cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring comfort in caregivers and patients during late end-of-life care.

The purpose of this study was to test several formats of end-of-life comfort instruments for patients and closely involved caregivers. Kolcaba's Comfort Theory was the theoretical framework utilized. Different response formats for two end-of-life (EOL) comfort questionnaires (for patients and caregivers, respectively), and horizontal and vertical visual analog scales for total comfort (TC) lines were compared in two phases. Evaluable data were collected from both members of 38 patient-caregiver dyads in each phase. Suitable dyads were recruited from two hospice agencies in northeastern Ohio. Cronbach's alpha for the EOL comfort questionnaire (six response Likert-type format) tested during phase I for patients was .98 and for caregivers was .97. Test-retest reliability for the vertical TC line tested during phase I for patients was .64 and for caregivers was .79. The implications of this study for nursing practice and research are derived from the American Nursing Association (ANA) position statement about EOL care, which states that comfort is the goal of nursing for this population. These instruments will be useful for assessing comfort in actively dying patients and comfort of their caregivers as well as for developing evidence-based practice for this population.
An on-line microcomputer-based metabolic monitoring system

Abstract The main objective of the present study is to develop and test a relatively low cost microcomputer-based metabolic monitoring system that is capable of computing the oxygen consumption and minute ventilation of individuals, while at rest or at work, on an on-line basis. The design, specifications, and merits of the system are given. The software package developed was written in assembly language for the IBM AT personal computer. The experimental evaluation of the microcomputer-based metabolic monitoring system showed that there is a high degree of correlation between computer and manual calculations. The correlation coefficients between manual and computer calculations were 0.9986 and 0.9966 for minute ventilation and oxygen consumption respectively which indicate that the system developed is highly accurate.
Characterization and developmental regulation of β-galactosidase isozymes in Dictyostelium discoideum

Abstract Two isozymes of β-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) have been identified during growth and development of the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum. The isozymes have been partially purified and differ in a variety of physical and enzymatic properties. β-Galactosidase-1 is present in vegetative cells. The specific activity is reduced during early development and then increases again during culmination. The specific activity of β-galactosidase-2 increases in early development and then again during culmination and spore maturation. The specific activity of β-galactosidase-2 is extremely dependent upon growth conditions and is regulated over a 160-fold range. The accumulation of both isozymes is dependent on concomitant RNA and protein synthesis.
Obesity Correlates With Glomerulomegaly But Is Not Associated With Kidney Dysfunction Early After Donation.

Obesity is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD)1, 2 and end-stage renal disease (ESRD),3 hence obesity is a concern among living kidney donors. Although body mass index (BMI) is a commonly used measure of obesity, other measures of obesity may better predict CKD and ESRD.4 Alternative obesity measures include waist circumference, subcutaneous fat, visceral adiposity, peri/pararenal fat and renal hilar fat. In one 5-year longitudinal study, estimated body fat percentage based on bioelectrical impedance analyses rather than BMI or waist circumference was associated with the highest decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).5 Consistent with the increased prevalence of obesity in the general population, potential kidney donors are increasingly obese. In the Renal and Lung Living Donors Evaluation study of 8951 kidney donors who donated between 1963 and 2007 at 3 major U.S. transplant centers, the prevalence of BMI (≥35 kg/m2) among donors increased from 8% (1963-1974) to 26% (1997-2007).6 Previous data suggested that higher BMI impacts outcomes in subjects with reduced kidney mass. In patients undergoing unilateral nephrectomy for cause (e.g., malignancy), higher BMI increased the risk of future proteinuria and CKD.7, 8 Studies of obesity in kidney donor populations have had somewhat conflicting results with respect to risk of future kidney dysfunction.8 9,10 11 Glomerulomegaly is the early structural lesion of obesity-related kidney disease12 and is often present in patients with morbid obesity.13 Glomerulomegaly is associated with intraglomerular hypertension which may eventually promote glomerular tuft collapse and sclerosis (i.e., secondary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis).14, 15 We previously found that glomerulomegaly is correlated with lower predonation glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in a cohort of healthy kidney donors.16 Renal biopsies are not typically performed in evaluation of potential kidney donors. Thus, we conducted a study to determine which measure of obesity best reflects glomerulomegaly and if it predicted adverse changes in kidney function after donation. First, we compared BMI to several computed tomography (CT) measures of obesity (subcutaneous fat, visceral adiposity, peri/pararenal fat and renal hilar fat) to determine which was most closely associated with glomerulomegaly. Second, we assessed whether the identified obesity measure which most correlated with glomerulomegaly predicted adverse short-term outcomes.
Spinodal decomposition in ternary systems

Abstract A survey of spinodal decomposition theory, with the purpose of comparing binary and ternary systems, indicated differences in the measurable properties and in the time evolution of low angle X-ray intensity. These differences will not always be observed in experiments, however, in which case binary and ternary systems will appear the same. Similarities between the two systems become most evident when one considers various approximate solutions to the ternary diffusion equation.
Terminal restriction fragment patterns (TRFPs), a rapid, PCR-based method for the comparison of complex bacterial communities

Microbial populations in complex environmental samples are difficult to characterize; current techniques are incomplete and time consuming. We investigated a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method for rapidly comparing bacterial communities independent of culture or cloning. Community 16S rRNA genes were amplified and fluorescently labeled by PCR. The labeled products were digested by a restriction enzyme and the labeled, terminal restriction fragments (TRFs) were separated by electrophoresis and detected by laser-induced fluorescence on an automated gene sequencer. PCR parameters were optimized using an in vitro model community of known organisms. Community comparisons were made between deer fecal pellets, petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated sands and pristine sand. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to compare the resulting TRF patterns (TRFPs). Patterns derived from a single enzyme digest did not result in accurate community characterizations. Accurate characterizations reflecting the expected bacterial community biology were only achieved by combining TRFP data derived from different enzyme digestions. Suggestions are offered for future use of this technique.
Some effects of bacteria populations on quantitation of ames salmonella-histidine reversion mutagenesis assays

Abstract We show from simple theory that the number of mutants observed in the Ames assay should be approximately proportional to αCnoP where α is the mutation rate per concentration of mutagen, C; n0 is the initial inoculum; and P is the average number of bacteria per colony in the background lawn. We tested this theory by carrying out Ames assay for the directly acting mutagen 2-nitrofluorene on TA98 as a function of initial inoculum over the range 104–108 bacteria/plate. P was assumed to be proportional to the average volume of the background colonies and was estimated from 100X photomicrographs of the background lawn. The initial inoculum was determined by counting background colonies in the photomicrographs, by dilution-plating, and by electronic particle counting. We found that the number of mutants depended weakly on n0, but the dependence could be quantitatively accounted for by the simple theory. These data and the theory explain at least some of the reported variations in quantitation of the Ames assay; show that the slopes of dose— response curves depend on n0; explain the range observed for spontaneous revertants; suggest some limitations to quantifying the Ames assay and, within these limits, suggest a method for normalizing independently obtained Ames assay data.
MRI guided wire localization muscle biopsy in a child with juvenile dermatomyositis

A novel technique for preoperative MRI guided wire localization for targeted surgical excisional biopsy of muscle is described in a pediatric patient with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). This technique allows for preoperative localization of abnormalities seen only with MRI. Using this technique, the patient underwent successful targeted muscle biopsy for confirmation of the diagnosis and staging of dermatomyositis.
The Role of Data Governance to Relieve Information Sharing Impairments in the Federal Government

The technical mechanics of data sharing, particularly as related to metadata, has been reasonably well researched and to an extent is reaching technical maturity. The Federal Government Departments and Agencies have, to one degree or another, adopted methodologies to organizationally frame their internal use of metadata. However there is evidence to suggest that the Federal Government has not been entirely successful in taking the necessary next steps to build a metadata governance model. One of the presumed impairments to this effort is that a mature metadata governance framework may be perceived as posing a threat to organizational and personal equities within government. This paper will examine from an organizational perspective this presumed impairment and provide a level of analysis as to relevant factors. Finally, it will examine potential data sharing governance policy changes that may be necessary to enable effective use of metadata in information sharing.
Polymer-Cushioned Bilayers. I. A Structural Study of Various Preparation Methods Using Neutron Reflectometry

This neutron reflectometry study evaluates the structures resulting from different methods of preparing polymer-cushioned lipid bilayers. Four different techniques to deposit a dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) bilayer onto a polyethylenimine (PEI)-coated quartz substrate were examined: 1) vesicle adsorption onto a previously dried polymer layer; 2) vesicle adsorption onto a bare substrate, followed by polymer adsorption; and 3, 4) Langmuir-Blodgett vertical deposition of a lipid monolayer spread over a polymer-containing subphase to form a polymer-supported lipid monolayer, followed by formation of the outer lipid monolayer by either 3) horizontal deposition of the lipid monolayer or 4) vesicle adsorption. We show that the initial conditions of the polymer layer are a critical factor for the successful formation of our desired structure, i.e., a continuous bilayer atop a hydrated PEI layer. Our desired structure was found for all methods investigated except the horizontal deposition. The interaction forces between these polymer-supported bilayers are investigated in a separate paper (Wong, J. Y., C. K. Park, M. Seitz, and J. Israelachvili. 1999. Biophys. J. 77:1458-1468), which indicate that the presence of the polymer cushion significantly alters the interaction potential. These polymer-supported bilayers could serve as model systems for the study of transmembrane proteins under conditions more closely mimicking real cellular membrane environments.
Strict Localization of Nonlinear Interactions in Optical Fibers by Subsequent Brillouin Amplification and Attenuation

We report a new method for strict localization of nonlinear interaction in optical waveguides. The technique uses stimulated Brillouin scattering to selectively transfer optical power between pump and interacting probes to accomplish successive amplification and deamplification. Highly nonlinear fiber was used to verify experimentally the new localization technique.
Preoperative serum DNA GSTP1 CpG island hypermethylation and the risk of early prostate-specific antigen recurrence following radical prostatectomy.

Purpose: Hypermethylation of the CpG island at the promoter region of the π-class glutathione S -transferase gene ( GSTP1 ) is the most common somatic genome abnormality in human prostate cancer. We evaluated circulating cell-free DNA GSTP1 CpG island hypermethylation as a prognostic biomarker in the serum of men with prostate cancer. Experimental Design: Prostate cancer DNA GSTP1 CpG island hypermethylation was detected using a restriction endonuclease quantitative PCR technique. We analyzed preoperative serum from 85 men with clinically localized prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy and from 35 men with a negative prostate biopsy. We then assayed preoperative serum from a data set of 55 pairs of men with clinically localized prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy, matched for Gleason score, comprising 55 men suffering prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence (median, 2 years) and 55 men who were free of disease at last follow-up (median, 3 years). The association of serum GSTP1 CpG island hypermethylation and PSA recurrence was determined. Results: Circulating cell-free DNA with GSTP1 CpG island hypermethylation was not detected in the serum of men with a negative prostate biopsy but was detected in 12% of men with clinically localized disease and 28% of men with metastatic cancer ( P = 0.003). In the matched data set, eight men (15%) who developed PSA recurrence were positive for DNA with GSTP1 CpG hypermethylation, whereas no patient who was free of disease was positive for GSTP1 CpG island hypermethylation (McNemar test, χ 2 = 6.1, P = 0.01). In a multivariable analysis that accounted for recognized prognostic factors, the presence of serum DNA with GTSP1 CpG island hypermethylation was the most significant predictor of PSA recurrence (hazard ratio, 4.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.2, 8.8; P Conclusion: Our study suggests that GSTP1 CpG island hypermethylation may be an important DNA-based prognostic serum biomarker for prostate cancer.
Intervention to Promote Physician Well-being, Job Satisfaction, and Professionalism: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance Despite the documented prevalence and clinical ramifications of physician distress, few rigorous studies have tested interventions to address the problem. Objective To test the hypothesis that an intervention involving a facilitated physician small-group curriculum would result in improvement in well-being. Design, Setting, and Participants Randomized clinical trial of 74 practicing physicians in the Department of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, conducted between September 2010 and June 2012. Additional data were collected on 350 nontrial participants responding to annual surveys timed to coincide with the trial surveys. Interventions The intervention involved 19 biweekly facilitated physician discussion groups incorporating elements of mindfulness, reflection, shared experience, and small-group learning for 9 months. Protected time (1 hour of paid time every other week) for participants was provided by the institution. Main Outcomes and Measures Meaning in work, empowerment and engagement in work, burnout, symptoms of depression, quality of life, and job satisfaction assessed using validated metrics. Results Empowerment and engagement at work increased by 5.3 points in the intervention arm vs a 0.5-point decline in the control arm by 3 months after the study ( P = .04), an improvement sustained at 12 months (+5.5 vs +1.3 points; P = .03). Rates of high depersonalization at 3 months had decreased by 15.5% in the intervention arm vs a 0.8% increase in the control arm ( P = .004). This difference was also sustained at 12 months (9.6% vs 1.5% decrease; P = .02). No statistically significant differences in stress, symptoms of depression, overall quality of life, or job satisfaction were seen. In additional comparisons including the nontrial physician cohort, the proportion of participants strongly agreeing that their work was meaningful increased 6.3% in the study intervention arm but decreased 6.3% in the study control arm and 13.4% in the nonstudy cohort ( P = .04). Rates of depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and overall burnout decreased substantially in the trial intervention arm, decreased slightly in the trial control arm, and increased in the nontrial cohort ( P = .03, .007, and .002 for each outcome, respectively). Conclusions and Relevance An intervention for physicians based on a facilitated small-group curriculum improved meaning and engagement in work and reduced depersonalization, with sustained results at 12 months after the study. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01159977
The AWSUM filter: a 20-dB gain fluctuation-based processor

The advanced WISPR summation (AWSUM) filter, a natural extension of the WISPR filter for higher filter order numbers, is presented and its performance is compared to the performance of the WISPR filter and the conventional summation processor. It is shown that the AWSUM filter achieves substantial gains in various measures of processor performance above those of the other two processors in spatial and spectral resolution, minimum detectable level (MDL), clutter reduction, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain. The important processing parameters are shown to be the percentage of overlap of the voltage time series and the number of FFT's averaged. SNR gains in excess of 20 dB were shown to be achievable for low-fluctuation amplitude tonals using measured data.
Garbage Collection Algorithms for Java-Based Prolog Engines

Implementing a Prolog Runtime System in a language like Java, which provides its own automated memory management and safety features (like built-in index checking and array initialization) requires a consistent approach to memory management based on a simple ultimate goal: minimizing total memory management time (the sum of Java's own and ours). Based on our experience with Jinni 2002 - a Java based compiled Prolog system, we analyze the existing garbage collection algorithms and propose new optimizations. In particular, we aim to have a garbage collector with least extra helper memory space yet with reasonably fast speed. Efforts are made in reducing both time and space overhead for the mark-sweep-compact algorithm. We suggest an in-place compaction algorithm and provide its implementation. As the Prolog engine uses dynamic arrays for its stacks, the impact of Java's garbage collector on the system becomes a key factor. In this context, we measure and optimize the performance of the garbage collector with the overall memory management scheme in mind.
Lock detection in Costas loops

Previous analyses of lock detector algorithms for Costas loops have ignored the effects of the inherent correlation between samples of the phase error process. In this work, analysis and simulations are used to quantify the effects of phase correlation on lock detection for the 'square law' and 'absolute value' type detectors. Results which depict the lock detection probability as a function of loop signal-to-noise ratio for a given false alarm rate are obtained. It is shown that the square law detector experiences less degradation due to phase jitter than the absolute value detector and that the degradation in detector signal-to-noise ratio is more pronounced for squarewave than for sinewave signals. >
Suspended Sediment Concentration in Open Channels Using Tsallis Entropy

AbstractConcentration of suspended sediment is of fundamental importance in environmental management, assessment of best management practices, water quality evaluation, reservoir ecosystem integrity, and fluvial hydraulics. Assuming time-averaged sediment concentration along a vertical as a random variable, a probability distribution of suspended sediment concentration is derived by maximizing the Tsallis entropy subject to the constraint given by the mean concentration and under the assumption that the sediment concentration is zero at the water surface. For deriving the sediment concentration profile along the vertical, a nonlinear cumulative distribution function is hypothesized and verified with observed data. The derived sediment concentration profile is tested using experimental and field data; however, the clear water surface assumption does not seem to be valid for field data. The Tsallis entropy-based concentration profile method is compared with three sediment concentration profile methods. Comp...
The prospective association between sipping alcohol by the sixth grade and later substance use.

Objective:Although there is a clear association between early use of alcohol and short- and long-term adverse outcomes, it is unclear whether consumption of minor amounts of alcohol (less than a full drink) at a young age is prognostic of risk behaviors in later adolescence.Method:Data were taken from 561 students enrolled in an ongoing prospective web-based study on alcohol initiation and progression (55% female; 25% White non-Hispanic). Based on a combination of monthly and semiannual surveys, we coded whether participants sipped alcohol before sixth grade and examined associations between early sipping and alcohol consumption by fall of ninth grade, as well as other indices of problem behavior. Participants also reported on the context of the first sipping event.Results:The prevalence of sipping alcohol by fall of sixth grade was 29.5%. Most participants indicated that their first sip took place at their own home, and the primary source of alcohol was an adult, usually a parent. Youth who sipped alcoho...
Thoracic aortic and thoracic vascular injuries.

The management of thoracic vascular injuries can be challenging. Appropriate imaging can help guide the operative approach to access, vascular control, and reconstruction; however, many patients present hemodynamically unstable and these injuries are identified often during an empiric life-saving exploration. Options related to imaging, access, exposure, and reconstruction in stable and unstable patient groups are discussed.
Did cigarette vouchers increase female smokers in China

Background From 1960 to 1980, a voucher was required to purchase cigarettes in China. The Chinese government issued vouchers to ration cigarettes, without informing its citizens that smoking was unhealthy. These vouchers were available to all adults, and allowed them to purchase specified numbers of cigarettes. As a result, a number of nonsmokers started smoking during the voucher period. Methods This study included 229 female and 1165 male smokers from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 1989–2006, which provides the year in which each respondent began smoking. The percentages of male and female smokers who started smoking during the voucher period were compared using the chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was used to study the relative risk of smoking initiation by women during the voucher period, while adjusting for confounding variables. Results During the voucher period, 46% of female smokers and 39% of male smokers started smoking (p=0.05). Women who did not have a regular job or were less educated were more likely to start smoking. The relative risk of female smokers to have initiated smoking during the voucher period was 4.75, with a p Conclusions China's policy of issuing vouchers to ration tobacco consumption had the unintended consequence of encouraging smoking, particularly among women. Issuing cigarette vouchers to every adult, combined with the inexpensive prices of cigarettes, led more women to initiate smoking. Women with low SES were particularly likely to initiate smoking.
Development and characteristics of the histamine-induced accumulation of cyclic AMP in the rabbit cerebral cortex.

— In slices of adult rabbit cerebral cortex histamine at 5 μM produced a detectable rise in adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP). A maximum (20-fold) increase was observed in response to 0–5 mM histamine, with higher concentrations being less effective. The antihistaminic agent, tripelennamine, inhibited the response to 50 μM histamine in a dose-related manner. No effect on basal levels of cyclic AMP was noted with the highest dose of tripelennamine. The cyclic AMP response to 50 μM histamine was sustained for up to 1 h of incubation whether the slices and included medium were assayed together or the slices were assayed separately, although after 60 min of incubation cyclic AMP levels were higher when the medium was included in the assay. During development of the rabbit cerebral cortex, the first detectable increase of cyclic AMP in response to histamine occurred at fetal day 25, and from day 28 to birth the response was a 4-to 5-fold increase. A maximal (10-fold) response was observed at 4–8 days postpartum and by 20 days of postnatal age the response had decreased to the adult levels.
Iterative, probabilistic classification using uncertain information

The authors have constructed an iterative, probabilistic reasoning architecture for classification problems. A number of assumptions of conditional independence have been employed in this architecture to derive two iterative updating methods, S and D. A Bayesian network was constructed and the results compared with the iterative methods. Method S and the network are both insensitive to the order of evidence, but do not produce the same results. Further investigation of the nature of these differences is warranted. It is suggested that additional information carried in the network may allow uncertain evidence to be used more effectively than in the iterative methods. >
Simulated work experience: how realistic should it be?

One hundred 10th grade non-college-bound students were randomly assigned to receive two alternative types of materials: (a) experimental—an Electronic Technician Kit which required students to use an actual ammeter in solving problems representative of that occupation; and (b) control—a kit virtually identical with the experimental treatment except that no meter was provided. The experimental subjects reported more enjoyment, wanted more information about an electronic technician career, wrote more questions about careers, and signed up to take more additional career kits than did the control subjects. However, the number of measured exploratory activities during the week after the treatments was too small to test for statistical significance.
Using acoustic tomography to monitor deep ocean currents in the eastern Gulf of Mexico

Toward the improved prediction and monitoring of deep-water currents and eddies in the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf Eddy Monitoring System group (GEMS; researchers from University of Southern Mississippi, University of New Orleans, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and the Naval Research Laboratory) proposes that a network of acoustic transmitter-receiver pairs be deployed in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Acoustic travel times are inverted to recover temperature and velocity between transmitter-receiver pairs. This data can be fed into ocean dynamical models to improve simulation and prediction of the circulation in the deep ocean. While a proven technique, it has only recently been used successfully in deeper waters. The location is ideal for this type of tomographic application for its predictable oceanic parameters and convenient geomorphology. With a sound-channel axis at about 900 m, a lower power output transmission is required, thus providing negligible impact on marine mammals. Because no other technology can be used to monitor for similar events, we are introducing this method to the marine technology community.
Systems Thinking for Knowledge Transfer in Organic and Mechanistic Organizations: State Government Transportation Research Organizations

Research units in state government transportation agencies exist within traditionally hierarchical, or mechanistic, organizations. They manage and conduct research studies and ensure the successful transfer of knowledge through both inter- and intraorganizational relationships and through knowledge transfer activities. These activities may entail the transfer of knowledge at the local, state, federal or international level. Improving knowledge transfer ultimately improves organizational performance. Use of Burns and Stalkers' dualism—mechanistic versus organic management systems—to describe government organizations aids in the recognition of the current condition and in the identification of the characteristics of an environment that will be more conducive to efficient knowledge transfer. This information will help decision makers within these organizations to select the appropriate organizational structure, or processes, to enhance knowledge transfer. The increasing amount of information and growing orga...
Real-time Imaging of Tumor Progression in a Fluorescent Orthotopic Mouse Model of Thyroid Cancer

There is a need for a clinically relevant mouse model of thyroid cancer that enables real-time, non-invasive monitoring of tumor growth, progression, and drug response over time. Human thyroid cancer cell lines NPA (papillary) and KAK-1 (anaplastic) were stably transfected to express either red or green fluorescent protein. Cancer cells were injected into the thyroid glands of 8-week-old athymic mice. The animals were imaged with whole-body fluorescence imaging weekly and sacrificed when premorbid. At necropsy, the primary tumor was resected en bloc with the respiratory system for processing and analysis. Histology was performed on fixed tissue specimens for review of morphologic findings. Both anaplastic and papillary thyroid cancer cell lines led to robust development of orthotopic fluorescent tumors in nude mice. Injection of 5×10(5) cancer cells was sufficient for tumor development. Tumors were visualized for both cell lines via non-invasive imaging as early as 3 weeks post-implantation and were monitored over time. Time to premorbid condition varied between mice and was associated with a primary tumor growth pattern (early local compression of the esophagus vs. late metastatic disease) rather than tumor size. At necropsy, tumor fluorescence demonstrated metastases in the lungs, lymph nodes and vessels that were not visible under white light. Thus an orthotopic mouse model of thyroid cancer has been developed that replicates the major clinical features of thyroid cancer and enables real-time, non-invasive monitoring of tumor progression. This model should permit preclinical evaluation of novel thyroid cancer therapeutics.
An investigation into the dynamics of the distillation column, search for A wave effects

Partial differential equations for describing the dynamic behavior of the compositions within the rectifying and stripping sections of a distillation column are derived. Both liquid and vapor capacitances in each cell of the rectifier and stripper are considered. Some conceptual difficulties which exist in establishing the equivalence of the two forms of the column (i.e., the single-cell capacitance and twin-cell capacitance models) are explored. It is shown that the column with small vapor capacitance compares well with previously published work. Near-first-order behavior is a feature common to these findings. A nonminimum-phase effect is noticed for the column with larger vapor capacitance. >
Near-minimum-time maneuvers of flexible vehicles - A Liapunov control law design method

Introduction C recent research has been directed toward the problem of maneuvering a flexible spacecraft. In Ref. 1 we present a fairly comprehensive treatment of this family of problems up through 1985. Other analytical and experimental investigations" have been carried out to evaluate 1) feedback control laws based on minimizing quadratic indices; 2) near-minimum-time and switching-type controllers; and 3) implementation issues. The main configuration of interest in the present discussion is similar to the structure of the Vander Velde and He study; however, we address the use of variable torque actuation via a reaction wheel instead of on/off thrusters, utilize Liapunov control design approaches, and establish stable tracking-type control laws for distributed-parameter systems. We present a method for generating globally stable feedback control laws for maneuvers of distributed-parameter structural systems. The method can accommodate nonlinearity, and our proof of stability does not rely on spatially discretizing distributed-parameter systems. The most fundamental developments are related to similar ideas presented in Refs. 3 and 6 and lead to controls that drive the system to a target fixed point in the state space. However, we extend these ideas to achieve near-minimum-time control. We present novel tracking-type control laws to null the departure motion of the system state from an arbitrary smooth target trajectory and develop the global conditions for stability of the closed-loop system. The
Distributed Raman amplification with co-propagating pump light

We discuss pump requirements for co-propagating distributed Raman amplification. We demonstrate a depolarized pump source with sufficiently low and stable degree of polarization. We demonstrated system benefits with no noticeable problems from pump-mediated cross-talk.
A model of wide-angle foveation for all-purpose use

This paper proposes a model of wide-angle spase-variant image that provides a guide for designing fovea sensor. First, Advanced Wide-Angle Foveated (AdWAF) model is formulized taking all-purpose use into account. This proposed model uses both linear coordinates and logarithmic coordinates in both planar projection and spherical projection. Thus, this model divides its 120-degree wide-angle field of view into 4 areas, such that it can represent images by various types of lens, flexibly. The first simulation compares with other lens models, in terms of image height and resolution. The result shows the AdWAF model can reduce image data by 13.5 percent, comparing with a log-polar lens model, when both have the same resolution in the fovea area. The second simulation compares with other foveation models used for the existing wide-angle foveated lens, logpolar chip and vision system. The third simulation estimates scale-invariant property by comparing with the Kuniyoshi's lens and the log-polar lens. The AdWAF model gives its planar logarithmic part complete scale-invariant property, while the Kuniyoshi's lens has about 7.6-percent error at most in its spherical logarithmic part. Moreover, the AdWAF image is extracted from an input image by wide-angle foveated (WAF) lens, based on the proposed model.
Analgesia effects of lornoxicam on postoperative total hysterectomy pain and influence on beta-endorphin serum concentration

AIM:To assess the analgesic efficacy and safety of lornoxicam on patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) undergoing hysterectomy and influence of lornoxicam on beta-endorphin serum concentration. METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy under general anaesthesia were randomly divided into lornoxicam group and morphine group. According to the necessity, two drugs administered iv via a patient-controlled analgesia for up to 24 h,postoperatively(lornoxicam group,bolus=0.8 mg lornoxicam ,lock-out time 5 min. monphine group, bolus=(1 mg) morphine, lock-out time 5 min).Efficacy was assessed by comparing hourly pain relief(PAR),total pain relief (TOTPAR)and patient's evaluation of the efficacy of PCA received. Adverse reactions like vomiting, respiratory depression and abdominal distension were also observed. Platelet aggregation with functions of kidney and liver were monitored. Beta-endorphin and cortisol concentrations were measured before and after the operation. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant difference between the two groups in TOTPAR and patient's general evaluation of the efficacy (P 0.05). Lornoxicam caused fewer adverse reactions such as vomiting than morphine (P0.01). Statistical analysis also revealed no significant difference in platelet aggregation (P 0.05). Concentrations of beta-endorphin increased significantly in both groups 3 h after PCA start (P0.01), and there were no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P 0.05). CONCLUSION: Lornoxicam offers an useful alternative to morphine for the PCA with less adverse reactions. Lornoxicam can induce the notable increase of beta-endorphin under stress which needs further study.
Evaluation on the experimental effectiveness of college health education and health promotion model

Objective To assess the feasibility of self-designed college health education and health promotion model.Methods We employed the zoning method to define the experimental group and blank control group which both had the similar schooling,study and living conditions in a university,and then conducted a before-and-after contrast assessment.Health education activities and application experiment were conducted in the experimental group,and then we evaluated 5functional modules of the self-designed and replicable model,which included the mode of"health envoy"working team and student organization management,the working mode of professional and technical guidance,student organization and implementation and society participation,the mode of college students' self-health-management,the environmental support mode of motivation and positive intimation and the mode of procedural multidimensional activity.The information transmission effectiveness of the model was evaluated according to the awareness rate of core information,the establishment rate of health behavior and cognition,etc.The acceptability of the mode was appraised on the basis of the target group's subjective sensation and participation rate. Results During the period of 2011-2013,the"health envoy"student organization was established,constantly effectively operated and undertook 4times of large-scale health education activities regarding 3themes.After 2times of activities concerning AIDS prevention and treatment,the awareness rate of core information of the target group was significantly higher than those of before the activities and blank control group(χ2=105.787,P=0.000;χ2=9.724,P=0.002/χ2=147.88,P=0.000;χ2=13.436,P=0.000).The awareness rate of core information regarding tobacco hazards and control and the health behavior(consciousness)rate of health literacy in the target group were 39.6%(χ2=230.62,P=0.000)and 6.4%(χ2=16.626,P=16.626)higher than those before the activities.Among the 8items of the mode concerning good,moderate and poor subjective evaluation,there were 7items acquired more than 80% moderate recognition. Conclusions The replicable model with 5functional modes has a high acceptability,with good compliance on implementation and operation and remarkable effect on core information transmission.The management mode of"health envoy"working team can effectively and continuously develop in the university,and it is suitable for the university carrying out health education activities.
Socialist Legality and the Soviet Legal System

Two legal systems exist in the Soviet Union today, each functioning quite independently and bearing little resemblance to the other. The first, the one about which the average American citizen knows the least, is the legal system that, day in, day out, maintains law and order, enacts and enforces the law, and adjudicates the disputes that inevitably arise among citizens and institutions in modern societies. Existing alongside this legal system is an arbitrary and repressive system used to punish critics of the regime. To call the latter an apparatus for the administration of justice distorts the concept of justice beyond all recognition. In this second legal system, which is discussed in greater detail in Chapter 13, law and legal institutions are used in an arbitrary and brutal manner to suppress political, national, and religious dissent.
The potential of gene therapy approaches for the treatment of hemoglobinopathies: achievements and challenges

Hemoglobinopathies, including β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD), are a heterogeneous group of commonly inherited disorders affecting the function or levels of hemoglobin. Disease phenotype can be severe with substantial morbidity and mortality. Bone marrow transplantation is curative, but limited to those patients with an appropriately matched donor. Genetic therapy, which utilizes a patient’s own cells, is thus an attractive therapeutic option. Numerous therapies are currently in clinical trials or in development, including therapies utilizing gene replacement therapy using lentiviruses and the latest gene editing techniques. In addition, methods are being developed that may be able to expand gene therapies to those with poor access to medical care, potentially significantly decreasing the global burden of disease.
Correlates of Sibling Relationship Quality and Caregiving Reception of Adults with Disabilities

Siblings of individuals with disabilities report close relationships with and a greater likelihood of caregiving for their brothers and sisters with disabilities. However, most research has only relied on siblings without disabilities excluding individuals with disabilities. In this study, we sought to determine the correlates of close sibling relationships and the likelihood of caregiving as reported by individuals with disabilities. To this end, 106 individuals with disabilities responded to a web-based survey. With respect to the sibling relationship, participants who contacted their siblings more frequently and did not have mental health diagnoses were more likely to report closer sibling relationships. Regarding caregiving, participants who were in greater contact with their siblings, had fathers in excellent or good health, were male, and had more siblings were more likely to receive caregiving from their siblings. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Advanced algorithms for radiographic material discrimination and inspection system design

Abstract X-ray and neutron radiography are powerful tools for non-invasively inspecting the interior of objects. However, current methods are limited in their ability to differentiate materials when multiple materials are present, especially within large and complex objects. Past work has demonstrated that the spectral shift that X-ray beams undergo in traversing an object can be used to detect and quantify nuclear materials. The technique uses a spectrally sensitive detector and an inverse algorithm that varies the composition of the object until the X-ray spectrum predicted by X-ray transport matches the one measured. Here we show that this approach can be adapted to multi-mode radiography, with energy integrating detectors, and that the Cramer–Rao lower bound can be used to choose an optimal set of inspection modes a priori . We consider multi-endpoint X-ray radiography alone, or in combination with neutron radiography using deuterium–deuterium (DD) or deuterium–tritium (DT) sources. We show that for an optimal mode choice, the algorithm can improve discrimination between high-Z materials, specifically between tungsten and plutonium, and estimate plutonium mass within a simulated nuclear material storage system to within 1%.
Intrathecal administration of AAV/GALC vectors in 10-11-day-old twitcher mice improves survival and is enhanced by bone marrow transplant.

Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD), or Krabbe disease, is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease caused by the deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme galactocerebrosidase (GALC). Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) provides modest benefit in presymptomatic patients but is well short of a cure. Gene transfer experiments using viral vectors have shown some success in extending the survival in the mouse model of GLD, twitcher mice. The present study compares three single-stranded (ss) AAV serotypes, two natural and one engineered (with oligodendrocyte tropism), and a self-complementary (sc) AAV vector, all packaged with a codon-optimized murine GALC gene. The vectors were delivered via a lumbar intrathecal route for global CNS distribution on PND10-11 at a dose of 2 × 10(11) vector genomes (vg) per mouse. The results showed a similar significant extension of life span of the twitcher mice for all three serotypes (AAV9, AAVrh10, and AAV-Olig001) as well as the scAAV9 vector, compared to control cohorts. The rAAV gene transfer facilitated GALC biodistribution and detectable enzymatic activity throughout the CNS as well as in sciatic nerve and liver. When combined with BMT from syngeneic wild-type mice, there was significant improvement in survival for ssAAV9. Histopathological analysis of brain, spinal cord, and sciatic nerve showed significant improvement in preservation of myelin, with ssAAV9 providing the greatest benefit. In summary, we demonstrate that lumbar intrathecal delivery of rAAV/mGALCopt can significantly enhance the life span of twitcher mice treated at PND10-11 and that BMT synergizes with this treatment to improve the survival further. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nutritional planning by the pharmacist for diabetic patients

P traditionally have been involved in the provision and assessment of medication therapy in diabetic patients. Pharmacological management of medication therapy in the diabetic patient continues to be a significant challenge to the entire healthcare team involved in the patient’s care. Further challenge is presented to the team because a high percentage of diabetic patients also have hypertension which is another therapeutic challenge. If we really look at the biochemistry and physiology associated with the development of diabetes and hypertension, it becomes increasingly obvious that nutrition therapy can became a very useful tool to be added to the therapy plan of diabetic patients. The pharmacist has a strong knowledge base in the fundamental sciences and therefore is in a good position to understand the importance of carbohydrate and electrolyte management to the treatment of diabetes and hypertension. Understanding the importance of reducing the patient’s Glycemic Load (GL) by reducing the amount of carbohydrate in the patient’s diet and assuring that the carbohydrates in the diet are Low Glycemic Index (LGI) carbohydrates are essential to achieving better blood glucose control. This dietary approach will also increase the important electrolytes (i.e., potassium, magnesium), which are critical to the appropriate utilization of carbohydrate and the maintenance of blood pressure control. I actually practice the pharmacist has successful improved the outcomes in diabetic and hypertensive patients. The pharmacist working collaboratively with the patient’s physician can contribute significantly to improving therapeutic outcomes.