cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infinitesimal local operations and differential conditions for entanglement monotones

Much of the theory of entanglement concerns the transformations that are possible to a state under local operations with classical communication (LOCC); however, this set of operations is complicated and difficult to describe mathematically. An idea which has proven very useful is that of the entanglement monotone: a function of the state which is invariant under local unitary transformations and always decreases (or increases) on average after any local operation. In this paper we look on LOCC as the set of operations generated by infinitesimal local operations, operations which can be performed locally and which leave the state little changed. We show that a necessary and sufficient condition for a function of the state to be an entanglement monotone under local operations that do not involve information loss is that the function be a monotone under infinitesimal local operations. We then derive necessary and sufficient differential conditions for a function of the state to be an entanglement monotone. We first derive two conditions for local operations without information loss, and then show that they can be extended to more general operations by adding the requirement of convexity. We then demonstrate that a number of known entanglement monotones satisfy these differential criteria. Finally, as an application, we use the differential conditions to construct a new polynomial entanglement monotone for three-qubit pure states. It is our hope that this approach will avoid some of the difficulties in the theory of multipartite and mixed-state entanglement.
Chemistry of the Critoniinae

The known chemistry of subtribe Critoniinae, tribe Eupatorieae, Asteraceae, is reviewed and compared with the chemistry of other subtribes of this neotropical assembly of composites.
Patterns of Preoperative Laboratory Testing in Patients Undergoing Outpatient Plastic Surgery Procedures

Background: Preoperative laboratory testing is commonplace in the clinical setting and is often utilized at surgeon discretion. We searched the American College of Surgeons–National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) data set to determine the impact of preoperative laboratory testing in ambulatory plastic surgery patients. Objective: The authors assess the utilization and predictive value of preoperative laboratory testing in outpatient plastic surgery procedures. Methods: Patients undergoing ambulatory plastic surgery were identified from the 2005 to 2010 NSQIP databases. Laboratory tests were categorized by group: hematologic, chemistry, coagulation, and liver function tests (LFT). We defined complications in 2 groups: major postoperative and wound complications. Multivariate analyses were used to identify patient characteristics associated with testing and to assess the ability of laboratory testing to predict postoperative complications. Results: A total of 5359 (62.0%) patients underwent testing; 881 (16.4%) tests were performed on the day of surgery. In patients with no defined NSQIP comorbidities, 59.4% underwent preoperative testing and had a significantly lower rate of abnormal findings (33.4% vs 25.3%, P 2, Hispanic or African American race, body contouring procedures, epidural or spinal procedures, and with diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Major complications occurred in 0.34% of patients. Our analysis demonstrated that neither testing nor abnormal results were associated with postoperative complications, either major ( P = .178) or wound ( P = .150). Conclusions: We found no association between abnormal laboratory testing and postoperative morbidity. Preoperative testing in low-risk ambulatory plastic surgery patients may be costly and has limited direct clinical benefit.
Performance evaluation of video colonoscope systems

A comparative engineering performance evaluation was performed on video colonoscope systems from all three of the current U.S. suppliers: Fujinon, Olympus, and Pentax. Video system test methods, results, and conclusions based on their clinical significance are the focus of this paper.
The Role of Perpetrator Acknowledgement in Mediating the Impact of Child Sexual Assault: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT Parent Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) data were obtained and analyzed for two groups of sexually-abused children: those whose perpetrator had acknowledged (n = 34) abusing the child and those whose perpetrator had not acknowledged (n = 32). Significant differences were found between groups, with children in the non-acknowledging perpetrator group evincing higher scores. Children in the non-acknowledging perpetrator group were rated higher on symptoms of PTSD than were those in the acknowledging group. Findings suggest the need for further investigation to explore the process by which perpetrator acknowledgement may moderate negative outcomes.
Stochastic model for power system planning studies

The effect of steady and transient state responses of a power system on its performance evaluation investigated. Retention of all buses from the original power system is noteworthy along with the modelling of frequency dependent load buses. Inputs to the system are regarded as small perturbations in operational characteristics of transmission lines and system loads. This type of perturbation is modelled by a Gaussian stationary process with constant spectral density. The mean first passage time of a dynamic system from its domain of attraction is considered as the performance index. The sensitivity of this index to the variation of different system parameters is investigated, and several design criteria are examined to determine the effect of system configuration on power system performance evaluation. >
The frequency of bile duct crystals in patients with presumed biliary pancreatitis

Background: Previous studies of biliary microlithiasis in acute pancreatitis of uncertain etiology were conducted a few weeks to months after the acute episode. Bile obtained during urgent ERCP (less than 24 hours after admission) was studied for the presence of microlithiasis during the acute phase of acute pancreatitis of suspected biliary origin. Methods: Fifteen consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis of suspected biliary origin were recruited from a population of 309 patients with acute pancreatitis (5%) treated during the last 4 years. Patients with gallstones on US and/or ERCP and those in whom the etiology of acute pancreatitis was certain were excluded. Results: Microlithiasis (mostly calcium bilirubinate granules) was found in 12 (80%) cases. Despite endoscopic sphincterotomy 3 patients died within 2 weeks because of multisystemic organ failure. Among the 12 remaining patients, 2 (16%) developed gallbladder stones and 1 underwent cholecystectomy for cholecystitis (8%) during follow-up. The average length of follow-up was 30 months. No episodes of acute pancreatitis were noted during follow-up. Conclusions: In the acute phase of acute pancreatitis of suspected biliary origin, biliary microlithiasis was found in most cases. Endoscopic sphincterotomy appears to protect patients from further episodes of acute pancreatitis. (Gastrointest Endosc 2001;54:37-41.)
Cheating the Spread: Gamblers, Point Shavers, and Game Fixers in College Football and Basketball

In Cheating the Spread: Gamblers, Point Shavers, and Game Fixersin College Football and Basketball, Albert J. Figone probes the often overlooked view of American college athletics as havens of gamb...
Investigation of association of 13 polymorphisms in eight genes in southeastern African American Alzheimer disease patients as compared to age-matched controls.

Alzheimer disease (AD) is an emotionally devastating and exceptionally costly disease. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a major risk factor gene for AD regardless of age of onset or family history. However, this association may not be as strong or consistent in ethnic groups such as African Americans, raising the possibility of other modifier gene(s). In a group of African American AD patients, a significantly increased risk of AD was associated with two E4 alleles (OR = 5.6; 95% CI = 1.5–21.0) or one E4 allele (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.3–5.0) when compared to E3/E3 genotype, and there was a significant lowering of age of onset for affecteds with E4/E4 genotype as compared to one E2 allele (P = 0.02) or all others (P = 0.03). We also found a significant increase in age of onset with the −308 #2 (A) allele of TNF when compared to AD cases with no #2 allele. A significant increase in age was also demonstrated with the #2 allele (99 base pairs) of the microsatellite TNFa, located ∼ 10.5 kb upstream of TNF. When these two alleles were combined with the TNF −238G (#1) allele to give a haplotype, the significant increase in age was still demonstrated. Polymorphisms in the APOE promoter and six other candidate genes did not appear to demonstrate any significant association with our African American AD patients. Our results confirm the established association of APOE4 to AD observed in several ethnic groups, including African Americans. In addition, TNF appears to have some modifying effect in AD, primarily on age of onset, or it could be in linkage disequilibrium with a modifier locus nearby. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Protozoacidal Trojan-Horse: use of a ligand-lytic peptide for selective destruction of symbiotic protozoa within termite guts.

For novel biotechnology-based termite control, we developed a cellulose bait containing freeze-dried genetically engineered yeast which expresses a protozoacidal lytic peptide attached to a protozoa-recognizing ligand. The yeast acts as a ‘Trojan-Horse’ that kills the cellulose-digesting protozoa in the termite gut, which leads to the death of termites, presumably due to inefficient cellulose digestion. The ligand targets the lytic peptide specifically to protozoa, thereby increasing its protozoacidal efficiency while protecting non-target organisms. After ingestion of the bait, the yeast propagates in the termite's gut and is spread throughout the termite colony via social interactions. This novel paratransgenesis-based strategy could be a good supplement for current termite control using fortified biological control agents in addition to chemical insecticides. Moreover, this ligand-lytic peptide system could be used for drug development to selectively target disease-causing protozoa in humans or other vertebrates.
Phytotoxins from anaerobically decomposing wheat straw

Abstract Phytotoxicity was demonstrated in the aqueous extract of wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.) straw suspensions. When extracts were incubated under anaerobic conditions, the development of phytotoxicity was greater at 20°C than at 10°C. The toxic products formed during incubation depended upon the incubation medium. Acetic and butyric acids were the major toxins produced in liquid straw fermentations during the first 2 weeks. However, after that time the acids did not account for the total toxicity, suggesting formation of unidentified phytotoxins. Acetic, propionic and butyric acids were the toxins formed in sand culture. The development and accumulation of phytotoxins were favored where the sand-straw mixtures were water-saturated. The implications of these findings to wheat cultural practice is discussed.
Deriving indicators for breast conserving surgery using finite element analysis

Breast conserving therapy (BCT), comprising a complete surgical excision of the tumour (partial mastectomy) with post-operative radiotherapy to the remaining breast tissue, is feasible for most women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The goal of BCT is to achieve local control of the cancer, as well as to preserve a breast that satisfies a woman's cosmetic concerns. Although most women undergo partial mastectomy with satisfactory cosmetic results, in many patients the remaining breast is left with major cosmetic defects including concave deformities, distortion of the nipple–areolar complex, asymmetry and changes in tissue density characterised by excessive density associated with parenchymal scarring, as well as breast pain. There are currently no tools, other than surgical experience and judgement, which can predict the impact of partial mastectomy on the contour, the deformity of the treated breast and the mechanical stress that it induces. In this study, we use a finite element model to execute ...
The development of recruitment fisheries oceanography in the United States

Recruitment fisheries oceanography studies the impact of the environment on the annual production of young to fished populations (finfish as well as invertebrates). Interannual variation in recruitment is the most important source of biological variability facing fisheries managers. Because most variation in recruitment occurs during early, mainly planktonic stages, recruitment fisheries oceanography usually integrates studies of plankton and physical oceanography. The concepts upon which these studies rest were first expressed in the late 1800s by Spencer Fullerton Baird, the first Commissioner of the US Commission of Fish and Fisheries. These concepts appear to have been independently developed by Johan Hjort and others in northern Europe in the early 1900s, and brought back to the United States through contacts between Hjort and Henry Bryant Bigelow, who passed the ideas to his students at Harvard University, including Lionel Albert Walford and Oscar Elton Sette. Although both Walford and Sette did their initial work in recruitment fisheries oceanography off the US east coast, as federal fisheries scientists, they were sent to California in response to the decline of the sardine fishery, where they incorporated the ideas of Hjort into the programme that has become the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI). The original plan for CalCOFI research was to provide a test of Hjort’s ideas. Scientists working with CalCOFI implemented this plan and conducted subsequent research that had its roots in the ideas expressed by Baird. This research was in marked contrast to the fishery-yield orientation of most fisheries research that was being conducted at the time on the west coast of North America, under the dominating influence of William Francis Thompson. In recent years, federal fisheries programmes have investigated recruitment processes of a number of other fish stocks, and considerable effort has been expended toward refining the conceptual framework beyond the hypotheses of Hjort. This paper expands on this history, making note of scientists who were particularly important in the evolution of this discipline. We conclude that although recruitment fisheries oceanography has become a well-established field of study, and many technological advances have been made, the recruitment process is still not well understood and fluctuations in year-class abundance remain a major source of uncertainty in managing marine fisheries.
Use of Blocks and Cups in Couple Counseling

This column provides an opportunity for readers to share with their colleagues some of the creative techniques that they have successfully developed or adapted in their work with couples andfamilies. If it works wellfor you, others may also be able to adapt it for their purposes, or be stimulated to invent or adapt another technique. Send manuscripts to Robert Sherman, 12 Berkshire Drive, Cranbury, NJ 08512, or send to the Editor indicating it is for this column.
Effects of diltiazem on hormonal and hemodynamic responses to lower body negative pressure and tilt in patients with mild to moderate systemic hypertension.

Abstract Mean arterial blood pressure, forearm vascular resistance, plasma norepinephrine, plasma renin activity and aldosterone responses to graded lower body negative pressure and tilt at 80 ° were examined in 10 men with mild to moderate essential hypertension before and after 12 weeks of diltiazem (240 to 360 mg/day) therapy. Diltiazem therapy lowered basal supine systolic and diastolic blood pressures without affecting basal heart rate. Mean arterial blood pressure and forearm vascular resistance were decreased from 114 ± 1.5 to 105 ± 1 mm Hg, p
We Have Always Had the Bible

In this article we examine claims made by some Apache religious specialists that Apaches, in their ceremonies and stories, have always had the Bible and that the Judeo-Christian Bible is an authentic part of the Apache way of life. We show that the Apache discourse of Biblical authenticity does not threaten to replace Apache “tradition” as much as destabilize mainstream Western understandings of what the Bible is, and what alienable and inalienable cultural property is. In the process of developing this argument we discuss some of the limits of heritage and cultural preservation efforts and propose new forms of collaboration between anthropologists and the indigenous communities with whom they work.
Toward a contemporary Aristotelian theory of rhetoric

(1966). Toward a contemporary Aristotelian theory of rhetoric. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 52, No. 1, pp. 33-40.
Higher-Order Sensitivity Minimization Applied to the Design of Dwell-Rise-Dwell Cams

In many dwell-rise-dwell (D-R-D) cam-follower systems the angular velocity of the cam may undergo large variations from the nominal. Thus, to preserve optimal performance of the system it is desirable to have D-R-D cams that are speed insensitive. The paper formulates and solves this cam design problem as a linear quadeatic (LQ) optimal control problem. Speed insensitivity is accomplished by minimizing the higher-order trajectory sensitivities; i.e., second-order, third-order, etc., partial derivatives of the system response with respect to the angular velocity of the cam. The results indicate that, when compared to other cam designs, higher-order sensitivity minimization is most effective at reducing the residual vibration response at high speeds. However, cams designed using this approach may require larger preloads to ensure that the cam and follower do not separate at low speeds.
Manifolds accepting codimension-one- sphere-shape decompositions

Abstract A decomposition of a metric space is said to be CS k -shape if each of its members is a compactum shape equivalent to a cohomology k -sphere. We will show that for m ⩾2 every CS m −1 -shape decomposition of a closed m -manifold is upper semicontinuous (Theorem 3.1). Consequently, for m ≠3, 4, 5, every connected closed m -manifold accepting an S m −1 -shape decomposition is homeomorphic to the total space of an ( m −1)-sphere-fiber bundle over the circle (Theorem 4.2).
Cuándo deberían los utilitaristas ser teóricos de la virtud

The contrast typically between utilitarianism and virtue theory is overdrawn. Utilitarianism in a universal emulator: it implies that we should lie, cheat, steal, even appropriate Aristotle, when that is what brings about the best outcomes. In some cases and in some worlds it is best for us to be concerned with character traits. Global environmental change leads to concerns about character because the best results will be produced by generally uncoupling my behaviour from that of others. Thus, in this case an in this case an in this world, utilitarians should be virtue theorist.
Biomechanical comparison of anatomic humeral head resurfacing and hemiarthroplasty in functional glenohumeral positions.

BACKGROUND Resurfacing of the humeral head has gained interest as an alternative to traditional hemiarthroplasty because it preserves bone stock and respects the native geometry of the glenohumeral articulation. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanics of the intact glenohumeral joint with those following humeral head resurfacing and following hemiarthroplasty. METHODS Seven fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested with the rotator cuff, pectoralis major, and latissimus dorsi musculature loaded with 20 N and the deltoid muscle loaded with 40 N in a custom shoulder testing system. Each specimen was tested in 20°, 40°, 60°, and 80° of vertical abduction. The articular surfaces of the humeral head and the glenoid were digitized to calculate the positions of the geometric center and apex of the humeral head relative to the geometric center of the glenoid at each testing position. The contact area and contact pressures were also measured with use of a Tekscan pressure sensor. RESULTS The geometric center of the humeral head shifted by a mean (and standard error) of 2.2 ± 0.3 mm following humeral resurfacing and 4.7 ± 0.3 mm following hemiarthroplasty (p < 0.0002). The apex of the humeral head was shifted superiorly at all abduction angles following hemiarthroplasty (p < 0.03). Both humeral resurfacing and hemiarthroplasty decreased the glenohumeral contact area and increased the peak pressure. CONCLUSIONS Resurfacing more closely restored the geometric center of the humeral head than hemiarthroplasty did, with less eccentric loading of the glenoid. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Compared with hemiarthroplasty, humeral resurfacing may limit eccentric glenoid wear and permit better function because the glenohumeral joint biomechanics and the moment arms of the rotator cuff and the deltoid muscle are restored more closely to those of the intact condition.
Simple strategies for reducing sample loads in in vitro metabolic stability high-throughput screening experiments: A comparison between traditional, two-time-point and pooled sample analyses

Higher-throughput ADME programs in early drug discovery are becoming common throughout the pharmaceutical industry as companies strive to reduce their compound attrition in later-stage development. Many of the ADME assays developed into higher-throughput formats rely on LC/MS analyses. Since the biological aspects of the assay are amenable to parallel processes using dense plate formats, the number of samples generated from these assays produce a large analysis load for serial LC/MS. Presented in this report are two novel strategies, including a sample pooling method and a two time-point method, that could be used in drug discovery to reduce the number of samples generated during multiple time-point in-vitro ADME assays. One hundred and sixty-three compounds were subjected to human microsomal incubations with full time-point method samples taken at t = 0, 5, 15, 30, and 45 min. The ER data correlation (R(2)) between the full time-point method and the pooling method and two time-point methods were 0.98 and 0.97, respectively. Both methods have the potential to: 1. produce data of similar quality to traditional high throughput ADME assays, 2. be easily implemented, 3. shorten analytical run times, and 4. be reproducible and robust.
Effects of aureomycin on renal lesions, liver lipid, and tissue choline in choline deficiency.

SummaryThe renal lesions and animal mortality caused by a purified diet deficient in choline were largely prevented by supplementing the diet with rather high levels of crystalline aureomycin. Fatty changes in the liver also appeared to be reduced to some extent. These effects of aureomycin were not due to changes in food consumption, and did not appear to involve the endocrine glands. The effects of aureomycin were not diminished by recrystallization, but destruction of the antibacterial properties by heating in alkaline solution also abolished the protective effects. Studies with diets containing greatly increased amounts of various vitamin factors produced no evidence that the effects of aureomycin might have been due to alterations in production or conservation of any of the factors present in the diet, with the exception of vit B12 and choline itself. The levels of choline in liver and kidney tissue and in feces of deficient animals appeared to be increased slightly as a result of aureomycin administ...
A Preliminary Typology of Organizational Learning: Synthesizing the Literature

Two fundamental contrasts among major organizational paradigms are used to construct a typology of organizational learning: these are voluntarism vs. determinism, and methodical vs. emergent behavior. Six kinds of learning are identified: the methodical modes, in descending order of voluntarism, include analytic, experimental and structural learning. The emergent modes, again in descending order of voluntarism, include synthetic, interactive and institutional learning. Hypotheses are generated about the appropriate contexts, typical outcomes and common relationships among these kinds of learning.
Female Urologists: A Growing Population

AbstractPurpose: Although urology continues to be a male dominated field, the participation and influence of women within the specialty are growing. In the United States as of July 1995, 56 of 1,339 urology residents (4.2%) and 97 of 8,227 board certified urologists (1.2%) were women. The demographics of this group, including age, board certification, fellowship experience and practice patterns, are unknown. Mentorship and motivations leading to urology as a specialty choice for women are also unreported.Materials and Methods: We surveyed 161 female urologists by mail.Results: Of the women surveyed 80% responded. Female urologists tend to be young and board certified, 39% are fellowship trained and 22% hold full-time academic positions. Women were discouraged from selecting urology as a specialty because of gender. Many women had male (59%) or no (35%) mentors throughout the training years, 70% were married and 44% had children. Of the 25 respondents who had children during residency most (84%) felt suppo...
AXI-symmetric magnetic fields and related problems

Abstract The current flux function defined by Stokes for incompressible (solenoidal) velocity vector fields is generalized to othe axi-symmetric field problems. A table useful for many physical problems is presented along with some examples of magnetic field-problems solved by use of the magnetic flux function. This function gives the magnetic lines of force in the field directly.
Four Men: Living the Revolution: An Oral History of Contemporary Cuba

are devoted to the West Indian Federation, its ambitions, and ultimate failure. The dynamics of social and cultural pluralism historically arising from diverse and numerous ethnicities are sorely understressed. The admixtures of Creoles, East Indian, Chinese, European, and African cultures, and the issues of peasantries, africanism, creolization, race relations, language, and neocolonialism might have received more investigation and delineation. In fairness to the author, it must be understood that this book is a historical rather than a
Depressive Symptoms and Cognitive Decline in Older African Americans: Two Scales and Their Factors

Objective Depressive symptoms are common in older adults, and researchers have explored the possibility of a link between depressive symptoms and cognitive decline, with mixed results. Most studies use total score of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) with predominately non-Hispanic white participants. We sought to examine the relationship between the four factors of the CES-D and cognitive decline in older African Americans. Generalizability was determined using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and its factors. Methods Participants without dementia from the Minority Aging Research Study (N = 298, mean age: 74 ± 5.68) underwent annual clinical evaluations (mean years: 5 ± 1.9), including depression assessment and cognitive testing, from which global and specific measures were derived. Cognitive decline was examined with linear mixed models adjusted for demographic variables and indicators of vascular risk. Results Total CES-D score was not related to baseline cognition or change over time, whereas total GDS score was related to decline in semantic and working memory. In examining CES-D factors, lack of positive affect (e.g., anhedonia) was related to decline in global cognition, episodic memory, and perceptual speed. Similarly for the GDS, anhedonia was associated with decline in semantic memory, and increased negative affect was associated with decline in global cognition and episodic, semantic, and working memory. Conclusion Results suggest that depressive symptoms, particularly anhedonia and negative affect, are related to cognitive decline in older African Americans.
Ensemble-Based Error and Predictability Metrics Associated with Tropical Cyclogenesis. Part II: Wave-Relative Framework

AbstractThe predictability of selected variables associated with tropical cyclogenesis is examined using 10-day ECMWF ensemble forecasts for 21 events from the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season. Variables are associated with the strength of the pregenesis disturbance, quantified via circulation and thickness anomaly, and the favorability of the immediate environment via moisture and vertical wind shear.For approximately half of the cases, the predicted strength of the genesis signal is directly related to the predicted favorability of the environment. For the remainder of the cases, predictability is more directly associated with the strength and location of the analyzed disturbance. Some commonalities among the majority of the sample are also observed. Forecast joint distributions demonstrate that 700-hPa relative humidity of less than 60% within 300 km of the circulation center is a limiting factor for genesis. Genesis is also predicted and found to occur in the presence of significant wind shear (~15 m s−...
Application of multiple response optimization technique to extended release formulations design

The purpose of the present study was to apply response surface methodology and multiple response optimization utilizing superimposed contour diagrams to design extended release formulations with a preplanned release profile. Bumetanide solution was layered on sugar pellets followed by coating with various coating formulations according to a central composite statistical design using a Glatt GPCG 1 Wurster Fluid Bed. The coated pellets were tested for their release profiles and the percent of drug released after 1, 4 and 8 h were used to describe and optimize the release process. Statistical models describing the percent bumetanide released after 1, 4 and 8 h were developed and the corresponding contour diagrams were superimposed to predict the coating formulation parameters expected to produce target release profile. The pellets coated with the designed coating formulation were tested for their release profiles in comparison to the target profile. According to the model-independent approach using similarity factor (F2), the dissolution profile of the designed formulation and the expected target profile were found to be similar. It was concluded that response surface methodology and multiple response optimization could be successfully used to design and optimize extended release formulations with desired preplanned release profile.
Exchange rates and ‘news’: Reply

Abstract In this reply I arge that the results of my 1982 article in this Journal are not affected, either at a theoretical or empirical level, by Longworth's (1984) comments. However, I also argue that Longworth's proposition of including variables pertaining to other countries in empirical market efficiency studies should be investigated further.
Free-flap reconstruction in the doubly irradiated patient population.

Background:The standard of care for previously irradiated, unresectable, recurrent head and neck cancer has been chemotherapy alone. High-dose reirradiation with concomitant chemotherapy represents a more aggressive approach to these tumors and has afforded encouraging results with an increased frac
Infection of polarized primary epithelial cells from rat uterus with Chlamydia trachomatis: cell-cell interaction and cytokine secretion.

PROBLEM The objective of this study was to examine the susceptibility of rat uterine epithelial cells (UEC) to infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and to study the epithelial-stromal interactions following infection. METHOD OF STUDY UEC were isolated from adult rats and grown in culture. Polarized, confluent monolayers of UEC were infected with 10(6) IFU/well C. trachomatis (MoPn). In order to confirm infection, MoPn was labeled with a fluorescent tracking dye, PKH-26, and then used in epithelial cell infections. Transepithelial resistances were measured prior to and following infection to test the effect of Chlamydia on the integrity of the epithelial monolayers. In other experiments, polarized epithelial cultures were infected in the presence and absence of stromal cells. Media was collected from the apical and basolateral compartments of the cultures before and after infection and analyzed for cytokines IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha. RESULTS Epithelial cell cultures infected with PKH-26 labeled MoPn were examined 4-5 days later. Bacterial inclusions were detected inside epithelial cells indicating infection had occurred. Co-localization of PKH-26 labeled bacteria with FITC-labelled anti-Chlamydia antibody on the epithelial cells confirmed infection. No changes were found in resistance across the monolayers of epithelial cells in the presence or absence of infection. ELISA results indicate that UEC secrete IL-1alpha constitutively in citro. Stromal cells secrete very little IL-1alpha. When stromal cells were co-incubated with epithelial cells there was a decrease in the amount of IL-1alpha secreted by epithelial cells 48 hr post-infection. On the other hand, maximum TNF-alpha was found in stromal cells. both with and without infection. Epithelial cells, in these studies made very little TNF-alpha. CONCLUSIONS These results show that primary rat epithelial cells can be infected with Chlamydia in vitro. Epithelial and stromal cells from uteri of adult rats make IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha in vitro both prior to and following infection with Chlamydia. This system can be used to analyze the role played by epithelial-stromal interactions in providing protection on this mucosal surface.
Methods for Detecting and Enumerating Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in Poultry

Methods, media, and biochemical tests for detecting, enumerating, isolating, and identifying Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli in foods are summarized with special consideration of poultry and poultry products. Information is drawn largely from the American Public Health Association Compendium of Methods for the Microbiological Examination of Foods and the US Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual for Foods. Reference is also made to recently advanced techniques and procedures.
Shouts, whispers and the kiss of death: directional secretion in T cells.

T cells use secreted soluble factors for highly specific intercellular communication and targeted cell killing. This specificity is achieved first through T cell receptor–mediated recognition of complexes of peptide and major histocompatibility complex displayed by appropriate antigen-presenting cells and then by the directed secretion of cytokines and lytic factors into the immunological synapse between the T cell and antigen-presenting cell. Studies have begun to probe the molecular basis for this synaptic secretion and have also shown that T cells release chemokines and certain inflammatory factors through a multidirectional pathway directed away from the synapse. Thus, the mode of secretion seems to be tailored to the intended function of the secreted molecule.
Rapid uplift and crustal growth in extensional environments: An isotopic study from the Death Valley region, California

The Willow Spring Diorite, in the Black Mountains of the central Death Valley extended terrain, yields a U-Pb zircon age of 11.6 {plus minus} 0.2 Ma. {sup 40}Ar-{sup 39}Ar analyses of hornblende and U-Pb analyses of sphene from this sample give ages of about 10 Ma, indicating that the batholith remained above about 500 C for about 1.5 m.y. after crystallization. Geologic relations indicate that the diorite was exposed to erosion by about 5 Ma, bracketing the evolution of the diorite within the time between onset of extension and uplift of the Black Mountain crustal block. Initial {sup 87}Sr/{sup 86}Sr ratios range from 0.7060 (mafic diorite) to 0.7083 (felsic diorite) in samples collected from an area 200 x 100 m. These data, combined with structural and petrologic evidence, suggest that the batholith represents a rare view of a mid-crustal zone of mixing between mantle-derived magma and crustal material, often suggested to exist on the basis of observations of intermediate volcanic rocks. The Black Mountains may therefore expose a cross section through a continental rift magmatic system, from partially contaminated mafic to intermediate intrusive rocks in the deep crust up to their volcanic equivalents. The relatively low initial {sup 87}Sr/{sup 86}Srmore » and high {epsilon}{sub Nd} ({minus}1.4) of the diorite, which is within Proterozoic basement with {epsilon}{sub Nd} {approximately}{minus}18, is consistent with significant amounts of mantle input in continental rifts inferred from geophysical data and measurement of He isotopic ratios. Such additions to the crust in continental rights may represent a significant process of crustal growth. Furthermore, the emplacement of igneous bodies with a large mantle component may help reconcile the large crustal pull apart in the Basin and Range (in excess of 140 km) with the fact that the crust still has as normal thickness of about 30-35 km.« less
The Changing Voices of Male Choristers: An Enigma…to Them.

This paper reports a study designed to identify the understandings and perceptions of boys enrolled at the London Oratory School about the male adolescent voice change, singing and choral pedagogy. The study took place on the twentieth anniversary of researcher John Cooksey's 1992–1994 study concerning the vocal development of boys at the London Oratory School. A secondary goal of the study was to determine any long-term impact of Cooksey's work at the school itself. Twelve boys aged 12–18, representing continuous and non-continuous singers, participated in individual interviews. Interviews focused on boys’ knowledge of their changing voices, the perceived effects of the voice change on singing and musical (vocal) self-efficacy, attitudes towards vocal rest during the voice change and recommendations for teachers and conductors. Analysis revealed that even experienced choristers sense a loss of control and autonomy during the voice change process. Results indicate a negligible ongoing influence of Cooksey...
Data-Based Personnel Decisions: Baker Middle’s Intensive Support List

Focused on the use of teacher evaluation data, this case was designed for use in two principal licensure courses, one on data literacy and the other on supervision and personnel. The principal of Baker Middle School has been instructed by the superintendent to use data from the state’s new teacher evaluation system to determine which teachers should be placed on the district’s Intensive Support List (ISL). Those on the list receive additional support but are subject to termination proceedings if they do not evidence sufficient growth. Students must analyze available data, identify which teachers should be on the ISL, and defend their decisions or alternatively craft an advocacy plan in objection to the ISL.
Comparison of methods for degassing beer for analysis

Replicate beer samples were degassed using ASBC Method Beer-1D (rotary shaker) and the Innlab decarbonyzer. Assessments of alcohol and real extract (RE) were made using an Anton Paar beer analyzer....
Developing tools for reconstructing control signals for crash investigations

Abstract In recent years, due to the globally increasing trend in air traffic volume, the aviation community has been touched by the occurrence of a number of crashes, although the overall aviation safety is actually improving in most countries. In the US the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) begins its investigation by analyzing the wreckage along with the information from flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR). In most instances this set of information is enough for the NTSB to discover the cause of the crash; unfortunately, this is not always the case. Until a few years ago FAA regulations mandated the recording of 11–17 flight parameters without specifying the recording of the deflection of primary control surfaces. Following a few accidents where control surface failures were believed to be a likely cause of the crash, the FAA recently required the US-based airlines to retrofit the fleet with newer digital FDRs capable of recording a much larger number of parameters, including, of course, the deflection of primary control surfaces. This rule has a multi-year compliance period. However, some airlines are or have been seeking exemptions from this rule for some specific aircraft soon to be retired from service. Furthermore, only the US commercial fleet is affected by this ruling. Therefore, there is a need for a scheme that can reconstruct additional aircraft time histories to aid investigators for crashes with limited CVR information and where control surface failure is believed to be a factor. This paper describes a scheme formulated to reconstruct the aircraft primary surface deflection using data available from the current FDRs recording only 11–17 parameters. The scheme consists of two neural networks. The first is used to simulate the aircraft dynamics, while the second is used to reconstruct the primary surface deflections. The methodology is applied to simulated maneuvers from the non-linear model of an F-16 from a commercially available flight simulation software.
Impact of the Peach Silver Mite, Aculus cornutus (Acari: Eriophyidae), on Leaf Gas Exchange of ‘Flordaking’ and ‘June Gold’ Peach Trees

The peach silver mite (PSM), Aculus cornutus (Banks), was monitored on leaves of peach, Prunus persica L. Batsch, ‘Flordaking’ and ‘June Gold’, from 6 May to 5 August 1985. PSM first appeared in significant numbers on 21 May on unsprayed trees, peaked on 11 June, and disappeared by 8 July. Between 50 and 3,400 peach silver mite-d (PSMD) per leaf accumulated per tree. Percentage of leaf damage varied between 0 and 88% of the adaxial leaf surface. Net CO2 assimilation rate ( A ), leaf conductance ( gl ), and transpiration ( E ) were inversely related to PSMD and percentage leaf damage. Predicted reductions in A at 3,000 PSMD and 80% leaf damage were ca. 20 and 22%, respectively. More PSM occurred on ‘June Gold’ than ‘Flordaking’ but interactions between PSMD and cultivar or percentage leaf damage and cultivar were not significant for A, gl, E , or chlorophyll concentration. The percentage of decline in gl was similar to the decline in A and leaf chlorophyll concentration was not affected by PSM. These data suggest that PSM is primarily an epidermal feeder, and that PSM feeding may inhibit leaf gas exchange by affecting stomatal function. PSM were at least 10-fold less debilitating to leaf gas exchange of peach than Tetranychus urticae Koch in a previous study, and may not ordinarily need to be controlled by chemical sprays.
UCSF Increases Consumer Value Through Optimal Vendor-Show Scheduling

The University of California San Francisco (UCSF) spends approximately $600 million annually on goods and services. To lower the total cost of goods purchased while maintaining quality and service, UCSF Strategic Sourcing establishes strategic agreements with select vendors. These agreements are marketed to the campus community through vendor shows that allow vendors to showcase their value proposition directly to UCSF researchers and buyers. This paper formulates the creation of the UCSF vendor-show schedule as a bipartite matching problem with side constraints, which is then solved using a binary integer program. Of the 3,818 vendor-show combinations, the model identifies 153 optimal assignments and increases potential incentives by 62 percent compared to the manually generated 2007 schedule. The model also improves vendor diversity and selects the most suitable vendors for each show. Last, it dramatically reduces the time required to generate the schedule. Strategic Sourcing management is pleased with the results and implemented the model for the 2010 vendor-show season.
Isotopic composition and speciation of sulfur in the Miocene Monterey Formation: Reevaluation of sulfur reactions during early diagenesis in marine environments

The timing and pathways of early diagenetic sulfur transfer from dissolved species in pore waters to solid inorganic and organic compounds in sediments have been studied in the Miocene Monterey Formation, Santa Maria Basin (onshore), California. Correlation between concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC) and total sulfur (TS), in addition to concentrations of titanium, aluminum, total iron, and reactive iron, have been used to infer organic matter reactivity, redox conditions, and relative rates of clastic and biogenic input for each lithofacies. Isotopic compositions of six sulfur species (acid-volatile, disulfide, kerogen, bitumen, sulfate and elemental) have provided information regarding relative timing of sulfur incorporation, sulfate diffusivity in the upper centimeters of the sediments, and the sources of sulfur for individual species. Isotopically, the disulfide species expresses the greatest fractionation relative to estimated values of Miocene seawater sulfate (~ +22‰CDT). On average, disulfide is depleted in 34S by 10.4%. relative to kerogen and by 9.9‰ relative to acid-volatile sulfide. The δ34S of bitumen shows no systematic change relative to δ34Skeregon, suggesting the presence of migrated bitumen. Isotopic similarity of sulfate and elemental sulfur to sulfides and bitumen indicates that sulfate and elemental sulfur are chemical and/or biological oxidation products derived from sulfides and bitumen. Consistent ordering of isotopic values for sulfur species (disulfide < acid-volatile sulfide ≤ kerogen) indicates that pyrite precipitated nearest to the sediment-water interface under mildly reducing conditions and with little or no decrease in sulfate concentration relative to seawater. Enrichment of 34S in acid-volatile sulfide and kerogen sulfur resulted from formation of these species at greater depths or in restricted micro-environments under more reducing conditions and with low concentrations of porewater sulfate. The formation of acid-volatile sulfide after pyrite but during early diagenesis is significant because it implies more strongly reducing conditions than are generally recognized in deep-water marine sediments.
Inverter-based var control in low voltage distribution systems with rooftop solar PV

Drop in prices of PV panels and increased awareness of environmental concerns is resulting in high number of rooftop solar PV installations. Rapid irradiance changes on partly cloudy days causes severe fluctuations in PV power output resulting in rapid fluctuations in voltage, which makes large-scale integration of rooftop solar PV into the grid a major challenge. This paper presents an inverter-based var control strategy to damp fast fluctuations in voltages. Different reactive power control strategies for inverter-based PVs are studied and their effects are analyzed in a second by second time frame. The proposed strategies have been tested on the modified IEEE 37 bus test system. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed strategies outperform the current standard (IEEE 1547) for voltage control.
Temperature and heat flux estimation from sampled transient sensor measurements

Laplace transform is used to solve the problem of heat conduction over a finite slab. The temperature and heat flux on the two surfaces of a slab are related by the transfer functions. These relationships can be used to calculate the front surface heat input (temperature and heat flux) from the back surface measurements (temperature and/or heat flux) when the front surface measurements are not feasible to obtain. This paper demonstrates that the front surface inputs can be obtained from the sensor data without resorting to inverse Laplace transform. Through Hadamard Factorization Theorem, the transfer functions are represented as infinite products of simple polynomials. Consequently, the relationships between the front and back surfaces are translated to the time-domain without inverse Laplace transforms. These time-domain relationships are used to obtain approximate solutions through iterative procedures. We select a numerical method that can smooth the data to filter out noise and at the same time obtain the time derivatives of the data. The smoothed data and time derivatives are then used to calculate the front surface inputs.