cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term continuity in land surface phenology measurements: A comparative assessment of the MODIS land cover dynamics and VIIRS land surface phenology products

Abstract Vegetation phenology contributes to, and is diagnostic of, seasonal variation in ecosystem processes and exerts important controls on land-atmosphere exchanges of carbon, water, and energy. Satellite remote sensing provides a valuable source of data for monitoring the phenology of terrestrial ecosystems and has been widely used to map geographic and interannual variation in land surface phenology (LSP) over large areas. The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) land surface phenology product provides global data sets characterizing the annual LSP of terrestrial ecosystems, and is designed to support long-term continuity of LSP measurements from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). We used data from VIIRS and MODIS to evaluate the agreement and characterize the similarities and differences between LSP data from each instrument. Specifically, we compare data from the Collection 6 MODIS Land Cover Dynamics (LCD) product with data from the newly developed VIIRS LSP product over the most common land cover types in North America. To do this, we assessed the overall agreement between time series of vegetation indices from VIIRS and MODIS, evaluated the correspondence between retrieved phenometrics from each instrument, and analyzed sources of differences between phenometrics from the each product. As part of this analysis, we also compared phenometrics from MODIS and VIIRS with phenometrics derived from Landsat Analysis Ready Data and PhenoCam time series. Results show that two-band enhanced vegetation index (EVI2) values from VIIRS and MODIS are similar (R2 > 0.81; root mean square deviation
Integrated meditation and exercise therapy: A randomized controlled trial of a combined non-pharmacological intervention reduces disability and pain in patients with chronic low back pain

Integrative and complementary non-pharmacological treatments have proven efficacious in treating both the physiological and psychological symptoms of chronic pain conditions but the potential of many combined therapies is unknown. This study examined the effects of a combined intervention of mindfulness meditation followed by aerobic walking exercise in chronic low back pain (cLBP) patients. We hypothesized that meditation before exercise would reduce disability and pain by increasing mindfulness prior to physical activity. Thirty-eight adults completed either meditation and exercise treatment (MedExT) (n=18) or an audiobook control condition (n=20). Over a 4-week period, participants in the MedExT group performed 12-17 minutes of guided meditation followed by 30 minutes of moderate intensity walking exercise 5 days per week. Measures of disability, pain, mindfulness and anxiety were taken at baseline and post-intervention. Ratings of pain were also assessed by participant self-report, before and after each intervention session. Following MedExT, participants showed significant improvement in our primary outcome of disability compared to the control group (p<0.05). From pre to post-intervention, MedExT also increased mindfulness (p<0.05), but had no significant effect on quantitative sensory testing on the low back. Mean ratings of low back pain intensity and unpleasantness significantly improved with MedExT from before the study to during participation, respectively (intensity p<0.05; unpleasantness p<0.05). Overall, four weeks of MedExT produced substantive changes in disability, mindfulness and measures of pain intensity and unpleasantness.
Major famines as geopolitical strategies

This article offers a preliminary checklist for identifying the geopolitical motivations of decision makers responsible for major famines, events defined as economic and social crises causing one m...
Detection of Reduced Retinal Vessel Density in Eyes with Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration Using Projection-Resolved Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

Purpose To compare retinal vessel density in eyes with geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to age-matched healthy eyes by using projection-resolved optical coherence tomography angiography (PR-OCTA). Design Prospective cross-sectional study. Methods Study participants underwent macular 3- × 3-mm OCTA scans with spectral domain OCTA. Reflectance-compensated retinal vessel densities were calculated on projection-resolved superficial vascular complex (SVC), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP), and deep capillary plexus (DCP). Quantitative analysis using normalized deviation compared the retinal vessel density in GA regions, 500-μm GA rim regions, and non-GA regions to similar macular locations in control eyes. Results Ten eyes with GA and 10 control eyes were studied. Eyes with GA had significantly lower vessel density in the SVC (54.8 ± 2.4% vs. 60.8 ± 3.1%; P Conclusions Eyes with GA have reduced retinal vessel density in SVC, ICP, and DCP compared to those in controls. Loss is greatest within regions of GA. Vessel density may be more sensitive than retinal layer thickness measurement in the detection of inner retinal change in eyes with GA.
Coverage and drift potential associated with nozzle and speed selection for herbicide applications using an unmanned aerial sprayer

In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology has expanded to include UAV sprayers capable of applying pesticides. Very little research has been conducted to optimize application parameters and measure the potential of off-target movement from UAV-based pesticide applications. Field experiments were conducted in Raleigh, NC during spring 2018 to characterize the effect of different application speeds and nozzle types on target area coverage and uniformity of UAV applications. The highest coverage was achieved with an application speed of 1 m s–1 and ranged from 30% to 60%, whereas applications at 7 m s–1 yielded 13% to 22% coverage. Coverage consistently decreased as application speed increased across all nozzles, with extended-range flat-spray nozzles declining at a faster rate than air-induction nozzles, likely due to higher drift. Experiments measuring the drift potential of UAV-applied pesticides using extended-range flat spray, air-induction flat-spray, turbo air–induction flat-spray, and hollow-cone nozzles under 0, 2, 4, 7, and 9 m s–1 perpendicular wind conditions in the immediate 1.75 m above the target were conducted in the absence of natural wind. Off-target movement was observed under all perpendicular wind conditions with all nozzles tested but was nondetectable beyond 5 m away from the target. Coverage from all nozzles exhibited a concave-shaped curve in response to the increasing perpendicular wind speed due to turbulence. The maximum target coverage in drift studies was observed when the perpendicular wind was 0 and 8.94 m s–1, but higher turbulence at the two highest perpendicular wind speeds (6.71 and 8.94 m s–1) increased coverage variability, whereas the lowest variability was observed at 2.24 m s–1 wind speed. Results suggested that air-induction flat-spray and turbo air–induction flat-spray nozzles and an application speed of 3 m s–1 provided an adequate coverage of target areas while minimizing off-target movement risk.
Bullet Screens (Danmu): Texting, Online Streaming, and the Spectacle of Social Inequality on Chinese Social Networks:

For theorists interested in screen cultures and the digital economy, looking beyond Facebook and YouTube prompts a more refined conceptualization of participation and monetization on social network...
Thermal resistance of growing media for green roofs: To what extent does the absence of specific reference values potentially affect the global thermal resistance of the green roof? An experimental example

Abstract Since 2009, the Construction Technologies Institute of the National Research Council of Italy has been developing a laboratory process for the evaluation and certification of the thermal performances of growing media for green roofs. The results of the first two experimental phases have highlighted the significant difference between the thermal resistance values of growing media and those of natural occurring soils, depending on both the composition and the degree of compaction and internal moisture content. This study aims to complete the research study by demonstrating and quantifying the error made in the standard calculation of the thermal resistance of a green roof stratigraphy if uncorrected thermal resistance values are chosen for growing medium and drainage layer . The experimentation is based on the comparison, under the same configuration and system boundaries, of the thermal performances of an extensive green roof configuration according to two different calculation methods as provided for in standards EN ISO 6946 and ISO 9869. The results underline that the potential discrepancy between calculated and monitored thermal resistance values can exceed 40% if no appropriate and specific inputs are assumed for growing media and drainage layer. Instead, if correct values are used, the calculation discrepancy can be reduced to 11,8% and this could be useful to designers to solve problems during standard calculations. This calls for further testing and for a reference standard for calculating the thermal resistance of growing media for green roofs and drainage layer that have become all the more urgent.
Recent responses to climate change reveal the drivers of species extinction and survival

Climate change may be a major threat to biodiversity in the next 100 years. Although there has been important work on mechanisms of decline in some species, it generally remains unclear which changes in climate actually cause extinctions, and how many species will likely be lost. Here, we identify the specific changes in climate that are associated with the widespread local extinctions that have already occurred. We then use this information to predict the extent of future biodiversity loss and to identify which processes may forestall extinction. We used data from surveys of 538 plant and animal species over time, 44% of which have already had local extinctions at one or more sites. We found that locations with local extinctions had larger and faster changes in hottest yearly temperatures than those without. Surprisingly, sites with local extinctions had significantly smaller changes in mean annual temperatures, despite the widespread use of mean annual temperatures as proxies for overall climate change. Based on their past rates of dispersal, we estimate that 57-70% of these 538 species will not disperse quickly enough to avoid extinction. However, we show that niche shifts appear to be far more important for avoiding extinction than dispersal, although most studies focus only on dispersal. Specifically, considering both dispersal and niche shifts, we project that only 16-30% of these 538 species may go extinct by 2070. Overall, our results help identify the specific climatic changes that cause extinction and the processes that may help species to survive.
High speed synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments resolve microstructure and phase transformation in laser processed Ti-6Al-4V

The microstructures of Ti-6Al-4V following laser processing depend primarily on the phase transformation of β to α, but their development is constrained by the rapidly changing temperature in the s...
Sexual Orientation and Obesity: What Do We Know?

Purpose of review This review describes research addressing sexual orientation disparities in obesity and their sequelae, with a focus on new findings from the past year and areas for future work. Recent findings Sexual minority people of color experience important health disparities related to obesity. Sexual minority women may be at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than their heterosexual counterparts, potentially because of obesity-related disparities. Bisexual men also appear to experience more obesity and potential greater risk for type 2 diabetes than heterosexual men. Stigma and discrimination are important emerging areas for additional research to better understand sexual orientation disparities in obesity-related health. There is a need for intersectional research and longitudinal research that connects existing sexual orientation disparities in obesity with subsequent chronic disease development. Additionally, upstream efforts to understand the impact of stigma and discrimination on the weight-related health of sexual minority groups are needed.
Isolation and Culturing Primary Cholangiocytes from Mouse Liver

Cholangiocytes are epithelial cells lining the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. Cholangiocytes perform key physiological functions in the liver. Bile synthesized by hepatocytes is secreted into bile canaliculi, further stored in the gallbladder, and finally discharged into the duodenum. Due to liver injury, biliary epithelial proliferate in response to endogenous or exogenous signals leading to cholangiopathies, inflammation, fibrosis, and cholangiocarcinoma. Cholangiocytes exhibit anatomical and functional heterogeneity, and understanding such diversified functions will potentially help in finding effective therapies for various cholestatic liver diseases. To perform such functional studies, effective cholangiocyte isolation and culture procedures are needed. This protocol will aid in easy isolation and expansion of cholangiocytes from the liver.
Making Sense to Make Change: How Community College Faculty Perceptions of Math Contextualization Shape Instructional Change:

Objective: In numerous calls for reform to community college math instruction, contextualization has been identified as an effective approach to teaching and learning. Yet, little is known about ho...
Genetics with the k2 Mdhl-n y20 chromosomal region in soybean [Glycine max (L) Merr]

Twenty-two new mutants have been isolated at the k2 (tan saddle seed coat), Mdhl-n (mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase 1 null), and >'20 (yellow foliage) chromosomal region, were the focus of this dissertation research. Cultivar'Mandell', USDA PI 567.391, and PI 567. 630A are green foliage Mdhl nulls. Genetic Type T261 is a green foliage, Mdhl null, and tan saddle seed coat mutant. T234 and CD-9 are yellow foliage and Mdhl null mutants. Additional 16 new mutants have been isolated with tan saddle seed coat, Mdhl null and yellow foliage phenotypes in this dissertation research. All tan saddle seed coat mutants, the 22 Mdhl null mutants, and the 18 yellow foliage mutants were allelic at the k2, Mdhl-n, and >'20 loci, respectively. k2, Mdhl-n, and>'20 alleles were inherited as single nuclear recessive alleles. Approximately 1 ± 1.36% recombination rate between the k2 and the Mdhl-n loci was detected in coupling phase in F2 plants from crosses of T261 (ifc2 Mdhl-ri) with wild type plants; and approximately 3.04 ± 0.48% recombination rate was estimated between the k2 mi Mdhl-n y20 loci in F2:3 families with tan saddle seed coat from the crosses T317 (Mdhl-ny20) with T239 (k2) and L67-3483 (k2). Approximately 55-60% recombination rates between the k2 and Mdhl-n y20 loci were detected in repulsion phase in F2 plants derived from crossing T323 (Mdhl-ny20), T324 (Mdhl-ny20 ), and T325 (Mdhl-ny20 ) with T239 (k2) and L67-3483 (k2). The excess of the recombinants in repulsion phase in F2 plants was considered to be due to chromosomal breakage at the k2 Mdhl Y20 region in T239 and L67-3483. However, no recombinants were identified in F2 plants in repulsion phase in the crosses of T317 (Mdhl-n y20) with
Drainage by Pumped Wells in Wellton-Mohawk District

After Colorado River water was used for irrigation in the Welton-Mohawk District in southwestern Arizona, a drainage problem resulted. The most feasible means of controlling ground-water elevations was by pumped wells discharging into a concrete-lined channel. Although effective for drainage, this caused a salinity problem with Mexico. Eventually, a bypass channel was constructed as solution, but flood flows in Gila River in 1966 complicated the salinity and drainage problems.
The Impact of the Informal Employment on the Social Security Deficits in Turkey

This study examines the impact of the formalization of the labor market on social security deficits in Turkey. After a brief discussion on the causes and consequences of the informality of the economy, the paper reveals the effect of possible developments in the labor market, --such as the reduction in informal employment, the decrease in contribution evasion, and the increase in youth employment and women’s employment-- on the deficits, which has increased since the early 1990s. To assess the effect, we utilize a simple actuarial model to project the deficit through 2050 under different scenarios. The results point to the importance of increasing female labor force participation, preventing evasion of social security contributions, and show the effect of an ageing population.
Variation in vaccination coverage among children of Hispanic ancestry.

Abstract Background: Estimated vaccination coverage of Hispanic children is consistently lower than that of white non-Hispanic children. "Hispanic ethnicity" defines a highly heterogeneous group of the U.S. population; however, vaccination coverage by ancestry group has not been studied. This study explores differences in vaccination coverage among Hispanic children by ancestry group. Methods: The National Immunization Survey (NIS) uses a random-digit-dial sample of telephone numbers in each state and in 28 urban areas. The NIS provides vaccination coverage information representative of all U.S. children aged 19 to 35 months. We pooled NIS data from 1996 through 1999 and selected Hispanic and white non-Hispanic children for analysis. We categorized Hispanic children into the following ancestry groups: Mexican, Central American, Puerto Rican, Cuban, South American, and Dominican. We used t tests to detect differences in coverage between children of Hispanic ancestry, by group, compared to white non-Hispanic children, by vaccine, and the vaccination series 4:3:1:3. Results: Estimated vaccination coverage with 4:3:1:3 was 80.1% (95% CI, 79.6–80.6) among white non-Hispanic children. Estimated coverage was lower among Puerto Rican (75.8%; 95% CI, 72.1–79.5), Cuban (73.1%; 95% CI, 65.1–81.1), Mexican (71.7%; 95% CI, 69.9–73.5), and Central American (68.7%; 95% CI, 62.0–75.4) children, and was higher among South American (82.0%; 95% CI, 75.5–88.5) and Dominican (82.2%; 95% CI, 75.5–88.5) children; however, these differences were only statistically significant for Puerto Rican, Mexican, and Central American children. Among children living in poverty, estimated coverage with 4:3:1:3 was lower among Mexican (68.0%; 95% CI, 65.1–70.9), Central American (69.7%; 95% CI, 59.8–79.6), and South American (69.0%; 95% CI, 50.9–87.1) children than among white non-Hispanic children (73.4%; 95% CI, 71.6–75.2); however, this difference was significant only among Mexican children. Coverage was similar or somewhat higher among Puerto Rican (72.9%; 95% CI, 65.7–80.1) and Dominican (80.2%; 95% CI, 68.5–91.9) children than white non-Hispanic children living below poverty. Conclusions: Findings from the NIS strongly suggest that estimated vaccination coverage among children of Hispanic ancestry varies by group. Improved monitoring of vaccination coverage among Hispanics by community is necessary, and where undervaccination is identified, interventions should be matched to community needs.
Managing rapidly-evolving scientific workflows

We give an overview of VisTrails, a system that provides an infrastructure for systematically capturing detailed provenance and streamlining the data exploration process. A key feature that sets VisTrails apart from previous visualization and scientific workflow systems is a novel action-based mechanism that uniformly captures provenance for data products and workflows used to generate these products. This mechanism not only ensures reproducibility of results, but it also simplifies data exploration by allowing scientists to easily navigate through the space of workflows and parameter settings for an exploration task.
Contraction versus relaxation: a comparison of two approaches for the negative cost cycle detection problem

In this paper, we develop a greedy algorithm for the negative cost cycle detection problem and empirically contrast its performance with the "standard" Bellman-Ford (BF) algorithm for the same problem. Our experiments indicate that the greedy approach is superior to the dynamic programming approach of BF, on a wide variety of inputs.
Thermal conductivity measurements in unsaturated hydrate-bearing sediments

Current database on the thermal properties of hydrate-bearing sediments remains limited and has not been able to capture their consequential changes during gas production where vigorous phase changes occur in this unsaturated system. This study uses the transient plane source (TPS) technique to measure the thermal conductivity of methane hydrate-bearing sediments with various hydrate/water/gas saturations. We propose a simplified method to obtain thermal properties from single-sided TPS signatures. Results reveal that both volume fraction and distribution of the pore constituents govern the thermal conductivity of unsaturated specimens. Thermal conductivity hysteresis is observed due to water redistribution and fabric change caused by hydrate formation and dissociation. Measured thermal conductivity increases evidently when hydrate saturation Sh > 30–40%, shifting upward from the geometric mean model prediction to a Pythagorean mixing model. These observations envisage a significant drop in sediment thermal conductivity when residual hydrate/water saturation falls below ~40%, hindering further gas production.
Ultrasonic Image Restoration by Pseudo Three-Dimensional Power Spectrum Equalization

Ultrasonic signal analysis and image processing play important roles in the field of NDE. Many methods of ultrasonic imaging such as A-scan, B-scan and C-scan are available. Using such images, NDE tests and analysis can be performed. However, the images are limited by the resolution limits of the imaging system which are established by many factors such as the bandwidth of the transducer, frequency of interrogation, diffraction effects, etc. One of the results of such resolution limits is the blurring of the images.
Idleness is not sloth

Many people have observed that computer systems spend much of their time idle, and various schemes have been proposed to use this idle time productively. The commonest approach is to off-load activity from busy periods to less-busy ones in order to improve system responsiveness. In addition, speculative work can be performed in idle periods in the hopes that it will be needed later at times of higher utilization, or non-renewable resource like battery power can be conserved by disabling unused resources. We found opportunities to exploit idle time in our work on storage systems, and after a few attempts to tackle specific instances of it in ad hoc ways, began to investigate general mechanisms that could be applied to this problem. Our results include a taxonomy of idle-time detection algorithms, metrics for evaluating them, and an evaluation of a number of idleness predictors that we generated from our taxonomy.
Darstine: Clinical and Experimental Studies of a New Anticholinergic Drug

Summary 1. Darstine intramuscularly was effective in inhibiting gastric acidity in patients with peptic ulcer. Fifty mg. was more effective than 25 mg. intramuscularly.2. Intragastric administration of 200 mg. of Darstine was effective in reducing gastric acidity, but not in all patients studied.3. This drug in 100 to 200 mg. doses four times a day was effective in controlling ulcer symptoms in the majority of patients intractable to routine ulcer management.4. The untoward side effects in the dosage used were minimal and consisted chiefly of slight dryness of the mouth.5. No toxic side effects of the drug were noted in this study.
Novel Folding Patterns in a Family of Oligoanthranilamides: Non-Peptide Oligomers That Form Extended Helical Secondary Structures

Anthranilamide derivatives are used as the basis for a series of novel oligomers that fold into helical secondary structures in the solid state. When combined with pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid and 4,6-dimethoxy-1,3-diaminobenzene subunits, oligoanthranilamides can be induced to take up a coiled conformation corresponding to two turns of a helix. X-ray crystallography shows that intramolecular hydrogen bonding and π−π stacking interactions are important in stabilizing the extended helical structures. Furthermore, both experimental and calculated 1H NMR methods indicate that related conformations are taken up by the oligomers in chloroform solution.
Heart rate response at the onset of exercise in an apparently healthy cohort

The exercise test is a powerful non-invasive tool for risk stratifying patients with or suspected of having cardiovascular disease (CVD). Heart rate (HR) response during and following exercise has been extensively studied. However, the clinical utility of HR response at the onset of exercise is less understood. Furthermore, conflicting reports exist regarding whether a faster vs. slower HR acceleration represents a CVD risk marker. The primary study purpose was to describe HR acceleration early in exercise in apparently healthy individuals. Retrospective analyses were performed in a sample (N = 947) representing a range of age and fitness (11–78 years; VO2peak 17–49 mL kg−1 min−1). HR response was defined over the initial 7 min of the protocol. Associations between HR acceleration and CVD risk factors were also assessed. Mean increases in HR were 18 ± 9 and 23 ± 11 beats at minute one, for men and women, respectively (p < 0.05). After adjusting for gender and pre-exercise HR, only modest associations were observed between the change in HR at minute one and body mass index, resting blood pressure, cigarette smoking, physical activity, HR reserve, and cardiorespiratory fitness. There was wide variability in HR acceleration at the onset of exercise in this apparently healthy cohort. A lower increase in HR during the first minute of exercise was associated with a better CVD risk profile, including higher cardiorespiratory fitness, in apparently healthy individuals. These data suggest a greater parasympathetic influence at the onset of exercise may be protective in an asymptomatic population.
Changes in Hepatitis B Virus DNA Levels with Acute HIV Infection

We hypothesized that acute infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) would diminish immunoregulation of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), resulting in higher blood hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated sequential HBV DNA levels in stored serum samples obtained from 9 men with CHB who acquired HIV infection. Three patterns of changes in HBV DNA levels were noted after HIV seroconversion. One man experienced the expected increase in HBV DNA, 3 men had stable HBV DNA levels, and, unexpectedly, 5 men had a mean decrease of 6.29 log10 copies/mL in the HBV DNA level, with hepatitis B e antigen no longer detectable in 4. Acute HIV infection is not consistently associated with an increased blood HBV DNA level. Additional research is needed to understand the mechanism for the unexpected reductions in HBV DNA levels associated with acute HIV infection.
Analysis of a Polytef Granuloma Mimicking a Cold Thyroid Nodule 17 Months after Laryngeal Injection

A 65–year-old female who received laryngeal injections with polytef (Teflon) paste for treatment of right vocal cord paralysis first noticed a small, right anterior neck mass 17 months later. Clinically this mass slowly progressed in size and was felt to be a recurrent carotid body tumor, but at surgery, 22 months after injection, a circumscribed nodule on the anterior right lobe of the thyroid was found and histologically diag-nosed as a foreign body granuloma. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDXA) of material in this lesion was identical to that of polytef paste, which is a mixture of pyrolyzed poly-tetrafluoroethylene and glycerine.The possibility that deaggregated smaller particles in the polytef paste were able to migrate from the injection site resulting in this neck mass is considered.
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in conjunction with surgery for the treatment of recurrent ovarian carcinoma.

Abstract Objectives To review experience of secondary surgical cytoreduction (SSC) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPHC). Methods Eligible patients with ovarian cancer in whom pre-operative evaluation indicated that there was a good possibility that disease could be resected to ≤5 mm underwent surgery followed by intraperitoneal perfusion of cisplatin (100 mg/m 2 ) or mitomycin C (30–40 mg total dose) heated to 41–43°C (105.8–109.4°F) for 90 min. Data for analysis were extracted from retrospective chart review. Results Eighteen patients underwent surgery and IPHC between 9/02 and 3/05. Characteristics were median age 64 (37–77) years, mean prior laparotomies 1.4 (0–3), mean chemotherapy regimens 3.2 (0–7), mean time from initial therapy to IPHC 30.6 (1–88) months. Original histology: papillary serous 12, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma 1, serous low malignant potential 2, mucinous 1 and mixed subtypes 2. 13 had recurrent disease and 5 had persistent disease following front-line therapy. 15 received cisplatin and 3 mitomycin C. The mean duration of surgery was 9.8 (5–16) h. The maximum dimension of residual lesions at the end of surgery prior to IPHC was nil ( n =11), ≤2 mm ( n =4), ≤5 mm ( n =2) and ≤10 mm ( n =1). Mean time to return of bowel function was 7 (5–20) days and mean time to hospital discharge 11.5 (5–49) days. All patients developed CTEP grade 1 or 2 metabolic or hematologic toxicities. CTEP grade 3 or 4 metabolic toxicity occurred in 72% and a hematologic toxicity in 28%.There was one peri-operative death due to pulmonary embolus. Median progression-free interval was 10 months and median overall survival was 31 months. Improved outcome was significantly related to the size of residual disease prior to IPHC and postoperative chemotherapy. Conclusions IPHC is a relatively well-tolerated procedure with the majority of the morbidity being related to associated surgery. When combined with SSC it has the potential to extend quality life in some patients with recurrent ovarian cancer and warrants continued research. Randomized studies are needed earlier in the course of the disease.
Experimental Study on Sulfuric Acid Leaching Behavior of Chromite with Different Temperature

Utilizing Pakistan chromite as raw material, the rapid leaching of chromium and iron could be realized by the sulfuric acid leaching process on the condition of atmospheric pressure and the addition of oxidant A. And the leaching rate of chromium and iron would be 98.5% and 71.9%, respectively. The sulfuric acid leaching processes with different temperature were systematically studied by chemical analysis and phase analysis. The results showed that, with the increase of reaction temperature, the leaching rate of chromium would increase gradually, but the leaching rate of iron increased at first and then decreases and reached its maximum at 140°C. When the temperature > 160°C, the phases of the leaching residue were magnesium iron silicate and a few of silica, no chromohercynite, chrompicotite and magnesioferrite existed in the chromite. The leaching solution of sulfuric acid leaching process could be used for preparing the basic chrome sulfate, and there is no Cr6+ in the leaching residue and solution. The results would provide theoretical guidance for solving environmental pollution problem of Cr6+ in traditional chromate production process.
Measurements of interface state density in partially- and fully-depleted silicon-on-insulator MOSFETs by a high-low-frequency transconductance method

Abstract The high-low-frequency (HLF) transconductance method is applied to determine the interface state density profile in small-geometry thick- and thin-film (fully depleted) MOSFETs formed on single-and multiple-oxygen implanted (SIMOX) Si substrates. By comparing the real part of the measured high-and low-frequency transconductance and using a static drain current-to-gate voltage measurement on a MOSFET operating in the linear region, the energy distribution of the interface state density is determined without knowing the doping profile in the channel. The results yielded the interface state density in the range of ∼5 to 10 × 1010 eV−1 cm−2 for single implanted samples and 2 × 1010 eV−1 cm−2 for multi-implanted samples. Interface state densities determined by the HLF transconductance method were found in good agreement with that determined by the charge pumping (CP) method.
Starch Yield Sensitivity of Maize Hybrids to Drying Temperature and Harvest Moisture Content

Nine maize hybrids from the 1994 crop, representing the range of hybrids grown in the U.S. central corn belt, were harvested at high 133-35 %) and low (21-22 %) moisture contents and laboratory dried at either ambient temperature (about 25 °C) or 110 °C. Similarly, nine maize hybrids from the 1995 crop were harvested at two different moisture contents and dried using either ambient temperature or 80 °C. Both sets of samples were wet-milled using a 100g laboratory procedure. Significant differences were observed between hybrids as to the effect of drying air temperature and harvest moisture content on wet-milling yields. Eight of the 9 hybrids dried at 110 °C and harvested at high moisture contents showed significantly lower starch yields (by 7.2-15,1 %) when compared to starch yields of the same hybrids dried at 110°C and harvested at low moisture contents. Results also indicated that there is a hybrid-dependent effect of high-temperature drying and harvest moisture content at 80°C drying air temperature. Starch yields of some hybrids harvested at low moisture contents are negatively affected if dried at 80 °C. However, there were mixed results on starch yields if the hybrids were harvested at high moisture contents and dried at 80 °C.
Disobedient behaviours in children with intellectual disability

AbstractBackground Teacher reports of disobedient behaviours in children with intellectual disability noted in previous investigations represent a mismatch with the typical personality profile associated with intellectual disability. We hypothesise that this contradiction arises from the frustration experienced by children with intellectual disability when faced with tasks inappropriate for their mental age.Method Children with mild to moderate intellectual disability attempted two tasks, one level‐appropriate and the other level‐inappropriate for their mental age. Results were scored on a Disobedient Behaviour Checklist.Results Compared to both the mental age and chronological age comparison groups, children with intellectual disability showed increased disobedient behaviours when faced with the level‐inappropriate task, but showed no significant differences on the level‐appropriate task.Conclusions Children with intellectual disability may be no more likely to misbehave in classroom settings than childr...
Generación de Generación: Ladino Perspectives on Relations with Indigenous Groups in Guatemala

This study is focused on Ladino (European-descent) perspectives of race-relations with indigenous groups (Mayan-descent) in Guatemala. In particular, 13 Ladino parents were interviewed regarding their perceptions on the current social status of their indigenous counterparts, on social barriers and the ways in which they socialise their children about race relations with Guatemala’s indigenous groups. Participants were recruited from Coban and El Quiche. Interviews were analysed using grounded theory. Study participants suggested that they reject categorical racism, and that governmental policies have been effective in establishing indigenous rights and mitigating social inequality. However, most participants blamed indigenous cultural practices as the cause of their oppression, and some participants indicated a concern that Ladinos are losing political power. Thus, it appears that explicit forms of racism are less socially acceptable and bias may now manifest in more subtle forms. Findings are contextuali...
Passivating ligand and solvent contributions to the electronic properties of semiconductor nanocrystals

We examine in detail the impact of passivating ligands (i.e., amines, phosphines, phosphine oxides and pyridines) on the electronic and optical spectra of Cd33Se33 quantum dots (QDs) using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) quantum-chemical methodologies. Most ligand orbitals are found deep inside in the valence and conduction bands of the QD, with pyridine being an exception by introducing new states close to the conduction band edge. Importantly, all ligands contribute states which are highly delocalized over both the QD surface and ligands, forming hybridized orbitals rather than ligand-localized trap states. In contrast, the states close to the band gap are delocalized over the QD atoms only and define the lower energy absorption spectra. The random detachment of one of ligands from the QD surface results in the appearance of a highly localized unoccupied state inside the energy gap of the QD. Such changes in the electronic structure are correlated with the respective QD-ligand binding energy and steric ligand-ligand interactions. Polar solvent significantly reduces both effects leading to delocalization and stabilization of the surface states. Thus, trap and surface states are substantially eliminated by the solvent. Polar solvent also blue-shifts (e.g., 0.3–0.4 eV in acetonitrile) the calculated absorption spectra. This shift increases with an increase of the dielectric constant of the solvent. We also found that the approximate single-particle Kohn–Sham (KS) approach is adequate for calculating the absorption spectra of the ligated QDs. Besides a systematic blue-shift, the KS spectra are in very good agreement with their respective counterparts calculated with the more accurate TDDFT method.
Anterior Visceral Endoderm Directs Ventral Morphogenesis and Placement of Head and Heart via BMP2 Expression

In amniotes, ventral folding morphogenesis achieves gut internalization, linear heart tube formation, ventral body wall closure, and encasement of the fetus in extraembryonic membranes. Impairment of ventral morphogenesis results in human birth defects involving body wall, gut, and heart malformations and in mouse misplacement of head and heart. Absence of knowledge about genetic pathways and cell populations directing ventral folding in mammals has precluded systematic study of cellular mechanisms driving this vital morphogenetic process. We report tissue-specific mouse mutant analyses identifying the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway as a key regulator of ventral morphogenesis. BMP2 expressed in anterior visceral endoderm (AVE) signals to epiblast derivatives during gastrulation to orchestrate initial stages of ventral morphogenesis, including foregut development and positioning of head and heart. These findings identify unanticipated functions for the AVE in organizing the gastrulating embryo and indicate that visceral endoderm-expressed BMP2 coordinates morphogenetic cell behaviors in multiple epiblast lineages.
Ability of surfactant hydrophobic tail group size to alter lipid oxidation in oil-in-water emulsions.

Oxidation of oil-in-water emulsion droplets is influenced by the properties of the interfacial membrane surrounding the lipid core. Previous work has shown that an important factor in the oxidation of oil-in-water emulsions is surfactant properties that impact interations between water-soluble prooxidants and lipids in the emulsion droplet. The purpose of this research was to study the impact of surfactant hydrophobic tail group size on lipid oxidation in oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by polyoxyethylene 10 lauryl ether (Brij-lauryl) or polyoxyethylene 10 stearyl ether (Brij-stearyl). The ability of iron to decompose cumene peroxide was similar in hexadecane emulsions stabilized by Brij-stearyl and Brij-lauryl. Oxidation of methyl linoleate in hexadecane emulsions containing cumene peroxide was greater in droplets stabilized by Brij-lauryl than in those stabilized by Brij-stearyl at pH 3 with no differences observed at pH 7.0. Oxidation of salmon oil was greater in emulsions stabilized by Brij-lauryl t...
CTA-enhanced perfusion CT: an original method to perform ultra-low-dose CTA-enhanced perfusion CT

Utilizing CT angiography enhances image quality in PCT, thereby permitting acquisition at ultra-low dose. Dynamic CT acquisitions were obtained at 80 kVp with decreasing tube current–time product [milliamperes × seconds (mAs)] in patients suspected of ischemic stroke, with concurrent CTA of the cervical and intracranial arteries. By utilizing fast Fourier transformation, high spatial frequencies of CTA were combined with low spatial frequencies of PCT to create a virtual PCT dataset. The real and virtual PCT datasets with decreasing mAs were compared by assessing contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and noise and PCT values and by visual inspection of PCT parametric maps. Virtual PCT attained CNR and SNR three- to sevenfold superior to real PCT and noise reduction by a factor of 4–6 (p < 0.05). At 20 mAs, virtual PCT achieved diagnostic parametric maps, while the quality of real PCT maps was inadequate. At 10 mAs, both real and virtual PCT maps were nondiagnostic. Virtual PCT (but not real PCT) maps regained diagnostic quality at 10 mAs by applying 40 % adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) and improved further with 80 % ASIR. Our new method of creating virtual PCT by combining ultra-low-dose PCT with CTA information yields diagnostic perfusion parametric maps from PCT acquired at 20 or 10 mAs with 80 % ASIR. Effective dose is approximately 0.20 mSv, equivalent to two chest radiographs.
Diabetes: Statins for microvascular complications—all but the kidney

A new study shows that statin therapy before diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is not associated with an increased risk of microvascular disease and might even be beneficial for retinopathy and neuropathy. These data suggest a potential protective effect of statins in specific complications, which should be further investigated in randomized controlled trials.
Use of a second-generation CA125 assay in gynecologic patients.

Objective: To determine the correlation between the widely used CA125 assay and a second-generation assay, CA125 II, in a large population of women to determine the utility of measuring CA125 levels in the diagnosis of benign gynecologic disease. Methods: A total of 822 patients who presented to a gynecology clinic completed a medical questionnaire and underwent a physical examination. Blood samples were obtained to determine serum CA125 levels. Hospital charts were reviewed, and diagnoses were correlated with serum CA125 levels as measured by the CA125 and CA125II assays. Results: CA125 and CA125 II assay values were highly correlated within four subject categories: age, ethnicity, smoking history, and menstrual category. Mean values decreased with increasing age but were unchanged across ethnic groups and cigarette-smoking status. When means were compared for results of the second-generation and current assays, little difference was found in the age, ethnicity, and smoking categories. Mean serum CA125 values on the CA125 II assay exceeded those on the CA125 assay when obtained during the menstrual and follicular/luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, but they did not differ in anovulatory, pregnant, and menopausal women or in those patients taking hormonal medications. CA125 levels were elevated on both assays in women with fibroids and were higher on the CA125 II assay than on the CA125 assay in women with benign ovarian cysts. Conclusions: Serum CA125 levels obtained using the CA125 II assay are closely correlated with those obtained using the more familiar CA125 assay. In the diagnosis of benign gynecologic disease, the usefulness of a single serum level measured with the newer CA125 II assay was the same as that of a single CA125 assay level.
Odor control for land application of lime stabilized biosolids

Over three million dry metric tons of biosolids produced in the United States are land applied as Class B. Lime stabilization is employed for biosolids treatment at approximately 20% of the wastewater treatment plants because it is a simple and inexpensive process. During lime stabilization, the pH of sewage sludge is raised above 12 for pathogen inactivation and odor reduction. Lime dose and mixing have been found to greatly reduce odor generation from lime stabilized biosolids. A better quality biosolids product is less likely to create public opposition to land application programs. In this study, land application tests using Class B biosolids were conducted in order to determine whether better mixing can reduce odor generation during the land application of lime stabilized biosolids. The mixing quality of a treatment plant’s lime stabilized biosolids was improved by relocating the lime addition point, which prolonged the mixing time and produced a better mixed biosolids product. Based on field observations of land application, the poorly mixed biosolids were more odorous and offensive prior to incorporation. However, once incorporated into the soil, there was no appreciable odor difference between the biosolids. Another land application study was conducted to assess the odor of unincorporated Class A biosolids and compare it with incorporated Class A biosolids with the soil.
Pulse Combustion Rockets for Space Propulsion Applications

Abstract : Pulse combustion propulsion devices are currently being considered as alternatives to conventional constant-pressure engines. Potential advantages include reduction or elimination of pumps and/or compressors, and improved Isp for a given feed system supply pressure. In this paper a model is presented for a monopropellant-fueled, constant-volume, pulse combustor which includes finite-rate processes. A zero-dimensional model is used for the combustion chamber and a one-dimensional, quasi-steady approximation is used for the nozzle flow. The liquid spray is assumed to have a log-normal distribution of spherical droplets and the reaction rate is based on a strand burner correlation. This model was developed as a tool for designing an experimental rocket. In this paper it is used to explore the time and dimensional scales of the problem and to predict the performance and optimal geometry. The pulsed propulsion device is found to have nearly identical specific impulse as the steady-state engine operating with the same mass flow and throat area, furthermore, the nozzle optimizes at the same area ratio. Pulsed combustor behavior is found to depend on two time scales: the ratio of the heat release time to the chamber blow- down time, and the ratio of the blow-down time to the injector pulsing period. Finally, the model is used to assess potential benefits of pulsed engines for satellite applications. We briefly consider the application of pulse combustion devices in pressure-fed satellite propulsion systems and examine the effect on satellite mission.
Hysteroscopy for infertile women: a review

Hysteroscopy is widely performed in infertile women. A review of peer-reviewed, published literature from the PubMed database on uterine intracavitary pathology, proximal tubal occlusion, failed in vitro fertilization procedures, and first trimester miscarriages of infertile women was performed to examine the importance, feasibility, and success rates of diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy when evaluating and treating these conditions.