cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aquaculture and Louisiana Fisheries: Innovative Oil Spill Rehabilitation Efforts

When the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded and sank in the Gulf of Mexico, shockwaves were felt throughout the region and the country. The result was one of the nation's worst manmade disaste...
Application of the luciferase cell culture bioassay for the detection of refined petroleum products.

Abstract A luciferase cell culture-based bioassay, developed to detect 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-like activity of halogenated and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, was optimized to detect refined petroleum products and to determine their relative inducing potency. Quality control standards from 32 refined products (gasolines and diesels, jet fuels, lubricating oils, fuel oils and weathered products) and three commercial products were evaluated. Induction equivalents (I-EQs) were determined by direct comparison of the EC50 and EC20 values (based on the median and 20% TCDD maximal response, respectively) from dose-response curves for each product to those obtained with TCDD. Most petroleum products were active in the luciferase bioassay, with those products composed of fractions produced later in the distillation process (i.e. fuel oils) inducing higher levels. Additionally, weathering of products reduced their induction potency. Based on the high I-EQ estimates of many products, biological effects associated with exposure may have been previously underestimated using other diagnostic methods.
Late results following treatment of naevus flammeus and facial burns with split thickness skin grafts, with special reference to post-operative colour changes.

Summary Two cases of extensive split thickness skin transplant to the face are presented. It was noted that the usual brownish pigmentation of grafted skin did not occur in these cases. Continued exposure in the open or to sunlight during work has been implicated as a causative factor.
MMPI comparisons of Hispanic- and white-American veterans seeking treatment for alcoholism.

Summary.-Scores of 29 Hispanic- and 46 white-American alcoholics, who voluntarily sought psychiatric treatment for their alcoholism, were compared on the MMPI. It was hypothesized that Hispanic-American alcoholics would be better adjusted than white alcoholics on the validity and clinical scales of the MMPI. The hypothesis was supported, with Hispanic-Americans obtaining significantly lower scores than white veterans on the Pd, Mf, and Si scales. Hispanic and white patients did not differ on the remaining MMPI scales. The mean two-point code for Hispanic subjects was 2-8 (Depression-Schizophrenia) and for white patients 8-2 (Schizophrenia-Depression). At present, evidence suggests that Hispanic-American heroin addicts who seek psychiatric treatment appear better adjusted on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) than either their white or black peers (Dolan, Roberts, Penk, Robinowitz, & Atkins, 1983; Penk, Robinowitz, Roberts, Dolan, & Atkins, 1981: Penk, Robinowitz, Bell, Shattner, Black, & Flores, 1983; Shaffer, Nurco, Hanlon, Kinlock, Duszynski, & Stephenson, 1988; Weisman, Anglin, & Fisher, 1989). Also, evidence suggests that Hispanic-American alcoholics appear better adjusted than white alcoholics on the MMPI (Page & Bozlee, 1982; Venn, 1988). To date, it has not been determined to what extent Hispanic-American alcoholics who voluntarily seek psychiatric treatment for their alcoholism are better adjusted on the MMPI than white alcoholics who seek treatment. It is known, however, that black polydrug abusers who seek psychiatric treatment score as better adjusted on the MMPI (i.e., lower scores on the Depression, Hysteria, Psychopathic Deviate, and Psychasthenia scales) than their white peers (Penk, Roberts, Robinowitz, Dolan, Atkins, & Woodward, 1982). Therefore, it was hypothesized that Hispanic-American alcoholic veterans would appear better adjusted than whte alcoholic veterans on the MMPI.
Comments on applications of microcomputers in teaching

As instructional applications of microcomputers mature, both recurrent and new themes emerge. These include (1) getting started in instructional microcomputing, (2) the identification and evaluation of software, (3) the diminishing appeal of computer-based demonstrations, (4) the increasing importance of student control in student-computer interactions, (5) the emergence of tool-based courseware, (6) the importance of thoughtful integration of computers into the course, and (7) the critical need to evaluate both course and courseware. Careful attention to these issues can improve the quality of students’ understanding of psychology and the science of behavior.
Cell‐Cycle‐Dependent Active Thermal Bystander Effect (ATBE)

Objective To determine whether the active thermal bystander effect (ATBE) is cell-cycle dependent. Materials and Methods Dividing cells were directly heated for 10 minutes and co-cultured for 24 hours with different bystander cells. We compared the ATBE for dividing and non-dividing human fibroblasts, as well as for dividing human white preadipocytes (HWP) and non-dividing, mature differentiated human white adipocytes. ATBE was assessed as loss of cell viability of the bystander cells by using the MTT assay. Cell-cycle analysis was performed by using flow cytometry. Results Dividing fibroblasts and preadipocytes showed a significant ATBE (P < 0.008 and P < 0.05) with loss of cell viability of about 10% in the temperature range of 40–48°C. There was no significant difference between the extent of the bystander effect for these two cell populations (P = 0.30). In contrast, non-dividing fibroblasts and mature adipocytes did not generate any ATBE within this temperature range. There was a statistically significant difference in ATBE between dividing and non-dividing cell subpopulations for both fibroblasts (P = 0.003) and preadipocytes (P < 0.001) compared to their non-dividing counterparts. Conclusion These results suggest that the ATBE is a cell-cycle-dependent process which requires actively dividing cells as receiving bystander cells. The cell-cycle dependency of the ATBE could have useful clinical applications in selectively targeting fast growing cells such as tumor cells. Whether the yield of the ATBE can be amplified by synchronizing the exposure to the ATBE with specific phases of the cell cycle remains subject to further investigation. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:230–235, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Functional and biochemical characterization of a recombinant 3-Deoxy-D-manno-octulosonic acid 8-phosphate synthase from the hyperthermophilic bacterium Aquifex aeolicus.

Abstract The kdsA gene from the hyperthermophilic bacterium Aquifex aeolicus was cloned into a vector for expression in Escherichia coli and the kdsA gene product, 3-deoxy- d - manno -octulosonic acid 8-phosphate synthase (KdsA), was overexpressed under optimized growth conditions. The thermophilic KdsA was purified using an efficient purification procedure including a heat-treatment step. Purified KdsA was shown to catalyze the formation of 3-deoxy- d - manno -octulosonic acid 8-phosphate from phospho enol pyruvate (PEP) and d -arabinose 5-phosphate (A 5-P) as determined from 1 H NMR analysis of the product. Analytical gel filtration analysis indicated the native enzyme to be oligomeric. KdsA was extremely thermostable, exhibiting maximal activity at 95°C and with half-lives of 1.5 h (90°C), 8.1 h (80°C), and 30.3 h (70°C). KdsA appeared to follow Michaelis–Menton kinetics with K A5-P m = 8 − 74 μM, K PEP m = 43–28 μM, and k cat = 0.4–2.0 s −1 between 60 and 90°C.
A retrospective study of the management of oral mucous membrane pemphigoid with dapsone.

Abstract Objective. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the efficacy of dapsone therapy in the management of mucous membrane pemphigoid. Study design. The charts of 29 patients who had been diagnosed with mucous membrane pemphigoid by means of routine histologic analysis and direct immunofluorescence were reviewed. The oral features were graded according to severity of disease from 1 to 3. Each patient was assigned to one of 4 groups according to his or her response to therapy. Results. Nine patients were treated successfully with topical corticosteroids alone. Eleven patients with moderate to severe disease who were treated initially with topical steroids showed minimal improvement; after dapsone was added, 7 of the 11 had total resolution of their lesions and 4 had greater than 75% improvement. Two patients had to discontinue dapsone because of side effects. Conclusions. In this group of 20 patients with moderate to severe mucous membrane pemphigoid, the use of dapsone in combination with topical corticosteroids caused greater than 75% resolution of oral lesions in all patients studied. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;88:159-63)
The decomposition and chemistry of Ru3(CO)12 on TiO2(110) studied with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and temperature programmed desorption

Abstract The decomposition process of triruthenium dodecacarbonyl (Ru3(CO)12) on single crystal TiO2(1 1 0) has been investigated using synchrotron-based high resolution photoemission spectroscopy and temperature programmed desorption (TPD). Ruthenium carbonyl adsorbs molecularly on TiO2(1 1 0) at 100 K. When dosing at room temperature, the molecule dissociatively adsorbs forming a Ru3(CO)m (m ⩽ 10) species on the surface. TPD spectra for ruthenium carbonyl dosed at 100 K and 300 K are quite different in peak numbers and shape, indicating that the ruthenium carbonyl decomposition is sensitive to the preparation procedure. Both TPD and photoemission demonstrate that around 700 K, the decarbonylation process is completed yielding almost pure Ru particles. A small amount of CO adsorbs on the obtained Ru particles after large CO exposures (60–100 L) at 300 K. The Ru particles can be oxidized to form RuO2 at 600 K with an O2 pressure of ∼1 × 10−6 Torr (>400 L exposure). In addition, the chemical activity of the Ru metal particles dispersed on TiO2(1 1 0) has also been examined with SO2 and compared to that of a Ru(0 0 1) single crystal. SO2 is easily decomposed by the Ru particles at room temperature, producing S and O adatoms. SO4 is the main product of the reaction of SO2 with the titania support, and the presence of the Ru particles favors a SO4,ads → Sads + nOads + mO2,gas transformation at elevated temperature.
Pulse radiolysis studies of melatonin and chloromelatonin

Abstract The endogenous indole melatonin and the melatonin receptor agonist 6-chloromelatonin block the proliferation of both dermal and uveal melanoma cells by mechanisms that may involve redox reactions. The interactions of hydrated electrons, the azide radical, hydroxyl radicals and superoxide with melatonin and its 6-chloro analogue have been studied using the technique of pulse radiolysis. The reaction rate constants of eaq− and N3· with these compounds were found to be dependent on substitution at the sixth position. The rate constants for reaction of 6-chloromelatonin and melatonin with solvated electrons are 4.5 × 109 M−1 s−1 and 4.2 × 108 M−1 s−1, respectively. The reaction rate constants of N3· with melatonin and chioromelatonin are 9.8 × 109 M−1 s−1 and 3.5 × 109 M−1 s−1, respectively. Melatonin and 6-chloro-melatonin react with hydroxyl radicals at near diffusion controlled rates (1.3 × 1010 M−1 s−1, 8.2 × 109 M−1 s−1). Melatonin and 6-chloromelatonin did not react with Superoxide radicals and we calculate an upper limit of 1.0 × 104 M−1 s−1 for the rate constant for reaction of melatonin and 6-chloromelatonin with Superoxide ion. © 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.
Paediatric rheumatology: Where are the innovations in paediatric rheumatology?

Rapid progress is being made in the field of rheumatology. Nevertheless, disappointingly, the limited resources of the paediatric rheumatology community are being expended on the publication of consensus guidelines that represent fossilization of old ideas rather than real innovation that leads to the improved care of children.
Routine Postoperative Imaging is Important After Ureteroscopic Stone Manipulation

Purpose: Improved fiber optics and advanced intracorporeal lithotripsy devices have significantly decreased the incidence of complications during ureteroscopic procedures. Despite recent reports suggesting that radiographic imaging may not be necessary in all individuals after routine ureteroscopy silent obstruction may develop in some, ultimately resulting in renal damage. We determined the incidence of postoperative silent obstruction at our institution and assessed the need for routine functional radiographic studies after ureteroscopy.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 320 patients who underwent a total of 459 ureteroscopic procedures for renal or ureteral calculi in a 3-year period. Complete followup with imaging was available for 241 patients (75%). Average patient age was 47.2 years. The variables of interest reviewed included preoperative pain, preoperative obstruction, targeted calculous site, stone-free rate, postoperative pain and postoperative obstruction. Mean fo...
Towards snake-like soft robots: Design of fluidic fiber-reinforced elastomeric helical manipulators

Tendril helical motions and snake robots have a multitude of potential applications from climbing to anchoring to complex manipulation in fields such as medical, gas/oil energy, and manufacturing. Constructing a snake robot from a fluid driven, fiber reinforced elastomeric enclosure (FREE), complex helical motions are created in a lightweight, low cost, simple structure. The snake-like manipulators are created by forming a hollow cylindrical elastomer that is reinforced with two families of fibers and one additional fiber. The manipulator is then driven by changing the volume of fluid contained within, thus forming the desired helical patterns. The design of this continuum structure is analyzed for all possible fiber angles and the FREE radius. The parameters of the resulting helix including pitch and radius are determined analytically, without the need for finite element methods. Three prototypes at different points in the design space are fabricated and tested to verify the analytical model.
Test and Temptation in 4 Ezra

This article argues that 4 Ezra is structured as a test. Having resisted, over the course of the dialogue with Uriel, the temptation to abandon his people, Ezra enjoys visions of a restored Israel.
Tunable synergism/antagonism in a mixed nonionic/anionic surfactant layer at the solid/liquid interface.

The use of mixed surfactants for modification of solid surfaces is important for many applications, since beneficial synergism often occurs depending on the surfactant type and mixing conditions. S...
The child's memory for unitized scenes

Abstract This article shows that the nursery school child remembers a set of pictures or objects better if the items are unitized. For example, a shoe, key, and box are better remembered if the key is in the shoe and the shoe is in the box. Even arbitrary units are better remembered than a series of items. In Exp. I, the child was first shown a display of pictures or objects. He named each item and the items were then hidden; then one was removed and the remaining items were exposed. The S was then asked what was missing. Different groups of S s were tested in different conditions. The unitized condition showed a clear superiority. Experiment II replicated this result with a simpler procedure and with each S as his own control. Experiments III and IV then examined the role of verbal descriptions and verbalization in producing the effect.
Urban stream syndrome in a small, lightly developed watershed: a statistical analysis of water chemistry parameters, land use patterns, and natural sources.

The relationships among land use patterns, geology, soil, and major solute concentrations in stream water for eight tributaries of the Kayaderosseras Creek watershed in Saratoga County, NY, were investigated using Pearson correlation coefficients and multivariate regression analysis. Sub-watersheds corresponding to each sampling site were delineated, and land use patterns were determined for each of the eight sub-watersheds using GIS. Four land use categories (urban development, agriculture, forests, and wetlands) constituted more than 99 % of the land in the sub-watersheds. Eleven water chemistry parameters were highly and positively correlated with each other and urban development. Multivariate regression models indicated urban development was the most powerful predictor for the same eleven parameters (conductivity, TN, TP, NO\(_{3}^-\), Cl−, HCO\(_{3}^-\), SO\(_{4}^{2-}\), Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+). Adjusted R2 values, ranging from 19 to 91 %, indicated that these models explained an average of 64 % of the variance in these 11 parameters across the samples and 70 % when Mg2+ was omitted. The more common R2, ranging from 29 to 92 %, averaged 68 % for these 11 parameters and 72 % when Mg2+ was omitted. Water quality improved most with forest coverage in stream watersheds. The strong associations between water quality variables and urban development indicated an urban source for these 11 water quality parameters at all eight sampling sites was likely, suggesting that urban stream syndrome can be detected even on a relatively small scale in a lightly developed area. Possible urban sources of Ca2+ and HCO\(_{3}^-\) are suggested.
Mixing relationships in aliphatic polyamide blends

Abstract The correlation of chemical composition and phase phenomena of polyamide blends has now been extended to binary aliphatic polyamide blends. The close similarity of structure and chemico-physical properties has usually made such an identification extremely difficult. This has now been overcome to a large extent by implementing enthalpy recovery measurements as the analytical procedure. It has been determined that, with the exception of blends of nylon 6 containing nylon 66, binary aliphatic polyamide blends will initially form phase-separated systems. This is in agreement with theoretical arguments based upon the dominant role of unfavourable interactions in polyamide blends. The nylon 6/nylon 66 blend represents the athermal condition, which coupled with the inability to detect any heterogeneity, suggests this blend may be homogeneous on a molecular scale. It has also been shown that in some instances transreaction in the melt can proceed rapidly during short periods of exposure to high temperature, e.g. 310°C for 4 min, with the formation of miscible blends. These observations are also reconciled qualitatively with theoretical considerations.
Multifluid model of a one‐dimensional steady state magnetotail current sheet

[1] The central current sheet of the magnetotail has been modeled frequently as a nearly one-dimensional configuration that might have a significant role in magnetospheric physics as a site of particle acceleration. Yet comparisons of data with tail models have mainly used the Harris solution in spite of its deficiencies: No normal magnetic field, uniform cross-tail drift, and vanishing asymptotic plasma density. We present a time-independent one-dimensional multifluid model that separates ions into groups coming from sources above and below the current sheet. Electrons are a separate group. A disadvantage is that equations of state are required for closure. The isotropic pressure equation of state is supported by observation and gives reasonable results. This model is more realistic; it encodes more information than a single fluid or an ion and electron fluid model. This fluid model can be easily used to compare with magnetotail data. Field and plasma moment data provide boundary conditions for a model calculation. We examine symmetric models that predict specific relations between various quantities, such as magnetic field or density. Solutions are obtained similar to Harris' model, but with non-uniform out-of-plane ion flow and non-vanishing asymptotic density. Sheet thickness has weak dependence on the normal magnetic field and modest dependence on electron-to-ion pressure ratio. The ratio of sheet center to asymptotic density decreases with asymptotic ion pressure. This one-dimensional configuration of the current sheet, in Earth's reference frame, provides an example of conversion of electromagnetic energy into fluid energy.
Observational Evidence of Reemergence in the Extratropical Southern Hemisphere

Observations of subsurface temperatures are used to examine the winter-to-winter ‘‘reemergence’’ of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the extratropical South Pacific Ocean. Reemergence is the mechanism through which SST anomalies formed in the late winter are sequestered beneath the relatively shallow summer mixed layer and then reentrained into the deepening mixed layer during the following autumn/ winter. Although several studies have extensively examined reemergence in the Northern Hemisphere (NH), this is the first study to use observations of subsurface temperatures to document reemergence in the extratropical Southern Hemisphere (SH). The SH subsurface data reveal a pronounced reemergence signal in the western extratropical South Pacific. In this region, surface thermal anomalies formed during late SH winter are observed to persist below the summertime mixed layer and reemerge at the surface during the followingearly winter months. As such, SST anomalies formed during late winter are strongly correlated with SST anomalies during the following early winter but are not significantly correlated with SST anomalies during the intervening summer months. The results based on subsurface data are robust to small changes in the period of analysis and are qualitatively similar to existing evidence of reemergence in the NH. Analyses of independent SST data reveal that reemergence is widespread in the western extratropical South Pacific basin but is less discernible in SST anomalies over the eastern part of the basin.
DISSECTING MUSCLE POWER OUTPUT

The primary determinants of muscle force throughout a shortening-lengthening cycle, and therefore of the net work done during the cycle, are (1) the shortening or lengthening velocity of the muscle and the force-velocity relationship for the muscle, (2) muscle length and the length-tension relationship for the muscle, and (3) the pattern of stimulation and the time course of muscle activation following stimulation. In addition to these primary factors, there are what are termed secondary determinants of force and work output, which arise from interactions between the primary determinants. The secondary determinants are length-dependent changes in the kinetics of muscle activation, and shortening deactivation, the extent of which depends on the work that has been done during the preceding shortening. The primary and secondary determinants of muscle force and work are illustrated with examples drawn from studies of crustacean muscles.
Introduction to "some laws concerning the distribution of electric currents in volume conductors with applications to experiments on animal electricity"

Muscle and nerve cells are electrically active and give rise to currents and potentials in the surrounding tissues, which are conductors of electricity. The study of the relation of these bioelectric sources to currents they produce in the surrounding tissue is called the volume conductor problem. The basic physics of the volume conductor were worked out by Helmholtz. The Helmholtz paper is still extensively cited. Just who was Helmholtz and exactly what did he contribute so many years ago? What events and circumstances molded the life of such an individual? An attempt is made to answer these questions.
Assessing Perception of Career Role-Model Performance: The Self-Employed Parent:

A social learning theory of career decision-making proposes that career and occupational role models can influence an individual's career decision-making activity. Although investigators have asses...
Diverse Voices: Czech Women’s Writing in the Post-Communist Era

This essay offers an overview of the diversity of women’s prose writing that emerged on the Czech cultural scene in the post-communist era. To that end it briefly characterizes the work of eight Czech women authors who were born within the first two decades after World War II and began to create during the post-1968 era of ‘normalization’. In this broad sense they belong to a single generation. With rare exception their work was not officially published in their homeland until the 1990s. The writers included are: Lenka Prochazkova, Tereza Bouckova, Alexandra Berkova, Zuzana Brabcova, Daniela Hodrova, Sylvie Richterova, Iva Pekarkova, and Eva Hauserova. The overview is followed by a concise comparative analysis of texts by three very different writers (Prochazkova, Pekarkova, and Hodrova), using a feminist critical approach. There is also an appendix of works by these writers available in English translation.
Relations Among Certain Specification Properties of Building Brick and Effects of Differences in Raw Materials and Methods of Forming

Strength, absorption, and saturation-coefficient relations were analyzed on 3205 brick whose individual properties were reported in Building Materials and Structures Report BMS60. These brick included examples of all commercial types of forming and represented a wide range of raw materials. The analysis consisted of classifying the specimens into groups throughout a range of one property and calculating the averages of other properties thus associated. Similar analyses were made of subgroups selected on the bases of raw material and method of forming. Plotting these averages gave smooth and regular curves for the relation of one property to another. Characteristic differences among the relations of certain properties were found among groups classified according to raw material and method of forming.
A contention-based service scheduling protocol for multi-node multi-server wireless sensor networks

Many protocols designed for wireless sensor networks require the existence of special purpose nodes distributed throughout the network to perform such services as aggregation, access coordination, etc. To avoid inter-node interference, it is desirable to schedule beforehand the nodes that will interact with the servers in a given time interval. Previous solutions either assume a fully connected network with a single server or clustered architecture with one server per cluster and no inter-cluster interference. In this paper, we propose a contention-based protocol for scheduling service requests by nodes in environments with multiple servers without any assumption about clustering. We describe two versions of our protocol: one based on random backoff and the other on truncated binary exponential backoff. Results show that a high number of requests can be fulfilled within a reasonable response delay and its performance is better than TDMA-like clustering-based schemes when the interference between clusters is taken into account.
Concept Mapping Using CmapTools to Enhance Meaningful Learning

Concept maps are graphical tools that have been used in all facets of education and training for organizing and representing knowledge. When learners build concept maps, meaningful learning is facilitated. Computer-based concept mapping software such as CmapTools have further extended the use of concept mapping and greatly enhanced the potential of the tool, facilitating the implementation of a concept map-centered learning environment. In this chapter, we briefly present concept mapping and its theoretical foundation, and illustrate how it can lead to an improved learning environment when it is combined with CmapTools and the Internet. We present the nationwide “Proyecto Conectate al Conocimiento” in Panama as an example of how concept mapping, together with technology, can be adopted by hundreds of schools as a means to enhance meaningful learning.
An animated display of tongue, lip and jaw movements during speech: A proper basis for speech aids to the handicapped and other speech technologies

The authors have developed a method for inferring articulatory parameters from acoustics. For this method, an X-ray microbeam records the movements of the lower lip, tongue tip and tongue dorsum during normal speech. A neural network is then trained to map from concurrently recorded acoustic data to the articulatory data. The device has applications in speech therapy as a lip-reading aid, and as a basis for other speech technologies including speech and speaker recognition and low data-rate speech transmission. >
Estrogens + Patient Package Insert = Confused Patients

A brief review of the patient package inserts concept and estrogen pharmacology is presented. Then the need for patient education is discussed along with recommendations for a team approach to managing patient anxiety by helping patients understand the estrogen-containing products they are using.
Application of a general learning algorithm to the control of robotic manipulators

In this paper, we discuss the use of a general learning algo rithm for the dynamic control of robot manipulators. Unlike some other learning control schemes, learning is based solely on observations of the input-output relationship of the system being controlled and is independent of control objectives. Information learned previously can be applied to new control objectives as long as similar regions of the system state space are involved. The control scheme requires no a priori knowl edge of the robot dynamics and is easy to apply to a particu lar control problem or to modify to accommodate changes in the physical system. The control scheme is computationally efficient and well suited to fixed-point implementation. The learning controller is evaluated in a series of computer simu lations involving a two-axis-articulated robot arm during simulated repetitive and nonrepetitive movements. We inves tigate the effects of varying learning algorithm parameters as well as control system performance in the presen...
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: uncommon cause of corpus callosal microhemorrhage.

A 47-year-old man presented with respiratory failure secondary to influenza requiring venovenous extracorporeal mechanical oxygenation (ECMO) for 10 days. MRI performed for mental status changes revealed numerous microhemorrhages predominantly involving the corpus callosum (figure). ECMO was the only identified cause; there was no history of substance abuse, hypertension, or other explanation. Neurologic injury occurs in half of ECMO-treated patients and includes anoxic injury, various hemorrhages, and infarctions.1 Callosal microhemorrhage is a rare ECMO complication and may be a consequence of continuous heparin infusion during ECMO and hemorrhagic diathesis.2 Neurologic complications are more common with venoarterial ECMO than venovenous ECMO.2
Wind tunnel measurements of sphere drag at supersonic speeds and low Reynolds numbers

Sphere drag has been measured in a low-density supersonic wind tunnel by a simple displacement technique. A conical nozzle of fixed geometry, operated at a constant supply temperature of about 300 °K was used. Test section Mach numbers ranged between 3.8 and 4.3 depending on supply pressure. The Reynolds number and Knudsen number range, based on free-stream conditions and sphere diameter, were 50 < Re∞ < 1000 and 0·106 < Kn∞ < 0·006, respectively. This range was achieved by varying sphere size and supply pressure. The drag coefficient was found to increase from a value of CD = 1·17 at Re∞ = 1000 to CD = 1·73 at Re∞ = 50.
Tachyarrhythmia detection by implantable defibrillator

A previously published sequential hypothesis testing (SHT) algorithm (see Z. Yi-Sheng and N.V. Thakor, Proc. IEEE 19th Ann. Conf. Eng. Med. Biol. Soc., p.918-19, 1988) is extended to the problem of the discrimination of superventricular tachycardia (SVT) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) signals by an automatic implantable cardioverter/defibrillator. The SHT algorithm compares a likelihood function against the detection thresholds at successive 1-s stages. It allows the desired accuracy to be preset and attains higher accuracy levels only at the cost of increased detection time. The implementation of the algorithm and experimental results are described. The results show that the SHT algorithm correctly discriminates most cases of SVT and VT when the rates in the atrial and ventricular leads differ. When the rates are comparable the time delay between a beat in the atrial lead and the ventricular lead is determined. In the case of SVT the delay is always positive, whereas for VT with retrograde conduction it is zero or negative. >
Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Ability Grouping: Principal Findings and Implications for Evaluating and Designing More Effective Educational Environments

Given the assumption that the quality of an educational environment is directly related to the degree to which the experiences encouraged in that environment facilitate the achievement of specified educational objectives, the issue of whether ability grouping tends to enhance or reduce school learning experience is of particular educational significance. That is, if grouping students for instruction either homoor heterogeneously, on the basis of performance on standardized reading, arithmetic, and I.Q. achievement tests tends to restrict the nature and quality of instruction that can be provided in the classroom, then regardless of some presumed educational or administrative advantage, the practice fosters an unsound environment for the education of children, and should be discontinued.2 If, on the other hand, evidence suggests that a specific pattern of ability grouping tends to enhance the nature and quality of instruction that can be provided in the classroom, then the practice should be initiated or continued in the interest of maintaining quality education. Initially, it may appear that a reconsideration of the evidence dealing with the issues related to the ability grouping debate is unlikely to broaden one's knowledge or alter one's position with respect to the relative merits of ability grouping practices. Certainly, educators and research investigators have read any number of studies and discussions addressed to the subject and undoubtedly have given careful consideration to the possible advantages and disadvantages of various ability grouping schemes of organizing administrators, teachers, and children into instructional units. However, notwithstanding the longevity of the
Control-to-output transfer function of peak current-mode controlled PWM DC¿DC boost converter in CCM

A block diagram to derive the control-to-output transfer function of peak current-mode controlled pulse-width modulated (PWM) DC-DC boost power converter for continuous conduction mode (CCM) is presented. The control-to-output transfer function is derived and illustrated using MATLAB. The results obtained are required to design the compensator for the outer-voltage loop.
Hardness of human nail as an index of nutritional status: a preliminary communication.

1. The Knoop test of hardness of materials has been used to test the hardness of human nail.2. The range of hardness of nails was found to be small in healthy persons and large in malnourished children.3. Nails from malnourished children were in general much harder than those from healthy persons. The nails of a small group of three children became softer while they were recovering from malnutrition.
Defining trends and thresholds in responses of ecological indicators to fishing and environmental pressures

Both fishing and environmental forces can influence the structure of marine ecosystems. To further understand marine ecosystems and to implement ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM), an evaluation of ecosystem indicators is warranted. In this context, it is particularly important to identify thresholds where fishing and environmental pressures significantly influence ecological indicators. We empirically determined numerical values of environmental forces and fishing pressure that significantly altered the response of ecological indicators for the Northeast Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem. Generalized additive models predicted a non-linear relationship for each pressure– response pairing. With this smoother, 95% confidence intervals (CI) for estimated first and second derivatives for each relationship were determined via parametric bootstrap. A significant trend or threshold was noted when the CI for the first or second derivative was greater or less than zero, delineating the level at which pressure variables influence the rate and direction of ecosystem indicator responses. We identify reference levels where environmental forces and fishing pressure result in ecosystem change by collectively examining the responses of multiple ecological indicators. Individual indicators showed unique responses to pressures, however, similar values for the pressures were associated with significant changes for multiple indicators. These reference levels establish a foundation for implementation of EBFM.
Adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction after bariatric surgery.

Abstract Background The development of upper gastrointestinal malignancies after bariatric surgery has not been well characterized. Our objective was to review the experience of patients with distal esophageal cancer that was diagnosed after bariatric surgery. Methods A retrospective review was conducted to identify patients who had undergone bariatric surgery (1999 to 2006) and who later developed high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus. Results Three patients (of 2,875 [0.1%]) developed esophageal cancer: 2 after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 1 after vertical banded gastroplasty. All three patients had complaints of reflux, and two were treated with esophagectomy. The third patient presented with invasive carcinoma and died 2 years after diagnosis. Conclusions Our findings emphasize the importance of precise endoscopic evaluation before bariatric surgery in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), of the necessity for continuing postsurgical surveillance in patients with known Barrett's esophagitis, and of early evaluation in patients who develop new symptoms of GERD after bariatric surgery.
Comparative study of SPORL and dilute-acid pretreatments of spruce for cellulosic ethanol production

The performance of two pretreatment methods, sulfite pretreatment to overcome recalcitrance of lignocellulose (SPORL) and dilute acid (DA), was compared in pretreating softwood (spruce) for fuel ethanol production at 180 C for 30 min with a sulfuric acid loading of 5% on oven-dry wood and a 5:1 liquorto-wood ratio. SPORL was supplemented with 9% sodium sulfite (w/w of wood). The recoveries of total saccharides (hexoses and pentoses) were 87.9% (SPORL) and 56.7% (DA), while those of cellulose were 92.5% (SPORL) and 77.7% (DA). The total of known inhibitors (furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and formic, acetic and levulinic acids) formed in SPORL were only 35% of those formed in DA pretreatment. SPORL pretreatment dissolved approximately 32% of the lignin as lignosulfonate, which is a potential high-value co-product. With an enzyme loading of 15 FPU (filter paper units) per gram of cellulose, the cellulose-to-glucose conversion yields were 91% at 24 h for the SPORL substrate and 55% at 48 h for the DA substrate, respectively.
An electromechanical/electromagnetic transient hybrid simulation method that considers asymmetric faults in an electromechanical network

This paper proposes a method to perform electromechanical and electromagnetic transient hybrid simulation, including the interface location, the mutual equivalence solution of the electromechanical system and the electromagnetic system, which can perform excellently when the positive and negative sequence parameters of the equivalent circuit are different. The least square method is adopted to obtain the fundamental frequency current as the equivalent solution of the electromagnetic system. The method was demonstrated to be effective and feasible through two cases. It solves hybrid simulation problems when variable faults (including asymmetric faults) occur in an electromechanical network.
Who Am I to Decide Whether This Person Is to Die Today? Physicians’ Life-or-Death Decisions for Elderly Critically Ill Patients at the Emergency Department–ICU Interface: A Qualitative Study

Study objective We explored physicians' perceptions of and attitudes toward triage and end-of-life decisions for elderly critically ill patients at the emergency department (ED)–ICU interface. Methods This was a qualitative study with thematic analysis of data collected through semistructured interviews (15 emergency physicians and 9 ICU physicians) and nonparticipant observations (324 hours, 8 units, in 2 hospitals in France). Results Six themes emerged: (1) Physicians revealed a representation of elderly patients that comprised both negative and positive stereotypes, and expressed the concept of physiologic age. (2) These age-related factors influenced physicians' decisionmaking in resuscitate/not resuscitate situations. (3) Three main communication patterns framed the decisions: interdisciplinary decisions, decisions by 2 physicians on their own, and unilateral decisions by 1 physician; however, some physicians avoided decisions, facing uncertainty and conflicts. (4) Conflicts and communication gaps occurred at the ED-ICU interface and upstream of the ED-ICU interface. (5) End-of-life decisions were perceived as more complex in the ED, in the absence of family or of information about elderly patients' end-of-life preferences, and when there was conflict with relatives, time pressure, and a lack of training in end-of-life decisionmaking. (6) During decisionmaking, patients' safety and quality of care were potentially compromised by delayed or denied intensive care and lack of palliative care. Conclusion These qualitative findings highlight the cognitive heuristics and biases, interphysician conflicts, and communication gaps influencing physicians' triage and end-of-life decisions for elderly critically ill patients at the ED-ICU interface and suggest strategies to improve these decisions.
Regulation of gluconeogenesis by insulin and glucagon in the neonatal bovine

Hepatocyte monolayers from neonatal calves were used to determine the effects of glucagon and insulin on incorporation of carbon from [2-14C]propionate, [1-14C]lactate, [U-14C]lactate, and [1,3-14C]glycerol into glucose and glycogen. Glucagon increased gluconeogenesis (nmol substrate incorporated into glucose or glycogen.micrograms DNA-1.h-1) from propionate and lactate but not from glycerol. Insulin decreased gluconeogenesis from [2-14C]propionate but was without effect on gluconeogenesis from [U-14C]lactate or [1,3-14C]glycerol. Net de novo glycogenesis (nmol substrate retained in cell glycogen.micrograms DNA-1.h-1) from propionate, lactate, and glycerol was decreased by glucagon and increased by insulin. Glucagon effects on gluconeogenesis, but not glycogenesis, were mimicked by dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate. Lactate flux through pyruvate carboxylase accounts for > or = 91% of lactate carbon flux to glucose, and this proportion was unchanged by glucagon or insulin. Gluconeogenesis from propionate and lactate is regulated by substrate concentration and glucagon in bovine hepatocyte monolayers. The data indicate that, in neonatal bovine liver, glucagon acts on a process common to lactate and propionate to increase gluconeogenesis, and insulin opposes these effects on gluconeogenesis from propionate but not lactate.
Control of Single-Phase DC-AC Inverters in Residential Microgrid Systems

A residential microgrid is rated in the kW range. A single-phase inverter is main control subsystem of the microgrids. The rating of inverter is a function of PV location and types of microgrids. The least costly microgrids are directly tied to the local power grids without any storage capability. The higher kW microgrids are installed if storage systems are also installed to store the generated power.
Further Studies on the Nature and Source of the Conjugated Bile Pigments

Summary and conclusionsRat-fistula bile, isolated rat liver, liver slices incubated with bilirubin, and the hepatectomized dog were utilized to study the nature and sources of conjugated bile pigment. The technics of reverse-phase column chromatography, chemical-partition chromatography, and paper chromatography were employed and molar ratios were calculated. Probably pigment 1 is formed solely in extrahepatic sites. The evidence favors a bilirubin monoglucuronide structure for pigment 1 rather than a complex of bilirubin and pigment 2. In the dog, pigment 2 probably is formed only within the liver. It is suggested that bilirubin diglucuronide may be formed intrahepatically from bilirubin directly, as well as from part of the extrahepatic pigment 1.
A summary of political selection: The effect of strategic choice on the escalation of international crises

If we believe that politics involves a significant amount of strategic interaction then classical statistical tests, such as Ordinary Least Squares, Probit or Logit, cannot give us the right answers. This is true for two reasons: the dependent variables under observation are interdependent-that is, the essence of game theoretic logic-and the data is censored-that is, an inherent feature of off the path expectations that leads to selection effects. I explore the consequences of strategic decision-making on empirical estimation in the context of international crisis escalation. Having shown how and why classical estimation techniques fail in strategic settings, I develop a method that ameliorates these problems.
Disruption, Spectacle, and Gender in Eighteenth-Century Technical Communication

ABSTRACTThis article examines how 18th-century technical communicators used spectacular science displays to critique audiences’ existing knowledge and advocate for alternative perspectives and technical practices. In addition to using disruptive rhetorical strategies such as amplification and contrary opposition, historical technical communicators heightened the wonder of their displays by disrupting audience expectations for the extended material and social scenes, including the objects, spaces, bodies, and cultural performances like gender that surrounded the demonstrations.
Analysis of iodine salt monitoring result in Daxing district of Beijing during 2010 and 2011

Objective:To understand the situation of edible iodized salt in Daxing district of Beijing and to provide the scientific basis for prevention and control of iodine deficiency disease.Methods: 576 samples were collected during 2010-2011 and iodine contents were detected according to GB/T13025.7-1999.Results: The coverage rate of iodized salt,the qualification rate of iodized salt and the edibility of qualified iodized salt were all higher than 95%.Conclusion: The qualified rate of edible iodized salt for residents is high in Daxing district,but there is still non-iodized salt.The functional departments should strengthen supervision to guarantee the people to attain qualified iodized salt.