cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat Trout Larvae

Abstract Cultured metalarvae and mesolarvae of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, brown trout Salmo trutta, rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri, and cutthroat trout Salmo clarki were analyzed for distinguishing pigmentation patterns, variation in size and abundance of oil globules in the yolk, and differences in 48 morphometric and meristic characters by comparison of percent standard lengths and multivariate statistical techniques. Rainbow and cutthroat trouts differed from each other only in that the insertion of the dorsal fin and origin of the adipose fin were more posterior in rainbow trout. Brown trout differed from the other species in having longer pectoral fins, an elliptical yolk and unique pigmentation on the lower jaw, caudal fin, and adipose fin. Brook trout differed from the other species by having numerous minute oil globules in the yolk; a distinctively longer adipose fin; prominent pigmentation on the anterior margin of the mandible, caudal fin, and adipose fin; and a greater number of dorsal a...
Multivoxel patterns in fusiform face area differentiate faces by sex and race.

Although prior research suggests that fusiform gyrus represents the sex and race of faces, it remains unclear whether fusiform face area (FFA)–the portion of fusiform gyrus that is functionally-defined by its preferential response to faces–contains such representations. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate whether FFA represents faces by sex and race. Participants were scanned while they categorized the sex and race of unfamiliar Black men, Black women, White men, and White women. Multivariate pattern analysis revealed that multivoxel patterns in FFA–but not other face-selective brain regions, other category-selective brain regions, or early visual cortex–differentiated faces by sex and race. Specifically, patterns of voxel-based responses were more similar between individuals of the same sex than between men and women, and between individuals of the same race than between Black and White individuals. By showing that FFA represents the sex and race of faces, this research contributes to our emerging understanding of how the human brain perceives individuals from two fundamental social categories.
Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Following Endometrial Ablation for Postmenopausal Bleeding

A case of metastatic adenocarcinoma of the endometrium following endometrial ablation is described. A discussion of the development and evolution of endometrial ablation procedures is presented. Recommendations for patient selection and postablation surveillance are suggested. The authors believe this case report to be the third described in the literature. (Background. A case of endometrial adenocarcinoma developing after transcervical endometrial ablation with a resectoscope was recently reported (A. B. Copperman, A. H. DeCherney, and D. L. Olive, Obstet. Gynecol. 82, 640-642 (1993)). It is recognized that functional residual islands of endometrial tissue remain in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients following ablation. There is only limited experience using endometrial ablation in postmenopausal patients and in others at high risk for endometrial cancer. Case. A patient presented who developed metastatic adenocarcinoma of the endometrium after endometrial ablation for postmenopausal bleeding. Conclusion. With endometrial ablation procedures, the potential exists for missed areas or buried nests of functional endometrial tissue that may later undergo malignant transformation or have already become metaplastic and invaded the myometrium. Therefore, close postoperative surveillance, including thorough evaluation of postoperative bleeding, is indicated. Further studies with long-term follow-up are needed in order to define the safety and efficacy of endometrial ablation in the high-risk patient.
Anti-sperm antibodies in female mice : responses following intrauterine immunization

PROBLEM: The goal of this study was to measure anti-sperm antibodies in serum following intraluminal uterine immunization and to compare this with the formation of antibodies following intraperitoneal (i.p.) or anal immunization. METHOD: Mice were immunized with human sperm, and antibody was measured using an indirect immunobead assay. RESULTS: High levels of anti-sperm antibodies could be measured following intrauterine immunization and i.p. immunization. Anal immunization resulted in lower levels of antibody formation. Antibody formation after intrauterine immunization was less consistent following transcervical insertion than following needle insertion of sperm. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that intrauterine immunization can result in anti-sperm antibody formation under some conditions.
Sub-daily alias and draconitic errors in the IGS orbits

Harmonic signals with a fundamental period near the GPS draconitic year (351.2 days) and overtones up to at least the sixth multiple have been observed in the power spectra of nearly all products of the International GNSS Service (IGS), including station position time series, apparent geocenter motions, orbit jumps between successive days, and midnight discontinuities in earth orientation parameter (EOP) rates. Two main mechanisms have been suggested for the harmonics: mismodeling of orbit dynamics and aliasing of near-sidereal local station multipath effects. Others have studied the propagation of local multipath errors into draconitic position variations, but orbit-related processes have been less examined. We elaborate our earlier analysis of GPS day-boundary orbit discontinuities where we observed some draconitic features as well as prominent spectral bands near 29-, 14-, 9-, and 7-day periods. Finer structures within the sub-seasonal bands fall close to the expected alias frequencies for 24-h sampling of sub-daily EOP tide lines but do not coincide precisely. While once-per-revolution empirical orbit parameters should strongly absorb any sub-daily EOP tide errors due to near-resonance of their respective periods, the observed differences require explanation. This has been done by simulating EOP tidal errors and checking their impact on a long series of estimated daily GPS orbits and EOPs. Indeed, simulated tidal aliases are found to be very similar to the observed IGS orbital features in the sub-seasonal bands. Moreover and unexpectedly, some low draconitic harmonics were also produced, potentially a source for the widespread errors in most IGS products. The results from this study are further evidence for the need of an improved sub-daily EOP tide model.
Early Growth of Mesoscale Convective Complexes: A Meso-β-Scale Cycle of Convective Precipitation?

Abstract The evolution of precipitation fields associated with several mesoscale convective complexes (MCCs) has been inferred from radar reflectivity data. In almost all cases examined, including those described in the literature, the system's convective ensemble undergoes a marked modulation in intensity, on a meso-β time scale, during the early growth stage of its meso-α-scale life cycle. This β-scale convective cycle is most evident in time series of volumetric precipitation rate due to convective echo, and is characterized by a temporal maximum, followed by a minimum ∼0.5-1 h later, superimposed on an otherwise several-hour, monotonically increasing trend. While the latter is due to a concurrent, several-hour increase in the areal extent of convective echo, the β-scale perturbation is dominated by a modulation in intensity of the existing convective entities that the system constitutes at that stage of growth. The β-scale cycle also marks the onset of a sustained, increased growth rate of the MCC's s...
Structural design aspects of innovative designs under development in the current US liquid metal cooled reactor program

Abstract The US Liquid Metal-Cooled Reactor (LMR) program has been restructured and is now focussed on the development of innovative plant designs which emphasize shorter construction times, increased use of passive, inherently safe features, cost-competitiveness with LWR plants, and minimization of safety-related systems. These changes have a considerable effect on the structural design aspects of the LMR plant. These structural problems and their solutions now under study form the main focus of this paper.
A single chip HBT power amplifier with integrated power control

The GSM power amplifier market continues to drive towards low cost and small size, but remains reluctant to compromise on performance. Current generation PA products utilize InGaP HBT to deliver RF performance and integrate bias and control on a supporting silicon die. This approach is common amongst many PA manufacturers with the exception of CMOS PA [1] solutions. This paper describes a solution using an HBT BiFET [2] technology to integrate both the precision control function and power amplifier onto a common die. The resulting solution opens opportunity for industry leading size and performance at no additional cost or RF performance penalty.
Comparative study of alkyl and fluoroalkyl N-(2-hydroxy-ethoxyethyl)-amides as reversed-phase liquid chromatographic modifiers

Abstract The use of the non-ionic surfactant, N-(2-hydroxy-ethoxyethyl)-2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorbutanamide as a liquid chromatographic mobile phase modifier has been studied. Comparisons between this fluorinated compound and two similar hydrocarbon surfactants, N-(2-hydroxyethoxyethyl)-hexanamide and N-(2-hydroxyethoxyethyl)-heptanamide, have been made. Although surface tension data were similar for all three surfactants, the fluoroalkyl compound was found to have a larger influence on retention. Likewise, the positional isomers of cresol and toluidine were resolvable using the fluorinated surfactant and were not with the equivalent alkyl surfactant with a similar hydrophilic-lipophilic balance.
Toba Batak ethnobotany

(1978). Toba Batak ethnobotany. Indonesia Circle. School of Oriental & African Studies. Newsletter: Vol. 6, No. 15, pp. 18-28.
The HCV Synthesis Project: scope, methodology, and preliminary results.

Background The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is hyper-endemic in injecting drug users. There is also excess HCV among non-injection drug users who smoke, snort, or sniff heroin, cocaine, crack, or methamphetamine.
The maize Viviparous10/Viviparous13 locus encodes the Cnx1 gene required for molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis

†Summary Abscisic acid (ABA), auxin and nitrate are important signaling molecules that affect plant growth responses to the environment. The synthesis or metabolism of these compounds depends on the molybdenum cofactor (MoCo). We show that maize (Zea mays) viviparous10 (vp10) mutants have strong precocious germination and seedling lethal phenotypes that cannot be rescued with tissue culture. We devised a novel PCR-based method to clone a transposon-tagged allele ofvp10, and show that Vp10 encodes the ortholog of Cnx1, which catalyzes the final common step of MoCo synthesis. The seedling phenotype of vp10 mutants is consistent with disruptions in ABA and auxin biosynthesis, as well as a disruption in nitrate metabolism. Levels of ABA and auxin are reduced in vp10 mutants, and vp10 seedlings lack MoCo-dependent enzyme activities that are repairable with exogenous molybdenum. vp10 and an Arabidopsis cnx1 mutant, chlorate6 (chl6), have similar defects in aldehyde oxidase (AO) enzyme activity, which is required for ABA synthesis. Surprisingly, chl6 mutants do not show defects in abiotic stress responses. These observations confirm an orthologous function for Cnx1 and Vp10, as well as defining a characteristic viviparous phenotype to identify other maize cnx mutants. Finally, the vp10 mutant phenotype suggests that cnx mutants can have auxin- as well as ABAbiosynthesis defects, while the chl6 mutant phenotype suggests that low levels of AO activity are sufficient for normal abiotic stress responses.
Elastic Anisotropy of ß-Silicon Nitride Whiskers

The elastic anisotropy of s-silicon nitride was examined using nanoindentation techniques. A coarse-grained polycrystalline sample composed of whiskers up to 15 µm in diameter and 100 µm in length allowed for the positioning of small indentations near the centers of grains, where neighboring grains minimally affect the property measurements. The crystallographic directions along which measurements were made were determined from the grain geometries in polished sections. The primary directions of interest were parallel to the c-axis (indenter penetration parallel to the whisker axis) and in the basal plane (indenter penetration perpendicular to the whisker axis), for which the indentation moduli were found to be 450 and 310 GPa, respectively. An indentation mechanics model used to estimate the single-crystal elastic constants from the nano-indentation results shows that Young's moduli for s-silicon nitride, which are similar to but not exactly the same as the moduli measured by nanoindentation techniques, vary from 540 GPa parallel to the c-axis to 280 GPa perpendicular to it. Hardness data, which also exhibit a strong anisotropy, are also presented.
New electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) for flexible interconnect applications

By blending flexible epoxy with rigid epoxy or using epoxies with different chain lengths, the mechanical properties of the resulting polymer matrices could be tuned to meet different requirements. With the introduction of nanoparticles into the formulation, better electrical properties of the resulting flexible ECAs (FECAs) have been achieved via particle-particle interface enhancement. Moreover, adhesion strength of FECAs on a Au surface has been significantly improved by using conjugated difunctional molecules. With optimized material properties of FECAs, device level test indicated that the FECAs can be used for flexible electronics. In addition, conductive thin films with certain transparency have been developed using Ag-coated glass fiber as filler.
The Department of the Interior's Appeals Process and Native American Natural Resource Policy, 1970–94

Department of the Interior (DOI) administrative appeals involving Native American lands and resources were studied to find out whether these cases or their outcomes had changed during the “self-determination” era of US. Indian policy. This policy's stated intention has been greater Native American control of lands and resources, but in the DOI arena this research indicates the opposite as a policy outcome
The Utility of Integrity Testing for Controlling Workers’ Compensation Costs

Integrity tests can be a hiring tool to help employers determine which of their prospective employees will be more likely to engage in unproductive, dangerous, or otherwise risky actions on the job. Candidates are surprisingly candid when answering test questions about their workplace theft or drug use, but the tests also have control questions intended to indicate when an applicant provides false answers in an attempt to answer “correctly.” Although tests represent an additional expense in the hiring process, a study of a large hotel chain found that the savings in screening out potentially expensive employees more than made up for the costs of conducting the tests, based on a substantial reduction in workers’ compensation claims. A conservative estimate is that the company experienced a 50 percent one-year return on investment from the test. It is important to note that the tests do not violate U.S. employment laws, as data show that the tests create no adverse impact on protected groups.
Using BVL correlation to validate the effectiveness of an interorganizational system: analysis and statistical modeling

The paper presents the initial stages in an empirical study assessing the effectiveness of an interorganizational information system. The evaluation problem is to validate value benefits to the investing organization that are recaptured from primary effects on customers. Business Value Linkage (BVL) correlation, a statistical evaluation methodology, is employed. Since the data set includes unique information on customer use of the system, the statistical model is specified to examine the effects of variation in IT input measurement on the estimation results. The value linkage to be analyzed promises to allow for both stages of the BVL methodology. If the first stage in the linkage is validated, a parallel study may be employed to determine revenue effects. >
Car-Rec: A real time car recognition system

Recent advances in computer vision have significantly reduced the difficulty of object classification and recognition. Robust feature detector and descriptor algorithms are particularly useful, forming the basis for many recognition and classification applications. These algorithms have been used in divergent bag-of-words and structural matching approaches. This work demonstrates a recognition application, based upon the SURF feature descriptor algorithm, which fuses bag-of-words and structural verification techniques. The resulting system is applied to the domain of car recognition and achieves accurate (> 90%) and real-time performance when searching databases containing thousands of images.
Machine learning models: combining evidence of similarity for XML schema matching

Matching schemas at an element level or structural level is generally categorized as either hybrid, which uses one algorithm, or composite, which combines evidence from several different matching algorithms for the final similarity measure. We present an approach for combining element-level evidence of similarity for matching XML schemas with a composite approach. By combining high recall algorithms in a composite system we reduce the number of real matches missed. By performing experiments on a number of machine learning models for combination of evidence in a composite approach and choosing the SMO for the high precision and recall, we increase the reliability of the final matching results. The precision is therefore enhanced (e.g., with data sets used by Cupid and suggested by the author of LSD, our precision is respectively 13.05% and 31.55% higher than COMA and Cupid on average).
Horizontal Anisotropy of the Principal Ground-Water Flow Zone in the Salinas Alluvial Fan, Puerto Rico

Well drawdown data from an anisotropic aquifer in the Salinas alluvial fan were collected and analyzed with a computer program called TENSOR2D. The program uses ordinary and weighted least-squares optimization procedures to solve the system of simultaneous equations needed to define the theoretical transmissivity ellipse. Results from the alluvial fan aquifer at Salinas, Puerto Rico indicated that when applying the ordinary least-squares method: (1) the major and minor transmissivity tensors are 52, 339 and 17,800 feet squared per day (ft2/d) respectively; (2) the square root of the major and minor diffusivity tensors are 12,066 and 7,036 ft2/d, (3) the ratio of horizontal anisotropy is 2·94 to 1·00, and (4) the direction of major anisotropy tensor is along a line 31 degrees west from the true north. From the application of the weighted least-squares method: (1) the major and minor transmissivity tensors are 38,840 and 23,987 ft2/d, (2) the square root of the major and minor diffusivity tensors are 11,282 and 8,866 ft2/d, (3) the ratio of horizontal anisotropy is 1·62 to 1·00, and (4) the direction of major anisotropy tensor is along a line 28 degrees west of the true north. Prediction of drawdown data was made by coupling the anisotropy ellipse with the Hantush modified leaky-confined or Theis model. Drawdown data predicted by using the theoretical directional diffusivity obtained with the weighted least-squared fit gave a more accurate representation of the actual drawdown data than when using the test-data directional diffusivity.
An empirical comparison of direct and indirect measures of person-organization (P-O) fit

Person-organization (P-O) fit is an important concept for understanding the attitudes and behavior of individuals in organizations, in general, and information technology (IT) professionals, in particular. The objective of this paper is to examine a controversial issue related to the measurement of P-O fit. We explain the controversy and empirically investigate it using a sample of IT professionals.
Nursing perspectives on practitioner-assisted suicide.

Abstract The controversy about assisted suicide continues to divide the United States and the professions. This article discusses the moral arguments surrounding practitioner-assisted suicide, the nurses' role in end-of-life care for persons who may or may not choose assisted suicide, and suggests professional alternatives to assisted suicide. Nurs Outlook 2000;48:116–9.
Advancing Biomarker Science in the 21st Century

“Do something wonderful, people may imitate it.” — —Albert Schweitzer One of the primary objectives of scientific investigation in medicine is to inform patient care. The creative, imaginative, and intelligent study of advanced biomarkers, including genes, transcripts, proteins, and metabolic byproducts, may hold the key to redefining human disease and achieving optimal clinical outcomes. Given the global interest, overarching relevance, and inherent complexity, the most pertinent question becomes, “what is required of the scientific and medical communities to advance meaningfully the discipline of biomarker science in the 21st century?” Article see p 14 In this issue of the Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions , Derer et al1 introduce vitronectin as an independent predictor of both early (30-day) and late (6-month) major adverse cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with or without stenting. Patients with a baseline serum vitronectin level ≥49.7 mg/mL (representing the upper quartile) experienced death, myocardial infarction, or urgent target-vessel revascularization at a 3-fold higher rate than patients in the 3 lower quartiles. Will vitronectin become an established part of the armamentarium for periprocedural risk assessment? Will it one day assume the lofty status of troponin as a readily available and widely implemented measurement tool for clinicians? Cardiac-specific troponin is considered the prototypical biomarker for several reasons. It is detectable in very low concentrations under normal conditions; it increases rapidly, predictably, and for a well-defined duration after myoctye necrosis; and it identifies patients at risk for subsequent cardiovascular events and those in whom antithrombotic pharmacotherapy and PCI offer the greatest benefit. Troponin …
A 1.8-GHz LC VCO with 1.3-GHz tuning range and digital amplitude calibration

A 1.8-GHz LC VCO designed in a 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS process achieves a very wide tuning range of 73% and measured phase noise of -123.5 dBc/Hz at a 600-kHz offset from a 1.8-GHz carrier while drawing 3.2 mA from a 1.5-V supply. The impacts of wideband operation on start-up constraints and phase noise are discussed. Tuning range is analyzed in terms of fundamental dimensionless design parameters yielding useful design equations. An amplitude calibration technique is used to stabilize performance across the wide band of operation. This amplitude control scheme not only consumes negligible power and area without degrading the phase noise, but also proves to be instrumental in sustaining the VCO performance in the upper end of the frequency range.
Diet and exercise: blood pressure and cognition: to protect and serve.

Overweight and hypertension are major risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality1,2; both are associated with decline in cognitive performance.3,4 We know that exercise is associated with modest reductions in blood pressure (BP) and that weight loss results in even larger, clinically important reductions in BP.5 What we did not know, before a report6 in this issue of Hypertension , is whether reductions in BP in association with diet and exercise (or diet alone) are associated with improvement in cognitive functioning. With publication of this article, we have evidence supporting an association of diet and exercise and diet alone with a concordant decline in BP and improvement in cognition.6 These are important findings given a recent meta-analysis of clinical trials of antihypertensive medications that indicated no improvements in cognitive performance associated with decline in BP.7 Two important issues are raised in this editorial comment: are the Smith et al6 findings important clinically, and where should this line of research go from here? Using a sample of 124 overweight and prehypertensive or moderately (stage 1) hypertensive adults, Smith et al6 examined the association between 2 interventions and a control on cognitive performance for 3 groups: (1) diet alone (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH]-alone [A]), n=38; (2) diet and exercise (DASH+weight management [WM]), n=43; and (3) usual care control (UC), n=43. The UC group maintained their usual lifestyles. After 4 months of treatment, participants randomly assigned to the DASH-A group improved with respect to psychomotor speed as compared with persons …
Characterization of a Femoral Segmental Nonunion Model in Laboratory Rats: Report of a Novel Surgical Technique

The literature is lacking conclusive results regarding the exact mechanism of maximizing the fracture healing stages with minimal traumatic side effects. This observation mandates the development of a novel surgical procedure using small animals as a model to study fracture healing in the presence of osteoinductive agents. Previously, stabilization of osteotomies in small animal models has mainly been accomplished using Kirschner wires, but the rat's tremendous ability to heal an osteotomy stabilized by this method has masked the effects of osteoinductive agents. Thus, this study proposes using a modified 20-hole, 1.5-mm stainless-steel plate to stabilize a 5-mm segmental defect. Thirty of 32 adult male rats were fully weight-bearing within 2 days and were followed over a 15-week period. Two animals showed evidence of fixation failure due to technical error, and the animals were humanely sacrificed. At the end of the study, the fractures were stable with significantly less bone formation evident when comp...
A Retrieval of Tropical Latent Heating Using the 3D Structure of Precipitation Features

AbstractRadar-based latent heating retrievals typically apply a lookup table (LUT) derived from model output to surface rain amounts and rain type to determine the vertical structure of heating. In this study, a method has been developed that uses the size characteristics of precipitating systems (i.e., area and mean echo-top height) instead of rain amount to estimate latent heating profiles from radar observations. This technique [named the convective–stratiform area (CSA) algorithm] leverages the relationship between the organization of convective systems and the structure of latent heating profiles and avoids pitfalls associated with retrieving accurate rainfall information from radars and models. The CSA LUTs are based on a high-resolution regional model simulation over the equatorial Indian Ocean. The CSA LUTs show that convective latent heating increases in magnitude and height as area and echo-top heights grow, with a congestus signature of midlevel cooling for less vertically extensive convective ...
Randomized phase II study of sorafenib with or without low-dose IFN in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

5104 Background: An 80 patient randomized open label phase II study is underway evaluating the safety and clinical benefit of sorafenib with or without low-dose interferon (LD IFN) in patients with untreated metastatic conventional (clear cell) renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Prior studies combining sorafenib and conventional dose IFN demonstrated a response rate (RR) in the 20–30 percent range, higher than the 2–10 percent RR seen with sorafenib monotherapy, but with increased toxicity. Prior data suggest equivalent efficacy between LD and conventional dose IFN with fewer side effects. We postulated that low-dose IFN will add to the clinical benefit of sorafenib in patients with mRCC with minimal additional toxicity. Methods: Eligibility included conventional mRCC, measurable disease, no prior systemic therapy, a PS of 0 or 1 and no brain metastases. Patients were treated with sorafenib 400mg PO BID or sorafenib at the same dose plus interferon alfa 0.5 million units SC BID. Primary endpoints included respo...
Carbon dioxide laser ablation of basal cell carcinoma with visual guidance by reflectance confocal microscopy: a proof-of-principle pilot study.

SummaryBackground Laser ablation is an alternative, nonsurgical treatment modality for low-risk basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, lack of confirmative tumour destruction or residual tumour presence has been a limiting factor to its adoption. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) provides noninvasive, cellular-level resolution imaging of the skin and is capable of identifying tumour. Objectives To evaluate the use of RCM to guide carbon dioxide (CO2) laser ablation of BCC, confirm destruction and correlate findings with histology. Methods RCM was used preablation to evaluate for features of BCC. Ablation was performed with a CO2 laser, and the response rapidly assessed using handheld RCM to evaluate for residual tumour. Confirmative pathology was used to verify confocal imaging. Results Preablation RCM imaging identified tumour with features not identified on normal, surrounding skin. Postablation, RCM documented complete removal of tumour in six cases and residual tumour in two. Histological examination identified the ablated area and confirmed clearance of tumour in the six aforementioned cases and corroborated confocal findings for residual tumour in the other two cases. Conclusions We report successful treatment of superficial and nodular BCC using CO2 laser ablation augmented by RCM imaging for preablation guidance and verification of tumour removal postablation. Akin to complete circumferential and deep margin control techniques, using RCM helps to map peripheral and deep BCC margins to hone in on areas exhibiting persistent tumour after ablation. CO2 laser ablation visually guided by RCM can help circumvent previously cited limiting factors of laser ablation for tumour destruction by providing cellular-level resolution imaging of tumour and margin assessment in between each laser pass and postablation.
Subjective Evaluation of Thermal Comfort Using an Air Recirculation Device

To determine the effectiveness of a small fan in enhancing thermal comfort in an open office, eight subjects were studied at 24.4 C (76F), 26.1 C (79F), and 27.8 C (82F) (all at 50% RH), in an environmental laboratory where each workstation was equipped with a small variable speed fan. Control trials were run at all three temperatures without the use of the fan. Three subjective responses were measured: thermal sensation (a nine category rating scale), thermal comfort (a seven pair semantic differential scale), and temperature preference. During fan tests, subjects were allowed to adjust the fan speed to their preference at 15 minute intervals. Results showed that use of the fan could allow a 3°F temperature increase while maintaining the same comfort level, or increase comfort at temperatures of 79°F and up. The 3°F increase in temperature would result in a 9% energy savings, based on the National Bureau of Standards suggestion of a reduction in air conditioning energy demand of 6% per °C or 3% per °F. T...
Study on comprehensive measures for improving early detection of TB infection source

Objective To explore the early case detection model of tuberculosis infection source by way of a series of measures carried out in the demonstration zone.Methods Several activities were carried out in Qiaokou and Jianghan districts of Wuhan,including: community health health education,clue survey,key population screening,smear-negative tuberculosis sputum culture,regulating tuberculosis epidemic report and referral of general hospitals etc.The data were collected and analyzed by using of EXCEL and SAS8.1 software.Results In the first quarter of 2011,the number of consulting TB suspects reached 7065 in these two districts,far more than that before intervening.The primary visiting rate gone up to 20.48‰.The referral arrival rate and overall arrival rate were 81.15% and 99.23% respectively.Through clue survey,30077 TB suspects were detected,accounting for 3.88% of the total screening population.Among the high risk population receiving TB screening,169 TB suspects were detected and the detection rate was 2.71%,of which there were two multi-drug resistant cases.Besides,the sputum specimens of 175 initial treated smear-negative TB patients were cultured,and the result showed that 15 cases were positive and 160 negative.Among the 137 Smear positive TB cases detected during the first quarter of 2011,case consulting delay and doctor diagnosis delay were 32.85% and 22.63% respectively,the overall delay rate was 23.36%,while the early detection rate was 76.64%.Conclusions Taking comprehensive measures can early discover TB patients,however,powerful fund support is also crucial for its sustainable and intensive development.
Differentiating hypersensitivity versus infusion-related reactions in pediatric patients receiving intravenous asparaginase therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Asparaginase is a key component of therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Traditionally, asparaginase was administered intramuscularly but is now commonly given intravenously. Although intravenous administration is less painful, it can be challenging to differentiate hypersensitivity versus infusion-related reactions. The ability to distinguish between asparaginase-mediated reactions is critical to ensure optimal asparaginase treatment. In this paper, we will review the differences in pharmacokinetics and toxicities, when asparaginase is administered intravenously versus intramuscularly in pediatric patients with ALL. Differences between antibody-mediated hypersensitivity events and nonantibody-mediated infusion reactions will be addressed to assist practitioners in distinguishing between these clinically similar asparaginase-associated toxicities.
Induction of Both CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein β and ε Are Required for All Trans Retinoic Acid-Induced Granulocytic Differentiation of Myeloid Leukemia Cells.

All trans retinoic acid (ATRA) induces remission in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) by induction of granulocytic differentiation. Since CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) α, β and e play important roles in normal granulocytic differentiation we compared their expression and regulation in ATRA differentiation inducible NB4 and HL-60 cells to their ATRA differentiation resistant subclones R4 and HL-60/Res cells. All four cell lines robustly express C/EBPα but have low or absent C/EBPβ and e expression. ATRA treatment increases the levels of C/EBPβ and e protein in NB4 and HL-60 cells but not in the R4 and HL-60/Res cells which is correlated with the degree of differentiation induction. Knockdown of C/EBPβ or e using shRNA decreases ATRA differentiation induction of HL-60 cells. HL-60 cells with BCR-ABL stable transfection lose expression of C/EBPα, and ATRA-induced differentiation and expression of C/EBPβ and e are no longer seen. K562 cells which express BCR-ABL do not have detectable or inducible C/EBPα, β and e after ATRA treatment and are resistant to ATRA differentiation induction. Ectopic expression of C/EBPα-estrogen receptor (ER) or C/EBPβ-ER, but not C/EBPe-ER, induces granulocytic differentiation in K562 cells after addition of estradiol or tamoxifen which activates these fusion factors. C/EBPα-ER or C/EBPβ-ER infected K562 cells is followed by induction of C/EBPe expression and knockdown of C/EBPe in C/EBPα-ER or C/EBPβ-ER infected K562 cells decreases induction of differentiation. The induction of C/EBPα, β, and e expression by ATRA is investigated in ten additional myeloid leukemia cell lines and it is found that the expression of C/EBPβ and e, but not C/EBPα, are induced in THP-1 and ML-1 cells which are responsive to ATRA differentiation induction. These results indicate that induction of C/EBPβ is required and C/EBPe plays a collaborative role with C/EBPβ in ATRA-induced differentiation of myeloid leukemia cells.
Comment on osmotically inactive ions

to the editor: Nguyen et al. ([6][1]) attempted to show the physiological significance of the coefficients of their linear regression fit to the data ([6][1]) of Edelman et al. (Table 1) and a similar one of Boling et al. (Table 2) in regard to understanding the physiological factors responsible for
Pathologic and Treatment Outcomes Among a Geriatric Population of Endometrial Cancer Patients: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group Ancillary Data Analysis of LAP2

Objectives Elderly endometrial cancer patients have worse disease-specific survival than their younger counterparts, but the cause for this discrepancy is unknown. The goal of this analysis is to compare outcomes by age in a fully staged elderly endometrial cancer population. Methods/Materials This is an analysis of patients on Gynecologic Oncology Group Study (GOG) LAP2, which included clinically early stage endometrial cancer patients randomized to laparotomy versus laparoscopy for surgical staging. Patients were divided into risk groups based on criteria defined by GOG protocol 99. Differences in outcomes and adjuvant therapy were assessed within these risk groups. Results LAP2 included 715 patients 70 years or older. With increasing age, worse tumor characteristics were seen. Older patients received similar rates of adjuvant therapy when stratified by stage. Patients 70 years or older had significantly worse progression-free survival and overall survival, and on multivariate analysis, older age and high-risk uterine factors were predictors of progression-free survival and overall survival, whereas stage and lymph node metastases were not. When patients were divided into GOG protocol 99 risk categories, most of those who met the high-intermediate risk criteria did so based on age above 70 years and grade 2 to 3 disease. These patients had low risk of recurrence (3.3%) compared with those who met the criteria by age above 70 years and all 3 uterine factors (20.9%). Conclusions In early stage endometrial cancer, patients 70 years or older who undergo similar surgical management and adjuvant therapy, age and tumor characteristics independently predict recurrence. Most patients older than 70 years meet the high-intermediate risk criteria for recurrence based on age and 1 other uterine risk factor, and our results suggest that these patients are at low risk for recurrence.
Palm VX controlled robot part II: an autonomous operation

Abstract An autonomous mode of operation of a Palm Pilot controlled robot is the topic of this article. Hardware/software, communications details, programming, and application of the robot controlled by Palm Vx- resident program are described. Control scheme is deterministic in nature and it assumes some knowledge of the environment.
Association Between Alcohol Craving and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Veterans With Co-occurring Conditions.

ABSTRACT Background: Probable alcohol use disorder (AUD), mental health disorders (MHDs), and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are endemic among U.S. Veterans of the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Previous research demonstrates that recent Veterans with AUD and MHD both with and without mTBI (MHD ± mTBI) self-report higher alcohol craving levels relative to Veterans with AUD only. Since it is unknown if alcohol craving negatively impacts health-related quality of life (HRQOL), the purpose of this study is to identify and describe the relationship between alcohol craving and HRQOL for recent Veterans with AUD alone and those with AUD and co-occurring conditions. Methods: This cross-sectional study included Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) and Veterans RAND 36 Item Health Survey mental and physical component score data collected among recent Veterans with AUD (N = 29, n = 27 males): 14 combat controls, 15 MHD ± mTBI. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, consumption questions determine...
Conclusion: Algren, Academe and Conformity

From the imperially imposed destitution rued by aristocratic iconoclasts Tocqueville and Beaumont to the epic financial meltdown imposed by domestic quasi-aristocratic bankers and allied insiders is quite a rocky journey, but one with steady themes: deference to authority, comprador capitulation to external forces, celebration of the conventional, and exclusion or erasure of anyone the least bit critical of elite schemes.
Expression of the immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable gene repertoire.

A major challenge in immunology is the elucidation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms which determine the expressed antibody repertoire. A large body of knowledge concerning murine antibody gene organization and diversity has been accumulated. However, the underlying processes governing usage of these genes remains in question. Knowledge of the mechanisms which regulate immunoglobulin variable (V) gene rearrangement and the relative expression of the various V gene families in developing B–cell populations may be crucial to an understanding of generation of the antibody repertoire in normal as well as disease states. Current investigation of human V H gene organization and diversity will evwntually allow extension of information gained about the murine repertoire to studies of V H gene usage in humans.
Decomposition of group flows in regular matroids

In a regular matroidM=(E,C) we discuss two different approaches to group matroid flows. By showing that these two approaches are equivalent we set up a decomposition theory for group matroid flows and derive two algorithms for decomposing group matroid flows. The second one finds so-called positive decomposition, a fact which is highly important in applications.
Sequelae of limited amputation.

Ninety patients underwent toe amputations because of vascular disease; 21% required higher amputation and 21% healed without further surgery (i.e., revascularization). Of 60 patients who required bypass surgery, 52 underwent successful first amputations and eight required higher amputations. No difference was seen between diabetic and nondiabetic patients in eventual limb salvage; however, men fared better than women. Without bypass surgery, 11 of 30 patients required a higher level of amputation. No patient's toe amputation site healed with an ankle-to-brachial index of less than 0.35. The judicious use of toe amputation remains an important tool in the surgeon's quest for limb salvage.
Classification of Lagrangian surfaces of curvature ɛ in non-flat Lorentzian complex space form \tilde M_1^2 (4\varepsilon ))

It is well known that a totally geodesic Lagrangian surface in a Lorentzian complex space form \( \tilde M_1^2 (4\varepsilon ) \) of constant holomorphic sectional curvature 4ɛ is of constant curvature ɛ. A natural question is “Besides totally geodesic ones how many Lagrangian surfaces of constant curvature ɛ in \( \tilde M_1^2 (4\varepsilon ) \) are there?” In an earlier paper an answer to this question was obtained for the case ɛ = 0 by Chen and Fastenakels. In this paper we provide the answer to this question for the case ɛ ≠ 0. Our main result states that there exist thirty-five families of Lagrangian surfaces of curvature ɛ in \( \tilde M_1^2 (4\varepsilon ) \) with ɛ ≠ 0. Conversely, every Lagrangian surface of curvature ɛ ≠ 0 in \( \tilde M_1^2 (4\varepsilon ) \) is locally congruent to one of the Lagrangian surfaces given by the thirty-five families.
Carbon Capture and Storage: In the Quest for Clean Fossil Energy

The main objective of carbon capture and storage (CCS) is to prevent CO2 from entering the atmosphere by capturing CO2 from large industrial sources and securely storing it in various carbon sinks. CCS is considered a critical component of the portfolio of carbon mitigation solutions, because global economy heavily relies and will continue to rely on fossil fuels in the foreseeable future. Currently, there are close to 300 active and planned CCS-related projects around the world—an indication of a growing commitment to this technological option. However, despite significant progress in CCS technology, the pace of CCS commercial deployment is rather slow. The major challenges facing the large-scale CCS deployment worldwide relate to a very high financial barrier and limited economic stimuli or regulatory drivers to encourage investments in the technology. This chapter highlights scientific and engineering progress in all three major stages of the CCS chain, CO2 capture, transport, and storage, and the current status of existing and planned commercial CCS projects. Technological, economic, environmental, and societal aspects of the large-scale CCS deployment and its prospects as a major carbon abatement policy are analyzed in this chapter.
Coordination of oral cavity and laryngeal movements during swallowing

In this study, dynamic imaging was used to track the movements of oral cavity and laryngeal structures during swallowing in 10 normal adults subjects. The movements of tiny lead pellet markers attached to the lips, tongue, mandible, and soft palate, as well as anatomic landmarks on the hyoid bone, were measured in relation to a reference pellet affixed to the upper central incisors. Sagittal views of the oral cavity were obtained using standard videofluorography. Each subject produced 10 swallows of 12 ml of tap water followed by 5 swallows with a bite block placed between the molars. The recorded video images were input to a microcomputer where the x- and y-coordinates of the pellets were measured. Results of the analyses revealed considerable temporal overlap in the timing of oral cavity and laryngeal movements, widespread individual variability in coordination patterns and movement trajectories, and selective effects of the bite block. These data suggest the existence of individual adaptive strategies in the programming and control of swallowing movements.
RECOMBINANT DNA AND ANIMAL VIRUSES: PROGRESS AND PROSPECTS

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the progress and prospects of recombinant DNA and animal viruses. Initially, in 1972, intention to construct and propagate DNA sequences coupled toSV40 in E.Coli led to a furor. Several meetings were conducted by animal virologists to discuss the problem. These meetings were entirely inconclusive because little evidence of danger came from handling the viruses themselves. Adeno-SV40 hybrid viruses are laboratory artifacts created by rare recombination event that links together the genomes of two entirely unrelated viruses—SV40 and human adenoviruses. When the adeno-SV40 hybrid viruses s were discovered during the late 1960's, some people felt that they may possess some novel quality that would cause them to be more pathogenic than either of their parents. Nevertheless, as a consequence of the initial fears, fairly rigorous physical containment is required for work with these viruses, and a document must be signed that stipulates that the workers assume full moral and legal responsibility for the agents in their laboratory.
Multidisciplinary Care for Facial Paralysis Patients: Collaboration between Carers

Patient-clinician communication is a significant topic in CSCW and health informatics studies, but little attention has been given to how clinicians collaborate with each other to provide care services. Our goal for this study is to understand how clinicians with different roles collaborate with each other to help facial paralysis patients in their recovery processes. We conducted 19 clinical observations and 4 clinician interviews in the Neurosurgery department at Hershey Medical Center. We describe activities and time expenditures during visitations via the construction of a workflow model; we also discuss current clinician pain points regarding service provision and potential solutions to some of the pain points.
The Interconnected Nature of Anymal and Earth Activism

Ecofeminism critiques the common Greco-diaspora worldview, which focuses on divisions and hierarchy, and is shared by millions of people in industrialized nations. Not surprisingly, given this worl...