cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-supervised Feature Learning by Cross-modality and Cross-view Correspondences

The success of supervised learning requires large- scale ground truth labels which are very expensive, time- consuming, or may need special skills to annotate. To address this issue, many self- or un-supervised methods are developed. Unlike most existing self-supervised methods to learn only 2D image features or only 3D point cloud features, this paper presents a novel and effective self-supervised learning approach to jointly learn both 2D image features and 3D point cloud features by exploiting cross-modality and cross-view correspondences without using any human annotated labels. Specifically, 2D image features of rendered images from different views are extracted by a 2D convolutional neural network, and 3D point cloud features are extracted by a graph convolution neural network. Two types of features are fed into a two-layer fully connected neural network to estimate the cross-modality correspondence. The three networks are jointly trained (i.e. cross-modality) by verifying whether two sampled data of different modalities belong to the same object, meanwhile, the 2D convolutional neural network is additionally optimized through minimizing intra-object distance while maximizing inter-object distance of rendered images in different views (i.e. cross-view). The effectiveness of the learned 2D and 3D features is evaluated by transferring them on five different tasks including multi-view 2D shape recognition, 3D shape recognition, multi-view 2D shape retrieval, 3D shape retrieval, and 3D part-segmentation. Extensive evaluations on all the five different tasks across different datasets demonstrate strong generalization and effectiveness of the learned 2D and 3D features by the proposed self-supervised method.
Technical fishway passage structures provide high passage efficiency and effective passage for adult Pacific salmonids at eight large dams.

Fishways have been widely used for upstream passage around human-built structures, but ‘success’ has varied dramatically. Evaluation of fishway success has typically been conducted at local scales using metrics such as fish passage efficiency and passage time, but evaluations are increasingly used in broader assessments of whether passage facilities meet population-specific conservation and management objectives. Over 15 years, we monitored passage effectiveness at eight dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers for 26,886 radio-tagged spring-summer and fall Chinook Salmon O. tshwaytscha, Sockeye Salmon O. nerka, and summer steelhead O. mykiss during their migrations to spawning sites. Almost all fish that entered dam tailraces eventually approached and entered fishways. Tailrace-to-forebay passage efficiency estimates at individual dams were consistently high, averaging 0.966 (SD = 0.035) across 245 run×year×dam combinations. These estimates are among the highest recorded for any migratory species, which we attribute to the scale of evaluation, salmonid life history traits (e.g., philopatry), and a sustained adaptive management approach to fishway design, maintenance, and improvement. Full-dam fish passage times were considerably more variable, with run×year×dam medians ranging from 5–65 h. Evaluation at larger scales provided evidence that fishways were biologically effective, e.g., we observed rapid migration rates (medians = 28–40 km/d) through river reaches with multiple dams and estimated fisheries-adjusted upstream migration survival of 67–69%. However, there were substantive uncertainties regarding effectiveness. Uncertainty about natal origins confounded estimation of population-specific survival and interpretation of apparent dam passage ‘failure’, while lack of post-migration reproductive data precluded analyses of delayed or cumulative effects of passing the impounded system on fish fitness. Although the technical fishways are effective for salmonids in the Columbia-Snake River system, other co-migrating species have lower passage rates, highlighting the need for species-specific design and evaluation wherever passage facilities impact fish management and conservation goals.
CNS Distribution of an Opioid Agonist Combination with Synergistic Activity.

Novel combinations of specific opioid agonists like loperamide and oxymorphindole targeting the µ- and δ-opioid receptors, respectively, have shown increased potency with minimized opioid-associated risks. However, whether their interaction is pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic in nature has not been determined. This study quantitatively determined whether these drugs have a pharmacokinetic interaction that alters systemic disposition or CNS distribution. We performed IV and oral in vivo pharmacokinetic assessments of both drugs following discrete dosing and administration in combination to determine whether the combination had any effect on systemic pharmacokinetic parameters or CNS exposure. Drugs were administered at 5 or 10 mg/kg IV or 30 mg/kg orally to ICR mice, and 5 mg/kg IV to FVB mice of the following genotypes: wild-type, Bcrp-/- (Bcrp knockout, BKO), Mdr1a/b-/- (P-gp knockout, PKO), and Bcrp-/-Mdr1a/b-/- (triple knockout, TKO). In the combination, clearance of OMI was reduced by approximately half, and the plasma AUC increased. Consequently, brain and spinal cord AUCs for OMI in the combination also increased proportionately. Both loperamide and OMI are P-gp substrates, but administration of the two drugs in combination does not alter efflux transport at the CNS barriers. Because OMI alone shows appreciable brain penetration but little therapeutic efficacy on its own, and because loperamide's CNS distribution is unchanged in the combination, the mechanism of action for the increased potency of the combination is most likely pharmacodynamic, and most likely occurs at receptors in the peripheral nervous system. This combination has favorable characteristics for future development. Significance Statement Opioids are the most effective treatments for moderate-to-severe pain and chronic pain, but their side effects are dangerous. Combinations of opioids with peripheral activity, such as loperamide and oxymorphindole, would be valuable in that they are effective at much lower doses and have reduced risks for dangerous side effects, because the MOR-agonist is largely excluded from the CNS.
A systematic review of the quality of randomized controlled trials in head and neck oncology surgery

Objectives/Hypothesis To determine the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in head and neck surgery in which surgery was a primary intervention. Data Sources Potential articles were identified in PubMed without publication date restrictions. Review Methods Articles were scored using the CONSORT checklist and the relationship between the checklist score and whether the first and/or last authors were surgeons was investigated. Differences in the checklist score based on how many surgeons were among the first and last authors of the study were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Fisher's exact test was used to examine if there was a significant difference of the reporting of individual items from the checklist between surgeons and nonsurgeons. A nonparametric trend test was used to determine whether there was a difference in the reporting of individual items based on whether there were none, one, or two surgeons among first and last authors. Results A total of 38 publications satisfied the inclusion criteria. There was a trend toward lower quality for studies in which surgeons were either first, last, or both first and last authors compared to studies that were first-authored and last-authored by nonsurgeons (P = 0.068). Nonsurgeons were more likely to report on critical elements regarding hypothesis, sample size determination, randomization, and eligibility of centers (P = 0.023–0.058). Conclusion The quality of RCTs in head and neck surgery is poor. Improved training in conducting and reporting clinical research is needed in otolaryngology residencies. Laryngoscope, 125:146–152, 2015
Chapter 16 History of the development of the neurological examination

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the origins of neurological examination. Neurological examination developed as a physiological analysis of patients' functions. The findings were linked to anatomy by post-mortem pathology and by a lesser extent to physiological experiments with animals. Correlation of signs and symptoms with specific pathologies guided the development of logical differential diagnoses. This list of diagnostic possibilities focused the investigation and reduced the need for definitive but highly invasive tests, such as myelography or pneumoencephalography, up to the development of computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Neurological examination permits interpretation of anatomical abnormalities revealed by MRI and CT of the brain and spinal cord. Rapid spiral CT without contrast now affords diagnosis of cerebral hemorrhage within minutes. MRI with ever-increasing varieties of scanning modalities and strength magnetic flux at 3T or greater will improve definition of lesions but cannot directly identify the disease or provide any information about function. Hence, technology will not supplant neurological examination.
Roles of Lineage-Determining Transcription Factors in Establishing Open Chromatin: Lessons From High-Throughput Studies

The interpretation of the regulatory information of the genome by sequence-specific transcription factors lies at the heart of the specification of cellular identity and function. While most cells in a complex metazoan organism express hundreds of such transcription factors, the underlying mechanisms by which they ultimately achieve their functional locations within different cell types remain poorly understood. Here, we contrast various models of how cell type-specific binding patterns may arise using available evidence from ChIP-Seq experiments obtained in tractable developmental model systems, particularly the hematopoietic system. The data suggests a model whereby relatively small sets of lineage-determining transcription factors jointly compete with nucleosomes to establish their cell type-specific binding patterns. These binding sites gain histone marks indicative of active cis-regulatory elements and define a large fraction of the enhancer-like regions differentiated cell types. The formation of these regions of open chromatin enables the recruitment of secondary transcription factors that contribute additional transcription regulatory functionality required for the cell type-appropriate expression of genes with both general and specialized cellular functions.
Biodegradation of pentachlorophenol by the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium.

Extensive biodegradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) by the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium was demonstrated by the disappearance and mineralization of [14C]PCP in nutrient nitrogen-limited culture. Mass balance analyses demonstrated the formation of water-soluble metabolites of [14C]PCP during degradation. Involvement of the lignin-degrading system of this fungus was suggested by the fact the time of onset, time course, and eventual decline in the rate of PCP mineralization were similar to those observed for [14C]lignin degradation. Also, a purified ligninase was shown to be able to catalyze the initial oxidation of PCP. Although biodegradation of PCP was decreased in nutrient nitrogen-sufficient (i.e., nonligninolytic) cultures of P. chrysosporium, substantial biodegradation of PCP did occur, suggesting that in addition to the lignin-degrading system, another degradation system may also be responsible for some of the PCP degradation observed. Toxicity studies showed that PCP concentrations above 4 mg/liter (15 microM) prevented growth when fungal cultures were initiated by inoculation with spores. The lethal effects of PCP could, however, be circumvented by allowing the fungus to establish a mycelial mat before adding PCP. With this procedure, the fungus was able to grow and mineralize [14C]PCP at concentrations as high as 500 mg/liter (1.9 mM).
An Efficient Transient Versioning Method

Transient versioning methods, where prior versions are maintained temporarily, are proposed to execute long-running queries without affecting concurrent transactions. However, transactions in these methods do not exploit the prior versions. This paper presents a transientversioning method, called Dynamic Versioning, which uses the transient versions to not only support queries but also increase concurrency among transactions. Data conflicts due to incompatible requests are resolved by dynamically creating dependence orders among the requesting transactions and queries. These orders help precisely identify the prior versions that have to be kept for the queries. Since only the required versions are stored, the storage overhead for the transient versions is reduced to the minimum possible. We present the results of simulation experiments that show that our method provides high transaction concurrency and supports queries almost as efficiently as the other transient-versioning methods, while incurring only a fraction of the storage overhead.
Cervicofacial actinomycosis treated with prolonged penicillin and tetracycline therapy. Report of a case.

Abstract A patient with cervicofacial actinomycosis was successfully treated with long-term (20 months) penicillin and tetracycline therapy. The fact that the fungus usually originates in the oral cavity and that dental surgery is often thought to be the inciting cause of the disease underlines the valid interest that the dental profession should have relative to actinomycosis. Long-term follow-up care is of paramount importance. Inadequate treatment, whether the inadequacy be in drug effectiveness or duration of therapy, will result in certain recurrence of the disease.
Noise characteristics of tunneling magnetoresistive sensors

Summary form only given. The noise of tunneling magnetoresistive sensors (TMR) has been measured in the frequency domain as a function of applied magnetic field (up to 4 T), temperature (4 K to 400 K), and bias current (up to 5 mA). The bias current was applied to a sensor through a bias tee. The AC noise signal from the sensor was decoupled from DC signal by the bias tee with a low cut off frequency of 5 kHz, and was measured by a spectrum analyzer. Noise voltage-spectral density (S/sub v/) was measured with a resolution bandwidth of 30 kHz for two types of sensors with different permanent magnet biases. The position of the noise peaks was in the range from 100 MHz to a few GHz, which is close to a typical data rate of hard disk drives. More detailed analyses revealed that these noise peaks may result from a uniform precession of magnetization in the free layer, possibly due to poor bias. Shot noise of the TMR sensors was also measured at room temperature with bias current of 3 mA under a very high magnetic field of 4 T. Sv observed under 4 T was very close to that of a 49 ohm non magnetic resistor at frequencies above 100 kHz, suggesting that shot noise may not be a dominant noise source in good TMR sensors.
Negotiation and Decision Making with Collaborative Software: How MarineMap ‘Changed the Game’ in California’s Marine Life Protected Act Initiative

Environmental managers and planners have become increasingly enthusiastic about the potential of decision support tools (DSTs) to improve environmental decision-making processes as information technology transforms many aspects of daily life. Discussions about DSTs, however, rarely recognize the range of ways software can influence users' negotiation, problem-solving, or decision-making strategies and incentives, in part because there are few empirical studies of completed processes that used technology. This mixed-methods study-which draws on data from approximately 60 semi-structured interviews and an online survey--examines how one geospatial DST influenced participants' experiences during a multi-year marine planning process in California. Results suggest that DSTs can facilitate communication by creating a common language, help users understand the geography and scientific criteria in play during the process, aid stakeholders in identifying shared or diverging interests, and facilitate joint problem solving. The same design features that enabled the tool to aid in decision making, however, also presented surprising challenges in certain circumstances by, for example, making it difficult for participants to discuss information that was not spatially represented on the map-based interface. The study also highlights the importance of the social context in which software is developed and implemented, suggesting that the relationship between the software development team and other participants may be as important as technical software design in shaping how DSTs add value. The paper concludes with considerations to inform the future use of DSTs in environmental decision-making processes.
Fully automated waist-worn accelerometer algorithm for detecting children's sleep-period time separate from 24-h physical activity or sedentary behaviors.

Analysis of 24-h waist-worn accelerometer data for physical activity and sedentary behavior requires that sleep-period time (from sleep onset to the end of sleep, including all sleep epochs and wak...
Venezuela - Las elecciones presidenciales en Venezuela: de una democracia representativa a un régimen autoritario electoral

Desde 1958 hasta el presente el sistema politico venezolano ha pasado de ser una democracia representativa, entre 1958 y 1998, para convertirse en un regimen autoritario electoral entre los anos 1999 y 2006, durante la presidencia de Hugo Chavez. Este cambio de regimen ha tenido un impacto significativo y negativo sobre la institucionalidad electoral en el pais, pues a diferencia del pasado reciente, los comicios en Venezuela han dejado de ser un mecanismo competitivo, con capacidad para expresar fidedignamente la voluntad colectiva y traducirla en esquemas idoneos de representacion. En las paginas que siguen se examinan las recientes transformaciones del sistema politico venezolano, su impacto sobre las reglas y condiciones del juego electoral, y las opciones y retos que enfrentan las fuerzas gubernamentales y las de oposicion ante las elecciones presidenciales de diciembre 2006 en el marco del nuevo regimen autoritario electoral.
The influence of litigation risk and internal audit source on reliance decisions

Abstract External auditor reliance on the work of internal auditors in an integrated audit of the financial statements and internal control is an important audit planning procedure that can impact audit efficiency and effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to examine how perceived auditor litigation risk and internal audit source affect external auditors' reliance decisions in an integrated audit environment under varying levels of risk of material misstatement. In an experimental study using 89 practicing Big 4 auditors, this study finds that auditors who perceive low litigation risk from placing reliance on the work of internal auditors will rely more on outsourced internal auditors than in-house internal auditors. The results also show that auditors' reliance decisions are sensitive to the level of account risk consistent with the risk-based approach to the integrated audit encouraged by the PCAOB.
Photoionization spectra of CH3I perturbed by SF6: electron scattering in SF6 gas

Abstract A photoionization study of CH3I in the presence of SF6 perturbers (up to the perturber density 9.75×1019 cm−3) disclosed a red shift of autoionizing features that depends linearly on the perturber number density. From the perturber induced energy shifts of the CH3I nd′ Rydbergs (n=9, 10, 11, 12), the electron scattering length of SF6 was found to be A=−0.484 nm, which accords with previously reported (but less precise) cross-section data. An assessment is made of the validity of the impact approximation used in the data analysis presented here.
Differences in the ribosomal protein of free and membrane bound polysomes of chick embryo cells.

Abstract Two classes of polysomes, free and membrane bound, were isolated from chick embryo tissue cultures. Polysomes of both classes are present in about equal amounts. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed at least two differences in the ensemble of ribosomal protein of the two polysome classes.
Dissecting the role of Kr‐h1 brain gene expression in foraging behavior in honey bees (Apis mellifera)

Expression of Kruppel homolog-1 (Kr-h1) in the honey bee brain is strongly associated with foraging behavior. We performed a series of studies to determine if Kr-h1 expression correlates with specific aspects of foraging. We found that Kr-h1 expression is unaffected by flight experience in male bees. Expression was unaffected by behavioral reversion of workers from foraging to brood care, suggesting that expression is not associated with the active performance of foraging, but rather with stable physiological changes. Kr-h1 expression is increased by cGMP treatment in workers, and the Kr-h1 promoter contains a conserved potential cGMP response element. Since cGMP treatment causes precocious foraging, our results suggest that Kr-h1 expression is associated with cGMP-mediated changes in the brain that occur early in the transition to foraging behavior.
A photo-electric integraph

Abstract A machine for the purpose of facilitating mathematical solution of problems requiring the evaluation of an integral in which the integrand involves a variable parameter is described in this article. It involves the use of an optical system in which the transmission of light is limited in a definite manner by apertures having the shape of the area under curves representing mathematical functions. The accuracy of the machine itself is from 2 to 5 per cent. Examples of the use of the device in the solution of the superposition theorem integral and a form of integral equation are given. Its application to other problems including the Fourier transform, correlation analysis, and periodogram analysis is discussed, and its limitations are considered.
Correlation between abnormal pore pressure and tectonic jointing in the Devonian Catskill Delta

Using the preferred orientation of chlorite, we measured vertical compaction in 53 samples from the Devonian Catskill Delta in central New York State. The marine part of this delta contains three levels based on different amounts of vertical compaction. These levels correspond roughly to (1) black shales at the base, (2) prodelta turbidites, and (3) a cap of shallow-water sediments including abundant storm-washed shell hashes deposited within the wave base. The cap is normally compacted, whereas the lower two levels are undercompacted. Tectonic (cross-fold) joints that propagated during the late Paleozoic Alleghanian orogeny are restricted to the deeper, undercompacted levels of the Catskill Delta, whereas unloading (cross-fold) joints pervade the cap. The correlation between undercompaction and the distribution of tectonic joints indicates that abnormal fluid pressure was a key mechanism during the propagation of these joints.
Long-Term Thiazide Therapy in Essential Hypertension Evidence for Persistent Alteration in Plasma Volume and Renin Activity

Plasma volume (RIHSA) and peripheral plasma renin activity (Pickens' method) were measured in eight essential hypertensive patients treated with thiazide diuretics alone for periods ranging from 6 to 24 months. Treatment was then stopped and measurements repeated at weekly intervals for a month. During the first week of discontinuance, body weight and plasma volume rose in all (P < 0.001 for both), while peripheral plasma renin activity fell from 3.66 to 1.04 ng/ml (P < 0.005), and serum sodium concentration was practically unchanged. Over the next 3 weeks, both plasma volume and body weight gradually fell from the high first week "rebound" values to plateau at levels higher than those obtained during treatment (2741 vs. 2567 ml, P < 0.001 and 76.1 vs. 74.7 kg, P < 0.001, respectively). At the same time, peripheral plasma renin activity remained stable and markedly lower than during treatment (P < 0.001), while blood pressure gradually rose. Extracellular water (ECW) was measured serially (radiobromine) i...
Immunotherapy in neuromuscular disorders: Current and future strategies

Autoimmune mechanisms have recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of an increasing number of neuromuscular diseases. Many of these diseases can be treated with immunotherapeutic agents that are currently available--often with striking success. However, lack of specificity and adverse side effects impose limits on the effectiveness of these immunosuppressive treatments. This article reviews the basic principles of autoimmunity and immune tolerance, and outlines strategies that produce (a) generalized immunosuppression; (b) "selective" immunotherapy; and (c) "antigen-specific" immunotherapy. General immunosuppressive treatments, which are the ones most commonly used in current practice, down-regulate the immune system at multiple levels in "shotgun" fashion. The agents described here include: adrenal corticosteroids, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, methotrexate, total lymphoid irradiation, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulin. "Selective" immunotherapeutic strategies are designed to interfere with mechanisms intrinsic to the immune system. Agents that are now being used clinically, or are in advanced stages of development include: cyclosporin A, which interferes with synthesis of the cytokine interleukin 2 (IL2); IL2 toxin, which binds to IL2 receptors on activated T cells, is endocytosed, and kills the cells; and CTLA4Ig, which blocks costimulatory molecules, thus preventing full activation of T cells. We have found that combinations of the selective agents may enhance their effectiveness. "Specific" strategies are designed to inactivate or suppress antigen-specific T cells. Oral administration of autoantigens has been shown to prevent experimental autoimmune diseases specifically, but the conditions required to suppress ongoing autoimmune diseases are capricious, and depend on many factors. Finally, we describe a method that is still in the experimental stage, which is designed to modify the individual's own antigen-presenting cells so that they will target and inactivate antigen-specific T cells, and thereby turn off the specific autoimmune response. Currently available immunosuppressive methods can now be used successfully to treat many autoimmune neuromuscular diseases, and the application of selective and specific immunotherapeutic strategies promises more precise and effective treatment in the future.
Le commerce triangulaire entre les ports Terre-Neuviers français, les pêcheries d’Amérique du Nord et Marseille au 18e siècle : nouvelles perspectives

Grâce a une documentation exceptionnellement riche, constituee de la correspondance entre des armateurs granvillais et malouins avec un des principaux consignataires marseillais, pour la vente des cargaisons de morue seche au 18e siecle, la maison Roux, cet article analyse le commerce triangulaire reliant les ports du Ponant, le Canada et Marseille. Ce commerce qui occupait 30 a 45 bâtiments par saison en temps de paix avec des arrivages annuels d'une valeur de deux a quatre millions de livres atteint, au 18e siecle, un haut degre de complexite ou le succes de la campagne dependait de la rapidite aussi bien des navires qui devaient boucler leur periple triangulaire dans l'annee que de l'echange d'informations commerciales. Les nombreuses et frequentes lettres echangees entre les armateurs et le consignataire revelent les espoirs, les inquietudes et les deceptions de ces hommes d'affaires et permettent une analyse microeconomique des conditions dans lesquelles se deroulait ce trafic. En soulignant les risques enormes encourus par les marchands, l'article met egalement en evidence l'importance du consignataire qui non seulement vendait le poisson et s'occupait de trouver une cargaison de retour, mais aussi prenait souvent part aux armements et assurait les navires.
Seminal plasma hypersensitivity reactions: an updated review.

Seminal plasma hypersensitivity manifests as a spectrum of systemic and/or localized clinical symptoms after exposure to specific protein components in seminal fluid. The prevalence of this disease is largely unknown, but it is believed to affect up to 40,000 women in the United States. Although no definitive risk factors have been confirmed, women with systemic reactions are frequently atopic. Prostate-specific antigen is believed to be the major allergen involved in the disorder, but other proteins are likely involved. Interestingly, up to 40%–50% of both systemic and localized seminal plasma hypersensitivity cases can occur after first-time intercourse. Diagnosis is based on clinical history. The gold standard for diagnosing seminal plasma hypersensitivity is prevention of symptoms with the use of a condom. Patients with seminal plasma hypersensitivity demonstrate positive prick skin test and/or serum-specific immunoglobulin E to whole seminal fluid or fractionated seminal plasma proteins. Treatment of seminal plasma hypersensitivity involves either avoidance with the use of condoms, intravaginal graded challenge using dilutions of whole seminal fluid, or subcutaneous desensitization to relevant fractionated seminal plasma proteins obtained from the woman's sexual partner. In most cases, treatment using one or more of the above approaches has been very successful. Infertility has not been demonstrated to be directly related to seminal plasma hypersensitivity, although women with the condition frequently have difficulty conceiving due to their inability to have unprotected sexual intercourse. Mt Sinai J Med 78:803–809, 2011.© 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Baseline Albumin Is Associated with Worsening Renal Function in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Receiving Continuous Infusion Loop Diuretics

Study Objectives To identify baseline predictors of worsening renal function (WRF) in an acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patient population receiving continuous infusion loop diuretics. Design Retrospective observational analysis. Setting Academic tertiary medical center. Patients A total of 177 patients with ADHF receiving continuous infusion loop diuretics from January 2006 through June 2009. Measurements and Main Results The mean patient age was 61 years, 63% were male, ~45% were classified as New York Heart Association functional class III, and the median length of loop diuretic infusion was 4 days. Forty-eight patients (27%) developed WRF, and 34 patients (19%) died during hospitalization. Cox regression time-to-event analysis was used to determine the time to WRF based on different demographic and clinical variables. Baseline serum albumin 3 g/dl or less was the only significant predictor of WRF (hazard ratio [HR] 2.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.60–5.16, p=0.0004), which remained significant despite adjustments for other covariates. Conclusion Serum albumin 3 g/dl or less is a practical baseline characteristic associated with the development of WRF in patients with ADHF receiving continuous infusion loop diuretics.
Nanoparticle delivery enhancement with acoustically activated microbubbles

The application of microbubbles and ultrasound to deliver nanoparticle carriers for drug and gene delivery is an area that has expanded greatly in recent years. Under ultrasound exposure, microbubbles can enhance nanoparticle delivery by increasing cellular and vascular permeability. In this review, the underlying mechanisms of enhanced nanoparticle delivery with ultrasound and microbubbles and various proposed delivery techniques are discussed. Additionally, types of nanoparticles currently being investigated in preclinical studies, as well as the general limitations and benefits of a microbubble- based approach to nanoparticle delivery, are reviewed.
Roll-up of aircraft trailing vortices using artificial viscosity

The artificial viscosity method of Kuwahara and Takami (1973) is used to calculate the roll-up of trailing vortices behind a number of practical aerodynamic configurations. Where possible, the results are compared for core location with available experimental data.
Macromolecular plasma-chemistry: an emerging field of polymer science

Abstract It is now well established that exposing inorganic and organic polymeric substrates to cold-plasma species represents an unusually convenient and versatile surface-modification and coating technology. The uniqueness of non-equilibrium plasma processes is related to the fact that they permit the conversion of a wide range of organic materials and organic compounds containing main group elements, including organometallic derivatives, into charged and neutral molecular-fragments and atomic species. These fragments can then promote surface-functionalization reactions or generate macromolecular thin layers as a result of recombination of nascent species on the surfaces that confine the plasma. In earlier work the control of the composition of polymeric films generated via plasma treatment was focused predominately on synthesis of unique, highly cross-linked polymers produced under relatively high power conditions. However, interest recently increased in providing less cross-linked, more highly functionalized films. Modern non-equilibrium plasma technologies are ‘par excellence’ surface modification processes which result in surface material layers that retain the inherent advantages of the substrates while providing more exact film chemistry control, and as a result they have potential appeal in many applications. Most of the prior research related to discharge-mediated surface-modification reactions involved low-pressure cold-plasma environments. However, in recent last years, atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium plasma installations have been designed, developed and tested with great success. This review on Macromolecular Plasma Chemistry illustrates the continuing interest in achieving controlled surface modification under plasma conditions, and the potential of plasma-chemistry for advancing future technologies.
Potassium: A New Marker for Washed Cotton

Potassium salts are readily removed from raw cotton by washing the cotton with water. The potassium contents of cotton samples determined by ion-selective electrode, atomic absorption, and x-ray fluorescence methods confirmed that washed samples had low levels of potassium compared to unwashed samples. A sodium cobaltinitrite spot test for potassium is consistently positive for unwashed cotton samples and negative for washed cotton samples. Thus, the potassium content can serve as a marker for washed cotton.
Preclinical students: who are surgeons?

Abstract Introduction: We have previously demonstrated that even a brief intervention by surgeons can positively influence perceptions of preclinical medical students. The purpose of the present study was to determine the origin of negative perceptions regarding surgery and if perceptions differ between students with or without an interest in surgery (+surg or -surg). Methods: A qualitative study was performed by conducting focus groups with 27 second year medical students (13 female, 16 male) voluntarily participating in 1 of 4 sessions (2 +surg and 2 –surg). Topics discussed included: factors influencing career choice, priorities, and family support. Students were also asked to characterize perceptions, exposure, and interactions with surgeons. Independent content analysis was separately conducted by three investigators. Results: All students had minimal exposure to surgeons during preclinical years. Career choices for +surg students originated primarily from premedical school personal and professional experiences/interactions with surgeons. In contrast, -surg students career choices were made during medical school and shaped primarily by 2 nd year preceptors. All students recognized the importance of compromise and balance between family and career. The priority for +surg students was personal happiness, perceived as being dependent upon career satisfaction. Students not interested in surgery tended to separate happiness derived from career versus family. Married students interested in surgery stressed the supportive role of partners. In general, parental opinions were not prominent in career decisions. Negative perceptions of -surg students were developed and reinforced by media, particularly television (surgeons portrayed as “jerks”, must be some truth to the stereotype), preceptors (“You’re too nice to be a surgeon”), and classmates (students interested in surgery were viewed as arrogant and aggressive). Students interested in surgery were not influenced by classmates nor media. All students felt that increased involvement with surgeons would be beneficial through preclinical preceptorships. Conclusion: Career choices of preclinical +surg students were made prior to entering medical school, suggesting outreach programs to high schools and colleges would be beneficial. Negative perceptions of -surg students are attributable to misinformation, inadequate knowledge, and inadequate exposure to our discipline. Media and nonsurgeons portrayal of surgeons are harmful to our reputation.
Blink coding for information display.

TEN MEN SCANNED CATHODE-RAY-TUBE DISPLAYS TO SEARCH FOR DESIGNATED TARGET ITEMS. SEARCH TIME INCREASED WITH INCREASING DISPLAY DENSITY, AND WAS 50% FASTER WHEN A 3-CPS BLINK WAS IMPOSED ON ITEMS OF THE TARGET CLASS. THE BLINKING OF NONTARGET ITEMS WAS ALMOST EQUALLY EFFECTIVE, INDICATING THAT BLINK CAN BE USED EITHER AS AN INCLUSION OR EXCLUSION CODE. IN COMPARISON WITH STEADY, NONBLINKING DISPLAYS, SEARCH TIME WAS NOT SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT FOR DISPLAYS IN WHICH ALL ITEMS BLINKED, OR IN WHICH A RANDOM SELECTION OF ITEMS BLINKED. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT FOR VISUAL SEARCH TASKS OF THE KIND REPORTED, THERE IS NO MARKED DELETERIOUS EFFECT OF BLINK CODING ON SYMBOL LEGIBILITY, AND NO MARKED INTERFERENCE ATTRIBUTABLE TO IRRELEVANT BLINK. /AUTHOR/
TECHNOLOGY AND HAUPTMANN’S BAHNWÄRTER THIEL

Hauptmann’s ‘Bahnwarter Thiel’ depicts a man caught in the web of a technological system. As represented by the railroad and telegraph, technology determines circumstances, dominates life, and overwhelms the protagonist. Thiel exists only as a function of the technology he serves. Ultimately, the technological order dehumanizes and destroys him.
SUBSTRATE- AND STEREO-SPECIFICITIES IN CLOSTRIPAIN-CATALYZED PEPTIDE SYNTHESIS.*

Clostripain was used for peptide bond synthesis with 18 carbobenzoxy-amino acid methyl esters as substrate and PRO-NH2 as nucleophile. Dipeptide bond synthesis was observed only for Cbz-L-ARG-OMe (72%) and Cbz-L-LYS-OMe (34%). With the exception of D-PRO-NH2, nucleophile stereospecificity is not restricted to the L isomer. D- and L-forms of PHE and TRP amides gave the same product yields.
Incorporating time‐dependent covariates in survival analysis using the LVAR method

In survival analysis, use of the Cox proportional hazards model requires knowledge of all covariates under consideration at every failure time. Since failure times rarely coincide with observation times, time-dependent covariates (covariates that vary over time) need to be inferred from the observed values. In this paper, we introduce the last value auto-regressed (LVAR) estimation method and compare it to several other established estimation approaches via a simulation study. The comparison shows that under several time-dependent covariate processes this method results in a smaller mean square error when considering the time-dependent covariate effect.
“Where there is a will…”: A New Exercise to Explore Distributive and Integrative Conflict Management

An exercise was developed to provide a quick and comprehensive exploration of conflict management styles and integrative versus distributive bargaining. Two brothers meet to divide nine items and cash from their father's estate. Some items are wanted by one brother more than the other, often because of information known to only one. One item requires an integrative solution to fully gain its value. A variation of the exercise is suggested that incorporates the relationship between the brothers as another variable in managing conflict. Teaching notes and examples of classroom use and student responses are provided.
Storms in the ionosphere: Patterns and processes for total electron content

[1] The ionosphere's total electron content (TEC) is a parameter widely used in studies of the near-Earth plasma environment. The scientific use of TEC appeared early in the artificial satellite era, and among its many contributions were fundamental insights into how the ionosphere responds to geomagnetic storms. While many excellent reviews of solar-terrestrial disturbances exist in the literature, none have concentrated on the TEC parameter per se. With new TEC data sets increasingly available from the Global Positioning System (GPS), a comprehensive summary of pre-GPS storm studies is needed to set the base for progress in the GPS era. This review summarizes past case studies, describes statistical occurrence pattern, and identifies responsible mechanisms validated via modeling. It presents a new set of results of TEC disturbance patterns during 180 geomagnetic storms to describe seasonal and solar cycle effects. It concludes with a set of open questions that require additional study.
A LOCATIONAL STUDY OF PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES IN GUATEMALA CITY

Although public health services are usually available in developing countries, the locational need for such care has received little objective assessment. Using a capacity-constrained location-allocation model, this study evaluates the locational efficiency of a set of primary health centers in Guatemala City. The distribution revealed by the model departs substantially from the existing pattern, indicating a need for greater centralization of administration and planning of health care delivery.
Operational hydro-meteorological warning and real-time flood forecasting: the Piemonte Region case study

Abstract. The development and implementation of a real-time flood forecasting system in the context of the Piemonte Region's hydro-meteorological operational alert procedure is described. The area of interest is the Upper Po River basin (north-west Italy) of approximately 37000 km2 and its river network of about 3000 km and three big lakes. FloodWatch, a GIS-based decision support system for real-time flood forecasting, has been developed and used operationally at the Piemonte Region's Room for the Situation of Natural Hazards in Torino, Italy, since January 2000. The system is linked directly to the telemetric gauges system, uses daily quantitative precipitation and temperature forecasts issued by the Regional Meteorological Service and automatically supplies operational forecasts of water-level and discharge at about 30 locations for up to 48 hours. Strengths and limits of the system and its link with operational flood alert and management are discussed. The case study presented is the October 2000 flood event, when the north-west of Italy experienced one of the largest floods on record. Results highlight how the uncertainty linked to the use of meteorological forecasts greatly influences the quality of the hydrological forecasts. The proposed alert procedure, based on coded risk levels, can help effectively in facing forecast uncertainties.
An approach to achieving global optimum of AC electric power system state estimators

This paper is motivated by the open questions concerning the ability to compute the global optimum of nonlinear state estimators (SE). The major cause of these problems comes from the highly nonlinear functions relating measurements and voltages defined by the AC power flow models. Conventional approaches in today's AC electric power system SE are prone to sub-optimal solutions, which, in turn, creates unacceptably large differences between the true and estimated voltages. In this paper, we first formulate the problem as an equivalent convex optimization problem. We then account for the specific structure of the problem, and arrive at an efficient algorithm for finding the global optimum, namely the most accurate estimate of the state. Notably, under the no noise assumption this approach for the first time solved the problem exactly. Further, we show that our estimate is close to the global optimum even when measurement noise is present, while currently used SE only finds a local optimum. Simulations are shown to illustrate improved results obtained using the SE formulation proposed in this paper over the results obtained using today's SE.
Acid alcoholic brilliant cresyl blue stain for gastric and other mucins.

Some but not all samples of brilliant cresyl blue (6-methyl-7-dimethylamino-2-phenoxazin chloride) under C. I. No. 51010 in Conn's Biological Stains when dissolved at 1% level in 50–70% alcohol containing 1% concentrated (12 N) hydrochloric acid, stain (in 30 min) a wide variety of human and laboratory animal mucins blue black on an almost unstained background. The mucoprotein of the gastric surface epithelium and of the peptic gland neck cells of several species reacts strongly. A 16 hr 60° C methylation in 0.1 M methyl-sulfuric acid in methanol is required to block the staining of these gastric and some intestinal mucins, while 1–2 hr intervals suffice to prevent the staining of mast cells, cartilage and metachromatic sulfomucins generally. Saponification (1% KOH/70% alcohol, 20min) does not restore staining in either location group, indicating that sulfate mucins are probably reacting in both. Most other basic dyes fail to stain mucins from acid alcohol solutions: azure A, toluidine blue, resorcin blue, orcein, resorufin, azoresorufin brown, azolitmin, lacmoid, gallocyanin, Nile blue, methylene green, pararosanilin, crystal violet, Victoria blue R. Some staining occurred with one of three lots of Victoria blue B, with two lots of Victoria blue 4 R and with one lot each of Bernthsen's methylene violet, elastin violet PR and elastin purple PP. The stain may be preceded by the Feulgen reaction to give red nuclei, or followed by a brief collagen stain in an alcoholic acid fuchsin (0.05–0.1%), picric acid (1.5%) solution.
Leading Edge Film-Cooling Physics: Part I — Adiabatic Effectiveness

A systematic, computational methodology was employed to study film cooling on a turbine airfoil leading edge. In this paper, numerical predictions are compared with surface effectiveness measurements from a code-validation quality experiment in the open literature, and a detailed discussion of the physical mechanisms involved in leading edge film cooling is presented. The leading edge model was elliptic in shape to accurately simulate a rotor airfoil, and other geometric parameters were in the range of current design practice for aviation gas turbines. Three laterally-staggered rows of cylindrical film-cooling holes were investigated. One row of holes was centered on the stagnation line, and the other rows were located 3.5 hole-diameters downstream, mirrored about the stagnation line. All holes had an injection angle of 20° with the surface, and a 90° compound angle (radial injection). The average blowing ratio was varied from 1.0 to 2.5, and the coolant-to-mainstream density ratio was 1.8 in all simulations. Converged and grid independent solutions were obtained using a high-quality, multi-topology grid with 3.6 million cells and a fully-implicit, pressure correction-based Navier-Stokes solver. Turbulence closure was obtained with a realizable k-e model, which has been demonstrated to be especially effective in controlling spurious production of turbulent kinetic energy in regions of rapid, irrotational strain. The predictions of laterally averaged effectiveness agreed well with the experimental data, especially at low-range blowing ratios. Highly nonuniform coolant coverage was seen to exist downstream of the second row of holes, caused mainly by interaction between the two rows of jets and by a strong vortex that reduced the spread of coolant from the downstream row. The results of the present study demonstrate that computational methods can accurately model the highly-complex film-cooling flowfield in the stagnation region.Copyright © 2002 by ASME