic transitions from the single rotational line-like feature in the 0, 0 band of the 1 A u ← 1 A g (S1 ← S0) absorption of glyoxal vapor. The rotational structure of the 510 fluorescence band is studied as a function of tuning a narrow-band laser line (linewidth
Spread spectrum signaling for speech watermarking

The technique of embedding a digital signal into an audio recording or image using techniques that render the signal imperceptible has received significant attention. Embedding an imperceptible, cryptographically secure signal, or watermark, is seen as a potential mechanism that may be used to prove ownership or detect tampering. While there has been a considerable amount of attention devoted to the techniques of spread-spectrum signaling for use in image and audio watermarking applications, there has only been a limited study for embedding data signals in speech. Speech is an uncharacteristically narrow band signal given the perceptual capabilities of the human hearing system. However, using speech analysis techniques, one may design an effective data signal that can be used to hide an arbitrary message in a speech signal. Also included are experiments demonstrating the subliminal channel capacity of the speech data embedding technique developed here.
Nanosecond electrical and optical pulses and self phase conjugation from photorefractive lithium niobate fibers and crystals

We have observed nanosecond electrical and optical pulsations from photorefractive lithium-niobate optical fibers using CW green and blue low-power lasers. Fourier spectra of the pulsations have a maximum at ~900 MHz with peaks separated by ~30MHz. We consider free-space and fiber supported illumination of the fiber crystal. Strong nonlinear enhanced backscattering with phase conjugation was observed from bulk crystals and crystal fibers along the C-axis. Model of transformation of CW laser irradiation of ferroelectric crystals into periodic nanosecond electrical and optical pulsations is suggested. This model includes combinations of photorefractive, pyroelectric, piezoelectric, and photogalvanic mechanisms of the holographic grating formation and crystal electrical charging. Possible applications of these short photo-induced electrical pulses for modulation of holographic beam coupling, pulsed electrolysis, electrophoresis, focused electron beams, X-ray and neutron generation, and hand-held micro X-ray devices for localized oncology imaging and treatment based on our advanced sensor work are discussed.
SU-GG-T-337: Surface-Dose Enhancement Characteristics of Brass Mesh for Breast Cancer Treatments

Purpose: To characterize the surface and build‐up dose‐enhancement characteristics of a brass mesh material and compare it to widely‐used tissue‐equivalent bolus. Method and Materials: A parallel‐plate ionization chamber was used to measure the enhancement effect of brass mesh (Whiting & Davis) versus that of tissue‐equivalent bolus (“Superflab,” Mick Radio‐Nuclear Instruments) under varying layers of water‐equivalent plastic. The measurements were performed using 1 to 4 layers of brass mesh (1.78‐mm thickness, 2.69‐mm mesh spacing) and bolus of 0.5‐ and 1.0‐cm thickness. A Varian linear accelerator was used to deliver 6‐ and 10‐MV beams, and a Tomotherapy system was used for helical delivery of a 6‐MV beam. The distance between the measurement point and the phantom surface (located at 100 cm SSD) ranged from 0 to 30 mm; field sizes of 10x10, 5×5, and 20×20 cm were used for conventional linac measurements, and a field width of 2.5‐cm for Tomotherapy. Results: For a conventional linac with either 6 or 10 MV, the differences in enhancement by the brass mesh compared to tissue‐equivalent bolus were greatest at the surface, where the brass mesh considerably underdosed the surface even when four layers were used. The difference between brass mesh and bolus was negligible beyond 5 mm of depth. For Tomotherapy, the enhancement by 2 layers of brass mesh was greater than for 0.5‐cm bolus due to the tangential effect. Conclusion: The results indicate that the characteristics of the surface dose enhancement by brass mesh are not equivalent to 0.5‐cm bolus for the first 5 mm of depth. Therefore, despite anecdotal reports, a single or multiple layers of brass mesh are not adequate for treatments where bolus is routinely used specifically to enhance dose in the superficial region to prevent recurrence due to microscopic disease in and under the skin.
Sensorimotor functions, intelligence and cognition, and emotional status in subjects with cerebral lesions.

Ss with traumatic, neoplastic, or vascular cerebral lesions composed two groups, one with sensorimotor functions which were relatively intact and the other with functions which were relatively impa...
A gene from the region of the human X inactivation centre is expressed exclusively from the inactive X chromosome

X-chromosome inactivation results in the cis-limited dosage compensation of genes on one of the pair of X chromosomes in mammalian females. Although most X-linked genes are believed to be subject to inactivation, several are known to be expressed from both active and inactive X chromosomes. Here we describe an X-linked gene with a novel expression pattern--transcripts are detected only from the inactive X chromosome (Xi) and not from the active X chromosome (Xa). This gene, called XIST (for Xi-specific transcripts), is a candidate for a gene either involved in or uniquely influenced by the process of X inactivation.
An experimental investigation of the influence of the Bauschinger effect on springback predictions

Abstract An efficient and low cost multiple bending experiment has been designed to investigate the influence of the Bauschinger effect on springback in sheet metal forming. Most sheet metal elements undergo complicated deformations during forming process. In general, the influence of the Bauschinger effect must be considered for obtaining accurate springback predictions. In the work reported here, three different AISI steel sheet metals (high strength, bake hard, and AKDQ), and one type of aluminum sheet metal (AA6111-T4) were used as experimental materials. These materials are used widely in the automobile industry for car panels. From these experiments, it can be concluded that the influence of the Bauschinger effect on springback is more significant for aluminum AA6111-T4 than for steels. Both the deformation history and the Bauschinger effect must be considered to predict springback in AA6111-T4 stamping parts.
Theory of line shape of nonresonant microwave absorption in granular composites of copper oxide superconductors

Abstract The derivative of the low magnetic field nonresonant microwave absorption observed in the granular composites of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− x has been simulated by extending the theory of Xia and Stroud for the electromagnetic response of a single loop of superconducting current in a DC magnetic field (formed by Josephson links) to the case where there is a distribution of loop areas and orientations with respect to the DC magnetic field. Assuming that the distribution of loop areas is determined by a Boltzmann distribution of the energy of the loops in a DC magnetic field, the derivative of the absorption line in the composite is simulated and is in excellent agreement with the absorption observed using an electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer. The temperature dependence of the absorption intensity at a given field is obtained from the simulation and agrees with measurements. The simulation by itself does not predict the observed broadening and shifts of the line with temperature and magnetic field. These effects are suggested to be a result of the flux trapping properties of the material.
Dimensions of Examinees' Response to the Rorschach: An Empirical Synthesis

An empirical update of a 1960 review of Rorschach factor analytic studies was done by using 13 previous factor analytic studies which yielded 65 factors derived from a variety of subject populations. The Rorschach scores defining these factors were recoded into a 30-category system. Relationships among factors were assessed by the number of common defining categories. Principal components analysis was used to condense this matrix to the primary dimensions of variation followed by Varimax rotations. A 10-factor solution was considered a sufficient representation of major dimensions. Tentative and similar interpretations of these 10 factors were couched in terms of both Rorschach's and Eysenck's personality theories.
Control of nosocomial transmission of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis among healthcare workers and HIV-infected patients

Abstract From 1988 to 1990, an outbreak of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among patients, and an increased number of tuberculin-skin-test conversions among healthcare workers, occurred on the HIV ward of Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA. Measures similar to those subsequently recommended in the 1990 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines were implemented on the HIV ward by June, 1990, and in September, 1992, we evaluated the efficacy of these control measures. Among MDR-TB patients and healthcare workers with tuberculin-skin-test conversions on the HIV ward, we looked for evidence of exposure to HIV ward MDR-TB patients positive for acid-fast bacilli in sputum during initial (January-May, 1990) and follow-up (June, 1990-June, 1992) periods. Exposure before implementation of control measures to an infectious MDR-TB patient on the HIV ward was recorded in 12 of 15 (80%) MDR-TB patients during the initial period and 5 of 11 (45%) MDR-TB patients during follow-up. After implementation of control measures, no episodes of MDR-TB could be traced to contact with infectious MDR-TB patients on the HIV ward. Skin-test conversions among workers on the HIV ward declined from 7 of 25 (28%) during the initial period to 3 of 17 (18%) in the early (June, 1990-February, 1991) and 0 of 23 in the late (March, 1991-June, 1992) follow-up periods (p vs 0/16). These data demonstrate that implementation of measures similar to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1990 tuberculosis-control guidelines were effective in halting transmission of MDR-TB to healthcare workers and HIV-infected patients.
Attentional allocation during speech perception: How fine is the focus?

Abstract A variant of the phoneme monitoring task was developed to investigate temporal selective attention during speech processing. In this version of the task the probable location of the target phoneme to be monitored for was varied to induce subjects to attend more closely to one location than to others. Experiments 1 and 2 examined selective attention under normal listening conditions, and Experiment 3 investigated attention under more difficult monitoring conditions. Overall, the data indicate that temporal selective attention is very flexible and precise: Benefits in performance were obtained at the attended location, and costs were observed at the unattended locations. Imposing extra processing demands on the subjects resulted in a loss of attentional selectivity under some circumstances. The implications of these results for issues concerning prelexical processing are also discussed.
Stochastic Theory for Irregular Stream Modeling. II: Solute Transport

A stochastic theory is developed for longitudinal dispersion in natural streams. Irregular variations in river width and bed elevation are conveniently represented as one-dimensional random fields. Longitudinal solute migration is described by a one-dimensional stochastic solute transport equation. When boundary variations are small and statistically homogeneous, the stochastic transport equation is solved in closed-form using a stochastic spectral technique. The results show that large scale longitudinal transport can be represented as a gradient dispersion process described by an effective longitudinal dispersion coefficient. The effective coefficient reflects longitudinal mixing due to flow variation both within the river cross section and along the flow and can be considerably greater than that of corresponding uniform channels. The discrepancy between uniform channels and natural rivers increases as the variances of river width and bed elevation increase, especially when the mean flow Froude number is high.
Large Mass Independent Sulfur Isotope Fractionations during the Photopolymerization of 12CS2 and 13CS2

Broad band solar irradiation of gas- and liquid-phase 13CS2 produces polymers that are mass independently and mass dependently fractionated, respectively. The observed sulfur isotopic results differ significantly from those for 12CS2. Gas-phase photolysis of 12CS2 produces [12CS2]x that is fractionated in sulfur isotopes with δ34S = 45.85‰, δ33S = 28.31‰, and δ36S = 37.6‰, while liquid-phase photolysis yields [12CS]x fractionated in sulfur isotopes with δ34S = 32.48‰, δ33S = 16.98‰, and δ36S = 56.7‰. Gas-phase photolysis of 13CS2 produces [13CS2]x that is fractionated in sulfur isotopes with δ34S = 114.65‰, δ33S = 80.84‰, and δ36S = 168.7‰, while liquid-phase photolysis yields [13CS]x fractionated in sulfur isotopes with δ34S = 10.43‰, δ33S = 7.75‰, and δ36S = 22.4‰. The large effect that 13C enrichment has on the sulfur isotope distribution excludes a symmetry-dependent process as the origin for the mass-independent effect. Franck−Condon and vibronic coupling effects on nonradiative decay and intersystem...
Luteinizing hormone–releasing hormone (LH–RH) antagonist Cetrorelix inhibits growth of DU-145 human androgen-independent prostate carcinoma in nude mice and suppresses the levels and mRNA expression of IGF-II in tumors

In previous studies, we showed that LH-RH antagonist Cetrorelix inhibits the growth of DU-145 and PC-3 human androgen-independent prostate cancers in nude mice. To investigate the mechanisms involved, we treated male nude mice bearing xenografts of DU-145 human androgen-independent prostate cancer with Cetrorelix at a dose of 100 microg/animal subcutaneously (s.c.) once a day. Tumor growth, serum and tumor levels of IGF-I and -II as well as the mRNA expression of IGF-I and -II in tumors were evaluated. After 8 weeks of treatment, final volume and weight of DU-145 tumors in mice treated with Cetrorelix were significantly decreased compared with controls and serum IGF-1 showed a significant reduction. Therapy with Cetrorelix also reduced by 84% the levels of IGF-II in DU-145 tumor tissue compared with controls, but did not affect the concentration of IGF-I. RT-PCR analyses revealed a high expression of mRNA for IGF-II, but not for IGF-I in DU-145 tumors. Treatment with Cetrorelix decreased the expression of IGF-II mRNA by 78% (p < 0.01) as compared with controls. Our study indicates that LH-RH antagonist Cetrorelix may inhibit the growth of DU- 145 human androgen-independent prostate cancers by decreasing the production and mRNA expression of IGF-II by the tumor tissue. This also suggests that LH-RH antagonist Cetrorelix could interfere with the signal transduction pathways involving IGF-II, leading to tumor growth inhibition.
Interfacing a serial bus microcomputer to a distributed network

Abstract Special nuclear material in long-term storage in a vault is an attractive target for a diverter. A serial bus data acquisition network has been implemented utilizing single-component microcomputers. The distributed network enables constant surveillance of this material utilizing a variety of sensors. The serial bus protocol includes broadcast commands, network control, microcomputer diagnostics and data collection. A single-component microcomputer collects data from a Geiger-Muller tube that monitors γ emissions and from a scale that monitors the total weight of the container and contents. A network of the microcomputer shelf monitors reports the acquired data to a minicomputer for analysis, alarm if necessary and storage. One network consisting of approximately 100 monitors has been collecting data for over 1 year. The objective of this research program has been to develop a reliable inexpensive monitor network and associated data-processing equipment capable of real-time monitoring.
Estimated field metabolic rates and prey requirements of resident killer whales

Killer whales are large animals that often feed in groups and thus have the potential to deplete prey populations. Determining predator energy requirements is essential to assessing whether prey availability is sufficient. This is important because one risk factor facing the endangered Southern Resident killer whale distinct population segment is limited prey availability. Body mass, field metabolic rate (FMR), and daily prey energy requirements (DPERs) were estimated for each individual in the population. FMRs were calculated from body mass, assuming they range from five to six times Kleiber-predicted basal metabolic rates. FMRs of adults were also calculated from resident killer whale activity budgets and the metabolic cost of swimming at speeds associated with daily activities. These two methods yielded similar results. Total FMRs varied by age and sex, which is partly due to the long developmental period and sexual dimorphism in killer whales. FMRs for males (465-4,434 kg) ranged from 35,048 to 228,216 kcal/d while FMRs for females (465-3,338 kg) ranged from 35,048 to 184,444 kcal/d. DPERs were calculated from FMRs assuming a standard digestive efficiency. Corresponding DPERs ranged from 41,376 to 269,458 kcal/d and 41,376 to 217,775 kcal/d, respectively.
Dual actuated gait rehabilitation treadmill implementing virtual reality and visual postural feedback

Gait disabilities are common occurrences in patients and are treated with a variety of rehabilitation techniques. Current treatments include the use of a linear treadmill system to physically stimulate the patient. Present rehabilitation treadmills lack a visual component, which can help to increase functional changes in gait after training. Incorporating a virtual element has been shown to enhance gait rehabilitation outcomes [1]. The design described in this paper consists of three main components: a dual-belt, actuated treadmill, a virtual reality visual display and a motion capture system. The treadmill system emulates various slopes, curves and stairs while displaying a corresponding immersive environment. A dual-belt driven treadmill with four height actuators produces the various terrains. A live motion avatar, linked to a Qualisys motion capture system, is displayed on three screens to provide visual feedback and promote gait improvement. The immediate application of this system is to rehabilitate patients at the Veterans Affairs hospital and determine the effectiveness of visual and spatial feedback on gait recovery.
Nondestructive FTIR monitoring of leaf senescence and elicitin-induced changes in plant leaves.

The applicability of the FTIR attenuated total reflectance technique for in situ monitoring of plant physiological processes such as leaf senescence and aging has been examined. Difference spectra obtained by subtracting the spectrum of the young plant leaf from that of the older one revealed positive bands at 1650–1500 cm−1, indicating a higher relative concentration of phenolics in the older leaves of both black cherry and sweet pepper bush leaves. Prolonged physiological stress of tobacco leaves exhibited a progressive time-dependent increase of the absorbance at around 3475 cm−1, corresponding to hydroxyl functional groups. Absorption changes were also observed between 1650 and 1500 cm−1, which are likely to correspond to phenolics. The characteristic changes of the FTIR absorbance spectra resulting from physiological and induced aging were detected also as a response to treatment with a recombinant α-elicitin, cinnamomin. This allowed the first quantification of the biological activity of a recombinant elicitin using a spectroscopic method. We suggest that FTIR spectroscopy provides important information about physiological events occurring in plant tissue in vivo, and it could be useful for the in situ characterization of the plant responsiveness to fungal toxins such as elicitins. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 72: 79–85, 2003
Natural variation in skin thickness argues for mechanical stimulus control by force instead of displacement

The neural response to touch stimuli is influenced by skin properties as well as the delivery of stimuli. Here, we compare stimuli controlled by displacement and force, and analyze the impact on firing rates of slowly adapting type I afferents as skin thickness and elasticity change. Uniaxial compression tests were used to measure the mechanical properties of mouse hind limb skin (n=5), resulting in a range of skin thickness measurements (211.6-530.6 μm) and hyper- and visco-elastic properties (average coefficient of variation=0.27). Values were integrated to an axisymmetric finite element model using an Ogden strain energy function. This calculated the propagation of surface loads to tactile end-organ locations, where maximum compressive stress and its rate were sampled and linearly regressed to firing rate. For the observed range of skin thickness, firing response was predicted under both force and displacement control of a ramp-and-hold stimulus. Over the ramp phase of stimulation, the variance in predicted firing rate was higher under displacement than under force control (22.2 versus 4.9 Hz) with a similar trend in the sustained phase of stimulation (4.6 versus 1.3 Hz). Given that skin thickness varies significantly between specimens, for human skin perhaps even more so than for mice, the use of force control is predicted to decrease experimental variance in neurophysiological and psychophysical responses.
Birch's Law: Why Is It So Good?

Birch9s law arises in the physics of solids as a linear approximation, in a certain range of density, of a power law. For a change of chemical composition within the same crystal structure, the velocity-density relation is constant with a slope of nearly -0.5 in the first-order approximation.
Evaluating service-based software applications

In today's global economy, countries are finding that the service sector is leading the way in growth compared to other sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. This movement led to the creation of Services Sciences. This new field is a multidisciplinary field that seeks to bring together knowledge from diverse areas to improve the service industry's operations, performance and innovation. One challenge in this new discipline is the discovery of new ways to measure the usability of applications that reflect the attributes of the service sector. The goal of this paper is to expose the lack of a suitable process of measuring the need for more research in this area.
A passive dynamic quadruped that moves in a large variety of gaits

Building on our previous work on passive dynamic walking with quadrupeds, we show that a large variety of gaits can be created completely passively by a quadrupedal model with elastic legs. Similar to the well-known Spring Loaded Inverted Pendulum model for bipeds, we created a conceptual quadrupedal model with elastic massless legs. To obtain a welldefined sequence of ground contact, we defined three distinct phases for each leg: stance, swing, and wait for touch down. Since a leg cannot make contact during swing, modifying the duration of this phase allows us to prevent feet from striking the ground prematurely. Gaits were identified in a single shooting implementation, such that the contact sequence was only influenced by the starting values of the numerical integration. By varying these values, we were able to identify trotting, pacing, walking, toelting, bounding, and galloping within a single model. For each of the identified gaits, we report the footfall pattern, ground contact forces, speed, and first order limit cycle stability.
Cervical length and the risk of spontaneous labor at term.

To investigate the relationship between cervical length (CL) at 37 to 40 weeks and delivery within 7 days and delivery by 41 weeks. We performed transvaginal ultrasound to measure CL in women with singleton gestations at 37 to 40 weeks. We then used a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) to assess the relationship between CL and delivery within 7 days and delivery by 41 weeks. For the 120 women included in the analysis, the mean CL (±s.d.) was 25.3±9.8 mm. The logistic regression model to predict each of the outcomes includes gestational age at ultrasound (GA-US) and CL. Neither birthweight, nor parity seems to affect the probability of delivery within 7 days. The ROC curve was used to assess the probability of spontaneous labor within 7 days at each CL measurement. The likelihood ratio of delivery within 7 days when CL is ⩽10 mm is 12. CL measurement at 37–40 weeks is an independent predictor of delivery within 7 days and delivery by 41 weeks regardless of GA-US. This information can be utilized when counseling patients regarding the management of term pregnancies.
Relationships between maize and teosinte of Mexico and Guatemala: Numerical analysis of allozyme data

Electrophoresis revealed 153 variants at 19 enzyme loci among 77 accessions of annual teosinte, 1 accession of diploid perennial teosinte, 1 accession of tetraploid perennial teosinte, and 43 accessions of maize from Mexico and Guatemala. One hundred and thirty-three (87%) variants were found within teosinte, and 95 (61%) variants were found within maize. Seventy-four (48%) variants were distributed among both teosinte and maize, whereas 58 (38%) variants were found only in teosinte and 20 (13%) variants were found only in maize. The majority of alleles were found in low frequency. A single allele predominated across maize and teosinte at 11 loci, 3 loci showed similar trends and 5 loci showed greater variability for the predominant alleles among maize and teosinte. Principal components analysis revealed little overlap between maize and teosinte, involving a minority of maize collections and Balsas teosintes. No clear evidence could be seen suggesting recent introgression between maize and teosinte. The collections of maize and teosinte were seen to represent a rich and contrasted array of germplasm.
The Brokerage Firm Effect in Herding: Evidence from Indonesia

We examine herding behavior of domestic and foreign investors in the Indonesian stock market. We document that both domestic and foreign investors from a particular brokerage firm tend to herd. The foreign investors exhibit a greater propensity to herd than domestic investors. However, when we examine trading of investors across brokerage firms, we find only weak evidence of herding by domestic investors and no herding by foreign investors. Our overall findings suggest a strong brokerage firm effect on herding but a weak market-wide effect. Moreover, there exists evidence to support that the strong brokerage effect on herding is likely driven by acting on common information.
Vaginal morphology following hysterectomy

This study was designed to gain more information about morphology of the vagina after hysterectomy. The prospective clinical observations of patients subjected to abdominal or vaginal extrafascial or intrafascial hysterectomy with or without correction of anatomical urinary stress incontinence were included. The length, configuration and axis of the vagina were determined using a vaginal cast technic. Vaginal casts were prepared prior to and 6 months to 4 years after surgery. The gross appearance of the vagina after hysterectomy is affected by understanding normal pelvic anatomy and physiology, careful preoperative evaluation of pelvic defects, proper planning and competent performance of surgery. Proper handling of the endopelvic fascia and its condensations, the cardinal and sacrouterine ligaments, corrects preexisting weakness, provides vaginal suspension and prevents future vaginal disfigurement. Inadequate surgical technics result in magnifying preexisting weakness of pelvic supports. Successful surgery involves correcting the levator complex by reducing and shifting the levator hiatus ventrally. Reconstruction of the perineal body is essential. This study suggests a relationship between successful surgical treatment of urinary stress incontinence and reconstruction of pelvic supportive structures, with restoration of the physiological vaginal axis.
Expected EDL navigation performance with spacecraft to spacecraft radiometric data

Pinpoint landing (defined for the purpose of this discussion as landing within 1km of a preselected target) is a key Advanced Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) technology for future Mars landers.
Preparation of intact plant mitochondria

Abstract Mitochondria from mung bean hypocotyls and potato tubers have been separated from contaminating organelles and membrane fragments on discontinuous sucrose gradients. After removal from the centrifuge tubes only intact mitochondria survive dilution to 0.3 M sucrose. The physiological integrity of these purified preparations is confirmed by three integrity tests. The influence of purification on oxidative capacities and carrier concentrations are detailed.
Predictive monitoring for early detection of sepsis in neonatal ICU patients.

Purpose of review Predictive monitoring is an exciting new field involving analysis of physiologic data to detect abnormal patterns associated with critical illness. The first example of predictive monitoring being taken from inception (proof of concept) to reality (demonstration of improved outcomes) is the use of heart rate characteristics (HRC) monitoring to detect sepsis in infants in the neonatal ICU. The commercially available 'HeRO' monitor analyzes electrocardiogram data from existing bedside monitors for decreased HR variability and transient decelerations associated with sepsis, and converts these changes into a score (the HRC index or HeRO score). This score is the fold increase in probability that a patient will have a clinical deterioration from sepsis within 24 h. This review focuses on HRC monitoring and discusses future directions in predictive monitoring of ICU patients. Recent findings In a randomized trial of 3003 very low birthweight infants, display of the HeRO score reduced mortality more than 20%. Ongoing research aims to combine respiratory and HR analysis to optimize care of ICU patients. Summary Predictive monitoring has recently been shown to save lives. Harnessing and analyzing the vast amounts of physiologic data constantly displayed in ICU patients will lead to improved algorithms for early detection, prognosis, and therapy of critical illnesses.
The saturn target for polar direct drive on the national ignition facility.

A new target design concept is proposed for direct-drive implosions while the National Ignition Facility (NIF) is in its initial, indirect-drive configuration. It differs from earlier polar-direct-drive designs by adding a low-Z ring around the capsule equator.
Determination of phosphorus in borophosphosilicate or phosphosilicate glass films on a silicon wafer by wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectrometry

A wavelength-dispersive x-ray fluorescence method was developed for the determination of phosphorus in borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) or phosphosilicate glass (PSG) films on a silicon wafer. Secondary spectral line intensities from the coated wafer are compared with those of an uncoated Si wafer and a fused P standard. The results are then converted to phosphorus content and surface density of the film by equations for the relative spectral line intensities of P and Si with corrections for the shift in the Si peak due to chemical bonding. Results obtained on an annealed set of PSG samples using four different incident spectra were self-consistent and correlated well with independent inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometric analyses for phosphorus and ellipsometric measurements of thickness. Preliminary results with BPSG samples were promising and showed that results for phosphorus were not sensitive to boron concentrations in the films.
Short communication: Detection of yeast DNA in omasal digesta of dairy cows consuming dried distillers grains and solubles

Purine analysis is widely used to estimate microbial crude protein (MCP) flow, and the method assumes that all purines contained in feed are degraded in the rumen and that purines detected are of microbial origin. The objectives of our experiment were (1) to determine if DNA from yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) contained in dried distillers grains and solubles (DDGS) escapes degradation in the rumen and (2) to estimate the proportion of yeast DNA compared with total bacterial DNA in omasal samples. Two ruminally fistulated Holstein dairy cows averaging 649 kg (SD = 42.0) and 126 d in milk (SD = 28.9) were fed in a crossover design during 2 periods of 21 d each. Treatments were (1) control, a total mixed ration (TMR) not containing DDGS and (2) a DDGS-based diet, a TMR in which DDGS were included at 30% of diet dry matter (DM). On d 20 and 21 at 0400 and 1600 h, omasal digesta samples were collected via a ruminal cannula, and DNA was extracted from each sample in duplicate. The DNA samples were subjected to a real-time PCR assay to detect the presence of DNA from yeast. Forward and reverse primers and a probe were designed to target a DNA segment contained on the second chromosome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Real-time PCR amplification curves indicated the presence of yeast DNA in samples from both treatments. Specifically, the estimate of relative abundance of yeast DNA from digesta samples collected from animals consuming the diet containing DDGS was 9.46 ± 0.67/g of DM and was significantly higher than that from animals consuming no DDGS, which was observed to be 0.091 ± 0.67/g of DM. Omasal samples were also analyzed for total bacterial DNA. Primers and a probe were designed from DNA encoding part of the 16S rRNA. When the DDGS-based diet was fed, the relative abundance of total bacterial DNA tended to increase from 610 to 626 ± 3.82/g of DM. Results suggest that yeast DNA is detected in the omasum and this is increased when cows consume DDGS but it does not represent a significant proportion of total microbial DNA in the omasal digesta samples.