cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Segmental infarction of the colon

A sufficient number of cases have been reported to indicate that there is a well-defined syndrome of segmental infarction of both the small bowel and colon. The roentgen findings associated with segmental infarction of the small and large bowel are fairly characteristic and should be differentiated from other segmental lesions in these regions.
Coproduction of transportation fuels in advanced IGCCs via coal and biomass mixtures

Abstract Converting abundant fossil resources of coal to alternative transportation fuels is a promising option for countries heavily dependent on petroleum imports if plants are equipped with carbon capture for sequestration and cofed with biomass (30% by weight of the total feed on a dry basis), an essentially carbon neutral fuel, without penalizing the process economics excessively. A potential exists to improve both thermal efficiency and economics of such plants by taking advantage of the synergies of coproducing electricity using advanced technologies under development. Three types of transportation fuels are considered. Fischer–Tropsch (F–T) liquids consisting predominantly of waxes could be processed in existing refineries while displacing petroleum and the refined products introduced into the market place at the present time or in the near term without requiring changes to the existing infrastructure. Ethanol could potentially serve in the not so distant future (or phased in by blending with conventional liquid fuels). Hydrogen which could play a dominant role in the more distant future being especially suitable to the fuel cell hybrid vehicle (FCHV). Two types of coal along with biomass cofeed are evaluated; bituminous coal at $42.0/dry tonne, lignite at $12.0/dry tonne, and switchgrass at $99.0/dry tonne. The calculated cost for F–T liquids ranged from $77.8/bbl to $86.6/bbl (or $0.0177 to 0.0197/MJ LHV) depending on the feedstock, which is comparable to the projected longer term market price of crude oil at ∼$80/bbl when supply and demand reach a new equilibrium [Lafakis. Moody’s Analytics. http://money.cnn.com/2015/01/09/investing/oil-price-bottom/index.html > (accessed on 12.01.15)] [32] (or ∼$0.0172/MJ LHV). It should be noted, however, that F–T liquids contain no sulfur or nitrogen compounds and no inorganics. The calculated cost of fuel grade ethanol ranged from $4.84 to 4.91/gal (or $0.0566 to 0.0582/MJ LHV), while the price of gasoline in the U.S. amounted to $0.0240 to 0.0279/MJ LHV when crude oil was at ∼$80/bbl. Ethanol coproduction may not appear to be as attractive as the other options at these scales, primarily due to the much lower plant efficiency. However, from a life cycle greenhouse gas emissions standpoint, ethanol produced with biomass cofeeding and CCS, have a lower carbon footprint than gasoline or diesel, especially when derived from petroleum. The calculated cost of hydrogen ranged from $1.87 to 2.13/kg (or $0.0156 to 0.0177/MJ LHV), which is significantly lower than the DoE announced goal of $3.00/kg in 2005.
First Principle Study to Correlate Location and Activity of Ruthenium Oxide Incorporated in Alkali-Metal Hexatitanates

Ab initio total energy pseudopotential calculations were performed on ruthenium oxide incorporated alkali-metal hexatitanates to study the location and activity of ruthenium oxide. The influence of alkali metals on the activity is also monitored. The photocatalytic activity of alkali-metal hexatitanates in the presence of ruthenium oxide increases in the order Na > K > Rb. To rationalize the role of the hexatitanate structure on its activity, both ruthenium oxides incorporated and unincorporated structures were investigated. One objective is to monitor whether the ruthenium oxide incorporated in the tunnel has photocatalytic activity or not. The present results suggest that the tunnel structure in the Na-hexatitanate framework is well suited for accommodating Ru species and induces strong interaction between the active species and the host oxide. Density of state calculations were performed on both structures (with and without ruthenium oxide) to verify the activity of ruthenium oxide. It is observed that...
Automated adenosine deaminase enzyme determination with an ammonia-sensing membrane electrode

Abstract The clinically important enzyme adenosine deaminase is determined in an automated system under zero-order kinetics with an ammonia gas-sensing membrane electrode. Studies on aqaeous standards, protein-containing solutions, and fresh horse serum show that the method yields excellent linearity and precision over the clinically important range of enzyme levels.
Some tests for linear trend of variances

A parametric and a nonparametric procedures are proposed for strengthening the comparison of variances. Data consist of k independent samples of continuous measurements and tests are designed to detect a trend of the variances.
Dispersion-invariant features for classification of objects from their acoustic backscatter in a range-dependent channel

We have previously developed a feature extraction process for propagation-invariant classification of a target from its propagated sonar backscatter. The features are invariant to the frequency dependent propagation effects of absorption and dispersion, for range-independent channels. Simulations have shown that these features lose their effectiveness when applied to waves propagating in a range-dependent environment. In this paper we extend our previous approach to obtain invariant features for classification in range-dependent environments. Numerical simulations are presented for the classification of two shells from their acoustic backscatter propagating in an ideal wedge.
Transmitter amino acid release from rat neocortex: Complete versus incomplete ischemia models

Release of the excitotoxic amino acids, glutamate and aspartate, from the ischemic rat cerebral cortex was compared in two models; the seven vessel occlusion model (7VO) of complete cerebral ischemia and the four vessel occlusion model (4VO) of incomplete cerebral ischemia. Amino acid efflux into cortical superfusates was measured using cortical cups placed on both hemispheres. Whereas a 20 min period of ischemia causes a pronounced release of glutamate and aspartate from the 4VO model, efflux was significantly reduced in the 7VO model. Release of the inhibitory transmitter GABA, was similar in the two models. This result suggests that excitotoxic amino acid efflux into the extracellular spaces of the cerebral cortex may be enhanced by the residual blood flow in an incomplete ischemia.
Appropriate therapeutic use of immunoglobulin.

ment of certain disorders associated with toxins (eg, diphtheria), in certain bites (eg, snake and spider), as a specific (eg, Rho[D] immune globulin), or nonspecific (eg, antilymphocyte serum) immunosuppressant, and in the treatment of certain infectious diseases. Three types of preparations are used in passive immunization: (1) standard human immune serum globulin (ISG) for general use; this is available in two forms-intramuscular immune globulin (IG) and intravenous immune globulin (IVIG); (2) special IGs with a known antibody content for specific illnesses, and (3) animal serums and antitoxins. These are listed in Table 1. Most of the licensed special immune globulins are for intramuscular use only. Whole blood, plasma, or serum can also be used in passive immunization. Passive immunization is not always effective; the duration is short and variable (1 to 6 weeks), and undesirable reactions may occur, especially if the antiserum is of nonhuman origin. ISG and special IGs are identical except that the latter are derived from patients hyperimmunized or convalescing from a specific infection, and the antibody content to the specific antigen is assayed; they are useful in several disorders in which IG is of little or no value.
Drawing dynamic trees

A tree-drawing algorithm that addresses the weaknesses of current approaches to constructing graphical user interfaces is presented. Present algorithms either do not let you draw tree nodes of varying shapes and sizes or they draw such trees in a way that does not produce trees as compact as they could be, which is especially important when diagramming a large system. Also, they cannot reuse layout information when the trees changes, so after every change the layout must be recomputed and the tree redrawn. The main difference between these traditional approaches and the author's approach is that his algorithm is more geometric. Unlike other algorithms, it uses an explicit representation of node and subtree contours, and it stores every contour as a polygon. It has three advantages over traditional algorithms. It allows one to draw trees with nodes of any polygonal shape compactly. The data structure supports insert and delete operations on subtrees. It is simple to implement, yet flexible. >
Predictors of Divorce Adjustment: Stressors, Resources, and Definitions

We used data from 208 individuals who divorced during a 17-year longitudinal study to examine factors that predict adjustment to marital disruption. Using stress and coping theory as a guide, we hypothesized that adjustment would be associated with variables reflecting stressors, resources, and people's definitions of the divorce. Contrary to expectations, we found little evidence that stressors (large declines in per capita income, losing friends, or moving) affected divorce adjustment, except among individuals who were not employed. Adjustment was positively associated with income, dating someone steadily, remarriage, having favorable attitudes toward marital dissolution prior to divorce, and being the partner who initiated the divorce. In addition, older individuals showed some evidence of poorer adjustment than did younger individuals. Language: en
NDVI sensitivity to atmospheric water vapor as a function of spectral bandwidth

The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) has been an important data product of the AVHRR series of instruments that have flown on the NOAA polar orbiting satellites. This index has been extensively used to monitor global vegetation and to study deforestation. As planning begins for follow-on versions, a proposal has been made to improve the robustness of the index by narrowing the spectral bands that are used in the NDVI calculation to reduce sensitivity to atmospheric water vapor. Without dramatic improvements in instrument design, this narrowing will also degrade the instrument's signal-to-noise ratio. In this paper, results are presented of an investigation into the sensitivity of the NDVI to water vapor as a function of the width of the spectral bands. Consideration was also given to the increase in instrument noise. This study concluded that spectral bandwidths of around 50 nanometers centered on two water vapor transmittance windows provide sufficient insensitivity to water vapor without significantly degrading the instrument's noise performance. However, it should be noted that changing the bandwidths from the current AVHRR will complicate the use of the index for long term environmental studies by changing the values obtained for similar scenes. >
Business Strategy for the Technology Revolution: Competing at the Edge of Creative Destruction

This article presents an overview of the Technology Revolution and how corporations compete in an era of economic transformation. We draw on a state-of-the-art forecasting system to outline strategic technological advances that are likely to enter the mainstream and their expected impacts. To better understand how to navigate this wave of change, we examine three corporate exemplars that have thrived by surfing the leading edge of the technology tsunami—Netflix, Apple, and Toyota. Then we integrate what can be learned from these cases into guidelines for technology strategy. Collectively, the forecasts, exemplars, and guidelines should help improve understanding of the rising wave of creative destruction and advance research on forecasting, technology, and strategy.
BIVENTRICULAR PACING FOR HEART FAILURE

The completed trials of biventricular pacing in congestive cardiac failure are impressively encouraging as a novel therapy for the symptoms of a most devastating disease. The actual delivery of the LV pacing hardware and final patient selection criteria require further refinement, as it is clear that not all patients with heart failure respond favorably. What is clear is that all patients should be prescribed maximally tolerated, proven medical therapy before assessment as to the feasibility of biventricular pacing therapy. This should be the case until potentially proven otherwise in newly planned trials designed to assess the comparative efficacy of both approaches. It is difficult to see that the two approaches should be anything but complementary in their benefit. The expense and potential complication associated with any invasive procedure needs to be considered, however, and it would seem reasonable that all of these patients should be receiving maximally tolerated medical therapy before and after the implantation of a device. Finally, the effect of this therapy on mortality needs to be assessed and, consequently, the requirement for defibrillation capability considered in this population of patients with a known high incidence of sudden death.
Cooking Schools Improve Nutrient Intake Patterns of People with Type 2 Diabetes.

Abstract Objective To determine whether cooking classes offered by the Cooperative Extension Service improved nutrient intake patterns in people with type 2 diabetes. Design Quasi-experimental using pretest, posttest comparisons. Setting Community locations including schools, churches, and senior centers. Participants One hundred seventeen people with type 2 diabetes, from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Intervention Series of classes for people with type 2 diabetes and their family members that incorporated Social Cognitive Theory tenets. The classes featured current nutrition recommendations for people with type 2 diabetes and hands-on cooking, where participants prepared and ate a meal together. Main Outcome Measures Three-day food records, completed prior to attending cooking schools and 1 month after, were used to measure changes in energy intake and selected nutrients. Analysis Program efficacy was assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare differences between pre-training and post-training variables. ANCOVA was used to determine whether program efficacy was affected by sociodemographics. Results Participants decreased ( P Conclusions and Implications Nutrition education incorporating hands-on cooking can improve nutrient intake in people with type 2 diabetes from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Key elements of the user-friendly, GFDL SKYHI general circulation model

Over the past seven years, the portability of the GFDL SKYHI general circulation model has greatly increased. Modifications to the source code have allowed SKYHI to be run on the GFDL Cray Research PVP machines, the TMC CM-5 machine at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and more recently on the GFDL 40-processor Cray Research T3E system. At the same time, changes have been made to the model to make it more usable and flexible. Because of the reduction of the human resources available to manage and analyze scientific experiments, it is no longer acceptable to consider only the optimization of computer resources when producing a research code; one must also consider the availability and cost of the people necessary to maintain, modify and use the model as an investigative tool, and include these factors in defining the form of the model code. The new SKYHI model attempts to strike a balance between the optimization of the use of machine resources (CPU time, memory, disc) and the optimal use of human resources (ability to understand code, ability to modify code, ability to perturb code to do experiments, ability to run code on different platforms). Two of the key features that make the new SKYHI code more usable and flexible are the archiving package and the user variable block. The archiving package is used to manage the writing of all archive files, which contain data for later analysis. The model-supplied user variable block allows the easy inclusion of any new variables needed for particular experiments.
Congenital malformations in births with orofacial clefts among 3.6 million California births, 1983-1997.

Few population-based epidemiologic data are available on malformation phenotypes that co-occur with orofacial clefts. We explored the occurrence of structural congenital malformations in offspring with cleft palate (CP) and in offspring with cleft lip with or without CP (CLP), using data from a population-based active surveillance system. Ascertainment was performed among 3,548,991 liveborn and 23,239 stillborn offspring of California women who delivered in nonmilitary hospitals during the period, 1983–1997. Structural congenital malformations were found in 91,888 births. Among them, 2,343 had CP and 4,072 had CLP. Malformations were grouped according to 3- and 4-digit codes of the British Pediatric Association (BPA). Prevalences of each malformation grouping, defined by these codes, were calculated among: (1) all births with CP; (2) all births with CLP; (3) all births without CP or CLP but with another structural malformation; and (4) all births in the population at risk. These various prevalence measures were the basis of estimating relative risks. Observed relative risks indicated that some phenotypes were more likely and some were less likely to co-occur with either CP or CLP, with relative risks ranging from 0.5 to 2.4. For both CP and CLP, estimated relative risks were highest for malformations involving the respiratory system and lowest for spina bifida. The exclusion of all births (n = 10,702) with chromosomal anomalies from comparisons did not materially alter observed relative risk estimates. Computations extended to 4-digit level BPA codes revealed elevated risks for a number of more specific diagnoses seen within the larger (3-digit level) groupings defined as eye, ear, respiratory, upper alimentary tract, and other musculoskeletal anomalies. In this large population-based cohort of infants and fetuses with CLP or CP, we observed several noncleft malformation groupings to be more common and others to be less common in their co-occurrence with orofacial clefts relative to their co-occurrence with any other malformation. These observed patterns tended to be similar for CP and for CLP. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Prolonged prothrombin time correlates with serum monoclonal protein concentration in patients with plasma cell dyscrasia.

SummaryIntroduction Abnormal screening coagulation tests are frequently observed in asymptomatic patients with multiple myeloma and other plasma cell neoplasms. Methods Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and fibrinogen activity were correlated with clinical history and disease parameters in patients referred to the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy. Results An isolated prolonged PT was the most common abnormal coagulation test (25%). Prolonged PT was more frequently observed in patients with multiple myeloma (n = 157) compared to MGUS patients (n = 34) or other diagnostic categories of plasma cell dyscrasia. There were no differences in age, gender, previous chemotherapy, or immunoglobulin isotype in patients with isolated prolonged PT (n = 62) compared to those with normal screening coagulation tests (n = 173). Fibrinogen activity was significantly lower in patients with prolonged PT; however, there was no correlation between fibrinogen activity and PT. Serum M protein concentrations were significantly greater in patients with prolonged PT and were positively correlated with PT. Conclusion An association between disease severity and prolonged PT is suggested by our finding that patients with multiple myeloma were more likely to have prolonged PT than patients with other plasma cell neoplasms. Of the factors examined, the monoclonal protein level was significantly higher in patients with isolated prolonged PT and correlated with PT.
Software testing for critical applications: a position paper

Summary form only given. The management of test and evaluation programs for life-critical software, particularly within the US Department of Defense, is largely fragmented and ineffective. As a result, software remains a significant and uncontrolled risk element in major systems. Some problems yet to be adequately addressed are identified. >
Maintaining K-Anonymity on Real-Time Data

The usage of K-anonymity to protect static data sets is well known, but when applied to real time data personal privacy may be breached. For example, a hospital that releases information on all current patients may begin to involuntarily disclose private information due to the presence of a long-term patient records which, when identified through time, reveal identifying information about other records contained in the same k-anonymous tuples. In this paper, we will give a feasible scenario, brief overview of the K-anonymization method, the flaws arising in real-time data, and a practical solution to counter the problems. The basic premise of the solution is to track the released k-anonymized tuples and, in the future, prevent the release of the same tuple at a decreased privacy level.
Self-monitoring in clinical practice: a challenge for medical educators

Recent literature has described how the capacity for concurrent self-assessment—ongoing moment-to-moment self-monitoring—is an important component of the professional competence of physicians. Self-monitoring refers to the ability to notice our own actions, curiosity to examine the effects of those actions, and willingness to use those observations to improve behavior and thinking in the future. Self-monitoring allows for the early recognition of cognitive biases, technical errors, and emotional reactions and may facilitate self-correction and development of therapeutic relationships. Cognitive neuroscience has begun to explore the brain functions associated with self-monitoring, and the structural and functional changes that occur during mental training to improve attentiveness, curiosity, and presence. This training involves cultivating habits of mind such as experiencing information as novel, thinking of “facts” as conditional, seeing situations from multiple perspectives, suspending categorization and judgment, and engaging in self-questioning. The resulting awareness is referred to as mindfulness and the associated moment-to-moment self-monitoring as mindful practice—in contrast to being on “automatic pilot” or “mindless” in one’s behavior. This article is a preliminary exploration into the intersection of educational assessment, cognitive neuroscience, and mindful practice, with the hope of promoting ways of improving clinicians’ capacity to self-monitor during clinical practice, and, by extension, improve the quality of care that they deliver.
Update on Vaccine Liability in the United States: Presentation at the National Vaccine Program Office Workshop on Strengthening the Supply of Routinely Recommended Vaccines in the United States, 12 February 2002

Two decades ago, a liability crisis brought on by concerns about the safety of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine led to supply shortages and calls for rationing of the vaccine. Vaccine prices skyrocketed, and research on new products was threatened. In response, Congress created the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, which is tort reform legislation designed to compensate individuals quickly, easily, and generously. Since 1988, the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program has stabilized the marketplace, as evidenced by high immunization rates, stable pricing, and an increasing number of vaccine candidates in development. Although current vaccine shortages do not appear to be related to issues of liability, a new wave of tort litigation alleging that some vaccines cause autism has led to speculation that history could repeat itself.
Fossil Feathers from the Hawaiian Flightless Ibis (Apteribis sp.): Plumage Coloration and Systematics of a Prehistorically Extinct Bird

A nearly complete skeleton of an adult Hawaiian flightless ibis (Apteribis sp.) was recovered from a vaulted dry lava tube in association with remains of contour feathers. This is the first documentation of the genus Apteribis from the island of Lanai and provides the only record of the nature of the plumage in any of the prehistorically extinct species of birds known from the Hawaiian Islands. Light and scanning electron microscope analyses of structure of the pennaceous and plumulaceous (downy) portions of these feathers confirmed their placement with the ibises (Threskiornithidae). Within that family, the microscopic structure of the downy feathers is most similar to that of the New World ibises of the genus Eudocimus, thus corroborating molecular evidence of the derivation of Apteribis from Eudocimus. Plumage color was a combination of brown-black and ivory-beige/light brown suggestive of that of juveniles of Eudocimus. Plumage coloration in Apteribis may thus have evolved through the same processes of paedomorphosis that gave rise to flightlessness.
Issue-area and foreign policy revisited

In the study of comparative foreign policy, two schools of thought disagree over what accounts for variations in processes and outcomes of foreign policies within and between states. One holds that differences in the characteristics of the countries in question lead to differences in their foreign policies. The other argues that the important differences are not between countries but between issue-areas. A comparison of the Soviet Union and the United States in the issue-area of military policy (in particular, the process of weapons innovation) suggests that the policy processes differ substantially, contrary to what an issue-area approach would predict. On the other hand, the distinctions made by some students of political economy who focus on domestic structures appear to account well for differences between the U.S. and Soviet processes of innovation. The domestic structural approach should be applied to the study of comparative military policy as well as foreign economic policy.
Teaching Effectively in Racially and Culturally Diverse Classrooms

. Issues of racial and cultural diversity and racism pose particular challenges for effective teaching and learning in diverse theological classrooms. In this essay the author outlines specific strategies to confront racism and engage racially and culturally diverse students. Through the use of a model for understanding multicultural dynamics of teaching and learning, the author helps readers consider four epistemological categories: knowing our students, knowing ourselves as instructors, knowing how we teach, and knowing what we teach.
The Future of Nursing in a Technological Age Computers, Robots, and TLC

The computer has become a major tool in the medical treatment of disease. Computers can record vital signs, keep records, and provide central networks for interactive diagnosis. Individual medical histories can be contained in an optical card the size of a credit card. Advances in technology just over the horizon will permit an individual to consult a computer much as one now consults a physician for diagnosis, recommendations, instructions, and treatment. Surgery can be conducted in "virtual space," with the physician operating inside the body (via computer) as if he or she were present at the site of the surgery. Only a step beyond this is the development of robots who can do a better surgical job than a human being. What is missing from this scenario? Tender loving care. That is the nurse's job, and it is something that computers cannot do because it involves feelings and human communication that are beyond mere technology. Consequently, nurses will be needed long after physicians have passed into limbo. The practical lesson of this look into the future is that, although nurses certainly must remain in touch with the cutting edge of technology, their primary purpose will be to retain and sharpen the skills that Florence Nightingale introduced. Human response will never be replaced by technology, and the unchanging need for the nurses' caring function will assure their future.
People, places, things: Web presence for the real world

The convergence of Web technology, wireless networks, and portable client devices provides new design opportunities for computer/communications systems. In the HP Labs' Cooltown project we have been exploring these opportunities through an infrastructure to support Web presence for people, places and things. We put Web servers into things like printers and put information into Web servers about things like artwork; we group physically related things into places embodied in Web servers. Using URLs for addressing, physical URL beaconing and sensing of URLs for discovery, and localized Web servers for directories, we can create a location-aware but ubiquitous system to support nomadic users. On top of this infrastructure we can leverage Internet connectivity to support communications services. Web presence bridges the World Wide Web and the physical world we inhabit, providing a model for supporting nomadic users without a central control point.
Viscous Dissipation of Turbulence Kinetic Energy in Storms

Abstract In this note the magnitude of the viscous dissipation of turbulence kinetic energy in the surface layer of storms is investigated. It is shown that the layer-integrated dissipative heating is a cubic function of the wind speed. The magnitude of the estimated heating at higher wind speeds confirms the importance to storm evolution of this term in the turbulence kinetic energy equation and suggests that dissipative energy should be included in numerical weather prediction models, particularly in models that resolve mesoscale structures in storms. A general discussion of the implications of the results for the energetics of a range of storm systems is provided.
Agenda-setting revisited: When and how do primary-care physicians solicit patients' additional concerns?

Abstract Objective Soliciting patients’ complete agendas of concerns (aka. ‘agenda setting’) can improve patients’ health outcomes and satisfaction, and physicians’ time management. We assess the distribution, content, and effectiveness of physicians’ post-chief-complaint, agenda-setting questions. Methods We coded videotapes/transcripts of 407 primary-, acute-care visits between adults and 85 general-practice physicians operating in 46 community-based clinics in two states representing urban and rural care. Measures are the incidence of physicians’ questions, their linguistic format, position within visits, likelihood of being responded to, and the nature of such responses. Results Physicians’ questions designed to solicit concerns additional to chief concerns occurred in only 32% of visits ( p questions ?”), those that were formatted so as to allow for ‘concerns’ (e.g., “Any other concerns ?”) were significantly more likely to generate some type of agenda item (Chi 2 (1, N = 131) = 11.96, p = .001), and to do so more frequently when positioned ‘early’ vs. ‘late’ during visits (Chi 2 (1, N = 73) = 4.99, p = .025). Conclusions Agenda setting is comparatively infrequent. The communication format and position of physicians’ questions affects patients’ provision of additional concerns/questions. Practice implications Physicians should increase use of optimized forms of agenda setting.
Promoting NK cell trafficking to improve therapeutic effect of NK cell therapy on osteosarcoma.

Meeting abstracts Despite the ability of NK cells to kill cancer cells, NK cell–based immunotherapy has resulted in limited clinical benefit. This is largely due to the poor capacity of adoptively transferred NK cells to home to tumors. We have shown that NK cells are able to kill osteosarcoma (
Revisiting the Performance of Broker-Sold Mutual Funds

Del Guercio and Reuter (2014) find that broker-sold actively managed funds underperform both broker-sold index funds and direct-sold actively managed funds by 1.10% per year on a risk-adjusted basis. They argue that broker clients would be better off investing in broker-sold index funds, and puzzle over the fact that index funds manage less than 2% of broker-sold assets at the end of their sample period. Their estimates are based on distribution channel data that cover 1992-2004, and they give equal weight to each fund. In this paper, I revisit the performance of broker-sold funds using distribution channel data that cover 2003-2012, and I give greater weight to funds with more assets under management. Within the sample of broker-sold domestic equity funds, I find that actively managed funds underperform index funds by 0.64% per year (on a comparable risk-adjusted basis), and that the market share of broker-sold index funds remains below 3%. I also estimate return differences between broker-sold and direct-sold funds for the sample of actively managed non-specialized domestic equity funds, the sample of target date funds (TDFs), and a broad sample of actively managed funds. It is worth noting that the evidence of underperformance by broker-sold funds is much stronger among domestic equity funds and TDFs than it is within the broad sample of actively managed funds.
The role of the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway during hypoxia

Recently, dietary nitrate has been shown to reduce oxygen cost during submaximal sea level exercise. The conversion of nitrate to nitrite to nitric oxide has been implicated as an oxygen independent pathway, and as such, may be a potent ergogenic aid during hypoxic conditions as occurs during high altitude exposure. Several studies have noted improved vascular and myocardial function/outcomes when NO was activated prior to ischemia or reperfusion injury. Therefore, increased NO formation/availability during incidence of hypoxia or otherwise impaired blood flow may reduce neuronal damage, improve cognition, and further improve motor function in individuals experiencing ischemic conditions. Consuming dietary nitrate may result in increased NO formation as nitrate consumption has previously been shown to increase plasma nitrite (an in vivo marker of NO production). Increased NO formation during incidence of hypoxia may negate some of the negative consequences of the reduced oxygen diffusion gradient between blood and tissues.
Improvement of characteristics of NbO2 selector and full integration of 4F2 2x-nm tech 1S1R ReRAM

In this paper, the authors report that 2x nm cross-point ReRAM with 1S1R structure has been successfully developed. Off-current at 1/2 Vsw of 1S1R is one of key factor for high-density ReRAM. NbO2 was chosen as a selector material and off-current and forming characteristics were improved by using stack engineering of top and bottom barriers as well as spacer materials. Finally array operation was characterized with the integration of selector and resistor materials.
The Reactivity of C109 Sand: A Closer Look

It was observed that standard ASTM C 109 sand (St. Peter Sandstone) from working quarries in the Ottawa area (northeastern Illinois) is nearly always sub-angular to rounded, frosted in appearance, and occasionally covered with localized, relatively large, terminated quartz overgrowths. At higher magnifications the frosted surface of the quartz sand was found to consist of a thin layer of micron-sized, coprecipitated quartz crystals and occasional kaolinite flakes. Upon reaction of the sand with either a saturated Ca(OH)2 solution or as part of a sand-cement paste, some of these features were preserved, whereas others were lost. Micrographs of sand cured in cement paste at 90°C are presented showing that the kaolinite flakes react and become “puffy” and rounded in appearance. Also, the smooth surfaces of the large, terminated quartz overgrowths are severely etched as a result of dissolution. Sand reacted at 38°C in saturated Ca(OH)2 solution demonstrated more subtle effects, perhaps obscured by precipitated CaCO3 and C-S-H on the surfaces of the quartz overgrowths. These results suggest that ASTM C 109 sand is not entirely inert, but exhibits a limited amount of temperature-dependent pozzolanic activity.
If We Do Our Job Correctly, Nobody Gets Hurt by Nepotism

The term nepotism (and even worse, cronyism) carries a negative connotation: favoring a relative (or friend) in an employment situation without considering the individual's suitability for the job. Although there can be obvious benefits associated with hiring kin (e.g., a sense of trust, swift learning of job-relevant content, loyalty, etc.; Bellow, 2003; Jones & Stout, 2015), the term itself implies that nepotism is a bad thing, and organizations often take steps to keep bad things from happening. Jones and Stout (2015) have argued that sweeping antinepotism policies in organizations eliminate the positives associated with hiring via a social connection preference, and such policies can lead to unfair discrimination. As industrial and organizational (I-O) psychologists, however, if we do our job—and by that I mean exemplary and objective screening, hiring, and performance assessment—and if we adequately manage the negative impressions that may reside in the minds of employees regarding nepotism, nobody gets hurt.
Clinical analysis of 1377 cases of amniocentesis and amniocyte examination after B-ultrasound guiding

Objective:To approach the value in clinical application of amniocentesis and amniocyte examination after Bultrasound guiding.Methods:The genetic and biochemical exam of amniotic fluid of 1 377 pregnant women who had mark in prenatal diagnose had done amniocentesis after B-ultrasound guiding,and obverted the complication.Results:73 pregnant women with abnormal chromosome,4 cases with severeα-Mediterranean anemia,4 cases with severe β-Mediterranean anemia,3 cases with VB19-DNA(+),2 cases were with RU-RNA(+).In those abnormal cases,35 pregnant women chose to terminate gestation.Conclusion:Control exact indication for amniocentesis and amniocyte examination after Bultrasound guiding is few complication,and a safe,convenient,feasible way in prenatal diagnosis.
Larry D. Terry: Preeminent Conservator of Public Administration

One cannot read a book or scholarly article on leadership in public bureaucracies without seeing the work of the preeminent Larry Terry cited. His contributions to the field have been significant, defining and enduring. But it is not only his work, but Terry himself that embodied, indeed emboldened the ethos of the field of public administration. This short essay represents a tribute to Larry Terry, a leader who bought great honor and integrity to his work, and more broadly to our field.
Device for evaporation of solvent from small samples.

A device for the simultaneous evaporation of six samples under separately controlled streams of nitrogen is described.
Enhanced Assurance About Cloud Service Provision Promises

It is envisaged that in future cloud service providers will increasingly be using a Privacy Level Agreement (PLA) to disclose their data protection practices. This is essentially a self-assessment relating to data protection compliance. Many cloud customers may wish for greater ease in comparing PLAs from different providers, as well as increased assurance about what is being claimed. We tackle this issue by proposing: a standardised representation for PLAs that can be used in a number of ways, including automated comparison by software tools; an ontological approach that can be used as a basis for such automated analysis; a way of expressing evidence that supports statements made in the PLA. Evidence plays a core role when obtaining assurance and building trust, so we also present an ontology for evidence and show how the linkage between evidence elements and data protection aspects in PLAs can be realised through an ontology-aware tool prototype we have developed.
Introduction to aerosols

“Aerosol” is a scientific term that applies to any disperse system of liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas, usually air. It therefore is much wider than suggested by the narrow popular use of the term in relation to pressurized spray-can products. The term “aerosol” applies to a very wide range of particulate systems encountered terrestially. Many aerosols, either natural or manmade, may contain toxic substances, which can lead to adverse effects when they come into contact with plant and animal life. Study of aerosols, their characteristics, effects, and applications have grown into a major field of scientific inquiry, touching on many individual disciplines, including physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, biology, and medicine. In the primary context of this chapter, contamination of a workplace atmosphere impacts primarily the working population in question. Here, the local concentrations of airborne particles tend to be higher than in the ambient atmosphere, leading in some cases to high prevalence of aerosol-implicated health effects. A summary classification of a range of typical aerosols is provided in the chapter. It contains not only examples of the workplace aerosols but also, for the sake of comparison, some naturally-occurring and manmade aerosols found in the outdoor atmospheric environment.
Postoperative Schmerztherapie: Regionale Analgesie

Die Regionalanalgesie ist eine hervorragende Alternative zur systemischen postoperativen Schmerzbehandlung. Das Konzept einer balancierten postoperativen Analgesie gilt auch fur die regionale Analgesie bzw. deren Kombination mit einer systemischen postoperativen Schmerztherapie.
Quando Vidas Negras Importam.... De que vale o Currículo

Questionando o curriculo a partir de narrativas em que "vidas negras importam" o ensaio defende que o que sempre minou o projeto de justica nas Americas e em outros lugares e uma profunda falta de amor pelos Negros. Uma falta tao profunda e persistente que tem o potencial de corromper ate mesmo o amor das pessoas Negras pelas pessoas Negras, nao simplesmente ao colocar mais valor nas vidas Brancas, mas tambem ao engolir os lugares e momentos em que os Negros ou qualquer grupo de pessoas marginalizadas poderiam imaginar o contrario. Tal como funciona a (pato)logica do patriarcado capitalista da supremacia Branca. Distorce o amor. Embora este fato seja bastante evidente nas realidades materiais da morte Negra e do aprisionamento Negro, tambem e evidente na forma como a escolaridade e como o conhecimento nela funciona atraves de uma serie de curriculos - oficiais e nao oficiais - de morte Negra, desprezo pelas pessoas Negras e assassinato do espirito Negro.
Complexity of Postural Control in Infants: Linear and Nonlinear Features Revealed by Principal Component Analysis

Nonlinear analysis of standing postural control in healthy adults reveals a chaotic structure of the center of pressure time series. Independent sitting is the first controlled posture during development, and can also be examined for nonlinear dynamics. We performed a principal component analysis on variables extracted from the center of pressure (COP) time series of infants sitting independently. Our purpose was to describe factors that could be interpreted for clinical use in evaluating postural control for infants, and determine if nonlinear measures provide additional information about postural control not quantified by standard linear measures. Four factors were identified: the area or amount of postural sway and the overall variability of the sway (linear); the complexity of the sway in the anterior-posterior direction (nonlinear); power variability or velocity (linear); and the complexity of the sway in the medial-lateral direction (nonlinear). Nonlinear measures, which are used to examine complexity in many physiological systems, describe the variability of postural control that is not described by linear measures. Nonlinear measures may be critical in determining the developing health of the postural control system in infants, and may be useful in early diagnosis of movement disorders. The measurement of nonlinear dynamics of postural control reveals a chaotic structure of postural control in infancy, which may be an indicator of healthy postural control throughout development.
Modeling the oblique spin precession in lateral spin valves for accurate determination of the spin lifetime anisotropy: Effect of finite contact resistance and channel length

The spin lifetime anisotropy is an important quantity for investigating the spin relaxation mechanisms in graphene and in heterostructures of two-dimensional materials. We generalize the diffusive spin transport equations of oblique spin precession in a lateral spin valve with finite contact resistance. This yields a method to determine the spin lifetime anisotropy ratio $\ensuremath{\xi}={\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}/{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}$, which is the ratio between lifetimes of spin polarized perpendicular and parallel to the graphene surface. By solving the steady-state Bloch equations, we show that the line shape of the oblique spin precession signal can be described with six dimensionless parameters, which can be solved analytically. We demonstrate that the anisotropic spin precession characteristics can be strongly suppressed by contact-induced spin relaxation originating from conductance mismatch between the channel material and electrodes. To extract the spin lifetime anisotropy ratio accurately, we develop a closed-form equation that includes the effect of finite contact resistance. Furthermore, we demonstrate that in the high contact resistance regime, the minimum channel length required for accurately determining the spin lifetime anisotropy for a sufficiently low external magnetic field is only determined by the diffusion coefficient of the channel material, as opposed to the spin diffusion length. Our work provides an accurate model to extract the spin lifetime anisotropy ratio from the oblique spin precession measurement and can be used to guide the device design for such measurements.
Dream, Death, and Death Within a Dream

For traditional Indian Hindu, Buddhist, and Jaina thought, all human life is afterlife, since one must have died before one was born this time. But Yogavāsiṣṭha, a ninth century epic poem with the most mind-boggling narrative structure, construes all these deaths and afterlives as deaths within a series of dreams within a super-dream of the cosmic divine dreamer. This chapter compares the famous dream-death of King Padma in the Līlā story from Yogavāsiṣṭha, with a contemporary Bengali short story about actually dying while dreaming. The question is, what psycho-moral work can such narratives of death-dreams do in contemporary “busy” human lives?
Analysis of heat stress associated with wearing chemical protective clothing using a numerical model

A numerical model was applied to evaluate heat stress under different thermal environmental conditions, activity intensities, and the effect of movement status on clothing properties when wearing a typical CPC. It was concluded that the ambient temperature and metabolic rate is strongly associated with heat stress and reduced the tolerance time. Although the manikin movement greatly affected the thermal insulation and evaporative resistance of CPC, the effects of movement on heat stress can be neglected.
Transnational Finance on the Road to the Andes: Societal Ruptures and Poisoned Deals in La deuda/Oliver’s Deal (2015)

The chapter studies the American–Peruvian co-production La deuda (Oliver’s Deal) as an exploration of the rising concern about the impact of the predatory practices of transnational finance on national sovereignty and human rights. It also approaches the film’s representation of the contradictions between the declared free market based values of autonomy and self-reliance and the collapse of individual freedom and the family unit under neoliberal policies.