cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multifocal Mesenchymal Hamartoma of the Newborn: A Case Study.

BACKGROUND A mesenchymal hamartoma is a rare benign tumor of the chest wall seen prenatally or at birth. Typically arising from one or more ribs, this tumor will have a rapid growth between weeks 28 and 36 of gestation, followed by a plateau and a spontaneous regression, usually within the first year of life. CLINICAL FINDINGS A 37-week 2-day, 3.48-kg female infant was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with a prenatally diagnosed left chest mass with a large pleural effusion and respiratory failure. PRIMARY DIAGNOSIS The infant was referred to our institution with multiple chest masses on the left side, resulting in the thorax's marked deformity. Imaging studies confirmed the presence of a multifocal mesenchymal hamartoma. INTERVENTIONS At laparotomy, 3 mesenchymal hamartomas were found. The lateral mass, encompassing ribs 5 and 6, resulted in an en bloc resection. The ribs cephalad and caudal were bowed and displaced but not involved in the mesenchymal hamartoma. Complete excision of the lateral mass was done, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of mesenchymal hamartoma. OUTCOMES After resection of the largest mass, the left lung reinflated appropriately, and within a few weeks, the infant was discharged home without supplemental oxygen support. PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS Symptomatic patients with cardiorespiratory compromise are best treated with surgical resection. In asymptomatic patients, it is best to proceed with serial imaging and conservative management with watchful waiting. Due to the rarity of the condition, data on long-term follow-up and outcomes are needed.
Ciguatera fish poisoning in the age of discovery and the age of enlightenment.

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is the most common poisoning from seafood consumption with an estimated 50,000 cases per year worldwide. Attention to this malady in the English language literature h...
Charlottesville-Albemarle Legal Aid Society (a)

This case deals with the situation facing the new director of the Charlottesville Legal Aid Society, a federally supported nonprofit organization chartered to provide legal services in noncriminal cases for low-income people. Legal Aid has entered a challenging time in its history: funding is decreasing while demand for services is growing. The new director is struggling with how to forge a new strategy for the organization in an environment where resources are stretched thin and stakeholders are not in agreement about where the organization's efforts should be focused. The case explores the process of strategy formulation in the context of multiple stakeholder groups, and raises issues of strategic intent, value creation, working with professionals, and collaborating within a large network. Excerpt UVA-BP-0377 Charlottesville-Albemarle Legal Aid Society (A) Alex Gulotta, newly appointed director of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Legal Aid Society was in the midst of drafting his first director's report. He wrote: As the program's new director, I have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome extended to me by the legal community, the social services community, and the client community. From my discussions with community leaders, it is clear that the Charlottesville-Albemarle Legal Aid Society is well respected for it advocacy on behalf of those in need. The unfortunate reality, however, is that the need for Legal Aid services continues to outstrip our ability to respond. The program's attempt to provide some level of individual service to all income-eligible clients increasingly limits the time available to respond to each problem. As resources are taxed, the program's advocates are forced to react to client dilemmas rather than to actively work toward long-term solutions. Legal Aid is approaching the new fiscal year with the hope and energy occasioned by change. Our goal is to turn a very good legal services program into one of the very best. . . .
Biochar of corn stover: Microwave-assisted pyrolysis condition induced changes in surface functional groups and characteristics

Abstract Biochar was prepared by microwave-assisted pyrolysis of corn stover at atmospheric pressure and different reaction temperatures and time. A central composite experimental design was used in the optimization of volatiles (bio-oil and syngas), biochar production, and the amount of carbon surface functional groups. Various types of oxygenated functional groups on the biochar were quantified by means of titrimetric techniques using a modified Boehm's method. The range of surface carbonyl groups amount was from 0.27 to 1.70 mmol/g carbon. The produced biochars were also characterized in terms of the elemental composition, BET surface area and chemical structure. The maximum surface area of the biochar was 45 m2/g. The result indicates that the surface functional groups of biochar were significantly influenced by the pyrolysis temperature and residence time. An adequate prediction model was developed to describe the development of carbon surface functional groups. Modification and characterization of biochar surface functional groups is a new way to improve or extend their catalytic application in biomass conversion and bio-oil upgrading.
MR Imaging-Verified Plaque Delipidation With Lipid-Lowering Therapy: Important Questions Remain

Numerous studies over the past 2 decades have demonstrated the benefit of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol lowering on heart attack, stroke, and cardiac death ([1][1]). Both invasive and noninvasive imaging approaches have been used as surrogate markers to demonstrate benefits of LDL
Balance Theory, The Jordan Paradigm, and The Wiest Tetrahedron

Publisher Summary This chapter describes balance theory, the Jordan paradigm, and the Wiest tetrahedron. The chapter focuses on the quantitative applications particularly in Wiest's tetrahedron approach. Research in the Jordan paradigm implies that any quantitative approach that attempts to model a single triad (or semicycle) will be at least partially inadequate. This chapter explores that balance theory is also basically a logic theory. It illustrates the purpose where two problems confronted by McGuire are solved. The results of balance theory of the Insko et al experiment do provide interesting evidence for the generality of the semicycles that appear to be operating in the Jordan paradigm. The tetrahedron represents a simple linear extrapolation from polarized balance. Wiest assumed that any particular triad that lies either within the tetrahedron or on the surface of the tetrahedron is balanced.
Double sampling may improve the efficiency of litterfall estimates

The effort required for an extensive litterfall measurement campaign can be prohibitive. We propose a double sampling approach, in which a large set of traps is used in each stand to estimate total...
Purification and characterization of phosphatidate phosphatase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract Membrane-associated phosphatidate phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.4) was purified 9833-fold from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The purification procedure included sodium cholate solubilization of total membranes followed by chromatography with DE53, Affi-Gel Blue, hydroxylapatite, Mono Q, and Superose 12. The procedure resulted in the isolation of a protein with a subunit molecular weight of 91,000 that was apparently homogeneous as evidenced by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Phosphatidate phosphatase activity was associated with the purified 91,000 subunit. The molecular weight of the native enzyme was estimated to be 93,000 by gel filtration chromatography with Superose 12. Maximum phosphatidate phosphatase activity was dependent on magnesium ions and Triton X-100 at pH 7. The Km value for phosphatidate was 50 microM, and the Vmax was 30 mumol/min/mg. The turnover number (molecular activity) for the enzyme was 2.7 x 10(3) min-1 at pH 7 and 30 degrees C. The activation energy for the reaction was 11.9 kcal/mol, and the enzyme was labile above 30 degrees C. Phosphatidate phosphatase activity was sensitive to thioreactive agents. Activity was inhibited by the phospholipid intermediate CDP-diacylglycerol and the neutral lipids diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol.
Indian foreign policy since independence

(1957). Indian foreign policy since independence. Australian Outlook: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 23-32.
Human hemopexin. Preparation and magnetic properties.

Abstract A simplified method based on ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography has been developed for the preparation of large quantities of human apohemopexin from Cohn Fraction IV-7. The method results in a 30% over-all recovery, and avoids exposure of the protein to low pH or to perchlorate. When saturated with heme, the electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum of hemopexin is characteristic of low spin Fe(III) in an asymmetrical environment, with principal values of the g tensor of 2.89, 2.27, and 1.55. This is confirmed by static magnetic susceptibility measurements which show good agreement with Curie's law in the temperature range 1.5–77 K. A ligand field analysis of the g tensor indicates that the axial and rhombic distortion parameters are typical of a low spin ferriheme complex in which both apical sites are occupied by histidine residues.
Aerococcus viridans in the hospital environment.

Aerococcus viridans has been described as an airborne organism prevalent in occupied rooms. It has also been described as an organism having many characteristics that might cause it to be confused with streptococci or staphylococci, and this may account for the fact that the presence of A. viridans has not been reported in the hospital environment or in clinical specimens. Swab specimens were taken from 47 objects in 11 different areas in a local hospital, cultured overnight in Trypticase Soy Broth, and streaked on blood-agar and on a selective serum agar containing potassium tellurite and crystal violet. Of 85 α-hemolytic cultures isolated, 11 proved to be typical A. viridans based on diagnostic tests that also were applied to a collection of gram-positive cocci, including authentic strains of A. viridans. These organisms are gram-positive cocci with a strong tendency toward tetrad formation in broth cultures. They are predominantly aerobic, have a very weak catalase activity, and lack porphyrin respiratory enzymes. Three similar cultures also were obtained from routine clinical specimens.
Gas phase observation and microwave spectroscopic characterization of formic sulfuric anhydride

We report the observation of a covalently bound species, formic sulfuric anhydride (FSA), that is produced from formic acid and sulfur trioxide under supersonic jet conditions. FSA has been structurally characterized by means of microwave spectroscopy and further investigated by using density functional theory and ab initio calculations. Theory indicates that a π2 + π2 + σ2 cycloaddition reaction between SO3 and HCOOH is a plausible pathway to FSA formation and that such a mechanism would be effectively barrierless. We speculate on the possible role that FSA may play in the Earth’s atmosphere.
WISC and reading achievement of children referred back to the regular classroom or to a special education class after psychological evaluation.

Summary.-WISC and Wide Range Achievement Test reading patterns of 165 elementary school children referred back to the regular classroom, to classes for the educable mentally retarded, and to classes for the minimally brain-damaged after psychological evaluation were compared. Brain-injured children of both sexes did not differ significantly from their educable retarded counterparts on some of the WISC Performance subtests. On the other hand, brain-injured boys and girls did not differ from boys and girls returned to the regular classroom after evaluation on some WISC Verbal subtests. Children returned to the regular classroom were, on the average, reading at grade level on the WRAT. Brain-damaged and retarded children averaged well below grade level on the reading subtest of the WRAT. Huelsman (1970) observed that low WISC Information, Arithmetic, and Coding subtest scores characterized groups of disabled readers, bur not individuals, and that comparatively high Performance IQs were found for about 20% of disabled readers. Kallos, Grabow, and Guarino ( 1961 ) reported that a WISC Coding score lower than other performance scores appeared characteristic of disabled readers. Such readers also tended to have relatively low WISC Information and Arithmetic scores. But, Reed and Reitan (1969) found no significant difference in either intelligence test pattern (WISC) or reading achievement and side of deficic for brain-injured children. The present scudy compared the mean WISC subtest standard scores and Wide Range Achievement Test (Reading) grade equivalents of elementary school children referred back to the regular classroom, to classes for the educable mentally retarded, and to classes for the minimally brain-injured after psychological evaluation. While a variety of other diagnostic instruments (intelligence, achievement, visual-motor, and personality) were used selectively in individual evaluations, none were used extensively enough to be included in the present scudy. Ss were 107 boys and 58 girls referred by classroom teachers for psychological evaluation and possible placement in special education classes in the Fort Worth, Texas Independent School District during che 1969-1970 school year. Student's t tests were used to test the significance of differences between the mean WISC subtest standard scores and WRAT Reading grade equivalents for the three types of dispositions after psychological evaluation. Boys and girls were compared separately. Boys referred by teachers out-numbered girls almost two to one, but girls so referred were more likely than boys (67% compared to 5 1 % ) to be assigned to special education. For boys, 17% were recommended for educable retarded
Hadron model with braking of spatial homogeneity of vacuum

A possibility of breaking spatial homogeneity of vacuum as a result of interaction of a quark with a Bose field has been investigated. It is shown that there can be in a ground state of the wave-packet type. The energetic conditions for such a state have been found. The origin of deep inelastic processes and the phenomenon of quark confinement are discussed.
Effects of methylphenidate on impulsive choice in adult humans

Several studies with nonhumans and humans have shown that stimulants decrease impulsive choices on delay-to-reinforcement (self-control) procedures. Little is known, however, about the effects of the stimulant methylphenidate on choice for delayed reinforcers in humans. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of acute methylphenidate administrations on impulsive responding in adult humans on a delay-to-reinforcement task. Eleven adult males with a history of criminal behavior but no history of attention–deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) participated. Impulsive responding was measured using an adjusting-delay procedure in which subjects were presented with repeated choices between a small amount of money delivered after a short delay and a larger amount of money delivered after a delay that adjusted as a function of previous choices. Subjects were exposed to four experimental sessions each day of participation and 60 min prior to the first daily session received placebo or 0.15, 0.30, or 0.60 mg/kg methylphenidate. Stable choice patterns were re-established between each methylphenidate dose. Individuals differed in their sensitivity to methylphenidate, but in over half of the subjects methylphenidate decreased impulsive (i.e., increased the number of self-control choices) and increased the delay to the large reinforcer. The largest increases in self-control choices tended to occur at the 0.30-mg/kg and 0.60-mg/kg doses, and the effects often persisted across multiple daily sessions. In six subjects, under at least one methylphenidate dose, the number of impulsive choices decreased to zero. Acute methylphenidate administrations tended to decrease the number of impulsive choices in adult humans on an adjusting-delay procedure, although there were substantial individual differences in the sensitivity of choice to methylphenidate. In no case, however, did methylphenidate increase impulsive choices. These results are consistent with several recent laboratory studies with nonhumans and humans showing that stimulants increase preference for large, delayed reinforcers.
Subdomain basis functions from entire domain basis functions for a certain class of problems

Entire domain series expansions used in the method of collocation can give rise to unbalanced system matrices. By studying the asymptotic properties of the expansion functions the numerically ill-behaved part of the functions can be factored out. A well-behaved function can then be obtained by suitable normalization. However, the ill-behaved factor is a function of the coordinates and therefore the normalization factor can be considered constant only over small regions. Hence, the normalization process gives rise to a well-behaved set of subdomain basis functions instead of entire domain functions.
MONITORING FOR POLICY-RELEVANT REGIONALTRENDS OVER TIME

The term trend describes the continuing directional change in the value of an indicator, generally upward or generally downward. Many policy questions concern trend across a number of sites, such as lakes in a region, rather than trend at a single site. Power to detect regional trend seldom is discussed, and monitoring designs suitable for detecting such trends rarely are explored. Components of variance and temporal sampling designs play central roles in characterizing trend detection. We present relative numerical values of important components of variance, developed from the Surface Waters component of U.S. EPA’s Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) field data, and use them as a basis for further assumptions of values. We discuss power curves in general and present them in relation to temporal designs, years of field observation, components of variance, and the level of trend detected. Revisit designs give adequate power for moderate trend in 10–15 yr, even when revisits are less frequent than annually.
Integrated dynamic single-facility location and inventory planning problems

This article considers a class of dynamic single-article facility location problems in which the facility must determine order and inventory levels to meet the dynamic demands of the customers over a finite horizon. The motivating application of this class of problems is in military logistics and the decision makers in this area are not only concerned with the logistical costs of the facility but also with centering the facility among the customers in each time period in order to be able to provide other services. Both the location plan and inventory plan of the facility in the problem must be determined while considering these different metrics associated with the performance of these plans. Effective dynamic programming algorithms for this class of problem are provided for both of these metrics. These dynamic programming algorithms are utilized in order to construct the efficient frontier associated with these two metrics in polynomial time. Computational testing indicates that these algorithms can be u...
Effect of lifestyle activities on Alzheimer disease biomarkers and cognition.

Objectives To investigate the effect of intellectual and physical activity on biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology and cognition in a non-demented elderly population. The biomarkers evaluated were brain Aβ-amyloid load via PIB-PET, neuronal dysfunction via FDG-PET and neurodegeneration via Structural-MRI.
Interaction of murine colony-stimulating factor (CSF-1) with alveolar mononuclear phagocytes

Abstract Colony-stimulating factor (CSF-1) was purified from serum-free L-cell-conditioned medium (LCM) and iodinated so that we could study its interaction with murine alveolar macrophages. At 0 °C, the binding of 125 ICSF-1 to alveolar macrophages reached a stable maximum within 16 h. Under this condition, the binding of 125 ICSF-1 at various concentrations was saturated at about 3 ng/ml. The binding sites of 125 ICSF-1 were sensitive to trypsin but not to DNase or RNase treatment. At 37 °C, the trypsin-treated cells regenerated more than 90% of their original binding sites within 12 h. Whereas more than 97% of these alveolar macrophages were phagocytic and esterase-positive, autoradiographic studies showed that only 10–31 % of them were capable of binding to 125 ICSF-1. These results indicate that the frequencies of CSF-1-binding cells and alveolar macrophage colony-forming cells (AL-CFC) are closely correlated, but no causal relationship has been established.
Constant E-J relation in the current induced resistive state of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/

Restoration of a resistive state between 4.3 K and T/sub c/ was investigated by exceeding the J/sub c/ of bulk YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/. Unlike the case of low-T/sub c/ Type-II superconductors, where restoration of the normal state resistivity is obtained by exceeding J/sub c/ by a fraction of J/sub c/, a constant value of differential resistivity which was several to many times smaller than that of the normal state value was obtained. This constant E-J slope remained constant up to ten times the transport J/sub c/. This value was constant for a given sample between 4.3 K and T/sub c/. The normal state resistivity just above T/sub c/ and the constant differential resistivity value below T/sub c/ were different for each sample. Since the value of this slope did not change by temperature at ambient fields, the constant slope of the E-J curves is not due to field-induced flux flow but may be due to a peculiar inhomogeneity of J/sub c/ throughout the sample. This point is further proven by the constancy of this slope at temperatures between 4.2 K and T/sub c/ under applied magnetic fields up to 200 G. Two breaks in the E-J behavior were observed near T/sub c/ which are believed to correspond to the intergranular and intragranular J/sub c/s, with the high J/sub c/ in agreement with reported values obtained by magnetization. Microstructural results imply that the mechanism for the observed behavior may be weak-link-related.
LIPIDS AND FATTY ACIDS IN MULLET (Mugil cephalus): SEASONAL AND LOCATIONAL VARIATIONS

Total lipids and fatty acids of neutral lipid in boneless mullet fillets were studied. The mullet harvested between September and November had the highest lipid content. Samples were obtained from four locations on the Florida Coast. At these locations the highest total lipid contents were in the following order: Pine Island > Oakhill > Cedar Key > Port St. Joe. Mullet harvested at Pine Island had the highest ratio of odd chain fatty acids to total fatty acids in neutral lipid fraction, ranging from 18.4–25.8; the odd chain fatty acids of other locations were lower than 20%. Generally, the polyunsaturated fatty acid content of mullet is highest between August and October.
What's in a Name?: Heat Shock Protein 27 and Keratinocyte Differentiation

In this issue of the Journal, Robitaille and colleagues present data supporting a role for the small heat shock protein (HSP) 27 in keratinocyte terminal differentiation. This adds to the growing literature implicating HSP27 as a regulator of biologic function beyond thermal stress response.
Antimatter bodies and closure of the Universe

One of the hypotheses to account for the cosmic gamma-ray bursts invokes collisions between antimatter bodies of asteroidal mass and stars. This paper points out that, should this idea be correct, the numbers suggest that the antimatter is cosmological, and that alocally measurable ratio might be used to determine the effective gain in mean mass density relevant to the possible closure of the Universe. The effective mass gain factor would have a minimum value of 2 and could be much larger.
Statistical Safe Braking Analysis

The main objective in optimizing train control is to eliminate the waist associated with classical design where train separation is determined through the use of “worst case” assumptions that are invariant to the system. In fact, the worst case approach has been in place since the beginning of train control systems. Worst case takes the most conservative approach to the determination of train stopping distance, which is the basis for design of virtually all train control. This leads to stopping distances that could be far more that actually required under the circumstances at the time the train is attempting to brake. Modern train control systems are designed to separate trains in order to provide safety of operation while increasing throughput. Calculations for the minimum distance that separates trains have traditionally been based on the sum of a series of worst case scenarios. The implication was that no train could ever exceed this distance in stopping. This distance is called Safe Braking Distance (SBD). SBD has always been calculated by static parameters that were assumed to be invariant. This is, however, not the case. Parameters such as adhesion, acceleration, weight, and reaction vary over time, location or velocity. Since the worst case is always used in the calculation, inefficiencies result in this methodology which causes degradation in capacity and throughput. This is also true when mixed traffic with different stopping characteristics are present at the same time. The classic theory in train control utilizes a SBD model to describe the characteristics of a stopping train. Since knowledge of these conditions is not known, poor conditions are assumed. A new concept in train control utilizes statistical analysis and estimation to provide knowledge of the conditions. Trains operating along the line utilize these techniques to understand inputs into their SBD calculation. This provides for a SBD calculation on board the train that is the shortest possible that maintains the required level of safety. The new SBD is a prime determinant in systems capacity. Therefore by optimizing SBD as describes, system capacity is also optimized. The system continuously adjusts to changing conditions.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Staff security and work pressure: Contrasting patterns of stability and change across five dialysis units

Differences among clinical care units in social dynamics and social organization are associated with differences in the clinical course of patients with a range of chronic illness. These differences are also associated with well-being of staff members. Recent attention has focused on understanding these differences among units with an eye towards correcting deficiencies and enhancing strengths of clinical care units. The current study sought to delineate the effect of social and organizational dynamics unique to each unit on staff perceptions of the security of their relationships with other staff and their perceived work pressure. The unit as a major source of differences among staff subjects was compared with the impact of ethnic identity, of work in the morning shift vs other shifts, and of professional role. Results confirmed that unit membership was, by far, the most important correlate of staff perceptions of the unit, particularly those concerning security of relationships with others and perceived work pressure. Moreover, the results suggested that unit differences in perceived security were due to differences among units in long standing turmoil within the unit or long standing problematic ties between the unit and the larger institution which controls it. However, perceived work pressure seems more transient and may reflect the challenge of shorter-term fluctuations in the demands of patient care.
OPUS for Horizontal Subcentimeter-Accuracy Landslide Monitoring: Case Study in the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Region

AbstractThis study demonstrates the usefulness of an approach based on the Online Positioning User Service (OPUS) provided by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to process Global Positioning System (GPS) data and conduct long-term landslide monitoring in the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region. Continuous GPS data collected at a creeping landslide site during 2 years were used to evaluate different scenarios for landslide surveying: continuous or campaign, long duration or short duration, morning or afternoon (during different weather conditions). OPUS uses the Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network managed by the NGS as control points and user-collected data to solve for the position of the occupied station (rover). In July 2011, there were 19 NGS CORS sites in the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region. This dense GPS network provided a precise and reliable reference frame for subcentimeter-accuracy landslide monitoring in t...
Central Java's Dharma Tirta WUA ‘Model’: Peasant irrigation organization under conditions of population pressure

Abstract The villagers of Central Java have demonstrated their ability to operate effective water users' associations, evolving organizational structures and irrigation practices to suit their needs as these have changed with the increased pressure of population on natural resources. Two contrasting villages are used to demonstrate the cultural and ecological characteristics which influence such evolution and to show the degree of flexibility that must be allowed for within a general policy of encouraging such water associations.
Effect of salinity on methylation of mercury.

Monomethyl and dimethylmercury are potent neurotoxins subject to biomagnification in food webs. This fact was tragically demonstrated by the Minamata and Niigata poisoning incidents in Japan in which 168 persons who ate seafood from mercury polluted waters were poisoned, 52 fatally. Shortly after these two incidents, work conducted in freshwater environments demonstrated the microbial conversion of inorganic and phenylmercury compounds to mono- and di-methylmercury. Consideration of some fragmentary evidence from the literature, however, indicates that the rate and the significance of microbial methylation of mercury in freshwater and saltwater environments may not be the same. A demonstrated relationship between mercury methylation rates and water salinity would greatly influence our thinking about mercury pollution effects in marine versus freshwater environments. Since we were unable to locate published reports on this subject, we are investigating the influence of salinity on the rate of mercury methylation in an estuarine sediment.
Correlating structure with ferromagnetism in melt-spun Gd100−xFex

Abstract X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy measurements of melt-spun Gd100−xFex (0 ≤ x ≤ 40) and inert-gas condensed/compacted samples (3.8 ≤ x ≤ 12.7) reveal a structure of crystalline hcp-Gd grains surrounded by a non-crystalline G d 1 − x e f f F e x e f f phase, where xeff > x is the effective iron concentration within the amorphous region. The two-phase structure is responsible for an unusual dependence of the coercivity on temperature in which non-zero coercivity is observed above the hcp-Gd Tc with a peak near 320 K. The coercivity decreases as the hcp-Gd grains order, then increases with decreasing temperature. This behavior is explained by the presence of magnetically correlated Fe-rich regions.
Cross-Sectional Imaging of the Liquid Film in Horizontal Two-Phase Annular Flow

Planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) was applied to horizontal air/water two-phase annular flow in order to clearly image the liquid film and interfacial wave behavior at the top, side and bottom of the tube. The visualization section was fabricated from FEP, which has nearly the same refractive index as water at room temperature. This index-matched test section was used to allow imaging of the water to within approximately 10 microns of the 15.1 mm I.D. tube wall. A small amount of dye was added to the water with a peak excitation wavelength near that of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser (532 nm). The laser system generated an approximately 5 ns pulsed light sheet at 30 Hz. Images of the liquid film were captured using a digital video camera with a macro lens for a resolution of about 8.2 microns/pixel. Cross-sectional data at 68 annular flow conditions were obtained. The observations of the liquid film between waves indicated that the film thickness was relatively insensitive to both gas and liquid flow in the annular regime, confirming film thickness measurements reported elsewhere. In addition, the structure of waves changes significantly from wavy-annular, where peaked or cresting waves dominate, to fully annular, where the waves are much more turbulent and unstructured. The wave height decreases with increased gas flow and is relatively insensitive to increased liquid flow in the annular regime. The entrainment of gas in the liquid by the waves is very apparent from these images. Although the precise entrainment mechanisms are not entirely clear, a viable folding action mechanism is proposed. The visualization results will be discussed in relation to both conceptual and computational annular flow modeling.© 2004 ASME
Total lightning activity as an indicator of updraft characteristics

[1] This study investigates the relationship of total lightning activity and updraft characteristics, such as updraft volume and maximum updraft speed, for a number of storms of different types occurring in the High Plains and in Northern Alabama. Ground-based Doppler and dual polarimetric radar observations were used to compute updraft characteristics. Also, ground-based total lightning data were available at both locations. Results show that time series of updraft volume in the charging zone (at temperatures colder than −5°C) with vertical velocities greater than either 5 or 10 m s−1 have clear relationships with total lightning activity (r = 0.93). Furthermore, these relationships between updraft volume and lightning activity for the storm types of the two climate regimes tend to converge when considering only the subfreezing layers of the clouds. Neither the maximum nor the mean updraft speed correlate as well with total lightning activity (r = <0.8) as updraft volume. Through expanded study designed to explore further regime variability (or lack thereof) of updraft volume-lightning flash rate relationships, better or refined parameterizations for the numerical forecasting of lightning and/or detection and prediction of storm intensity could be realized.
Ultrastructure of mouse olfactory mucosa

The fine structure of the olfactory mucosa has been investigated with particular reference to those aspects of the morphology which may be significant in chemoreception. Morphology of the supporting cells of the epithelium indicate that they function in mucus production or regulation. Bowman's glands were found to consist of two cell types, both of which also seem to contribute to mucus production. Olfactory receptor cells were found to be completely covered by the mucus including the atypical olfactory cell cilia that project above the surface of the epithelium. The potential role of these cilia in initial reception is discussed. Lack of intervening cytoplasm between adjacent olfactory cell cytoplasm has been noted with the consequent possibility that electrical interaction between cells may occur. This may be significant in subsequent evaluations of electrical potentials recorded from the mucosa.
Tracing variations in software product families

When one size doesn't fit all, what type of knowledge best helps manage variability in product family engineering?
Density Functional Theory Study of CO Hydrogenation on a MoS2 Surface

CO hydrogenation on a MoS2 surface has been investigated by means of the density functional theory method. CO was found to adsorb on the bridge position of the Mo-edge of a MoS2 surface with a tilt...
The calmodulin-ubiquitin (CUB) genes of Trypanosoma cruzi are essential for parasite viability

The CUB genes represent single copy genes in the diploid Trypanosoma cruzi genome. In this report data are presented which demonstrate that a single expressed CUB gene is necessary for parasite viability. Although either CUB gene could be deleted individually, repeated attempts to simultaneously delete both genes were unsuccessful. The essential nature of the CUB genes was further supported by studies which demonstrated positive selection for CUB gene expression. Positive selection was demonstrated by carrying out dual gene replacements which showed that both native CUB genes could be efficiently deleted provided the CalB1 calmodulin gene was simultaneously replaced by a CUB gene protein coding sequence. Although the function of the CUB gene product remains unknown the experiments presented here indicate the product is likely to play an important role in the parasites' life cycle.
Cardiobacterium hominis endocarditis presenting as acute embolic stroke: A case report and review of the literature

We report on a case of endocarditis attributable to Cardiobacterium hominis in a 31-year-old man who presented with acute-onset, left-sided hemiparesthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed acute infarctions in 2 areas of the right cerebral cortex, and a transesophageal echocardiogram revealed vegetation in a previously unrecognized bicuspid aortic valve. The patient completed a 6-week course of ceftriaxone and aspirin, with resolution of the vegetation and neurological complications. Our literature review of C. hominis endocarditis suggests that aortic-valve involvement is associated with high stroke and valve-surgery rates. Favorable outcomes and treatment success are evident with either penicillin or ceftriaxone, in combination with (if indicated) valve surgery in patients with neurological complications.
Do Dietitians Follow the American Dietetic Association's Nutrition Support Recommendations?

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To examine if practicing dietitians follow the American Dietetic Association's nutrition support recommendations to withhold or withdraw nutrition support. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) has outlined recommendations for examining the efficacy of providing aggressive nutrition support, or artificial nutrition. Recommendations that are used to decide whether to proceed with or forego nutrition support include: 1) the patient's wishes; 2) if death is imminent; or, 3) if the burdens outweigh the benefit of nutritional treatment. A questionnaire was distributed to 196 randomly selected Registered Dietitians in Tennessee and Virginia. Seventy-five percent of the questionnaires were completed and used in the study. Percentage and frequency tables were used to analyze the results. The results of this study indicate that practicing dietitians follow the first two recommendations. These dietitians ranked patient request (68%) and imminent death (60%) as the most acceptable reasons to withhold or withdraw nutrition support. For the third recommendations, only 24% of the dietitians indicated that if burdens of treatment outweigh the benefit, then nutrition support should be withheld or withdrawn. This low percentage of dietitians may cause a concern if patient's wishes are unknown or death is not imminent. Fifty-six percent of the dietitians in this study had recommended nutrition support for a patient when the benefits were questionable. As a result, aggressive nutrition support may be recommended by practicing dietitians even if the burdens of treatment outweigh the benefits of withholding or withdrawing nutrition support.
Assessment of the Status of Prehospital Care in 13 Low- and Middle-Income Countries

AbstractBackground. Injury and other medical emergencies are becoming increasingly common in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Many to most of the deaths from these conditions occur outside of hospitals, necessitating the development of prehospital care. Prehospital capabilities are inadequately developed to meet the growing needs for emergency care in most LMICs. Objective. In order to better plan for development of prehospital care globally, this study sought to better understand the current status of prehospital care in a wide range of LMICs. Methods. A survey was conducted of emergency medical services (EMS) leaders and other key informants in 13 LMICs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Questions addressed methods of transport to hospital, training and certification of EMS providers, organization and funding of EMS systems, public access to prehospital care, and barriers to EMS development. Results. Prehospital care capabilities varied significantly, but in general were less developed in low-...
Current evidence for the clinical use of long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids to prevent age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.

An NIH State of the Science Conference panel concluded in 2010 that insufficient evidence is available to recommend the use of any primary prevention therapy for Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive decline with age. Despite the insufficient evidence, candidate therapies with varying levels of evidence for safety and efficacy are taken by the public and discussed in the media. One example is the long-chain n-3 (omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA), DHA and EPA, found in some fish and dietary supplements. With this report, we seek to provide a practical overview and rating of the level and type of available evidence that n-3 LC-PUFA supplements are safe and protective against cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease, with additional discussion of the evidence for effects on quality of life, vascular aging, and the rate of aging. We discuss available sources, dose, bioavailability, and variables that may impact the response to n-3 LC-PUFA treatment such as baseline n-3 LC-PUFA status, APOE ɛ4 genotype, depression, and background diet. Lastly, we list ongoing clinical trials and propose next research steps to validate these fatty acids for primary prevention of cognitive aging and dementia. Of particular relevance, epidemiology indicates a higher risk of cognitive decline in people in the lower quartile of n-3 LC-PUFA intake or blood levels but these populations have not been specifically targeted by RCTs.
A Modern-Day Shamanistic Healer in the Peruvian Amazon: Pharmacopoeia and Trance

The functions and successes of shamanistic healers are addressed in the context of psychoneuroimmunology, which allows a description of how therapeutic success is achieved via the symbolic manipulation of biological processes. These perspectives reinforce the continued importance of traditional shamanistic healers in the contemporary world. This is illustrated by the activities of a Peruvian healer who utilizes both psychoactive plant substances and a syncretic combination of modem and traditional symbolic therapies. The reliance on a wide range of psychoactive plants, including both psychoactive substances and nonhallucinogenic plants, is shown to be empirically effective in the treatment of disease. This demonstrates the pragmatic and adaptive approaches of these traditional healers and their positive functions in treating a variety of illnesses in today's world.
Thermoluminescence as a technique for determining the nature and history of small solar system particles

The thermoluminescence phenomenon has been used for pottery dating and radiation dosimetry for sixty years and for forty years has been applied to the study of meteorites, being successful in quantifying metamorphic histories and providing new insights into terrestrial age and orbits. Here we review some of the fundamental properties of thermoluminescence with particular focus on the study of small extraterrestrial particles. We suggest that natural TL data can be used to identify the burial and release history of cometary particles and that induced TL measurements can provide in-sights into the mineralogy of particles (even when largely amorphous) and the metamorphic history of those particles. We illustrate the use of TL to study small particles by describing recent studies on micrometeorites and 10–100 μm fragments taken from the matrix of a meteorite Semarkona which is type 3.0 ordinary chondrite.
Application of outranking methods to economic and financial justification of CIM systems

Abstract Traditional economic evaluation methods concentrate on maximizing or minimizing a single objective such as net present value and pay back period. In the last decade, there has been an increased awareness of the need to consider multiple attributes in the evaluation of advanced manufacturing systems. Various methods have recently been developed for the evaluation of CIM systems. This paper discusses multiattribute methods for justification of CIM systems and outranking methods including ELECTRE, ORESTE, and PROMETHEE.
Sex and lifespan.

I greatly enjoyed the significant and spirited debate between Alex Kondrashov [1xSex and U. Kondrashov, A. Trends Genet. 2001; 17: 75–77Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMed | Scopus (28)See all References[1], and Peter Keightley and Adam Eyre-Walker [2xResponse to Kondrashov. Keightley, P and Eyre-Walker, A. Trends Genet. 2001; 17: 77–78Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMed | Scopus (9)See all References[2]. The data for most organisms are inconsistent, and it is clear that more study will be needed to determine the importance and generality of the mutational deterministic hypothesis for maintaining sexual reproduction. On one point, however, the two groups are in full agreement, namely that the human mutation rate is high – two or more deleterious mutations per zygote per generation.Accepting this, it is of some interest to turn the argument around. Sexual reproduction evolved long ago, and for my present purpose it doesn't matter how. A return to asexuality in mammals would be next to impossible because of several well-established processes, especially imprinting. One of the most striking changes in recent primate evolution has been the rapid increase in the human pre-reproductive lifespan. There are many reasons why a longer development period was advantageous to our ancestors; for example, slower development permits the social and evolutionary advantages of more time for teaching and learning.At the same time, a longer lifecycle should lead to an increased mutation rate. Adjustment of mutation rates in a sexually reproducing species is a slow process, made especially difficult because of the loose coupling between mutation-rate-altering genes and mutation effects. The adjustment of mutation rates to accommodate the increased lifespan probably lagged far behind.I would suggest, then, that it is sexual reproduction, along with epistasis (I particularly like quasi-truncation selection as a specific mechanism [3xThe origins, patterns and implications of human spontaneous mutation. Crow, J.F. Nat. Rev. Genet. 2000; 1: 39–47CrossrefSee all References[3]), that permitted the population to have the luxury of a slow maturation without an intolerable mutation load.
How slaves affect a master module in gene transcription networks

One of the major challenges in systems and synthetic biology is the lack of modular composition. Modules change their behavior once connected, due to retroactivity. In this paper, we build upon our earlier results and provide a theorem establishing how the dynamics of a master module change once slave modules are present. We quantify the change in the dynamics of the master module due to interconnection as a function of measurable biochemical parameters. Based on this, we provide a bound on the difference between the trajectories of the connected system and those of the isolated system by employing contraction theory. Therefore, we obtain a measure of robustness, which helps evaluating the degree of modularity in a system, while providing guidelines for robust module design. We illustrate the results by considering a recurring motif in gene transcription networks: an autorepressed gene regulating the expression of several downstream targets.