cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single Port Access (SPA™) technique: video summary

The Single Port Access (SPA) technique offers a novel approach to minimally invasive abdominal surgery [1–2]. Using standard instrumentation, laparoscopic procedures can be performed entirely through the umbilicus in a similar fashion to standard multiport procedures. Utilizing subcutaneous flaps, very low-profile trocars, and standard instruments, we have demonstrated a platform that allows ‘‘independence of motion’’ for each of three instruments and a camera in a wide array or laparoscopic procedures, including cholecystectomy, colon resection, GE jxn procedures, hysterectomy, splenectomy, and adrenalectomy [3–6]. This technique allows the entire incision to be hidden within the umbilicus. In addition, based on standard instrumentation, the technique can be learned in a stepwise progression from multiport to Single Port Access surgery [1, 3–6]. This video demonstrates the technique as it applies to cholecystectomy.
Technical Performance Scores are strongly associated with early mortality, postoperative adverse events, and intensive care unit length of stay—analysis of consecutive discharges for 2 years

Objectives Previous work in our institution has indicated that the Technical Performance Score (TPS) is highly associated with early outcomes in select subsets of procedures and age groups. We hypothesized that the TPS could predict early outcomes in a wide range of diagnoses and age groups. Methods Consecutive patients discharged from January 2011 to March 2013 were prospectively evaluated. The TPS was assigned according to the discharge echocardiographic findings and the need for reinterventions in the anatomic area of interest. Case complexity was determined using Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) categories. Early mortality and postoperative adverse events were recorded. Relationships between the TPS and outcomes were assessed after adjusting for the baseline patient characteristics. Results The median age of the 1926 patients was 1.8 years (range, 0 days to 68 years). Bypass was used in 1740 (90%); 322 (17%) were neonates, 520 (27%) infants, 873 (45%) children, 211 (11%) adults. TPS was class 1 (optimal) in 956 (50%), class 2 (adequate) in 584 (30%), and class 3 (inadequate) in 226 (12%); 160 patients (8%) could not be scored. A total of 51 early deaths (2.6%) and 111 adverse events (5.7%) occurred. On univariate analysis, age, RACHS-1 category, and TPS were significantly associated with mortality and the occurrence of adverse events. On multivariate modeling, class 3 (inadequate) TPS was strongly associated with mortality (odds ratio, 16.9; 95% confidence interval, 6.7-42.9; P P P Conclusions The TPS is strongly associated with early outcomes across a wide range of ages and disease complexity and can serve as important tool for self-assessment and quality improvement.
Decadal Variations of North Atlantic Sea Surface Temperature in Observations and CMIP3 Simulations

Abstract This study evaluates the ability of the global climate models that compose phase 3 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3) to simulate intrinsic decadal variations detected in the observed North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) record via multichannel singular spectrum analysis (M-SSA). M-SSA identifies statistically significant signals in the observed SSTs, with time scales of 5–10, 10–15, and 15–30 yr; all of these signals have distinctive spatiotemporal characteristics and are consistent with previous studies. Many of the CMIP3 twentieth-century simulations are characterized by quasi-oscillatory behavior within one or more of the three observationally motivated frequency bands specified above; however, only a fraction of these models also capture the spatial patterns of the observed signals. The models best reproduce the observed quasi-regular SST variations in the high-frequency, 5–10-yr band, while the observed signals in the intermediate, 10–15-yr band have turned out to ...
Estimating moving target information using single-channel synthetic aperture radar (SAR)

Simultaneously estimating position x and velocity v of moving targets using only the measured phase ' from single-channel SAR is impossible because the mapping from (x, v) to φis many-to-one. This paper defines classes of equivalent target motion and solves the GMTI problem up to membership in an equivalence class using single-channel SAR phase data. Definitions are presented for endo- and exo-clutter that are consistent with the equivalence classes, and it is shown that most target motion can be detected, i.e. the set of endo-clutter targets is very small. We exploit the sparsity of moving targets in the scene to develop an algorithm to resolve target motion up to membership in an equivalence class, and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique using simulated data.
After the Black Arts Movement

This essay attempts to locate the historical significance of Black Arts as a potent, widely social modernism, unlike the cafe/salon confines of the Paris model. The Black Arts and Black Aesthetics movements were at the center of a rupture of misidentified blackness left over from the American Apartheid epoch. Vertiginously brilliant and highly self-conscious, the Black Arts core leadership held sharply defined notions of mission and success, sometimes undervaluing the impact of Black Aesthetics as its critical-theoretical ally in academe and the culture industry. That core did not always recognize personal, geographic, or gender variations of its shared revolts. In this century the fixed branding of this renovative movement has to be opened to creative streams it never envisioned, some of which it provoked and others it only shared in exciting, revolutionary, postcolonial times.
Identification of Surface Residues on Niemann-Pick C2 Essential for Hydrophobic Handoff of Cholesterol to NPC1 in Lysosomes

Water-soluble Niemann-Pick C2 (NPC2) and membrane-bound NPC1 are cholesterol-binding lysosomal proteins required for export of lipoprotein-derived cholesterol from lysosomes. The binding site in NPC1 is located in its N-terminal domain (NTD), which projects into the lysosomal lumen. Here we perform alanine-scanning mutagenesis to identify residues in NPC2 that are essential for transfer of cholesterol to NPC1(NTD). Transfer requires three residues that form a patch on the surface of NPC2. We previously identified a patch of residues on the surface of NPC1(NTD) that are required for transfer. We present a model in which these two surface patches on NPC2 and NPC1(NTD) interact, thereby opening an entry pore on NPC1(NTD) and allowing cholesterol to transfer without passing through the water phase. We refer to this transfer as a hydrophobic handoff and hypothesize that this handoff is essential for cholesterol export from lysosomes.
Laparoscopic resection of a nonparasitic liver cyst.

The spectrum of treatment options for symptomatic, benign, nonparasitic hepatic cysts has ranged from percutaneous aspiration to liver transplantation. Most large series have demonstrated that complete resection of the cyst is associated with the lowest rate of recurrence. However, a conventional open laparotomy may subject these patients to unacceptable morbidity given the benign nature of most of these lesions.
Long-term forecasting and the problem of large-scale wars☆

Abstract This article considers the relation between the world population in successive 30-year periods from 1815 and the number and proportion of that population killed in large-scale wars during that time. Estimates for the period 1966–1995, and 1996–2025 are considered which suggest rather a more pessimistic future for our planet than is found in the typical surprise-free extrapolations which dominate long-term forecasting literature.
Retinopathy of prematurity in the United States

Aims To determine the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) based upon a national database and to identify baseline characteristics, demographic information, comorbidities, and surgical interventions. Methods The National Inpatient Sample, a representative sample of all US hospital discharges from 1997 to 2002, was queried for all newborn infants with and without ROP. Primary outcome variables included demographics, comorbidities, hospital length of stay (LOS), and hospital charges. Multivariate logistic regression was used to predict risk factors for ROP. Results 4.67 million live births were recorded during the study period. The total incidence of ROP was 0.12% overall and 7.35% for premature infants with LOS greater than 14 days. Newborns with ROP were more likely to be born at a teaching hospital and to have higher LOS and hospitalisation charges. The odds ratios for the development of ROP were greatest in infants weighing less than 1250 grams. The multivariate regression model revealed that only respiratory distress and intraventricular haemorrhage were predictive of the development of ROP and Hispanic infants were 33% more likely to develop ROP. Conclusion This study represents the largest cohort of newborns analysed for ROP. The multivariate analysis emphasised the role of birth weight in extended-stay infants, as well as Hispanic race, respiratory distress syndrome, and intraventricular haemorrhage.
Agreement of parent and teacher rating scales with comprehensive clinical assessments of attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity

Forty-one clinic-referred children were given the DSM-III diagnosis of attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADD/H) based on structured diagnostic interviews of the child and mother and on two teacher and two parent rating scales. The degree of agreement between diagnostic classification of ADD/H based solely on criterion scores on each rating scale and classification based on the comprehensive clinical assessments that included use of the same rating scaleswas assessed by comparing the ratings of the 41 children with ADD/H to those of 47 clinic-referred children given other diagnoses or no diagnosis. The accuracy of classification was highly similar across scales. Increasing the cutoff score increased the acing “true positives.” Using the point of intersection of these two curves to choose the optimal cutoff scores resulted in 70–75% accurate classification and 25–30% misclassification of children given clinical diagnoses of ADD/H. This rate of misclassification suggests that rating scales alone should not be used to classify ADD/H for most clinical and research purposes, especially because the method of comparison used in this study favored finding a high degree of correspondence.
The effect of season on protostelid communities.

Colonization of protostelids in microhab- itats of forests and grasslands during the winter is lower than in the summer. During the winter, colo- nization and species richness are greater in the litter than in the aerial microhabitat, whereas during the summer colonization is similar between the aerial and the litter microhabitat. The number of colonies of several species is depressed in the winter when compared to the summer. Prominent examples in- clude Protostelium mycophaga, Soliformovum irregular- is, aerial species, and Schizoplasmodiopsis pseudoendos- pora, a litter species. However, two species, Schizo- plasmodiopsis vulgare and Nematostelium ovatum, are more abundant in the winter.
Forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) hypermethylation is associated with diesel exhaust exposure and risk for childhood asthma

Kelly J. Brunst, Ph.D.1,2,†, Yuet-Kin Leung, Ph.D.2,3, Patrick H. Ryan, Ph.D.1,2,4, Gurjit K. Khurana Hershey, M.D., Ph.D.5, Linda Levin, Ph.D.1,2, Hong Ji, Ph.D.5, Grace K. LeMasters, Ph.D.1, and Shuk-Mei Ho, Ph.D.2,3,6 1Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3223 Eden Avenue, Kettering Building, Cincinnati, OH 2Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3223 Eden Avenue, Kettering Building, Cincinnati, OH 3Division of Environmental Genetics and Molecular Toxicology, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3223 Eden Avenue, Kettering Building, Cincinnati, OH 4Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7037, Cincinnati, OH 5Division of Asthma Research, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7037, Cincinnati, OH 6Cincinnati Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Merit Scholar, 3200 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH
Spectrophotometric and serosystematic comparison of three species of Aedes mosquitoes

1. 1. Fourth-instar larvae of three Aedes species, A. sierrensis, A. triseriatus and A. taeniorhynchus, were compared serologically and spectrophotometrically. The antiserum to A. sierrensis was used in the spectrophotometric quantitation of homologous and heterologous precipitin reactions. 2. 2. A. sierrensis shares a greater degree of serological correspondence with A. triseriatus than with A. taeniorhynchus. 3. 3. Quantitative serological evidence suggests that A. sierrensis is systematically closer to A. triseriatus (subgenus Finlaya) than to A. taeniorhynchus (subgenus Ochlerotatus). 4. 4. The placement of A. sierrensis in subgenus Finlaya is considered to be more accurate than its placement in subgenus Ochlerotatus.
Influence of early or late dietary restriction on life span and immunological parameters in MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr mice

Abstract Reduced food intake doubles and even triples the life span of (NZB X NZW)F1 (B/W) mice and greatly influences of food intake while keeping vitamin and mineral intake constant in mice of the MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL/l) strain. Restriction of food intake greatly prolongs life. This influence also was seen when dietary restriction was imposed later in life. Dietary restriction inhibited development of lymphoproliferative disease and greatly decreased the numbers of cells in thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen. It also delayed development of glomerulonephritis and maintained certain immunological responses. Proliferative responses to phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen, or allogeneic spleen cells were maintained in the mice fed a low-calorie diet from 6 wk. Imposing diet at 12 wk had a lesser influence than earlier restriction. These dietary influences did not depress formation of anti-DNA antibodies or circulating immunocomplexes. MRL/l mice show an apparently extremely low production of interleukin 2, and dietary restriction increased the capacity of lymph node cells but not spleen cells to produce this immunomodulator.
What's in a name? Clerical representations of Parisian beguines (1200-1328)

Abstract This article examines how Parisian university clerics responded to the city's communities of beguines (uncloistered religious women), highlighting in particular the ways in which clerics employed the term ‘beguine’ in sermons and preaching material from thirteenth-century Paris. Because the beguines were not hidden behind convent walls but were instead a visible presence in the city, they were often the focus of Parisian clerics' ideas about religious women. Sermons preached, composed, and copied in Paris reveal the process by which Parisian medieval thinkers constructed, although not always consciously, a negative meaning for the term ‘beguine.’ Always poorly defined, ‘beguine’ evoked a wide variety of meanings and associations for clerical observers in medieval Paris. The varied ideas about and images of the beguine allowed the Parisian intellectual elite to include these women in discussions of their own position in society as clerics in charge of the religious instruction of the laity. Clerics used the beguine as an example of the contemplative life, often comparing their own intellectual approaches to religious knowledge with the beguines' mystical knowledge. These positive comparisons, however, were joined by negative accusations when clerics expressed concern that the beguine thought too highly of her spiritual gifts.
Optical Properties of a Liquid-Crystalline Random Copolyester

We have investigated the optical properties of Vectra A910, a commercially produced liquid-crystalline copolyester consisting of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid subunits. The p...
Transnational capitalism and hydropolitics in Argentina : the Yacyretá high dam

What does a multi-billion-dollar dam mean to the majority of local people living in precarious social and economic conditions? In this study of a large-scale international infrastructure project, Ribeiro found one answer: the prevailing model of development must change. He demonstrates why and how development, in the context of the Yacyreta High Dam in Argentina, has not been able to bring about well-being on a sustainable basis for most people affected by the project. He maintains that development, which he calls "economic expansion, " is played on a field of political and economic struggle where the players who start the action keep the advantage. He links development projects more closely to the needs of national and international elites than to the local populations, and he coins the term "consortiation" to describe the interaction among capitalist agencies involved in the projects. This is the first anthropological work to study a large-scale infrastructure project from within. While Ribeiro analyzes the different power groups who competed for access to and control of the high dam, he also shows how the dam modified the social and physical landscape and examines the rise of a new kind of nomadic laborer with a distinct identity, the bicho de obra (work site animal). Social scientists, regional planners, engineers, diplomats, and environmentalists will find this book useful.
A quantitative automated technique for the determination of diazotizable imidazole compounds in biological material.

Abstract A quantitative automated apparatus is described for the simultaneous determination of a number of diazotizable imidazole compounds in the same sample of biological material. Its use in the analysis of urine, plasma and extracts of body tissues is illustrated., In practice, the biological fluid or tissue extract is applied to an ion-exchange column adn a buffer gradient of increasing pH and ionic strength is used to separate the various imidazole compounds. The resulting eluate automatically is made alkaline, diazotized, and the color produced is determined by continous photometry. The results are plotted automatically on a recording microammeter.
Theory of femtosecond ellipsometry in Ge at 1.5 eV

Abstract Intense photoexcitation of a semiconductor using femtosecond laser pulses affects its optical properties. We consider the transient photoinduced changes Δe to the dielectric function e of bulk Ge after excitation with 100-fs laser pulses at 1.5 eV creating a carrier density of 4×10 18 cm −3 due to three mechanisms: (i) diffusion of carriers from the surface into the bulk, (ii) relaxation of carriers in momentum space, and (iii) many-body effects, including band gap renormalization, collisional broadening, screening of the excitonic Coulomb enhancement, and band filling.
Transient creep in natural and synthetic, iron-bearing olivine single crystals: Mechanical results and dislocation microstructures

Abstract This study examines transient creep of single crystals of both natural and synthetic iron-bearing olivine under uniaxial compression (0.1 MPa confining pressure and loads of 25–30 MPa) at high temperature (1650 K) and controlled oxygen fugacity. Natural samples were obtained from San Carlos, Arizona and synthetic crystals were grown at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Samples were deformed in the [110] c and [101] c orientations, corresponding to the softest and intermediate strength orientations, respectively, as determined from steady-state creep tests. Dislocation microstructures were examined for samples unloaded at 0%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 5% strain. At 0% strain the dislocation density and morphology were lower and less complex in the synthetic olivine than in San Carlos samples. Nearly all microstructures initially present in undeformed material were overwritten by 0.1% strain. With further straining, little change in microstructure occurred to the 5% strain limit tested here. Dislocation microstruc- tures in [101] c samples were consistent with the activation of the [100](001) and [001](100) slip systems. Microstruc- tures formed in [110] c samples matched those expected from activation of a single slip system, [100](010). These slip systems are the same as those identified as responsible for steady-state creep under similar temperature, oxygen fugacity and stress conditions. Both natural and synthetic crystals deformed under constant stress in [101] c showed normal strain hardening with initial strain rates about an order of magnitude higher than those at 5% strain. After an initial high strain rate that was roughly equal in both sample types, the synthetic samples deformed at higher rates than the natural crystals. Crystals in the [110] c orientation deformed in a strikingly different manner. San Carlos olivine showed inverse or strain-softening creep in the first 1–2% strain, after which there is weak evidence suggesting a change to strain-hardening behavior. The temporal strain behavior of synthetic olivine in [110] c is strongly sigmoidal. An inflection point at 1% strain marks the change from inverse to normal transient creep. In the [110] c orientation, steady-state creep was not attained for synthetic samples in the 5% strain limit tested here. These results imply that anisotropic transient creep may exist in the upper mantle, complicating rheological models of post-glacial rebound. The transient creep observed in the [110] c orientation illustrates that the strain- hardening Burgers body model is not universally applicable. The (100)[010] slip system is not always the softest system in the transient regime. Strain may initially be accommodated primarily in the [100](001), [001](100) duplex system. Finally, the transient regime has been shown to extend to several percent strain (in the [110] c . orientation), making transient creep potentially important in modelling initial post-glacial rebound.
The Formic Acid-Trifluoroacetic Acid Bimolecule. Gas-Phase Infrared Spectrum and Computational Studies

The gas-phase FT-IR spectrum of the formic acid-trifluoroacetic acid (FA-Tfa) hydrogen-bonded complex, or bimolecule, was obtained by numerical analysis of the FT-IR spectrum of a mixture of FA and Tfa vapors. Nineteen out of 24 vibrational modes predicted by ab initio frequency calculations to occur in the mid-IR range (400-4000 cm - 1 ) were observed as well-defined absorbance peaks, with the other five occurring as complex or overlapped regions. Several hydrogen-bond-influenced vibrations of each monomer were identified, including C=O stretching and COH in-plane and OH out-of-plane bending. These occurred at 1701, 1403, and 871 cm - 1 , respectively, for FA, and at 1774, 1325, and 942 cm - 1 , respectively, for Tfa. The hydrogen bond donated by Tfa in the bimolecule appears to be stronger than that in the Tfa dimer, while the FA-donated hydrogen bond is weaker than that in the FA dimer. Geometry optimization and vibrational frequency calculations were carried out at 21 levels of theory up to B3LYP/aug-cc-PVDZ. All levels of theory predicted an unsymmetrical complex, with hydrogen bond distances of 1.608 A and 1.706 A donated by Tfa and FA, respectively, and the corresponding O...O distances of 2.620 A and 2.704 A (B3LYP/aug-cc-PVDZ). These values differ from the symmetrical, or nearly symmetrical, structure derived from microwave spectra (Costain and Srivastava, J. Chem. Phys. 1964, 41, 1620-1627; Martinache et al. Chem. Phys. 1990, 148, 129-140). In agreement with previous experimental findings, the bimolecule was predicted to be more stable than either homodimer, with a calculated ΔH c o m p l e x a t i o n of -14.2 kcal/mol (B3LYP/aug-cc-PVDZ). Mulliken population analysis predicted a polar complex with a transfer of 0.02-0.03 protons from Tfa to FA and a predicted dipole moment of 2.3-2.4 D, depending on the level of theory. The combined spectroscopic and computational evidence indicates that in this complex the Tfa-donated hydrogen bond is strengthened more than the FA-donated hydrogen bond is weakened.
Effect of Diacetyl on Foodborne Microorganisms

A set of 70 organisms consisting of 9 lactic acid bacteria, 14 non-lactic gram positives, 16 yeasts, 6 molds, 12 pseudomonads, and 13 nonpseudomonad gram negative bacteria was tested on plate count agar (PCA) at pH 5.0 to 8.0 and in the presence of varying concentrations of diacetyl. All organisms were more sensitive to diacetyl at a pH of 7.0 and below than at pH 8.0 with the greatest sensitivity at pH 5.0. The lactic acid bacteria were the most resistant while the pseudomonads were the most sensitive. Excluding the lactic acid bacteria, 300 ppm completely inhibited 95, 90, 85, and 43% respectively at pH 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0. Using PCA at pH 6.0, three Gram negative bacteria were inhibited by 86 ppm in pour plates while 6 of 7 nonlactic cultures were inhibited by 172 ppm. The compound was shown to be effective in fresh ground beef.
Rapid free chlorine decay in the presence of Cu(OH)2: chemistry and practical implications.

Abstract A rapid reaction between free chlorine and the cupric hydroxide [Cu(OH) 2 ] solids commonly found on pipe walls in premise plumbing can convert free chlorine to chloride and rapidly age Cu(OH) 2 to tenorite (CuO). This reaction has important practical implications for maintaining free chlorine residuals in premise plumbing, commissioning of new copper pipe systems, and maintaining low levels of copper in potable water. The reaction stoichiometry between chlorine and Cu(OH) 2 is consistent with formation of CuO through a metastable Cu(III) intermediate, although definitive mechanistic understanding requires future research. Natural levels of silica in water (0–30 mg/L), orthophosphate, and higher pH interfere with the rate of this reaction.
The distribution of F-actin in cells isolated from vertebrate retinas

Filamentous actin has been localized in isolated retinal neurons and glia using fluorescent phallotoxin. Photoreceptors, bipolar cells, horizontal cells, amacrine cells and Muller (glial) cells were isolated by gentle enzymatic digestion of frog, lizard, rabbit, rat and cat retinas. The cells were then fixed in paraformaldehyde and stained with rhodamine-phalloidin. The patterns of fluorescence recorded were specific for each cell type. All interneurons had spots of bright fluorescence along dendrites and (or) axon terminals, probably corresponding to synaptic sites. Horizontal cells and Muller cells had a continuous subplasmalemmal layer of fluorescence throughout; this layer was also present in bipolar cells, but only in the region of cytoplasm at the base of the dendrites. Muller cells also had bright fluorescence in their apical mierovilli and terminal web and associated with the zonulae adhaerentes junctions between Muller cells and photoreceptors. All photoreceptors exhibited fluorescence in their synaptic terminals, in a ring just sclerad to the nucleus (corresponding to zonulae adhaerentes junctions formed with Muller cells), and in cables running longitudinally in the inner segment. Frog photoreceptors also had fluorescent calycal processes alongside their outer segments. Rods from mammals and Xenopus had distinct spots of fluorescence at the outer segment base in a region that suggests involvement with morphogenesis of new outer-segment dise membrane.
Optimal probabilistic design of seismic dampers for the protection of isolated bridges against near-fault seismic excitations

Abstract A probabilistic, simulation-based framework is presented in this paper for risk assessment and optimal design of supplemental dampers for multi-span bridge systems supported on abutments and intermediate piers through isolation bearings. The adopted bridge model explicitly addresses nonlinear characteristics of the isolators and the dampers, the dynamic behavior of the abutments, and the effect of pounding between the neighboring spans against each other as well as against the abutments. Nonlinear dynamic analysis is used to evaluate the bridge performance, and a realistic stochastic ground motion model is presented for describing the time history of future near-fault ground motions and relating their characteristics to the seismic hazard for the structural site. A probabilistic foundation is used to address the various sources of structural and excitation uncertainties and ultimately characterize the seismic risk for the bridge. This risk is given by the expected value of the system response over the adopted probability models. Stochastic simulation is used for evaluating the multi-dimensional integral representing this expected value and for performing the associated optimization when searching for the most favorable damper characteristics. An efficient probabilistic sensitivity analysis is also established for identifying the importance of each of the uncertain model parameters in affecting the overall risk. An illustrative example is presented that considers the design of nonlinear viscous dampers for the protection of a two-span bridge.
A γ-ray tomographic scanner for imaging voidage distribution in two-phase flow systems

Abstract A computed tomographic scanner using γ-rays has been implemented for the measurement of void fraction and its distribution in two-phase flow systems such as fluidized beds and bubble columns. The automated scanner is capable of imaging flows in test sections between 2.5 cm and 45.0 cm in diameter. The developed system hardware, the adopted algorithm for image reconstruction and possible sources of error in measurement are discussed. Typical results for void fraction distribution in bubble columns are presented.
Planning and budgeting in publishing: The link with marketing

Publishing companies have embraced strategic, business, and market planning, but may not fully grasp its potential. This article describes their applications in a publishing environment, focusing on fundamental information required if the process is to have a beneficial outcome, as well as risks for the organization if planning is poorly conceived.
Proteolysis of the class II-associated invariant chain generates a peptide binding site in intracellular HLA-DR molecules.

Abstract HLA-DR molecules are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins that associate intracellularly with a polypeptide known as the invariant (I) chain. Shortly before expression of the HLA-DR alpha beta dimer on the cell surface, however, the I chain is removed from the intracellular alpha beta I complex by a mechanism thought to involve proteolysis. In this report, we show that treatment of purified alpha beta I with the cysteine proteinase cathepsin B results in the specific proteolysis of the HLA-DR-associated I chain in vitro. As a consequence of this, the I chain is removed and free alpha beta dimers are released from alpha beta I. Although alpha beta I fails to bind an immunogenic peptide, the released alpha beta dimers acquire the ability to bind the peptide after proteolysis of the I chain. These results suggest that the I chain inhibits immunogenic peptide binding to alpha beta I early during intracellular transport and demonstrate that proteolysis is likely to be the in vivo mechanism of I chain removal.
Shear in the lower crust during extension: not so pure and simple

Abstract As lower crustal reflectivity appears to be related to extension, it is sensible to consider the role of the lower crust in the extension of the lithosphere and, in particular, the way the lower crust deforms. The occurrence of transparent zones wrapped around by reflective bands can be interpreted as low-strain regions enclosed within anastomosing, shear zones, suggesting that deformation in the lower crust is by the relative movements of low-strain lozenges along acoustically reflective, high-strain zones. Although this deformation can easily accommodate bulk pure shear, it can also develop during bulk simple shear. A component of subhorizontal simple shear within the lower crust is necessary if deformation in the mantle is localised into shear zones with the geometry and distribution imaged on BIRPS profiles. The lower crust may be the critical link in the lithosphere, transferring deformation between the relatively strong upper crust and upper mantle and being strongly sheared in the process. The form of this shearing is a direct consequence of the way the entire lithosphere extends.
Architectural and building features disparity and preservation of structural and fabrics integrity

Purpose – This paper aims to identify and discuss those architectural and building features associated with certain faults and defects, and by implication, impact preservation of buildings' structural and fabrics integrity.Design/methodology/approach – Building condition survey and analysis was conducted.Findings – It was observed that the differing structural and fabrics integrity of these buildings overtime was connected most significantly to their different roofing styles and features.Research limitations/implications – Investigation was limited to two distinct buildings located on the same block at Hampton University, Virginia, USA.Practical implications – This finding underscores the importance of choosing and designing features of buildings with their operation, maintainability, and life‐cycle preservation in mind, if structural and fabrics integrity must be maintained, and sustainability achieved, while restoration dollars are saved.Originality/value – Ilozor et al.'s building defects cause‐effects...
Critical care nurses’ moral distress in end-of-life decision making

Moral distress is a phenomenon in which a healthcare professional perceives an ethically preferable or morally right course of action to take, but internal or external constraints make it nearly impossible to pursue that course. Although healthcare professionals’ moral distress has been studied for over twenty years, we have not reached a point of full understanding and appreciation of this complex phenomenon. Attempts to define moral distress and refine our understanding of it have been frustrated by tendencies to interchange or mislabel very distinct—yet related—concepts. A comprehensive knowledge base of root causes and the interrelationships between individual and team or system factors is timely and critical. We qualitatively interviewed 29 healthcare professionals of various backgrounds in two intensive care units at a tertiary, academic medical center with the goal of understanding interrelationships between team and individual factors of moral distress. Herein, we report our findings with regard to nurses’ moral distress and suggest a list of practical strategies to mitigate this moral distress. Normal 0 7.8 磅 0 2 false false false EN-US ZH-CN X-NONE
A hierarchical multiscale framework for problems with multiscale source terms

This paper presents a hierarchical multiscale framework for problems that involve multiscale source terms. An assumption on the additive decomposition of the source function results in consistent decoupling of the fully coupled system and constitutes the new method. The structure of this decomposition is investigated and its mathematical implications are delineated. This method results in variational embedding of fine-scale information that is derived from the fine-scale equations, in the corresponding coarse-scale equations. It therefore provides a mathematically consistent way of bridging information between disparate spatial scales in the response function that are induced by multiscale forcing functions.
Higher order Z1 effects in heavy ion stopping powers and ranges

Abstract We have measured the ranges of energetic ( E 1 ⩽ 2.5 MeV/amu) heavy ions ( Z 1 = 14, 28, 79) in thick targets ( Z 2 = 29, 47, 82). The results suggest modification of current stopping power compilations. Two effects are seen, including (1) nonlinearity of stopping power vs. velocity at low velocity, and (2) changes in the location and the magnitude of the stopping power maximum. Independent thin target d E d x measurements confirm these results. The low velocity effects are reasonably well described by the calculations of Ziegler, while inclusion of higher order ( Z 1 3 , Z 1 4 ) corrections to the Bethe formula allow accurate fits to the data near the stopping power maximum.
Bubbling in vertically vibrated granular materials

GRANULAR materials show both fluid-like and solid-like behaviour. Under weak shear they deform plastically; under high shear they flow. These materials exhibit other unusual kinds of behaviour, including segregation1, density waves2, convection3 and anomalous sound propagation4. Their dynamical properties are important in many industrial applications5–7. In particular, the shaking of granular materials is used to mix, segregate and transport them. Vertically shaken granular materials undergo a transition to a convective state6–14. Here we describe experiments which show that such convective motion can involve bubbling—the formation and upward motion of voids. The presence of gas between the grains is essential for bubbling to occur, and the instability shows characteristics of a Hopf bifurcation such as is seen at the onset of chaos. This bubbling behaviour may be analogous to that observed in fluidized beds15,16, and might be expected to occur when soils are fluidized during earthquakes.
A microcalorimetric investigation of the thermodynamics of formation of the HSO4-, AlSO4+, and Al(SO4)2- ions in aqueous solutions at temperatures between 25 and 70°c

Abstract The formation constants and enthalpies of formation of the hydrogen sulfate ion anc the mono- and bisulfato complexes of aluininum(III), in aqueous solutions having ionic strengths of 1 M and temperatures ranging from 25 to 70° C, have been evaluated by microcalorimetry.
Immediate Impressions of Nonverbal Ingratiation Attempts by Learning Disabled Boys

Learning disabled and nondisabled children were videotaped while being administered a standardized interview by a young adult female. Half of the children in each group received instructions to ingratiate themselves with the interviewer, while the remaining children were told to “act naturally”. The videotapes were subsequently used in three experiments in which the nature of the observers was varied. College students, mothers, and children served as observers and were asked to rate the videotaped child on a variety of items. Videotapes were presented without sound such that the ratings were based on nonverbal behaviors. In general, it was found that observers judged learning disabled children more harshly than nondisabled youngsters.
Second‐Generation Effects of Chicago's Gautreaux Residential Mobility Program on Children's Participation in Crime

Data from the Gautreaux residential mobility program, which relocated low-income African American families from high poverty, segregated inner-city, Chicago neighborhoods into mostly European American, suburban neighborhoods, and mostly European American or mostly African American neighborhoods within Chicago, are used to assess whether children's later involvement with the Illinois criminal justice system is associated with the characteristics of their placement neighborhoods. I find that suburban placement provides a strong protective benefit for boys, primarily for drug offenses. Conversely, girls placed in suburban neighborhoods were more likely to be convicted of a criminal offense. Qualitative data indicate that children placed in the suburbs experienced a dramatic reduction in direct exposure to gangs and drugs. Children placed in higher SES neighborhoods within Chicago still attended lower performing schools and the surrounding neighborhoods offered many opportunities for participation in delinquent activities.
Determination of Boron in Biological Samples

Two sample treatment methods are evaluated to provide accurate boron determination at low concentrations in biological and botanical samples. The first approach is a hot 1M nitric acid extraction of boron from the sample. The second technique uses wet digestion with concentrated sulfuric acid. The accuracy of the procedures was demonstrated with botanical and animal reference materials (Corn Bran RM 8433 and Whole Egg Powder RM 8415). At least three results are given for each reference material. Two are direct measurements of B using independent 10B and 11B calibration curves with a Be internal reference, and the third is obtained by isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS). The 10B and 11B values are consistent for both acid treatment procedures. The IDMS results also are consistent. Overall results for Whole Egg Powder and Corn Bran RM's match the best-estimate values within their confidence intervals. These results demonstrate the ability to measure B accurately at the 0.3 µg/g concentration range. Thus, low-level B samples can be analyzed with accuracy and precision by the two approaches. These methods introduce very little dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the final solution and allow the use of large (2 g) sample aliquots. Direct introduction of biological fluids including whole blood serum also was evaluated critically for the determination of B.
An improved right sided electrical impedance method to monitor pulmonary edema

Currently commercial devices exist that monitor pulmonary edema by measuring the electrical impedance between a lead in the right ventricle (RV) and the device can. Studies have shown up to a 40% false alarm rate with these devices. We have published, using a computer model, about a three fold improvement in lung sensitivity to edema by measuring the impedance between a left ventricle lead in the coronary vein and can, which has been confirmed by others with animal experiments. New research has shown a further improvement with a new lead configuration requiring only right side heart measurements.
On/Off micro-electromechanical switching of AlN piezoelectric resonators

We report the first switchable piezoelectric resonator as a building block for a new class of adaptive and reconfigurable filters. The resonator integrates AlN contour-mode resonator and RF MEMS capacitive switch technologies to change the coupling between the RF signal electrodes and the AlN piezoelectric film. Modeling reveals that a 1.5 μm gap minimizes coupling, while a 10 nm gap couples nearly as efficiently as an electrode in intimate contact, suggesting that high contrast can be achieved using this approach. Measurements of a 400 μm × 150 μm two-port resonator demonstrate a switching ratio of 13 dB, a Q of 170, and a center frequency of 240 MHz. Research is continuing with goals of improving the device Q and switching ratio, extending the device operation to other frequencies, and extending the approach to adaptive and reconfigurable filters.
Traversing the Barrier: A Journey of Insulin from Vascular Lumen into Skeletal Muscle

Copyright: © 2013 Wang H. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Plasma insulin must traverse the vascular endothelium to reach its major sites of action on myocytes and adipocytes. In study simultaneously measuring plasma and lymphatic insulin concentrations in normal, conscious dogs during euglycemic insulin clamps it was found that the steady-state plasma insulin concentration was consistently higher than lymph with a rough ratio of 3:2 during the basal period. In addition, while plasma insulin concentration rose quickly to reach the steady-state during the insulin clamp, the lymph insulin concentration rose very slowly indicating a barrier function of the vascular endothelium. Most importantly, this study showed that the dynamics of glucose disposal correlated very strikingly with the insulin concentration in lymph but not plasma, suggesting that trans-capillary insulin transport is a rate limiting step for peripheral insulin action [1]. Consistent with this, direct injection of insulin into canine skeletal muscle in vivo was recently noted to significantly hasten the onset of muscle glucose utilization compared with intravenously delivered insulin [2]. Multiple other studies also support such an important role of vascular endothelium during insulin clamp by measurement of the insulin concentration within skeletal muscle interstitium in humans and animals using either lymphatic sampling or microdialysis methods [3-7]. Results obtained using either method indicate that even after several hours of steady state hyperinsulinemia, muscle interstitial insulin concentration is only 40-50% of that in plasma and the time course for insulin-mediated glucose disposal during the euglycemic clamp correlates strongly with interstitial but not plasma insulin concentrations. Based on these findings, it has been estimated that slow trans-endothelial insulin transport may account for 30-40% of insulin resistance seen with human obesity or type-2 diabetes [3,8,9].
Teacher Influences on Students' Attachment to School:

Research has shown that students who like school have higher academic achievement and a lower incidence of disciplinary problems, absenteeism, truancy, and dropping out of school than do those who ...
Behavioral models of Parkinson's disease in rodents: A new look at an old problem

The circuitry important for voluntary movement is influenced by dopamine from the substantia nigra and regulated by the nigrostriatal system. The basal ganglia influence the pyramidal tract and other motor systems, such as the mesopontine nuclei and the rubrospinal tract. Although the neuroanatomical substrates underlying motor control are similar for humans and rodents, the behavioral repertoire mediated by those circuits is not. The principal aim of this review is to evaluate how injury to dopamine-mediated pathways in rodents gives rise to motor dysfunction that mimics human Parkinsonism. We will examine the behavioral tests in common use with rodent models of Parkinson's disease and critically evaluate the appropriateness of each test for detecting motor impairment. We will show how tests of motor performance must be guided by a thorough understanding of the clinical symptoms accompanying the disease, the circuitry mediating dopamine deficits in rodents, and familiarity with the rodent behavioral repertoire. We will explain how investigations in rodents of skilled forepaw actions, including placing, grooming, or foot faults, have clear correlates in Parkinson's disease, and are, therefore, the most sensitive ways of detecting motor impairment following dopamine loss from the basal ganglia of rodents.