cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stress Corrosion Cracking Behavior Around Interface Between Nickel Base Alloy (Alloy182) and Low-Alloy Steel

A modified middle scaled creviced bent beam (CBB) test was conducted in order to investigate stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior around fusion boundary between nickel base alloy (Alloy82) and low-alloy steel (LAS) under high stress conditions in light water reactor (LWR) coolant environment.An Alloy182/LAS clad plate specimen was placed between the CBB jigs so that the tensile stress occurs in Alloy182 and the SCC cracks propagate from the Alloy182 surface to the fusion boundary. In pure water, only oxides and cracks propagating along the fusion boundary were observed. Meanwhile in Na2SO4 injected water with electrical conductivity 0.3μS/cm, deep cracks propagated into the LAS. The higher conductivity enhanced the driving force of the SCC cracks.A notched specimen was also tested to investigate SCC propagating behavior in more severe stress conditions than those in a smooth surface specimen. When a notched specimen was used, even in pure water condition, some cracks penetrated the fusion boundary and oxides were observed. In the notched specimen, crack nucleation points are limited in the notch root and the stress relaxation hardly occurs due to multiple crack nucleations. Such severe stress conditions also contribute the cracks to propagate into the LAS.To discuss the crack propagation behavior in the vicinity of the fusion boundary, the cross section was observed with an optical microscope. The observation indicates that the crack propagating depth into the LAS and the diameter of oxides increase with increasing the Alloy182 thickness. Although an effect of applied strain and welding direction of specimen to SCC behavior was investigated, there was no significant difference in the morphology by them.Since 1% strain was applied to CBB specimen surface and much greater strain was observed at a notched specimen, elasto-plasticity should be considered to stress condition of a SCC crack tip. An ‘equivalent stress intensity factor, KJ’ was, therefore, proposed to describe a stress condition in elasto-plastic area. A good relationship was observed between depth of SCC crack in LAS and KJ value. It was found that the proposed parameter KJ was effective to describe the stress state at the crack tip from the elastic region to the plastic region up to approximately 1% strain.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Tracking of the CaMV-35S promoter performance in GFP transgenic tobacco, with a special emphasis on flowers and reproductive organs, confirmed its predominant activity in vascular tissues

Constitutive promoters are the most common promoters used to drive the expression of various genes in monocots and dicots. Therefore, it is of intense interest to ascertain their expression patterns in various plant species, organs and during their ontogenic development. In this study, the activity of the CaMV 35S promoter in transgenic tobacco plants was assessed. In contrast to other studies, performed rather on the primary transformants (T0 generation), here, individuals of T1 and T2 generations were used. The expression profiles of the CaMV 35S promoter were tracked within various plant organs and tissues using the GFP marker. Special attention was given to floral tissues for which the original data regarding the CaMV 35S expression were obtained. As expected, distinct developmental and organ/tissue specific expression patterns in a plant body were observed. CaMV 35S activity was detected in most of the plant tissues and during different developmental stages. The GFP signal was not visible in dry seeds only, but it became clearly apparent within 24–48 h after sowing onto the medium, what, among other things, enables the discrimination of transgenic and non-transgenic seeds/seedlings. Afterwards, the most pronounced GFP fluorescence intensity was usually visible in various vascular tissues of both, T1 and T2 plants, indicating the high promoter activity. A stable manifestation of the promoter was retained in the next T2 generation without any evident changes or losses of activity, showing the expression stability of the CaMV 35S.
Putative inhibitory training of a stimulus makes it a facilitator: a within-subject comparison of visual and auditory stimuli in autoshaping.

Abstract Pigeons were trained with the A+, AB−, ABC+, AD− and ADE+ task where each of stimulus A and stimulus compounds ABC and ADE signalled food (positive trials), and each of stimulus compounds AB and AD signalled no food (negative trials). Stimuli A, B, C and E were small visual figures localised on a response key, and stimulus D was a white noise. Stimulus B was more effective than D as an inhibitor of responding to A during the training. After the birds learned to respond exclusively on the positive trials, effects of B and D on responding to C and E, respectively, were tested by comparing C, BC, E and DE trials. Stimulus B continuously facilitated responding to C on the BC test trials, but D’s facilitative effect was observed only on the first DE test trial. Stimulus B also facilitated responding to E on BE test trials. Implications for the Rescorla–Wagner elemental model and the Pearce configural model of Pavlovian conditioning were discussed.
A DIGITAL COMPUTER SOLUTION FOR WELL FIELD DRAW-DOWN

Abstract A numerical approximation to the solution of Darcy's equation for flow in a porous medium is coded for solution on a digital computer. Non-steady pumping and recharge rates, generalized well patterns, and varying aquifer characteristics are accounted for by the solution. Sample computations are presented.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in public transportation vehicles (buses): Another piece to the epidemiologic puzzle

Background Little is known about the occurrence and epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in public transportation in the United States. This research sought to determine the background prevalence and phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of MRSA strains circulating on buses from a large, metropolitan transportation agency. Methods Electrostatic wipes were used to collect 237 surface samples from 40 buses randomly selected from July-October 2010. Six samples were collected from each bus immediately postservice and before any cleaning and disinfection. Positive isolates were analyzed for antibiotic resistance, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis; and potential epidemiologic factors were examined. Results Of the buses, 68% (27/40) were contaminated with S aureus , and 63% (25/40) were contaminated with MRSA. Seats and seat rails were the surfaces most frequently contaminated, followed by the back door and stanchions. Most (62.9%) of the MRSA isolates were classified as community-associated MRSA clones (SCCmec type IV), and 22.9% were health care–associated MRSA clones (SCCmec type II). Of the MRSA strains, 65% (5/20) were multidrug resistant. Conclusion MRSA was frequently isolated from commonly touched surfaces in buses serving both hospital and community routes. Phenotypic and genotypic analysis demonstrated that buses may be effective mixing vessels for MRSA strains of both community and health care–associated origin.
Daily palonosetron is superior to ondansetron in the prevention of delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Nausea and vomiting in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) can be from various causes, including the use of high-dose cytarabine. METHODS: The authors compared 2 schedules of palonosetron versus ondansetron in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients with AML receiving high-dose cytarabine. Patients were randomized to: 1) ondansetron, 8 mg intravenously (IV), followed by 24 mg continuous infusion 30 minutes before high-dose cytarabine and until 12 hours after the high-dose cytarabine infusion ended; 2) palonosetron, 0.25 mg IV 30 minutes before chemotherapy, daily from Day 1 of high-dose cytarabine up to Day 5; or 3) palonosetron, 0.25 mg IV 30 minutes before high-dose cytarabine on Days 1, 3, and 5. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients on ondansetron and 48 patients on each of the palonosetron arms were evaluable for efficacy. Patients in the palonosetron arms achieved higher complete response rates (no emetic episodes plus no rescue medication), but the difference was not statistically significant (ondansetron, 21%; palonosetron on Days 1-5, 31%; palonosetron on Days 1, 3, and 5, 35%; P = .32). Greater than 77% of patients in each arm were free of nausea on Day 1; however, on Days 2 through 5, the proportion of patients without nausea declined similarly in all 3 groups. On Days 6 and 7, significantly more patients receiving palonosetron on Days 1 to 5 were free of nausea (P = .001 and P = .0247, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The daily assessments of emesis did not show significant differences between the study arms. Patients receiving palonosetron on Days 1 to 5 had significantly less severe nausea and experienced significantly less impact of CINV on daily activities on Days 6 and 7. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Managing Technological Innovation in Business Organizations

Abstract: Organizations in today's hypercompetitive world face the paradoxical challenges of ‘dualism’, that is, functioning efficiently today while innovating effectively for tomorrow. Corporations, no matter how they are structured, must manage both sets of concerns simultaneously. They must build those seemingly contradictory structures, competencies, and cultures that foster not only more efficient and reliable processes but also the more risky explorations needed to recreate the future. This chapter describes the patterns of innovation that typically take place within an industry and how such patterns affect an organization's ability to manage its streams of innovative projects along technological cycles.
Yeast artificial chromosome vectors for efficient clone manipulation and mapping

The yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) cloning system allows the cloning of exogenous DNA several hundred kilobases in length. To enhance the usefulness of this technology, yeast artificial chromosome vectors have been designed for efficient clone characterization, manipulation, and mapping. The vectors contain a polylinker with unique EcoRI, BglII, NotI, EagI, SacII, SalI, NruI, NheI, and ClaI cloning sites and T7 bacteriophage promoters positioned to allow the generation of riboprobes from the exogenous DNA ends. Centric and acentric vector arms were constructed as separate plasmids to allow the recovery of both ends of the YAC insert DNA directly in Escherichia coli. In addition, YACs generated using this vector system contain a yeast gene (SUP 11) that allows visual monitoring of YAC stability and copy number.
Circuit waveforms for periodic waves

A method using steady-state transforms is described which indicates how the sum function of a Fourier series may be obtained. The method can be applied to problems arising from circuits containing concentrated circuit parameters, but is not quite so useful for those having distributed parameters. Tables of Fourier series and their sum functions are presented, and several examples of the application of the method in circuit problems are given in this paper.
393 THE NATURE OF HYPOTHYROXINEMIA IN SICK PRETERM INFANTS

To evaluate the nature of hypothyroxinemia in small sick preterm infants, the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis was evaluated by determining the thyrotropin-response to TRH. Preterm infants of gestational ages 26-28 weeks, with T4 0.05. In 2 babies treated with T4, TSH response was completely suppressed. Serial T4 assay showed normalization of T4 in both groups at about the same time interval, 22.9±4.1 vs 23.8±4.9 days, P>0.5. There was no beneficial effect of T4 therapy on head growth 23.0±0.5 vs 31.2±0.6cm, P>0.05, length 42.5±0.6 vs 42.0±0.7cm, P>0.05, weight 1987±100 vs 1951±105gms, P>0.05, or duration of hospitalization 98.8±8.5 vs 110±8.3 day, P>0.05. In conclusion: hypothroxinemia in sick preterm infants is not caused by hypothyroidism. The physiological pituitary responses to stimulatory effect of TRH and suppressive action of T4 negate such a possibility. Based on these observations routine supplemental T4 therapy in preterm infants with low T4 is unwarranted.
Changes in Dispositional Empathy in American College Students Over Time: A Meta-Analysis

The current study examines changes over time in a commonly used measure of dispositional empathy. A cross-temporal meta-analysis was conducted on 72 samples of American college students who completed at least one of the four subscales (Empathic Concern, Perspective Taking, Fantasy, and Personal Distress) of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) between 1979 and 2009 (total N = 13,737). Overall, the authors found changes in the most prototypically empathic subscales of the IRI: Empathic Concern was most sharply dropping, followed by Perspective Taking. The IRI Fantasy and Personal Distress subscales exhibited no changes over time. Additional analyses found that the declines in Perspective Taking and Empathic Concern are relatively recent phenomena and are most pronounced in samples from after 2000.
Hemodynamics and epoprostenol use are associated with thrombocytopenia in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Background Thrombocytopenia develops in some patients with advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) while receiving IV epoprostenol therapy. In this study, we evaluate whether epoprostenol use, other PAH medication use, hemodynamics, or PAH etiology are associated with thrombocytopenia in PAH. Methods Platelet counts were evaluated in 47 PAH patients receiving IV epoprostenol, and in 44 patients with an inadequate response to initial therapy with oral agents in a cross-sectional study. Associations between thrombocytopenia (platelet count Results PAH subtypes included idiopathic (69%), fenfluramine (18%), connective tissue disease (10%), and congenital heart disease (2%)-associated PAH. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 34% of patients treated with epoprostenol, compared with 15% of patients receiving oral therapy (odds ratio [OR], 2.9; p Conclusion Epoprostenol use and severity of hemodynamic abnormalities are associated with thrombocytopenia in PAH, and these effects appear to be independent and additive.
Global warming coverage in the media: trends in a Mexico City newspaper

This study examined newspaper coverage, intensity of stories (how intensely the issue of global warming is presented), and the presence of frames, solutions, and conflicts surrounding the global wa...
Validity and Responsiveness of the Jebsen–Taylor Hand Function Test

Purpose The aim of this study was to demonstrate the validity and responsiveness of the Jebsen–Taylor Hand Function Test (JTT) in measuring hand function in patients undergoing hand surgery, compared with the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ). Methods A prospective cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (n = 37), osteoarthritis (n= 10), carpal tunnel syndrome (n = 18), and distal radius fracture (n = 46) were evaluated preoperatively and at 9 to 12 months of follow-up. We administered the JTT and MHQ. We performed correlation and receiver operating characteristic analyses to evaluate the validity of the JTT as a measure of disability. Effect size and standardized response means were calculated to determine responsiveness. Results Correlation studies revealed poor correlation of the JTT with MHQ total scores and subsets that relate to hand function. Patients with high MHQ scores generally perform well on the JTT; however, patients with good JTT scores do not necessarily have high MHQ scores. Receiver operating characteristic curves for each condition showed that the change in JTT total score had poor ability to discriminate between high and low MHQ score subjects, with an area under the curve result of 0.52 to 0.66 for each condition. Effect size and standardized response means for all states showed greater responsiveness with the MHQ for each condition compared with the JTT. Conclusions We found poor correlation between the change in JTT and absolute JTT scores after surgery compared with change in MHQ and absolute MHQ scores. In addition, the JTT had poor discriminant validity based on the MHQ as a reference. This study showed that the time to complete activities does not correlate well with patient-reported outcomes. We conclude that the JTT should not be used as a measure of disability or clinical change after surgical intervention. Type of study/level of evidence Diagnostic III.
Delayed Manifestation of a Mid-Esophageal Tear with Profuse Hemorrhage after Transesophageal Echocardiogram

Esophageal injury or perforation is a rare but life threatening complication of transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). Most of the patients manifest symptoms within 24 hours of the procedure and upper esophagus is the most common site of injury. We report a patient who underwent TEE for the evaluation of severe valvular insufficiency and 4 days after the procedure developed an esophageal tear in its mid portion associated with profuse upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Though delayed esophageal perforation in the lower segment has been previously reported after a perioperative TEE, no such report exists to our knowledge, in the setting of a nonsurgical TEE.
The complexity of computing symmetric functions using threshold circuits

Abstract This paper considers size-depth tradeoffs for threshold circuits computing symmetric functions. The size measure used is the number of connections or edges in the threshold circuits as opposed to the number of gates in the circuits. The main result is that for all d ⩾2 and n ⩾8 2 d there is a threshold circuit to compute any n -input symmetric function which has size O 1+ log n 2 d −1 ·n 1+1 (2 d −1) and depth bounded by 6 d +8. As a consequence, there is a threshold circuit for any n -input symmetric function which has size O( n ) and depth bounded by O(log log n ). A somewhat simpler construction that contains many features of the general solution shows that for all d ⩾1 and n ⩾2 2 d −1 there is a threshold circuit for the n -input parity function which has size bounded by ( 27 2 2 )n 1+1 (2 d −1) and depth bounded by 2 d .
Ivabradine in Heart Failure: To SHIFT or Not to SHIFT

Despite advances in treatment during the past two decades, long-term prognosis of heart failure (HF) still is poor in patients at advanced stages. Antiadrenergic therapy has demonstrated consistent morbidity and mortality benefits, which often are linked to its ability to facilitate reversal in cardiac remodeling. Although a direct association between heart rate (HR) and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with HF has been observed [1, 2], there is debate regarding the importance of HR reduction as a contributor to the beneficial effects of antiadrenergic therapy [3–6]. A recent meta-analysis found a significant association between the degrees of HR reduction and the impact of antiadrenergic therapy in survival of patients with HF, whereas the dose of antiadrenergic therapy achieved was not correlated [7]. However, in the real world, β-blocker uptitration in response to persistently elevated HR can be associated with increased risk of adverse reactions [8, 9], and such limitations of antiadrenergic therapy have prompted the interest of looking into alternative treatment strategies to lower HR. Ivabradine is a selective inhibitor of the pacemaker I “funny” (If) channel, which is responsible for the autonomic capacity of the sinoatrial node. If channels are upregulated in atrial tissue of patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter and they also are present in ventricular myocytes of patients with HF [10]. Ivabradine works by reducing its diastolic depolarization slope, thereby decreasing HR via direct sinus node inhibition without direct effects on myocardial contractility and intracardiac conduction. In the BEAUTIFUL (Morbidity–Mortality Evaluation of the If Inhibitor Ivabradine in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction) study, patients with high baseline HR had an increase in serious CV events including death (34%), hospital admission secondary to congestive HF (53%), acute myocardial infarction (46%), or revascularization procedure (38%) [11]. In a subset of patients with baseline HR of 70 bpm and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 40%, ivabradine was associated with a 36% decrease in hospital admissions secondary to fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction and a 30% decrease in coronary revascularization [11].
A modular PFN Marx with a unique charging system and feedthrough

We have developed a reliable, high power Marx generator system capable of operation at up to 550 kV/11 kA with an output flat top of 1 µS nominal. The unit can operate at up to 5 Hz for 2 seconds (≫30 kW output) from a power supply wi1th a “built-in” HV section. The Marx section consists of 14 series type C PFNs each with an impedance of approximately 3.5 ohms. The individual PFNs are built so that they are easily removed and modified. With this flexibility, the unit can be adapted to changes in the load such as those due to diode impedance collapse. The HV section of the HV power supply is not only in the Marx oil bath but it is “connected” to the semiconductor portion of the power supply using “air core magnetic flux coupling”. This technique is as far as we know unique, and it eliminates the requirement for a high voltage or high current wired feedthrough in the system. It also dramatically reduces EMI coupling from the Marx to the semiconductor power supply modulator and the control system. The efficiency of this supply is approximately 80 %. In the paper we will discuss the theory of the coupling and the experimental results of operation of the power supply and Marx.
Performance of a Combined Natural Wastewater Treatment System in West Texas

A study of performance of a combined natural wastewater treatment system was conducted in an arid and semiarid area of West Texas from October 2005 to September 2007. This study investigated the organic matter and nitrogen removal capability in a municipal wastewater land application system following a pond system. Municipal wastewater from the city of Littlefield, Tex. was pretreated by a pond system, and the secondary wastewater effluent from the pond system was surface applied to sprayfield at the wastewater treatment plant and the city farm. The 16 lysimeters were installed in situ to collect the leached water passing the grass root zone. The water samples were taken from the storage pond and the lysimeters for analysis of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and ammonia nitrogen. The data show that the pond system played an important role in the treatment. The pond system pretreated COD in the municipal wastewater to the range of 10 to 127 mg/L, total nitrogen to the range ...
Linear instability signals the initiation of motion of a twin plane under load

This letter presents a study of the atomic mechanism of the initiation of motion of a static twin plane under applied mechanical load in a model shape-memory material. By tracking the deformation under load and using linear stability analysis, we find that the eigenvalues of the Hessian matrix provide an indicator of the initiation of motion of the twin plane. The initiation of motion is signaled by a linear instability and a drop in the lowest eigenvalue to zero as well as a sharp drop in higher eigenvalues. Additionally, by comparing with direct molecular dynamics, we see that the eigenmode associated with the zero eigenvalue is found to accurately predict the initial mode of motion. We also find that the initial motion occurs through the formation of a stacking fault just ahead of the existing twin plane and the broadening of the stacking fault drives further transformation.
Evidence for the Existence of Two ATP-sensitive Rb+Occlusion Pockets within the Transmembrane Domains of Na+/K+-ATPase

Abstract A trypsin-digested Na+/K+-ATPase that has lost ATPase activity and about half of its protein content retains an essentially intact β-subunit, the 10 transmembrane domains of the α-subunit, and the full capacity to occlude Na+ and Rb+ (a congener of K+). When this preparation was incubated at 37 °C in the absence of Rb+, it lost half of its Rb+ occluding capacity and two-thirds of its Na+ occluding capacity. Comparison of the Rb+occlusion-deocclusion kinetics of the digested enzyme before and after partial inactivation indicated that (a) the affinities of the labile and the stable halves of occluded Rb+ were the same; (b) occlusion and deocclusion rates of the stable pool were lower than those of the labile pool; (c) ATP at a low affinity site (K 0.5 = 25–300 μm) increased deocclusion rate in the stable pool and occlusion rate in the labile pool; (d) Na+increased Rb+ deocclusion rate of the sum of the two pools but not that of the stable pool; and (e) occlusion and deocclusion rates of both pools were decreased by ouabain. These findings suggest that (a) the peptide complex of the digested enzyme contains two distinct but interacting cation occlusion pockets, one occluding two Na+ or one Rb+, and the other occluding one Na+ or one Rb+; (b) this peptide complex that is devoid of the catalytic ATP site retains an allosteric ATP site; and (c) the access channels of the two pockets are regulated differently by ATP but similarly by ouabain. Analyses of the gel electrophoretic patterns of the digested enzyme and the N termini of the appropriate bands showed that inactivation of the labile occlusion pocket was accompanied by 60–70% loss of two α-fragments containing H3-H4 and H5-H6transmembrane domains. This and the previously established interactions among the transmembrane helices of α- and β-subunits suggest that one occlusion pocket is associated with H3-H6domains and that the other is located within a complex of β-subunit and two α-fragments containing H1-H2 and H7-H10 transmembrane domains.
RESPONSE SURFACE EXPERIMENTAL DESIGNS FOR INVESTIGATING INTERSPECIFIC COMPETITION

Competition is an important interaction in ecology, and many experiments have been done to examine the effects of intraspecific and interspecific competition. Un- fortunately, most of these experiments have been done using either substitution or additive experimental designs. Substitution designs, and to a lesser extent additive designs, severely limit the useful inferences that ecologists can draw from the resulting data. Response surface experimental designs, which vary the densities of two competing species independently, offer the advantage of being able to compare the fits of alternative competition models and to estimate model parameters. This kind of experimental design has been relatively little used in ecology to date. I consider the use of response surface designs from two perspectives. The first is the optimal allocation of experimental effort among density treatments, with the goal of distinguishing among alternative models. Second, I compare the ability of six response surface designs to estimate known competition coefficients correctly, using sim- ulated data. Low densities and densities near equilibrium in one generation tend to return similar densities the following generation and thus provide little or no information for comparing alternative population models. Experimental designs that span a wide range of densities, including high densities above carrying capacities, provide more accurate pa- rameter estimates in general, but low densities are helpful for estimating population growth rates. Designs that are not fully factorial are one compromise solution that can yield accurate parameter estimates for models and yet require less experimental effort than full factorial surfaces. In general, response surfaces are a powerful class of experimental design and offer potentially stronger connections between empirical and theoretical approaches than traditional experimental designs.
cis- and trans-3-Methylamino-2-phenyltetrahydropyran.

Abstract The syntheses of cis - and trans -3-methylamino-2-phenyltetrahydropyran are described and their configurations are established by NMR. The stereochemistry of previously reported 3-bromo-2-phenyltetrahydropyran was also ascertained.
The Emerging Image of U.N. Politics

Empirical research on the United Nations has been characterized as fragmented, noncumulative, and lacking in the coherence necessary for conceptual integration—a condition at least partly due to the variegated nature of the institution itself. Yet in some important respects the research literature projects a rather homogeneous image. This image is shaped by a prevailing research perspective that treats the U.N. as (1) an arena for the political maneuvering of member states rather than an actor in its own right, and (2) as a resultant of exogenous forces governing world politics rather than as a source of influence affecting the larger world community. One or both of these traits may be found in 36 of 41 research articles published between 1970 and 1977. This perspective probably derives from numerous factors, including the state-centric orientation dominating our discipline and the tendency to view the U.N. as a convenient source of data for the study of world politics.
Bilinear transformation of polynomials

An algorithm for computing the coefficients of a polynomial equation resulting from a bilinear transformation of its variable is described, which compares favorably with the matrix method proposed by Power and improved by Jury and Chan, and which is simpler and easier to program.
Resolving testicular microlithiasis in a 12-year-old boy.

Although the sonographic appearance of testicular microlithiasis (TM) is well known, its importance is still uncertain. 1 , 2 In patients with a sonographically detected testicular neoplasm, there is a high rate of coexistent TM at the time of tumor discovery. 2 - 4 However, the importance of incidentally discovered TM and the relative risk of subsequent development of testicular cancer remain unclear. 1 - 3 , 5 Additionally, the population incidence and natural history of TM are still incompletely understood. This report involves a case of TM in a child that resolved on follow-up sonography, something, to my knowledge, not heretofore seen. This raises questions about the etiology and importance of this perplexing entity and what the role of imaging follow-up should be.
A non-coherent FSK-OOK UWB impulse radio transmitter for clock-less synchronization

Clock-less synchronization and data recovery can be achieved with FSK-OOK modulation and demodulation in non-coherent UWB impulse radio (UWB-IR) system. In this work we report a 30 Mbps non-coherent FSK-OOK UWB-IR transmitter. The chip is fabricated with 0.25 µm Silicon on Sapphire (SOS) process. The chip size is 1 mm by 1mm with pad. The power consumption with 2.5 V supply is 30mW. A graphic user interface was developed to control the power and frequency of the transmitter as well as the data rate of the test-bench.
The Critically III Patient

Various imaging examinations are used to monitor critically ill patients, including radiography, bedside ultrasound, and computed tomography. However, portable chest radiography is the most common imaging examination performed in the intensive care unit. The extracted imaging findings can improve or significantly alter clinical management. An understanding of the imaging appearances of various cardiopulmonary disease processes and the typical appearances and locations of life support devices is essential for early diagnosis and correction of iatrogenic complications.
[Clinical characteristics of IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis].

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) in China. Methods From December 2010 to September 2013, a total of 107 IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) patients were reviewed prospectively. Their clinical, laboratory and histopathological features were summarized. And the treatment responses were analyzed. Results Among them, 22 RPF cases were identified. The male-to-female ratio and age were 4.5∶1 and 63±11 years respectively. The follow-up period was 3-28 months. The most common onset symptom was low back pain (55%). Multiple organ involvements were documented in 20 patients (91%), including lymphadenopathy (n=9), aortitis (n=8), sialadenitis (n=7), dacryoadenitis (n=5) and autoimmune pancreatitis (n=4). Allergic histories were reported by10 subjects (46%). Eosinophilia was present in 6 subjects (27%). Serum IgG4 levels were significantly elevated in all subjects. Serum total IgE level was elevated in 12/13 tested subjects. Tissue biopsies of 12 subjects revealed massive lymphocytic infiltration and obvious tissue fibrosis. Immunohistochemical staining showed a massive infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cell. Glucocorticoid was administrated in all subjects. Most subjects received combined therapy with immunosuppressive agents or tamoxifen. Conclusion IgG4-related RPF is a systemic autoimmune disease with favorable responses to the treatments of glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive agents. Key words: Retroperitoneal fibrosis; IgG4 related disease; IgG4
Colloidal synthesis of rare earth-based nanoparticles

Colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) are free-standing nano-sized objects, coordinated by a layer of organic amphiphilic molecules which allows their dispersion in solvents, making easy the manipulation. The organic molecules play a central role in all the synthesis steps by controlling the NC surface during the growth, allowing to obtain a fine control over the size and the shape of NCs. In addition, organic ligands prevent the occurrence of aggregation phenomena. Luminescent NCs, presenting intense emission in the visible and NIR region of the spectra, are of great interest for application in several fields, as optoelectronics and bio-imaging. On the other hand, rare-earth elements, generally in form of trivalent cation, emit sharp-fluorescence peaks which allow their application in bio-imaging and therapeutics. Here, we focused on the synthesis of Gd-based NCs by the “thermal decomposition of organometallic precursor in hot coordinating solvents” using exclusively natural products for each synthetic phase, with the exception for the organometallic NC precursor. In particular, seed oil was used as high-boiling and coordinating solvent and ethanol was used as non-solvent in purification processes. The optical properties of synthesized NCs were monitored by UV-vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy during the NC growth. The morphology of NCs has been monitored by SEM microscopy. Experimental measurement highlighted the formation of Gd-based NCs, 30–40 nm in diameter, characterized by a strong absorption in the UV region of the spectrum and an intense photoluminescence in the green.
Systemic and myocardial hemodynamics during periodic obstructive apneas in sedated pigs

The effects of periodic obstructive apneas on systemic and myocardial hemodynamics were studied in nine preinstrumented sedated pigs under four conditions: breathing room air (RA), breathing 100% O...
Semiparametric approach to regression with a covariate subject to a detection limit

We consider generalized linear regression with a covariate left-censored at a lower detection limit. Complete-case analysis, where observations with values below the limit are eliminated, yields valid estimates for regression coefficients but loses efficiency, ad hoc substitution methods are biased, and parametric maximum likelihood estimation relies on parametric models for the unobservable tail probability distribution and may suffer from model misspecification. To obtain robust and more efficient results, we propose a semiparametric likelihood-based approach using an accelerated failure time model for the covariate subject to the detection limit. A two-stage estimation procedure is developed, where the conditional distribution of this covariate given other variables is estimated prior to maximizing the likelihood function. The proposed method outperforms complete-case analysis and substitution methods in simulation studies. Technical conditions for desirable asymptotic properties are provided.
Floating Lateral Mass Fractures of the Cervical Spine

Study design Level I trauma center case series. Objective The purpose of this study was (i) to characterize the floating lateral mass (FLM) fracture with the mechanism of injury, anatomical injury pattern, associated vascular injuries, neurological deficits, and key radiographic features; and (ii) to better understand the most effective method of treatment. Summary of background data An uncommon and poorly described subset of unilateral lateral mass fractures is FLM with fractures of the adjacent pedicle and lamina. Methods Prospectively collected trauma registries were assessed to identify all patients with FLM fractures involving C3 to C7 between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2012. Results After institutional review board approval, 60 consecutive cases were identified from the trauma registries. The mean follow-up was 9 months (range 0-42 months). The most common level was C6. The most common mechanism of injury was a high speed motor vehicle accident (45%). Radiographic rotational displacement manifested as an anterolisthesis. CT showed facet joint widening at the level above and below in 63%. Vertebral artery injuries occurred in 22%. Neurological deficits occurred as radiculopathy in 38% and spinal cord injury in 18%. All eight patients, who were treated nonoperatively, developed subluxation despite external immobilization and six patients required surgery. Of the 58 patients treated operatively, 31 (53%) patients underwent a 2 level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) alone. Nine (15%) patients had one level ACDF, with 83% demonstrating radiographic failure. Posterior fusion alone or combined with ACDF/corpectomy was performed in 6 patients (10%) and 7 patients (12%), respectively. Conclusion A FLM fracture results from a high energy injury and involves two motion segments. Vertebral artery injuries and neurological deficits frequently occur. Magnetic Resonance demonstrates a significant disc injury in 81% of patients, usually at the lower level. Two level ACDF or Posterior Spinal Instrumented Fusion are effective means of treatment. Level of evidence 3.
Location strategies and implementations from an eco-friendly viewpoint

This examination of location strategy implementation by Pittsburgh-based service firms, particularly eco-friendly initiatives, was pursued via a case-study approach. The factors selected for comparison were site size and cost; air, rail, highway, and waterway systems; zoning restrictions; proximity to markets/suppliers/competitors; and environmental impact issues. The study included five service-based firms, most of which made decisions concerning new locations within the last few years, and highlighted those factors most significant in the location strategies of local service firms. Findings evidence proximity to market/suppliers/competitors was the most heavily weighted factor in site selection among Pittsburgh-based service firms. The least considered factor in site selection was economic impact. Further, while each firm practiced various eco-friendly initiatives, those initiatives were largely intended to reduce firm costs rather than minimise environmental impact.
Autoradiographic studies of solute transport across the toad bladder.

Abstract Autoradiographic studies of solute transport across the toad bladder. The autoradiography of diffusible, hydrophilic solutes presents special problems in localization of the labeled solute under study. We present studies of the movement of 14 C-labeled urea, and 14 C- and 3 H-labeled sucrose across the isolated urinary bladder of the toad, a vasopressin-sensitive epithelium, using a technique that avoids exposure to water throughout all processing steps and minimizes error caused by isotope scatter. We have shown a significant increase in 14 C urea entry into epithelial cells following vasopressin, and a significant decrease following phloretin, an agent that selectively blocks vasopressin-stimulated urea transport. The autoradiographic technique confirms the luminal site of action of phloretin. Studies of 14 C and 3 H sucrose labeling show that this molecule is virtually excluded from the cell. The current method of grain counting is capable of yielding reliable information in studies of epithelial transport. Etudes autoradiographiques du transport de solutes a travers la vessie de crapaud. L'autoradiographie de solutes diffusibles et hydrophiles pose des problemes speciaux de localisation du solute marque etudie. Nous presentons des etudes du mouvement de l'uree marquee au 14 C, et du sucrose marque au 14 C et au 3 H a travers la vessie de crapaud isolee, un epithelium sensible a la vasopressine, a l'aide d'une technique qui evite l'exposition a l'eau pendant toutes les etapes et minimise l'erreur due a la dispersion de l'isotope. Nous avons montre une augmentation significative de l'entree de 14 C uree dans les cellules epitheliales apres vasopressine, et une diminution significative apres phloretine, un agent qui bloque selectivement le transport de l'uree stimule par la vasopressine. La technique autoradiographique confirme le site d'action luminal de la phloretine. Des etudes de marquage du sucrose du 14 C et au 3 H montrent que cette molecule est virtuellement exclue de la cellule. La methode habituelle de comptage de grains peut fournir une information fiable dans les etudes de transport epithelial.
Momentary stress, cortisol, and gestational length among pregnant victims of childhood maltreatment: a pilot study

BackgroundPregnant victims of childhood maltreatment are more likely to deliver preterm. The mechanisms explaining this relationship are unclear. The goal of the current pilot study was to investigate whether momentary stress and cortisol serve as mechanisms linking maltreatment history to gestational length.MethodsSeventeen women enrolled in the study (35% maltreated). Women completed two study sessions at 27 and 34 weeks gestation. Following each session, at four times/day over two days, women reported their momentary stress levels by text message and provided corresponding salivary cortisol samples. Gestational length was determined by medical chart review.ResultsHigher reports of momentary stress were associated with shortened gestational length. High stress predicted lower cortisol concentrations for women with maltreatment histories but higher concentrations among women without maltreatment.ConclusionResults from this pilot study provide preliminary evidence for understanding mechanisms explaining i...
Development and validation of chemistry agnostic flow battery cost performance model and application to nonaqueous electrolyte systems: Chemistry agnostic flow battery cost performance model

A chemistry agnostic cost performance model is described for a nonaqueous flow battery. The model predicts flow battery performance by estimating the active reaction zone thickness at each electrode as a function of current density, state of charge, and flow rate using measured data for electrode kinetics, electrolyte conductivity, and electrode-specific surface area. Validation of the model is conducted using a 4kW stack data at various current densities and flow rates. This model is used to estimate the performance of a nonaqueous flow battery with electrode and electrolyte properties used from the literature. The optimized cost for this system is estimated for various power and energy levels using component costs provided by vendors. The model allows optimization of design parameters such as electrode thickness, area, flow path design, and operating parameters such as power density, flow rate, and operating SOC range for various application duty cycles. A parametric analysis is done to identify components and electrode/electrolyte properties with the highest impact on system cost for various application durations. A pathway to 100$kWh-1 for the storage system is identified.
A Developmental Model for Facilitating the Social Behavior of Autistic Children

In Kanner’s (1943) original description of autistic children, as well as in the current DSM-III criteria for diagnosis of early infantile autism, the inability to relate normally to other people is given as a fundamental characteristic of this disorder. Yet, as Rutter (1983) has pointed out, “until very recently, the social abnormalities of autistic children have been the least studied of all the features of the syndrome, in spite of the fact that it is they that give rise to the name of the syndrome, autism” (p. 524). Instead, research has focused on the cognitive and language characteristics of autistic children. This research has not only led to a better understanding of the nature of their cognitive and linguistic deficits, it has also been the basis for a variety of therapeutic strategies, particularly language interventions, aimed at remediating them. It is encouraging, in light of this focus on language intervention, that many autistic children who have been exposed to intensive therapeutic and educational experiences have achieved quite adequate linguistic skills by adolescence. Their remaining difficulties lie within the social, rather than the strictly linguistic, realm. Thus, although these adolescents may be able to formulate and express complex ideas, their social use of language and their general ability to comprehend and adapt to subtle social cues remain serious problems.
Whole blood for the acutely haemorrhaging civilian trauma patient: a novel idea or rediscovery?

SUMMARY The concept of whole blood (WB) as a treatment modality for trauma patients requiring transfusion therapy is not new. Successfully employed in the early 20 century, WB was the product of choice for military trauma resuscitation until the advent of component therapy changed the landscape of transfusion medicine. However, the recognition of the success of WB in the military operational setting has provided some enthusiasm to explore its revival as a cold-stored option in the civilian trauma resuscitation sector. Concerns continue to exist over potential limitations for its application in regards to the efficacy of platelets after cold storage, the risk of haemolytic transfusion reactions following the transfusion of un-cross-matched WB and the logistical issues for civilian blood banks in providing WB. This review aims to reconcile these concerns with data available in the literature, with a view to establishing that there is in vitro evidence supporting the haemostatic effects of cold-stored WB as a potential therapeutic option in both the pre-hospital and in-hospital civilian trauma resuscitation settings.
Perceptions of Prison and Punitive Attitudes: A Test of the Penal Escalation Hypothesis

The penal escalation hypothesis holds that people’s (mis)perception of prisons as being inadequately harsh will influence their punitive attitudes toward other punishments and components of the criminal justice system. In this study, I present the first test of the penal escalation hypothesis with survey data from residents of the United States of America. I find that people’s perceptions of life and conditions in prison are significantly related to their opinions about other punitive and progressive aspects of criminal justice policy and practice. I argue that these findings should lead scholars to reevaluate the importance of instrumental versus symbolic factors when attempting to explain variation in people’s opinions about punishment and justice.