cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Annealing Treatments on the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behavior of Direct Metal Laser Sintered Ti-6Al-4V

An experimental investigation on the effects of post-annealing treatments on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of direct metal laser sintered Ti-6Al-4V alloys has been conducted. The microstructure and phase evolution as affected by annealing treatment temperature were examined through scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. The tensile properties and Vickers hardness were measured and compared to the commercial Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Corrosion behavior of the parts was analyzed electrochemically in simulated body fluid at 37 °C. It was found out that the as-printed parts mainly composed of non-equilibrium α′ phase. Annealing treatment allowed the transformation from α′ to α phase and the development of β phase. The tensile test results indicated that post-annealing treatment could improve the ductility and decrease the strength. The as-printed Ti-6Al-4V part exhibits inferior corrosion resistance compared to the commercial alloy, and post-annealing treatment can reduce its susceptibility to corrosion by reducing the two-phase interface area.
Auditory access, language access, and implicit sequence learning in deaf children.

Developmental psychology plays a central role in shaping evidence-based best practices for prelingually deaf children. The Auditory Scaffolding Hypothesis (Conway et al., 2009) asserts that a lack of auditory stimulation in deaf children leads to impoverished implicit sequence learning abilities, measured via an artificial grammar learning (AGL) task. However, prior research is confounded by a lack of both auditory and language input. The current study examines implicit learning in deaf children who were (Deaf native signers) or were not (oral cochlear implant users) exposed to language from birth, and in hearing children, using both AGL and Serial Reaction Time (SRT) tasks. Neither deaf nor hearing children across the three groups show evidence of implicit learning on the AGL task, but all three groups show robust implicit learning on the SRT task. These findings argue against the Auditory Scaffolding Hypothesis, and suggest that implicit sequence learning may be resilient to both auditory and language deprivation, within the tested limits. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/EeqfQqlVHLI [Correction added on 07 August 2017, after first online publication: The video abstract link was added.].
Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of Pharmacologic Agents in Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis.

BACKGROUND Currently, there is no standardized treatment regimen for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. AIM We performed a metaanalysis of high quality randomized controlled trials that evaluated treatment response to metformin, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), and vitamin E in adult patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Outcome measures were improvement in liver histology, biochemical, and anthropometric measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS Nine trials met inclusion criteria (3 with TZD, 3 with Metformin, 2 with Vitamin E and 1 with both TZD and Vitamin E.). RESULTS With metformin, weighted liver histologic scores for steatosis, ballooning, and fibrosis did not demonstrate significant improvement and lobular inflammation worsened significantly (weighted mean increase 0.21, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.31, P < 0.0001). The liver histology score including steatosis (OR 3.51, 95% CI 2.14 to 5.78) and lobular inflammation (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.69 to 4.15) improved with TZDs. Hepatic fibrosis (OR 1.58, 95% CI 0.98 to 2.54) and ballooning scores (OR 1.84, 95% CI 0.94 to 3.58) did not demonstrate significant improvement. With Vitamin E, weighted liver histologic scores for steatosis (weighted mean decrease -0.60, 95% CI -0.85 to -0.35, P < 0.0001), lobular inflammation (weighted mean decrease - 0.40, 95% CI -0.61 to -0.20, P = 0.0001) and ballooning (weighted mean decrease -0.30, 95% CI -0.54 to -0.07, P = 0.01) demonstrated significant improvement compared to placebo. Fibrosis did not significantly change. CONCLUSION In patients with NASH, TZDs and Vitamin E improve liver histologic scores but metformin does not. Insulin resistance also improves with both TZDs and metformin. Fibrosis does not improve with any of the agents.
Simplifying DNA NMR spectroscopy by silencing GH8 and AH8 resonances

Abstract NMR studies of DNA oligonucleotides are limited by extensive resonance overlap and the availability of isotopically labeled samples. We have explored a nondestructive and economical method to simplify DNA NMR spectroscopy by exchanging the hydrogens of GH8 and AH8 with deuterons. Exchanging these hydrogens with deuterons results in spectral simplification and alleviates spectral overlap particularly for A and G rich sequences and is therefore uniquely suited for G-quadruplex sequences. The silencing of the GH8 and AH8 signals facilitates structural and ligand DNA binding studies.
Promises and Prospects of Microbiome Studies

Abstract Next-generation sequencing has transformed genomics and metagenomics. It has contributed to expand our understanding of the complex microbial ecosystems, composed of Archaea, bacteria, viruses, and fungi, populating every habitat on the planet, including the human body. These communities are the metabolic engines driving almost every biochemical reaction on earth. In humans, they provide the enzymatic capability controlling the host physiology. In the next decades, metagenomics will be instrumental in increasing our understanding of the evolution of these complex communities, their functions, and the processes controlling their activities. The application of metagenomics to the human microbiome promises to increase our understanding of the role of the host–microbiome interactions in health, their association with disease state, and the potential to develop therapeutic interventions based on the manipulation of those interactions. This deeper understanding is critical for human survival and the health of the planet.
Why is HIV prevalence so severe in southern Africa? : the role of multiple concurrent partnerships and lack of male circumcision - implications for HIV prevention : opinion

A Think Tank meeting on AIDS prevention in the high HIV prevalence countries in southern Africa convened in Lesotho in May 2006 by SADC and UNAIDS concluded that high levels of multiple and concurrent sexual partnerships by men and women with insufficient consistent correct condom use combined with low levels of male circumcision are the key drivers of the epidemic in the sub-region. The top two key priority interventions recommended by the HIV-AIDS reproductive health epidemiological and other experts participating in the Think Tank meeting were: (i ) Significantly reduce multiple and concurrent partnerships for both men and women and (ii) Prepare for the potential national roll out of male circumcision ... depending on the outcome of the [now successfully completed] Kenya and Uganda randomized trials. Various other factors in the regions HIV epidemic including a range of gender issues especially the need for greater male involvement in HIV prevention high prevalence of sexual violence low HIV risk perception and pervasiveness of transactional sex among young people especially young women were also discussed and continued promotion of primary abstinence greater access to HIV counselling and testing and access to condoms especially in high-risk situations were also recommended. This paper however focuses on the evidence underlying the Prevention Think Tank Meetings two main conclusions. (excerpt)
Perioperative Myocardial Ischemia and Infarction

Myocardial infarction is a frequent complication of coronary artery bypass surgery and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. {1,2} It accounts for most deaths which occur postoperatively and within the first month after the operation. {1} In the cardiac surgical patient population, the estimated morbidity and mortality related to myocardial infarction ranges between 4 and 40 percent. {3– 9}
The bard in bits: Electronic editions of Shakespeare and programs to analyze them

Machine-readable texts in the humanities are in a period of rapid growth, as are programs for analyzing them, with concomitant problems of finding and choosing the most suitable of each. No one text-base, and no one search program, proves to be wholly suitable for all projects. Three of the currently available electronic editions of Shakespeare are discussed and compared, along with three commercial programs for text analysis on microcomputers.
Variation in Expression of Congenital Cardiovascular Malformations within and Among Families

Congenital cardiovascular malformations (CCVM) constitute a major portion of clinically significant birth defects, with the clinical literature suggesting population frequencies estimated to be 4 to 8 per 1,000 (reviewed by Ferencz et al., 1985). Approximately 30% of children with CCVM have other major congenital malformations as well (Hoffman and Christianson, 1978). The etiologies of CCVM are heterogeneous, and include well defined Mendelian syndromes (McKusick, 1986), chromosomal abnormalities (DeGrouchy, 1984), and specific teratogenic causes (Smith, 1982). It is supposed that approximately 5% of CCVM are single gene disorders (Neill, 1972), and about 5–6% have been suggested to be associated with chromosomal anomalies, especially autosomal trisomies (Nora and Nora, 1983). Specific teratogenic agents are known to cause CCVM, but these exposures account for only a small proportion of cases.
3-D Localization of Wireless Sensor Nodes using Near-field Magnetic-Induction Communications

Abstract This paper proposes two localization methods for wireless sensor nodes that utilize an arbitrarily oriented tri-directional coil as both magnetic induction (MI) transmitter and receiver for wireless communications. Taking advantage of magnetic field measurements of a tri-directional coil antenna in the near-field, the two localization algorithms use only two anchor nodes to locate a sensor node in the 3-D space. Assuming each anchor node transmits the communication signals by three coils sequentially, which are received by the three coils at a sensor node simultaneously, this paper derives closed-form formulas for estimating the transmission distance and the polar angles to yield eight possible location points based on the signals of each anchor node. Then a rotation matrix (RM)-based method derives the orientation rotation matrix between the transmitter and receiver to find two possible location vectors with opposite directions in each anchor node. Then, we use maximum likelihood to estimate the location with two anchor nodes assisted. Another method called the distance-based method, taking into account the locations of the two anchor nodes and the two sets of eight possible location estimates of the sensor node, estimates the location by minimizing the distance. The RM-based method can achieve high localization accuracy while the distance-based method has less computational complexity. However, the distance-based method may encounter location ambiguity when the orientations of the two anchor nodes are the same. Simulations were performed to compare these two algorithms and the existing localization algorithm in this scenario. The results show that the proposed two localization algorithms and the derived closed-form formula of distance achieve good accuracy under large measurement errors.
Pembrolizumab: patient selection or immune intensification?

Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) have had limited clinical impact in prostate cancer. To find a niche for immune checkpoint inhibition in this disease, future strategies might require improved biomarker-based patient selection or combination strategies to enhance in vivo immune activity.
The Real Wolves of Wall Street: Examining Debt, Austerity, and Accountability through the Lens of Primitive Accumulation

This article looks debt and austerity as a contemporary form of primitive accumulation. Marx saw that the transition from feudalism to capitalism was accomplished not only by enclosures and the ens...
Dynamic interactions of ceftriaxone and environmental variables suppress amphetamine seeking.

Abstract Extrasynaptic glutamate within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a driver of relapse. Cocaine, ethanol, and methamphetamine reduce the expression of cystine-glutamate antiporter (xCT) and primary glial glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) leading to increased extrasynaptic glutamate. Ceftriaxone (CTX) restores xCT and GLT1 expression and effectively suppresses cocaine and ethanol reinstatement, however, the effects of CTX on amphetamine (AMP) reinstatement are not determined. Rodents were reared in an enriched condition (EC), isolated (IC), or standard condition (SC) and trained in AMP self-administration (0.1 mg/kg/infusion). EC, IC, and SC rats received injections of SAL or CTX (200 mg/kg) after daily extinction sessions. Then rats were tested in cue- and AMP-induced reinstatement tests. We hypothesized that EC rearing would reduce reinstatement by altering GLT1 or xCT expression in the NAc and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). In Experiment 2, pair-housed rats received once-daily AMP (1.0 mg/kg i.p.) or SAL for eight days followed by once-daily CTX (200 mg/kg i.p.) or SAL injections for 10 days. CTX treatment reduced cue-induced drug seeking in EC rats but not IC or SC rats. In an AMP-induced reinstatement test, CTX reduced AMP-induced drug seeking in EC and SC rats, but not IC rats. Western blot analyses revealed that AMP self-administration and non-contingent repeated AMP exposure did not downregulate GLT1 or xCT in the NAc or mPFC. Therefore, the ability for EC housing to reduce amphetamine seeking may work through other mechanisms.
Limits of detection and decision. Part 4

Abstract Probability density functions (PDFs) have been derived for a number of commonly used limit of detection definitions, including several variants of the Relative Standard Deviation of the Background–Background Equivalent Concentration (RSDB–BEC) method, for a simple linear chemical measurement system (CMS) having homoscedastic, Gaussian measurement noise and using ordinary least squares (OLS) processing. All of these detection limit definitions serve as both decision and detection limits, thereby implicitly resulting in 50% rates of Type 2 errors. It has been demonstrated that these are closely related to Currie decision limits, if the coverage factor, k, is properly defined, and that all of the PDFs are scaled reciprocals of noncentral t variates. All of the detection limits have well-defined upper and lower limits, thereby resulting in finite moments and confidence limits, and the problem of estimating the noncentrality parameter has been addressed. As in Parts 1–3, extensive Monte Carlo simulations were performed and all the simulation results were found to be in excellent agreement with the derived theoretical expressions. Specific recommendations for harmonization of detection limit methodology have also been made.
Hydrogen sintering of titanium and its alloys

Hydrogen sintering and phase transformation (HSPT) is a press and sinter process used to produce titanium alloys with engineered microstructures in the as-sintered state. During HSPT, titanium alloys are sintered under a dynamically controlled hydrogen partial pressure. HSPT utilizes phase transformations in the Ti–H system to refine the microstructure during sintering. Therefore, this process is capable of producing titanium alloys with strength and ductility in the as-sintered state that exceed ASTM standards for wrought titanium. HSPT circumvents the energy-intensive thermomechanical work that is compulsory for other titanium production technologies without sacrificing mechanical properties. Therefore, the performance-to-cost ratio of titanium alloys produced by this method should be greatly increased versus wrought processing and traditional PM. It has been projected that HSPT offers about an 80% energy savings per ton of titanium alloy produced versus wrought processing.
Assessing long term quality of life in geriatric patients after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract Introduction While cholecystectomy is shown to be safe in older patients, few existent studies investigate associated quality of life. This study examines quality of life in symptomatic geriatric patients after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods Patients ≥65 years of age who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a tertiary care center were administered the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) and a gastrointestinal survey pre-operatively and post-operatively (within 6 and 18 months of surgery). Quality of life characteristics were compared amongst visit type in univariate and multivariate settings, with a mixed-model regression. Results Our sample included 30 patients. Pain frequency (p = 0.004) and pain severity (p = 0.013) scores improved with each subsequent visit type. SF-12 mental health aggregate score improved overall from pre-operative to long term follow-up (p = 0.0403). Discussion Our findings suggest that health-related quality of life in geriatric patients improves after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the short and long term. Summary Quality of life was assessed in symptomatic geriatric patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Pain frequency, pain severity, and the SF-12 mental health aggregate scores improved overall from pre-operative to post-operative visit types.
Adults with cerebral palsy rank factors associated with quality of life and perceived impact of childhood surgery on adult outcomes.

Background: Person-centered care concerns the values and perceptions of the patient in assessment of outcomes. Little is known about perceptions of adults with cerebral palsy (CP) concerning: the m...
Crossing and stranding at edges: On intermediate stranding and phase theory

This paper investigates the distribution of stranding in intermediate positions under A′-movement, which I show obeys a cross-linguistically robust word order generalization: leftward movement of a phrase α can only intermediately strand an element β if β can be ordered rightward of α before stranding occurs. I argue that this generalization emerges naturally from the Cyclic Linearization theory of spell-out, and its interaction with independently supported constraints on movement in syntax. I go on to consider some reasons why a particular position may or may not be a viable location for stranded material.
Scalability of a Remote Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience with Post Graduate Year One Pharmacy Resident Preceptors

Abstract Introduction Due to suspension of onsite clinical instruction due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a remote acute care rotation was created to provide students with an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) and post graduate year one (PGY-1) pharmacy residents with an opportunity to gain experience in precepting roles Objective The objectives of this study were to evaluate student knowledge, clinical skills, communication, student satisfaction, and PGY-1 pharmacy resident acceptance of this remote rotation and fulfillment of residency precepting objectives Methods A five-week remote acute care APPE rotation was created with pharmacy residents serving as co-preceptors A written evaluation and intermittent clinical examination (ICE) were deployed at baseline and conclusion to assess student knowledge, clinical skills, and communication Student surveys assessed perceived skill improvement, satisfaction, and assessment of rotation and resident preceptors Surveys were also utilized to evaluate resident perceived attainment of precepting objectives and residency program fulfillment of precepting requirements Results Thirty-four students and 10 residents participated in the rotation Student knowledge and clinical skills increased from baseline (41 out of 60 [31-52] vs 50 [43-55];p<0 001) and the ICE (36 out of 70 [18-55] vs 59 5 [43-70];p<0 001) There was a statistically significant increase at rotation conclusion in resident rating of extreme competence or extreme comfort in 45% of domains assessed Conclusion A remote APPE rotation is an effective approach to deliver an APPE rotation and can be successfully used to further student knowledge and provide PGY-1 pharmacy residents a precepting opportunity to advance their precepting skills when onsite experiences are limited This article is protected by copyright All rights reserved
Relationships between teacher autonomy, collaboration, and critical thinking focused instruction: A cross-national study

Abstract Teachers' autonomy and their collaboration with each other in teaching are assumed crucial in shaping the quality of their teaching practices. This study addresses this assumption by examining the role of teachers' autonomy in making teaching decision and their collaboration in teaching practices in shaping their use of critical thinking focused teaching instruction from a comparative perspective. This study uses Japan, Singapore, Australia and the United States secondary teachers’ data from the OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) which is an international survey focusing on teachers’ working conditions and teaching strategies. Each of the country involves average of 3242 participants and 12,968 secondary teachers’ data were utilized in this study. Results have found that secondary teachers in the two Asian (Japan and Singapore) countries are working under the school systems with low autonomy but high collaboration while those teachers in the two Western (Australia and the US) countries are teaching in the schools with high autonomy but low collaboration. Besides, teachers in a low autonomy culture including Japan and Singapore intended to use more often strategies in connection to students’ real-life to promote critical thinking. Yet, Australia and the US who hold a low level of collaboration preferred to foster students’ specific thinking skills to promote critical thinking development.
FASTRAL: Improving scalability of phylogenomic analysis.

MOTIVATION ASTRAL is the current leading method for species tree estimation from phylogenomic datasets (i.e., hundreds to thousands of genes) that addresses gene tree discord resulting from incomplete lineage sorting (ILS). ASTRAL is statistically consistent under the multi-locus coalescent model (MSC), runs in polynomial time, and is able to run on large datasets. Key to ASTRAL's algorithm is the use of dynamic programming to find an optimal solution to the MQSST (maximum quartet support supertree) within a constraint space that it computes from the input. Yet, ASTRAL can fail to complete within reasonable timeframes on large datasets with many genes and species, because in these cases the constraint space it computes is too large. RESULTS Here we introduce FASTRAL, a phylogenomic estimation method. FASTRAL is based on ASTRAL, but uses a different technique for constructing the constraint space. The technique we use to define the constraint space maintains statistical consistency and is polynomial time; thus we prove that FASTRAL is a polynomial time algorithm that is statistically consistent under the MSC. Our performance study on both biological and simulated data sets demonstrates that FASTRAL matches or improves on ASTRAL with respect to species tree topology accuracy (and under high ILS conditions it is statistically significantly more accurate), while being dramatically faster-especially on datasets with large numbers of genes and high ILS-due to using a significantly smaller constraint space. AVAILABILITY FASTRAL is available in open-source form at https://github.com/PayamDiba/FASTRAL. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Empirically And Theoretically Driven Scales On Automation Trust: A Multi-Level Confirmatory Factor Analysis:

Automation is used to complete a variety of everyday and professional tasks. Trust has been shown to be a critical factor that contributes to successful human-automation interaction. Modern theorie...
Adversarial Resilience for Sampled-Data Systems using Control Barrier Function Methods

Control barrier functions (CBFs) have recently become a powerful method for rendering a desired safe set forward invariant in single- and multi-agent systems. In the multiagent case, prior literature has considered scenarios where all agents cooperate to ensure that the corresponding set remains invariant. However, these works do not consider scenarios where a subset of the agents are behaving adversarially with the intent to violate safety bounds. In addition, prior results on multi-agent CBFs assume that control inputs are continuous and do not explicitly consider sampled-data dynamics. This paper presents a method for normally behaving agents in a multi-agent system with heterogeneous control-affine sampled-data dynamics to render a safe set forward invariant in the presence of adversarial agents. The efficacy of these results are demonstrated through simulations.
Processing Doppler Lidar and Cloud Radar Observations for Analysis of Convective Mass Flux Parameterizations Using DYNAMO Direct Observations

Abstract : This work is being done in conjunction with other observational and modelling research aimed at improving the representation of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in global models. In combines remote sensing and in-situ observations made from the RV-Revell during legs 2 & 3 of the DYNAMO experiment to help characterize vertical transport through the boundary layer and to build statistics of the vertical extent and propagation speed of precipitation driven outflows that passed over the ship.
Nonuniform Sampling in Biomolecular NMR

The twin challenges of biomolecular NMR spectroscopy are sensitivity and resolution. Nonuniform sampling, in which data collection is tailored to meet the requirements of sensitivity or resolution, enables new approaches to meet these challenges. We describe the use of nonuniform sampling in biomolecular NMR and the use of maximum entropy reconstruction to process the data. Data collected using nonuniform sampling cannot be processed using conventional methods such as the discrete Fourier transform or linear prediction, because these methods require data sampled at uniform intervals. A two- to three-fold reduction in acquisition time can routinely be realized for each indirect time dimension that employs nonuniform sampling, making this approach a valuable complement to cryogenic probes and high-field magnets for the most demanding biomolecular NMR applications. The approach is especially well suited for high-throughput applications of NMR spectroscopy in drug discovery.
Regulatory Problems in Privatizing Social Security

This working paper, which will appear as a chapter of Framing the Social Security Debate (forthcoming Fall 1998) (Brookings Institution Press), discusses two regulatory problems associated with the privatization of social security: first, the risk that political interference with social security investments in equity securities will disrupt private capital markets and reduce returns on social security assets, and, second, risks associated with variations in investment return that individual participants might experience under a privatized social security system. In brief, the paper suggests that, while the investment of social security assets in private equity markets could give rise to problems of political interference in those markets, there are various ways in which such investments could be structured and managed that would reduce the likelihood of these problems actually arising. As to concerns that political interference might reduce expected returns on social security assets, the paper argues that past experience in other areas of financial regulation suggest that any reduction in returns from political interference is likely to be less substantial than the expected increase in financial returns associated with transferring a portion of social security investments into equity markets. With regard to variations in individual returns, the paper reviews various reasons why some individuals might be expected to experience lower rates of return under a privatized social security system than they do under our current system, even though privatization might generally be expected to increase average returns on social security assets. The paper then considers a variety of regulatory tools that could be employed to reduce the range of variation in individual returns.
High-Speed R -Band CCD Photometry of Comet 9P/Tempel 1

We present high speed $R$-band CCD photometry of comet 9P/Tempel 1 and the Deep Impact Event on 2005 July 4 UT. These data were obtained on the 1-meter telescope at Mount Laguna Observatory. On the night of the impact event we collected approximately two hours and fifty minutes of data. An exposure time of four seconds yielded a time resolution of 5.5 seconds and thus we are able to temporally resolve the rapid rise of the lightcurve due to the impact event. These data will be used in conjunction with data received from the flyby spacecraft, as well as other Earth-based observations, to give a better understanding of the evolution of the ejecta released by 9P/Tempel 1 as a result of the impact as well as information about the opacity of the dust cloud during and just after the impact event.
Using the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-National Animal Poison Control Center as a toxicology resource

Veterinarians are frequently faced with cases involving potential toxicants, many of which are unfamiliar. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-National Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA-NAPCC) maintains a database listing thousands of pesticides, plants, household items, cleaning agents, human medications, and other products. This service is available 24 hours daily to provide information regarding the toxicity of product ingredients, dose calculation, and treatment recommendations in all species of animals, including birds and exotic pets.
Kinetics of anaerobic treatment: A critical review

Abstract The fundamentals of microbial kinetics and continuous culture models are presented. The kinetics of the anaerobic treatment processes are reviewed recognizing that anaerobic degradation of complex, polymeric organic materials is a combination of series and parallel reactions. Such reactions include hydrolysis, fermentation, anaerobic oxidation of fatty acids, and methanogenesis. The intrinsic rates of each step are reviewed and literature data summarized. Whenever possible, available kinetic information is summarized on the basis of substrate composition (such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids). The effect of temperature and inhibitors on the intrinsic kinetic rates is discussed. Stoichiometric and bioenergetic considerations are reviewed. Mass transfer limitations (both external and internal) associated with biofilms and microbial agglomerates, in general, and their effect on the intrinsic kinetic rates are presented. Areas requiring further research are identified.
Apparent oceanographic triggers to the spawning of the limpet Lottia digitalis (Rathke)

Abstract At South Cove, Cape Arago, Oregon, spawning by Lottia digitalis was monitored daily during the winters of 1995 and 1996. Sharp drops in a Gonad Index indicated that there was one spawning in February of 1995 and two in April of 1996. Each of the spawnings occurred when (1) the seas were relatively rough as indicated by total wave energy and significant wave height, (2) seawater temperatures were >11°C, and (3) salinity was relatively low (≤32.5). Periods of high temperature and low salinity tended to occur after strong winds from the south that, due to Ekman transport, generated downwelling. These results suggest that spawning occurred during rough seas associated with downwelling. Spawning in archaeogastropods during rough seas and downwelling has been reported a number of times in the literature. The consequences of spawning at these times may be that larvae are rapidly swept out of the surf zone by the stronger rip currents generated by large waves, but coastal currents and density structure associated with downwelling may maintain larvae relatively close to shore. The timing of spawning and the brief larval duration characteristic of species that spawn during rough seas and downwelling may have evolved to exploit oceanographic conditions that enhance the survival and settlement of their larvae.
O02.4 Persistent/Recurrent Chlamydial Infection Among STD Clinic Patients Treated with CDC-Recommended Therapies

Background CDC guidelines recommend azithromycin or doxycycline as treatments for chlamydial infection. Recently, one randomised trial comparing these therapies suggested doxycycline was superior, while another found the two therapies were equivalent. We examined the risk of persistent/recurrent chlamydial infection among patients treated with doxycycline or azithromycin. Methods We performed a secondary analysis of data from Project Aware, a randomised, controlled trial of a behavioural intervention. The trial enrolled patients aged ≥ 18 years without a prior HIV diagnosis in 9 U.S. STD clinics in 2010. At baseline, women with urogenital chlamydial infection and men with urethral and/or rectal chlamydial infections were treated with azithromycin or doxycycline, per clinic standard of care. Patients with a positive chlamydia test at 6-month follow-up were considered to have persistent/recurrent infection. Results Of 5012 participants, 492 (9.8%) tested positive for C. trachomatis at baseline. Of these, 338 (69%) were treated with doxycycline or azithromycin without a second drug active against C. trachomatis ; 92% (76 of 83) and 88% (225 of 255), respectively, were re-tested at 6 months. Comparing doxycycline and azithromycin, overall 7 (9.2%) and 26 (11.6%), respectively, had persistent/recurrent infection (RR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.36–1.76). Among persons with urogenital infections, 6 (10.0%) of 60 and 18 (10.1%) of 179 (RR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0 0.41–2.39), respectively had persistent/recurrent infection. Among men with rectal infections, 2 (9.5%) of 21 and 8 (16.3%) of 49 who received doxycycline and azithromycin, respectively, had persistent/recurrent infection (RR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.14–2.52). On multivariate analysis, persistent/recurrent infection was significantly associated with black (vs. white) race (aRR = 4.29, 95% CI = 1.14–16.16) and rectal (vs. urogenital) infection (aRR = 5.42, 95% CI = 0.99–29.55), but not treatment regimen. Conclusion There were no differences in persistent/recurrent urogenital chlamydia infections at six months by treatment type. Treatment failure of rectal infections among men may be more common with azithromycin and merits additional study.
Retrocerebral endocrine glands and the brain of the adult tobacco hornworm, Manduca Sexta (L.) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae)

Abstract A nerve network, directly connecting the antennal nerve, optic lobe, ocellar pedicel, and tegumentary nerve to the corpora cardiaca, is described in M. sexta . This network of nerves is compared to similar network which has been described in the noctuid, X. nupera . Comparisons are also made with other insects for which the network has been partially described. While direct interaction of the sensory receptors and the endocrine glands is suggested, the true function of the nerve network remains to be determined.
Multisensor image segmentation algorithms

Two algorithms, maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation and the Dempster-shafer evidential reasoning technique, for multi-sensor or multi-spectral image data fusion for image segmentation are presented and cornpared. Regions of the images observed by each sensor are modeled as noncausal Gauss Markov random fields (GMRF) and labeled images are assumed to follow a Gibbs distribution. In the Bayesian MAP approach, we use an independent opinion pool for data fusion and a deterministic relaxation to obtain the MAP solution. In practice, the Bayesian approach is too restrictive and a likelihood represented by a point probability value is usually an overstatement of what is actually known. In the Dempster-Shafer approach, we adopt Dempster's rule of combination for data fusion, using belief intervals and ignorance to represent confidence in a particular labeling and we present a new deterministic relaxation scheme that updates the belief intervals. Results obtained from mosaic images of real textures in a three hypothetical sensors problem are presented and the two algorithms are quantitatively compared.
TERAHERTZ EMISSION FROM ELECTRICALLY PUMPED SILICON GERMANIUM INTERSUBBAND DEVICES

In this paper, we report on current pumped THz emitting devices based on intersubband transitions in SiGe quantum wells. The spectral lines occurred in a range from 5 to 12 THz depending on the quantum well width, Ge concentration in the well, and device temperature. A time-averaged power of 15 nW was extracted from a 16 period SiGe/Si superlattice with quantum wells 22 A thick, at a device temperature of 30 K and a drive current of 550 mA. A net quantum efficiency of approximately 3 × 10-4 was calculated from the power and drive current, 30 times higher than reported for comparable quantum cascades utilizing heavy-hole to heavy-hole transitions and, taking into account the number of quantum well periods, approximately four times larger than for electroluminescence reported previously from a device utilizing light-hole to heavy-hole transitions.
Selective absorption of H2S from larger quantities of CO2 by absorption and reaction in fine sprays

Highly selective transfer of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from much larger quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) has been accomplished by absorption and reaction into fine sprays of buffered carbonate solution. Selectivity after the intensely agitated atomization zone is dramatically improved once the droplets have formed and stagnate internally. H2S transfer in this latter zone is virtually independent of the presence of CO2, even at CO2:H2S ratios of 100; CO2 transfer, however, is adversely affected by the presence of H2S. The gas film resistance for mass transfer is effectively eliminated with the 50 μm mean droplet diameter. The data indicate approximately constant hydrodynamics throughout the formed droplet zone and allow good theoretical prediction of enhancement factors for this complex system. Thus the design of more efficient equipment is possible if the gas-liquid contacting method is tailored to take advantage of differences in the transfer and reaction rate properties of gases to be separated.
Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.) seeds as nutraceutic: a review on status quo and scopes

The seeds of pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.) are gen- erally considered to be agro-industrial wastes and dis- carded. In some parts of the world, the seeds are consumed raw, roasted or cooked, but only at the domestic scale. With the discovery of their richness in protein, fibres, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols, they are being regarded valuable for the food industry. The attention of food technologists has resulted in their foray into the commercial food sector. Food companies are experimenting with their incorporation into a slew of savouries and con- sumers are showing interest in them. Also, their beneficial effects on blood glucose level, immunity, cholesterol, liver, prostate gland, bladder, depression, learning disabilities and parasite inhibition are being validated. The conversion of these agro-wastes into value-added ingredients is likely to be a big step towards the global sustainability efforts; thus, it deserves more investigation. This review furnishes an updated account of this emerging nutraceutical.
Experiments on Spray Combustion in a Gas Turbine Model Combustor

Abstract A hollow-cone kerosene spray with a nominal cone angle of 30 degrees from a pressure-swirl fuel atomizer was used in a swirl-stabilized combustor. Swirling air flow with a calculated swirl number of 0.36 is generated with a swirl plate having an exit air velocity vector of 30 degrees with respect to the chamber axis. Effects of swirl and dilution air flow rates on the shape and stability of the flame are investigated. A Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer (PDPA) is used to measure drop size, mean and rms values of axial drop velocity, fuel volume flux, drop velocity and size distributions, and size-classified drop velocity profiles for two cases of with and without combustion and at six different axial locations from the nozzle. A thermocouple is used to measure the uncorrected average temperature at these axial positions. For the no-combustion case all air and fuel flow rates were kept at the same values as the combusting spray condition. A Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV) is employed to measure the ...
Patterns of abnormal protein expression in target formations and unstructured cores.

Abstract Streaming of Z-disks and focal myofibrillar degeneration occur both in target formations (TF) and unstructured cores (UC). Similar myofibrillar alterations are also part of the spectrum of ultrastructural reactions that can occur in the myopathies associated with myofibrillar degeneration and abnormal foci of desmin positivity. In the latter disorders, there is ectopic overexpression of dystrophin, neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), gelsolin, β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP) epitopes, α 1 -antichymotrypsin ( α 1 -ACT), and many abnormal fiber regions are also strongly congophilic. Therefore, we searched for similar abnormalities in TF and UC. The UC and the center of TF show increased immunoreactivity for actin, α-actinin, gelsolin, dystrophin, βAPP epitopes, α 1 -ACT, β2-microglobulin, desmin, and NCAM, but minimal or no congophilia. The periphery of the TF reacts strongly for nebulin but not for actin. The observed immunocytochemical alterations in TF and UC may represent a stereotyped cellular response associated with myofibrillar degeneration due to any cause. However, the three-dimensional profile of the TF and UC as well as their fiber-type specificity distinguish them from lesions that have similar immunocytochemical profiles in other myopathies.
Maturation of collagenous tissue: Specific invivo proteolytic cleavage of only α1(I) chains

Abstract A partially cleaved α1(I) chain, α1χ, has been isolated from earlier synthesized or older (acid-extracted) guinea pig skin collagen. The α1χ component is shown to be absent from the newly synthesized (neutral salt-extracted) collagen. This degradation is a result of specific in vivo proteolytic sission of α1(I) chain since the soluble collagen has no corresponding product from the α2 chain. The in vivo proteolytic cleavage is believed to result from processes related to natural physiological maturation of collagenous tissue.
Risk-Stratified Imputation in Survival Analysis

BackgroundCensoring that is dependent on covariates associated with survival can arise in randomized trials due to changes in recruitment and eligibility criteria to minimize withdrawals, potentially leading to biased treatment effect estimates. Imputation approaches have been proposed to address censoring in survival analysis; while these approaches may provide unbiased estimates of treatment effects, imputation of a large number of outcomes may over- or underestimate the associated variance based on the imputation pool selected.PurposeWe propose an improved method, risk-stratified imputation, as an alternative to address withdrawal related to the risk of events in the context of time-to-event analyses.MethodsOur algorithm performs imputation from a pool of replacement subjects with similar values of both treatment and covariate(s) of interest, that is, from a risk-stratified sample. This stratification prior to imputation addresses the requirement of time-to-event analysis that censored observations are...
Characteristics of Forms of Autonomy

This article recasts our understanding of the forms autonomy may take. Rather than emphasizing a rigid set of definitions, the article argues that autonomy forms can be characterized by the aggregate number of issues controlled by the local community (scope), the level of local control over any given issue (depth) and the territorial insularity of the autonomous community. So characterized, autonomies run the gambit from personal to cultural to functional to administrative to legislative. Of course, there are grey areas between these types of autonomy and some agreements may fall somewhere in between. The article also further breaks legislative autonomy into strong and weak forms.
Lumbar Punctures at an Academic Level 4 NICU: Indications for a New Curriculum

Issue: Pediatric residents commonly perform lumbar punctures during their clinical training. The objective of this study was to assess residents’ rate of nontraumatic lumbar punctures, examine the adequacy of samples, and implement proper documentation of the procedure in an academic Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. We hypothesize that traumatic taps are common and that documentation of the procedure is poor. Evidence: A retrospective chart review was done of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from January 2011 to November 2011 who underwent a lumbar puncture. Procedure notes were evaluated for completion of proper documentation, the lab specimen was assessed for red blood cell count less than 1,000 cells/mm3, and individuals were assessed for their ability to obtain a cerebrospinal fluid sample to send to the lab for analysis (i.e., sample of adequate volume and not clotted) and the total number of attempts to obtain a sample. A total of 184 charts were reviewed. Procedure notes we...
Image analysis of solid-liquid interface morphology in freezing solutions

Abstract This paper describes a system which analyzes a sequence of images of the mobile solid-liquid interface during the process of solidification in freezing solutions. The specific objective is to measure the two-dimensional morphology of the varying interface. The three stages that typify the temporal evolution of this boundary through varying temperature conditions are planar, cellular and dendritic. Image analysis techniques were developed for identifying these solid-liquid interfaces and extracting the corresponding boundaries. Statistical measures of shape were utilized in distinguishing between various patterns of growth in the solid phase. Performance of the system is depicted in several illustrative examples.
Possible relationships between changes in global ice volume, geomagnetic excursions, and the eccentricity of the earth's orbit.

A possible relationship between major changes in global ice volume, geomagnetic variations, and short-term climate cooling has been investigated through a study of climate and geomagnetic records of the past 400,000 yr. Calculations suggest that redistribution of the Earth9s water mass can cause rotational instabilities that lead to magnetic excursions; these magnetic variations in turn may lead to rapid coolings through several proposed mechanisms. Such double coincidences of magnetic excursions and sudden cooling and glacial advance at times of major ice-volume changes have occurred at about 13,500, 30,000, 110,000, and 180,000 B.P. The last four and possibly five times of maximum eccentricity of the Earth9s orbit were closely followed by magnetic excursions; catastrophic cooling and rapid ice buildup accompanied several of these excursions. Thus, Milankovitch cycle parameters may lead to glaciation through both insolation changes and geomagnetic effects on climate.