cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metastatic Uterine Leiomyosarcoma to Bone: A Clinicopathologic Study

Metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma to bone is uncommon. We report the clinicopathologic findings from 4 cases, including examples with deceptively bland radiographic and/or histopathologic features....
THE PREPARATION AND REACTIONS OF C(α),N-DILITHIOCARBOALKOXYHYDRAZONES

Condensations du dianion du titre avec l'iodomethane, la pentanone-3, le chloro-4' benzoate de methyle, des salicylates, le benzoylacetate d'ethyle ou le chloroformiate d'ethyle: obtention de divers carbazates, de pyrazolecarboxylates-1 et de pyrazolo [3,2-b] benzooxazines-1,3
A Cognitive Science View of Abhinavagupta’s Understanding of Consciousness

This paper offers a comparative analysis of the nature of consciousness correlating the insights of the 11th century Śaiva philosopher Abhinavagupta with the work of some contemporary philosophers of consciousness. Ultimately these comparisons especially bring to light possibilities for constructing a materialist paradigm that might operate from a prioritization of subjectivity rather than objectivity. I propose that the Hindu, nondual Śaivite system that Abhinavagupta lays out offers a framework that may be useful for contemporary cognitive science and philosophy of mind precisely because Abhinavagupta offers a theory for connecting the material with the phenomenal.
Effects of barrier-induced nuclear spin magnetization inhomogeneities on diffusion-attenuated MR signal.

The spatial distribution of the transverse nuclear spin magnetization, appearing in a single compartment with impermeable boundaries in a Stejskal-Tanner gradient pulse MR experiment, is analyzed in detail. At short diffusion times the presence of diffusion-restrictive barriers (membranes) reduces effective diffusivity near the membranes and leads to an inhomogeneous spin magnetization distribution (the edge-enhancement effect). In this case, the signal reveals a quasi-two-compartment behavior and can be empirically modeled remarkably well by a biexponential function. The current results provide a framework for interpreting experimental MR data on various phenoma, including water diffusion in giant axons, metabolite diffusion in the brain, and hyperpolarized gas diffusion in lung airways.
A cell-based nitric oxide reporter assay useful for the identification and characterization of modulators of the nitric oxide/guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate pathway.

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in protection against the onset and progression of various cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, the NO/guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) pathway has gained considerable attention and has become a target for new drug development. We have established a rapid, homogeneous, cell-based, and highly sensitive reporter assay for NO generated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). In a coculture system, NO production is indirectly monitored in living cells via soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) activation and calcium influx mediated by the olfactory cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) cation channel CNGA2, acting as the intracellular cGMP sensor. Using this NO reporter assay, we performed a fully automated high-throughput screening campaign for stimulators of NO synthesis. The coculture system reflects most aspects of the natural NO/cGMP pathway, namely, Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+-independent regulation of eNOS activity by G protein-coupled receptor agonists, oxidative stress, phosphorylation, and cofactor availability as well as NO-mediated stimulation of cGMP synthesis by sGC activation. The NO reporter assay allows the real-time detection of NO synthesis within living cells and makes it possible to identify and characterize activators and inhibitors of enzymes involved in the NO/cGMP signaling pathway.
Kinematic analysis of musculoskeletal structures via volumetric MRI and unsupervised segmentation

In this work we present a comprehensive approach for the kinematic analysis of musculoskeletal structures based on 4D MRI data sets and unsupervised segmentation. We applied this approach to the kinematics analysis of the knee flexion. The unsupervised segmentation algorithm automatically detects the number of spatially independent structures present in the medical image. The motion tracking algorithm is able to pass simultaneously the segmentation of all the structures which allows an automatic segmentation and tracking of the soft tissue and bone structures of knee in a series of volumetric images. Our approach requires a minimum of interactivity with the user, eliminating the need for exhaustive tracings and editing of image data. This segmentation approach allowed us to visualize and analyze the 3D knee flexion, and the local kinematics of the meniscus.
Lesjes van de Nederlanders: Little Lessons from the Dutch to Promote Educational Quality.

Using a multisite case study approach, this study explores quality assessment and accountability in Dutch university education. It describes their national system of quality assurance and the various models that are being successfully employed to implement it. It summarizes the range of apparent effects and influences that quality assurance has had on Dutch higher education. Finally, it invites comparison with American higher education to promote speculation about implications for policy and professional practice.
Hydrolysis kinetics and stability of bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane in water-ethanol solution by FTIR spectroscopy

The stability and the hydrolysis and condensation kinetics of bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane in the water-ethanol solution were investigated using FTIR spectroscopy with a transmission type cell having a very short pathlength. The pH dependence of bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane's overall stability was measured and evaluated, and a new approach was designed to calculate hydrolysis rate constants from the experimental results. Furthermore, equations involving both hydrolysis and condensation processes were solved and the calculated results were compared with experimental data.
Generalized analytic stellar stability criteria with applications to luminous stellar envelopes

Baker's one-zone model of a radiative stellar envelope is generalized here to include additional forces that can be represented as a function of only the stellar radius. The criteria for dynamical, secular, and pulsational stability against radial perturbations are derived and expressed in simple, general analytic forms. Applications are made to the outer envelopes of luminous blue variables (LBVs). The acceleration of stellar-wind mass loss has no effect on the stability criteria, but axial rotation and slowly adapting convective turbulence produce more complicated effects, depending on whether the envelope is dynamically stable or not. On the other hand, rotation and turbulence are probably very weak in most LBV outer envelopes.
Disease mutations in RUNX1 and RUNX2 create nonfunctional, dominant-negative, or hypomorphic alleles

Monoallelic RUNX1 mutations cause familial platelet disorder with predisposition for acute myelogenous leukemia (FPD/AML). Sporadic mono- and biallelic mutations are found at high frequencies in AML M0, in radiation-associated and therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome and AML, and in isolated cases of AML M2, M5a, M3 relapse, and chronic myelogenous leukemia in blast phase. Mutations in RUNX2 cause the inherited skeletal disorder cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD). Most hematopoietic missense mutations in Runx1 involve DNA-contacting residues in the Runt domain, whereas the majority of CCD mutations in Runx2 are predicted to impair CBFβ binding or the Runt domain structure. We introduced different classes of missense mutations into Runx1 and characterized their effects on DNA and CBFβ binding by the Runt domain, and on Runx1 function in vivo. Mutations involving DNA-contacting residues severely inactivate Runx1 function, whereas mutations that affect CBFβ binding but not DNA binding result in hypomorphic alleles. We conclude that hypomorphic RUNX2 alleles can cause CCD, whereas hematopoietic disease requires more severely inactivating RUNX1 mutations.
Fine-tuning the safety and immunogenicity of Listeria monocytogenes-based neonatal vaccine platforms.

Abstract We have developed virulence-attenuated strains of Listeria monocytogenes ( Lm ) that can be used as safe yet effective vaccine carriers for neonatal vaccination. Here we compare the vaccine efficacy of Lm based vaccine carrier candidates after only a single immunization in murine neonates and adults: Lm Δ( trpS actA ) based strains that express and secrete multiple copies of the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) either under the control of a phagosomal (P hly ) or cytosolic (P actA )-driven listerial promoter. While both strains induced high levels of antigen-specific primary and secondary CD8 and CD4 T cell responses, both neonatal and adult mice immunized with the phagosomal driven strain were significantly better protected against wildtype Lm challenge as compared to the naive control group than mice immunized with the cytosolic driven strains. Interestingly, only neonatal mice immunized with the phagosomal driven strains generated high IgG antibody responses against OVA. Our phagosomal driven Lm -based vaccine platform presents the broadest (cellular & humoral response) and most efficient (highly protective) vaccine platform for neonatal vaccination yet described.
Emergency medicine resident rotation in pediatric emergency medicine: what kind of experience are we providing?

OBJECTIVES To characterize emergency medicine (EM) residents' clinical experience during a pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) rotation. METHODS Prospective observational study of EM resident-patient encounters in a children's hospital emergency department (ED). RESULTS Fifty-six residents participated in the study. The mean (+/-SD) patient age was 6.3 (+/-5.6) years. Ambulatory infectious disease, respiratory illness, and wound management represented almost 50% of final diagnoses. Six and a half procedures/resident were performed per rotation, mainly nonemergent procedures, whereas resuscitations and child abuse evaluations were rare. A minority of patients required data interpretation: 34.4% had laboratory testing, 24.6% had radiographic studies, and 2.3% had electrocardiograms. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of patient encounters during a PEM rotation showed deficiencies in critical care procedures, resuscitations, child abuse evaluations, and neonatal evaluations. Quantitative data of skills utilized during rotations can be used by residency programs to identify and correct deficiencies in their residents' PEM education.
THE GOWN GLOVE INTERFACE IS A SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION. A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Background The original Charnley-type negative-pressure body exhaust suit reduced infection rates in randomized trials of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) decades ago. However, modern positive-pressure surgical helmet systems have not shown similar benefit, and several recent studies have raised the question of whether these gowning systems result in increased wound contamination and infections. The gown-glove interface may be one source of particle contamination.
Deactivation of Excited States

Nature abhors an electronically excited state and strives to convert this energy to other forms. This article is concerned with the various pathways involved in the degradation of electronic excitation to ordinary “thermal” forms, but will primarily discuss the quenching of excited states by other molecules. The authors include as examples only those phototransformations and interactions encountered in solution.
Lattice dynamics of K 2 Pt(CN) 4 Br 0.3 .3.2 D 2 O (KCP) studied by inelastic neutron scattering

The lattice-dynamical properties of the "quasi-one-dimensional conductor" ${\mathrm{K}}_{2}$Pt${(\mathrm{CN})}_{4}$${\mathrm{Br}}_{0.3}$.3.2 ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$O (KCP) has been studied by neutron inelastic scattering at temperatures between 20 and 240 K with special attention to the relation to the partial three-dimensional ordering at $T\ensuremath{\approx}100$ K. We have investigated the general lattice dynamics by measuring the acoustic-phonon dispersion relations. Secondly, extensive measurements have been carried out to clarify the nature of the excitations in the vicinity of the $2{k}_{F}$ anomaly, which are restricted to extremely narrow wave-vector regions. In these regions we present normalized intensity contours, which may be directly compared with theoretical calculations. At all temperatures below 160 K we find a maximum in the scattering at the $2{k}_{F}$ anomaly with an energy of 2.5 meV, as has recently been found by Com\`es et al. At lower temperatures the inelastic scattering becomes well separated in energy from the elastic scattering, signifying a phonon gap. We find it plausible to ascribe the apparent disappearance of this gap at higher temperatures to phonon lifetime effects, leading to the conclusion that the phonon frequency does not, at any temperature, condense to $\ensuremath{\omega}=0$. At all temperatures, we find the scattering in the $2{k}_{F}$ anomaly to be connected with the regular phonons. Furthermore, the inelastic scattering intensities at the $2{k}_{F}$ anomaly is found to vary slowly with the wave-vector component perpendicular to the Pt chains and does not seen to reflect the buildup of the transverse, static correlations at lower temperatures. Our results extend previous neutron inelastic studies in several ways, and are found to be in fair agreement with the recent infrared (ir) and Raman scattering data.
Can topographical and yield data substantially improve total soil carbon mapping by regression kriging

Accurate mapping of total soil C on the field scale is essential for evaluating efforts to sequester soil C and for providing individual producers with information on C sequestration potentials of their fields. Data on easily measured secondary variables that are strongly related to soil C are believed to be helpful in improving mapping accuracy. The objective of this study was to assess improvement in mapping accuracy due to dense topographical and long-term yield monitoring information. Approximately 1200 total C measurements at the 0- to 5-cm depth along with topographical and 7-yr crop grain yield data were collected at twelve 60- by 60-m plots at the Long-Term Ecological Research Site in Michigan. Total C was found to be significantly related to topography and 7-yr average standardized yield in all studied plots, with regression R 2 >0.5 in approximately half of the plots. Accounting for either topographical or yield information in regression kriging, however, produced only modest (<10%) improvement in mapping accuracy compared with ordinary kriging. Plots with promisingly strong relationships of total C with topography or yield were also found to be the ones where spatial distributions of total C were highly continuous, thus leading to no advantages in using regression kriging. The results indicated that under soil and topographical conditions similar to those of this study, dense topographical data or dense long-term yield data might not lead to substantial improvement in C mapping accuracy.
Existential Guilt and Preferential Treatment The Case of an Airline Upgrade

Using the context of an unexpected airline upgrade, we examined factors that influence an individual’s reaction when they are overrewarded compared to others: guilt-proneness and relationship to the other, underrewarded, individuals. Results demonstrated that for individuals high in guilt-proneness, satisfaction with the upgrade and behavioral intent may be qualified by a feeling of existential guilt when they receive benefits that others do not, particularly if they have a close relationship with those others. Our results extend the research in advantageous inequality by showing that people high in guilt-proneness tend to have a heightened sensitivity to such injustices. Our findings also have important implications for the hospitality, airline, and travel industries: for customers high in guilt-proneness, receiving an expected upgrade may, in fact, have unintended negative results. Managers can use this information to make employees aware of the potential detrimental effects of rewarding or upgrading on...
Impact of diabetes on long-term mortality following multivessel percutaneous interventions: An insight into optimal statistical analysis

Abstract Background Several studies have demonstrated better long-term outcomes with drug eluting stents (DES) as compared to bare metal stents (BMS) among diabetics with coronary artery disease (CAD). A significant heterogeneity exists with respect to the optimal statistical strategy to analyze stent related data. Methods We used our percutaneous intervention (PCI) registry to identify all diabetics with CAD, who underwent PCI on two or more vessel territories between 2003 and 2009. Long-term mortality was assessed using the social security death index. Six different analytical strategies were applied. Results A total of 1568 DES and 336 BMS interventions were encountered in 756 diabetics. Considerable differences were observed in the results between the methods applied. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach with an autoregressive correlation structure (GEE) was a robust method to account for the cluster structure, since the measurements taken through time on the same person were assumed to be highly correlated, if they were spaced more closely in time. Diabetics undergoing PCI with BMS had a significantly higher long-term mortality as compared to the patients undergoing DES-PCI [Hazard ratio (95% CI): 1.47 (1.04–2.09)]. Conclusion There is a great potential for erroneous interpretation of PCI data due to complex spatial and temporal clustering. Use of GEE with autoregressive correlation matrix and robust variance is most optimal to account for the clustered nature of the PCI related data. Using GEE, we observed that there is a 47% (4%–119%) higher hazard for mortality among diabetics undergoing BMS-PCI as compared to diabetics undergoing DES-PCI.
Backside first in head and neck surgery?: preventing pressure ulcers in extended length surgeries.

BACKGROUND: The operating room (OR) presents a high-risk environment for pressure injury. We designed a project to improve performance in the prevention of intraoperative pressure ulcers in extended length head and neck surgeries for malignancies (ELS) using a fluid mattress (RIK(R)) intraoperatively. METHODS: A descriptive design was used to monitor performance improvement in this underrecognized aspect of patient care. A fluid, pressure-reducing OR mattress (RIK) was compared with the use of a standard foam OR mattress (Skytron(R)). A convenience group of 36 consecutive patients, undergoing ELS, was included in the project. Patients were evaluated for presence or absence of a pressure ulcer immediately and 72 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Patient groups were demographically and surgically comparable at a clinical level. Pressure ulcer incidence before intervention was 21% (4 of 19). This declined to 0% after intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative pressure ulcers are a costly complication. Presence of a pressure ulcer extends time in the sick role and disrupts desired aesthetic outcomes. Use of a pressure-reducing device achieved the performance improvement objective. Implications for future research and current care are discussed. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 25-28, 2001.
Pulmonary surfactant protein A and surfactant lipids upregulate IRAK-M, a negative regulator of TLR-mediated inflammation in human macrophages.

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are exposed to frequent challenges from inhaled particulates and microbes and function as a first line of defense with a highly regulated immune response because of their...
Crop residue destruction strategies that enhance rather than inhibit reproduction of Monosporascus cannonballus

Destruction of infected crop residue is a management strategy commonly recommended for the control of many plant diseases. Based upon knowledge of the biology of the root-infecting fungus Monosporascus cannonballus, this strategy is a likely candidate for use in the management of vine decline of melons caused by this pathogen. Specifically, ascospores, the primary survival structure and inoculum for root infection, are produced on infected melon roots primarily after crop termination. Thus, destruction of infected roots prior to reproduction would be a very practical method of preventing inoculum build-up in soil. Results from this study demonstrated that two plant residue destruction methods commonly used by growers at crop termination [i.e. foliar application of a herbicide (glyphosate) and mechanical destruction of vines] significantly enhanced, relative to untreated controls, the rapidity and extent of pathogen reproduction on infected roots left in field after harvest.
NETSIM-Based Approach to Evaluation of Bus Preemption Strategies

Preemption techniques are designed to provide preferential treatment to buses at signalized intersections. Uncertainties resulting from variations in passenger boardings and unboardings at bus stops make the prediction of the exact arrival times of buses at intersections extremely difficult. A preemption strategy, if properly designed, can provide continuous green phases to buses at successive intersections. It is unfortunate that a validated technique that can be used to assess the possible consequences of signal preemption is not available. The authors present the application of a simulation model, NETSIM, to make such an assessment. NETSIM was selected because of its ability to microscopically simulate vehicular movements on a street network and its ability to track an individual vehicle from the source to the sink by the use of an animation feature. A major bus route in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was used as the experimental site. The major conclusions are that NETSIM, when properly validated, can generate delay and queue-related measures of effectiveness that are compatible with field data and that the animation feature of NETSIM can be used to assess the operational consequences of bus preemption on a series of intersections on a bus route. For the volume levels studied in the project, savings in delay along the bus route resulting from preemption exceed the increases in delay along the cross street. Further research is needed to determine whether the net savings in delay, when balanced against the costs of installing and maintaining the system and the inconvenience to motorists along the cross street, make the system worthwhile.
A Syndemic of Psychosocial Health Disparities and Associations With Risk for Attempting Suicide Among Young Sexual Minority Men

Objectives. We examined a syndemic of psychosocial health issues among young men who have sex with men (MSM), with men and women (MSMW), and with women (MSW). We examined hypothesized drivers of syndemic production and effects on suicide attempts.Methods. Using a pooled data set of 2005 and 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys from 11 jurisdictions, we used structural equation modeling to model a latent syndemic factor of depression symptoms, substance use, risky sex, and intimate partner violence. Multigroup models examined relations between victimization and bullying experiences, syndemic health issues, and serious suicide attempts.Results. We found experiences of victimization to increase syndemic burden among all male youths, especially MSMW and MSM compared with MSW (variance explained = 44%, 38%, and 10%, respectively). The syndemic factor was shown to increase the odds of reporting a serious suicide attempt, particularly for MSM (odds ratio [OR] = 5.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36, 24.39; P < ....
Hantavirus infection in the Four Corners region of USA in 1998

The deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) is the reservoir for Sin Nombre virus, the cause of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in the USA. The 1997–98 El Nino southern oscillation (ENSO) was followed by increased rainfall and increases in Peromyscus spp population densities in the Four Corners region of the southwestern USA where the states of New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah share a common intersection. 1
Computer-aided instruction for VLSI design using the NeXT workstation-phase III

North Carolina A&T State University has been implementing the CAI VLSL NeXT tool over the 2 years to support its VLSI course sequence. The research discussed in this paper presents recent additions made to the CAI VLSl NeXT-based tutorial along with other structural enhancements. The NeXT workstation was used as the workstation platform due to its ease in integrating text, graphics, images and sound to provide an interactive environment. The resulting system is a Hypercard-like video/audio system which teaches the fundamentals of VLSl design. A generic tutorial system has been created requiring the developer to input images and audio to a shell. The effectiveness of the tutorial on professors and students has been studied. Students with varying degrees of knowledge in VLSl design were questioned for their opinions on the system. The student interacted with the NeXT machine on a self-paced regiment. Topic areas were prompted with the option of going in more detail. All sessions were designed to be interactive and provided the student with audio and visual interaction. >
Increase by calcium in production of interferon by L929 cells induced with polyriboinosinate-polyribocytidylate complex.

Summary Calcium chloride (5 to 20 mm) potentiated interferon production induced by rIn:rCn in L929 mouse fibroblasts up to a thousand-fold. Higher concentrations of calcium (20 to 65 mm) mixed with rIn:rCn were associated with increased cytotoxicity and a more acidic medium, but were effective in enhancing interferon production if preparations were adjusted to a uniform pH. Although calcium increased cellular binding of 3H-rCn:rIn, only a partial correlation between binding and interferon production was observed.
Envy: Functional specificity and sex-differentiated design features

In two studies, we explore causal domains of envy and test predictions about whether it is sex differentiated in nature. Study 1 explored the contexts in which envy is most frequently experienced by men and women. Study 2 built on these results, explicitly testing predictions about sex differences in envy. The results provide needed insight into sex differences in envy and provide the basis for a deeper understanding of the function served by this unpleasant emotion.
Filamentous Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Causes Ischemic Damage to the Retina in Mice

Background and Purpose— Filamentous middle cerebral artery occlusion (fMCAO) is the most frequently used focal cerebral ischemia model in rodents. The proximity of the ophthalmic artery to the middle cerebral artery suggests that fMCAO induces retinal ischemia. We therefore tested whether fMCAO induces ischemia/reperfusion damage in retina in mice. Methods— SV129EV mice were subjected to transient (30 or 60 minutes) fMCAO followed by reperfusion under isoflurane anesthesia. Retinal perfusion was evaluated by intravenous injection of fluorescent microspheres combined with fluorescent microscopy using flat-mounted retinas. The fluorescent density of ipsilateral retina relative to contralateral retina was determined in each animal. Retinal injury was assessed by cresyl violet staining and in situ TUNEL. Results— Microsphere analysis demonstrated perfusion defect in the ipsilateral retina after 60 minutes fMCAO and effective restoration after reperfusion. Thirty minutes fMCAO did not produce evident histologi...
Walking Out on the Boys

Acknowledgment or discussion of gender harassment in medicine has historically been a taboo subject within most academic communities. These are issues that are uncomfortable to talk about and have the power to immediately polarize groups of highly intelligent people into opposite camps. As a consequence of Francis Conley's brave memoir, Walking Out on the Boys, gender harassment is no longer a topic that can be ignored by the medical community.
PatS and Products of Nitrogen Fixation Control Heterocyst Pattern

The filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 forms a developmental pattern of single heterocysts separated by approximately 10 vegetative cells. Heterocysts differentiate from vegetative cells and are specialized for nitrogen fixation. The patS gene, which encodes a small peptide that inhibits heterocyst differentiation, is expressed in proheterocysts and plays a critical role in establishing the heterocyst pattern. Here we present further analysis of patS expression and heterocyst pattern formation. A patS-gfp reporter strain revealed clusters of patS-expressing cells during the early stage of heterocyst differentiation. PatS signaling is likely to be involved in the resolution of these clusters. Differentiating cells were inhibited by PatS during the time period 6 to 12 h after heterocyst induction, when groups of differentiating cells were being resolved to a single proheterocyst. Increased transcription of patS during development coincided with expression from a new transcription start site. In vegetative cells grown on nitrate, the 5' end of a transcript for patS was localized 314 bases upstream from the first translation initiation codon. After heterocyst induction, a new transcript with a 5' end at -39 bases replaced the vegetative cell transcript. A patS mutant grown for several days under nitrogen-fixing conditions showed partial restoration of the normal heterocyst pattern, presumably because of a gradient of nitrogen compounds supplied by the heterocysts. The patS mutant formed heterocysts when grown in the presence of nitrate but showed no nitrogenase activity and no obvious heterocyst pattern. We conclude that PatS and products of nitrogen fixation are the main signals determining the heterocyst pattern.
Interactions of monensin with dietary fat and carbohydrate components on ruminal fermentation and production responses by dairy cows1

Abstract Variation in milk fat percentage resulting from monensin supplementation to lactating dairy cows could be due to altered ruminal fermentation with interactions of monensin with ruminal biohydrogenation of fat and ruminal carbohydrate availability. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of feeding monensin as Rumensin (R) in diets differing in starch availability (ground or steam-flaked corn), effective fiber (long or short alfalfa hay, LAH or SAH), and 4% fat (F) from distillers grains, roasted soybeans, and an animal–vegetable blend on ruminal fermentation characteristics and milk production in lactating dairy cows. Six ruminally cannulated lactating Holstein cows were used in a balanced 6 × 6 Latin square design with 21-d periods. The cows were fed 6 diets: (1) C=control diet with ground corn and LAH, (2) CR=C plus R, (3) CRFL=CR plus F, (4) CRFS=ground corn, R, F, and SAH, (5) SRFL=steam-flaked corn, R, F, and LAH, and (6) SRFS=steam-flaked corn, R, F, and SAH. Mean particle size of LAH was 5.00mm and 1.36mm for SAH. All diets were formulated to have 21% forage NDF and 40% NFC. The R tended to decrease DMI, decreased milk fat yield, and numerically lowered milk fat percentage (3.41 vs. 2.98%). Addition of F to R diets did not affect milk fat percentage. By feeding diets containing R and F, SAH tended to increase milk fat percentage for the ground-corn diet, but SAH tended to decrease milk fat percentage with steam-flaked corn (CRFL + SRFS vs. CRFS + SRFL). The steam-flaked corn increased total-tract NDF digestibility (CRFL + CRFS vs. SRFL + SRFS; 51.1 vs. 56%). Addition of F with R decreased total VFA concentration and increased rumen pH. Fat addition with R decreased rumen NH 3 N and MUN (12.8 vs. 13.9mg/dL), and SFC decreased NH 3 N concentration compared with ground corn. Although R caused milk fat depression, addition of F did not further exacerbate milk fat depression. Fatty acid analysis did not implicate any particular biohydrogenation intermediate as the causative factor for the milk fat depression.
Realistic energy model based energy balanced optimization for Low Rate WPAN network

In multi-hop wireless sensor networks, traffic flow patterns are often characterized by many-to-one resulting in energy imbalance. Previous research has proposed many approaches to solve this issue. However, a common limitation is to use the idealized energy model such as “first order radio model” [1], which is the idealized estimation for RF transmission energy cost of the sensor node. In this paper, a realistic and representative Low-Rate Wireless Personal Area Networks (LR-WPAN) RF transceiver energy model is developed from the measured data on Chipcon CC2420 [2]. The approach used for developing the model is general, and can be used for any radio transceiver, provided the transition times, power levels and corresponding energy cost are known. Furthermore, based on this energy model, an optimized energy balanced (OEB) transmission scheme is proposed and applied to maximize the network lifetime. To illustrate the performance of OEB, simulations show that the lifetime of a WSN using OEB scheme can last 2.2–2.5 times of that using another energy-efficient traffic plan: direct transmission with power control policy (PCP).
Future Directions of Evidence-Based Practice in Athletic Training: Perceived Strategies to Enhance the Use of Evidence-Based Practice

Context: The shift to a culture of evidence-based practice (EBP) in athletic training is a necessary step in both the optimization of patient care and the advancement of athletic trainers (ATs) as ...
Environmental Advocacy Groups' Perspectives on Carbon Capture and Storage

As the idea of carbon capture and storage (CCS) has rapidly evolved from a relatively obscure concept to an increasingly recognized potential climate change mitigation approach that could contribute to stabilizing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, environmental advocacy groups have been engaged in a limited, but growing, capacity in public discussions related to carbon storage. Given the critical role that environmental advocacy groups play in shaping public perceptions of different potential approaches to solving environmental problems and given the recognition that public perception of CCS will influence its advancement, this paper reviews the perspectives and positions of several prominent environmental advocacy groups related to CCS. While several environmental organizations have taken strong positions in favor of biological carbon storage and against the idea of oceanic carbon storage, most environmental groups have been cautiously hesitant in their public stance and assessment of the more advanced concept of injecting captured CO2 underground into natural geologic reservoirs. Concerns that CCS may detract from efforts and funds to support increased use of other existing energy technology alternatives as well as apprehension about ill-defined risks and impacts associated with storing CO2 underground have contributed to the hesitancy to support CCS.
Magnetic properties of two Au-Fe alloys☆

Abstract A large fraction of the Fe moments in Au85Fe15 is associated with magnetic clusters, indicating very strong ferromagnetic spin correlation in this alloy. The low field susceptibility maximum of Au82Fe18 is about 40 times larger than that of the 15 at.% Fe alloy, when measured under conditions preventing limitation by the reciprocal demagnetization factor. Despite the increasing ferromagnetic spin correlation with increasing Fe-content, no ferromagnetism was detected in Au82Fe18. Also the reported “magnetic phase transition” in this alloy from ferromagnetism to mictomagnetism could not be confirmed.
Optimization of thin film coatings for textured silicon solar cell above low band gap solar cell

As crystalline silicon solar cells may be approaching efficiency limits, a promising approach to further efficiency gains is a stacked, tandem system consisting of silicon and below silicon band gap cells capable of utilizing a larger range of the solar spectrum. In this work, we analyze a textured silicon cell with coatings optimized to transmit below band gap photons. For the first time, our model takes into account multiple reflections in such a transparent but light trapping cell. We find an efficiency of 26.5% is attainable, for an absolute efficiency gain of 1.3% over a standalone, light trapped silicon cell.
Kinematics of Tongue Projection in Chamaeleo Oustaleti

The kinematics of prey capture by the chamaeleonid lizard Chamaeleo oustaleti were studied using high-speed cinematography. Three feeding sequences from each of two individuals were analyzed for strike distances of 20 and 35 cm, at 30°C. Ten distances and angles were measured from sequential frames beginning approximately 0.5 s prior to tongue projection and continuing for about 1.0 s. Sixteen additional variables, documenting maximum excursions and the timing of events, were calculated from the kinematic profiles. Quantified descriptions of head, hyoid and tongue movements are presented. Previously unrecognized rapid protraction of the hyobranchial skeleton simultaneously with the onset of tongue projection was documented and it is proposed that this assists the accelerator muscle in powering tongue projection. Acceleration of the tongue occurred in about 20ms, reaching a maximum acceleration of 486 m s−2 and maximum velocity of 5.8m s−1 in 35 cm strikes. Deceleration of the tongue usually began within 5 ms before prey contract and the direction of tongue movement was reversed within 10 ms of prey contact. Retraction of the tongue, caused by shortening of the retractor muscles, reached a maximum velocity of 2.99 ms−1 and was complete 330 ms after prey contact. Projection distance influences many aspects of prey capture kinematics, particularly projection time, tongue retraction time and the extent of gape and head movements during tongue retraction, all of which are smaller in shorter feedings. Though several features of the chameleon strike have apparently been retained from lizards not capable of ballistic tongue projection, key differences are documented. Unlike members of a related family, the Agamidae, C. oustaleti uses no body lunge during prey capture, exhibits gape reduction during tongue projection and strongly depresses the head and jaws during tongue retraction. Note: Present address: Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
Health Coverage and Its Relation to the Prevalence and Intensity of Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective This study aimed to determine whether health coverage among older adults is associated with (1) the prevalence of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) and (2) disablement in those with symptomatic knee OA. Methods Data were collected from the Osteoarthritis Initiative data set 5.2.1, a cohort study of subjects with or at risk for knee OA. Prevalence of symptomatic knee OA (knee symptoms on most of the last 30 days and Kellgren-Lawrence grade >2 on knee radiograph) was compared between those with and without health coverage among subjects aged 45 to 65 years, adjusted for age and body mass index. For those with symptomatic knee OA, Physical Activity for the Elderly scores and Knee Osteoarthritis Outcomes Survey function, pain, and quality-of-life scores were compared between those with and without health coverage before and after adjustment for age and body mass index. Results Among subjects with health coverage, 27.8% had symptomatic knee OA compared with 36.1% of those without health coverage (P = 0.0204 before and P > 0.24 after adjustment). Among subjects with symptomatic knee OA with and without health coverage physical activity differed significantly (P = 0.048), as did pain (P Conclusions Lack of health coverage was not associated with the prevalence of symptomatic knee OA after adjustment. However, those with symptomatic knee OA without health coverage reported reduced physical activity, greater pain, worse functional limitations, and decreased quality of life.
Bayesian decision support for coding occupational injury data.

Abstract Introduction Studies on autocoding injury data have found that machine learning algorithms perform well for categories that occur frequently but often struggle with rare categories. Therefore, manual coding, although resource-intensive, cannot be eliminated. We propose a Bayesian decision support system to autocode a large portion of the data, filter cases for manual review, and assist human coders by presenting them top k prediction choices and a confusion matrix of predictions from Bayesian models. Method We studied the prediction performance of Single-Word (SW) and Two-Word-Sequence (TW) Naive Bayes models on a sample of data from the 2011 Survey of Occupational Injury and Illness (SOII). We used the agreement in prediction results of SW and TW models, and various prediction strength thresholds for autocoding and filtering cases for manual review. We also studied the sensitivity of the top k predictions of the SW model, TW model, and SW–TW combination, and then compared the accuracy of the manually assigned codes to SOII data with that of the proposed system. Results The accuracy of the proposed system, assuming well-trained coders reviewing a subset of only 26% of cases flagged for review, was estimated to be comparable (86.5%) to the accuracy of the original coding of the data set (range: 73%–86.8%). Overall, the TW model had higher sensitivity than the SW model, and the accuracy of the prediction results increased when the two models agreed, and for higher prediction strength thresholds. The sensitivity of the top five predictions was 93%. Conclusions The proposed system seems promising for coding injury data as it offers comparable accuracy and less manual coding. Practical Applications Accurate and timely coded occupational injury data is useful for surveillance as well as prevention activities that aim to make workplaces safer.
Experimental Techniques to Study the Effects of Nano-Scale Additives on the Burning Rates of Liquid Monopropellants

This paper presents the development of equipment and methods used to investigate the combustion behavior of liquid monopropellants with or without additives, with a focus on the authors’ recent work in nano-scale particles as burning rate modifiers in nitromethane. Nano-scale aluminum (100 nm diameter) was used to increase the overall energy of the mixture, while fumed silica powder (0.2 to 0.3 μm aggregate) was used to increase mixture thickness and encourage aluminum suspension. The effects of both added particles on the mixture burning rate were tested at chamber pressures ranging from 3 to 13 MPa, using a technique that functioned without direct observation of the burning front progression. A sensitivity analysis of this new method was performed by varying parameters such as the initial propellant mass and oxygen concentration of the pressurizing gas, proving that this technique is robust enough to remain unaffected by all input variations except the tube wall material. The measured burning rate of neat nitromethane changed significantly between carbon steel and fused quartz walls, but not in similar tests performed on nitromethane mixed with aluminum and silica powders. The close match between the burning rates of neat nitromethane gathered in this study and those taken from other groups proves the utility of this new method, while the consistently measured burning rates of the aluminum and silica mixture prove the versatility of this method when extended to test suspended-particle mixtures.
Analysis and Solution of DSP Controls for the Single-Phase UPS Parallel DC Loop-Current

In the single-phase UPS parallel operation,for system's steady operation,must have to the inverters load-sharing control.But parallel inverters the circulating current include AC and DC component.This article focuses on the research of DC loop-current and has provided one effective solution to the DC loop-current improvement.
Deterioration data of a large-scale reinforced concrete specimen with severe ASR/DEF deterioration

Abstract Limited field data are available from reinforced concrete specimens exposed to environmental conditions and subjected to severe deterioration by Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) and/or Delayed Ettringite Formation (DEF). A large-scale reinforced concrete specimen is subject to ASR/DEF deterioration for five years. Strain measurements indicate that both transverse and longitudinal reinforcement yield within six to twelve months of field exposure. Recorded surface strains compare well with the internal steel and concrete strains. Transverse expansion strains markedly exceed longitudinal expansion strains. Although ASR/DEF deterioration may cause severe surface cracking and possible reinforcement corrosion in the long-term, its effect on the structure’s load carrying capacity remains unknown at this time.
Research of a Potential Worm Propagation Model based on Pure P2P Principle

Based on pure P2P principle, a potential propagating approach of active worm which can achieve fast and self propagation performances through fragmentation mechanism is proposed in this paper. According to the features of P2P and active worm, SEI and SEIR mathematic models are given to describe the dynamical process of propagation without control and under control respectively. Simulations of these two models are carried out with scale-free network as background, since research has pointed out that Internet is very close to the scale-free network. Results of simulation and mathematic analysis prove that worm based on pure P2P principle can be still hidden and propagate effectively, although the size of worm is increased. This worm propagation model which is probably used by attackers in the future should be really paid more attention to.
Deep Soil Mixing (DSM) Columns to Improve Foundation Support for Bridge Approach Embankments

Bridge approach settlement is a common problem to the Transportation Departments nationwide. This uneven transition causes inconvenience to passengers and increases the cost of maintenance and repair of the distressed approach slabs. The Texas Department of Transportation spends millions of dollars annually to mitigate this problem across the state. The potential causes for this problem are numerous and purely site specific. Hence this problem may not have a unique solution. In an on-going research project, deep soil mixing (DSM) columns were utilized to stabilize soft subgrades and alleviate the bridge approach settlements. As a part of the assessment of DSM improvements, both embankment and foundation soils are extensively instrumented with inclinometers and extensometers to monitor for both lateral movements and settlements at different depths. Data collected from the instrumentation and a few laboratory experiments on the treated soil mixture were used to address the DSM treatment in stabilizing soft soils.
Exponential integrators in time-dependent density-functional calculations

The integrating factor and exponential time differencing methods are implemented and tested for solving the time-dependent Kohn-Sham equations. Popular time propagation methods used in physics, as well as other robust numerical approaches, are compared to these exponential integrator methods in order to judge the relative merit of the computational schemes. We determine an improvement in accuracy of multiple orders of magnitude when describing dynamics driven primarily by a nonlinear potential. For cases of dynamics driven by a time-dependent external potential, the accuracy of the exponential integrator methods are less enhanced but still match or outperform the best of the conventional methods tested.