cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Matched Case-Control Analysis of Clinical Outcomes for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Rectal Cancer Treated With Pelvic Radiation Therapy.

Purpose Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a known risk factor for rectal cancer, and RT is often an important part of therapy for these patients. Previously published studies have raised concerns for increased rates of RT toxicity in patients with IBD. We performed a matched case-control analysis to assess RT-related toxicity in a large sample of U.S. veterans afflicted with IBD and rectal cancer. Methods and Materials We identified 186 veterans with rectal cancer (71 Patients with IBD treated with RT, 71 matched controls without IBD treated with RT, and 44 nonmatched controls with IBD treated without RT) diagnosed between 2000 and 2015. We analyzed short- and long-term toxicity and mortality in multivariable logistic regression, Fine-Gray, and frailty models, adjusting for potential confounders. Results When comparing patients with and without IBD treated with RT there were no differences in RT breaks (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38-4.76; P = .49) or the need for antidiarrheal medication during RT (aOR, 1.53; 95% CI, 0.70-3.35; P = .29). There was a trend toward higher risk of hospital admission during RT for RT + patients with IBD (aOR, 2.69; 95% CI, 0.88-8.22; P = .08). There were higher rates of small bowel obstruction (OR, 15; 95% CI, 1.9-115; P = .009) and a trend toward higher rates of abdominopelvic adhesions (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 0.98-13; P = .05) in the RT + IBD cohort. However, compared with a nonmatched cohort of patients with IBD treated without RT there were no differences in long-term complications. No differences were found in other acute or long-term toxicities. Rectal cancer-specific mortality appeared similar across all cohorts. Conclusions RT does not appear to increase the rates of acute or long-term toxicity in patients with IBD and should be considered a standard part of therapy when otherwise indicated.
Anatomic Considerations for a Posterior Endoscopic Approach to the Cricoarytenoid Joint.

Objective:This anatomic study considers the feasibility of a posterior endoscopic approach to the cricoarytenoid joint (CAJ) by describing relationships between readily identifiable anatomic landma...
Developing an agent-based model to simulate the beef cattle production and transportation in southwest Kansas

Abstract Modern beef cattle production in the U.S. is a highly specialized system that spans from cow–calf ranches, to stockers, to feedlots, to packers. The cattle production system is particularly interdependent with the transportation system, as cattle and feed need to be moved through production phases. Although this interdependence enables the economic functioning of the interdependent system, it also brings vulnerabilities to the system amplifying disease spreading and natural disaster consequences. Taking southwest Kansas as a study area, we explicitly model the beef cattle industry and the transportation industry as two independent but interconnected industries through agent-based modeling. Since cattle and truck movement data are scarce due to privacy concerns, we first generate cattle and truck movement data among production locations under normal operating conditions. We then assess the system robustness by constructing hypothetical disruptions in the cattle industry and in the transportation industry. The simulation results show that the interdependent system is robust to random failures but vulnerable to the targeted shutdown of cattle premises or truck premises. In addition, we observe that disruptions in the trucks serving packers have the worst impact on cattle production, as compared to other transportation disruptions. In disaster preparations, policymakers and system designers need to consider vulnerabilities caused by the interdependent infrastructure and pay particular attention to one of its critical components, meat packers.
"Hot Septum" Sign of Constrictive Pericarditis.

Abstract In patients with constrictive pericarditis, a characteristic reduction in the regional longitudinal strain seen in the areas of the left ventricular free wall and relative sparing of the s...
Transmission potential of COVID-19 in Iran

We computed reproduction number of COVID-19 epidemic in Iran using two different methods. We estimated R0 at 3.6 (95% CI, 3.2, 4.2) (generalized growth model) and at 3.58 (95% CI, 1.29, 8.46) (estimated epidemic doubling time of 1.20 (95% CI, 1.05, 1.44) days) respectively. Immediate social distancing measures are recommended.
The Case for Measuring Whitecaps Using Ocean Color and Initial Linkages to Subsurface Physics

Breaking waves enhance the transport of gas, momentum and heat between the atmosphere and ocean, facilitating climate-relevant physical and chemical processes. But years of effort have proven that breaking waves are difficult to measure, to describe analytically and parameterize using forcing. Because breaking waves have a marked impact on the color of the surface ocean, altering the magnitude and spectral shape of reflected light in unique ways for the submerged air cavity, fresh and decaying foam and entrained bubbles, measurements of ocean color could prove useful as a proxy for the processes associated with wave breaking. The earliest known measurements of whitecap coverage were collected in the late 1960s by Edward Monahan. Much of this work builds on the work of Monahan and his collaborators. The whitecap statistics presented here are compared directly to those presented by Monahan and the work that has followed as a demonstration of the potential use of ocean color as an accurate, practicable approach, given the high sensitivity and low detection limit of the radiometers. Here, an ocean color derived intensity metric is related to the surface and subsurface manifestation of wave breaking, including the enhancement in TKE dissipation rates and the penetration depth of bubble plumes. The radiometric dataset used here, collected as a part of the Southern Ocean Gas Exchange Experiment, serves as a preliminary dataset for this investigation; it was not collected with the dedicated purpose of measuring whitecaps. However, these data and planned measurements make the case for the use of ocean color to measure upper ocean physics.
Adapt or Abandon: Demographic Shocks and Principal Turnover

Given that principals stand at the precipice between policy, the student body, and the community, this article examines the relationship between demographic shocks and principal turnover. In observ...
Batch Normalization Embeddings for Deep Domain Generalization

Domain generalization aims at training machine learning models to perform robustly across different and unseen domains. Several recent methods use multiple datasets to train models to extract domain-invariant features, hoping to generalize to unseen domains. Instead, we explicitly train domain-dependant representations by using ad-hoc batch normalization layers to collect independent domain’s statistics. We propose to use these statistics to map domains in a shared latent space, where membership to a domain can be measured by means of a distance function. At test time, we project samples from an unknown domain into the same space and express their domain as a linear combination of the known ones. We apply the same mapping strategy at training and test time, learning both a latent representation and a powerful but lightweight ensemble model. We show a significant increase in classification accuracy over current state-of-the-art techniques on popular domain generalization benchmarks: PACS, Office-31 and Office-Caltech.
Very Elevated IgE, Atopy, and Severe Infection: A Genomics-Based Diagnostic Approach to a Spectrum of Diseases

Elevated IgE has been long recognized as an important clinical marker of atopy but can be seen in a myriad of conditions. The discovery of autosomal dominant STAT3 deficiency marked the first recognition of hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) and the first primary immunodeficiency linked to elevated IgE. Since then, genomic testing has increased the number of defects with associated mutations causing hyper-IgE syndrome and atopic diseases with FLG, DOCK8, SPINK5, and CARD11, among others. A spectrum of recurrent infections and atopy are hallmarks of elevated IgE with significant phenotypic overlap between each underlying condition. As treatment is predicated on early diagnosis, genomic testing is becoming a more commonly used diagnostic tool. We present a 6-year-old male patient with markedly elevated IgE and severe atopic dermatitis presenting with staphylococcal bacteremia found to have a heterozygous variant in FLG (p.S3247X) and multiple variants of unknown significance in BCL11B, ZAP70, LYST, and PTPRC. We review the genetic defects underpinning elevated IgE and highlight the spectrum of atopy and immunodeficiency seen in patients with underlying mutations. Although no one mutation is completely causative of the constellation of symptoms in this patient, we suggest the synergism of these variants is an impetus of disease.
Flexible Pavement Design Criteria

Research in developing California Bearing Ratio method of pavement design; working reference by which design criteria for any desired loading can be produced; manner in which load, number, and spacing of wheels, tire pressure, and number of load repetitions can be specifically treated to obtain design curve relating CBR to required design thickness is explained in detail.
Parallel processing systems for passive ranging during helicopter flight

Images from an electro-optical sensor provide a covert way of detecting objects in the flight path of a low-flying helicopter. Passive ranging consists of processing a sequence of images using techniques based on optical flow computation and recursive estimation. The passive ranging algorithm has to extract obstacle information from imagery at rates varying from five to thirty or more frames per second depending on the helicopter speed. We have implemented and tested the passive ranging algorithm off-line using helicopter-collected images. However, the real-time data and computational requirements of the algorithm are beyond the capability of any off-the-shell microprocessor or digital signal processor. This paper describes the computational requirements of the algorithm and uses parallel processing technology to meet these requirements. Various issues in the selection of a parallel processing architecture are discussed and four different computer architectures are evaluated regarding their suitability to process the algorithm in real-time. >
Identification of numatrin, the nuclear matrix protein associated with induction of mitogenesis, as the nucleolar protein B23. Implication for the role of the nucleolus in early transduction of mitogenic signals.

Abstract We have previously described and characterized a nuclear protein at 40 kDa/pI 5 termed "numatrin" which is tightly bound to the nuclear matrix. We demonstrated that a rapid increase in the synthesis of numatrin at early G1 phase is closely correlated with receptor-mediated induction of cellular proliferation by various mitogens and that elevated amounts of numatrin are found in tumor cells, suggesting that numatrin may have an important role in regulation of cellular growth in normal and malignant cells. Further experiments were undertaken to compare the biochemical characteristics of numatrin to those of other known proteins that are associated with cellular mitogenesis. Comparison of the electrophoretic mobility of numatrin with the proliferation cell nuclear antigen/cyclin showed that these proteins are not identical. However, numatrin had an identical electrophoretic migration on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to that of a previously described nucleolar protein B23. The tryptic digest peptide map of 125I-labeled B23 was identical to that of numatrin on two-dimensional thin layer electrophoresis/chromatography. Labeling of cells with 32P further showed that numatrin is a major phosphoprotein as previously reported for protein B23. Using the protocol for purification of B23, we purified numatrin from nucleoli of HL-60 cells and produced two polyclonal antibodies (303 and 339) to this protein. We further show that numatrin is recognized by anti-B23 monoclonal antibody as well as by polyclonal antibodies 303 and 339 in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Conversely, these anti-numatrin polyclonal antibodies cross-react with protein B23 as shown in immunoblot analysis. These results, taken collectively, prove that numatrin is identical to the nucleolar protein B23 and thus suggest that protein B23 and events which occur at the nucleolus might have an important role in early transduction of mitogenic signals at the G1 phase of the cell cycle.
Special invariance properties of the [N+1/N] Padé approximants in Rayleigh-Schrödinger perturbation theory

Pade approximants to the electronic energy of atoms and molecules are investigated by using the expansion parameter of Rayleigh-Schrodinger perturbation theory as a formal variable. These problems are characterized by the fact that the exact Hamiltonian is known and, although the Hamiltonian is split into a zero order and a perturbing part, the exact Hamiltonian is recovered when the expansion parameter equals unity. The present study shows that for these problems the sequence of [$N$+1/$N$] Pade approximants is special in that, when the expansion parameter is set equal to unity, the numerical value of each of these approximants is invariant to two modifications in the zero-order Hamiltonian; namely, a change of scale and a shift of origin in the zero-order energy spectrum. This suggests that it is the essence of the exact Hamiltonian which produces the final energy result, rather than the arbitrary scaling of the unperturbed Hamiltonian. This formalism is particularly appropriate for ab initio perturbative calculations, where the variational principle cannot be used to determine optimal values for the scale and shift parameters.
New methods for fault protection and high voltage regulation

During load fault conditions, high voltage power systems and loads can suffer from extreme peak currents. Conventional circuit breakers require several cycles and many milli-seconds to open potentially allowing a large amount of energy to be deposited into the load which can be destructive to the load as well as disruptive to the power system. A new method of combining a high temperature fault current limiter in conjunction with a solid-state circuit breaker has been developed to greatly reduce the potential damage in the event of a load fault. This fault current limiter, consisting of a number of YBCO HTc filaments submerged in a liquid nitrogen bath, is designed to be lossless during normal operation and resistive (current limiting) during a fault. A solid-state switch is placed in series with the fault current limiter allowing the system to open during fault events. In addition to the fault protection capabilities of this system, it can also be configured as an isolated, linear regulator for direct regulation of high voltages. A major advantage of this system is that a solid-state switch can be designed for the limited fault current, not the worst case fault current. This leads to systems that can be smaller, simpler and more cost effective. Application of this fault control/regulation system to a tube-based radar load may prevent permanent radar tube damage from arcing during faults and may also increase the radar system reliability and lifetime. Data from a laboratory demonstration system is presented and results from operation of this system during are reported.
Salutary Effects of Hemodialysis on Low-Density Lipoprotein Proinflammatory and High-Density Lipoprotein Anti-inflammatory Properties in Patient With End-Stage Renal Disease

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) causes oxidative stress, inflammation, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) deficiency and accelerated atherosclerosis. Uptake of oxidized LDL by macrophages results in foam cell and plaque formation. HDL mitigates atherosclerosis via reverse cholesterol transport and inhibition of LDL oxidation. ESRD heightens LDL inflammatory activity and suppresses HDL anti-inflammatory activity. The effect of hemodialysis on the LDL and HDL inflammatory properties is unknown. By removing the potential pro-oxidant/proinflammatory uremic toxins, dialysis may attenuate LDL inflammatory and HDL anti-inflammatory properties. Conversely, exposure to dialyzer membrane and tubing and influx of impurities from dialysate can intensify LDL and HDL inflammatory activities. This study examined the effect of hemodialysis on LDL and HDL inflammatory activities. Plasma samples were obtained from 12 normal control and 26 ESRD patients before and after hemodialysis with (16 patients) or without (10 patients) heparinization. HDL and LDL were isolated and tested for monocyte chemotactic activity in cultured endothelial cells. ESRD patients had increased LDL chemotactic activity, reduced HDL anti-inflammatory activity, paraoxonase and glutathione peroxidase levels, and elevated plasma IL-6 before dialysis. Hemodialysis partially improved LDL inflammatory and HDL anti-inflammatory activities and enhanced patients' HDL ability to suppress their LDL inflammatory activity. The salutary effect on LDL inflammatory activity was significantly greater in patients dialyzed with than those without heparin. ESRD heightens LDL inflammatory and impairs HDL anti-inflammatory activities. Hemodialysis partially improves LDL and HDL inflammatory activities. The salutary effects of hemodialysis are in part mediated by heparin, which is known to possess lipolytic and antioxidant properties.
Evolving strategies in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction-induced cardiogenic shock

Despite advances in medical technology and re-vascularization interventions, the mortality rate for cardiogenic shock (CS) following acute myocardial infarction has remained at 50%. The majority of these mortalities are from left ventricular failure resulting in multi-system organ dysfunction. The field of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has evolved within the past decade, with improved outcomes from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as well as continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF LVADs). In this paper, we discuss our institutional treatment strategies, the rationale for the protocol development, and our improved outcomes when using MCS in patients with refractory CS following acute myocardial infarction.
Potentially toxic serum concentrations of desipramine after discontinuation of valproic acid

Pharmacological interventions in the treatment of various cognitive, behavioural and neurological problems after brain injury often may involve combinations of medications from various drug classes. This carries the implication of potentially new or previously undereported drug interactions. A case report is presented in which a commonly used anticonvulsant drug, valproic acid, and a commonly used antidepressant, desipramine, interacted in such a manner as to cause potentially toxic serum concentrations of desipramine. This case demonstrates the important point that it is not simply the addition of one drug to another that may cause interaction, but the withdrawal of a particular drug which may then adversely impact the remaining drug regimen.
A critical examination of the University of Iowa studies of environmental influences upon the IQ

During the last year or so the educational journals of the country have contained many articles from the pen of either Professor George D. Stoddard or Dr. Beth L. Wellman on changes in the IQ brought about by school and environmental factors. This popularization of research results has not been confined to learned journals, but has been spread abroad via more popular routes such as the newspapers and the radio. In an article in the New York Times under the signature of Dr. Wellman (28) will be found such statements as: “The extent of change under especially favorable circumstances may be sufficient to move a child from average intelligence to the so-called genius or extremely high levels. Or it may when conditions are especially unfavorable change children from average intelligence to feeble-mindedness.” In Childhood Education (27) Dr. Wellman writes that the “group mental level of the children in a school is an important factor in the change in IQ of a particular child.” In the Journal of Consulting Psychology Dr. Wellman says that “results from long-time consecutive studies of intelligence of children are demanding certain changes in our concept of intelligence in order that our concept conform with the facts.
Model selection for complex systems involving polynuclear species

Abstract 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-bisphosphonic acid (HEDP) is a phosphonate chelate with several diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Previous studies have indicated that calcium complex aggregation occurs in the basic range of pH; results from this study indicate that complex aggregation occurs throughout the physiological range of pH as well. Calcium complex formation data were used for PQ analyses and plots of the derivative of Z with respect to total diphosphonate at constant free calcium ion concentration were shown to provide valuable information with regard to model selection. A link-addition stepwise complex formation model was shown to be most appropriate; a robust feature of all aggregate formation models examined is a strong pH dependence of polynuclear complex formation in the pH range 5.5–7.0.
Pythagorean theorems on rectangular tetrahedron

Abstract Two generalized forms of the Pythagorean Theorem for rectangular tetrahedron are proved using only elementary methods: Pythagorean Theorem and Heron's formula for the area of a triangle.
Effects of geophagy on food intake, body mass, and nutrient dynamics of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus)

Geophagy is thought to have several physiological benefits to animals, including mineral supplementation and adsorption of toxins. However, these benefits have rarely been demonstrated experimentally. Using soil from a known lick in northern Alaska, we investigated the effect of geophagy on food intake and mass loss in captive snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus Erxleben, 1777) fed a formulated ration of feltleaf willow leaves (Salix alaxensis (Andersson) Coville), a preferred forage of snowshoe hares. Lick soil contained 4.8% clay, 12.5% carbonates, and had more available Na (72.7 mg·kg−1) than willow leaves. Hares fed willow leaves consumed more soil (15.2 ± 2.0 g·kg–0.75·d−1) than those fed formulated ration (9.3 ± 1.3 g·kg–0.75·d−1). Hares had higher willow intake when offered soil (45.8 ± 2.0 g·kg–0.75·d−1) than those without soil (35.0 ± 2.1 g·kg–0.75·d−1), and willow-fed hares offered soil lost less body mass (P < 0.001) than those without soil. Soil availability resulted in higher digestible intakes ...
The use of pragmatic markers across proficiency levels in second language speech

This study investigates the use of pragmatic markers (PMs) by learners of English at varying proficiency levels. The study analyzes data from a university-level oral proficiency exam that categorized Chinese and Korean English-as-a-second-language (ESL) speakers into four proficiency levels and compares data with those of native speakers taking the same test. Findings indicate that PM use generally rises with proficiency level. The rates of PM use showed a dramatic increase between the highest and second-highest proficiency group. The highest proficiency ESL group used PMs at the same rate as native speakers. The study also found that the variety of different PMs used goes up steadily with proficiency level. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for understanding how second language learners’ use of PMs develops.
Selection of Optimum Nonlinear Crystals for Efficient Parametric Generation and Sensitive Detection of Monochromatic ns THz Pulses

We report our recent progress made on the development of widely-tunable monochromatic THz sources. They have been realized based on difference-frequency generation (DFG) in GaSe, ZnGeP2, and GaP crystals, respectively. Using a GaSe crystal, the output wavelength was tuned continuously in the range from 66.5 µm to 5664 µm (from 150 cm-1 to 1.77 cm-1) with the peak power reaching 389 W. Such a high peak power corresponds to a conversion efficiency of about 0.1% (a photon conversion efficiency of 19%). A further optimization on the THz beam parameter may result in an output peak power of a few kW. Within the range of 100-250 µm the output peak powers were higher than 100 W. We have also investigated THz frequency upconversion in GaSe, ZnGeP2, and GaP crystals. Such a parametric process has a potential for detecting THz pulses at room temperature or just using a thermoelectric cooler. The minimum detectable energy per pulse was measured to be 245 pJ, which corresponds to a noise equivalent energy of 77.5 $${\text{pJ/}}\sqrt {Hz} $$ . A further optimization of the process can reduce this value down to 1 $${\text{pJ/}}\sqrt {Hz} $$ .
Acute Aortic Dissection: Population-Based Incidence Compared With Degenerative Aortic Aneurysm Rupture

Objective To ascertain whether acute aortic dissection (AAD) remains the most common aortic catastrophe, as generally believed, and to detect any improvement in outcomes compared with previously reported populationbased data. Patients and Methods We determined the incidence, operative intervention rate, and long-term survival rate of Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents with a clinical diagnosis of AAD initially made between 1980 and 1994. The incidence of degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) rupture was also delineated. We compared these results with other population-based studies of AAD, degenerative TAA, and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture. Results During a 15-year period, we identified 177 patients with thoracic aortic disease. We focused on 39 patients with AAD (22% of the entire cohort) and 28 with TAA rupture (16%). The annual age- and sex-adjusted incidences were 3.5 per 100,000 persons (95% confidence interval, 2.4–4.6) for AAD and 3.5 per 100,000 persons (95% confidence interval, 2.2–4.9) for TAA rupture. Thirty-three dissections (85%) involved the ascending aorta, whereas 6 (15%) involved only the descending aorta. Nineteen patients (49%) underwent 22 operations for AAD, with a 30-day case fatality rate of 9%. Among all 39 patients with AAD, median survival was only 3 days. Overall 5-year survival for those with AAD improved to 32% compared with only 5% in this community between 1951 and 1980. Conclusions In other studies, the annual incidences of TAA rupture and AAA rupture are estimated at approximately 3 and 9 per 100,000 persons, respectively. This study indicates that AAD and ruptured degenerative TAA occur with similar frequency but less commonly than ruptured AAA. Although timely recognition and management remain problematic, these new data suggest that recent diagnostic and operative advances are improving long-term survival in AAD.
n:m Phase-locking of weakly coupled oscillators

Two weakly coupled oscillators are studied and the existence of n:m phase-locked solutions is shown. With the use of a slow time scale, the problem is reduced to a two-dimensional system on an invariant attracting torus. This system is further reduced to a one-dimensional dynamical system. Fixed points of this system correspond to n:m phase-locked solutions. The method is applied to a forced oscillator, linearly coupled λ-ω systems, and a pair of integrate and fire neuron models.
Psychosocial issues following traumatic brain injury.

Srrmmary.-The author contends that Dean, Colantonio, RatcliH, and Chase in 2000 probably underestimated the importance OF psychosocial Factors in the very longterm adaptation to disabhry by 166 individuals with traumatic brain injury. Dean, Colantonio, Ratchff, and Chase (2000) investigated the self-reported main problems of 166 adult subjects many years following a traurnatic brain injury. They concluded that the participants' long-term concerns were primarily related to physical, medical, and cognitive ddficulties rather than to emotional, behavioral, or community-integration issues. Dean, et al. acknowledged that their study was a preliminary attempt to code responses and requires further validation; however, the methodology used and conclusions reached in the study require further discussion. Although Dean, et a/. addressed a topic of considerable theoretical and practical importance, i.e., long-term adaptation to traumatic brain injury, the qualitative methodology employed in the study was actually quite lunited, i.e., the analysis of responses to only one open-ended question on a much larger questionnaire. An example of a more comprehensive quahtative analysis of reactions to traumatic brain injury was reported by Bergland and Thomas (19911, who used a multicase study approach to provide in-depth descriptions of adjustment and transition dkficulties from the perspectives of 12 brain-injured indviduals and their primary caregivers. In this study, a semistructured interview method (Bogdan & Bllken, 1982) was used to obtain a description of issues and themes related to adjustment and transition from the perspective of the injured individual and primary family caregiver. Ln separate tape-recorded interviews, each approximately 90 minutes in length, the individuals and their caregivers were asked to describe experiences, changes, and issues related to (a) self, (b) family, (c) friends, (d) school, and (e) work following discharge from in-patient rehabhation. Parents and former patients were first asked to tell "their stories" of events and experiences following the patient's discharge from the hospital. The beginning open-ended question served a priming function by allowing partici
Doppler effects on 3-D non-LTE radiation transport and emission spectra

Abstract Spatially and temporally resolved X-ray emission lines contain information about temperatures, densities, velocities, and the gradients in a plasma. Extracting this information from optically thick lines emitted from complex ions in dynamic, three-dimensional, non-LTE plasmas requires self-consistent accounting for both non-LTE atomic physics and non-local radiative transfer. We present a brief description of a hybrid-structure spectroscopic atomic model coupled to an iterative tabular on-the-spot treatment of radiative transfer that can be applied to plasmas of arbitrary material composition, conditions, and geometries. The effects of Doppler line shifts on the self-consistent radiative transfer within the plasma and the emergent emission and absorption spectra are included in the model. Sample calculations for a two-level atom in a uniform cylindrical plasma are given, showing reasonable agreement with more sophisticated transport models and illustrating the potential complexity – or richness – of radially resolved emission lines from an imploding cylindrical plasma. Also presented is a comparison of modeled L- and K-shell spectra to temporally and radially resolved emission data from a Cu:Ni plasma. Finally, some shortcomings of the model and possible paths for improvement are discussed.
Criteria for electrically heated temperature probes in flames.

Measurement techniques proposed by Gilbert and Lobdell (1953) and Rein and O'Laughlin (1967) are considered, giving attention to an apparent paradox. The criteria under which the assumptions made for the measurement techniques apply are specified. If sensors of different diameters are tested and the resultant plots of the parameter ?S' vs the wire temperature intersect below the abscissa, the considered measurement techniques are not applicable.
Basic Limitation of Scintillation Counters in Time Measurements

The time resolution of a scintillation detector can be calculated from the scintillator illumination function, and the response of the photomultiplier to an instantaneous pulse of light. Such calculations using the parameters of present scintillators and photomultipliers agree with measured resolutions and predict improvements which can be achieved. Parameters of commercial and some promising experimental fast scintillators are given, as well as measurements on transit time spread of some fast photomultipliers.
Explicit adaptive-grid radiation-magnetohydrodynamics

An explicit adaptive-grid finite differencing method for one-dimensional radiation-magnetohydrodynamics computations is described. Based on the equidistribution principle, this explicit procedure moves the grid points to regions with high spatial gradients in physical quantities, such as temperature, mass density, pressure, and momentum. The governing magnetic field, radiative transfer, and hydrodynamics equations are transformed to the moving adaptive reference frame. The time and spatially dependent radiation field is determined by solving the radiative transfer equation with the multigroup discrete ordinate S[sub N] method with implicit time differencing. The magnetic field is solved through a diffusion equation resulted from Maxwell's equations and Ohm's law. The field equations are solved using a first-order upwind spatial differencing and explicit time differencing scheme. The coupling between the fluid and radiation field is treated explicitly by first solving for the radiation field and then the fluid equations. A conservation differencing scheme based on the control volume approach is chosen to retain the conservative nature of the governing equations. 26 refs., 14 figs., 3 tabs.
Performance of a 100 kW class applied field MPD thruster

Performance of a 100 kW, applied field magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster was evaluated and sensitivities of discharge characteristics to arc current, mass flow rate, and applied magnetic field were investigated. Thermal efficiencies as high as 60 percent, thrust efficiencies up to 21 percent, and specific impulses of up to 1150 s were attained with argon propellant. Thrust levels up to 2.5 N were directly measured with an inverted pendulum thrust stand at discharge input powers up to 57 kW. It was observed that thrust increased monotonically with the product of arc current and magnet current.
Development of the patient approach and views toward healthcare communication (PAV-COM) measure among older adults.

Background: This study examines the psychometric properties of 9 items on the Patient Activation component of the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) that assess how patients approach and communicate with their physicians. The MCBS is a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey of Medicare beneficiaries. Methods: We analyzed MCBS data collected in 2002 and 2005 from 15,165 adults aged 65 and older. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted using maximum likelihood to estimate a polychoric correlation matrix on the 2002 data, and confirmatory factor analysis was performed using the 2005 data. Results: Exploratory factor analysis of the 2002 data showed a 2-factor solution: approach to interactions (5 items) and views about physician’s healthcare communication (6 items). Findings were confirmed using the 2005 data. Items were combined to form the Patient Approach and Views toward Healthcare Communication (PAV-COM) scale (range 1 to 100; Cronbach’s alpha of 0.75, and item-rest correlations between 0.33 and 0.54). Higher PAV-COM scores were associated with greater fulfillment of preventive health behaviors such as vaccinations and cancer screenings. Conclusions: The PAV-COM measure is a valid tool for assessing patient approaches and views toward communication with physicians. This measure can be used to evaluate interventions to improve patient participation during healthcare encounters.
Observations of Vertical Wind Shear Heterogeneity in Convective Boundary Layers

Abstract Dual-Doppler wind syntheses from mobile radar observations obtained during the International H2O Project document some of the spatial variability of vertical wind profiles in convective boundary layers. Much of the variability of popular forecasting parameters such as vertical wind shear magnitude and storm-relative helicity is thought to result from pressure and temperature gradients associated with mesoscale boundaries (e.g., drylines, outflow boundaries, fronts). These analyses also reveal substantial heterogeneity even in the absence of obvious mesoscale wind shifts—in regions many might have classified as “horizontally homogeneous” with respect to these parameters in the past. This heterogeneity is closely linked to kinematic perturbations associated with boundary layer convection. When a mean wind is present, the large spatial variability implies significant temporal variability in the vertical wind profiles observed at fixed locations, with the temporal variability increasing with mean win...
Synthesis of purine- and pyrimidine-substituted heptadienes. The stereochemistry of cyclization and cyclopolymerization products.

A series of 1,6-heptadienes, substituted in the 4 position with nucleic acid bases 1−6, have been synthesized via Mitsunobu condensations. Guanine, adenine, thymine, and uracil derivatives can be prepared directly by coupling the protected base with 1,6-heptadien-4-ol (7). However, coupling protected cytosine and 7 gives an O-alkylated product. Thus, the cytosine derivative must be prepared from the uracil-substituted heptadienes via the triazole. The free-radical addition of CCl4 and BrCCl3 to these adducts was investigated. In all cases, both 1:1 and 1:2 adducts were obtained. The 1:1 adduct was identified as the cyclized product of the initially formed 5-hexen-1-yl radical. The cyclization takes place in a stereospecific manner, with only one of the four possible diastereomers resulting. NMR studies indicate that all substituents are cis in this product. In the case of the addition of CCl4 to the uracil-substituted heptadiene, this conclusion was confirmed by an X-ray structure determination of the iso...
Immunosuppressive drugs in paediatric liver transplantation.

Orthotopic liver transplantation is established treatment for children with acute and chronic liver failure. Despite advances in pre- and postoperative management, innovative surgical techniques and new immunosuppressive drugs, acute and chronic rejection remains a problem. In addition, well established adverse effects of commonly used immunosuppressive drugs are no longer acceptable. More potent, but less toxic, immunosuppressive agents have been developed and some novel compounds are now entering routine practice.
Phase-matching measurements for 10-microm upconversion in AgGaS(2).

Laboratory data from the upconversion of CO2 laser radiation using an AgGaS2 crystal pumped with a tunable dye laser are reported. Data were taken on the pump wavelength and bandwidth and the crystal acceptance angle for phase-matching. The results were compared with predictions made in terms of the upconversion conservation of energy and momentum and a model of the AgGaS2 refractive index. The trials were run with an annealed crystal apparently free of cracks, twins and optical scattering centers. The measurements indicated that more accurate refractrive-index data are required to be able to predict accurately the laser pump wavelength for phase-matching.
Harnessing the Biosynthetic Code: Combinations, Permutations, and Mutations

Polyketides and non-ribosomal peptides are two large families of complex natural products that are built from simple carboxylic acid or amino acid monomers, respectively, and that have important medicinal or agrochemical properties. Despite the substantial differences between these two classes of natural products, each is synthesized biologically under the control of exceptionally large, multifunctional proteins termed polyketide synthases (PKSs) and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) that contain repeated, coordinated groups of active sites called modules, in which each module is responsible for catalysis of one complete cycle of polyketide or polypeptide chain elongation and associated functional group modifications. It has recently become possible to use molecular genetic methodology to alter the number, content, and order of such modules and, in so doing, to alter rationally the structure of the resultant products. This review considers the promise and challenges inherent in the combinatorial manipulation of PKS and NRPS structure in order to generate entirely "unnatural" products.
The acute local effects of prednisone on the gastric mucosa.

Since the introduction of cortisone for clinical use in 1950, clinicians have become increasingly aware of the correlation between patients on corticosteroid therapy and the increased incidence of gastric ulceration. This observation has led several investigators to suggest that the ulceration was caused by a direct, local irritation of the gastric mucosa. Such a possibility has been evaluated by directly exposing the rat gastric mucosa in vivo to prednisone tablets for up to 30 min. Exposed areas were examined grossly and biopsy specimens were obtained for microscopic examination. In no instance was any sign of acute inflammation or ulceration observed.
A 58 nW ECG ASIC With Motion-Tolerant Heartbeat Timing Extraction for Wearable Cardiovascular Monitoring

An ASIC for wearable cardiovascular monitoring is implemented using a topology that takes advantage of the electrocardiogram's (ECG) waveform to replace the traditional ECG instrumentation amplifier, ADC, and signal processor with a single chip solution. The ASIC can extract heartbeat timings in the presence of baseline drift, muscle artifact, and signal clipping. The circuit can operate with ECGs ranging from the chest location to remote locations where the ECG magnitude is as low as 30 $\mu$ V. Besides heartbeat detection, a midpoint estimation method can accurately extract the ECG R-wave timing, enabling the calculations of heart rate variability. With 58 nW of power consumption at 0.8 V supply voltage and 0.76 mm $^2$ of active die area in standard 0.18 $\,\mu$ m CMOS technology, the ECG ASIC is sufficiently low power and compact to be suitable for long term and wearable cardiovascular monitoring applications under stringent battery and size constraints.
COMBINING BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT AND MUTUAL GOAL SETTING TO REDUCE PHYSICAL DEPENDENCY IN NURSING HOME RESIDENTS

The effectiveness of three nursing approaches in fostering self-care behaviors in elderly nursing home residents was compared. The study was conducted in three intermediate care nursing homes. Each home was randomly assigned to one of three conditions: a combination of behavior modification and mutual goal setting (Condition 1), mutual goal setting only (Condition 2), and routine nursing care (Condition 3). Seventy-nine subjects completed the study. In-service training was provided to nursing staff in Conditions 1 and 2 but not in Condition 3. Over a period of 22 weeks, nursing staff encouraged subjects to do parts of their morning activities of daily living (ADLs) independently. When the groups were compared on self-care behaviors at the end of the 22 weeks, subjects who received the combination treatment performed significantly more self-care behaviors than those in the other two groups.
Specific Lactobacillus species differentially activate Toll-like receptors and downstream signals in dendritic cells.

Background: Dendritic cells (DCs) regulate mucosal T-cell immunity and encounter several distinct bacteria of the gut flora, including lactobacilli. Gram-positive lactobacilli have been suggested to play an important role in exerting adjuvanticity effects on innate immune cells at mucosal sites. Aims & methods: In the present report, we studied the effects of specific Lactobacillus species on human monocyte derived DCs. Results: We show that lactobacilli activate DCs by differentially inducing the expression of Toll-like receptors and bioactive IL-12 in Lactobacillus-treated DCs. Further, these specific Lactobacillus spp. did not activate the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, which might be a downstream effect of the remarkable capacity of lactobacilli to induce IL-12 in DCs that skew T cells significantly toward an IFN-γ-secreting Th1 response. Conclusion: These results highlight an important role of specific Lactobacillus spp. as adjuvants in triggering DC function, which in turn may determine the immunologi...
Domains of differential cell proliferation and formation of amnion folds in chick embryo ectoderm

Patterns of cell proliferation in ectoderm epithelium that will form avian amnion correlate with morphogenesis, but not in an obvious pattern with respect to large-scale folding. At sites where the pre-axial amnion folds will first appear in 4- to 8-somite embryos, patterns of proliferation do not separate into domains that presage location of the single pre-axial fold that is commonly described in embryology texts. Instead, increased cell proliferation occurs in a significant, bilateral pattern. In stages with 13 to 27 somites, when lateral amnionic folds are prominent, five paraxial domains of cell proliferation correlate with morphology and show decreasing levels of cell proliferation with distance from the neural axis. Slowly growing areas surround rapidly growing areas and could assist buckling of epithelium by providing constraint on expansion of faster growing areas. Proliferation domains in ectoderm correlate with morphology and morphological events when localized changes in cell shape are lacking and suggest a role for differential cell proliferation in formation of large-scale epithelial folds in early chick embryos. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Modeling of Radiation Heat Transfer in Glass Melts

Glass furnaces combust fuels and oxidizers so that the batch will be melted and the molten glass refined. The heat generated from the combustion space is mainly transmitted to the glass melt by radiation. This radiation is strongly wavelength dependent due to the nature of soot and carbon dioxide/water emission. Conventional wisdom indicates that the transport of radiation in molten glass can be modeled using a diffusion approximation. However, for many glass compositions, this approximation may not be justified since there is appreciable transmission of thermal energy at lower wavelengths. To account for the detailed transmission of radiation in the glass melt, a recently developed radiation model was incorporated into a glass melt simulation. This spectral model rigorously conserves emitted and absorbed energy throughout the melt and the surrounding walls. The glass melt flow simulation is a multi-phase reacting flow computational fluid dynamic code that accounts for the solid batch material, liquid glass, and gas bubble. This paper presents details of the radiation model along with results depicting the effect of the detailed radiation transmission on the glass melt flow field.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Production of Electron Pairs from a Zero-Mass State

Results are presented for the production of electron pairs by the collision of high-energy bremsstrahlung and high-intensity laser beams. With Stanford linear accelerator bremsstrahlung parameters, it is found that the laser must be focused to about ${10}^{18}$ W/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ to produce pairs. Approximately 25 laser photons participate in each event, and the required laser intensity is outside the known radius of convergence of perturbation theory for this process. The electron mass shift may also be determined.