cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Testing in Pediatric Oncology Practice

The goal for the molecular diagnostics workup of pediatric cancer patients is to help uncover as much useful genetic information as possible that can be applied to help guide the care of the patient and his or her family. At a preliminary level, this means making sure the most accurate and refined diagnosis is made, as this is the foundation upon which all subsequent treatment decisions are made. However, assistance in diagnosis is just the tip of the iceberg, and molecular diagnostics are rapidly becoming an essential part of the ongoing management of cancer patients, helping to predict disease progression, providing information regarding actionable targets to support therapeutic choices, and creating new possibilities for monitoring disease status and detecting recurrence at the earliest possible time. With the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and other newer genomics technologies, the complexity of genetic tests and the number of potential testing options continues to increase, placing a premium on proper informed decision-making and integration of results. There are many factors to consider when planning for molecular testing, including the differential diagnosis, the pretest likelihood of the presence of molecular alterations, the performance characteristics and comprehensiveness of potential test options, and the suitability of available specimens. This chapter aims to cover the different facets of formulating and employing a genetic testing strategy for pediatric oncology, including a review of testing indications, descriptions of common specimen types and their relative strengths and weaknesses, factors influencing test selection, and general recommendations for interpretation and integration of results into clinical care. Lastly, ethical considerations for genetic testing in the pediatric oncology population are addressed with the aim of minimizing informational harm and other potentially negative repercussions.
Infraorbital foramen location in the pediatric population: A guide for infraorbital nerve block.

BACKGROUND Infraorbital nerve blocks are often performed for the management of postoperative pain associated with cleft lip correction. Infraorbital nerve block procedures depend on the identification of the infraorbital foramen; however, there is little information regarding the infraorbital foramen location in the pediatric population. AIMS The aim of this study was to identify the location of the infraorbital foramen in the pediatric population relative to a midpoint between the nasospinale and jugale. METHODS The study assessed the location of 152 infraorbital foramina relative to a midpoint between the nasospinale and J on dry crania. Crania were from individuals ranging in age-at-death from 6-month fetal to 18 years. The population was subdivided into fetal/infant (≥6 months fetal age-<2 years), child (≥2-<12 years), and adolescent (≥12-≤18 years) groups for comparison. RESULTS The average distance of the infraorbital foramen from the nasospinale-to-jugale midpoint was 1.55 ± 0.78 mm (Mean ± SD) in the fetal/infant group, 0.80 ± 0.91 mm in the child group, and 1.31 ± 1.68 mm in the adolescent group. Furthermore, infraorbital foramina tended to be located medial to the nasospinale-to-jugale midpoint in the fetal/infant population, directly upon or superomedial to the nasospinale-to-jugale midpoint in the child population, and directly upon or superior/superolateral to the nasospinale-to-jugale midpoint in the adolescent population. CONCLUSIONS The infraorbital foramen was located within 2 mm, on average, from the nasospinale-to-jugale midpoint regardless of age group. Therefore, the nasospinale-to-jugale midpoint may serve as useful means of identifying the location of the infraorbital foramen in the pediatric population and aid in optimizing infraorbital nerve block procedures. The information in this report is valuable in general, but may be particularly useful in developing countries where there is a lack of ultrasound training and availability for health care providers; or places where infraorbital nerve block may be the sole anesthetic modality for cleft lip surgery, even among adolescent patients.
Broadcast woody biochar provides limited benefits to deficit irrigation maize in Colorado

Abstract Biochar soil amendments have been widely promoted for their ability to improve soil fertility in degraded tropical soils, and irrigation and fertilizer use efficiency in fertile temperate agricultural systems. Here, we evaluate if a woody biochar can produce both agronomic and environmental benefits in deficit irrigation systems by ameliorating water stress, improving crop N uptake and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. To evaluate these responses, we established a maize field trial in northern Colorado under deficit irrigation treatments with a woody biochar amendment. Irrigation treatments included recommended irrigation (Full), recommended irrigation except during non-essential growth phases (Limited) and 50% of recommended irrigation (Drought). We measured crop biomass, grain yield, grain N uptake, mineral N availability, soil water content, soil field capacity, soil C sequestration and N2O emissions. Drought treatments reduced both grain and biomass yield while Limited irrigation showed no significant yield reduction relative to Full irrigation. Biochar amendments did not provide any yield improvements. Biochar also did not alter mineral N availability within the soil profile or grain N uptake. Biochar amendments increased gravimetric soil water content by 9.7% over the field season and increased water retention by 7.4%. However, these increases failed to alleviate the water stress coefficient, an index of how much the water content has dropped below the maximum soil water depletion acceptable between irrigation applications, which was correlated with yield. Biochar sequestered C primarily as coarse biochar particles with significant losses, likely a result of erosion. Across irrigation treatments biochar treatments trended towards a lower mean cumulative N2O emissions over the growing season, but such effect was not significant due to high spatial variability in N2O fluxes. Both biochar amendments and Limited irrigation treatments did not significantly impact yield-scaled cumulative N2O emissions or irrigation water-use efficiency. This research highlights the importance of targeting the deficit irrigation treatment timing and amount to maximize biochar’s improved water retention in order to reduce crop water stress. It also confirms the diminished biochar N2O emission reductions in the field relative to most lab incubations due to drier field conditions and crop N uptake.
Towards Finding Non-obvious Papers: An Analysis of Citation Recommender Systems

As science advances, the academic community has published millions of research papers. Researchers devote time and effort to search relevant manuscripts when writing a paper or simply to keep up with current research. In this paper, we consider the problem of citation recommendation by extending a set of known-to-be-relevant references. Our analysis shows the degrees of cited papers in the subgraph induced by the citations of a paper, called projection graph, follow a power law distribution. Existing popular methods are only good at finding the long tail papers, the ones that are highly connected to others. In other words, the majority of cited papers are loosely connected in the projection graph but they are not going to be found by existing methods. To address this problem, we propose to combine author, venue and keyword information to interpret the citation behavior behind those loosely connected papers. Results show that different methods are finding cited papers with widely different properties. We suggest multiple recommended lists by different algorithms could satisfy various users for a real citation recommendation system. Moreover, we also explore the fast local approximation for combined methods in order to improve the efficiency.
Antimycobacterial Consideration in Transplantation Including Drug Non-susceptibility and Resistance: Tuberculosis and Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Disease

Mycobacterial disease is commonly encountered during transplant evaluations and can be a major source of morbidity and mortality among transplant recipients. The impact of TB and NTM around the world has gained increased awareness, and the global impact of disease varies from country to country thus making mycobacterial epidemiology an important aspect of disease management. Risk factors for both tuberculosis (TB) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) must be assessed by transplant providers, and a low index of suspicion should warrant a prompt and accurate work-up to identify disease. Evaluation for active and latent TB is necessary prior to transplant. Preventing drug resistance for both TB and NTM plays a critical role in treatment options and outcomes. Adequate laboratory services are an essential component of drug regimens and often require reference laboratory assistance. Treatment regimens for mycobacterial disease require multiple antibiotics and frequently are associated with a host of drug-drug interactions. Knowledge of mycobacterial disease diagnosis, treatment regimens, and susceptibility patterns are essential to transplant evaluation and success.
Development of a multiplex fully automated assay for rapid quantification of CD4+ T cells from whole blood

Abstract The development of cost-effective and rapid assays for the accurate counting of CD4 cells has remained prime focus for disease management. The lack of such assays has severely affected people living in resource-limited disease prevalent areas. CD4 count information plays a vital role in the effective management of HIV disease. There is an unmet need to develop rapid, cost-effective, portable and user-friendly point-of-care (POC) disease diagnostic platform technology for CD4 + T cell counting. Here, we have developed a flow-free magnetic actuation platform that uses antibody-coated magnetic beads to efficiently capture CD4 + T cells from a 30 μL drop of whole blood. On-chip cell lysate electrical impedance spectroscopy has been utilized to quantify the isolated CD4 cells. The developed assay has a limit of detection of 25 cells per μL and provides accurate CD4 counts in the range of 25–800 cells per μL. The whole immunoassay along with the enumeration process is very rapid and provides CD4 quantification results within 5 min time frame. The assay does not require off-chip sample preparation steps and minimizes human involvement to a greater extent. The developed impedance-based immunoassay has potential to significantly improve the CD4 enumeration process especially for POC settings.
Effects of a Digital Self-care Intervention in Adults with COPD: A Pilot Study:

Self-care improves quality of life, and reduces exacerbations and mortality risk in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The purpose of this report is to describe the development and testing of the feasibility and acceptability of a digital, educational self-care intervention designed to improve self-care ability, adherence, knowledge, somatic symptoms, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.This pilot study was a quasi-experimental, repeated measures design. Self-care behaviors were identified, and educational modules were developed and built into a web-based platform. Twenty participants were enrolled to determine feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy.The intervention was deemed acceptable and feasible as evidenced by > 95% completion rates and high degree of participation. Overall, the intervention was well received and is feasible for future home-based interventions in those with COPD. Results included significant improvements in adherence and knowledge, and significant associations between self-care ability, adherence, and depressive symptoms.
Evidence of Microbubbles on Kidney Stones in Humans.

Abstract The color Doppler ultrasound twinkling artifact has been found to improve detection of kidney stones with ultrasound; however, it appears on only ∼60% of stones. Evidence from ex vivo kidney stones suggests twinkling arises from microbubbles stabilized in crevices on the stone surface. Yet it is unknown whether these bubbles are present on stones in humans. Here, we used a research ultrasound system to quantify twinkling in humans with kidney stones in a hyperbaric chamber. Eight human patients with non-obstructive kidney stones previously observed to twinkle were exposed to a maximum pressure of 4 atmospheres absolute (ATA) while breathing air, except during the 10-min pause at 1.6 ATA and while the pressure decreased to 1 ATA, during which patients breathed oxygen to minimize the risk of decompression sickness. A paired one-way t-test was used to compare the mean twinkle power at each pressure pause with baseline twinkling, with p
Evaluation of Quality of Education on Family Centered Rounds

Purpose Family centered rounds (FCR) prioritizes communication between families and the care team, creating a shared mental model of patient assessment and management. With the help of a rounding coordinator, we have implemented appointment-based FCR which has increased satisfaction among patients and nurses. However, a resident survey revealed dissatisfaction with FCR and a perceived negative impact on the educational experience. Only 1 of 46 residents surveyed was extremely satisfied with their FCR experience. 33% were moderately or extremely dissatisfied, feeling FCR negatively impacted their ability to develop differential diagnoses …
Can a smartphone application improve girls’ physical activity behavior during weekends?: Editor: Kirk E. Mathias

Girls are less physically active than boys, and they are less physically active on weekends compared to weekdays (Generelo, Zaragoza, Julian, Abarca-Sos, & Murillo, 2011). This is a global crisis, ...
Clinical judgement in chest pain: a case report

Cardiac stress testing is a validated diagnostic tool to assess symptomatic patients with intermediate pretest probability of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, in some cases, the cardiac stress test may provide inconclusive results and the decision for further workup typically depends on the clinical judgement of the physician. These decisions can greatly affect patient outcomes. We present an interesting case of a 54-year-old Caucasian male with history of tobacco use and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who presented with atypical chest pain. He had an asymptomatic electrocardiogram (EKG) stress test with intermediate probability of ischemia. Further workup with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and cardiac catheterization revealed multivessel CAD requiring a bypass surgery. In this case, the patient only had a history of tobacco use but no other significant comorbidities. He was clinically stable during his hospital stay and his testing was anticipated to be negative. However to complete workup, cardiology recommended anatomical testing with CCTA given the indeterminate EKG stress test results but the results of significant stenosis were surprising with the patient eventually requiring coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). As a result of the availability of multiple noninvasive diagnostic tests with almost similar sensitivities for CAD, physicians often face this dilemma of choosing the right test for optimal evaluation of chest pain in patients with intermediate pretest probability of CAD. Optimal test selection requires an individualized patient approach. Our experience with this case emphasizes the role of history taking, clinical judgement, and the risk/benefit ratio in deciding further workup when faced with inconclusive stress test results. Physicians should have a lower threshold for further workup of patients with inconclusive or even negative stress test results because of the diagnostic limitations of the test. Instead, utilizing a different, anatomical test may be more valuable. Specifically, the case established the usefulness of CCTA in cases such as this where other CAD diagnostic testing is indeterminate.
Thermochemical Modeling: II. Application to Ignition and Combustion of Energetic Materials

The ignition and combustion of energetic materials is modeled using detailed chemical kinetics combined with mass and energy transport in the chemically reacting fluid. The chemically reacting flow models, including the conservation equations for energy and mass, are discussed. The development of the set of elementary chemical reactions used in modeling of the decomposition and combustion chemistry is presented. These models are used to study the ignition and combustion of nitramines. The resulting chemistry, involving decomposition and two combustion stages, are discussed. In addition, we discuss the resulting chemistry for the detonation of nitromethane.
Acupuncture plus Low-Frequency Electrical Stimulation (Acu/LFES) Attenuates Diabetic Myopathy by Enhancing Muscle Regeneration

Mortality and morbidity are increased in patients with muscle atrophy resulting from catabolic diseases such as diabetes. At present there is no pharmacological treatment that successfully reverses muscle wasting from catabolic conditions. We hypothesized that acupuncture plus low frequency electric stimulation (Acu-LFES) would mimic the impact of exercise and prevent diabetes-induced muscle loss. Streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce diabetes in mice. The mice were then treated with Acu-LFES for 15 minutes daily for 14 days. Acupuncture points were selected according to the WHO Standard Acupuncture Nomenclature guide. The needles were connected to an SDZ-II electronic acupuncture device delivering pulses at 20Hz and 1mA. Acu-LFES prevented soleus and EDL muscle weight loss and increased hind-limb muscle grip function in diabetic mice. Muscle regeneration capacity was significantly increased by Acu-LFES. The expression of Pax7, MyoD, myogenin and embryo myosin heavy chain (eMyHC) was significantly decreased in diabetic muscle vs. control muscle. The suppressed levels in diabetic muscle were reversed by AcuLFES. The IGF-1 signaling pathway was also upregulated by Acu-LFES. Phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR and p70S6K were downregulated by diabetes leading to a decline in muscle mass, however, Acu-LFES countered the diabetes-induced decline. In addition, microRNA1 and -206 were increased by Acu-LFES after 24 days of treatment. We conclude that AcuLFES is effective in counteracting diabetes-induced skeletal muscle atrophy by increasing IGF-1 and its stimulation of muscle regeneration.
Ortho–Para Hydrogen at Low Temperature

The sections in this article are 1 Introduction 2 Orientational Parameters and NMR Spectra 3 Phase Diagram of Solid Ortho–Para Hydrogen Mixtures 4 Molecular Dynamics and Low Energy Excitations 5 Biographical Sketch Related Articles
Neighborhood: the “outside” space for girls in urban India

Singh S. Neighborhood: the “outside” space for girls in urban India Int J Soc Welfare 2010: 19: 206–214 © 2009 The Author(s), Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare. This study explores the perspective of adolescent girls on the neighborhood as a social space that plays a role in the formation of their identity and agency. The study applies the ‘identities’ conceptual framework, which is a global, interdisciplinary, theoretical approach to understanding female identity. The study participants were girls enrolled in grades 7–10, from five schools in a district in the Northern State of India, who participated in structured focus group discussions. The study reports on the reduced relevance of neighborhood for girls and illustrates, through quotes, the reasons for their limited interaction.
Meta Variables and Inheritance in an Object-Oriented Data Model

In this paper, we discuss the properties of an object-oriented data model that combines the simplicity of relational data model and features of object-oriented data models. Meta variables are introduced for information hiding, data abstraction, and type inheritance. Type inheritance hierarchies are built up by instantiating meta variables in types. Partial order is defined on classes as well as on types to describe inheritance relationship. The concept of named values bridges the concepts of values in logical models and objects in object-oriented models. With union values, values can be formed from its subset values. Semantics of the model is analyzed and key features are also discussed.
Governance Mechanisms and Corporate Disclosure

Corporate disclosure policies, by promoting greater transparency, foster external scrutiny and thus activity in the market for corporate control. A firm's relative reliance on takeovers versus internal board monitoring is therefore itself an aspect of its governance arrangements. However, agency problems between the board and shareholders may lead to inefficient levels of both monitoring and disclosure. We show that technological progress can mitigate such inefficiencies. Improvements in dissemination technology lead to more disclosure and improved external governance, allowing the board to monitor less. By contrast, advances in information processing that increase the returns to information acquisition lead to less disclosure and more internal governance. We also find that competition in the takeover market allows firms to reduce disclosure because there are more players potentially providing external governance. From a social welfare perspective, we find that firms disclose too little, thus providing a rationale for regulation that enforces minimal disclosure standards.
Using Concept Maps for Educational Based Implementation of Assistive Technology: A Culturally Inclusive Model for Supervision in Special Education:

This article addresses three emerging problems in special education: (a) new learning environments with different teaching styles, (b) equity in access to assistive technology (AT), and (c) an on-g...
Theoretical status of three-nucleon photonuclear reactions

The primary aim of these notes is to provide a concise overview of our current Understanding of low-energy three-nucleon photonuclear reactions. They should serve as background for future work in this area; in particular, as to whether aspects of three-body forces can be made manifest through photonuclear reactions at low energies. If three-body forces can be shown to play a significant role in the the Structure of the D-state component of the three-nucleon wave function, then it is likely that low-energy photonuclear reactions will be a useful means of focusing our Comprehension, especially by means of polarization observables. Thus, with this PUrpose in mind, the material is divided into three main parts: I.) An historical review (1967-1982) -exact three-body calculations and what we have learned; 2.) Theoretical challenges -one theorist's thoughts on what we should pursue; and 3.) CUrrent theoretical efforts (1983-86) -work that has been experimentally ~otivated.
Jubilación y prestaciones de salud de los trabajadores migrantes mexicanos que regresan de los Estados Unidos

A falta de un convenio entre los Estados Unidos y Mexico sobre la portabilidad y la totalizacion de los periodos computables a la seguridad social, en el presente articulo se examina el acceso a las pensiones y las prestaciones del seguro social, asi como la situacion laboral de los trabajadores migrantes mexicanos de edades mas avanzadas que regresan a su pais. Vemos que los migrantes que regresan tras haber pasado menos de un ano en los Estados Unidos tienen un nivel similar de acceso que los no migrantes a las prestaciones de la seguridad social. Los migrantes que regresan tras haber pasado al menos un ano en los Estados Unidos tienen menos posibilidades de tener un seguro de salud publica o prestaciones de la seguridad social que si no hubieran migrado, y su vulnerabilidad ante la pobreza en la vejez es mayor. Estos resultados aportan informacion para el debate sobre un acuerdo bilateral en materia de seguridad social entre los Estados Unidos y Mexico con el objetivo de mejorar la seguridad social de los migrantes.
A Fracture Mechanics Model for the Repair of Microcantilevers by Laser Induced Stress Waves

A fracture mechanics model was developed, and experimentally verified, to model stress wave repair of stiction-failed microcantilevers. This model allows us to predict accurately the number of laser pulses, at a specific fluence and wavelength, required to fully repair stiction-failed microcantilevers. The proposed fracture mechanics model includes the strain energy stored in a stiction-failed microcantilever and the strain energy supplied by laser induced stress-waves propagating in the material. The ‘unstuck’ portion of the microcantilever is modeled as a crack so that crack growth reduces the stiction-failed length of the microcantilever. A full range of experiments have been performed to validate the model. Experiments using laser fluences ranging from 0.5 kJ/m2 – 45 kJ/m2 at two different wavelengths have been performed. The experiments are in good agreement with the model predictions. Additionally we have identified practical ranges for irradiation, including a lower bound fluence below which repair is impractical, and an upper bound above which damage to the substrate and microcantilevers occurs.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Reduction in the incidence of chronic lung disease in very low birth weight infants: results of a quality improvement process in a tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE. Our objective was to reduce the incidence of chronic lung disease by introducing potentially better practices in our delivery room and NICU. METHODS. We compared the incidences of chronic lung disease in infants with birth weights of 501 to 1500 g in 2002 and 2005, after implementation of the changes. Medical records for infants of 501 to 1500 g who were born in 2002 and 2005 were reviewed for maternal characteristics, care of the infant in the delivery room and the NICU (including surfactant usage, duration of ventilation, duration of continuous positive airway pressure therapy, and duration of oxygen treatment), length of stay, and short-term clinical outcomes (eg, pneumothorax, severe intracranial hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, and weight gain). RESULTS. There was a significant reduction in our incidence of chronic lung disease, from 46.5% in 2002 to 20.5% in 2005. The number of infants discharged from the hospital with oxygen therapy also decreased significantly, from 16.4% in 2002 to 4.1% in 2005. The overall relative risk reduction for chronic lung disease in 2005, compared with 2002, was 55.8%. CONCLUSIONS. By using a quality improvement process that included avoidance of intubation, adoption of new pulse oximeter limits, and early use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure therapy, we demonstrated a significant reduction in the incidence of chronic lung disease in infants with birth weights of
Exchange-Rate Policies in Emerging Countries: Eleven Empirical Regularities From Latin America and East Asia

In this paper I discuss some of the most important lessons on exchange-rate policies in emerging markets during the last 35 years. The analysis is undertaken from the perspective of both the Latin American and East Asian nations. Some of the topics addressed include: the relationship between exchange-rate regimes and growth, the costs of currency crises, the merits of “dollarization,” the relationship between exchange rates and macroeconomic stability, monetary independence under alternative exchange-rate arrangements, and the effects of the recent global “currency wars” on exchange rates in commodity exporters.
Effect of strain on the properties of an ethylene–octene elastomer with conductive carbon fillers

Composites that incorporate a conductive filler into an ethylene- octene (EO) elastomer matrix were evaluated for DC electrical and mechanical properties. Comparing three types of fillers (carbon fiber, low structure carbon black, and high structure carbon black), it was found that the composite with high structure carbon black exhibited a combination of properties not generally achievable with this type of filler in an elastomeric matrix. A decrease in resistivity at low strains is unusual and has only been reported previously in a few instances. Reversibility in the resistivity upon cyclic deformation is a particularly unusual feature of EO with high structure carbon black. The mechanical and electrical performance of the high structure carbon black composites at high strains was also impressive. Mechanical reinforcement in accordance with the Guth model attested to good particle-matrix adhesion. The EO matrix also produced composites that retained the inherent high elongation of the unfilled elastomer even with the maximum amount of filler (30% by volume). The EO matrix with other conducting fillers did not exhibit the exceptional properties of EO with high structure carbon black. Composites with carbon fiber and low structure carbon black did not maintain good mechanical properties, generally exhibited an increase in resistivity with strain, and exhibited irreversible changes in both mechan- ical and electrical properties after extension to even low strains. An explanation of the unusual properties of EO with high structure carbon black required unique features of both filler and the matrix. The proposed model incorporates the multifunctional phys- ical crosslinks of the EO matrix and dynamic filler-matrix bonds. © 2000 John Wiley &
Local perspectives of ecotourism development in Tawushan Nature Reserve, Taiwan

Abstract This paper examines local responses to potential ecotourism development in the Tawushan Nature Reserve located in southeastern Taiwan. Community attitude and intention toward four dimensions of ecotourism, including conservation of natural resources, preservation of cultural tradition, sustainable community development, and participation in ecotourism planning and management, were measured. Furthermore, the paper examines whether or not there is congruence between community attitude and intention toward ecotourism development. Analysis is based on data collected using face-to-face questionnaire interviews in two indigenous communities consisting primarily of the Paiwan ethnic group. The study findings show that local people hold generally positive views of the measures necessary to achieve ecotourism; however, their intentions to engage in behaviors to support these measures do not entirely match with their positive views. This suggests that while local residents may support ecotourism development based on international guidelines, their intentions to act will depend on local environmental, social, and politico-economic conditions. It is suggested that issues related to community empowerment, relationship between government and communities, value conflicts introduced by ecotourism development, and the dynamics among and between various community groups will need to be addressed if positive community intention to participate in ecotourism is to be encouraged.
Settling behaviors of iron oxide suspensions

We show the settling behaviors of flocculated, magnetic and nonmagnetic iron oxide suspensions. It is unique, since in the literature on settling of model submicron flocculated particulate suspensions there is no direct visualization of the structures and how they change during settling. Channeling, cracking, and a novel collapse phenomenon were detected during settling. Causes were investigated using lapse videorecording for side and top views. The effect of air bubbles was shown to contribute to the accelerated settling of the suspension by creating channels that conduct oil to the settling front. Settling heights were recorded for long periods of time (up to a year) for iron oxide suspensions of different concentrations. Decreasing tube diameters delayed settling, and magnetic interparticle forces produced smaller final settling heights. The effect of magnetic forces was interpreted in terms of a floc model. The model find magnetic flocs 1.3 to 1.4 times denser than their nonmagnetic analogs. Finally, a mechanism is put forth to interpret the settling behavior observed
Automatic indexing and generation of classification systems by algorithm

Abstract A system of automatic indexing based on Baye's theorem is described briefly. In assigning 124 documents to 9 categories, there were 97 cases of agreement with professional indexers. Using a correction factor, based on 87 per cent human consistency from other sources, the computer appears then to index with 90 per cent accuracy in this case. The technique is then used with two randomized sample document groups drawn from nine categories. Each group in turn is used as the basis for indexing the other. The computer knows only the number of categories. After 8 cycles the computer is found to have formed 9 groups consisting of about 50 per cent of documents that were also lumped together by professional indexers on the basis of subject content. A new measure of performance is proposed and some other applications of the technique indicated.
Detection of Epstein-Barr Viral Genome in Nonproductive Cells

Hybridization experiments have shown that EB viral DNA comprises between 0.06 and 1.6% of the total DNA of Burkitt lymphoma cells and established leucocyte cell lines.
Existence of regular solutions for semilinear parabolic integro-differential equations

Existence and regularity results for global solutions of the semilinear parabolic equation $$u_t - \Delta _x + a*g\left( u \right) = f$$ (1) with Dirichlet boundary conditions resp. of the heat equation with the boundary condition $$\partial _v u + a*g\left( u \right) = f$$ (2) are given, where «*»denotes convolution with respect to the t-variable. The main condition on g is a growth restriction;in the case of 3⩾nspace variables, the conditions coincide with the weakest known properties of g that guarantee the existence of global solutions of $$u_t - \Delta _x u + g\left( u \right) = f.$$ (3) Systems of equations of the structure (1)are also discussed.
A Research Broiler Unit to Study Changes in Meat During Cooking

A new research broiler unit (RBU) has been designed and developed which permits the study of meat properties during cooking. The RBU is a cylindrical unit made of Pyrex glass with a removable Coming 909 IQY glass ceramic top for easy and complete cleaning. The stainless steel sample holder contains thermocouples which monitor internal meat and broiler temperatures. Steaks are turned without interrupting the oven environment which permits continuous collection of headspace volatiles for gas chromatographic analyses. Sample integrity and fiber structure are not altered; therefore, broiled steaks are used for sensory evaluation.
The effects of student-faculty interaction in the 1990s.

This study examined the effects of student-faculty interaction on student satisfaction and on a range of self-reported learning and personal development gains associated with attending college of 5,409 full-time undergraduates from 126 four-year colleges and universities. Findings show that the frequency of student-faculty interaction increased from first year through the senior year. Although its net effects were trivial, such interactions had substantial positive effects on studentsO efforts in other educationally purposeful activities, which had non-trivial effects on their estimated gains and satisfaction.
Animal Cognition: Monkey Meteorology

Mangabey monkeys have been shown to rely on memory of recent trends in temperature and solar radiation to decide whether to feed on a particular patch of fruit. These observations reveal a rich mental representation of the physical environment in monkeys and suggest foraging may have been an important selective pressure in primate cognitive evolution.
Optical recording in the blue using a frequency-doubled diode laser

We have developed a 428 nm blue laser source based on resonator-enhanced frequency doubling of a GaAlAs diode laser and have used this source to demonstrate writing and reading on an MO disk. The power, beam quality, and noise of the blue laser are sufficient for high-density optical recording.
A New Parametric Approach for the Assessment of Comprehensive Tool Wear in Coated Grooved Tools

Abstract This paper presents a new methodology for evaluating tool-wear in grooved tool inserts, based on experimental analysis of chip flow. Machining experiments using high speed filming techniques and scanning electron microscopy reveal the strong influence of chip-groove parameters on tool-wear. Four different grooved tool inserts, each with four different coatings, are tested under a wide range of cutting conditions. A new tool-life relationship, including the effects of chip-groove parameters and tool coatings, has been developed and validated for a range of machining conditions on steel 1037M work material.
Novel amphiphilic macromolecules and their in vitro characterization as stabilized micellar drug delivery systems.

Abstract A series of amphiphilic macromolecules, amphiphilic scorpion-like macromolecules (AScMs) and amphiphilic star-like macromolecules (ASMs), were evaluated as potential drug delivery systems for intravenous administration. AScMs aggregate to form polymeric micelles; whereas the ASMs have a covalently bound core structure and behave as unimolecular micelles. Four structurally different AScMs and two ASMs were selected for further evaluation focusing on micellar stability and biocompatibility. AScMs were determined to have extremely low cmc values, indicating excellent thermodynamic stability compared to other polymeric micelle systems. Particle sizes of the AScM polymeric micelles and ASM unimolecular micelles were between 10 and 20 nm, and remained constant for up to 3 weeks storages as aqueous solutions at room temperature (∼23 °C) and 37 °C. The dissociation kinetics of the AScM polymeric micelles were slowed relative to small molecule surfactant micelles, again indicating enhanced kinetic stability. With respect to hemolytic activity, AScMs with longer acyl chains were hemolytic; whereas the ASMs had minimal hemolytic activity due to the covalently bound structure. Both ASM unimolecular micelles and AScM polymeric micelles have excellent micellar stability, but the ASMs are more suitable as injectable drug delivery systems due to their low hemolytic activity.
Determination of the mechanism of gemcitabine modulation of cisplatin drug resistance in panel of human endometrial cancer cell lines.

Abstract Objectives. The primary objective of this study was to determine the mechanism(s) of cisplatin drug resistance in endometrial cancer cell lines. To evaluate the mechanism that gemcitabine modulates cisplatin drug resistance in endometrial cancer cell lines. Methods. Combination treatment was completed in panel of four human endometrial cancer cell lines. Growth inhibition assays were conducted in each cell line evaluating combinations of the Ic 25 , Ic 50 , and Ic 90 to determine optimal dosing for the combination of gemcitabine plus cisplatin. Evaluation of the correlative biological targets for modulation of platinum drug resistance was completed by the respective immunohistochemistry assays. Results. Downregulation of glutathione- S -transferase (GST) activity by 11% to 100% was observed with an associated 78.6% to 100% decrease in intracellular glutathione (GSH) concentrations. In the gemcitabine plus cisplatin treatment arm compared to either alone, there was also downregulation of MSH2, p53, and ERCC1 expression. No changes observed in the pro-apoptotic proteins, BAX or BAD, expression, AKT activation, or MDR1/PGP expression regardless of treatment with combination of gemcitabine plus cisplatin or either agent alone. Conclusions. There is likely more than one mechanism contributing to the increase synergistic in vitro platinum-resistant cell lines and increase clinical activity that has been observed in patients with platinum-resistant tumors. In this in vitro study, we determined the downregulation of intracellular GST activity and GSH concentration were the predominant mechanisms involved in the modulation of platinum resistance. Downregulation of MSH2, p53 and ERCC1 expression may also contribute to increase cytotoxic activity compared to cisplatin alone.
Boundary and inertia effects on convective mass transfer in porous media

Abstract The present work consists of a numerical and experimental investigation of the effects of the presence of a solid boundary and inertial forces on mass transfer in porous media. Particular emphasis is placed on mass transfer through the porous medium near an impermeable boundary. The local volume-averaging technique has been used to establish the governing equations. The numerical solution of the governing equations is used to investigate the mass concentration field inside a porous medium close to an impermeable boundary. In conjunction with the numerical solution, a transient mass transfer experiment has been conducted to demonstrate the boundary and inertia effects on mass transfer. This is accomplished by measuring the time and space-averaged mass flux through a porous medium. The results clearly indicate the presence of these effects on mass transfer through porous media.
Interactive design, analysis, and illustration of assemblies

We present an interactive approach for helping designers describe, revise, analyze, and illustrate assemblies of mechanical parts within the context of a common data structure and set of assembly features. This paper describes an implementation used to test the validity of these ideas, which has been integrated into an existing spline-based geometric modeling system.Several interactive tools have been implemented. An assembly planner allows the user to design the assembly structure before modeling any geometry by using a combination of top-down and bottom-up design. After the geometry of each part in the assembly, together with its assembly features, has been modeled, the user can interactively put the parts together and perform degree of freedom analysis on them by using another tool. Such an interactive approach can help a designer determine whether the design is sound before the entire assembly is put together. Finally, once all part connections have been established, an exploded view generation tool can help the designer create an informative illustration of the product for the purposes of documentation or further visual analysis.
Stationary Recursive Utility and Dynamic Programming under the Assumption of Biconvergence

This paper introduces the concept of biconvergence, which is a weak and intuitive topological assumption on the utility function and the production function together. Concerning recursive utility, we show that, given biconvergence, the utility function is the unique admissible solution to Koopmans' equation. Concerning dynamic programming, we show that, given biconvergence, the true value function exists, it is the unique admissible solution to Bellman's equation, and it may be calculated numerically as the limit of successive approximations. Finally, we develop an overly strong sufficient condition for biconvergence which substantially weakens the Lipschitz condition used by contraction-mapping techniques.
Police vehicular pursuits: a descriptive analysis of state agencies' written policy

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to analyse the vehicular pursuit policy of State Police and State Highway Patrol agencies in the USA.Design/methodology/approach – Written policies were compared against a Standard Policy, developed by the researcher, based on prior academic and legal research in combination with the existing policies of the Connecticut State Police, California Highway Patrol, and the Minnesota State Police. A total of 47 written pursuit policies were received for a 94 percent return rate.Findings – All policies had statements pertaining to safety and the need to pursue with due care and regard for public welfare. Items not included in many policies involved elements pertaining to liability and negligence: concerns that have been demonstrated to be instigators of litigation.Research limitations/implications – This work centers solely on state agencies. This study is the first step in an ongoing, long‐term project aimed at law enforcement vehicular pursuit policy analysis. The firs...
Potassium and Boron Nutrition Enhance Fruit Quality in Midwest Fresh Market Tomatoes

The tomato fresh fruit market has rigorous quality standards that can be challenging to meet, particularly under highly variable climatic conditions. Information is required about the influence of nutritional regime on tomato fruit and the interaction of potassium (K) and boron (B) in particular. A field experiment was conducted in 2002 and 2003 to evaluate the effects of K and B on yield and quality of fresh market tomatoes cv. ‘Mountain Spring’ at a southwest Michigan site with well‐drained soil (Alfisol Hapludalf, Oakville fine sand). Treatments applied during fruit development included three fertigation regimes (1N:0.8K, 1N:1.7K, and 1N:2.5K) in the presence and absence of a weekly foliar spray of B (300 mg⋅L−1 B). Increasing K concentration in the fertilizer increased K content in leaf tissue, but in some cases reduced tissue calcium (Ca) and B. Fruit quality was influenced by nutrition, as the greatest rate of K was associated with increased crack susceptibility as indicated by a fruit bioassay and ...
Assessing the Functional Properties of Noncompliant Behavior in an Outpatient Setting

We assessed the functional properties of noncompliant and inappropriate behavior in 6 young children who were seen in a pediatric behavior management outpatient clinic. The assessment results yielded different patterns of behavior across assessment conditions which were directly related to different treatment recommendations. Findings suggest that brief, modified functional analysis procedures have merit in typical outpatient settings.
Imaging of the Skull Base: Anatomy and Pathology

The skull base is a critical landmark, separating intracranial from extracranial structures. This intricate anatomic structure has several foramina and crossing structures, which can be a challenge for novices. Comprehensive anatomic knowledge is critical for narrowing the differential diagnosis of lesions that may affect the skull base. These lesions can be divided into major categories to help in a systematic approach for skull base pathology evaluation.
Pharmacological Treatment Following Traumatic Bereavement: A Case Series

There is little evidence to guide the use of psychotropic medications immediately following bereavement. This article presents a review of the relevant literature, followed by a case series on the use of psychotropic medication in traumatically bereaved individuals. Of 20 active subjects, nine had been prescribed psychotropic medication in the days and weeks following a traumatic loss. The amount, type, and timing of medication in this sample is explored and compared to the extant literature. Results suggest that clinical practice may not be guided by empirical research in this area.
On the classical limit of relativistic quantum theories with arbitrary spin

Abstract Using the general theory of classical limit developed by the author, we show the existence of classical limit for positive energy representations of the Poincare group B of arbitrary spin. The resulting classical phase space is an orbit of B in the dual of its Lie algebra corresponding to given mass and spin.