cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two methods for ethics case analysis

Engineering instructors are often reticent about introducing ethics cases into their engineering courses. One way to overcome this reticence is to provide one or more simple methodologies that have been found effective both in stimulating class discussion and in providing ways of resolving ethical problems. The authors present two such methodologies. One is a methodology for resolving what the authors call conflict problems. The other is a methodology for resolving what they call line-drawing problems. Most practical ethical problems can be classified as either conflict problems or line-drawing problems, but one approach is usually more useful for resolving a given moral problem than the other. >
Re-engineering fault tolerance requirements: a case study in specifying fault tolerant flight control systems

We present a formal specification of fault tolerance requirements for an analytical redundancy based fault tolerant flight control system. The development of the specification is driven by the performance and fault tolerance requirements contained in the US Air Force military specification MIL-F-9490D. The design constraints imposed to the system from adopting the analytical redundancy approach are captured within the specification. We draw some preliminary conclusions from our study.
Intergroup relationships and quality improvement in healthcare

Background: Intergroup problems among physicians, nurses and administrators in healthcare settings sometimes retard such settings’ ability to foster enhanced quality of care. Without knowledge of the social dynamics that generate the difficulties, it is impossible to address some crucial issues that may affect quality initiatives. Methods: This paper reviews three types of dynamics, social identity, communities of practice and socialisation into particular professional identities that affect relationships among professional groups in healthcare settings. Recommendations: A suggestion is made for the creation of cross-boundary communities of practice, socialisation into them and dual, superordinate identities as a means to foster more effective intergroup dynamics and, thus, contribute to a greater quality of care.
Re‐examination of the 13C NMR spectra of synthetic chlorins

The 13C NMR spectra of the synthetic chlorins H2(OEC), Ni(TMC) and H2(TPC) have been re-examined. Evidence from single-frequency proton decoupled, proton coupled, and 2D 13C-13C INADEQUATE experiments show that the previous assignments of the meso-substituted chlorins were incorrect. Corrected assignments establish that the α-pyrroline carbons of chlorins occur at lower fields (150–175 ppm) than the α-pyrrole carbons.
Trust Management in Distributed Systems

Distributed systems such as the Internet, peer-to-peer networks, and mobile ad hoc networks involve numerous entities, many of which haven't previously interacted. Trust management can help minimize risk and ensure the network activity of benign entities in distributed systems. This article presents different trust models. It also discusses trust management in P2P system
A Method for Direct Estimation of Origin/Destination Trip Matrices

Estimates of the volume of travel between zones or locations is often a necessary step in transportation studies. This paper suggests a method of estimating origin/destination volumes, using a direct demand function and incomplete, aggregate data. Most attention is devoted to demand functions which are linear in their parameters. With such demand functions, volume estimates are obtained from a quadratic programming problem, which minimizes the sum of squared errors from a direct demand function, subject to constraints derived from observations of some travel volumes. A decomposition algorithm is suggested for solving the programming problem and is proven to converge. The method may also be used in the trip distribution phase of the conventional urban transportation model systems UTMS.
"So that our souls don't get damaged": The impact of racism on maternal thinking and practice related to the protection of daughters.

Racism influences the conceptualization of motherhood and the practice of mothering. Narrative analysis was completed on 246 stories collected through five focus groups. Twenty-five African American women participated in the study. The results indicate that living in a racist society profoundly impacts the maternal thinking and practice of African American women in relation to protecting their daughters. Protection of children was viewed as a communal responsibility. Issues related to the provision of safe and nurturing physical, aesthetic, and spiritual environments are addressed. The influence that maternal responsibilities have on women's own health is also discussed. Suggestions are provided for mental health providers who wish to work more effectively with African American women.
HPV in Cervical Carcinoma

Since the introduction of cervical and vaginal smear by Papanicolaou in 1941, the rate of death from cervical cancer has dramatically reduced. Each year, cervical cancer affects about 500,000 women worldwide and is responsible for approximately 25,000 deaths. Human papillomavirus (HPV), a member of the papovavirus family, has been strongly associated with the development of cervical carcinoma. Currently, about one hundred genetically distinct subtypes of HPV have been identified, which are divided into low and high-risk groups. In this chapter, we will explore the HPV virus, its transmission, detection, diagnosis and role in cervical carcinogenesis.
Development of a bibliography on religion, spirituality and addictions

Introduction and Aims. The aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive annotated public-domain bibliography of the literature on spirituality and addictions to facilitate future research and scholarship. Design and Methods. A search was conducted of all citations listed in the MEDLINE, PsychINFO and ALTA Religion databases covering a period from 1941 to 2004 using the following search terms: substance abuse, substance dependence, addiction, religion, spirituality. A group of experts in the field then classified each citation according to empirically derived categories. Results. A total of 1353 papers met the search parameters and were classified into 10 non-exclusive categories: (1) attitudes toward spirituality and substance use, (2) commentaries, (3) spiritual practices and development in recovery, (4) spiritual and religion variables in the epidemiology of substance abuse, (5) psychoactive substances and spiritual experiences, (6) religious and spiritual interventions, (7) literature reviews, (8) ...
Co-Optimization of Communication and Motion Planning of a Robotic Operation under Resource Constraints and in Fading Environments

We consider the scenario where a robot is tasked with sending a fixed number of given bits of information to a remote station, in a limited operation time, as it travels along a pre-defined trajectory, and while minimizing its motion and communication energy costs. We propose a co-optimization framework that allows the robot to plan its motion speed, transmission rate and stop time, based on its probabilistic prediction of the channel quality along the trajectory. We show that in order to save energy, the robot should move faster (slower) and send less (more) bits at the locations that have worse (better) predicted channel qualities. We furthermore prove that if the robot must stop, it should then stop only once and at the location with the best predicted channel quality. We also prove some properties for two special scenarios: the heavy-task load and the light-task load cases. We also propose an additional stop-time online adaptation strategy to further fine tune the stop location as the robot moves along its trajectory and measures the true value of the channel. Finally, our simulation results show that our proposed framework results in a considerable performance improvement.
Mesothelin-Targeted Agents in Clinical Trials and in Preclinical Development

Mesothelin is a tumor differentiation antigen that is highly expressed in several malignant diseases in humans, including malignant mesothelioma and pancreatic, ovarian, and lung adenocarcinomas. The limited expression of mesothelin on normal human tissues and its high expression in many common cancers make it an attractive candidate for cancer therapy. Several agents, including an immunotoxin, monoclonal antibody, antibody drug conjugate, and tumor vaccine, are in various stages of development to treat patients with mesothelin-expressing tumors. This review highlights ongoing clinical trials, as well as other approaches to exploit mesothelin for cancer therapy, that are in preclinical development.
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccination Using a Microneedle Patch

Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis continues to be a leading cause of mortality among bacterial diseases, and the bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the only licensed vaccine for human use against this disease. TB prevention and control would benefit from an improved method of BCG vaccination that simplifies logistics and eliminates dangers posed by hypodermic needles without compromising immunogenicity. Here, we report the design and engineering of a BCG-coated microneedle vaccine patch for a simple and improved intradermal delivery of the vaccine. The microneedle vaccine patch induced a robust cell-mediated immune response in both the lungs and the spleen of guinea pigs. The response was comparable to the traditional hypodermic needle based intradermal BCG vaccination and was characterized by a strong antigen specific lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-γ levels with high frequencies of CD4 + IFN-γ + , CD4 + TNF-α + and CD4 + IFN-γ + TNF-α + T cells. The BCG-coated microneedle vaccine patch was highly immunogenic in guinea pigs and supports further exploration of this new technology as a simpler, safer, and compliant vaccination that could facilitate increased coverage, especially in developing countries that lack adequate healthcare infrastructure.
Cold Hardiness in Wyoming Big Sagebrush Seedlings: Implications for Nursery Production and Outplanting

Advisory No. 2. Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative, U.S. Office of Surface Mining. Diskin, M., K.C. Steiner and F.V. Hebard. 2006. Recovery of American chestnut characteristics following hybridization and backcross breeding to restore blight-ravaged Castanea dentata. Forest Ecology and Management 223:439–447. Hebard, F.V. 2001. Backcross breeding program produces blight-resistant American chestnuts. Ecological Restoration 19:252–254. Jacobs, D.F. 2007. Toward development of silvical strategies for forest restoration of American chestnut (Castanea dentata) using blight-resistant hybrids. Biological Conservation 137:497–506. McCarthy, B.C., J.M. Bauman and C.H. Keiffer. 2008. Mine land reclamation strategies for the restoration of American chestnut. Ecological Restoration 26:292–294. Sayler, K. L. 2008. Land Cover Trends: Central Appalachians. U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey. landcovertrends.usgs.gov/east/eco69Report.html Wickam, J.D., K. Riitters, T. Wade, M. Coan and C. Homer. 2007. The effect of Appalachian mountaintop mining on interior forest. Landscape Ecology 22:179–187.
Developing Advanced Courses for Undergraduates: A Case Study in Databases

Computer science and engineering education is faced with the need to respond to rapid changes in a global economy while still fulfilling the role of teaching the fundamentals. This paper presents techniques for assessing the development of an advanced database concepts course for undergraduates that responds to an industry perspective of the technological advances in the field. Cooperative learning and hands-on assignments relating theory to practice are the pedagogical foundation for an advanced undergraduate course. An alumni survey illustrates that students perceived that the course activities and strategies enabled them to attain the course objectives.
FDA drug prescribing warnings: is the black box half empty or half full?

Purpose Black box warnings (BBWs) are the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) strongest labeling requirements for high-risk medicines. It is unknown how frequently physicians prescribe BBW drugs and whether they do so in compliance with the warnings. The purpose of the present study was to assess the frequency of use of BBW medications in ambulatory care and prescribing compliance with BBW recommendations. Methods This retrospective study used automated claims data of 929 958 enrollees in 10 geographically diverse health plans in the United States to estimate frequency of use in ambulatory care of 216 BBW drugs/drug groups between 1/1/99 and 31/6/01. We assessed dispensing compliance with the BBW requirements for selected drugs. Results During a 30-month period, more than 40% of enrollees received at least one medication that carried a BBW that could potentially apply to them. We found few instances of prescribing during pregnancy of BBW drugs absolutely contra-indicated in pregnancy. There was almost no co-prescribing of contra-indicated drugs with the two QT-interval-prolonging BBW drugs evaluated. Most non-compliance occurred with recommendations for baseline laboratory monitoring (49.6% of all therapy initiations that should have been accompanied by baseline laboratory monitoring were not). Conclusions Many individuals receive drugs considered to carry the potential for serious risk. For some of these drugs, use is largely consistent with their BBW, while for others it is not. Since it will not be possible to avoid certain drug- associated risks, it will be important to develop effective methods to use BBWs and other methods to minimize risks. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hazards of Neonatal Blood Transfusion

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe acute immune-mediated transfusion reactions seen in neonates, their treatment, and their prevention. 2. Describe acute nonimmune-mediated transfusion reactions seen in neonates, their treatment, and their prevention. 3. Describe delayed transfusion complications. 4. Delineate the steps involved in the blood donor screening process in the United States. The safest blood transfusion is the one not administered. When a transfusion is needed, it is important for both physicians and nursing staff to be aware of its potential acute and delayed adverse effects. Adverse consequences may be minimized through early recognition and prompt therapeutic intervention. Noninfectious complications may be either acute (occurring within hours of transfusion) or delayed. Acute reactions may be categorized further according to their pathogenesis: immunologic versus nonimmunologic. Patients should be monitored closely during the transfusion. For all suspected transfusion reactions, the ordering physician and the nursing staff should be trained to stop the transfusion immediately, keep the intravenous line open, check that the blood component was given to the correct patient, and assess and treat symptoms. A posttransfusion blood specimen and the blood bags should be sent to the Transfusion Service (TS) along with a transfusion reaction report form that includes patient diagnosis, history of previous reactions, date and time of reaction with associated symptoms, and vital signs before and after the transfusion. The TS technologist performs a clerical check, inspects posttransfusion blood samples for hemolysis, and repeats ABO/Rh testing on both the transfused unit and the patient’s sample along with a direct antiglobulin (Coombs) test. Further testing is guided by the nature of the patient’s symptoms. Suspected delayed complications of transfusion also should be reported to the TS so the appropriate investigation may be initiated. ### Acute Immune-mediated Transfusion Reactions Acute hemolytic transfusion reactions are the second most common cause of transfusion-related fatality in adult patients, …
Canine Mammary Tumors

- lo%, I<RONBERGER47 - 12 o/,sTICKER71 - 44%, P0PPENSIEKfi4 - 14%, and DORN, et aLz7 - 13%. Excluding the unusually high figures (over 40'2,) the average figure for frequency of mammary tumors among all tumors of dogs in both sexes is 16%). Relative frequency will indicate the likelihood of a dog having a particular type of neoplasm, but population-at-risk denominators are required for calculation of incidence rates that indicate the risk of developing a neoplasm in the general population. The only published article containing incidence data for canine mammary neoplasia reported an annual rate of 198.8 cases per 100,000 female dogs28.
Risk Based Multi-objective Optimization for Transmission Loading Relief Strategies

This paper describes a new perspective and online tool for transmission loading relief. Risk based multi-objective optimization methods are employed to reach the expected security level associated with the least cost. Weather-based contingency probabilities are used to compute the risk. A linear program with contingency constraints is implemented to achieve good tradeoffs between economy and security, as quantified by risk, at fast execution speeds. The result shows how to balance system reliability level with cost in regards to different operation strategy. A 6-bus test system is used to illustrate.
What Are Providers’ Reporting Requirements for Children Who Witness Domestic Violence?

Each year, 3.3 to 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence/abuse (DV). Providers’ reporting obligations for these children are unclear. The child maltreatment statutes available on state’s web sites (through August 2003) were reviewed. Only Alaska defines DV in the presence of a child as child abuse within its juvenile code. Within their child abuse definition and reporting statutes, many states include language such as “substantial risk” or “imminent danger” of “physical harm” or “mental injury.” Although knowledge of the state law is an important first step, abiding by it may be challenging because most statutes are open to wide interpretation. As a result, providers are encouraged to seek advice from local child maltreatment specialists who understand the local legal interpretations and resources.
Do new TB vaccines have a place in the Expanded Program on Immunization

Evaluation of: Ota MO, Odutola AA, Owiafe PK et al. Immunogenicity of the tuberculosis vaccine MVA85A is reduced by coadministration with EPI vaccines in a randomized controlled trial in Gambian infants. Sci. Trans. Med. 3(88), 88ra56 (2011).Several new TB vaccines are currently undergoing clinical trials. Among the most promising is a vaccine based upon the modified vaccinia virus Ankara-expressing mycobacterial antigen 85A (MVA85A). Given the widespread use of the current TB vaccine, BCG, many of the new TB vaccines are being tested for their ability to boost BCG-induced immunity. The introduction of a new TB vaccine into routine use would be facilitated by its coadministration with other vaccines as a part of the WHO’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). In the article under review the authors tested the immunogenicity of MVA85A given alone or in combination with EPI vaccines to infants in The Gambia. Antigen 85A-specific production of IFN-γ by peripheral blood cells was reduced significantly in in...
Protecting Offshore Pipelines Against Drifting Ice: A Discussion on Standards and Guidelines

In freezing waters, seabed gouging ice features (icebergs, pressure ridges) are a threat to offshore pipelines, which must be buried to a safe depth. Several standards and guidelines addressing this issue are examined and compared. The type of information that each code deems significant varies considerably — factors that are important to some code writers are not to others. API RP 2N, CSA-ISO 19906, CSA Z662 and DNV OS F101 direct the users to specific factors that either must or could be considered for design, but do not indicate what is to be done with them. In contrast, the RMRS rules are highly prescriptive. From a code user’s perspective, a comprehensive listing of all factors involved in ice-seabed-pipe interaction might provide better guidance in assessing what needs to be considered. This assessment could also be divided into three distinct operations: determination of design gouge depth, determination of clearance below the design gouge depth, and determination of pipeline response.Copyright © 2015 by Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada
Free radicals in U.V.-irradiated aqueous solutions of substituted amides: an e.s.r. and spin-trapping study.

The radicals produced by reactions of hydroxyl radicals with alkyl substituted ureas and amides in aqueous solutions have been investigated. Hydroxyl radicals were produced by U.V. photolysis of H2O2 and the short-lived amide and urea radicals were spin-trapped by t-nitrosobutane and identified by e.s.r. For all N-alkyl derivatives of urea and acetamide, and for N,N-dimethyl propionamide and N,N-diethyl formamide, only radicals centred on N-alkyl groups were detected. Radicals situated only on alkyl groups attached to the carbonyl carbon were observed for dimethyl acetamide, trimethyl acetamide and butyramide. However, for N,N-dimethyl butyramide, N, N-diethyl butyramide, N-methyl propionamide and N, N-diethyl propionamide, free radicals were formed which were localized on the alkyl group attached to the amide carbon as well as those attached to nitrogen. The hydrogen atom bound to the carbonyl carbon was abstracted in N-ethyl formamide. Acyl radicals formed by C-N scission due to direct U.V. photolysis of N, N-dimethyl butyramide and N,N-dimethyl propionamide were also detected.
Modeling system for predicting enterococci levels at Holly Beach

This paper presents a new modeling system for nowcasting and forecasting enterococci levels in coastal recreation waters at any time during the day. The modeling system consists of (1) an artificial neural network (ANN) model for predicting the enterococci level at sunrise time, (2) a clear-sky solar radiation and turbidity correction to the ANN model, (3) remote sensing algorithms for turbidity, and (4) nowcasting/forecasting data. The first three components are also unique features of the new modeling system. While the component (1) is useful to beach monitoring programs requiring enterococci levels in early morning, the component (2) in combination with the component (1) makes it possible to predict the bacterial level in beach waters at any time during the day if the data from the components (3) and (4) are available. Therefore, predictions from the component (2) are of primary interest to beachgoers. The modeling system was developed using three years of swimming season data and validated using additional four years of independent data. Testing results showed that (1) the sunrise-time model correctly reproduced 82.63% of the advisories issued in seven years with a false positive rate of 2.65% and a false negative rate of 14.72%, and (2) the new modeling system was capable of predicting the temporal variability in enterococci levels in beach waters, ranging from hourly changes to daily cycles. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the new modeling system in predicting enterococci levels in coastal beach waters. Applications of the modeling system will improve the management of recreational beaches and protection of public health.
Activity coefficients of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid in select diluents

This work characterizes the non-ideal behavior of the solvent extraction agent di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP), constituting one piece of an effort to develop increasingly accurate models of advanced fuel separation processes such as TALSPEAK. Robust models are particularly important for processing high-level radioactive material in order to minimize the generation of secondary waste and to ensure reliable process control. Here, vapor pressure osmometry (VPO) data on binary solutions of HDEHP in toluene, dodecane, or cyclooctane yields the activity coefficients for each component after analysis. Initially, diluent activity data is obtained using the VPO results and then modeled using Scatchard-Hildebrand theory to provide the activity coefficients for HDEHP.
War Games: Comparative and IR Theory Simulations

Theories of comparative politics and international relations are often presented in introductory courses to the subfields. Yet, with little to no prior knowledge of political science, undergraduate students struggle to grasp the theories in their abstract form. In-class role-playing and simulation activities can provide important context and real-world applications to political science theories. They also create other learning opportunities for students who have different learning styles. In this paper, I detail three activities that I have used in comparative and IR undergraduate courses: a comparative advantage simulation, a balance of power simulation, and a foreign policy advisement role-playing activity. In addition to reviewing the preparatory assignments and individual activity details, I explain the positive outcomes and learning objectives of all three. Finally, I address how I measure the effectiveness of such activities, as well as potential areas for improvement.
Ultrastructural study of the human neurohypophysis. II. Cellular elements of neural parenchyma, the pituicytes.

The pars nervosa of the neurohypophysis from 12 patients undergoing hypophysectomy for palliative treatment of advanced carcinoma was studied electron microscopically. Special attention was given to the cellular elements, the pituicytes. Five different classes of pituicytes, with various transitional forms, were elucidated based on their ultrastructural characteristics: (1) The most common type, referred to as “major pituicytes”, is reminiscent of astrocytes. (2) “Dark pituicytes” are thought to represent different functional stages of the “major pituicytes”. (3) “Ependymal pituicytes” are believed to provide ultrastructural evidence that human pituicytes are phylogenetically derived from ependymal cells. (4) “Oncocytic pituicytes” were observed in all cases and are of unknown significance. (5) The ultrastructural features of “granular pituicytes” suggest the existence of an active uptake and catabolism of extracellular material by pituicytes, probably through “ultraphagocytosis” or “endocytosis”. These five classes of pituicytes are considered to represent different functional forms of one cell line that originates phylogenetically from the ependyma.
Rapid brain MRI acquisition techniques at ultra‐high fields

Ultra-high-field MRI provides large increases in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as well as enhancement of several contrast mechanisms in both structural and functional imaging. Combined, these gains result in a substantial boost in contrast-to-noise ratio that can be exploited for higher-spatial-resolution imaging to extract finer-scale information about the brain. With increased spatial resolution, however, there is a concurrent increased image-encoding burden that can cause unacceptably long scan times for structural imaging and slow temporal sampling of the hemodynamic response in functional MRI - particularly when whole-brain imaging is desired. To address this issue, new directions of imaging technology development - such as the move from conventional 2D slice-by-slice imaging to more efficient simultaneous multislice (SMS) or multiband imaging (which can be viewed as "pseudo-3D" encoding) as well as full 3D imaging - have provided dramatic improvements in acquisition speed. Such imaging paradigms provide higher SNR efficiency as well as improved encoding efficiency. Moreover, SMS and 3D imaging can make better use of coil sensitivity information in multichannel receiver arrays used for parallel imaging acquisitions through controlled aliasing in multiple spatial directions. This has enabled unprecedented acceleration factors of an order of magnitude or higher in these imaging acquisition schemes, with low image artifact levels and high SNR. Here we review the latest developments of SMS and 3D imaging methods and related technologies at ultra-high field for rapid high-resolution functional and structural imaging of the brain. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A control strategy for undervoltage load shedding based on WAMS

The effect of machines' over excitation limiters may cause long-term voltage instabilities in power systems, and undervoltage load shedding is an efficient method to prevent voltage instabilities. On the basis of undervoltage load shedding using distributed controllers, this paper presents a new strategy for undervoltage load shedding based on WAMS. This strategy takes the degree of load voltage drop and the activating signal of machines' over excitation limiters as the criterion to activate the load shedding control, and prevents the power systems from voltage collapse by repeated closed-loop load shedding. This strategy adjusts instantly according to the system's dynamic evolution, which is of inverse-time characteristic, and it is able to protect systems from long-term voltage instabilities caused by the effect of over excitation limiters in serious fault. The simulation studies have been carried out on the modified IEEE 39 system, and results show that the proposed strategy is efficient.
Analysis of Chinese Rural Land System Reform of Property Rights

The rural land system in rural economic development is the basic economic system.Since the founding of China's rural land system has undergone land reform,socialist transformation of agricultural production during the co-operative, the Third Plenum of the household contract responsibility system and the current land management transfer.By analyzing previous land system of property rights,this paper shows we should give farmers land property rights in order to fully mobilize the enthusiasm of the farmers land productivity and improve efficiency of resource allocation of land to promote agriculture and rural development.
Study on The Effect of Removing Fluoride from Water by Pentahydroxyl Aluminum Chloride

[Objective]To explore the effect and influencing factors of removing fluoride from water by pentahydroxyl aluminum chloride,and provide theoretical evidence for its effect of removing fluoride. [Methods]High fluoride water at 6 different concentrations was treated with pentahydroxyl aluminum chloride.The reliability of the defluoridation performance and the alkalization degree of pentahydroxyl aluminum chloride were analyzed,then the results were compared with the similar defluoridation agents. [Results]Pentahydroxyl aluminum chloride had the highest alkalization degree of 83.3%.The relative standard deviation for defluoridation of high fluoride water at 6 different concentrations was 1.32%-9.52% which was highest among similar defluoridation agents. [Conclusion]The defluoridation effect of pentahydroxyl aluminum chloride is obvious,stable,hygienic and safe,with low cost and no water quality change.It is suitable for practical application.
The Chyrnische Hochzeit of Thomas Pynchon

Gravity's Rainbow exploits concepts of entropy and paranoia familiar to Pynchon's readers, but the labyrinthine novel takes its particular character from a matrix of "correspondences." In this variant of the doctrine that unity resides in multiplicity, apparently disparate items reveal their fundamental oneness by signals obvious only to an informed initiate. Pynchon' has updated this Renaissance hermetism by using Jung's alchemical theory in a context of modern organic synthesis, and has further enriched the allusive maze by offering a choice of three possible cosmologies to "explain" the universe of the novel.
SU-F-T-393: Using Commercially Available Software to Prove That Providing Planning Objectives to the Planner Improves Plan Quality

Purpose: Use commercially available software to evaluate whether providing planning objectives during the treatment planning process improves overall plan quality in head and neck cases Methods: The commercially available software, PlanIQ, was used to evaluate the plan quality of head and neck cases before and after the introduction of an inhouse developed evaluation tool, Integrated Clinical Information System (ICIS). Twenty patients were selected; ten from before the introduction of ICIS and ten that used ICIS during the treatment planning process. These plans only included oropharynx cases. All plans were two or three arc VMAT cases prescribed at two dose levels, 60 Gy and 54 Gy. A PlanIQ algorithm was created with the assistance of physician input. The algorithm consisted of seventy-four PTV and OAR plan quality metrics and objectives. Each plan was scored based on meeting the objectives provided. Plans were then evaluated by looking at the Plan Quality Metric (PQM) and Adjusted Plan Quality Metric (APQM) score. The PQM score is the overall score which evaluated the treatment plan against the PlanIQ algorithm. The APQM score was customized to the patient-specific feasibility analysis, adjusting the PQM scores to account for unique challenges like patient-specific anatomical challenges. Results: After introducing ICIS into the workflow, PlanIQ scores improved. On average, target coverage remained the same (p>.05). Individual OAR sparing differed when looking at plans evaluated before ICIS versus plans created with the assistance of the ICIS template. PQM scores increased from 65.16% to 74.07% (p=.004), while the APQM scores increased from 78.26% to 84.05% (p=.008). Overall plan quality improved after providing planners with additional information during the treatment planning process. Conclusion: Overall plan quality improves when providing the treatment planner with additional information and guidance during the treatment planning process.
Congenital polycystic pancreas - Case report

We presented the case of a 62-yr-old female with isolated polycystic disease of the pancreas found incidentally at surgery. Polycystic disease of the pancreas is a rare, usually asymptomatic condition often associated with renal and hepatic cysts. Occasionally, it is associated withcystic fibrosis and central nervous system disorders. Review of the literature revealed no other reports of isolated polycystic pancreas disease. No treatment is indicated in the absence of complications or symptoms.
An Evaluation of Time-Budget Estimates of Daily Energy Expenditure in Birds

Utilisation de la methode de double marquage de l'eau. Etude menee chez Lanius ludovicianus; les facteurs meteorologiques sont pris en consideration et presentation d'un modele
High frequency GaN-based ultrasound pulse generator for high energy delivery

Pulse generator is the critical component in all ultrasound systems for driving a piezoelectric transducer to medical or nondestructive testing (NDT) applications with high-voltage, high frequency bipolar or unipolar pulse train. Other than conventional imaging short pulses, high power transmit ultrasonic system for medical applications requires MHz pulse bursts of up to tens of milliseconds. The capability of switching high voltage (±90V) at multi-MHz, delivering effective power efficiently, is crucial for practical systems. Gallium Nitride (GaN) high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) have improved performances at high switching frequency with lower losses and higher power density than Silicon (Si) MOSFETs. This paper proposed a transformer push-pull pulse generator, different from more conventional implementation of pulsers for clinical use, with GaN power switches that are capable to produce a 50ms long burst pulse length with bipolar pulses of ±90V switching up to 10MHz.
Extent of lymphovascular space invasion may predict lymph node metastasis in uterine serous carcinoma.

Abstract Objectives Emerging evidence suggests that extent of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) predicts for risk of lymph node metastasis in endometrioid uterine cancers. However, this correlation remains unknown in the setting of uterine serous carcinoma (USC). We sought to examine the association between extent of LVSI and other histopathologic characteristics with risk of nodal metastasis for women with USC. Materials/methods Pathological data from all cases of uterine serous carcinoma between July 1998 to July 2015 at our institution were reviewed. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analysis of selected pathologic features were performed. Results 88 patients with USC underwent total abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and selective lymphadenectomy. Surgical staging revealed the following FIGO stage distributions: I (41%), II (8%), III (32%), IV (19%). LVSI was present in 44 (50%) patients. 36 patients (41%) had LN metastases with median number of total nodes removed of 17 (range, 1–49). On univariate analysis, depth of myometrial invasion, LVSI, tumor size, and cervical stromal involvement were significantly associated with nodal involvement. In a multivariate model, LVSI (OR 6.25, 95% CI 2.2–18.0, p p =0.03) were the only factors that remained significant. Among patients with LVSI-positive disease, extensive LVSI was associated with increased risk of nodal involvement compared to focal LVSI (90% vs 29%, p =0.04). Conclusions Presence and extent of LVSI, and cervical stromal invasion are important predictors for lymph node metastasis in uterine serous carcinoma.
Stabilization of thrombin-activated porcine factor VIII:C by factor IXa phospholipid

The activation of porcine factor X by an enzymatic complex consisting of activated factor IX (factor IXa), thrombin-activated factor VIII:C (factor VIII:Ca), phospholipid vesicles, and calcium was studied in the presence of an irreversible inhibitor of factor Xa, 5-dimethylamino- naphthalene-1-sulfonyl-glutamyl-glycyl-arginyl- chloro met hyl ketone ( DEGR -CK). The formation of factor Xa was measured continuously by monitoring the increase in solution fluorescence intensity that occurs upon formation of DEGR -factor Xa. Omission of any component from the enzymatic complex reduced the reaction rate to a negligible level. In the presence of fixed excess factor IXa, the velocity of factor X activation was linearly dependent on the concentration of factor VIII:C, and thus, provided a plasma-free assay of factor VIII:C. Activation of factor VIII:C by 0.1 NIH U/ml thrombin in the presence of factor IXa, phospholipid vesicles, and calcium, followed at variable time intervals by the addition of factor X and DEGR -CK, was complete within 5 min, as judged by the fluorometric assay, and resulted in little or no loss of factor VIII:C activity over a period of 20 min; whereas, activation in the absence of either IXa or phospholipid vesicles decreased the half-life of factor VIII:C to approximately 5 min. Analysis of 125I-factor VIII:C-derived activation peptides by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel radioelectrophoresis revealed identical results, regardless of whether factor IXa and/or phospholipid vesicles were included in the activation, suggesting that the lability of factor VIII:Ca is not due to a major alteration of its primary structure. We conclude that the activated porcine factor VIII:C molecule is stabilized markedly because of its interaction with factor IXa and phospholipid.
Rack1 function in intestinal epithelia: regulating crypt cell proliferation and regeneration and promoting differentiation and apoptosis.

Our findings reveal novel functions for receptor for activated C kinase 1 (Rack1) in regulating growth of intestinal epithelia: suppressing crypt cell proliferation and regeneration, promoting diff...
Influence of specific surface area on coal dust explosibility using the 20-L chamber.

Abstract The relationship between the explosion inerting effectiveness of rock dusts on coal dusts, as a function of the specific surface area (cm2/g) of each component is examined through the use of 20-L explosion chamber testing. More specifically, a linear relationship is demonstrated for the rock dust to coal dust (or incombustible to combustible) content of such inerted mixtures with the specific surface area of the coal and the inverse of that area of the rock dust. Hence, the inerting effectiveness, defined as above, is more generally linearly dependent on the ratio of the two surface areas. The focus on specific surface areas, particularly of the rock dust, provide supporting data for minimum surface area requirements in addition to the 70% less than 200 mesh requirement specified in 30 CFR 75.2.
Aperture of Absence: Jean-Luc Marion on the God Who ‘Is Not’

The elusive question of ultimate reality demands adequate responses in the postmodern context. Jean-Luc Marion offers a compelling response to this question in his apophatic framing of a ‘God without Being.’ Drawing significantly from the Dionysian corpus, Marion challenges traditional metaphysical construals of divinity in favor of an innovative phenomenological construal based on the disclosive hermeneutic of givenness. By interpreting ultimate reality in terms of its saturating mode of givenness, divinity is liberated from metaphysical and conceptual idolatry. Marion construes ultimate reality according to a phenomenological apparatus of givenness, distance, iconicity and agapic love. Through such a model for thinking ultimate reality, the God who was pronounced ‘dead’ by Zarathustra over a century ago appears as resurrected in new forms, figures and gestures.
Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Genetics

The familial form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited myocardial disease characterized by ventricular hypertrophy and an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Recent advances in molecular genetics have allowed the identification of multiple genes responsible for familial HCM. Pathologic examination reveals myocyte hypertrophy with myofibrillar disarray and intercellular fibrosis. This form of inherited cardiomyopathy encompasses a broad range of clinical phenotypes.
Is bio2010 the right blueprint for the biology of the future

CBE is pleased to launch a new feature called Points of View (POV). POVs address issues faced by many people within the life sciences education realm. We will present two or more opposing POVs back-to-back on a particular topic to promote discussion on the selected topic. Readers are encouraged to participate in the online discussion forum hosted by CBE at www.cellbioed.org/discussion/public/main.cfm. We consider POVs “Op-Ed” pieces to stimulate thought and dialog on significant educational issues. In the first POV, we have asked the question, “Is Bio2010 the Right Blueprint for the Biology of the Future?” Bio2010 is a set of recommendations from the National Research Council proposing ways to modify the biology curriculum to meet the changing needs of future biomedical researchers. (For a comprehensive assessment of this report, you can read three accounts in the Summer 2003 issue of CBE, http://www.cellbioed.org/articles/vol2no2/toc.cfm.) To open debate on this question, we have asked Donald Kennedy (CBE Editorial Board member and Editor-in-Chief of Science) and James Gentile (CBE Editorial Board member and a member of the Bio2010 committee) to present their points of view.
Norwel Equipment Co. Limited Partnership (L.P.) Internet Upgrade

Norwel Equipment Co. Limited Partnership (L.P.) is a Louisiana business retailer of construction equipment specializing in John Deere heavy-equipment and has secured exclusive John Deere rights for most of the State of Louisiana. Founded in 1972, Norwel is the sixth largest John Deere construction equipment dealer in the United States. This case illustrates business and technology issues facing Norwel. In mid-1999, the October 1st deadline for John Deeres requirement to communicate by e-mail was approaching and the response time of the Norwels primary computers system, an AS/400, was increasing to the point where users were not satisfied with performance. Also users were requesting new computing services such as e-mail, document sharing, and Internet access. For example, the Parts Operations Manger suggested selling parts online and the Manager of the Used Equipment Division suggest supporting the sales staff through Internet connections. Managing Partner, Richard Hevey decided an upgrade to the networks and a connection to the Internet were needed. He is faced with both short-term and long-term decisions about Norwels infrastructure.
The Semiotic Function of Audience

According to Umberto Eco (1976: 276), “The semiotic definition of an aesthetic text gives the structured model for the unstructured process of communicative interplay.” An aesthetic text such as literature presupposes an addressee who collaborates in its production, for example, the spectator of theatre on the reader of poetry. Aesthetic communication thus relies upon two conditions--a performance and an audience. In this study oral interpretation is taken as paradigmatic for the description of literature. Literature is experienced in its performing, and more properly, in its being read aloud amidst an audience. In performance, neither the text nor the audience consumes the other totally in that a complete reduction is impossible. Mikel Dufrenne (1978: 405) states that “the ambiguous and yet irrefutable existence of the phenomenon testifies that the subject which directs its view, and the object as phenomenon towards which this view is directed are at the same time correlative and distinct: existing at the same by the subject and before the subject.” Hence the performance of literature is ongoing and the direction of aesthetic communication unpredictable.
First-principles study of fracture toughness enhancement in transition metal nitrides

Abstract Due to its superior thermophysical properties, ZrN thin film has been studied as a diffusion barrier for a variety of applications. However, cracks and delamination of ZrN coating takes place because of its brittleness. To identify new diffusion barrier materials with improved fracture toughness, we systematically studied the mechanical properties, surface energies and fracture toughness of IVB, VB and VIB transition metal mononitrides using first-principles calculations. TiN and HfN show slightly better toughness than ZrN. To improve the toughness of ZrN, we investigated the fracture toughness of ZrN alloyed with 25% IVB, VB and VIB transition metal nitrides. TiN, HfN and TaN was found to be able to increase the fracture toughness of ZrN through alloying. Meanwhile, we predicted the interfacial fracture toughness of ZrN/TiN and ZrN/HfN interfaces to evaluate the fracture toughness of ZrN/TiN and ZrN/HfN multilayer structures. Both ZrN/TiN and ZrN/HfN films exhibit higher interfacial fracture toughness than that of ZrN single film. Therefore, alloying and multilayer structures are promising approaches to enhance the toughness of brittle ZrN film.
Parental Education Attainment and Educational Upward Mobility; Role of Race and Gender.

Background. The Minorities’ Diminished Return theory suggests that education attainment and other socioeconomic resources have smaller effects on the health and well-being of African Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities compared to Whites. Racial and ethnic differences in the processes involved with educational upward mobility may contribute to the diminished returns of education attainment for African Americans compared to Whites. Aim: This study compared African Americans and non-Hispanic Whites for the effect of parental education attainment on educational upward mobility and explored gender differences in these effects. Methods. The National Survey of American Life (NSAL 2003) is a nationally representative survey of American adults. Participants included 891 non-Hispanic White and 3570 African American adults. Gender, race/ethnicity, age, highest parental education attainment, and respondents’ educational attainment were measured. Data were analyzed using linear regression models. Results. Overall, higher parental education attainment was associated with higher educational upward mobility (b = 0.34, p 0.05). Conclusion. African American females are at a disadvantage compared to White females regarding the effect of parental education attainment on their educational upward mobility, a phenomenon which could not be observed when comparing African American and White males. These results advocate for taking intersectionality frameworks to study the effects of race, gender, and class in the US.