cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conservative management of a uterine tumor resembling an ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor.

Abstract Background . Sex cord-stromal tumors usually arise in the ovary but may arise in the uterus. Only 55 cases have been reported thus far. A hysterectomy is typically recommended. We report a case of uterine tumor resembling an ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor managed conservatively. Case . A 32-year-old nulliparous woman presented with infertility secondary to suspected uterine leiomyomata. A laparoscopic resection of the presumed leiomyomata was performed, and the pathology showed a uterine tumor resembling an ovarian sex cord tumor. Because of the patient's desire to preserve fertility, a hysterectomy was not performed. She has been followed for the past 18 months, and there is no evidence of tumor recurrence. Conclusion . Resection of the tumor without hysterectomy and close follow-up may preserve fertility without compromising survival in patients with uterine tumors resembling ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors.
Measurements of tibial rotation during a simulated pivot shift manoeuvre using a gyroscopic sensor

The pivot shift has been correlated with patient-reported outcomes and knee function following ACL injury and reconstruction. Tibial rotation has been recognized as an important component to the pivot shift motion path. However, few methodologies exist to quantify tibial rotation in the clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to validate the use of a wireless gyroscopic sensor to measure axial rotation of the tibia during a manually simulated pivot shift manoeuvre in cadaveric specimens. We hypothesized that integrated gyroscopic measurements of tibial rotation velocity (tibial rotation) would be highly correlated with tibial rotations simultaneously recorded with a rotary potentiometer during a simulated pivot shift motion under intact and ACL-deficient conditions. Gyroscopic measurements of rotational velocity were integrated and calibrated to a known arc of rotation. The gyroscope was mounted on the distal tibia with its axis aligned to the tibial shaft. Ten simulations of a pivot shift motion pathway were performed on nine cadaveric knees under intact and ACL-deficient conditions. Logistic regression was used to compare gyroscopic and potentiometer measurements of tibial rotation for both test conditions. Gyroscopic measurements of maximum external tibial rotation during the simulated pivot shift motion pathway were strongly correlated with potentiometer measurements of external tibial rotation in both the intact and ACL-deficient states (R 2 = 0.984). The gyroscope evaluated in this cadaveric study was capable of accurately recording tibial rotation during a simulated pivot shift motion pathway.
Discussion of “The effect of surface head on infiltration rates based on the performance of ring infiltrometers and ponds”

The readily available published literature on the use of infiltrometer data indicates that a semiqualitative approach is being used generally for both data collection and application of the analytical results to prototype structures. Although Schiff's paper serves admirably well for emphasizing the effect of surface head on infiltration rates, it seems possible to extend his approach to a more quantitative analysis. With the proper equation for analysis of infiltrometer data, it should be possible to determine directly the vertical permeability of the soil column, and the “coefficient of saturation.” Then the effects of surface head for prototype infiltration installations can be predicted and the variation of infiltration rate with time can be computed from the known hydraulic characteristics of the soil.
Receptor density and cAMP accumulation: analysis in CHO cells exhibiting stable expression of a cDNA that encodes the beta2-adrenergic receptor

The relationship between hormone receptor number and hormone-stimulated cAMP accumulation was probed in CHO cells that were transfected with the cDNA encoding the beta-adrenergic receptor under the control of the SV40 early promoter (expression vector pSV2BAR). CHO cells were cotransfected with pSV2BAR and expression vector pHOMER that directs the expression of a neomycin-resistance gene, and stable transfectants were selected. Clones expressing receptor at levels from 30 (wild-type) to 6000 fmol/mg membrane protein were isolated and further characterized for receptor mRNA content (measured by solution hybridization with a single-stranded cDNA probe), steady-state expression of receptor (measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence), and their ability to accumulate intracellular cAMP in response to a beta-adrenergic agonist. Receptor mRNA content and the steady-state level of receptor protein and its expression at the cell surface were found to increase with receptor density as measured by radioligand binding. Over a 200-fold range of receptor expression, CHO transfectants displayed increasing efficacy of agonist-stimulated cAMP accumulation and increasing maximal cAMP accumulation in response to agonist. These data provide for the first time an analysis of the relationship between the density of a G-protein-linked receptor and a receptor-mediated response under conditions where the levels of G-proteins and adenylate cyclase are unaltered.
Steady-state heat conduction in a gas undergoing rigid-body rotation. Comparison of Navier–Stokes–Fourier and bivelocity paradigms

Abstract This paper proposes a seemingly unequivocal experimental and/or molecular dynamics simulation test of the viability of the compressible Navier–Stokes–Fourier (NSF) equations for gases in the continuum region, namely for near-zero Knudsen ( Kn ) numbers. While experimental gas kineticists have long known of the inadequacy of the NSF equations for rarefied gases (i.e., noncontinua), for which Kn is no longer small, it is nevertheless believed by fluid mechanicians that the NSF equations remain valid for gaseous continua. The author is, however, unaware of the existence of any unequivocal experimental (or simulation) data to support this view. Indeed, based upon recent work by the author and others on the subject of bivelocity hydrodynamics [Brenner, H. (2013). Proposal of a critical test of the Navier–Stokes–Fourier paradigm for compressible fluid continua. Physical Review E 87 , 013014]; [Brenner, H., Dongari, N., & Reese, J. M. (2013). A molecular dynamics test of the Navier–Stokes–Fourier paradigm for compressible gaseous continua. arXiv:1301.1716 [physics.flu-dyn]], ample reasons exist for believing that the NSF equations may not, in fact, be valid for compressible continua. Given the fundamental role played by the NSF equations in both theoretical and applied physics, it would obviously be well if the assumption of the viability of the compressible NSF equations was put to a variety of experimental tests, particularly if the interpretations of those tests were seemingly unequivocal as a consequence of the simplicity of their interpretation and ease of execution. This paper adds one such test to that cited above. It involves contemplating a gaseous continuum confined in the annular space between two co-axial circular cylinders rotating steadily at the same angular velocity while, at the same time, both cylinder walls are maintained at a common temperature, say T c . In such circumstances the NSF equations, assumed to govern the resulting rigid-body rotation of the fluid, trivially predict the gas’s temperature to be uniform at the value T c throughout the entire annular body of gas between the cylinders. The proposed test consists of measuring the temperature distribution so as to establish if, in fact, this predicted temperature uniformity is actually observed in practice — and, if not, of establishing whether the observed temperature distribution varies with such experimentally-controllable parameters as the cylinders’ angular velocity or the gas’s mean pressure. Was the temperature distribution found to be nonuniform the compressible NSF equations for continua would have to be abandoned as physically unsound. Anticipating that outcome we have, for the prescribed experimental arrangement and protocol, solved the corresponding bivelocity equations in order to establish if this model accords better with the test data. For, in contrast with NSF behavior, the bivelocity temperature distribution is predicted to be nonuniform.
Elemental ratios and the uptake and release of nutrients by phytoplankton and bacteria in three lakes of the Canadian shield.

The dynamics of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), elemental ratios, and dark uptake/release of N and P in bacterial and phytoplankton size fractions were studied during summer 1992 in three lakes of contrasting food web structure and trophic status (L240, L110, L227). We wished to determine if phytoplankton and bacteria differed in their elemental characteristics and to evaluate whether the functional role of bacteria in nutrient cycling (i.e., as sink or source) depended on bacterial elemental characteristics. Bacterial contributions to total suspended particulate material and to fluxes of nutrients in the dark were substantial and varied for different elements. This indicated that some techniques for assaying phytoplankton physiological condition are compromised by bacterial contributions. C/N ratios were generally less variable than C/P and N/P ratios. Both elemental ratios and biomass-normalized N and P flux indicated that phytoplankton growth in each lake was predominantly P-limited, although in L227 these data reflect the dominance of N-fixing cyanobacteria, and N was likely limiting early in the sampling season. In L227, phytoplankton N/P ratio and biomass-normalized N flux were negatively correlated, indicating that flux data were likely a reasonable measure of the N status of the phytoplankton. However, for L227 phytoplankton, P-flux per unit biomass was a hyperbolic function of N/P, suggesting that the dominant L227 cyanobacteria have a limited uptake and storage capacity and that P-flux per unit biomass may not be a good gauge of the P-limitation status of phytoplankton in this situation. Examination of N-flux data in the bacterial size fraction relative to the N/P ratio of the bacteria revealed a threshold N/P ratio (∼22:1 N/P, by atoms), below which, bacteria took up and sequestered added N, and above which, N was released. Thus, the functional role of bacteria in N cycling in these ecosystems depended on their N/P stoichiometry.
Laparoscopic colectomy for benign colorectal disease is associated with a significant reduction in disability as compared with laparotomy

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate disability after laparoscopic colectomy in patients with benign colorectal disease. Methods: Patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy for benign colorectal diseases were matched with patients who underwent laparotomy for the same diseases by the same surgeons during the same time period. A standardized questionnaire used to assess disability included days until return to partial activity, full activity, and work. Results: Seventy-one patients who underwent laparotomy were compared with 71 patients who underwent laparoscopy. Pathology included 26 patients with adenoma, 23 with Crohn's disease, 13 with diverticulitis, and 9 with reversal of Hartmann's procedure in each group. Procedures were partial colectomy with ileocolostomy, colocolostomy, or colorectostomy. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in age (55.8 vs. 59.7 years) or in the incidence of perioperative complications (25% vs. 29%) between the laparoscopy and laparotomy groups, respectively. The operative time was longer in the laparoscopic group than in the laparotomy group: 165 versus 122 min (p < 0.001). However, length of hospitalization, return to partial and full activity, and time off of work were significantly shorter in the laparoscopy than in the laparotomy group: 6.3 versus 9.0 days, 2.1 versus 4.4 weeks, 4.2 versus 10.5 weeks and 3.8 versus 7.5 weeks, respectively (p < 0.01 for all). Conclusions: Laparoscopic colectomy for benign colorectal diseases was associated with significantly less disability than was laparotomy in terms of length of hospitalization as well as return to baseline partial and full activity and employment.
Scale dependence of vegetation‐environment correlations: A case study of a North Carolina piedmont woodland

. Vegetation and its correlation with environment has been traditionally studied at a single scale of observation. If different ecological processes are dominant at different spatial and temporal scales, the results obtained from such observations will be specific to the single scale of observation employed and will lack generality. Consequently, it is important to assess whether the processes that determine community structure and function are similar at different scales, or whether, how rapidly, and under what circumstances the dominant processes change with scale of observation. Indeed, early work by Greig-Smith and associates (Greig-Smith 1952; Austin & Greig-Smith 1968; see Greig-Smith 1979; Kershaw & Looney 1985; Austin & Nicholls 1988) suggested that plant-plant interactions are typically important at small scales, but that the physical environment dominates at large scales. Using a gridded and mapped 6.6 ha portion of the Duke Forest on the North Carolina piedmont for a case study, we examined the importance of scale in vegetation studies by testing four hypotheses. First, we hypothesized that the correlation between vegetation composition and environment should increase with increasing grain (quadrat) size. Our results support this hypothesis. Second, we hypothesized that the environmental factors most highly correlated with species composition should be similar at all grain sizes within the 6.6-ha study area, and should be among the environmental factors strongly correlated with species composition over the much larger extent of the ca. 3500 ha Duke Forest. Our data are not consistent with either portion of this hypothesis. Third, we hypothesized that at the smaller grain sizes employed in this study (< 256 m2), the composition of the tree canopy should contribute significantly to the vegetation pattern in the under-story. Our results do not support this hypothesis. Finally, we predicted that with increased extent of sampling, the correlation between environment and vegetation should increase. Our data suggest the opposite may be true. This study confirms that results of vegetation analyses can depend greatly on the grain and extent of the samples employed. Whenever possible, sampling should include a variety of grain sizes and a carefully selected sample extent so as to ensure that the results obtained are robust. Application of the methods used here to a variety of vegetation types could lead to a better understanding of whether different ecological processes typically dominate at different spatial scales.
A Phase Ii Trial of Cisplatin and Methylglyoxal bis-guanylhydrazone (mgbg) in Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Thirty-one patients with unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, 28 with local or distant recurrences following primary surgery and/or radiation and three with distant metastases at diagnosis, were treated with cisplatin and methylglyoxal bis-guanylhydrazone (MGBG). Cisplatin was given at 60 mg/m2 i.v. every 21 days X 3, followed by 80 mg/m2 every 28 days in responding patients. MGBG 500 mg/m2 i.v. was given weekly X 5, then every 14 days. Each dose of MGBG was to be escalated in the absence of toxicity, but in the majority of patients doses greater than 500 mg/m2 resulted in unacceptable toxicity. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the major side effects of this combined treatment. In 28 evaluable patients there were two complete remissions and nine partial remissions. This 39% response rate is not different from that reported with either drug alone. Combined cisplatin and MGBG as administered in this study had no apparent advantage compared to either agent alone in this group of patients.
Simple model for the linewidth of the two-magnon Raman feature observed in high-Tc superconductors.

The conventional theory for two-magnon Raman scattering applied to ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$ and other nonsuperconducting precursor phases of the cuprate-based high-${T}_{c}$ materials yields a line shape much narrower than is observed. We modify this theory to allow for a finite magnon lifetime and to allow for a relaxation of momentum conservation in the scattering process. The former modification gives results in good agreement with the experiments; the latter does not. We argue that a probable source of the magnon damping is electronic excitations associated with the free carriers.
Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) Measurements Of Stray Light Suppression Coatings For The Space Telescope (ST)

A knowledge of the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of black coatings used on stray light suppression systems is extremely important for the Space Telescope (ST). The ST stray light suppression requirement is to reduce Earth, Moon, and Sun light in the focal plane to a level equivalent to one 23 My star per square arcsecond, an attenuation of 14 orders of magnitude. Because of the large size of the ST, it is impractical to verify the performance of a proposed baffle system design by full scale tests, so a computer analysis is used to select the design. To insure an accurate computer analysis, a knowledge of the diffuse scatter at all angles from the surface of the coatings, for all angles of incident light, is required. During the early phases of the ST program, a BRDF scanner was built at the Marshall Space Flight Center to study the scatter from black materials. This paper describes that apparatus and gives the result of measurements on samples proposed for use on the ST.
Pig pandemic: Industrial hog farming in eastern Mexico

Industrial hog farming is an increasingly important land use in Mexico. Despite the known public health and environmental risks associated with this factory-style model of production, hog concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) remain unregulated. Legal standards regarding the establishment and operation of swine CAFOs are lacking at municipal, regional, and federal levels. There are currently no restrictions on the size, concentration, or geographic location of operations, and public notice to surrounding and downstream communities is generally not required. These lax environmental standards facilitate swine CAFO expansion in regions such as the Perote Valley, with potential for negative long-term impacts on public health, community well-being, water resources, ecosystems, and climate.
Comparison of Chlorine and Ozone as Virucidal Agents of Poliomyelitis Virus.

Conclusions and Summary1. Gaseous chlorine and hypochlorite in residual amounts of 0.5 ppm failed to inactivate a 1:1000 dilution of Le strain of poliomyelitis virus after an exposure of 90 minutes but inactivated the virus by 180 minutes. These results compare favorably with those of Kempf and Soule in working with the MV strain of virus. 2. Ozone in residual amounts not exceeding 0.45 ppm, inactivated a 1:1000 dilution of Le virus in 2 minutes and a 1:100 dilution of the same virus in 45 minutes. A 1:10 dilution of MV virus was not inactivated in 30 minutes and a 1:10 dilution of Le virus was not inactivated in 45 minutes. The extra amount of brain material in the lower dilutions constitutes an excess of organic matter which probably accounts for the longer time necessary for inactivation of virus at these dilutions.It is observed from these results that an identical dilution of the same strain and pool of poliomyelitis virus when exposed to chlorine in residual amounts ranging from 0.5-1.0 ppm and to o...
The Rorschach test in clinical diagnosis

Originally published in JCLP, 3, 375–381 (1947). © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 56: 387–393, 2000.
Parental and Peer Predictors of Social Anxiety in Youth

The aim of the current study was to extend etiological models of social anxiety in youth by examining the relative importance of parental (i.e., parental anxiety, rejection, and overcontrol) and peer factors (i.e., social acceptance, social support, and friendship quality). Sixty-three youth (ages 7–12; 52% male) and their parents participated in the study. Using multiple informants of these factors, results generally indicated that higher levels of parental anxiety, rejection, and overcontrol were related to higher levels of social anxiety. Higher levels of social support, acceptance, and validation were associated with lower levels social anxiety. The strongest predictors of social anxiety symptoms (as rated by an independent evaluator) were parental anxiety and friendship quality (i.e., validation from a peer). The strongest predictors of child rated social anxiety symptoms were parental overcontrol and perceived social acceptance. Findings are discussed in the context of current etiological models and suggest that interventions aimed at lowering social anxiety in youth address both parental anxiety and peer relationships.
Frequency of wetting is predictive of response to anticholinergic treatment in children with overactive bladder.

Abstract Objectives To examine the variables relative to the response of oxybutynin treatment in children with daytime urinary incontinence. Methods The records of patients seen for voiding problems between 1999 and 2003 were reviewed. Patients taking oxybutynin for 3 months or longer were included in the study. Patients with structural or neurologic bladder abnormalities and those taking oxybutynin at the initial visit were excluded. Age, sex, uroflowmetry findings, postvoid residual urine volume, duration and severity of symptoms before oxybutynin, urinary tract infection history, constipation, and the duration, dosage, and adverse effects of oxybutynin treatment were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables, the two-sample t test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous and ordinal variables, and the linear mixed model analysis for uroflow data. Results Eighty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. After an average follow-up of 1.2 years, 31 (38.3%) were dry, 25 (30.9%) had experienced significant improvement, 19 (23.5%) had experienced slight improvement, and 6 (7.4%) were unchanged. No significant differences were detected between those who became dry and those with little to no improvement with respect to age, sex, duration of symptoms, follow-up, uroflow pattern, postvoid residual urine volume, or bladder capacity. Those children presenting with decreased frequency of wetting episodes were significantly more likely to obtain daytime continence. The most common side effects were constipation (18.5%), dry mouth (17.3%), and flushing (13.6%). Conclusions Children with daytime incontinence presenting with the lowest frequency of wetting were most likely to achieve continence. The frequency of wetting should be considered a significant prognostic variable when assessing the results of therapeutic intervention trials.
Multispectral magnetic resonance image segmentation using neural networks

The design, implementation, and preliminary testing of a computer system for automatic multispectral magnetic resonance imaging analysis is presented. The modular structure of the system permits easy comparison between various classification algorithms. The classification accuracy of traditional statistical pattern-recognition algorithms is compared to the results that can be obtained with neural networks of different topologies. Quantitative (confusion matrices) as well as visual (segmented images) results of a study performed on sets of normal and pathological images are presented. Images segmented with a neural network classifier (NNC) appear less noisy than images segmented with a maximum likelihood classifier (MLC), and it has been observed that the NNC is less sensitive to the selection of the training sets than the MLC
Serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels in discrete hypothalamic areas of the rat brain: relation to circulating corticosterone.

Abstract We examined the influence of adrenalectomy (ADX), and chronic corticosterone (CORT) replacement, on serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels in discrete hypothalamic areas of the rat brain. A significant decrease in 5-HT (−25%) and 5-HIAA (−28%) content was observed in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) 7 days following ADX. A similar decrease in 5-HT levels (−27%) was observed in the preoptic area (POM) following ADX. In contrast, 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) were significantly elevated by 82% and 54%, respectively. Replacement therapy with subcutaneous CORT implants (200 mg) was effective in preventing these effects of ADX in some cases. These findings suggest that the pituitary-adrenal endocrine system may influence various physiological and behavioral functions via its action on serotonergic neurons within specific hypothalamic sites.
Jonathan Edwards, God, and “particular minds”

Although philosophical theologians have sometimes claimed that human beings are necessarily dependent on God, few have developed the idea with any precision. Jonathan Edwards is a notable exception, providing a detailed and often novel account of humanity’s essential ontological, moral, and soteriological dependence on God.
A Discrepancy-Based Methodology for Nuclear Training Program Evaluation.

This paper describes a process for training program evaluation based upon Provus' Discrepancy Evaluation Model and the principles of instructional design. The Discrepancy-Based Methodology for Nuclear Training Program Evaluation was developed for use in nuclear power utility technician/operator training programs. It facilitates systematic and detailed analyses of multiple training program components in order to identify discrepancies between program specifications, actual outcomes, and industry guidelines for training program development. This evaluation is a three-phased process. Phase One analyzes utility program standards which define the program (what should be). Phase Two analyzes the programmatic data (what is). Phase Three synthesizes the multiple discrepancy analyses, culminating in interpretation and reporting of the evaluation findings.
Intersection Management using Vehicular Networks

Driving through intersections can be potentially dangerous because nearly 23 percent of the total automotive related fatalities and almost 1 million injury-causing crashes occur at or within intersections every year [1]. The impact of traffic intersections on trip delays also leads to waste of human and natural resources. Our goal is to increase the safety and throughput of traffic intersections using co-operative driving. In earlier work [2], we have proposed a family of vehicular network protocols, which use Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) and Wireless Access in Vehicular Environment (WAVE) technologies to manage a vehicle’s movement at intersections Specifically, we have provided a collision detection algorithm at intersections (CDAI) to avoid potential crashes at or near intersections and improve safety. We have shown that vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications can be used to significantly decrease the trip delays introduced by traffic lights and stop signs. In this paper, we investigate the use of more realistic controller models and higher concurrency to improve V2V intersection protocols for autonomous driving at intersections. We quantify the throughput enhancements due to the use of V2V under various driving conditions, while maintaining safe passage through intersections.
Influence of soil C, N 2 O and fuel use on GHG mitigation with no-till adoption

Previous research has demonstrated that soil carbon sequestration through adoption of conservation tillage can be economically profitable depending on the value of a carbon offset in a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions market. However adoption of conservation tillage also influences two other potentially important factors, changes in soil N2O emissions and CO2 emissions attributed to changes in fuel use. In this article we evaluate the supply of GHG offsets associated with conservation tillage adoption for corn-soy-hay and wheat-pasture systems of the central United States, taking into account not only the amount of carbon sequestration but also the changes in soil N2O emission and CO2 emissions from fuel use in tillage operations. The changes in N2O emissions are derived from a meta-analysis of published studies, and changes in fuel use are based on USDA data. These are used to estimate changes in global warming potential (GWP) associated with adoption of no-till practices, and the changes in GWP are then used in an economic analysis of the potential supply of GHG offsets from the region. Simulation results demonstrate that taking N2O emissions into account could result in substantial underestimation of the potential for GHG mitigation in the central U.S. wheat pasture systems, and large over-estimation in the corn-soy-hay systems. Fuel use also has quantitatively important effects, although generally smaller than N2O. These findings suggest that it is important to incorporate these two effects in estimates of GHG offset potential from agricultural lands, as well as in the design of GHG offset contracts for more complete accounting of the effect that no-till adoption will have on greenhouse gas emissions.
Testing of differential cascade voltage switch (DCVS) circuits

The problem of testing differential cascode voltage switch (DCVS) circuits is analyzed. These circuits have several potential applications in fault-tolerant, highly available system design due to their inherent self-checking capability. It is shown how concurrent (online) testing of DCVS circuits, which is very effective under single transistor fault assumptions, can be performed. The impact of multiple faults of DCVS circuits is examined, and analytical results are derived. These results indicate that periodic offline tests on DCVS circuits are necessary in order to achieve high multiple-fault coverage. Single-fault test sets and/or pseudorandom vectors were successfully used in the offline tests to detect many of the multiple faults which reduce the efficiency of online tests. The results show the need for a comprehensive mixed-test strategy combining offline and online tests for DCVS circuits. >
A GENERIC APPROACH TO THE SHADOW EFFECT OF LARGE SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS

Abstract The design of large-scale solar power systems (photovoltaic or thermal) of different kinds in increasing and the shading effect of neighboring collectors becomes critical for the optimal design of such systems. The shading of collectors by their neighbors is likely to occur during some period of the day, especially near sunrise and sunset. It is desired that any shadow be minimized throughout the day. The shading effect depends on the spacing between collectors, the row length, their height, the tilt angle, the latitude, the type of collectors and the time of year. The work reported here presents a generic mathematical framework which is used for the analysis of the shadow effect of large solar power systems. A new measure, the shadow efficiency, is defined and determined as a function of a number of important parameters affecting the shading effect. The shading effect of collectors for the three possible collectors' orientations, fixed tilt, half-tracking and full-tracking, is discussed. Using the shadow efficiency as a measure of performance, a new way to determine acceptable distances between collectoes is outlined. A number of simulation studies are reported and discussed.
Calculation of hyperfine interactions measured by magnetic decoupling in oxygen ions

Magnetic hyperfine interactions in highly stripped oxygen ions recoiling in vacuum have been measured with perturbed angular correlations. The second excited state of16O(I π=3−,E X=6.13 MeV, τ=26.6 psec, |g|=0.55) was produced with the nuclear reactions19F(p,α)16O and16O(α,α′)16O and the angular correlation of the γ-rays observed in coincidence with α particles emitted at 180°. Five recoil velocities between 1.0 and 3.3% c produced average ion charge states from 2.1 to 5.5. The perturbation of the angular correlation and hence the decoupling of the hyperfine interactions was observed as a function of an external axial magnetic field varied between 0 and 33 kG. The perturbation is expected to arise primarily from hyperfine interactions of unpaired 1s electrons with smaller contributions from 2s electrons and other configurations. The maximum external field was strong enough to decouple all hyperfine interactions except that of the 1s electrons. The decoupling curves obtained were successfully fitted by calculations using the hyperfine interactions of the pertinent atomic Hartree-Fock-Slater orbitals.
Prospective evaluation of a Candida antigen detection test for invasive candidiasis in immunocompromised adult patients with cancer.

Purpose Serologic tests to detect invasive candidiasis generally have been unreliable. We prospectively evaluated the clinical utility of a new, promising commercial latex particle agglutination test (i.e., Cand-Tec ™ , Ramco Laboratories, Inc., Houston, Texas). This assay detects Candida antigens in serum. Patients and methods We examined the reliability of Cand-Tec to diagnose invasive candidiasis in 142 consecutive in-patients intensively treated with chemo-radiation therapy. Serum samples were collected at admission and then weekly, until the patients' death or hospital discharge. Evaluation for clinical utility was done using various reference titers. Twenty-nine patients had invasive candidiasis whereas 113 patients did not have documented invasive candidal infections. Results At a titer of 1:8, the Cand-Tec test had sensitivity of 38%, specificity of 90%, positive predictive value of 50%, and negative predictive value of 85%. Weekly use of the Cand-Tec test did not improve early detection of invasive candidiasis, providing only a mean interval of 0.4 day from the first positive Cand-Tec result to a definitive diagnosis of invasive candidiasis by blood culture, tissue biopsy, or autopsy. In addition, surveillance cultures from the oropharynx or stool were not helpful in identifying those patients who would develop an invasive fungal infection. Conclusion In the context of current clinical management strategies for suspected fungal infection, the Candida antigen detection assay (Cand-Tec) is not a reliable method for diagnosis of deep candidiasis in neutropenic patients. Until better methods of early detection are available, patients at high risk for the development of invasive candidiasis should continue to receive empiric antifungal agent therapy.
Cation Charge Dependence of the Forces Driving DNA Assembly

Understanding the strength and specificity of interactions among biologically important macromolecules that control cellular functions requires quantitative knowledge of intermolecular forces. Controlled DNA condensation and assembly are particularly critical for biology, with separate repulsive and attractive intermolecular forces determining the extent of DNA compaction. How these forces depend on the charge of the condensing ion has not been determined, but such knowledge is fundamental for understanding the basis of DNA-DNA interactions. Here, we measure DNA force-distance curves for a homologous set of arginine peptides. All forces are well fit as the sum of two exponentials with 2.4- and 4.8-A decay lengths. The shorter-decay-length force is always repulsive, with an amplitude that varies slightly with length or charge. The longer-decay-length force varies strongly with cation charge, changing from repulsion with Arg1 to attraction with Arg2. Force curves for a series of homologous polyamines and the heterogeneous protein protamine are quite similar, demonstrating the universality of these forces for DNA assembly. Repulsive amplitudes of the shorter-decay-length force are species-dependent but nearly independent of charge within each species. A striking observation was that the attractive force amplitudes for all samples collapse to a single curve, varying linearly with the inverse of the cation charge.
Multiduct electrorheological dampers

In a cylindrical configuration, ER devices can be created by forming multiple flow paths with a set of concentric annular ducts. These ducts can be connected in parallel to maximize the range of adjustable forces or in series to maximize the absolute force levels. A synergistic result is obtained when groups of ducts are interconnected in parallel and in series within a single device. This paper presents the details of the design, construction, testing, and modeling of ER dampers designed in this fashion. These ER dampers feature multiple concentric electrodes which are electrically in parallel, but may be hydraulically inter-connected through multiple paths. The number of possible interconnections of N concentric ducts is 2 (N-1) . Each configuration has distinctly different properties. An analysis of these device configurations is completed in closed form by virtue of a linear approximation to the non-Newtonian ER Poiseuille flow equation. These analyses show that high-force ER devices which require low energy, and respond quickly, are feasible. The three ER damper designs described in this paper span a range of performance criteria. A mechanistic evolutionary model captures the frequency-dependent behavior of these devices, whereas a frequency-independent algebraic model misses some of the frequency dependent dynamics.
Silica-Coated Titania and Zirconia Colloids for Subsurface Transport Field Experiments

Silica-coated titania (TiO2) and zirconia (ZrO2) colloids were synthesized in two sizes to provide easily traced mineral colloids for subsurface transport experiments. Electrophoretic mobility measurements showed that coating with silica imparted surface properties similar to pure silica to the titania and zirconia colloids. Measurements of steady electrophoretic mobility and size (by dynamic light scattering) over a 90-day period showed that the silica-coated colloids were stable to aggregation and loss of coating. A natural gradient field experiment conducted in an iron oxide-coated sand and gravel aquifer also showed that the surface properties of the silica-coated colloids were similar. Colloid transport was traced at μg L-1 concentrations by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy measurement of Ti and Zr in acidified samples.
Organizational search in email systems

With the storage space for emails increasing everyday, email systems are serving as a data repository for many users. It is important to offer intuitive and flexible search utilities to provide better access to the information in the emails, especially in an enterprise setting. In this paper, we present TESO, a tool for Email Searching using Organizational information. TESO seeks to improve the relevancy of email search by integrating data from email servers, and organizational information from directory services and other resources. TESO has been developed as an add-on for mozilla thunderbird. We have experimented using SQLLite as well as XML data to store the organizational information. Our studies also provide a solid test bed for existing algorithms for information integration and keyword search in relational databases and XML files.
Fracture analysis of multi-site cracking in fuselage lap joints

A two-dimensional plane stress elastic fracture mechanics analysis of a cracked lap joint fastened by rigid pins is presented and results are applied to the problem of multi-site damage (MSD) in riveted lap joints of aircraft fuselage skins. Two problems are addressed, the problem of equal length MSD cracks and the problem of alternating length MSD cracks. For the problem of equal length cracks, two models of rivet/skin interactions are studied and the role of residual stresses due to the riveting process is explored. Stress intensity factors are obtained as a function of normalized crack length. Also, the load distribution among rivet rows and the compliance change of the joint due to MSD cracking are obtained. For the problem of alternating length cracks, attention is focussed on how load is distributed between columns of rivets and how this load shedding can alter crack tip stress intensity factors. The equal and alternating length crack analyses reveal no clear-cut mechanism to explain the relative uniformity of fatigue cracks emerging from lap joint rivet holes in actual aircraft and in mechanical lap joint tests.
Acute cocaine-induced hepatotoxicity in DBA2Ha male mice

Abstract Cocaine produced hepatotoxicity in nonpretreated mice of at least one strain, DBA 2 Ha . This hepatic damage involved a wide variety of hepatic enzymes, including protective and drug-metabolizing enzyme systems, and was demonstrated histologically by centrilobular necrosis. Depression of hepatic cytochrome P-450 was seen as an early, reliable, and sensitive indicator of cocaine-induced hepatic injury. This liver damage was both dose and time dependent with significant damage to enzyme systems occurring as early as 2 hr after cocaine administration. Phenobarbital enhanced this cocaine-induced hepatic injury, while metyrapone decreased the extent of damage. This nonpretreated DBA 2 Ha mouse model can serve as a useful model for the in vivo and in vitro study of cocaine-mediated hepatotoxicity, both in descriptive and mechanistic studies.
The electron-impact ionization of Ar and Kr revisited: a critical analysis of double-to-single ionization cross section ratio measurements using the fast-atom-beam technique

We report new measurements of the absolute electron-impact double ionization cross sections for Ar and Kr and of the ratios of double-to-single ionization for impact energies from threshold to 200 eV using the crossed electron-beam — fast-atom-beam technique. The work was motivated by the recently highlighted spread of about 30% in the Ar2+/Ar+ ionization cross section ratios obtained by several groups using different experimental techniques. Such a spread is inconsistent with statistical uncertainties of typically 3% or less that were quoted for the various reported ratios. A similar situation exists for Kr where the spread among the recently published Kr2+/Kr+ ionization cross section ratios is about 15%. We made an attempt to identify all potential systematic errors inherent to the fast-beam technique that could affect the measurement of cross section ratios with special emphasis on those systematic errors that could influence the detection of singly and doubly charged product ions differently. We found Ar2+/Ar+ and Kr2+/Kr+ cross section ratios of, respectively 0.066 ±0.007 and 0.087 ±0.008 at 100 eV which confirm earlier measurements using the same experimental technique. The error limits on cross sections ratios measured in our fast-beam apparatus were determined to be at least ±9% for cross section ratios of multiple-to-single ionization for the same target atom and at least ±10% for ratios of single ionization cross sections for different target species. Our error limits are dominated by systematic uncertainties of the apparatus which do not cancel when cross section ratios are measured, since the ratios are obtained under similar, but not identical experimental conditions.
Increased clearance of tacrolimus in children: need for higher doses and earlier initiation prior to bone marrow transplantation.

Increased clearance of tacrolimus in children: need for higher doses and earlier initiation prior to bone marrow transplantation
Advances in CO2 Laser Stabilization Using the 4.3 μm Fluorescence Technique

Significant improvement in signal-to-noise ratios is achieved with new, low pressure CO2 stabilization cells external to the lasers. A time domain fractional frequency stability of σy(τ) 6 × 10-12 τ-1/2 was measured with independently line-center locked 1.5 metre grating controlled CO2 lasers. Accurate, repeatable determination of pressure shift is demonstrated.
What if the FDA had launched its action plan to close the health disparities gap for women two decades earlier

The 2013 ACC/AHA guideline on the treatment of blood cholesterol to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk (ASCVD) in adults [1] applies equally to women and men. Substantial changes in the 2013 guideline from prior recommendations reflect their reliance on the best research evidence source for the benefits and risks of an intervention, the randomized clinical trial (RCT) to shape clinical practice. Four groups were identified as most likely to benefit from LDL cholesterol control: those with clinical evidence of ASCVD; those with LDL-C Z 190 mg/dL; those aged 40– 75 years with diabetes and LDL-C¼ 70–189 mg/dL; and, in the primary prevention setting, those without diabetes and with an LDL-C ¼ 70–189 mg/dL and an estimated 10-year ASCVD risk Z 7.5 using the Pooled Cohort Equations [2]. The latter equations are sex- and ethnicity-specific. The new guideline finds no evidence to support LDL-C targets; rather it emphasizes an appropriate intensity of fixed-dose statin therapy for LDL-C lowering, proved to lower ASCVD risk for both women and men. Non-statin drug therapies are not recommended, and optimization of lifestyle is strongly advocated. The excellent article on “New Cholesterol Guidelines and Primary Prevention in Women” in this issue of the journal [3] displays the evidence that buttresses the utilization of these guidelines for women. Why are the data for women important? ASCVD traditionally has been understudied, underrecognized, and undertreated in women, with consequently more adverse outcomes for women
Prevalence of Blackleg and Pathogenicity Groups of Leptosphaeria maculans in North Dakota

Abstract Blackleg, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, was first reported on canola (Brassica napus) in North Dakota in 1991. In 2003, L. maculans strains of previously unreported pathogenicity groups (PG) were discovered in the region. Since then, however, little has been known about the prevalence of L. maculans in the state. The objectives of this study, therefore, were to characterize the prevalence of blackleg and of L. maculans PGs in North Dakota. Prevalence was assessed in 2004, 2007, and 2009 in 572 fields. PG determination for 216 L. maculans isolates retrieved from blackleg symptomatic stems during that period was achieved on a set of B. napus differential cultivars. Blackleg prevalence increased from 28% in 2004 to 63 and 74% in 2007 and 2009, respectively. Similarly, the number of fields with blackleg incidences >30% increased from 4% in 2004 to 12 and 23% in 2007 and 2009, respectively. In all years, PG-4 was the predominant group, while PG-2, once predominant, accounted for <2% of isolates. I...
Distribution and Dynamics of Rat Basophilic Leukemia Immunoglobulin E Receptors (FcɛRI) on Planar Ligand-Presenting Surfaces

There is considerable interest in the signaling mechanisms of immunoreceptors, especially when triggered with membrane-bound ligands. We have quantified the spatiotemporal dynamics of the redistribution of immunoglobulin E-loaded receptors (IgE-FcɛRI) on rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 mast cells in contact with fluid and gel-phase membranes displaying ligands for immunoglobulin E, using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. To clearly separate the kinetics of receptor redistribution from cell spreading, and to precisely define the initial contact time (±50 ms), micropipette cell manipulation was used to bring individual cells into contact with surfaces. On ligand-free surfaces, there are micron-scale heterogeneities in fluorescence that likely reflect regions of the cell that are more closely apposed to the substrate. When ligands are present, receptor clusters form with this same size scale. The initial rate of accumulation of receptors into the clusters is consistent with diffusion-limited trapping with D ∼10−1μm2/s. These results support the hypothesis that clusters form by diffusion to cell-surface contact regions. Over longer timescales (>10 s), individual clusters moved with both diffusive and directed motion components. The dynamics of the cluster motion is similar to the dynamics of membrane fluctuations of cells on ligand-free fluid membranes. Thus, the same cellular machinery may be responsible for both processes.