cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
X-ray emission from comets and planets

X-ray emission has been observed from many objects throughout the solar system including the Sun, the Moon, the Earth, Jupiter, and comets. A brief review of these observations and some of the emission mechanisms suggested to explain the observed X-rays are given in this paper. Cometary X-ray emission and Jovian X-ray emission will be emphasized. The initial discovery of X-rays from comet Hyakutake (Lisse et al., 1996) was surprising and a number of explanations were put forth, including bremsstrahlung associated with hot electron collisions with cometary neutrals or ions, scattering or fluorescence of solar X-rays from cometary neutrals or from dust particles, and charge transfer of heavy solar wind ions with neutrals. X-rays have also been observed both from Jupiter's auroral region as well as from low latitudes (Waite et al., 1997). Again, a number of emission mechanisms have been proposed, including precipitation of energetic heavy ions from the magnetosphere. Predictions of X-ray emission from Venus, Mars, and from interstellar neutrals in the heliosphere are made.
Use of quantitative microbial risk assessment for evaluation of the benefits of laundry sanitation

The goal of this study was to evaluate the risk assessment process for quantifying the contribution of contamination in the home to microbial infections. Whereas risks of enteric pathogens spread through food has been assessed, the spread of fecal-oral pathogens through surfaces likely at low rates would be difficult to address through epidemiologic studies. An alternative is quantitative risk assessment. The 4-step process of hazard identification, dose-response, exposure assessment, and risk characterization can be used; however, exposure assessment may follow a complicated pathway consisting of survival and transference. Microbial hazards in the home have focused primarily on enteric bacteria. Dose-response data are available; however, the transfer from the hands to the dose is uncertain. Through day care studies, Shigella has been shown to be transferred in this manner, and a dose-response model is available. By using these data and information on the transference of bacteria between clothing and hands, risk estimates were made for contaminated laundry. Risks were calculated as high as 10 per million population to much lower levels associated with lower excretion rates of the bacteria in the feces. Approximately a 90% and 99% reduction in the probability of disease through laundering and use of a sanitizing detergent, respectively, were suggested by the models. Better data are needed on incidence of disease in the population, excretion rates over the course of an infection, amount of feces spread in the home, distribution of bacteria, survival, and the transfer of the bacteria from surfaces to the hands and to the mouth.
High-level programming languages.

Abstract In the development of computer systems for facilitating the data management activities of patient care (hospital information systems), powerful high-level programming languages are needed, which provide capabilities for integrated, multiuser, real-time information processing. The required features of systems to support such languages include variety of input techniques, rapid time response, and flexible data management organization, utilizing common data bases. The language orientation should be procedural, and should allow easy modification of programs. Since computer system development efforts must often occur on a modular basis, these capabilities need to be made available on relatively modest sized computer configurations.
Evaluation of the geocentric gravitational constant from Viking Doppler and range data

During the launch and near-earth phase, continuous radio tracking data were acquired from two Viking spacecraft as they receded from earth. Analysis of this data yielded these values for the geocentric gravitational constant GM: 398600.5 + or - 0.1 cu km/sec per sec for Viking 1 and 398600.65 + or - 0.2 cu km/sec per sec for Viking 2. These values include the atmosphere of the earth and are consistent with the currently adopted speed of light (299792.458 km/sec.).
Cellular localization of cyclic nucleotide changes in rat superior cervical ganglion

1. Cyclic nucleotides were localized by immunohistochemistry using light microscopy in the rat superior cervical ganglion. Cyclic GMP was found in the cytoplasm of postganglionic neurons and their processes. Cyclic AMP immunoreactivity was intense in satellite cells only. Ganglion sections incubated with antisera to cyclic AMP occasionally showed a faint fluorescence in postganglionic neurons. 2. Cyclic AMP staining intensity was greatly augmented within satellite cells following preganglionic stimulation or isoproterenol incubation. Stimulation of the postganglionic nerve did not alter cyclic AMP immunofluorescence. 3. Cyclic GMP immunofluorescence in the postganglionic neurons was increased by stimulation of the preganglionic nerve or following exposure to sodium azide. Stimulation of the postganglionic nerve increased cyclic GMP immunofluorescence in a few instances; the increases were small and were consistent with radioimmunoassay data. 4. There was no difference between experimental and control ganglia in the localization of cyclic nucleotide by cell type. Some treatments were selective for a cyclic nucleotide, but there was no apparent selectivity for cell type. 5. Qualitative changes in immunohistochemical localization of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP reflect the quantitative alterations in these compounds assessed by radioimmunoassay after these same experimental procedures.
The importance of adsorbed cationic surfactant structure in dictating the subsequent interaction of anionic surfactants and polyelectrolytes with pigment surfaces

Abstract The adsorption dynamics of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (C16TAB) at the TiO2–water interface was investigated using Fourier transform infrared–attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (FTIR–ATR). Specifically, the response of the adsorbed C16TAB to the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is used to discern the structure of the adsorbed C16TAB at the hemimicelle concentration (HMC). In this low concentration regime C16TAB is shown to adsorb as isolated clusters with a ‘defective’ bilayer structure. However, these bilayer structures can be effectively transformed into monolayer structures through the interaction with the non-adsorbing polyelectrolyte sodium polyacrylate (NaPA). It is shown that the structure of the adsorbed C16TAB layer, and not the amount of adsorbed surfactant, dictates the subsequent adsorption of anionic species on negatively charged TiO2 particles.
A Review of Allies and Enemies: How the World Depends on Bacteria

Review of : Allies and Enemies: How the World Depends on Bacteria ; 1st edition; Anne Maczulak; (2011). FT Press, Upper Saddle River, NJ. 210 pages.
A NOTE ON A RAPID RETRIEVAL FILING SYSTEM FOR CHILD PSYCHIATRY AND RELATED DISCIPLINES

Summary A method for obtaining, filing and rapid retrieval of the literature of the specialties of child psychiatry and related fields of child development, child neurology, child psychology and education is described. A filing index is suggested as a model for those building a library in these fields. We believe that the active use of a topic filing system breeds a working familiarity with the literature more valuable than random reading. To “read it when you need it” is far more useful than to officiate at the live burial of a good paper in the intact journal whose month has come and gone.
TRANSONIC HODOGRAPH DESIGN PROBLEMS

The hodograph method is used to formulate several design problems in transonic flow using small-disturbance theory. Analytical and numerical methods give solutions to several optimum critical airfoil designs with different constraints on the tail angle. Special airfoil shapes flying at free-stream Mach number one are designed. The problem of constructing a shock-free body of revolution at subsonic speed but having a supersonic zone is formulated in the hodograph and solved numerically.
Stimulus-response coupling in the human neutrophil Transmembrane potential and the role of extracellular Na+

Receptor-ligand interactions at the surface of the human neutrophil induce lysosomal enzyme release and the generation of O2.-, responses which are anteceded by changes in the membrane potential (delta psi) as measured by [3H]-triphenylmethylphosphonium ion distribution. Surface stimuli (immune complexes, concanavalin A) initiated a rapid (less than 10 s) hyperpolarization response by both normal and cytochalasin B-treated cells. Replacement of extracellular Na+ with either K+ or choline depressed O2.- generation and lysosomal enzyme release in neutrophils exposed to concanavalin A or immune complexes. Replacement of Na+ with K+ led to a substantial fall in resting membrane potential, whereas replacement of Na+ with choline did not. Thus, depression of O2.- generation and lysosomal enzyme release in Na+-free medium were specifically due to a lack of extracellular Na+ and not to depolarization of the membrane. Although it has been shown that extracellular Na+, and possibly an influx of Na+, is required for optimal neutrophil function, neither depolarization nor Na+ influx per se was sufficient to activate fully these cells, since the Na+ ionophore, monensin, was not an effective stimulus for beta-glucuronidase release or O2.- generation. The hyperpolarization response to neutrophils exposed to immune complexes and to concanavalin A was greatly diminished in both high [K+] and [choline] buffers. Thus, extracellular Na+ was required for an optimal membrane potential response to receptor-ligand interaction. Since O2.- generation and lysosomal enzyme release in response to the Ca2+ ionophore, A23187, were also reduced in the absence of extracellular Na+, it was concluded that extracellular Na+ was also required after induction of Ca2+ fluxes. Ouabain (1 mM) had no effect on O2.- generation, lysosomal enzyme release or the hyperpolarization response to immune complexes, indicating that the hyperpolarization observed on stimulation cannot be due to the action of the electrogenic pump, (Na+ + K+)-ATPase. The experiments indicate that extracellular Na+ is required (1) in the delta psi response triggered by receptor-ligand interaction, and (2) at a step(s) subsequent to Ca2+ fluxes and common to O2.- generation and lysosomal enzyme release.
Pharmacological issues in the treatment of tuberculosis.

: A thorough review of the clinical trial data combined with new in vitro experimental information may make the optimization of dosages of TB drugs possible. Several factors can affect the selection and dosage of TB drugs including hepatic and renal impairment, pregnancy, duration of disease before treatment, and extent of debilitation. Drug interactions and pharmacodynamics must be considered, and their roles are discussed.
An alternative management option for colonic atresia preventing loss of the ileocecal valve.

Abstract Purpose Management of colonic atresia is contentious, with primary anastomosis having a notable risk of anastomotic leak. In addition, resection of the terminal ileum and ileocecal (i-c) valve is frequently performed, risking side effects such as diarrhea, vitamin B 12 deficiency, and gall stone formation. Methods The hospital coding system was searched for all patients with a diagnosis of colonic atresia between July 2005 and July 2008. Four term neonates were managed by formation of an ileostomy, a "blow hole" stoma just proximal to the atresia, and a mucus fistula distal to the atresia. Results Average time to full feeds was 7.5 days (range, 3-12 days), and average length of stay was 23 days (range, 13-47 days). Stoma management, problematic in 2 infants, was individualized by a specialist stoma nurse. Ileostomy output was refed into the mucus fistula. Complications included 3 episodes of prolapse of the blow hole stoma in infant 2. All of the infants returned to the operating theater at 1 to 3 months of age for restoration of bowel continuity and closure of the ileostomy. The atretic segment was resected, and an end-to-end anastomosis was performed. Recovery was straightforward in all cases. Conclusion A procedure that retains the i-c valve and most of the colon through creation of a blow hole stoma in the distended proximal colon with a diverting ileostomy and mucus fistula is described. The technique is recommended in selected infants as bowel length and anatomy can be preserved, despite the use of multiple stomas.
The Determinants and Consequences of Recall Error About Gulf War Preferences

Memory plays a key role in many theories of politics, yet the determinants of inaccurate political memories have not been the subject of much investigation. Combining a dosage-resistance theory of political communications with a theory of memory lapse and reconstruction, it is predicted that a clearly identifiable cluster of traits ought to render people vulnerable to inaccurate autobiographical memory. Testing this hypothesis with ANES 1990–1992 Gulf War panel data on postwar memories of prewar preferences, the theory receives considerable empirical support. Among other factors, media exposure and trust in government increase vulnerability to misremembering, while education increases resistance. Finally, it is established that inaccuracy in autobiographical memory can be tied to future political behavior: those respondents whose recall was inaccurate in 1991 were more likely to vote for the incumbent in 1992.
Pursuing Magnet Designation: The Role of Structural Empowerment

T he Structural Empowerment component of the Magnet Recognition Program model includes organizational structure, personnel policies and programs, professional development, community outreach, and the health care organization’s promotion of a positive nursing image. Structural Empowerment centers on the idea that executive leaders can influence the professional practice of staff members by providing an innovative environment that supports collaboration and professional development. Leaders can promote this type of environment using multiple methods, such as developing a strong strategic plan and solid policies and procedures, promoting certification, encouraging staff members to pursue higher education and become involved in the community, and working to recognize nurses for their expertise and contributions. In turn, when staff members feel valued, they become engaged as part of a team that helps leaders achieve the organization’s mission and vision.
On forced vibrations of a particle in the plane

Abstract The equations of large planar motion of a particle, restrained by two springs (identical or not) are always non-linear because of the kinematic terms, even when the springs are linear. For such a system two and only two modes of “similar” normal mode vibrations are known to exist [1]. Here, we examine the existence and stability of forced steady-state vibrations in these two modes. In doing this, a general method is given for treating such forced vibrations by examining an associated autonomous system. The stability of the periodic solutions is studied by means of the variational equations; these are Hill equations which are, then, replaced by “equivalent” Mathieu equations. The actual stress in the springs turns out to be an important parameter in the stability analysis; this parameter does not occur in the study of linear systems. The solutions are frequently unstable, even when the spring stress is permanently tensile. Analog computer solutions have been compared with theoretical results; the agreement between them is qualitatively excellent, and quantitatively it is, in general, satisfactory.
Changes in the rates of protein synthesis and degradation in the tail of Rana catesbeiana tadpoles during normal metamorphosis.

Abstract The rates of protein synthesis and degradation were investigated in the tadpole tail during metamorphosis. A new dual radioisotope labeling procedure was developed which permits determination of the rate of protein degradation independently of the rate of protein synthesis. An early depression of protein synthesis was observed which was followed later by an increase in the rate of protein degradation. The relationship of these results to the mechanism of tail resorption is discussed.
Recent trends in factor income shares: a global perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide estimates of factor income shares for 79 developed, developing and transition economies representing close to 90 percent of the world output and to test for income share convergence. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses data from the United Nations National Accounts and World Bank World Development Indicator databases and the factor-income-share estimation methodology developed in Bernanke and Gurkaynak (2001) and Gollin (2002). Findings – The authors estimate indicated that the average levels of capital income (profit) shares in developing and transition countries are 1.4-1.5 times higher than in developed economies. During the period studied, profit shares in all groups of countries trended upwards. As a result, the “global” profit share increased thus extending the “labor share squeeze” of the 1980s and 1990s. Practical implications – The finding of persistent and significant differences in factor shares in countries of different development lev...
Political and economic forces shaping regulatory accounting for troubled debt restructuring

Abstract Social, political and economic forces influence the development of accounting standards. As a result, accounting standards, as expressions of public policy, are not always neutral in that they impose benefits on some groups in society to the detriment of others. The paper argues that the changing role of RAP in the 1980s and the substitution of SFAS is for RAP in accounting for troubled debt reflect the economic consequences approach to the standard setting process and represent conflicts between the self-interest of the S&L industry and the public. The changes in RAP helped mask the magnitude of the industry's insolvency and deprived investors, depositors, regulators and the public of critical information necessary to assess the safety and soundness of the industry.
Pneumo-orbital cyst after orbital fracture repair

Abstract Purpose: To report a case of a respiratory epithelial-lined, air-filled orbital cyst as a late complication of orbital fracture repair. Method: Case report. Results: Recurrent episodes of diplopia and hyperophthalmia developed secondary to pneumatic inflation of a respiratory epithelial-lined orbital cyst 6 months after orbital fracture repair. This cyst remained in communication with an ethmoidal air cell and became inflated during pressurization of the ethmoid sinus. Removal of the cyst and orbital implant was curative. Conclusion: Air-filled, respiratory epithelial-lined orbital cyst is a rare cause of episodic diplopia and globe displacement after orbital trauma.
Binding of 125I-epidermal growth factor in human uterus

Quantitative light-microscopic autoradiography was used on five human uteri at two different phases of the menstrual cycle to ascertain the cell types with binding sites for epidermal growth factor (EGF). The results revealed that stromal cells, glandular epithelium of endometrium, elongated and circular muscle cells of myometrium, smooth muscle and endothelial cells of arterioles in the basal endometrium and myometrium contained numerous silver grains following incubation with 125I-EGF. Coincubation with 100-fold excess unlabeled EGF resulted in a complete disappearance of silver grains from all cell types. Quantitative grain analysis indicated that stromal cells contained the highest number of EGF-binding sites (P 0.05). There was no cyclic variation of EGF-binding to any of the uterine cell types. The present data demonstrate that all the cell types of human uterus, including arterioles, contain EGF-binding sites. This suggests that all the cells in human uterus subserving different functions are targets of EGF action.
Conformational Dynamics, Structure & Substrate Protein Interactions of Hsp90 Chaperones

Hsp90 is generally thought to transition between an open, apo and closed, ‘ATP’ conformation. A third, ADP state has been observed with the E. coli Hsp90. Using a combination of SAXS, EM single particle and crosslinking methods, we find that that all three states are universally conserved between bacteria, yeast and human Hsp90s. However the equilibrium and kinetics of the transitions between sates differ significantly. To increase conformational diversity in the E coli chaperone, there are two apo conformations (an open and Grp94-like state) established by a pH-dependent titration of a specific histidine. We also show that the conformational states are functionally distinct. These data support a conserved multi-state chaperone cycle where the conformational equilibrium varies between species, implicating evolutionary tuning of the different states to meet the specific client protein and metabolic environment of an organism. Current efforts focus on client-Hsp90 and cochaperone-Hsp90 interactions. We show that a deletion mutant of staph nuclease (Δ131Δ) that is unfolded and non-aggregating provides a powerful model substrate for interrogating Hsp90-client interactions. NMR reveals a distinct ∼25 residue region (the most structured within Δ131Δ) that interacts strongly with Hsp90, resulting in dramatic shifts in Hsp90 conformation. SAXS and NMR identify a region of the Hsp90 MD as the primary site of Δ131Δ binding. Most importantly, FRET measurements demonstrate that this model substrate catalyzes Hsp90 closure in the presence of AMPPNP. Similar effects have now been observed for other clients and with other Hsp90s. The human mitochondrial Hsp90 TRAP1 has a remarkable temperature-dependent closure demonstrating that kinetic rather than thermodynamic control is critical for understanding Hsp90 function. Three-dimensional cryoEM reconstructions for Hop-Hsp90, Hsp70-Hop-Hsp90complexes are underway and will be discussed.
Assembly-driven community genomics of a hypersaline microbial ecosystem.

Microbial populations inhabiting a natural hypersaline lake ecosystem in Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia, have been characterized using deep metagenomic sampling, iterative de novo assembly, and multidimensional phylogenetic binning. Composite genomes representing habitat-specific microbial populations were reconstructed for eleven different archaea and one bacterium, comprising between 0.6 and 14.1% of the planktonic community. Eight of the eleven archaeal genomes were from microbial species without previously cultured representatives. These new genomes provide habitat-specific reference sequences enabling detailed, lineage-specific compartmentalization of predicted functional capabilities and cellular properties associated with both dominant and less abundant community members, including organisms previously known only by their 16S rRNA sequences. Together, these data provide a comprehensive, culture-independent genomic blueprint for ecosystem-wide analysis of protein functions, population structure, and lifestyles of co-existing, co-evolving microbial groups within the same natural habitat. The “assembly-driven” community genomic approach demonstrated in this study advances our ability to push beyond single gene investigations, and promotes genome-scale reconstructions as a tangible goal in the quest to define the metabolic, ecological, and evolutionary dynamics that underpin environmental microbial diversity.
Chronic intermittent ethanol exposure during adolescence reduces the effect of ethanol challenge on hippocampal allopregnanolone levels and Morris water maze task performance

Chronic intermittent ethanol exposure (CIEE) in adolescent rats has been shown to produce long-lasting hypnotic, metabolic, and functional tolerance. Recently, it has been hypothesized that allopregnanolone mediates some effects of ethanol, including ethanol-induced impairments in the performance of the Morris Water Maze Task (MWMT). The current studies explore the relationship between cortical and hippocampal allopregnanolone levels and ethanol-induced impairments in the MWMT following CIEE treatment in adolescent rats. Adolescent rats were administered 5.0 g/kg ethanol or saline every 48 h for a 20-day period beginning on postnatal day (P) 30. Training in the spatial version of the MWMT occurred on nontreatment days. Following completion of CIEE treatment and training, MWMT performance was tested 30 min after ethanol (2.0 g/kg) or saline challenge on P 50 and P 62. A separate group of rats were CIEE treated and received an ethanol (2.0 g/kg) or saline challenge on P 50 or 62, and were used for hippocampal and cortical allopregnanolone determination. CIEE during adolescence produced tolerance to both ethanol-induced impairments in the MWMT and ethanol-induced allopregnanolone levels in the hippocampus on P 50. However, when animals were tested at P 62, the reduction in ethanol-induced MWMT impairments found in CIEE rats was reversed and allopregnanolone levels from both saline or ethanol challenge were increased above levels found in control animals. Taken together, these results suggest that CIEE during adolescence produces tolerance to ethanol-induced impairments in MWMT and corresponding changes in ethanol-induced allopregnanolone levels in the hippocampus. Furthermore, cognitive tolerance is reversible and time dependent, but the reversal of cognitive tolerance is not correlated with normalization of hippocampal allopregnanolone levels.
Separation of dilute organic/water mixtures with asymmetric poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes

Abstract An in-depth investigation of integral asymmetric poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes has been carried out for the extraction of polar and non-polar organic compounds from dilute organic-in-water feed solutions. Membrane performance for low and high-boiling non-polar organic feed components was excellent, with separation factors as high as 4900 and high organic transmembrane fluxes. Polar organic feed components such as ethanol and acetone were also separated effectively from water but the separation factors were lower than non-polar organics. There was no change in membrane performance when either the dense or porous face of a PVDF membrane contacted the feed solution as long as the feed solution flow rate was sufficiently high. The effect of membrane preparation conditions, such as casting solution composition, air humidity and temperature during film drying, and the molecular weight of PVDF, on membrane performance was quantified. Although the water flux through the resulting films changed significantly, the organic (benzene) flux was essentially independent of the fabrication method. Variations in casting conditions also changed the mean diameter of a small number of pores in the dense layer of PVDF membranes. Transmembrane water fluxes during benzene/water separations correlated with increasing pore size, indicating that such pores were providing pathways for water movement across the hydrophobic PVDF dense layer. Based on benzene swelling and diffusivity measurements in homogeneous PVDF films, pores in the dense layer of an asymmetric membrane control permeate enrichment by either a membrane distillation, pore flow, or capillary condensation mechanism. The total time for asymmetric membrane casting was reduced from 69–72 min to 7 min, while maintaining a high organic (benzene) separation factor with only a small drop in transmembrane benzene flux.
Single item optimal lot sizing under continuous unit cost decrease

Abstract An important characteristic of high-tech industries is decreasing component unit cost over time. In this paper, we develop an inventory model for products experiencing continuous decrease in unit cost. Unlike earlier models which were restricted to equal cycle times, we allow cycle times of varying length. We develop a fast algorithm for identifying an optimal or near-optimal solution to the model and test the performance of the algorithm. We illustrate the models with numerical examples.
Carcinoid tumor and carcinoid syndrome.

Purpose of review Carcinoid tumors secrete many different types of substances (e.g. serotonin, bradykinin) that may produce potentially fatal intraoperative reactions such as hypotension and bronchoconstriction. The most effective treatment for the deleterious cardiovascular and pulmonary effects of serotonin and bradykinin is octreotide, a somatostatin analogue. Carcinoid heart disease, which develops in the majority of patients with carcinoid syndrome, presents the anesthesiologist with more diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. Recent findings The incidence of carcinoid tumors is much greater than previously recognized. New diagnostic techniques permit identification and localization of carcinoid tumors with greater accuracy. Short term and long term therapy with octreotide significantly improves survival and reduces the severity of 'carcinoid crises'. Echocardiographic studies have demonstrated a very high incidence of carcinoid heart disease (tricuspid and pulmonary insufficiency) in patients with carcinoid syndrome. Cardiac valve surgery is, consequently, becoming much more common in patients with carcinoid syndrome. Summary More patients with carcinoid tumors and carcinoid syndrome are requiring anesthesia and surgery. Specific therapy with somatostatin analogues (octreotide) has replaced older less specific drugs (e.g. antihistamines) for the treatment of adverse effects caused by products of carcinoid tumors.
Local Rectangular Refinement with Application to Nonreacting and Reacting Fluid Flow Problems

A new solution-adaptive gridding method has been developed for the solution of discretized systems of coupled nonlinear elliptic partial differential equations on rectangular domains. Such a method is required for the numerical solution of realistic combustion problems, in which physical quantities may vary by orders of magnitude over one-tenth of a millimeter at atmospheric pressure, or over micrometers at higher pressures. The local rectangular refinement (LRR) method maintains orthogonality at grid-line intersections but lifts the tensor product restriction common to traditional grids, producing unstructured grids. Governing equations are discretized throughout the domain using newly derived forms, and Newton's method is used to solve the resulting system. On a simple test case with a known solution, the LRR method and its new discretizations are found to be more accurate than gridding methods representative of those appearing previously in the literature. For the more realistic problem of nonreacting driven square cavity flow, the LRR solution agrees very well with previously published data. When the LRR method is applied to a practical reacting flow (a rich axisymmetric laminar Bunsen flame with complex chemistry, multicomponent transport, and an optically thin radiation submodel), grid spacing highly influences the inner flame's position, which stabilizes only with adequate refinement. The vorticity?velocity formulation of the governing equations is shown to produce valid results when used in conjunction with the LRR gridding technique. Furthermore, each LRR grid is used to form a nonuniform equivalent tensor product (ETP) grid and also, in most cases, an equispaced fully refined (FR) grid; these additional grids are supersets of the LRR grids and thus contain refinement in exactly the same regions. Performance comparisons between the LRR, ETP, and FR grids indicate that the LRR method provides substantial savings in execution time and computer memory requirements, without compromising solution accuracy.
Endothermic energy transfer: A mechanism for generating very efficient high-energy phosphorescent emission in organic materials

Intermolecular energy transfer processes typically involve an exothermic transfer of energy from a donor site to a molecule with a substantially lower-energy excited state (trap). Here, we demonstrate that an endothermic energy transfer from a molecular organic host (donor) to an organometallic phosphor (trap) can lead to highly efficient blue electroluminescence. This demonstration of endothermic transfer employs iridium(III)bis(4,6-di-fluorophenyl)-pyridinato-N,C2′)picolinate as the phosphor. Due to the comparable energy of the phosphor triplet state relative to that of the 4,4′-N,N′-dicarbazole-biphenyl conductive host molecule into which it is doped, the rapid exothermic transfer of energy from phosphor to host, and subsequent slow endothermic transfer from host back to phosphor, is clearly observed. Using this unique triplet energy transfer process, we force emission from the higher-energy, blue triplet state of the phosphor (peak wavelength of 470 nm), obtaining a very high maximum organic light-emi...
Dietary sodium as a risk factor for osteoporosis: where is the evidence?

Na-induced calciuria has been well documented and provides a physiological basis for the proposed role of dietary Na (or salt) as a risk factor for osteoporosis. However, the evidence is based primarily on acute salt-loading studies, and there are insufficient data on the effects of high salt intake on net Ca retention to predict long-term effects on bone health. Results of investigations on salt and bone turnover, as assessed by bone biomarkers, are inconsistent, but the large variations in inter-individual response to acute and chronic Na loading may be related to salt sensitivity. Results of cross-sectional and prospective investigations on high salt intake and long-term bone health are inconclusive, probably reflecting the difficulty of conducting such studies in free-living populations. However, the mean urinary Ca loss of 1 mmol/100 mmol Na suggests that chronic changes in salt intake may have large effects on Ca and bone balance, especially in individuals with a reduced capacity to compensate for Na-induced Ca loss. Investigating the relationship between salt intake and bone health requires a greater focus on whole diets (including components such as K, Mg, P and protein), reliable measures of salt intake, appropriate bone health outcome measures, and improved subject characterisation (e.g. salt sensitivity). The reasons for inter-individual variability should be explored using post-genomic techniques.
Planning for a Soil Moisture Satellite Mission: SMAP Algorithms & Cal/Val Workshop; Oxnard, California, 9–11 June 2009

The Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) mission aims to gather high-resolution global soil moisture and freeze/thaw state data, which should enable improvements to weather and climate forecasts, flood prediction and drought monitoring, and estimations of net carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake in forested regions. Targeted for launch in 2014, SMAP is one of four missions recommended by the U.S. National Research Council Committee on Earth Science and Applications From Space for launch in the early part of the next decade (Earth Science and Applications From Space: National Imperatives for the Next Decade and Beyond, Natl. Acad. Press, 2007). The SMAP mission concept utilizes an L-band (1.20–1.41 gigahertz) radar and a radiometer that share a rotating 6-meter mesh reflector antenna to provide high-resolution and high-accuracy global maps of soil moisture and freeze/thaw state every 2–3 days.
Networked system state estimation in smart grid over cognitive radio infrastructures

Cognitive radio system is an intensively studied area in that it saves money and bandwidth by sensing the available licensed spectrum for unlicensed users. This advantage provides a promising future for the application of cognitive radio in smart grid. In this paper, we propose to communicate through a cognitive radio link between the sensors at the consumer side and the control center of smart grid. In this way, the state estimator needs to adjust to this new communication link as the link is affected by primary users. This link is governed by multiple semi-Markov processes each of which can capture and model one channel of the cognitive radio system. State estimation algorithms under this structure are developed for two cases: one with arrival acknowledge and the other without. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the performance of the proposed estimation algorithm.
Employee influenza vaccination in residential care facilities.

Background The organizational literature on infection control in residential care facilities is limited. Using a nationally representative dataset, we examined the organizational factors associated with implementing at least 1 influenza-related employee vaccination policy/program, as well as the effect of vaccination policies on health care worker (HCW) influenza vaccine uptake in residential care facilities. Methods The study was a cross-sectional study using data from the 2010 National Survey of Residential Care Facilities. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to address the study’s objectives. Results Facility size, director’s educational attainment, and having a written influenza pandemic preparedness plan were significantly associated with the implementation of at least 1 influenza-related employee vaccination policy/program, after controlling for other facility-level factors. Recommending vaccination to employees, providing vaccination on site, providing vaccinations to employees at no cost, and requiring vaccination as a condition of employment were associated with higher employee influenza vaccination rates. Conclusion Residential care facilities can improve vaccination rates among employees by adopting effective employee vaccination policies.
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) exhibit individual differences in risk-taking behavior during predator inspection

Risk-taking behavior associated with predator inspection has been described in a number of fish species. As a first step in parsing out the contribution of genes and environment to risk-taking behavior, the predator inspection behavior of zebrafish was examined. Predator inspection behavior of seventy males was measured once a day for five consecutive days and their mean daily inspection score — a measure of risk-taking tendencies — was recorded. Zebrafish did not habituate to the presence of a predator and significant individual differences in risk-taking behavior were uncovered.
Psychopathological effects of hypnosis

Abstract The probability that hypnotic induction produces psycho-pathological effects has not been experimentally determined. The present study hypothesizes various negative effects following hypnosis such as increased signs of personality disturbances, increased need for medical attention, greater tendencies toward suicide, and negative effects among the more maladjusted persons of the population sample. 207 college students were assigned at random to experimental and control groups. The experimental group was hypnotized 3 times in successive weeks. A comparison between control and experimental groups in respect to pre- and post-MMPI score differences plus a follow-up with the college counseling center and infirmary for a 90-day period following induction led to the rejection of the hypotheses. A comparison of measures yielded some significant differences in favor of the experimental group. It is concluded that there are nondetrimental effects when hypnosis is used with a normal college population.
Mechanisms of extracellular divalent and trivalent cation block of the sodium current in canine cardiac Purkinje cells.

1. Single canine cardiac Purkinje cells were internally perfused and voltage clamped with a large-bore perfusion pipette for measurement of sodium ionic current (INa) in the absence and presence of extracellular group IIA divalent cations (Mg2+, Ba2+ and Ca2+), transition divalent cations (CO2+, Mn2+ and Ni2+), group IIB divalent cations (Cd2+ and Zn2+), and the trivalent cation La3+. 2. Open channel block of cardiac INa by external Ca2+, assessed from instantaneous INa-voltage (I-V) relationships, has been well described by a two-barrier, one-well model with a dissociation constant at 0 mV, KB(0), of 37 mM and an electrical distance, z' = delta, of 0.34. At the most negative test potentials there was less block of INa than predicted by the model, but correction of INa for the contribution of Na+ channel gating current (Ig) to the peak current improved the fit by the model. 3. The divalent cations Ba2+, Mg2+, CO2+ and Mn2+ produced voltage-dependent, open channel block of INa, which by the two-barrier, one-well model predicted a similar z' about one-third into the membrane field. The relative efficacy for voltage-dependent block was CO2+ > Mn2+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Ba2+ with respective KB(0)s of 11, 13, 37, 43 and 61 mM. 4. Cd2+, Zn2+ and La3+ produced block of INa at low concentrations that was nearly voltage independent with z' or = 5 mM, KB(0) was 7.6 mM and z' was 0.21.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Enteric release of vasoactive intestinal peptide after a peptone meal in the dog.

Abstract Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay in plasma from portal and peripheral venous blood obtained from six alert, non-anesthetized dogs before and after gastric infusion of a 10% peptone meal. Mean basal portal and cephalic vein plasma VIP concentrations were 42 ± 11.7 and 42 ± 8.0 (S.E.M.) pg/ml , respectively. No significant changes in peripheral venous plasma VIP concentrations were noted after the peptone meal throughout the duration of the collection period. In contrast, however, the mean VIP concentration in portal plasma increased promptly after the peptone meal with a peak of 79 ± 8.2 pg/ml ( P ) occurring 8 min after infusion of the meal. This was followed by a gradual decline in portal plasma VIP levels, with a return to prefeeding concentrations at 60 min ( 44 ± 6.3 pg/ml ). Results of these studies demonstrate that following gastric infusion of a peptone meal in the dog, portal, but not peripheral, plasma VIP concentrations increase significantly. Failure to detect augmentation of peripheral vein VIP levels after the meal is probably due to hepatic clearance of VIP.
Hickman catheter dislodgement due to pendulous breasts.

Dislodgement of Hickman, Broviac, and Mediport catheters is a rare but recognized complication. To date, no specific etiology for this has been cited. We present five cases of dislodgement due to positional changes in large-breasted women and one man with gynecomastia. Apparently, motion in the subcutaneous tissue secondary to gravitational forces on large breasts causes downward and outward traction on the subcutaneous portion of the catheter. Variations in placement technique to help avoid this complication are described. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 11:502–504,1987)
Comment on Sarkar et al. Exenatide Treatment for 6 Months Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2014;37:666–670

We read with interest the article by Sarkar et al. (1) that reported that when exenatide in high doses is administered to patients with type 1 diabetes it has an insulin-sensitizing action. In spite of this effect, there was no improvement in HbA1c levels; however, there was a reduction in insulin dose. As the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of exenatide on insulin sensitivity and the baseline HbA1c in this group of patients was 7%, it is possible that the investigators were cautious in preventing …
Effect of subintimal resection on initial outcome and restenosis for native coronary lesions and saphenous vein graft disease treated by directional coronary atherectomy A report from the Caveat I and II investigators

Abstract Objectives. This study was designed to determine whether the depth of tissue resection affected either immediate outcome or subsequent restenosis in patients treated by directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) in the Coronary Angioplasty Versus Excisional Atherectomy Trial (Caveat) I and II studies. Background. The relation between the depth of tissue resection, immediate outcome and subsequent restenosis in lesions treated with DCA has been controversial. Methods. In Caveat I, 412 patients undergoing DCA had tissue samples available for analysis by the core laboratory, whereas in Caveat II, 113 patients had vein graft tissue specimens available. Results. Subintimal deep arterial wall resection was demonstrated in 169 patients (41%) in Caveat I and 40 (35%) in Caveat II. The depth of tissue resection did not affect initial procedural outcome in either Caveat I or Caveat II, nor did it affect subsequent restenosis rates at 6 months in native coronary lesions (Caveat I, 50.8% for intimal resection vs. 51.2% for subintimal resection). In patients treated with vein graft disease (Caveat II), restenosis rates varied; when resection was limited to the intima, a restenosis rate of 40.4% was documented, whereas in patients with subintimal resection, the restenosis rate was 57.1%. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.144). Conclusions. This combined randomized series of DCA for treatment of primary native coronary artery and vein graft stenoses with quantitative coronary angiography and core laboratory pathologic assessment resolves the controversy created by previous experimental and clinical data regarding deep vessel wall resection and immediate and longer outcome. Directional atherectomy with deep arterial wall resection as practiced in these studies is safe and does not jeopardize initial success rates. More important, deep wall resection is not associated with significantly increased restenosis rates.
A Quad-Tree Decomposition Approach to Cartoon Image Compression

A quad-tree decomposition approach is proposed for cartoon image compression in this work. The proposed algorithm achieves excellent coding performance by using a unique quad-tree decomposition and shape coding method along with a GIF like color indexing technique to efficiently encode large areas of the same color, which appear in a cartoon-type image commonly. To reduce complexity, the input image is partitioned into small blocks and the quad-tree decomposition is independently applied to each block instead of the entire image. The LZW entropy coding method can be performed as a post-processing step to further reduce the coded file size. It is demonstrated by experimental results that the proposed method outperforms several well-known lossless image compression techniques for cartoon images that contain 256 colors or less.
Calculation of Intraband Absorption Coefficients in Organic/Inorganic Nanocomposites: Effects of Colloidal Quantum Dot Surface Ligand and Dot Size

Hybrid nanocomposite thin films composed of inorganic colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) embedded in an organic conjugated polymer have shown promise as a method for room-temperature infrared detection due to the 3-D confinement of the CQD. The CQDs are coated with a surface ligand material which is comprised of short, organic molecules that prevent the CQDs from aggregating when placed in solution. These surface ligand materials behave as a thin, insulating layer that has been shown to prevent efficient transfer of excited carriers into and out of the CQD. Therefore, it is important to understand the effect that the surface ligand material has on the optical properties of the nanocomposite materials in order to design more efficient hybrid nanocomposite optoelectronic devices. In this paper, we calculate the infrared, intraband absorption coefficient for CQDs in a nanocomposite thin film. The model is verified by comparing the calculated absorption coefficient spectrum to a measured FTIR absorbance spectrum for a specific hybrid nanocomposite material system. Importantly, the CQD surface ligand is included in the model explicitly, which enables the selection of the surface ligand material to be considered as a design parameter for infrared, intraband absorption in hybrid nanocomposites. In addition, the CQD average size is also treated as design parameter in order to tune the infrared, intraband absorption coefficient in hybrid nanocomposites.