cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail: Capturing the Pre-incident Planning Needs of Firefighters:

In a fire suppression operation, seconds can mean the difference between a fatality or successful incident management. There have not been many recent studies that examine the information, tools, a...
Shifts in Women's Paid Employment Participation During the World War II Era and Later Life Health.

Abstract Purpose The greatest proportional increase in female labor force participation of the 20th century occurred post–World War II (WWII) when shifts in policy and growth in service and clerical work spurred an influx of women into the labor force. Research has yet to demonstrate how variation in women's employment participation during this era related to their later life health. We examined how shifts in women's employment patterns during the WWII era influenced their disease and mortality risk. Methods Using data from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study, we evaluated the employment history of a cohort of 6,158 women across the U.S. during the WWII era. We fit logistic regression models estimating the association between involvement in the workforce over 5-year intervals and health (i.e., cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mortality). We also ran models with a younger cohort (n = 12,435) of women to assess how associations between work and health varied between cohorts. Results The older cohort of women who entered the workforce before the onset of WWII showed mixed to no differences in health relative to homemakers. The younger cohort of women who entered the workforce during WWII tended to show negative relationships between work during their late/post-childbearing years and health, experiencing higher risks for mortality. Conclusions The policies, social forces, and broader environment in which women live appear to significantly influence how involvement in the workforce over the life course influences health. Women whose entry into the workforce was initially encouraged socially but were later confronted with opposition experienced increased health risks.
Interprofessional practice: Social work students’ perspectives on collaboration

As the value of interprofessional practice becomes increasingly recognized, it is critical to educate social work students so that they understand the importance of interprofessional practice, and ...
The Roles of Ubiquitin in Mediating Autophagy

Ubiquitination, the post-translational modification essential for various intracellular processes, is implicated in multiple aspects of autophagy, the major lysosome/vacuole-dependent degradation pathway. The autophagy machinery adopted the structural architecture of ubiquitin and employs two ubiquitin-like protein conjugation systems for autophagosome biogenesis. Ubiquitin chains that are attached as labels to protein aggregates or subcellular organelles confer selectivity, allowing autophagy receptors to simultaneously bind ubiquitinated cargos and autophagy-specific ubiquitin-like modifiers (Atg8-family proteins). Moreover, there is tremendous crosstalk between autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Ubiquitination of autophagy-related proteins or regulatory components plays significant roles in the precise control of the autophagy pathway. In this review, we summarize and discuss the molecular mechanisms and functions of ubiquitin and ubiquitination, in the process and regulation of autophagy.
Histocompatibility Testing for Xenotransplantation

Allotransplantation relied on two major advances in the field to overcome the host’s innate and adaptive immune system: sufficient immunosuppression and meticulous selection of donor-recipient pairs to increase the likelihood of organ survival. Given the field’s thorough evaluation and experimentation demonstrating that the clinically available, FDA-approved immunosuppression will likely be sufficient to control the human anti-pig immune response, the focus turns to histocompatibility and xenoantigen study. The biochemical composition of the antigens found in human mirrors those found in a pig, consisting of either glycan or proteinaceous backbones, but the available reagents and tools to screen patients for xenoantibodies are limited compared to the allotransplant field. It is in this context we review the known xenoantigens and available histocompatibility techniques and reagents that will likely be used to select the patients for the first clinical trial.
Think Twice before Prescribing Antibiotics for That Swollen Knee: The Influence of Antibiotics on the Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but devastating complication after total joint arthroplasty. An estimated 7–12% of patients have negative cultures despite clear clinical evidence of infection. One oft-cited reason for this occurrence is the administration of antibiotics in the weeks prior to obtaining cultures. This article reviews the influence of antibiotics on the diagnosis of PJI. Specifically, we examine the effect of prophylactic and therapeutic antibiotic administration on the diagnostic accuracy of microbiological cultures as well as serum and synovial biomarkers. We also explore the potential of molecular techniques in overcoming these limitations in patients who have received antibiotics before specimen collection and propose areas for future research.
A Novel Low Loss E-Plane Substrate Integrated Waveguide Narrow Wall Slot Antenna

A novel low loss E-plane Substrate Integrated Waveguide narrow wall slot antenna is proposed in this paper. The antenna operating frequency is centered at 18GHz and is built by soldering four printed circuit boards together as well as two copper sheets, one on the bottom that is solid and one on the top with slots cut in it. A waveguide has both vertical and horizontal current, copper strips are used for the horizontal current and plated vias are used for the vertical current. A short is placed at the end using the same method to create a standing wave.
Simultaneous Application Effect of Rice Husk Biochare and Zinc Sulfate Fertilizer on Yield, Yield Components of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Hashemi Cultivar and Some Soil Chemical Properties

Simultaneous application of biochar and chemical fertilizers has been shown to be a new sustainable and environmental friendly technology for the improvement of soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency and rice crop yield. However, simultaneous application of biochar and zinc have been rarely studied. Therefore, the current field study was conducted to investigate the effects of rice husk biochar and Zn-fertilizer applications on rice yield and the most important chemical properties of soils through factorial in randomized complete block design with three replications at farm stations of rice research institute of Iran, Rasht and Tonekabon in 2019. The experimental factors were biochar at three levels (0, 20 and 40 tha-1) and zinc at three levels (0, 10 and 20 kg ha-1). The highest plant height (144/33 cm), filled grain per panicle (81.65), 1000 grain weight (32.37 g) and grain yield (4112 kg ha-1) were recorded at 40 tha-1 biochar treatment. Moreover, the maximum grain yield with average of 4220 kg ha-1 was observed at 20 kg ha-1 Zn sulfate treatment (13% more than the control). The application of 40 tha-1 biochar of rice husks and 20 kg ha-1 Zn significantly increased the available P, K and Zn by about 2 times, 43.15% and 3 times, respectively.
Improved convergence of iterative ontology alignment using block-coordinate descent

A wealth of ontologies, many of which overlap in their scope, has made aligning ontologies an important problem for the semantic Web. Consequently, several algorithms now exist for automatically aligning ontologies, with mixed success in their performances. Crucial challenges for these algorithms involve scaling to large ontologies, and as applications of ontology alignment evolve, performing the alignment in a reasonable amount of time without compromising on the quality of the alignment. A class of alignment algorithms is iterative and often consumes more time than others while delivering solutions of high quality. We present a novel and general approach for speeding up the multivariable optimization process utilized by these algorithms. Specifically, we use the technique of block-coordinate descent in order to possibly improve the speed of convergence of the iterative alignment techniques. We integrate this approach into three well-known alignment systems and show that the enhanced systems generate similar or improved alignments in significantly less time on a comprehensive testbed of ontology pairs. This represents an important step toward making alignment techniques computationally more feasible.
Differences and Barriers between the Two Worlds

Every displaced corporate manager trying to enter the nonprofit world wonders how different this sector is compared to the corporate sector with which he is already familiar. Every manager also wonders to what extent his prior stock of knowledge, skills, and experiences will carry over, or to what extent he will have to develop new competencies and attitudes. The larger the differences between the two sectors, the higher the hurdle for the career changer to get over, the greater the body of new information to absorb.
Glutathione and Glutathione‐S‐Transferase in Detoxification Mechanisms

Glutathione (GSH) and glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) are two primary lines of defence against both acute and chronic toxicities of electrophiles and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. GSH confers cellular protection by directly or enzymatically reducing free radicals and reactive species (RS), and conjugating endogenous and exogenous electrophiles. GSTs are a superfamily of Phase 2 detoxification enzymes that detoxify both RS and toxic xenobiotics, primarily by catalysing GSH-dependent conjugation and redox reactions. Both GSH content and GST enzyme activities are under tight homeostatic control. Under normal conditions, neither GST enzyme activities nor GSH levels operate at their maximum capacity. Upon exposure to mild oxidative and electrophilic stress, they are concomitantly induced to achieve efficient protection. This chapter provides an updated understanding about GSH synthesis, the utilization of GSH for detoxification against RS, drugs and toxic xenobiotics, and its recycling from glutathione disulfide (GSSG) and GSH conjugates. This chapter also reviews the united classification/nomenclature system, structure, catalytic mechanism and functions of GST enzymes. Another focus of this chapter is the well-characterized antioxidant response element (ARE)/nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-Kelch-like ECH associating protein 1 (Keap1) signalling pathway that regulates the basal and induced expression of GST and GSH homeostasis genes in mammals. Keywords: antioxidant response element (ARE); cytoprotection; electrophiles; glutathione (GSH); GSH homeostasis; glutathione-S-transferase (GST); induction; oxidative stress; nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2); reaction
Wideband communication with high-dimensional arrays: New results and transceiver architectures

Wideband high-dimensional antenna arrays are expected to play a key role in future 5G wireless systems. Due to narrow beamwidths, phased array/beamforming methods are the natural choice for design and analysis of high-dimensional MIMO systems. However, conventional methods are based on the narrowband assumption which is violated as the bandwidth and array dimension increase. In this paper we revisit the use of high-dimensional arrays in line-of-sight single-input multiple-output (SIMO) systems. We develop a channel model that reveals coupling between the spatial and temporal dimensions that is not captured by conventional separable models. We then apply beamspace MIMO (B-MIMO) theory - system representation with respect to orthogonal spatial beams - to analyze system performance. Our analysis reveals a key dispersion factor Δ ch that captures the impact of array dimension and bandwidth on performance. We show that Δ ch characterizes the magnitude of the coupled signal dispersion in spatial angle and time. This leads to new B-SIMO transceivers that use on the order of Δ ch beams to deliver near-optimal performance with dramatically low complexity compared to the optimal receiver. We present results that demonstrate the significant losses incurred by phased array receivers, and the near-optimal performance of low-complexity B-SIMO transceivers. Extension of the new wideband LoS SIMO model to MISO, MIMO, and multipath scenarios is outlined.
Membrane physiology of retinal glial (Muller) cells

Electrophysiological techniques were used to determine the ion selectivity properties and the spatial distribution of the membrane conductance of amphibian Muller cells. Membrane potential changes recorded during ion substitution experiments in frog (Rana pipiens) retinal slices demonstrated that the Muller cell K+:Na+ membrane permeability ratio is approximately 490:1 and that cell Cl- permeability is extremely low. In frog retinal slices, Muller cell input resistance was 8.5 megohms when measured in the inner plexiform layer and 4.8 megohms when measured in the optic fiber layer. Intact, enzymatically dissociated salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) cells had an input resistance of 7.9 megohms, whereas cells lacking their endfoot process (removed by surgical microdissection or by shearing force) had a resistance of 152 megohms. Pressure ejection of a 100 mM K+ solution near the proximal surface of the endfeet of dissociated salamander cells produced depolarizations 7 times greater than did ejections near the lateral face of the endfoot and 24 to 50 times greater than did ejections near other cell regions. Similar K+ ejection results were obtained from Muller cells in salamander and frog retinal slices. Taken together, these results demonstrate that in both the frog and the salamander, approximately 95% of the total membrane conductance of Muller cells is localized in the cell's endfoot process. In salamander, the specific membrane resistance of the endfoot membrane was estimated to be 32 ohm X cm2 whereas the specific resistance of the remainder of the cell was 7300 ohm X cm2. This remarkably nonuniform conductance distribution has important consequences for theories concerning K+ regulation in the retina and for mechanisms underlying electroretinogram generation.
Unpacking the Process of Mass Killing: Motives, Means, and Opportunities

Why do some countries engulfed in political upheaval experience mass killing of civilians while most others in similar situations do not? This paper views mass killing as a strategy that political leaders use to maintain or take power. As such, mass killing is similar to other crimes in that perpetrators must have the motive, means and opportunity to commit it - all three being necessary and none sufficient. Within the tripartite framework, mass killing is a contingent outcome of interaction between four types of actor: leaders, executors (together called perpetrators), targets and constrainers. Leaders’ motive for mass killing is driven by discriminatory ideology and fear of losing power to the people they target. They implement their strategy by means of an organized, armed core group who willingly execute the plan. The opportunity arises when the targeted population is weak or defenseless and when constraining institutions and actors are absent or ineffective. Under these conditions, the dynamic of conflict reaches a tipping point, after which mass killing is suddenly more likely to occur. The argument is applied to Darfur, Sudan, (2003-2006) where mass killing took place, and to Kyrgyzstan (2010) where it did not. We find the motive, means and opportunity model provides a useful macro-level framework for understanding the conditions under which mass killing occurs, why it is not more common, and how to limit it in the future. The model must be disaggregated, however, before it can facilitate a deeper understanding of specific theoretical arguments.
Synthesis of multiply-bonded ditungsten hydride complex, W2(μ−H)(μ-O2CC6H5) Cl4 (dppm)2

The use of Me3SiCl in the reaction of W2(O2CC6H5)4 with dppm resulted in the metal-halide-bonded complex, W2(μ-H) (μ-O2CC6H5)Cl4 (dppm)2. The presence of the bridging hydride was confirmed by 1H NMR spectra of the sample. The W-W bond distance of 2.554(2) A is indicative of a multiple bond. If the reaction is performed with fresh Me3SiCl, the 31P NMR spectra of the reaction mixture verifies that a small amount of the quadruply-bonded product, W2Cl4 (dppm)2, is produced. Crystallographic data for W2 (μ-H) (μ-O2CC6H5)Cl4 (dppm)2 are as follows: monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c with a = 19.171(11), b = 14.901(8), c = 24.142(12) A, β = 111.94(5)°, V = 6397(6) A3, Z = 4.
Evidence based practice and techniques in aquatic therapy for recreation therapy

Aquatic therapy (AT) is a holistic method of treatment that involves activity or passive activity to produce healthcare outcomes. The push for holistic treatment in rehabilitation is emphasized by the World Health Organization (WHO) (2009). The WHO suggested that healthcare organizations should turn their attention from repairing weakness and damage to promoting a health maintenance lifestyle. While, well-controlled experimental research specific to aquatic therapy is sparse, there have been some studies documenting physical, psychological and psychosocial improvements from aquatic interventions and immersion in general. To assist practitioners in understanding aquatic therapy treatment strategies, this article reviews various principles of hydrodynamics and the effects of immersion in water. Also, aquatic approaches to treatment that are used for participants with a variety of conditions are examined. The intent of this article was to increase the understanding of why the water is conducive to holistic treatment outcomes and various techniques that are used in aquatic therapy to improve health and well being. Keywords : Aquatic therapy, recreational therapy, disability, leisure.
Administración pública, mitigación de la pobreza y gobernabilidad democrática: un vínculo necesario

Asistimos al surgimiento de un nuevo perfil de la pobreza en varias partes del mundo. Mas alla de los sintomas conocidos de la pobreza, independientemente de si estos conocimientos son absolutos o relativos, en muchas regiones se enfrentan los fenomenos de exclusion, aumento de privilegios de unos cuantos sobre los muchos, inequidad, inseguridad y marginalizacion de residentes afectados por la pobreza e inmigrantes en una escala alarmante. Estos fenomenos son todavia dificiles de predecir pero en general apuntan a un visible aumento del extremismo, religioso y politico, con presagios ominosos. Solo tenemos que mirar hacia las areas de conflicto armado que cada vez estan mas cerca de casa.
Steering controller design using scale-model vehicles

A scale-model, experimental apparatus is developed to design and evaluate steering controller designs. The controller is designed using linear quadratic optimal control methods on a standard four-state vehicle model. The apparatus simulates the human driver using a scale-model vehicle, a treadmill, and a vision system.
Design of a mechanical CPR device: Automated CPR To-Go (ACT)

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the first step in treating victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Though manual CPR has been prevalent for many years, mechanical CPR has proven to be easier for the rescuer, safer for the patient, and more effective in pumping blood through the body. Current mechanical CPR devices, such as the AutoPulse by Zoll, Inc., utilize a load-distributing band to apply circumferential chest compressions. However, it is very expensive and heavy, thus prohibiting its distribution to the general public. We propose to fabricate a mechanical CPR device, Automated CPR To-Go (ACT), which will be cost-effective and lightweight. The device will provide 2-inch deep anterior-posterior chest compressions to victims and will be able to be used by rescuers with minimal training. Material, electrical, and mechanical factors were taken into consideration when designing ACT. The major components of the device include the board, motor assembly, belt assembly, housing unit, microprocessor, and power source. Currently, ACT has been designed, and the materials have been chosen for its development. Upon completion of the project, it is expected that the device will be able to achieve the aforementioned goals of anterior-posterior displacement, easy application, and will be distributable to the general public.
The effect of El Chichón on wind variability in the troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere over Alaska

Data from the Poker Flat, Alaska MST radar combined with standard NWS balloon observations at Fairbanks, Alaska show that low-frequency (3-11 day) wind fluctuations within the troposphere and lower stratosphere for the period January-March 1983 were noticeably weaker than those for other similar periods between 1979-1984. Similar effects can be detected in the higher-frequency (1-6 hr and 8-48 hr) wind fluctuations obtained from the radar data alone. In contrast to these decreases in the troposphere and lower stratosphere wind variations, the magnitude of the tidal period (8-48 hr) atmospheric wind fluctuations observed by radar in the mesosphere during June-July were significantly increased in 1983 relative to surrounding years. All of these variations appear to be reasonably well associated with the presence of enhanced aerosol concentrations in the lower stratosphere following the explosion of El Chichon volcano in April 1982.
Modulation scheme of the differential-mode Ćuk inverter for loss mitigation

Among the various isolated inverter topologies for grid connection of the renewable energies, the differentialmode Cuk inverter has several outstanding features. It has lower number of devices, which are low-side driven. It has lower high-frequency ripple on the both ac and dc sides. This paper introduces a new modulation technique intended to eliminate the power circulation by manipulating just one module at a time which leads to a better efficiency.
Effect of verapamil on the IL-2 binding to its active receptor and on the release of IL-2 receptor by activated PBMC.

Abstract In the present study we have examined the effect of a Ca 2+ channel blocker (verapamil) on the binding of IL-2 to its biologically active receptor (IL-2R), as well as on the release of its soluble form (sIL-2R) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated by a variety of stimuli. In the same culture systems, cyclosporine A (CsA) was also used as an additional dissecting tool. PHA and the Ca 2+ ionophore A23187 enhanced both the percentage of PBMC binding phycoerythrin-conjugated IL-2 (PE-IL-2) and the mean fluorescence intensity of this binding. A phorbol-ester (PMA), on the other hand, enhanced only slightly the proportion of PE-IL-2 binding cells. The two stimulatory combinations (PHA/PMA and A23187/PMA) also up-regulated the proportion of PE-IL-2 binding cells and the fluorescence intensity; the PHA/PMA combination was the most potent of all stimuli used. These two stimulatory combinations, and PHA alone, were also associated with maximal in vitro release of sIL-2R. Verapamil significantly down-regulated PE-IL-2 binding in all culture systems and it convincingly inhibited the release of sIL-2R. Furthermore, this mode of action of verapamil was concentration-dependent. CsA, on the other hand, inhibited the binding of PE-IL-2 to all stimulant-activated PBMC and had only a slight inhibitory effect on the in vitro release of sIL-2R. Our results indicate that there is a correlation between the binding of IL-2 to biologically active receptors on the surface of stimulant-activated PBMC and the release of the soluble form of IL-2R by the same cells. In addition, the effect of verapamil indicates that both the expression of biologically active IL-2R and the release of its soluble form are Ca 2+ -regulated phenomena.
On improving the determination of the neutron distribution in a heavy spin-0 nucleus

As a theorists' guide to future experiments, we investigate the possibility of improving the determination of the rms neutron radius in a heavy spin-0 nucleus by combining measurements of the left-right asymmetry in parity violating electron scattering at two different momentum transfers. We estimate the level of constraint on Rn ≡ r21/2n for spin-0 nuclei in a nuclear model independent analysis in both plane wave and Coulomb distorted calculations. We find that experiments at two different kinematics reduce the need to make theoretical arguments about present uncertainties in the shape of the spatial neutron distribution compared to a single experiment with the same total beam time. We estimate that the rms neutron radius in 208Pb can be constrained at about the 1% level, without requiring significant theoretical nuclear model assumptions.
Chaos and ion heating in a slow shock

An ion heating mechanism is proposed of slow shocks, which is associated with the chaotic motion of particles in the downstream wave field. For a coherent electromagnetic wave propagating along the downstream magnetic field, corresponding to switch-off shocks, the particle motions are not chaotic. For an oblique wave, the interaction between the particles and the wave field may lead to chaotic particle motions. Such particles may be greatly thermalized within one wavelength after they are incident into the downstream wave field. The results can be used to explain the existence of the critical intermediate Mach number observed in the hybrid simulations.
Descent and Symbolic Filiation

KINSHIP networks involve a paradox. On the one hand marriage links exogamic kin groups. On the other hand, it serves to link them only insofar as the ties of each spouse to his (or her) family of birth are maintained. This continuing connection with the natal groups is often represented by the bond between brother and sister, although it also appears in other forms.' As male and female of the same generation, their mutual involvement in their kin group makes them in some respects a counter-pair to husband and wife. Since in many systems this sibling relationship serves structural ends, the brothersister tie is seldom left simply to spontaneous expressions of devotion which might or might not be forthcoming. Instead it is reinforced with ritual, social, and economic obligations. Some cultures also stress rather than minimize the incestuous overtones of
Comparison of the time courses of selective gene expression and dopaminergic depletion induced by MPP+ in MN9D cells

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons with unknown etiology. MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion) is the active metabolite of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), which induces Parkinson's-like symptoms in humans and animals. MPTP/MPP+ produces selective dopaminergic neuronal degeneration, therefore, these agents are commonly used to study the pathogenesis of PD. However, the mechanisms of their toxicity have not been fully elucidated. Recently, we reported in a microarray study using a midbrain-derived dopaminergic neuronal cell line, MN9D, that MPP+ induced significant changes in a number of genes known to be associated with the dopaminergic system. In this study, we investigated the expression time courses of six genes using real-time RT-PCR, and compared them with the progressive dopaminergic depletion caused by MPP+. Our data showed that dopamine content was significantly decreased after 0.5h of MPP+ (200 microM) exposure and was completely depleted after 40 h. The expression of Gpr37, which is closely related to the pathogenesis of autosomal recessive juvenile Parkinsonism, was up-regulated after 0.5h, and stayed up-regulated up to 48 h. Txnip, which is critical to the adjustment of cellular redox status, was down-regulated after 1h and stayed down-regulated up to 48 h. Ldh1 and Cdo1, which are also involved in oxidative stress, were down-regulated after 16 h and stayed down-regulated up to 48 h. Two pro-apoptotic genes, Egln3 and Bnip3, were down-regulated after 2 and 4h, and stayed down-regulated up to 48 h. These findings suggested that the time course of expression for multiple genes correlated with the dopaminergic depletion; and MPP+-induced neurotoxicity in MN9D cells could be used as a model to further explore the roles of these and other genes in the pathogenesis and possible treatment of PD.
The Incorrect Measurement of Components

Component analysis provides an attractive alternative to factor analysis, since component scores are easily determined while factor scores can only be estimated. Although the literature contains methods of finding component scores, intuitively reasonable but incorrect methods are commonly used to calculate component scores. This paper presents not only the correct method of determining component scores but, more importantly, also presents several illustrations of how commonly used incorrect methods distort the meaning of the component solution.
Hybrid approach of percutaneous coronary intervention followed by minimally invasive valve operations.

Background A subset of patients requiring coronary revascularization and valve operations may benefit from a hybrid approach of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) followed by a minimally invasive valve operation, rather than the standard combined median sternotomy coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and a valve operation. This study sought to evaluate the outcomes of this approach in a heterogeneous group of patients with concomitant coronary artery and valvular disease. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 222 consecutive patients with coronary artery and valvular heart disease who underwent PCI followed by elective minimally invasive valve operations at our institution between February 2009 and August 2013. Results A total of 136 men and 86 women were identified. The mean age was 74.6 ± 8.2 years, with 181 (81.5%) undergoing 1-vessel, 27 (12.2%) undergoing 2-vessel, and 14 (6.3%) undergoing 3-vessel PCI. Within a median of 38 days (interquartile range [IQR] 18–65 days), 182 (82%) patients underwent primary and 34 (15.3%) underwent repeated valve operations, which consisted of 185 (83.3%) single-valve and 37 (16.7%) double-valve procedures. Operative mortality occurred in 8 patients (3.6%). At a mean follow-up of 16.2 ± 12 months, 6 patients required PCI, with target-vessel revascularization performed in 4 patients (2.1%). Survival at 1 and 4.5 years was 91.9% and 88.3%, respectively. Conclusions In a heterogeneous group of patients, a hybrid approach of PCI followed by minimally invasive valve operations in patients undergoing primary or repeated valve operations can be performed with excellent outcomes.
Effectiveness of a new method (TEAT) to assess vibration transmissibility of gloves

Abstract A test method based upon total effective acceleration transmissibility (TEAT) is proposed to study the vibration isolation performance of anti-vibration gloves. The vibration transmission characteristics of three different gloves are investigated under predominantly axial vibration using the proposed method and the procedure outlined in ISO-10819 (Mechanical Vibration and Shock—Hand–Arm Vibration—Method for the Measurement and Evaluation of the Vibration Transmissibility of Gloves at the Palm of the Hand, International Standard Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 1996). The measured data are systematically analyzed to illustrate the measurement and evaluation errors arising from misalignments of the response accelerometer within the palm-held adaptor, unintentional non-axial vibration caused by the vibration exciter and dynamics of the coupled hand–handle system. The degree of adaptor misalignment, estimated from the measured data, was observed to vary from 5.9° to 59.6°. Such variations could cause measurement errors in excess of 20%. The vibration transmission characteristics of selected gloves, evaluated using the proposed method, are compared with those derived from the standardized method to demonstrate the effectiveness of the TEAT approach. From the results, it is concluded that the TEAT method, based upon vector sums of both the source and response accelerations, can effectively account for the majority of the measurement errors, and yield more repeatable and reliable assessments of gloves. Relevance to industry Prolonged exposure to hand-transmitted vibration has been related to the possible occurrence of several health disorders by affecting the bones, joints, muscles and nervous system. The epidemiological studies show that millions of industrial workers are being exposed to hand vibration throughout the world. It is thus vital to develop improved methods for assessment of effectiveness of anti-vibration gloves. The proposed methodology could be applied to assess the effective vibration attenuation performance of anti-vibration gloves, and it could contribute towards developing an improved test method.
Simple section interchange and properties of non-computable functions

We here extend our earlier work on the theory of partially defined computer instructions and guards to cover partially defined computer expressions and programs. The notion of the relevant region of an expression is generalized to conditional relevant regions, and we specify upper bounds on these for expressions built up from simpler ones. We then proceed to specify upper bounds on the input and output regions of programs containing goto statements, even though the state transformations of such programs are not necessarily computable. This is then combined with our earlier commutativity results to obtain a general condition under which two simple sections of such a program commute with each other, and therefore may be interchanged, or possibly done in parallel.
A comparison of the flow boiling performance characteristics of partially-heated cross-ribbed channels with different rib geometries

Abstract Measured local heat transfer data and the results of flow visualization experiments are reported for convective boiling of R-113 and methanol in vertical cross-ribbed channels similar to geometries used in formed-plate compact heat exchangers. Experiments are conducted using a test section in which one wall of the channel is heated while the opposite wall is adiabatic and transparent to allow visual observation of the flow. Heat transfer data are obtained for three different rib crossing patterns at coolant mass flux values between 40 and 230 kg m −2 s −1 and mass qualities between 0.10 and 0.80. Comparison of these data, together with those for a fourth geometry previously reported, indicate that variations of the rib spacing and angle have a significant effect on boiling heat transfer performance. Variation of the rib crossing pattern in these channels is found to have only a small effect on heat transfer. The swirl and agitation induced by the ribs are found to increase the convective boiling heat transfer coefficient by as much as a factor of 4 above that for a round tube under comparable flow conditions. Methods of correlating the heat transfer data for annular film-flow boiling in these geometries are also discussed.
High-pressure liquid-solid chromatography of the ecdysones--insect molting hormones.

Abstract A rapid, high-pressure liquid-solid Chromatographie technique was developed for the separation, detection and analysis of ecdy-steroids. The advantages in using this system for the identification of ecdysteroids in combination with NMR and mass spectrometry and its potential application in analyzing material from biological and synthetic, systems are presented.
Assessing the Incidence and Perceptions of Sexual Harassment Behaviors Among American Undergraduates

Abstract A nine-item scale of sexual harassment behaviors was developed and tested in a two-study sequence. In the first study, male and female college students with job experience rated the frequency with which they experienced these behaviors from both supervisors and co-workers. Revisions were made on the basis of these results, and the revised scale was administered to a different yet similar sample to measure the perceptions of each behavior as sexual harassment. Results of both studies showed a significant difference for the ratings of supervisor and co-worker behaviors.
Characterization of the interaction between viruses and a solid polymeric contact disinfectant

Abstract The interaction between three different viruses and a sparingly soluble polymeric contact disinfectant was characterized under a variety of conditions. It was found that pH, turbidity, resin concentration, temperature and type of virus determined the degree of virus adsorption onto Resin 14 (a chloromethylated crosslinked polystyrene aminated with N,N dimethyl‐tetradecylbenzyl). Numerous methods were evaluated to recover the adsorbed viruses. However, only a small percentage of the total virus adsorbed could be recovered, as determined by infectivity and radioactively labeled virus. While viruses are effectively retained by the resin, there was no evidence that they were inactivated. The recovery of infectious particles after the elution of viruses, which had adsorbed onto Resin 14, suggests that viral inactivation on the resin surface is not significant.
Development of a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle educational demonstration unit

As Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) are introduced into the marketplace, it is important to have corresponding educational programs at colleges and universities for training students and professionals in the area. This paper presents the development of a PHEV demonstration unit for educational purposes. The unit design and implementation are discussed in the paper. The test results of the system are also given and discussed. The unit can be used as a PHEV teaching tool for K-12 teachers and students as well.
Fetal fibronectin and bacterial vaginosis are associated with preterm birth in women who are symptomatic for preterm labor

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to codify the relationship between bacterial vaginosis/fetal fibronectin and preterm labor/birth. Study design In this prospective study, 185 women who were symptomatic for preterm labor were assessed for bacterial vaginosis and fetal fibronectin. Results These women comprised 4 groups: group A (n=23 women; +bacterial vaginosis/+fetal fibronectin); group B (n=31 women; −bacterial vaginosis/+fetal fibronectin); group C (n=47 women; +bacterial vaginosis/−fetal fibronectin); and group D (n=84 women; −bacterial vaginosis/−fetal fibronectin). The time interval from gestational age at testing until delivery was significantly shorter for groups A and B versus groups C and D ( P ≤ .05 and P P Conclusion Women who are symptomatic for preterm labor should be considered for fetal fibronectin and bacterial vaginosis testing.
Internet search approaches: The influence of age, search goals, and experience

This study analyzed observations and interviews of 31 participants, who were divided into six age groups, to understand the influence of end-user goals and experience on Internet search approaches. Users who lacked experience approached the Internet similarly no matter what the age group. Children and older adults were more likely to lack online search experience than other users. In addition, children and older adults were more homogeneous than other users in that they had a narrow range of situational goals, whereas users in other groups had a wide range of situational goals. The study has implications for user services and research in end-user searching. An understanding of the influence of age, experience, and goals on Internet search patterns might guide how, how much, and in what format information should be presented in the future. Knowledge gained from this study can also form the basis of hypotheses for larger studies.
A developmental switch in sea urchin U1 RNA

The sequence of U1 RNA has been determined in the eggs and embryos of two sea urchins, Lytechinus variegatus and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. In both species the sequence of the U1 RNA changes as the embryos progress through development. The sequence of the major U1 RNA in the eggs of the two species differs in two nucleotides, while the sequence of the U1 RNA present in the late embryos and somatic tissue is identical in the two species. The U1 RNA in eggs and early embryos is primarily derived from the tandemly repeated gene set, which is not expressed in somatic tissues.
Constraints on compaction rate and equilibrium in the pressure solution creep of quartz aggregates and fractures: Controls of aqueous concentration

[1] A relationship is developed to examine dissolution precipitation creep in crustal rocks with implicit coupling of the dissolution-diffusion-precipitation system and without requiring the iterative solution of a linear equation system. Implicit control is maintained over aqueous silica concentrations within hydrated solid contacts and in open pore space. For arbitrary conditions of temperature, pressure, and mechanical stress, the simple equation system conforms to a polynomial solution for aqueous concentrations set within a small iterative compaction scheme. Equilibrium (long-term) pressure solution compaction, previously ill constrained, is explored with two alternate methods: (1) a modified form of critical stress and (2) rate-controlled growth of diffusion limiting cement at the periphery of solid contacts. Predictions are compared to previous experimental results that allow compaction equilibrium to be achieved. Only the modified critical stress is capable of reproducing these results. In this case the agreement is strong across a range of conditions (400°C–500°C, 20–150 MPa, and 3–120 μm mean particle diameter). Compaction rates are overestimated in very early times in a manner suggesting the importance of plastic flow during this period. Predictions are also compared to concentration independent simplifications at general conditions of 350°C and 50 MPa. Compared to the implicit coupling, these methods represent the mean behavior, slightly underestimating rates in dissolution control and slightly overestimating in diffusion control. Aqueous concentration is influential in either regime. The solution is applicable to open and closed systems, is extended to systems with boundary influx, and may be applied to granular media or fractures, differing only in the method defining evolving contact geometry.
Sensory and physiologic effects of menthol and nonmenthol cigarettes with differing nicotine delivery

Many smokers choose menthol-flavored cigarettes, however, the influence of menthol on the effects of smoke-delivered nicotine is unknown. Research and commercial cigarettes, menthol and non-menthol, that delivered a wide range of nicotine were evaluated. Menthol (n=18) and non-menthol (n=18) cigarette smokers participated in a single session during which three cigarettes were smoked 45 min apart, in random order. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) nicotine yields of the three cigarettes were: research, low yield, 0.2 mg, commercial cigarettes (average), 1.2 mg; research, high yield, 2.5 mg. Commercial and high-yield cigarettes increased heart rate (HR) and blood pressure more than low-yield cigarettes; although, no differences in exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) occurred. Participants smoked commercial cigarettes faster and with fewer puffs than either of the research cigarette indicating production differences can affect topography. There was a significant group by cigarette interaction on satisfaction, and relief from cigarette craving. High-yield non-menthol cigarettes reduced craving and were rated as more satisfying than high-yield menthol cigarettes. No differences between menthol and non-menthol cigarettes on other subjective measures (strength, psychological reward, negative effects) were observed. Our findings indicate that nicotine delivery, but not mentholation, influences cardiovascular and most subjective measures. These results illustrate the importance of threshold levels of nicotine on subjective responses to cigarette smoking.
Modeling framework for cross-point resistive memory design emphasizing reliability and variability issues

Resistive RAM (ReRAM) cross-point memory technology is one of the most promising candidates for future memory designs as it offers small cell area, fast write latency, and excellent scalability. However, it also suffers from more severe reliability issues than other Non-volatile Memory (NVM) technologies. Due to the lack of access device, ReRAM cells cannot be turned off completely and thus write disturbance problem and hard errors can affect the memory array reliability. Moreover, ReRAM cell suffers from temporal variation caused by its stochastic nature, which results in the resistance change. In this paper, pseudo-hard error caused by temporal variation is defined for the first time as a unique type of error in ReRAM cross-point structure. A comprehensive model is proposed to numerically evaluate all kinds of reliability and variability issues including voltage drop, read/write disturbance, spatial/temporal variations, and hard errors. Detailed analysis are presented, and mitigation solutions including dual-port write and test-and-flip strategy are proposed to shed light on reliable ReRAM cross-point memory design.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of the use of digoxin immune Fab(ovine) for treatment of digoxin toxicity

Each year many people have digitalis toxicity severe enough to require extensive hospital treatment. Digoxin immune Fab[ovine]-Fab fragments (Digibind) have been shown to reverse digitalis toxicity and substantially reduce the risk of death. Data were used from uncontrolled studies of patients treated with Fab fragments as well as clinical, medical care and pharmacokinetic data from symptomatically treated patients to derive estimates of the difference in clinical outcomes and medical care costs when treating with this new drug. Estimates are derived separately for treatment of patients with toxicity that is immediately life-threatening and patients whose manifestations are not immediately life-threatening. Treatment with Fab fragments reduces the probability of dying more for the seriously toxic than for the less seriously toxic patient. Such treatment is generally associated with an increase in total medical care costs for the seriously toxic patients because more of them survive the toxic episode and require additional medical care before discharge from the hospital. For these patients, the estimated cost per life-year saved is between $1,900 and $5,400. When Fab fragments are used to treat less seriously toxic patients, total medical care costs decrease because of an estimated decreased number of days in the coronary care unit and decreased use of pacemakers and other aggressive treatments.
Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity and Renal Injury in Genetic Hypertension

Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenous vasodilator synthesized in the endothelium by constitutive NO synthase (cNOS). We have shown that upregulation of cNOS activity in hypertension may contribute to forestalling left ventricular and aortic hypertrophy (Hypertension. 29: 235, 1997). NO has been shown to inhibit growth-related responses affecting vascular smooth muscle, and mesangial cells, as well as reduce production of extracellular matrix in response to injury. Here, we investigated the relationship between renal cNOS activity (conversion of [ 14 C] L-arginine to [ 14 C] L-citrulline) and glomerular (GIS) and tubulointerstitial (TIS) injury scores and urinary protein excretion, indices of renal injury, in age and blood pressure matched spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, SBP 220±9 mm Hg) fed 0.5% NaCl diet and Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats fed 4% NaCl diet (DS-4%, SBP 228±8 mm Hg) as well as their normotensive counterparts Wistar Kyoto rats fed 0.5% NaCl diet (WKY, 137±3 mm Hg) and DS rats fed 0.5% NaCl diet (DS-0.5%, SBP 135±4 mm Hg). In SHR, renal medullary cNOS activity was 89% higher than in WKY (8.91±0.98 vs 4.71±0.37 nmol/min/g protein, P P P