cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Budget Deficit Alarmism Is Sabotaging Growth

Fiscal conservatives are using the recession-induced spike in budget deficits to revive fiscal austerity, which is based on flawed economic analysis and is not supported by thoughtful budget analysis. Although the need for deficits to provide short-term Keynesian fiscal stimulus is recognized, there is little understanding of the mediumterm need for budget deficits to facilitate private-sector deleveraging and to restore growth. The U.S. economy needs a new engine of growth, and deficit-financed public investment can play an important role. The fiscal austerity agenda risks creating a "vicious" circle in which austerity slows growth, necessitating further austerity.
Relationship between Construction Safety and Quality Performance

AbstractIt is well established that the project cost, quality, safety, and duration are the four critical elements that contribute to project success. Past literature has established theoretical relationships between construction safety and quality on the basis of opinions of industry experts. This is the first empirical inquiry into the relationship between safety and quality, testing the null hypothesis that there is no statistical relationship among quality performance indicators and safety performance indicators. To test this hypothesis, empirical data were collected from 32 building construction projects, ranging in scope from $50,000 to $300 million dollars. Several quality metrics (e.g., cost of rework per $1M project scope and rate of rework per 200,000 worker-hours) were used as predictor variables and first aid and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable injury rates were used as response variables. Linear regressions among the predictor and response variables showed that...
Perisikan: An intelligent framework for social network data analysis

Social networks usually involve rich collections of objects, which are jointly linked into complex relational networks. Analyzing these networks for information has gained significant attention in recent years, largely due to the success of online social networking and media-sharing sites like FaceBook, and the consequent availability of a wealth of social network data. Recent past has seen an enormous increase in the research of different problems and methods for social data analysis. Since there is a huge gap between research community and the business groups, the potential business impact of this research is still largely unexplored. In this paper we discuss a well known business problem of emotion analysis of online posts and suggest a new framework named ‘Perisikan’ that could address the problem in a more efficient way. Also we discuss a case study that is built based on this framework which provides real time information.
Analysis of instantaneous dynamic states of vibrated granular materials

Abstract The behavior of granular materials subjected to continuous vertical vibrations is dependent on a variety of factors, including how energetically the containment vessel is shaken as well as particle properties. Motivation for the investigation reported here is based on phenomenon in which bulk solids attain an increase in density upon relaxation. The results of a detailed, discrete element study designed to examine the dynamic state of a granular material is presented, in which particles are represented as inelastic, frictional spheres. The phase in which the assembly finds itself immediately before vibrations are stopped is quantified by computing depth profiles of the translational energy ratio R in conjunction with profiles of solids fraction ν and granular temperature T. The use of particles that are more frictional tends to hinder or delay thermalization, while particle restitution coefficient plays a role when the flow is collision dominated. The structure before vibrations are applied plays an important role in determining the depth profiles and the phase pattern only at low accelerations. On the other hand, large accelerations can easily dislodge the poured configuration very quickly so that the initial condition is not major factor in the phase pattern.
Bidirectional approach to the computation of localized wave fields generated by azimuthally symmetric sources

This paper introduces a modification to the bidirectional traveling plane wave decomposition, whereby one can select new basis functions resulting in different representations for a solution. This freedom of choice facilitates the solving of the homogeneous as well as the nonhomogeneous scalar wave equation. We shall also demonstrate the bidirectional method by solving two source problems: point charge moving uniformly in a lossless dielectric, and the Green's function for the Poisson equation.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ensuring Food Safety and Quality in Farm-Level Production: Emerging Lessons from the Pork Industry

Several trends bring greater demand for farmlevel quality assurance. Consumer demand for specific product attributes and reliable product quality and safety is growing. This trend, together with increased public regulation or legal liability for food processors and retailers, creates derived demand for quality assurance in farm production. At the same time, expanded international trade in processed-food products brings a need for quality assurance that can be widely recognized. Yet basic questions about farm-level quality assurance remain unanswered. What measures
Experiences in the search for anti-inflammatory agents of microbial origin.

Whole shaken cultures of 20 random, unidentified actinomycetes were extracted with n-butanol at pH 4.5, 7.0, and 8.5, respectively. Residues of butanol-extractable materials (BXM) were reconstituted (100×) in buffers and freeze-dried. BXM were surprisingly well tolerated in animals and were screened against influenza A viral pneumonia in mice. One culture yielded BXM-80 which suppressed both chemical (LPS) and viral (NDV) pneumonia in mice as well as inhibited rat foot pad edema induced by carrageenin. Aspirin, Butazolidin, hydrocortisone, indomethacin, and prednisolone, which are known to inhibit carrageenin-induced rat foot pad edema were tested against chemical (LPS) and viral (NDV) pneumonia in mice. Only hydrocortisone and prednisolone suppressed LPS pneumonia. All of these 5 compounds failed to inhibit NDV pneumonia. Microbial products are suggested as a source for new and unique anti-inflammatory agents.
Androgen regulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in prostate tumorigenesis

Prostate cancer patient mortality is ascribed to the spread of cancerous cells to areas outside the prostate gland and the inability of current treatment strategies to effectively block progression to metastasis. Understanding the cellular mechanisms contributing to the dissemination of malignant cells and metastasis is critically significant to the generation of effective therapeutic modalities for improved patient survival while combating therapeutic resistance. In recent years, the phenomenon of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) has received considerable attention due to accumulating evidence indicating a role for this developmentally conserved process in tumorigenesis. Cancer cells at the invasive edges of tumors undergo EMT under the influence of contextual signals that they receive from the microenvironment, such as TGF-β. Also derived from developmental studies is the fact that EMT induction is reversible; thus, upon removal of EMT-inducing signals, cells occasionally revert to the epithelial state of their cellular ancestors via the process of mesenchymal-epithelial transition. This article discusses the current evidence supporting a central role for EMT and its reverse process, mesenchymal-epithelial transition, in the metastatic progression of prostate cancer to advanced disease and the involvement of androgen signaling in its regulation towards the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer.
A Review of some Statistical Aspects of High Voltage and High Power Tests

This paper reviews some statistical aspects of high voltage and high power tests with respect to standardization requirements. Impulse voltage test and short-circuit breaking current test are used to illustrate possible trends of future standardization.
Feasibility of using a non‐destructive ultrasonic technique for detecting defective seals

The feasibility of using a non-destructive ultrasonic technique for detecting defective seals was studied. It was found that ultrasonic velocity could be used to distinguish defective seals (containing wrinkles, voids, minute amounts of carrot, beef pieces, moisture or bentonite as contaminants) from a good seal. Also, there was a systematic correlation between ultrasonic velocity and the levels of contaminant.
Exercise after atropine and pralidoxime increases the rational effective temperature

Abstract : The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of antidotal treatment for organophosphate poisoning on heat exchange in four men during exercise at 55% peak aerobic power in a warm environment (T sub a = 30.2 + or - 0.5 C; T sub g = 30.3 + or - 0.5 C; P sub w = 0.97 + or - 0.08 kPa). Each subject performed four experiments with the control treatment being an intramuscular (i.m.) injection of saline (SAL) which was compared to atropine (ATR; 2 mg i.m.), pralidoxime (2-PAM; 600 mg i.m.) and atropine plus pralidoxime (CMB) treatment. Partitional calorimetric analysis was done at 25 min of exercise. Mean skin temperature, rectal temperature (T sub re) and esophageal temperature (T sub es) were measured twice each min. Evaporative heat loss was calculated from changes in body weight. The displacement by heat storage of a theoretical temperature which is determined by heat exchange due to exercise and drug treatment, was calculated. A rational effective temperature (ET*) was derived using a psychrometric format and was used to assess the relative thermoregulatory strain for each treatment. ATR and 2-PAM treatment resulted in greater heat storage than SAL. Heat storage, when calculated from T sub re was greater CMB than with either drug alone. The ET* was approximately 2 C higher with ATR or 2-PAM than with SAL, while CMB resulted in an increase of 4.1 C in ET* above SAL. When heat storage was calculated from changes in T sub es rather than T sub re, the EI* was increased by approximately 4C, but was not as prominent as T sub re in demonstrating differences between drugs.
Prevention of recurrent adnexal torsion

Objective To report a case of adnexal torsion after in vitro fertilization (IVF) with two subsequent episodes of contralateral adnexal torsion and a novel approach for reducing the risk of recurrence. Design Case report. Setting University-based IVF program. Patient(s) A 32-year-old woman who conceived with IVF and experienced sequential bilateral adnexal torsion. Left adnexal torsion was diagnosed with laparoscopic detorsion performed 2 days after embryo transfer. At 7 weeks' gestation, right adnexal torsion occurred and was managed with laparoscopic detorsion. Subsequently, right adnexal torsion recurred at 10 weeks' gestation, and laparoscopic detorsion with shortening of the uteroovarian ligament was performed. Intervention(s) Gonadotropin ovulation induction, IVF, and laparoscopic detorsion of both right and left adnexa with shortening of the right uteroovarian ligament. Main Outcome Measure(s) Preservation of adnexa after torsion and successful pregnancy. Result(s) Successful pregnancy and birth; resolution of torsion, prevention of recurrence with viable bilateral adnexa after detorsion and shortening of the utero-ovarian ligament with novel use of laparoscopic Endoloop. Conclusion(s) This is a unique case of multiple episodes of adnexal torsion following IVF with a new form of treatment using the laparoscopic Endoloop. Management of the infertility patient should be conservative and warrants ovarian preservation whenever possible. Multiple sequential episodes of adnexal torsion during a single pregnancy are a rare complication of IVF. Shortening of the utero-ovarian ligament is an alternative to oophoropexy to prevent recurrence.
Molecular cloning and characterization of Aspergillus nidulans cyclophilin B.

Cyclophilins are an evolutionarily conserved family of proteins which serve as the intracellular receptors for the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin A. Here we report the characterization of the first cyclophilin cloned from the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans (CYPB). Sequence analysis of the cypB gene predicts an encoded protein with highest homology to the murine cyclophilin B protein. The sequence similarity includes an N-terminal sequence predicted to target the protein to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as well as a C-terminal sequence predicted to retain the mature protein in the ER. The bacterially expressed hexa-histidine tagged protein displays peptidyl-prolyl isomerase activity which is inhibited by cyclosporin A. In the presence of cyclosporin A, the expressed protein also inhibits purified calcineurin. When the endogenous cypB gene was disrupted and placed under the control of the regulatable alcohol dehydrogenase promoter, the strain demonstrated no detectable growth phenotype under conditions which induce or repress cypB transcription. Induction or repression of the cypB gene also did not effect sensitivity of A. nidulans to cyclosporin A. cypB mRNA levels were significantly elevated under severe heat shock conditions, indicating a possible role for the A. nidulans cyclophilin B protein during growth in high stress environments.
Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis of Hydroxyl Content of Hydrothermally Processed Heteroepitaxial Barium Titanate Films

The concentration of hydroxyl (–OH) groups in epitaxial barium titanate (BaTiO3) films (thickness ∼ 200 nm), deposited on single-crystal strontium titanate (SrTiO3) at 150 °C by a hydrothermal technique, was investigated using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. After hydrothermal treatment, a broad FTIR resonance for the hydroxyl groups indicated a significant concentration of surface–OH groups in the films. The as-deposited films were subsequently treated hydrothermally with D2O, and the kinetics of the exchange reaction between–OH incorporated into the film and–OD from the D2O were studied using FTIR. For reactions carried out intermittently, the kinetics of the exchange reaction between–OH by–OD depended not only on the total reaction time, but also on the duration of each treatment. The broad FTIR hydroxyl resonance in the as-deposited hydrothermal film was significantly reduced only after heating for 1 h at 600–800 °C.
Fischer-tropsch synthesis in a stirred tank slurry reactor

Abstract Three precipitated iron catalysts were evaluated in a stirred tank slurry reactor to determine their performance during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis under steady-state conditions. High syngas conversions (>80%) were achieved in all three tests, and the catalyst deactivation rates were moderate (1.3–2.1% per day). Selectivities of all three catalysts were fairly stable with time (up to 560h of continuous testing). Methane selectivity (2.1–3.7 wt% of total hydrocarbons) and gaseous hydrocarbon (C 2 –C 4 ) selectivity (9–15 wt%) were very low, whereas the selectivity of C + 5 hydrocarbons was high. Methane and gaseous hydrocarbon selectivities obtained in these tests are comparable to those obtained in the two most successful slurry bubble column reactor tests. The activity of one of these three catalysts (100 Fe/5 Cu/6 K/24 SiO 2 , in parts per weight) was higher than that of any other known iron Fischer-Tropsch catalyst developed for slurry phase operation.
Growth Factors Rescue Embryonic Dopamine Neurons from Programmed Cell Death

Poor survival of embryonic dopamine neurons is a primary problem limiting the value of neurotransplantation for Parkinson's disease. Several neurotrophic factors have been shown to promote dopamine neuron survival when used individually in culture. We have found that two peptides, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), have additive effects on cell survival when used in combination. These growth factors reduced the number of dopamine cells undergoing apoptotic cell death. The neurotrophic factors induced proliferation of astrocytes but not dopamine neurons. When cell proliferation was blocked by cytosine arabinoside, the beneficial effects of IGF-I and bFGF were abolished, suggesting that effects of the growth factors were mediated, at least in part, by factors associated with glia. These results indicate that growth factors in combination may prove useful for enhancing dopamine neuron survival for neurotransplantation.
Specialties in Counseling: Rich Heritage or Force for Fragmentation?

Counseling has emerged as a profession, yet one without a clearly defined comprehensive plan. Such a plan was developed for the first time in 1991 as a product of the first Professionalization Committee of the American Counseling Association (ACA), a plan subsequently adopted by the ACA Governing Council in the spring of 1991 (American Counseling Association, 1991). Although this plan has been only partially implemented, standards for professional preparation exist, professional membership in the ACA has been defined, national certification is a reality, and licensure is possible in most states. ACA recognizes and endorses the master's degree as the entry level for professional counseling and leans in the direction of defining a professional counselor as a generalist rather than a specialist.
Prostaglandin E2 output is greater by isolated rat gastric parietal cells than non-parietal cells

We appreciate the opportunity to respond to the insightful comments of Dr. Gerber (1) on our manuscript (2). We agree with Dr. Gerber's review on the significance of prostaglandins in the maintenance of gastric mucosal integrity and inhibition of gastric acid secretion
Cigarette smoking and alcohol use as predictors of HIV testing in the United States: results from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey.

We examined the association between HIV risk perception and HIV testing among cigarette smokers, alcohol users, dual consumers of cigarette and alcohol, and abstainers. Data were analyzed from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey of the full sample of 22,946 and separately for 1547 African Americans. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that alcohol users and dual consumers were significantly more likely to perceive themselves to be at risk of acquiring HIV. Cigarette smokers and alcohol users who considered themselves to be at risk for HIV and dual consumers who reported no perceived HIV risk were more likely to have been tested for HIV than abstainers who perceived no risk of acquiring HIV. Among African Americans, dual consumers and cigarette smokers only who perceived themselves at risk for HIV were more likely to have been tested for HIV than abstainers who perceived no risk of HIV infection. This study demonstrated that among the full sample and African Americans, cigarette smokin...
Total Dose and Single Event Testing of the Intersil ISL75051SRH Low Dropout Regulator

We report the results of low and high dose rate total dose and SEE testing of the Intersil ISL75051SRH low dropout regulator together with a discussion of the part's electrical specifications and wafer fabrication process.
Thermal and mechanical stimulation of type II receptors and field receptors in cat

Abstract Single-unit responses were obtained from type II receptors and from field receptors in cats in response to mechanical stimuli, to thermal stimuli, and to combinations of the stimuli. Coding of the two kinds of stimulus information is such that information about each kind of stimulus could be recovered from a population of field receptors, but not from a population of type II receptors. The behavioral data available do not suffice to determine whether or not the thermal information is put to behavioral use.
A Test of a Social Deviancy Theory of Suicide Using the Foreign Born

Summary.-In contrast to a prediction from a social deviancy theory of suicide, the suicide rates of foreign born in the continental states of America were not related to the proportion of foreign born persons in the population. Lester (1989) has argued that suicide rates should be relatively higher in those social groups who are relatively less common in a region. This was confirmed by showing that the suicide rate for black groups was higher in those states in which such black groups constituted a smaller proportion of the population and that immigrants had a higher suicide rate if there were fewer immigrants from their home nation in their new nation. The present study examined the social deviancy hypothesis using the suicide rates for foreign born groups in the continental states of America. The dara come from Kramer, Pollack, Redick, and Locke (1972) who calculated suicide rates for 1959-1961 for each state for white groups who were foreign born. The percentage of such white persons who were foreign born in each state was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of the Census (1969). For the 48 continental states, the suicide rates of foreign born were not correlated with the percentage of foreign born in each state (Pearson r= - 0.09). Thus, the social deviancy hypothesis was not confirmed for the foreign born in the American continental states.
Circular dichroism studies of low-spin ferric cytochrome P-450CAM ligand complexes.

Abstract Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy has been used to probe the active site of bacterial ferric cytochrome P-450CAM. The endogenous sixth ligand to the heme iron has been displaced by an extensive series of exogenous oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and other neutral and anionic donor ligands in an attempt to examine systematically the steric and electronic factors that influence the coupling of the heme chromophore to its protein environment. General trends for each ligand class are reported and discused. Both the wavelengths and the intensities of the CD bands vary with ligand type and structre. All but one of the complexes exibit negative CD maxima in their delta and Soret bands. Comparison to ferric myoglobin-thiolate complexes indicates that the negative sign observed for the cytochrome P-450 spectra is not a property of the thiolate fifth ligand, but rather arises from a different interaction of the cytochrome P-450 heme with its protein environment. Complexes with neutral oxygen donors display CD spectra that most closely resemble the spectrum of the native low-spin enzyme. Hyperporphyrin (split Soret) cytochrome P-450 complexes with thiolates, phosphines and cyanide trans to cysteinate have complex CD spectra, reflecting the intrinsic non-degeneracy of the Soret π-π∗ transitions. The extensive work presented herein provides an empirical foundation for use in analyzing the interaction of heme chromophores with their protein surroundings, not only for the cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases but also for heme proteins in general.
Allo-SCT for high-risk AML-CR1 in the molecular era: impact of FLT3/ITD outweighs the conventional markers

Seventy-nine patients with AML in CR1 received allo-SCT between May 2006 and May 2011, and the prognostic impact of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3/internal tandem duplication (FLT3/ITD) mutation was evaluated in the context of other clinical prognostic factors. Patients with FLT3/ITD+ AML had significantly inferior DFS (2-year DFS: 19% vs 64%, P=0.0027), increased risk of relapse (1-year: 59% vs 19%, P=0.01), and a trend towards decreased OS (P=0.08) compared with patients without FLT3/ITD. Multivariate analysis confirmed FLT3/ITD+ independently predicted a shorter DFS (HR, 3.0; 95% CI), 1.4–6.5; P=0.01) and increased risk of relapse (HR, 4.9; 95% CI, 2.0–12.3, P=0.01). Time to relapse in patients with FLT3/ITD+ was short with 100-day cumulative risk of 45% (95% CI, 33–57). Our data suggest that the poor prognostic implication of FLT3/ITD positivity remains even after early allo-SCT in patients with FLT3/ITD+ AML, and patients remain at high risk of early relapse. FLT3/ITD positivity also outweighs other conventional prognostic markers in predicting relapse.
The binding of Ag+ and Au+ to ethene.

For the reaction M+(C2H4)n−1 + C2H4 → M+(C2H4)n, where M = Ag, Au, the binding energies are predicted at the second order perturbation (MP2) and coupled cluster (CCSD(T)) levels of theory. As the basis set is systematically improved, the predicted M = Ag binding energies steadily improve, as compared to the experimental values. In fact, the complete basis set limit (CBS) predicted CCSD(T) binding energy for Ag(C2H4)+ is within experimental error. For MP2, as the basis set is improved, the agreement with experiment worsens. Gold ions are predicted to bind more strongly than silver ions to ethene ligands. Mulliken population analyses of the silver and gold systems exhibit delocalization of the positive charges of the metal ions onto the ethene ligands. Reduced variational space analysis indicates that electrostatic interactions are the principal contributor to the bonding in these systems. Multiconfigurational self-consistent field calculations do not support the Dewar−Chatt−Duncanson model of transition me...
Implementing Workmen's Compensation Programs in the States:

This article investigates the implementation of state workmen's compensation programs using a two-stage approach. Initially the agency that delivers workmen's compensation benefits and services is examined to determine what factors are important in explaining the agency's performance. Next the organization's performance is used as an independent variable along with other socioeconomic and political indicators to examine policy impact. The findings suggest that organizational characteristics are important determinants of organizational performance but organizational performance is not a significant factor in explaining policy impact.
Performance and Morphology of Decellularized Pulmonary Valves Implanted in Juvenile Sheep

Background Because of cryopreserved heart valve–mediated immune responses, decellularized allograft valves are an attractive option in children and young adults. The objective of this study was to investigate the performance and morphologic features of decellularized pulmonary valves implanted in the right ventricular outflow tract of juvenile sheep. Methods Right ventricular outflow tract reconstructions in juvenile sheep (160 ± 9 days) using cryopreserved pulmonary allografts (n = 6), porcine aortic root bioprostheses (n = 4), or detergent/enzyme–decellularized pulmonary allografts (n = 8) were performed. Valve performance (echocardiography) and morphologic features (gross, radiographic, and histologic examination) were evaluated 20 weeks after implantation. Results Decellularization reduced DNA in valve cusps by 99.3%. Bioprosthetic valves had the largest peak and mean gradients versus decellularized valves ( p = 0.03; p p = 0.01; p = 0.001), which were similar ( p = 0.45; p = 0.40). Regurgitation was minimal and similar for all groups ( p = 0.16). No cusp calcification was observed in any valve type. Arterial wall calcification was present in cryopreserved and bioprosthetic grafts but not in decellularized valves. No autologous recellularization or inflammation occurred in bioprostheses, whereas cellularity progressively decreased in cryopreserved grafts. Autologous recellularization was present in decellularized arterial walls and variably extending into the cusps. Conclusions Cryopreserved and decellularized graft hemodynamic performance was comparable. Autologous recellularization of the decellularized pulmonary arterial wall was consistently observed, with variable cusp recellularization. As demonstrated in this study, decellularized allograft valves have the potential for autologous recellularization.
Increased Lactation Response in Cattle with Thyroxine 50% above Thyroxine Secretion Rate

Summary Nine lactating dairy cows were injected with thyroxine daily at a level 50% above their individual winter thyroxine secretion rates during the spring and summer to determine the effect upon milk yield, body temperature, and body weight. The body pool of thyroxine was raised to its ultimate level by one injection of thyroxine at the initiation of the experiment. One cow reached a new peak of milk yield (weekly average) during the 2nd wk, one the 3rd wk, and the seven other cows the 4th wk. The mean increase in milk yield was 27.6%, with a range from 12.1 to 67.9%. The effect of thyroxine at this level during the summer appeared to pose no problem in heat dissipation. The elevation in rectal temperature of the experimental cows was very small, with fluctuations in treated and nontreated cows quite comparable. The mean body weight loss was 9.7%, with a range of 3.7 to 14.2%. This loss was regained within 2 wk after cessation of thyroxine treatment. On the basis of the observed range in thyroxine secretion rate, and the beneficial effect of thyroxine upon milk yield administered at 50% above their secretion rate, it was suggested that the level of feeding thyroprotein might be reduced from 15g to about 10 g/1,000lb body weight/day in the great majority of dairy cows.
Long Term Survival Rate Post Electrical Storm in Patient Implanted with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

Introduction: Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) is highly effective in prevention life threatening arrhythmias. 10 to 40% of ICD patients experienced electrical storm in their lifetime. This may lead high mortality and morbidity, longterm outcomes are limited. Objective: To determine the long term impact of electrical storms (ES) on overall mortality. To evaluate Electrical storm survival rate in Ischemic and Non Ischemic group. Methodology: This prospective analysis of LJN cohort consisting of 686 patients who treated with ICD from 1996 to Nov 2010. Total of 158 (23%) ESpositive patients experienced total of 247 ES episodes (median 2, range 1–18). This group then divided into Ischemic 96 patients (60.8%) and Non Ischemic Heart Disease 62 patients (39.2%). Median duration for the first ES occurrence was 474 days (inter-quartile 662 days) with median follow up of 820 days (inter-quartile 1680 days). Result: ESpositive group has higher mortality HR of 1.91 (95%CI 1.44–4.08, p<0.001) compare to ESnegative patient. Median time from ES to death is 10.8 month with mean of 27.05±34.97 months. Previous VT and EF<30% are major predictors of ES. There is no significant different in survival rate for Ischemic or Non Ischemic Heart Disease. Conclusion: ES is a strong independent predictor of mortality (HR 1.69) in ICD patients. VT ablation may be of benefit prior or immediately after ICD implantation.
Alterations in respiration of barley plants infected with bromegrass mosaic virus

Abstract Barley plants ( Hordeum vulgare L.) were grown in nutrient culture. Leaves were harvested at intervals after plants were inoculated with bromegrass mosaic virus. The rate of respiration of whole leaves, based on Warburg's direct method, increased shortly after inoculation, then decreased and increased again just before symptoms appeared, and remained above that of healthy plants throughout the remainder of the experimental period. The increase appeared not to be associated with uncoupling of phosphorylation by the virus, and probably not with increased available substrate. The succinoxidase activity of mitochondrial preparations was decreased by virus infection, indicating mitochondrial alterations of some kind.
Stream flow characterization and feature detection using a discrete wavelet transform

An exploration of the wavelet transform as applied to daily river discharge records demonstrates its strong potential for quantifying stream flow variability. Both periodic and non-periodic features are detected equally, and their locations in time preserved. Wavelet scalograms often reveal structures that are obscure in raw discharge data. Integration of transform magnitude vectors over time yields wavelet spectra that reflect the characteristic time-scales of a river's flow, which in turn are controlled by the hydroclimatic regime. For example, snowmelt rivers in Colorado possess maximum wavelet spectral energy at time-scales on the order of 4 months owing to sustained high summer flows; Hawaiian streams display high energies at time-scales of a few days, reflecting the domination of brief rainstorm events. Wavelet spectral analyses of daily discharge records for 91 rivers in the US and on tropical islands indicate that this is a simple and robust way to characterize stream flow variability. Wavelet spectral shape is controlled by the distribution of event time-scales, which in turn reflects the timing, variability and often the mechanism of water delivery to the river. Five hydroclimatic regions, listed here in order of decreasing seasonality and increasing pulsatory nature, are described from the wavelet spectral analysis: (a) western snowmelt, (b) north-eastern snowmelt, (c) mid-central humid, (d) south-western arid and (e) ‘rainstorm island’. Spectral shape is qualitatively diagnostic for three of these regions. While more work is needed to establish the use of wavelets for hydrograph analysis, our results suggest that river flows may be effectively classified into distinct hydroclimatic categories using this approach. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Methoprene and Pyriproxyfen on Pseudacteon tricuspis (Diptera: Phoridae), a Parasitoid of the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

ABSTRACT Endoparasitoid phorid flies, Pseudacteon spp. (Diptera: Phoridae) are important biological control agents of imported fire ants Solenopsis invicta Buren, and S. richteri Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The impact on phorid flies by insecticides, particularly insect growth regulators, used in controlling imported fire ants has yet to be explored. Red imported fire ants parasitized by Pseudacteon tricuspis Borgmeier were exposed to methoprene and pyriproxyfen, the active ingredients used in some fire ant baits. These chemicals are insect growth regulators (IGRs), which affect the reproductive capabilities of the colony, but have no acute toxicity to fire ant workers. An experiment tested the effects of the 2 IGRs on the phorid fly larva at 2 time intervals (d 6 and 10 post-parasitism), when the larva was present in the thorax and head of the adult ant host, respectively. The mean proportion of emerged P. tricuspis from methoprene and pyriproxyfen treatments was significantly reduced relative to th...
Helium-uranium dating of corals.

Fanale and Schaeffer (1965) determined He/U ages of corals and other aragonitic fossils, and found that the results generally agreed with independent age estimates. As a more extensive and rigorous test of the reliability of He/U ages of fossil corals, I have determined He/U ages of forty-five independently dated Cenozoic corals. Uranium and thorium isotope compositions and Rn-222 retentivities were also determined as consistency checks. The results indicate that reliable ages are obtained when certain consistency tests are met and specified corrections are made.
Three dimensional simulation of HVOF spray deposition of nanoscale materials

Abstract We have developed and validated three dimensional simulation capability to model the TS systems' gas and coating powder flow for the TS process analysis, and to illustrate the roots of the TS systems' inefficiencies. The same capability can be used to design optimized TS systems, and to optimize and control the coating process. Examples are given for TS process designs with improved performance and system efficiency. The use of numerical simulation will be especially crucial for plating with nanoscale powders. We will discuss specific equipment and process solutions that will make nanoscale powers coating a viable industrial process.
Characterization of the Taxol Binding Site on the Microtubule IDENTIFICATION OF Arg282 IN β-TUBULIN AS THE SITE OF PHOTOINCORPORATION OF A 7-BENZOPHENONE ANALOGUE OF TAXOL

Photoaffinity labeling methods have allowed a definition of the sites of interaction between Taxol and its cellular target, the microtubule, specifically β-tubulin. Our previous studies have indicated that [3H]3′-(p-azidobenzamido)Taxol photolabels the N-terminal 31 amino acids of β-tubulin (Rao, S., Krauss, N. E., Heerding, J. M., Swindell, C. S., Ringel, I., Orr, G. A., and Horwitz, S. B. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 3132–3134) and [3H]2-(m-azidobenzoyl)Taxol photolabels a peptide containing amino acid residues 217–233 of β-tubulin (Rao, S., Orr, G. A., Chaudhary, A. G., Kingston, D. G. I., and Horwitz, S. B. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 20235–20238). The site of photoincorporation of a third photoaffinity analogue of Taxol, [3H]7-(benzoyldihydrocinnamoyl) Taxol, has been determined. This analogue stabilizes microtubules polymerized in the presence of GTP, but in contrast to Taxol, does not by itself enhance the polymerization of tubulin to its polymer form. CNBr digestion of [3H]7-(benzoyldihydrocinnamoyl)Taxol-labeled tubulin, with further arginine-specific cleavage by clostripain resulted in the isolation of a peptide containing amino acid residues 277–293. Amino acid sequence analysis indicated that the photoaffinity analogue cross-links to Arg282 in β-tubulin. Advances made by electron crystallography in understanding the structure of the tubulin dimer have allowed us to visualize the three sites of photoincorporation by molecular modeling. There is good agreement between the binding site of Taxol in β-tubulin as determined by photoaffinity labeling and electron crystallography.
The skeptical paradox and the indispensability of knowledge-beliefs

Some philosophers understand epistemological skepticism as merely presenting a paradox to be solved, a paradox given rise to by some apparently forceful arguments. I argue that such a view needs to be justified, and that the best way to do so is to show that we cannot help seeing skepticism as obviously false. The obviousness (to us) of the falsity of skepticism is, I suggest, explained by the fact that we cannot live without knowledge-beliefs (a knowledge-belief about the world is a belief that a person or a group of people know that p, where p is an empirical proposition about the world). I then go on to argue for the indispensability of knowledge-beliefs. The first line of argument appeals to the practical aspects of our employment of the concept of knowledge, and the second line of argument draws on some Davidsonian ideas concerning understanding and massive agreement.
Synthesis of dye conjugates to visualize the cancer cells using fluorescence microscopy

The clinical diagnosis of most cancers is based on evaluation of histology microscopic slides to view the size and shape of cellular nuclei and morphological structure of tissue. To achieve this goal for in vivo and in-deep tissues, near infrared dyes-bovine serum albumin and immunoglobulin G conjugates were synthesized. The spectral study shows that the absorption and fluorescence of the dye conjugates are in the “tissue optical window” spectral ranges between 650 and 900 nm. The internalization and pinocytosis of the synthesized compounds were investigated at cell level using fluorescence microscopy to obtain the optimal concentration and staining time.
Spinal extradural benign synovial or ganglion cyst: case report and review of the literature.

A lumbar spinal extradural ganglion cyst is reported, and the world literature on spinal ganglion cysts is reviewed. The clinical presentation, findings, etiology, and pathogenesis of these lesions are discussed. (Neurosurgery 13:322-326, 1983)
Speak little and well: recommending conversations in online social streams

Conversation is a key element in online social streams such as Twitter and Facebook. However, finding interesting conversations to read is often a challenge, due to information overload and differing user preferences. In this work we explored five algorithms that recommend conversations to Twitter users, utilizing thread length, topic and tie-strength as factors. We compared the algorithms through an online user study and gathered feedback from real Twitter users. In particular, we investigated how users' purposes of using Twitter affect user preferences for different types of conversations and the performance of different algorithms. Compared to a random baseline, all algorithms recommended more interesting conversations. Further, tie-strength based algorithms performed significantly better for people who use Twitter for social purposes than for people who use Twitter for informational purpose only.
Incorporating Groundwater-Surface Water Interaction into River Management Models

Accurate representation of groundwater-surface water interactions is critical to modeling low river flows in the semi-arid southwestern United States. Although a number of groundwater-surface water models exist, they are seldom integrated with river operation/management models. A link between the object-oriented river and reservoir operations model, RiverWare, and the groundwater model, MODFLOW, was developed to incorporate groundwater-surface water interaction processes, such as river seepage/gains, riparian evapotranspiration, and irrigation return flows, into a rule-based water allocations model. An explicit approach is used in which the two models run in tandem, exchanging data once in each computational time step. Because the MODFLOW grid is typically at a finer resolution than RiverWare objects, the linked model employs spatial interpolation and summation for compatible communication of exchanged variables. The performance of the linked model is illustrated through two applications in the Middle Rio Grande Basin in New Mexico where overappropriation impacts endangered species habitats. In one application, the linked model results are compared with historical data; the other illustrates use of the linked model for determining management strategies needed to attain an in-stream flow target. The flows predicted by the linked model at gauge locations are reasonably accurate except during a few very low flow periods when discrepancies may be attributable to stream gaging uncertainties or inaccurate documentation of diversions. The linked model accounted for complex diversions, releases, groundwater pumpage, irrigation return flows, and seepage between the groundwater system and canals/drains to achieve a schedule of releases that satisfied the in-stream target flow.
Pierre Bayle's The Condition of Wholly Catholic France Under the Reign of Louis the Great (1686)

Summary This is the first English translation of Pierre Bayle's political pamphlet, Ce que c'est que la France toute catholique of 1686. Now that Bayle has received renewed attention from scholars such as Jonathan Israel and Gianluca Mori, it is time to introduce his political ideas to English-speaking readers who cannot read the original. And although a selection of the political writings from the Historical and Critical Dictionary has been published, much of Bayle's political thought has not been translated. This translation complements recent editions of Bayle's Thoughts on the Comet and Philosophical Commentary, along with a forthcoming translation of his Conversations Between Maxime and Themiste. A substantial introduction explores the context and reviews scholarly interpretations, and notes to the text explain references.
Neonatal macrophages express elevated levels of interleukin-27 that oppose immune responses.

Microbial infections are a major cause of infant mortality worldwide because of impaired immune defences in this population. The nature of this work was to further understand the mechanistic limitations of the neonatal and infant immune response. Interleukin-27 (IL-27) is a heterodimeric cytokine of the IL-12 family that is produced primarily by antigen-presenting cells and is immunosuppressive toward a variety of immune cell types. We show that IL-27 gene expression is elevated in cord blood-derived macrophages relative to macrophages originating from healthy adults. We also evaluated the duration over which elevated IL-27 gene expression may impact immune responses in mice. Age-dependent analysis of IL-27 gene expression indicated that levels of IL-27 remained significantly elevated throughout infancy and then declined in adult mice. Flow cytometric analysis of intracellular cytokine-stained splenocytes further confirmed these results. Interleukin-27 may be induced during pregnancy to contribute to the immunosuppressive environment at the fetal-maternal interface because we demonstrate dose-responsive gene expression to progesterone in macrophages. Neutralization of IL-27 in neonatal macrophages improved the ability of these cells to limit bacterial replication. Moreover, neutralization of IL-27 during incubation with the Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine augmented the level of interferon-γ elicited from allogeneic CD4+ T lymphocytes. This suggests that blocking IL-27 during vaccination and infection may improve immune responses in newborn and infant populations. Furthermore, mice will be a suitable model system to further address these possibilities.
Evaluation of computed tomography numbers for treatment planning of lung cancer

Computerized tomography numbers (CTN) were evaluated in 32 computerized tomography scans performed on patients with carcinoma of the lung, with the aim of evaluating CTN in normal (lung, blood, muscle, etc) and pathologic tissues (tumor, atelectasis, effusion, post-radiation fibrosis). Our main findings are: 1. Large individual CTN variations are encountered in both normal and pathologic tissues, above and below mean values. Hence, absolute numbers are meaningless. Measurements of any abnormal intrathoracic structure should be compared in relation to normal tissue CTN values in the same scan. 2. Tumor and complete atelectasis have CTN basically similar to soft tissue. Hence, these numbers are not useful for differential diagnosis. 3. Effusions usually have lower CTN and can be distinguished from previous situations. 4. Dosimetry based on uniform lung density assumptions (i.e., 300 mg/cm3) might produce substantial dose errors as lung CTN exhibit very large variations indicating densities well above and below this value. 5. Preliminary information indicates that partial atelectasis and incipient post-radiation fibrosis can have very low CTN. Hence, they can be differentiated from solid tumors in certain cases, and help in differential diagnosis of post radiation recurrence within the radiotherapy field versus fibrosis.
DEGENERATIVE CHANGES IN THE MITOCHONDRIA OF FLIGHT MUSCLE FROM AGING BLOWFLIES

Mitochondria from flight muscle of aging blowflies, Phormia regina, were examined morphologically and biochemically with the electron microscope. An age-dependent degeneration of the mitochondria that is characterized, in part, by the reorganization of the inner membrane into myelin-like whorls has been found. The concentric rings increase in size and number, eventually replacing the normal cristal conformation. Glycogen rosettes are frequently seen in the center of the whorl and may represent the intrusion into the mitochondria of the glycogen in the cytoplasmic matrix of the muscle. The degenerating mitochondria are not associated with lysosomal activity, as indicated by the absence of acid phosphatase. An intense acid phosphatase activity is noted, however, in the dyad, comprising elements of the T system and sarcoplasmic reticulurn. Cytochrome oxidase is active in the ultrastructurally intact portion of the mitochondrion but activity is not evident in that part of the mitochondrion that has undergone morphological change. Thus, the ultrastructural degradation of the mitochondria is correlated with a decrease in biochemical function. This suggests a correspondence between a decrease in the bioenergetic capacity of the flight muscle and a decline in the ability of the aged insect to fly.