cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct-write of sensor devices by a laser forward transfer technique

The use of direct-write techniques in the design and manufacture of sensor devices provides a flexible approach for next generation commercial and defense sensor applications. Using a laser forward transfer technique, we have demonstrated the ability to rapidly prototype temperature, biological and chemical sensor devices. This process, known as matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation direct-write or MAPLE DW is compatible with a broad class of materials ranging from metals and electronic ceramics to chemoselective polymers and biomaterials. Various types of miniature sensor designs have been fabricated incorporating different materials such as metals, polymers, biomaterials or composites as multilayers or discrete structures on a single substrate. The MAPLE DW process is computer controlled which allows the sensor design to be easily modified and adapted to any specific application. To illustrate the potential of this technique, a functional chemical sensor system is demonstrated by fabricating all the passive and sensor components by MAPLE DW on a polyimide substrate. Additional devices fabricated by MAPLE DW including biosensors and temperature sensors and their performance are shown to illustrate the breadth of MAPLE DW and how this technique may influence current and future sensor applications.
Oxidative metabolism of anandamide

In addition to the well studied hydrolytic metabolism of anandamide, a number of oxidative processes are also possible. Several routes somewhat analogous to the metabolism of free arachidonic acid have been reported. These involve mediation by various lipoxygenases and COX-2 and lead to ethanolamide analogs of the prostaglandins and HETES. The physiological significance of these products is not well understood at this time. There are also preliminary data suggesting a pathway involving oxidation of the hydroxy group of anandamide to a putative metabolite, N-arachidonyl glycine (AA-gly). This molecule displays activities in experimental models that suggest that it may play a role in some of the activities attributed to its precursor, anandamide.
Cell growth inhibition by a novel vitamin K is associated with induction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation

We have shown that a synthetic vitamin K analog, 2-(2-mercaptoethanol)-3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone or compound 5 (Cpd 5), potently inhibits cell growth and suggested that the analog exerts its effects mainly via sulfhydryl arylation rather than redox cycling. Since protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases), which have pivotal roles in many cellular functions, have a critical cysteine in their active site, we have proposed PTPases as likely targets for Cpd 5. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effects of Cpd 5 on protein tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins and on the activity of PTPases. We found that Cpd 5 rapidly induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation in a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (Hep3B) at growth inhibitory doses, and the effect was blocked by thiols but not by non-thiol antioxidants or tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Cpd 5 inhibited PTPase activity, which was also significantly antagonized by reduced glutathione. Furthermore, the well studied PTPase inhibitor orthovanadate also induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation and growth inhibition in Hep3B cells. These results suggest that inhibition of cellular PTPases by sulfhydryl arylation and subsequent perturbation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation may be involved in the mechanisms of Cpd 5-induced cell growth inhibition.
On the chemistry of metastable atomic nitrogen in the F region deduced from Simultaneous satellite measurements of the 5200‐Å airglow and atmospheric composition

The 5200-A N I (4S-²D) emission monitored by the visible airglow experiments on Atmosphere Explorer C and D combined with simultaneous measurements of atmospheric composition yields the following results. The metastable ²D term of atomic nitrogen must be produced in the F region at near the maximum rate allowed by currently accepted chemistry. The rate coefficient deduced for the loss of N(²D) by reaction with O2 is in good agreement with the laboratory result. The quenching rate of N(²D) by electrons lies in the range 3.6–6.5 × 10−10 (Te/300)1/2 cm³ s−1 if the laboratory rate for N2+ recombination is applicable to the thermosphere. The value may be somewhat larger than this if nonthermal effects are important. The quenching rate by atomic oxygen is near 4 × 10−13 cm³ s−1, much smaller than the laboratory value.
Verifying distributed erasure-coded data

Erasure coding can reduce the space and band width overheads of redundancy in fault-tolerant data storage and delivery systems. But it introduces the fundamental difficulty of ensuring that all erasure-coded fragments correspond to the same block of data. Without such assurance, a different block may be reconstructed from different subsets of fragments. This paper develops a technique for providing this assurance without the bandwidth and computational overheads associated with current approaches. The core idea is to distribute with each fragment what we call homomorphic fingerprints. These fingerprints preserve the structure of the erasure code and allow each fragment to be independently verified as corresponding to a specific block. We demonstrate homomorphic fingerprinting functions that are secure, efficient, and compact.
Degradation of Sevin by soil microorganisms

Abstract Microorganisms capable of transforming the pesticide 1-naphthyl N-methyl-carbamate (Sevin) were isolated from soil. Three isolates were able to accelerate the hydrolysis of Sevin to 1-naphthol. Several unidentified intermediates were separated by thin-layer chromatography and also by following the decomposition of Sevin-methyl- 14 C. Since 1-naphthol is a biological as well as a chemical decomposition product of Sevin, its transformation by the isolated microbes was also studied. A fungus, identified as Fusarium solani , altered 1-naphthol rapidly. Whereas one strain of bacterium degraded the hydrolysis product gradually, another strain accumulated it under certain conditions. Mixed cultures of the investigated microbes were more effective in transforming Sevin than pure cultures, and this phenomenon was also observed with 1-naphthol as substrate with the exception of one bacterial strain.
Adhesion and friction characteristics of carbon nanotube arrays

There has been a great deal of interest in understanding, design and fabrication of bio-mimetic and bio-inspired adhesives in recent years. In this paper we present theoretical investigations on adhesion, friction behaviors and characteristics of fibrillar arrays composed of noninteracting carbon nanotubes for bio-inspired dry adhesives. Contact, compression, subsequent pulling off and dry sliding friction simulations were performed. It is demonstrated that there are two different adhesion forces during pull off. Static friction force values are in between 40 and 60 [Formula: see text] at different loads and they are significantly larger than the normal adhesion forces. Dynamic friction force and load are anisotropic and they depend on the direction of the motion. It is also found that friction force values and friction coefficients decrease although contact length and contact area increase when the loads are high. This is due to the arms of the nanotubes which bend significantly and act as stiffer springs at high loads.
Atmospheric transport, deposition, and fate of triazine herbicides and their metabolites in pristine areas at Isle Royale National Park

Trace concentrations of triazine herbicides, used in the Midwestern United States, are being transported atmospherically hundreds of kilometers and deposited by precipitation onto pristine areas, such as Isle Royale National Park (Lake Superior). Atrazine, deethylatrazine, deisopropylatrazine, and cyanazine were detected in Isle Royale rainfall from mid-May to early July (1992−1994) at concentrations of less than 0.005 to 1.8 μg/L. Analysis of predominant wind direction indicated that the herbicides originated from the upper Midwestern United States. The annual mass of herbicides deposited by rainfall varied between years, from 13.4 μg/m2/yr for 1992, 3.7 μg/m2/yr for 1993, and 54 μg/m2/yr for 1994. Atrazine and deethylatrazine were found also in concentrations of less than 5−22 ng/L in lakes across Isle Royale. Concentrations of atrazine in the surface layer of the lakes increased during deposition periods and decreased later in the year. The fate of triazines in shallow lakes suggests faster degradation...
Decreased foetal amino acid uptake, brain pyruvate kinase and intrauterine damage in maternal PKU.

THE mammalian placenta can concentrate amino acids and release them into the foetal circulation, where they appear at levels higher than on the maternal side1. This mechanism provides a larger pool for foetal protein synthesis, but normal placental function can become a handicap in some situations. In the presence of an excess of amino acids the placenta exacerbates the maternal imbalance and produces a prolonged hyperaminoacidaemia in the foetus2. This in turn may affect the transplacental transport of other amino acids. Such can be the case in ‘material phenylketonuria (PKU)’, which often results in offspring with brain damage and mental retardation3. Using an animal model of ‘maternal PKU’ we have studied alterations in tissue levels and placental transport of L-tyrosine (Tyr), L-tryptophane (Trp) and certain foetal brain enzymes. We have found a reduced foetal tissue concentration of Trp and impaired foetal brain uptake of Tyr and Trp in the foetuses of hyper-phenylalaninaemic dams, as well as reduced brain pyruvate kinase activity.
Does Interleukin 6 Contribute to Renal Hemodynamic Changes During Angiotensin II–Dependent Hypertension?

The role that the adaptive immune system has in the control of blood pressure and pathogenesis of hypertension has been of interest to investigators for several decades. Early evidence on this subject in humans showed an enhanced T-lymphocyte activation during malignant hypertension1 and also implicated a role for B lymphocytes, because autoantibody production was elevated in hypertensive patients.2 In addition, early studies in experimental animal models demonstrated that thymectomy cured hypertension in New Zealand black mice3 or that renal-induced hypertension in rats was associated with thymic hypertrophy.4 Moreover, the transplantation of thymus extracts from Wistar-Kyoto rats or immunosuppressive therapy reduced blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats.5,6 Although these studies strongly implicated immune system dysfunction as an important contributor to the development of hypertension, interest in the role for the immune system in blood pressure control appeared to wane. More recently, an interest in the role of the immune system in the development of hypertension has been renewed. In the past several years it is has been difficult to miss the growing body of evidence supporting a mechanistic role for the adaptive immune system. Guzik et al7 demonstrated recently that angiotensin II (Ang II)–dependent hypertension requires T cells but not B cells using RAG1−/− knockout mice, and Crowley et al8 similarly found an important role for adaptive immunity in Ang II–mediated hypertension using severe combined immunodeficient mice. There have also been several studies showing that inhibiting B- and T-cell proliferation with mycophenolate mofetil lowers blood pressure in experimental animal models of hypertension, such as the Dahl salt-sensitive rat.9 In humans, there is not as much direct evidence available supporting a role for adaptive immunity in the pathophysiology of hypertension; however, a small study in 8 patients with essential hypertension (but also rheumatoid …
Radar cross section of thin wires

The expression for bistatic radar scattering cross section of a thin, finite-length, perfectly conducting wire given by O. Einarson (1987) appears to furnish the most accurate description of this quantity, and to be applicable to a wider range of wire lengths than other formulations. Since only randomly selected illustrative plots of the cross section appear in the literature, comprehensive three-dimensional graphs of the bistatic Einarsson cross section, plotted versus scattering angle and frequency for various angles of incidence, which exhibit both its resonances and its specular-reflection features are presented. Simplified forms of Einarsson's cross section expressions, which greatly facilitated preparation of the computer code, are also given. >
Covert flow trees: a technique for identifying and analyzing covert storage channels

A technique for detecting covert storage channels using a tree structure called a covert flow tree (CFT) is introduced. By traversing the paths of a CFT a comprehensive list of scenarios that potentially support covert communication via particular resource attributes can be automatically constructed. CFTs graphically illustrate the process through which information regarding the state of one attribute is relayed to another attribute, and how in turn that information is relayed to a listening process. Algorithms for automating the construction of CFT and potential covert channel operation sequences are presented. Two example systems are analyzed and their results are compared to two other analysis techniques performed on identical systems. The CFT approach not only identified all covert storage channels found by the other techniques, but discovered a channel not detected by the other techniques. >
A Novel Flame‐Retardant Additive for Lithium Batteries

The electrochemical and thermal properties of nonaqueous electrolytes containing a flame‐retardant additive hexamethoxycyclotriphosphazene were measured using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical cycling, differential scanning calorimetery, and accelerating rate calorimetery. The flame‐retardant additive was synthesized by reacting sodium methoxide and hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene . The electrochemical stability of the electrolyte was determined using cyclic voltammetry. A mixture of lithium hexafluorophosphate and ethylene carbonate‐dimethyl carbonate was used as electrolyte. cells were fabricated with and without the flame‐retardant additive to study their electrochemical performance. ©2000 The Electrochemical Society
Treatment of hemopericardium caused by mitral balloon valvuloplasty with activated factor VII: a case report.

Introduction: The use of mitral balloon valvuloplasty as a percutaneous intervention for mitral stenosis has been shown to be efficacious. Cardiac tamponade is a rare but serious complication of this procedure. Despite the low incidence of this event, cardiac tamponade is well-reported in the literature. The management strategy of this complication involves pericardial drainage and correction of coagulopathy, followed by surgical exploration if these interventions fail. With this case report, we demonstrate the successful application of activated factor VII in the management of bleeding after balloon valvuloplasty that persisted despite the standard treatments described above. Case presentation: Our patient was a 31-year-old Yemenite man with no significant past medical history, who presented with progressively worsening dyspnea on exertion and limited functional capacity over the last few years. A transesophageal echocardiogram revealed severe mitral stenosis, which was treated with a mitral valve valvuloplasty. The procedure was complicated by significant mediastinal bleeding that did not respond to routine maneuvers, which included pericardiocentesis and correction of coagulopathy. Our patient was evaluated for surgical intervention but responded to treatment with activated factor VII. Conclusion: Factor VII may be used in the treatment of refractory mediastinal bleeding secondary to mitral valvuloplasty prior to attempting surgical repair, and therefore may spare the patient the morbidity associated with surgery.
Near-Field Imaging of the Microwave Dielectric Properties of Single-Crystal PbTiO 3 and Thin-Film Sr 1− x B x TiO 3

A PbTiO3 crystal and Sr1−x Ba x TiO3 films have been studied by near-field scanning microwave microscopy (SMM). In the PbTiO3 crystal, dielectric properties and topography are obtained simultaneously. In Sr1−x Ba x TiO3 films, local variations and sample-to-sample differences are observed. To quantitatively determine local dielectric permittivity and loss, we also carry out theoretical calculations on dependence of resonant frequency and quality factor on dielectric constants of bulk samples and thin films. Good agreements between experimental and theoretical results are obtained.
Effect of Metal Particle Morphology on the Combustion of Refractory Metals in Nitrogen

The synthesis of niobium nitride by combustion of niobium metal powder under nitrogen atmosphere was investigated. Ignition and propagation characteristics were studied in the region of nitrogen pressure between 5 and 100 atmospheres and solid-phase dilution up to 30 wt%. Within this region of operating parameters, the combustion reaction proceeds without any significant liquid-phase formation, thus exhibiting many features common with the combustion of tantalum in nitrogen. However, the effect of metal particle size on the combustion characteristics was different for the two metal systems. This was attributed to the difference in morphology and microstructure between the niobium and tantalum reactant particles. The operating parameters for efficient synthesis of nearly stoichiometric cubic NbN were determined. Results from appropriately designed experiments under conditions where the filtration limitations were minimized were used to extract the apparent activation energy of the combustion nitridation process, which was found to be 40 809 cal/mol.
New Approaches in the Therapy of Cardiomyopathy in Muscular Dystrophy

Cardiomyopathy is a frequent occurrence in muscular dystrophy, and heart disease in muscular dystrophy can contribute to both morbidity and mortality. A number of novel therapies are being developed for muscular dystrophy, and the efficacy of these therapies for heart disease is unknown. The most common X-linked recessive disease is Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which arises from defects in the dystrophin gene. Therapy specifically aimed at DMD is reviewed in the context of its projected effect on cardiomyopathy associated with DMD. Additionally, novel therapies are being pursued to treat specifically the cardiomyopathy of DMD. There is substantial genetic heterogeneity underlying the muscular dystrophies, and not all muscular dystrophy patients develop cardiomyopathy. A subset of muscular dystrophies may place patients at significantly greater risk of developing cardiomyopathy and cardiac rhythm disturbances. These disorders are discussed, highlighting recent studies and recommendations for therapy.
A Novel Endoscopic Treatment of Hemosuccus Pancreaticus: A Stent Tree Tamponade

Context Hemosuccus pancreaticus is a rare cause of intermittent upper gastrointestinal bleeding, commonly caused by aneurysmal rupture. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is required. The standard treatment involves embolization via interventional radiology or a surgical approach. Case report We report a novel endoscopic approach to hemosuccus pancreaticus with a successful tamponade via pancreatic biliary stents and resolution clips. Conclusion This is the only report of endoscopy as a therapeutic modality in a case of hemosuccus pancreaticus.
A Study on the Relationships of Classifier Performance Metrics

There is no general consensus on which classifier performance metrics are better to use as compared to others. While some studies investigate a handful of such metrics in a comparative fashion, an evaluation of specific relationships among a large set of commonly-used performance metrics is much needed in the data mining and machine learning community. This study provides a unique insight into the underlying relationships among classifier performance metrics. We do so with a large case study involving 35 datasets from various domains and the C4.5 decision tree algorithm. A common property of the 35 datasets is that they suffer from the class imbalance problem. Our approach is based on applying factor analysis to the classifier performance space which is characterized by 22 performance metrics. It is shown that such a large number of performance metrics can be grouped into two-to-four relationship-based groups extracted by factor analysis. This work is a step in the direction of providing the analyst with an improved understanding about the different relationships and groupings among the performance metrics, thus facilitating the selection of performance metrics that capture relatively independent aspects of a classifier’s performance.
Accelerated rates of climatic‐niche evolution underlie rapid species diversification

A major goal of ecology is to explain differences in species richness between regions and among clades. The diversification rate of clades is a key parameter for understanding both patterns. Here, we combine phylogenetic and climatic data for 250 species of plethodontid salamanders and show for the first time that rapid species diversification is associated with accelerated climatic-niche evolution among species. Both rates are particularly rapid in tropical regions, and where few clades geographically overlap. These results offer a surprising ecological explanation for why diversification rates are often higher in the tropics: rapid shifts between climatic regimes, rather than specific environmental conditions (e.g. high productivity, energy) drive higher diversity. They also suggest that climatic-niche evolution may be particularly rapid in regions where climate is particularly stable. Finally, these results indicate that evolutionary conservatism in climatic niches may be influenced by interactions between species and clades, rather than physiological tolerances alone.
Intra- and interindividual relationships between elation-depression and desire for excitement.

Summary This study examined the relationship between elation-depression and desire for excitement on both intra- and interindividual levels. It was hypothesized that there would be a positive linear relationship between elation and desire for tranquillity These intraindividual hypotheses received strong support. This support would suggest that radical incongruities between activity demands and mood preparedness are often painful and would imply that in order for mood alteration to be successful it must take place gradually It was also hypothesized that characteristic level of elation-depression would be positively related to mean ratings of desire for excitement, positively related to score on a desire for excitement test, and negatively related to mean ratings of desire for tranquillity These interindividual hypotheses were not supported. Although it is probably most reasonable to accept the lack of correspondence between intra- and interindividual results, the operation of social comparison effects and social desirability bias may have obscured the predicted interindividual relationships
Can Postpartum Depression Be Managed in Pediatric Primary Care

Abstract Background: Postpartum depression is prevalent among women who have had a baby within the last 12 months. Depression can compromise parenting practices, child development, and family stability. Effective treatments are available, but access to mental healthcare is challenging. Routine infant healthcare visits represent the most regular contact mothers have with the healthcare system, making pediatric primary care (PPC) an ideal venue for managing postpartum depression. Methods: We conducted a review of the published literature on postpartum depression programs. This was augmented with a Google search of major organizations' websites to identify relevant programs. Programs were included if they focused on clinical care practices, for at-risk or depressed women during the first year postpartum, which were delivered within the primary care setting. Results: We found that 18 programs focused on depression care for mothers of infants; 12 were developed for PPC. All programs used a screening tool. Psyc...
Passive Microwave Observations of the Stratiform Regions of Two Tropical Oceanic Mesoscale Convective Systems

Abstract High-resolution passive microwave observations within the stratiform regions of two different tropical oceanic mesoscale convective systems are investigated in detail. The observations were obtained from the Advanced Microwave Precipitation Radiometer (AMPR) during the Tropical Ocean and Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Response Experiment. The AMPR records data at 10.7, 19.35, 37.1, and 85.5 GHz. Data collected during one ER-2 leg over the stratiform regions of each system are examined in detail. (Each leg is well coordinated with the low-flying WP-3s.) The passive microwave observations of the two stratiform regions, with similar surface rain rates, are found to differ significantly from one another. The average 85.5-GHz brightness temperature was 30 K colder on 22 February compared with 20 February. This greater ice scattering on 22 February is found to be consistent with the simultaneous radar reflectivity profile, which shows that upper-level reflectivities are greater through a de...
On the uncertainty of individual prediction because of sampling predictors

Prediction of an outcome for a given unit based on prediction models built on a training sample plays a major role in many research areas. The uncertainty of the prediction is predominantly characterized by the subject sampling variation in current practice, where prediction models built on hypothetically re-sampled units yield variable predictions for the same unit of interest. It is almost always true that the predictors used to build prediction models are simply a subset of the entirety of factors related to the outcome. Following the frequentist principle, we can account for the variation because of hypothetically re-sampled predictors used to build the prediction models. This is particularly important in medicine where the prediction has important and sometime life-death consequences on a patient's health status. In this article, we discuss some rationale along this line in the context of medicine. We propose a simple approach to estimate the standard error of the prediction that accounts for the variation because of sampling both subjects and predictors under logistic and Cox regression models. A simulation study is presented to support our argument and demonstrate the performance of our method. The concept and method are applied to a real data set. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thyroid cancer surgery.

The surgical management of thyroid cancer is complex, controversial, and categorized by divergent opinions based upon retrospective, self-fulfilling data. This chapter will review the role of the surgeon in the evaluation of thyroid nodules and the management of malignant thyroid disease. Patients who ultimately prove to have thyroid cancer generally present with 1) a thyroid nodule with or without preoperative cytologic evidence of malignancy, 2) a rapidly enlarging neck mass with or without symptoms and signs associated with local invasion, or 3) a positive history of familial thyroid cancer with or without a positive calcitonin stimulation test, or more likely, a positive RET protooncogene screening examination for medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. The initial surgical evaluation is focused on evaluating risk factors. A history of head or neck irradiation in childhood or a familial history of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid significantly impact surgical management. The physical examination needs to focus on evidence of local invasion, fixation to surrounding structures, recurrent laryngeal nerve involvement, regional nodal metastases, and systemic disease. In addition, it is the surgeon’s obligation to screen for nonthyroidal disease that could impact perioperative management. This includes a history of bleeding disorders, cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic or renal disease, a potentially difficult airway, as well as potential endocrinopathies including thyrotoxicosis, Addisonian crisis and pheochromocytoma. It is also important to perform a laryngeal examination in every surgical candidate to evaluate recurrent laryngeal nerve integrity by the demonstration of vocal cord function. Surgery is an important, but not the only essential component in the management of patients with thyroid cancer. It is a requisite that each surgeon who manages these patients has an integrated plan that operates in concert with cytopathologists, endocrinologists, and radiation oncologists. The sensitivity and specificity of fine needle aspiration (FNA) varies between institutions and even among individual cytopathologists. Since FNA is the single most important preoperative diagnostic procedure for the majority of patients with dominant thyroid nodules, every thyroid surgeon must be able to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of the FNA findings upon which critical clinical decisions are based.
Community-Based Design Research: Learning Across Generations and Strategic Transformations of Institutional Relations Toward Axiological Innovations

AbstractThe socio-ecological challenges facing communities in the 21st century are building towards a critical conjuncture of history, culture, power, and profound inequity. Scholars working in the service of social transformation and improving the wellbeing of communities are calling for creative, deliberate, and consequential interventions. Tharp & O’Donnell (this issue) call for increased engagement between Cultural-Community Psychology and Cultural-Historical Activity Theory to lead this kind of call. Drawing from our experiences in community based design research, we argue for cultivating axiological innovations in research and interventions. We explore three examples including: critical historicity, inter-generational learning, and strategic transformations of institutional relations.
Rising to the challenge of first episode psychosis: The NIMH Recovery After Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) initiative.

This editorial reviews the challenges of treating people who first experience a psychotic episode, and the core elements of effective programs for these individuals. It then describe the NIMH Recovery After Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) initiative, and other related developments in the U.S., and their implications for psychiatric rehabilitation practitioners.
Multi-way validation studies on judging tunnel's surrounding rock level

The classification of surrounding rock is the base of stability evaluation of tunnel heading. Due to the complicated geological conditions, the classification of surrounding rock of highway tunnel in the stage of reconnaissance and design is much different from that in the construction process, which requires check classification of surrounding rock during construction period. Through the advanced prediction and field testing of ZK117 + 652 sections, we can fix and design the level of surrounding rock in the paper. And through the on-site monitoring data of statistics and comparative analysis, we can get numeric area on surrounding convergence and crown settlement of IV and V surrounding rocks and evaluating the tunnel structure stability. It can verify the correctness of the advanced prediction, which can reduce the construction cost. It provides a reasonable and economic means for the tunnel excavation and rock support according to the local conditions.
[An outbreak of beta-hemolytic streptococcal caused tonsillitis in a hospital of Chengdu city].

Objective To investigate an outbreak of beta-hemolytic streptococcal tonsillitis in a hospital.Methods A case-control study was conducted with a self-made questionnaire to collect the risk factors.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression model were used to explore the relationship between risk factors and morbidity.Results 74 cases were occurred during the outbreak with patients aged mainly between 20-30 and more females than males.Most cases appeared abrupt onset between Aug.,20-22.All the patients were hospital workers,with majority as nurses and doctors from the operating room,department of anesthesiology and surgical related departments (71.62％).All patients shared the same experience-eating lunch in the dining room on Aug 19 (odds ratio 6.67,95％ confidence interval 1.92-23.23).Beta-hemolytic streptococci was observed from cultures of the throats from the patients.Conclusion The outbreak was an explosive epidemic of tonsillitis in a hospital,caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci.Food provided from the dining room attached to the operating theater on August,19 seemed to be the risk factor. Key words: Nosocomial infection; Beta-hemolytic streptococci; Tonsillitis; Outbreak
Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore Opening Promotes Calcium Alternans and Waves in Ventricular Myocytes

The interactions between mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium (Ca) release form a positive feedback loop, which plays important roles in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling and arrhythmogenesis. We developed a spatially-distributed model for rabbit ventricular myocytes, which consists of a three-dimensional network of coupled mitochondria and Ca release units (CRUs). The L-type Ca channels, the ryanodine receptors, and the mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTPs) were simulated using random Markov transitions. We then carried out computer simulations using the detailed ventricular cell model to investigate the effects of mitochondrial depolarization on intracellular Ca cycling dynamics. We show that opening of the mPTPs that cause depolarization of a small portion of the mitochondria promotes Ca alternans and Ca waves due to Ca extrusion from mitochondria elevating SR Ca and enhancing CRU coupling. In experiments of isolated rabbit and mouse ventricular myocytes, we applied FCCP to cause mitochondrial depolarization (measured by TMRM) and mPTP opening (measured by calcein loss from the matrix). For rabbit myocytes at pacing cycle length (PCL) 400 ms, no Ca alternans was observed under control conditions, but Ca alternans appeared 2 minutes after FCCP treatment (50-100 nM) coincident with matrix calcein loss indicating mPTP opening. At the same PCL, spontaneous Ca release was observed 2 minutes after FCCP treatment. For mouse myocytes at PCL 200 ms, no Ca alternans was observed under control condition, but Ca alternans appeared 2 minutes after FCCP treatment. The FCCP-mediated Ca alternans was prevented by the mPTP inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA). FCCP treatment also sped up Ca oscillations which slowed after CsA. These results show that mitochondrial depolarization and mPTP opening can result in Ca alternans and waves which are known to be arrhythmogenic, mechanistically linking metabolic stress to cardiac arrhythmogenesis.
Characteristics of the Principal Influencer in Organizational Buying Committees

This empirical study focuses on the principal influencer (PI) In organizational buying committees. The study investigates the purchasing decision process of special buying committees (SBCs) in food retailing in the context of a new task buying situation involving the purchase of the Universal Product Code scanner checkout system. The study examines the PI’s relative influence among the SBC participants, the PI’s profile, and the effect of organizational factors on the PI’s Individual characteristics. The findings and its implications are discussed.
Three-Dimensional Dynamic Imaging of the Heart, Lungs, and Circulation by Roentgen-Video Computed Tomography

It is of fundamental importance in studies of cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology and for obtaining more accurate clinical assessments of regional heart, lung, and circulatory function to measure and analyze the dynamic regional changes in geometry, perfusion and tension of these organ systems. As described by Mitchell and Mullins (1967) and by Wood et al. (1972), the function and performance of the heart, lungs and circulation are inseparably linked to their motion in three dimensions. However, satisfactory noninvasive methods have not as yet been established for the determination of the true, dynamic changes in shape and dimensions of the intact heart and lungs or for accurate three-dimensional measurement of the distribution of blood flow to, from, and within these and other organ systems of the body. Such measurements are required for accurate quantitative studies of the structure and function of these organ systems to be carried out.
Rise in BNP despite appropriate acute decompensated heart failure treatment : Patient characteristics and outcomes.

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) tends to decrease in response to successful treatment of decompensated heart failure (HF). We identified characteristics and outcomes of patients whose BNP levels rise during admission despite appropriate decongestive therapy. Patients enrolled in the ESCAPE trial admitted with acute systolic HF were divided into two groups according to whether or not BNP increased during the period from admission (T0) to discharge (T1). The study endpoint was 6‑month all-cause mortality. Of 245 patients (age 56 years, 75 % men) admitted with acute systolic HF, 67 (27.3 %) had a higher BNP at T1 relative to T0. Despite similar degrees of congestion at T0, patients with BNP rise at T1 had less degree of decongestion from T0 to T1 as evident in the lower frequency of patients who had resolution of jugular venous distension (39.7 vs. 59.5 %, P = 0.01) and orthopnea (32.2 vs. 48.8 %, P = 0.029) at T1, in addition to lower reduction in IVC diameter during inspiration (P = 0.001) and expiration (P = 0.002) and less weight loss (P = 0.04). Patients with BNP rise at T1 were more likely to die (29.9 vs. 15.7 %, univariate OR 2.28, 95 % CI 1.177–4.414, P = 0.015) despite a lower BNP at T0 (492 vs. 1260 pg/ml, P < 0.001). Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that a higher BNP at T1 independently predicts 6‑month mortality (hazard ratio 1.95, 95 % CI 1.067–3.578, P = 0.03) after adjustment for age, sodium, creatinine, and NYHA class—all at discharge. Kaplan–Meier analysis comparing survival in patients with or without BNP rise on discharge showed a significant intergroup difference (log-rank P value = 0.017). Higher BNP levels on discharge identifies a subset of patients with lower degree of decongestion from T0 to T1 and higher 6‑month mortality.
A balanced LNA for L-band radar application

This paper presents design and development of an LNA based on balanced configuration for L-band radar application. Balanced configuration is the most suitable choice for concurrently meeting good matching, stability and linearity. Moreover, this configuration also offers inherent redundancy and added output power. In this scheme, the input and output couplers cancel out the reflections from the amplifiers and thus improve impedance matching. The bandwidth of balanced amplifier is dependent on both hybrid coupler and LNA's bandwidth. In this work, the targeted frequency band is from 1.0 to 2.0 GHz. The achieved gain is between 15 to 20 dB, noise figure is less than 2 dB and VSWR is less than 2.0 and output VSWR is less than 1.25. In the radar band i.e. 1.2 to 1.4 GHz, gain is 19 dB, noise figure is 1.1 dB and VSWR is less than 1.25.
Best practices for emergency shelters that serve male populations

ABSTRACTHomeless men represent the majority of homeless people. While federal funding priorities have shifted to permanent housing solutions, quality emergency shelters are vital in communities to help these men. To determine the best practices in emergency shelter delivery to homeless men based on top agency representatives’ opinions. Leaders from 21 emergency shelters that serve single men throughout the U.S.A. were interviewed about their facilities, their opinions on the best practices of emergency shelters, and barriers that single men face in exiting homelessness. The main goal of emergency shelters is to offer a welcoming environment. Emergency shelters try to offer a variety of services on-site, but find it difficult to offer medical and dental services at facilities with smaller budgets. Access to beds, showers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, case management, and access to medical services are seen as vital to the success of the emergency shelter. These emergency shelters have many services in ...
Enhancing Meaning in Mathematics: Drawing on What Students Know about the Physical World

Imagine your students working on the task shown in figure 1. Before reading on, think about the next two questions: How might your mathematics students make sense of this task? What do you think your students will need to at tend to in order to successfully explore this task? Among other things, students will need to inter pret the use of the word average in the context of this problem. Does average in this context refer to the arithmetic mean? Could it denote being about midway between extremes? How about propor tional distribution? Is it similar to a batting average or the Dow Jones Industrial average? Students' ne gotiation of the word average in this context is an important aspect of their successfully completing such a task. By the time students enter the calculus classroom, they have encountered the concept of
Succession Planning in the Small Business: The Good and the Bad

Succession planning creates the opportunity for a family-owned business to continue for future generations. Second-generation children fail to sustain the business 35% of the time because of a lack of succession planning. Succession planning is unique for small business owners owing to the element of family dynamics and the possibilities of there being no family or no family members interested in owning the business. This chapter will explore the options for a family-owned business for succession planning, exploring and handling family dynamics, and whether to consider an internal or external candidate along with recommended ideas for training successors.
Heuristics and Biases at the Bargaining Table

In this essay, written for a symposium on The Emerging Interdisciplinary Cannon of Negotiation, we examine the role of heuristics in negotiation from two vantage points. First, we identify the way in which some common heuristics are likely to influence the negotiator's decision-making processes. Namely, we discuss anchoring and adjustment, availability, self-serving evaluations, framing, the status quo bias, contrast effects, and reactive devaluation. Understanding these common heuristics and how they can cause negotiators' judgments and choices to deviate from the normative model can enable negotiators to reorient their behavior so it more closely aligns with the normative model or, alternatively, make an informed choice to take advantage of the effort-conserving features of heuristics at the cost of the increased precision that the normative approach offers. Second, we explore how negotiators might capitalize on the knowledge that their counterparts are likely to rely on heuristics in their decision-making processes. We consider, in other words, how negotiators can exploit heuristic reasoning on the part of others for personal gain.
Geological Investigation of the Equatorial North Pacific Seafloor: A Discussion of Sediment Redistribution

Detailed investigations in the equatorial North Pacific (9°05′N, 148°45′W) are used to describe geologic evidence of, and processes involved in, sediment erosion/redistribution on the abyssal sea-floor. Geophysical surveys indicate that sediment thickness typically varies by a factor of two over distances of 10 km, and that sediment thicknesses are inversely correlated to bathymetric slopes. Although most of the sediment redistribution occurred prior to late Miocene time (Line Islands Formation), variation in Quaternary sediment thickness and admixture of reworked Tertiary microfossils indicates that processes are still active. Grain-size analysis, employing a rapid photometric centifuge technique, shows, however, no evidence of grain-size sorting between net erosional and depositional bathymetric settings. Distribution of manganese nodules, which are divided into two distinct facies based on size, morphology, and chemical composition, appears unrelated to sedimentation patterns and is primarily influenced by the proximity of a small seamount. Collection of undisturbed sediment samples by a spade corer and shipboard measurement of shear strength parameters are used as a basis for evaluating seabed erodibility. A speculative sedimentary model involves erosion of bioturbated “mixed layer” sediment by anomalously strong bottom currents, and downslope transport by low-density turbid or “lutite” suspensions.
The Anesthetic Regimen for the Elderly Patient

Older patients carry a higher risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality compared to younger counterparts. Although much of the increased risk cannot be influenced by the choice of the anesthetic alone, avoiding even minor complications may improve outcomes. A postoperative complication in an older patient can be devastating. A study examining data from the Veterans Administration demonstrated that the development of a postoperative complication was associated with a 25 % increase in 30-day mortality in patients over the age of 80 years. Clearly the oldest old patients represent one of the most vulnerable patient groups during the surgical period, and meticulous attention to detail is required during the administration of the anesthetic.
The Ontogeny of Thirst Mechanisms in Albino Rats

The ontogeny of ingestive behavior, especially in laboratory rats, has been the subject of recent intensive investigation. Considerable information is now available about the determinants of suckling, feeding and drinking mechanisms during development and a number of reviews concerning suckling and feeding have recently appeared.1,2,3 The purpose of the present chapter is to review the development of hydrational controls over suckling and fluid intake.