cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Prognostic Value of Circulating Tumor Cells in Primary Breast Cancer Prior to any Systematic Therapy: A Systematic Review.

Background Numerous studies have defined the outstanding role of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in the management of cancer, particularly the ones in association with primary tumor metastases. Objective The overall aim of the present study was to investigate whether CTCs may serve as a clinical prognostic marker for survival in primary breast cancer. Methods Articles Published from June 2011 to July 2017 in PubMed, EMBase, and Cochrane library databases were thoroughly screened for selecting the ones meeting the inclusion criteria. Result Studies applying CellSearch® method demonstrated the risk ratios (RR) of 2.51 (95% CI: 1.78- 3.54), 3.98 (95% CI: 2.28- 6.95), 5.59 (95% CI: 3.29- 9.51), and 3.38 (95% CI: 1.88- 6.06) for death rate and relapse rates of 2.48 (95% CI: 1.89 - 3.26), 3.62 (95% CI: 2.37 - 5.51), 4.45 (95% CI: 2.94 - 6.73), and 2.88 (95 % CI: 1.99 - 4.17) at four CTC positive cut points (≥ 1, ≥ 2, ≥ 3, and ≥ 5 CTCs/7.5 ml). Two studies applying the AdnaTest® also documented increased death (RR: 1.38, 95 % CI: 0.42- 4.49) and relapse rates (RR: 2.97, 95 % CI: 1.23 - 7.18)). Conclusion Results of this meta-analysis allude CTCs as potent prognostic markers in primary breast cancers prior to any systemic therapy especially when it is studied via CellSearch® administration, considering that the more the CTCs, the greater the death and relapse rates.
Enhancing primary implant stability by undersizing implant site preparation: A human cadaver study.

Abstract Introduction The aims of this human cadaver study were to analyze the primary stability of dental implants inserted by using different methods of preparation and to explore correlations among the bone density, peak insertion torque and resonance frequency analysis values. Materials and methods Forty-eight implants were placed into six human cadaver mandibles. The bone density of each implant recipient site was preoperatively measured by using computerized tomography (CT) in Hounsfield Units (HU). Three test groups were created according to the final drill size. The diameters of the final twist drills were 3 mm, 3.4 mm, and 3.8 mm in group T1, group T2, and group T3, respectively. The peak insertion torque and resonance frequency analysis values were recorded. Results The mean bone density, insertion torque, and RFA values were 285 ± 90 HU, 42.8 ± 5 Ncm, and 74 ± 6 ISQ for all 48 implants, respectively. Statistically significant correlations were noted between bone density and insertion torque values (P Conclusion The results of this study suggest that undersized implant site preparations may be helpful in enhancing primary implant stability and that there are significant correlations among bone density, maximum insertion torque, and RFA values.
Impacts of non-ideality and the thermodynamic pressure work term p Δ v on the surface energy balance

Abstract. Present-day eddy-covariance-based methods for measuring the energy and mass exchange between the earth's surface and the atmosphere often do not close the surface energy balance. Frequently the turbulent energy fluxes (sum of sensible and latent heat) underestimate the available energy (net incoming radiation minus the soil conductive heat flux) by 10 % to 20 % or more. Over the last 3 or 4 decades several reasons for this underestimation have been proposed, but nothing completely definitive has been found. This study examines the contribution of two rarely discussed aspects of atmospheric thermodynamics to this underestimation: the non-ideality of atmospheric gases and the significance the water vapor flux has for the sensible heat flux, an issue related to the pressure work term pΔv . The results were not unexpected; i.e., these effects are too small to account for all of the imbalance between the sum of the turbulent fluxes and the available energy. Together they may contribute 1 %–3 % of the difference (or 10 % to 15 % of the percentage imbalance).
A computer-based avatar task can differentiate avoidant and non-avoidant coping styles*

ABSTRACTBackground/Objective: Coping styles play a role in how individuals respond to stress and therapy. One aspect of coping which has been linked to adverse outcomes including anxiety disorders ...
Played Out on the Edges of the Cricket Boundary: The History of an Indian Cricket Team in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, 1934–1995

Cricket was a colonial export that permeated throughout most of the British Empire, including Zimbabwe. One of the colonised groups to take up cricket was the Indian migrant community in Rhodesia, ...
The Warfare Between Science & Religion: The Idea that Wouldn’t Die

In the late nineteenth century, two historical works—John William Draper’s History of the Conflict between Religion and Science (1874) and Andrew Dickson White’s A History of the Warfare of Science...
Personalizing Donor Kidney Selection: Choosing the Right Donor for the Right Recipient

The selection of the optimal living or deceased donor for the patient with ESKD remains a critical decision point for kidney transplant programs. Kidney transplant candidates are routinely counseled on the relative benefits of both living and deceased donor kidney transplantation during their
Cost-Utility Analysis of rhBMP-2 Use in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery.

Study design Economic modeling of data from a multicenter, prospective registry. Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the cost utility of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP) in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. Summary of background data ASD surgery is expensive and presents risk of major complications. BMP is frequently used off-label to reduce the risk of pseudarthrosis. Methods Of 522 ASD patients with fusion of five or more spinal levels, 367 (70%) had at least 2-year follow-up. Total direct cost was calculated by adding direct costs of the index surgery and any subsequent reoperations or readmissions. Cumulative quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained were calculated from the change in preoperative to final follow-up SF-6D health utility score. A decision-analysis model comparing BMP versus no-BMP was developed with pseudarthrosis as the primary outcome. Costs and benefits were discounted at 3%. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed using mixed first-order and second-order Monte Carlo simulations. One-way sensitivity analyses were performed by varying cost, probability, and QALY estimates (Alpha = 0.05). Results BMP was used in the index surgery for 267 patients (73%). The mean (±standard deviation) direct cost of BMP for the index surgery was $14,000 ± $6400. Forty patients (11%) underwent revision surgery for symptomatic pseudarthrosis (BMP group, 8.6%; no-BMP group, 17%; P = 0.022). The mean 2-year direct cost was significantly higher for patients with pseudarthrosis ($138,000 ± $17,000) than for patients without pseudarthrosis ($61,000 ± $25,000) (P 52% of patients. Conclusion BMP use was associated with reduction in revisions for symptomatic pseudarthrosis in ASD surgery. Cost-utility analysis suggests that BMP use may be favored in ASD surgery; however, this determination requires further research. Level of evidence 2.
Dantrolene-Induced Hepatitis: A Rare Culprit in the PICU.

Dantrolene is used for reversal of malignant hyperthermia and for improvement in spasticity following stroke which are Food and Drug Administration-approved indications. It is an infrequently used medication in the pediatric intensive care unit and is usually continued from the operating room or sedation suite after suspicion for malignant hyperthermia, secondary to other medications and anesthetic agents. Hepatitis has been described as a side effect of the medication after prolonged use and at doses of more than 100 mg/d mainly in adults. We described in this case report a patient in which the drug was used for sympathetic overactivity in the PICU and development of asymptomatic hepatitis on day 3 after starting the medication at a dose much lower than previously described.
What does the Internet say ? Evaluation of quality and readability of specific dietary recommendations for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common chronic gastrointestinal disorders affecting children, adolescents and adults. Diet plays an important role for management of subjects with IBS. For medical conditions such as this one, the Internet has become one of the primary sources of health information. However, the quality and reading grade level …
Biosensing applications of quantum emitters in diamond and phosphors including virus detection

Diamond optical emitters have been explored extensively in recent years for applications to quantum information and processing. In addition, they have been considered for quantum sensing, especially as nanocrystals in biological systems. Supplementing nanodiamonds with upconversion particles opens new opportunities for biosensing. In this talk I will review the basics of sensing with nanodiamonds and nanophosphors in the context of specific applications. Lastly, I will discuss future opportunities for both types of particles toward virus detection.
Numerical-relativity simulations of the quasicircular inspiral and merger of nonspinning, charged black holes: Methods and comparison with approximate approaches

We present fully general relativistic simulations of the quasicircular inspiral and merger of charged, nonspinning, binary black holes with charge-to-mass ratio $\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\le}0.3$. We discuss the key features that enabled long term and stable evolutions of these binaries. We also present a formalism for computing the angular momentum carried away by electromagnetic waves, and the electromagnetic contribution to black-hole horizon properties. We implement our formalism and present the results for the first time in numerical-relativity simulations. In addition, we compare our full nonlinear solutions with existing approximate models for the inspiral and ringdown phases. We show that Newtonian models based on the quadrupole approximation have errors of 20%--100% in key gauge-invariant quantities. On the other hand, for the systems considered, we find that estimates of the remnant black hole spin based on the motion of test particles in Kerr-Newman spacetimes agree with our nonlinear calculations to within a few percent. Finally, we discuss the prospects for detecting black hole charge by future gravitational-wave detectors using either the inspiral-merger-ringdown signal or the ringdown signal alone.
A calibrated deep learning ensemble for abnormality detection in musculoskeletal radiographs.

Musculoskeletal disorders affect the locomotor system and are the leading contributor to disability worldwide. Patients suffer chronic pain and limitations in mobility, dexterity, and functional ability. Musculoskeletal (bone) X-ray is an essential tool in diagnosing the abnormalities. In recent years, deep learning algorithms have increasingly been applied in musculoskeletal radiology and have produced remarkable results. In our study, we introduce a new calibrated ensemble of deep learners for the task of identifying abnormal musculoskeletal radiographs. Our model leverages the strengths of three baseline deep neural networks (ConvNet, ResNet, and DenseNet), which are typically employed either directly or as the backbone architecture in the existing deep learning-based approaches in this domain. Experimental results based on the public MURA dataset demonstrate that our proposed model outperforms three individual models and a traditional ensemble learner, achieving an overall performance of (AUC: 0.93, Accuracy: 0.87, Precision: 0.93, Recall: 0.81, Cohen’s kappa: 0.74). The model also outperforms expert radiologists in three out of the seven upper extremity anatomical regions with a leading performance of (AUC: 0.97, Accuracy: 0.93, Precision: 0.90, Recall:0.97, Cohen’s kappa: 0.85) in the humerus region. We further apply the class activation map technique to highlight the areas essential to our model’s decision-making process. Given that the best radiologist performance is between 0.73 and 0.78 in Cohen’s kappa statistic, our study provides convincing results supporting the utility of a calibrated ensemble approach for assessing abnormalities in musculoskeletal X-rays.
Use of item response theory to investigate disability-related questions in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Objectives:Accurately measuring disability is critical toward policy development, economic analyses, and determining individual-level effects of health interventions. Nationally representative popu...
Trends in Utilization and Outcomes of Orbital, Laser, and Excisional Atherectomy for Lower Extremity Revascularization.

Purpose The aim of this study is to analyze the utilization pattern of atherectomy modalities and compare their outcomes. Materials and methods All patients undergoing atherectomy in the 2010-2016 Vascular Quality Initiative Database were identified. Utilization of orbital, laser, or excisional atherectomy was obtained. Characteristics and outcomes of patients treated for isolated femoropopliteal and isolated tibial disease by different modalities were compared. Results Atherectomy use increased from 10.3% to 18.3% of all peripheral interventions (n = 122 938). Orbital atherectomy was most commonly used and increased from 59.4% in 2010 to 63.2% of all atherectomies in 2016, while laser atherectomy decreased from 19.2% to 13.1%. Atherectomy was mostly used for treatment of isolated femoropopliteal disease (51.1%), followed by combined femoropopliteal and tibial disease (25.8%) and isolated tibial disease (11.7%). In isolated femoropopliteal revascularization, excisional atherectomy was associated with higher rate of perforation (1.2%) compared with laser (0.4%) and orbital atherectomy (0.5%). The technical success of orbital atherectomy (96.7%) was lower compared with excisional atherectomy (98.7%). Concomitant stenting was significantly higher with laser atherectomy (43.0%) compared with orbital (27.2%) and excisional (26.1%) atherectomy. Nevertheless, there was no difference in 1-year primary patency, reintervention, major amputation, improvement in ambulatory status, or mortality. Multivariable analysis also demonstrated no difference in 1-year primary patency and major ipsilateral amputation among the modalities. In isolated tibial revascularization, there were no differences in perioperative outcomes among the modalities. Excisional atherectomy was associated with the highest 1-year primary patency (88.1%). After adjusting for confounders, excisional atherectomy remained associated with superior 1-year primary patency compared with orbital atherectomy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.18-5.68]), and excisional atherectomy remained associated with a lower rate of 1-year major ipsilateral amputation compared with laser atherectomy (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = [0.09-0.95]). Conclusion Atherectomy use has increased, driven primarily by orbital atherectomy. Despite significant variation in perioperative outcomes, there were no differences in 1-year outcomes among the different modalities when used for treating isolated femoropopliteal disease. In isolated tibial disease treatment, excisional atherectomy was associated with higher 1-year primary patency compared with orbital atherectomy and decreased major ipsilateral amputation rates compared with laser atherectomy. These differences warrant further investigation into the comparative effectiveness of atherectomy modalities in various vascular beds.
Office Paper DeCopier

DeCopier Technologies, Inc., of Framingham, MA, has developed an office paper DeCopier that uses a thermo-chemical process to soften toner and loosen its bond with paper. The toner is then brushed away and the sheet dried. The result is a “clean” sheet of paper that is ready to be reused. DeCopier Technologies, Inc. reports that this process will not only work on documents prepared by a photocopy machine or laser printer, but on transparencies, facsimiles, and other documents with toner components/entries. An experiment design was developed to demonstrate how the DeCopying process affects toner as well as other applications (i.e., ink, typewriting, rubber stamps, etc.) that are typically seen in documentary evidence. The results indicate that, although DeCopier Technologies' ability to successfully remove toner from paper is currently limited to relatively few types of toner, the technology does have the potential to not only do what it purports, but also to affect various other applications found on documentary evidence. The DeCopying process affected all the additional applications, except watermarks, but did not completely remove any of them. However, the toner was removed successfully from the specimens prepared on transparencies. The extent to which the various applications were effected varied.
Lead Compounds, Industrial Toxicology

Lead is toxic to the kidney, cardiovascular system, developing red blood cells, peripheral and central nervous systems, testes, and fetus. Exposure to lead may occur from a variety of occupational and nonoccupational sources. Although in the United States regulatory and voluntary efforts have been quite successful in reducing worker and population exposure to lead, over two million workers remain at risk of workplace lead exposure. The concern for lead as a significant public health problem has increased as evidence has mounted regarding adverse health effects at successively lower levels of lead exposure, leading to downward revision of criteria for acceptable blood lead concentrations. Exposure, toxicity, and detection of lead in humans is discussed as is the treatment of lead poisoning. Keywords: Lead compounds; Nonoccupational exposure; Occupational exposure; Absorption; Distribution; Excretion; Toxicity; Lead poisoning
Allergic Reactions to Drugs

Allergic reactions to drugs can lead to potentially life threatening reactions such as asthma, anaphylaxis, dermatitis, hepatitis, hemolytic anemia, lupus, and nephritis. An increased understanding of how and why allergic reactions to drugs occur should assist in improving decision-making processes for the selection of safer drug candidates. This article discusses some of the proposed chemical mechanisms by which drugs cause allergic reactions. Keywords: allergic reactions; drug safety; dermatitis; asthma; chemical mechanisms
Understanding environmental risk: The role of the laboratory in epidemiology, evaluation, and policy setting

This paper examines the role of the laboratory in identifying environmental hazards, understanding human exposures and health effects, measuring environmental progress, and shaping the environmental health policy agenda for the future. The advances in laboratory techniques in the 1970s and 1980s provided the scientific foundation for a revolution in environmental policy. Despite the progress of the past two decades, many questions about the health effects of environmental exposures remain. The challenge to the laboratories is to provide a scientific framework for answering these questions. Three case studies of hazardous waste sites are presented to illustrate the needs for improved measurement of total human exposure to environmental pollutants. Recommendations are presented for expanding the role of the laboratory in measuring public health risks, evaluating the effectiveness of risk management strategies, and shaping the development of future environmental health policies.12 references.
Using SPECT/CT for Thallium-201 for brain imaging

2208 Objectives SPECT/CT provides precise localization of physiologic abnormalities and radionuclide uptake in Thallium-201 brain imaging for tumors and lesions which results in more appropriate and individualized treatment planning and strategies. The purpose of this study is to assess and demonstrate the usefulness of SPECT/CT in identifying and localizing brain abnormalities using Thallium-201 brain imaging techniques. Methods 40 patients were reviewed at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center using Thallium-201 brain imaging techniques with the SPECT/CT modality. These cases were reviewed and it was determined whether SPECT/CT provided more valuable data specific to localization and size of the brain tumors in evaluating the patient’s diagnosis and prognosis. Results The majority of the patients reviewed for this study showed areas of increased uptake and abnormalities in the brain. These abnormalities could be further identified, localized and anatomically correlated using the SPECT/CT which directly affected the patient’s treatment options of surgery versus radiation therapy. Conclusions SPECT/CT is a valuable and useful tool in identifying brain abnormalities using Thallium-201 brain imaging. It provides localization and anatomical correlated characteristics that cannot be provided from SPECT alone. The information provided from Thallium-201imaging using the SPECT/CT proves valuable in determining more appropriate treatment options for patients with brain tumors.
A multimedia tutorial for charged-particle dynamics

We are developing a computer-based tutorial for charged-particle beam optics. The tutorial, "accelerators and beams", will be delivered on Macintosh and Windows platforms. It uses multimedia techniques to enhance the student's rate of learning and length of retention of the material. As such, it integrates our interactive On-Screen Laboratories/sup TM/ with hypertext, line drawings, photographs, animation, video, and sound. We are targeting a broad audience from technicians to graduate students in science and engineering. There will be both an academic version and specialized versions for companies that have particular training needs. The tutorial content is about equivalent to a one-semester course at the upper undergraduate level. At this time we have about a third of the material available in prototype form.
The case for peripheral CB1 receptor blockade in the treatment of visceral obesity and its cardiometabolic complications

In this review, we consider the role of endocannabinoids and cannabinoid-1 (CB1) cannabinoid receptors in metabolic regulation and as mediators of the thrifty phenotype that underlies the metabolic syndrome. We survey the actions of endocannabinoids on food intake and body weight, as well as on the metabolic complications of visceral obesity, including fatty liver, insulin resistance and dyslipidemias. Special emphasis is placed on weighing the relative importance of CB1 receptors located in peripheral tissues versus the central nervous system in mediating the metabolic effects of endocannabinoids. Finally, we review recent observations that indicate that peripherally restricted CB1 receptor antagonists retain efficacy in reducing weight and improving metabolic abnormalities in mouse models of obesity without causing behavioural effects predictive of neuropsychiatric side effects in humans. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue-7
Forensic Resources For Network Professionals

Network professionals face an environment characterized by constantly increasing technological complexity and the daunting challenges posed by ill-intentioned intruders. Securing the systems that they are entrusted to manage is a task of primary importance. Effective network security includes protocols to detect, to investigate, and to preclude the recurrence of any breach in the installed security systems. This study investigates principal forensic techniques that are available to the network professional and provides an efficient access path to practical solutions to the post-breach segment of security system design.
Irregular spiking of pyramidal neurons organizes as scale-invariant neuronal avalanches in the awake state

Spontaneous fluctuations in neuronal activity emerge at many spatial and temporal scales in cortex. Population measures found these fluctuations to organize as scale-invariant neuronal avalanches, suggesting cortical dynamics to be critical. Macroscopic dynamics, though, depend on physiological states and are ambiguous as to their cellular composition, spatiotemporal origin, and contributions from synaptic input or action potential (AP) output. Here, we study spontaneous firing in pyramidal neurons (PNs) from rat superficial cortical layers in vivo and in vitro using 2-photon imaging. As the animal transitions from the anesthetized to awake state, spontaneous single neuron firing increases in irregularity and assembles into scale-invariant avalanches at the group level. In vitro spike avalanches emerged naturally yet required balanced excitation and inhibition. This demonstrates that neuronal avalanches are linked to the global physiological state of wakefulness and that cortical resting activity organizes as avalanches from firing of local PN groups to global population activity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.07224.001
On Phase II SPC in Cases When Normality is Invalid

Conventional statistical process control (SPC) charts require the normality assumption on the process response distribution. In reality, this assumption is often invalid. In such cases, it has been well demonstrated in the literature that results from control charts using the normality assumption may not be reliable in the sense that their actual false alarm rates could be substantially larger or smaller than the assumed false alarm rate. In this paper, we explore one natural solution to the phase II SPC problem in cases when the normality assumption is invalid, which tries to define a transformation based on an in-control dataset, so that the transformed process response distribution is close to normal, and thus, the conventional SPC charts can be applied to the transformed phase II data. This approach is compared with several alternative approaches in the literature, and some practical guidelines are provided regarding the use of all relevant control charts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of the flexible automation of metal forming

Pressbrake bending and multibending are two metal-forming processes that can produce a wide variety of parts with fixed tooling. An overview of the technology for producing such parts emphasizing the control issues is presented. Closed-loop control of these processes is essential to maintaining accuracy and to minimizing the setup time for a new part. Moreover, the control algorithms used must incorporate physically sound models of the process. Some recent research aimed at better controls for pressbrake bending and multibending is outlined. >
Verbal Response Stereotypy as a Function of Psychological and Physiological Drive.

The present study assessed Osgood's suggestion that moderate drive is correlated with more stereotyped (dominant) responses than either high or low drive states. Of specific interest was the interaction of psychological drive and physiological arousal as related to changes in verbal response stereotypy. Scores on the Pt scale of the MMPI and two autonomic indicants were employed as measures of drive and word associations were the verbal responses. Stimuli were presented under high and low arousal conditions, and response measures were recorded simultaneously. Some inconsistencies were noted, but the results, in general, support the hypothesis.
Exchange diffusion of dibasic amino acids in rat-kidney cortex slices

Abstract 1. 1.|Lysine, arginine, ornithine, and diaminobutyric acid were found to participate in autoexchange and heteroexchange diffusion in rat-kidney cortex slices. 2. 2.|Neither cystine nor cysteine exchanged with the dibasic amino acids. However, at late incubation time points, tissues which had been preloaded with ornithine or lysine accumulated higher intracellular concentrations of cysteine than unloaded controls. This effect appeared to be due to a specific inhibition of cysteine efflux by ornithine and lysine.
Etiologic factors in progression of carotid stenosis: a 10-year study in 905 patients.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the etiologic factors in the progression of carotid stenosis. Methods: We performed prospective serial duplex scan surveillance of 1470 carotid arteries in 905 asymptomatic patients during a 10-year period, with an average follow-up interval of 29 months and an average of 3.0 scans per carotid artery. Vascular laboratory and hospital records were used to collect risk factor information. The data were analyzed with proportional hazards modeling. Results: We examined several demographic, clinical, and laboratory risk factors that were chosen because of their potential relevance to atherosclerotic disease. These factors were analyzed with univariate proportional hazards modeling, in which time to progression of stenosis was the outcome variable. The six significant predictors (P < .05) were age, sex, systolic pressure, pulse pressure (systolic pressure – diastolic pressure), total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). All, except HDL, were positive predictors of time to disease progression. With multivariate modeling, only pulse pressure and HDL remained as significant independent predictors of stenosis progression. The risk ratio for a 10–mm Hg rise in pulse pressure was 1.12, and the risk ratio for a 10-mg/dL decrease in HDL was 1.20. Conclusion: In this large cohort of patients who were followed prospectively for carotid stenosis, pulse pressure and HDL were found to be the key risk factors for carotid stenosis progression. The fact that pulse pressure superseded systolic pressure in multivariate modeling may shed light on the biology of carotid plaque progression. Further, our identification of these modifiable risk factors may help in the design of therapeutic trials for the prevention of progression of carotid atherosclerosis. (J Vasc Surg 2000;31:31-8.)
Using Wireless Sensor Networks for Fire Rescue Applications: Requirements and Challenges

Research in wireless sensor networks has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. Real applications, such as habitat monitoring, environmental and structural monitoring, start to work ni practical. In this paper, we argue that wirreless sensor network is a very promising technology for fire rescue applications. First, we abstract four specific requirements of this application, including accountability of firefighters, real-time monitoring, intelligent scheduling and resource allocation, and web-enabled service and integration. To meet these requirements, we propose FireNet, a wireless sensor network architecture for this specific type of application. Based on these requirements and the characteristics of wireless sensor networks, several research challenges in terms of new protocols as well as hardware and software support are examined. Finally, we conclude that wireless sensor network is a very powerful and suitable tool to be applied in this application.
Measurement of the acoustic properties of amorphous silica above 4.5 mK

Measurements of speed of sound and internal friction of $a\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Si}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ were extended down to $\ensuremath{\approx}4\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{mK}$ (sample temperature) in a cryostat shielded with lead against $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ radiation. We conclude that the sample starts to thermally decouple below $8\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{mK}$ primarily due to internal heat release. Down to $10\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{mK}$, the speed of sound is shown to be compatible with the predictions of the tunneling model, with no evidence seen for a low energy cut-off of the tunnel splitting, contrary to our earlier claims.
Nonulosaminic acid (sialic acid) in protists.

NONULOSAMINIC ACID1, a group of simple and substituted 9-carbon sugars containing nitrogen, was thought restricted to mammals until it was found in the supernates of Escherichia coli and Citrobacter freundii cultures, but not in the supernates of Salmonella, Shigella, Pneumococcus or Bacillus cultures2. Nonulosaminic acid has now been found in the cells of E. coli 3, Neisseria meningitidis, Salmonella dahlem, and S. djkarta 4.
Body Glucose Kinetics in Nondiabetic Human Subjects after Phenethylbiguanide

The kinetics of body glucose turnover have been investigated using uniformly labeled glucose in nondiabetic human subjects who have received oral phenethylbiguanide (DBI). It is shown that phenethylbiguanide significantly accelerates the turnover of glucose in the nondiabetic subject. It is postulated that this increase in turnover (increased supply as well as increased uptake) probably accounts for the lack of hypoglycemic action of this drug in the nondiabetic human. In several subjects a multi-exponential glucose specific activity time curve was observed. We suggest in the light of the behavior of this curve following insulin administration that the deviation from the single exponential curve is the result of extensive recycling of the C-14 label (of glucose) into the glucose pool.
Methods in Neuronal Modeling: from Ions to Networks, 2nd Edition

Methods in Neuronal Modeling: From Ions to Networks, 2nd edition, Christof Koch and Idan Segev, eds, MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass., 1998, 844 pp., ISBN 0-262-11231-0, $60.00, cloth.
The effects of liquid-fuel thermophysical properties, carrier-gas composition, and pressure, on strained opposed-flow non-premixed flames

Abstract A computational model is developed to study flame–droplet interactions in non-premixed opposed-flow flames. Although the stagnation-flow configuration is idealized, the operating conditions are chosen to be relevant to practical combustion. By considering droplet thermophysical properties ranging from heptane to diesel fuel, the results provide quantitative insight about the expected behavior of synthetic fuels. Initial droplet diameters range from 10 μm to 20 μm, the loading densities range between 10 5 and 10 7 cm −3 , strain rates are on the order of 1000 s −1 , and pressure ranges from atmospheric pressure to 10 atm. The gas-phase chemistry for all cases is represented using detailed heptane kinetics. Increasing pressure significantly narrows the flame zone. Heptane is highly volatile and small droplets evaporate well before entering the flame zone. Diesel fuel is significantly less volatile and small droplets can survive up to the edge of the flame. However, for the conditions studied, the flame structure is only weakly affected by the droplet thermophysical properties. Including oxygen in the droplet carrier gas permits some premixed chemistry, which slightly broadens the flame structure and produces more stable flames.
Icosahedral Al-Mn and related phases: resemblance in structure

Etudes preliminaires des relations cristallographiques entre les phases icosaedrique, T, T″ et Al 4 Mn par microscopie electronique en transmisssion a haute resolution
Video instrumentation for radionuclide angiocardiography.

Two types of videoscintiscopes for performing radioisotopic angiocardiography with a scintillation camera are described, and use of these instruments in performing clinical studies is illustrated. Radionuclide angiocardiography is a simple, quick and accurate procedure recommended as a screening test for patients with a variety of congenital and acquired cardiovascular lesions. When performed in conjunction with coronary arterial catheterization, dynamic radionuclide angiography may provide useful information about regional myocardial perfusion. Quantitative capabilities greatly enhance the potential of this diagnostic tool.
The effect of loading on tibiotalar alignment in cadaver ankles.

The tibiotalar movements which occur with axial loading, without applied moment forces were studied in cadaver ankles using a minimally constrained testing apparatus. Lateral translation of the talus measured up to 2 mm, which was associated with increased tibiotalar valgus angulation. Neither displacing the distal fibula laterally, nor sectioning the deltoid ligament, significantly influenced the talar shift. The tibiotalar motion which was observed after simple axial loading in a stable configuration (e.g., fibula and deltoid ligament intact) is of the same magnitude that is usually regarded as signifying an unstable ankle fracture. Consequently, this study suggests that the criteria for an unstable ankle fracture may need closer scrutiny.
Estimating the effects of ambient conditions on the performance of UVGI air cleaners

Abstract Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) uses UVC radiation produced by low pressure mercury vapor lamps to control biological air contaminants. Ambient air velocity and temperature have a strong effect on lamp output by influencing the lamp surface cold spot temperature. In-duct UVGI systems are particularly susceptible to ambient effects due to the range of velocity and temperature conditions they may experience. An analytical model of the effect of ambient conditions on lamp surface temperature was developed for three common lamp types in cross flow from a convective–radiative energy balance assuming constant surface temperature. For one lamp type, a single tube standard output lamp, UVC output and cold spot temperature data were obtained under typical in-duct operating conditions. Over an ambient temperature range of 10–32.2 °C and an air velocity range of 0–3.25 m/s, measured cold spot temperature varied from 12.7 to 41.9 °C and measured lamp output varied by 68% of maximum. Surface temperatures predicted by the heat transfer model were 6–17 °C higher than corresponding measured cold spot temperatures, but were found to correlate well with cold spot temperature via a two-variable linear regression. When corrected using this relationship, the simple model predicted the cold spot temperature within 1 °C and lamp UVC output within ±5%. To illustrate its practical use, the calibrated lamp model was employed in a simulation of the control of a contaminant in a single-zone ventilation system by an in-duct UVGI device. In this example, failure to account for the impact of ambient condition effects resulted in under-prediction of average space concentration by approximately 20% relative to a constant output system operating at maximum UVC output.
Hemodynamic instability in patients undergoing pulmonary embolectomy: institutional experience.

Abstract Objectives Acute pulmonary embolism is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients presenting for emergent cardiac surgery with overall mortality ranging from 6% to as high as 85%. While the initial focus of treatment is nonsurgical or percutaneous interventions, surgical treatment continues to be a treatment for patients with refractory thrombus burden or cardiogenic shock. Our institution regularly performs surgical pulmonary embolectomy with improved outcomes compared to current reports. We thus performed a retrospective analysis of outcomes of pulmonary embolectomy patients and anesthetic management. Design A retrospective review of 40 patients undergoing emergent pulmonary embolectomy over a 4 year period (2008-2012) at our institution was performed to assess for a 2nd period of critical instability. Setting The study was conducted at a tertiary, level 1, trauma university medical center. Participants The study was performed through chart review of patient hospital records. Interventions No interventions were performed. Measurements Anesthetic records were reviewed along with echocardiographic records and surgical reports to assess cardiac function, need for emergent cardiopulmonary bypass, and degree of patient morbidity. Conclusions A total of 40 patients were studied. Hemodynamic instability occurred in 12.5% of patients at time of induction requiring emergent cardiopulmonary bypass. Another 17% of patients who remained stable following induction developed subsequent instability requiring emergent cardiopulmonary bypass during pericardial opening or manipulation which has not been previously reported. One patient died during hospitalization. Patients who required emergent bypass following induction of general anesthesia tended to receive higher doses of induction drugs than the other groups. In patients who needed emergent bypass during pericardial manipulation there were no identifiable factors suggesting that these patients remain at risk despite a stable post-induction course.
Why Men Become Elementary School Teachers: Insights from an Elementary Teacher Education Program

Abstract Male teachers are in demand in U.S. elementary schools and elementary teacher education programs. The 2002 National Education Association's Representative Assembly approved a measure to “identify, recognize, recruit, and retain” more male teachers, with an emphasis on elementary and minority teachers. The present article reports on a qualitative multiple-case study that explored the factors that influence men to enter the field of elementary education, as described by nine male students enrolled in a predominantly female elementary teacher education program at a Midwestern university in the United States. The data were collected through interviews and documents, and the QSR NVivo software program was used to analyze the data.
A note on homogeneity tests of covariance matrices

In this note we propose two procedures for testing homogeneity of co-variance matrices that are both extensions of Hartley's (1940) test for equality of variances. The first is a two-stage procedure where the first step is a simple test for equality of the largest eigenvalues, and corresponding eigenvectors, of the covariance matrices. The second is based on projection pursuit and seems harder to apply in practice.
Age-related changes in brainstem auditory neurotransmitters: Measures of GABA and acetylcholine function

This study was designed to determine if there are age-related alterations in the bio-synthetic enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), the degradative enzyme GABA-transaminase (GABA-T), and the uptake system for GABA in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CIC), the cochlear nucleus (CN), and/or nuclei of the lateral lemniscus (NLL) of Fischer-344 rats. For purposes of comparison, the cholinergic neuronal system was studied in parallel in young adult (3-7 months), mature (15-17 months) and aged (24-26 months) rats. In young adults GAD activity was highest in the CIC (219 nmol/mg protein/h; N = 5), intermediate in NLL (82 nmol/mg protein/h), and lowest in CN (34 nmol/mg protein/h). Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity was highest in NLL and CN, and approximately 35-40% lower in CIC. A more uniform pattern was observed with GABA-T activity. Reductions in GAD activity were seen in the CIC of mature (-31%) and aged (-30%) rats that were not graded with age when compared to young adult, P 0.05). Similar to the CIC, the NLL showed remarkable age-related deficits, but these deficits were more substantial for the cholinergic system (ChAT activity: -56% aged vs. young adult, P < 0.05; GAD activity: -35% aged vs. mature). None of the areas examined showed a significant loss of GABA-T activity with aging. These data suggest: 1) Age-related loss of GABA-mediated inhibition in the CIC of Fischer-344 rats is not attributable to changes in uptake or degradation of GABA, but may be related loss of biosynthetic capacity (i.e. activity or quantity) of the GAD present; 2) processing centers of the central auditory pathway (i.e. CIC and NLL), but not necessarily primary (i.e. CN) integrative nuclei, demonstrate selective, age-related neurochemical deficits; and 3) age-related neurochemical changes in central auditory structures may contribute substantially to the abnormal perception of signals in noise and loss of speech discrimination observed in neural presbycusis.
Heme Cleavage with Remarkable Ease: Paramagnetic Intermediates Formed by Aerobic Oxidation of a Meso-Amino-Substituted Iron Porphyrin

Hemes must be oxidatively stable to carry out their functions as biological oxidants, but introduction of a single amino group at a meso position of octaethylheme renders it extremely sensitive to ring opening by dioxygen. Exposure of a red pyridine (py) solution of diamagnetic (py)2FeII(H2N-OEP) (1) (H2N-OEP is the dianion of meso-amino-octaethylporphyrin) to air results in the immediate formation of a green intermediate which is subsequently converted into a second species that has been crystallized and characterized by X-ray diffraction. This process is distinct from coupled oxidation, a model for biological heme cleavage, because it does not require a sacrificial reducing agent to initiate the process.
Proposed Nuclear and High Energy Physics Standard Tape Format for the Exchange of Data between Laboratories

The IEEE Computer Applications in Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Technical Committee (CANPS), the organizers of this conference, have prepared a proposed standard format for the exchange of magnetic tapes containing experimental data. We include the description of the proposed standard here to elicit response from the community of professionals most likely to be involved in implementing data tape formats. Please send us your comments, suggestions and criticisms.
Natal Dispersal of the Spotted Owl in Southern California: Dispersal Profile of an Insular Population

Abstract We studied the dispersal patterns of an insular population of California Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) in southern California from 1987–1998. The study area encompassed the entire San Bernardino Mountains and included a nested, 535-km2 study area which we used to evaluate the effects of study area size on dispersal parameter estimation. One hundred and twenty-nine of the 478 banded juvenile owls (27%) had entered the territorial population by 1998. Over half of the successful dispersers became territorial within one year. Additionally, all females and 95% of the males occupied territories within three years. Twenty-three sibling pairs and one set of triplets dispersed successfully. Sibling dispersal distances were not correlated. Sixty-seven males and 62 females dispersed 2.3–36.4 km (mean ± SD = 10.1 ± 7.6 km) and 0.4–35.7 km (mean ± SD = 11.7 ± 8.1 km), respectively. The difference between male and female mean dispersal distances was not significant. Dispersal distance and firs...
Interface-Induced Nucleation, Orientational Alignment and Symmetry Transformations in Nanocube Superlattices

The self-assembly of colloidal nanocrystals into ordered superstructures depends critically on the shape of the nanocrystal building blocks. We investigated the self-assembly of cubic PbSe nanocrystals from colloidal suspensions in real-time using in situ synchrotron-based X-ray scattering. We combined small-angle and wide-angle scattering to investigate the translational ordering of nanocrystals and their orientational ordering in the lattice sites, respectively. We found that cubic PbSe nanocrystals assembled into a face-up (i.e., ⟨100⟩ normal to the interface) configuration at the liquid/substrate interface whereas nanocubes at the liquid/air interface assume a corner-up (i.e., ⟨111⟩ normal to the interface) configuration. The latter nanocrystal superlattice displays polymorphism as a function inter-NC separation distance. We explain the observed superlattice structure polymorphs in terms of the interactions directing the self-assembly. Insights into the directed self-assembly of superlattices gained f...