cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiotherapy in the treatment of ameloblastoma

There is a lack of well-documented evidence in the literature concerning the relative radioresponsiveness or radioresistance of ameloblastomas, although they are generally considered radioresistant. Most of the previous papers referring to this subject lack acceptable histopathologic proof of the diagnosis, adequate radiotherapeutic data, and/or follow-up information; many predate the use of megavoltage irradiation. The present article reports 5 cases of ameloblastoma that were treated by radiotherapy, 3 by megavoltage irradiation. All have been confirmed histologically by an oral pathologist, all have adequate radiotherapeutic data and, with one exception, adequate follow-up information. In addition, the reasons for our present lack of knowledge of this subject are discussed; objective criteria are presented for evaluating the results of radiotherapy on ameloblastomas; the only other series of ameloblastomas treated by megavoltage irradiation is analyzed. Although radiotherapy can reduce the size of an ameloblastoma, primarily that part of the tumor which has expanded the jaw or broken into the soft tissues, it does not appear to be an appropriate treatment for an operable ameloblastoma. Its main use is in inoperable cases, primarily in the posterior maxilla.
MULTIPLE SCATTERING OF CHARGED PARTICLES

Abstract Numerical calculations have been carried out for the multiple scattering of charged particles as described by the theories of Moliere and of Nigam, Sundaresan and Wu (NSW). The NSW theory is the more accurate but the deviations from the older theory of Moliere are not great. An approximation to the NSW theory is given which is shown to be essentially indistinguishable from the complete NSW theory for the scattering of medium energy protons and which allows the construction of “universal” angular distribution curves. A method is given which permits the rapid evaluation of the angle at which the angular distribution has decreased to 1/e of its value in the forward direction.
An analysis of the effects of individual variation and selective mortality on population averages in aging populations.

Abstract Studies on the effects of the aging process on the physiological systems should ideally be conducted on the same individual throughout its life span. But, in practice, the profile of an age-specific change is generally procured by sampling different members of a population at various ages, because measurements at the cellular and molecular level often necessitate the killing of the experimental animals. However, due to individual variation, the pattern obtained from population averages may not be identical or in sufficient accord with the data gathered from the same individual at different ages. This study examines the relationship between individual and population life-span patterns of any age-specific biological parameter (ASBP). The effects of individual variation and selective mortality on the pattern of an ASBP based on population averages has been elucidated. A procedure is presented by which the individual variation in a population can be quantified using mortality data. This procedure can also be employed to distinguish between the changes occurring due to aging alone, and those superimposed by individual variation and selective mortality which would allow comparisons between the predicted and the actual experimental results obtained by sampling of the populations.
A soft-switching three-phase ac-ac converter with a high-frequency ac link

A new three-phase ac-ac converter with a high-frequency ac link, soft switching characteristic, unity input power factor, step-up and step-down operation, and bidirectional power flow is introduced in this paper. The converter's link is composed of an ac inductor and a very small ac capacitor; there is no short-life bulky electrolytic capacitor. Moreover, the converter's switches are zero voltage at turn-on and low loss at turn-off; therefore, the switching losses are considerably low, which subsequently permits the switching frequency to be high. The total number of the switches in this novel topology is as low as twelve, suitable for low power applications. The basic operation of the new converter includes eight distinct modes, which are described in detail. The analysis and optimal design of the proposed topology are carried out as well. Simulation results are also given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed power converter.
Investigating solid mantle upwelling beneath mid-ocean ridges using U-series disequilibria. II. A local study at 33°S Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Abstract Uranium series disequilibria have been used to study the physical melting regime along a section of the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the largest mantle Bouguer anomaly yet observed on ridges exists. Zero age excesses for (230Th)/(238U) and (231Pa)/(235U) are age constrained by the presence of measured (226Ra)/(230Th) disequilibria. By this criterion, 7 out of 15 samples are younger than 8000 years. Zero age (230Th)/(238U) range between 1.06 and 1.25 while zero age (231Pa)/(235U) range between 1.77 and 3.57. Concentrations of Th range from 100 to 866 ppb and strongly correlate with K/Ti. The U-series data differentiate the segment with the large gravity anomaly from the surrounding segments. Specifically, this segment shows combined 231Pa and 230Th systematics unlike any observed in MORB thus far, having exceptionally low zero-age 231Pa excesses. The U-series data can be modeled using upwelling rates similar to the half-spreading rate of this area of ridge. The disequilibria systematics for the anomalous segment 4 possibly suggest a solid upwelling rate that is a factor of two higher than the adjacent segments. The similarity between melting at segment 4 and at ocean islands is noted.
A Social Work Perspective on the Adjustment Disorders

The adjustment disorders are controversial DSM diagnoses because of their relative lack of diagnostic validity and reliability. Many social workers feel relatively comfortable using these diagnoses, however, because they acknowledge a client's problematic reaction to environmental stress rather than assuming an internal functioning deficit. There is relatively little professional literature about the nature and treatment of adjustment disorders. The purposes of this article are to explore their suitability as clinical diagnoses, and to provide, through two case illustrations, intervention guidelines for social workers.
Dicing challenges in microelectronics and micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)

Both in semiconductor and micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology, a back end machining process is detaching the individual components by dicing the wafer into chips. To maximize the wafer surface available for integrated circuits or MEMS devices, the street width between the component structures has to be kept at a minimum. Therefore, there is a continuous thrust to minimize edge chipping as well as reduce the dicing wheel width. Furthermore, the dicing process may induce subsurface damages and microcracks particularly detrimental for packaging technology like flip chip technology, putting strain on the chip. Reducing the feed rate will result in a cutting mechanism which not only minimizes edge chip formation but also microcrack. By using gang wheels, the productivity may be maintained despite a lower feed rate.
Improving the Identification of Anxious Elementary School Children Through the Use of An Adjusted Anxiety Scale.

Anxiety scores (Test Anxiety Scale for Children) from 165 sixth graders were adjusted for defensiveness (Lie Scale for Children) by an equally weighted summation of the two scores. Construct validity of the adjusted anxiety score was markedly superior to that of the uncorrected score, as indicated by an increase in correlation with achievement on a programmed instruction unit of(in one case) -.33 to -.52.
Applications of single-wafer rapid-thermal processing to the manufacture of advanced flash memory

The application of single-wafer processing in semiconductor manufacturing has long been touted as the most effective way in reducing cycle time in a production environment as well as shortening the learning cycle for process development. However, one of the bottle neck areas is in the diffusion module in which conventional furnace processes are difficult to replace due to their superior film quality and high throughput. Recently, significant progress has been made in the areas of rapid thermal oxidation (RTO) and low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) such that high quality films of oxide, nitride, and polysilicon were achieved with great improvement in manufacturing cycle time. In this paper, nonvolatile memory devices such as flash EPROM will be used as examples to illustrate the effective applications of RTO and single-wafer LPCVD processes.
Promoting motivation with virtual agents and avatars: role of visual presence and appearance

Anthropomorphic virtual agents can serve as powerful technological mediators to impact motivational outcomes such as self-efficacy and attitude change. Such anthropomorphic agents can be designed as simulated social models in the Bandurian sense, providing social influence as virtual ‘role models’. Of particular value is the capacity for designing such agents as optimized social models for a target audience and context. Importantly, the visual presence and appearance of such agents can have a major impact on motivation and affect regardless of the underlying technical sophistication. Empirical results of different instantiations of agent presence and appearance are reviewed for both autonomous virtual agents and avatars that represent a user.
Structural challenges and the need to adapt

Broadening the conversation about scholars and scholarship in computing and information research.
Evolutionary Burg spectral estimation

We propose a new method to estimate the evolutionary spectrum of nonstationary signals. By defining the instantaneous stationary series, this technique applies the Burg spectral estimation method to this series at each time to obtain the time-varying autoregressive (AR) spectrum of the nonstationary signal. The time-varying model coefficients are efficiently found by a Levinson-like algorithm. This evolutionary Burg (EB) method can also be used to estimate the instantaneous frequencies of the sinusoids present in the nonstationary signal. Compared to the recently proposed estimators of the evolutionary spectrum, the new technique has better frequency resolution and lower sidelobe behavior.
The role of community colleges in educating women in science and engineering

This chapter discusses the role of community colleges in educating the next generation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Implications for policy and practice are offered, based on the major findings from a mixed-method study on the experiences of women in STEM who transferred to a four-year college from the community college system.
Mining and visualizing recommendation spaces for elliptic PDEs with continuous attributes

In this paper we extend previous work in mining recommendation spaces based on symbolic problem features to PDE problems with continuous-valued attributes. We identify the research issues in mining such spaces, present a dynamic programming algorithm form the data-mining literature, and describe how a priori domain metaknowledge can be used to control the complexity of induction. A visualization aid for continuous-valued recommendation spaces is also outlined. Two case studies are presented to illustrate our approach and tools: (i) a comparison of an iterative and a direct linear system solver on nearly singular problems, and (ii) a comparison of two iterative solvers on problems posed on nonrectangular domains. Both case studies involve continuously varying problem and method parameters which strongly influence the choice of best algorithm in particular cases. By mining the results from thousands of PDE solves, we can gain valuable insight into the relative performance of these methods on similar problems.
Inactivity on the kidney transplant wait-list is associated with inferior pre- and post-transplant outcomes.

Background The majority of kidney transplant (KT) candidates spend some time on the transplant wait-list (WL) prior to kidney transplantation. We examined the impact of WL inactivity on clinical outcomes. Methods All adult KT candidates first actively wait-listed between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2005, in the United States were grouped by frequency of inactivity on the WL. Transplantation rate, pre- and post-transplant patient survival and death-censored kidney graft survival were compared. Results Of 159 774 candidates who were placed on the WL, 48 598 (30.4%) experienced one or more periods of inactivity. Candidates with inactivity once or more on the WL had 42% and 27% less likelihood of KT, respectively (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.57, 0.59 and HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.71, 0.75). WL inactivity once or more was associated with a higher likelihood of death (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.88, 2.00 and HR 2.13, 95% CI 2.02, 2.24). Among KT recipients, inactivity more than once on the WL was associated with a higher risk of death (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05, 1.23). Conclusions Periods of inactivity on the WL predict increased mortality pre- and post-transplantation. A better understanding of the reasons for WL inactivity is essential to improve WL management and post-transplant outcomes.
Using a cerebellar model arithmetic computer (CMAC) neural network to control an autonomous underwater vehicle

The design of an autonomous undersea vehicle (AUV) control system is a significant challenge in light of the highly uncertain nature of the ocean environment together with partially known nonlinear vehicle dynamics. The authors describe a neural network architecture called cerebellar model arithmetic computer (CMAC). CMAC is used to control a model of an autonomous underwater vehicle. The AUV model consists of two input parameters (the rudder and stern plane deflections) controlling six output parameters (forward velocity, vertical velocity, pitch angle, side velocity, roll angle, and yaw angle). Properties of CMAC and results of computer simulations for identification and control of the AUV model are presented. >
Optimal wavelength converter placement in arbitrary topology wavelength-routed networks

This paper describes an algorithm for optimally placing a given number of wavelength converters in all-optical networks with arbitrary topologies. We first introduce the simple network model upon which the algorithm is based. We provide a formulation of the overall network blocking probability when a given number of nodes in the network, is provided with full wavelength conversion capability. We then present our optimal converter placement algorithm and illustrate its working using a simple example. The savings offered by our algorithm in the calculation of blocking performance are analyzed. The benefits of our optimal converter placement algorithm are studied through network examples such as the path, NSFnet and the mesh-torus. Finally, some heuristics for converter placement are presented.
On Separatism and Ethnicity: A Response to Sloan's ‘Ethnicity or Imperialism?’

The geographical distribution of separatist movements in the world today is, and always has been, highly skewed. At any point in history such movements arise only in particular states, and-within these states-only in particular regions. One task of a general theory of separatism is to account for this skewed geographical distribution. Mr. Sloan seems to think that the answer to this problem is 'imperialism', tout court. He apparently believes that any region subject to dependent development is likely to spawn separatist movements (hence his discussion of Vermont). According to Mr. Sloan ethnicity has no causal status in a theory of separatism. Thus, to pay it heed is to mistake an effect for a cause. I disagree. The internal colonial model predicts that separatism will arise only in a subset of all dependent regions. This subset is composed of regions that are both economically dependent and culturally distinct from the dominant (core) regions of their respective states. The extensive data analyses in Internal Colonialism largely confirm this expectation. The reason that cultural distinctions, principally linguistic and religious ones, are necessary, though insufficient, preconditions for the development of separatism is plain. They alone can serve as a basis for the crystallization and maintenance of separate ethnic identities. This is likely to occur when culturally distinct groups occupy extreme positions in a cultural division of labor. The strength of these dissenting ethnic identities will be enhanced to the degree that such groups are occupationally specialized, on the one hand, and are located in a position of low rank in the stratification system, on the other.' Now, which of these explanations more adequately accounts for the geographical distribution of separatist movements: Mr. Sloan's, or that provided by the internal colonial model? The answer is clear. At this writing
Decisions With Uncertainty: The Glass Half Full

Each of us makes important decisions involving uncertainty in domains in which we are not experts, such as retirement planning, medical treatment, and precautions against severe weather. Often, reliable information about uncertainty is available to us, although how effectively we incorporate it into the decision process remains in question. Previous research suggests that people are error-prone when reasoning with probability. However, recent research in weather-related decision making is more encouraging. Unlike earlier work that compares people’s decisions with a rational standard, this research compares decisions made by people with and without uncertainty information. The results suggest that including specific numeric uncertainty estimates in weather forecasts increases trust and gives people a better idea of what to expect in terms of both the range of possible outcomes and the amount of uncertainty in the particular situation, all of which benefit precautionary decisions. However, the advantage for...
Differential frequency-dependent reflex integration of myelinated and nonmyelinated rat aortic baroreceptors

Electrical activation of myelinated (A type) and nonmyelinated (C type) baroreceptor axons (BR) in aortic depressor nerve (ADN) evoked baroreflex changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) in chloralo...
Switching loss analysis of modulation methods used in cascaded H-bridge multilevel converters

Multilevel converters are used mainly in medium- voltage high-power applications. In this field, switching losses are an important issue due to long term operation costs and cooling system design. Previous works have centered the analysis in comparing different topologies and semiconductors in relation to switching losses. However, switching losses are also closely related to the modulation method used to control the converter, since they are responsible of producing the commutations. This paper presents an in depth evaluation of switching losses produced by the most representative modulation schemes used for cascaded H-bridge topologies. To perform this analysis, a switching loss estimation model is developed based on experimental measurements and semiconductors datasheets. Then, each modulation method is simulated and evaluated with the switching loss model, to compute the energy loss of each commutation. The losses are obtained for a full representative fundamental cycle, and then expressed in terms of normalized energy loss in relation to the rated values. The aim of the paper is to provide quantitative results to compare the different modulation schemes in terms of efficiency and performance. Some comments regarding the application scope for each method based on the results are included.
Intracranial pressure: Current status in monitoring and management

One of the most frequently occurring questions in the neurological critical care of children involves the indications for measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP) and the appropriate therapies for abnormally elevated ICP. Advances in monitoring technology have improved the safety and accuracy of ICP measurement. Clinical and basic research into the mechanisms of brain swelling and the efficacy of various therapies, especially in the realm of traumatic brain injury, has allowed the development of rational and specific treatment strategies for elevated ICP. For several diseases, the ability to measure and manage ICP has resulted in marked improvements in outcomes. This article reviews the indications for, and recommended methods of, measuring ICP in children and discusses the status of therapies commonly used to control elevated ICP.
Studies of Self-Pollution in Diesel School Buses: Methodological Issues

Considerable interest has focused on levels of exhaust emissions in the cabins of diesel-powered school buses and their possible adverse health effects. Significantly different policy and engineering issues would be raised if compelling evidence found that in-c-cabin contamination was due to self-pollution from bus emissions, rather than ambient pollution, neighboring vehicles, and/or re-entrained road dust. We identified 19 reports from 11 studies that measured diesel exhaust particulate in the cabins of 58 school bus of various type. Studies were evaluated in light of their experimental design, their data quality, and their capacity to quantify self-pollution. Only one study had a true experimental design, comparing the same buses with and without emission controls, while four others used intentional tracers to quantify tailpipe and/or crankcase emissions. Although definitive data are still lacking, these studies suggest that currently available control technologies can nearly eliminate particulate self...
A note on higher order Voronoi diagrams

In this note we prove some facts about the number of segments of a bisector of two sites that are used in a higher order Voronoi diagram.
Antibodies from preeclamptic patients stimulate increased intracellular Ca2+ mobilization through angiotensin receptor activation

Background— Preeclampsia is a serious disorder of pregnancy characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, edema, and coagulation and vascular abnormalities. At the cellular level, abnormalities include increased calcium concentration in platelets, lymphocytes, and erythrocytes. Recent studies have shown that antibodies directed against angiotensin II type I (AT1) receptors are also highly associated with preeclampsia. Methods and Results— We tested the hypothesis that AT1 receptor–agonistic antibodies (AT1-AAs) could activate AT1 receptors, leading to an increased intracellular concentration of free calcium and to downstream activation of Ca2+ signaling pathways. Sera of 30 pregnant patients, 16 diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and 14 normotensive, were examined for the presence of IgG capable of stimulating intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. IgG from all preeclamptic patients activated AT1 receptors and increased intracellular free calcium. In contrast, none of the normotensive individuals had IgG capable ...
Approach to the Thyroid Cancer Patient with Bone Metastases

Thyroid cancer incidence has been increasing for decades in the United States (1, 2). There are known risk factors for thyroid cancer including female gender, advancing age, family history, and radiation exposure, but none of these can fully explain the changing pattern of this disease over such a short period of time. Much of the rise has been attributed to increased medical surveillance, diagnostic imaging, and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA), but this probably does not explain the entire observed upsurge. With increased evaluation of patients in an asymptomatic stage, it might be expected that the highest rate of increase would be seen in tumors of less than 1.0 cm, but incidence has also been increasing for tumors of any size, especially tumors at least 4 cm among men and women and for distant metastases among men (3). The more frequent diagnosis of late stage disease has led to the rising occurrence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma and bone metastases, even as the initial presentation of disease. It is suspected that a combination of environmental factors, iodine deficiency, and genetic factors (i.e. BRAF mutations) may explain the rising incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer, particularly more aggressive, late stage disease (4, 5).
Hypoxia-induced mitogenic factor (HIMF/FIZZ1/RELMα) in chronic hypoxia- and antigen-mediated pulmonary vascular remodeling

Both chronic hypoxia and allergic inflammation induce vascular remodeling in the lung, but only chronic hypoxia appears to cause PH. We investigate the nature of the vascular remodeling and the expression and role of hypoxia-induced mitogenic factor (HIMF/FIZZ1/RELMα) in explaining this differential response. We induced pulmonary vascular remodeling through either chronic hypoxia or antigen sensitization and challenge. Mice were evaluated for markers of PH and pulmonary vascular remodeling throughout the lung vascular bed as well as HIMF expression and genomic analysis of whole lung. Chronic hypoxia increased both mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy; these changes were associated with increased muscularization and thickening of small pulmonary vessels throughout the lung vascular bed. Allergic inflammation, by contrast, had minimal effect on mPAP and produced no RV hypertrophy. Only peribronchial vessels were significantly thickened, and vessels within the lung periphery did not become muscularized. Genomic analysis revealed that HIMF was the most consistently upregulated gene in the lungs following both chronic hypoxia and antigen challenge. HIMF was upregulated in the airway epithelial and inflammatory cells in both models, but only chronic hypoxia induced HIMF upregulation in vascular tissue. The results show that pulmonary vascular remodeling in mice induced by chronic hypoxia or antigen challenge is associated with marked increases in HIMF expression. The lack of HIMF expression in the vasculature of the lung and no vascular remodeling in the peripheral resistance vessels of the lung is likely to account for the failure to develop PH in the allergic inflammation model.
Glycolytic and oxidative metabolism in primary renal proximal tubule cultures

Cultured cells often exhibit alterations in energy metabolism (increased glycolytic activity and decreased oxidative metabolism) during adaptation to the culture environment. The role of hypoxia as a mediator of these effects was examined by comparison of metabolism in primary rabbit renal proximal tubule (RPT) cultures maintained in stationary culture dishes (DISH), shaking Erlenmeyer flasks (SHAKE), and DISH cultures transferred back to SHAKE conditions (RESHAKE). Both oxidative metabolism and transport capacity were fully preserved in SHAKE cultures over a 24-h period. In contrast, within 6 h, DISH cultures exhibited a continuous decline in transport-dependent and -independent oxygen consumption, respiratory capacity, and ATP and K+ contents. The loss of oxidative metabolism in DISH cultures was accompanied by stimulation of lactate production, detectable within 1 h after plating. Comparison of metabolic properties of DISH cultures to those of RPT exposed to graded levels of hypoxia suggested that medium oxygen tensions may be as low as 1-3% in DISH cultures. RESHAKE cultures exhibited metabolic properties comparable to those of SHAKE cultures, indicating reversibility of DISH culture metabolism on reoxygenation. We concluded that DISH cultures rapidly become hypoxic as a consequence of static culture conditions. Shaking suspension cultures may provide a more metabolically appropriate model for long-term in vitro studies.
Understanding Drivers of Crime in East Baltimore: Resident Perceptions of Why Crime Persists

Urban neighborhoods are frequently associated with high rates of crime, unemployment, poor educational systems, poor housing conditions, and health related problems. Theories of social disorganization, social isolation, and broken windows all explain how and why social problems develop and persist within urban settings. Drawing on these theories, this study examines how residents perceive local community problems in an East Baltimore neighborhood. Eight focus groups were conducted with participants who live and/or work in the area to identify common neighborhood issues. Problems commonly identified were: the presence of physical disorder, issues related to crime and law enforcement, lack of employment opportunities, and limited youth activities. Embedded under many of these themes was the recognition that the neighborhood lacks collective efficacy to fix community problems and maintain social control. Implications for improving neighborhood disadvantage will be discussed.
Flipping Out! A Case Study on How to Flip the Principles of Economics Classroom

The benefits of active learning are well established. Nevertheless, many instructors are unable to implement active learning in the classroom due to pressures to cover many core topics in a principles course. This paper discusses a pedagogical tool that addresses this problem: the flipped classroom. In a flipped classroom, students are asked to study classroom material prior to class, allowing more class time to be used for active learning activities such as group discussion, problem solving, and experiments. This paper reports on our experience “flipping” a large enrollment (900+ students) microeconomic principles classroom using a methodology that was enhanced over the course of several years. Students were assigned to watch multimedia pre-lectures which included embedded questions prior to attending each lecture which then focused on active learning activities. Using empirical data collected from our semester-long case study, we provide an argument for best practices aimed at improving the effectiveness of a flipped classroom model to increase student learning outcomes.
Environmental photostability of SF6-etched silicon nanocrystals

We report on the long-term environmental stability of the photoluminescent (PL) properties of silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs). We prepared sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) etched SiNCs in a two-stage plasma reactor and investigated their PL stability against UV irradiation in air. Unlike SiNCs with hydrogen-passivated surfaces, the SF6-etched SiNCs exhibit no photobleaching upon extended UV irradiation despite surface oxidation. Furthermore, the PL quantum yield also remains stable upon heating the SF6-etched SiNCs up to 160 °C. The observed thermal and UV stability of SF6-etched SiNCs combined with their PL quantum yields of up to ~50% make them attractive candidates for UV downshifting to enhance the efficiency of solar cells. Electron paramagnetic spin resonance indicates that the SF6-etched SiNCs have a lowered density of defect states, both as-formed and after room temperature oxidation in air.
Substitution Among Crimes and the Question of Deterrence: An Indirect Utility Function Approach to the Supply of Legal and Illegal Activity

In this paper we estimate a system of supply functions for income generating criminal activities. Our interest lies in determining the degree of substitutability or complementarily which exists between these alternative sources of income and in assessing the “net” system-wide response of participation rates in the several activities as expected returns and costs vary.
Burden of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Pima Indians With Type 2 Diabetes.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) share common pathological mechanisms and are favorably impacted by intensive glycemic control. American Indians have disproportionately higher rates of type 2 diabetes (T2D), younger age of diabetes onset, and earlier development of long-term complications than other ethnic groups (1). Diabetes as an underlying cause of death is 2.5–3.5 times higher among American Indians than whites, yet the DPN burden among American Indians has not been systematically evaluated. We assessed DPN prevalence in Pima Indians and evaluated the relationship between DPN and DN. A total of 79 Pima Indians with T2D (age 53 ± 11 years, diabetes duration 25 ± 6 years, 73% female, and mean HbA1c 9.5 ± 1.9% [80 ± 7 mmol/mol]) from the Gila River community were enrolled. DPN status was ascertained using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) …
Establishing cephalometric landmarks for the translational study of Le Fort-based facial transplantation in Swine: enhanced applications using computer-assisted surgery and custom cutting guides.

Background Le Fort-based, maxillofacial allotransplantation is a reconstructive alternative gaining clinical acceptance. However, the vast majority of single-jaw transplant recipients demonstrate less-than-ideal skeletal and dental relationships with suboptimal aesthetic harmony. The purpose of this study was to investigate reproducible cephalometric landmarks in a large animal model, where refinement of computer-assisted planning, intra-operative navigational guidance, translational bone osteotomies, and comparative surgical techniques could be performed.
Experimental Determination of the Ti-Nb-Al Phase Diagram At 1200°C.

Studies consisting of both bulk sample and diffusion couple experiments have been conducted in order to establish an isothermal section of the Ti-Nb-Al system. Bulk samples were prepared by arc-melting and then annealed in a gettered, flowing, argon atmosphere for extended equilibration periods. The results obtained so far have established the existence of two ternary phases with the following approximate compositions, TI (Ti-18 at% Nb-34 at% Al) and T 2 (Ti-ll at% Nb-44 at% Al). Moreover, several of the binary phases were found to have extensive solubilities, including the TiAl phase. The phases TiAl 3 and NbAl 3 form a continuous solid solution. Several heterogeneous equilibria were also determined. Determination of these phase fields was accomplished through the use of electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), x-ray diffraction, microstructural observations and backscatter electron imaging (BEI).
Analysis of Epidemiological Characteristics of Patients with Tuberculosis Reported Directly by Network in Huairou District of Beijing City in 2008

[Objective] To understand the epidemiological characteristics of patients with suspected tuberculosis and tuberculosis reported directly by network in Huairou District of Beijing City in 2008.[Methods]The suspected cases and confirmed cases of tuberculosis were analyzed statistically.[Results]A total of 196 cases were reported in 2008,12 (64.29%)were confirmed; the major occupation was peasant,occupied 53.06%.[Conclusion]Tuberculosis control knowledge and the publicity of the national free policies should be strengthened,awareness of tuberculosis among farmers should be improved,and the centralized management of tuberculosis should be strengthened to ensure that tuberculosis patients can receive timely and disciplinary treatment,so that the source of infection can be controlled to reduce the spread of tuberculosis.
Postintensive care syndrome and the role of a follow-up clinic.

Advancements in the care of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting have increased patients’ chances of surviving even the most serious illnesses. In fact, most studies in this patient population assign mortality as the primary outcome measure. However, as more patients
Carcinosarcoma of the prostate: case report and review of the literature

We report the third case of carcinosarcoma of the prostate. The epithelial element consisted of a highly malignant adenocarcinoma. The mesenchymal component was composed of malignant osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma.
Functional alterations in components of pigeon erythrocyte adenylate cyclase following desensitization to isoproterenol.

In comparison with controls, membranes isolated from pigeon erythrocytes exposed to isoproterenol exhibit decreased adenylate cyclase activity. Fluoride and guanosine-59-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPγS) activations are lowered in desensitized membranes and in Lubrol PX extracts of membranes previously treated with isoproterenol and GMP to remove GDP bound to the guanine nucleotide regulatory protein (G-protein). The decreases are not due to changes in Kact for either GTPγS or isoproterenol. The affinity and number of [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding sites in desensitized membranes are similar to those found in control membranes. No functional differences are found between G-proteins solubilized from control and desensitized pigeon erythrocyte membranes as determined in reconstitution experiments with cyc- membranes. This laboratory recently has described [J. Biol. Chem.256:1459-1465 (1981)] techniques to monitor conformational changes in pigeon erythrocyte G-protein mediated by guanine nucleotides and hormone-receptor interactions. These involve partial tryptic digestion and peptide mapping of the cholera toxin-labeled Mr = 42,000 subunit of the G-protein. This procedure, carried out on control and desensitized membranes, demonstrates (a) that isoproterenol has a diminished ability to alter the conformation of the G-protein in desensitized membranes, (b) that a lag in the conformational change induced by GTPγS in the presence or absence of isoproterenol is observed in desensitized preparations, and (c) that the fraction of G-proteins found in the GTPγS-specific conformation is significantly decreased in desensitized versus control membranes incubated with GTPγS with or without isoproterenol. These findings indicate that alterations occur during desensitization which affect coupling of hormone receptor to G-protein and the GDP exchange reaction of adenylate cyclase.
Impact of delayed neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy on survival outcomes in breast cancer patients.

1038Background: Delay in initiation of adjuvant systemic therapy has subtype-specific effects on survival. It is not known whether the interval from diagnosis of breast cancer to initiation of neoa...
On Infinitesimal Plastic Shear Deformation after Finite Plastic Tensile Loading and Partial Unloading

Experimental data from combined tension-torsion loading of thin-walled tubes of annealed polycrystalline copper subjected to loading, partial unloading, and then loading in a different direction are presented. Special attention is focused on the direction of the plastic strain increment, experimental values of which are compared with predicted values from Ziegler and Mroz kinematic hardening models.
American Graffiti (1973) and Grease (1978): The Fifties as Myth and Comment

The 1970s nostalgia boom in American popular culture centred on a popular craze for the 1950s. This wave of nostalgia reflected a tendency to idealise the era as one of youthful innocence, social stability, economic security and global dominance, and was the inspiration for a wave of Fifties films. The two most emblematic and commercially successful of these films—American Graffiti (Lucas, 1973) and Grease (Kleiser, 1978)—are the subject of this chapter, which accounts for their significance with audiences in the 1970s. Demonstrating the complexity and diversity of the Fifties, it contends that the popularity and legitimacy of nostalgia for the 1950s arose from the era’s oppositional relationship to the social upheaval, political turbulence and economic uncertainty of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Wind Farm Dynamic Equivalence Based on the Wind Turbine Output Active Power Sequence Clustering

In order to reduce the complexity of simulation model containing wind farms in the context of keeping the accuracy static, this paper put forward a kind of Dynamic Equivalence method aiming at making output characteristic of the connecting point of wind farm consistent. Based on the output power sequence of wind turbines, geometric template matching algorithm is used to obtain the characteristic of that power sequence and then Attribute Threshold Clustering Algorithm is used to classify wind turbine. In each cluster, the parameter of wind turbine is made equal according to the principle of constant power output character and then be distinguished according to AMPSO. At last, this paper takes a practical wind farm as an example and respectively simulates the conditions of fault of system side and variation of wind speed, which is used in comparing the output characteristic of detailed model and Equivalent model. Results show that the output characteristic of the connecting point of wind farm keeps consistent after equivalent and that the Clustering Algorithm can reflect the operating characteristics of the wind turbine in the whole moment of any time period. It can also be saw that Equivalent method is reasonable and effective, which has certain value in engineering application.
Lunatics at the fringe: Teaching expository documentaries with Beer Wars

As students grow up in the digital age, management professors seek new material which both educates and engages. Recent studies record the benefits of using feature films in the classroom, increasing student attention and learning. But expository documentaries from filmmakers like Michael Moore present the unique challenge of teaching with a biased informant. This article examines the use of one such documentary, Beer Wars (Baron, 2009), as a substitute for written cases on industry evolution. We argue that, through documentary techniques, Beer Wars effectively details the growth and maturity of U.S. beer-market niches. We've shown the documentary to undergraduate and graduate Strategic Management classes, with positive feedback. Rather than hindering learning, the bias inherent in the documentary offer opportunities for students to develop critical thinking skills.
Science and technology of stressed liquid crystals: display and non-display applications

ABSTRACTStressed liquid crystals (SLCs) have emerged as promising tunable electro-optical materials more than a decade ago. They are optically transparent and are characterized by a giant phase modulation of the incident light (Nπ, N >> 1), fast (millisecond and shorter) electro-optical response, and a relatively low driving voltage (∼1 V/μm). Surprisingly, despite their advanced electro-optical performance, these new materials did not receive due attention in the research community. One possible reason of such an inadequate interest in SLCs is the lack of the well-documented procedure describing how to actually produce these materials. This paper is aimed at the development of such a step-by-step practical guide suitable for experimentalist and engineers. The proposed technology is applied to produce and characterize SLCs. In addition, some applications of the materials are briefly discussed and a broader overview of their possible use is outlined.
A crop trait information acquisition system with multitag-based identification technologies for breeding precision management

A acquisition system is developed with multitag-based identification technologies.The system provides four kinds of data acquisition modes for different requirements.Images and data are related, and image information is automatically generated.Field maps are created after planting directly via reading the RFID/NFC tags. This paper aims to establish a crop trait information acquisition system by combining barcode and radio frequency-based electronic identification (RFID) and near-field communication (NFC) technology applications. The system was devised to ensure (a) correct identification of each crop material and plot, (b) quick query and positioning for information collection, (c) correct combination of crop phenotypic data and images, and (d) reliable recording of periodic crop trait data with dependable transmission to the main server. This system, with multitag-based identification technology, was developed on an Android platform using the Java language. A type of RFID/NFC tag with a high-frequency chip was applied in the core, and a quick response (QR) code was used on the surface for material identification. A smartphone with NFC function can be used as an RFID reader, and its built-in camera can be used to decode QR codes. The system was used in some seed industries commercial breeding and in national crop variety regional trial, with its functions including reading/writing of RFID/NFC tags, decoding QR codes, acquiring crop trait information, creating field maps, and uploading data. This system provided a low-cost and highly efficient solution for crop trait information collection.
Isolation and Properties of CBG from Mammalian Sera

It is apparent from the preceding chapters that the very low blood concentration and the limited stability of CBG make it difficult to isolate. The first investigators to succeed were Seal and Doe (1961) who reported at the 1961 Federation Meeting the preparation of highly purified CBG from serum of estrogen-treated males. In this pioneering work, an overall recovery of 80% after approximately 1000-fold purification was obtained; physicochemical characterization revealed the properties of a glycoprotein with the characteristics of an α1-globulin. One of the more important steps for the separation from other serum proteins was the chromatography on hydroxylapatite which did not adsorb CBG but retained most other proteins. A detailed account of the results was given subsequently (Seal and Doe, 1962 a, 1962 b). Partial purification of human CBG has been briefly reported by Ensinck and Volwiler (1962).
Risk factors for inadequate antibody response to primary rabies vaccination in dogs under one year of age

Ensuring the adequacy of response to rabies vaccination in dogs is important, particularly in the context of pet travel. Few studies have examined the factors associated with dogs' failure to achieve an adequate antibody titer after vaccination (0.5 IU/ml). This study evaluated rabies antibody titers in dogs after primary vaccination. Dogs under one year of age whose serum was submitted to a reference laboratory for routine diagnostics, and which had no prior documented history of vaccination were enrolled (n = 8,011). Geometric mean titers (GMT) were calculated and univariate analysis was performed to assess factors associated with failure to achieve 0.5 IU/mL. Dogs vaccinated at >16 weeks of age had a significantly higher GMT compared to dogs vaccinated at a younger age (1.64 IU/ml, 1.57-1.72, ANOVA p < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in GMT between dogs vaccinated <12 weeks and dogs vaccinated 12-16 weeks (1.22 IU/ml and 1.21 IU/ml). The majority of dogs failed to reach an adequate titer within the first 3 days of primary vaccination; failure rates were also high if the interval from vaccination to titer check was greater than 90 days. Over 90% of dogs that failed primary vaccination were able to achieve adequate titers after booster vaccination. The ideal timing for blood draw is 8-30 days after primary vaccination. In the event of a failure, most dogs will achieve an adequate serologic response upon a repeat titer (in the absence of booster vaccination). Booster vaccination after failure provided the highest probability of an acceptable titer.
Slow scintillation component and radiation induced readout noise in pure CsI crystals

Because of its fast decay time and low cost, pure CsI crystals are used in HEP experiments for fast crystal calorimetry. CsI crystal samples from three vendors were characterized for the Mu2e experiment at Fermilab with data used to define crystal specification. In addition to the fast scintillation component peaked at 310 nm, a slow scintillation component peaked at 450 nm with μs decay time was detected, which may be eliminated spectroscopically by using optical filters. It was also found that the slow scintillation component and the radiation induced readout noise in CsI crystals are highly correlated. The nature of the slow scintillation component is believed to be defects and/or impurity related.