cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of Elevated Cancer Antigen 19-9 in Women With Mature Cystic Teratoma

The objective of this study was to determine how often an elevated cancer antigen (CA) 19-9 (≥ 37 U/mL) was present during the preoperative evaluation of women with a mature cystic teratoma (MCT). This was a retrospective, consecutive case series (N = 139) of histologically proven MCT treated at Montefiore Medical Center from 1997 to 2008. Data were analyzed for patient and tumor characteristics, tumor markers (CA 19-9, CA 125, and carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA]), preoperative imaging, and procedure. CA 19-9 was elevated in 37.4% of patients. Elevated CA 19-9 was not significantly associated with age, race, CA 125 (≥35 U/mL), CEA (≥5 ng/mL), MCT size, or the presence of bilateral MCTs. Of the patients, 59% were ≥40 years old. Age <40 years was associated with cystectomy rather than oophorectomy (P < .001), regardless of CA 19-9 (P = .09). Elevated preoperative CA 19-9 in patients with MCT was associated with increased preoperative computed tomography (P = .04).
Interpretation of lead-uranium ages of pitchblende deposits in the central Front Range, Colorado

Published lead-uranium ages of 11 pitchblende ores from deposits of classes 2 and 3, as defined by Sims and Sheridan, in the central Front Range, vary from a low of 35 m.y. to a high of 113 m.y. These age determinations are re-evaluated in the light of the following real or potential sources of error: (1) precision of the lead analyses; (2) precision of the lead isotope determinations; (3) uncertainties in the common lead correction arising from inappropriate choice of isotopic composition, excessive amounts of common lead, and postdepositional uranogenic enrichment; (4) leaching of uranium relative to lead; (5) radon loss; (6) sample size; and (7) loss of lead relative to uranium. It is concluded that the largest Sample to sample age differences stem from factors 1, 4, and 6 and that the largest discordancies in the measured Pb206/U238 and Pb207/U235 ages within single samples can be related to factors 2 and 3. The ages previously published were recalculated using improved common lead corrections and newer decay constants and were ranked in accordance with criteria 1 through 7. In 4 of the 11 samples dated, the use of the improved common lead correction reversed the age sequence Pb206/U238 < Pb207/U235 < Pb207/Pb206 commonly attributed to radon loss. Samples ranked the highest for dating purposes on the basis of criteria 1 through 7 yielded concordant Pb206/U238-Pb207/U235 ages. Two such samples from class 2 deposits yielded Pb206/U238 ages of 56.6 and 58.9 m.y.; the rounded average, 58 m.y., is considered to be a best estimate of the true age of the class 2 deposits. One sample from class 3 deposits was judged to be markedly superior to the other three on the basis of criteria 1 through 7, and, in addition, yielded the most concordant Pb-U ages of any samples from the Front Range. Its Pb206/U238 age, 72.5 m.y., is considered to be a best estimate of the true age of the class 3 deposits. The preferred ages of the class 2 and class 3 deposits are in harmony with the published K-Ar ages obtained on separate members of the Cretaceous-Tertiary intrusive sequences to which, it is inferred, class 2 deposits are directly and class 3 deposits are indirectly related.
The validity of visual estimations of percent body fat in lean males.

ABSTRACTThe present study compared the validity of visual estimations of percent fat (% fat) in lean males ( ± SD = 9.6 ± 2.3 % fat) to the validity of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and skinfold equations. Thirty-five Caucasian male volunteers ( ± SD = 23 ± 5 yr; range = 19–40) served as su
Binding energies of excitons and donors in a double quantum well in a magnetic field.

We study binding energies of both excitons and donors in a symmetric double quantum well in the presence of a magnetic field applied parallel to the growth direction. We express wave functions as combinations of Gaussian-type orbitals and subband wave functions of even and odd parities, with variationally determined expansion parameters. By varying the interwell barrier width and well sizes (hence varying the interwell coupling), we obtain binding energies ranging in character from that for a strongly coupled double well to that for a system of two isolated single wells. The behavior of the binding energies as function of the interwell coupling, well sizes, and the magnetic field, as well as the donor position is consistently described with our formalism with naturally included subband mixing effects. The magnetic field leads to stronger confinement of the wave functions and enhances binding energies.
The use of semantic networks to support concurrent engineering in semiconductor product development

The design of semiconductor devices is an extremely complex and costly process. Numerous design and test iterations are typically necessary to finally complete a successful device. Competition in the industry has forced semiconductor manufacturers to reduce design cycle times and costs. One method now being used to accomplish these objectives is concurrent engineering. This paper will review how concurrent engineering is being integrated into semiconductor device development and how artificial intelligence-based models will support concurrent engineering implementation. Major changes are needed in design simulation, methods of knowledge sharing, and incorporating best practices. A semantic network is proposed that retains the knowledge of a product in a central repository as various engineers contribute to the product's development. The knowledge contained in this central repository can be referenced for applicability by engineers during product design, development, and production.
Morphological Decomposition in Japanese De-Adjectival Nominals: Masked and Overt Priming Evidence.

Whether morpheme-based processing extends to relatively unproductive derived words remains a matter of debate. Although whole-word storage and access has been proposed for some derived words, such as Japanese de-adjectival nominals with the unproductive (-mi) suffix (e.g., Hagiwara et al. in Language 75:739–763, 1999), Clahsen and Ikemoto (Ment Lex 7:147–182, 2012) found masked priming from de-adjectival nominals with productive (-sa) and unproductive (-mi) suffixes to their adjectivally-inflected base morpheme. Using masked and unmasked priming, we examine whether adjectivally-inflected base morpheme primes facilitate the processing of Japanese de-adjectival nominal targets with a productive or unproductive affix, including an orthographic-overlap condition and semantic relatedness measure that Clahsen and Ikemoto (2012) did not include. Our results replicate and extend Clahsen and Ikemoto (2012), revealing significant, statistically-equivalent morphological priming effects for -sa and -mi affixed targets, independent of orthographic and semantic relatednesss, suggesting that the processing of derived words with the unproductive -mi affix makes recourse to morpheme-level representations.
Characterizing the relative orientation and dynamics of RNA A-form helices using NMR residual dipolar couplings

We present a protocol for determining the relative orientation and dynamics of A-form helices in 13C/15N isotopically enriched RNA samples using NMR residual dipolar couplings (RDCs). Non-terminal Watson–Crick base pairs in helical stems are experimentally identified using NOE and trans-hydrogen bond connectivity and modeled using the idealized A-form helix geometry. RDCs measured in the partially aligned RNA are used to compute order tensors describing average alignment of each helix relative to the applied magnetic field. The order tensors are translated into Euler angles defining the average relative orientation of helices and order parameters describing the amplitude and asymmetry of interhelix motions. The protocol does not require complete resonance assignments and therefore can be implemented rapidly to RNAs much larger than those for which complete high-resolution NMR structure determination is feasible. The protocol is particularly valuable for exploring adaptive changes in RNA conformation that occur in response to biologically relevant signals. Following resonance assignments, the procedure is expected to take no more than 2 weeks of acquisition and data analysis time.
Use of Recycled Calcium Slag for Clean Steel Refining

Calcium slag (CS) is a by-product generated during smelting to extract calcium metal from the ore by aluminothermic reduction method. The melting point, melting speed, viscosities, surface tensions and the refining effects of CS and normal premelted refining slag (NPRS) were measured in the laboratory. Then the plant trials were done in a 150 tons Ladle Furnace (LF) in a steelmaking plant during the refining of clean steel. The results show that the properties of CS are similar to those of NPRS, and CS is a good refining agent not only in laboratory experiment but also in industrial production. By using CS, the average final sulfur content in X70 pipeline steel reaches 25×10-6; the total oxygen content in GCr15 bearing steel is 5×10-6~8×10-6; the titanium content in GCr15 bearing steel is less than 20×10-6 and lower than the steels refined by using NPRS.
The Microstructure and Electrical Resistivity of Cluster-Based Thin Films

Cluster-assembled thin metal films exhibit properties which are different from those of films obtained by conventional atomic-deposition. We present TEM data on the evolution of 2-D Microstructure and SFM data on the evolution of 3-D Microstructure in thin films grown by vacuum deposition of preformed silver clusters and of preformed acetylene-silver clusters on flat SiO 2 , and Mica. Electrical resistivity measurements of cluster-based Ag and Ag/C 2 H 2 films deposited on glass substrates with nominal film thicknesses of 5 nm - 50 nm are also presented and discussed.
Cognitive task analysis and interface design in a technical troubleshooting domain

A model of the interface design process is proposed that uses two interdependent levels of cognitive analysis: (a) study of the criterion task through the analysis of expert/novice differences, and (b) evaluation of the working user interface design through the application of practical interface analysis methodology (the GOMS model). This dual analysis is reviewed in the context of HYDRIVE, an intelligent tutoring system that has been designed to facilitate the development of aircraft hydraulics systems troubleshooting skills. Initial cognitive task analyses identified critical troubleshooting skills and procedures. However, even with an initial cognitive task analysis, the GOMS analysis resulted in significant and beneficial design changes.
ACT UP: A network’s resistance through constitutive rhetoric

This paper examines the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP), a non-governmental organization within the larger HIV/AIDS movement. ACT UP is examined through the lens of new social movement network theory (Atkinson, 2009). Using constitutive rhetoric (Charland, 1987), the narrative capacities of the rhetorical strategies that appear to be embodied on ACT UP’s Web site are reviewed. The impact that ACT UP has on health and social policy globally has wide reaching ramifications, making the current investigation into its rhetorical strategies viable and important. The findings suggest ACT UP employs constitutive rhetoric to affect a viable narrative capacity in its network.
Mode of action of the anthelmintics morantel pyrantel and levamisole on muscle cell membrane of the nematode ascaris suum

Intracellular current and voltage clamp techniques were used to investigate the mode of action of the anthelmintics, morantel, pyrantel and levamisole applied to the bag region of Ascaris suum muscle cells. Microperfusion of the anthelmintics and of O-acetylcholine (ACh) increased the input conductance and depolarised the membrane potential of the muscle bags. The relative potencies of these drugs were determined from dose–conductance relationships and found to be: morantel = pyrantel > levamisole > ACh. High doses (>10μM) of morantel caused antagonism of ACh responses. ACh-induced currents were measured under voltage clamp (over the range −80 to +10mV). At membrane potentials between −80 and 0 mV, microperfusion of ACh induced a voltage-dependent inward current. The current–voltage relationship was linear for membrane potentials in the range −30 to +10mV. The reversal potential was measured directly and found to be about +10mV. The relationship became non-linear at membrane potentials more negative than −30 mV, and the degree of non-linearity was dependent upon the concentration of ACh. The current–voltage relationships for morantel, pyrantel and levamisole also possessed both linear (−30 to 0mV) and non-linear components. The reversal potential for each agonist, determined by extrapolation of the linear component of the current–voltage relationship, was approximately +10mV, indicating the same cation channels were activated both by ACh and the anthelmintics. Evidence for competition between ACh and pyrantel for the same membrane receptor was obtained using iontophoretic delivery of each agonist from a double-barrelled micropipette. It is concluded that the anthelmintics, morantel, pyrantel and levamisole act as potent agonists at ACh receptors on muscle bag membranes of A. suum.
Restricted isotype, distinct variable gene usage, and high rate of gp120 specificity of HIV-1 envelope-specific B cells in colostrum compared with those in blood of HIV-1-infected, lactating African women

A successful HIV-1 vaccine must elicit immune responses that impede mucosal virus transmission, though functional roles of protective HIV-1 Envelope (Env)-specific mucosal antibodies remain unclear. Colostrum is a rich source of readily accessible mucosal B cells that may help define the mucosal antibody response contributing to prevention of postnatal HIV-1 transmission. To examine the HIV-1 Env-specific colostrum B-cell repertoire, single B cells were isolated from 17 chronically HIV-infected, lactating women, producing 51 blood and 39 colostrum HIV-1 Env-specific B-cell antibodies. All HIV-1 Env-specific colostrum-derived antibodies were immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 isotype and had mean heavy chain complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) lengths and mutation frequencies similar to those isolated from blood. However, variable heavy chain (VH) gene subfamily 1(∼)69 usage was higher among colostrum than blood HIV-1 Env-reactive antibodies (49% vs. 20%, P=0.006, Fisher's exact test). Additionally, more HIV-1 Env-specific colostrum antibodies were gp120 specific than those isolated from blood (44% vs. 16%, P=0.005, Fisher's exact test). One cross-compartment HIV-1 Env-specific clonal B-cell lineage was identified. These unique characteristics of colostrum B-cell antibodies suggest selective homing of HIV-1-specific IgG1-secreting memory B cells to the mammary gland and have implications for targeting mucosal B-cell populations by vaccination.
Observation targeting with a second-order adjoint method for increased predictability

The efficiency of current adjoint-based observations targeting strategies in variational data assimilation is closely determined by the underlying assumption of a linear propagation of initial condition errors into the model forecasts. A novel targeting strategy is proposed in the context of four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4D-Var) to account for nonlinear error growth as the forecast lead time increases. A quadratic error growth model is shown to maintain the accuracy in tracking the nonlinear evolution of initial condition perturbations, as compared to the first-order approximation. A second-order adjoint model is used to provide the derivative information that is necessary in the higher-order Taylor series approximation. The observation targeting approach relies on the dominant eigenvectors of the Hessian matrix associated with a specific forecast error aspect as an indicator of the directions of largest quadratic error growth. A comparative qualitative analysis between observation targeting based on first- and second-order adjoint information is presented in idealized 4D-Var experiments with a two-dimensional global shallow-water model. The results indicate that accounting for the quadratic error growth in the targeting strategy is of particular benefit as the forecast lead time increases.
Evaluating vocational rehabilitation programs for substance users: issues in designing and implementing randomized studies

Abstract The last decade has witnessed a marked shift in the value placed on vocational services in substance dependency treatment. Because of the welfare-to-work reform movement, stricter work requirements for public assistance, and the elimination of federal disability benefits for addiction alone, patient employment is increasingly seen as an important treatment outcome. Indeed, vocational services for this population are becoming an essential component of the rehabilitation process. Since few evaluations have shown highly positive outcomes, these vocational programs lack an evidence base to guide the choice of service models and components. This paper addresses issues concerning research design and implementation that need to be examined if randomized clinical trials of vocational services for substance users are to yield better employment outcomes. It examines how these issues emanate from the way substance abuse treatment is organized and delivered. The design issues focus on characteristics of service programs that may limit effect sizes and statistical power in evaluation studies. Similarly, the implementation issues concern problems in clinical settings in which researchers may have different goals from clinicians, or may need to supervise certain clinicians in a research study. The paper suggests solutions to these design and implementation problems, including increased sample sizes, controlling interactions between counselor characteristics and counseling methods, developing innovative programs, and engaging service providers in the research process. Although the paper concentrates on vocational rehabilitation, the issues raised are pertinent to other human services as well.
Graphite electrode for the measurement of redox potential and oxygen diffusion rate in soil

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate wax impregnated graphite electrodes (WIGEs) and platinum wire electrodes (PWEs) in the determination of two oxygen indicators: oxygen diffusion rate (ODR) and redox potential (Eh). These determinations were made in aqueous solutions, soil suspensions, and moist soil. In aqueous solutions, WIGEs had greater current efficiencies and a wider current plateau than PWEs. The response of both electrodes to increasing concentrations of dissolved oxygen was linear. In soil, the current-plateau region for both electrodes was a function of the soil moisture content. The response for both electrodes to increasing concentrations of oxygen in the soil was linear to about 60%. For redox measurements, the WIGEs gave excellent agreement, but the PWEs showed significant variation with the Nernst equation in a well-poised solution. In a buffered solution both electrodes performed well. This work has shown that WIGEs are less susceptible to poisoning by oxides, can be fabricated easily, are relatively inexpensive, are more stable in the soil than PWEs, and have a greater sensing area. In monitoring of hazardous waste land disposal sites, WIGEs can be substituted for PWEs whenever determinations of ODR and redox are made.
A geometric characterization of the line graph of a projective plane

Abstract The line graph of a graph G is defined to be the graph whose vertices are the edges of G, two vertices being adjacent if and only if the corresponding edges of G have a common vertex. If π is a projective plane of order n, then the bipartite graph of π, denoted by G(π), is the graph whose vertices are the 2(n2+n+1) points and lines of π, two vertices of G(π) being adjacent if and only if one is a point and the other is a line containing the point. The line graph of G(π) will be denoted by L(π). A characterization of the class {L(π)} in terms of the eigenvalues of the adjacency matrix of L(π) has been given by Hoffman. An alternative characterization of the class {L(π)} is presented here. If d(x, y) denotes the distance between two vertices x and y and Δ(x, y) denotes the number of vertices adjacent to both x and y, then G=L(π) has the following properties: (b1) The number of vertices in G is (n+1)(n2+n+1). (b2) G is connected and regular of valence 2n. (b3) Δ(x, y)=n−1 if d(x, y)=1 (b4) Δ(x, y)=1 if d(x, y)=2. (b5) If d(x, y)=2, the number of vertices z, such that d(x, z)=1 and d(y, z)=2, is at most n−1. In this paper we show that any graph G with no loops and no multiple edges having the properties (b1)−(b5) must be the line graph of a projective plane of order n.
Theoretical and computational advances for network diversion

The network-diversion problem (ND) is defined on a directedor undirected graph G = (V,E) having non-negative edge weights, a source vertex s, a sink vertex t, and a “diversion edge” . This problem, with intelligence-gathering and war-fighting applications, seeks a minimum-weight, minimal s-t cut in G such that . We present (a) a new NP-completeness proof for ND on directed graphs, (b) the first polynomial-time solution algorithm for a special graph topology, (c) an improved mixed-integer programming formulation (MIP), and (d) useful valid inequalities for that MIP. The proof strengthens known results by showing, for instance, that ND is strongly NP-complete on a directed graph even when is incident from s or into t, but not both, and even when G is acyclic; a corollary shows the NP-completeness of a vertex-deletion version of ND on undirected graphs. The polynomial-time algorithm solves ND on s-t planar graphs. Compared to a MIP from the literature, the new MIP, coupled with valid inequalities, reduces the average duality gap by 10–50% on certain classes of test problems. It can also reduce solution times by an order of magnitude. We successfully solve unweighted problems with roughly 90,000 vertices and 360,000 edges and weighted problems with roughly 10,000 vertices and 40,000 edges. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 000(00), 000–000 2013
Effects of uranium mining discharges on water quality in the Puerco River basin, Arizona and New Mexico

From 1967 until 1986, uranium mine dewatering increased dissolved gross alpha, gross beta, uranium and radium activities and dissolved selenium and molybdenum concentrations in the Puerco River as ...
What do bank acquirers value in non-public bank mergers and acquisitions?

Abstract This study investigates what target, market, and acquirer characteristics influence book value multiples in 288 non-public bank acquisitions from 2001 Q3 to 2005 Q4. Multiples rise with acquirer size and capital ratios. Targets with high proportions of industry-adjusted core and large deposits have higher multiples. When using target variables relative to acquirers, multiples rise with higher proportions of core and large deposits, larger average bank size in the market, and relative growth in assets, loans, and deposits as well as market growth. In contrast to prior findings for public targets, acquirers do not pay premiums for target accounting performance.
Successive approximation methods in classical statistical mechanics

Work on graph theoretical methods in classical statistics is summarized. The application of these methods to the calculation of the classical pantition function for an Nparticle system with additive two-body forces is described. The relation of the two basic theorems of Mayer's theory to the general theorems in the theory of graphs is indicated. The two Mayer theorems reduce the problem of calculating the partition function to the calculation of the star integrals. The different types of stars are classified according to their complexity or connectivity. Applications to calculations of partition functions in plasma are also discussed. (M.C.G.)
Von Zeipel's theorem and Convection in the Earth

A theorem of astrophysics may be applied to the Earth and leads to the conclusion that the distribution of radioactive matter is probably such that the temperature is not the same fit all points on a level surface inside the Earth. These differences in temperature might give rise to convection currents that circulate in meridional planes. The velocity of these currents cannot be estimated for want of data on the actual distribution of temperature, but it may be a few centimeters per year.
Eating behaviors, victimization, and desire for supportive intervention among adolescents in weight-loss camps

This study examined links between eating behaviors, weight-based victimization (WBV) and preferences for bullying intervention among adolescents. Adolescents enrolled in weight loss camps participated in an online survey (N = 361). Regression models examined relationships between key variables. Almost half of adolescents who experienced WBV engaged in unhealthy eating behaviors, which corresponded to less desire for supportive intervention. Unhealthy eating behaviors may offset adaptive coping strategies to deal with WBV, such as support from peers and family.
A simplified dynamic model for front-end loader design

AbstractThe front-end loader is an indispensable machine for the off-road construction equipment industry. It is a classic example of a working machine with complex interactions between its subsystems (hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical). Dynamic models of the full-scale vehicle coupled with event-based operator models are currently used to help quantify the overall system performance, efficiency, and operability. However, these models are complex and not always necessary to characterize the response of individual subsystems. There is great value added to the design process — especially in prototyping of new vehicle platforms — in development of simpler models that can quickly and accurately define first-order measures of system loads and performance. This paper presents a subscale dynamic model, which isolates the boom and bucket manipulator systems of the front-end loader for the purpose of design load characterization. The model includes state equations governing the hydraulic dynamics across the co...
SU(2)×U(1) breaking in supersymmetric guts

Abstract We consider the problem of SU(2)×U(1) breaking in supersymmetric GUTs. In particular, we focus on models in which supersymmetry is broken at an intermediate scale. We review the arguments that light singlet fields coupled to Higgs spoil the hierarchy. We show explicitly how auxiliary fields associated with heavy particles drop out of the low-energy theory, as expected from decoupling. Theories with only quarks, leptons and Higgs thus have directions in which all quartic couplings vanish. Conditions on the Higgs mass matrix for obtaining the correct pattern of breaking are stated, and an explicit model satisfying these conditions is constructed. The relevance of these considerations to supergravity theories is discussed.
Foreign Language Curricular Needs of Students Preparing for an Internship Abroad

foreign language proficiency are guiding principles for many academic programs, internships abroad are increasingly at the core of cooperative ventures between business and liberal arts programs (23). The communicative needs of foreign interns can be met in part by language for specific purposes (LSP) courses, although some foreign language departments have resisted such courses because of a "perceived poor fit within the liberal arts curriculum" (16: p. 44). Even so, many departments have observed that LSP courses respond to a significant demand and can help sustain or increase the number of foreign language majors (e.g., 6: p. 5; 13: pp. 383, 386; 15; 16; 25: p. 12). In adapting their curricula to meet the practical requirements of future interns abroad, language departments have the difficult task of designing courses that will most efficiently anticipate and satisfy the interns' communicative needs, which are subject to numerous variables. The following report describes an established pre-intern language program, and presents the results of a survey (see Appendix) distributed to past interns in order to assess the effectiveness of the various program components.
Breast-feeding: Time to Teach What We Preach

IN THE Healthy People 2000 report, 1 the US Secretary of Health and Human Services set as new goals for breast-feeding in the United States to "increase to at least 75% the proportion of mothers who breast-feed their babies in the early post-partum period and to at least 50% the proportion who continue breast-feeding until their babies are five to six months old." Importantly, these goals were set for the nation as a whole, without reference to any ethnic or economic subgroup. This conveys the message that breast-feeding will benefit all our nation's children, not just those of a defined population. The report goes on to state that overcoming barriers to successful breast-feeding will require "public and professional education and improved support from health care providers...." In recognition of the beneficial effects of breast-feeding to infants and of the role physicians can play in its promotion, the American Academy of
OKT3 therapy for hepatic allograft rejection. Differential response in adults and children.

The clinical courses following OKT3 therapy for hepatic allograft rejection (HAR) in adults and children have not been individually defined. We have reviewed our experience with OKT3 therapy for HAR in adults and children to compare: (1) the initial response to OKT3 therapy, (2) the clinical course
Development and application of co-culture for ethanol production by co-fermentation of glucose and xylose: a systematic review

This article reviews current co-culture systems for fermenting mixtures of glucose and xylose to ethanol. Thirty-five co-culture systems that ferment either synthetic glucose and xylose mixture or various biomass hydrolysates are examined. Strain combinations, fermentation modes and conditions, and fermentation performance for these co-culture systems are compared and discussed. It is noted that the combination of Pichia stipitis with Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its respiratory-deficient mutant is most commonly used. One of the best results for fermentation of glucose and xylose mixture is achieved by using co-culture of immobilized Zymomonas mobilis and free cells of P. stipitis, giving volumetric ethanol production of 1.277 g/l/h and ethanol yield of 0.49–0.50 g/g. The review discloses that, as a strategy for efficient conversion of glucose and xylose, co-culture fermentation for ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass can increase ethanol yield and production rate, shorten fermentation time, and reduce process costs, and it is a promising technology although immature.
Nuclear explosion locations at the Balapan, Kazakhstan, nuclear test site: the effects of high-precision arrival times and three-dimensional structure

Abstract We have investigated the potential contributions of improved arrival times (using waveform cross-correlation) and the use of three-dimensional (3-D) velocity models for seismic event location capability. Our analyses are applied to a dataset of nuclear explosions at Balapan, Kazakhstan, for which ground-truth locations and some absolute origin times are available. This ground-truth information allows us to determine excellent origin time estimates for the remaining explosions. The combination of excellent ground-truth location information and high-quality origin time estimates permits us to (1) carry out a detailed examination of the quality of ISC picks, (2) identify probable timing errors in the digital data, (3) evaluate relative and absolute location capability using data from a sparse network, (4) assess the influence of event signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on relative location accuracy, (5) utilize the Balapan events as a source array for 3-D tomography beneath the test site, and (6) test the influence of 3-D structure (local and global) on relative location accuracy and precision in a “controlled” situation. Our principal finding is that improved arrival times are the primary contributor to improved locations. Joint and individual relocations of Balapan events using the full digital dataset result in average mislocations of less than 1 km and 95% confidence regions of a compatible size. To mimic a CTBT scenario more realistically, we also carry out relocations using very few stations (4–10 observations). Location accuracy degrades somewhat, but the high-quality picks generally result in mislocations less than 10 km, even for events with very large azimuthal gaps. Uncertainty is generally underestimated in these cases. Tests with artificially degraded SNR show that mislocation increases slowly as SNR decreases. 3-D velocity structure makes a smaller contribution to relative location accuracy than accurate time picks. Travel time variations due to global 3-D structure vary little across the source region, so that location scatter is not reduced when travel time corrections for global 3-D structure are applied. Travel time variations due to the local 3-D structure (estimated using source-region tomography) are also modest. Applying travel time corrections that account for the local structure does yield slight location improvement.
The application of wave-mechanics to reactions involving hydrogen and diplogen

A considerable amount of work has recently been done on the application of wave-mechanics to the theoretical study of chemical reactions. This has consisted chiefly in calculating activation energies and strengths of various bonds by consideration of electronic states in molecules. Some work has also been done on actual reaction mechanisms. It is evident from the latter that, owing to the large masses of the particles concerned, the quantum theory and the classical treatment will give different results only for reactions involving hydrogen or diplogen. Previous attempts to deal with such reactions have consisted simply of calculating the permeability G ( W ) of a barrier of height equal to the activation energy for protons of energy W. The reaction rate is then assumed to be given by
Feasibility of Large High-Powered Solar Electric Propulsion Vehicles: Issues and Solutions

Human exploration beyond low Earth orbit will require the use of enabling technologies that are efficient, affordable, and reliable. Solar electric propulsion (SEP) has been proposed by NASA s Human Exploration Framework Team as an option to achieve human exploration missions to near Earth objects (NEOs) because of its favorable mass efficiency as compared to traditional chemical systems. This paper describes the unique challenges and technology hurdles associated with developing a large high-power SEP vehicle. A subsystem level breakdown of factors contributing to the feasibility of SEP as a platform for future exploration missions to NEOs is presented including overall mission feasibility, trip time variables, propellant management issues, solar array power generation, array structure issues, and other areas that warrant investment in additional technology or engineering development.
Predictors of emergency medical services utilization by elders.

Objective: Elders (age ≥ 65 years) frequently use emergency medical services (EMS) for care. Understanding reasons for EMS use by elders may allow better management of EMS demand. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no studies have identified patient characteristics associated with EMS use by elders. This study aimed to identify patient attributes associated with elder EMS users. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of non-institutionalized elders presenting to an urban university hospital emergency department. Nine hundred thirty elder patients completed the survey. The authors asked patients about access to care, health beliefs, and reasons for requesting EMS assistance. Univariate and logistic regression were used to identify predictors of EMS use. Results: The sample had a mean age of 76 years; 37% were male; 79% were African American. Thirty percent arrived via EMS. Sixty-five percent of those transported and 46% of those not transported by EMS were admitted to the hospital (p < 0.001). Reported reasons for using EMS transport included immobility (33%), illness (22%), request by others (21%), instruction from health care providers (10%), and lack of transportation (10%). Logistic regression identified symptom onset within four hours of seeking care (OR = 3.1), age ≥ 85 years (OR = 1.63), increased deficiencies in activities of daily living (OR = 1.40 per deficiency), worse physical functioning (OR = 1.14/10 points), and worse social functioning (OR = 1.06/10 points) as factors associated with EMS use. Conclusions: Elders report using EMS because of immobility, perceived medical needs, or requests by others. Similarly, the presence of acute illness symptoms, older age, and poor social and physical function, rather than health beliefs, predict EMS use among elders. These factors must be considered when managing the demand for EMS services.
Epigenetic Control of Aging

Organismal aging and longevity are influenced by many complex interacting factors. Epigenetics has recently emerged as another possible determinant of aging. Here, we review some of the epigenetic pathways that contribute to cellular senescence and age-associated phenotypes. Strategies aimed to reverse age-linked epigenetic alterations may lead to the development of new therapeutic interventions to delay or alleviate some of the most debilitating age-associated diseases. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 14, 241–259.
Unresolving hip tendonitis leads to discovery of malignant tumor

Abstract Objective To discuss a case of malignant bone tumor in the left hip of a patient who sought treatment following a tennis injury. Clinical features A 27-year-old male patient visited a chiropractic clinic 6 months after a twisting injury to his left hip which occurred while playing tennis. His pain had remained moderate in intensity and intermittent to frequent in frequency since it originated but became more intense the week prior to his visit. Intervention and outcome The patient was diagnosed with a tendonitis/bursitis and received 3 weeks of treatment. Care consisted of various forms of passive modalities to reduce pain and inflammation, as well as hip mobilization and tissue stretching. Plain film examination was then performed, due to lack of progress, and revealed a possible chondroblastoma of the femoral head. The patient was referred to his primary care physician (PCP) for follow-up imaging. Surgical resection of the lesion occurred approximately 2 months later. Biopsy of the resected cells confirmed a new diagnosis of clear cell chondrosarcoma. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest was performed to rule out metastasis to the lungs. Regular follow-up care and imaging continued and revealed, 9 months following, that the femoral head lesion had returned and hip replacement surgery would be needed. Conclusion Tendonitis, bursitis, and sprains commonly occur following sports-related trauma to the appendicular skeleton. A conservative trial of care should be performed on suspected soft tissue injuries. However, when lack of improvement occurs within the first month, further examination, special studies, or referral are warranted to ensure a proper diagnosis and to rule out a pathological condition.
Morphine Desensitization and Cellular Tolerance Are Distinguished in Rat Locus Ceruleus Neurons

μ-Opioid receptor desensitization is considered an initial step in the development of tolerance. Curiously, the commonly used opioid morphine produces robust tolerance but minimal acute desensitization. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that desensitization is indeed present in morphine-treated animals and is distinguished from cellular tolerance by time course of recovery and mechanism. To induce tolerance, rats were treated with continuously released morphine for 1 week. Morphine-mediated activation of G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium conductance was measured using voltage-clamp recordings from locus ceruleus neurons in brain slices from naive or morphine-treated rats. Cellular tolerance was observed as a decrease in morphine efficacy in slices from morphine-treated rats. This tolerance persisted for at least 6 h. An additional reduction in morphine-mediated current was observed when slices from morphine-treated rats were continuously maintained in morphine at approximately the circulating plasma concentration. This additional reduction recovered within 1 h after removal of morphine from the slice and represents desensitization that developed in the tolerant animal. Recovery from desensitization, but not long-lasting tolerance, was facilitated by protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) activity. Furthermore, desensitization, but not tolerance, was reversed by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor but not by an inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Therefore, morphine treatment leads to both long-lasting cellular tolerance and readily reversible desensitization, which are differentially dependent on PP1 and PKC activity and combine to result in a substantial decrease in morphine effectiveness. This PKC-mediated desensitization may contribute to the previously reported PKC-dependent reversal of behavioral tolerance.
Team Member Functional Background and Involvement in Management Teams: Direct Effects and the Moderating Role of Power Centralization

This article examines the relationship between a team member's functional background and two forms of intrateam involvement: centrality in a team's workflow and involvement in team decision making....
Application of Nafion/Platinum Electrodes (Solid Polymer Electrolyte Structures) to Voltammetric Investigations of Highly Resistive Solutions

Platinum electrodes on Nation~ 115 membranes, designated Pt/Naf and prepared by an electroless plating method (PtC162- with hydrazine), were used for voltammetric investigations. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of these electrodes showed the Pt electrode surface to have the continuous, yet porous, structure necessary for both electronic conduction to the Pt particles and ionic conduction through the membrane/electrode/solution interface. These electrodes were used in the configuration S/Pt/Naf/H20 + electrolyte, where the counter and reference electrodes were in the aqueous electrolyte solution and the substance of interest was dissolved in solvent, S. Cyclic voltammetry was used to characterize the behavior of several substrates in H20, MeCN, THF, and toluene. Tetracyanoquinod imethane (TCNQ) in acetonitrile (MeCN), tetrahydrofuran (THF), and toluene and benzoquinone (BQ) in THF and toluene could be reduced to anion radicals in the absence of added supporting electrolyte. In THF and toluene, the formation of the radical anion of BQ and TCNQ often involved ion pair formation with alkali metal ion and precipitation. The reduction of TCNQ in toluene in the presence of Na § ions resulted in the formation of the electronically conducting salts, Na+TCNQ -. This paper describes the construction of Pt electrodes, based on solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) technology, that can be employed for voltammetric measurements and their application to studies with several solvent systems, including some very resistive ones that contain no or low amounts of added supporting electrolyte. SPE techniques involve the use of an ion exchange membrane (usually Nation 1) with porous contacting electrodes for the construction of electrochemical devices in which ionic migration to maintain charge neutrality occurs within the membrane. SPE technology was first applied to fuel cells (1) and later to water electrolyzers (2) and electrochemical oxygen separators (3). Our goal was to utilize these SPE electrodes in a voltammetric mode to help establish appropriate conditions for bulk electrolysis and for analysis. In this way such SPE electrodes could be used to complement ultramicroelectrodes (4, 5) in the electrochemical characterization of systems in resistive media. We also were interested in obtaining a better understanding of the operation and structure of the voltammetric SPE electrode.
Simulator Study of Effects of Alternative Distraction Mitigation Strategies in Driver Workload Manager

This simulator study examined a workload manager developed by Delphi Electronics for the SAVE-IT program and the effects of several different workload mitigation strategies on driver response to a surprise forward collision hazard. The strategies included no in-vehicle task or distraction (baseline); task allowed; task interrupted; and task denied. Forty-eight test participants (24 males and 24 females) between 35 and 55 years of age were randomly assigned in groups of 12 (balanced for gender) to each of the four conditions. Each participant then drove in the Ford VIRTTEX moving-base driving simulator on simulated urban and rural roads and was asked to perform various in-vehicle tasks. During a requested in-vehicle information system task, a vehicle parked on the side of the road would suddenly enter the travel lane, and the driver's response was assessed. Braking response to this critical event indicated no significant differences in mean brake response time as a function of type of mitigation strategy o...
Robotic cholecystectomy and resident education: the UC Davis experience.

Introduction The popularity of robotic surgery highlights the need for strategies to integrate this technique into surgical education. We present 5 year data for robotic cholecystectomy (RC) as a model for training residents. Methods Data were collected on all RC over 66 months. Duration for docking the robot (S2) and performing RC (S3), and surgical outcomes, were recorded. We used a linear mixed effects model to investigate learning curves. Results Thirty-eight trainees performed 160 RCs, with most performing more than four. One case was aborted due to haemodynamic instability, and two were converted to open surgery due to adhesions. There were no technical complications. The duration of S2 (mean = 6.2 ± 3.6 min) decreased considerably (p = 0.027). Trainees also demonstrated decrease in duration of S3 (mean = 38.4 ± 15.4 min), indicating improvement in technique (p = 0.008). Conclusions RC is an effective model for teaching residents. Significant and reproducible improvement can be realized with low risk of adverse outcomes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ectomycorrhizal fungal taxa differing in response to nitrogen deposition also differ in pure culture organic nitrogen use and natural abundance of nitrogen isotopes

Summary • Ectomycorrhizal fungal species vary in their response to nitrogen (N) availability and ability to use organic N. We hypothesized that taxa dominant at sites with high soil inorganic N would be less likely to use organic N than taxa dominant at low soil inorganic N. We also asked whether these taxa differed in natural abundance of N isotopes. • Pure culture N use for taxa from an N deposition gradient in Alaska was examined and N isotopes of sporocarps, soils and foliage collected over this gradient were quantified. • Taxa common in low inorganic N soils grew on protein, glutamine and serine, whereas dominant taxa in high inorganic N soils grew on glutamine, but poorly on protein and serine. Sporocarp δ15N was highest in protein users, and lowest in nonprotein users. With increasing soil inorganic N, sporocarps became more isotopically enriched relative to foliage. • The importance of organic N use might decline with increasing N availability, although field tests are required. The relationship between organic N use and N isotopes also merits further study. However, sporocarp isotopic enrichment may be a useful indicator of soil N availability.