cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CASTRATION ATROPHY A CHRONOLOGICAL STUDY OF UTERINE CHANGES FOLLOWING BILATERAL OVARIECTOMY IN THE ALBINO RAT

Atrophy of the uterus associated with degeneration or absence of the ovaries has been seen and described repeatedly. Observations have been made in a few human cases as well as in laboratory animals. Kleinwachter (1) summarized cases in the literature, as well as those from his own practice. In this series there was usually a history of ammenorrhea following childbirth. On examination, atrophy of the uterus and usually of the ovaries also, was found. The uterus and its cavity were described as definitely smaller than normal. Eckardt (2) reported one case in which the menses ceased, following an operation. Twenty-two months later the uterus was removed. He found the uterus and its lumen small, mucosa and musculature pale, mucosa thin with epithelium resting in places on musclulature, epithelium cubical, and the gland lumina very small or dilated into cysts. Workers in the field of ovarian hormones have incidentally pictured, or briefly described, the atrophic uterus associated with bilateral ovariectomy. A...
Nitric Oxide Attenuates Adherence of Normal and Sickle Red Blood Cells and May Contribute to the Beneficial Effects of Hydroxyurea

Nitric Oxide Attenuates Adherence of Normal and Sickle Red Blood Cells and May Contribute to the Beneficial Effects of Hydroxyurea
Cloning and characterization of Plasmodium falciparum cysteine protease, falcipain-2B

The gene for malaria parasite cysteine protease falcipain-2B has been isolated from the Plasmodium falciparum genomic DNA. Falcipain-2B gene is located adjacent to the falcipain-2A gene on chromosome 11, and the two enzymes show extensive sequence identity at the amino acid level. Using reverse transcribed polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the transcript of falcipain-2B was detected at the trophozoite stage of P. falciparum in human erythrocytes. Recombinant falcipain-2B protein expressed in bacteria exhibits protease activity as established by the cleavage of fluorescent peptide substrate as well as in-gel gelatin zymography. Importantly, the recombinant falcipain-2B cleaved host ankyrin but not protein 4.1 as assessed by the erythrocyte inside-out-vesicle assay in vitro. Notwithstanding its predicted hemoglobinase function, the P. falciparum falcipain-2B may contribute and orchestrate selective proteolytic events during the exit of malaria parasite from human red blood cells.
"Race" as an Interaction Order Phenomenon: W.E.B. Du Bois's "Double Consciousness" Thesis Revisited*

This article reports on a study of interaction between Americans who self-identify as Black and White that reveals underlying expectations with regard to conversation that differ between the two groups. These differences seem not to have much to do with class or gender, but rather vary largely according to self-identification by “race.” The argument of this paper will be that the social phenomena of “race” are constructed at the level of interaction whenever Americans self-identified as Black and White speak to one another. This is because the Interaction Order expectations with regard to both self and community vary between the two groups. Because the “language games” and conversational “preferences” practiced by the two groups are responsive to different Interaction Orders, the “working consensus” is substantially different, and as a consequence, conversational “moves” are not recognizably the same. It will be argued that a great deal of institutional discrimination against African Americans can be trac...
Effect of Oscillation Speed and Thrust Force on Cortical Bone Temperature During Sagittal Sawing

Thermal necrosis of bone occurs at sustained temperatures above approximately 47°C. During joint replacement surgery, resection of bone by sawing can heat the bone above this necrotic threshold, thereby inducing cellular damage and negatively affecting surgical outcomes. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of saw blade speed and applied thrust force on the heating of bone. A sagittal sawing fixture was used to make cuts in cortical bovine bone, while thermocouples were used to characterize the temperature profile from the cut surface. A full factorial Design of Experiments was performed to determine the relative effects of blade speed and applied thrust force on temperature. When comparing the effect of speed to force in the regression analysis, the effect of force on temperature (p 0.05). The results of this research can be used in the development of training simulators, where virtual surgeries with haptic feedback can be accompanied by the related temperatures in proximity to the cut. From a clinical perspective, the results indicate that aggressive cutting at higher blade speed and greater thrust force results in lower temperatures in the surrounding bone.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Learning what it really costs: Teaching business ethics with life-cycle case studies

Sustainability informs the framework for a seminar that we teach for junior and senior undergraduates entitled "The Ethics and Economics of Sustainable Societies." One of the class requirements has each student research and write a life-cycle case study, an exercise in which they trace the full, or partial, life-cycle of some product with which they are familiar. Students are expected to examine the economic, ethical, and ecological implications along each step in the life-cycle of the product. We believe that life-cycle cases in general are very helpful in revealing the full economic, ethical, and ecological consequences of product development, marketing, use, and disposal. We also believe that asking students to research the product themselves provides additional pedagogical benefits. After a brief review of the philosophical case for our alternative view of corporate social responsibility, we will describe the life-cycle case method, offer several examples from our own classes, and make the case for the pedagogical benefits of this approach.
POWER AND THE QUALITY OF SAME‐SEX FRIENDSHIPS

Does the quality of same-sex friendship depend on the gender of the friends and the balance of power between friends? Fifty-four men and 60 women undergraduates evaluated two of their same-sex friendships, one equal in power and one unequal in power. The quality of each friendship was rated in terms of emotional closeness, satisfaction, liking, self-disclosure, and rewards. In general, most young adults evaluated their friendships positively. Mixed-model multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) found significant main effects of gender and power on ratings of quality, but no interactions. Consistent with previous research, women generally evaluated their same-sex friendships more positively than did men. Gender differences were relatively small in magnitude and were not found for all indices of relationship quality, however. As predicted, participants rated equal-power friendships significantly higher than unequal-power friendships on all measures of quality. Power appears to be an important but largely neglected element of friendship.
Intracranial reward after Lilly 110140 (fluoxetine HCl): Evidence for an inhibitory role for serotonin

The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) specific presynaptic reuptake inhibitor Lilly 110140 (fluoxetine hydrochloride) was injected systemically in rats trained to bar-press for rewarding stimulation to the caudal portion ofthe medial forebrain bundle. Rates of self stimulation were reduced in proportion to drug dosage, and these reductions were partially reversible by methysergide. These findings are consistent with previous reports suggesting an inhibitory role for 5-HT in self stimulation.
A free program for calculating EUD-based NTCP and TCP in external beam radiotherapy

Abstract Purpose Provide a simple research tool that may be used to calculate the NCTP or TCP of a particular treatment plan. Illustrate the implementation of the EUD-based NTCP and TCP models as a research tool. Methods and materials A high-level computing language was chosen to implement Niemierko's EUD-based NTCP and TCP mathematical models. The necessary treatment planning software requirements were clearly defined. Results The computer code is presented and explained. Six simple examples were created to quickly troubleshoot the reader's code implementation. A table of model parameters based on the Emami data was generated.
Distributed practice and retroactive inhibition in a minimal paired-associates task

Two-item A-B, A-C lists were presented to Ss for 4 learning trials each. Massed and distributed practice (2 or 20 sec.) was varied orthogonally across the two lists for experimental groups. Control groups had irrelevant interpolated activity equivalent in time to List 2 learning under massed practice (34 sec.) or distributed practice (88 sec.). List 1 retention was measured either 2 or 20 sec. following interpolated activity. Significant RI occurred in both conventional recall and modified-modified free recall. In conventional recall only, significant retention decrements were associated with List 1 massed practice and with the longer interpolation interval. Lack of an interaction between interpolation interval and experimental-control factors suggested an interpretation of the data in terms of generalized competition.
IT-enabled organizational transformation: a case study of BPR failure at TELECO

Abstract This case study describes a business process reengineering (BPR) initiative undertaken by a US telecommunications company (TELECO) in response to imminent survival-threatening competitive pressures in its traditionally monopolistic market. The case study, first, highlights some of the seldom talked-about problems faced during the redesigning of business processes such as: the lack of detailed knowledge about functional areas; hidden agendas of top management; lack of knowledge of (and over-reliance on) computer-based BPR tools; poor choice of metaphors in the organizational language; and the lack of communication. Thereafter, the case study identifies critical problems faced in implementing redesigned processes. These problems include: the difficulty in creating an atmosphere of open communication; pressures against selecting IT vendors on merit; lack of awareness of the lead times associated with IT; uncoordinated implementation of HR and IT strategies; and discontinuities in the leadership. While we hope that the reader will be sensitized to the issues highlighted in the narrative and will individually derive lessons for application in familiar contexts, we nevertheless provide a discussion on three issues that, in our opinion, significantly contributed to BPR “failure” at TELECO.
Integrating Travel Demand Model and Benefit–Cost Analysis for Evaluation of New Capacity Highway Projects

This study presents a methodology for estimating the benefit-cost ratio for transportation projects by using a regional travel demand model and benefit-cost analysis. The benefit-cost ratio can provide an objective measure with which decision makers can quantitatively evaluate the regional benefits and costs of each proposed transportation project under certain assumptions. This methodology shows the impact of one project on the entire regional transportation network. The key to this methodology is use of the total savings in vehicle hours traveled (VHT) resulting from each proposed project, converted into dollar benefits. The total VHT is estimated with congested travel time and trips instead of a simple summation of each link's VHT. A second key aspect of this methodology is estimating the economic development benefits of the proposed transportation investments. For this process, the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments used the Transportation Economic Development Impact System (TREDIS) web-based soft...
Predicting minimum achievable soil loss in developing countries

Abstract Soil erosion is recognized as a critical global environmental problem, but soil loss prediction methods and conceptual frameworks for conservation goal-setting are often inappropriate in developing countries. The minimum achievable soil loss (MASL) concept was developed as an erosion-control goal-setting framework which recognizes the constraints on erosion control in developing areas. A physical model for relative soil loss assessment was developed for implementing the MASL concept. The model is based on Bagnold's stream power concept and a kinematic approximation of surface runoff. It is used to determine minimum achievable soil loss reduction rates for given situations and has input requirements which are appropriate for situations where data and data-acquisition are limited. Tests using data from Malaysia show that the model gives results comparable to those of existing empirical soil loss estimation methods with more stringent data requirements and more limited ranges of applicability.
In-Situ Rapid Isothermal Processing Of II-A Fluorides On Silicon

Growth of epitaxial dielectrics of II-A fluorides on Si and compound semiconductors has generated considerable research interest in recent years. In general, MBE and vacuum deposition techniques are being employed for the epitaxial growth of II-A fluorides on semiconductor substrate maintained between about 400 and 900°C during the deposition of dielectric material. With the typical deposition rate of about 1-2 A/s, 8-10 minutes are required to deposit 1000 A of dielectric material. This type of prolonged heating may not be suitable for future submicron and three-dimensional Si integrated circuits, as well as for compound semiconductor devices. We have developed a new reduced thermal budget (product of processing temperature and time) processing technique for the deposition of epitaxial dielectric films on Si and compound semiconductors. In this process, epitaxial dielectric is deposited in the e-beam system at room temperature and subsequently subjected to in-situ rapid isothermal processing by using incoherent light sources incorporated in the e-beam system. In this paper, electrical and structural characteristics of thin epitaxial dielectric films on Si are described.
A proteogenomic update to Yersinia: enhancing genome annotation

Modern biomedical research depends on a complete and accurate proteome. With the widespread adoption of new sequencing technologies, genome sequences are generated at a near exponential rate, diminishing the time and effort that can be invested in genome annotation. The resulting gene set contains numerous errors in even the most basic form of annotation: the primary structure of the proteins. The application of experimental proteomics data to genome annotation, called proteogenomics, can quickly and efficiently discover misannotations, yielding a more accurate and complete genome annotation. We present a comprehensive proteogenomic analysis of the plague bacterium, Yersinia pestis KIM. We discover non-annotated genes, correct protein boundaries, remove spuriously annotated ORFs, and make major advances towards accurate identification of signal peptides. Finally, we apply our data to 21 other Yersinia genomes, correcting and enhancing their annotations. In total, 141 gene models were altered and have been updated in RefSeq and Genbank, which can be accessed seamlessly through any NCBI tool (e.g. blast) or downloaded directly. Along with the improved gene models we discover new, more accurate means of identifying signal peptides in proteomics data.
Further study of a stopping rule for the EM algorithm

A simulation study of the EM algorithm for image reconstruction in PET is discussed. Recently a method to stop the iterations before the image quality starts to deteriorate has been proposed by G. Kontaxakis and G. Tzanakos (IEEE Nucl. Sci. Symp., 1992). Here, a further study of the method is presented in an effort to apply the stopping rule to individual elements or groups of elements of the image vector. >
Gender Differences in Computer Attitudes and Use among College Students

In this study we examined the gender gap in computer attitudes and use based on a sample of 202 college students. We surveyed the students' attitudes in relation to gender, experience, and parental...
Inversion algorithms for the homogenized energy model for hysteresis in ferroelectric and shape memory alloy compounds

Ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials have the advantage of broadband and dual actuator and sensor capabilities. Ferroelastic compounds such as shape memory alloys have large energy densities and are biocompatible. However, to take full advantage of these properties, it is necessary to employ models and control designs that account for the rate-dependent hysteresis, creep, and constitutive nonlinearities inherent to the materials. Inverse compensation is one technique that achieves this purpose. We present an inversion algorithm based on a binary search of a discretized input grid and apply this to the homogenized energy model for modeling hysteresis. The inversion algorithm is shown to provide a reasonable balance between accuracy and computational speed. Numerical examples are presented for three specific cases of the homogenized energy model.
Computer-assisted medical diagnosis for rural Sub-Saharan Africa

There is a pressing need to employ information technology for rural healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa. Computer-assisted diagnostic systems provide an opportunity to help meet the physician shortage in developing countries. A necessary concomitant action to deployment of such technology is the development of appropriate rural healthcare infrastructure. Promising strategies employing computer-assisted diagnostic software have been used successfully for more than seven years in rural India. Similar approaches present opportunities for exploration of new paradigms for rural healthcare delivery in rural Sub-Saharan Africa.
Forest Canopy Effects on the Estimation of Soil Moisture at L-Band

Truck-based measurements of brightness temperature at L- band over small deciduous stands located in Maryland were made in 2006 and 2007. Ground truth data related to forest stands and the ground were also collected. The deciduous trees were modeled by the Distorted Born Approximation (DBA) in conjunction with Peak's principle. The ground was modeled as a half space with surface roughness. The model has been used to investigate the sensitivity of L-band radiometers to soil moisture under forest stands. It was observed that it is possible to see through the forest to sense the underlying soil moisture and to see the seasonal changes.
Antigen-Specific Induced T Regulatory Cells Impair Dendritic Cell Function via an IL-10/MARCH1–Dependent Mechanism

Foxp3(+) T regulatory cells (Tregs) are critically important for the maintenance of immunological tolerance, immune homeostasis, and prevention of autoimmunity. Dendritic cells (DCs) are one of the major targets of Treg-mediated suppression. Some studies have suggested that Treg-mediated suppression of DC function is mediated by the interaction of CTLA-4 on Tregs with CD80/CD86 on the DCs resulting in downregulation of CD80/CD86 expression and a decrease in costimulation. We have re-examined the effects of Tregs on mouse DC function in a model in which Ag-specific, induced Tregs (iTregs) are cocultured with DCs in the absence of T effector cells. iTreg-treated DCs are markedly defective in their capacity to activate naive T cells. iTregs from CTLA-4-deficient mice failed to induce downregulation of CD80/CD86, but DCs treated with CTLA-4-deficient iTregs still exhibited impaired capacity to activate naive T cells. The iTreg-induced defect in DC function could be completely reversed by anti-IL-10, and IL-10-deficient iTregs failed to downregulate DC function. iTreg-treated DCs expressed high levels of MARCH1, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, recently found to degrade CD86 and MHC class II on the DCs and expressed lower levels of CD83, a molecule involved in neutralizing the function of MARCH1. Both the enhanced expression of MARCH1 and the decreased expression of CD83 were mediated by IL-10 produced by the iTregs. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that a major suppressive mechanism of DC function by iTregs is secondary to the effects of IL-10 on MARCH1 and CD83 expression.
Effects of behavioral changes in a smallpox attack model.

The impact of individual and communitybehavioral changes in response to an outbreak of a disease with high mortalityis often not appreciated. Response strategies to a smallpox bioterrorist attack have focused on interventions such as isolation of infectives, contact tracing, quarantine of contacts, ring vaccination, and mass vaccination. We formulate and analyze a mathematical model in which some individuals lower their dailycontact activityrates once an epidemic has been identified in a community. Transmission parameters are estimated from data and an expression is derived for the effective reproduction number. We use computer simulations to analyze the effects of behavior change alone and in combination with other control measures. We demonstrate that the spread of the disease is highlysensitive to how rapidlypeople reduce their contact activityrates and to the precautions that the population takes to reduce the transmission of the disease. Even gradual and mild behavioral changes can have a dramatic impact in slowing an epidemic. When behavioral changes are combined with other interventions, the epidemic is shortened and the number of smallpox cases is reduced. We conclude that for simulations of a smallpox outbreak
Effects of Urban Surfaces and White Roofs on Global and Regional Climate

Land use, vegetation, albedo, and soil-type data are combined in a global model that accounts for roofs and roads at near their actual resolution to quantify the effects of urban surface and white roofs on climate. In 2005, ;0.128% of the earth’s surface contained urban land cover, half of which was vegetated. Urban land cover was modeled over 20 years to increase gross global warming (warming before cooling due to aerosols andalbedochangeareaccountedfor)by0.06‐0.11Kandpopulation-weightedwarmingby0.16‐0.31K,based on two simulations under different conditions. As such, the urban heat island (UHI) effect may contribute to 2%‐4% of gross global warming, although the uncertainty range is likely larger than the model range presented, and more verification is needed. This may be the first estimate of the UHI effect derived from a global model while considering both UHI local heating and large-scale feedbacks. Previous data estimates of the global UHI, which considered the effect of urban areas but did not treat feedbacks or isolate temperature change due to urban surfaces from other causes of urban temperature change, imply a smaller UHI effect but of similar order. White roofs change surface albedo and affect energy demand. A worldwide conversion to white roofs, accounting for their albedo effect only, was calculated to cool population-weighted temperatures by ;0.02Kbuttowarmtheearthoverallby ;0.07K.Whiterooflocalcoolingmayalsoaffectenergyuse, thus emissions, a factor not accounted for here. As such, conclusions here regarding white roofs apply only to the assumptions made.
Exceptional paternal inheritance of plastids in Arabidopsis suggests that low‐frequency leakage of plastids via pollen may be universal in plants

Plastid DNA is absent in pollen or sperm cells of Arabidopsis thaliana. Accordingly, plastids and mitochondria, in a standard genetic cross, are transmitted to the seed progeny by the maternal parent only. Our objective was to test whether paternal plastids are transmitted by pollen as an exception. The maternal parent in our cross was a nuclear male sterile (ms1-1/ms1-1), spectinomycin-sensitive Ler plant. It was fertilized with pollen of a male fertile RLD-Spc1 plant carrying a plastid-encoded spectinomycin resistance mutation. Seedlings with paternal plastids were selected by spectinomycin resistance encoded in the paternal plastid DNA. Our data, in general, support maternal inheritance of plastids in A. thaliana. However, we report that paternal plastids are transmitted to the seed progeny in Arabidopsis at a low (3.9 x 10(-5)) frequency. This observation extends previous reports in Antirrhinum majus, Epilobium hirsutum, Nicotiana tabacum, Petunia hybrida, and the cereal crop Setaria italica to a cruciferous species suggesting that low-frequency paternal leakage of plastids via pollen may be universal in plants previously thought to exhibit strict maternal plastid inheritance. The genetic tools employed here will facilitate testing the effect of Arabidopsis nuclear mutations on plastid inheritance and allow for the design of mutant screens to identify nuclear genes controlling plastid inheritance.
The Paul Hesse Collection at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, with a review of names for Mollusca introduced by Hesse

ABSTRACT. The Paul Hesse Collection, purchased by ANSP in 1926, focused on non-marine mollusks of Europe and countries bordering the Mediterranean and Black Seas. It contains about 7,500 lots totaling about 50,000 specimens and is thus an important resource for studying Palearctic mollusks. Type lots of more than 40 European authors are included therein. Hesse himself introduced available names for 62 species-group, 62 genus-group and 4 family-group taxa, all of them gastropods and most terrestrial. Five additional species-group names were introduced by other authors in Hesse's works. Among Hesse's species-group names, 7 were replacements for preoccupied names of other authors. We found type specimens for 32 Hesse taxa in the ANSP collection and report their current type status. H. B. Baker listed primary type material at ANSP for 22 of these and designated lectotypes where ANSP held more than one specimen. For the 10 names not treated by Baker, it has not been previously reported that ANSP holds type mat...
Variation of Cohesive Sediment Strength with Stress Level

Undrained strengths of a range of natural cohesive soils are investigated over an effective stress range of 0.1 to 10 MPa. The resedimentation technique is effectively used to produce identical samples for KO-consolidated undrained triaxial compression testing. Normalized shear stress – strain responses and undrained strength ratios are found to vary considerably and consistently when viewed over a significant stress range. The undrained strength ratio of a soil and its variation with stress level can be estimated from liquid limit, an easily measured index property which reflects clay mineralogy and clay fraction of a cohesive soil.
Modulation of sympathetic nerve activity during posthandgrip muscle ischemia in humans

To evaluate modulation of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) during posthandgrip muscle ischemia (PHGMI), subjects performed 2 min of isometric handgrip at 33% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) followed by 2 min of PHGMI produced by forearm vascular occlusion. The response to PHGMI was studied in the absence and again during the addition of contralateral rhythmic handgrip (RHG; 40 times/min) at 15% (n = 6) and 30% (n = 10) MVC during the second minute of the PHGMI. Additionally, to isolate the effect of central command, response to PHGMI was studied during attempted RHG after sensory nerve blockade (n = 5). RHG for 2 min at 15 and 30% MVC and attempted RHG for 2 min did not increase MSNA. Isometric handgrip elicited an 130 +/- 48% increase in MSNA (P < 0.05), which was maintained during PHGMI. RHG at 15 and 30% MVC elicited an attenuation of MSNA (-10 +/- 7% and -14 +/- 6%, respectively) when performed during the second minute of PHGMI (P < 0.05). In contrast, attempted RHG did not significantly affect MSNA during PHGMI. The findings demonstrate modulation of MSNA during activation of the muscle metaboreflex. The attenuation of metaboreceptor-mediated increases in MSNA appear to be the result of mechanosensitive muscle afferents and not central command.
Plasma Deposited Carbosilicon Films from Silane-Phenylsilane Mixtures

A series of amorphous silicon/carbon films were deposited from an RF glow discharge in silane-phenylsilane feed gas mixtures with the (ΦSiH3 content varying from 0 to 100 %. The films were characterized with optical and electrical measurements. While the structure of the films deposited from the mixtures contains carbon in more than one configuration the amount of pendant phenyl groups increases as the phenylsilane content of the feed gas is increased. The optical gap, derived from Tauc plots of the absorption spectra, ranges from 1.7 to 2.9 eV, while the refractive index obtained from ellipsometry, ranges from 3.7 to 1.8. The optical gap was found to vary linearly with the carbon atomic fraction in the feed gas, independent of the configuration of carbon atoms in the solid. The refractivity, (n2 − 1)/(n2 + 2), was found to exhibit a similar composition dependence. The room temperature resistivity was observed to increase sharply with increasing carbon content, rising from 107 ohm-cm to 1016 ohm-cm as the ΦSiH3 content of the feed gas was increased from 0 to 25 per cent.
A Healthy Bottom Line: Obese Children, a Pacified Public, and Corporate Legitimacy

Corporations rarely prioritize healthy communities over healthy profit margins, but their profits depend on community acceptance. This article reveals that in their quest to be perceived as legitim...
Reeducating Muscle Force Control in Older Persons through Strength Training

In conjunction with muscular weakness, older adults demonstrate impaired control of movements requiring submaximal force. Previous research has demonstrated strength training improved performance of sit-to-stand and gait tasks in frail elders, yet the nature of this neuromuscular adaptation remains
Accurately Measuring the Height of (Real) Forest Trees

Q uick and accurate tree height measurement has always been a goal of foresters. The techniques and technology to measure height were developed long ago—even the earliest textbooks on mensuration showcased hypsometers (e.g., Schlich 1895, Mlodziansky 1898, Schenck 1905, Graves 1906), and approaches to refine these sometimes remarkable tools appeared in the first issues of Forestry Quarterly, Proceedings of the Society of American Foresters, and the Journal of Forestry. For example, one such hypsometer based on the geometric principle of similar triangles (top of Figure 1) employed rotary mirrors to allow the user to simultaneously see the top and bottom of the tree in “proper parallax” (Tieman 1904). Other early hypsometers applied different approaches that used angles and distance (e.g., Graves 1906, Detwiler 1915, Noyes 1916, Krauch 1918). Of these trigonometric hypsometers, those that calculated total tree height (HT) as a function of the tangent of the angles to the top (B2) and bottom (B1) of the tree and a baseline horizontal distance (b) to the stem were most common (Figure 1). Because they are easy to apply and required only simple technology, these approaches (hereafter, the similar triangles and tangent methods) have dominated tree height measurement. That is not to say the challenge of accurate tree height measurement was solved— many early foresters reported problems with getting consistent data in uneven terrain or dense understories or with the use of different types of hypsometers. Good measurement practices usually mitigated these issues and became standard components of forester training programs. Others addressed these challenges by designing new techniques based on different trigonometric relationships. As an example, Haig (1925) proposed a slide rule solution that calculated tree height using the sine law and slope distance from the observer to the tree base (s1)
Chest CT measures of pectoralis muscle area predicts mortality in smokers

Background: It has been demonstrated that people with extremes values of body mass index (BMI) have increased risk for death. Those with low BMI may have greater risk because low free fat mass such as skeletal muscle and those with high BMI because of increased levels of adipose tissue. Aim: To assess the relationship between pectoralis muscle area (PMA) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area and mortality in smokers with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Method: We collected measures of PMA and VAT area on chest CT scans from smokers at their baseline COPDGene Study visit. Vital status was based on 6-month interval surveys from that visit. Subjects with complete data on vital status, PMA, VAT and other relevant covariates were included (N=1,809). Cox proportional analysis was used to determine the hazard ratio (HR) for mortality. Results: 6.2% (113) of the 1,809 smokers died after a 4.7 yr median follow-up. After adjustment for BMI, age, male sex, pack yrs smoked, current smoking status and COPD presence, PMA but not VAT was associated with mortality (per 5 cm2 increase, HR 0.83 [0.74-0.94]) . In this model, BMI was not associated with mortality. ![Figure][1] Conclusion: Pectoralis muscle area is a predictor of mortality in smokers. This suggests that chest CT measures of body composition may be clinically useful in this population. [1]: pending:yes
Researches on pharmacological effects of levamisole hydrochloride in mouses with allergic rhinitis

Objective:To assess pharmacological effects of levamisole hydrochloride administered per nasal cavity in mouses with allergic rhinitis.Methods:To set up allergic rhinitis model in mouses,levamisole hydrochloride was administered per nasal cavity.Rhinocort as positive control and physiologic saline as negative control were administered by the same route as levamisole hydrochloride.After administration of drugs,pathological indexes in nasal mucosa such as oedema,infiltration of eosinophil and IL-12 expression were assessed.Results:Both of levamisole hydrochloride and positive control rhinocort could relieve oedema,inhibit infiltration of eosinophil and improve IL-12 expression.But rinocort was more effective in inhibiting infiltration of eosinophilic cells and less effective in improving IL-12 expression than levamisole hydrochloride.Conclusion:Levamisole hydrochloride is effective to allergic rhinitis in mousse by a different mechanism to rhinocort,it is a potential therapeutic drug for allergic rhinitis.
Application of node voltage method to the operational circuit analysis

Node voltage method is of very great significance in the theoretical lecturing of electrical engineering.By using the node voltage method,the analysis of several kinds of actual circuits composed of the operational amplifier is introduced in this paper.These actual circuits include the adding circuit,the integrated circuit,the high-pass filter and the low-pass filter.By using the method introduced in the paper,the circuit diagram composed of operational amplifier can be changed into the equivalent map of electrical engineering,and then the operational amplifier circuit can be easily analyzed by using this equivalent map.It is shown that the method is of great reference value in theoretical lecturing.
A Comparison of Transurethral and Transrectal Microwave Hyperthermia in Poor Surgical Risk Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients

AbstractFrom 1987 to 1989, 36 poor surgical risk patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were treated with transrectal or transurethral microwave hyperthermia. Most of the 36 patients treated (85%) had severe signs and symptoms of urinary outflow obstruction. Of the patients 22 (61%) underwent transrectal and 14 (39%) underwent transurethral hyperthermia. Followup ranged from 10 to 28 months (mean 19 months) for the transrectal hyperthermia group and 7 to 16 months (mean 10 months) for the transurethral hyperthermia group. The patients were given 6 hyperthermia sessions of 30 minutes each with the temperature controlled on the rectal or urethral surface at 45C. Hyperthermia was well tolerated with mild acute toxicity and no late complications were observed. In the important subjective and objective parameters, major improvement was noted more frequently in the 14 transurethral than in the 22 transrectal hyperthermia treated patients (p < 0.05). The Food and Drug Administration severity score, pro...
Intracranial Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma Mimicking Meningioma

Background Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the meninges is a rare pathologic subtype of central nervous system lymphoma that can mimic the radiologic appearance of meningioma. Case Description We present a unique case of a 57-year-old man who presented with neurologic symptoms of severe headache, memory loss, mental status changes, and depression. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated an enhancing mass tracking along the anterior falx and anterior skull base with extension into the ethmoid sinus, which was radiographically consistent with meningioma. However, pathologic examination revealed numerous sheets of plasma cells and plasmacytoid lymphocytes that were immunopositive for CD20. These combined features were indicative of marginal zone B-cell lymphoma. No evidence of systemic disease was found. Conclusions Although rare, marginal zone B-cell lymphoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis of an extra-axial enhancing mass. We review the contemporary literature and discuss preoperative radiologic differentiation of these 2 very different histopathologies.
Spin-crossover and high-spin iron(ii) complexes as chemical shift 19F magnetic resonance thermometers.

The potential utility of paramagnetic transition metal complexes as chemical shift 19F magnetic resonance (MR) thermometers is demonstrated. Further, spin-crossover FeII complexes are shown to provide much higher temperature sensitivity than do the high-spin analogues, owing to the variation of spin state with temperature in the former complexes. This approach is illustrated through a series of FeII complexes supported by symmetrically and asymmetrically substituted 1,4,7-triazacyclononane ligand scaffolds bearing 3-fluoro-2-picolyl derivatives as pendent groups (Lx). Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements, in conjunction with UV-vis and NMR data, show thermally-induced spin-crossover for [Fe(L1)]2+ in H2O, with T1/2 = 52(1) °C. Conversely, [Fe(L2)]2+ remains high-spin in the temperature range 4–61 °C. Variable-temperature 19F NMR spectra reveal the chemical shifts of the complexes to exhibit a linear temperature dependence, with the two peaks of the spin-crossover complex providing temperature sensitivities of +0.52(1) and +0.45(1) ppm per °C in H2O. These values represent more than two-fold higher sensitivity than that afforded by the high-spin analogue, and ca. 40-fold higher sensitivity than diamagnetic perfluorocarbon-based thermometers. Finally, these complexes exhibit excellent stability in a physiological environment, as evidenced by 19F NMR spectra collected in fetal bovine serum.
Chapter 19 – Inspiration Flow Theory of Knowledge

Chapter Summary This chapter is based on the notion that the elemental modules of knowledge (ΔK) are exchanged or transferred by virtual exchanges of verb functions (VF’s) between noun objects or knowledge centric objects (KCOs). In order to be practical and concurrently meaningful, we explore the concepts in this theory whereby the protocol for the knowledge path of smaller kco’s is in the physical domain and the larger knowledge centric object (KCO) is transported by imagery, similarities, parallelisms, and inspirations. One or subsequent sociopsychological pathways (memory flash-back, trigger-images, look, glance, gesture, etc.) confirm the knowledge exchange is imminent and then an “image” of a large body of knowledge (KCO) gets subconsciously formed by the receptor whereby bulk of the content is exchanged between the donor(s) and recipient(s) or vice versa. This image of the KCO is transferred, processed, reinforced, and refined. For example, love at first sight is another name for this mystic process. As another example, two scientists can communicate an enormous amount of information significant and beneficial to each other, in a short time by preassigned symbols, notations, equations, and even looks, signs, or a gesture. The resulting image is a constructive combination of the perceived image (as a seed or nucleus) and the supplementary image(s) from the receptor’s own knowledge banks. We hasten to add that cruelty and violence can also be transferred thus. For example, a tiny insignificant nation can induce hate and aggression against other nations by distorting images fed to a much larger more powerful nation. Such examples are much too prevalent in history. Knowledge space becomes staggeringly more complex than the physical space. The order of complexity becomes at least fourfold because every noun-object (n), verb-function (v), and their combination (*) are unique, furthermore all three depend on the X, Y, Z, t coordinates in socially and culture. Hence, it becomes necessary to limit the size of kunatum to “sensible” size and to be practical. Initially, it can be limited to most useful noun objects and verb functions. Two examples follow. In its practical format, a kunatum of knowledge can be stated as (food (n), eat (v), restaurant (x, y, z), date and time (t)). At the other extreme, a cosmic kunatum can be stated as (space ship A (n), explore (v), coordinates-Planet B (x, y, z), cosmic calendar date and time (t)). The need to be practical and limit the programing complexity, it becomes a necessity to deal with kunatized knowledge within the realm of computation. Even so, the content of the knowledge so gathered (i.e., the food eaten in the restaurant or the data collected by the space ship) is not communicated. The flow of the entirety of knowledge needs a larger number of smaller kunata (kco’s) to be complete within the global-kunata of knowledge (or KCO).
Funcionamiento psicosocial en pacientes agudos y crónicos no psiquiátricos en régimen hospitalario: depresión, alexitimia y falta de asertividad

Background: Depression, alexithymia, and lack of assertiveness interfere with individual psychosocial functioning and may result in longer hospitalization stay and poorer therapeutic results. Aim:To analyze the psychosocial functioning in acute and chronic patients and its association with psychological, clinical and sociodemographic variables.Material and methods: We performed a cross-sectional study that included 80 inpatients of both sexes with organic pathology, aged between 18 to 70 years old, without any current psychiatric disorder. Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected from a semi-structured interview and hospital records. Beck Depression Inventory-IA, Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 and Rathus Assertiveness Scale were administered. Results: Fifty five percent of patients had some degree of depression, 33% alexithymia and 34% lack of assertiveness. The levels of depression, alexithymia and lack of assertiveness in chronic patients were significantly higher than those observed in acute patients. Women and participants older than 60 years exhibited the highest degrees of depression. Alexithymia and lack of assertiveness were associated with a lower educational level. A negative significant correlation between alexithymia and assertiveness scores was observed among acute patients. Conclusions: Participants with chronic diseases had a lower psychosocial functioning.Less educated patients showed more alexithymic and less assertive features. We emphasized the need of a better management of these aspects by the health team, since social functioning might interfere with the outcome of physical illnesses.
Dynamics and Precision Control of Tumbling Multibody Systems

Tumbling is an inherently nonlinear phenomenon, and this paper uses a generic model of a tumbling multibody system made up of a rigid body to which discrete masses are attached; it obtains the equa...
In Vitro Models of the Blood–Brain Barrier to Better Understand the Pathophysiology of Brain Edema

The prevention of vasogenic cerebral edema formation following injury requires an exhaustive understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to the opening of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) during pathological situation. However, such approach using animal models is highly challenging and provides only a superficial understanding of such mechanisms. To address such issues, various in vitro models of the BBB have been developed during the last 30 years. This chapter will provide an exhaustive overview of the different in vitro models available, their advantages and their caveats.
Bachman's Sparrows at the northern periphery of their range: home range size and microhabitat selection

Populations of Bachman's Sparrows (Peucaea aestivalis) have declined range-wide since the late 1960s. Populations at the periphery of their range have exhibited some of the steepest declines, and these sparrows are now rare or extirpated over much of the northern extent of their historical range. To better understand the spatial ecology of Bachman's Sparrows in this region of decline, we examined microhabitat selection and determined the home range sizes of radio-tagged male Bachman's Sparrows (N = 37) in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina in 2014 and 2015. From April to July, we located males 1–2 times daily for 5–6 d per week. We measured vegetation structure in home ranges using 5-m-radius plots centered on a subset of 10 randomly selected telemetry locations as well as in available unused locations 50 m and in a random direction from each telemetry location. Mean size of home ranges (7.9 ha) was larger than estimates reported in most previous studies, with differences among studies possibly due, at least in part, to differences in the characteristics of habitats where studies were conducted. The home ranges of Bachman's Sparrows in our study had greater densities of woody and dead vegetation than unused areas. Although generally considered detrimental to the presence of Bachman's Sparrows, the presence of some woody vegetation in frequently burned (i.e., ≤ 3-yr return interval) longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) communities like those in our study may be important in providing song perches for males and cover from attacking predators. Bachman's Sparrows in our study showed clear selection for several vegetation characteristics linked to frequent fire. Management strategies that approximate historical fire regimes in longleaf pine ecosystems should continue to be promoted as essential tools for the conservation of Bachman's Sparrows.
Process Modeling of Fluidized Bed Biomass-CO2 Gasification using ASPEN Plus

Abstract Gasification is one of the most important thermochemical methods for conversion of biomass to biofuels. In this work, a comprehensive model to simulate the output performance of a bench scale atmospheric fluidized bed gasifier is developed using the ASPEN Plus process simulator. Knowledge about the chemistry and kinetics of the process obtained from experimental results in earlier parts of this study has been incorporated into the model. Different reactor configurations are used to simulate the various stages in a biomass-CO2 gasification process. A dynamically linked FORTRAN subroutine is used to include the kinetic model for the Boudouard reaction. Results from sensitivity analysis performed on the model are compared with the experimental results using parameters like product stream yields, syngas composition, individual gas yields, and carbon conversion are compared to evaluate the validity of the model. The results are further compared to results from a thermodynamic equilibrium model to judge the credibility of using a comprehensive ASPEN model with kinetics.
Opening up to OERs: Electronic Original Sourcebook Versus Traditional Textbook in the Introduction to American Government Course

ABSTRACTTraditional American Government textbooks are expensive and often unpopular with students. New technologies and Open Educational Resources (OERs) open up the potential for change, but quest...