cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of trans-arachidonic acid isomers in human blood plasma

Abstract Endogenous trans fatty acids originate from diet, but recent studies also suggest that cis–trans isomerization of fatty acids is possible by nitrogen dioxide radical, a product of NO and nitrite oxidation. We developed a method for quantitative analysis of four trans -arachidonic acids (TAA) in human plasma using isotopic dilution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with deuterium-labeled internal standard. Esterification of the plasma fatty acid extract with pentafluorobenzyl (PFB) bromide followed by high-performance liquid chromatography purification yielded a fairly pure fraction containing TAA-PFB esters that was analyzed by GC/MS. Partial separation of the TAA isomers was obtained on various GC columns. Comparison of the retention time with the synthetic standards revealed that all four TAA isomers are present in human plasma. The mean concentration of TAA in human plasma was 20.2 ng/ml. The levels of isomers were 12.48 ± 1.28, 2.75 ± 0.39, and 4.99 ± 0.74 ng/ml for 5 E -AA + 11 E -AA, 8 E -AA, and 14 E -AA, respectively. The identification of TAA in plasma suggests that isomerization of arachidonic acid occurs in vivo. Our method allows distinguishing between the dietary and the NO 2 -dependent mechanisms of trans fatty acid formation and will be useful in defining the role of TAA as an in vivo marker of nitrooxidative stress in clinical and experimental settings.
Report of Botulinum Toxin assays workshop held at Botulinum Research Center, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, MA on August 20 and 21, 2008

A workshop on "Botulinum Toxin Assays" was conducted on August 20 and 21, 2008 at the Botulinum Research Center, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. The workshop comprised of six lectures and four practical demonstrations. There were 23 participants in this workshop from industrial, governmental and academic institutions. This report outlines the presentations and demonstrations given.
Ion-ion proton transfer reactions of bio-ions involving noncovalent interactions: Holomyoglobin

Multiply protonated horse skeletal muscle holomyoglobin and apomyoglobin have been subjected to ion-ion proton transfer reactions with anions derived from perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane in a quadrupole ion trap operated with helium as a bath gas at 1 mtorr. Neither the apomyoglobin nor holomyoglobin ions show any sign of fragmentation associated with charge state reduction to the 1 + charge state. This is particularly noteworthy for the holomyoglobin ions, which retain the noncovalently bound heme group. For example, no sign of heme loss is associated with charge state reduction from the 9 + charge state of holomyoglobin to the 1 + charge state despite the eight consecutive highly exothermic proton transfer reactions required to bring about this charge change. This result is consistent with calculations that show the combination of long ion lifetime and the high ion-helium collision rate relative to the ion-ion collision rate makes fragmentation unlikely for high mass ions in the ion trap environment even for noncovalently bound complexes of moderate binding strength. The ion-ion proton transfer rates for holo- and apomyoglobin ions of the same charge state also were observed to be indistinguishable, which supports the expectation that ion-ion proton transfer rates are insensitive to ion structure and are determined primarily by the attractive Coulomb field.
Interobserver variability in the measurement of fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity in a tertiary fetal medicine unit.

Objectives To investigate the interobserver variability of fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) Doppler measurements in a tertiary fetal medicine unit. Methods This was a prospective cohort study of pregnant women between 22 and 34 weeks of gestation who underwent fetal MCA-PSV Doppler velocimetry by a paired combination of operators. A set protocol was followed; ease of scanning was recorded and three quality assurance parameters were analyzed. The interobserver variability was determined. In addition, individual operator characteristics were determined by analyzing the variation of each operator relative to all his/her paired colleagues, and their quality assurance parameters. Results Two hundred and eighty-five women had completed paired fetal MCA-PSV Doppler measurements. Eighty-three (29%) of the ultrasound examinations requested were for suspected fetal anemia and 202 (71%) were for other obstetric indications. The interobserver variation was less than 10% in 78% of the paired MCAPSV Doppler measurements whereas 99% had less than 15% variation. The intraclass correlation coefficient of each operator when compared with all his/her colleagues ranged from 0.82 to 0.95. The overall mean variability of the MCA-PSV recorded by a given operator, relative to all his/her paired colleagues, ranged from +5.26% to −6.47% in all but one operator whose value was +13.5% (standard deviation factor, 1.13–1.22). Logistic regression analysis, using a 10% or greater variation in MCA-PSV as a binary outcome variable, showed a significant difference when inappropriate angle correction was detected (P < 0.001). Conclusions Clinically acceptable interobserver variability was obtained in fetal MCA-PSV Doppler measurements. Inappropriate angle correction was found to be a significant predictive factor for increased interobserver variability. Analysis of mean variation identified operators who were outliers enabling quality assurance within the unit. Copyright  2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A pA-leakage CMOS charge pump for low-supply PLLs

A potential drain/source swap problem in a traditional low-leakage charge pump under low supply is investigated and the design methodology and results of a low-voltage CMOS charge pump structure for phase-locked loop (PLL) applications are presented. Simulated in a 65-nm CMOS process, the structure is capable of reducing the static leakage current to the pA range while providing close to rail-to-rail output swing, which is needed in low-supply PLLs. Charge injection cancellation is naturally included and no extra dummy devices are needed. The switching speeds also improve. Such low leakage current ensures less than ?60 dBc reference spur levels in integer-N PLLs.
Norovirus-host interaction: multi-selections by human histo-blood group antigens.

The discovery of human histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) as receptors or ligands of noroviruses (NoVs) raises a question about the potential role of host factors in the evolution and diversity of NoVs. Recent structural analysis of selected strains in the two major genogroups of human NoVs (GI and GII) demonstrated highly conserved HBGA binding interfaces within the two groups but not between them, indicating convergent evolution of GI and GII NoVs. GI and GII NoVs are probably introduced to humans from different non-human hosts with the HBGAs as a common niche. Each genogroup has further diverged into multiple sub-lineages (genotypes) through selections by the polymorphic HBGAs of the hosts. An elucidation of such pathogen–host interaction, including determination of the phenotypes of NoV–HBGAs interaction for each genotype, is important in understanding the epidemiology, classification and disease control and prevention of NoVs. A model of this multi-selection of NoVs by HBGAs is proposed.
Assessing program effects in the presence of treatment—baseline interactions: A latent curve approach.

Methods for assessing treatment effects of longitudinal randomized intervention are considered. The focus is on modeling the nonlinear relationship between treatment effects and baseline often observed in prevention programs designed for at-risk populations. Piecewise linear growth modeling was used to study treatment effects during the different periods of development. A multistep multiple-group analysis procedure is proposed for assessing treatment effects in the presence of nonlinear treatment-baseline interactions. Standard errors of the estimates from this multistep procedure were obtained using a bootstrap approach. The methods are illustrated using data from the Johns Hopkins Prevention Research Center involving an intervention aimed at improving classroom behavior.
Selective use of multiple cues by males reflects a decision rule for sex discrimination in a sexually mimetic damselfly

Discriminating between the sexes when one sex resembles the members of the other sex may be challenging. When sexual mimicry imposes costs on signal receivers, receivers can minimize confusion by using nonmimetic cues that differ between the models and the mimics. We tested this hypothesis in a female-specific polymorphic damselfly Enallagma hageni, whose blue coloration of andromorphic females resembles that of males, whereas the heteromorphic females have a distinctive green colour. Both female morphs share an abdominal pattern that differs from the males'. We predicted that males selectively use both colour (the mimetic cue) and pattern (the nonmimetic cue) in sex recognition: they use the nonmimetic cue only when the encountered individual has the mimetic colour. We modified the abdominal pattern of males, andromorphs and heteromorphs to resemble that of the opposite sex, and recorded males' reactions to pattern-altered and control individuals both in an arena and in the field. Our results supported our hypothesis. We then derived and tested potential male decision rules based on the two visual cues for sex recognition. We presented focal males with unnatural, orange females possessing either a male or female abdominal pattern, and recorded the reactions of mate-searching males to individuals with a novel pink-painted phenotype. Males reacted sexually to orange- and pink-painted individuals regardless of the abdominal pattern. Collectively, our results support a male discrimination rule of ‘if not blue, then female’, providing insights into the origin of phenotypic novelty in colour-polymorphic species.
TSEpoch: An object oriented design for representing time

We present a method for safely handling the numerous time standards (UTC, TDB, TDT, Spacecraft Clocks, etc.) involved in space science data analysis. We define an instant of time as an opaque object (TSEpoch) that can only be represented by choosing a time system to represent it in. This removes the ambiguities and confusions of handling time as a primitive type in a large and complex code base. Timestamps, usually individual spacecraft clock times, are converted to TSEpoch objects when ingested into our analysis code, and only converted back to a time system when displayed to the end user. In some circumstances, of course, calculation speed is of the greatest importance; therefore we also discuss our framework for interfacing the TSEpoch class with a computationally efficient primitive representation of time.
Immunology: Licensed in the lungs

In multiple sclerosis, the body's own immune cells attack the brain and spinal cord. But how they get there from peripheral tissues has been a mystery. Surprisingly, the lungs might be a key transit point. See Letter p.675 The question of how immune cells enter the brain is of central importance to understanding the physiological and pathological processes of the central nervous system (CNS). This paper describes a mechanism that allows disease-inducing effector T cells to enter the brain. In a rat adoptive-transfer model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), encephalitogenic T cells accumulate in the CNS after transient residence in the lung. On their way to the CNS, they reprogram their gene-expression profile and functional properties, ultimately enabling them to cross the blood–brain barrier. The lungs are in direct contact with the outer environment, so are a logical homing place for immune cells relevant to host defence — perhaps also providing a niche for the development of autoimmune cells.
Synthesis and characterization of novel fluoride-releasing monomers. II. Dimethacrylates containing bis(aminodiacetic acid) and their ternary zirconium fluoride complexes

Novel dimethacrylate monomers containing bis(aminodiacetic acid) chelating ligands with or without additional hydroxyl groups were synthesized, starting from 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propane. The structures of the monomers were characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS), 1 H NMR, and 13 C NMR. The structures and relative stability of fluoride-releasing monomers containing one or more ternary zirconium fluoride complex moieties were studied by ESMS. The most stable ternary zirconium fluoride complex was in the form of [LZrF] - , where H 4 L is the monomer containing bis(aminodiacetic acid) without additional hydroxyl groups. The synthesized monomer was photopolymerized with camphorquinone and 1-phenyl-1,2-propane-dione as initiators and N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate as the accelerator. The fluoride release, fluoride recharge, compressive strength, and flexure strength were tested on the experimental dental composite containing 13.7 wt % synthesized monomer and three commercial flowable dental composites. The results showed that the experimental composite has significantly higher fluoride release and recharge capabilities than the commercial flowable composites. The compressive strength was comparable to that of the commercial materials. The water sorption and solubility met the requirement of the ISO Specification 4049.
Cometary Water on Venus: Implications of stochastic impacts

Attention is given to a Venus water abundance model, incorporating a stochastic cometary source and nonthermal hydrogen escape, that reproduces both the near-steady-state balance between escape loss and infall replenishment implied by Venus' short water lifetime, and the consistency of the observed deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio with a steady state. It is shown that the stochastic variability of each of these quantities is large. Water's quasi-steady state on Venus is judged to be mediated by comet impacts, leading to an obscuration of the early water history of Venus by the history of random impacts.
Amifostine alone and in combination with erythropoietin for the treatment of favorable myelodysplastic syndrome.

Abstract Ten anemic patients with favorable myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) were first treated with two 5-week courses of amifostine alone (each course consisted of 200 mg/m 2 of the drug given intravenously three times a week for 3 weeks), followed by an additional two courses combined with subcutaneous erythropoietin (EPO) (150 U/kg, three times a week for 8 weeks). The study patients either had previously failed to respond to treatment with EPO or had pretreatment serum EPO levels of more than 100 mU/ml. None of the patients experienced a complete or partial response in anemia or other cytopenias. We conclude that amifostine alone or in combination with EPO has limited therapeutic activity in MDS.
Research on seismic modeling and inversion at the center for wave phenomena: Status, february, 1989

This paper describes the approach and evolution of seismic modeling and inversion research led by the authors for the past 15 years. We trace the development of our work from inversions based on the simplest geometries and background velocity profiles to much more realistic geometries and backgrounds. We also discuss the application of the same ideas to the problem of transformation of data to zero offset (dip moveout). We do this primarily via graphical displays demonstrating various aspects of our theory. A brief description of the theory, in the context of inversion of scalar data in a constant density medium, is also presented.
The role of external and internal influences on information systems security - a neo-institutional perspective

This research is an attempt to better understand how external and internal organizational influences shape organizational actions for improving information systems security. A case study of a multi-national company is presented and then analyzed from the perspective of neo-institutional theory. The analysis indicates that coercive, normative, and mimetic isomorphic processes were evident, although it was difficult to distinguish normative from mimetic influences. Two internal forces related to work practices were identified representing resistance to initiatives to improve security: the institutionalization of work mobility and the institutionalization of efficiency outcomes expected with the adoption of company initiatives, especially those involving information technology. The interweaving of top-down and bottom-up influences resulted in an effort to reinforce, and perhaps reinstitutionalize the systems component of information security. The success of this effort appeared to hinge on top management championing information system security initiatives and propagating an awareness of the importance of information security among employees at all levels of the company. The case shows that while regulatory forces, such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, are powerful drivers for change, other institutional influences play significant roles in shaping the synthesis of organizational change.
Dynamic systems modeling of pre-schoolers’ response to an emotionally stressful event

This paper presents preliminary results for using dynamic systems models to describe physiological and behavioral responses (cortisol and activity) to emotionally stressful events. Linear discrete-time models are used to approximate the nonlinear model of the LHPA axis around an assumed nominal operating condition. Measurements are taken of cortisol (from saliva) and activity (with an accelerometer). These two measurements are considered as either inputs or outputs of the model. Modeling choices are discussed in detail. Results are presented that indicate activity is better interpreted as an input and cortisol as an output. In addition, the paper discusses briefly how the resulting dynamic systems models can be used for statistical analysis, as well as for integrating across multiple levels of stress responses.
Automated Mapping of Observation Codes Using Extensional Definitions

Objective: To create “extensional definitions” of laboratory codes from derived characteristics of coded values in a clinical database and then use these definitions in the automated mapping of codes between disparate facilities. Design: Repository data for two laboratory facilities in the Intermountain Health Care system were analyzed to create extensional definitions for the local codes of each facility. These definitions were then matched using automated matching software to create mappings between the shared local codes. The results were compared with the mappings of the vocabulary developers. Measurements: The number of correct matches and the size of the match group were recorded. A match was considered correct if the corresponding codes from each facility were included in the group. The group size was defined as the total number of codes in the match group (e.g., a one-to-one mapping is a group size of two). Results: Of the matches generated by the automated matching software, 81 percent were correct. The average group size was 2.4. There were a total of 328 possible matches in the data set, and 75 percent of these were correctly identified. Conclusions: Extensional definitions for local codes created from repository data can be utilized to automatically map codes from disparate systems. This approach, if generalized to other systems, can reduce the effort required to map one system to another while increasing mapping consistency.
Leveraging of social science and applied science for e-government applications

Summary form only given. This talk will focus on the need for a "marriage" between social science and applied science in e-government projects. The adoption of a user needs approach will be examined in particular, focusing on applications at the community level. A survey of selected social science research projects will be given in the areas of user needs and technology assessment. Connections will be shown to selected applications projects that relate to citizen engagement and participation in the areas of e-government, e-health and human Web research. These projects are taking place at the National Research Council of Canada's Institute of Information Technology.
The occurrence of monofixational exotropia after exotropia surgery.

Purpose To study patients with monofixation and presumed intermittent exotropia with monofixation with the specific intent of determining if they should be categorized as separate diagnostic entity than intermittent exotropes with bifoveal fusion. Design A retrospective re-analysis of data from 2 previously published prospective randomized clinical trials on the treatment of intermittent exotropia with attention to the occurrence of the monofixation syndrome. Methods A single-center institutional practice study of 215 patients from 2 separate consecutive randomized series undergoing surgery for presumed intermittent exotropia. Outcome measure was the presence of monofixation after surgery. Results Of 215 patients undergoing surgery for presumed intermittent exotropia, 194 were over 3 years of age at surgery, had bifoveal fusion, and did not have a preoperative manifest microtropia. None of them developed the monofixation syndrome after surgery. An additional 14 patients who had been previously excluded from those studies because they were too young for sensory testing were included in this study. Seven of them (50%) had the monofixation syndrome after surgery. A different 7 patients who had also been excluded from those prior studies because they had a constant microtropia prior to surgery which would build on alternate cover testing were also included in this study. All 7 had the monofixation syndrome after surgery. Conclusion The presence of the monofixation syndrome after surgery for presumed intermittent exotropia most likely reflects the fact that it was present preoperatively. Many of these patients manifest a constant microtropia preoperatively and hence should not be called intermittent exotropes. The term monofixational exotropia is more appropriately descriptive.
VIRAL CLOUDS: Becoming H5N1 in Indonesia

Through an index case in Tangerang, West Java, the Orthomyxoviridae virus H5N1 influenza became visible in Indonesia and propagated rapidly across the archipelago. This viral event incited fears of a human influenza pandemic, disrupting existing arrangements among species, peoples, institutions, and nations, and remaking their biopolitical relations and specific ontologies along the way. On the basis of ethnographic field work in technoscientific, agricultural, and security communities in Indonesia, this essay examines how a set of strains and species—the H5N1 influenza virus, wild birds, domestic poultry, and, finally, humans—combined with one another, and with ongoing Indonesian and transnational concerns over pandemic preparedness, biosecurity, and national integrity, to create a multispecies cloud. The concept of multispecies cloud refers to the narratives and material practices floating around the H5N1 event and its multiple species companions in Indonesia. As I conceptualize the cloudiness of H5N1, its key feature is the uncertainty of precisely what social and biological forms were interacting in the outbreak scenario or might consequently emerge as a consequence of entering into engagement with the virus. The influenza virus, as a quasi-species or cluster of genomes in any case of infection, is a potent source for exploring an array of biopolitical concerns in human communities that emerged alongside the virus. Risk, scale, and speculation are discussed in turn as rubrics for understanding the microbial and multispecies sociality of H5N1 influenza. Examples are drawn from the sciences of virology and ornithology, and the global health practice of disease communication, as well as from poultry agriculture.
Nutritive Value of Potato-Based Silages for Dairy Bulls

Abstract Diet acceptability, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen and energy partition were measured in growing Holstein bulls to compare corn silage with three potatobased silages which consisted of (fresh basis): 1) 50% potatoes, 50% hay; 2) 60% potatoes, 20% hay, 20% whole oats; 3) 50% potatoes, 25% hay, 25% whole oats. The 50% potato 50% hay silage dry matter was consumed at 3.0% of body weight per day which was greater than for any of the other three silages. Consequently, daily consumption of each nutrient was generally higher for this silage even though it was lower in content of many nutritional components. Except for ether extract, the digestion coefficients for the 50% potato 50% hay silage were higher than for the other three silages. The addition of whole oats to the potato-based silage tended to depress apparent digestibility of the nutritional components below those for corn silage. Both nitrogen and energy utilization were higher for the 50% potato 50% hay silage than for any of the other three experimental silages. Efficiency of use of absorbed nitrogen was higher for the oat-containing potato-based silages than for corn silage while the oat-containing silages were comparable to corn silage in energy efficiency. The 50% potato 50% hay silage was equal or superior to corn silage in dry matter intake, overall digestibility, nitrogen and energy balance for growing Holstein bulls.
Safety of cupping during bevacizumab therapy.

Abstract Objectives: This study reports on the safety of the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice of cupping in a patient undergoing concomitant therapy with bevacizumab for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and raises awareness of the need for improved communication between CAM practitioners and oncologists during the care of patients with cancer. The practice of cupping generates local hyperemia, disrupts superficial vasculature in the dermis, and leads to cutaneous lesions including circular erythema, edema, and subsequently ecchymosis. There are no data on the safety of cupping in patients being treated with bevacizumab. Design: This is a single-institution case report. Settings/location: The setting for this study was a tertiary-care academic medical center. Conclusions: A patient with advanced NSCLC received four cycles of carboplatin AUC 6, paclitaxel 200 mg/m2, and bevacizumab 15 mg/kg, and was continued on every-3-week maintenance bevacizumab 15 mg/kg. The patient unde...
Palliative medicine referral in patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury.

AbstractBackground: Referral patterns for palliative medicine consultation (PMC) by intensivists for patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) have not been studied. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data on patients who received CRRT in a tertiary referral center between 1999 and 2006 to determine timeliness and effectiveness of PMC referrals and mortality rate as a surrogate for safety among patients receiving CRRT for acute kidney injury. Results: Over one-fifth (21.1%) of the 230 CRRT patients studied were referred for PMC (n = 55). PMC was requested on average after median of 15 hospital and 13 intensive care unit (ICU) days. Multivariate regression analysis revealed no association between mortality risk and PMC. Total hospital length of stay for patients who died after PMC referral was 18.5 (95% CI = 15–25) days compared with 12.5 days (95% CI = 9–17) for patients who died without PMC referral. ICU care for patients who died and received PMC was longer than for patie...
Automated detection of solar radio burst and plasma structure observed with WIND/WAVES

Multi-spacecraft space science missions such as CLUSTER (launch 2000) and Magnetospheric Multi Scale (launch 2008) carry radio receivers that operate below the ionospheric limit of 10-15 MHZ down to a few kHz and produce large amounts of in situ and remote observations of a great variety of Solar System phenomena. Radio signatures of the plasma in the immediate vicinity of the spacecraft contain information about important plasma parameters such as the local temperature and density that characterize structures in the space plasma and can be used to calibrate other instruments. The large data rates are a great challenge for both control and communication, which may be addressed by moving some traditionally ground-based science data processing and analysis to the spacecraft. One way to assess space physics radio data is to construct dynamic spectra which show the time evolution of radio intensity across a large number of frequencies. These data are displayed as images on which the bursts, noise storms, and local plasma noise each display their own characteristic features. Type II Solar radio bursts due to interplanetary shocks are characterized by a fairly slow and steady decrease in frequency over time. Type III bursts due to high-speed beams of electrons drop rapidly and eventually smear or spread out. Finally, the local plasma noise often shows up as a linear feature at fairly low frequencies. Irregularities in emission intensity can challenge automated detection and tracking. However, detection and tracking are important because radio bursts corresponding to disturbances traveling through the interplanetary medium can lead to geomagnetic storms and other hazards should they encounter the Earth. In this paper we analyze dynamic spectra from the Thermal Noise Receiver of the WAVES experiment on board the WIND spacecraft to determine contours of local plasma emission and Type II and III Solar Radio Bursts.
Attitudes Towards Initial Tourism Development in a Community With No Prior Tourism Experience: The Case of Bigodi, Uganda

This study used qualitative methods to assess residents’ attitudes towards initial tourism development in the small, rural village of Bigodi, Uganda. Due to geographic and political isolation, residents of Bigodi had little or no experience with tourism prior to the 1990s. This changed in 1991 when a tourism development project was initiated there. Although much turbulence followed, tourism was eventually established. In 2003, residents were interviewed about significant events in the village’s history, including initial tourism development. Residents uniformly recalled that their attitudes towards initial tourism development were suspicion, anxiety and fear. Residents agreed that it took several years before attitudes began to improve. Analysis shows that residents’ attitudes were dependent on events which happened long before the
Mining Documents in a Small Enterprise Using WordStat

Text mining is growing as an essential method of knowledge discovery from general and business documents. Although, documents viz. press releases, emails, memos, contracts, government reports and news feeds, are considered to be unstructured, they are tapped for information using text analysis techniques like feature extraction, thematic indexing, clustering and summarization. For this project, 30 representative documents from a small enterprise were collected to determine the dominant features in their activities. Based on the analysis of the document profiles generated by extracting the frequencies of certain terms, clustering and filtering on the basis of both repetitive occurrence and co-occurrence, a coherent picture of the functional relationship among large and heterogeneous lists of terms were obtained. It affords investigators an extractive interface to complex text data. This paper shows how these documents were mined using text-based WordStat software as well as the potentials, features and options of the program.
Wi-Fi access denial of service attack to smartphones

This paper presents a novel denial-of-service attack targeted at popular smartphones. This type of attack, which we call a Denial-of-Convenience DoC attack, prevents non-technical savvy victims from utilising data services by exploiting the Wi-Fi connectivity protocol of smartphones. By setting up a fake Wi-Fi access point without internet access, an attacker can prompt a smartphone to automatically terminate a valid mobile broadband connection. Thus, preventing the targeted smartphone from having internet access unless the victim is capable of identifying the attack and manually disable the Wi-Fi features. We demonstrate that most popular smartphones, including Android and iPhone phones, are vulnerable to DoC attacks. To address this attack we propose, implement, and evaluate a novel validation protocol that uses the cellular network to send a secret key phrase to an internet validation server. Then, attempts to retrieve it via the newly established Wi-Fi channel to validate the Wi-Fi access point.
Periprostatic Adipose Tissue as a Modulator of Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness

Purpose: Adipose tissue has been suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of various disease states, including prostate cancer. We investigated the association of cytokines and growth factors se...
Simulation Research on 40Gbit/s Hybrid WDM/TDM PON System

Recently, wavelength division mulplexing (WDM) technology has been extensively studied, and various WDM-PON architectures have been proposed for next-generation passive optical network (PON). In this paper, we combine the TDM with WDM architecture to achieve high-speed, long-distance transmission. To reduce the cost of ONU, we achive the colorless ONU by placing a Reflective Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (RSOA) in the uplink transmission. We build the whole architecture to simulate the Hybrid WDM/TDM PON System in Optisystem and the experimental results prove that the architecture is feasible and reasonable.
The future of web publishing using XML

The Internet has seen many things come and go throughout its existence. With a simple examination of the history of the Internet, it should come as no surprise that the Internet is an ever-changing entity. In 1992, the World Wide Web (WWW) was introduced, and has taken the world by storm. Many of the documents available for download from the WWW are written in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). With any knowledge of HTML, it is quite easy to realize that it concerns itself predominately with the visual representation of the information contained within. This, though, is just not enough for some web authors. Some need a way of describing the information contained in the document rather than just marking up the document for visual effects. Suppose a physician could access the records at a hospital in another state of a particular patient through the WWW. If the physician could take the data directly from the web and feed it into his/her database of patients, much work would have been save such as printing out the information and manually re-entering it into the other database.
Utility of Exhaled Breath Condensate in Predicting Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is responsible for long-term morbidity in premature neonates requiring mechanical ventilation. BPD is characterized by the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lung, leading to oxidative injury. One of these markers is nitric oxide. Nitric oxide binds readily to oxygen radicals and is quickly metabolized to nitrogen reactive species, among which are nitrite and nitrate. Nitrite and nitrate can be quantified using exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and serve to monitor disease progression in older populations. This method, …
Heat Transfer Modeling and Geometry Optimization of TEG for Automobile Applications

Thermoelectric Generators (TEG) can be used on automobiles to harvest energy from exhaust waste heat. Besides the improvement on material side, the optimization of geometry of the module is also important to maximize the output power density and will be addressed in this paper. A thermal resistance network is established based on heat conduction and radiation from heat source to heat sink. Although the heat transfer model is based on cylindrical exhaust pipe geometry, the thermo-element is approximated as plane geometry because the ceramic layer and thermoelectric layer are much smaller compared with the exhaust pipe diameter. The TE material we proposed to recover waste heat energy is magnesium silicide (Mg2Si), which has a reasonable figure of merit in the automobile exhaust temperature range, and the process is thermal spray compatible, which is a mass productive method currently under investigation. Another material that used for comparison is titanium oxide. Based on the Seebeck coefficient, thermal and electrical conductivity of our thermal sprayed samples, the thermoelectric leg length and the area ratio between thermoelectric element and total module area are optimized for maximum power density output. The optimal leg length is around 0.85mm, and the air gap is as small as possible. A parameter sensitivity analysis is conducted to investigate the influence of ceramic layer thickness, exhaust pipe radius, electrical contact resistance, hot and cold side temperature, Seebeck and electrical conductivity on the optimal leg length.© 2012 ASME
Defense Mechanisms of Arthropods. III. Secretion of 2-Hexenal by Adults of the Cockroach Cutilia soror (Brunner)

Adults of this cockroach, when disturbed, eject a defensive fluid consisting of 2-hexenal. This chemical defense mechanism is similar in every major respect to that already known from another cockroach, Eurycotis floridana (Walker).
Comparison of Pavement Slab Stabilization Using Cementitious Grout and Injected Polyurethane Foam

AbstractThis paper reviews the current status of slab stabilization specifications and describes in situ test results and statistical analysis comparing injected polyurethane foam and cementitious grout for a deteriorating jointed concrete pavement supported on an open-graded aggregate subbase. The stabilization was performed to improve support conditions by filling voids, reducing deflections under loading, and improving load transfer efficiency (LTE) near joints and cracks. Falling weight deflectometer (FWD) tests and faulting measurements were obtained before and after stabilization. LTE measurements indicated statistically significant improvement near cracks and joints in both sections. Deflections under loading showed statistically significant improvements only near cracks (and not near joints) in the injected foam section and only near joints (and not near cracks) in the cementitious grout section. Faulting reduced by about 2–5 mm after injected foam stabilization and 1–2 mm after cementitious grout...
Pleural lavage after pulmonary resection for bronchogenic carcinoma.

A cytologic examination of pleural fluid was performed on a pleural lavage specimen collected at the completion of operation after pulmonary resection in 135 of 599 patients undergoing curative pulmonary resection for a non-small cell carcinoma of the lung between 1977 and 1982. The cytologic results of lavage was positive for malignant cells in 12 of the 135 patients (8.9%). The incidence of positive results was correlated with lymph node status (N2 > N1 > N0), cell type (adenocarcinoma > other non-small cell lung cancers), stage (III > II > I), and visceral pleural status (invaded > not invaded). No positive cytologic results were noted in 39 patients having a diagnostic excisional pulmonary biopsy prior to more definitive resection. The disease has recurred in nine of the 12 patients with positive cytologic results (only two in the ipsilateral pleural space), and eight have died. The prognostic role of pleural lavage cytology needs more study.
COMPRESSION OF CW MODE-LOCKED Nd:YAG PULSES

We have generated 1.8 picosecond pulses from a CW mode-locked Nd:YAG laser using the technique of optical pulse compression.[1-4] Our compressor incorporates a novel grazing incidence delay line which is compact and reduces the ellipticity of the output beam. We have observed pulse compression ratios of 45:1 and generated visible picosecond pulses by second harmonic generation.
DEUTERIUM AND OXYGEN-18 DIFFUSION IN A CONFINED AQUIFER: A NUMERICAL MODEL OF STABLE ISOTOPE DIFFUSION ACROSS AQUITARD-AQUIFER BOUNDARIES

OF THESIS DEUTERIUM AND OXYGEN-18 DIFFUSION IN A CONFINED AQUIFER: A NUMERICAL MODEL OF STABLE ISOTOPE DIFFUSION ACROSS AQUITARDAQUIFER BOUNDARIES The stable isotopes H and O, combined with noble gases and radioisotopes (e.g., H, C, Cl), are used to infer groundwater age and climate during recharge. Flow regimes within low-velocity flowpaths and long residence times could allow an aquitard-aquifer diffusive flux to alter isotope abundance. Consequently, the diffusion of isotopes (e.g., C, H and O) between aquifers and confining layers needs to be considered in such conditions. In this study, COMSOL Multiphysics was used to determine if diffusion of O (and H by proxy) from a bounding aquitard could explain observed downgradient enrichment of H and O within a regional aquifer. Using the geologic and hydraulic properties of the lower Wilcox aquifer of the Mississippi Embayment aquifer system in Missouri and Arkansas, the advection-dispersion equation was solved along a 1-D groundwater flow domain, coupled with a cross-contact aquitard-aquifer diffusive flux. Although the observed signal within the lower Wilcox was not matched, a sensitivity analysis indicated the importance of the isotope composition gradient between the aquifer and aquitard. Furthermore, groundwater velocity was suggested as a controlling influence on aquitard-aquifer exchange that could alter aquifer isotope composition.
The CDF Run II silicon detector: aging studies

The CDF Run II silicon detector is the largest operating silicon detector in High Energy Physics. Its 722,000 channels spread over 7 m2 of silicon micro-strip sensors allow precision tracking and vertexing. The CDF silicon detector played a critical role in the discovery of Bs mixing and is used extensively for the current Higgs Boson searches. Over the last 5 years, the detector efficiency has remained stable at 95% after the Run II commissioning period. The observed effects of aging are presented followed by the expected performance to the end of the Tevatron Run II program, where 5.5 - 6.5 fb-1 is expected to be delivered. The impact of radiation damage upon the performance of the detector is shown including the status and expectations of the two inner most layers which have already inverted. The infrastructure (cooling, power supplies) aging problems dealt with during the 2007 sumer shutdown are discussed.
Combinatorial Optimization for Human Body Tracking

We present a method of improving the accuracy of a 3D human motion tracker. Beginning with confidence-weighted estimates for the positions of body parts, we solve the shortest path problem to identify combinations of positions that fit the rigid lengths of the body. We choose from multiple sets of these combinations by predicting current positions with kinematics. We also refine this choice by using the geometry of the optional positions. Our method was tested on a data set from an existing motion tracking system, resulting in an overall increase in the sensitivity and precision of tracking. Notably, the average sensitivity of the feet rose from 52.6% to 84.8%. When implemented on a 2.9 GHz processor, the system required an average of 3.5 milliseconds per video frame.
Assessment of Corrosion, Fretting, and Material Loss of Retrieved Modular Total Knee Arthroplasties.

Abstract Background Modular junctions in total hip arthroplasties have been associated with fretting, corrosion, and debris release. The purpose of this study is to analyze damage severity in total knee arthroplasties of a single design by qualitative visual assessment and quantitative material loss measurements to evaluate implant performance and patient impact via material loss. Methods Twenty-two modular knee retrievals of the same manufacturer were identified from an institutional review board–approved database. Junction designs included tapers with an axial screw and tapers with a radial screw. Constructs consisted of 2 metal alloys: CoCr and Ti6Al4V. Components were qualitatively scored and quantitatively measured for corrosion and fretting. Negative values represent adhered material. Statistical differences were analyzed using sign tests. Correlations were tested with a Spearman rank order test ( P Results The median volumetric material loss and the maximum linear depth for the total population were −0.23 mm 3 and 5.84 μm, respectively. CoCr components in mixed metal junctions had higher maximum linear depth ( P = .007) than corresponding Ti components. Fretting scores of Ti6Al4V alloy components in mixed metal junctions were statistically higher than the remaining groups. Taper angle did not correlate with material loss. Conclusion Results suggest that CoCr components in mixed metal junctions are more vulnerable to corrosion than other components, suggesting preferential corrosion when interfacing with Ti6Al4V. Overall, although corrosion was noted in this series, material loss was low, and none were revised for clinical metal-related reaction. This suggests the clinical impact from corrosion in total knee arthroplasty is low.
Transgender Patient Screening: Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Screening Recommendations .

Background When a discrepancy exists between an individual's biologic sex and the deeply felt sense of being male or female, a transgender orientation may result. . Objectives The purpose of this article is to summarize breast cancer risk assessment and screening recommendations for transgender individuals. . Methods A review of the literature was done to determine if evidence-based screening guidelines exist for transgender individuals and how they can be applied to clinical practice. . Findings Most of the available research is descriptive of this patient population and identifies barriers in accessing healthcare services rather than how to provide care. The medical community must address transgender individuals' specific healthcare needs in a comprehensive and affirmative manner.
Spectral width of electromagnetically induced transparency in hot atomic gases

Experiments in Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT) have produced ultraslow light propagation [1, 2, 3, 4] with spatial compression, and have made it possible to enhance nonlinear optical processes by orders of magnitude [5,6]. Similar techniques have been utilized to store light pulses both in an ultracold atomic medium [7] and in a hot gas [8]. Small group velocities are accomplished by the large index changes near the EIT resonance, and the steepness of the dispersion function is directly related to the width of the transparency window. Therefore, in addition to achieving EIT, the spectral width of the EIT resonance is an important aspect in the study of slow light as well as precision measurements [9, 10, 11, 12]. In hot gas experiments, not like in the case of u1tracold atoms, Doppler broadening becomes crucial as it is the dominant dephasing mechanism. In this paper, we present an analytic expression of the spectral width of EIT resonance in a Doppler broadened.
Modeling Stromal–Epithelial Interactions

Modeling the microenvironment of cancer cells has become of particular interest due to increasing evidence linking phenotypic and genotypic alterations within the stromal compartment to the progression of tumors. The dynamic interactions between cancer cells and their host environment can contribute to some of the most destructive characteristics of cancer, including loss of growth control, invasion, and metastasis. While most current cancer models have been focusing on changes in the epithelial compartment, much less is known about the stromal cells and their contribution to the carcinogenic process. An understanding of the tumor microenvironment provides additional targets for preempting cancer and allows the development of better methods for treating it. There have been many attempts to study interactions between tumors and their environment, using in vitro and in vivo models. The value of each of these approaches depends upon the question to be addressed. We will examine some of the most common systems and discuss their utility, as well as propose future challenges for developing new models.