cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mobile autonomous process sampling within coastal ocean observing systems

Predicting when and where key oceanic processes will be encountered is problematic in dynamic coastal waters where diverse physical, chemical, and biological factors interact in varied and rapidly changing combinations. Defining key processes often requires efficient sampling of specific water masses and prompt sample return for subsequent analyses. This compound challenge motivated our efforts to develop mobile autonomous process sampling (MAPS) for use with autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). With this system, features are recognized by artificial intelligence that integrates AUV sensor data to estimate probabilistic states for adaptive control of survey navigation and triggering of targeted water samplers. To demonstrate the utility of the MAPS/AUV system, we focused on intermediate nepheloid layers (INLs), episodic transport events that may play a role in zooplankton ecology. During multiple field tests in Monterey Bay, California, the MAPS/AUV system recognized, mapped, and sampled INLs. Invertebrate larvae contained in the water samples were subsequently characterized with molecular probes developed for high-throughput screening. Preliminary results support the hypothesis that INLs function as vehicles for episodic larval transport. Applying MAPS within a greater coastal ocean observing system permitted description of regional oceanographic dynamics that influenced the patterns and scales of INL and larval transport.
Prostate cryoablation in patients with multiple-component inflatable penile prostheses.

Objective To evaluate and assess any inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP)-related complications in patients with organ-confined prostate cancer treated definitively with third-generation, ultrasound-guided prostate cryoablation. Material and Methods From November 2003 to October 2010, we identified 100 consecutive patients with clinically organ-confined prostate cancer who were treated with targeted cryoablation as primary or salvage therapy by a single surgeon. Review of these patients revealed 13 who had previously been diagnosed with organic erectile dysfunction and had been implanted with a multiple-component IPP by the same surgeon. To assess IPP complications related to the cryoablation procedure, we retrospectively reviewed events occurring within a 6-month postoperative follow-up period. Results For the entire series, the patient ages ranged from 42-84 years (mean 68). Of the 13 patients with IPPs, no device-related complication (eg, IPP infection, erosion, or malfunction) was found. No patient required IPP revision or removal. Conclusion Patients with organ-confined prostate cancer who also have a multiple-component IPP may safely undergo ultrasound-guided prostate cryoablation as definitive therapy. Cryoprobe and thermocouple placement must be carried out carefully, using ultrasound guidance. To avoid IPP reservoir injury, suprapubic tube placement should be avoided.
Genome anchored QTLs for biomass productivity in hybrid Populus grown under contrasting environments.

Traits related to biomass production were analyzed for the presence of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in a Populus trichocarpa 6P. deltoides F2 population. A genetic linkage map composed of 841 SSR, AFLP, and RAPD markers and phenotypic data from 310 progeny were used to identify genomic regions harboring biomass QTLs. Twelve intervals were identified, of which BM-1, BM-2, and BM-7 were identified in all three years for both height and diameter. One putative QTL, BM-7, and one suggestive QTL exhibited significant evidence of over-dominance in all three years for both traits. Conversely, QTLs BM4 and BM-6 exhibited evidence of under-dominance in both environments for height and diameter. Seven of the nine QTLs were successfully anchored, and QTL peak positions were estimated for each one on the P. trichocarpa genome assembly using flanking SSR markers with known physical positions. Of the 3,031 genes located in genome-anchored QTL intervals, 1,892 had PFAM annotations. Of these, 1,313, representing 255 unique annotations, had at least one duplicate copy in a QTL interval identified on a separate scaffold. This observation suggests that some QTLs identified in this study may have shared the same ancestral sequence prior to the salicoid genome duplication in Populus.
Quantitative tracking of passage and 3D culture effects on chondrocyte and fibrochondrocyte gene expression

Success in cartilage and fibrocartilage tissue engineering relies heavily on using an appropriate cell source. Many different cell sources have been identified, including primary and stem cells, along with experimental strategies to obtain the required number of cells or to induce chondrogenesis. However, no definitive method exists to quantitatively evaluate the similarity of the resulting cell phenotypes to those of the native cells between candidate strategies. In this study, we develop an integrative approach to enable such evaluations by deriving, from gene expression profiles, two quantitative metrics representing the nearest location within the range of native cell phenotypes and the deviation from it. As an example application to evaluating potential cell sources for cartilage or meniscus tissue engineering, we examine phenotypic changes of juvenile and adult articular chondrocytes and fibrochondrocytes across multiple passages and subsequent 3D culture. A substantial change was observed in cell phenotype due to the isolation process itself, followed by a clear progression toward the outer meniscal cell phenotype with passage. The new metrics also indicated that 3D culture moderately reduced the passage-induced deviation from the native meniscal phenotypes for juvenile chondrocytes and adult fibrochondrocytes, which was not obvious through examination of individual gene expressions. However, brief 3D culture alone did not move any of the cells towards an inner meniscal phenotype, the most relevant target for meniscal tissue engineering. This integrative approach of examining and combining multiple gene expressions can be used to evaluate various other tissue-engineering strategies to direct cells toward the desired phenotype. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concurrent Validity of Standards-Based Assessments of Teacher Candidate Readiness for Licensure:

This study examined the concurrent validity of assessments based on a prescribed set of preparation standards of teacher candidate competency. Participants were 94 candidates from a small, comprehensive liberal arts university in the northwest. Teacher candidate performance measures included a Summary Student Teaching Evaluation, an evaluation of a Teacher Work Sample (TWS), learning gain scores from P-12 students during a unit of instruction completed as part of the TWS, and State licensure content area tests. Measures of student teaching showed strong correlations internally and moderate correlations with the TWS evaluation. Measures of the TWS showed moderate correlations internally. Learning gain scores and content area test scores were weakly correlated with all other measures of candidate performance. The absence of moderate or strong correlations among different assessments suggests they are measuring different constructs supporting the use of a comprehensive set of standards-based assessments to determine candidates’ readiness for licensure.
The tap test: confirmation of a simple, rapid, inexpensive, and reliable indicator of fetal pulmonary maturity.

The tap test was previously described, and preliminary experience suggested it might be a rapid, inexpensive,, and reliable indicator of fetal lung maturity. In this expanded series of 332 patients delivered of infants within 72 hours of amniotic fluid analysis, the predictive values for mature test results at 2, 5, and 10 minutes were 98.9% (182 of 184), 97.4% (221 of 227), and 97.1% (233 of 240), respectively. Predictive values for immature test results were 41.2% (61 of 148), 54.3% (57 of 105), and 60.9% (56 of 92). For the phospholipid profile the predictive value was 96.9% (186 of 192) for a mature test result and 40.7% (57 of 140) for an immature result. These observations, coupled with its methodologic simplicity, make the tap test a good first step in a cascade scheme of tests for fetal lung maturity and a valuable test in a facility where the phospholipid profile is not available 24 hours a day. (Ann J OBSTET GYNECOL 1990;162:218-22.)
Operative management of testicular torsion: Current practice within the UK and Ireland

Several methods have been described and are currently used for fixation of testes in the operative treatment of testicular torsion. Although recurrence of torsion is generally viewed as a technical failure, the factors contributing to this failure remain unclear. This survey was conducted to establish current practice amongst paediatric surgeons in the UK and Ireland, in relation to testicular fixation, in an attempt to reflect the level of concern over the potential for recurrence as expressed in choice of procedure. The questionnaire survey indicated that 85% of paediatric surgeons use suture fixation of the testis alone or in combination with additional steps, such as eversion of the tunica vaginalis or creation of a dartos pouch, and 15% use a sutureless technique. The great majority (95%) fix the contralateral testis routinely and 85% routinely excise the appendix testis. Of the respondents, 17% have operated on a torted testis that had been previously fixed. In the absence of data from comparative trials, the method used for fixation remains a matter of personal preference. It was not possible to identify the definitive risk factors for recurrence from this study, but the use of absorbable sutures accompanied recurrence in most instances.
Investigation of anion-dependence in the spin-state switching properties of [(H2bip)2Fe(6-Mebpy)]X2

We report the syntheses, characterisations and magnetic properties of salts of the heteroleptic Fe(II) complex [(H2bip)2Fe(6-Mebpy)]X2 (X = Br (1), BPh4 (2), H2bip = 2,2′-bi-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine, 6-Mebpy = 6-methyl-2,2′-bipyridine). The ditopic H2bip ligand serves as an anion binding group while 6-Mebpy is intended to adjust the complex ligand field. Thermally induced spin-crossover properties are observed in the solid state and solution, and are heavily influenced by the nature of the anion. Anion-triggered spin-state switching is observed for the heteroleptic complex in dichloromethane solution at 193 K, above background processes of ligand dissociation and rearrangement. Although substitution of 6-Mebpy appears to increase the ligand field encountered by the Fe(II) ion, salt 2 responds to bromide at a significantly lower temperature than the parent homoleptic complex salt [Fe(H2bip)3](BPh4)2.
Environmental interaction influences muscle activation strategy during sand-swimming in the sandfish lizard Scincus scincus.

SUMMARY Animals like the sandfish lizard ( Scincus scincus ) that live in desert sand locomote on and within a granular medium whose resistance to intrusion is dominated by frictional forces. Recent kinematic studies revealed that the sandfish utilizes a wave of body undulation during swimming. Models predict that a particular combination of wave amplitude and wavelength yields maximum speed for a given frequency, and experiments have suggested that the sandfish targets this kinematic waveform. To investigate the neuromechanical strategy of the sandfish during walking, burial and swimming, here we use high-speed X-ray and visible light imaging with synchronized electromyogram (EMG) recordings of epaxial muscle activity. While moving on the surface, body undulation was not observed and EMG showed no muscle activation. During subsurface sand-swimming, EMG revealed an anterior-to-posterior traveling wave of muscle activation which traveled faster than the kinematic wave. Muscle activation intensity increased as the animal swam deeper into the material but was insensitive to undulation frequency. These findings were in accord with empirical force measurements, which showed that resistance force increased with depth but was independent of speed. The change in EMG intensity with depth indicates that the sandfish targets a kinematic waveform (a template) that models predict maximizes swimming speed and minimizes the mechanical cost of transport as the animal descends into granular media. The differences in the EMG pattern compared with EMG of undulatory swimmers in fluids can be attributed to the friction-dominated intrusion forces of granular media.
Implementation of Material Stiffness Coefficients in Finite Element Applications to Rubber

Abstract Two classes of constitutive models are widely used in the current literature to describe the general strain state of rubber under large deformations: the Invariant-based (Rivlin type) and the Principal-value based (Ogden type). However, their predictive capabilities, coupled with the finite element method, will greatly depend on the material coefficients determined from experimental stress-strain curves by nonlinear curve fitting. In addition, special care must be exercised in their numerical implementations, which is particularly true for the Ogden type models, when evaluating the material tangent stiffness coefficients. Several issues in connection with these are discussed and a number of simulations and test comparisons are presented.
Evidence for Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors on Nasal Trigeminal Nerve Endings of the Rat

The peripheral chemoreceptors of the trigeminal system in the nasal cavity are presumed to be free nerve endings arising from Adelta and C fibers. These fibers appear to be scattered throughout the nasal epithelium, and arise from the nasopalatine and ethmoid branches of the trigeminal nerve. In the present study, the effects of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) blockers on ethmoid nerve responses to nicotine and cyclohexanone were examined. Multiunit neural recordings were obtained from the ethmoid nerve of Sprague-Dawley rats. Vapor-phase nicotine (12.5 p.p.m.) and cyclohexanone (450 p.p. m.) were delivered to the rats' nares via an air-dilution olfactometer. The magnitude of the response to nicotine decreased after the administration of the nAChR blockers dihydro-beta-erythroidine hydrobromide (DHBE) and mecamylamine hydrochloride. DHBE is a competitive nicotinic receptor antagonist specific for the alpha4beta2 receptor subtype and mecamylamine is known to bind alpha3beta4 and alpha4beta2 receptors. The nAChR blockers had no effect on ethmoid nerve responses to cyclohexanone. These results suggest that the mechanism by which at least one irritant stimulates nasal trigeminal nerve endings involves the binding of irritant with a specific receptor.
Standing Internal Tides in the Tasman Sea Observed by Gliders

AbstractLow-mode internal tides are generated at tall submarine ridges, propagate across the open ocean with little attenuation, and reach distant continental slopes. A semidiurnal internal tide beam, identified in previous altimetric observations and modeling, emanates from the Macquarie Ridge, crosses the Tasman Sea, and impinges on the Tasmanian slope. Spatial surveys covering within 150 km of the slope by two autonomous underwater gliders with maximum profile depths of 500 and 1000 m show the steepest slope near 43°S reflects almost all of the incident energy flux to form a standing wave. Starting from the slope and moving offshore by one wavelength (~150 km), potential energy density displays an antinode–node–antinode–node structure, while kinetic energy density shows the opposite.Mission-mean mode-1 incident and reflected flux magnitudes are distinguished by treating each glider’s survey as an internal wave antenna for measuring amplitude, wavelength, and direction. Incident fluxes are 1.4 and 2.3 k...
Mobile computing and databases-a survey

The emergence of powerful portable computers, along with advances in wireless communication technologies, has made mobile computing a reality. Among the applications that are finding their way to the market of mobile computing-those that involve data management-hold a prominent position. In the past few years, there has been a tremendous surge of research in the area of data management in mobile computing. This research has produced interesting results in areas such as data dissemination over limited bandwidth channels, location-dependent querying of data, and advanced interfaces for mobile computers. This paper is an effort to survey these techniques and to classify this research in a few broad areas.
Relation between Asymptomatic Proteinase 3 Antibodies and Future Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Summary Background and objectives The subclinical pathogenesis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) has not been completely elucidated. Proteinase 3 (PR3) antibodies are strongly associated with GPA, but have not been evaluated before disease presentation. Design, setting, participants, & measurements This was a retrospective case-control serum bank study in which PR3antibodiesandC-reactiveprotein(CRP)inuptothreelongitudinalserumsamplesfor27GPApatientsbefore diagnosis(1day–19 years) werecompared with 27controlswhoseserumsamples werematched forage, sex, and race. This study analyzed all patients with American College of Rheumatology criteria–confirmed disease identified in the Department of Defense electronic medical records between 1990 and 2008. ResultsA greater percentage of GPA patients had at least oneelevatedPR3 antibodylevel ($6 U/ml) as well as at leastonedetectablePR3antibodylevel(.1U/ml)beforediagnosiscomparedwithmatchingcontrols(63%[17of 27] versus 0% [0 of 27], P,0.001; and 85% [23 of 27] versus 4% [1 of 27], P,0.001, respectively). A greater percentage of GPA patients had a .1 U/ml per year rate of increase in PR3 antibody level compared with matching controls (62% [21 of 26] versus 0% [0 of 26], P,0.001). PR3 antibody more frequently became elevated before CRP (67% [12 of 18] versus 33% [6 of 18], P=0.04). Conclusions Subclinical PR3 antibody presence, trajectory, and temporal relationship to CRP associates with the future diagnosis of GPA. This data set further elucidates the pathogenesis of GPA. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 8: ccc–ccc, 2013. doi: 10.2215/CJN.10411012
Program at Home: A Veterans Affairs Healthcare Program to Deliver Hospital Care in the Home

The Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center (PVAMC) participated in a research-based National Demonstration and Evaluation Study of Hospital at Home Care for Elderly Patients. PVAMC continued hospital at home care in a modified form based on the results of that research phase and feedback from patients, families, and staff. The modified clinical program (referred to as Program @ Home) provided care for the same diagnoses (exacerbation of congestive heart failure, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, community-acquired pneumonia, cellulitis) but differed from the research-based demonstration project in that it accepted patients of all ages, accepted early-discharge patients from the hospital, and provided a less-intensive physician and nursing model. In the first 42 months, 290 patients were admitted; 23% came from the emergency room, 54% were early hospital discharge, and the remainder came from an outpatient clinic or home care. Average length of stay was 3.2 days, and 37% were younger than 65. The results describe how a home hospital program has been integrated into the clinical care offerings of a managed care health system and how it supports inpatient, primary, emergency, and home care programs.
Effects of Solvent Mixtures on Dispersion of Lanthanum‐Modified Lead Zirconate Titanate Tape Casting Slurries

The effects of xylenes/ethanol solvent mixtures on lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) nonaqueous suspensions were investigated by measuring sediment height, viscosity, and adsorption of dispersant. Well-dispersed colloidal suspensions were obtained in xylene-rich solvents with a minimum amount of menhaden fish oil as a dispersant. It was also shown that adsorption of dispersant on particle surfaces strongly depends on selection of solvent(s). The ratio of solvent mixture affects PLZT solids content of unfired tapes, in which using insufficient as well as excess dispersant could decrease the packing density of particles. Solubility of other organic additives, such as binder, was also considered when selecting a xylene/ethanol ratio.
Code as Power: How the New World Order Is Reinforcing the Old

This essay is a response to the popular and somewhat simplistic belief that “digital technologies by their nature undermine the authority of existing institutions.” With the help of a few case studies from the histories of virtual identity, Internet governance, and the digital economy, this essay argues that although technology-driven disturbances to the outer layers of traditional institutions are common, such disruptions have generally been quite transient and superficial. Ultimately, powerful institutions that are introduced to new technological paradigms not only survive, but thrive--the process of adapting their outer layers to deal with technological disruptions radically strengthening their core structures and consolidating their authority.
Low power CMOS image sensor with programmable spatial filtering

In this paper, we present a current mode CMOS image sensor with programmable convolution kernels consuming 35mW of power and operating at 30 frames per second. The image sensor is composed of a 128 by 109 pixel array, digital scanning registers, and a programmable analog processing unit. Convolution of the image is performed on the read-out in the periphery of the image array using digitally programmable low power analog circuits. Difference double sampling (DDS) is performed in the digital domain in order to improve the noise characteristics of the imager. Measurements and preliminary results from the fabricated image sensor are presented.
Use of Nutritional Supplements for the Prevention and Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia

Abstract Objective: Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease. Studies have shown that several vitamins and nutritional supplements may contribute to a reduction in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This goal of this study was to document the use of vitamins and nutritional supplements that may treat or prevent hypercholesterolemia. Methods: Secondary analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III responses from 13 990 patients were available to use for making population estimates. Results: Of those individuals with a known diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia, 3.6% were taking at least one vitamin or nutritional supplement to decrease cholesterol levels. For individuals trying to prevent hypercholesterolemia, 1.2% were using one of these vitamin or nutritional supplements. Only 0.7% of individuals without or trying to prevent hypercholesterolemia used one of these specific supplements. We used multivariate analysis to control for several factors, and individuals with a diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia had an adjusted odds ratio of 2.10 (95% confidence interval, 1.38–3.21) for vitamin use compared with those without or trying to prevent high cholesterol. Those trying to prevent hypercholesterolemia had an adjusted odds ratio of 0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.48–1.00) for vitamin use compared with those without or trying to prevent high cholesterol. Conclusions: The use of vitamins and nutritional supplements that may reduce total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels is low in the United States. Future research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these products, examine the quality and purity of currently available products, and explore whether using these supplements are an adequate low-cost alternative to pharmaceuticals now available.
Radiation Test Results for Common CubeSat Microcontrollers and Microprocessors

SEL, SEU, and TID results are presented for microcontrollers and microprocessors of interest for small satellite systems such as the TI MSP430F1611, MSP430F1612 and MSP430FR5739, Microchip PIC24F256GA110 and dsPIC33FJ256GP710, Atmel AT91SAM9G20, and Intel Atom E620T, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon APQ8064.
The Arm's Length Standard: Making it Work in a 21st Century World of Multinationals and Nation States

Many transfer pricing experts argue the arm’s length standard (ALS) is “dead” and should be replaced by a formulary apportionment system that allocates the profits of a multinational enterprise among its home and host countries using a formula based on capital, labor and sales. Criticisms of the arm’s length standard fall into two categories: concerns that (1) abusive transfer pricing by multinationals is rampant, unfair and draining development; and (2) the current transfer pricing rules are difficult to implement in theory and in practice. I assume that, at least for the foreseeable future, the arm’s length standard will be the predominant method for taxing related party transactions within multinational enterprises. My focus in this paper is therefore to recommend changes within the current ALS system to improve its workability in a world of 21st century multinationals and nation states.
The pathogenesis of respiratory failure after trauma and sepsis.

Although many of the authors in this book discuss the pathogenesis of lung dysfunction, the review by Demling deserves particular scrutiny. He stretches the pertinent literature over a framework of pulmonary physiology in a fashion that is uniquely readable and understandable. With the breadth of background provided by this article, the reader is ready tor Lewis’ scholarly review of atelectasis and pneumonia and the parallel piece by Weinstein and Skillman on the overall management of respiratory failure. There is no chapter on "acute respiratory distress syndrome" (ARDS) in this book because the term is too vague and ill-defined to be helpful to the clinician. However, for those who recognize a syndrome of diffuse atelectasis combined with interstitial edema at normal hydrostatic pressure, (that is, ARDS) that disorder is discussed in these three articles. Protocols for management of respiratory failure on the surgical service at the Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, and San Francisco General Hospital are presented in this section. A Serious student of respiratory care would do well to compare the similarities and differences of the various protocols presented in this book. Good respiratory care assumes expert management of the other nonpulmonary organ systems. Waxman and Shoemaker present a protocol for such care, with reference to their own methods.
Variations in Daily Sleep Quality and Type 1 Diabetes Management in Late Adolescents

UNLABELLED OBJECTIVE : To determine how between- and within-person variability in perceived sleep quality were associated with adolescent diabetes management. METHODS A total of 236 older adolescents with type 1 diabetes reported daily for 2 weeks on sleep quality, self-regulatory failures, frequency of blood glucose (BG) checks, and BG values. Average, inconsistent, and daily deviations in sleep quality were examined. RESULTS : Hierarchical linear models indicated that poorer average and worse daily perceived sleep quality (compared with one's average) was each associated with more self-regulatory failures. Sleep quality was not associated with frequency of BG checking. Poorer average sleep quality was related to greater risk of high BG. Furthermore, inconsistent and daily deviations in sleep quality interacted to predict higher BG, with more consistent sleepers benefitting more from a night of high-quality sleep. CONCLUSIONS : Good, consistent sleep quality during late adolescence may benefit diabetes management by reducing self-regulatory failures and risk of high BG.
Development of the experimental system for measuring three-dimensional large-scale parachute flow

[Abstract] Stereoscopic Tracking Velocimetry (STV) can be developed to an unprecedented practical tool for measuring large-scale three-dimensional (3-D) flow, including parachute and parafoil aerodynamics. Our previous investigations have been confined mostly to small-to-medium-scale flow measurements in material processing and other pertinent applications. The technique is based on stereoscopic imaging of seeded particles, which flow with the fluid for 3-D position identification as velocity markers, and use of artificial neural networks for expeditious tracking of numerous markers without errors. The STV application to large-scale flow poses challenges. That is, for our parachute application, the previously employed hardware as well as software has to be reevaluated and modified for optimal performance. Firstly, the hardware needs to incorporate large-format high-speed solid state cameras. Secondly, the stereoscopic position determination of a large measurement volume requires devising special means for calibrating imaging optics. Thirdly, use of the previous small solid particles of tens-to-hundreds micrometers are inappropriate owing to gravity settling and low scattered light intensity when observed at a far distance. Fourthly, the overlapping marker-image patterns can be different in identifying individual markers. Fifthly, large volume measurement need increase seeding of markers, accordingly to provide appropriate spatial resolution in velocity measurement. This requires accommodation of special algorithms in following numerous crisscrossing marker tracks. In our effort for the STV implementation of large-scale parachute flow, we employ highresolution high-speed CMOS cameras, by seeding the measurement volume with neutrallybuoyant helium soap bubbles as velocity markers. The study here presents our newly formulated investigation results for the STV hardware, image acquisition, and data processing. Specifically, the details of the entire experimental system and preliminary test results are discussed, which include performance evaluation through computer simulation of experiments as well as mockup testing of parachute flow with a medium-scale model.
A comprehensive factorial design study of variables affecting CaCO3 scaling under magnetic water treatment.

Magnetic water treatment (MWT) could be an interesting alternative to chemical treatment to prevent scaling and has been used as an antiscaling treatment for domestic and industrial equipment. A two level-three factor (2 3 ) full factorial design was used to evaluate the effects of pH (6–7.5), flow rate (0.54–0.94) and application of a magnetic field on the induction time (IT), total precipitation (TP) rate and homogeneous precipitation (HP) rate of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) scale from hard water. The experimental results and statistical analysis show that the pH, flow rate and interaction between pH and magnetic field have negative effects on IT response. In the case of TP rate response, the magnitude of the main influence is attributed to the magnetic field, followed by pH value and their interaction. Flow rate and pH value have a negative effect on HP rate response, but their interaction has a positive effect. Within these factor ranges, these studied responses predicted by the models were in good agreement with the experimental values. The coefficient of determination ( R 2 ) for reduction time, TP ratio and HP ratio were 97.8%, 99.12% and 99.92%, respectively. These results were analyzed statistically using Minitab 15.
Supportive Evidence for Postcleavage Meiosis in Physarum Flavicomum

A statistically valid experimental method was developed to determine the numerical relationship between the number of nuclei in young developing sporangia and the number of spores ultimately produced in mature sporangia. Twice as many spores are produced as there are nuclei in young sporangia indicating that meiosis does not occur before spore cleavage. Alterations in the normal fruiting rhythms had no effect on the numerical relationship observed.
Direct Detection of Solid Inorganic Mercury Salts at Ambient Pressure by Electron-Capture and Reaction-Assisted HePI Mass Spectrometry

Solid HgCl2 is readily detected at ambient conditions by electron capture in a HePI-MS source. The captured electron occupies the empty 6 s orbital of the Hg atom. The resulting radical-anion HgCl2−• can exist as three “flexomers” of different Cl-Hg-Cl angle. The facile in-source formation of HgCl2−• and the adduct [HgCl3]–- is exploited to detect other solid Hg compounds by exposing them to an external chloride source, such as HCl, NaCl, or vapors emanating from solid TiCl3. In situ oxidation of Hg2Cl2 with H2O2 generated signals for HgCl2−• and [HgCl3] –, suggesting that oxidation makes Hg 6 s orbital available for electron capture.
AUC-BASED TESTS FOR NONPARAMETRIC FUNCTIONS WITH LONGITUDINAL DATA

Longitudinal data are very common in biomedical and clinical research, for example, CD4+ cell responses and viral load responses in AIDS clinical research. It is challenging to do inference for the whole trajectory of these longitudinal data if a parametric function is not available to model the trajectories. In this paper we develop an area-under-the-curve (AUC) based nonparametric method to compare the two groups of longitudinal data under both fixed and random designs. The proposed test does not involve any smoothing. The method is also applicable to one-sample problems. The test statistic is based on the maximum deviation of the weighted averages of AUCs between two groups. The weight functions are used to account for censored or early drop-out subjects. For both cases that the number of measurements per subject goes to infinity and is finite, we show that the test statistic processes converge weakly to Gaussian processes, where for the case of the number of measurements per subject going to infinity, a nonparametric mixed- effects model is considered. A Monte Carlo method is developed to generate the distribution of test statistics. Simulations show that the test is valid and promising. We applied the test to compare CD4+ responses over time between two treatment groups in an AIDS clinical trial.
Normative human rights cascades, North and South

AbstractThis essay submits that events preceding and leading to the establishment of the United Nations, in the 1940s, saw the emergence of foundational human rights ideas that have shaped the international order ever since. While the major wartime powers were the sponsoring actors, there were strong demands for justice and equality in countries of the South. It was a combination of Northern, Southern and NGO contributions that shaped the content of the normative human rights framework. No country came to this with fully clean hands. The leading powers sought to shield themselves from colonialism, gulags and racial segregation but had to agree to principles and norms that would triumph in the end. Southern representatives, some partly educated in the West but mostly taking their essence from their own soils, argued for high principles and norms, and then many proceeded to violate them once they had gained control of their countries. Many Latin American leaders advanced lofty principles while presiding ove...
Significance of megakaryocyte, particles and biopsy of bone marrow in diagnosis of children with atypical aplastic anemia at early stage

Objectives To explore the early diagnosis of atypical aplastic anemia(AAA)by analyzing the characteristic patterns of the megakaryocyte,particles and biopsy of bone marrow. Methods Nuclear cells of bone marrow in 16 children with AAA at early stage,15 cases with definitive diagnosis of chronic AA(CAA)were classified and 30 samples of normal bone marrow were studied as controls. Ten particles were chosen randomly from each sample of bone marrow to evaluate the area proportions of the nuclear cells in the particles and count the basophilic histiocyte and megakaryocytes. The comparison of the difference in bone marrow biopsies between these two groups were made. Results The count of megakaryocyte was significantly higher in AAA group(21.18 ± 12.02)than that in CAA group(1.93 ± 1.48),and the number of lymphocyte in AAA was significantly lower(27.82± 9.89)than that of CAA(43.78 ± 12.47)with significant differences (P 0.001=. But there were no significant differences in the area proportions of nuclear cells in the particles and the counts of basophilic histiocyte between two groups (P 0.05). However,the megakaryocyte was significantly lower(6.88%)than that of the normal controls(92%)(P 0.001=. In 91.8% of the bone marrow particles(1-12 per particle),basophilic histiocyte could be found in the AAA while none was found in the normal controls. Decrease of the hemotopoietic tissue and the increase of the fat tissue was shown in the bone marrow biopsies of both AAA and CAA. Conclusions The features of AAA at early stage are decrease of the area proportion of nuclear cells in the bone marrow particles,deficiency of megakaryocytes,and basophilic histiocyte. Bone marrow biopsies showed that hemotopoietic tissue was replaced by fat tissue.
THE AMYLOIDOGENIC PEPTIDE HUMAN AMYLIN AUGMENTS THE INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES OF EOSINOPHILS

The amyloidogenic peptides, amyloid-beta (A beta) and human amylin, are the major constituents of amyloid deposits found in patients with the chronic degenerative disorders Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes, respectively. Recent studies have shown that a variety of inflammatory proteins such as cytokines are associated with the amyloid deposits of AD brain tissues. Therefore, in the present study, we sought to determine whether A beta and/or human amylin could modulate the various inflammatory activities of eosinophils. We observed that human amylin but not A beta peptides inhibited the in vitro interleukin-5 (IL-5)-mediated survival of cord blood-derived eosinophils (CBEs) in a concentration-dependent manner. By contrast, rat amylin, a nonamyloidogenic peptide that is highly homologous to human amylin, failed to affect the IL-5-mediated survival of CBEs. Similar inhibitory effects of human amylin were observed for peripheral blood eosinophils. Human amylin also enhanced the release of the cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor by CBEs that were stimulated with the calcium ionophore A23187 but was incapable of directly stimulating CBEs to release cytokines. In addition, the A23187-induced release of the inflammatory lipid mediator leukotriene C4 by CBEs was augmented by human amylin. These results suggest that the amyloidogenic peptide human amylin is capable of amplifying the various inflammatory activities of eosinophils.
AC vs. DC over-potential testing of AC equipment

The existing equipment and testing standards for electrical power switchgear clearly define the requirement of ac over-voltage withstand testing. However, some of the field testing standards have deemed dc over-voltage as sufficient to test the dielectric strength of the insulation system and do not require an ac over-potential test. The question is whether or not dc is sufficient to test electrical distribution equipment, such as switchgear, switchboards and panel in which mounting insulators and air may be the only insulation. This paper will document a series of comparison tests in which both dc and ac voltages were used to test the dielectric strength of an air gap between conductors. It will show that a very small air gap can be significant impedance to both ac and dc. Performing both tests provides the best assurance that the insulation system will be adequate.
Solvent, force field, temperature and quantum effects on the folding free energy surface of blocked alanine tripeptide

Une etude par simulation numerique du tri-peptide bloque Ac-(Ala) 3 -NHMe, en solution aqueuse et en phase gazeuse a ete realise a T = 300K et T = 600K. La dependance en temperature de l'energie libre de repliement du peptide ainsi que les effets provenant d'un traitement quantique ont ete determine par la methode dite umbrella sampling. La coordonnee de reaction volumetrique utilisee correspond a la distance entre l'atome d'hydrogrene lie au carbone du groupement amide bloquant et l'atome d'oxygene du groupement ester bloquant Ac.
Effect of Transition From a Unit-Based Team to External Transport Team for a Pediatric Critical Care Unit.

Objective:Pediatric hospitals must consider staff, training, and direct costs required to maintain a pediatric specialized transport team, balanced with indirect potential benefits of marketing and referral volume. The effect of transitioning a unit-based transport team to an external service on the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is unknown, but information is needed as hospital systems focus on population management. We examined the impact on PICU transports after transition to an external transport vendor.Methods:Single-center retrospective review performed of PICU admissions, referrals, and transfers during baseline, post-, and maintenance period with a total of 9-year follow-up. Transfer volume was analyzed during pre-, post-, and maintenance phase with descriptive statistics and statistical process control charts from 1999 to 2012.Results:Total PICU admissions increased with an annual growth rate of 3.7%, with mean annual 626 admissions prior to implementation to the mean of 890 admissions at t...
Second harmonic generation and the dynamics of optical excitation in small particles

In several studies of second harmonic emission from isotropic suspensions it has been shown that the unusually strong signal detected from some particles, notably purple membrane material, is attributable to optical coherence within the separate particles of the suspension. As such, the emission displays an amalgam of the characteristics associated with full coherence (second harmonic generation) and incoherence (hyper-Rayleigh scattering). The principle of local additivity for the hyperpolarisabilities associated with different optical centres or chromophores within such systems leads to intriguing possibilities for materials strongly pumped by an ultrafast source. The key feature is the relationship between the hyperpolarisabilities of optical centres in their ground and electronic excited states under conditions of resonance with the applied radiation, a result which is derived from a full quantum electrodynamical treatment of the interaction. As a consequence of this relationship, the effective second order susceptibility of each domain or particle proves to be very strongly influenced by the instantaneous degree of optical excitation, and the harmonic signal acquires a temporal signature which faithfully registers the dynamics of optical excitation and decay. Thus, where a significant degree of optical excitation is established in such a system by a primary laser source, studying the characteristics of the second harmonic generated by a probe beam offers the means for direct measurement of the excited state population dynamics. It is shown that the effect is strongly dependent on the nature of the excited state damping, whose correct representation in the expressions for hyperpolarisability is crucial for analysis of the results.
Co-morbidities Rather than Age Impact Outcomes in Patients Receiving Preoperative Therapy for Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma.

Background Older patients with localized gastric adenocarcinoma (LGAC) have substantial postoperative morbidity and mortality; however, postoperative outcomes of the patients who receive preoperative chemotherapy and/or chemoradiation have not been reported. We examined the impact of age at baseline on potential predictors of postoperative outcomes.
MicroRNAs and Cancer Stem Cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that are believed to play important roles during tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis. Growing evidence has shown altered regulation of miRNAs in cancer stem cell populations. In this chapter, the expression profiles of miRNA in embryonic stem cells and cancer stem cells are summarized. The individual miRNAs which may regulate cancer stem cells and their target genes are described. Several miRNAs, including miR-302 and miR-181, function to promote the cancer stem cell phenotype. Conversely, other miRNAs including let-7, miR-145, miR-200 family, miR-203, miR-128, miR-34, and miR-199b, suppress stemness and promote differentiation of cancer stem cells. The recent evidence for a role of miRNA in regulating cancer stem cells, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cancer metastasis are described. We introduce the potential of miRNA for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics based on current tests and studies of miRNA treatment on cancer. The current challenges to apply miRNA-based cancer therapeutics are also discussed with an emphasis on recent evidence for miRNA-mediated heterotypic signals. The miRNA regulation of factors that are secreted into the blood stream creates an attractive new approach to managing miRNA-driven disease processes.
Elevated Serotonin Interacts with Angiotensin-II to Result in Altered Valve Interstitial Cell Contractility and Remodeling

While the valvulopathic effects of serotonin (5HT) and angiotensin-II (Ang-II) individually are known, it was not clear how 5HT and Ang-II might interact, specifically in the context of the mechanobiological responses due to altered valve mechanics potentiated by these molecules. In this context, the hypothesis of this study was that increased serotonin levels would result in accelerated progression toward disease in the presence of angiotensin-II-induced hypertension. C57/BL6 J mice were divided into four groups and subcutaneously implanted with osmotic pumps containing: PBS (control), 5HT (2.5 ng/kg/min), Ang-II (400 ng/kg/min), and 5HT + Ang-II (combination). Blood pressure was monitored using the tail cuff method. Echocardiography was performed on the mice before surgery and every week thereafter to assess ejection fraction. After three weeks, the mice were sacrificed and their hearts excised, embedded and sectioned for analysis of the aortic valves via histology and immunohistochemistry. In separate experiments, porcine valve interstitial cells (VICs) were directly stimulated with 5HT (10−7 M), Ang-II (100 nM) or both and assayed for cellular contractility, cytoskeletal organization and collagen remodeling. After three weeks, average systolic blood pressure was significantly increased in the 5HT, Ang-II and combination groups compared to control. Echocardiographic analysis demonstrated significantly reduced ejection fraction in Ang-II and the combination groups. H&E staining demonstrated thicker leaflets in the combination groups, suggesting a more aggressive remodeling process. Picrosirius red staining and image analysis suggested that the Ang-II and combination groups had the largest proportion of thicker collagen fibers. VIC orientation, cellular contractility and collagen gene expression was highest for the 5HT + Ang-II combination treatment compared to all other groups. Overall, our results suggest that 5HT and Ang-II interact to result in significantly detrimental alteration of function and remodeling in the valve.
Primary Cilium-Dependent Signaling Mechanisms

Primary cilia are hair-like organelles and play crucial roles in vertebrate development, organogenesis, health, and many genetic disorders. A primary cilium is a mechano-sensory organelle that responds to mechanical stimuli in the micro-environment. A cilium is also a chemosensor that senses chemical signals surrounding a cell. The overall function of a cilium is therefore to act as a communication hub to transfer extracellular signals into intracellular responses. Although intracellular calcium has been one of the most studied signaling messengers that transmit extracellular signals into the cells, calcium signaling by various ion channels remains a topic of interest in the field. This may be due to a broad spectrum of cilia functions that are dependent on or independent of utilizing calcium as a second messenger. We therefore revisit and discuss the calcium-dependent and calcium-independent ciliary signaling pathways of Hedgehog, Wnt, PDGFR, Notch, TGF-β, mTOR, OFD1 autophagy, and other GPCR-associated signaling. All of these signaling pathways play crucial roles in various cellular processes, such as in organ and embryonic development, cardiac functioning, planar cell polarity, transactivation, differentiation, the cell cycle, apoptosis, tissue homeostasis, and the immune response.