cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation and system identification of dynamic models for flocculation control

Instrumentation to support advances in particle-fluid separation control have recently become commercially available; however process models, system identification and automatic control laws are still required. This article first describes the derivation and simulation of a dynamic model for the flocculation process based on a population balance approach. This process model contains a poorly modeled function of the coagulant, mixing power, and average particle size. Accurate on-line identification of this function will be critical for the implementation of high performance flocculation control. As an initial step in this direction, this article describes experimental work involving identification of this unknown function across independent controlled experiments. Consistent results partially validate the proposed system model. The ultimate objective is to use detailed particle size distribution measurements and the dynamic models of particle flocculation to analyze and develop control laws for the flocculation process.
Undulations in MeV solar energetic particle fluxes in Earth's magnetosphere associated with substorm magnetic field reconfigurations

[1] East-west anisotropies in GOES solar energetic particle (SEP) flux observations provide evidence of a time-varying radial gradient between L ≈ 4 and L ≈ 7. During elevated auroral activity, the gradient, represented by the ratio of inner (eastward-observed) to outer (westward-observed) fluxes, exhibits undulations lasting 1–3 h. A superposed epoch analysis based on 85 geosynchronous field dipolarizations observed during 19 SEP events between 1998 and 2006 shows that >4 MeV inner proton fluxes increase as the geosynchronous field stretches during substorm growth phase, then decrease gradually following field dipolarization at substorm onset. This behavior is distinct from the sharp increase of outer belt electrons and protons at the time of the dipolarization. The undulations indicate that substorm-related field changes in the near-Earth magnetotail enhance access of SEPs to the inner magnetosphere (down to L ≈ 4). The observation of undulations at geosynchronous orbit is suppressed during high solar wind dynamic pressure (Pdyn > 5 nPa) or strong geomagnetic storm conditions (Dst∗ < −100 nT) because the radial gradient is greatly reduced under these conditions and the interplanetary flux level provides an upper limit to the SEP fluxes in the magnetosphere. A sequence of 10 SEP undulations was observed during and following the 18 April 2002 sawtooth event. Analysis of this sequence shows that undulations observed at all local times are associated with substorm-related field changes on the nightside. GOES eastward SEP observations at all local times can thus serve as global trace particle sensing of substorm-related field reconfigurations in the near-Earth magnetotail.
Short-Term Traffic-Related Exposures and Biomarkers of Nitro-PAH Exposure and Oxidative DNA Damage

Exposure to vehicle exhaust has been associated with cardiac and respiratory disease, lung cancer, and greater overall mortality. We investigated whether amino- polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (amino-PAH) metabolites of nitro-PAHs could be used as biomarkers of these exposures. Pre- and post-shift urine samples were collected at the beginning and end of a work week from 82 male U.S trucking industry workers. We used repeated-measures analysis to examine associations of total 1- and 2-aminonaphthalene (1 & 2-AN) and 1-aminopyrene (1-AP) urinary concentrations with microenvironment exposures to particulate matter (PM2.5), elemental and organic carbon, and between 1&2-AN and 1-AP with urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). There was an association between work week mean PM2.5 levels and post-shift 1 & 2-AN, [141.8 pg/ml increase (95% CI:53.3, 230.2) for each IQR increase (5.54 µg/m3) in PM2.5,] but no associations with other exposure measures. There was a statistically significant increase in 8-OHdG concentrations with 1 & 2-AN (2.38 µg/mg creatinine (95%CI: 0.19, 4.58) per 242.85 pg/mg creatinine increase in 1 & 2-AN), and suggestive associations with all other exposure measures. Our findings suggest associations between urinary amino-PAHs with vehicle exhaust related PM2.5 as well as with a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage.
Locomotion and the pollen hoarding behavioral syndrome of the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.)

Honeybees selected for the colony level phenotype of storing large quantities of pollen (pollen hoarding) in the nest exhibit greater walking activity than those selected against pollen hoarding. In this study, we use a simple walking assay to demonstrate that walking activity increases with the proportion of high pollen-hoarding alleles in pure and backcrossed strains of bees (high-strain bees > offspring generated from a high backcross > offspring generated from a low backcross > low-strain bees). The trait is heritable but is not associated with markers linked to three quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapped for their effects on pollen hoarding with demonstrated pleiotropic effects on pollen and nectar foraging and learning behavior. However, locomotion in non-selected bees is correlated with responsiveness to sucrose, a trait that correlates with foraging and learning behavior. We propose that pollen-hoarding behavior involves a syndrome of behavioral traits with complex genetic and regulatory architectures that span sensory sensitivity, foraging behavior, and learning. We propose that locomotor activity is the component of this syndrome and reflects the early maturation of the bees that become pollen foragers.
Geographic variation in Medicare spending and mortality for diabetic patients with foot ulcers and amputations.

Abstract Aims The purpose of this study was to identify the presence or absence of geographic variation in Medicare spending and mortality rates for diabetic patients with foot ulcers (DFU) and lower extremity amputations (LEA). Methods Diabetic beneficiaries with foot ulcers (n=682,887) and lower extremity amputations (n=151,752) were enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B during the calendar year 2007. We used ordinary least squares (OLS) regression to explain geographic variation in per capita Medicare spending and one-year mortality rates. Results Health care spending and mortality rates varied considerably across the nation for our two patient cohorts. However, higher spending was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in one-year patient mortality ( P =.12 for DFU, P =.20 for LEA). Macrovascular complications for amputees were more common in parts of the country with higher mortality rates ( P P =.12). In contrast, macrovascular complications were associated with increased per capita spending for beneficiaries with foot ulcers ( P =.01). Rates of hospital admission were also associated with higher per capita spending and increased mortality rates for individuals with foot ulcers ( P P P =.01 for mortality). Conclusions Geographic variation in Medicare spending and mortality rates for diabetic patients with foot ulcers and amputations is associated with regional differences in the utilization of inpatient services and the prevalence of macrovascular complications.
Facile and E-Selective Intramolecular Ring-Closing Metathesis Reactions in 310-Helical Peptides: A 3D Structural Study

The ring-closing metathesis reaction can be used to cross-link allylated serine residues situated at the i and i + 3 positions in 310-helical peptides containing the helicogenic amino acid, α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib). An octapeptide with the sequence Boc-Aib-Aib-Aib-Ser(Al)-Aib-Aib-Ser(Al)-Aib-OMe was found to undergo a facile and >20:1 E-selective ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reaction catalyzed by the Grubbs second-generation catalyst to yield an 18-membered macrocycle. The formation of this cross-link does not significantly disturb the peptide's native 310-helicity, as judged by an X-ray diffraction study of the acyclic diene, the E-olefin RCM product, and its hydrogenated derivative. A heptapeptide system with the sequence Boc-Val-Ser(Al)-Leu-Aib-Ser(Al)-Val-Leu-OMe also underwent an efficient RCM reaction, albeit with diminished E-selectivity. It is apparent from these studies that a minimal, RCM-derived, macrocyclic constraint can be readily incorporated into 310-helical peptides.
Coesite and Stishovite: Stepwise Reversal Transformations

Very marked differences in the metastable persistence of coesite and stishovite have been demonstrated; the former possibly persists indefinitely below 1000°C at 1 atmosphere "dry," and the latter completely decomposes in minutes above 500° to 600°C to an amorphous or short range order phase. Quartz was grown (metastably) at temperatures well above its stability field from both coesite and stishovite, possibly by way of a short range order phase. The absence of stishovite in meteor-impact craters cannot be taken as evidence that it was not formed. If it has "reversed" in normal natural environments the product would almost certainly be a short range order phase or derivative.
The local baryon gauge invariance and the Eötvös experiment

Abstract It is shown that the Eotvos experiment can not provide any conclusive evidence for a new finite-range force, which may exist if one proposes a spontaneous breaking of the local baryon gauge invariance. It is pointed out also that more recent Eotvos-type experiments using the Sun's gravitational field seem not to rule out a baryon0number dependent infinite-range force proposed by Lee and Yang.
Hydroperoxide formation in irradiated polyethylene

Spectroscopic analysis for hydroperoxide in irradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, on the basis of the formation of a nitrate derivative after exposure to dilute nitric oxide, is examined. Hydroperoxide is found to be an important intermediate in the oxidation of polyethylene and is believed to result from hydrogen abstraction reactions by peroxy radicals in a polyethylene matrix. During γ irradiation in air, the rates of bimolecular combination of peroxy radicals on the surface to form ketones or hydrogen abstraction to form hydroperoxides are similar. However, as a result of bimolecular combination, the concentration of peroxy radicals decreases. After irradiation and storage in ambient air, isolated peroxy radicals below the polymer surface induce a slow chain reaction leading to a long-term increase in hydroperoxides and carbonyls. Differences in hydroperoxide and oxygen content for samples irradiated in air or vacuum are primarily confined to or near the surface. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 3309–3316, 1999
The antioxidant effects of copper sulphate on the actions of a phorbol ester and a xanthine-xanthine oxidase superoxide-anion generating system in murine epidermal cells

Abstract Aqueous solutions of CuSO 4 were shown to inhibit cytochrome c reduction by xanthine-xanthine oxidase. Such copper solutions also significantly inhibited oxidant production, induced by 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), measured as chemiluminescence, in murine epidermal cells in vitro . At the non-toxic level of 250 μ m , CuSO 4 inhibited by 40% the induction of ornithine decarboxylase by TPA in murine epidermal cultures. The superoxide generating system xanthine-xanthine oxidase was shown to induce ornithine decarboxylase by two- to threefold; such induction was partially inhibited by CuSO 4 . Superoxide dismutase slightly inhibited TPA-induced, but not basal DNA synthesis in cultured epidermal cells. For unknown reasons, DNA synthesis was enhanced by CuSO 4 alone and was further enhanced in the presence of TPA. It appears that oxidants generated in response to TPA partially mediate the induction of ornithine decarboxylase and to a lesser extent DNA synthesis.
Phonon relaxation in soft-x-ray emission of insulators.

Phonon-relaxation effects on the ${\mathit{L}}_{2,3}$ soft-x-ray emission of MgO, ${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, and ${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$ are measured by comparing soft-x-ray emission spectra to photoelectron spectra. The observed shifts of the soft-x-ray emission spectra relative to the photoelectron spectra are identified as Stokes shifts and are described in terms of partial phonon relaxation. The observed Stokes shifts are 0.5, 0.9, and 1.2 eV for MgO, ${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, and ${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$, respectively. Similar measurements on Mg, Al, and Si show no detectable Stokes shift within the experimental uncertainty of 0.2 eV. The larger Stokes shifts observed in the oxides are due to the longer core-hole lifetime, the faster phonon relaxation, and larger phonon relaxation energy in the oxides.
Image and ambiguity: A rhetorical approach to The Exorcist

This article focuses on ‘The Exorcist’ as one example of a nonoratorical form of discourse. Particular image structures are examined by means of an equational analysis and an interpretation is advanced based upon the value assertions revealed. By charting the movement of key images through six dramatic episodes and examining the use of ambiguity within those episodes, a clear rhetoric of choice emerges as the central valuative stance.
The long-term impact of routine intraoperative nerve monitoring during thyroid and parathyroid surgery

Background Despite widespread use of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) as an adjunct to visual identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), published studies have shown little or no benefit. No long-term studies exist detailing the effect of experience gained from IONM on the rate of RLN injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of IONM feedback on surgical outcomes over time at a single institution. Methods We conducted retrospective analysis of prospectively gathered data for 1,936 patients including 3,435 nerves at risk between March 2004 and September 2011. Each RLN was analyzed for the specific, unilateral operative procedure that placed the nerve at risk of injury. The primary outcome measures included temporary vocal cord palsy and permanent vocal cord paralysis or paresis as determined by intraoperative loss of RLN function and postoperative laryngoscopy. Additional measures included instances where IONM assisted the surgeon's localization of the RLN. Results Of the 3,435 nerves at risk, 105 (3.06%) were injured, 4 had permanent paralysis (0.12%), and 7 had paresis (0.20%). Over time, a decrease in RLN injury was seen per successive operative year for thyroid lobectomy with paratracheal lymph node dissection with or without parathyroidectomy (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.97–1.00; P = .04); the rate of nerve injury stabilized after 20 months of continued use of nerve monitoring. IONM particularly assisted the surgeon with identification of 108 nerves at risk (3.14%) with aberrant anatomy, and with identification of 236 nerves at risk (6.87%) during difficult dissections. Conclusion With experience, routine use of IONM during thyroid and parathyroid operations significantly decreased the incidence of injury to the RLN for thyroid lobectomy with paratracheal lymph node dissection and provided useful assistance with RLN identification for 10% of nerves at risk.
Microinjection--a tool to study gravitropism.

Despite extensive studies on plant gravitropism this phenomenon is still poorly understood. The separation of gravity sensing, signal transduction and response is a common concept but especially the mechanism of gravisensing remains unclear. This paper focuses on microinjection as powerful tool to investigate gravisensing in plants. We describe the microinjection of magnetic beads in rhizoids of the green alga Chara and related subsequent manipulation of the gravisensing system. After injection, an external magnet can control the movement of the magnetic beads. We demonstrate successful injection of magnetic beads into rhizoids and describe a multitude of experiments that can be carried out to investigate gravitropism in Chara rhizoids. In addition to examining mechanical properties, bead microinjection is also useful for probing the function of the cytoskeleton by coating beads with drugs that interfere with the cytoskeleton. The injection of fluorescently labeled beads or probes may reveal the involvement of the cytoskeleton during gravistimulation and response in living cells.
Formation of large-area freestanding gallium nitride substrates by natural stress-induced separation of GaN and sapphire

Abstract This paper addresses the formation of freestanding GaN substrates by a natural separation mechanism, effectively eliminating the need for post-growth processes such as laser liftoff, chemical etching or mechanical lapping to form freestanding GaN substrates. A number of GaN thick films were grown onto sapphire substrates by the hydride vapor-phase epitaxy (HVPE) method with thickness varying from 200 μm to 3.8 mm using either a low-temperature GaN or an AlN buffer as the nucleation step. We have found that samples grown on a low temperature GaN buffer naturally delaminate from the sapphire substrate post-growth over the entire thickness range studied. Furthermore, we have observed that the thinner films have high crack densities leading to the delamination of several smaller freestanding pieces. As the GaN thickness increases, the area of the delaminated pieces also increases, ultimately leading to a 1-to-1 correlation between initial sapphire substrate area and freestanding GaN area. However, the GaN films grown on AlN buffers did not delaminate. These results were accounted for by calculating the thermal stresses in the GaN film and substrate as a function of film thickness using Stoney's equation and assuming that the GaN buffer undergoes decomposition at the growth temperature.
Rapid analysis of carbohydrates in aqueous extracts and hydrolysates of biomass using a carbonate-modified anion-exchange column

Quantitative liquid-chromatography techniques used to characterize carbohydrates present in biomass samples can suffer from long analysis times, limited analyte resolution, poor stability, or a combination of these factors. The current manuscript details a novel procedure enabling resolution of glucose, xylose, arabinose, galactose, mannose, fructose, and sucrose via isocratic elution in less than 5 min. Equivalent conditions also enable analysis of cellobiose and maltose with a minimal increase in chromatographic run time (ca. 3 and 6 min, respectively). Noted chromatographic performance requires that a commercially available anion-exchange column be modified with carbonate prior to analysis. Analytical performance of a modified column was assessed over a 5-day period via repeated analyses of 4 samples, resulting from aqueous extraction or quantitative saccharification of a potential biofuel feedstock (i.e., corn stover or switchgrass). A simple solid phase extraction procedure was utilized to clean up each sample prior to analysis. Analytical accuracy of the extraction protocol was assessed by evaluation of matrix spike recoveries which typically ranged from 84% to 98%. The instrumental variability of measured concentrations in real samples over the 5-day period was generally less than 5% RSD for all detected analytes, independent of sample type. Finally, it is important to note that the modified column exhibited exceptional stability over approximately 800 injections of biofeedstock-based samples. These data demonstrate that a carbonate-modified anion-exchange column can be employed for rapid determination of carbohydrates in biomass samples of lignocellulosic origin.
Crocidolite Induces Prostaglandin I 2 Release Mediated by Vitronectin Receptor and Cyclooxygenase-2 in Lung Cells

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) produces disruption of alveolar walls with loss of functionality and scar tissue accumulation. Asbestosis is the ILD produced by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. This study attempts to elucidate the role of lung epithelial cells in the generation of asbestos-induced ILD. When exposed to crocidolite LA-4 cells had a decrease in viability and an increase in the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and 6-keto PGF(1alpha), a PGI(2) metabolite. PGI(2) release was mediated by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vitronectin receptor (VNR). When LA-4 cells were treated with VNR inhibitors, either RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) peptide or VNR blocking antibody, a statistically significant decrease in PGI(2) metabolite production was observed, but crocidolite-induced cytotoxicity was not prevented. These findings propose that crocidolite is coated by an RGD protein and binds VNR-inducing COX-2 expression and PGI(2) release. Moreover, when LA-4 cells were exposed to crocidolite in the presence of reduced serum culture media, PGI(2) production was prevented, and when bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was added, PGI(2) production was rescued. Cytotoxicity did not occur, either in reduced serum culture media or when BALF was added. In conclusion, crocidolite requires the presence of an RGD protein coating the fibers to induce inflammation (PGI(2) production) and crocidolite alone cannot induce cytotoxicity in lung cells.
Work-related skin disease in the plastics industry

In a survey of a representative sample of workers taken at each of four different plastics manufacturers, 122 completed self-administered questionnaires were obtained. Twenty-six respondents (21.3%) met the case definition for having a work-related skin disorder during the preceding year. Sixteen (61.5%) cases indicated that their skin problems were present for 11 or more days, and 50% reported that their normal daily activities were at least somewhat affected. Risk of disease was elevated for workers who reported skin contact with formaldehyde (OR = 3.30; 95% CI = 1.02-10.69) or with polyvinyl-chlorides (PVCs) or their precursors (OR = 4.08; CI = 1.19-14.06), used barrier creams (OR = 4.51; CI = 1.22-16.68), were female (OR = 5.42; CI = 0.97-30.22), were 35 or younger (OR = 4.65; CI = 1.53-14.19), and for each use of hand cleaner at work (OR = 1.22; CI = 1.05-1.41). These findings should be considered when designing programs to reduce the incidence of skin disease among workers in the plastics industry.
Plasma–catalyst interactions in the treatment of volatile organic compounds and NOx with pulsed corona discharge and reticulated vitreous carbon Pt/Rh-coated electrodes

Abstract The combination of pulsed positive streamer corona discharge with a platinum–rhodium catalyst was investigated for removal of toluene, acetonitrile, and nitrogen oxides. The reactor used consisted of two parallel disks made from reticulated vitreous carbon, with the downstream disk coated with platinum and rhodium. Removal of contaminants was measured with and without plasma over a range of temperatures, and several interesting phenomena were observed which differed between the three species. Results indicate that the catalyst is capable of both reduction of nitrogen oxides and oxidation of hydrocarbons. In addition, the combination of the active catalyst with the plasma discharge was found to either enhance or interrupt catalyst activity depending on which contaminant was considered and the catalyst temperature.
Improved solution for ill-conditioned algebraic equations by epsilon decomposition

Matrix eigenvalue theory is presently used to examine the source of ill-conditioning in linear algebraic equations; the approach highlights the critical role played by the zero and near-zero eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors of poorly-conditioned systems. Insights derived from this approach are used to improve the recently developed epsilon-decomposition (E-D) solution procedure. The efficiency of E-D is significant for large matrices possessing small rank deficiency.
The Oldest Record of Polypodium interjectum in Sweden, with Notes on the Variability of P. vulgare

The variability of Polypodium vulgare s. lato (Polypodiaceae) in the Nordic countries was studied. An unpublished herbarium record of P. interjectum from Sweden (province Scania) was confirmed. The respective specimen, originally classified as P. vulgare, was later re-identified as P. interjectum but that remained unnoticed in the literature. Here, the first find of the species in Sweden is reported. Another Swedish specimen with a similar identification history was found to be originally correctly identified. Field work and screening of herbarium material did not yield specimens of P. interjectum from Finland. Instead, the Finnish P. vulgare displayed unexpectedly much previously unknown variability, including four types of rhizome taste and the presence, even of two kinds, of sporangiasters in part of the material. Sensory observations also suggest that the rhizome of P. vulgare emits the volatile compound 2-nonenal. As some of the variability noted is often diagnostic at the species level in the P. vul...
Neoadjuvant paclitaxel poliglumex, cisplatin, and radiation for esophageal cancer: a phase 2 trial.

PurposeTo evaluate the pathologic complete response (CR) rate and safety of paclitaxel poliglumex (PPX), cisplatin, and concurrent radiation for patients with esophageal cancer.Patients and MethodsPatients with adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction w
Word Wielding Womb Using the Body to Fight the War on Women

The “war on women” has been a socio-political issue and an arena for feminist scholars’ social critiques. The phrase gained media attention with “legitimate rape” remarks within the 2012 election. This piece looks at how this neo-liberal commentary has affected my personal agency through legislating my womb without permission, thus, rhetorically oppressing my personal agency through legal precedent.
Infrared photometry of the final flash star V605 Aquilae

We have obtained infrared images in the J , H , and K bands of the field containing the post-AGB final-flash object V605 Aql. V605 Aql is the central star of the planetary nebula A58 but has been incorrectly identified with other stars in this field. In the infrared images V605 Aql appears as a very red star at the position of the A58 center. We present JHK photometry on two dates as well as astrometry of V605 Aql. The infrared light from V605 Aql originates in a thick dust cloud surrounding the star. There is no indication of variability over a three month time period.
The Role of Critical Care Nurses in Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

Background Euthanasia and assisted suicide have received considerable attention recently in medical literature, public discussion, and proposed state legislation. Almost all the discussion in this area has focused on the role of physicians. However, nurses — especially critical care nurses — may be in a special position to understand the wishes of patients and to act on this understanding. Methods I mailed a survey to 1600 critical care nurses in the United States, asking them to describe anonymously any requests from patients, family members or others acting for patients (surrogates), or physicians to perform euthanasia or assisted suicide, as well as their own practices. Results Of the 1139 nurses who responded (71 percent), 852 said they practiced exclusively in intensive care units for adults in the United States. Of these 852 nurses, 141 (17 percent) reported that they had received requests from patients or family members to perform euthanasia or assist in suicide; 129 (16 percent of those for whom d...
Identifying Systematic Land-Cover Transitions Using Remote Sensing and GIS: The Fate of Forests inside and outside Protected Areas of Southwestern Ghana

We use remote sensing and GIS to map changes in land cover and to identify systematic land-cover transitions in Southwestern Ghana. Landsat Thematic Mapper satellite imagery of 1990 and 2000 is used to create two land-cover classifications, and the two maps are then compared to produce transition matrices both for protected and for unprotected areas. These matrices are analyzed according to their various components to identify systematic landscape transitions based on deviations between the transitions observed and the transitions expected owing to random processes of change. The results show that closed forest regions inside the protected area transition systematically to bare ground or bush fire, but closed forest outside the protected area transitions systematically to open cultivated woodland. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that logging is the main cause of the loss of closed forest inside the protected areas whereas farming is the main cause of the loss of closed forest outside the ...
Spectrum of acute renal failure in the intensive care unit: the PICARD experience.

Spectrum of acute renal failure in the intensive care unit: The PICARD experience. Background Acute renal failure (ARF) in the critically ill is associated with extremely high mortality rates. Understanding the changing spectrum of ARF will be necessary to facilitate quality improvement efforts and to design successful interventional trials. Methods We conducted an observational cohort study of 618 patients with ARF in intensive care units at five academic medical centers in the United States. Participants were required to sign (or have a proxy sign) informed consent for data collection. A comprehensive data collection instrument captured more than 800 variables, most on a daily basis, throughout the course of ARF. Patient characteristics, dialysis status, and major outcomes were determined and stratified by clinical site. Results The mean age was 59.5 years, 41% were women, and 20% were of minority race or ethnicity. There was extensive comorbidity; 30% had chronic kidney disease, 37% had coronary artery disease, 29% had diabetes mellitus, and 21% had chronic liver disease. Acute renal failure was accompanied by extrarenal organ system failure in most patients, even those who did not require dialysis. Three hundred and ninety-eight (64%) patients required dialysis. The in-hospital mortality rate was 37%, and the rate of mortality or nonrecovery of renal function was 50%. The median hospital length of stay was 25 days (26 days, excluding patients who died). Conclusion There is a changing spectrum of ARF in the critically ill, characterized by a large burden of comorbid disease and extensive extrarenal complications, obligating the need for dialysis in the majority of patients. There is wide variation across institutions in patient characteristics and practice patterns. These differences highlight the need for additional multicenter observational and interventional studies in ARF.
Cyclonic disturbances and their consequences in the thermosphere

We draw attention to the possible existence of cyclonic type of disturbances in the thermosphere which are created by localized energy sources in the vicinity of the nightside (and possibly the dayside) auroral oval. Due to the Coriolis force and the character of F-region ion motions, cyclonic disturbance cells of limited extent (3000 to 5000 km) may appear in conjunction with auroral substorms or more prolonged geomagnetic activity. Owing to prevailing thermospheric winds, these disturbances can be expected to drift equatorwards to midlatitude regions. The disturbance zone can be characterized in terms of a cyclonic wind pattern and significant changes in thermospheric neutral gas composition. This latter effect results in decreased plasma densities in the F-region for the lifetime of the disturbance.
Electrothermal bipolar coagulation decreases the rate of red blood cell transfusions for pelvic exenterations

Background We evaluated whether electrothermal bipolar coagulation (Ligasure) for pelvic exenterations decreases operative morbidity. Methods All cases of pelvic exenterations, for all malignancies, performed at Moffitt Cancer Center from 1999 to 2008, were identified through retrospective review of medical records. Estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion, operative time, hospital stay, and complications were compared between Ligasure cases and non-Ligasure cases. Results Seventy-five patients underwent identified. Ligasure was used in 29/75 (39%) cases and standard techniques in 46/75 (61%) cases. Primary malignancy was gynecologic in 31/75(40%) cases (18/29, 62% Ligasure cases, 13/46, 26% non-Ligasure cases). Patients undergoing gynecologic exenteration received fewer intraoperative packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions in the Ligasure group (mean = 2.8 U), compared to the non-Ligasure group (mean = 3.8 U; P < 0.0001). The EBL was less for Ligasure cases (1,815 ml vs. 2,205 ml; P = 0.4). For all patients, Ligasure cases had lower mean transfusion (2.7 U vs. 3.2 U; P = 0.32), and EBL (1,662 ml vs. 1,843 ml; P = 0.5). The mean operating time was similar (492 min vs. 502 min). There were no cases of re-operation for hemorrhage in either group. Conclusions Use of electrothermal bipolar coagulation for gynecologic exenterative surgery is associated with significantly lower blood transfusions, and may decrease blood loss and transfusion in non-gynecologic exenterative surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:511–514. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Processing Of Binary Images

An overview of the recent progress in the area of digital processing of binary images in the context of document processing is presented here. The topics covered include input scan, adaptive thresholding, halftoning, scaling and resolution conversion, data compression, character recognition, electronic mail, digital typography, and output scan. Emphasis has been placed on illustrating the basic principles rather than descriptions of a particular system. Recent technology advances and research in this field are also mentioned.
Digitalis as an Indicant of Ventricular Disease

Digitalization can serve as an indicant of ventricular disease. After digoxin, the maximal T vector was displaced more anteriorly in hypertensive patients (left ventricular disease), whereas it tended to be displaced more posteriorly in cases of mitral stenosis (right ventricular disease). A highly specific directional J vector pointing posteriorly and to the right in the horizontal plane was present in patients with left ventricular disease. Digitalization thus significantly enhances the electrocardiographic diagnosis of rheumatic mitral valve disease through its specific effect on repolarization events best seen in those leads reflecting the potential variations of the epicardial surface of the right ventricle.
Factorization and folded diagrams in the goldstone linked-cluster series

Abstract Factorization of insertions relative to skeletons in the Goldstone linked-cluster series can be achieved to a higher degree than is usually done by introducing folded diagrams. This is illustrated by a fourth-order example containing a second-order insertion. The generalization to all orders is found to be contained in the recent treatment of factorizability by Jones and Mohling.
Monitoring stress power during high-power pulsed laser-material interactions

High-power pulsed laser-material interactions are monitored with acoustic measurements of mechanical stress power. At laser intensities above 108 W/cm2, an explosive, plasma forming interaction occurs between the laser beam and the solid target, ablating material away. Stresses in the target caused by the laser ablation can be very large, which for short pulsed laser ablation can make mechanical transport of energy significant. Experimental work is conducted to study the affect of laser intensity on stress power in the target and that carried by pressure waves in the surrounding gas medium. 30 ns excimer and 35 ps Nd:YAG lasers are used to ablate Al and Cu targets, and the resulting stresses are recorded by different types of transducers. The nanosecond results show that gas ionization breakdown can be detected through the stress power, and that the power measured follows a near quadratic dependence on the incident energy. Variations in the ratio of the shock power in air to the stress power in the target shows that plasma shielding of the laser beam can be monitored using the mechanical stress power. Differences in plasma shielding during pico-second ablation of copper in Ar versus He are shown using stress power monitoring.
Civics Lesson: Ambivalence, Contestation, and Curricular Change in Tunisia

ABSTRACTOften credited with triggering the 2011 revolution that kicked off the ‘Arab Spring’, the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi in Tunisia once served as a unifying trope of citizen discontent with the state. Today however, many locals harbour ambivalent feelings towards Bouazizi's martyr status. This paper explores revolution-era deaths as they live on in Tunisia's current state history curricula. With the uprising not yet fully codified in state-sanctioned narratives of national history (yet indirectly encouraged), teachers are divided over how revolutionary events should be taught: many favour suspicion and informal contestation, instead of the foundational ‘death narratives’ they encounter, as vehicles for forging a collective sense of national belonging. This essay highlights the heteroglossic interplay between the informal mechanics of contention and the formal structures of the classroom, and locates suspicion as a vector for theorizing the imagined communities that emerge from sites of disag...
Transition to Postsecondary Education

With the most recent reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004), concerns were expressed in the transition field that the Act deemphasized the focus on transiti...
Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography for Risk Stratification After Myocardial Infarction

Background Because dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) provides assessment of left ventricular function and ischemia at a distance, the major determinants of adverse outcome after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we undertook this study to determine the role of DSE in risk stratification after AMI. Methods and Results A graded DSE in 5-minute stages was performed in 214 patients (age, 57±13 years [mean±SD]) at 2 to 7 days after AMI. Coronary angiography was performed in 193 patients. Follow-up data regarding major cardiac events were obtained through telephone interviews and chart reviews. All patients were followed for ≥500 days or until a hard cardiac event occurred. The mean follow-up interval was 494±182 days after AMI. Peak heart rate and systolic blood pressure were 115±21 bpm and 135±29 mm Hg, respectively. An adverse outcome occurred in 80 of 214 patients; cardiac death occurred in 15, nonfatal AMI occurred in 15, sustained or symptomatic ventricular arrhythmia occurred in 5, congestive hea...
Undergraduate use of complex simulation tools for airspace design

Congestion in the USA's air transportation system is a major national problem - worse yet, it is likely to increase (perhaps to the point of crisis) in the next few years. This is a very complex problem, yet, with the aid of appropriate software tools, it is feasible to involve undergraduate students in sophisticated research projects that could help illuminate this complex system's workings.
Kinetics of Reactive Wetting

The importance of interfacial processes in materials joining has a long history. A significant amount of work has suggested that processes collateral to wetting can affect the extent of wetting and moderate or retard wetting rate. Even very small additions of a constituent, known to react with the substrate, cause pronounced improvement in wetting and are exploited in braze alloys, especially those used for joining to ceramics. The wide diversity of processes, such as diffusion, chemical reaction, and fluxing, and their possible combinations suggest that various rate laws should be expected for wetting kinetics depending on the controlling processes. These rate laws are expected to differ crucially from the standard fluid controlled wetting models found in the literature. Voitovitch et al. and Mortensen et al. have shown data that suggests diffusion control for some systems and reaction control for others. They also presented a model of wetting kinetics controlled by the diffusion of a constituent contained by the wetting fluid. In the following a model will be constructed for the wetting kinetics of a small droplet of metal containing a constituent that diffuses to the wetting line and chemically reacts with a flat, smooth substrate. The model is similar tomore » that of Voitovitch et al. and Mortensen et al. but incorporates chemical reaction kinetics such that the result contains both diffusion and reaction kinetics. The model is constructed in the circular cylinder coordinate system, satisfies the diffusion equation under conditions of slow flow, and considers diffusion and reaction at the wetting line to be processes in series. This is done by solving the diffusion equation with proper initial and boundary conditions, computing the diffusive flux at the wetting line and equating this to both the convective flux and reaction flux. This procedure is similar to equating the current flowing in components of a series circuit. The wetting rate will be computed versus time for a variety of diffusion and reaction conditions. A transition is observed from nonlinear (diffusive) to linear (reactive) behavior as the control parameters (such as the diffusion coefficient) are modified. This is in agreement with experimental observations. The adequacy of the slow flow condition, used in this type of analysis, is discussed and an amended procedure is suggested.« less
Less is more: essential web resources that eliminate clutter and enhance service

Purpose – – The purpose of this paper is to propose that drawing on a smaller number of high‐quality web‐based resources can facilitate the work of reference librarians.Design/methodology/approach – Draws on the writer's experience as a reference librarian and teacher of MLIS students, and offers a list of 25 exemplary web resources that provide high quality and utility for both academic and public library service. There are five compelling reasons to emphasize the use of a smaller number of high‐quality web‐based resources: providing reinforcement and clarity about authoritative, practical and high‐quality resources for new reference librarians; facilitating the growing phenomenon of digital reference service; enhancing information literacy; supporting students of library science residing outside Western countries; and working to create greater equity by assisting librarians and patrons in areas with fewer resources to recognize and make use of web‐based materials.Findings – Focusing on fewer resources, especially on those that consist of aggregated or compiled sources subjected to quality review, enhances reference service and information‐seeking.Originality/value – The challenges associated with web‐based information‐seeking and research have never been addressed by the “less is more” hypothesis, that is, by the proposal that limiting the number of sites consulted can improve results.
Patterns of diversification in the xeric-adapted fern genus myriopteris (Pteridaceae)

Abstract Strong selective pressures imposed by drought-prone habitats have contributed to extensive morphological convergence among the 400 + species of cheilanthoid ferns (Pteridaceae). As a result, generic circumscriptions based exclusively on macromorphology often prove to be non-monophyletic. Ongoing molecular phylogenetic analyses are providing the foundation for a revised classification of this challenging group and have begun to clarify its complex evolutionary history. As part of this effort, we generated and analyzed DNA sequence data for three plastid loci (rbcL, atpA, and the intergenic spacer trnG-trnR) for the myriopterid clade, one of the largest monophyletic groups of cheilanthoid ferns. This lineage encompasses 47 primarily North and Central American taxa previously included in Cheilanthes but now placed in the recircumscribed genus Myriopteris. Here, we infer a phylogeny for the group and examine key morphological characters across this phylogeny. We also include a brief discussion of the...
A novel stationary wavelet denoising algorithm for array-based DNA Copy Number data

High-throughput microarrays have recently been developed to detect DNA Copy Number (DCN) aberrations. The resulting DCN data is often very noisy. Previous denoising methods proposed for DCN data assumed uniform spacing between adjacent probes, which is not true and can potentially result in erroneous output. To address this issue, we developed a novel stationary wavelet denoising scheme for DCN data. Empirical results on synthetic data showed that our method outperformed the best previous method by 4.6 12.7% in terms of the root mean squared error. Experiments on a real data set also confirmed the applicability of our method.
Macrocell multiple-input multiple-output system analysis

We develop a semi-deterministic semi-stochastic channel model for the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system under the macrocell environment with local-to-mobile and local-to-base scatterers. We show that employing closely-spaced antennas (e.g., phased array) at the base station is capable of achieving diversity via the local-to-base scatterers, which avoids impractical large aperture requirement for the spatial diversity at the base station. We evaluate the system performance in terms of ergodic capacity, average pairwise error probability (PEP), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR); derive closed-form expressions for lower and upper bounds on the capacity and PEP; and show that the capacity, multiplexing and diversity gains are limited by the number of multipaths around the base station. The base-station array affects the lower bound on the capacity and the upper bound on the error probability through the same metric; thus, optimal design of the base station array based on this metric will optimize the two different information theoretic measures simultaneously. The fading correlation matrix also appears in the two bounds in the same form. To improve the performance of the macrocell MIMO system, we propose using artificial scatterers and discuss optimal design issues. Numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy of our analytical results and tightness of performance bounds.
Frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated disease protein TDP-43 promotes dendritic branching.

Background TDP-43 is an evolutionarily conserved RNA-binding protein implicated in the pathogenesis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and possibly other neurodegenerative diseases. In diseased neurons, TDP-43 is depleted in the nucleus, suggesting a loss-of-function pathogenic mechanism. However, the normal function of TDP-43 in postmitotic neurons is largely unknown.
Determinants of the Hepatitis C Virus Nonstructural Protein 2 Protease Domain Required for Production of Infectious Virus

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 2 (NS2) is a dimeric multifunctional hydrophobic protein with an essential but poorly understood role in infectious virus production. We investigated the determinants of NS2 function in the HCV life cycle. On the basis of the crystal structure of the postcleavage form of the NS2 protease domain, we mutated conserved features and analyzed the effects of these changes on polyprotein processing, replication, and infectious virus production. We found that mutations around the protease active site inhibit viral RNA replication, likely by preventing NS2-3 cleavage. In contrast, alterations at the dimer interface or in the C-terminal region did not affect replication, NS2 stability, or NS2 protease activity but decreased infectious virus production. A comprehensive deletion and mutagenesis analysis of the C-terminal end of NS2 revealed the importance of its C-terminal leucine residue in infectious particle production. The crystal structure of the NS2 protease domain shows that this C-terminal leucine is locked in the active site, and mutation or deletion of this residue could therefore alter the conformation of NS2 and disrupt potential protein-protein interactions important for infectious particle production. These studies begin to dissect the residues of NS2 involved in its multiple essential roles in the HCV life cycle and suggest NS2 as a viable target for HCV-specific inhibitors.