cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gas turbulence modulation in the pneumatic conveying of massive particles in vertical tubes

Abstract The present work is concerned with the interaction between large particles and gas phase turbulence. Gas turbulence modulation in these systems is considered to be dominated by a generation mechanism which arises due to the presence of wakes behind particles. Following a recent proposal, a closure for gas turbulence modulation accounting for the effect of wakes is employed within the context of a mathematical model for particle-laden, turbulent flows. The model accounts for particle particle and particle-wall interactions associated with larger particles based on concepts from gas kinetic theory. It is shown that due to the significant flattening of the mean gas velocity profile with the addition of particles, and the corresponding decrease in turbulent energy production, a generation mechanism must be present in order to produce gas velocity fluctuation predictions which are consistent with the experimental measurements, even in the case where the experimental results indicate a net suppression of gas phase turbulence in the presence of particles.
Jump Frequencies of Cd Tracer Atoms in L12 Lanthanide Gallides

Jump frequencies of Cd tracer atoms were measured in three lanthanide gallides having the L12 structure: DyGa3, ErGa3 and LuGa3. 111In/Cd impurity probe atoms were observed to occupy the non-cubic Ga-sites through the nuclear quadrupole interaction using the method of perturbed angular correlation of gamma rays (PAC). Measurements at elevated temperatures exhibited nuclear relaxation (damping) of quadrupolar perturbation functions attributed to diffusional jumps of the probes among orientationally inequivalent Ga-sites. Accurate values of jump frequencies were determined from fits of the measured perturbation functions using a model of stochastically fluctuating electric-field gradients, as in previous work [e.g., Matthew O. Zacate, Aurelie Favrot and Gary S. Collins: Physical Review Letters Vol. 92 (2004) p. 225901]. Arrhenius plots of jump frequencies for the three systems exhibited jump-frequency activation enthalpies in the range 0.86-1.05 eV and prefactors of about 2 THz. The activation enthalpy for ErGa3, 0.86(2) eV is compared with those for ErAl3, 1.40(4) eV, and ErIn3, 1.34(5) eV.
Bond strain and defects at interfaces in high-k gate stacks

Abstract The performance and reliability of aggressively-scaled field effect transistors are determined in large part by electronically-active defects and defect precursors at the Si–SiO 2 , and internal SiO 2 –high- k dielectric interfaces. A crucial aspect of reducing interfacial defects and defect precursors is associated with bond strain-driven bonding interfacial self-organizations that take place during high temperature annealing in inert ambients. The interfacial self-organizations, and intrinsic interface defects are addressed through an extension of bond constraint theory from bulk glasses to interfaces between non-crystalline SiO 2 , and (i) crystalline Si, and (ii) non-crystalline and crystalline alternative gate dielectric materials.
Exertion-Dependent Effects of Physical and Mental Workload on Physiological Outcomes and Task Performance

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS The findings from the current study illustrate the adverse effects of concurrent physical and mental demands on shoulder muscle activation. Furthermore, the results also suggest that the effects of concurrent physical and mental demands are more pronounced during static, as opposed to dynamic, exertions. As such, it is important to consider the interaction of said work parameters (i.e., force levels, mental demands, and type of exertion) when evaluating/designing tasks. Occupational tasks requiring concurrent physical and mental work should be redesigned to reduce static loading (by changing postures or providing frequent breaks). With tasks requiring static exertions, other physical parameters (such as force) should be reduced to minimize interference due to additional cognitive processing. To conclude, concurrent physical and mental demands affect muscle activation and impede worker performance; ergonomists should consider this interaction during task design/redesign, evaluatio...
An image analysis method for determination of spatial colonization patterns of bacteria in plant rhizosphere

A method that allows the rapid visualization of bacterial spatial colonization patterns on roots for the determination of general colonization trends was developed. This method, which analyzes images of roots, and bioluminescence-enhanced images of bacterial colonization patterns on these roots, was used to study the colonization patterns of seed-applied Enterobacter cloacae strain E6 on 3-day-old cucumber plants. Conventional dilution-plating methods indicated that E6 colonized cucumber tap roots in high populations and that these populations significantly decreased as the distance from the seed increased. In addition to confirming these observations, image analysis indicated that colonization by E6 significantly decreased on lateral roots as the distance increased horizontally away from the tap root, and that this bacterium did not evenly cover the most densely colonized regions of the cucumber root system. Results from these experiments indicate that the majority of E6 populations on cucumber roots after seed application are limited to the upper regions of the tap root and that E6 does not effectively colonize other regions of the root system.
Unraveling the Web services web: an introduction to SOAP, WSDL, and UDDI

This tutorial explores the most salient and stable specifications in each of the three major areas of the emerging Web services framework. They are the simple object access protocol, the Web Services Description Language and the Universal Description, Discovery, and Integration directory, which is a registry of Web services descriptions.
The dilemma of feeding end-stage Alzheimer patients:

This article presents a case summary o 1feeding issues for an endstage Azheimer patient who will not be tube Jed. It addresses the issues chronologically as they arose. It considers the ethical iss...
Melatonin: daily cycle in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of calves

Melatonin was measured by radioimmunoassay in jugular vein plasma and lateral ventricle cerebrospinal fluid collected from calves at 12 times of the day and night. Melatonin in cerebrospinal fluid increased 17-fold from an average (+/- standard error) of 38 +/- 8 picograms per milliliter during the day to an average of 637 +/- 133 picograms per milliliter during the night (P less than .001). Plasma concentrations of melatonin increased sixfold from an average, per milliliter, of 19 +/- 4 picograms during the day to 121 +/- 24 picograms during the night (P less than .001).
Abstract 1357: Inhibition of breast cancer cell growth by a synthetic ligand targeting the nuclear receptor, REV-ERB (NR1D1 and NR1D2)

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Disruption of the circadian rhythm leads to increased risk for development of breast cancer in humans. The molecular mechanism underlying the link between circadian rhythm disruption and the increased risk of breast cancer in humans is not clear. The REV-ERBs are nuclear receptors that function as critical regulatory components of the circadian rhythm. We observed that REV-ERBbeta is highly overexpressed in multiple breast cancer cell lines, but not in the non-tumorigenic control breast cell line, MCF-10A. Furthermore, we show that a synthetic REV-ERB agonist that we discovered, SR9011, inhibits the proliferation of multiple breast cancer cell lines including triple negative breast cancers but has no effect on MCF10A cells. We discovered that the REV-ERBs directly regulates the expression of cyclin A2 gene suggesting a possible mechanism for inhibition of proliferation. Treatment of breast cancer cell lines with SR9011 repress the expression of cyclin A2 at both mRNA and protein levels. SR9011 treated SKBR3 cells display a reduced fraction of cells in S phase and in the G2/M phase. Administration SR9011 to synchronized SKBR3 cells results in about 8 hours delay of G2/M phase occurrence. Thus, our data suggests that REV-ERB is a valid target for development of anti-cancer agents and SR9011 holds promise for treatment of breast cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1357. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1357
Building Resilience against Climate Effects—A Novel Framework to Facilitate Climate Readiness in Public Health Agencies

Climate change is anticipated to have several adverse health impacts. Managing these risks to public health requires an iterative approach. As with many risk management strategies related to climate change, using modeling to project impacts, engaging a wide range of stakeholders, and regularly updating models and risk management plans with new information—hallmarks of adaptive management—are considered central tenets of effective public health adaptation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed a framework, entitled Building Resilience Against Climate Effects, or BRACE, to facilitate this process for public health agencies. Its five steps are laid out here. Following the steps laid out in BRACE will enable an agency to use the best available science to project likely climate change health impacts in a given jurisdiction and prioritize interventions. Adopting BRACE will also reinforce public health’s established commitment to evidence-based practice and institutional learning, both of which will be central to successfully engaging the significant new challenges that climate change presents.
Combination therapy: Abiraterone prolongs survival in metastatic prostate cancer

Abiraterone plus prednisone prolongs overall survival relative to prednisone alone in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who have disease progression after treatment with docetaxel. The survival gain observed in this pivotal trial is accomplished with few adverse events and conclusively demonstrates that patients with castration levels of serum testosterone remain sensitive to additional hormonal manipulation.
Assessment of Soft Vane and Metal Foam Engine Noise Reduction Concepts

Two innovative fan-noise reduction concepts developed by NASA are presented - soft vanes and over-the-rotor metal foam liners. Design methodologies are described for each concept. Soft vanes are outlet guide vanes with internal, resonant chambers that communicate with the exterior aeroacoustic environment via a porous surface. They provide acoustic absorption via viscous losses generated by interaction of unsteady flows with the internal solid structure. Over-the-rotor metal foam liners installed at or near the fan rotor axial plane provide rotor noise absorption. Both concepts also provide pressure-release surfaces that potentially inhibit noise generation. Several configurations for both concepts are evaluated with a normal incidence tube, and the results are used to guide designs for implementation in two NASA fan rigs. For soft vanes, approximately 1 to 2 dB of broadband inlet and aft-radiated fan noise reduction is achieved. For over-the-rotor metal foam liners, up to 3 dB of fan noise reduction is measured in the low-speed fan rig, but minimal reduction is measured in the high-speed fan rig. These metal foam liner results are compared with a static engine test, in which inlet sound power level reductions up to 5 dB were measured. Brief plans for further development are also provided.
Simulations of sound change resulting from a production-recovery loop

We present a computational model of lenition-based sound change. Speech production targets for constriction degree are modeled by differential equations with a single stable fixed point at the target constriction degree that interact with higher order equations that reflect prosodically conditioned variation. This output is then input to the articulatory-to-acoustic forward map, the quantal nature of which causes continuous variation in constriction degree to result in two outcomes: closure or spirantization. The quantized acoustic outcomes are then used as the input for the language learner, who must recover the produced constriction degree in the ambient language environment to produce the speech unit appropriately. We model this recovery as estimating the parameters of an articulatory distribution that is most likely to have produced the acoustic observations (i.e., the maximum likelihood estimate). In particular, we optimize the parameters of a Gaussian distribution with respect to their log-likelihoo...
Inhibitory effect of interferon on murine sarcoma and leukaemia virus infection in vitro.

THE interaction of tumour viruses with the interferon system has important implications for the pathogenesis of infection and transformation of cells by tumour viruses. The sensitivity of tumour viruses to interferon varies widely1–20, but at present there seems to be no marked difference in the sensitivities of DNA and RNA viruses. Viral functions reported to be inhibited by interferon are replication, virus-induced transformation and virus-specified T-antigen production in cells pretreated with interferon before virus infection. After transformation has occurred, in the case of simian virus-40 (SV40), T-antigen production and the morphology of transformation in vitro are unaffected by the antiviral action of subsequently applied interferon10,11.
Does the world really need more babies

To see an article like “The baby deficit” (M. Balter, Special Section: Life Cycles, News, 30 June, p. 1894) in a magazine such as Business Week , or The Economist , or Sociology Today would not be surprising, but how could Science publish such an article? The thrust of this four-page article is captured in the sentence “Population losses could bring a raft of negative economic consequences in the industrialized world, as well as greater stresses on social security and health care systems as the proportion of older citizens increases.” The word “environment” never once appears in the article. With the biosphere on the brink of multiple disasters or even catastrophe, how can Science —the publisher of numerous reports on energy, climate change, and species extinction—write so extensively about “baby deficits” without mentioning overpopulation in an environmental context? Our species is presently responsible for the worst mass extinction event of the past 65 million years. If recent reports of imminent and rapid destruction of the entire Amazon rainforest—due to activities like logging, burning, and agriculture accompanied by prolonged drought from anthropogenically induced climate change—turn out to be accurate, then our species may ultimately become responsible for the worst mass extinction in the entire history of life on Earth. Viewed in this light, a rapid and massive decline in human numbers due to a “baby deficit,” although perhaps accompanied by some short-term economic and social pain for some people, would be a blessing for millions of species on Earth, including our own. ![Figure][1] CREDIT: STEVE KROPP/IMAGES.COM/CORBIS [1]: pending:yes
Ginsenoside Re rapidly reverses insulin resistance in muscles of high-fat diet fed rats

Abstract Objective In a previous study, it was found that a ginseng berry extract with a high content of the ginsenoside Re normalized blood glucose in ob/ob mice. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the ginsenoside Re on insulin resistance of glucose transport in muscles of rats made insulin resistant with a high-fat diet. Material/method Rats were fed either rat chow or a high-fat diet for 5 weeks. The rats were then euthanized, and insulin stimulated glucose transport activity was measured in epitrochlearis and soleus muscle strips in vitro. Results Treatment of muscles with Re alone had no effect on glucose transport. The high-fat diet resulted in ~ 50% decreases in insulin responsiveness of GLUT4 translocation to the cell surface and glucose transport in epitrochlearis and soleus muscles. Treatment of muscles with Re in vitro for 90 min completely reversed the high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance of glucose transport and GLUT4 translocation. This effect of Re is specific for insulin stimulated glucose transport, as Re treatment did not reverse the high-fat diet-induced resistance of skeletal muscle glucose transport to stimulation by contractions or hypoxia. Conclusions Our results show that the ginsenoside Re induces a remarkably rapid reversal of high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance of muscle glucose transport by reversing the impairment of insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation to the cell surface.
The Less Refrangible Bands in the Spectrum of Tin Monochloride

Four groups of bands previously obtained by Jevons in a discharge through Sn${\mathrm{Cl}}_{4}$ vapor are now found also in streaming active nitrogen. Two groups, $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and $\ensuremath{\beta}$, were previously classified as a $^{2}S\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{2}P$ transition in SnCl; with the help of new measurements, and from an examination of the band structure, it is concluded that the other two groups, $\ensuremath{\lambda}3500$ and $\ensuremath{\lambda}3800$, are a $^{2}D\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{2}P$ transition with the same $^{2}P$ state as the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and $\ensuremath{\beta}$ bands. The chlorine isotope effect confirms the identity of the mitter as SnCl and confirms the vibrational quantum number assignments. The vibrational intensity distribution (intensity concentrated in $\ensuremath{\Delta}n=0$ sequence) is in qualitative agreement with theory, for the ratio of ${{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}$ to ${{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$. An attempt was made to obtain analogous bands by introducing Sn${\mathrm{I}}_{4}$ vapor into active nitrogen, but no new bands were obtained.
The Frankenstein Syndrome: Ethical and Social Issues in the Genetic Engineering of Animals

This book is a philosophically sophisticated and scientifically well-informed discussion of the moral and social issues raised by genetically engineering animals, a powerful technology which has major implications for society. Unlike other books on this emotionally charged subject, the author attempts to inform, not inflame, the reader about the real problems society must address in order to manage this technology. Bernard Rollin is both a professor of philosophy, and physiology and biophysics, and writes from a uniquely well-informed perspective on this topic. The style is non-technical and anecdotal and will ensure that the book can be used on a wide range of courses on bioethics, biotechnology, veterinary medicine and public policy. The book could also appeal to a general, non-academic reader with a serious interest in genetic engineering.
Effect of Impurities on Estradiol Crystallization in a Sustained-Release Implant

During the development of a silicone rubber implant for the delivery of estradiol 17-beta some batches of implants made from a certain lot of commercial estradiol inexplicably developed surface crystals of estradiol after several days of storage. An impurity profile was obtained for 28 lots of estradiol by a newly developed HPLC method. One or more impurities may have had a role in the spontaneous crystal growth on the surface of the implants, because the one lot of estradiol that initially had surface crystals on aging produced acceptable implants after multiple recrystallizations. Attempts to isolate suspected impurities for characterization were unsuccessful. During the manufacture of the implants, temperatures sufficient to melt the estradiol (mp, 173-179 degrees C) were used. It was expected that, upon implant cooling, melted impure estradiol would form a thermodynamically more active (i.e., noncrystalline) physical form. This metastable form could have migrated to the implant surface, where ambient conditions favored crystallization. Because melted estradiol of a higher purity tended to crystallize more readily, it was less likely to form a glass upon cooling. The phenomenon of surface crystallization was limited to one lot of estradiol with the highest level of impurities. Data from differential scanning calorimetry studies supported this conclusion.
Efficient stack simulation for set-associative virtual address caches with real tags

Stack simulation is a powerful cache analysis approach to generate the number of misses and write backs for various cache configurations in a single run. Unfortunately, none of the previous work on stack simulation has efficient stack algorithm for virtual address caches with real tags (VIR-type caches). In this paper, we devise an efficient stack simulation algorithm for analyzing VIR-type caches. Using markers with a valid range for synonym lines, our algorithm is able to keep track of stack distances for different cache configurations. In addition to cache miss ratios and write back ratios, our approach generates pseudonym frequency for all cache configurations under investigation. >
Diffusion with Strong Absorption

After a review of the qualitative properties of the heat equation without absorption or with line ar absorption, consideration is given to problems with nonlinear absorption and, in particular, to those with a fractional power absorption rate (strong absorption) . In the latter case, there can appear new phenomena such as extinction in finite time, localization of support, thermal fronts and dead cores. These phenomena are analyzed in various geometries and conditions for their existence are established. The relation between the steady and evolutionary problems is investigated. The final section deals with gas-solid reactions and the range of validity of the pseudo-steadystate approximation.
C5a-regulated CCAAT/Enhancer-binding Proteins β and δ Are Essential in Fcγ Receptor-mediated Inflammatory Cytokine and Chemokine Production in Macrophages

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and C/EBPδ are known to participate in the regulation of many genes associated with inflammation. However, little is known about the activation and function of C/EBPβ and -δ in inflammatory responses elicited by Fcγ receptor (FcγR) activation. Here we show that C/EBPβ and -δ activation are induced in IgG immune complex (IC)-treated macrophages. The increased expression of C/EBPβ and -δ occurred at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, induction of C/EBPβ and -δ was mediated, to a large extent, by activating FcγRs. Using siRNA-mediated knockdown as well as macrophages deficient for C/EBPβ and/or -δ, we demonstrate that C/EBPβ and -δ play a critical role in the production of TNF-α, MIP-2, and MIP-1α in IgG IC-stimulated macrophages. Moreover, both ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK are involved in C/EBP induction and TNF-α, MIP-2, and MIP-1α production induced by IgG IC. We provide the evidence that C5a regulates IgG IC-induced inflammatory responses by enhancing ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activities as well as C/EBPβ and -δ activities. Collectively, these data suggest that C/EBPβ and -δ are key regulators for FcγR-mediated induction of cytokines and chemokines in macrophages. Furthermore, C/EBPs may play an important regulatory role in IC-associated inflammatory responses.
TWO NEW CONDITIONS SUPPORTING THE FIRST-ORDER APPROACH TO MULTISIGNAL PRINCIPAL-AGENT PROBLEMS

This paper presents simple new multisignal generalizations of the two classic methods used to justify the first-order approach to moral hazard principal-agent problems, and compares these two approaches with each other. The paper first discusses limitations of previous generalizations. Then a state-space formulation is used to obtain a new multisignal generalization of the Jewitt (1988) conditions. Next, using the Mirrlees formulation, new multisignal generalizations of the convexity of the distribution function condition (CDFC) approach of Rogerson (1985) and Sinclair-Desgagne (1994) are obtained. Vector calculus methods are used to derive easy-to-check local conditions for our generalization of the CDFC. Finally, we argue that the Jewitt conditions may generalize more flexibly than the CDFC to the multisignal case. This is because, with many signals, the principal can become very well informed about the agent's action and, even in the one-signal case, the CDFC must fail when the signal becomes very accurate.
Applications of "Integrated Data Viewer'' (IDV) in the classroom

Abstract. Conventionally, weather products utilized in synoptic meteorology reduce phenomena occurring in four dimensions to a 2-dimensional form. This constitutes a road-block for non-atmospheric-science majors who need to take meteorology as a non-mathematical and complementary course to their major programs. This research examines the use of Integrated Data Viewer-IDV as a teaching tool, as it allows a 4-dimensional representation of weather products. IDV was tested in the teaching of synoptic meteorology, weather analysis, and weather map interpretation to non-science students in the laboratory sessions of an introductory meteorology class at Western Michigan University. Comparison of student exam scores according to the laboratory teaching techniques, i.e., traditional lab manual and IDV was performed for short- and long-term learning. Results of the statistical analysis show that the Fall 2004 students in the IDV-based lab session retained learning. However, in the Spring 2005 the exam scores did not reflect retention in learning when compared with IDV-based and MANUAL-based lab scores (short term learning, i.e., exam taken one week after the lab exercise). Testing the long-term learning, seven weeks between the two exams in the Spring 2005, show no statistically significant difference between IDV-based group scores and MANUAL-based group scores. However, the IDV group obtained exam score average slightly higher than the MANUAL group. Statistical testing of the principal hypothesis in this study, leads to the conclusion that the IDV-based method did not prove to be a better teaching tool than the traditional paper-based method. Future studies could potentially find significant differences in the effectiveness of both manual and IDV methods if the conditions had been more controlled. That is, students in the control group should not be exposed to the weather analysis using IDV during lecture.
A Method for Finding Good Ashenhurst Decompositions and Its Application to FPGA Synthesis

In this paper, we present an algorithm for finding a good Ashenhurst decomposition of a switching function. Most current methods for performing this type of decomposition are based on the Roth-Karp algorithm. The algorithm presented here is based on finding an optimal cut in a BDD. This algorithm differs from previous decomposition algorithms in that the cut determines the size and composition of the bound set and the free set. Other methods examine all possible bound sets of an arbitrary size. We have applied this method to decomposing functions into sets of k-variable functions. This is a required step when implementing a function using a lookup table (LUT) based FPGA. The results compare very favorably to existing implementations of Roth-Karp decomposition methods.
Reconfigurable computing application frameworks

FPGA-based (field programmable gate array) configurable computing machines (CCMs) offer powerful and flexible general-purpose computing platforms. However, development for FPGA-based designs using modern CAD (computer aided design) tools is geared mainly toward an ASIC-like process. This is inadequate for the needs of CCM application development. This paper discusses an application framework for developing CCM-based applications beyond just the hardware configuration. This framework leverages the advantages of CCMs (availability, programmability, visibility, and controllability) to help create CCM-based applications throughout the entire development process (i.e. design, debug, and deploy). The framework itself is deployed with the final application, thus permitting dynamic circuit configurations that include data folding optimizations based on user input. The resulting system aids in creating applications that are potentially more intuitive, easier to develop, and better performing. An example application demonstrates the use of the application framework and the potential benefits.
Rapid synthesis of high-level architecture-based heterogeneous simulation: a model-based integration approach

Virtual evaluation of complex command and control concepts demands the use of heterogeneous simulation environments. Development challenges include how to integrate multiple simulation engines with varying semantics and how to integrate simulation models and manage the complex interactions between them. While existing simulation frameworks may provide many of the required run-time services needed to coordinate among multiple simulation engines, they lack an overarching integration approach that connects and relates the interoperability of heterogeneous domain models and their interactions. This paper outlines some of the challenges encountered in developing a command and control simulation environment and discusses our use of the Generic Modeling Environment tool suite to create a model-based integration approach that allows for rapid synthesis of complex high-level architecture-based simulation environments.
Experimental studies on the solvent action of ether on gallstones

T HE idea that gaIlstones might be dissolved by bathing them in a Iipoid soIvent is not a new one. In 1901, WaIker’ cited a case in which he used an ether gIycerine sohrtion to dissolve a stone by irrigation through a sinus leading to the galIbIadder. However, the use of ether for this purpose was not generally accepted, nor was further mention made of it unti1 Pribram2 recorded its use in the removal of the common duct stone in the bad risk case. Best3 tells of its unsuccessfu1 use in several cases of remaining common duct stone and gives a method of nonoperative treatment which he considers more efficacious. In an experimenta study on dogs with catheters sutured into their galIbIadders and their common ducts tied off, Probstein and Eckert4 found that their animaIs objected strenuously to the injection of 3 to 6 cc. of ether; they invariabIy grew listless; their output of biIe decreased; some became jaundiced and a11 died or had to be destroyed. Microscopic study showed progressive destruction of the mucosa1 lining of the gaIIbIadder and biliary tract and edema of the hepatic parenchyma1 cells. The dog surviving for the Iongest period had daiIy injections of ether for fourteen days. In a recent resume of advances in the surgica1 treatment of bihary disease, Boyce” gives ether credit for being a safer agent than Probstein and Eckert have indicated. He cites a very poor risk with acute pancreatitis and acute ChoIecystitis and a low Iiver function test in which the use of ether causes no disturbance. It had been our impression from an experience with two cIinica1 cases that ether NEW YORK
Time segmentation parallel simulation of tandem queues with manufacturing blocking

The paper studies the application of the time segmentation parallel simulation approach to efficient simulation of simple manufacturing queueing systems, namely systems of queues in tandem with manufacturing blocking at each station. We discuss the difficulties in the way of applying the time segmentation method to this class of manufacturing systems and demonstrate that the time segmentation method can efficiently provide very close approximate simulation results.
Efficient Estimation of the Attributable Fraction When There Are Monotonicity Constraints and Interactions

The PAF for an exposure is the fraction of disease cases in a population that can be attributed to that exposure. One method of estimating the PAF involves estimating the probability of having the disease given the exposure and confounding variables. In many settings, the exposure will interact with the confounders and the confounders will interact with each other. Also, in many settings, the probability of having the disease is thought, based on subject matter knowledge, to be a monotone increasing function of the exposure and possibly of some of the confounders. We develop an efficient approach for estimating logistic regression models with interactions and monotonicity constraints, and apply this approach to estimating the population attributable fraction (PAF). Our approach produces substantially more accurate estimates of the PAF in some settings than the usual approach which uses logistic regression without monotonicity constraints.
Gold nanoparticles for cleaning contaminated water

Pollutants in the form of heavy metals, fertilizers, detergents, and pesticides have seriously reduced the supply of pure drinking water and usable water. Gold metal has intriguing potential to deal with the water pollution problem, as recent research on several fronts is advancing the concept of nanoscale gold as the basis for cost-effective nanotechnology-based water treatment. Nano-gold has special properties, such as enhanced catalytic activity, visible surface plasmon resonance color changes, and chemical stability, that make it more useful than other materials. This Perspective article highlights the current use of gold nanoparticles for the efficient removal and the selective and sensitive detection of a variety of pollutants in water. The challenges in further developing nano-gold to address water contamination are discussed, which should stimulate future research into improved removal and detection of undesirable chemical compounds. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Diverse Cultural Beliefs and Practices About Death and Dying in the Elderly

Practices related to death and dying vary in different cultures although the feelings of loss and grief are universal. Recognizing these differences is important to clinical practice in a multiethnic society. Five strategies are recommended to orient United States health-care practitioners to deal with diversity and its potential conflict with the traditional legal and ethical practices of Western biomedicine: (1) redefine the family according to the patient's orientation; (2) acknowledge the cultural basis of Western healthcare systems; (3) recognize the diversity of health-care practices and their respective ethical structures; (4) incorporate different views of the value of autonomy; and (5) establish standards of care sensitive to these different values.
Relative Binding of Acetaminophen, Lidocaine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Quinidine, and Theophylline to Human Tissues In Vitro

at 4~ with each drug at concentrations of 5 and 10 mmol/L. The percent binding of each drug to each tissue was calculated. Binding of 5 % or less was considered to be negligible. By drug, the following relative binding orders were observed for those tissues
Characterization of Infections With Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella Species at a Major Military Medical Center

ABSTRACT This study represents a review of the incidence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species causing infections over a 7-year period and provides a comparison of patient demographics, comorbidities, and ESBL subtypes between community-associated (CA) versus health care–associated (HA) infections. All ESBL-producing bacterial isolates between 2003 and May 2011 at Madigan Army Medical Center were evaluated and reviewed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for ESBL subtypes TEM, SHV, and CTX-M was performed. Demographics and comorbidities associated with infection, ESBL subtype, and antibiotic susceptibility were compared for HA and CA infection. A total of 122 isolates were included in the analysis. From 2005 to 2010, incidence of ESBLs in E. coli increased from 0.13% to 1.0%, and incidence in Klebsiella species rose from 1.0% to 2.55%. CA infections were more likely in females (p < 0.01), age <60 (p < 0.01), urinary source (p < 0.01), and recurrent urinary ...
Evaluation of red and red-edge reflectance-based vegetation indices for rice biomass and grain yield prediction models in paddy fields

Remote sensing-based nitrogen (N) management has been evaluated in many crops. The water background and wide range of varieties in rice (Oryza sativa), are unique features that require additional consideration when using sensor technology. The commonly calculated normalized difference vegetation index is of limited use when the crop has reached complete canopy closure. The objective of this research was to evaluate mid-season agronomic parameter and grain yield prediction models along with the effect of water background and of different varieties using a red- and red-edge-based vegetation index. Varieties × N trials were established at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station located in Crowley, Louisiana in 2011 and 2012. Canopy spectral reflectance under clear and turbid water, biomass yield, N content, plant coverage, and water depth were collected each week for three consecutive weeks beginning 2 weeks before panicle differentiation. Grain yield was also determined. Water turbidity had an influence on spectral reflectance when canopy coverage was less than 50 %. While water depth influenced red reflectance, this was not carried over when reflectance was transformed to vegetation indices. The red-edge-based vegetation indices, especially those computed by ratio, had stronger relationships with measured agronomic parameters as compared with red-based indices. Furthermore, the effect of variety on the yield prediction model was observed using derivative-based red-edge indices but not with other ratio-based indices. Future researches should focus on developing a generalized yield prediction model using ratio-based red-edge indices across different varieties to extend its applicability in production fields.
Analog computing arrays

Analog Computing Arrays (ACAs) provide a computation system capable of performing a large number of multiply and add operations in an analog form. This system can therefore implement several computation algorithms that are currently realized using Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) who have an analogues accumulate and add functionality. DSPs are generally preferred for signal processing because they provide an environment that permits programmability once fabricated. ACA systems propose to offer similar functionality by providing a programmable and reconfigurable analog system. ACAs inherent parallelism and analog efficiency present several advantages over DSP implementations of the same systems. The computation power of an ACA system is directly proportional to the number of computing elements used in the system Array size is limited by the number of computation elements that can be managed in an array. This number is continually growing and as a result, is permitting the realization of signal processing systems such as real-time speech recognition, image processing, and many other matrix like computation systems. This research provides a systematic process to implement, program, and use the computation elements in large-scale Analog Computing Arrays. This infrastructure facilitates the incorporation of ACA without the current headaches of programming large arrays of analog floating-gates from off-chip, currently using multiple power supplies, expensive FPGA controllers/computers, and custom Printed Circuit Board (PCB) systems. Proof of the flexibility and usefulness of ACAs has been demonstrated by the construction of two systems, an Analog Fourier Transform and a Vector Quantizer.
Fe3Se4 Nanostructures with Giant Coercivity Synthesized by Solution Chemistry

Fe(3)Se(4) nanostructures have been synthesized by a one-pot high-temperature organic-solution-phase method. The size of these nanostructures can be tuned from 50 to 500 nm, and their shapes can be varied from nanosheets and nanocacti to nanoplatelets. These nanostructures exhibit hard magnetic properties, with giant coercivity values reaching 40 kOe at 10 K and 4 kOe at room temperature. The estimated magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant is 6 x 10(6) erg cm(-3), comparable to that of hexagonal close-packed cobalt. The magnetic properties can be further tuned by substituting Fe ions by other transition-metal elements such as Co.
Seismoglaziologische Untersuchungen nahe Byrd Station, Antarktis

Wahrend der Sommersaison 1970/71 wurden auf dem westantarktischen Inlandeis nahe Byrd Station refraktions- und reflexionsseismische Messungen durchgefuhrt. Geringfugige Unterschiede zwischen den Geschwindigkeitsprofilen an dieser Station und der 30 km entfernten alten Byrd-Station sind durch die unterschiedlichen Verdichtungsraten verursacht. Aus dem Verlauf der Geschwindigkeiten mit der Tiefe wurde eine Firnstruktur abgeleitet, die mit fundamentalen Anderungen im Verdichtungsmechanismus in Einklang steht. Diese Firnstruktur erweist sich als abhangig von der Temperatur und der Akkumulation. Aus den Weitwinkelreflexionen auf einem Common-Reflection-Point-Profil wurden die Durchschnittsgeschwindigkeiten im Eis als Funktion des Einfallswinkels bestimmt. Die Ergebnisse stehen in guter Ubereinstimmung mit einem Anisotropiemodell, abgeleitet aus glaziologischen Messungen, und mit dem Sonic Log in der Tiefbohrung.
A Personal View of Efforts in Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in 1988

This presentation summarizes the US national cooperative trials for AIDS treatment and some specific efforts in the treatment of viral infections. The underlying principles behind clinical efforts in the control of the human immunodeficiency virus are described to date. In addition, concerns are voiced regarding the oversimplification of treatment issues presented in the public policy area; some will clearly require responses from interested and informed clinical scientists.
Is impaired wound healing caused by infection or nutritional depletion

Since infection and malnutrition both impair wound repair, we examined the interactions of an intra-abdominal abscess and its nutritional alterations on wound healing. Mice subjected to a left paraspinal incision then underwent either cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham operation (sham). Abscesses and an early decrease in food intake developed in all CLP mice, but the animals resumed normal food consumption by day 7. The CLP animals had an initial 20% weight loss; however, by day 11 they had a gradual return toward control weight. Fresh and formalin-fixed wound disruption strengths determined on days 7 through 35 revealed a significant weakness in CLP animals. To examine the role of nutritional intake, an additional set of experiments were performed with the following groups: CLP, sham, no operation (control), or sham operation with pair-feeding an amount equal to that consumed by the CLP group to reproduce only the nutritional deficit (sham/dep). At 7 and 11 days, fresh wound-disruption strengths of both CLP and sham/dep animals were significantly weaker than those of control or sham animals. A defect in formalin-fixed healing also existed for sham/dep mice at day 11. These findings suggest that short-term reduction in nutrient intake as a result of infection may be a major determinant of impaired wound healing.
The feasibility and acceptability of administering a telemedicine objective structured clinical exam as a solution for providing equivalent education to remote and rural learners

Introduction Although many medical schools incorporate distance learning into their curricula, assessing students at a distance can be challenging. While some assessments are relatively simple to administer to remote students, other assessments, such as objective structured clinical exams (OSCEs) are not. This article describes a means to more effectively and efficiently assess distance learners and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the assessment. Methods We developed a teleOSCE, administered online in real time, to two cohorts of students on a rural clerkship rotation and assessed the feasibility and acceptability of using such an approach to assess medical students' clinical skills at rural locations. Project feasibility was defined as having development and implementation costs of less than $5000. Project acceptability was determined by analyzing student interview transcripts. A qualitative case study design framework was chosen due to the novel nature of the activity. Results The implementation cost of the teleOSCE was approximately US$1577.20, making it a feasible educational endeavor. Interview data indicated the teleOSCE was also acceptable to students. Conclusions The teleOSCE format may be useful to other institutions as a method to centrally administer clinical skills exams for assessment of distance medical students.
Recovery of expanded polystyrene from coated patterns rejected from lost foam casting

Lost foam casting is a process in which a polymeric material is formed into the shape of the part to be cast. Parts that are more complex are fabricated by simply gluing several patterns together. The pattern is then coated with a refractory material consisting of a mineral mixture and binders. Finally, hot metal is poured into the pattern, evaporating the expanded polystyrene and taking the shape of the coating shell. Prior to casting, a significant number of the patterns are damaged and inevitably landfilled. In this study, a process was developed for the recovery of expanded polystyrene from the coating and glue contaminants. The process consists of shredding, impact comminution, size classification and pneumatic separation. It is successful in separating up to 97% of the contaminants, while recovering 95% of the polystyrene.
Abstract P105: Clinical Factors Associated With Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Disparity in Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction Undergoing Multimodality Imaging

Background: Drug and device therapy of heart failure is increasingly determined based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) partition values. Many patients undergo both single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and echocardiographic assessment of LVEF. Significant disparity frequently exists between these 2 techniques, even when testing is performed near simultaneously in clinically stable patients. Objective: We aimed to determine clinical predictors of LVEF disparity in patients undergoing multimodality testing. Methods: Between January 2006 and July 2007, 2937 patients underwent both echo and SPECT testing within a 7 day period. Of these, 119 patients had an LVEF <50% by 1 or both techniques, and an absolute LVEF difference between the 2 techniques of at least 10%. A control group comprising of 118 patients had an LVEF <50% by 1 or both techniques, and an absolute LVEF difference between the 2 techniques of less than 10%. In a logistic model with a stepwise selection method 30 candidate clinical variables were available to be selected in the model. Results: The predictive model resulted in five variables: Atrial Fibrillation, Severe mitral regurgitation, Left ventricular hypertrophy, high basal heart rate during echocardiogram and Paced rhythm. The model obtained good predictability(c=0.82) and fit (Hosmer-Lemeshow p=0.51). The point estimates and odds ratios are shown in the figure below. Conclusions: In patients with LVEF 10% LVEF disparity between the two imaging techniques. ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Self-evaluative Process, Psychology of

Self-evaluation has a productive history in psychology. Individual differences in self-esteem tend to be correlated with a number of positive attributes such as school achievement, general happiness, lack of depression. There is a strong tendency for people to maintain a positive self-esteem but there is also evidence of motives for self-accuracy and for self-verification. At least three processes affect self-evaluation: Social comparison, cognitive consistency, and value expression. Although these processes are qualitatively different from one another, they are substitutable for one another in maintaining self-esteem. Self-enhancement is thought to have evolutionary roots in the individual's connections to groups.