cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intracardiac Phonocardiography in Tricuspid Regurgitation: Relation to Clinical and Angiographic Findings

Intracardiac phonocardiograms were obtained from the right atrium in order to study the relation between the clinical signs of tricuspid regurgitation, intracardiac murmurs and the degree of regurgitation demonstrated on right ventriculography with use of a preshaped catheter. In five patients with no heart disease, right ventriculograms showed no evidence of tricuspid regurgitation and intracardiac phonocardiograms in the right atrium demonstrated no murmur. Among 35 patients with valvular heart disease, a Carvallo sign (increased intensity of systolic murmur during inspiration) was present in 19 and absent in 16. All 19 patients with a Carvallo sign had variable degrees of tricuspid regurgitation on right ventriculography, and intracardiac phonocardiograms were positive for tricuspid regurgitation in 18. Among 16 patients with an absent Carvallo sign, neither right ventriculography nor intracardiac phonocardiography was indicative of tricuspid regurgitation in 5. Five patients had 1+ regurgitation and the intracardiac phonocardiogram was positive in three of these five patients. The other six patients showed 3+ to 4+ regurgitation and the intracardiac phonocardiogram was positive for tricuspid regurgitation in all. In conclusion, (1) the Carvallo sign is a reliable indicator of tricuspid regurgitation but its absence does not rule it out, and (2) right ventriculography using a preshaped catheter and intracardiac phonocardiography are useful in detecting clinically unrecognized tricuspid regurgitation.
The dominant role of exciton quenching in PbS quantum-dot-based photovoltaic devices.

We present a quantitative measurement of the number of trapped carriers combined with a measurement of exciton quenching to assess limiting mechanisms for current losses in PbS-quantum-dot-based photovoltaic devices. We use photocurrent intensity dependence and short-wave infrared transient photoluminescence and correlate these with device performance. We find that the effective density of trapped carriers ranges from 1 in 10 to 1 in 10 000 quantum dots, depending on ligand treatment, and that nonradiative exciton quenching, as opposed to recombination with trapped carriers, is likely the limiting mechanism in these devices.
Interaction Goals and Social Information Processing: Underestimating One's Partners but Overestimating One's Opponents

Abstract The present experiments examined how the interaction goals of cooperation and competition affected social information processing. Study 1a and 1b evaluated whether people prefer to overestimate or underestimate another person's strengths when assessing a partner or an opponent. The findings indicated that people were inclined to underestimate how good their partners were but to overestimate how good their opponents were. In Study 2, consistent with the strategy selections from Study 1, the results showed that participants anticipating cooperation with another student remembered best information that was diagnostic of negative qualities than positive qualities. In contrast, participants expecting to compete with another student remembered best information that was diagnostic of positive qualities than negative qualities. In Study 3, participants had a chance to actively seek out information about a potential partner or opponent by selecting a subset of their behaviors to verify. The results provid...
Endoscopic post-bypass revisions

In the care of post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery patients, the late complications of suboptimal weight loss and weight regain are common. Although surgical revision has been the standard of care for these patients, there are now endoscopic technologies and endoluminal procedures available to help gastrointestinal endoscopists obtain similar treatment outcomes with much less associated morbidity. The aim of this article is to review the published literature and endoscopic techniques currently utilized for the endoluminal revision of post-bypass patients. Specifically, we review the use and outcomes of sclerotherapy, endoluminal suturing with the EndoCinch, EndoSurgical Operating System, and StomaphyX systems in the treatment of dilated gastrojejunal stomas and gastric pouches—common causes of RYGB failure. All of these devices have currently proven that endoscopic therapies for patients with complications of weight regain and suboptimal weight loss are feasible and safe, although with variable effectiveness. The potential impact of endoluminal therapies in patients who are poor surgical revision candidates or those who elect for a less invasive endoscopic solution is promising. As the number of postsurgical bariatric patients increases and as these patients mature, the role for endoluminal therapies for patients who develop late complications of suboptimal weight regain or weight loss is expanding.
The use of artificial neural networks in plasma spectroscopy

Abstract Plasma spectroscopic instrumentation produces a vast amount of data that requires a substantial effort in analysis. New methods are needed to improve the efficiency of the analysis process. Artificial neural networks, which have been applied to a variety of signal processing and pattern recognition problems, are well suited for the analysis of laboratory data that can be viewed as a pattern matching problem. We summarize the neural network concepts and algorithms and illustrate the use of a neural network in the determination of electron temperature and density by analysis of spectral data from a plasma.
Mapping the Conformational Free-Energy Landscape of Classical Opioid Peptides using Extensive Molecular Dynamics and Bias Exchange Metadynamics Simulations

Opioid receptors are members of an important G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) subfamily and targets for potent, widely used analgesics in the clinic. The main subtypes of this subfamily are the structurally related, highly homologous, mu-opioid (MOP), kappa-opioid (KOP), and delta-opioid (DOP) receptors. Although opioids targeting the MOP receptor have long been employed in clinical pain management, they display several serious adverse effects, including strong physical dependence. Selective DOP receptor agonists have been reported to exhibit strong antinociceptive activity with fewer side effects, making them ideal candidates for a more effective and safer analgesia. Among the most potent agonists of the DOP receptor are the linear and cyclic enkephalin analogs known as DADLE (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-D-Leu) and DPDPE (Tyr-D-Pen-Gly-Phe-D-Pen), respectively. The structural properties of these penta-peptides have been studied extensively over the years, using both experimental and computational methods. However, to the best of our knowledge, a thorough examination of the conformational free-energy landscape of DADLE and DPDPE in an explicit solvent is missing from the literature. Here, we employ microsecond-scale molecular dynamics and bias-exchange metadynamics simulations of DADLE and DPDPE in an explicit solvent to provide such a structural and energetic characterization. Our results point to a small number of conformational minima in solution for both DADLE and DPDPE, separated by relatively small energy barriers. Among the different energy minima, putative bioactive conformations are identified based on rigid docking of each energy basin representative into the binding pocket of the newly released crystal structure of the DOP receptor. This information offers an unprecedented opportunity for the structure-based design of potent, selective peptidomimetics for the DOP receptor.
Energy Bands and the Soft-X-Ray Absorption in Si

The soft-x-ray absorption spectrum from the Si ${L}_{\mathrm{II},\mathrm{III}}$ shell is used to study several energy-band models for Si. The calculations are based on the empirical pseudopotential method. The results support the recent Si band model obtained by Stukel, Euwema, and Chaney, Lin, and Lafon. We suggest that the ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{{2}^{\ensuremath{'}}}$ level lies below ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{15}$ in the Si conduction band.
Direct potentiometric membrane electrode measurements of heparin binding to macromolecules

The use of a newly developed heparin responsive polymeric membrane electrode for directly monitoring the binding of heparin to a variety of other biological macromolecules is examined. Potentiometric titrations of protamine, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), polybrene, DNase enzyme, and polylysine with either porcine or beef lung heparin can be followed conveniently by the electrode at various solution pHs. Such titrations yield endpoints that are used to determine the stoichiometry for the interaction of the different heparins with these macromolecules. Based on prior heparin calibration curves, the titration data can be recast in Scatchard form to obtain binding constants for these solution-phase heparin-macromolecular reactions. The speed and simplicity of the proposed method make it an attractive alternative to classical solid-phase binding methods or newer homogeneous fluorescent polarization schemes for studying the solution-phase interaction of heparin with other macromolecules.
Materials and methods for carbon dioxide and water exchange analysis.

Abstract Some of the materials which are commonly used in equipment for carbon dioxide and water exchange analysis can adsorb substantial amounts of carbon dioxide and water and, thus, may cause large experimental errors. Also presented are procedures for determining the influence of light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature upon photosynthesis and transpiration.
Purification of lipoamide dehydrogenase by affinity chromatography on propyllipoamide-glass columns.

Abstract Lipoamide dehydrogenase (EC 1.6.4.3) from pig heart, yeast and Escherichia coli has been purified by chromatography on columns of propyllipoamide-glass beads. Chromatography of crude or partially purified lipoamide dehydrogenase on these columns has affected up to 100-fold purification of the enzyme in less than 30 min.
An Alternate Approach to the Application of MHD Power Generation Technology in a Utility Environment

The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power generation technology offers an attractive generation potential to the electric utilities. This paper presents an alternate approach to accelerate the commercial deployment of this new technology. By retrofitting an existing generating station, the MHD system concept can be demonstrated in a utility environment as early as 1986. It is shown that this approach may be technically feasible. This accelerated approach could supplement the current national MHD program which places emphasis on large-scale, base-load applications.
Effects of balloon dilatation on ePTFE structural characteristics

The search for less invasive treatments for cardiovascular disease has lead to the development of endovascular stent grafts, metallic and alloy stents surrounded by prosthetic vascular graft material. Introduced intravascularly, the deployment of stent grafts requires balloon dilatation of the device which results in expansion of the stent along with the vascular graft material. We hypothesized that balloon dilatation of stent grafts would alter the physical structure of the prosthetic graft material. In this study, noncompliant angioplasty balloons were used to dilate expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), a material commonly used for endovascular stent-graft technology. The maximal outer diameter (inflated balloon within the lumen) and the recoiled outer diameter (balloon removed) of two types of ePTFE, 3-mm inside diameter (i.d.) thin wall (30-μm internodal distance) and 4-mm i.d. standard wall (30-μm internodal distance), were measured to compare material recoil. Following balloon dilatation, ePTFE samples were prepared for scanning electron microscopic examination and the following parameters were measured: wall thickness, internodal distance, nodal width, interfiber distance, and fiber width. Following primary dilatation, both types of ePTFE recoiled approximately 20% regardless of inflated balloon diameter. However, following eight repetitive balloon dilatations, recoil decreased to approximately 10%. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed variations in internodal distance and significant decreases in wall thickness, nodal thickness, and interfiber distance. Fiber width was significantly decreased following dilatation of 3 mm, but not 4 mm ePTFE. Our data support our initial hypothesis that balloon dilatation alters the structure of ePTFE. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 36, 498–507, 1997.
Hydrogen isotopic exchange in palladium hydride

Abstract We have recently developed the laser-Raman technique as a means of unambiguouslymeasuring the partial pressures of all possible hydrogen isotopes in the gas phase. Using this technique we have investigated the hydrogen-deuterium solid-phase exchange in a number of metal hydrides. Note that the exchange process we are discussing is a complete conversion of a metal hydride to the deuteride and back by successive reaction with first hydrogen and then deuterium. This report presents detailed data for isotopic exchange in the palladium hydride system over the temperature range from 26 to −100°C at a pressure of 7 atm. First-order kinetic rate constants and activation energies are summarized for the forward (hydride to deuteride) and reverse (deuteride to hydride) exchange processes. In addition, we have found that small amounts (100 p.p.m.) of impurities in the exchange gases considerably slow the exchange kinetics with the effect increasing down the series CH4, CO2, H2O and CO.
Treatment of 84 cases of femoral nonunion.

Eighty-four femoral nonunions were treated with Kuntscher nailing, Grosse-Kempf locked nailing, plating, and Huckstep nailing, and were followed-up for a median of 34 months. Kuntscher nailing and locked nailing were superior, with fewer complications, less operation time, and less blood loss. A Kuntscher nail was preferred for the isthmic region when there was no shortening of the bone, and a locked nail was preferred above or below this region or when lengthening was indicated.
The "pill popper": A device for drug capsule self-administration by primates

An apparatus for establishing self-administration of drugs in capsule preparation form by nonhuman primates is described. The system includes a capsule loading unit combined with a pressurized liquid dispenser and mouth-operated drinking tube lever. Operation of the mouth lever results in forced ingestion of a capsule or other solid substance and a measured quantity of liquid. The components of the system are separately programmable and adjustable to permit shaping of pressurized liquid and capsule ingestion through successive approximations. Examination of absorption factors and temporal variables associated with delay of drug reinforcement onset, as well as precision in oral dosage, are thus possible in a model which approximates the most common method and features of drug self-administration in humans.
Rerun content preferences: An examination of favorite program types

Loyalty to program types is recognized as a significant characteristic of television viewing behavior. Few studies have investigated preferences for rerun program types. This study examines the content preferences of favorite programs for differences of rerun programs and first‐run programs among 489 respondents.
Thalidomide has limited single‐agent activity in relapsed or refractory indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphomas: a phase II trial of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B

Thalidomide is an immunomodulatory agent with demonstrated activity in multiple myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. Its activity is believed to be due modulation of the tumour milieu, including downregulation of angiogenesis and inflammatory cytokines. Between July 2001 and April 2004, 24 patients with relapsed/refractory indolent lymphomas received thalidomide 200 mg daily with escalation by 100 mg daily every 1-2 weeks as tolerated, up to a maximum of 800 mg daily. Patients had received a median of 2 (range, 1-4) prior regimens. Of 24 evaluable patients, two achieved a complete remission and one achieved a partial remission for an overall response rate of 12.5% (95% confidence interval: 2.6-32.4%). Eleven patients progressed during therapy. Grade 3-4 adverse effects included myelosuppression, fatigue, somnolence/depressed mood, neuropathy and dyspnea. Of concern was the occurrence of four thromboembolic events. Our results failed to demonstrate an important response rate to single agent thalidomide in indolent lymphomas and contrast with the higher activity level reported with the second generation immunomodulatory agent, lenalidomide.
Novel myosin VI isoform is abundantly expressed in retina.

Abstract Several forms of sensory deficit have been associated with unconventional myosin defects in humans and other animals. Normal hearing in mammals has been shown to require functional myosin VI (Avraham et al., 1995) and myosin VIIA (Gibson et al., 1995; Liu et al., 1997), and the combined blindness and deafness of Usher syndrome type IB has been shown to be produced by specific defects in myosin VIIA (Weil et al., 1997). Here we report the cloning and characterization of two distinct myosin VI isoforms (FMVIA and FMVIB) initially identified in a degenerate PCR screen of retinal cDNA from the striped bass, Morone saxatilis . Open reading frames for FMVIA and FMVIB encode predicted proteins of 1304 and 1270 amino acids respectively, which are 83% identical at the amino acid level. Both fish isoforms are likewise approximately 83–86% identical to mammalian class VI myosins (Hasson and Mooseker, 1994). Northern blot analysis revealed that FMVIA mRNA is broadly expressed and most abundant in kidney, a pattern similar to that previously reported for mammalian myosin VI. FMVIB expression is dramatically more abundant in retina than in any other tissue examined. Antibodies directed against pig myosin VI (Hasson and Mooseker, 1994) detect a doublet at ∼150 kDa in bass retina and RPE. Since both fish VIA and VIB isoforms share high sequence identity with pig myosin VI within the domain used for antibody production, it seems likely that this antibody crossreacts with both FMVIA and FMVIB. Immunocytochemistry with this same affinity-purified rabbit anti-myosin VI antibody shows that myosin VI isoforms are primarily localized in photoreceptors, horizontal cells and Muller cells in both fish and primate retinas. This report is the first demonstration that two myosin VI genes are expressed in the same organism and the same cell type (RPE). The relatively high abundance of FMVIB expression in retina suggests that it may play an important role in retinal motility events.
990-47 Absence of Ischemia on Ambulatory ECG Monitoring During Treatment as a Predictor of Outcome: A Report from the ACIP Study

The presence of ischemia on ambulatory ECG (AECG) monitoring adversely influences the outcome in patients with coronary artery disease. In the Asymptomatic Cardiac Ischemia Pilot (ACIP), 618 clinically stable patients with revascularizable coronary artery disease, abnormal stress tests and asymptomatic ischemia on AECG monitoring were randomized to 1 of 3 treatment strategies: angina-guided care, ischemia-guided care or revascu­ larization. RepeatAECG monitoring was done at 12 weeks On treatment and the patients were followed for outcome analysis at 1 year. At 1 year death, MI or hospitalization occurred in 38 of 262 patients with­ out AECG ischemia at 12 weeks (14.5%), and 55 of 272 (20.2%) 01 those with AECG ischemia at 12 weeks (p < 0.08). Aggregate adverse outcomes (death, MI, hospitalization or ischemia on 1 year En) occurred in 160 (61%) of patients without AECG ischemia at 12 weeks and 225 (83%1 of patients with AECG ischemia at 12 weeks (p < 0.001). These data provide evidence to support the hypothesis that AECG moni· toring results during treatment may be predictive of future coronary events.
Implications of neurotrophin supported auditory neuron survival for maintenance of the tonotopic organization of the central auditory pathway

Recent experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness of members of the neurotrophin family of growth factors in supporting the survival of primary auditory neurons following ototoxic trauma. In this report, we examined the implications of these results in light of current knowledge about activity dependent central nervous system reorganization. We suggest that the use of trophic factors in conjunction with patterned stimulation of afferent nerve fibers could preserve the majority of the tonotopic arrangement of the central pathway. We propose experiments to test the effects of NT-3 induced neuron survival on the organization of primary auditory cortex.
Use of the Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin promoter to drive expression of the green fluorescent protein in an oral pathogen.

The gene for the green fluorescent protein, gfp, was cloned, under the control of the Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin (ltx) promoter, in the A. actinomycetemcomitans shuttle vector, pSU20. A. actinomycetemcomitans containing the ltx-gfp construct emitted bright green fluorescence in the standard invasion assay using epifluorescence microscopy. These data demonstrate that the green fluorescent protein will be a useful tool for the live analysis of A. actinomycetemcomitans interactions with host cells, and that the ltx promoter can be used to drive the expression of non–A. actinomycetemcomitans genes.
A nonflowing, variable-gas inductively coupled plasma as a light source for high-resolution spectroscopy

Ten self-contained 27.12-MHz Inductively Coupled Plasmas (ICP) are generated in a static torch. The torch offers spectroscopists a closed-system, low-pressure (0.1-100 Torr), variable-power (currently up to 1 kW) plasma. Doppler temperatures (Na D) measured are approximately 5 times those of electrodeless discharge lamps (EDLs) or Hollow Cathode Lamps (HCLs) operating under normal conditions. This torch has improved noise considerations, compared with those for the flowing ICP traditionally used.
Nursing students’ beliefs about smoking, their own smoking behaviors, and use of professional tobacco treatment intervention

Abstract As the largest group of health care professionals, nurses are in a unique position to influence their patients who smoke. They also have more contact with patients than any other provider. The purpose of this survey study was to describe nursing students' beliefs about cigarette smoking, their smoking behaviors, and use of evidence-based tobacco treatment intervention. Of 200 surveyed, undergraduate nursing students, only 6% were smokers. The most inaccurate perception about tobacco treatment was that counseling of less than 3 minutes did not have an effect on improving smoking quit rate. Eight percent of surveyed smokers reported providing tobacco use treatment to all patients who smoke compared with 26% of non-smokers. Smoking-related morbidity and mortality warrant consistent use of clinical practice guidelines by nursing students and professional nurses.
Use of psychometric techniques in the analysis of epidemiologic data.

Abstract PURPOSE: This article demonstrates techniques for developing reliable multi-item scales for analysis of complex public health data. METHODS: Information from a questionnaire designed to evaluate the acceptability and efficacy of the female condom as a method for STD/HIV prevention was summarized using psychometric analysis. 1159 high-risk women attending STD clinics participated in this study. Questionnaire items were designed to measure nine domains of predictors of condom use. RESULTS: Principal components analysis was employed to reduce the number of potential predictors. Reliability of the multiple-item scales was assessed using Cronbach's α. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate collinearity among multi-item scales. Approximately half (51%) of the questionnaire items that were analyzed were retained in the final scales. Data reduction procedures identified several multi-item scales with acceptable reliability (Cronbach's α >0.70). The correlation coefficients between scales was never >.5, suggesting that there was little collinearity among the scales. CONCLUSIONS: When focused on multiple partially interdependent determinants of an outcome, data reduction decreases the number of independent variables to be evaluated, ensures they have adequate reliability, maximizes strength of their association with outcomes, and reduces collinearity among predictors.
Link analysis in mind maps: a new approach to determining document relatedness

In a previous paper we presented various ideas on how information retrieval on mind maps could enhance applications such as expert systems, search engines and recommender systems. In this paper we present the first research results. In a brief experiment we researched link analysis respectively citation analysis, if applied to mind maps, is suitable to calculate document relatedness. The basic idea is that if two documents A and B are linked by the same mind map, these documents are likely to be related. This information could be used by item-based document recommender systems. In the example, document B could be recommended to those users interested in document A. In addition, we propose that those documents linked in high proximity within a mind map are more closely related than those documents linked in lower proximity. The results of our experiment support our ideas. It seems that link analysis applied to mind maps can be used for determining the relatedness of documents and therefore for improving document recommender systems.
Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Electronic Structure Calculations of d1 Vanadocene Compounds with Chelated Dithiolate Ligands: Implications for Pyranopterin Mo/W Enzymes

Gas-phase photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory have been used to investigate the electronic structures of open-shell bent vanadocene compounds with chelating dithiolate ligands, which are minimum molecular models of the active sites of pyranopterin Mo/W enzymes. The compounds Cp2V(dithiolate) [where dithiolate is 1,2-ethenedithiolate (S2C2H2) or 1,2-benzenedithiolate (bdt), and Cp is cyclopentadienyl] provide access to a 17-electron, d1 electron configuration at the metal center. Comparison with previously studied Cp2M(dithiolate) complexes, where M is Ti and Mo (respectively d0 and d2 electron configurations), allows evaluation of d0, d1, and d2 electronic configurations of the metal center that are analogues for the metal oxidation states present throughout the catalytic cycle of these enzymes. A “dithiolate-folding effect” that involves an interaction between the vanadium d orbitals and sulfur p orbitals is shown to stabilize the d1 metal center, allowing the d1 electron configurati...
The inventory investment decision and firm value: A conceptual framework

Abstract Though a wide range of complex and sophisticated models exist in the literature, most real world inventory decisions are made on the basis of single parameter, cost minimization models. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a conceptual framework which mid- and upper-level,production managers may use in evaluating the inventory investment decision within a multiparameter context. This approach views the inventory investment decision as a series of problems to be resolved using a wide range of tools, many of which are borrowed from different functional area applications. All decisions are made within the context of firm valuation using a standard risk/return format. By approaching the decision in this way, it is possible for the manager to move closer to optimal decision making and to add greater value to the firm.
Motion Compensated Error Concealment for HEVC Based on Block-Merging and Residual Energy

We propose a motion-compensated error concealment method for HEVC and implement the method in reference software HM. The motion vector from the co-located block will be refined for motion compensation. Based on the reliability of these MVs, blocks will be merged and assigned with new MVs. The experimental results show both a substantial PSNR gain as well as an improvement in visual quality.
Exacerbations of Childhood Asthma and Ozone Pollution in Atlanta

Asthma prevalence and mortality due to asthma have been increasing during the last decade, and both the rates and the increases in rates have been higher for blacks than whites and higher for children than adults. Whether environmental factors such as air pollution contribute to these increases is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between emergency visits to a hospital for childhood asthma and exposure to ozone in an indigent, predominantly black population. Data were collected by abstracting clinical records for all children with asthma or reactive airway disease in one public hospital during the summer of 1990. From June 1, 1990, to August 31, 1990, 609 visits were made by children aged 1 to 16 years to an emergency clinic for treatment of asthma or reactive airway disease. Monitoring data indicated that maximum ozone levels equalled or exceeded 0.11 ppm on 6 days during the study period. The average number of visits for asthma or reactive airway disease was 37% higher on the days after those 6 days (from 6:00 PM to 6:00 PM the next day) than on other days (95% CI, RR = 1.02-1.73). The results of the study suggest that among black children from low-income families, asthma may be exacerbated following periods of high ozone pollution.
Precipitation of Salmon Sperm Deoxyribonucleic Acid with Purine-specific Antibody

Reactivity of deoxyribonucleic acid /DNA/ with antibody showing that salmon sperm DNA reacts with antipurinoyl antibody with or without heat denaturation
The role of research in practical incineration systems—A look at the past and the future

The interaction between advances in combustion research, practical demonstrations of incineration technology, and changing regulations over the past 10 years is reviewed. The driving force behind changes in technologies for the incineration of hazardous and municipal waste is the changing regulatory climate. More stringent regulations create the need for better understanding of all aspects of the combustion process. In this review, case studies are employed to demonsrate how recent advances in combustion have impacted the design and operation of incinerators, with special emphasis on pollutant minimization, process upsets, and system simulations. The three topics covered under pollutant minimization are methods for complying with proposed incinerator emission standards for dioxins and furans, the interaction of NOx and chlorine in incinerators, and the environmental impact of solid residues from incinerators. The topics under process upsets include the failure of trial burns to cover emissions during upsets, such as emergency shutdowns, and estimation and measurement strategies. The final topic provides illustrations, of how numerical simulations of combustion systmms have advanced to the point where they can be used as engineering tools to design trial burns, optimize facility operation, and study the consequences of extreme operating conditions that cannot be tested in practice. The review concludes with identification of future topics in combustion research as suggested by additional issues of concern to incinerator operators.
Factors associated with operative risk in mitral valve replacement

Abstract A retrospective analysis was made of 110 consecutive patients undergoing isolated mitral valve replacement with a ball valve prosthesis in an attempt to define factors associated with operative risk. Fourteen of the patients died after operation (operative mortality 12.7 per cent) and in 10 of these the primary cause of death was believed to be low cardiac output. With 1 exception, all patients who died with low output were considered to be in functional class iv and exhibited three or more of the following factors: (1) reduced cardiac index, (2) marked cardiomegaly, (3) atrial fibrillation, (4) pulmonary hypertension, (5) surgically uncorrected moderate aortic insufficiency, (6) a mixed stenotic-regurgitant lesion, and (7) a history of previous mitral valve surgery, especially in patients over the age of 55. Approximately one third of the patients with a preoperative cardiac index of 1.9 L./min./M. 2 or less died, as did one fourth of those with marked cardiomegaly. When both determinants were present almost half (6 of 13) failed to survive. The operative risk was low in patients with a cardiac index above 2.0 and in those having sinus rhythm. The nature of the risk was primarily technical rather than one of intrinsic myocardial dysfunction. Virtually five sixths of the patients (49 of 60) with pulmonary hypertension survived operation although this factor was present in 11 of 14 patients who died. When reduced cardiac index (1.9 L./min./M. 2 or less) coexisted with pulmonary hypertension one third of the patients died. Coexisting valvular disease uncorrected at operation had a varying influence on operative mortality. Patients with trivial degrees of aortic incompetence withstood surgery well although moderate incompetence was associated with increased surgical risk. On the other hand, the presence of significant functional tricuspid incompetence did not appear to influence the outcome adversely. Operative mortality was higher in patients who had undergone previous mitral valve surgery. These patients were also significantly older. Although no single determinant was found to represent a unique hallmark of operative risk which would constitute, per se, an overriding contraindication to mitral valve replacement, there was a direct relation between the cumulative number of determinants and operative mortality. Eighty-three of 87 patients with three determinants or fewer survived. Three of the 4 deaths in this group were of technical origin. On the other hand, mortality related to myocardial dysfunction was commonly observed in patients exhibiting four or more factors and included 8 of the 10 patients who died with low cardiac output. Precise operative conduct and meticulous myocardial support in the postoperative period will permit survival of the majority of patients with marginal cardiac reserve after mitral valve replacement even when multiple factors contributing to operative risk are present.
A key to fuzzy-logic inference

Abstract Classically, whether to effect inference, one uses a small set of axioms and modus ponens, or a set of rules of inference including modus ponens, one is going beyond what can be derived with the explicit operations of logic alone. Carrying this concept over to fuzzy logic we construct a fuzzy modus ponens and other rules of inference that include modus tollens and reductio ad absurdum. These in turn are based on (and greatly facilitated by) a choice for the operation of implication that preserves the (logic) symmetry implicit in its definition. Extensions including conditional quantification, cut rules (single, multiple, and implicitory), and fuzzy mathematical induction are sketched. As an example, a fuzzy-logic treatment of the Yale shooting problem is discussed. The results suggest that the implicit processes of inference, as distinct from the explicit processes of decision (control) theory and systems theory, can be effected in fuzzy logic if, as in classical logic, one ventures outside the scope of (fuzzy) logic operations.
On-chip triple-error correction and quadruple-error detection ECC structure for ultra-large, single-chip memories

Abstract Soft errors resulting from alpha-particle strikes are one of the major factors that reduces the reliability of memory chips. One way to improve reliability of memory chips is to employ an on-chip error-correcting code (ECC) structure. This paper presents a triple-error correcting and quadruple-error detecting (TEC–QED) code, that is capable of correcting three and detecting four soft errors, simultaneously. The TEC–QED code design is based on odd-weight-column SEC–DED code in conjunction with the parity technique. Results show that timing overhead of less than 11 ns can be expected. The proposed code improves the mean time between failure (MTBF) by a factor of 210%, when compared to DEC APC, and by a factor of 31%, when compared to the interleaved SEC code.
The response ratio hypothesis for magnitude estimation

Abstract Assume that each presentation of a signal produces two independent random variable representations and that the ratio of responses on successive trials of a magnitude estimation experiment are proportional to the ratio of a representation from the present trial, which representation is then lost, to the remaining one from the previous trial. The mean response to a particular signal depends on the mean of the representation used, but in general exhibits drift over trials and sequential effects due to the preceeding trial; the mean response ratio does not exhibit drift, but it has a simple form only when there are no sequential effects; however, a modified mean ratio function has a simple form. A model suggested by D. V. Cross is a special case of this one. Simple timing and counting models for the representations fail to exhibit sequential effects, contrary to considerable data. However, data of the authors have suggested a version of the timing model in which the sample size of the representation varies by an order of magnitude depending on how close the signal is to the preceding one; this hypothesis accounts for the observed sequential effects and other aspects of the data.
Lamination of magnesium oxide spacers to barium strontium zirconium titanate ceramics

We propose an innovative idea to bond the dielectric barium strontium zirconium titanate (BSTZO) plates with magnesium oxide (MgO) as the spacers to achieve a hermetic module without any air gaps between the dielectric and the spacer. The gold metallization can be applied across the whole assembly to create an integrated electrode. The gold metallization also eliminates pressure contact by external copper plates assemblies, which are required to achieve good contacts between the copper plates and the metallized surfaces of the BSTZO. The MgO spacers are processed using a dry-pressing and pressureless-sintering method. The thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of BSTZO and MgO spacer was measured. In addition to matching the CTE between BSTZO dielectric and the MgO spacer, it is also critical to develop a good bonding material with CTE matching to BSTZO and MgO spacer. The effect of CTE for various bonding compositions on the dielectric properties was thoroughly studied and reported. The mechanism explaining the high and low dielectric constants for the laminates is proposed and discussed based on the CTE results and their effect on microstructural development.
Complexity of BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations during the course of therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia.

The most common mechanism of acquired resistance in CML in imatinib era is the acquisition of BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations with decreased sensitivity to the drug. At time of resistance, treatment of CML now involves sequential use of second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Persistence of pre-existing mutations, as well as development of new mutations is a mechanism of resistance to the new TKI. In-vitro, mutations can be low, intermediate or highly sensitive to the different TKIs. However the in-vitro testing may not translate to in-vivo results. In fact we describe the case of one patient, who never had any cytogenetic response, developed G250E mutation on imatinib (G250E in-vitro sensitivity good for nilotinib dasatinib and intermediate for imatinib) that persisted on nilotinib and dasatinib, and developed a V299L mutation while on dasatinib (in-vitro intermediate sensitivity). Another patient never achieved cytogenetic response, developed E355G mutation on imatinib (intermediate in-vitro sensitivity to imatinib) that persisted on nilotinib, and once switched to dasatinib developed F317L mutation (intermediate in-vitro sensitivity). These patients exemplify the complexities of resistance of TKI therapy and argue for the need to investigate mechanisms of resistance beyond mutations.
Digital image multiple-frame restoration through atmospheric and instrumental noises

Improved object data has been extracted from multiple frames of poor quality imagery. The individual images had been degraded by propagation through atmospheric turbulence or water waves, and then mixed with instrumental noises. Using knowledge of the image formation and degradation process, Gregory's technique for "moments of good seeing" used in optical astronomy was implemented with digital processing. Digital implementation allowed the techniques to be applied locally to isoplanatic regions for those cases with nonuniform and nonstationary random media. The statistically correct location of the object was assumed to be determined by the long term average of the image. After proper registration a Kalman filter, adapted for correlated disturbances, was used to sharpen the mean-square spread of gray levels for each pixel with respect to multiple frames. An enhancement factor Anâ"n for signal to noise ratio was obtained by uniformly averaging n-correlated disturbances. The best that one could do for purely random noise was a uniformly weighted average, and a recursively weighted average can not be any worse than a uniformly weighted one. Laboratory simulation of underwater objects and field data with atmospheric degradation has successfully illustrated the proposed method of digital image multiple-frame restoration, i.e. local implementation of "moments of good seeing" and Kalman filtering for correlated distrubances.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of hand hygiene regimens on skin condition in health care workers

Frequent, repetitive exposure to hand cleansers can negatively impact the skin, particularly the protective stratum corneum (SC). We investigated the effects of synergistic test products (TP) and current products (CP) among health care workers (HCWs) during spring and winter. TP and CP were significantly different in quantitative measures of skin condition. TP resulted in improved condition versus CP at times during both trials. Compared with non-HCW control subjects, HCW hand skin was appreciably compromised. The skin was damaged at the start of a work cycle, suggesting that the SC damage did not recover during time off. In general, the skin was in poorer condition (higher grades) for CP at the end of a cycle than the start during both trials. The dryness scores were often lower for TP at the end of the cycle, suggesting an improvement in skin condition. During some winter cycles, the skin remained unchanged for TP and worsened for CP. For others, the skin improved with TP and was unchanged with CP. Dryness tended to decrease (improve) and erythema increased for TP. Overall, the use of TP consistently resulted in higher skin hydration compared with CP, indicating that product composition can significantly influence HCW skin condition. Regimens that minimize skin damage can improve condition while achieving skin disinfection. The findings emphasize the importance of providing hand hygiene products to minimize irritant dermatitis and maintain an effective skin barrier. Use of such products is expected to substantially impact and increase hand hygiene compliance.
Medication management of rheumatoid arthritis

This article focuses on the drug therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A working knowledge of the drugs used to treat RA is essential so that home health care profession als can educate patients about their drug therapy and monitor their progress, so that the many potential complications of drugs used in the treatment of RA can be avoided. A table of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID), doses, dose intervals, and maxi mum daily doses is included.
Nanotextured gold coatings on carbon nanofiber scaffolds as ultrahigh surface-area electrodes

Abstract High surface area metal electrodes are desirable for applications in energy storage and energy conversion. Here, the formation and electrochemical characterization of a hybrid material made by electroless deposition of gold onto a scaffolding of vertically aligned carbon nanofibers is described. Vertically aligned carbon nanofibers, ∼80 nm in diameter, provided mechanical support and electrical contact to the highly textured nanoscale gold coatings. By chemically functionalizing the nanofiber surfaces and then using electroless deposition methods, a highly textured metal coating was formed. The electrochemical response of these “nano-on-nano” hybrid electrodes was characterized using electrochemical methods. The results show that using the metallic coatings can increase the electrochemically active surface area by up to a factor of 10 compared with the starting carbon nanofiber scaffolds. The electrochemical response of the electrodes was modulated by varying the deposition time of the gold.
HISTOLOGICAL METHODS FOR STUDYING CONNECTIVE TISSUE IN THE LONGISSIMUS DORSI MUSCLE IN PORK

SUMMARY— 3 fixatives [10% formalin (1), F.A.A. (II) and 10% formalin and saline (III)] used for the histological study of collagen. reticular and elastic fibers in the connective tissue of pork longissimus dorsi muscle did not significantly affect the mechanics of sectioning or mounting the tissue. The type of fixative used war found to affect the quantity of stained connective tissue. The sample fixed in the formalin-saline fixative (III) yielded a smaller amount of reticular and collagen fibers than the samples fixed in fixatives I and II. A triple staining procedure was used for the 3 connective tissue elements: silver for reticulin, aniline blue for collagen and orcein for elastin. The reticular and collagen fibers stained as well in the cooked as in the raw sample. Little elastin was evident in the longissimus dorsi.
Thyroid Eye Disease: Towards an Evidence Base for Treatment in the 21st Century

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is the most common extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves’ disease. Incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis has hindered development of targeted therapies that might alter the natural course of disease. Smoking cessation and maintenance of euthyroidism appear to reduce the rate of onset and severity of TED. Recent evidence suggests that selenium may lessen the inflammatory symptoms in mild disease. Corticosteroids remain the primary treatment for patients with moderate to severe active TED. Surgical decompression is commonly undertaken in the chronic stable phase, and only rarely in the active phase when vision is threatened by compressive optic neuropathy. Orbital radiotherapy remains an adjunctive strategy during active disease. Targeted immunotherapies have the potential to alter disease progression, but further evidence is needed to establish safety and efficacy. In this article, we review evidence from prospective therapeutic trials of several treatment modalities. We focus on moderate to severe active TED.
Using Portfolios To Foster Independent Thinking.

The development of student self-evaluation skills is an important issue. In this article, the authors present a process for using portfolio assessment to encourage critical thinking and decision making by students. Portfolios are used for developing the reflectivity students need to make sound decisions about the quality of their products and selection rationale. Included are student perceptions about the value of portfolio assessment and its effect on student learning.