cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biotinylated dextran amine and biocytin hydrochloride are useful tracers for the study of retinal projections in the frog

Anatomical study of the topographic organization of retinal projections requires a tracer capable of resolving fine morphological detail and permitting analysis of the projection from either the whole retina or selected areas. To obtain a permanent record of the experiments and to have access to ultrastructural data, it is preferable for the tracer to be compatible with both brightfield microscopy and electron microscopy. Biotinylated dextran amine and biocytin hydrochloride, as employed in the present experiments, meet these needs exceptionally well for anterograde tracing studies on the frog visual system. Both tracers labeled axons and terminal arbors more prominently than comparable material studied by the widely used methods of anterograde fiber-filling with horseradish peroxidase or cobalt. When used to trace the projections from small sectors of retina, the finest unmyelinated fibers in layers A, C and E of the frog optic tectum and their synaptic boutons were made readily visible by the new tracers.
Key polynomials and a flagged Littlewood-Richardson rule

Abstract This paper studies a family of polynomials called key polynomials , introduced by Demazure and investigated combinatorially by Lascoux and Schutzenberger. We give two new combinatorial interpretations for these key polynomials and show how they provide the connection between two relatively recent combinatorial expressions for Schubert polynomials . We also give a flagged Littlewood—Richardson rule , an expansion of a flagged skew Schur function as a nonnegative sum of key polynomials.
Structural identification of the pathway of long-range communication in an allosteric enzyme

Allostery is a common mechanism of regulation of enzyme activity and specificity, and its signatures are readily identified from functional studies. For many allosteric systems, structural evidence exists of long-range communication among protein domains, but rarely has this communication been traced to a detailed pathway. The thrombin mutant D102N is stabilized in a self-inhibited conformation where access to the active site is occluded by a collapse of the entire 215-219 beta-strand. Binding of a fragment of the protease activated receptor PAR1 to exosite I, 30-A away from the active site region, causes a large conformational change that corrects the position of the 215-219 beta-strand and restores access to the active site. The crystal structure of the thrombin-PAR1 complex, solved at 2.2-A resolution, reveals the details of this long-range allosteric communication in terms of a network of polar interactions.
Patterns of Undergraduates' Use of Scholarly Databases in a Large Research University

Abstract Authentication data was utilized to explore undergraduate usage of subscription electronic databases. These usage patterns were linked to the information literacy curriculum of the library. The data showed that out of the 26,208 enrolled undergraduate students, 42% of them accessed a scholarly database at least once in the course of the entire semester. Despite their higher levels of learning and expected sophistication in information seeking skills, juniors and seniors used databases proportionately less than freshmen and sophomores. The University Library conducts a variety of introductory seminars that introduce freshmen to databases in the Fall semester. There was no evidence that this momentum is sustained in the subsequent years when higher-level more sophisticated skills are needed.
MATHEMATICAL FRAMEWORK OF THE WELL PRODUCTIVITY INDEX FOR FAST FORCHHEIMER (NON-DARCY) FLOWS IN POROUS MEDIA

Motivated by the reservoir engineering concept of the well Productivity Index, we introduced and analyzed a functional, denoted as "diffusive capacity", for the solution of the initial-boundary value problem (IBVP) for a linear parabolic equation.21 This IBVP described laminar (linear) Darcy flow in porous media; the considered boundary conditions corresponded to different regimes of the well production. The diffusive capacities were then computed as steady state invariants of the solutions to the corresponding time-dependent boundary value problem. Here similar features for fast or turbulent nonlinear flows subjected to the Forchheimer equations are analyzed. It is shown that under some hydrodynamic and thermodynamic constraints, there exists a so-called pseudo steady state regime for the Forchheimer flows in porous media. In other words, under some assumptions there exists a steady state invariant over a certain class of solutions to the transient IBVP modeling the Forchheimer flow for slightly compressible fluid. This invariant is the diffusive capacity, which serves as the mathematical representation of the so-called well Productivity Index. The obtained results enable computation of the well Productivity Index by resolving a single steady state boundary value problem for a second-order quasilinear elliptic equation. Analytical and numerical studies highlight some new relations for the well Productivity Index in linear and nonlinear cases. The obtained analytical formulas can be potentially used for the numerical well block model as an analog of Piecemann.
Histological definition of the vomeronasal organ in humans and chimpanzees, with a comparison to other primates

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a chemosensory structure that has morphological indications of functionality in strepsirhine and New World primates examined to date. In these species, it is thought to mediate certain socio-sexual behaviors. The functionality and even existence of the VNO in Old World primates has been debated. Most modern texts state that the VNO is absent in Old World monkeys, apes, and humans. A recent study on the VNO in the chimpanzee (Smith et al., 2001b) challenged this notion, demonstrating the need for further comparative studies of primates. In particular, there is a need to establish how the human/chimpanzee VNO differs from that of other primates and even nonhomologous mucosal ducts. Histochemical and microscopic morphological characteristics of the VNO and nasopalatine duct (NPD) were examined in 51 peri- and postnatal primates, including humans, chimpanzees, five species of New World monkeys, and seven strepsirhine species. The nasal septum was removed from each primate and histologically processed for coronal sectioning. Selected anteroposterior intervals of the VNO were variously stained with alcian blue (AB)-periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), PAS only, Gomori trichrome, or hematoxylin-eosin procedures. All strepsirhine species had well developed VNOs, with a prominent neuroepithelium and vomeronasal cartilages that nearly surrounded the VNO. New World monkeys had variable amounts of neuroepithelia, whereas Pan troglodytes and Homo sapiens had no recognizable neuroepithelium or vomeronasal nerves (VNNs). Certain unidentified cell types of the human/chimpanzee VNO require further examination (immunohistochemical and electron microscopic). The VNOs of P. troglodytes, H. sapiens, and New World monkeys exhibited different histochemistry of mucins compared to strepsirhine species. The nasopalatine region showed great variation among species. It is a blind-ended pit in P. troglodytes, a glandular recess in H. sapiens, a mucous-producing duct in Otolemur crassicaudatus, and a stratified squamous passageway in all other species. This study also revealed remarkable morphological/histochemical variability in the VNO and nasopalatine regions among the primate species examined. The VNOs of humans and chimpanzees had some structural similarities to nonhomologous ciliated gland ducts seen in other primates. However, certain distinctions from the VNOs of other primates or nonhomologous epithelial structures characterize the human/chimpanzee VNO: 1) bilateral epithelial tubes; 2) a superiorly displaced position in the same plane as the paraseptal cartilages; 3) a homogeneous, pseudostratified columnar morphology with ciliated regions; and 4) mucous-producing structures in the epithelium itself. Anat Rec 267:166–176, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Clay Mineralogy in Building Research

Clay is impor tan t in the construction indus t ry both as a building material and as a foundation for structures. Buildings and utensils made of clay date back to the earliest periods of m a n ' s civilized development, and the use of clay is int imately associated with his history. Sun-baked clay structures were built during the pre-European period of American history. In the southwest of the Uni ted States by about 500 B.C. pot tery was made from sun-dried clay. Bricks were made from the same material, which is durable under semi-arid conditions, and great communi ty houses were built. Bricks were commonly used in Europe at the t ime of the early European set t lement of North America and fired bricks were produced a t an early date. The widely scattered and rather sparse population of this period favoured small-scale production designed to meet local demand. As a result of the increase in the density of population and concomitant exploitation of resources, extensive scientific surveys were carried out and available raw materials catalogued. W i th the development of unders tanding of the t rue nature of clay it became possible to correlate composition with the behaviour of clay on firing. By comparing the effect of different brick-maklng processes on one type of clay it was shown tha t the effect of manufac tur ing methods m a y be less than had been supposed (Butterworth, 1949). Semi-dry pressed bricks were found to be only slightly more porous t ha n wirecut or stiff-plastic pressed bricks when the same clay was used. Differential thermal analysis was employed as a guide not only to the mineralogical composition of the material bu t also to indicate its ceramic properties. This was possible as sufficient experience had been gained in trial runs in which the clay was examined on the thermal analysis equipment and the curve then correlated with its ceramic behaviour. Certain general principles emerged from this work. I t was found tha t montmoril lonite or illite confer high plasticity and high shrinkage and tend to be non-refractory, with a short vitrification range, while a luminum hydroxide or kaolinite confer refractory properties and have a long vitrification range (Grim and Rowland, 1944). An al ternative approach to taking a natural ly occurring clay and a t tempt ing to correlate its behaviour on firing with its mineralogy is to s tudy the effects of heat t reatment on artificial mixtures. For example, studies have been made on co-precipitated gels of silica and alumina. Of considerable practical importance to the building indust ry has been the production of lightweight aggregate. I t was found tha t certain clays on firing have the property of swelling or "bloating", becoming light in weight yet s trong and durable. Much work has been done to produce commercially feasible lightweight aggregate in areas where the clays are of the non-bloating variety. The addition to such clays of compounds of iron, alkalies, alkaline earths, carbon, and flowers of sulphur often induces bloating. The essentials for success are tha t a viscous melt mus t form during evolution of gas.
Hamlet’s Religions

Pastoral challenges prompted pietists among Elizabethan Catholics and Calvinists to commend what historians now call an inward turn whereby the faithful, in a sense, become their own confessors. This article suggests that spiritual exercises or soliloquies Shakespeare scripted for his Hamlet (and, less so, for Angelo in Measure for Measure) compare favorably with the devotional literature that underscored the importance of self-analysis, intra-psychic conflict, and contrition. The argument here is not that the playwright’s piety resembled his Hamlet’s but that the latter reflected efforts to structure desire in the religions of the time struggling for survival and recognition. References to passages in Shakespeare plays (act, scene) appear parenthetically in the text. Unless otherwise indicated in the bibliography appended to this article, all early printed material is accessible at the Early English Books database, http://eebo.chadwyck.com/home, verified June 1, 2011.
Experimental Verification and Theoretical Analysis on Felicity Effect of Acoustic Emission in Concrete

The experiment of acoustic emission (AE) on concrete specimens under uniaxial cyclic loading was conducted. The Kaiser effect of acoustic emission in concrete and the Felicity effect, which manifest the memorizing ability to the maximum previous stress level of Kaiser effect, were validated by the experiment. The mechanism of Felicity effect was analyzed based on the theory of statistical damage mechanics and a tentative AE factor constitutive model of brittle material under uniaxial cyclic loading was suggested. The curve of constitutive model is in good coincidence with the curve from the experiment. The experimental results showed that the Felicity effect became clearer along with the increasing of stress level. Each loading cycle would cause new damage inside the material, and the response of material to the new loading cycle is different from the previous cycle.
POD Analysis of In-Cylinder Flows

Both time-dependent and time-invariant Proper Orthogonal Decompositions are performed on LES and PIV data as an initial step in a study of tumble breakdown in in-cylinder flows. Evidence of tumble instability during compression is found in the time-dependent POD of both data sets. Time-invariant POD modes are presented which will be used later in low-dimensional models of these systems.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Perspectives on Small, Flat Video Displays

Much work has been done during the past ten years on the development of flat displays for television (1). The flat-panel display warrants attention in that it does not possess some of the inherent limitations of the cathode ray tube (CRT). The flat panel display will be lighter and less bulky than the CRT and will not require a 25 KV power supply. The flat-panel display also has the potential of being made in any size, conceivably from 1 in.2 to sizes larger than 15 ft.2. The CRT, however, is limited to a practical screen size of 4 ft.2. Also, for small screen sizes, the CRT consumes too much power for prolonged battery operation and cannot be made much smaller than 10 in.2. The flat panel will not possess the large fragile glass envelope of the CRT making it better suited for rugged portable operation.
Effects of syngas composition on combustion induced vortex breakdown (CIVB) flashback in a swirl stabilized combustor

Abstract Flame flashback attributed to combustion induced vortex breakdown (CIVB) is a major design challenge for swirl stabilized burner combustors. This paper presents an experimental investigation of combustion induced vortex breakdown (CIVB) flashback propensity for flames yielded from Hydrogen (H 2 )–Carbon Monoxide (CO) fuel blends and actual synthesized gas (syngas) mixtures. A two-fold experimental approach, consisting of a high definition digital imaging system and a high speed PIV system, was employed. The main emphasis was on the effect of concentration of different constituents in fuel mixtures on flashback limit. In addition, the effect of Swirl Number on flashback propensity was discussed. The percentage of H 2 in fuel mixtures played the dominant role when CIVB flashback occurred. For a given air mass flow rate, the mixture containing a higher percentage of H 2 underwent flashback at much leaner conditions. Flashback maps for actual syngas fuel compositions showed a distinct behavior when various concentrations of diluents were introduced in the mixture. For the two major diluents tested, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), CO 2 was more dominant. The effect of Swirl Number on the flashback propensity was also tested and showed a decrease with an increase in Swirl Number. The final portion of this paper also provides an analysis of flow field of reacting flames which revealed complex vortex–chemistry interactions leading to vortex breakdown and flashback. Based on the experimental results a parametric model similar to Peclet Number approach was developed employing a flame quenching concept. A value of the quench parameter, C quench was obtained from the correlation of flow Peclet Number and flame Peclet Number, which was observed to be dominated by the fuel composition rather than Swirl Number.
A survey of commercial meat block freezing in the United Kingdom and Fire

Abstract The results of a survey of meat block freezing in the UK and Eire have been compared with experimental and calculated data. This comparison showed that only 58% of the throughput is being frozen within ±20% of the actual time required. There was little standardization of block size, type of wrapping and carton, freezing and storage conditions. The weight of the majority of blocks was between 25 and 30 kg and 80% of the meat was frozen in cartons between 14.6 and 15.9 cm thick. The survey concludes that refrigeration and meat companies must aim for more realistic freezing times and conditions in order to avoid either incomplete freezing or wasting energy by freezing for longer than necessary.
Design and control of a high-efficiency Doubly-Fed Brushless machine for wind power generator application

Principles and latest progress of Doubly Fed Brushless Machine (DFBM) are reviewed with the identified solutions to designing a high efficiency DFBM of 96%. The original design of DFBM rated at 200kw/1200rpm focuses on the key components of DFBM, including the rotor style and pole number combination, and control algorithms. Both theoretical and experimental results are presented to substantiate the success of the original design solutions.
Soil nitrogen mineralization as affected by water and temperature interactions

The hypothesis that water and temperature interact to influence the rate of soil N mineralization was studied in laboratory incubation experiments with two contrasting soils. Small sample rings (10 mm tall, 50 mm diameter) were packed to uniform bulk density with 1–2 mm aggregates of Plano silt loam and Wacousta silty clay loam. Samples were brought to five different water potentials (−0.1, −0.33, −0.5, −1.0, −3.0 bars) using pressure-plate techniques, and the undisturbed sample rings were then incubated at 10–35°C for 3, 10 or 14 days. The concentration of soil exchangeable NH4 +-N and NO3 −-N was measured at the end of each incubation period on replicate samples. The Q10 of N mineralization was approximately 2 for all tested water potentials. Soil N mineralization was linearly related to water content or log water potential, but no water-temperature interaction was evident. The Q10 was constant with water content, and the scaled water content-N mineralization relationship was constant with temperature. We recommend the use of scaling approaches for assessing interactive effects between water and other environmental factors on N turnover in soils.
An analytical model for A-frame system design

An A-frame system is a highly automated piece-level order-fulfillment technology. A systematic analysis is performed in this article in order to understand the design decisions of using an A-frame system in a distribution center. A math-programming-based approach to determine the amount of A-frame infrastructure investment is presented along with the assignment and allocation of Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) to the A-frame. Then throughput considerations are explicitly considered by developing analytical models for the throughput of an A-frame and heuristics to adjust the allocation and assignment of SKUs in order for the A-frame to meet a throughput constraint. The proposed heuristic approach performs well as compared to the exact solution approaches for small problems. Since the proposed methodology is capable of solving industrial-sized problems it is applied to a case study from the pharmaceutical industry. Design testing indicates that A-frame systems provide the greatest potential in labor savings when...
Studies on the mechanism of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine-induced suppression of secretagogue-induced thyrotropin release in vitro.

A double column perifusion procedure was used to study the feedback inhibition of L-T3 on TSH secretion from rat anterior pituitary fragments. Matching pituitary halves were pretreated with T3 (10-7 M) for 2 h before exposure to 10-8 M TRH, 59 mM K+, or 5 mM Ba2+. TRH, high K+, and Ba2+ resulted in a 2-fold or greater stimulation of TSH release. T3 significantly inhibited the stimulation by these secretagogues to 0.77, 0.78, and 0.52 of control for TRH, high K+, and Ba2+, respectively. Neither rT3 (10-7 M) nor T3 added together with TRH had an effect on TSH release by this secretagogue. Perifusion with 3.5 × 10-5 M cycloheximide or 10-6 M actinomycin D 1 h before and during T3 administration led to a greater TSH release with TRH than in the presence of T3M alone. Neither protein, synthetic inhibitor increased TRH responsiveness of pituitary fragments when perifused alone. When cycloheximide was perifused in a similar protocol before high K+ or Ba2+, there again was a significant decrease in the T3-induced...
A networked engineering portal to support distributed supply chain partnership

In this paper, the authors discuss the latest advancement of supply chain management (SCM) that leads to the development of a networked supply chain partnership (SCP). A deep insight is given into the nature, motivation and implementation of the SCP as a value-added component in the forefront of SCM. The role of the Internet in SCP is examined, and the current situation of SCP in China is analysed. Compared with available e-portals in the global market, a web-based DRAGON Engineering Portal (DEP) across geographical borders and cultural barriers is proposed to support European and Chinese industrial partners in developing strategic manufacturer–supplier partnerships. E-partnering and cultural repository are in-built to support a dislocated supply chain partnership for collaborative product development, starting with the location of partners and the implementation of contact initiation.
Firing for cause.

When a nurse is hired, the employer hopes the relationship will be mutually beneficial. When this is not the case, the employer's knowledge of the at will rule is critical. The author discusses the at will rule, good faith dealings, and the conditions under which the employee can be dismissed for cause.
Monopoly rationing and two-part tariffs

Abstract Rationing benefits a monopolist under increasing returns, relative to a simple price strategy. However, this note shows that a two-part tariff matches the rationing outcome. This example strengthens the conjecture that a sufficiently complex pure pricing strategy can duplicate any rationing outcome.
Equivalence between invasive and oscillometric blood pressures at different anatomic locations in healthy normotensive anaesthetised horses.

Summary Reasons for performing study Accurate blood pressure measurement is essential for effective clinical assessment and appropriate interventions in anaesthetised horses. Information on the accuracy of oscillometry for blood pressure measurement on the appendages of mature horses is limited. Objectives To assess equivalence between invasive and oscillometric blood pressures at different anatomic locations in horses. Study design Prospective experimental study using 6 healthy mature horses. Methods Blood pressure was measured invasively in the right transverse facial artery and noninvasively by oscillometry in nondependent limbs and tail of laterally recumbent sevoflurane- or desflurane-anaesthetised horses. Cuff widths of 5–12 cm were tested on the tail, metatarsus, metacarpus and distal radius/ulna. Equivalence between mean arterial pressure (MAP) oscillometric and MAP invasive was assessed using a linear mixed effects model with a significance level of P≤0.05. Results Twenty paired measurements were obtained for each cuff size in each of the locations, totalling 340 measurements. There was only one location (tail) and one cuff width (6 cm; cuff width-to-tail circumference ratio of 0.25) that resulted in equivalence between MAP measured with the oscillometric and the invasive methods (P = 0.8). All other locations (metacarpus, radius/ulna, metatarsus) and cuff widths were not equivalent (P≤0.01). Conclusions A cuff width-to-tail circumference ratio of 0.25 is recommended for accurate oscillometric blood pressure measurement in mature, laterally recumbent anaesthetised normotensive horses. Studies with variable haemodynamics are warranted. Oscillometric measurements at other extremities and/or with other cuff sizes cannot be recommended for clinical use.
Bridging Two Worlds: Using Knowledge Management Theory to Understand the Merging of Two Non-Profit Organisations

In today's economic climate, knowledge management is very important to the non-profit sector as these organisations experience the effects of a global recession. Financial instability may lead to downsising that creates a loss of important information. For non-profit organisations, a creative solution to the financial crisis has been re-structuring through multi-agency collaborations and mergers. These restructuring processes are complex and disruptive, making effective knowledge management processes even more important for organisational success. This study employs a qualitative interview design to explore the merger of two non-profit cancer support agencies through the lens of knowledge management theory. Participants of the original agencies shared their views of previous knowledge processes, how the processes changed as a result of the merger and strategies used by the newly formed agency to address merger complexities. Results reflect that one of the original organisations began as a non-profit medical provider with formal culture and communication patterns; the other a grass-roots social service agency with informal structure and communication patterns. These differences contributed to differing views about how the merger was implemented and perceived by various employees and board members. Knowledge gains were generally explicit knowledge processes while knowledge losses were implicit processes. Some important strategies and lessons learned included the need for good documentation of all work processes, an external facilitator, and the need for transparency and collaboration between all constituents.
Towards Intelligent Search Assistance for Inquiry-Based Learning

In Online Inquiry-Based Learning (OIBL) learners search for information to answer driving questions. While learners conduct sequential related searches, the search engines interpret each query in isolation, and thus are unable to utilize task context. Consequently, learners usually get less relevant search results. We are developing a NLP-based search agent to bridge the gap between learners and search engines. Our algorithms utilize contextual features to provide user with search term suggestions and results re-ranking. Our pilot study indicates that our method can effectively enhance the quality of OIBL.
Finite modeling of parabolic equations using Galerkin methods and inverse matrix approximations

In this paper we examine order reduction of parabolic systems using modal truncation. The parabolic distributed system is first approximated using the Galerkin method. The system matrices have a special structure that allows us to find the approximate spectrum of the parabolic system. To do this we compute approximate inverses of tridiagonal, diagonally dominant symmetric matrices. The approximation leads to algorithms of orderO(n), as opposed to traditional algorithms of orderO(n), wheren is the order of the system. Finally, an example is presented to illustrate the proposed algorithm.
Inter-NICU variation in rates and management of thrombocytopenia among very low birth-weight infants.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate variation among neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in prevalence and management of thrombocytopenia in infants <1500 g. STUDY DESIGN: In total 1283 infants <1500 g admitted to six NICUs over 21 months were prospectively analyzed. Illness severity was measured by the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP). Platelet counts in the first 12 hours after birth and on day 3 of life were abstracted from the infants' medical records. Thrombocytopenia was determined from the lowest platelet count in each of these time periods. RESULTS: There was variability in rates of thrombocytopenia among NICUs, even after controlling for risk factors (e.g., SNAP, small for gestational (SGA) age and maternal hypertension). One site had a high prevalence of thrombocytopenia, but the lowest percentage of infants with thrombocytopenia who received platelet transfusions. After controlling for SNAP, GA, SGA, Apgar score and incidence of thrombocytopenia, the odds of receiving platelets at this site, relative to the site with the highest transfusion rate, was 0.10 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.43). CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter study finds a 10-fold variation among NICU in the administration of platelets to their thrombocytopenic infants that cannot be explained by presence of thrombocytopenia or illness severity.
SOME CONSEQUENCES OF SMALL INTERSECTION NUMBERS IN THE DEHN QUANDLE AND BEYOND

We extend the notion of geometric intersection numbers 0 and 1, for circles in the Dehn quandle, to general quandles, assuming existence of elements having certain algebraic properties in the latter. These properties enable the construction of many useful 2 and 3 cycles in Dehn quandle homology. Particularly, we construct a special 2-cycle homology representative and an operation which promotes it to higher dimensional cycles of the same type, in the Dehn quandle, and show how to do so in any quandles admitting such elements. For such quandles, this gives some non-triviality results in the quandle homology. We look at a secondary rack formed by tuples of elements of the Dehn quandle and using the ideas above, obtain some basic non-triviality results in its homology as well. We also give some initial possibilities for its application in representing monodromy of singularities of elliptic fibrations.
Do Mothers Work to Support Ailing Husbands

This paper analyzes the role of a spouse's poor health in forming the mother's labor force participation decision. The data are drawn from the 1996 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), which follows individuals for four years. This paper uses a medical expenditure approach to measuring health. Because SIPP is a panel dataset, changes in health and labor force participation can be observed. This paper finds an increase of 8% in the wife's labor force participation when the health of the spouse falls from excellent to poor. This result of the changes in the mother's labor force participation is consistent with previous literature, indicating that this new health measure performed well.
The Prognostic Implications from Molecular Testing of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy and its incidence has increased over the past few decades. Most patients with thyroid cancer have an excellent prognosis, but there is a 15% recurrence rate within 10 years after initial treatment and mortality is possible. To date, there are no prospective, well-defined data supporting the use of molecular markers alone to decide the extent of treatment of patients with thyroid cancer or to predict the individual prognosis of these patients. Molecular markers are promising in the development of new targeted therapies particularly for radioiodine-refractory and unresectable thyroid cancers.
Does endotoxin-activated complement alter myocellular sodium homeostasis during sepsis?

Background Inappropriate complement activation is closely related to tissue injury and organ dysfunction during systemic infection. It is not clear, however, if endotoxin-induced complement activation is responsible for changes in myocellular sodium homeostasis during sepsis. Methods Rats underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham operation. Twenty-four hours after operation, fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were isolated, incubated at 30 degrees C for 1 hour in Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KHB) (pH 7.4), and used to measure intracellular Na+ and K+ contents. Blood samples were collected to measure serum hemolytic complement activity and endotoxin levels. In addition, EDL muscles isolated from normal animals were incubated at 30 degrees C for 1 hour with zymosan-activated (10 mg/mL at 37 degrees C for 1 hour) rat sera, with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated (LPS from Escherichia coli 055:B5, 10 or 200 microg/mL at 37 degrees C for 30 minutes) rat sera, with heat-inactivated (56 degrees C for 30 minutes) rat sera, with LPS (1 or 20 microg/mL), or in KHB. EDL muscles isolated from normal animals were also incubated with septic sera collected 6 or 24 hours after CLP with or without administration of soluble complement receptor type 1 (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Myocellular Na+ and K+ contents ([Na+]i and [K+]i) were assayed using "washout" technique. Soluble C5b-9 complex levels in zymosan-activated or LPS-activated human sera were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate the degree of complement activation induced by zymosan or LPS. Results Myocellular [Na+]i and [Na+]i/[K+]i ratios increased significantly 24 hours after CLP as compared with sham operation and were associated with decreased serum hemolytic complement activity and increased serum endotoxin levels. Zymosan-activated rat sera at sublytic concentrations markedly increased [Na+]i and [Na+]i/[K+]i ratios in isolated EDL muscles relative to heat-inactivated rat sera. LPS-activated rat sera, however, did not alter these two indices. In addition, myocellular [Na+]i and [Na+]i/[K+]i ratios were equivalent among normal EDL muscles incubated with septic sera, soluble complement receptor type 1-treated septic sera, or KHB. Conclusion These results collectively suggest that polymicrobial sepsis, as produced by CLP, alters sodium homeostasis in fast-twitch skeletal muscles in association with changes in systemic complement activation and circulating endotoxin levels. Although endotoxin can activate the complement cascade, endotoxin-induced complement activation does not appear to be responsible for changes in myocellular sodium homeostasis observed during sepsis in rats.
Dynamics of a collisional, capacitive RF sheath

A self-consistent solution for the dynamics of a high-voltage, capacitive RF sheath driven by a sinusoidal current source is obtained, under the assumptions of time-independent, collisional ion motion and inertialess electrons. Values of the ion current density, the sheath capacitance per unit area for the fundamental voltage harmonic, and the conductance per unit area for stochastic heating by the oscillating sheath are calculated. The ratio of the DC to the peak value of the oscillating voltage is found to be 0.40, while the second and third voltage harmonics are, respectively, 19.3% and 5.3% of the fundamental. >
Tension pneumothorax and DIC

Before t r e a t m e n t was ins t i tu ted , the pa t i en t had a card iorespi ra tory a r res t and was resusci ta ted. After endot rachea l in tubat ion , the pa t i en t was placed on a pressurecycled vent i la tor . A chest tube was inser ted on the left side. Blood pressure could not be ma in ta ined wi thout vasopressors. Blood began oozing from the nose, endot racheal tube, and rectum.
Disrupting Disordered Neurocircuitry: Treating Refractory Psychiatric Illness With Neuromodulation

Despite the premature and somewhat infamous rise and fall of psychosurgery in the mid-20th century, the current era of functional neuromodulation proffers immense opportunity for surgical intervention in treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders. On the basis of recent successes with novel, focused, less invasive, and reversible treatment strategies for movement disorders, several therapeutic trials have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and Tourette syndrome. The many anatomic targets for these psychiatric disorders are indicative of both the system-wide effects of DBS and the network-level dysfunction mediating the emotional and cognitive disturbances. To gain insight into the application of neuromodulation therapies and their further advancement, we must elucidate neuroanatomic networks involved in refractory psychiatric illness, the neurophysiological anomalies that contribute to disordered information processing therein, and the local and system-wide modulatory effects of DBS. This review discusses the history of psychosurgical procedures, recent DBS clinical data, current anatomic models of psychopathology, and possible therapeutic mechanisms of action of DBS neuromodulation. Our search criteria for PubMed included combinations of the following terms: neuromodulation, DBS, depression, OCD, Tourette syndrome, mechanism of action, and history. Dates were not restricted. As clinical and basic scientific investigations probe the neuromodulatory effects of DBS in the treatment of refractory neuropsychiatric illness, our knowledge of these disorders and our potential to treat them are rapidly expanding. Indeed, this modern era of neuromodulation may provide the key that unlocks many of the mysteries pertaining to the biological basis of disordered emotional neurocircuitry.
Repeated-measures analysis: Issues and options

Abstract This paper discusses several issues important when conducting repeated-measures research. The primary focus of the paper is on the analytic techniques available to analyze data collected using repeated-measures designs. The benefits and costs of choosing a repeated-measures design provides the backdrop to highlight these techniques. In this discussion, issues affecting the use of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and repeated-measures analysis of variance (RANOVA) are discussed, as well as the options for dealing with data where sphericity does not hold. The paper also discusses how researchers may analyze ‘error’ terms to gain additional insights into the data structure. A flowchart is presented to synthesize this material and aid the human factors-ergonomics researcher in decisions necessary when conducting repeated-measures research.
Voigt Profiles of Spectral Lines: Accuracy of Line Parameters as a Function of Peak Transmittance

There exists an optimum line depth for the determination of spectral line parameters. Below this value, the signal becomes comparable to the noise in the continuum. Conversely, in deep lines saturation magnifies, in the extracted parameters, the effect of a given fractional noise in the transmittance spectrum. A previous study has reported an analytical expression for the error in the absorption coefficient as a function of the value of the transmittance at that particular point. This analysis, based upon the derivative of the expression for transmittance as a function of the absorption coefficient, indicated an optimum range of 20 to 50% transmission. Computer fitting techniques make it possible to least squares fit an absorption line to the expected line profile. This procedure enables one to make use of the information contained in all of the data points to ascertain spectral parameters such as linewidth, line strength, and center frequency. We report accuracy estimates as a function of the transmittance at the center frequency for all three line parameters. Curve fitting was via a least squares routine previously reported.
The contemplative EE: Engineering history and education

The actual and potential role of EE history in the education of the undergraduate EE and in the continuing education of the professional EE is examined. Available written and audiovisual materials for use in courses are listed and some options for a self-study program in EE history are given. Research methods, needs and opportunities relating to electrical history are discussed.
USE OF FLUORESCENCE IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION (FISH) TO DISTINGUISH INTRANODAL NEVUS FROM METASTATIC MELANOMA

With the increase in sentinel lymph node biopsies in melanoma patients, pathologists are frequently confronted with small deposits of morphologically bland melanocytes in the node, which occasionally cannot be readily classified as benign nodal nevi or melanoma. As most melanomas harbor characteristic chromosomal aberrations which can be used to distinguish them from benign nevi, we used fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) with markers for 3 regions on chromosome 6 and 1 on chromosome 11 to determine the presence of chromosomal aberrations in sentinel lymph node specimens with small foci of melanocytes that had been diagnosed as metastatic melanoma or nodal nevi by histopathology. Fifty-nine tissue samples from 41 patients (24 lymph node metastases, 17 with nodal nevi, and 18 of the available corresponding primary melanomas) were analyzed by FISH. Twenty of 24 (83%) cases diagnosed as metastatic melanoma showed aberrations by FISH. Of the 4 negative cases, 3 were unequivocal melanoma metastases, whereas 1 on re-review was histopathologically equivocal. Of the 17 nodal nevi, 1 (6%) also showed aberrations by FISH, whereas the remainder was negative. Multiple aberrations were present in the positive case, some of which were also found in the corresponding primary tumor, suggesting that this case represents a deceptively bland melanoma metastasis that had been misclassified by histomorphology. Our data indicate that FISH is a useful adjunct tool to traditional methods in the diagnostic workup of deposits of melanocytes in lymph nodes that are histopathologically ambiguous.
Changing race : Latinos, the census, and the history of ethnicity in the United States

Latinos are the fastest growing population group in the United States.Through their language and popular music Latinos are making their mark on American culture as never before. As the United States becomes Latinized, how will Latinos fit into America's divided racial landscape and how will they define their own racial and ethnic identity? Through strikingly original historical analysis, extensive personal interviews and a careful examination of census data, Clara E. Rodriguez shows that Latino identity is surprisingly fluid, situation-dependent, and constantly changing. She illustrates how the way Latinos are defining themselves, and refusing to define themselves, represents a powerful challenge to America's system of racial classification and American racism.
Analyses of ovine corpora lutea for tumor necrosis factor mRNA and bioactivity during prostaglandin-induced luteolysis

Abstract It has been suggested that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) participates in the mechanism of regression of the corpus luteum. We measured luteal expression of TNFα mRNA and biological activity during prostaglandin-induced luteolysis in sheep. Initiation of functional luteolysis was marked by a sharp decline in concentrations of progesterone in luteal tissue beginning 4 h after administration of luteolysin. Structural regression of corpora lutea was manifested by a reduction in glandular weight at 16 h. A luteal cytotoxic factor with TNFα-like bioactivity was isolated after the decrease in tissue progesterone had occurred, but before evidence of luteal resorption. We were unable to detect temporal alterations in TNFα mRNA in luteal samples by classical Northern blot or in situ hybridization analyses. These results imply that luteal TNFα is derived primarily as a preformed entity from an extraovarian source, such as infiltrating leukocytes. These results raise the possibility that this cytokine might not be involved in the early stages of luteal regression in the ewe, yet could play a secondary role, perhaps in the subsequent opsonization and removal of degenerating cells.
Psychosocial intervention with families of children who fail to thrive

Based on a continuing pilot study concerning the diagnosis and treatment of non-organic growth failure, we briefly review the results of prior treatment approaches, discuss the obstacles to effective treatment and present strategies of intervention to be evaluated in future work.
Efficient Data Collection for Large-Scale Mobile Monitoring Applications

Radio frequency identification (RFID) and wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been popular in the industrial field, and both have undergone dramatic development. RFID and WSNs are well known for their abilities in identity identification and data transmission, respectively, and hence widely used in applications for environmental and health monitoring. Though the integration of a sensor and an RFID tag was proposed to gather both RFID tag and sensed information, few previous research efforts explore the integration of data transmission modes in the RFID and WSN systems to enhance the performance of the applications. In this paper, we propose a hybrid RFID and WSN system (HRW) that synergistically integrates the traditional RFID system and WSN system for efficient data collection. HRW has hybrid smart nodes that combine the function of RFID tags, the reduced function of RFID readers, and wireless sensors. Therefore, nodes can read each other's sensed data in tags, and all data can be quickly transmitted to an RFID reader through the node that first reaches it. The RFID readers transmit the collected data to the back-end servers for data processing and management. We also propose methods to improve data transmission efficiency and to protect data privacy and avoid malicious data selective forwarding in data transmission. Comprehensive simulation and trace-driven experimental results show the high performance of HRW in terms of the cost of deployment, transmission delay and capability, and tag capacity requirement.
Comparison of species ordinations resulting from alternative indices of interspecific association and different numbers of included species

Several measures of interspecific association are compared. Dispersion and covariance are limited in value because they respond to the commonness of the species compared. Correlation is not so limited but it responds to discrepancies in commonness among the species. The practical result of these relationships between commonness and association is that only the most common species can occupy periferal positions in a species ordination. Rare species are relegated to positions near the center not on the basis of their phytosociological pattern but simply because of their rarity. Both Cole's index of association and the tetrachoric correlation overcome the problem imposed by the relationship between ordination position and species commonness and they both produce very similar results. The effect of differing numbers of species on the ordination configuration is examined using both Pearson's correlation and Cole's index. The basic pattern of the ordination is set with the first few species when Cole's index is used, however, since rare species are given more weight in the analysis with this index, the addition of several very rare species can change the configuration of the ordination.