cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Large-scale interannual variability of monthly outgoing longwave radiation anomalies over the global tropics

Abstract The objective of this study is to examine the broad aspects of large-scale interannual and long-term variability in the monthly mean outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) data over the global tropics. These data, derived from NOAA's polar-orbiting satellites, cover a period of more than 15 years. Rotated principal component analysis (RPCA) has been performed on monthly OLR anomalies over the global tropics (30°N–30°S) on a 10° longitude by 5° latitude grid for the period from June 1974 through March 1989, excluding calendar year 1978. The leading rotated principal components to be discussed below have been tested for robustness and reproducibility. The spatial-loading pattern and the time series for the first principal component (termed the “canonical ENSO” mode) represent the major large-scale features in the tropics during the typical phase of the major warm and cold events in the tropical Pacific during the analysis period. The characteristics of the dramatic 1982/83 warm event that were different...
Is magnetic resonance imaging useful in guiding the operative approach to large pituitary tumors

Forty-two patients with large pituitary tumors were studied with magnetic resonance imaging scans. Based on the operative findings, the tumors were divided into two groups. Tumors in Group 1 (n = 35) were soft or partially necrotic and were easily removed by suction and curettage. Tumors in Group 2 (n = 7) were firm and required sharp dissection or use of the laser for removal. Tumors were divided into two groups based on the long TR signal: a) isointense in comparison with white matter, or b) hyperintense in comparison with white matter. All 7 firm tumors (Group 2) had an isointense signal on long TR sequences. Thirty-two of 35 soft tumors showed a hyperintense signal on long TR sequences, and 3 an isointense signal. Based on these results, we recommend a transsphenoidal approach for the initial operation in patients with large pituitary tumors. If the tumor is largely isointense on the magnetic resonance imaging scan, we discuss with the patient preoperatively the possibility (70% in this series) that the tumor may be too firm to remove in a single transsphenoidal procedure. In these circumstances, a second, transcranial, procedure may be required to decompress the suprasellar structures adequately.
Linear dimensional change of copper-rich dental amalgam

The relationship between the storage temperature and the expansion of seven copper-rich amalgams was sought to determine the dimensional stability of these materials. Clinical observations show that the dimensional ability of amalgam materials partly affects the extrusion of restorations. Data reported give linear expansions for seven copper-rich amalgams aged in air at 60, 37, and 23 C for a maximum of 105 (±2) weeks.
Incorporation and characterization of abasic and phenyl residues in peptide nucleic acids

Abstract The N -(2-aminoethyl)glycine backbone unit of PNA has been derivatized with phenylacetic acid and acetic acid moieties to produce monomers for incorporation into PNAs. As expected, oligomers containing these residues form PNA·DNA double helices that are destabilized compared to the unsubstituted duplexes. However, unlike the analogous substitutions in DNA, these residues show very little sequence specificity.
An fMRI study of the interface between affective and cognitive neural circuitry in pediatric bipolar disorder

The pathophysiology of pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) impacts both affective and cognitive brain systems. Understanding disturbances in the neural circuits subserving these abilities is critical for characterizing developmental aberrations associated with the disorder and developing improved treatments. Our objective is to use functional neuroimaging with pediatric bipolar disorder patients employing a task that probes the functional integrity of attentional control and affect processing. Ten euthymic unmedicated pediatric bipolar patients and healthy controls matched for age, sex, race, socioeconomic status, and IQ were scanned using functional magnetic resonance imaging. In a pediatric color word matching paradigm, subjects were asked to match the color of a word with one of two colored circles below. Words had a positive, negative or neutral emotional valence, and were presented in 30-s blocks. In the negative affect condition, relative to the neutral condition, patients with bipolar disorder demonstrated greater activation of bilateral pregenual anterior cingulate cortex and left amygdala, and less activation in right rostral ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and dorsolateral PFC at the junction of the middle frontal and inferior frontal gyri. In the positive affect condition, there was no reduced activation of PFC or increased amygdala activation. The pattern of reduced activation of ventrolateral PFC and greater amygdala activation in bipolar children in response to negative stimuli suggests both disinhibition of emotional reactivity in the limbic system and reduced function in PFC systems that regulate those responses. Higher cortical cognitive areas such as the dorsolateral PFC may also be adversely affected by exaggerated emotional responsivity to negative emotions. This pattern of functional alteration in affective and cognitive circuitry may contribute to the reduced capacity for affect regulation and behavioral self-control in pediatric bipolar disorder.
Dissociation of patterned alternation learning and the partial reinforcement extinction effect in preweanling rats

Sprague-Dawley rat pups aged 14 or 18 days were trained on a patterned (single) alternation schedule with either an 8- or a 105-sec intertriai interval (ITI). At the 8-sec ITI, alternation learning was obtained at both ages, but the older age group learned more rapidly. There was no evidence of response alternation at the 105-sec ITI at either age. Continuously reinforced (CRF) and partially reinforced (PRF) groups trained and extinguished along with the patterned alternation (PA) group at the 105-sec ITI showed a robust partial reinforcement extinction effect (PREE) at both ages. Moreover, there was no difference in the rate of extinction of the PRF and PA groups at either age (i.e., no effect of N-length). A PREE can therefore be obtained in infant rats under conditions that apparently preclude the formation of sequential associations. The implications of this finding for the ontogeny of instrumental learning and extinction are discussed.
Cultural variations in pre‐emptive effort downplaying

Pre-emptive effort downplaying (PED) occurs when people publicly downplay their effort expenditure on test preparation prior to taking a test for the sake of managing the social evaluation of the self in the face of a challenging performance task. Thirty Asian Americans and 29 European Americans had two opportunities to publicly report their effort expenditure on a practice exercise. They also completed measures of self-evaluations and concern for performance before working on the practice exercise, and the self-evaluation measure again at the completion of the actual test. Only European Americans showed PED. Additionally, concern for performance was positively associated with and mediated cultural variations in PED. The implications of these results are discussed.
In Vivo Fluorescence Imaging of Large-Vessel Thrombosis in Mice

Objective— Experimental studies of large-vessel thrombosis have been adapted for applications in mice, but they proffer limited quantifiable information in outcome measures. This study presents a novel approach for evaluating large-vessel thrombogenesis with temporally/spatially quantifiable measures and normalization methods for interanimal comparisons. Methods and Results— Shuttered, beam-expanded lasers provided uniform narrow-wavelength illumination of a ×100 microsurgical field with a large depth of focus. Thrombosis was generated in murine carotid arteries and femoral veins by brief vascular surface electrolytic injury. Thrombus-targeting fluorophores were injected systemically and subsequently localized at the site of thrombus induction. A low-light digital video camera with filter wheel provided target-specific image acquisition over a 60-minute interval. Platelets accumulated with a subsequent fibrin border emerging to stabilize the clot in both arteries and veins. Coagulation enzyme complexes colocalized with fibrin deposition. Large arteries underwent cyclic massive thromboembolization, whereas veins showed gradual shedding of microemboli and clot contraction. Systemic administration of fibrin- and platelet-inhibiting compounds reduced their respective targets but also often inhibited their clotting counterparts (platelets and fibrin, respectively) in both arteries and veins. Conclusion— Intermediate-level magnified image capture represents a novel approach for analysis of fluorescence-based in vivo imaging, with quantitative application to the study of large-vessel thrombosis.
Risk factors in the early diagnosis of ALS: North American epidemiological studies. ALS CARE Study Group.

Patient-specific (endogenous) and population-specific (exogenous) risk factor analysis is identifying novel physical and chemical exposures which might be time-linked to the development of amyotrop...
The change in productivity of Chinese state enterprises, 1983–1987

This study estimates the change in productivity of Chinese state enterprises during 1983-1987 using a panel data set of 403 firms. A new approach to productivity measurement is used. Under this approach, the production functions can differ arbitrarily across firms, important given the heterogeneity of the sample. The resulting coefficients estimate the marginal products of each factor as well as overall productivity growth. The results suggest Chinese productivity increased by 4.6 % per year, with about half of this growth due to the rapidly improving education of the labor force.
Data reduction using cubic rational B-splines

A geometric method for fitting rational cubic B-spline curves to data representing smooth curves, such as intersection curves or silhouette lines, is presented. The algorithm relies on the convex hull and on the variation diminishing properties of Bezier/B-spline curves. It is shown that the algorithm delivers fitting curves that approximate the data with high accuracy even in cases with large tolerances. The ways in which the algorithm computes the end tangent magnitudes and inner control points, fits cubic curves through intermediate points, checks the approximate error, obtains optimal segmentation using binary search, and obtains appropriate final curve form are discussed. >
The Reentry Process: How Parolees Adjust to Release From Prison

We explored the reentry process by interviewing 51 parolees three times over a period of three months after their release from prison. In addition, we interviewed 19 parole officers and tracked each parolee for six months after release. Ten of the 51 parolees were reincarcerated within six months after their release from prison. Family support, being married or having a partner, living with a family member, and being a parent were not associated with parole adjustment or with the likelihood of returning to prison. Variables associated with not being reincarcerated were number of close relationships within the family network, the quality of the parent-child relationship, being employed, and having stable housing. Reincarceration was associated with socializing with friends four or more times per week, the number of conflicted relationships in the family network, having family members who had been on probation or in jail, and the parolee’s perceived difficulty in staying off drugs. These findings suggest that the overall network of family relationships is important in helping to make the transition from prison to the community.
The creeping motion of liquid drops through a circular tube of comparable diameter: the effect of density differences between the fluids

Results of experiments on the low-Reynolds-number flow of non-neutrally buoyant drops through a straight circular tube are reported. The undeformed radii of the drops are comparable to the size of the tube, and the drops adopt an eccentric lateral position owing to a density difference between the drop and the suspending fluid. Measured values for the extra pressure difference caused by the presence of the drop, the relative velocity of the drop, and the shape of the drop are correlated with the minimum gap width between the eccentrically located drop and the tube wall using simple lubrication approximations. The viscosity ratio, density difference, volumetric flow rate and drop size are varied in the experiment. Comparisons with previous results for concentric, neutrally buoyant drops show that the effects of eccentric position can be substantial for surprisingly small values of the density difference. Both Newtonian and viscoelastic suspending fluids are considered, and the results suggest that both viscometric and time-dependent non-Newtonian effects are present. For the Newtonian case, the data are compared with the predictions of available theories which account explicitly for the eccentric drop position.
To repair the fault or end the acid reign

Background: Despite the vast effort and expense devoted to the elucidation of the cause of esophagogastro-duodenal ulcer disease, relatively minimal progress has been made towards the understanding of causation. Since earliest times, it has been recognized that milk, chalk powder, or charcoal ameliorate the disease process and its symptoms. In addition, the avoidance of acidic or spicy foods provides some relief. Thus ulcer disease has been ascribed to acid or the consequences of hyperacidity. Reams of data and countless meetings have purported to confirm and support this viewpoint. Surprisingly, the co-secretion in the stomach of the powerful proteolytic enzyme pepsin has been virtually ignored as a pathogenetic agent. Marshalling distant antipodean resources, a novel bacteria, H. pylori, was identified as a significant causative agent in ulcer disease. To the amazement of nobody but gastroenterologists, it became apparent that there might be more than one cause for ulcer disease. Subsequently, both corp...
Three-dimensional vibrometry of the human eardrum with stroboscopic lensless digital holography

The eardrum or tympanic membrane (TM) transforms acoustic energy at the ear canal into mechanical motions of the ossicles. The acousto-mechanical transformer behavior of the TM is determined by its shape, three-dimensional (3-D) motion, and mechanical properties. We have developed an optoelectronic holographic system to measure the shape and 3-D sound-induced displacements of the TM. The shape of the TM is measured with dual-wavelength holographic contouring using a tunable near IR laser source with a central wavelength of 780 nm. 3-D components of sound-induced displacements of the TM are measured with the method of multiple sensitivity vectors using stroboscopic holographic interferometry. To accurately obtain sensitivity vectors, a new technique is developed and used in which the sensitivity vectors are obtained from the images of a specular sphere that is being illuminated from different directions. Shape and 3-D acoustically induced displacement components of cadaveric human TMs at several excitation frequencies are measured at more than one million points on its surface. A numerical rotation matrix is used to rotate the original Euclidean coordinate of the measuring system in order to obtain in-plane and out-of-plane motion components. Results show that in-plane components of motion are much smaller (<20%) than the out-of-plane motions’ components.
Effects of MDMA, methamphetamine and methylphenidate on repeated acquisition and performance in rats.

Abstract Repeated-acquisition procedures that include performance controls for effects not specific to acquisition permit the assessment of drug effects on learning on a within-subject, within-session basis. Despite the advantages of this methodology, few studies have examined effects of psychomotor stimulants on repeated acquisition in rodents. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 0.3–10 mg/kg), methamphetamine (MA, 0.1–3 mg/kg) and methylphenidate (MPD,1–17 mg/kg) using repeated-acquisition procedures with performance controls in rats using a touch-screen apparatus. Rats were presented a 2 × 3 array of stimuli using a computer touch-screen and nose-pokes to target locations within the array were reinforced. In the acquisition component, the correct location changed across sessions, whereas during the performance component, the correct location was constant across sessions. All three drugs reduced accuracy of responding to target locations in a dose-dependent fashion. None of the compounds enhanced learning at any dose. MPD and MA produced significant disruptions of acquisition accuracy only at doses that also disrupted performance, but the 3 mg/kg dose of MDMA impaired acquisition of target responding without affecting performance. The selective impairment of acquisition found in the present study adds to the evidence of learning and memory disruption produced by acute MDMA administration and raise questions about the mechanisms for these actions.
Cloning, expression, and nucleotide sequence of livR, the repressor for high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport in Escherichia coli.

The livR gene encoding the repres- sor for high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport in Escherichia coli has been cloned from a library prepared from the episome F106. The inserted DNA fragment from the initial cloned plasmid, pANT1, complemented two independent, sponta- neously derived, regulatory mutations. Subcloning as well as the creation of deletions with Ba131 exo- nuclease revealed that the entire regulatory region is contained within a 1.1-kb RsaI-SalI fragment. Expression of the PANT plasmids in E. coli minicells showed that the regulatory region encodes one de- tectable protein with an apparent molecular weight of 21,000. DNA sequencing revealed one open reading frame of 501 bp encoding a protein with a calculated MW of 19,155. The potential secondary structure of the regulatory protein has been predicted and it sug- gests that the carboxy terminus may fold into three consecutive alpha helices. These results suggest that the livR gene encodes a repressor which plays a role in the regulation of expression of the livJ and the ZiuK transport genes.
Human factors engineering challenges in therapeutic tele-play systems for children with disabilities

Therapeutic teleplay focuses on the use of personal augmentative devices (PADs), exploratory agents to enable tele-interaction, evaluation, and development of abilities in children with severe disabilities. The child controls the remote agent to accomplish a variety of cognitive and motor developmental tasks. Human factor challenges include optimizing the human-technology interface by using physiological signals to control the device, mapping the actions of the remote agent to the inputs of the user, and providing appropriate multisensory feedback to the user.
Pragmatic differentiation in early trilingual development.

This study examines pragmatic differentiation in early trilingual development through a longitudinal analysis of language choice in a developing Tagalog–Spanish–English trilingual child. The child's patterns of language choice with different language users are analyzed at age 1 ; 10 and 2 ; 4 to examine: (1) whether evidence for pragmatic differentiation can be found even before age two and in simultaneous interactions with distinct language users; (2) whether lexical gaps determine the child's choice of one language over another; and (3) whether her patterns of language choice are affected by the interlocutors language use and their responses to mixing. The results indicate that the child was capable of selecting the appropriate language according to the interlocutors' language from the earliest sessions. However, switches to inappropriate languages were common due to vocabulary gaps, the interlocutors' acceptance of mixing and the possibilities determined by the existence of multiple lexical resources and multiple language users.
The bifunctional alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase gene, adhE, is necessary for ethanol production in Clostridium thermocellum and Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum.

Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum and Clostridium thermocellum are anaerobic thermophilic bacteria being investigated for their ability to produce biofuels from plant biomass. The bifunctional alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase gene, adhE, is present in these bacteria and has been known to be important for ethanol formation in other anaerobic alcohol producers. This study explores the inactivation of the adhE gene in C. thermocellum and T. saccharolyticum. Deletion of adhE reduced ethanol production by >95% in both T. saccharolyticum and C. thermocellum, confirming that adhE is necessary for ethanol formation in both organisms. In both adhE deletion strains, fermentation products shifted from ethanol to lactate production and resulted in lower cell density and longer time to reach maximal cell density. In T. saccharolyticum, the adhE deletion strain lost >85% of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity did not appear to be affected, although ALDH activity was low in cell extracts. Adding ubiquinone-0 to the ALDH assay increased activity in the T. saccharolyticum parent strain but did not increase activity in the adhE deletion strain, suggesting that ALDH activity was inhibited. In C. thermocellum, the adhE deletion strain lost >90% of ALDH and ADH activity in cell extracts. The C. thermocellum adhE deletion strain contained a point mutation in the lactate dehydrogenase gene, which appears to deregulate its activation by fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, leading to constitutive activation of lactate dehydrogenase. IMPORTANCE Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum and Clostridium thermocellum are bacteria that have been investigated for their ability to produce biofuels from plant biomass. They have been engineered to produce higher yields of ethanol, yet questions remain about the enzymes responsible for ethanol formation in these bacteria. The genomes of these bacteria encode multiple predicted aldehyde and alcohol dehydrogenases which could be responsible for alcohol formation. This study explores the inactivation of adhE, a gene encoding a bifunctional alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase. Deletion of adhE reduced ethanol production by >95% in both T. saccharolyticum and C. thermocellum, confirming that adhE is necessary for ethanol formation in both organisms. In strains without adhE, we note changes in biochemical activity, product formation, and growth.
Addressing professional issues through an experimental capstone design experience

A senior level capstone design experience has been developed and offered with a particular emphasis on many of the professional issues raised in Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) engineering criterion IV. The course has sought to develop student awareness of the ethical foundation of the engineering profession, the global and societal framework within which engineers practice, and the environmental impact of engineering. The capstone design course also focused upon improving the technical communications skills of the graduating senior class with both extensive instruction in writing and multiple workshops dealing with the art of making an effective oral presentation. The effectiveness of the design course was assessed using Kirkpatrick's model for evaluating training programs.
Impact of initial biofilm growth on the anode impedance of microbial fuel cells

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to study the behavior of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) during initial biofilm growth in an acetate-fed, two-chamber MFC system with ferricyanide in the cathode. EIS experi- ments were performed both on the full cell (between cathode and anode) as well as on individual electrodes. The Nyquist plots of the EIS data were fitted with an equivalent electrical circuit to estimate the contributions of various intrinsic resistances to the overall internal MFC impedance. During initial development of the anode biofilm, the anode polar- ization resistance was found to decrease by over 70% at open circuit and by over 45% at 27 mA/cm 2 , and a simultaneous increase in power density by about 120% was observed. The exchange current density for the bio-electrochemical reaction on the anode was estimated to be in the range of 40-60 nA/cm 2 for an immature biofilm after 5 days of closed circuit operation, which increased to around 182 nA/cm 2 after more than 3 weeks of operation and stable performance in an identical parallel system. The polarization resistance of the anode was 30-40 times higher than that of the ferricyanide cathode for the conditions tested, even with an established biofilm. For a two-chamber MFC system with a Nafion 1 117 membrane and an inter-electrode spacing of 15 cm, the membrane and electrolyte solution dominate the ohmic resistance and contribute to over 95% of the MFC internal impedance. Detailed EIS analyses provide new insights into the dominant kinetic resistance of the anode bio-electrochemical reaction and its influence on the overall power output of the MFC system, even in the high internal resistance system used in this study. These results suggest that new strategies to address this kinetic constraint of the anode bio-electrochemical reactions are needed to com- plement the reduction of ohmic resistance in modern designs.
Earnings Performance And Interim Reporting

This study documents that interim period earnings performance is relatively favorable to year-end earnings performance. Earnings performance is measured as the difference between reported earnings and the Value Line forecast. Additional analysis indicates the observed difference is due to a positive interim earnings performance bias not any particular negative year-end earnings performance bias. Interim earnings are found to be overstated on average about five cents per interim quarter. Previous studies have argued that since only year-end earrings are audited, they include adjustments for misstatements of previously reported interim earnings (as a result of errors, poor estimates, misallocations, etc.). The results here support the notion that management may have incentive to overstate interim (unaudited) earnings, and may do so by delaying the announcement of bad news, and/or making optimistic estimates of full fiscal year amounts requisite for interim period reporting purposes.
Metallic and semiconducting 1D conjugated polymers based on –S–C\equiv C– repeating units in poly(sulfur acetylide)

The existence and the properties of a new 1D conjugated polymer, poly(sulfur acetylide), with \(\mathrm{-S-C\equiv C-}\) repeating unit are predicted on the basis of density functional theory calculations. Depending on the conformation of the polymer, specifically on the C–S–C angles, the corresponding material is either a metallic conductor (C–S–C near linear) or a semiconductor (C–S–C not linear). It is a semiconductor with 1.6 eV band gap in the minimum energy conformation bent geometry. The polymer can be stretched out at a relatively large and impractical energy cost of 2.6 eV per \(\mathrm{-S-C\equiv C-}\) unit upon which it becomes a metallic conductor. However, this semiconductor–metal transition appears to be unique in as much as it happens along a bending mode of the polymeric backbone. This new material appears to be easy to synthesize and is expected to be stable under normal conditions. Despite its simplicity and close relation to other well-known 1D conjugated polymers, such as poly(sulfur nitride) (SN) x , polyacetylene (CH) x or polyyne (\(\mathrm{-C\equiv C-}_{x}\)), poly(sulfur acetylide) still remains to be explored.
Great Northern Bunk Beds, Inc.

Matt Dorman, owner of this custom bunk-bed manufacturer, is considering a move to a new location. Students must perform a process-and-bottleneck analysis to evaluate the viability of the move. Economic justification involves calculation of the increased capacity available at the new location.
Efficacy of postoperative blood salvage following total hip arthroplasty in patients with and without deposited autologous units.

Background: Patients undergoing total hip replacement routinely receive perioperative blood transfusions, increasing their risk of blood-borne disease, isoimmunization, anaphylactic reaction, and hemolytic reaction. The purpose of this retrospective, case-control study was to evaluate the effect of postoperative blood salvage on the need for allogeneic transfusion following total hip replacement. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of ninety consecutive patients who, during a twelve-month period, had undergone unilateral, elective total hip replacement that included use of a postoperative blood salvage device. For comparison, we reviewed the medical records of ninety consecutive patients who had undergone total hip replacement without postoperative blood salvage. Overall, 156 patients had complete medical records and were included in the study. Results: Eight (10 percent) of the patients who had been treated with a drain and seventeen (23 percent) of the patients who had been treated without a drain received allogeneic transfusions. Of the nineteen patients who had not deposited autologous blood, all six without postoperative blood salvage required allogeneic transfusion. With control for other variables in the model, regression analysis showed a significantly increased risk of allogeneic transfusion among patients who had undergone total hip replacement without postoperative blood salvage (p = 0.0028) and without having predonated autologous units (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Despite a limited sample size, the study results showed that postoperative blood salvage significantly reduced the risk of allogeneic transfusion among patients managed with total hip replacement, whether or not they had deposited autologous blood (p < 0.0001). With control for donated units, age, gender, preoperative hematocrit, intraoperative blood loss, and cementless technique, patients who were treated without postoperative blood salvage were approximately ten times more likely to require allogeneic transfusion than were patients who had a drain.
Analysis of denosumab on skeletal-related events in patients with advanced breast cancer.

Background Bisphosphonates, which are also known as osteoclast modifiers, are the standard of care in the treatment of skeletal-related events (SREs) in patients with breast cancer with metastatic bone disease. SREs are frequently a complication of advanced breast cancer, and they greatly increase morbidity and mortality in these patients. Unfortunately, even while undergoing bisphosphonate therapy, many patients experience SREs. In 2010, a fully human monoclonal antibody, denosumab (Xgeva®), was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as another option to treat SREs. Objectives This article analyzes four primary human research studies looking at the effectiveness and safety of denosumab as compared to bisphosphonates in the prevention of SREs in this vulnerable population. Methods Articles published from 2006-2012 were located and reviewed through online database searches (CINAHL®, MEDLINE®, PubMed Plus) using the key words denosumab, skeletal-related event, breast cancer, metastases, and bisphosphonates. Findings Studies reviewed showed comparative adverse events and safety profile between denosumab and bisphosphonates. However, denosumab was shown to have increased effectiveness in the prevention of SREs. This knowledge can influence the preventive measures taken by physicians and advanced practice nurses to improve the prevention of SREs in patients with metastatic breast cancer. It can also increase staff nurse knowledge and implementation of evidence-based practice.
Consumer-Driven Health Benefits: A Continuing Evolution?

A return to double-digit annual growth in health benefit costs is fueling interest in new structures for employment-based health benefits. The basic goal of these structures--whether they are called consumer driven or defined contribution--is to control costs by delegating more direct responsibility to consumers (and beneficiaries) of health insurance. Advocates say this could reduce consumer resentment caused by restrictions common to managed care plans, while critics say the plans will only shift health care costs away from the employer and onto the worker. This article examines some of the implications of greater cost sharing and consumer-driven models as discussed by policymakers, leading thinkers on benefits, employers, and labor representatives at the Employee Benefit Research Institute's May 2002 policy forum. Topics discussed include the theory behind the new models, the role of managed care in a consumer-driven world, the need for patient information, and the role of public policy.
UV to Near-IR CO Emissions from O + C2H2 and O + C3O2 Flames at Low Pressure and High Temperature†

Emission spectra from C2H2 + O flames have been studied in a low-pressure, fast flow discharge system under highly dilute, fuel-lean conditions from 295 to 873 K. Our previous work with room-temper...
A Study on Surface Friction on Gold Substrate With 2D Molecular Dynamics Simulation

This paper reports a study on the contact and friction between a gold surface and a rigid tip with a two-dimensional (2D) classical Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation method. A multiscale method is used in the MD simulation. The MD simulation results are compared with the Hertzian cylindrical contact results. A criterion for the transition from surface sliding to surface scratching is also discussed with the assistance of stress analyses.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The Critical Importance of Risk Score Calibration : Time for Transformative Approach to Risk Score Validation?∗

It is difficult to find a more controversial topic than ideal risk prediction and statin allocation in primary prevention. Expert opinion has ranged from treat all (no risk prediction needed) to treat some (using a wide range of risk stratification tools) to treat none. For most patients, the 2013
THE DISPOSITION OF OILFIELD WASTEWATER BY ELECTROCOAGULATION

It has been raised a new method,electrocoagulation in disposition of gas-field wastewater.The reacting mechanism and condign technological conditions have been studied in the lab.Results show that the main pollutant CODcr removal rates of gas-field wastewater are 50%~60% when take this technique as first-order reaction,while CODcr removal rates can reach 70%~80% when as secondary reaction.In addition,this process requires simple facilities and no additional chemical agent.
Angiogenic Factors Correlate with T Cell Immune Reconstitution and Clinical Outcomes after Double-Unit Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation in Adults.

Abstract Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a valuable graft source for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients who lack adult donors. UCB transplantation (UCBT) in adults results in delayed immune reconstitution, leading to high infection-related morbidity and mortality. Angiogenic factors and markers of endothelial dysfunction have biologic and prognostic significance in conventional HSCT, but their role in UCBT has not been investigated. Furthermore, the interplay between angiogenesis and immune reconstitution has not been studied. Here we examined whether angiogenic cytokines, angiopoietin-1 (ANG-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), or markers of endothelial injury, thrombomodulin (TM) and angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2), associate with thymic regeneration as determined by T cell receptor excision circle (TREC) values and recovery of T cell subsets, as well as clinical outcomes in adult recipients of UCBT. We found that plasma levels of ANG-1 significantly correlated with the reconstitution of naive CD4+CD45RA+ and CD8+CD45RA+ T cell subsets, whereas plasma levels of VEGF displayed a positive correlation with CD4+CD45RO+ T cells and regulatory T cells and a weak correlation with TRECs. Assessment of TM and ANG-2 revealed a strong inverse correlation of both factors with naive T cells and TRECs. The angiogenic capacity of each patient's plasma, as determined by an in vitro angiogenesis assay, positively correlated with VEGF levels and with reconstitution of CD4+ T cell subsets. Higher VEGF levels were associated with worse progression-free survival and higher risk of relapse, whereas higher levels of TM were associated with chronic graft-versus-host disease and nonrelapse mortality. Thus, angiogenic factors may serve as valuable markers associated with T cell reconstitution and clinical outcomes after UCBT.
Distributed MIMO Multicast With Protected Receivers: A Scalable Algorithm for Joint Beamforming and Nullforming

We consider the problem of multicasting a common message signal from a distributed array of wireless transceivers by beamforming to a set of beam targets , while simultaneously protecting a set of null targets by nullforming to them. We describe a distributed algorithm in which each transmitter iteratively adapts its complex transmit weight using common aggregate feedback messages broadcast by the targets, and the local knowledge of only its own channel gains to the targets. This knowledge can be obtained using reciprocity without any explicit feedback. The algorithm minimizes the mean square error between the complex signal amplitudes at the targets and their desired values. We prove convergence of the algorithm, present geometric interpretations, characterize initializations that lead to minimum total transmit power, and prescribe designs for such initializations. We show that the convergence speed is nondecreasing in the number of transmitters $N$ if a step size parameter is kept constant. For Rayleigh fading channels, as $N$ goes to infinity: 1) convergence can be made arbitrarily fast and 2) beams and nulls can be achieved with vanishing total transmit power even with noise, both with probability one. These results add up to some remarkable scalability properties: the feedback overhead does not grow with the number of transmitters, and with high probability, the algorithm can be configured to converge arbitrarily fast and use vanishingly small total transmit power.
T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia of Donor Origin Following Myeloablative Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Abstract Lymphoproliferative disorders are a recognized complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Most are B-cell disorders, often associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection. We report the fourth case of T-cell, large granular lymphocyte leukemia. In May 2005, a 63-year-old woman with acute myeloid leukemia in first relapse underwent reduced intensity, myeloablative, allogeneic peripheral blood HCT from her HLA-genotypically matched brother. Three months later, she received a donor-lymphocyte infusion (DLI) for recurrent leukemia. She developed acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and remission of leukemia. GvHD was controlled with high-dose steroids. Multiple episodes of asymptomatic cytomegalovirus viremia were treated with pre-emptive valganciclovir. In June 2006, 10 months post-DLI, PCR-based chimerism studies revealed 100% donor peripheral blood cells. One month later, immunophenotyping of peripheral blood to evaluate neutropenia and lymphocytosis, revealed expansion of CD3+, CD8+, CD2+, CD11c+ and HLA-DR+ lymphocytes with clonally rearranged T-cell receptor genes, consistent with the diagnosis of large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia. Evaluation of her donor, including bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, showed normal hematopoiesis with no evidence of LGL expansion. PCR of donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells was negative for TCRγ rearrangements. During the year since diagnosis of T-cell LGL leukemia the CBC has been stable, without specific treatment, and AML remains in remission. Discussion: lymphocytosis due to expansion of T-cell large granular lymphocytes is a rare occurrence after allogeneic HCT. Non-clonal expansion is more common, with 6 cases described in a series of 201 patients (Mohty et al. Leukemia 2002; 16:2129–33). To our knowledge, this is the fourth documented case of donor-derived T-cell LGL leukemia (clonal expansion) after allogeneic HCT. The course of post-transplant LGL leukemia appears to resemble de novo disease. Of the previously reported cases, 2 patients were alive 6 and 18 months (Chang et al. Am J Clin Pathol 2005; 123:196–9), and 1 died 7 months post-LGL leukemia diagnosis (Au et al. Am J Clin Pathol 2003; 120:626–30). Our patient is 12 months since diagnosis without therapy. Etiologic factors responsible for post-transplant LGL leukemia have not been identified. In all cases tested, the leukemia arose in donor cells, but was not transmitted from the donor. An association between long-term antigenic stimulation due to GvHD or viral infection has been proposed. Our patient had both GvHD and recurrent CMV viremia before developing T-cell LGL leukemia. Of interest, our patient experienced long-lasting complete remission of AML after DLI. Whether the T-cell LGL leukemia, which developed almost one year after DLI, has any impact on maintaining remission (graft-versus-leukemia effect) is unknown, but has been suggested by other authors.
p-Transistors, p-bits and p-circuits for an invertible logic

Conventional logic and memory devices are built out of stable, deterministic units such as standard MOS (metal oxide semiconductor) transistors or nanomagnets with energy barriers in excess of ∼ 40–60 kT. In this talk I will show that unstable, stochastic units (“p-bits”, p-for probabilistic) can be interconnected to design “p-circuits” that exhibit large scale, robust correlations to implement precise Boolean functions with impressive accuracy, comparable to standard digital circuits.
Efficient health-related abnormal behavior detection with visual and inertial sensor integration

An increasing number of healthcare issues arise from unsafe abnormal behaviors such as falling and staggering of a rapidly aging population. These abnormal behaviors, often coming with abrupt movements, could potentially be life-threatening if unnoticed; real-time, accurate detection of this sort of behavior is essential for timely response. However, it is challenging to achieve generic, while accurate, abnormal behavior detection in real time with moderate sensing devices and processing power. This paper presents an innovative system as a solution. It utilizes primarily visual data for detecting various types of abnormal behaviors due to accuracy and generality of computer vision technologies. Unfortunately, the volume of the recorded video data is huge, which is preventive to process all in real time. We propose to use elder-carried mobile devices either by a dedicated design or by a smartphone, equipped with inertial sensor to trigger the selection of relevant video data. In this way, the system operates in a trigger verify fashion, which leads to selective utilization of video data to guarantee both accuracy and efficiency in detection. The system is designed and implemented using inexpensive commercial off-the-shelf sensors and smartphones. Experimental evaluations in real-world settings illustrate our system’s promise for real-time accurate detection of abnormal behaviors.
Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma: A Poster Child for Cancer Metabolism.

Context Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) are tumors that are derived from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. Extra-adrenal PCCs called paragangliomas (PGLs) are derived from the sympathetic and parasympathetic chain ganglia. PCCs secrete catecholamines, which cause hypertension and have adverse cardiovascular consequences as a result of catecholamine excess. PGLs may or may not produce catecholamines depending on their genetic type and anatomical location. The most worrisome aspect of these tumors is their ability to become aggressive and metastasize; there are no known cures for metastasized PGLs. Methods Original articles and reviews indexed in PubMed were identified by querying with specific PCC/PGL- and Krebs cycle pathway-related terms. Additional references were selected through the in-depth analysis of the relevant publications. Results We primarily discuss Krebs cycle mutations that can be instrumental in helping investigators identify key biological pathways and molecules that may serve as biomarkers of or treatment targets for PCC/PGL. Conclusion The mainstay of treatment of patients with PCC/PGLs is surgical. However, the tide may be turning with the discovery of new genes associated with PCC/PGLs that may shed light on oncometabolites used by these tumors.
GENETIC RECOMBINATION AND THE FUSION OF DNA MOLECULES

Abstract. Two enzymes from E. coli , DNA synaptase and the Rec A protein, are discussed in the context of genome fusion reactions that may play a role in the initiation of genetic recombination or in the process of recombinational repair.
It All Starts Here: Merging the Role of Nursing Education and Community-Based Heath Promotion

Many communit ies continue to have high levels of morb idity and mortality and co mmunity-based health promotion is recognized as one of the most important factors in pro mot ing positive health outcomes. Nurses remain one of the primary resources for the delivery of co mmun ity-based health but the manner in wh ich nurses are educated about community-based health greatly influences their ability to deliver culturally appropriate and socially responsible care. Globally, nurses are one of the primary sources for guidance, education, and support. Communities rely on the profession to not only deliver culturally appropriate, quality, safe, and effective nursing care; but to work together with the co mmunity to develop solutions to various health problems. Nursing education is responsible for educating new nurses on these concepts, but lack of practical educational opportunities can impact a student's understanding of community-health concepts. Students are potentially unprepared and unable to support positive health outcomes for populations with the greatest need. Presented here is a review of the role of nursing education in preparing prelicensure nurses, the responsibility of the profession for co mmunity health pro motion, the barriers reported by local nursing schools, and possible recommendations to improve the efforts of co mmunity-based health promotion.
Drawing a computer scientist: stereotypical representations or lack of awareness?

Stereotypes people hold about computer scientists contribute to underrepresentation in computer science. Perceptions of computer scientists have historically been linked to males and a “nerd” cultu...
From Static to Dynamic: Toward a Socio-dynamic Perspective on Creativity in Classrooms

Classroom settings serve as promising sites for studying the social aspects of creative expression. Conducting creativity research in classrooms, however, is challenging. This challenge stems from the recognition that classrooms are complex social settings. One way researches have responded to this challenge is to reduce the complexity of classrooms by relying on static conceptions and approaches to studying creativity. Such approaches are typically aimed at isolating and measuring specific traits and behaviors thought to be associated with creativity. Creativity researchers’ reliance on more static, snap-shot methods has started to change in recent years. In this reflection, I discuss how I (and others) are attempting to move from more static to more dynamic conceptions of creative expression in classrooms. Consideration for future developments in this area are also discussed.