cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Libyan Petroleum Institute experience in evaluation ofdesalination plants in the Libyan oil sector

Abstract A study by the Libyan Petroleum Institute of Libya (LPI) evaluated the performance of desalination at fourLibyan oil-processing companies for two years of operation. The performance criteria were performance ratios, conversion ratios, availability factors and thermal efficiencies. Mass and energy balances of the units were checked. Construction materials used with regard to corrosion resistance and mechanical strength were checked. Cost analysis was conducted for each of the desalination units. The cost of unit product of distillate water was compared with international costs of water. Problems facing the desalination units were discussed and an attempt made to suggest solutions.
Comparison of spatial patterns of pollutant distribution with CMAQ predictions

Abstract To evaluate the Models-3/Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system in reproducing the spatial patterns of aerosol concentrations over the country on timescales of months and years, the spatial patterns of model output are compared with those derived from observational data. Simple spatial interpolation procedures were applied to data from the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNet) and Speciation Trends Network (STN) monitoring networks. Species included sulfate PM, total nitrate ( NO 3 - + HNO 3 ) , and ammonium PM. Comparisons were made for the annual average concentrations for 2001, and for one lunar month (4 weeks), where the month chosen for each species represents the highest concentrations of the year. Comparisons between the modeled and interpolated spatial patterns show very good agreement in the location and magnitude of the maxima and minima, as well as the gradients between them. Some persistent biases are identified and noted. Limitations on our ability to describe the spatial pattern from sparse data as well as the limitations of the networks are briefly discussed.
Modeling the creep threshold stress due to climb of a dislocation in the stress field of a misfitting precipitate

A model for creep threshold stresses in alloys strengthened by coherent, misfitting precipitates is developed for the case where the precipitate is not sheared, and where there are elastic interactions between a dislocation and the precipitate over which it climbs. Calculations of the particle stress field due to a positive stiffness and lattice parameter mismatch between precipitate and matrix predict that the mismatch forces help the dislocation climb/glide process over the precipitates but that they trap it at the departure side of the particle. This results in a true threshold stress, rather than a slowing of the kinetics of dislocation climb as in previous models, which is given by the applied stress necessary to free the dislocation by a glide mechanism. Model predictions and experiment are compared for precipitation-strengthened aluminum alloys containing nanosize Al3Sc, Al3(Sc, Li) and Al3(Sc, Yb) precipitates with various sizes and mismatches. In agreement with experimental creep results, the model predicts that the threshold stress increases nearly linearly with precipitate radius, and also with the magnitude of the precipitate/matrix lattice mismatch.
Giant asymptomatic primary esophageal schwannoma.

Primary esophageal schwannomas are uncommon. We describe a case of a large asymptomatic primary esophageal schwannoma in a 65-year-old patient. Computed tomography and positron emission tomography revealed an 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-avid 11-cm mass arising from the esophagus. A preoperative diagnosis was made via endoscopic ultrasound. The patient underwent a three-field esophagogastrectomy with cervical esophagogastric anastomosis. He remains well and free of recurrence 10 months after treatment.
Partial N-terminal amino acid sequence analyses and comparative tryptic peptide maps of murine Ia molecules encoded by the I-A subregion

The partial N-terminal amino acid sequences and tryptic peptide maps of I-A subregion products from the H-2b, H-2d, H-2k and H-2s haplotypes demonstrate that haplotype-associated differences are present in both alpha and beta polypeptides. The genetic and evolutionary implications of these multiple amino acid substitutions and the homology relationships among Ia molecules from human, guinea pig and the I-E subregion of the mouse are discussed.
Control and Perception of Balance at Elevated and Sloped Surfaces

Understanding roof-work-related risk of falls and developing low-cost, practical engineering controls for reducing this risk remain in high demand in the construction industry. This study investigated the effects of the roof work environment characteristics of surface slope, height, and visual reference on standing balance in construction workers. The 24 participants were tested in a laboratory setting at 4 slopes (0 degrees, 18 degrees, 26 degrees, and 34 degrees), 2 heights (0, 3 m), and 2 visual conditions (with and without visual references). Postural sway characteristics were calculated using center of pressure recordings from a force platform. Workers' perceptions of postural sway and instability were also evaluated. The results indicated that slope and height synergistically increased workers' standing postural instability. Workers recognized the individual destabilizing effects of slope and height but did not recognize the synergistic effect of the two. Visual references significantly reduced the destabilizing effects of height and slope. Actual and potential applications of this research include the use of temporary level work surfaces and proximal vertical reference structures as postural instability control measures during roofing work.
AN ANALYSIS OF DESMOSOME SHAPE, SIZE, AND ORIENTATION BY THE USE OF HISTOMETRIC AND DENSITOMETRIC METHODS WITH ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

The probable shape, size, and orientation of desmosomes of the cells comprising the secretory tubules in rat submaxillary gland was determined by statistical and algebraic methods applied to electron micrographs. It was concluded that these desmosomes are discrete ellipsoidal discs whose principal axes are in the order of 4100 and 2500 angstrom units, and that they are preferentially oriented with their long axis more or less parallel to the base-apex axis of the cell. Densitometric interpretation agrees with the statistically based reconstruction of desmosomal shape. By densitometric analysis it was also determined that the peak to peak distances between layers within these desmosomes are in essential agreement with other reported findings. The approach described may have general applications to problems in the analysis of submicroscopic morphology.
Effect of high fat diet on body weight and mammary tumor latency in MMTV-TGF- α mice

OBJECTIVE: The role of high fat diets in breast cancer/mammary tumor (MT) development is controversial. This may be partially attributable to variable effects of high fat diets on body weight. Here, we used a moderately high fat diet (32.5% fat calories) expected to cause obesity in most mice, but predicted to result in some mice remaining in the weight range of mice fed the low fat diet (11% fat calories). This provided the opportunity to compare mice fed the high fat diet exhibiting different body weights and mice of similar weight consuming high vs low fat diets. EXPERIMENTAL METHODS: Transgenic MMTV-TGF-α mice, a model of postmenopausal breast cancer, consumed a low fat diet, that is, chow-fed (n=25) or a moderately high fat diet from 10 weeks of age (n=51). Body weight at 34 weeks of age was used to assign high fat diet mice to obesity-prone>overweight>obesity-resistant groups (n=17) (P overweight >obesity-resistant=chow-fed mice. Fat pads and fat pad:carcass were heaviest in obesity-prone followed by overweight mice. However, obesity-resistant mice had fat pad weights and fat pad:carcass three-fold greater than chow-fed mice. All groups had MT incidences between 72 and 82%. Obesity-prone mice exhibited the shortest MT latency (P<0.0001), but obesity-resistant mice had significantly shorter latency than chow-fed mice. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of a high fat diet increased adiposity and shortened MT latency in relation to its effect on body weight. These results indicate a complex role of dietary fat level on mammary tumorigenesis.
Allowing or Causing Death

Excerpt To the editor: I found the article by K. Danner Clouser, "Allowing or Causing: Another Look" (Ann Intern Med87:622-624, 1977), quite interesting. I agree with his position that the differen...
Mnemonic distortion following behavior observation: Interactions of negative versus positive behavior valence, diagnostic label, and relative behavior frequency

To study how diagnostic labels, positive or negative behavior valence, and high versus low behavior frequencies affect distortion of memory for behavior, 72 undergraduates used an observation system to record occurrences of 10 negative and 10 positive behaviors shown on one of two videotapes of a child. Pilot testing had verified that one tape showed many negative but few positive behaviors, and that the other tape showed few negative but many positive behaviors. Just before viewing the tape, subjects were told either that the child was “behaviorally disturbed” or “normal,” or had been given no label. Exaggeration of observed frequencies at a 1-week recall was shown by significant and separate interactions of behavior valence and frequency, and of behavior valence and label. Specifically, negative behavior frequencies were exaggerated significantly at recall when the “behaviorally disturbed” or no label was present for both high and low frequencies of the negative behaviors. However, recalled frequencies of negative behaviors were exaggerated for the “normal” label only when they were low in frequency relative to positive behaviors. Positive behavior frequencies were exaggerated significantly in memory only if the “normal” label was used and then only if the positive behaviors had occurred at low frequencies relative to negative behaviors. No significant underestimation of previously observed behavior frequencies was found for either positive or negative behaviors. Implications of these findings for cognitive theories of memory and behavior, and for minimization of mnemonic stigma, are noted.
Early hepatic nodular hyperplasia and submicroscopic fibrosis associated with 6-thioguanine therapy in inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background6-Thioguanine (6-TG) has been used as an alternative thiopurine for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients not responsive to or intolerant of azathioprine (AZA) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). 6-TG-related hepatotoxicity, including liver biochemistry value elevations, sinusoidal collagen d
A Transformer-Based Broadband Front-End Combo in Standard CMOS

This paper presents a broad band front-end combo scheme based on a three-way on-chip transformer. The combo scheme functions as the T/R switch, balun, and impedance matching network simultaneously. A design example implemented in a standard 90 nm CMOS process demonstrates a 2 GHz 1-dB bandwidth from 5 GHz to 7 GHz. During the transmitting (TX) mode, the reported design achieves 2.65 dB insertion loss, +45.7 dBm IIP3, and 42 dB antenna-to-receiver isolation; in the receiving (RX) mode, the design demonstrates 2.52 dB insertion loss, +44.2 dBm IIP3, and 42 dB antenna-to-transmitter isolation. The TX-to-RX isolation is kept below 50 dB. The front-end combo design occupies a compact core area of 0.5 mm2 which includes the on-chip transformer.
The nonspecific fluorescent material in estrogen extracts from the urine of pregnant women.

INTRODUCTION URINARY estrogen extracts are known to contain some nonspecific material which can 1) induce the Kober reaction, or 2) fluoresce following the addition of acid. Using the countercurrent technique of fractionation, the fractions resembling estrone, estradiol and estriol have been found to represent only 30 per cent of the total fluorescence in urinary extracts from normal adults and 70 to 75 per cent during pregnancy (1). Although the nonspecific material may bear no relation to the estrogenic hormones, there is the possibility that it is made up of compounds which are either hormones themselves or intermediary metabolites of estrogens. Such a possibility has been suggested by the work of Lieberman et al. (2), Zondek and Finkelstein (3) and Slaunwhite (4). In an attempt to characterize this nonspecific fluorescent material, we previously reported the separation of two fractions designated as “E4” and “E5” (1). It is the purpose of the present paper to describe certain of the properties of “Fra...
Thermal decomposition of generation-4 polyamidoamine dendrimer films: decomposition catalyzed by dendrimer-encapsulated Pt particles.

The thermal decomposition of hydroxyl-terminated generation-4 polyamidoamine dendrimer (G4OH) films deposited on Au surfaces has been compared with decomposition of the same dendrimer encapsulating an ∼40-atom Pt particle (Pt−G4OH). Infrared absorption reflection spectroscopy studies showed that, when the films were heated in air to various temperatures up to 275 °C, the disappearance of the amide vibrational modes occurred at lower temperature for the Pt−G4OH film. Dendrimer decomposition was also investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in both air and argon atmospheres. For the G4OH dendrimer, complete decomposition was achieved in air at 500 °C, while decomposition of the Pt−G4OH dendrimer was completed at 400 °C, leaving only platinum metal behind. In a nonoxidizing argon atmosphere, a greater fraction of the G4OH decomposed below 300 °C, but all of the dendrimer fragments were not removed until heating above 550 °C. In contrast, Pt−G4OH decomposition in argon was similar to that in air, exce...
Antineoplastic agents 500. Narcistatin

An efficient procedure was found for synthetic conversion of the sparingly soluble anticancer isocarbostyril narciclasine (1), a component of various Narcissus species, to a cyclic phosphate designated narcistatin (3b). The reaction between narciclasine, tetrabutylammonium dihydrogen phosphate, and p-toluenesulfonic acid in pyridine afforded pyridinium narcistatin (3a) in reasonable yields. Transformation of narcistatin (3a) to, for example, the water-soluble prodrug sodium narcistatin (3d) was easily achieved by cation exchange chromatography. Narcistatin (3b) and 15 salt derivatives were evaluated against a panel of human cancer cell lines, and the range (0.1-0.01) of GI(50) values in micro g/mL was found to parallel that shown by the parent narciclasine.
Hyperphosphatemia in children receiving peritoneal dialysis—an educational program

Hyperphosphatemia has been associated with the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism, renal osteodystrophy, cardiovascular calcification and increased risk of death. Using a one group, pretest-posttest study design, we sought to evaluate changes in serum phosphorus, calcium, parathyroid hormone and subject knowledge in response to a 3-month educational intervention. Mean serum phosphorus levels did not differ significantly between the three evaluation periods: pretreatment (5.69 mg/dl), treatment (5.84 mg/dl) and posttreatment (6.17 mg/dl). Mean serum calcium, calcium-phosphorus product and PTH values also did not differ significantly between the treatment periods. We observed no difference between the subject test scores between the two testing periods. Calcium-phosphorus product, serum phosphorus and PTH values on average, despite the education program, remained outside the K/DOQI target guidelines 44, 56 and 81% of the time, respectively. The results of this study suggest that an aggressive 3-month patient education program targeting dietary phosphorus knowledge, phosphate binder name and dosing, and knowledge of medical consequences associated with non-compliance had no effect on the serum phosphorus, calcium, PTH or phosphate binder need.
Intrafamilial variability in Hurler syndrome and Sanfilippo syndrome type A: Implications for evaluation of new therapies

Intrafamilial variability has not been reported previously in Hurler syndrome or Sanfilippo syndrome type A. We describe two families in which sibs with comparable deficiencies of α-iduronidase (Hurler) or sulfamidase (Sanfilippo type A) activities in vitro nonetheless have divergence in clinical severity and disease progression. These cases underscore the need for caution in counseling as well as the limitations of using sibs as controls in evaluating the outcome of treatment. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Picking a maintenance service: A user’s view

A guide is provided for selecting small computer maintenance services. Types of available services are described, and a series of questions is answered concerning selection.
Subclavian steal syndrome in right aortic arch with isolation of the left subclavian artery.

Abstract A patient with a right aortic arch and isolation of the left subclavian artery and the subclavian steal syndrome is presented. The clinical features resulted from a relative ischemia of the left arm, and there were no findings to suggest cerebrovascular insufficiency or congenital heart disease. The esophagrams revealed no defect on the posterior aspect of the esophagus. Collateral channels from the left external carotid artery opacified the distal left subclavian artery. The causes of subclavian steal syndrome are reviewed, together with the pathways for collateral circulation to the left arm when the proximal portion of the left subclavian artery is obstructed.
A Social Gospel Experiment in Newspaper Reform: Charles M. Sheldon and the Topeka Daily Capital

One of the most interesting exponents of the social gospel in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was the Reverend Charles M. Sheldon of Topeka. Among his many social crusades during his years in the pulpit was his experimentation with the editing of a daily newspaper according to Christian principles.
Sorvs. conjugate gradients in a finite element discretization

Sucessive Overrlaxation and Conjugate Gradients are used to solve the linear algebraic system set up with finite elements for the discretization of a plane, linear, head conducting problem. It is numerically shown that even with the optimal overrelaxation factor SOR is hardly superior to CG which is decisively simpler to program.
Firstborns, only children, sex, and three dependency measures.

Birth-order research has often combined firstborns with and without siblings and men and women. The generality of results so obtained has been questioned (Warren, 1966). Since Stewart (1967) had found field dependence using an embedded-figures test to be related to birth order in samples of firstborn men with siblings and laterborn men, Kinsolving and Bone (1971) studied field dependence in samples of firstborn men and women with and without siblings using a Rod-and-frame Tesr, a measure generally correlated with the scores on embedded figures. They found a significant interaction but no main effects. This lack of a sex effect is in sufficient contrast to a considerable literature (e.g., Witkin, Lewis, Hertzman, Machover, Meissner, & Wapner, 1954; Witkin, Dyk, Faterson, Goodenough, & Karp, 1962) as to warrant replication. Further, while Kinsolving and Bone do not describe their equipment and procedure-variations in which have been found to affect results (Lester, 1968)-their rod-and-frame scores are implausibly large compared to those in normative studies (Pressey, 1968; Vaught, 1970). For these reasons, we compared four groups of 7 firstborn college students each (men with siblings, men without, women with, and women without) on che rod-and-frame and on two tasks used by Stewart (1967), the Jackson abbreviation of the embedded figures (using cards from Consulting Psychologiso Press) and Barron's self-endorsement test of social independence. The rod-and-frame procedure involved 8 trials using Polymetric Company V1260 apparatus (106.7 cm rod and frame), 2 trials in each of the 4 combinations of frame 28" left, 28" right, rod 28' left, 28" right, in random order. S was 7 ft. from the apparatus in an upright chair without a headclamp and used a remote control switch to conuol the rod. Except for somewhat shorter viewing distance, this procedure is similar to those of Pressey (1968) and of Vaught (1970). Factorial analyses of variance ( 2 x 2 ) (sex X birth order) were performed separately on the embedded figures, rod-and-frame, and Barron items see Table 1 for means and standard deviations). Both main effects and the interaction were significant (ps < .05) on the embedded figures, with analyses for simple effects showing the firstborn women without siblings scored significantly ( p < .05) higher (more field dependent) than each of the other groups and took essentially twice as long to locate the figures. On the rodand-frame only sex was significant ( p < .05 ), women being more field dependent (showing more error in rod adjustment). However, both birth order and its interaction with sex approached significance on the rod-and-frame, showing trends similar to those observed with embedded figures. Because of heterogeneity of variance between cells on the rod-
Feature matching in growing databases

As feature-based image matching is applied to increasing larger scale problems, it becomes necessary to match features across increasingly larger databases. Current approaches are able to conduct such feature matching, but are not flexible enough to be applied to databases that may grow at runtime. As a solution to this problem, we present the Iterative k-d tree that allows for the insertion of new features into the database at any time and stores information about previous queries so that previously searched features can updated without having to be re-run. This new data structure was successfully used in the Spry algorithm to achieve better and faster results in situations where there is large movement between images. Additionally, experimental results show that the proposed method is significantly faster than the current state of the art algorithms when the database of features grows at runtime.
Annual changes in structural complexity of understory vegetation and relative abundance of Peromyscus leucopus in fragmented habitats

Greater structural complexity of understory vegetation may be one factor that contributes to the negative relation ship between density of generalist rodents (eg,Peromyscus leucopus Rafinesque, 1818) and forest patch area; however, this hypothesis is difficult to test. We removed the problem of multicollinearity among variables by analyzing changes in structural complexity and relative abundance ofP. leucopus in 15 forest patches (1.3–200 ha) over a 3-yr period. We found that an in crease in the relative abundance ofP. leucopus was associated with an increase in structural complexity of understory vegetation in the same patches between years. Structural complexity of the understory was greater in smaller forest patches which we speculate may be influenced by moisture. It is possible that understory vegetation provides greater food availability and/or cover from some predators in small patches, but the specific mechanism(s) remains unclear. Multiple factors can potentially influence populations ofP. leucopus, but our results provide strong evidence that structural complexity of understory vegetation positively in fluences relative abundance ofP. leucopus in fragmented habitats.
Surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization grafting of sodium styrene sulfonate from titanium and silicon substrates

This study investigates the grafting of poly-sodium styrene sulfonate (pNaSS) from trichlorosilane/10-undecen-1-yl 2-bromo-2-methylpropionate functionalized Si and Ti substrates by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The composition, molecular structure, thickness, and topography of the grafted pNaSS films were characterized with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. XPS and ToF-SIMS results were consistent with the successful grafting of a thick and uniform pNaSS film on both substrates. VASE and AFM scratch tests showed the films were between 25 and 49 nm thick on Si, and between 13 and 35 nm thick on Ti. AFM determined root-mean-square roughness values were ∼2 nm on both Si and Ti substrates. Therefore, ATRP grafting is capable of producing relatively smooth, thick, and chemically homogeneous pNaSS films on Si and Ti substrates. These films will be used in subsequent studies to test the hypothesis that pNaSS-grafted Ti implants preferentially adsorb certain plasma proteins in an orientation and conformation that modulates the foreign body response and promotes formation of new bone.
Electronic properties of nickel-doped TiO2 anatase

Atomistic details of electron transfer in semiconductor materials are characterized for TiO2 thin film surfaces doped with nickel. A periodic slab model of eight atomic layers exposes the (1 0 0) crystallographic surface and is covered with a monolayer of water. The density of states, absorption spectra, partial charge densities, molecular dynamics, and non-adiabatic couplings are compared between doped and undoped models. Our results show that Ni doping improves several electronic properties including lowering the band gap, increasing visible light absorption, and shortening the relaxation time of holes rather than electrons, which maximizes charge separation. The different mechanisms of electron and hole dynamics are discussed. The computed characteristics of a doped semiconductor material have practical potential for increasing efficiency of a photo-electrochemical cells.
Transition from inspiral to plunge for eccentric equatorial Kerr orbits

Ori and Thorne have discussed the duration and observability (with LISA) of the transition from circular, equatorial inspiral to plunge for stellar-mass objects into supermassive ${(10}^{5}\ensuremath{-}{10}^{8}{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}})$ Kerr black holes. We extend their computation to eccentric Kerr equatorial orbits. Even with orbital parameters near exactly determined, we find that there is no universal length for the transition; rather, the length of the transition depends sensitively\char22{}essentially randomly\char22{}on initial conditions. Still, the Ori-Thorne zero-eccentricity results are essentially an upper bound on the length of eccentric transitions involving similar bodies (e.g., a fixed). Hence the implications for observations are no better: if the massive body is ${M=10}^{6}{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}},$ the captured body has a mass m, and the process occurs at distance d from LISA, then $S/N\ensuremath{\lesssim}{(m/10M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}})(1\mathrm{Gpc}/d)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}O(1),$ with the precise constant depending on the black hole spin. For low-mass bodies $(m\ensuremath{\lesssim}{7M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}})$ for which the event rate is at least vaguely understood, we expect little chance (probably [much] less than $10%,$ depending strongly on the astrophysical assumptions) of LISA detecting a transition event with $S/Ng5$ during its run; however, even a small infusion of higher-mass bodies or a slight improvement in LISA's noise curve could potentially produce $S/Ng5$ transition events during LISA's lifetime.
A tree systems inference algorithm for an iconic environment

A tree learning algorithm that uses tree systems inference techniques is presented. The algorithm observes similarity between subtrees and embedding tree structures and affects grammatical expansions that enlarge the input sample set. An application to a set of icons from the SIL-ICON Compiler v.3 is described. The algorithm adds learning capabilities to the compiler so the icon dictionary and the grammar are incrementally expanded. >
Design of a computer-controlled seating surface for research applications

The design of a system to facilitate investigations of the loading of the human body on a seat surface and the ongoing evaluation of a prototype system are presented. Knowledge and understanding of the effect of support surface shape on load distribution at the body and seat interface are vital components of an automated seat contour design and fabrication system. The need for a research tool that allows for control of surface shape with simultaneous measurement of the interface forces is of considerable importance to current research in the area of custom and specialized seating. The computer-aided seating system (CASS) presented allows for development of surface control algorithms based on force feedback that are not possible using currently available contour sensing and evaluation devices. Additionally, the contour-controlled force feedback system will facilitate the study of tissue distortion at the loaded seat interface. Such information about how the body distorts under load can be directly applied to passive custom seating systems, assist in clinical seat contour design and benefit designs on noncustom wheelchair cushions. The specification, design and testing of a prototype of the CASS is described. >
The systematic design of area efficient VLSI architectures for the discrete Fourier transform

Systematic application of linear projection and scheduling to dependence graph (DG) algorithm representations are used to generate asymptotically optimal discrete Fourier transform layouts in a VLSI computing model. Two-stage prime factor maps are used to generate regular and minimum area period (AP) architectures. Offset parallel multi-projections generate overlapped twin-processing element arrays. Systematic multi-projections of six-dimensional three-factor DGs and eight-dimensional four-factor DGs generate successively faster AT/sup 2/ optimal and regular architectures, but with increasing wire area. >
Usage anomalies and internationalization

Communication can fully succeed only if the recipient of a message gives the same interpretation to the message that its sender intended. The achievement of successful communication becomes problematic in an international setting in which the senders and receivers of messages have different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The different linguistic backgrounds manifest themselves as spelling and syntax anomalies. Cultural differences result in a context switch, which can substantially change the meaning of a message. We suggest that messages be explicit and robust. Explicitness means that there is little dependence on a cultural context; robustness means that potential sources of linguistic misinterpretation, such as double negatives, are avoided. We point out research directions that aim at dealing with the problems associated with internationalization.
Absence of Chronic Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection without Seroconversion in Intravenous Drug Users: A Prospective and Retrospective Study

It has been reported that human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection may exist in persons without specific antibodies for years. To measure the frequency of a silent carrier state, a study was conducted in a cohort of 124 intravenous drug users (IVDUs) without anti-HIV-1 antibodies. All the participants had engaged in high-risk behavior for HIV-1 transmission for a number of years until 1987 or later. Samples were analyzed at 6-month intervals for the presence of HIV-1 provirus using DNA amplification and for the appearance of anti-HIV-1 antibodies. HIV-1 provirus and antibodies were undetectable in 122 participants, whereas seroconversion was observed in 2. In one of these, both amplified HIV-1 pol gene segment and anti-HIV-1 antibodies were detected simultaneously, and in the other, provirus was detected 1 month before seroconversion. This study suggests that long-term HIV-1 infection without anti-HIV-1 antibodies is rare and that repeated antibody testing is sufficient to determine the HIV-1 status of a person no longer at high risk for HIV-1 infection.
Nitric oxide inhibits neutrophil beta 2 integrin function by inhibiting membrane-associated cyclic GMP synthesis

The aim of this investigation was to identify the mechanism by which nitric oxide inhibits neutrophil beta 2 integrin dependent adherence. Isolated rat neutrophils from blood and peritoneal exudates were exposed for 2 min to nitric oxide generated by diethylamine-NO at rates between 1.6 and 138 nmol/min. Exposure to nitric oxide at rates less than 14 nmol/min had no effect on adherence. Exposure to 14 to 56 nmol nitric oxide/min inhibited beta 2 integrin dependent adherence to endothelial cells, nylon columns, and fibrinogen-coated plates, but higher concentrations had no significant effect on adherence. Adherence by beta 2 integrins could be restored by incubating cells with dithioerythritol, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, or 8-bromo cyclic GMP. Elevations in cellular cyclic GMP concentration were associated with adherence, but this did not occur after cells were exposed to concentrations of nitric oxide that inhibited beta 2 integrin-dependent adherence. Elevations in cyclic GMP did occur after cells were incubated with dithioerythritol or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Concentrations of nitric oxide that inhibited beta 2 integrin-dependent adherence also inhibited catalytic activity of membrane associated guanylate cyclase and binding of atrial natriuretic peptide, but were insufficient to activate cytosolic guanylate cyclase. Nitric oxide did not inhibit neutrophil oxidative burst or degranulation, nor effect beta 2 integrin expression or adherence that did not depend on beta 2 integrins, nor cause oxidative stress identified in terms of cellular glutathione concentration or protein nitrotyrosine. The results indicate that nitric oxide inhibited beta 2 integrins in a concentration-dependent fashion by inhibiting cell-surface transduction of signals linked to the activity of membrane-bound guanylate cyclase. The inhibitory effect could be overcome by providing cells with cyclic GMP exogenously or by stimulating cytosolic guanylate cyclase.
Osseous Coagulum: A Histologic Evaluation

Chronic periodontitis can be successfully simulated in primates by the method employed in this study. Osseous defects can be created with a marked degree of similarity to one another and subsequently rendered into chronic lesions for healing-repair studies. The chronic periodontal ossious defects corrected by the osseous coagulum technique and by curettage in the rhesus monkey in this study were repaired by the regeneration of the architecture of the lost tissue. The use of the osseous coagulum in two- and three-walled periodontal osseous defects led to a more rapid osteogenesis in such defects as compared to correction by curettage alone. This rapid filling of the osseous defects may serve to inhibit the apical migration of the epithelial attachment during the early stages of repair, and thereby inhibit a subsequent recurrence of the defect. Clinically and histologically, no readily apparent distinction could be made in the healing process between the two- and three-walled lesions.
SensorFly: Controlled-mobile sensing platform for indoor emergency response applications

Indoor emergency response situations, such as urban fire, are characterized by dangerous constantly-changing operating environments with little access to situational information for first responders. In-situ information about the conditions, such as the extent and evolution of an indoor fire, can augment rescue efforts and reduce risk to emergency personnel. Static sensor networks that are pre-deployed or manually deployed have been proposed, but are less practical due to need for large infrastructure, lack of adaptivity and limited coverage. Controlled-mobility in sensor networks, i.e. the capability of nodes to move as per network needs can provide the desired autonomy to overcome these limitations. In this paper, we present SensorFly, a controlled-mobile aerial sensor network platform for indoor emergency response application. The miniature, low-cost sensor platform has capabilities to self deploy, achieve 3-D sensing, and adapt to node and network disruptions in harsh environments. We describe hardware design trade-offs, the software architecture, and the implementation that enables limited-capability nodes to collectively achieve application goals. Through the indoor fire monitoring application scenario we validate that the platform can achieve coverage and sensing accuracy that matches or exceeds static sensor networks and provide higher adaptability and autonomy.
Physically crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol and gelatin interpenetrating polymer network theta-gels for cartilage regeneration

Theta-gels are hydrogels that form during the solidification and phase separation of two dislike polymers, in which a low molecular weight polymer behaves as a porogen and is removed through dialysis. For this study, interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels were formed between polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and gelatin using theta-gel fabrication techniques, i.e., in the presence of a porogen. The addition of gelatin to a PVA theta-gel, formed with a porogen, polyethylene glycol (PEG), created macro-porous hydrogels, and increased shear storage moduli and elastic moduli, compared to PVA–gelatin scaffold controls. A reduction in PVA crystallinity was verified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in hydrogels fabricated using a porogen, i.e., PVA–PEG–gelatin, compared to PVA, PVA–PEG, or PVA–gelatin hydrogels alone. Van Geison staining confirmed the retention of gelatin after dialysis. A range of hydrogel moduli was achieved by optimizing PVA concentration, molecular weight, and gelatin concentration. PVA–gelatin hydrogels maintained primary human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) viability. Soft (∼10 kPa) and stiff (∼100 kPa) PVA–gelatin hydrogels containing type II collagen significantly increased glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production compared to controls. PVA–gelatin hydrogels, formed using theta-gel techniques, warrant further investigation as articular cartilage tissue engineering scaffolds.
A developmental and genetic classification for midbrain-hindbrain malformations

Advances in neuroimaging, developmental biology and molecular genetics have increased the understanding of developmental disorders affecting the midbrain and hindbrain, both as isolated anomalies and as part of larger malformation syndromes. However, the understanding of these malformations and their relationships with other malformations, within the central nervous system and in the rest of the body, remains limited. A new classification system is proposed, based wherever possible, upon embryology and genetics. Proposed categories include: (i) malformations secondary to early anteroposterior and dorsoventral patterning defects, or to misspecification of mid-hindbrain germinal zones; (ii) malformations associated with later generalized developmental disorders that significantly affect the brainstem and cerebellum (and have a pathogenesis that is at least partly understood); (iii) localized brain malformations that significantly affect the brain stem and cerebellum (pathogenesis partly or largely understood, includes local proliferation, cell specification, migration and axonal guidance); and (iv) combined hypoplasia and atrophy of putative prenatal onset degenerative disorders. Pertinent embryology is discussed and the classification is justified. This classification will prove useful for both physicians who diagnose and treat patients with these disorders and for clinical scientists who wish to understand better the perturbations of developmental processes that produce them. Importantly, both the classification and its framework remain flexible enough to be easily modified when new embryologic processes are described or new malformations discovered.
Reaerosolization of fluidized spores in ventilation systems.

This project examined dry, fluidized spore reaerosolization in a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning duct system. Experiments using spores of Bacillus atrophaeus, a nonpathogenic surrogate for Bacillus anthracis, were conducted to delineate the extent of spore reaerosolization behavior under normal indoor airflow conditions. Short-term (five air-volume exchanges), long-term (up to 21,000 air-volume exchanges), and cycled (on-off) reaerosolization tests were conducted using two common duct materials. Spores were released into the test apparatus in turbulent airflow (Reynolds number, 26,000). After the initial pulse of spores (approximately 1010 to 1011 viable spores) was released, high-efficiency particulate air filters were added to the air intake. Airflow was again used to perturb the spores that had previously deposited onto the duct. Resuspension rates on both steel and plastic duct materials were between 10−3 and 10−5 per second, which decreased to 10 times less than initial rates within 30 min. Pulsed flow caused an initial spike in spore resuspension concentration that rapidly decreased. The resuspension rates were greater than those predicted by resuspension models for contamination in the environment, a result attributed to surface roughness differences. There was no difference between spore reaerosolization from metal and that from plastic duct surfaces over 5 hours of constant airflow. The spores that deposited onto the duct remained a persistent source of contamination over a period of several hours.
Clinical detection of sarcopenic obesity by bioelectrical impedance analysis.

To assess whether bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) provides clinically useful information on body composition beyond that obtained from measuring height and weight, we clinically classified 306 obese patients (233 females and 73 males) into tertiles of increasing fat-free mass estimated by BIA. Because fat-free mass by BIA is an estimate of lean body mass, the lowest fertile was clinically defined as sarcopenic obesity (reduced lean body mass), as contrasted with proportionate or muscular obesity in the next two tertiles. Fat mass in patients in each of the above tertiles based on BIA was then compared with fat mass estimated by using the equations of Garrow and Webster with body mass index (weight/height 2 ). BIA-estimated fat mass was 4.3 kg greater in the sarcopenic group (n = 102) than predicted from body mass index. Fat mass predicted by BIA in the proportionate (n = 102) and muscular (n = 102) groups differed by less than the SEE of fat mass predicted by BMI. In premenopausal women at increased risk of breast cancer BIA showed a high prevalence of sarcopenic obesity (28/30) in these women at normal body mass indexes. Thus, BIA may be clinically useful for demonstrating sarcopenic obesity, but additional studies are needed to determine the metabolic and clinical significance of sarcopenic obesity.
Signal and noise in gene length distributions of decoded genomes

Development of objective measures for comparing genome data has become an important goal in computational genomics. Gene length distribution histograms derived from the predicted protein-coding gene populations of decoded genomes were considered as tools for genomic comparison. The first and second moments of the histograms map the decoded genomes as isolated points onto an Euclidean plane. The clustering of the genomic points on the plane preserves the separation of the three domains of life. The mapping of genomes onto a plane allows for the use of vector analysis in the study of genome evolution.
Newcastle Disease Virus HN Protein Alters the Conformation of the F Protein at Cell Surfaces

Conformational changes in the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) fusion (F) protein during activation of fusion and the role of HN protein in these changes were characterized with a polyclonal antibody. This antibody was raised against a peptide with the sequence of the amino-terminal half of the F protein HR1 domain. This antibody immunoprecipitated both F(0) and F(1) forms of the fusion protein from infected and transfected cell extracts solubilized with detergent, and precipitation was unaffected by expression of the HN protein. In marked contrast, this antibody detected significant conformational differences in the F protein at cell surfaces, differences that depended upon HN protein expression. The antibody minimally detected the F protein, either cleaved or uncleaved, in the absence of HN protein expression. However, when coexpressed with HN protein, an uncleaved mutant F protein bound the anti-HR1 antibody, and this binding depended upon the coexpression of specifically the NDV HN protein. When the cleaved wild-type F protein was coexpressed with HN protein, the F protein bound anti-HR1 antibody poorly although significantly more than F protein expressed alone. Anti-HR1 antibody inhibited the fusion of R18 (octadecyl rhodamine B chloride)-labeled red blood cells to syncytia expressing HN and wild-type F proteins. This inhibition showed that fusion-competent F proteins present on surfaces of syncytia were capable of binding anti-HR1. Furthermore, only antibody which was added prior to red blood cell binding could inhibit fusion. These results suggest that the conformation of uncleaved cell surface F protein is affected by HN protein expression. Furthermore, the cleaved F protein, when coexpressed with HN protein and in a prefusion conformation, can bind anti-HR1 antibody, and the anti-HR1-accessible conformation exists prior to HN protein attachment to receptors on red blood cells.
Periconceptional Heat Stress of Holstein Dams Is Associated with Differences in Daughter Milk Production during Their First Lactation

The fertility of lactating Holstein cows is severely reduced during periods of heat stress. Despite this reduction in fertility, however, some inseminations conducted during heat stress result in successful pregnancies from which heifer calves are born. Many of these heifer calves are retained and raised to enter the milking herd as replacement animals. Heat stress experienced by these females around the time they were conceived may confer long-lasting effects that alter subsequent milk production capacity. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between periconceptional heat stress and subsequent milk production of primiparous cows. National Dairy Herd Improvement Association data was obtained from Dairy Records Management Systems. Records included Holstein cows that had completed at least one lactation in one of three states with large populations of dairy cattle and which are known for having hot, humid summers: Georgia, Florida or Texas. Dates of conception were calculated by subtracting 276 d from the recorded birth date of each individual cow. Records for cows conceived within the months of June, July, and August were retained as heat stress-conceived (HSC) cows (n = 94,440); cows conceived within the months of December, January, and February were retained as thermoneutral-conceived (TNC) contemporaries (n = 141,365). In order to account for the effects of environmental conditions on total milk production for a given lactation, cows were blocked by season of calving (winter, spring, summer or fall). Adjusted 305-day mature-equivalent milk production was evaluated with a mixed model ANOVA using SAS, in which random effects were used to account for variability between herds. Of the cows that calved in the summer, fall and winter, TNC cows had higher milk yield than the HSC cows in all states. Interestingly, the cows that calved in the spring presented a unique relationship, with HSC cows producing more milk. Overall however, heat stress at the time of conception is associated with lower milk production during the first lactation. While this association does not prove cause and effect, it does provide justification for additional investigation into whether heat stress around the time of conception results in long-term, detrimental consequences for the conceptus.
The Effective Resonance Integrals of U-238 and Th-232

Numerical calculations performed on the ORACLE have made possible exact inclusion of the effect of Doppler broadening of resonance lines in the calculation of resonance absorption integrals. The ef...
A 38-Year-Old Woman With an Osteolytic Rib Lesion

A 38-year-old black woman with a medical history significant for hypertension and depression presented to the emergency department with a 2-week history of lower back pain. This visit was her second in 1 week with the same symptoms, after attaining minimal pain relief with cyclobenzaprine.