cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Up-scaling of SEBAL derived evapotranspiration maps from Landsat (30 m) to MODIS (250 m) scale

Summary Remotely sensed imagery of the Earth’s surface via satellite sensors provides information to estimate the spatial distribution of evapotranspiration (ET). The spatial resolution of ET predictions depends on the sensor type and varies from the 30–60 m Landsat scale to the 250–1000 m MODIS scale. Therefore, for an accurate characterization of the regional distribution of ET, scaling transfer between images of different resolutions is important. Scaling transfer includes both up-scaling (aggregation) and down-scaling (disaggregation). In this paper, we address the up-scaling problem. The Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) was used to derive ET maps from Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images. Landsat 7 bands have spatial resolutions of 30–60 m, while MODIS bands have resolutions of 250, 500 and 1000 m. Evaluations were conducted for both “output” and “input” up-scaling procedures, with aggregation accomplished by both simple averaging and nearest neighboring resampling techniques. Output up-scaling consisted of first applying SEBAL and then aggregating the output variable (daily ET). Input up-scaling consisted of aggregating 30 m Landsat pixels of the input variable (radiance) to obtain pixels at 60, 120, 250, 500 and 1000 m before SEBAL was applied. The objectives of this study were first to test the consistency of SEBAL algorithm for Landsat and MODIS satellite images and second to investigate the effect of the four different up-scaling processes on the spatial distribution of ET. We conclude that good agreement exists between SEBAL estimated ET maps directly derived from Landsat 7 and MODIS images. Among the four up-scaling methods the output simple averaging method produced aggregated data and aggregated differences with the most statistically and spatially predictable behavior. The input nearest neighbor method was the least predictable but was still acceptable. Overall, the daily ET maps over the Middle Rio Grande Basin aggregated from Landsat images were in good agreement with ET maps directly derived from MODIS images.
Correlated Responses in Lines of Chickens Divergently Selected for Fifty-Six–Day Body Weight.3. Digestive Enzymes

Abstract Levels of amylase, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and lipase in the pancreas and small intestinal chyme were measured in females from four lines of chickens. Two of the lines had undergone 32 generations of divergent selection for 56-day body weight, and in the other two lines selection for high or low weight had been relaxed for 5 generations. The diet used in the present experiment was that under which selection had been practiced (20% crude protein and 2,685 kcal of ME/kg). Comparisons between divergently selected lines at common ages revealed higher enzyme levels for high- than low-weight lines. When comparisons were made at a common body weight (80 ± 5 g) there were no differences between lines. These results suggested that correlated responses in feed intake were mediating the regulation of digestive enzyme levels in the pancreas and in intestinal chyme of growth-selected lines of chickens. Chicks from high-weight lines had elevated enzyme levels after a mild feed restriction compared with those provided ad libitum access to feed. It was hypothesized that hyperphagia associated with the high-weight lines in combination with a mild feed restriction and the associated meal feeding stimulated synthesis and secretion of digestive enzymes.
Regularity of splicing languages

Abstract Motivated by the recombinant behavior of DNA, Tom Head introduced a scheme for the evolution of formal languages called splicing . We give a simpler proof of the fundamental fact that the closure of a regular language under iterated splicing using a finite number of splicing rules is again regular. We then extend this result in two directions, by incorporating circular strings and by using infinite, but regular, sets of splicing rules.
Flow field and near and far sound field of a subsonic jet

Flow and sound field data are presented for a 2.54 cm diameter air jet at a Mach number of 0.50 and a Reynolds number of 300,000. Distributions of mean velocity, turbulence intensities, Reynolds stress, spectral components of turbulence as well as of the near field pressure, together with essential characteristics of the far field sound are reported. This detailed set of data for one particular flow, erstwhile unavailable in the literature, is expected to help promoote and calibrate subsonic jet noise theories. 'Source locations' in terms of the turbulence maxima, coupling between the entrainment dynamics and the near pressure field, the sound radiation paths, and the balance in mass, momentum and sound energy fluxes are discussed. The results suggest that the large scale coherent structures of the jet govern the 'source locations' by controlling the turbulence and also strongly influence the near field pressure fluctuations.
Multimodality therapy for metastatic sarcomas confined to the lung (Review)

Metastectomy or resection of sarcomas which have metastasized to the lung from other sites has a long and established history. At present, there are more than forty different drugs with activity in soft tissue sarcomas. A number of sarcomas demonstrate differential sensitivities to chemotherapy and targeted agents. Intimate knowledge of the biological behavior of each distinct type of sarcoma should predicate what treatment or protocol is most suitable. Certain patients might benefit from either neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy following the resection of metastatic lesions. Much remains to be learned about the differential sensitivities of various sarcomas to different treatment regimens.
Modeling the dislocation properties and mechanical behavior of Ir, Rh, and their refractory alloys

While interest is growing in iridiumand rhodium-based refractory alloys as new materials for ultra-high-temperature applications, very little is known about the fundamental factors controlling their mechanical properties. Experimental difficulties with in-situ investigations of these alloys emphasize the need for theoretical modeling as an important tool for accelerated progress in this field. This article presents results of an investigation of the brittle/ductile behavior and dislocation properties in iridium, rhodium, and their L12 intermetallic alloys based on first-principles total energy calculations.
Reconnection in tokamaks

Calculations with several different computer codes based on the resistive MHD equations have shown that (m = 1, n = 1) tearing modes in tokamak plasmas grow by magnetic reconnection. The observable behavior predicted by the codes has been confirmed in detail from the waveforms of signals from x-ray detectors and recently by x-ray tomographic imaging.
Cell Adhesion Molecule Expression within the Microvasculature of Human Colorectal Malignancies

Abstract In situ expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was investigated in 20 human colorectal cancers using immunohistochemical techniques. Tumor microvessels, detected with endothelial marker Ulex Europaeus Agglutinin-I (UEAI), were consistently present within both stromal and glandular areas. Vessels expressing cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) were less frequent but more common within the tumor stroma. Although ICAM-1 and ELAM-1 vessel staining was present in all tumors, ICAM-1 staining was the most consistent with primary localization to stroma while ELAM-1 was variable with localization to both stromal and glandular areas. VCAM-1 staining was inconsistent and was rare in glandular areas. A significant increase in the number of vessels expressing CAMs with a concomitant decrease in the total number of vessels was noted in bowel muscularis adjacent to tumor compared to remote bowel. No relationship between number of vessels or frequency of CAM positive vessels and tumor site, grade, or stage was noted. These studies demonstrate enhanced microvascular expression of CAMs in close proximity to colorectal tumors despite decreases in total number of vessels, suggesting that factors within the tumor microenvironment effect tumor microvascular development. Correlation between these studies and previous microscopic studies suggest that vessels expressing CAMs play a role in immune cell infiltration and may provide new targets for anti-tumor therapies.
Decreased cardiac toxicity of doxorubicin administered by continuous intravenous infusion in combination chemotherapy for metastatic breast carcinoma

Two hundred and seventy-four consecutive patients with measurable metastatic breast cancer, without prior exposure to cytotoxic agents were treated with tamoxifen, 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC). The initial 133 patients received doxorubicin by bolus IV administration and for the next group of 141 patients doxorubicin was administered via a central venous catheter over a 48-hour (79 patients) or 96-hour (62 patients) continuous infusion schedule. Patients treated with bolus doxorubicin had this agent discontinued usually when 450 mg/m2 were reached; for patients in the infusion group treatment was continued until evidence of progressive disease or clinical or subclinical cardiac dysfunction developed. The complete remission rate was 21% the partial remission rate, 59%. There were no differences in response rate, response duration, or survival duration between groups of patients treated with doxorubicin by bolus, 48-hour or 96-hour infusion FAC. The incidence of moderate and severe nausea and vomiting was lower in the group of patients treated with infusion FAC as compared to bolus FAC (P less than 0.001); however, the incidence of mucositis was higher in the infusion group than in the bolus group (P less than 0.001). Doxorubicin administered by continuous infusion schedules was less cardiotoxic than when administered by bolus, as shown by a greater than 75% decrease in the frequency of clinical congestive heart failure at cumulative dosages greater than or equal to 450 mg/m2 (P = 0.004). Doxorubicin administered as a 48-hour or 96-hour continuous IV infusion is safer, and better tolerated than doxorubicin administered by bolus.
Analysis of the large-signal characteristics of power heterojunction bipolar transistors exhibiting self-heating effects

The large-signal microwave characteristics of AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) are modeled using the conventional Gummel-Poon-based bipolar junction transistor (BJT) model and extending it to include self-heating effects. The model is incorporated as a user-defined model in a commercial circuit simulator. The experimental microwave characteristics of HBTs are analyzed using the new model and harmonic balance techniques and the impact of self-heating effects on the device large-signal characteristics is investigated. Use of constant base voltage rather than constant current is more suitable for achieving maximum output power. Self-heating induced by RF drive is reduced under constant base current conditions. Increased thermal capacitance values result in gain enhancement at high power levels.
Simultaneous usage of homologous points, lines, and planes for optimal, 3-D, linear registration of multimodality imaging data

The authors have extended point-based registration to include simultaneous registration of points, lines, and planes, to permit accurate and easily implemented three-dimensional (3-D) registration of multimodal data sets for fusion of clinical anatomic and functional imaging modalities. Constructive geometry is used to define user-identified features where each feature's role in the reconstruction is weighted based on its relative statistical quality, i.e., variance. The algorithm employs singular value decomposition (SVD) and optimization techniques to find the minimum weighted least mean square error (LMSE) affine solution. The new method is generally more accurate due to the availability of more features to register. Notably the error surface contains only one minimum. Different subclasses of affine solutions can be obtained based on appropriateness and sufficiency of the number and type of input features. Preliminary results indicate that this method is useful in multimodal diagnostic image fusion. >
Steering of limited diffraction beams with a two-dimensional array transducer

The production and steering of limited diffraction beams with a two-dimensional array are studied. Results show that good limited diffraction beams can be produced if the size of the array elements is small and the array aperture is compensated so that the projection of the aperture on a plane perpendicular to the beam axis is a constant annular ring pattern. The electronic system for controlling the two-dimensional array is described, and methods to simplify it are proposed. >
A position-insensitive finished store buffer

This paper presents the finished store buffer (or FSB), an alternative and position-insensitive approach for building a scalable store buffer for an out-of-order processor. Exploiting the fact that only a small portion of in-flight stores are done executing (i.e. finished) and waiting for retirement, we are able to build a much smaller and more scalable store buffer. Our study shows that we only need at most half of the number of entries in a conventional store queue if we buffer only the stores that have finished execution. Entries in the store buffer are allocated at issue and disallocated on retirement. A clever encoder circuit is used to provide positional searches without an explicitly positional queue structure. While reducing the access latency and power consumption significantly, our technique has virtually no detrimental effect on per-cycle performance (IPC).
System applications of planar couplers

In this paper, we present the system applications of planar couplers. A uni-planar 3dB 180° coupler with fully symmetrically allocated input and output ports is designed for this purpose. Different from the conventional rat-race coupler, it integrates a compact crossover with a modified conventional coupler to rearrange the Σ, Δ, coupling, and through ports of the 180° coupler. The full-wave electromagnetic simulations are performed and an experimental prototype is fabricated to demonstrate the novel design concept. The measurement results match well with the theoretical and numerical results.
Bringing Values Back In: How Purposes Shape Practices in Coherent School Designs.

Perhaps the most daunting challenge in building good educational systems is generating quality practice consistently across classrooms. Recent work has suggested that one way to address this dilemma is by building an educational infrastructure that would guide the work of practitioners. This article seeks to build upon and complicate this work on infrastructure by examining why two very different schools are able to achieve consistency of practice where many other schools do not. Findings suggest that infrastructure is not self-enacting and needs to be coupled to school level design in ways that are coherent and mutually reinforcing if infrastructure is going to lead to consistency of outcomes. At the same time, we find that the schools differ substantially in their visions of knowledge, learning, and teaching (purposes), which in turn imply very different kinds of organizational structures (practices). In conclusion, we suggest that the notion of infrastructure is plural rather than singular, and that different designs are appropriate for different pedagogical visions and social contexts.
Optimizing Myocardial Hypothermia: I. Temperature Probe Design and Clinical Inferences

Abstract Myocardial hypothermia is an essential component of myocardial preservation for most cardiac operations. Because of multiple causes of rewarming, it is necessary to monitor temperatures at specific sites (right and left ventricular epicardium and endocardium or cavity). Thus, plastic temperature probes have been designed and fabricated to facilitate temperature monitoring at these sites. Using a bare thermocouple as a standard, in vitro comparison of metallic probes and plastic probes revealed differences of 4.0 ° ± 0.9 °C and 0.7 ° ± 0.6 °C, respectively ( p
A fractal model for large eddy simulation of turbulent flow

Abstract A new class of subgrid closures for large eddy simulation (LES) of turbulence is developed, based on the construction of synthetic, fractal subgrid-scale fields. The relevant mathematical tool, fractal interpolation , allows to interpolate the resolved velocity with fields that have fluctuations down to much smaller scales and to compute the required stresses explicitly. In one dimension, the approach is used in the context of the coarse-grained Burgers equation. Then, fractal interpolation is extended to three dimensions and is used to formulate a subgrid model for the filtered Navier–Stokes equations. The model is applied to LES of both steady and freely decaying isotropic turbulence. We find that the assumption of fractality per se is not enough to yield physically meaningful results, and we explore several variants of the model in which the rules to generate the synthetic fields explicitly incorporate the condition that energy dissipation take place. In one dimension, this is accomplished by means of an additional transport equation that allows to dynamically determine the fractal dimension. In three dimensions, good results are obtained only once the fractal dimension is allowed to vary in different eigendirections of the resolved strain-rate tensor so as to (nearly) maximize energy dissipation.
Rethinking epistemology, methodology, and racism: or, is White sociology really dead?

Abstract This paper examines the influence of racial epistemologies on social science research methods and knowledge production. Neo-liberal understandings of positivism and the institutional power that perpetuates them are criticized in favor of epistemological diversity in the academy. Drawing on the insider/outsider debate in sociology, particularly the dialogue with the “new Black sociology” movement of the 1970s, and feminist methodology and epistemology studies, the article outlines five typical racial epistemologies: (1) the Black/White racial epistemology, (2) the assimilationist epistemology, (3) the colonial domination epistemology, (4) the critical intersectional epistemology, and (5) the neo-liberal positivist epistemology. The author assesses the impact of each of the epistemologies on sociological research and discusses how these racial “ways of knowing” affect the creation of research questions, choice of analytic categories, selection of sociological theories, analysis of data, and ultimately, the knowledge and power relations we re/produce.
Learning sparse models for a dynamic Bayesian network classifier of protein secondary structure

Background Protein secondary structure prediction provides insight into protein function and is a valuable preliminary step for predicting the 3D structure of a protein. Dynamic Bayesian networks (DBNs) and support vector machines (SVMs) have been shown to provide state-of-the-art performance in secondary structure prediction. As the size of the protein database grows, it becomes feasible to use a richer model in an effort to capture subtle correlations among the amino acids and the predicted labels. In this context, it is beneficial to derive sparse models that discourage over-fitting and provide biological insight.
Micromagnetic characteristics of chevron bubble detectors

A Kerr-effect microscope is described for studies of bubble Permalloy elements at frequencies up to 500 kHz with an illumination spot size of approximately 2 micron. This 'micro-Kerr' apparatus has been generally applied to understanding the dynamics of the chevron sensor. The magnetization cycles of the elements of isolated sensors have been found to conform to a 'head-to-tail' model. The magnetization cycles of sensors in a chevron expander array show a sharply differing behaviour which is explained by interaction with the expander. This work has been combined with Fourier analysis of the sensor magneto-resistive signal. For a particular design, the bubble-no bubble information is contained in a phase modulation of the 2w component of the signal. It is shown that the observed magnetization cycles account for the major features of the sensor signal.
Persistence of cefotetan on red blood cells.

BACKGROUND: Cefotetan can cause severe immune hemolytic anemia that may persist long after the drug is discontinued. To study the binding of cefotetan to RBCs, patients who received cefotetan were followed and tested for the presence of antibody to cefotetan. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients receiving cefotetan were identified from pharmacy and nursing records. Blood samples obtained for routine hematology tests were analyzed. Cefotetan binding to patients’ RBCs was tested using a previously characterized high-titer anticefotetan serum by gel technique. To determine the minimum amount of drug necessary for binding to occur, RBCs were incubated with serial dilutions of cefotetan at pH 7.4. RESULTS: Sixty patients receiving 1 to 25 g IV (median, 2 g) of cefotetan were followed for 1 to 123 days (median, 18 days). All were initially positive, for cefotetan on RBCs. Positivity persisted for up to 98 days after the last dose of drug. Fifteen patients became negative during follow-up. The first negative sample occurred at Day 30 to 123. Using the midpoint between the last positive and first negative to estimate of the duration of positivity, we estimate that cefotetan remains RBC-bound for 16.5 to 92 days (median, 67.5 days). During the follow-up period, five patients developed anticefotetan detectable in the serum. Twenty patients receiving other cephalosporin antibiotics showed no specific reactivity of their RBCs with anticefotetan. In vitro studies showed a minimum necessary drug concentration of 1 µmol/L at physiologic pH, which was not significantly altered by RBC pretreatment with ficin, sialydase, or DTT. CONCLUSIONS: Cefotetan is tightly bound to RBCs after intravenous administration and remains detectable for weeks after the last dose. Antibodies to cefotetan may occur in about 8 percent of patients receiving the drug. The minimum necessary concentration for RBC binding is low compared to an estimated plasma concentration of 240 µmol/L from a single IV dose of 1 g.
Reducing biochemical recurrence rates in EBRT-treated prostate cancer patients: the influence of dose and dose per fraction

In the last 15–20 years, technological improvements in radiation treatment planning and delivery have allowed radiation oncologists to increase the total dose to the prostate gland. The results of four randomized trials using conventional daily doses (1.8–2 Gy) demonstrate that higher total doses lead to lower rates of biochemical recurrence, but with a modest increase in late toxicity. Preclinical data suggest that treatment schedules relying on fewer, larger daily fractions of radiotherapy (hypofractionation) may increase the therapeutic ratio. Early results from several uncontrolled trials indicate that schedules that rely on larger daily doses are associated with low toxicity, provided some form of daily target localization and sophisticated treatment delivery are used. The results of several randomized trials that compare hypofractionated regimens to conventionally fractionated regimens will be available in the next 5–10 years.
The Effects of an Electronic Audience Response System on Athletic Training Student Knowledge and Interactivity

Context: Electronic audience response systems (ARSs) are a technological teaching tool currently being used with widespread success within various disciplines of higher education. Researcher support for its application in athletic training education remains sparse, however. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether use of an ARS in a basic athletic training course improved student knowledge acquisition and interactivity. Design: Preintervention and postintervention surveys. Setting: Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited athletic training program. Patients or Other Participants: Sixty-nine undergraduate students enrolled in one of 2 sections of an introductory athletic training course. Main Outcome Measure(s): A mixed-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to look for differences in knowledge acquisition based upon group membership (control versus experimental) and the effect of instruction. Results: An interaction was discovered for the effect of ...
Commentary: The Politics of Curriculum Creativity

As we encourage creativity in curriculum, we often forget that the whole agenda is made up. Creativity is the foundation of all knowledge and all curriculum. In this essay I argue that teachers do not need to be more creative, but do need to participate in the politics that will diminish our subordination. Because the creativity of the corporation and the testing companies has swamped the creativity of the classroom, the current economic crisis may provide opportunities for teachers to reassert the authority of our imaginations.
Mechanisms and Regulation of the Mitotic Inheritance of the Golgi Complex.

In mammalian cells, the Golgi complex is structured in the form of a continuous membranous system composed of stacks connected by tubular bridges: the “Golgi ribbon”. At the onset of mitosis, the Golgi complex undergoes a multi-step fragmentation process that is required for its correct partition into the dividing cells. Importantly, inhibition of Golgi disassembly results in cell-cycle arrest at the G2 stage, which indicates that accurate inheritance of the Golgi complex is monitored by a ‘Golgi mitotic checkpoint’. Moreover, mitotic Golgi disassembly correlates with the release of a set of Golgi-localised proteins that acquire specific functions during mitosis, such as mitotic spindle formation and regulation of the spindle checkpoint. Most of these events are regulated by small GTPases of the Arf and Rab families. Here, we review recent studies that are revealing the fundamental mechanisms, the molecular players, and the biological significance of mitotic inheritance of the Golgi complex in mammalian cells. We also briefly comment on how Golgi partitioning is coordinated with mitotic progression.
Sensitivity and specificity of human brain glutathione concentrations measured using short-TE 1H MRS at 7 T

Although the MR editing techniques that have traditionally been used for the measurement of glutathione (GSH) concentrations in vivo address the problem of spectral overlap, they suffer detriments associated with inherently long TEs. The purpose of this study was to characterize the sensitivity and specificity for the quantification of GSH concentrations without editing at short TE. The approach was to measure synthetically generated changes in GSH concentrations from in vivo stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) spectra after in vitro GSH spectra had been added to or subtracted from them. Spectra from five test subjects were synthetically altered to mimic changes in the GSH signal. To account for different background noise between measurements, retest spectra (from the same individuals as used to generate the altered data) and spectra from five other individuals were compared with the synthetically altered spectra to investigate the reliability of the quantification of GSH concentration. Using STEAM spectroscopy at 7 T, GSH concentration differences on the order of 20% were detected between test and retest studies, as well as between differing populations in a small sample (n = 5) with high accuracy (R(2) > 0.99) and certainty (p ≤ 0.01). Both increases and decreases in GSH concentration were reliably quantified with small impact on the quantification of ascorbate and γ-aminobutyric acid. These results show the feasibility of using short-TE (1)H MRS to measure biologically relevant changes and differences in human brain GSH concentration. Although these outcomes are specific to the experimental approach used and the spectral quality achieved, this study serves as a template for the analogous scrutiny of quantification reliability for other compounds, methodologies and spectral qualities.
Primary Hepatic Osteosarcoma: A Rare Cause of Primary Liver Tumor.

Introduction: Extraosseous osteosarcomas are rare, accounting for approximately 4% of all osteosarcomas. A literature review yields very few cases of osteosarcoma primarily arising from the hepatic parenchyma. Case report: This report describes a case of a man in his 50s with a history of hepatitis C and cirrhosis who presented with 5 days of progressive right upper quadrant pain. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated a 4.4 cm × 4.8 cm × 4.8 cm right hepatic lobe mass with a large area of necrosis and peripheral enhancement. The subsequent liver biopsy showed few cores of tumor composed of fibroblastic malignant cells producing lace-like osteoid matrix. Osteosarcomatous foci in other parts of the body were excluded by performing extensive physical examination, radiologic imaging, and biopsy. Hence, a primary osteosarcoma was diagnosed. The patient underwent portal vein embolization in preparation for a surgical resection of the right liver lobe. He was admitted six weeks after the embolization for dyspnea and abdominal distension and expired due to abdominal hematoma and pulmonary embolism. Conclusion: Based on the rarity, lack of consensus in treatment, and dismal prognosis, extraosseous osteosarcoma should be considered a separate entity from osseous osteosarcoma. More data and research are needed in this rare and understudied malignancy.
Deinocerites Spanius at Brownsville, Texas, with Notes on Its Biology and a Description of the Larva

Deinocerites spanius (Dyar and Knab) is a member of a genus of mosquitoes whose larvae are found almost exclusively in the holes of certain species of crabs. The genus is a small one, limited in distribution to the shores of the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and adjacent regions. The larvae live in the water which fills the lower portion of the crab holes, while the adults rest in the holes above the water. Both males and females have extremely long filiform antennae and short palpi so that the sexes can scarcely be separated except by means of the genitalia. Only one species, Deinocerites cancer Theob., has heretofore been recorded from the United States. Its distribution in this country is limited to southern Florida, where the larvae are found in the holes of the large land crab.
Prevalence of staphylococcal species in four dairy herds

The prevalence of staphylococcal species isolated from bovine mammary glands was determined in four dairy herds. Staphylococcus aureus and S hyicus were the predominant organisms isolated from cows in a herd with a bulk milk somatic cell count ( scc ) greater than 900 × 103. One herd with a bulk milk scc of 565 × 103 had a high incidence of S aureus while the predominant coagulase-negative species were S epidermidis and S hyicus. S hyicus predominated in two herds with bulk milk scc less than 200 × 103; prevalence of S aureus was low. The impact of herd management practices such as post-milking teat anti-sepsis on distribution of staphylococcal species is discussed.
Parallel Matrix Transposition and Vector Multiplication Using OpenMP

In this chapter, we propose two parallel algorithms for sparse matrix transposition and vector multiplication using CSR format: with and without actual matrix transposition. Both algorithms are parallelized using OpenMP. Experimentations are run on a quad-core Intel Xeon64 CPU E5507. We measure and compare the performance of our algorithms with that of using CSB scheme. Our experimental results show that actual matrix transposition algorithm is comparable to the CSB-based algorithm; on the other hand, direct sparse matrix-transpose-vector multiplication using CSR significantly outperforms CSB-based algorithm.
Gaze Evoked Deformations of the Peripapillary Retina in Papilledema and Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.

Purpose: To examine the effects of horizontal eye movements on the shape of the peripapillary basement membrane layer (ppBM layer) in patients with papilledema, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) and normal eyes. Methods: Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) axial rasters of the optic nerve were used to analyze the shape of the ppBM layer. We compared registered images in two eye positions: 10° to 15° of adduction and 30° to 40° of abduction from 80 patients (45 with papilledema, 15 with AION, and 20 normal eyes). Results: Horizontal eye movements induce a relative "seesaw-like" shape deformation of the ppBM layer in patients with papilledema. On adduction, there is a relative posterior displacement temporal to the basement membrane opening (BMO) and an anterior displacement nasally (P = 0.001). The pattern reverses in abduction. Normal eyes and AION display similar but smaller changes in shape predominantly affecting the temporal side on adduction. The shape difference was significantly different for normal eyes (P = 0.03) and for AION (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Horizontal eye movements affect the shape of the ppBM layer. The deformation in normals and AION, in adduction, causes posterior displacement temporal to the BMO. In contrast, the deformations in papilledema are larger, involving temporal and nasal sides, presumably because of shifts in cerebrospinal fluid pressure against the scleral flange and hydraulic stiffening of the optic nerve sheath. The clinical importance of gaze-induced deformations is unknown but repetitive motion may be a factor in the genesis or progression of a variety of optic neuropathies.
Inclusion of a rest period in diaphragmatic breathing increases high frequency heart rate variability: Implications for behavioral therapy

Heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with positive physiological and psychological effects. HRV is affected by breathing parameters, yet debate remains regarding the best breathing interventions for strengthening HRV. The objective of the current study was to test whether the inclusion of a postexhalation rest period was effective at increasing HRV, while controlling for breathing rate. A within-subject crossover design was used with 40 participants who were assigned randomly to a breathing pattern including a postexhalation rest period or a breathing pattern that omitted the postexhalation rest period. Participants completed training on each breathing pattern, practiced for 6 min, and sat quietly during a 5-min washout period between practices. Participants were given instructions for diaphragmatic breathing at a pace of six breaths/minute with or without a postexhalation rest period. Recordings of heart rate, breathing rate, HF-HRV, RMSSD, LF-HRV, and SDNN were collected before and during each of the breathing trials. HRV indices were derived from Lead 1 ECG recordings. Pairwise contrasts showed that inclusion of a postexhalation rest period significantly decreased heart rate (p .05), RMSSD (p > .05), and SDNN (p > .05). Results indicated that omission of the postexhalation rest period resulted in higher LF-HRV (p < .05). A postexhalation rest period improves HF-HRV, commonly associated with self-regulatory control, yet the importance of a postexhalation rest period requires further exploration.
Implications for elastic energy storage in the Himalaya from the Gorkha 2015 earthquake and other incomplete ruptures of the Main Himalayan Thrust

Rupture in the 2015 M7.8 Gorkha earthquake nucleated at the downdip edge of the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT) near the transition from interseismic locking to aseismic creep beneath the Tibetan plateau, and propagated incompletely towards the Main Frontal Thrusts (MFT). Despite the imposition of a substantial static strain in the mid-decollement, afterslip on the MHT within a year of the earthquake had decayed to negligible levels. Earthquakes that incompletely rupture the MHT (7 < Mw < 7.9) have been relatively common in the past two centuries, and as a consequence heterogeneous patches of stored elastic strain must exist throughout the Himalaya similar to that emplaced by the Gorkha earthquake. We show that these patches of stored strain are not dissipated by creep or by subsequent updip earthquakes, with the possible exceptions of a sequence of moderate earthquakes to the west of the great 1950 Assam earthquake, and to the east of the Kangra 1905 earthquake. It is thus considered likely that mid-decollement strain newly imposed by the Gorkha earthquake, and other recent incomplete ruptures will be incorporated in the rupture of a future much larger earthquake. Incomplete ruptures (i.e. those that nucleate downdip but fail to rupture the frontal thrusts) appear to occur preferentially in parts of the central Himalaya characterized by relatively narrow transition regions of interseismic decoupling (<30 km downdip). Assuming uniform strain at failure these narrow zones are unable to store large amounts of strain energy compared to wide zones of interseismic decoupling. Since the transition from fully locked to a fully creeping rheology depends partly on temperature, to first order the width of the interseismic decoupling transition zone depends on the local dip of the MHT. Where the decoupling zone is narrow (25 km) moderate earthquakes (6 < Mw < 7) are observed to occur at intervals of a few hundred years. Where the transition zone is wide (e.g. Kashmir and Assam, 150 km) great earthquakes nucleate at long time intervals (millennia). Because the cumulative moment release of moderate earthquakes in regions of narrow seismic decoupling is insufficient to keep up with plate convergence, we conclude that megaquakes that eventually sweep through these regions are augmented by the heterogenous fossil strain of former incomplete ruptures. Because great earthquakes in the central Himalaya are inferred to nucleate from moderate earthquakes near the base of the MHT, the preparation zones of these moderate earthquakes may provide opportunities for forecasting the approach of future great earthquakes.
Thorstein Veblen and Cultural Sociology

The Norwegian-American thinker, Thorstein Veblen, has been hailed as America’s foremost social critic by C. Wright Mills, but is neglected in contemporary academia. More than a critic or economist, Veblen should be regarded as a cultural sociologist whose theories are applicable historically and internationally. Elaborating on Darwin, Veblen depicts all societies as existing in a tension between what he calls barbaric versus peaceable traits. These traits co-exist in an open-ended social evolution. In contrast to pre-Darwinian or optimistic theories of progress such as Hegel’s or Marx’s, for Veblen, so-called civilized, modern societies carry barbarism into the future in new forms of fraud, force, and waste. Veblen’s profoundly pessimistic and radical understanding of social evolution informs all of his writings, which cover a plethora of cultural topics from business and consumption to the role of women, from war and peace to education.
A data-driven approach to modeling physical fatigue in the workplace using wearable sensors

Abstract Wearable sensors are currently being used to manage fatigue in professional athletics, transportation and mining industries. In manufacturing, physical fatigue is a challenging ergonomic/safety “issue” since it lowers productivity and increases the incidence of accidents. Therefore, physical fatigue must be managed. There are two main goals for this study. First, we examine the use of wearable sensors to detect physical fatigue occurrence in simulated manufacturing tasks. The second goal is to estimate the physical fatigue level over time. In order to achieve these goals, sensory data were recorded for eight healthy participants. Penalized logistic and multiple linear regression models were used for physical fatigue detection and level estimation, respectively. Important features from the five sensors locations were selected using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), a popular variable selection methodology. The results show that the LASSO model performed well for both physical fatigue detection and modeling. The modeling approach is not participant and/or workload regime specific and thus can be adopted for other applications.
Primary fascial closure during laparoscopic ventral hernia repair does not reduce 30-day wound complications.

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) is associated with decreased wound morbidity compared to open repair. It remains unclear whether primary fascial closure (PFC) offers any benefit in reducing postoperative seroma compared to bridged repair. We hypothesized that PFC would have no effect on seroma formation following LVHR. A retrospective cohort study was performed using data from the prospectively maintained Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative. All patients undergoing LVHR from 2013 to 2016 were included. The primary outcome was seroma formation, diagnosed either clinically or radiographically. Secondary outcomes included surgical site infections (SSI), surgical site occurrences (SSO), and SSO requiring intervention. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared between groups with univariate analysis using Pearson’s chi-squared or Wilcoxon tests. Multivariable logistic regression controlling for patient and hernia characteristics was then performed to investigate the independent effect of PFC on seroma formation. 1280 patients were included in the study. 69% (n = 887) underwent PFC. Patients undergoing bridged repairs had slightly larger defects and were more likely to have a recurrent hernia. The overall rate of seroma formation was 10.4% (n = 133). There was no association on univariate analysis between PFC and wound complications. Similarly, on multivariable analysis, PFC had no significant effect on the risk of seroma formation (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.58–1.31). PFC does not decrease the risk of short-term wound complications. Given that prior studies have also suggested no difference in hernia recurrence, PFC does not appear to improve postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing LVHR.
Correlates and Predictors of Mobility Limitation in Community-Dwelling Hispanic Older Adults in the United States: A Systematic Review

This article presents a systematic review of the literature on correlates/predictors of mobility limitation among community-dwelling U.S. Hispanic older adults. A search of scientific databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) was conducted. After abstract and full text review, 20 epidemiologic studies that met all eligibility criteria were included. The theoretical framework of mobility was used to categorize factors related to mobility limitation. The majority of the studies reviewed (n = 17) examined some aspect of physical factors in relation to mobility limitation. Several factors emerged as important influences on mobility outcomes: diabetes mellitus, stroke, obesity, arthritis, and depression. None examined the influence of built environment. This review suggests that multilevel factors can impact both mobility limitations and disability among U.S. Hispanic older adults. However, the study findings were inconsistent, with some studies showing significant relationships or effects and others demonstrating no associations or mixed findings.
Burn Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

This article examines the societal impact of thermal injury in low- and middle-income countries. The authors describe the unique challenges of these health care systems in providing care for burned patients, focusing on resuscitation, excision and grafting, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
Indications of Offshore Spawning by Southern Gulf of Maine Winter Flounder

AbstractThis is the first study to document quantitatively that Gulf of Maine (GOM) Winter Flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus spawn offshore. Three sites (southern Jeffreys Ledge, Bigear [an area southwest of Tillies Bank], and a portion of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary) were sampled during spring 2016 to determine whether Winter Flounder are spawning in non-coastal, deep waters in the southern GOM. In total, 1,384 Winter Flounder were caught by trawl, measured, sexed, and assessed for reproductive stage during the peak spawning season (March–May). These fish showed clear signs that spawning was occurring either at or very near to all three sites surveyed. In all sites, a shift from prespawn to postspawn females occurred. Running ripe females were caught at both Jeffreys Ledge and Stellwagen Bank on multiple occasions, and ripe and recently spawned females were caught at Bigear. Given that these sites are over 15 km from the coast, it is not energetically likely that fish in such advanced ...
18FDG-PET metabolic response of non-small-cell lung cancer to chemoradiotherapy with long-term follow-up

Aim 18Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) can indicate the presence or absence of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after treatment. We present a description of the FDG-PET results following the contemporary management of locally advanced NSCLC including long-term outcomes. Methodology The study participants were eight long-term survivors with metabolic tumour response (MTR) shown on FDG-PET following chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced stage NSCLC between June 2005 and April 2009. Results After therapy, MTR was complete in five patients; four subjects were free of cancer, and one patient experienced progression of disease at the time of last follow-up. Of the three individuals with incomplete MTRs, distant metastases developed in two patients, and one subject remained disease-free. Long-term survival ranged from 37 to 75 months. Conclusion Although the number of cases is small, our observations confirm the diagnostic role of FDG-PET as well as its value for predicting prognosis in the clinical practice of oncology.
Effect of Current on Diffusivity in Metal Hexaborides: A Spark Plasma Sintering Study

We present the effect of pulsed direct current on metal ion diffusion in CaB6–SrB6 diffusion couples, showing that the diffusivity of Ca2+ and Sr2+ across the diffusion couple interface is higher toward the positive electrode when subjected to a current flow of 2.2 kA at a temperature of 2007 K. We attribute this enhanced mobility to the movement of negatively charged metal vacancies toward the positive electrode in the system. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy is used to map the concentration of Ca2+ and Sr2+ in the region near the interface, and diffusion profiles are fitted with error functions. The concentration curves display concentration-dependent Boltzmann–Matano diffusivity. Total dopant values (Q) have been used to numerically compare the differences between Ca2+ diffusion in SrB6 and Sr2+ diffusion in CaB6. We determine an enhancement of 3.8× for Ca2+ into SrB6 versus an enhancement of 1.8× for Sr2+ into CaB6. No new phases are formed at the interface between CaB6 and SrB6, since hexaboride compou...
The evolution of mastectomy surgical technique: from mutilation to medicine

Breast surgeries for cancer and tumors were first described approximately 3,000 years ago, and since that time the standard of management has changed dramatically. From Egyptian papyri to Hippocratic theory, from Galen's dissections to Halsted's radical mastectomy, and from sentinel lymph node mapping to the development of nipple-sparing mastectomies, this review starts at the beginning and highlights breakthroughs and innovation in technique and medicine that have fundamentally changed the way breast cancer is managed. The progression depicted in this review acts as a proxy to the management of other complex diseases. Breast cancer was initially managed with operative extirpation alone, but now requires a multidisciplinary team across various surgical, medical, psychological, and social specialties in order to produce the best outcomes for our patients.