cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of late-stage parapneumonic empyema.

Abstract Purpose: Despite the reported value of early video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for empyema, many children are still referred to the surgeon late in the disease process. The authors wished to determine the optimal management strategy for this group of children. Methods: Medical records of all children (n = 70) from 1990 to 2000 with late-presenting empyema (stage II or III) were reviewed. Patients were grouped as (G1) successful management with chest tube (CT), (G2) surgery after initial CT, (G3) thoracentesis followed by surgery, and (G4) surgery alone. Results: There were no significant differences with respect to age, gender, pleural cultures or fluid analysis. Fifty-one (73%) patients required surgical intervention. Treatment using CT (G1, G2) or thoracentesis (G3) was associated with prolonged length of stay (LOS) when compared with surgery alone (G4; 12 v 8 days). For G2, G3, and G4, rapid clinical improvement and early discharge (6 days) was seen after surgery. For all surgery groups (G2, G3, G4), video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (n = 19) was associated with a longer postoperative fever (4 v 2 days; P [lt ] .05), but a shorter total LOS (12 v 15 days; P [lt ] .05) when compared with open decortication (n = 32). Conclusions: Over 70% of children with late presenting empyema required surgery, including more than half of the children who received initial chest tube drainage. Delay in surgery was associated with more procedures, more radiographs, and an increased LOS. Despite later intervention, patients undergoing surgery as an initial approach had the shortest length of stay. Early surgical intervention is indicated for most children referred with established empyema.
Influence of Community Air Pollution on the Lungs of Mice. Part I: Hyperplasia and Hypertrophy of Type 2 Cells, and Increase in Alveolar Wall Area

AbstractColonies of 115 mice each were exposed for 43 days to the ambient outdoor atmosphere of Los Angeles (LA) and Santa Barbara (SB), cities that frequently and infrequently exceed air quality standards, respectively The air monitoring stations closest to the LA and SB vivarial sites provided data on nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and particulates. All Los Angeles air pollutants were higher than those in Santa Barbara. In particular, the 1-h average of O3 exceeded the 1985 California state O3 standard of 0.10 ppm on 21 of the 43 days, versus just 2 for Santa Barbara. The NO2 mean for LA was 4 times higher than the SB mean, 0.10 versus 0.03 ppm, respectively Image analysis measurements of Type 2 cells and alveolar walls showed the following greater measurements for the LA animals: (a) numbers of Type 2 cells (p - .05); (b) mean area of Type 2 cells (p -.06); (c) alveolar wall area (p -.001); and (d) alveolar wall perimeter (p - .001). In addition, the r...
The surface density gradient of grafted poly (ethylene glycol): preparation, characterization and protein adsorption

A surface density gradient of grafted poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains was prepared using two-phase silanization of a flat silica surface. The first step was to create the surface density gradient of isocyanatopropyldimethylsilyl groups and to hydrolyse the isocyanato moiety into an amine. These surface amines were reacted with an excess of aldehyde-terminated PEG. The PEG-silica surface was characterized by dynamic contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ellipsometry. The length of the PEG gradient region was approximately 7 mm and the thickness in air ranged from zero to 1.1 nm. The maximum surface density of the PEG layer, as calculated from ellipsometric data, amounted to an average 0.4 PEG (molecular weight Mw = 2000 Da) molecule nm−2, while the surface density average of the amine groups was 1.4 molecules nm−2, indicating that only a fraction of the surface amines reacted with aldehyde-terminated PEG. The PEG segment density profile in the gradient PEG region was computed by a self-consistent mean field theory. The PEG (Mw = 2000 Da) segments profile was not parabolic, but showed a thin depletion zone next to the surface. The influence of the surface density of the grafted PEG chains on protein repellence was tested by the adsorption of fibrinogen from solution and from a ternary protein solution mixture containing fibrinogen, albumin and immunoglobulin G. Fibrinogen adsorption onto the silica end of the gradient was extremely low, both in the presence of the other two proteins and in their absence. As the surface density of the grafted PEG chains increased, so did the fibrinogen adsorption (up to 0.024 μg cm−2). It is not clear whether this low fibrinogen adsorption resulted from the interactions of the protein with the grafted PEG chains or with residual surface amines that were available due to some imperfections in the grafted PEG layer.
Wheat glutathione S-transferase: Purification and properties

Glutathione S-transferase (EC 2.5.1 .18) is present in wheat flour (0·07 mg enzyme/g flour). It was purified by hydrophobic interaction chromatography on phenyl Sepharose CL-4B and affinity chromatography on S-hexylglutathione Sepharose 6B. The enzyme is a homodimer with subunit molecular weight of 27500 and an isoelectric point of 5·9. It conjugated glutathione (Km = 0·37 m m ) with 1-chloro2,4-dinitrobenzene with a specific activity of 30μmol/min/mg protein. Linoleic acid hydroperoxides were reduced, with a specific activity of 60 nmol/min/mg protein for the 9-hydroperoxy-trans- 10,cis-l2-octadecadienoic acid isomer. The possible contribution of glutathione S-transferase to the baking properties of wheat is discussed.
The Dead, the Living, and Those Yet to Come

Drawing on classical sociology texts, Charles Lemert explores the necessity of a sociological examination of what he calls the Society of the Dead and how its memories impact social life.
A computerized petroleum geology package

Abstract A package of computer programs that have been developed to implement an oil exploration game is described. The game is a simulation of oil exploration in the petroleum industry. Decisions are made to acquire leases and drill wells on the basis of geological knowledge and economic considerations. The programs facilitate the management of the game and enhance the learning experience.
Thermal Conductance Measurement Techniques for High-Speed Bearings in Vacuum

An experimental method has been developed at The Aerospace Corporation to determine the thermal conductance of moving bearings in vacuum. The test involves the measurement of thermal conductance of a single bearing under controlled inner race rotational speed, axial load, and thermal environment. Applications of interest include high-speed momentum wheels and flywheels. This paper covers the experimental method developed for this purpose and the techniques used to establish measurement uncertainty.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Beyond History Versus Theory Strategic Narrative and Sociological Explanation

Strategic narrative is a useful frame for the history-theory relationship in qualitative, historical research. It suggests that some stories and ways of constructing stories will promote theory building more than will others, enabling historical sociologists to help cumulate knowledge more effectively. Four aspects of strategic narrative are discussed and illustrated: (a) concurrent construction and mutual adjustment of history and theory, with each defined and built with reference to the other; (b) selection and construction of history in response to a clearly developed abstract, general theoretical backdrop, with attention to how that backdrop conditions building of history; (c) construction of a theoretical and historical anomaly as the starting point for a phased-in comparative research design, with each phase building narratives and comparisons around key events to answer specific theoretical questions, and all phases cumulating to respond to the full range of general theoretical issues motivating th...
Chemical remagnetization and clay diagenesis: testing the hypothesis in the Cretaceous sedimentary rocks of northwestern Montana

Abstract Although the migration of fluids is a likely agent of remagnetization for some chemical remanent magnetizations (CRMs), widespread CRMs, which occur in rocks that have not been altered by externally derived fluids, need to explained by another mechanism. We are testing clay diagenesis as a remagnetization mechanism for such CRMs by comparing results from Mesozoic strata in the disturbed belt of Montana where the rocks contain ordered illite/smectite that formed by moderate heating as a result of thrust loading, with equivalent strata on the adjacent Sweetgrass Arch which contain unaltered smectite-rich clay mineral assemblages. The results indicate that the magnetization in the rocks in the Sweetgrass Arch is weak and dominated by a modern viscous component. In contrast, the disturbed belt rocks have higher magnetic intensities and contain a prefolding or early synfolding, reversed tertiary magnetization that is interpreted to be a CRM residing in magnetite and perhaps pyrrhotite. A presence–absence test and the timing of acquisition for the CRM suggest that magnetite authigenesis could be related to the smectite-to-illite conversion.
A case study of the diversity culture of an American university athletic department: perceptions of senior level administrators

The topic of diversity has received considerable attention from scholars who study sport within the context of higher education in the USA. But despite this interest in the topic, an in-depth focus on how college and university athletic departments effectively manage diversity is missing from the literature. Therefore, we conducted an intrinsic case study of an American university athletic department in efforts to highlight its unique diversity culture (i.e. how it creates and sustains a culture of diversity and inclusion) and the potential impact this culture could have on its various educational stakeholders, and how they interact in this organizational or workplace setting. Findings from our qualitative case study with senior level administrators uncovered two major interrelated themes. First, this institution of higher education has a history and culture of valuing diversity, and this in turn has positively impacted the athletic department's commitment to diversity. Second, the integration of the athl...
Non-mutagenic organic pigment intermediates. I. 3,3'-dipropoxybenzidine.

Crystals of the title compound, C18H24N2O2, were grown from ethanol by slow evaporation and the structure has been determined. The mol­ecule resides on a crystallographic inversion center and the bi­phenyl moiety is essentially planar. The structure forms an infinite two-dimensional array of N—H⋯π(arene) interactions parallel to the (101) direction.
Millimeter wave spectroscopy of low-dimensional molecular metals in high magnetic fields

Abstract We have used a cavity perturbation technique to probe the electrodynamic response of various low-dimensional molecular metals in high magnetic fields. We discuss some of the technical aspects of these measurements and go on to present recent experimental data obtained in magnetic fields of up to 33 T. In addition to providing finite frequency information in this frequency range, which is highly relevant to narrow bandwidth conducting systems, we show how the extreme flexibility and sensitivity of this technique offers great potential for probing the properties of novel materials in high magnetic fields.
Methanol as a cosolvent and rate-enhancer for the oxidation kinetics of 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl decomposition in supercritical water

Experimental results and kinetic analyses are presented for the dechlorination/oxidation of the 3,3‘,4,4‘-tetrachlorobiphenyl (T4CB) congener in supercritical water (SCW) at 25.3 MPa and 673−773 K. A plug-flow reactor is employed with nominal T4CB feed concentrations of 2.97−5.48 μmol/L in methanol solutions (1.71 mmol/L) using H2O2 as the oxidant. Conversions vary from 20.2% (5.76 s at 673 K) to 99.5% (20.7 s at 773 K). The overall conversion is independent of the concentration of O2 and follows apparent second order with Arrhenius parameters of A = 1020.7±0.1 s-1 (mol/L)-1 and Ea = 219 ± 2 kJ/mol. Methanol functions as a rate enhancer by inducing a free-radical reaction pathway of consecutive dechlorinations leading to biphenyl, which then oxidizes to mineral products. Positively identified reaction intermediate products are lower chlorinated PCB congeners (3,3‘,4- and 3,4,4‘-TriCB; 3,3‘-, 3,4-, 3,4‘-, and 4,4‘-DiCB; and 3- and 4-CB), biphenyl, CO, and CO2. Successive global reaction networks with secon...
Determination of Proton Affinity Distributions for Chemical Systems in Aqueous Environments Using a Stable Numerical Solution of the Adsorption Integral Equation

Abstract A stable numerical method for the solution of the adsorption integral equation (SAIEUS) is applied to the analysis of potentiometric titration data. A continuous distribution of acidic constants is assumed. The method combines the regularization principle with the B-spline representation of the distribution function. The resolution and reliability of the method are tested on the data obtained for citric acid which is treated as an organic standard. The pK distribution obtained for citric acid consists of three well-separated narrow peaks at pK values corresponding to its pK constants. Integrated areas of the peaks are in excellent agreement with the stoichiometric composition of citric acid. The applicability of the method for characterization of the acidic properties of different materials is further demonstrated using example potentiometric titration data obtained for an ion exchanger, clay minerals, and oxidized activated carbon. The approach presented enables one to assess both qualitatively and quantitatively the number and strength of acidic sites.
Tecnología en el aula infantil. Apuntes y comentarios

This article discusses the role of technology in the early childhood classroom considering current societal needs and expectations. Rationale for its use is presented from the perspective of developmentally appropriate practices for children ages birth-8. Its role in the early childhood classroom is supported through the discussion of findings from several research studies. The role of the early childhood educator is discussed as a factor for appropriate classroom use. The need to prepare early childhood teachers in the use of technology is discussed as a factor to support its integration in the classroom. Suggestions for use of technology as part of early childhood practices are presented.
Temporality in interaction design

In this paper we argue that temporal aspects of interactions have not yet received enough attention in interaction design research. We find this lack of concern to negatively influence both interaction design practice as well as research. This paper is therefore a first attempt to explore and examine potential techniques that might be usable to describe and analyze temporality in interactions. We first discuss some existing research when it comes to temporal issues in interaction design research. Then we explore and propose some alternative ways to examine and describe temporal patterns of interaction. We propose two forms of descriptions that feature both visual and verbal components. We present a small study where these tools are used. Based on these studies we discuss in more detail the benefits of the proposed approach and how the approach con be developed and refined. We end with a brief discussion on the potential benefits of developing a greater awareness of and tools for studying temporality in the field.
Body Composition (% Fat) and Heat Stress of Well Conditioned Young Adult Males:

The physiological responses of heart rate, oxygen consumption, sweat loss, rectal temperature and mean skin temperature were monitored as eight well-conditioned young adult males were exposed to effective temperatures of 70°F, 80°F and 90°F. The body fat contents of the subjects ranged from 11.3% to 34%. The subjects pedalled a 300 kilopond meters/minute load on a bicycle ergometer for 25 minutes. Results indicate that body fat or the percent of body fat squared have a statistically significant effect on the dependent variables of oxygen consumption/lean body weight, change in heart rate, core-skin temperature gradient, and oxygen consumption/maximum oxygen consumption.
Measurements of total and positronium-formation cross sections for the scattering of positrons by alkali atoms

We present a review of our recent measurements of total cross sections (QT's) for the scattering of positrons by Na, K, and Rb, and positronium-formation cross sections (QPs's) for Na and K. For our total cross section measurements, a beam transmission technique has been used. For ourQPs measurements, our approach involves setting upper and lower limits onQPs using a combination of (1) measuring the transmission of the positron beam with the angular discrimination of the apparatus made as poor as possible, and (2) measuring the 511 keV annihilation gamma rays in coincidence produced by the decay of para-Ps formed in the scattering cell. Comparison with theoretical calculations shows that our measuredQT's andQPs's for Na and K agree reasonably well with a close coupling approximation (CCA) calculation which takes into account the formation of Ps in then=1 andn=2 states. In the 3–10 eV energy range, this calculation predicts a peak in theQT's andQPs's for K which also appears in our measurements. The absence of such a peak in our measuredQT's andQPs's (preliminary) for Na in this energy range is also consistent with the same theory. Comparisons with five-state CCA calculations ofQT which do not take Ps-formation into account also show good agreement with our positron-Na, K, and RbQT measurements for energies above 20 eV, but show dramatic departures from our measurements below 10 eV for K and Rb.
Detection of Thelohania solenopsae (Microsporidia: Thelohaniidae) in Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) by multiplex PCR

Oligonucleotide primer pairs were designed to unique areas of the small subunit (16S) rRNA gene of Thelohania solenopsae and a region of the Gp-9 gene of Solenopsis invicta. Multiplex PCR resulted in sensitive and specific detection of T. solenopsae infection of S. invicta. The T. solenopsae-specific primer pair only amplified DNA from T. solenopsae and T. solenopsae-infected S. invicta. This primer pair did not produce any amplification products from DNA preparations from uninfected S. invicta, seven additional species of microsporidia (including Vairimorpha invictae), or Mattesia spp. The Gp-9-specific primers recognized and amplified DNA from Solenopsis xyloni, Solenopsis richteri, Solenopsis geminata, the invicta/richteri hybrid, and monogyne and polygyne S. invicta, but not from T. solenopsae, and, as such, served as a positive control verifying successful DNA preparation. Multiplex PCR detected T. solenopsae in worker fire ants infected with as few as 5000 spores. Furthermore, multiplex PCR detected T. solenopsae in all developmental stages of S. invicta. However, detection could be made more sensitive by using only the T. solenopsae-specific primer pair; ants infected with as few as 10 spores were able to be discerned. Multiplex PCR detection of T. solenopsae offers the advantages of a positive control, a single PCR amplification, detection of all developmental stages, and increased sensitivity and specificity compared with microscopy.
Adjusting conformational switching behavior of helical polycarbodiimides through substituent induced polarity effects

Recent discoveries on the improved versatility of helical polycarbodiimides capable of undergoing low energy reversible conformational changes from realignment of their restricted polyarene pendant groups has led to seven new polycarbodiimides that each present unique information in regards to how the electronics and connectivity of the arene π-system play a crucial role in the behavior of these polymers. In addition to their individual anomalous behavior, this series of functional polymers unlock new answers toward the global understanding of the governing forces behind this complex switching process. Through the incorporation of functional groups covalently attached to the naphthalene pendant, dramatic changes and new application of these systems are realized. Variable temperature polarimetry is used to observe the reversible conformational changes of these chiral polymers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Leading edge film cooling heat transfer with high free stream turbulence using a transient liquid crystal image method

Abstract This paper studies film effectiveness and heat transfer coefficients on a large scale symmetric circular leading edge with three rows of film holes. The film hole configuration focuses on a smaller injection angle of 20° and a larger hole pitch with respect to the hole diameter ( P / d =7.86). The study includes four blowing ratios ( M =1.0,1.5,2.0 and 2.5), two Reynolds numbers ( Re =30,000 and 60,000), and two free stream turbulence levels (nominally Tu =1% and 20% depending on the Reynolds number). A transient liquid crystal (LC) image technique is employed to obtain the film effectiveness and heat transfer coefficient distributions with high spatial resolutions of 0.6 mm in both streamwise and spanwise directions. Results are presented for detailed and spanwise averaged values of film effectiveness and Frossling number. Turbulence intensity has an attenuation on film effectiveness as well as on Frossling number for all blowing ratios at Re =30,000. Under high turbulence conditions the film effectiveness and Frossling number increase as blowing ratio increases from 1.0 to 2.0 for both Reynolds numbers. Further increasing the blowing ratio results in reverse effect. Increasing the Reynolds number from 30,000 to 60,000 results in increases in both the film effectiveness and Frossling number at high turbulence except for M =2.5. The blowing ratio of two shows a spatial coupling of the stagnation row of film holes with the second row (21.5°) of film holes which results in the highest film effectiveness and also the highest Frossling numbers.
The Price of Vigilance

This study explores the role of the press in the gendering of political discourse and the politicization of women in San Francisco during the rule of the Vigilance Committee of 1856. Although some historians have noted the gender dimension of the reform and vigilance movement, a broader discussion is warranted. To build readership and support for his reform agenda, James King of William, editor of the Daily Evening Bulletin, used gendered political rhetoric, inviting women to participate in political debate through letters to the editor. His tactics inspired rival editors to write in gendered terms and even to include women9s voices in their columns. But women9s participation in public political debate in mainstream newspapers was short-lived. Still, their involvement in the reform and vigilance movement of 1855-1856 contributed materially to the politicization of women in San Francisco.
Enlightened Self-Interest in the Peloponnesian War: Thucydidean Speakers on the Right of the Stronger and Inter-State Peace*

The speakers in Thucydides who give voice to the sophistic thesis that might is right do not generally think that what they are releasing upon the world is a war of all against all. On the contrary, they are hopeful, like the modern utilitarians they anticipate, that their realistic assessment of human motives can serve as the foundation of an inter-state order based not on justice but on clear and certain power relations. The most perceptive of these speakers is Diodotus, who addresses his theory of imperial management to the difficult problem of the rise and fall of states. But the psychology upon which this theory rests points toward confederation in place of empire and toward constitutional government in place of democracy, run by demagogues. It also implies a reasoner, perhaps Diodotus himself, who is master of his own desires. In the end Diodotus seems somewhat at odds with the sophistic rationalism he so ably espouses.
Coated ground plane edge diffractions and amplitude patterns of coated circular apertures

In this paper, the impact of finite coated ground plane edge diffractions on the amplitude patterns in the E and H planes of circular aperture antennas is investigated. A model based upon the uniform geometrical theory of diffraction for an impedance wedge and the geometrical optics method is presented to calculate the amplitude patterns of a circular aperture antenna mounted on square and circular finite ground planes that are coated with a lossy dielectric on one face (upper face). The model is validated by comparisons of simulated results, obtained by HFSS, with experimental data.
Empirical Studies of Interactive Computer Graphics: Perceptual and Cognitive Issues

Two experiments were performed to test the effects of varying computer graphics realism cues (wireframe vs. solid figures, flat vs. smooth shading for solid figures, and one or two light sources for solid figures) on the performance of a standard cognitive task (mental rotation) and on the subjective perceived realism of the computer-generated images. In the mental rotation experiment, mean reaction times were slower for wireframe than for smooth and flat shaded images and significant effects for figure complexity and angle of rotation were shown. In the second experiment, subjective ratings of image realism indicated that wireframe images were viewed as less realistic than solid model images and that number of light sources was more important in conveying image realism to users than was the type of shading.
Students' Attitudes toward Hypothetical Chronically and Acutely Mentally and Physically Ill Individuals

To assess attitudes toward chronically and acutely mentally and physically ill individuals, 106 undergraduates read one of four vignettes describing a hospitalized individual, with each vignette di...
Two Staged Portfolio Optimizations

The primary goal of this work is to determine if an active portfolio optimization strategy utilizing a two staged optimization approach outperforms an ordinary optimization technique. Both portfolio optimization models are based on Markowitz’s Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT), which relies on assets’ mean, variance, and correlation to maximize returns at any given level of risk. For the two staged optimization approach the process of optimization is applied twice. In the first stage, it is used to select an optimal portfolio of industries, and in the second stage optimization is applied to determine an optimal portfolio consisting of stocks within each industry. Our research indicates that portfolios formed based on ordinary optimization outperforms two staged portfolios and Market indexes by 37% during a bear market (2002) and outperforms Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 by more than 13% during a bull market (2003). The performance of each model was determined by the capital gains and the dividend returns during the 2002 to 2003 time period.
Teaching and Assessing Historical Thinking: Reading Like a Historian and Beyond the Bubble

Stanford History Education Group. (2002). Stanford History Education Group: Charting the Future of Teaching the Past. Stanford, CA: Stanford University. Retrieved from https://sheg.stanford.eduThe ...
Special Track on Applied Natural Language Processing

The goal of this track is to inform researchers as to current project and studies that identify, investigate, and (begin to) resolve issues that relate to human/computer language inter- action.
Abstract W MP55: Inflammatory Biomarkers and Incident Stroke in the Framingham Offspring Study.

Background: Inflammatory cascades are believed to be involved in pathogenesis of small vessel disease and atherothrombosis. We related a comprehensive panel of inflammatory biomarkers to risk of incident ischemic stroke (IS) in a community-dwelling sample Methods: Stroke-free Framingham Offspring attending exam cycle 7 (1998-2001) had multiple serum inflammatory biomarkers measured. Fourteen biomarkers representing various components of the inflammatory cascade, including systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, tumor necrosis factor-α, tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 [TNFr2], osteoprotegerin and fibrinogen), vascular inflammation (intercellular adhesion molecule-1, CD40 ligand, P-selectin, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 mass and activity, total homocysteine [tHcy] and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) and oxidative stress (myeloperoxidase) were selected. Cox proportional hazard models were used to relate individual biomarkers to risk of incident IS. Model A included age and sex. Model B additionally adjusted for systolic blood pressure, hypertension treatment, current smoking, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and atrial fibrillation. Hazard ratios (HR) are presented as per 1 SD increment. Results: In 3224 participants (age: 61±9 years, 54% women), 98 experienced incident IS (mean follow-up of 9.8 [±2.2] years). In Model A, log-CRP (HR: 1.28 [95%CI 1.04-1.56]), log-TNFR2 (HR: 1.33 [95%CI 1.09-1.63]), tHcy (HR: 1.32 [95%CI 1.11-1.58]) and VEGF (HR: 1.25 [95%CI 1.07-1.46]) were associated with risk of incident IS. All associations, except for CRP, remained significant in Model B {log-TNFR2 (1.24 [1.02-1.51]), tHcy (1.20 [1.01-1.43]), VEGF (1.21 [1.04-1.42]) and CRP (1.13 [0.92-1.40])}. Addition of these 4 biomarkers to the clinical Framingham Stroke Risk Profile score improved stroke risk prediction (net reclassification improvement: 0.34; p<0.05 using boundaryless models). Conclusions: Higher levels of four biomarkers: CRP, tHcy, TNFR2 and VEGF increased risk of incident ischemic stroke. Further research is required to confirm their utility in improving stroke risk prediction, and explore their role as potential therapeutic targets.
An integrated silicon photonics technology for O-band datacom

A manufacturable platform of CMOS, RF and opto-electronic devices fully PDK enabled to demonstrate a 4×25 Gb/s reference design is presented. With self-aligned fiber attach, this technology enables low-cost O-band data-com transceivers. In addition, this technology can offer enhanced performance and yield in hybrid-assembly for applications at 25 Gbaud and beyond.
Optimal sterile insect release for area-wide integrated pest management in a density regulated pest population

To determine optimal sterile insect release policies in area-wide integrated pest management is a challenge that users of this pest control method inevitably confront. In this note we provide approximations to best policies of release through the use of simulated annealing. The discrete time model for the population dynamics includes the effects of sterile insect release and density dependence in the pest population. Spatial movement is introduced through integrodifference equations, which allow the use of the stochastic search in cases where movement is described through arbitrary dispersal kernels. As a byproduct of the computations, an assessment of appropriate control zone sizes is possible.
High-Precision Continuous-Flow Measurement of δ13C and δD of Atmospheric CH4

We describe our development of a CH4 preconcentration system for use with continuous-flow gas chromatograph combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS). Precision of measurement of δ13C-CH4 is 0.05‰ (1σ) on multiple 60-mL aliquots of the same ambient air sample. The same front-end on-line CH4 preconcentration system allows us to measure δD of CH4 by gas chromatography IRMS when the combustion furnace is replaced with a pyrolysis oven (GC/P/IRMS). Precision of measurement for δD-CH4 is 1.5‰ (1σ) using 120 mL of ambient air based on multiple aliquots of the same air sample. These are the first reported measurements of atmospheric CH4 using GC/P/IRMS methodology. Each isotope analysis can be made much more rapidly (30−40 min) than they could using off-line combustion of an air sample (1−6 h) followed by conventional dual-inlet IRMS measurements (12−20 min), while requiring much less total volume and retaining a comparable level of precision and accuracy. To illustrate the capabilities of our preco...
A Nanoindentation Study of Thermally-Grown-Oxide Films on Silicon

We explore the effect of the substrate on mechanical behavior of thin films using a depth-sensing indentation. For this purpose, nanoindentation has been performed on thermally grown silicon oxide films on the silicon substrate. One primary goal of this study is to extract ‘film-only’ mechanical properties from the nanoindentation data by subtracting the substrate effect. It is also shown that elastic modulus of the film is more influenced by the substrate than hardness due to a larger elastic extension beyond a plastically deformed region, as well as a larger elastic mismatch between the SiO2 film and the Si substrate. Further, an inverse analysis of indentation data is proposed to estimate a thickness of thin films. Consequently, this study provides a fundamental understanding in mechanical phenomena of thin films occurring at nanoscales.
Platelet aggregation induced by antilymphocyte serum. 2. Two modes of the aggregation mechanism.

Wang, Teh Yu, Hussey, Clara V., Hause, Lawrence L., and Fobian, Jane E.: Platelet aggregation induced by antilymphocyte serum. 2. Two modes of the aggregation mechanism. The ability to inhibit the release reaction was found to correlate well with the ability to inhibit aggregation in washed human platelets exposed to antilymphocyte serum (ALS). However, the primary mechanism that contributes to ALS-induced aggregation in unwashed platelets appeared to be different from that found in washed platelets. Prostaglandin E1 and other release inhibitors were less effective in inhibiting aggregation in unwashed than in washed platelets. Salyrgan (mersalyl) in the presence of ALS or bovine fibrinogen produced an aggregation response in unwashed platelets that resembled the primary phase of aggregation. Two modes of the aggregation mechanism were evolved and are discussed.
Recovery of Aluminum and Iron from High-iron Bauxite by Roasting Method Using Ammonium Sulfate

Novel process for extraction of Al and Fe from the highiron bauxite using ammonium sulfate was investigated.The phase structure and microstructure of raw materials were characterized by XRay diffraction( XRD) and scanning electron microscopy( SEM).The mixture of bauxite and ammonium sulfate was roasted,and the roasted product was investigated with phase analysis.The results show that aluminum and iron ores could react with ammonium sulfate system,and NH4Al(SO4)2 and NH4Fe(SO4)2 are the reaction resultants.The effects of various reaction conditions on the extraction rate were also investigated.The results show that when the amount of ammonium sulfate is 3.5 times as the mass of the bauxite,the extraction rate of aluminum and iron are 90.2% and 87.6% respectively at 300℃ for 50 mins and 450℃ for 30 mins.
Media Frames and Crisis Events Understanding the Impact on Corporate Reputations, Responsibility Attributions, and Negative Affect

This study aims to grow our current understanding of situational crisis communication theory by expanding on the conceptualization of causal responsibility as the primary mechanism contributing to ...
Incorporating Variable Vascular Heat Exchangers into Models Of Human Thermoregulation

Models of human thermoregulatory function generally assume that heat transfer across the skin surface is uniform. However, only glabrous skin regions contain unique vascular structures that enable a large volume of blood to flow immediately below the skin surface. These are the body’s radiators. We are constructing a novel model of thermoregulatory function that incorporates heat transfer across the glabrous skin regions as separate from heat transfer across the general skin surface.
Continuous-Time Analog Circuits

Analog performance has been improved by careful design, new process, or feedback. Feedback is the only systematic way to enhance analog performance such as linearity, signal range, bandwidth, and impedance. Series (voltage) feedback increases linear voltage range while shunt (current) feedback increases linear current range. Also series feedback raises impedance while shunt feedback lowers impedance. Low impedance is for broad-banding while high impedance is for buffering. Feedback can be applied at any local to global levels, in continuous-time or discrete-time modes, and in broadband or DC servo applications. All feedback circuits from local to global and from series to shunt are handled consistently using the loop gain and phase margin concepts.
A Sustainable Smoking Cessation Program for Patients With Lung Cancer.

Background Lung cancer is the most preventable leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Smoking while receiving treatment for lung cancer can decrease the effectiveness of the treatment and may reduce quality of life. Although many smoking cessation proposals have focused on how to deliver various interventions, they have neglected the issue of how to sustain the interventions and integrate them into practice. Objectives The purpose of this article is to provide an effective way of educating healthcare professionals (HCPs) on smoking cessation interventions that meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' 2008 evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Methods This article reviews strategies to integrate evidence from research on smoking cessation into practice in sustainable ways that target patients with lung cancer who smoke. Findings HCPs need evidence-based smoking cessation guidelines, along with interventions that will be effective with their specific smoking population. In addition, HCPs need to incorporate clinical practice guidelines for smoking cessation into their care of patients in ways that can be sustained and evaluated.
Prevention of Infection in Open Fractures in Mass Disasters

Management of open fractures is based on the principles of patient assessment, injury classification, temporary coverage, and immobilization of the fractured extremity during transportation, early antibiotic therapy, extensive debridement, fracture stabilization, wound management, and soft tissue coverage.
Improved channel-aware MAC protocols for wireless local area networks: Research Articles

This paper studies the fading properties of the communication channel assumed in wireless local area networks (WLANs) and devises efficient channel-aware protocols for the distributed coordination function (DCF) and the point coordination function (PCF), the two modes of communication defined in the IEEE standard for WLAN. Our simulations show that the proposed PCF protocol improves the channel capacity usage up to 14p and the proposed DCF protocol improves the channel capacity up to 90p, when compared with standard IEEE 802.11 implementations, depending on the loss rate and temporal characteristics of the wireless channel. The proposed protocols introduce minimum computational overhead. We also show that, compared with standard DCF protocol defined in IEEE 802.11, the proposed DCF protocol can lower the SNR requirements for a given packet error rate thus potentially extending the battery life of portable devices that use WLAN.. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiovascular Disease, Statins, and HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients are at an increased risk of serious, non-AIDS-defining comorbidities, even in the setting of viral suppression with combination antiretroviral therapy. This increased risk is due in part to immune dysfunction and heightened inflammation and immune activation associated with chronic HIV infection. Statins have wide-reaching immunomodulatory effects, and their use in the HIV-infected population may be of particular benefit. In this article, we review the pathogenesis of increased inflammation during HIV infection and how it contributes to the risk of cardiovascular disease among HIV-infected individuals. We then we review the immunomodulatory effects of statins and how they may attenuate the risk of cardiovascular disease and other comorbidities in this unique patient population.
Case Study 12. Hunting for Predators: The Scavenging Hypothesis

Difficult questions often spur the imagination to find new lines of inquiry. Even if it cannot answer basic questions, such research may produce surprising ideas and new perspectives. Dart’s Osteodontokeratic culture was put to rest by the science of taphonomy, but questions of prehistoric carnivory remained. Dart and Ardrey had depicted human ancestors as innate predators and meat-eaters. Even discounting the lurid images conjured by Killer Apes, “Man the Hunter” was the foundation of models of human evolution in the mid-century. This was subsequently challenged for political reasons, and tested by scientific methods. Over the succeeding decades, competing models of “Woman the Gatherer” and “Man the Scavenger” demanded consideration. A more sophisticated—and balanced—understanding emerged with the introduction of new tools, including applications of the electron microscope. One site where this issue has been debated is FLK Zinj in Bed I of Olduvai Gorge, where the original cranium of Zinjanthropus was found. The identification of tool cut marks on bones found there confirmed that hominins were processing carcasses, but so were carnivores. Anthropologists were forced to take a closer look at our ancestors’ position in the ecosystem, and consider a broader interpretation.
Rape Victim Advocates Experiences With Law Enforcement in the Emergency Room

One of the first people a sexual assault survivor will encounter in the emergency room is a specially trained rape victim advocate. Along with rape victim advocates, many survivors will come across...
Effects of Dietary Resistant Starch on the Wnt Signaling Pathway and Preneoplastic Cells in the Colons of Azoxymethane-Treated Rats.

ABSTRACTDietary resistant starch (RS) has been suggested to reduce colonic neoplasia. To determine the effects of digestion-resistant cornstarch on colonic carcinogenesis and Wnt signaling in azoxymethane (AOM)-treated F344 rats, diets containing naturally occurring RS from corn lines derived partially from Guat209 (GUAT), AR16035 (AR), or a hybrid (ARxGUAT), containing 34.5 ± 2.0, 0.2 ± 0.1, and 1.9 ± 0.1% RS, respectively, were fed at 55% of the diet. GUAT-fed rats had increased cecal content and tissue weight and decreased cecal pH compared with AR- or ARxGUAT-fed rats. Numbers of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were not different among diet groups. Increased numbers of crypts/focus were observed in AOM-injected rats fed GUAT compared with rats fed other diets. β-catenin mRNA expression of the crypts was significantly increased in GUAT-fed rats injected with AOM relative to those injected with saline. These findings suggest that selected dietary RSs may at some level further enhance colonocyte proliferation ...
Treatment of pediatric anxiety disorders: an open-label extension of the research units on pediatric psychopharmacology anxiety study.

Background An 8-week placebo-controlled study, the Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology Anxiety Study, documented beneficial effects of fluvoxamine in the treatment of pediatric social anxiety, separation anxiety, or generalized anxiety disorders. Following completion of this study, participants were invited to enter a 6-month open-label treatment phase designed to examine three issues: (a) long-term maintenance of response in fluvoxamine responders, (b) acute response to fluoxetine in fluvoxamine nonresponders, and (c) acute response to fluvoxamine in placebo nonresponders. Methods Participants aged 6-17 years meeting criteria for social anxiety, separation anxiety, or generalized anxiety disorders previously treated in an 8-week placebo-controlled trial (n = 128) were offered open treatment. Changes in symptoms of anxiety during open treatment were assessed in three groups: (a) fluvoxamine responders maintained on fluvoxamine, (b) fluvoxamine nonresponders changed to fluoxetine, and (c) placebo nonresponders changed to fluvoxamine. Response was defined based on Clinical Global Impression criteria. Results During 6 months of continued open treatment, anxiety symptoms remained low in 33 of 35 (94%) subjects who initially responded to fluvoxamine. Among 14 fluvoxamine nonresponders switched to fluoxetine, anxiety symptoms appeared significantly improved in 10 (71%) subjects. Finally, among 48 placebo nonresponders, 27 (56%) showed clinically significant improvement in anxiety on fluvoxamine. Conclusion The current findings concerning extended treatment of pediatric anxiety disorders are only preliminary, because treatment was uncontrolled. Results suggest that an initial fluvoxamine response is likely to be retained with continued treatment, that some fluvoxamine nonresponders may respond to fluoxetine, and that some placebo nonresponders may respond to fluvoxamine.
The Drug Repurposing Ecosystem

The pharmaceutical industry is in a state of fundamental transition. New drug approvals have slowed, patents on blockbuster drugs are expiring, and costs associated with developing new drugs are escalating and yielding fewer viable drug candidates. As a result, pharmaceutical firms have turned to a number of alternative strategies for growth. One of these strategies is “drug repurposing” – finding new ways to deploy approved drugs or abandoned clinical candidates in new disease areas. Despite the efficiency advantages repurposed drugs show, there is broad agreement that there is insufficient repurposing activity because of numerous intellectual property protection and market failures. This article examines the system that surrounds drug repurposing including serendipitous discovery, the application of “big data” methods to prioritize promising repurposing candidates, the unorthodoxly regulated off-label prescription practices of providers and related prohibitions on pharmaceutical firms’ off-label marketing. The article argues that there is a complex ecosystem in place and that additional or disruptive IP or market exclusivity incentives may harm as much as help in promoting repurposing activity. To illustrate this threat, the article traces the trajectory of metformin, a common diabetes drug that shows promise for conditions ranging from polycystic ovary syndrome to breast cancer. From the initial reasons for Bristol Myers Squibb to refuse to invest in promising alternative uses to the institutions, researchers, and regulators who identified possibilities for metformin treatment, this article aims to map the role of intellectual property protection, market exclusivity, and search for capital that led to metformin’s ascent as a repurposed drug. The article contributes a concrete understanding to a problem for which scholars have quickly suggested more powerful patent and market exclusivity protection when doing so may undermine the very processes now leading to effective alternative uses for existing drugs.