cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer Vision on Multi-Core Processors: Articulated Body Tracking

The recent emergence of multi-core processors enables a new trend in the usage of computers. Computer vision applications, which require heavy computation and lots of bandwidth, usually cannot run in real-time. Recent multi-core processors can potentially serve the needs of such workloads. In addition, more advanced algorithms can be developed utilizing the new computation paradigm. In this paper, we study the performance of an articulated body tracker on multi-core processors. The articulated body tracking workload encapsulates most of the important aspects of a computer vision workload. It takes multiple camera inputs of a scene with a single human object, extracts useful features, and performs statistical inference to find the body pose. We show the importance of properly parallelizing the workload in order to achieve great performance: speedups of 26 on 32 cores. We conclude that: (1) data-domain parallelization is better than function-domain parallelization for computer vision applications; (2) data-domain parallelism by image regions and particles is very effective; (3) reducing serial code in edge detection brings significant performance improvements; (4) domain knowledge about low/mid/high level of vision computation is helpful in parallelizing the workload.
Expresión emocional en los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria: alexitimia y asertividad

Resumen es: Antecedentes: La alexitimia y falta de asertividad son caracteristicas comunes en los trastornos alimentarios (TCA) e interfieren en la expresion emocion...
Providing for the Common Good in An Era if Resurgent Individualism

Faith in the legitimacy of big government and its ability to solve the problems that concern ordinary people has declined precipitously, and ideological individualism is on the rise. Privatization is all the rage but leaves us in isolation paradoxes of various kinds. The answer lies in institutional innovations based on the lessons of game theory: seek problem-scale solutions and replace existing conflict with win-win incentives for sustainable cooperation. People are inventing such institutions and making them work while mainstream economists, bogged down in their market failure paradigm, have barely noticed what is going on.
An Examination of the Effects of Budgetary Control on Performance: Evidence from the Cities

According to government statistics, at the end of June 2006, there was over $7 trillion of corporate, state, and local government, asset-backed structured finance bonds outstanding with much of it rated by only a (literal) handful of bond rating companies that establish creditworthiness of corporate entities and of governmental units. Linking bond ratings to performance is important particularly in a governmental setting where credit ratings remain a key feature of municipal debt management, and debt is the key source of capital. Yet we know little about the direct linkage between budgetary control and ultimate bond ratings in this setting. In this study, we examine whether budgetary control is associated with performance, using a sample of large U.S. cities over the 2003-04 timeframe. Subject to the same general legal and regulatory constraints, these cities exhibit tight budgetary control at the organizational level, in large part due to the balanced budget requirements. Within this unique context, we examine whether tightness of budgetary controls or effective level of budgetary control within the cities, as measured by budget variances, contribute to performance, as measured by bond rating. We find that the effective level of budgetary control is significantly and positively related to bond rating, refuting a common, but unfounded, assumption that tight budgetary control is the most effective level of budgetary control. This suggests that city mangers interested in maintaining or improving their municipal bond ratings to manage debt costs may consider paying closer attention to the effective level of budgetary control within the cities, as measured by budget variances.
Online characterization of fabric compressional behavior

The response of a fabric to applied forces normal to its plane is known as fabric compres sional behavior. It is one of the important properties that determine fabric performance in many applications. A system used to measure fabric compressional characteristics, online is pro posed in this paper. A controllable nip formed by a pair of rollers is employed to apply compressional deformation to a moving fabric while the compression force and displacement are continuously recorded. The influence of various system parameters on the sensitivity of the system is analyzed. An incremental differential algorithm is used to calculate the pressure- displacement relationship from the measured force-displacement data from the online system. A number of woven and nonwoven fabrics are evaluated using the online measurement system as well as other commercially available fabric compression testers, and compressional char acteristics obtained from the online measurement system compare well with the same param eters measure...
The Clinical Utility of the Functional Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit (FSS-ICU) at a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background and Purpose Long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) have emerged for patients requiring medical care beyond a short stay. Minimal data have been reported on functional outcomes in this setting. The purposes of this study were: (1) to measure the clinical utility of the Functional Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit (FSS-ICU) in an LTACH setting and (2) to explore the association between FSS-ICU score and discharge setting. Participants Data were obtained from 101 patients (median age=70 years, interquartile range [IQR]=61–78; 39% female, 61% male) who were admitted to an LTACH. Participants were categorized into 1 of 5 groups by discharge setting: (1) home (n=14), (2) inpatient rehabilitation facility (n=26), (3) skilled nursing facility (n=23), (4) long-term care/hospice/expired (n=13), or (5) transferred to a short-stay hospital (n=25). Methods Data were prospectively collected from a 38-bed LTACH in the United States over 8 months beginning in September 2010. Functional status was scored using the FSS-ICU within 4 days of admission and every 2 weeks until discharge. The FSS-ICU consists of 5 categories: rolling, supine-to-sit transfers, unsupported sitting, sit-to-stand transfers, and ambulation. Each category was rated from 0 to 7, with a maximum cumulative FSS-ICU score of 35. Results Cumulative FSS-ICU scores significantly improved from a median (IQR) of 9 (3–17) to 14 (5–24) at discharge. Median (IQR) cumulative discharge FSS-ICU scores were significantly different among the discharge categories: home=28 (22–32), inpatient rehabilitation facility=21 (15–24), skilled nursing facility=14 (8–21), long-term care/hospice/expired=5 (0–11), and transfer to a short-stay hospital=4 (0–7). Discussion and Conclusions Patients receiving therapy at an LTACH demonstrate significant improvements from admission to discharge using the FSS-ICU. This outcome tool discriminates among discharge settings and successfully documents functional improvements of patients in an LTACH setting.
Hybrid discrete event simulation with model predictive control for semiconductor supply-chain manufacturing

Simulation modeling combined with decision control can offer important benefits for analysis, design, and operation of semiconductor supply-chain network systems. Detailed simulation of physical processes provides information for its controller to account for (expected) stochasticity present in the manufacturing processes. In turn, the controller can provide (near) optimal decisions for the operation of the processes and thus handle uncertainty in customer demands. In this paper, we describe an environment that synthesizes discrete-event system specification (DEVS) with model predictive control (MPC) paradigms using a knowledge interchange broker (KIB). This environment uses the KIB to compose discrete event simulation and model predictive control models. This approach to composability affords flexibility for studying semiconductor supply-chain manufacturing at varying levels of detail. We describe a hybrid DEVS/MPC environments via a knowledge interchange broker. We conclude with a comparison of this work with another that employs the Simulink/MATLAB environment.
New Insights into Hyperglycemia-induced Molecular Changes in Microvascular Cells

Hyperglycemia is the most prevalent characteristic of diabetes and plays a central role in mediating adverse effects on vascular cells during the progression of diabetic vascular complications. In diabetic microangiopathy, hyperglycemia induces biochemical and molecular changes in microvascular cells that ultimately progress to retinal, renal, and neural complications and extends to other complications, including advanced periodontal disease. In this review, we describe changes involving basement membrane thickening, tissue remodeling, gap junctions, inflammation, cytokines, and transcription factors, and their effects on the pathogenesis of diabetic microvascular complications. The majority of the changes described relate to retinal microangiopathy, since ultrastructural, structural, and biochemical alterations have been well-characterized in this tissue.
A Comparison of Histologic Effectiveness and Ultrastructural Properties of the Electrocautery Scratch Pad to Sandpaper for Manual Dermabrasion

BACKGROUND Manual dermabrasion with sterile sandpaper has been used for many years for skin surface retexturing. Owing to recent policy changes, our institution no longer allows sterilization of sandpaper. The electrocautery scratch pad is a routine component of our surgical tray and is presterilized by the manufacturer. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to correlate the histologic effectiveness and ultrastructural properties of the electrocautery scratch pad to different samples of sandpaper shown to be effective for manual dermabrasion. METHODS An ex vivo pig foot model was used. Histologic samples from each area abraded and a control were sent for measurement of depth of abrasion. Ultrastructure of all abrading materials was compared by high-magnification photographs. RESULTS All abrading materials used except for the smallest grit sandpaper reached approximately the same histologic depth while using the same amount of strokes and approximately the same pressure. Ultrastructurally, the surface of the scratch pad was slightly more abrasive than the 100-grit sandpaper, but less abrasive than the 60-grit sandpaper. CONCLUSION The electrocautery scratch pad provides an effective alternative to traditional sandpaper for manual dermabrasion. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.
Analyzing count variables in individuals and groups: Single level and multilevel models:

We address two challenges in data analysis of group research. First, data may be clustered (i.e., responses of individual group members are correlated). Second, some dependent variables may consist of integer counts of number of occurrences of an event. Familiar ANOVA and regression models provide nonoptimal analyses in both cases. Standard multilevel (mixed) models yield accurate inference for clustered normally distributed data. Generalized linear models (GLMs), specifically Poisson regression and related models, yield accurate inference for nonclustered count data. New generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) integrate GLMs with multilevel models, addressing both challenges and yielding accurate inferences for grouped count outcomes. To provide the necessary background for understanding GLMMs, we first introduce GLMs, with detailed coverage in an example of Poisson regression. We then introduce multilevel models. Finally, we develop GLMMs and illustrate in an example their application to clustered count...
“Can do” attitudes: Some positive illusions are not misbeliefs

McKay & Dennett (MD 2007) that the class of alleged positive illusions is a hodge-podge, and that some of its members are best understood as positive attitudes, hopes, and the like, not as beliefs at all.
Cyclophilin-related protein RanBP2 acts as chaperone for red/green opsin

Cyclophilins are ubiquitous and abundant proteins that exhibit peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerization (PPlase) activity in vitro. Their functions in vivo, however, are not well understood. Two new retinal cyclophilin isoforms, types I and II, are highly expressed in cone photoreceptors of the vertebrate retina. Type-II cyclophilin is identical to RanBP2, a large protein that binds the GTPase Ran. Here we report that two contiguous domains in RanBP2, Ran-binding domain 4 (RBD4) and cyclophilin, act in concert as a chaperone for the opsin molecule of the red/green-sensitive visual pigment of a dichromatic vertebrate. In Drosophila, the cyclophilin NinaA is expressed in all photoreceptors and is required for the expression of only a subset of opsins. The molecular basis of these photoreceptor class-specific effects and the functions of NinaA and other cyclophilins in vivo remain unclear. Unlike NinaA, which forms a stable complex with opsin from retinular cells R1-6, we find that the cyclophilin domain of RanBP2 does not bind opsin directly; rather, it augments and stabilizes the interaction between red/green (R/G) opsin and the RBD4 domain. This involves a cyclophilin-mediated modification of R/G opsin, possibly involving proline isomerization. The RBD4-cyclophilin supradomain of RanBP2, therefore, is a form of vertebrate chaperone of defined substrate specificity, which may be involved in the processing and/or transport of long-wavelength opsin in cone photoreceptor cells.
Processing‐Related Fracture Origins: IV, Elimination of Voids Produced by Organic Inclusions

Organic inclusions (e.g. lint) produce irregularly shaped voids observed at fracture origins. These voids can be eliminated from a powder compact by an organic burnout followed by isopressing at room temperature prior to sintering. This procedure was demonstrated for the case of voids produced by polystyrene spheres 4 to 100 μm in diameter .
Olfactory Threshold, in Relation to Age, Sex or Smoking

SUMMARY— The individual olfactory thresholds of 97 persons toward 18 odorants were analyzed statistically. There is a significant logarithmic deterioration with age, the average loss of sensitivity being 50% in 22 years. Any influence of sex or smoking is negligible.
Integral and nonnegativity preserving approximations of functions

In this paper we consider the problem of approximating a function by continuous piecewise linear functions that preserve the integral and nonnegativity of the original function.
Policy MonitorHow US Government Agencies Value Mortality Risk Reductions

AbstractOne challenging task faced by US government agencies is determining whether the benefits of their proposed regulations justify the costs. For benefits associated with reducing the risks of ...
Putative Antibody-Mediated Rejection With C4d Deposition in HLA-Identical, ABO-Compatible Renal Allografts

We sought evidence for non-MHC antibody-mediated rejection in renal allografts by a systematic study of rejected HLA-identical sibling renal allografts. Among 162 recipients of HLA-identical, ABO-compatible sibling donor kidneys transplanted at the Massachusetts General Hospital from 1964 to 2005, we identified 15 grafts that were lost from rejection and two additional grafts with reversible acute rejection, which provided 30 samples for study. All samples were stained for C4d by immunofluorescence in frozen tissue (n = 7) or by immunohistochemistry in paraffin embedded tissues (n = 10). We found that two of 17 grafts had positive C4d staining of peritubular capillaries. Histology revealed acute antibody-mediated rejection in one and acute cellular rejection type 1 in the other. Both grafts were matched at HLA-A, B, and C loci and had a nonreactive mixed lymphocyte response. Genotyping and serological analysis were not available. Compared with a published series, C4d+ irreversible rejection was more common in HLA nonidentical than HLA-identical grafts (75% vs 6.7%, respectively, P < .002). We conclude that antibody-mediated rejection, presumably due to non-MHC antigens other than ABO-blood groups does occur, but infrequently. This may account for some of the HLA antibody negative cases that develop antibody-mediated rejection.
Explaining Trade Agreements: The Practitioners' Story and the Standard Model

There are two widely accepted explanations of why politically motivated governments make trade agreements. There is an informal explanation, which I shall call the ‘practitioners' story’, even though it is most economists' informal view as well. And there is a formal explanation in the economics literature, which I shall call the ‘standard model’, referring to the basic structure shared by the Bagwell–Staiger and Grossman–Helpman models. Unfortunately, the practitioners' story and the standard model contradict each other at every crucial point. For example, in the practitioners' story, trade agreements are about reducing politically motivated protectionism; and getting an agreement depends on political support from exporters. But in the standard model, trade agreements never reduce such protectionism; and politics plays no role in securing an agreement. This paper expounds the contradictions between the practitioners' story and the standard model, which have gone largely unremarked. It refutes suggestions by defenders of the standard model that the contradictions are illusory. It identifies the different assumptions made by the two explanations that generate the contradictions. It gives reasons for skepticism about the standard model. And it discusses why all of this matters.
Development of central projections of lumbosacral sensory neurons in the chick

The development of central projections of sensory neurons in lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) was examined by using horseradish peroxidase labeling techniques in chick embryos from stage 23 (E4) to stage 39 (E13). Our results show that primary afferents reach the spinal cord by stage 23. Afferent axons extend in the primordium of the dorsal funiculus for several segments rostral and caudal to their segment of entry for over 24 hours before invading the gray matter at stage 28 (E6). Sensory fibers grow into the vicinity of motoneuron dendrites by stage 32 (E7.5), about the time that reflexes and apparent monosynaptic EPSPs can first be elicited. Dense projections into the dorsal laminae of the spinal cord, presumably representing cutaneous afferents, appear somewhat later, at about stage 39 (E13), when the segmental projection pattern begins to resemble the mature pattern.
Logic vs. current testing: an evaluation using CrossCheck Technology's CM-iTest

This paper examines the effectiveness of using the CrossCheck software tool CM-iTest to select high-fault coverage, robust test vectors for measuring I/sub DDQ/. In the experiments section of the paper data from 4 ASIC designs is presented which examines the defect detection of stuck-at fault (SAF) functional testing versus I/sub DDQ/ current testing for varying degrees of SAF and transistor-level I/sub DDQ/ fault coverages. The I/sub DDQ/ current testing further compares the defect detection of using CrossCheck CM-iTest selected I/sub DDQ/ vectors versus randomly selected and customer selected I/sub DDQ/ vectors.
Interval Mathematics Techniques for Control Theory Computations

Various types of nonlinear equations or systems of equations arise in elementary and advanced control theory. For example, the transfer function corresponding to a single linear controlled ordinary differential equation is a rational function (cf. eg., [2], Sect. 1.2.). Stability of such systems depends on whether there are any roots of the numerator and denominator of the transfer function in the right half of the complex plane.
Mammary cancer prevention by regular garlic and selenium-enriched garlic.

Abstract The anticarcinogenic activities of regular (soil‐grown) garlic and selenium‐enriched garlic (cultivated in the greenhouse) were evaluated using the 7,12‐dimethylbenz[&]anthracene‐(DMBA) induced mammary tumor model in rats. In Experiment 1, milled regular garlic powder was added to the basal AIN‐76A diet at 20 g/kg. The results from different schedules of supplementation suggested that a continuous treatment, which started before DMBA and persisted for the entire duration of the study, was most effective in tumor suppression. In Experiment 2, selected allyl group‐containing sulfides that are normal constituents of garlic extract were given by gavage in three single doses immediately before DMBA. Several structurally related compounds were found to be protective during the initiation phase in the mammary cancer model. Although the present study was not designed specifically to elucidate the structure‐activity relationship with respect to sulfur chain length or alkyl versus alkenyl substitution, our...
ONTOGENY AND HETEROCHRONY IN THE MIDDLE CARBONIFEROUS AMMONOID ARKANITES RELICTUS (QUINN, McCALEB, AND WEBB) FROM NORTHERN ARKANSAS

Abstract The reticuloceratid ammonoid Arkanites relictus (Quinn, McCaleb, and Webb, 1962) is represented by hundreds to thousands of individuals from horizons isolated both stratigraphically and geographically in northern Arkansas. These assemblages appear to represent mass mortality events resulting from a semelparous reproductive strategy. Arkanites relictus occurs as a dimorphic pair (depressed, widely umbilicate, cadiconic conchs and compressed, narrowly umbilicate, pachyconic conchs) thought to reflect sexual dimorphism. Late stage ontogenetic modifications, such as septal crowding and change in aperture profile, are widely cited evidence of sexual maturity in ammonoids. Septal crowding begins at a predictable ontogenetic stage in the compressed forms of A. relictus, but specimens with cadiconic conchs do not have crowded septa even at the largest diameters available. Depending on the trait examined and the proxy for age of individuals, the dimorphism in Arkanites relictus (using the depressed form a...
Exploratory Assessment of Consumer Preferences for Chestnut Attributes in Missouri

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. Castanea spp., conditional logit model, conjoint analysis, chestnut market development SUMMARY. This article explores consumers’ preferences for different chestnut (Castanea spp.) attributes and studies differences across potential market segments. The study was conducted between 2003 and 2007 during the Missouri Chestnut Roast festival. The festival, held annually in October during the chestnut harvest season, is one of mid-Missouri’s premier family-oriented events. A longitudinal study completed among festival visitors in 2003, 2004, and 2006 to identify chestnut characteristics that influence purchasing decisions was complemented with a conjoint analysis in 2007. The conjoint analysis used a conditional logit model to investigate responses from pairwise product profile comparisons. The attributes investigated include chestnut size (small, medium, and large), price ($3, $5, and $7 per pound), production process (organic and conventional), and origin (Missouri, United States, and imported). Results suggest a strong preference for locally and U.S.-grown compared with imported chestnuts. Local growers that provide the market with medium-size chestnuts that carry organic certification could command a market premium compared with imported/nonorganic certified chestnuts.
Myristic acid hitchhiking on sigma-1 receptor to fend off neurodegeneration.

Neurodegenerative diseases are linked to tauopathy as a result of cyclin dependent kinase 5 (cdk5) binding to its p25 activator instead of its p35 activator and becoming over-activated. The overactive complex stimulates the hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins, leading to neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and stunting axon growth and development. It is known that the sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R), an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone, can be involved in axon growth by promoting neurite sprouting through nerve growth factor (NGF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) [1, 2] . It has also been previously demonstrated that a Sig-1R deficiency impairs the process of neurogenesis by causing a down-regulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) [3] . The recent study by Tsai et al . sought to understand the relationship between Sig-1R and tauopathy [4] . It was discovered that the Sig-1R helps maintain proper tau phosphorylation and axon development by facilitating p35 myristoylation and promoting p35 turnover. Neurons that had the Sig-1R knocked down exhibited shortened axons and higher levels of phosphorylated tau proteins compared to control neurons. Here we discuss these recent findings on the role of Sig-1R in tauopathy and highlight the newly presented physiological consequences of the Sig-1R-lipid interaction, helping to understand the close relationship between lipids and neurodegeneration.
Asymmetric Factor Loadings for Earnings and Price Momentum: A Regime Based Study

This paper develops a regime-switching version of the Fama-French three-factor and extended four-factor model, with WML (winner’s minus loser’s) or PMN (positive minus negative) as the additional factor in relation to the earnings and price momentum portfolios. The model also incorporates the use of the one-month Treasury bill rate into the transition probabilities of the regimes. Through the use of nonlinear estimation, both earnings and price momentum are found to exhibit regime-switching properties and, for most deciles, the symmetry of the factor loadings across states is rejected at the 1% significance level. For price momentum portfolios the exposure of firms to PMN varies across momentum portfolios and is much more pronounced in state 2, the high volatility state. In addition, the winner’s decile for the price momentum portfolios is more sensitive than the loser’s decile to changes in the market risk premium and PMN factor in the high volatility state; the asymmetry tests cannot reject the null for loadings on the SMB and HML factor as well. Lastly for earnings momentum portfolios, the highest SUE (standardized unexpected earnings) decile is more sensitive than the lowest SUE decile to changes in the market risk premium in the high volatility state.
The role of TEE in detection and management of IVC tumor embolization to the pulmonary circulation

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the kidney. It is associated with inferior vena caval (IVC) extension in 4–10% of the patients. The Neves and Zincke classification of RCC tumors is based on their extension into the IVC, in which level I tumors extend renally, level II extend infrahepatically, level III extend retrohepatically, and level IV extend atrially. Although intravascular growth associated with RCC has no impact on survival when the tumors are treated surgically, the level and extension of the IVC tumor determines the surgical management plan. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is used intraoperatively during resection of RCC in patients with level IV tumors because the tumor can embolize during surgical manipulation. In this case report, we present a case of a 50-year-old woman who was undergoing a radical nephrectomy a tumor thrombectomy to remove an RCC that was extending into the IVC and right atrium (RA). The surgery was complicated by embolization of the tumor to the pulmonary circulation intraoperatively. TEE enabled detection of tumor embolization few minutes before hemodynamic instability developed, this allowed faster management and contributed to a favorable patient outcome. We recommend continual TEE monitoring for all patients undergoing resection of RCC extending into the IVC and RA. This would help with earlier detection and management of complications, which will probably contribute to a decrease in the morbidity and mortality associated with the management of those high-risk patients.
Biosynthesis of a thiamin antivitamin in Clostridium botulinum.

Bacimethrin-derived 2′-methoxythiamin pyrophosphate inhibits microbial growth by disrupting metabolic pathways dependent on thiamin-utilizing enzymes. This study describes the discovery of the bacimethrin biosynthetic gene cluster of Clostridium botulinum A ATCC 19397 and in vitro reconstitution of bacimethrin biosynthesis from cytidine 5′-monophosphate.
Degradation, Phytoprotection and Phytoremediation of Phenanthrene by Endophyte Pseudomonas putida, PD1

Endophytes have been isolated from a large diversity of plants and have been shown to enhance the remediation efficiency of plants, but little information is available on the influence of endophytic bacteria on phytoremediation of widespread environmental contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In this study we selected a naturally occurring endophyte for its combined ability to colonize plant roots and degrade phenanthrene in vitro. Inoculation of two different willow clones and a grass with Pseudomonas putida PD1 was found to promote root and shoot growth and protect the plants against the phytotoxic effects of phenanthrene. There was an additional 25–40% removal of phenanthrene from soil by the willow and grasses, respectively inoculated with PD1 when compared to the uninoculated controls. Fluorescent microscopy using fluorescent protein tagging of PD1 confirmed the presence of bacteria inside the root tissue. Inoculation of willows with PD1 consistently improved the growth and he...
Review on Mercury Removing Technologies Using Photooxidation Reaction

Mercury control technologies of flue gas would be one of important environmental protection issues in the coal-fired power plant.The reaction mechanism of photooxidation reaction for mercury removal technologies were analyzed,including photochemical oxidation reaction and photocatalytic oxidation reaction.In the photochemical oxidation reaction,the ground state atom or free radicals with strong oxidation were produced and difficult removable Hg0 was oxidized to Hg with higher valence under the irradiation of UV light,and Hg with higher valence could be trapped by the following electrostatic precipitator and removed.In the photochemical oxidation reaction,the oxidation of mercury need the participation of O2 and H2O in the flue gas,while the reactions occur under the catalysis of photocatalysts such as TiO2 or TiO2 supported complex in the photocatalytic oxidation reaction.The research development of photooxidation reaction was elaborated.The mercury removal rate could reach 60%~70% for photooxidation reaction technology,with simple equipment and no secondary pollution.
Digoxin for Worsening Chronic Heart Failure: Underutilized and Underrated.

Despite more than 200 years of clinical experience and a pivotal trial, digoxin, a purified cardiac glycoside derived from the foxglove plant, remains the most controversial drug in contemporary cardiovascular medicine [(1,2)][1]. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved digoxin in
Molecular excitation and relaxation of extreme ultraviolet lithography photoresists

Abstract The details of molecular excitation and relaxation are critically important for understanding and optimizing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography resist systems. The most strongly bound molecular or atomic orbitals that can be excited by X-rays have the highest photoionization probability. This means that the initial photoelectrons will have relatively low energy, and molecules will be left with a significant amount of residual internal energy. Relaxation generates additional secondary electrons, followed by molecular fragmentation into radicals and radical ions. Relaxation processes are especially important when resist sensitivity is increased by incorporating high EUV cross-section atoms, which promote the formation of more strongly bound orbitals. The fundamentals of EUV radiation chemistry and the implications for lithography are discussed, as well as experimental and theoretical research needs.
Antagonism of etoposide cytotoxicity for neuroblastoma by retinoic acid is mediated by the anti-apoptotic bcl-2 family proteins.

525 Retinoic acid (as 13-cis-retinoic acid = 13-cis-RA) is given at completion of cytotoxic therapy to control minimal residual disease in neuroblastoma. In acute promyelocytic leukemia, retinoic acid (as all-trans-retinoic acid = ATRA) was most effective when combined directly with cytotoxic chemotherapy. We evaluated the interaction between retinoic acid and cytotoxic chemotherapy in neuroblastoma cell lines and its relation to the bcl-2 family of proteins. Neuroblastoma cell lines (SMS-KCNR, SMS-LHN, SMS-SAN, CHLA-90, CHLA-79) were tested for cytotoxic response to drugs + ATRA or 13-cis-RA with a fluorescence-based digital imaging microscopy cytotoxicity assay (DIMSCAN). Apoptosis was assessed as DNA fragmentation and sub-genomic DNA content by flow cytometry; loss of mitochondrial membrane potential employed flow cytometryand the fluorochrome JC-1. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR (TAQMAN) was used to measure mRNA expression; Western blot was used to follow the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Direct combination of 13-cis-RA or ATRA with etoposide, topotecan, carboplatin, cisplatin, melphalan and doxorubicin markedly antagonized the cytotoxicity of those agents for all tested neuroblastoma cell lines, increasing the fraction of cell survival by 1 to 3 logs. The concentration of drugs lethal for 99% of cells (LC99) was increased by 13-cis-RA from clinically achievable levels to non-achievable levels: 100 to 300-fold (doxorubicin) to > 1000-fold (cisplatin and etoposide). 13-cis-RA protected cells from late apoptosis, defined as DNA fragmentation and loss of membrane integrity, in response to etoposide. By quantitative RT-PCR, 13-cis-RA increased the expression of bcl-2 and bcl-xL, but decreased the expression of MYCN (p>0.03). Western blot data showed that 13-cis-RA pre-treated cells activated p53, but did not release Cytochrome c in response to etoposide. Pre-treatment of neuroblastoma cell lines with 13-cis-RA reduced the fraction of cells with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in response to etoposide from 38% to 8% (basal level = 12%), but this was restored to 52% by a small molecule inhibitor of the bcl-2 family of proteins (ABT-737). Similar data were obtained for early apoptosis (at 16 hrs). 13-cis-RA pre-treatment decreased apoptotic (sub-G1) cells in response to etoposide from 58% to 18% (basal 17%), treating with ABT-737 reversed the antagonistic effect resulting in 74% apoptosis. Directly combining retinoic acid with cytotoxic chemotherapy in neuroblastoma markedly reduced the cytotoxic effect of the chemotherapy, mediated at least in part via the anti-apoptotic bcl-2 family of proteins.
Study of the Combined Effect of Ibuprofen and Cholesterol on the Microviscosity and Ordering of Model Lipid Membranes by Timeresolved Measurement of Fluorescence Anisotropy Decay

The timeresolved fluorescence anisotropy decay of perylene incorporated into the lipid Ladipalmitoylphosphatidylch oline (DPPC) membrane has been studied to evaluate the membranotropic action of the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, ibuprofen, and the combined effect of ibuprofen and cholesterol. The rotation correlation times (φ) and limiting anisotropy (r∞ ) permit an independent estimation of the effects of these additives on the microviscosity and ordering of model lipid membranes in different phase states. Ibuprofen was shown to cause a significant decrease in the DPPC membrane microviscosity in the gel phase with hardly any effect on the liquidcrystal phase. However, in both phases, ibuprofen diminishes the ordering of the lipid hydrophobic chains. A marked additive effect is noted when ibuprofen is embedded in the liquid membrane enriched with cholesterol, which manifests itself in substantial fluidization and disordering or the liquid membrane by the action of the components on the lipid membrane. Ibuprofen in the liquidcrystal phase causes leveling of the fluidizing and ordering effects of cholesterol.
Aggression in Children With Reactive Attachment Disorder: A Sign of Deficits in Emotional Regulatory Processes?

Children diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder (RAD) have been reported to exhibit a multitude of symptoms and behaviors that are not captured by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Ment...
Parsimonious sediment transport equations based on Bagnold's stream power approach

It is increasingly recognized that effective river management requires a catchment scale approach. Sediment transport processes are relevant to a number of river functions but quantifying sediment fluxes at network scales is hampered by the difficulty of measuring the variables required for most sediment transport equations (e.g. shear stress, velocity, and flow depth). We develop new bedload and total load sediment transport equations based on specific stream power. These equations use data that are relatively easy to collect or estimate throughout stream networks using remote sensing and other available data: slope, discharge, channel width, and grain size. The new equations are parsimonious yet have similar accuracy to other, more established, alternatives. We further confirm previous findings that the dimensionless critical specific stream power for incipient particle motion is generally consistent across datasets, and that the uncertainty in this parameter has only a minor impact on calculated sediment transport rates. Finally, we test the new bedload transport equation by applying it in a simple channel incision model. Our model results are in close agreement to flume observations and can predict incision rates better than a more complicated morphodynamic model. These new sediment transport equations are well suited for use at stream network scales, allowing quantification of this important process for river management applications.
A series of F-Element chelators; diaza crown ethers functionalized with catecholate binding substituents

Abstract Reported here is the preparation of azacrown ethers functionalized with catechol groups. The synthetic approach was (1st) novel in that it made use of the Mannich reaction and (2nd) valuable in that it provided an improved synthesis (in terms of practical deployment) of the known N,N′-bis(2,3-dihydroxybenzyl)-4,13-diaza-18-crown-6, H4ChaCha. Moreover, it demonstrated potential application of the synthetic method for accommodating a wide range of catecholate functionalities by using the synthetic strategy to prepare N,N′-bis(2,3-dihydroxy-5-tert-butylbenzyl)-4,13-diaza-18-crown-6 (H4tBu2ChaCha) for the first time. These H4ChaCha and H4tBu2ChaCha macrocycles offer exciting opportunity to expand redox chemistry for the f-elements. As “proof-of-principle,” we isolated the unusual tetrameric cluster [La2(tBuChaCha)2]2 from reactions between H4tBu2ChaCha and La[N(SiMe3)2]3. Characterization of [La2(tBuChaCha)2]2 by elemental analysis, single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, and UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy suggested that the complex represented a rare example of an f-element semiquinone. It further demonstrated that the combination of La3+ and H4tBu2ChaCha provided access to one-electron oxidation chemistry within redox potential windows that were amenable to mild reaction conditions.
The Glass Ceiling

Despite decades of progress, women remain underrepresented in the upper part of the earnings distribution, a phenomenon often referred to as the “glass ceiling.” We review the recent research trying to explain this phenomenon. After briefly revisiting gender differences in education, we turn our attention to a body of work that has argued that gender differences in psychological attributes are holding back women’s earnings; we pay particular attention to the research that has aimed to test the relevance of these gender differences in psychological attributes in the field. We then review another active area of research that has returned to a more classical explanation focused on the challenges women may face when trying to juggle competing demands on their time in the workplace and in the home, particularly when the home includes children. We discuss recent work documenting women’s greater demand for flexibility in the workplace, as well work measuring the labor market penalties associated with such demand for flexibility, particularly in the higher paying occupations in the economy. We highlight possible countervailing forces (both at work and at home) that may explain why these work-family considerations may remain highly relevant to today’s glass ceiling despite reduced time spent in non-market work and a trend toward a more equal division of non-market work between the genders. Finally, we discuss the role that public policy and human resource practices may play in adding more cracks to the glass ceiling.
Structure and properties of potential nonlinear optical materials

The synthesis, structure and properties of four ferrocene derivatives of 2-amino-1,2,3-triazole are reported. Solvatochromism is used as a screening process to assess the potential nonlinear optical behavior of these compounds. In general, this technique involves a number of assumptions, which may not be valid for organometallic complexes. Compound 3 crystallizes in space group P-1 with cell dimensions a = 5.771(2), b = 19.048(5), c = 19.343(5) A and α = 61.104(4), β = 88.410(5), γ = 89.858(5)°; compound 5 crystallizes in space group P21/c with cell dimensions a = 12.545(2), b = 13.308(2), c = 20.513(4) A and β = 104.035(3)°; compound 9 crystallizes in space group P21/n with cell dimensions a = 12.599(4), b = 14.734(4), c = 13.619(5) A, and β = 107.63(2); compound 11 crystallizes in space group P-1 with cell dimensions a = 7.638(3), b = 9.619(4), c = 12.692(5) A and α = 77.588(7), β = 78.416(7), γ = 71.357(7).
COMPUTER ASSISTED FLUID BALANCE

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a study on computer-assisted fluid balance in clinical intensive care. The package by itself is very powerful and offers important information not readily available. It meets differences in care methodology likely to be encountered among hospitals. Management of fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and nutritional status can be among the more important aspects of intensive care therapy. Imbalances can occur as a result of illness, diarrhea, vomiting, nasogastric suctioning, hemorrhaging, or surgical procedures. Under such circumstances, and especially in patients who are unable to eat, it is frequently necessary to anticipate and correct deficits and imbalances by administration of suitable replacement fluids. In clinical practice, usually only volume balances are recorded. It is a time consuming manual operation to calculate intake electrolytes, caloric consumption, and nutritional status. At Hewlett–Packard, a computer program to assist maintaining proper fluid balance has been developed. This program has been designed to run in the operating environment of the Hewlett–Packard 5600A Patient Monitoring Computer System.
Digital Holography and Multi-Wavelength Interference Techniques

Recent developments in digital holography techniques are presented. The Fourier transform and convolution methods to calculate the diffraction fields are compared with the angular spectrum method, which allows short reconstruction distances down to zero with flexibility in the control of image noise. Examples of applications of digital holography in biological microscopy are presented with submicron lateral resolution. The phase imaging digital holography using two wavelengths is described that achieves unambiguous phase unwrapping, even for noisy images common in biological imaging. The wavelength scanning digital interference holography (WSDIH) is described that allows tomographic imaging by numerical superposition of many holograms using a series of different wavelengths to synthesize short coherence length. The WSDIH technique is applied to image sub-surface structures of an animal tissue down to 1.5 mm depth with 10 µm axial resolution.
The Relationship Between Courtship Violence and Sexual Aggression in College Students

The relationship between physical and sexual aggression in college students was explored in the current study. Participants were 245 males and 411 females recruited from a 2-year or 4-year college. The vast majority were white. All of them responded to a measure of physical aggression (The Conflict Tactics Scale; Straus, 1979) and sexual aggression (the Sexual Experiences Survey; Koss et al., 1987). A subset of participants also responded to a questionnaire assessing “Signs to Look for in a Battering Personality” (Ryan, 1995). Results showed a significant association between physical and sexual aggression in men and women. In addition, the combination of physical and sexual aggression produced nonsignificantly higher levels of aggression than when they occurred alone. Discriminant analyses showed verbal abuse and threats predicted both physical and sexual aggression in men and women; however, gender differences emerged on other characteristics. Finally, effect size analyses showed larger effect sizes for sexual than for physical aggression on many of the “Signs to Look for in a Battering Personality.”
Optimization-Based Networked Control of Process Systems Over Resource-Constrained Communication Networks

This work presents an optimization-based methodology for integrating communication and controller design for uncertain process systems controlled over resource-constrained sensor-controller communication networks. The proposed methodology aims to enforce the desired closed-loop stability requirements while simultaneously optimizing the control system performance and network resource utilization. Initially, an auxiliary model-based networked controller is designed, and the relationship between the controller gain and the maximum allowable model-update period that ensures closed-loop stability under periodic sensor-controller communication is characterized. Based on this characterization, a finite-horizon optimization problem in which the cost function imposes explicit penalties on the model state, the control action and the model update frequency is formulated subject to appropriate closed-loop stability constraints. The optimization problem is solved in a receding horizon fashion to determine the optimal controller gain and optimal model update period needed at each update time. The receding horizon strategy results in time-varying gain and communication scheduling policies that allow the process to adapt more effectively to environmental uncertainties and perturbations. The implementation and efficacy of the developed optimization-based networked control approach are illustrated using a simulation example.
OUTLOOK FOR WOOD CELLULOSE

A rapidly diminishing supply of traditional raw materials for organic chemicals has generated interest in reassessing cellulosics for manufacture of plastics, films, and fiber. Since wood is the chief source of cellulose, the development and maintenance of an accurate timber inventory is vital to future expectations and long-range planning. Also, the major economic factors governing demand and supply with respect to raw materials, energy, environment, and capital resources need to be continuously evaluated to guide research and develop improved processes and products. The quantity, quality, and distribution of timber stands in the United States, including ownership, rate of growth and removal, potential changes in growth, recovery of residues are reviewed. The manufacture of pulp for chemical conversion including projected demands, byproducts, and economics are discussed. During the next 20 to 40 years, no major changes in the traditional uses of wood are anticipated, but an increasingly higher proportion of the U.S. timber supply will be available for the manufacture of pulps including dissolving grades. Large expansion of wood cellulose production may not start, however, before 1990 due to economic and technical limitations. Substantial research and development efforts are needed to overcome these and improve processes and products.