cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Global variability in withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in the intensive care unit: a systematic review

Prior studies identified high variability in prevalence of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in the ICU. Variability in end-of-life decision-making has been reported at many levels: between countries, ICUs, and individual intensivists. We performed a systematic review examining regional, national, inter-hospital, and inter-physician variability in withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in the ICU. Using a predefined search strategy, we queried three electronic databases for peer-reviewed articles addressing withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in adult patients in the ICU. Data were analyzed for variability in prevalence of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. Withholding of life-sustaining treatment was also examined where information was provided. An assessment tool was developed to quantify the risk of bias in the included articles. We identified 1284 studies, with 56 included after review. Most studies had unclear or high risk of bias, primarily due to unclear case definitions or potential confounding. The mean prevalence of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for patients who died varied from 0 to 84.1 % between studies, with standard deviation of 23.7 %. Sensitivity analysis of general ICU patients yielded similar results. Withholding also varied between 5.3 and 67.3 % (mean 27.3, SD 18.5 %). Substantial variability was found between world regions, countries, individual ICUs within a country, and individual intensivists within one ICU. We identified substantial variability in the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment across world regions and countries. Similar variability existed between ICUs within countries and even between providers within the same ICU. Further study is necessary, and could lead to interventions to improve end-of-life care in the ICU.
Relationship of physiological factors to placental retention in dairy cattle

Abstract Various physiological and environmental factors were examined for possible association with retention of the fetal membranes in a herd experiencing a high incidence of this problem. Data were collected on 116 multiparous and primiparous cows during the first lactation of the trial and 57 multiparous cows during the second lactation of the trial. No mineral or heavy metal deficiencies or toxicities were detected in the herd and injections of selenium and/or vitamins A, D and E during the prepartum period were not beneficial. Also, no common disease entity could be found in this herd. Placental retention rates observed were 28% and 42% in the first and second lactations, respectively, of this study. The incidence of retained placenta was higher in cows giving birth to twins or male calves, and following abortions, stillbirths or placental retention at the previous parturition. Seasonal effects varied, with a higher retention rate in the warm season in the first lactation and in the cold season in the second lactation. Factors examined that did not show a statistically significant relationship to the placental retention rate included: blood serum vitamin A and β-carotene concentrations; age or lactation number; calf birth weight; presence of serum antibodies to leucosis or chlamydia; incidence of milk fever or ketosis; and services per conception, days open and gestation length of the pregnancy prior to retention. Cows with retained placenta subsequently had longer postpartum intervals to first ovulation and more uterine infections, foot problems and mastitis than cows without retained placenta.
Growth Rate Inheritance in Japanese Quail 2. Early Responses to Selection under Different Nutritional Environments

Abstract IN 1962, Siegel summarized 176 published heritability estimates of body weight obtained for chickens 6 to 12 weeks of age. The median heritability of these estimates, which were obtained by various methods of computation, was 0.41 and the interquartile range was 0.29 to 0.54. Siegel (1962) reported a realized heritability of 0.30 for 8-week body weight, while Maloney et al. (1963) obtained an estimate of 0.34 for body weight at 12 weeks of age. Recently, Maloney et al. (1967) observed a realized heritability of 0.42 in a population selected for high 12-week body weight. Although the magnitude of these reported heritability estimates indicate that responses to selection for body weight are expected to be large, it has generally been observed that response in early generations of selection is greater than that observed in later generations. The utilization of environmental restrictions as selection aids has not been fully investigated. Falconer and . . .
High-temperature experimental analogs of primitive meteoritic metal–sulfide–oxide assemblages

Abstract We studied the oxidation–sulfidation behavior of an Fe-based alloy containing 4.75 wt.% Ni, 0.99 wt.% Co, 0.89 wt.% Cr, and 0.66 wt.% P in H 2 –H 2 O–CO–CO 2 –H 2 S gas mixtures at 1000 °C. The samples were cooled at rates of ∼3000 °C/h, comparable to estimates of the conditions after a chondrule-formation event in the early Solar System. Gas compositions were monitored in real time by a quadrupole mass spectrometer residual gas analyzer. Linear rate constants associated with gas-phase adsorption were determined. Reaction products were analyzed by optical microscopy, wavelength-dispersive-spectroscopy X-ray elemental mapping, and electron probe microanalysis. Based on analysis of the Fe–Ni–S ternary phase diagram and the reaction products, the primary corrosion product is a liquid of composition 66.6 wt.% Fe, 3.5 wt.% Ni, 29.9 wt.% S, and minor amounts of P, Cr, and Co. Chromite (FeCr 2 O 4 ) inclusions formed by oxidation and are present in the metal foil and at the outer boundary between the sulfide and experimental atmosphere. During cooling the liquid initially crystallizes into taenite (average composition ∼15 wt.% Ni), monosulfide solid solution [mss, (Fe,Ni,Co,Cr) 1− x S], and Fe-phosphates. Upon further cooling, kamacite exsolves from this metal, enriching the taenite in Ni. The remnant metal core is enriched in P and Co and depleted in Cr at the reaction interface, relative to the starting composition. The unreacted metal core composition remains unchanged, suggesting the reactions did not reach equilibrium. We present a detailed model of reaction mechanisms based on the observed kinetics and sample morphologies, and discuss meteoritic analogs in the CR chondrite MacAlpine Hills 87320.
Academic Libraries and Friends Groups: Asset or Liability?

ABSTRACT This article begins with a history of friends groups, including their various successes and challenges, and concludes with a commentary on building a successful friends team.
Tendon Disorders of the Foot and Ankle, Part 2 Achilles Tendon Disorders

Disorders of the Achilles tendon include both acute and chronic ruptures as well as a spectrum of chronic overuse injuries involving inflammatory and degenerative changes within the tendon and surrounding tissues. These injuries are relatively common in athletes as well as among the general population. There is no consensus on the optimal treatment of Achilles tendon disorders. The goals of this review are to develop a current understanding of the anatomy and diagnostic evaluation of the Achilles tendon, and to present current treatment options and the authors' preferred surgical techniques for operative management of Achilles tendon disorders.
Use of mineral physics, with geodynamic modelling and seismology, to investigate flow in the Earth's mantle

Seismologists and mineral physicists have known for decades that anisotropy inherent in mantle minerals could provide a means to relate surface seismic measurements to deformation patterns at great depth in the Earth, where direct geologic observations would never be possible. Prior to the past decade, only qualitative relationships or simple symmetry assumptions between mantle flow (deformation), mineral alignment and seismic anisotropy were possible. Recent numerical methods now allow quantitative incorporation of constraints from mineral physics to flow/deformation models and, thereby, direct estimates of the resulting pattern of seismic anisotropy can be made and compared with observed signatures. Numerical methods for simulating microstructural deformation within an aggregate of minerals subjected to an arbitrary stress field make it possible to quantitatively link crystal-scale processes with large-scale Earth processes of mantle flow and seismic wave propagation, on regional (100s of kilometres) and even global scales. Such linked numerical investigations provide a rich field for exploring inter-dependences of micro and macro processes, as well as a means to determine the extents to which viable seismic experiments could discern between different models of Earth structure and dynamics. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of why and how linked numerical models are useful for exploring processes in the mantle and how they relate to surface tectonics. A brief introduction to the basic concepts of deformation of mantle minerals and the limits of knowledge currently available are designed to serve both the subsequent discussions in this review and as an entry point to more detailed literature for readers interested in pursuing the topic further. The reference list includes both primary sources and pertinent review articles on individual aspects of the combined subjects covered in the review. A series of flow/texturing models illustrate the differences that can arise when different methods or different flow parameters are employed. Representative seismic results illustrate the types of studies done to date and the inferences possible using their anisotropy measurements. Trade-offs involved in the modelling assumptions and seismic data processing methods are touched on. A final example illustrates the effects, relative to a 2D model of mantle flow near a subduction zone, that flow in a third dimension can have on anisotropy patterns.
Immobilization of As, Cd, Cr and PB-containing soils by using cement or pozzolanic fixing agents☆

The present work reports leaching data for a soil contaminated with four inorganic model wastes, Cd (II) and Pb (II) nitrates, sodium arsenite, and sodium chromate, at concentrations in the range of 10,000 to 12,200 ppm. Various combinations of Type I portland cement (OPC), Type F fly-ash, blast furnace slag, lime, and silica fume have been used to treat the contaminated soils, which are then leached using a slightly modified EP Tox1 leaching procedure. In no case does fly ash improve performance when mixed with other binding agents. Slag offers superior performance compared to fly ash in any combination tested and has some potential for general utility in practice. In particular, several mixtures including slag are effective in immobilizing lead, which sometimes given problems in solidification with cement. Type I portland is a very versatile and dependable reagent compared to the other agents used. In the cases of As and Cr, the performance of portland alone is superior to that of any other reagent or combination, when comparisons were made at the same dosage level. Cement alone was not among the fixing agents tested for Cd and Pb, but several combinations with cement were included. In every case, inclusion of OPC results in leachate concentrations as low as or lower than the corresponding mixture without OPC.
Developmental Regulation of Presenilin mRNA Expression Parallels Notch Expression

Mutations in the presenilin (PS) 1 and 2 genes are associated with autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease. PS1 shares striking homology with sel-12, a C. elegans gene implicated in the function of lin-12/Notch, a protein important in neurogenesis. We studied mRNA expression using RT-PCR and in situ hybridization techniques during neural development in mouse and rat. Strong expression of PSs and Notch1 was observed in embryos, especially in the ventricular zone, which decreased gradually as embryos developed. Very low levels of PSs and Notch were present in adulthood, their signals present primarily in the hippocampus and cerebellum. These observations show that, like Notch, PS1 and PS2 are strongly developmentally regulated, and support the plausibility of an interaction between PSs and Notch.
Evaluation of in-situ radiometric data processing for calibration and validation of satellite ocean color remote sensing

In situ data are essential for calibration, validation, and bio-optical algorithm development of ocean color remote sensing, as well as for studying and understanding of ocean optical, biological, and biogeochemical properties. Especially, calibration and validation of ocean color satellite data relies on high quality in situ data. In addition, objective evaluation of satellite ocean color products need well quality controlled in situ data from various bio-optical environments covering diverse aquatic waters. The goal of ocean color satellite sensors is to remotely derive accurate normalized water-leaving radiance spectra (nLw(λ)), therefore other water biological and biogeochemical property data can be obtained using satellite-measured nLw(λ) spectra. In this paper, we show results from analyzing in situ data processing procedure from the Marine Optical Buoy (MOBY) and NASA SeaWiFS Bio-optical Archive and Storage System (SeaBASS) used for satellite ocean color calibration and validation purposes. Various issues in determining final product of in situ radiometric data processing such as convolving nLw(λ) with respect to satellite sensor spectral response functions, sensor effective band center wavelengths, and effects of Bi-directional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) are analyzed and discussed. Performance of satellite-derived nLw(λ) taking into consideration of various issues in the in situ data processing is also assessed.
Mutational and X-ray Crystallographic Analysis of the Interaction of Dihomo-γ-linolenic Acid with Prostaglandin Endoperoxide H Synthases

Abstract Prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthases-1 and -2 (PGHSs) catalyze the committed step in prostaglandin biosynthesis. Both isozymes can oxygenate a variety of related polyunsaturated fatty acids. We report here the x-ray crystal structure of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DHLA) in the cyclooxygenase site of PGHS-1 and the effects of active site substitutions on the oxygenation of DHLA, and we compare these results to those obtained previously with arachidonic acid (AA). DHLA is bound within the cyclooxygenase site in the same overall L-shaped conformation as AA. C-1 and C-11 through C-20 are in the same positions for both substrates, but the positions of C-2 through C-10 differ by up to 1.74 A. In general, substitutions of active site residues caused parallel changes in the oxygenation of both AA and DHLA. Two significant exceptions were Val-349 and Ser-530. A V349A substitution caused an 800-fold decrease in theV max/K m for DHLA but less than a 2-fold change with AA; kinetic evidence indicates that C-13 of DHLA is improperly positioned with respect to Tyr-385 in the V349A mutant thereby preventing efficient hydrogen abstraction. Val-349 contacts C-5 of DHLA and appears to serve as a structural bumper positioning the carboxyl half of DHLA, which, in turn, positions properly the ω-half of this substrate. A V349A substitution in PGHS-2 has similar, minor effects on the rates of oxygenation of AA and DHLA. Thus, Val-349 is a major determinant of substrate specificity for PGHS-1 but not for PGHS-2. Ser-530 also influences the substrate specificity of PGHS-1; an S530T substitution causes 40- and 750-fold decreases in oxygenation efficiencies for AA and DHLA, respectively.
The syndrome of senile gait

Infrared computed stroboscopic photometry was used to quantify the kinematic profiles of walking in 10 elderly patients with symmetrical neurological disturbances of gait and in 19 age-matched neurologically healthy people. Clinical examination of the patients revealed similar profiles of walking even though their diagnoses were vascular dementia (2), normal pressure hydrocephalus (2), Alzheimer dementia with possible normal pressure hydrocephalus (2), mixed Alzheimer and vascular dementia (1), peripheral neuropathy (1), Alzheimer dementia with parkinsonian features (1), and un determined (1). Quantitatively, the patients' gait kinematics deviated greatly from control values, but these deviations were statistically attributable to reductions in stride. We suggest that many gait disturbances in elderly people are similar, regardless of etiology, because the characteristics of these gait disturbances are heavily veiled by nonspecific stride-dependent changes that comprise the syndrome of senile gait.
Modification of the Charpak Chamber with Foil Supported Conductors

A conductive film supports the anode wires of a multi-wire proportional type counter and a bias voltage applied through this film controls the electric field concentration around the anode wires. Because the critical operating voltage is applied through the film one has increased freedom in the mechanical design of these chambers . Two coordinates of spacial information are available with this technique. The first coordinate is the anode wire signals. The second is obtained by a grid of ribbons on the back of the anode supporting film which picks up an induced signal from the primary discharge. Spacial resolution of 1.6 mm fwhm has been measured using the induced readout ribbon grid along with 3.3 mm fwhm on the anode grid. We expect this to improve.
Characterization of the monoaminergic innervation of immature rat neocortex: a histofluorescence analysis.

In the neocortex of 6-day-old rat, abundant axon terminals which exhibit specific catecholamine fluorescence are found in all regions and throughout all cortical layers. The overall density of axons in 6-day-old cortex in similar to the density in the adult cortex. In immature cortex, there are two distinct fluorescent plexuses, both presumably noradrenergic, one in the molecular layer and another in the lower half of the cortex. The superficial plexus is composed primarily of horizontal fibers, and the deep plexus of a dense feltwork of obliquely oriented fibers suggestive of a terminal field. The cortical plate itself is traversed by a few vertical processes. Following lesions of the midbrain tegmentum no fluorescent axons are seen in cortex, providing evidence that the fluorescent axons in cortex arise from brain stem neurons. The deep and superficial plexuses can be differentially visualized depending on the histochemical techniques employed and on pharmacological treatment, such as loading with a monoamine congener. Both deep and superficial axons are shown to contain endogenous catecholamines but those fibers in the deep plexus are filled to far less than their maximum capacity. The pharmaco-histochemical differences between axons in the two plexuses suggest that there may exist two distinct catecholaminergic projections to lateral neocortex. The demonstration of an extensive cortical monoamine innervation early in ontogeny supports the possibility that monoamine neurons play an important role in information processing and/or developmental interactions in the immature brain.
The preparation and size distribution of some monodisperse emulsions

Abstract A number of emulsions have been prepared in which one of the important variables determining their behavior, namely, the size of the droplets, has been controlled. This control will permit more quantitative and meaningful researches in future studies of emulsions. The preparation of monodisperse emulsions of oil in water was accomplished by passing electrically charged, monodispersed aerosols exhibiting the higher order Tyndall spectra through a liquid medium containing an emulsifier. The aerosol became emulsified without appreciable change in size distribution as shown by measurements of the higher order Tyndall spectrum. This was confirmed by more precise determinations of size and number with the Coulter Counter, an electronic sizing instrument. The reliability of this counter was verified by measurements on 36 samples in the range of diameters 0.5 to 1.6 microns. Dilute monodisperse Dow polystyrene latices were used for calibration. The mechanism of the emulsification process of aerosols was studied. The rate of emulsification increased when the aerosol particles were charged electrically, but the rate did not depend significantly upon the radius of the particles nor upon the nature of the emulsifying agent. Monodisperse emulsions could not be prepared when the concentration of the emulsifying agent was below its critical micelle concentration. Emulsification took place mainly in the foam produced by bubbling the aerosol through the emulsifier solution and not by contact with the bulk solution. Contact with the foam-air interface was shown to be sufficient for emulsification to occur.
On the Relationship Between Neighborhood Perception, Length of Residence and Co-Ethnic Concentration

We investigate how co-ethnic concentration and length of residence are related to neighborhood perception in aged Mexican Americans, and discuss sources of information for measuring social environments. Neighborhood perception scale, length of residence in current home, and all individual-level covariates in a hierarchical linear model are derived from data on community-dwelling older adults. Tract-level measures are obtained from Census data. We find no relationship between co-ethnic concentration and positive neighborhood perception, and find a direct relationship between length of residence and positive neighborhood perception. Until further evidence is found, different sources of information when measuring place should be treated equally.
The role of chorionic gonadotropin in transient hyperthyroidism of hyperemesis gravidarum

Biochemical evidence of hyperthyroidism is frequently encountered in hyperemesis gravidarum, but its relationship to the cause of hyperemesis is unknown. We studied the relationship of serum hCG, thyroid function, and severity of vomiting among 57 hyperemesis patients and 57 controls matched for gestational age. TSH was suppressed in 60% of hyperemesis patients and 9% of controls. hCG correlated directly with free T4(r = 0.45, P < 0.001) and inversely with TSH (r = -0.48, P < 0.001). Hyperemesis patients had significantly greater mean serum hCG, free T4, total T3, and estradiol, and lesser serum TSH compared to controls. Hyperemesis patients with suppressed TSH had significantly greater free T4 and hCG compared to those with TSH in the normal range. Control and hyperemesis subjects were divided into four groups based on the severity of vomiting. The degree of biochemical hyperthyroidism and hCG concentration varied directly with the severity of vomiting. Unextracted serum was tested for thyrotropic activity by measuring its effect on iodide uptake in cultured FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells. Thyrotropic activity correlated with serum hCG (r = 0.50, P < 0.001). These data show that biochemical hyperthyroidism is a common finding in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum and suggest that hCG is the thyroid stimulator in this state. The increased estradiol concentration in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum may be attributed to the effects of hCG on steroidogenesis.
Cleavage of Bid by Executioner Caspases Mediates Feed Forward Amplification of Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Permeabilization during Genotoxic Stress-induced Apoptosis in Jurkat Cells

The extent to which the BH3-only protein Bid is important for intrinsic (mitochondria-mediated) apoptotic cell death induced by genotoxic stress remains controversial. In the present study, we examine this issue using a panel of gene-manipulated Bax-deficient Jurkat T-lymphocytes. Cells stably depleted of Bid were far less sensitive than control-transfected cells to etoposide-induced apoptosis. In particular, drug-induced Bak activation, cytochrome c release, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspase activation were all decreased in cells lacking Bid. Reconstitution experiments using recombinant proteins and permeabilized Bid-deficient cells demonstrated that truncated Bid (tBid), but not full-length Bid, potently induced Bak activation and the release of cytochrome c. Further, caspase-8-deficient Jurkat cells efficiently cleaved Bid and were sensitive to drug-induced apoptosis. By comparison, Apaf-1-deficient cells, as well as cells overexpressing full-length X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) or the BIR1/BIR2 domains of XIAP, failed to cleave Bid in response to genotoxic stress. These data suggest that tBid plays an important regulatory role in the execution of DNA damage-induced cytochrome c release and apoptosis. However, the fact that cleavage of Bid to tBid is mediated by executioner caspases suggests that a self-amplifying feed forward loop involving caspases, Bid, and mitochondria may help determine irreversible commitment to apoptosis.
Unusual characteristics of peritoneal macrophages from aged autoimmune-prone mice

Increasing concentrations of young or old mouse adherent peritoneal exudate cells (Y-PEC, O-PEC) have a different effect on the concanavalin A-induced proliferation of young ( 10 months) syngeneic mouse spleen cells (Y-SC, O-SC). Whereas the addition of NZB Y-SC to cultures of syngeneic Y-PEC resulted in a progressive suppression of the mitogenic response of Y-SC, the presence of similar concentrations of NZB O-PEC resulted in augmentation of that response which was significant (P < 0.05) at 20% PEC concentration. The NZB O-PEC also had a less suppressive effect on their O-SC. Similar but not as significant results (P < 0.1) were observed with cultures of O-PEC and Y-SC from BALB/c mice. In contrast, Y-PEC and O-PEC from seven other mouse strains substantially reduced the mitogenic response of both syngeneic Y-SC and O-SC. These observations could not be explained by differences in prostaglandin E2 synthesis by the PEC or by crowded culture conditions. Our results suggest that either the population or the function of NZB peritoneal macrophages changes as the mouse ages and develops autoimmune disease.
Interaction between arsenic exposure from drinking water and genetic susceptibility in carotid intima–media thickness in Bangladesh

Abstract Epidemiologic studies that evaluated genetic susceptibility for the effects of arsenic exposure from drinking water on subclinical atherosclerosis are limited. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1078 participants randomly selected from the Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study in Bangladesh to evaluate whether the association between arsenic exposure and carotid artery intima–media thickness (cIMT) differs by 207 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 18 genes related to arsenic metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Although not statistically significant after correcting for multiple testing, nine SNPs in APOE , AS3MT , PNP , and TNF genes had a nominally statistically significant interaction with well-water arsenic in cIMT. For instance, the joint presence of a higher level of well-water arsenic (≥ 40.4 μg/L) and the GG genotype of AS3MT rs3740392 was associated with a difference of 40.9 μm (95% CI = 14.4, 67.5) in cIMT, much greater than the difference of cIMT associated with the genotype alone (β = − 5.1 μm, 95% CI = − 31.6, 21.3) or arsenic exposure alone (β = 7.2 μm, 95% CI = − 3.1, 17.5). The pattern and magnitude of the interactions were similar when urinary arsenic was used as the exposure variable. Additionally, the at-risk genotypes of the AS3MT SNPs were positively related to the proportion of monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) in urine, which is indicative of arsenic methylation capacity. The findings provide novel evidence that genetic variants related to arsenic metabolism may play an important role in arsenic-induced subclinical atherosclerosis. Future replication studies in diverse populations are needed to confirm the findings.
Wearable computing: through the looking glass

Google's Glass has captured the world's imagination, with new articles speculating on it almost every day. Yet, why would consumers want a wearable computer in their everyday lives? For the past 20 years, my teams have been creating living laboratories to discover the most compelling reasons. In the process, we have investigated how to create interfaces for technology which are designed to be "there when you need it, gone when you don't." This talk will attempt to articulate the most valuable lessons we have learned, including some design principles for creating "microinteractions" to fit a user's lifestyle.
X-Chromosomal Monosomy (77, XO) in a Doberman Pinscher With Gonadal Dysgenesis

A 6-month-old stunted female Doberman Pinscher was found to have a 77, X0 chromosomal complement. The ovaries were small, consisting primarily of interstitial-type cells and solid epithelial cords. The dam, sire, and a male littermate had normal karyotypes.
Characterization of the vocal fold vertical stiffness in a canine model

Summary Objectives/Hypothesis Characterizing the vertical stiffness gradient that exists between the superior and inferior aspects of the medial surface of the vocal fold. Characterization of this stiffness gradient could elucidate the mechanism behind the divergent glottal shape observed during closing. Study Design Basic science. Methods Indentation testing of the folds was done in a canine model. Stress-strain curves are generated using a customized load-cell and the differential Young's modulus is calculated as a function of strain. Results Results from 11 larynges show that stress increases as a function of strain more rapidly in the inferior aspect of the fold. The calculations for local Young's modulus show that at high strain values, a stiffness gradient is formed between the superior and inferior aspects of the fold. Conclusions For small strain values, which are observed at low subglottal pressures, the stiffness of the tissue is similar in both the superior and inferior aspects of the vocal fold. Consequently, the lateral force that is applied by the glottal flow at both aspects results in almost identical displacements, yielding no divergence angle. Conversely, at higher strain values, which are measured in high subglottal pressure, the inferior aspect of the vocal fold is much stiffer than the superior edge; thus, any lateral force that is applied at both aspects will result in a much greater displacement of the superior edge, yielding a large divergence angle. The increased stiffness observed at the inferior edge could be due to the proximity of the conus elasticus.
Local government's hidden resource — University interns

Abstract Many local governments are faced with a difficult problem — non-conforming financial statements. This non-conformance could result in poor bond ratings. If independently done, the cost of conformance could cause budgeting problems. This budgetary problem could be solved with university interns. A project was undertaken in the State of Iowa which shows that conformance is feasible by using university interns.
Update on Cystatin C: Incorporation Into Clinical Practice

Kidney function monitoring using creatinine-based glomerular filtration rate estimation is a routine part of clinical practice. Emerging evidence has shown that cystatin C may improve classification of glomerular filtration rate for defining chronic kidney disease in certain clinical populations and assist in understanding the complications of chronic kidney disease. In this review and update, we summarize the overall literature on cystatin C, critically evaluate recent high-impact studies, highlight the role of cystatin C in recent kidney disease guidelines, and suggest a practical approach for clinicians to incorporate cystatin C into practice. We conclude by addressing frequently asked questions related to implementing cystatin C use in a clinical setting.
Filter diagonalization using a “sensitivity-enhanced basis”: Improved performance for noisy NMR spectra

The Filter Diagonalization Method (FDM) has been used to process NMR data in liquids and can be advantageous when the spectrum is sparse enough, the lines are sharp and Lorentzian, raw sensitivity is adequate, and the measured time-domain data is short, so that the Fourier Transform spectrum exhibits distorted line shapes. Noise can adversely impact resolution and/or frequency accuracy in FDM spectral estimates. Paradoxically, more complete data can lead to worse FDM spectra if there is appreciable noise. However, by modifying the numerical method, the FDM noise performance improves significantly, without apparently losing any of the existing advantages. The two key modifications are to adjust the FDM basis functions so that matrix elements computed from them have less noise contribution on average, and to regularize each dimension of a multidimensional spectrum independently. The modifications can be recommended for general-purpose use in the case of somewhat noisy, incomplete data.
Baroclinic Instability in Drake Passage

Abstract A linearized baroclinic instability model is applied to the Drake Passage area. The predictions of the model are found to be in good agreement with observations. Temporal and spatial scales are predicted accurately and the vertical structure of the most unstable wave is consistent with observations. Results indicate that the observed release of potential energy from the mean state in this area is made possible by the presence of a negative gradient of mean potential vorticity at and near the lower boundary. Further, it is found that the model results are stable with respect to variations of the mean velocity field which might be incurred by errors in the data; explanations for this insensitivity are given.
Polarization sensitive diffractive optics for integration with infrared photodetector arrays

An attractive approach to realizing a real-time imaging polarimeter is to integrate an array of polarization-sensitive filters directly onto the focal plane array. This has the advantage of allowing all of the requisite polarization data to be acquired within each image frame. We discuss the design, fabrication, and performance of such a diffractive optical element (DOE), which consists of an array of broadband form birefringent quarter-wave plates and wire grid polarizers that are designed to allow the measurement of all four Stokes vector components for each image pixel.
Celebrating Abraham Wald's Birth Centenary

Abstract Volume 23 of the Sequential Analysis journal is dedicated to the celebration of Abraham Wald's birth centenary. Wald's legacy is briefly outlined in this tribute.
Discovered on gastrointestinal stromal tumours 1 (DOG1) expression in non‐gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) neoplasms

Hemminger J & Iwenofu O H (2012) Histopathology 61, 170–177 Discovered on gastrointestinal stromal tumours 1 (DOG1) expression in non-gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) neoplasms Aims: To further characterize discovered on GIST1 (DOG1) antibody clone K9 expression in a broad range of mesenchymal and epithelial tumours. Methods and results: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of various tumours were stained with the anti-DOG1 monoclonal antibody clone K9. The tumours (n = 187) included: gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) (n = 20); malignant melanoma (n = 19); schwannoma (n = 10); neurofibroma (n = 10); leiomyosarcoma (n = 10); low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (n = 5); angiosarcoma, (n = 10); epithelioid sarcoma (n = 5); clear cell sarcoma (n = 3); synovial sarcoma (n = 10); malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST) (n = 12); alveolar soft part sarcoma (n = 3); chordoma (n = 5); pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma (n = 5); perineurioma (n = 4); granular cell tumour (n = 6); acinic cell carcinoma (n = 5); adenocarcinoma, lung (n = 5), colon (n = 10), endometrioid (n = 10), prostate (n = 10) and renal cell (n = 10). Nineteen of 20 GISTs expressed DOG-1 and 12 of 20 were diffusely positive (≥95%) with moderate to strong intensity. There was focal, predominantly luminal staining of colorectal (three of 10), endometrioid (four of 10) and acinic cell carcinomas (four of five). One case each of spindle cell/desmoplastic melanoma (2+), schwannoma (trace) and MPNST (2+) showed DOG-1 expression. Conclusions: Our study supports that DOG-1 is a highly sensitive and specific marker for GISTs and also highlights hitherto unrecognized and unusual patterns of expression in non-mesenchymal neoplasms.
Effects of Potential and Mechanical Stimulation on Oxidation of Tantalum During Electrochemical Mechanical Polishing

Metal oxidation under stress plays a significant role in many industrial applications, particularly in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP). Here we report effects of mechanical stimulation on tantalum (Ta) oxidation during CMP. A tantalum surface was polished at various anodic potentials and under different mechanical forces. A potentiostat was used to measure the anodic reaction current during electrochemical mechanical polishing (ECMP). The material removal rate (MRR) measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM) was compared with that calculated using Faraday’s law. Relationship was linked (or established) between the anodic potential and a mechanical force. The MRR was a second-order polynomial function of potential at constant mechanical force, followed by a logarithmic function. It was found that more suboxides were present at extreme potentials (low and high), while substantial pentoxide was generated under intermediate potentials. A model is proposed to explain the oxidation process of Ta during ECMP. The oxidation of Ta was a function of the anodic potential and mechanical force. The ex situ method used in this study fulfilled the in situ observation on Ta oxidation in polishing. Additionally, this technique can be used to investigate oxidation of other metals.
Managing an Attractive Impression by Using Alcohol: Evidence From Two Daily Diary Studies

Two studies investigate impression management processes and alcohol use. In both studies, participants completed the Fear of Negative Evaluation scale and then a 21-day survey. In Study 1, participants reported daily desired impression and drinking. Men drank more than women; however, this effect was stronger on days in which they wanted to appear attractive as compared to other desired impressions. In Study 2, participants reported desired attractiveness, sex-composition, and drinking during social interactions. Attractiveness desires during social interactions related positively to drinking for men when interacting with mixed-sex others, and for women when interacting with mixed- and single-sex others.
Use of Picture Cards in Integrated Physical Education Classes

(2007). Use of Picture Cards in Integrated Physical Education Classes. Strategies: Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 18-20.
Resistance measurements of energized A-C windings

A SIMPLE MEANS of measuring the electric resistance of a-c energized windings has long been desired, inasmuch as it would permit the determination of winding temperatures while the windings are operating under actual load conditions.
Ties that Bind? Preferential Trade Agreements and Exchange Rate Policy Choice

This paper examines the question of whether a country's exchange rate policy choices are influenced by membership in preferential trade agreements (PTAs). We argue that PTAs, by constraining a government's ability to employ trade protection, increase its incentives to maintain monetary and fiscal autonomy in order to manipulate the domestic political economy. Consequently, we contend that countries are less likely to adopt or sustain a fixed exchange rate when they have signed a PTA with their “base” country—the country to whom they have traditionally fixed the currency or the major industrial country to whom they have the most extensive trade ties. Likewise, countries that have signed a “base” PTA also tend to have more depreciated/undervalued currencies, as measured by the level of the real exchange rate. Using data on 99 countries from 1975 to 2004, we find strong support for these hypotheses. These findings shed light on the complex relationship between different types of macroeconomic policies in the contemporary world economy. More broadly, they speak to the question of whether international agreements are credible commitment mechanisms when close policy substitutes exist at the domestic level.
Index of refraction, dispersion, bandgap and light scattering in GeSe and GeSbSe glasses

The fundamental optical properties of Se-based chalcogenide glasses were investigated. Glass compositions of Ge-Se and Ge-Sb-Se were fabricated and characterized. The index of refraction, material dispersion, bandgap absorption, optical bandgap, and intrinsic light scattering are reported for these glasses. A Sellmeier formalism was used to obtain the oscillator strengths and excitation energies of the glasses. The estimated intrinsic properties of the glasses are reported and the influence of composition on the optical properties was established.
Geographically Focused Incentives to Foster Off-Hour Deliveries: Theory and Performance

This study evaluated geographically focused incentives to receivers for their commitment to accept off-hour deliveries (OHD). A behavioral microsimulation was used to describe the joint decision of carriers and receivers toward OHD. The study assessed the performance of incentive structures by analyzing the percentage of trucks and deliveries that would switch to OHD and the budget required for the implementation of OHD. The results were analyzed in conjunction with previous theoretical research on the benefits of providing incentives by geographic location. Policy recommendations shed light on the implementation of OHD programs.
Axial steady free surface jet impinging over a flat disk with discrete heat sources

Abstract A free jet of high Prandtl number fluid impinging perpendicularly on a solid substrate of finite thickness containing small discrete heat sources on the opposite surface has been analyzed. Both solid and fluid regions have been modeled and solved as a conjugate problem. Equations for the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy were solved taking into account the transport processes at the solid–liquid and liquid–gas interfaces. The shape and location of the free surface (liquid–gas interface) was determined iteratively as a part of the solution process by satisfying the kinematic condition as well as the balance of normal and shear forces at this interface. The number of elements in the fluid and solid regions were determined from a systematic grid-independence study. A non-uniform grid distribution was used to adequately capture large variations near the solid–fluid interface. Computed results included velocity, temperature, and pressure distributions in the fluid, and the local and average heat transfer coefficients at the solid–fluid interface. Computations were carried out to investigate the influence of different operating parameters such as jet velocity, heat flux, plate thickness, and plate material. Numerical results were validated with available experimental data. It was found that the local heat transfer coefficient is maximum at the center of the disk and decreases gradually with radius as the flow moves downstream. The thickness of the disk as well as the location of discrete sources showed strong influence on the maximum temperature and the average heat transfer coefficient.
Physical conditions in the cool parts of prominences. II - The Mg triplet lines

The statistical equilibrium of Mg under prominence conditions is considered. It is shown that the principal lines of the triplet system can serve as an equivalent to the Na D lines for spectral diagnostic purposes. Like the Na D lines, these Mg lines are relatively easy to measure in prominences and exhibit small optical depths. It is demonstrated that potential complications due to possible radiative transfer effects in the Mg resonance transition (3 1S0 - 3 1P1) have little consequence for the triplet populations. The results are used to repeat the spectral analysis of Landman (1983) using the Mg multiplets in place of the Na ones. The results of the two analyses are in general agreement. The finding of a low degree of H ionization in the cool prominence regions and a correspondingly high gas pressure is confirmed.
Mobilizing cookstoves for development: a dual adoption framework analysis of collaborative technology innovations in Western India

Domestic cookstoves in rural India have long been targeted by development programs dedicated to solving a diverse range of problems from deforestation and indoor air pollution to global warming and rural market inefficiencies. Theories on how technologies are mobilized in these design and diffusion innovation projects and what this presages for development outcomes can be improved by explicitly detailing the composition and structure of program governance frameworks. I develop a ‘dual adoption analytic framework’ to interrogate two technology innovation programs in Western India. This framework underscores the collaborative nature of technology mobilizations and, more specifically, how power is distributed across partnerships at different stages of the development process. Local partners are shown to function as influential mediating agents operating between extrinsic agencies and targeted village groups. They reinforce funding agency planning commitments while also activating economic contingencies and g...
Influence of ecological and social factors on body mass of wild chimpanzees

The chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) of Gombe National Park, Tanzania, were weighed regularly over a period of 33 yr, resulting in 1286 measurements on 31 males and 26 females aged 2–43 yr. Female growth slowed at 10 yr and that of males at 13 yr. Median adult body mass is 39 kg for males and 31.3 kg for females. Body mass varied between years. Chimpanzees were heaviest during a period of frequent banana provisioning. They were also heavier when community range size was large and population density within the range was low. Chimpanzees were heavier in the wet than in the dry season and body mass tracked rainfall in the preceding mo except for May in which mass was anomalously low. Dominance rank is significantly correlated with body mass for females but not males. High-ranking individuals tended to maintain more stable mass. Variability in body mass was greater for young and old individuals than for prime adults.
Changes in iodine metabolism and thyroglobulin structure in metastatic follicular carcinoma of the thyroid with hyperthyroidism.

A 61-yr-old female with widespread follicular carcinoma from the thyroid 8 yr after total thyroidectomy was found hyperthyroid on clinical and laboratory evaluation. After an oral tracer dose of 131I-iodide, labeled T3 disappeared with a half-time in serum of 2 days. Serum 131I-T4, in contrast, reached a maximum concentration between the third and fifth days. At 24 hr the serum T3 had a specific activity 11 times that of T4. Biopsy of a metastasis 2 days after 125I-iodide administration yielded 2 iodoproteins which were identified immunologically as thyroglobulin and serum albumin. In the iodinated albumin, 63% of the 125I was in MIT, 2% DIT, 33% T4, and 2% T3. The absence of covalent linkage between 125I-T4 and albumin was demonstrated by extraction with butanol and by paper chromatography without prior digestion of the protein. We conclude that the slow release of 131I-T4 relative to 131I-T3 into the serum is best explained by binding of newly synthesized T4 to albumin within the metastases. Tumor thyro...