cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Energy Yield Limits for Single-Junction Solar Cells

Summary "Energy yield" is a key performance metric that describes generated electricity (kWh) in a realistic operating environment, with significance beyond that of the lab-measured power conversion efficiency. Herein, we present fundamental energy yield limits based on 2015 global satellite data for solar cells with various band-gaps, including established technologies such as Si and CdTe and emerging materials such as perovskites. Based on an adapted detailed-balance model with experimental validation, we derive an empirical relation that allows approximating harvesting efficiencies from standard testing condition efficiencies. This equation provides a straightforward way to calculate energy yield for any new technology and enables a fair comparison of lab-measured devices with different band-gaps. We find that the ideal band-gap for maximizing energy yield is 1.35 eV. We show that harvesting efficiencies correlate with Koppen-Geiger climate zones, which indicates that results obtained in a given climate can be translated to other regions with similar climate.
Stereotactic radiotherapy in three weekly fractions for the management of vestibular schwannomas

Abstract Purpose This study evaluates the rates of tumor control, hearing preservation and cranial nerve toxicity with the use of CyberKnife stereotactic radiotherapy consisting of 2100 cGy to the 80% isodose line delivered in three weekly fractions to treat vestibular schwannomas. Materials and methods Retrospective chart review of vestibular schwannoma patients treated with CyberKnife stereotactic radiotherapy or undergoing watchful waiting between 2006 and 2017 was performed. For inclusion, patients receiving CyberKnife stereotactic radiotherapy must have had pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging and audiography, and 2 follow-up magnetic resonance imaging and audiograms. Watchful waiting patients must have had a minimum of 2 magnetic resonance imaging and 2 audiograms. Results Forty patients met inclusion criteria. Twenty-two underwent CyberKnife stereotactic radiotherapy. Eighteen remain in watchful waiting. Crude tumor control was 86.4% at mean radiographic follow-up of 52.3 months. Kaplan-Meier progression-free survival was 76.9% at 5 years. Kaplan-Meier survival from radiographic growth was 61.5% at 5 years. Kaplan-Meier hearing preservation was 17.5% at 5 years. All patients undergoing watchful waiting presenting with serviceable hearing maintained serviceable hearing. Serviceable hearing among CyberKnife stereotactic radiotherapy patients was 42.9% prior to treatment and 14.2% through mean follow-up of 53.7 months. One patient experienced trigeminal nerve toxicity 45 months after SRT. 95.5% of CyberKnife stereotactic radiotherapy patients were complication-free. Conclusions Our fractionation regimen provides tumor control consistent with current literature. Hearing outcomes, however, should be discussed with patients prior to CyberKnife stereotactic radiotherapy.
The Role of Hypoxia-Induced Factors

The definition of “physiologically” normoxic conditions for either embryonic or adult cells varies significantly. The vast majority of adult normal tissues function at oxygen (O2) levels between 2 and 9%, with ambient air at 21% O2 [135]. Bone marrow, cartilage, kidney medulla, and thymus, on the other hand, can exist at 1% O2 or lower [135]. In general, when O2 tension reaches below 2%, this condition is considered to be moderate hypoxia. When O2 tension goes below 0.5%, hypoxia is considered severe. Hypoxia is not only a pathophysiological component of many human disorders, including cancer and ischemic diseases, but is also a critical factor in fetal development and differentiation [21, 39, 82]. Before the circulatory system is established, mammalian development proceeds in a relatively low O2 environment of about 3% [100, 120]. Moreover, studies that have utilized small-molecule hypoxia markers have shown the existence of specific regions of moderate to severe hypoxia in the developing embryos [21, 82].
The GI Surgeon and Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a complex chronic disorder of delayed gastric emptying with a variety of etiologic factors. Treatment of gastroparesis is primarily medical and optimally provided by an experienced gastroenterologist. The role of surgical intervention for patients with gastroparesis is not well defined with little evidence-based data. Some severely refractory patients may undergo surgical procedures for several reasons, including nutritional support, gastric stimulation, or rarely, definitive surgical treatment. The complexity of the disease makes it a challenge to define the role of surgical intervention in a way that provides benefit for patients while minimizing the risk. This manuscript reviews the current indications and options for surgical interventions, supportive and definitive, available for patients with gastroparesis.
Microscale Equilibrium Conditions

The role of classical thermodynamics is to represent the equilibrium state of a system and the change in system properties that occurs due to a transition between states. Because the TCAT method describes system dynamics at “near” equilibrium dynamic conditions, it is essential to know what the actual equilibrium conditions are. The second law of equilibrium thermodynamics requires that entropy production associated with a spontaneous, irreversible change of system state be nonnegative.
Interference of Hemoglobin A1c Due to Hemoglobin Franklin Park

To the Editor: Hemoglobin (Hb)1 A1c (1) can be measured by cation-exchange HPLC, which separates hemoglobin fractions, including some Hb variants, based on the overall charge on the molecule. In populations for whom there is a high prevalence of homozygous sickle disease, it is advisable to routinely use to routinely use a separation technique such as HPLC because this allows identification of the HbS homozygous state (2). Sickle cell disease is marked by a shortened red cell life span, so clinical laboratories should not issue HbA1c results for cases of sickle disease. HbA1c immunoassays can be readily adapted to run on standard chemistry analyzers, but they …
Direct electrical stimulation of the left frontal aslant tract disrupts sentence planning without affecting articulation.

Sentence production involves mapping from deep structures that specify meaning and thematic roles to surface structures that specify the order and sequencing of production ready elements. We propos...
Diabetes, Drug Treatment and Mortality in COVID-19: A Multinational Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: The risk of severe COVID-19 is potentiated by dysregulated inflammatory responses to the virus, and individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are particularly vulnerable. Glucose-regulating medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, and pioglitazone are known to have anti-inflammatory effects. The goal of this study was to investigate whether treatment of T2DM with these drugs was associated with improved outcomes in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: In a multinational retrospective cohort study, we used the TriNetX COVID-19 Research Network of 50 large health care organizations to examine data from electronic medical records of 12,954 patients with T2DM who were diagnosed with COVID-19. We evaluated the relationship of the use of these drugs within 90 days preceding the diagnosis of COVID-19 with the incidence of hospital admissions, respiratory complications, and mortality within 28 days following the diagnosis of COVID-19. Findings: After matching for age, sex, race, ethnicity, body mass index, and comorbidities, results show significant reductions in hospital admissions of 54∙1%, 40∙0% and 20∙5%, and significant reductions in mortality of 68∙4%, 47∙0%, and 26∙3%, with use of pioglitazone, GLP-1R agonists, and DPP-4 inhibitors, respectively, within 90 days preceding the diagnosis of COVID-19. Respiratory complications also were reduced by 46∙0% and 24∙7% for patients treated with a GLP-1R agonist or pioglitazone, respectively. Finally, hospitalized patients who continued treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors had a 62∙8% relative decrease in the incidence of mortality when compared with those who discontinued treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors. Interpretation: In a multinational retrospective cohort study, use of GLP-1R agonists, pioglitazone, and DPP-4 inhibitors, is associated with reduced mortality and hospitalizations in patients with T2DM diagnosed with COVID-19. Randomized clinical trials are needed to further investigate this possibility. Funding: TriNetX network access supported by NCATS Award (TR002014). Merit Award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse DA009815 (PSG). Declaration of Interests: All authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: As a federated network, TriNetX has an IRB waiver as it only provides aggregated counts, statistical summaries of de-identified information, and no protected health information. Penn State College of Medicine has an agreement in place to access the TriNetX COVID-19 Research Network. All analyses were conducted using the browser-based real-time analytics feature of TriNetX.
Hodgkin Lymphoma in the Liver and Spleen

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Hodgkin lymphomas are divided into two subtypes: classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) (approximately 95% of cases) and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL). CHL rarely arises as an isolated lymphoma confined to a single organ or tissue, but nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) may present as localized disease. Clinically patients with CHL present with generalized lymphadenopathy, particularly in cervical and axillary lymph nodes and mediastinum. The liver and spleen are frequently involved in the advanced stage, and modern-day practice uses imaging to guide detection and assessment of stage as staging laparotomy has long since been obsolete.
Persistence in language learning: The role of grit and future self-guides

Abstract The study explored the role of Grit and future selves in motivational intensity and persistence in second language (L2) learning. Questionnaire data were collected from 94 learners of Chinese as a foreign language in the context of the United States. Multiple regression results showed that the Perseverance of Effort (POE) component of Grit along with Ideal L2 Self/Own and Ought L2 Self/Own significantly predicted Motivational Intensity. In addition, the relationship between POE and Motivational Intensity was mediated by the two selves. With Persistence as the outcome variable, POE, Ideal L2 Self/Own and Ideal L2 Self/Other emerged as positive predictors whereas Ought L2 Self/Other was a negative predictor. Furthermore, Ideal L2 Self/Own mediated the relationship between POE and Persistence. The results cast doubt on the validity of Grit as a unitary construct, suggest that different selves predict qualitatively different motivated behaviors, and confirm that POE along with future selves form a strong motivational force.
An extended trajectory-mechanics approach for calculating two-phase flow paths

A technique originating in quantum dynamics is used to derive a trajectory-based, semi-analytical solution for two-phase flow. The partial differential equation governing the evolution of the aqueous phase is equivalent to a family of ordinary differential equations defined along a path through the porous medium. The trajectories may be found by solving the differential equations directly or by post-processing the output of a numerical solution to the full set of governing equations. The trajectories, which differ from conventional streamlines, are found to bend downward in response to gravitational forces. The curvature is more pronounced as the dip of the porous layer containing the flow increases. Subtle changes in the relative permeability curve can lead to significant variations in the trajectories. The ordinary differential equation for the trajectory provides an expression for the travel time along the path. The expression produces a semi-analytical approximation to the model parameter sensitivities, the partial derivatives of the travel times with respect to changes in the permeability model. The semi-analytical trajectory-based sensitivities generally agree with those computed using a numerical reservoir simulator and a perturbation approach. The sensitivities are useful in tomographic imaging algorithms designed to estimate the spatial variation in permeability within a porous medium using multiphase observations.
The macaque face patch system: a turtle’s underbelly for the brain

Objects constitute the fundamental currency of our consciousness: they are the things that we perceive, remember and think about. One of the most important objects for a primate is a face. Research on the macaque face patch system in recent years has given us a remarkable window into the detailed processes underlying object recognition. Here, we review the macaque face patch system, including its anatomical organization, coding principles, role in behaviour and interactions with other brain regions. We highlight not only how it constitutes an archetypal object recognition system but also how it may provide a key to understanding mechanisms for higher cognitive function.
AN ECONOMIC STUDY FOR THE IMPACT OF BIOFUEL PRODUCTION EXPANSION

The thesis examines one of the most important contemporary global issues, which are important in the light of the food poverty experienced by many countries in the world, where the production of biofuels to convert part of the world production of important agricultural food products (maize - sugar-wheat crops. The first chapter deals with the concepts and theoretical terms of the process of producing biofuels and related general variables, as well as theoretical concepts of statistical methods and standard models used in data analysis and extraction. Results. While the second chapter reviewed the reference to the most important studies and previous research that dealt with the problem of study analysis and research was presented the most important results of these studies and clarify the addendum that add the current study of the problem addressed in the study. The third chapter dealt with the current status of global production of biofuels, in terms of the development of global production, the relative importance of the crops used in the production of ethanol and its main producing countries, and the global trade of ethanol among the producing, exporting and importing countries. In the production of biofuels despite the efforts of the United Nations in reducing food poverty around the world and the commitment of States to these efforts. The fourth chapter discusses the preconfiguration of the variables of the econometric model of the global ethanol market, The fifth chapter discusses the statistical model of the set of simultaneous equations used in the study on the production of ethanol and the internal and external variables affecting the model and the form of causal relations between the variables and the interpretation of these relations. While the effects of the expansion of biofuel production on the Egyptian economy in terms of the amount of production associated with the ethanol industry and the quantities and value of imported crops in the global ethanol industry, whose prices are affected by the quantities deducted for the production of ethanol globally.
Gratitude Interventions: Meta-analytic Support for Numerous Personal Benefits, with Caveats

Gratitude is all the rage at present. Both researchers and popular media have latched on to gratitude as an easy way to make significant life improvements, ranging from increasing well-being to strengthening relationships. Can the simple practice of gratitude really produce noteworthy effects? Many authors cite one particular paper in support (c.f. Emmons & McCullough in J Pers Soc Psychol 84(2):377–389, 2003), which has major limitations and open questions, due to at times conflicting findings across three studies and numerous comparison groups. Further, the lack of research in multicultural contexts limits insights and leaves room for wide speculation. In response to this overreliance on one imperfect publication, the purpose of this chapter is to review the current state of the literature on gratitude interventions to determine their effects in diverse contexts. Specifically, a meta-analytic design was employed to determine the collective conclusions about the benefits of such gratitude practices, and the factors that influence the size of the effects. The meta-analysis included 38 articles spanning from 2003 to 2016 and examined 16 positive outcomes of gratitude interventions (e.g., positive affect, physical health, optimism). Data analysis showed small but significant findings for several of the outcome variables. Importantly, effects were generally larger when studies compared a gratitude intervention condition with a negative condition (such as listing daily hassles) and were most often negligible when gratitude was compared with another positive psychology intervention (such as performing random acts of kindness). This latter finding suggests that perhaps gratitude is no more effective at promoting well-being than other positive interventions. Finally, the results showed a significant lack of studies on gratitude practices within multi-cultural contexts. The chapter will conclude with suggestions of ways for the sub-discipline of gratitude to improve.
An Enhanced Cell Transmission Model for Multi-Class Signal Control

Existing multi-class cell transmission model (CTM) based methodologies for signal timing or traffic assignment may transfer prioritized transit vehicles from one cell to the next one before processing their preceding passenger cars. In addition, existing CTM-based methodologies process a proportion of a slow-moving transit vehicle in each time step. As such a portion of each transit vehicle remains in each cell and it never clears them. This paper presents constraints to project the position of transit vehicles based on the speed and cell occupancy variations between different classes of vehicles and incorporates them into the CTM. The resulting optimization program is a mixed-integer nonlinear problem. We used a distributed receding horizon control framework to solve it in real-time. The proposed formulation is executed in a simulated arterial street with four signalized intersections in Springfield, IL with different traffic volume levels and transit vehicle frequencies. The results showed that the proposed algorithm addressed the mentioned issues of the existing multi-class CTM, and yielded more efficient network performance than the conventional transit signal priority-based (CTSP) systems. The proposed formulation reduced average bus delay by 1% to 70% and car delay by 52% to 76% compared to CTSP.
USABILITY ISSUES FOR DESIGNING MULTI-ROBOT MISSIONS

As part of our research for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Tactical Mobile Robotics Program, we have conducted, a series of usability studies evaluating the ability of users to design missions (both single and multi-robot) for various scenarios (e.g., airport incursion, biohazard survey and detection). This talk presents the results of this study involving dozens of human subjects working with Georgia Tech’s MissionLab mission specification system, and provides insights into the issues surrounding pre-mission planning for humans tasking teams of mobile robots.
Waist Circumference, Body Mass Index, and ESRD in the REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) Study

Background The association between waist circumference and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains poorly explored. Study Design Longitudinal population-based cohort. Setting & Participants Participants in the REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) Study (n=30,239) with information for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, spot urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; n=26,960). Predictor Elevated waist circumference or BMI. Outcomes & Measurements Incident cases of ESRD were identified through linkage of REGARDS participants with the US Renal Data System. Results Mean baseline age was 64.8 years, 45.8% were men, and 40.3% were black. Overall, 297 (1.1%) individuals developed ESRD during a median of 6.3 years. After adjustment for all covariates including waist circumference, no significant association was noted between BMI categories and ESRD incidence compared to BMI of 18.5 to 24.9kg/m 2 (referent). Higher waist circumference categories showed significantly increased hazard rates of ESRD, with waist circumference ≥ 108cm in women and ≥122cm in men (highest category) showing a 3.97-fold higher hazard rate (95% CI, 2.10-6.86) for ESRD compared to waist circumference Limitations Short follow-up period (6.3 years) to assess ESRD risk among adults with eGFRs>60mL/min/1.73m 2 . Conclusions In this cohort of older adults, obesity as measured by waist circumference is associated with higher ESRD risk even with adjustment for BMI, whereas obesity as measured by BMI is not associated with higher ESRD risk after adjustment for waist circumference. However, no significant association is noted between increased waist circumference and ESRD risk after adjustment for obesity-related comorbid conditions, eGFR, and ACR.
Photonic generation of high-power pulsed microwave signals with peak powers up to 14.2 Watt

We demonstrate photonic generation of pulsed 1 GHz and 10 GHz microwave signals with peak power levels as high as 41.5 dBm (14.2 W) and 40 dBm (10 W), respectively, using a modified uni-traveling carrier (MUTC) photodiode.
On controlling an autothermal fixed-bed reactor at an unstable state-II: Discrimination among rival models to achieve suitable internal structure

Abstract Shortcomings of the traditional approach to modeling fixed-bed reactors are presented. These include a very oscillatory approximation to the initial dead time in the temperature response to boundary forcing, as well as the extreme resistivity of the large-scale lumped system to model reduction by modal techniques. These problems are shown to be directly related to an ill-conditioned internal structure of the approximate o.d.e. model, as a result of both an inadequate formulation of the original p.d.e. model and the discretization technique used in lumping the axial coordinate. A new technique for structural dominance analysis is described and shown to be well-suited for investigating the characteristics of a large-scale state-variable model. Five alternative lumped models of an autothermal tubular reactor are analyzed with the new technique; dispersive models are found to be well-behaved with respect to the shortcomings mentioned above. Finally, a set of guidelines is proposed for modeling fixed-bed reactors when an accurate low-order linear model of the system is desirable as, for example, in control applications.
Andesites from northeastern Kanaga Island, Aleutians

Kanaga island is located in the central Aleutian island arc. Northeastern Kanaga is a currently active late Tertiary to Recent calc-alkaline volcanic complex. Basaltic andesite to andesite lavas record three episodes (series) of volcanic activity. Series I and Series II lavas are all andesite while Series III lavas are basaltic andesite to andesite. Four Series II andesites contain abundant quenched magmatic inclusions ranging in composition from high-MgO low-alumina basalt to low-MgO highalumina basalt. The spectrum of lava compositions is due primarily to fractional crystallization of a parental low-MgO high-alumina basalt but with variable degrees of crustal contamination and magma mixing. The earliest Series I lavas represent mixing between high-alumina basalt and silicic andesite with maximum SiO2 contents of 65–67 wt %. Later Series I and all Series II lavas are due to mixing of andesite magmas of similar composition. The maximum SiO2 content of the pre-mixed andesites magmas is estimated at 60–63 wt %. The youngest lavas (Series III) are all non-mixed and have maximum estimated SiO2 contents of 59 wt %. The earliest Series I lavas contain a significant crustal component while all later lavas do not. It is concluded that the maximum SiO2 contents of silicic magmas, the contribution of crustal material to silicic magma generation, and the role of magma mixing all decrease with time. Furthermore, silicic magmas generated by fractional crystallization at this volcanic center have a maximum SiO2 content of 63 wt %. All of these features have also been documented at the central Aleutian Cold Bay Volcanic Center (Brophy 1987). Based on data from these two centers a model of Aleutian calc-alkaline magma chamber development is proposed. The main features are: (1) a single low pressure magma chamber is continuously supplied by primitive low-alumina basalt; (2) non-primary high-alumina basalt is formed along the chamber margins by selective gravitational settling of olivine and clinopyroxene and retention of plagioclase; (3) sidewall crystallization accompanied by crustal melting produces buoyant silicic (>63 wt % SiO2) liquids that pond at the top of the chamber, and; (4) continued sidewall crystallization, now isolated from the chamber wall, produces silicic liquids with ≤63 wt % SiO2 that increase the thickness and lowers the overall SiO2 content of the upper silicic zone. It is suggested that the maximum SiO2 content of 63% imposed on fractionation-generated magmas is due to a rheological barrier that prohibits the extraction of more silicic liquids from a crystal-liquid mush along the chamber wall.
Evidence-based practice for the busy nurse practitioner: part two: searching for the best evidence to clinical inquiries.

Purpose: The purpose of this four-part evidence-based practice (EBP) series is to enhance the nurse practitioner's (NP's) EBP skills by reviewing the process of developing a clinical question, searching for the best evidence, and critically appraising and applying the findings. Part two of the series focuses on how to search the published scientific literature for the most relevant studies that will answer a specific clinical question of importance to the NP. Data sources: Scientific literature review, gray searching, PubMed and other online literature databases and resources, and online EBP websites. Conclusions: Technology has allowed multiple healthcare resources to be available at one's fingertips enabling both NPs and their patients to find answers to clinical questions. EBP databases can be categorized as synthesized/filtered, unfiltered, and background information/expert opinion resources. Learning which database can best answer the clinical inquiry can streamline the search process. Implications for practice: For the busy NP, EBP has emerged as an important strategy to maintain valid, accurate, and relevant clinical knowledge. It is expected that this part of the series will enable NPs to identify appropriate databases to answer clinical inquires while refining their search strategy skills, which takes both time and practice.
Calcium intake and skeletal integrity: is there a critical relationship?

The emergence of osteoporosis as a major health con cern has placed dietary calcium on center stage of pub lic nutritional awareness. Government and profes sional organizations involved with bone health urge proper attention to dietary calcium throughout life (1). Pharmaceutical firms promote calcium supplementa tion for women of all ages. Antacids are advertised for their calcium content as much as for their acid-neu tralizing capacity, and soft-drink producers now add small amounts of calcium to their products. Recent advances in the noninvasive measurement of bone den sity have led to studies directly relating calcium intake to bone mass. Though this body of work remains small and tentative, it has been widely publicized, even in such venerable journals as Science (2). Therefore it seems reasonable and timely to examine the pertinent evi dence and to ask whether current popular enthusiasm for calcium is justified. I restrict this examination to the relationship of calcium intake to bone health. In my opinion, recent interest in dietary calcium stems from three landmark publications. The first of these is the seminal contribution of Heaney et al. (3), which showed that middle-aged women are generally in neg ative calcium balance when tested on self-selected cal cium intakes. Second is the report of Matkovic et al. (4) showing a relationship between calcium intake, cor tical bone density and hip fracture prevalence in rural Yugoslavia. Third are the Health and Nutrition Eval uation Survey (HANES) (5, 6) figures that showed that, beginning at age 10, calcium intake in most American women fails to meet RDA standards. Taken together, these data suggest that calcium in take is critically important to the maintenance of skel etal integrity and the avoidance of fracture. In this re gard, I consider the following four questions. How important is dietary calcium during years of growth to the development of peak bone mass? Does dietary cal cium during young adult life influence age-related bone loss? Does a high calcium intake at menopause prevent accelerated bone loss? How effective is calcium sup plementation as therapy for the elderly? Although a considerable number of studies relevant to these ques tions have been reported or are in progress, in no case does sufficient evidence exist to permit a definitive answer. If agreement exists on any point, it is that bone is lost with age. Little if any decrease in mineral density of the cortical, appendicular skeleton occurs before the fifth decade of life, but current data suggest that loss of axial trabecular bone begins early, perhaps in the third decade (7, 8). The basis of age-related bone loss is remodeling, a continuous and inherently unbalanced process of coupled breakdown (rA©sorption)and renewal (formation). By unbalanced, I mean that the amount of bone formed during a remodeling cycle does not com pletely replenish that which has been removed by rA© sorption. Alterations in remodeling activity are the means by which mechanical, hormonal and dietary fac tors modulate the rate of bone loss.
Period Changes as Evidence for Evolution in ω Cen

Much has been said at this colloquium to the effect that observed changes in the periods of variable stars are so fast or so abrupt or so quick to change sign that they cannot possibly be attributed to stellar evolution. If you are wondering how this report can dare to make a contradictory claim read the title carefully. It does not promise that there really is evidence for evolution in Omega Centauri. It only proposes to look at the period changes with evolution in mind. We may all decide that the evidence is strong or that it is weak or perhaps that there is no evidence at all.
Quality of colon carcinoma pathology reporting: a process of care study.

BACKGROUND In 1996, the Association of Directors of Anatomic and Surgical Pathology (ADASP) published recommendations for colon carcinoma reporting. Since this publication, no study has evaluated physician practice in relation to these recommendations. The objectives of the current study were to describe pathology reporting for colon carcinoma, evaluate potential variations in reporting, and identify areas for improvement. METHODS Data were obtained from a population-based study of incident colon carcinoma in 33 counties in North Carolina between 1997 and 2000. All subjects with surgically resected colon carcinoma of tumor stage T2–T4 with available surgical pathology reports were eligible for inclusion in the current analysis. The authors reviewed pathology reports for adherence to recommendations of the ADASP. RESULTS Four hundred thirty-eight pathology reports were included for analysis. Adherence to ADASP recommendations was 90% of patients. Teaching hospital and contract pathology laboratories had greater adherence to recommendations, compared with community hospital laboratories. Hospitals with the highest colon carcinoma case volume demonstrated greater adherence to recommendations, compared with low-volume hospitals. CONCLUSIONS Pathology reports were effective in communicating most pertinent findings from surgically resected colon carcinoma specimens. Omissions of some critical characteristics did occur, however, and significant variability in reporting existed based on laboratory affiliation and hospital case volume. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
The Effect of Epinephrine and Acetylcholine on the Distribution of Red Cells Within the Gills of the Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus)

SUMMARY The second pair of gill arches were perfused with 61 Cr tagged red cells at constant pressure or constant flow and in the presence of io~ B M epinephrine or io~ 6 M acetylcholine. The tissues were quick frozen, lyophilized and the lamellae and alamellar filaments from the distal, mid and basal thirds of the filaments counted for radioactivity. At constant flow, epinephrine increased red cell space (RCS) in lamellae from basal and mid regions and decreased RCS in peripheral lamellae. The RCS in all alamellar filaments decreased. With constant pressure perfusion, epinephrine increased RCS in all lamellae while alamellar filamental RCS remained unchanged. Acetylcholine, at constant flow perfusion, decreased distal lamellar RCS and increased basal lamellar RCS. RCS decreased in distal and mid alamellar filaments during the same period. These data support the theory of lamellar recruitment as a means of increasing respiratory exchange and stress the importance of concomitant central cardiovascular changes in eliciting maximal response.
Relationship Between Ebola Virus Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction–Based Threshold Cycle Value and Virus Isolation From Human Plasma

We performed a longitudinal analysis of plasma samples obtained from 4 patients with Ebola virus (EBOV) disease (EVD) to determine the relationship between the real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)–based threshold cycle (Ct) value and the presence of infectious EBOV. EBOV was not isolated from plasma samples with a Ct value of >35.5 or >12 days after onset of symptoms. EBOV was not isolated from plasma samples in which anti–EBOV nucleoprotein immunoglobulin G was detected. These data demonstrate the utility of interpreting qRT-PCR results in the context of the course of EBOV infection and associated serological responses for patient-management decisions.
Community analysis : Research that matters to a North-Central Denver community

The need for community assessment has been well documented in library literature as a tool for library management and an imperative for the future of libraries. The plan to build a new public branch library in north-central Denver offered a unique opportunity to study the community. In 1994, the authors systematically collected, organized, and analyzed information using the Community Analysis Research Institute (CAR!) model developed by Greer and Hale. As this article discusses, a variety of data collection techniques, including historical research, statistical analysis, personal interviews and structured observation, were employed. The systematic and overlapping methodologies revealed a colorful portrait of a unique community and the information needs of the people. Specific recommendations for community outreach, facilities planning, library policies, staffing, collection development, and ongoing involvement were formulated. Several avenues for sharing the information were discovered and implemented. In 1998, the community and branch library were revisited and the original recommendations were evaluated for their accuracy and validity.
Serial micropuncture analysis of single nephron function in subtotal renal ablation

Serial micropuncture analysis of single nephron function in subtotal renal ablation. We developed a series of methodology to analyze function-structure relationship at single nephron level in animal models of chronic renal disease. Micropuncture measurements were repeated to measure single nephron GFR (SNGFR) and glomerular capillary hydraulic pressure (P GC ) in the same nephrons, and subsequently examine the morphology of these glomeruli by serial section histological analysis. Using this approach, a potential causal link between early functional pattern and late structural abnormalities was examined in glomeruli of 10 Munich-Wistar rats up to six weeks after surgical removal of 5/6 total renal mass. After two weeks all SNGFR and P GC values increased uniformly but to varying degrees within each remnant kidney. Thereafter, values for SNGFR were highly variable, many declining while others increased in the same kidney. P GC showed an initial increase with subsequent decrease by four to six weeks. Serial section histological analysis of these same glomeruli revealed that the extent of glomerular sclerosis positively correlated with the functional deterioration, that is, the degree of reduction in SNGFR (P GC recorded in early stage. These studies indicate that pathophysiologic mechanisms other than, or in addition to, early hyperfunction are involved in determining the extent of glomerular structural damage in this model of chronic renal failure.
Smoothing of Doppler spectra line shapes in electrophoretic analysis of biological cell suspensions

Abstract The study of cell and particle electrophoresis by laser Doppler techniques requires the application of an electric field to a conducting solution. Steady d.c. electric fields are usually not possible because of electrode surface reactions. Hence, it has been common practice to apply temporally varying electric fields, either pulses of alternating polarity or square-wave fields of constant amplitude. Oscillating particle motion leads to harmonic structure (multiples of the square-wave electric field frequency) in the scattered light spectra. This harmonic structure may be considerably smoothed by a suitable variation of the period of the applied square-wave field. The application of a pseudo-random period oscillating electric field yields line shapes that approach the line shapes to be expected from the application of a continuous d.c. electric field.
Characterization and tissue distribution of pyruvate carboxylase in atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Abstract 1. 1. The mitochondrial fraction of liver from Atlantic salmon contained about 90% of subcellular pyruvate carboxylase activity (EC 6.4.1.1). 2. 2. Kidney, brain, heart, and gills contained 20, 19, 3 and 2%, respectively, of the activity observed per unit weight of liver. 3. 3. Assays with partially purified enzyme showed the level of acetyl CoA and the ratio of ATP/ADP to be the major regulators, with ADP (but not AMP) being a potent inhibitor of ATP binding.
Iron Utilization After Iron Dextran Administration for Iron Deficiency in Patients With Dialysis-Associated Anemia: A Prospective Analysis and Comparison of Two Agents

Abstract We sought to determine the rate and extent of iron utilization after administration of intravenous iron dextran and to compare the efficacy of iron dextran preparations of differing molecular weight. We randomized patients to receive either a 500-mg dose of iron dextran molecular weight (MW) 267,000 (group A) or iron dextran MW 96,000 (group B) administered in five sequential 100-mg doses, and examined indices of iron status before and at weekly intervals up to 4 weeks later. Although mean iron utilization was greater in the nine group A patients (46.7% ± 21.3%) than in the 11 group B patients (31.7% ± 26.6%), the difference was not statistically significant ( P = 0.19). Iron utilization in both groups was substantially incomplete. Changes in serum ferritin and hemoglobin did not differ between the treatments ( P = 0.49 and P = 0.34, respectively). We conclude that iron utilization after iron dextran administration is substantial within the first week after completing a course of therapy, associated with stable iron indices after the first 2 weeks, and incomplete for at least the first 4 weeks. Degree of iron utilization appears independent of molecular weight within the range we examined.
Status of tuberculosis infection control programs at Texas hospitals, 1989 through 1991.

Abstract Background: Parelleling the resurgence of tuberculosis (TR) in the United States, the reported number of persones with TB in Texas increased by 33% during 1985 through 1992, the third largest rise among all the states. This increase prompted us to survey hospitals in Texas to determine their degree of compliance with recommendations in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention TB guidelines. Methods: In April 1992, we mailed a voluntary questionnaire about TB infection control practices, health care worker tuberculin skin testing procedures, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis laboratory methods to a convenience sample of hospitals in Texas. Results: Of 180 hospitals surveyed, 151 (83%) returned completed questionnaires. Of these, 90 (60%) were nonteaching community hospitals; 28 (19%) were teaching community hospitals; 13 (9%) were university-affiliated hospitals; and 20 (13%) were other hospitals. The number of hospitals to which patients with TB were admitted increased from 98 (65%) in 1989 to 122 (81%) in 1991. Respondent hospitals had a mean of 183 acute care beds (median 100, range 5 to 999), 6 acid-fast bacillus isolation rooms (median 2, range 0 to 57) and 7.5 admissions/year of patients with TB (median 2, range 0 to 202). Of hospitals responding to specific questions, 20% ( 27 137 ) admitted patients with multidrug-resistant TB, 18% ( 25 140 ) reported not having any acid-fast bacillus isolation rooms, and 28% ( 35 125 ) had no rooms meeting all of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for acid-fast bacillus isolation (negative air pressure, ≥6 air changes per hour, and air directly vented to the outside). The tuberculin skin test conversions among health care workers rose from 246 (0.6%) in 1989 to 547 (0.9%) in 1991. Conclusion: Although the number of Texas hospitals admitting patients with TB increased during 1989 through 1991, many facilities still did not have infection control practices consistent with the 1992 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention TB guidelines.
The Availability Improvement Methodology (AIM) for Evaluating Power Plant Improvement Projects

The Availability Improvement Methodology (AIM) presented in this paper describes a method for calculating the increase in the power plant equivalent availability factor resulting from a proposed improvement project. AIM uses the recently developed IEEE definitions, along with other reliability parameters for establishing unit availability and performance. Additionally, AIM calculations are based primarily on data being collected for the Generating Availability Data System (GADS) of the National Electric Reliability Council. Many utilities are presently collecting equipment outage data on the GADS Performance and Event Report Forms. This data, if properly developed, is sufficient for performing AIM calculations.
Evidence for a tyrosine kinase-dependent activation of the adenylyl Cyclase/PKA cascade downstream from the G-protein-linked endothelin ETA receptor in vascular smooth muscle.

Abstract Endothelin (ET-1), a contractor and mitogen in the vasculature, enhanced cAMP production (t 1/2 , 2.2 min; EC 50 , 89 ± 6.3 nM) and stimulated activity of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in pig coronary arteries. These responses were blunted by the protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors genistein and herbimycin-A, but not by inhibitors of protein kinase C or cyclooxygenase. In contrast, forskolin-stimulated cAMP production was unaffected by PTK inhibition. Immunoblot analysis revealed that ET-1 induced a concentration-dependent protein tyrosine (PT) phosphorylation. Sarafotoxin-c, a selective ET B receptor agonist, had no effect on either cAMP levels or PT phosphorylation. Moreover, pervanadate (PV), a potent inhibitor of PT phosphatases, enhanced both cAMP formation and PT phosphorylation, both of which were blocked by PTK inhibitors. The effects of ET-1 and PV were not additive, suggesting a similar mode of activation, whereas responses to ET-1 and forskolin were synergistic. These findings indicate that AC and PKA are activatable via a nonreceptor PTK-dependent pathway downstream from the G-protein-linked ET A receptor. Because cAMP is a dilator and antimitogen in smooth muscle, stimulation of AC activity may be a negative feedback mechanism regulating ET-1-induced vasoconstriction and/or mitogenesis.
Non-identity of muscle and non-muscle actins.

Abstract Tryptic peptide maps of actin prepared from chicken muscle and chick brain appear to be very similar, but not identical. Brain actin lacks at least one peptide found in muscle actin and its fingerprint contains approximately six additional peptides. Whether these differences between muscle and cytoplasmic actins are due to their synthesis from different genes or to post-translational modification is not yet known.
Mammalian metallothionein is functional in yeast

Expression of two monkey metallothioneins in yeast leads to complementation of both known functions of the endogenous yeast copperthionein gene, namely copper detoxification and autoregulation of transcription. The metallothionein-like proteins of higher and lower eukaryotes are therefore functionally analogous despite their dissimilar primary sequences.
Evidence for the role of cell stiffness in modulation of volume-regulated anion channels.

Aim: To investigate the link between cell stiffness and volume-regulated anion current (VRAC) in aortic endothelium. Method: Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were exposed to methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) to deplete cellular cholesterol and the changes in cellular stiffness were measured by micropipette aspiration. VRAC density was measured electrophysiologically in the same cell populations. Furthermore, to probe the effects of cholesterol depletion on the mechanics of 'deep' cytoskeleton, we employ a novel technique to analyse correlated motion of intracellular particles. Results: We show that cholesterol depletion results in cellular stiffening and an upregulation of VRAC density. Replenishing cellular sterol pool with epicholesterol, a chiral analogue of cholesterol, abrogates both of these effects. This indicates that cholesterol sensitivity of both cell mechanics and VRAC are due to changes in the physical properties of the membrane rather than due to specific sterol-protein interactions. We also show that cholesterol depletion increases the stiffness of the 'deep cytoskeleton' and that disruption of actin filaments abolishes both cell stiffening and upregulation of VRAC due to cholesterol depletion. Furthermore, comparing BAECs to human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), we show that BAECs that are inherently stiffer also develop larger VRACs. Conclusions: Taken together, our observations suggest an increase in the cytoskeleton stiffness has a facilitatory effect on VRAC development. We suggest that stiffening of the cytoskeleton increases tension in the membrane-cytoskeleton layer and that in turn facilitates VRAC.
Le réacteur européen à eau pressurisée (EPR) et le réacteur à eau bouillante passif (SWR), réacteurs performants, compétitifs et sûrs

Afin de repondre aux exigences relatives a la protection de l'environnement, au referentiel etabli par l'Autorite de Surete pour les futures centrales REP, ainsi qu'aux exigences de competitivite du marche, Framatome-ANP a developpe deux nouveaux modeles de reacteurs a eau avec le concours d'EDF et le soutien de producteurs d'electricite europeens : - l'EPR, un REP, fruit d'une cooperation franco-allemande entre concepteurs, autorites de suretes et principales compagnies d'electricite. Son niveau de puissance eleve, 1600 MWe, et sa competitivite le designent particulierement pour le marche de remplacement. - le SWR 1000, un REB de puissance moyenne, 1000 a 1250 MWe, integrant des systemes passifs particulierement adaptes a la technologie des REB. Ces deux modeles comportent des caracteristiques de surete renforcees, notamment vis-a-vis des evenements externes, et ont un cout de production d'electricite tres competitif.