cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Documentation on withdrawal of life support in adult patients in the intensive care unit.

• BACKGROUND Patients’ charts have been a source of data for retrospective studies of the quality of end-of-life care. In the intensive care unit, most patients die after withdrawal of life support. Chart reviews of this process could be used not only to assess the quality of documentation but also to provide information for quality improvement and research. • OBJECTIVE To assess the documentation of end-of-life care of patients and their families by care providers in the intensive care unit. • METHOD Charts of 50 adult patients who died in the intensive care unit at a large midwestern hospital after initiation of withdrawal of life support (primarily mechanical ventilation) were reviewed. A form developed for the study was used for data collection. • RESULTS The initiation of the decision making for withdrawal was documented in all 50 charts. Sixteen charts (32%) had no information on advance directives. Eight charts (16%) had no documentation on resuscitation status. About two thirds of the charts documented nurses’ participation during the withdrawal process; only one tenth documented physicians’ participation. A total of 13 charts (26%) had no information on the time of initiation of the withdrawal process, and 11 (22%) had no documentation of medications administered for withdrawal. Thirty-seven charts (74%) had information on whether the patient was or was not extubated during withdrawal. • CONCLUSION Comprehensive documentation of end-of-life care is lacking. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2004;13:328-334)
Exact controllability and uniform stabilization of Kirchoff plates via only the 'bending moment'

Consideration is given to two related problems: exact controllability and uniform stabilization. Results are presented for both problems for the space of optimal regularity of the solutions of the Kirchoff plate problem. >
Delayed Preconditioning-Mimetic Action of Nitroglycerin in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angioplasty

Background—Experimental studies suggest that the cardioprotective effects of the late phase of ischemic preconditioning (PC) can be mimicked pharmacologically. However, to date, no drug has been tested with respect to its ability to elicit a late PC effect in humans. As a consequence, clinical exploitation of the powerful anti-stunning and anti-infarct actions of late PC has been elusive thus far. Methods and Results—A total of 66 patients were randomized to receive a 4-hour intravenous infusion of nitroglycerin (NTG) or normal saline; on the following day, they underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (three 2-minute balloon inflations 5 minutes apart). Measurements of ST-segment shifts (intracoronary and surface ECGs), regional wall motion (quantitative 2D echocardiography), and chest pain score indicated that the infusion of NTG 24 hours before angioplasty rendered the myocardium relatively resistant to ischemia and that the degree of this cardioprotective effect was comparable to that ...
Design flow for implementing image processing in FPGAs

A design flow for implementing a dynamic gamma algorithm in an FPGA is described. Real-time video processing makes enormous demands on processing resources. An FPGA solution offers some advantages over commercial video chip and DSP implementation alternatives. The traditional approach to FPGA development involves a system engineer designing, modeling and verifying an algorithm and writing a specification. A hardware engineer uses the specification as a basis for coding in VHDL and testing the algorithm in the FPGA with supporting electronics. This process is work intensive and the verification of the image processing algorithm executing on the FPGA does not occur until late in the program. The described design process allows the system engineer to design and verify a true VHDL version of the algorithm, executing in an FPGA. This process yields reduced risk and development time. The process is achieved by using Xilinx System Generator in conjunction with Simulink® from The MathWorks. System Generator is a tool that bridges the gap between the high level modeling environment and the digital world of the FPGA. System Generator is used to develop the dynamic gamma algorithm for the contrast enhancement of a candidate display product. The results of this effort are to increase the dynamic range of the displayed video, resulting in a more useful image for the user.
Hardness of approximating the shortest vector problem in high L/sub p/ norms

We show that for every /spl epsi/ > 0, there is a constant p(/spl epsi/) such that for all integers p /spl ges/ p(/spl epsi/), it is NP-hard to approximate the shortest vector problem in L/sub p/ norm within factor p/sup 1 - /spl epsi// under randomized reductions. For large values of p, this improves the factor 2/sup 1/p/ - /spl delta/ hardness shown by D. Micciancio (1998).
ACache: Using Caching to Improve the Performance of Multiple Sequence Alignments

Multiple sequence alignment represents a class of powerful bioinformatics tools with many uses in computational biology ranging from discovery of characteristic motifs and conserved regions in protein families to improved prediction of secondary and tertiary structure. Today, with rapidly growing data repositories offering scientists significantly more data with which to make better decisions, it is increasingly important to run these multiple alignment calculations as rapidly as possible. However, while several multiple alignment algorithms have been developed, these algorithms remain computationally expensive taking as long as 2 to 3 days for some queries. In this paper, we propose a new caching technique to improve the performance of multiple sequence alignment algorithms. In particular, we propose a nested two level cache hierarchy that provides caching of pairwise alignment results - a computationally expensive subcomponent of the multiple sequence alignment algorithms. A key contribution of our work is the development of two novel cache replacement policies that closely track the scientists query patterns over time. We present experimental results that validate the benefits of caching over the repeated computation of the alignments, provide heuristics for determining which alignments would benefit from the caching, and show the effectiveness of the developed cache replacement policies.
The structure of a separating turbulent boundary layer. V Frequency effects on periodic unsteady free-stream flows

The results of experimental trials to obtain measurements of the effects of frequency on the sinusoidal variations in the free stream velocity over a separating turbulent boundary layer are reported. An oscillation frequency of 0.596 Hz was examined, in conjunction with a free stream velocity of 10.18 m/sec. Hot-wire anemometers measured the velocity upstream of the separation and the phase-averaged skin friction, while the velocities in the detached flow zone and the downstream velocity were assayed with a laser anemometer. Large amplitude and phase variations developed at the beginning of separation, producing hysteresis in the relationships between flow parameters. Increases in the free stream velocity decreased the detached shear layer thickness, while in the deceleration segment of the cycle the separated shear layer grew thicker. The results are in a frequency range that are significant for axial compressor blades and helicopter blades.
Purpurins and benzochlorins as sensitizers for photodynamic therapy.

Abstract Purpurins and benzochlorins are hydrophobic second generation photosensitizers, which have sizable absorption in the 650–780 nm range and exhibit photodynamic activity against tumors after visible light treatment. This review summarizes the published data regarding these compounds: from the spectroscopic, photophysical and photochemical characteristics to the in vivo and in vitro photodynamic inactivation of tumors and normal tissue effects. Some mechanistic studies using both the Sn-etiopurpurin and/or the Cu-benzochlorin derivatives are also reviewed.
Expanding display color gamut beyond the spectrum locus

Digital video and display media are at a "sweet spot" of growth with brighter and more colorful digital projectors and displays available seemingly every day. Much more is possible in achieving brighter and more vibrant colors, colors that may even transcend our typical experience in terms of dynamic range and an expanded gamut in the perceptual sense. If the full capabilities of these technologies to produce a fuller visual experience are to be realized, new processing and encoding methodologies are required. In this article, the powers of adaptation and the CIECAM02 color appearance model are exploited to define perceptual gamut. The strategy of this methodology is, simply and in effect, to "push down" the white point of the display and demonstrate, both empirically and with a limited set of images, a striking gamut expansion in the perceptions of lightness, chroma, brightness, and colorful- ness beyond the locus of pure, spectral color, and the MacAdam limits as observed with traditional display con- figurations. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 31, 475- 482, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.
Psychothérapie interpersonnelle et des rythmes sociaux (PTIRS) dans le trouble bipolaire II : structure du traitement et exemples cliniques

Le trouble bipolaire II (BP II) est une pathologie psychiatrique frequente, recurrente et debilitante. Pourtant, peu d’etudes ont evalue quelles etaient les meilleures approches pour le traitement de cette maladie. La psychotherapie interpersonnelle et des rythmes sociaux (PTIRS) [Interpersonal and Social Rythm Therapy] a demontre une utilite dans le traitement du trouble bipolaire I, en association avec la medication. Contrairement au trouble BP I, le trouble BP II est caracterise par des episodes attenues, non psychotiques, de manie (hypomanie), de sorte qu’il ne semble pas y avoir de contre-indications a l’emploi de la PTIRS en monotherapie. Cette approche combine une approche comportementale visant a augmenter la regularite des routines quotidiennes, avec une psychotherapie interpersonnelle qui aide les patients a mieux gerer les multiples problemes psychosociaux associes a cette pathologie chronique. Une description est faite des conceptions theoriques sous-tendant l’utilisation de la PTIRS dans le trouble bipolaire. Une breve description du trouble BP II est faite. Plusieurs modifications sont apparues necessaires, dans notre experience, pour adapter la PTIRS au traitement du trouble BP II (en comparaison avec le trouble BP I), en raison des caracteristiques cliniques particulieres de cette population, notamment l’instabilite du tableau clinique, la difficulte a reperer le type d’episode en cours parce que les symptomes sont souvent mixtes (intrication entre symptomes d’activation et de depression), et egalement en raison du chevauchement symptomatique ou de la comorbidite avec le trouble de personnalite borderline. Il existe egalement une comorbidite frequente avec le trouble d’abus ou de dependance aux substances psychoactives. Des vignettes tirees de notre experience clinique tentent d’illustrer diverses problematiques courantes rencontrees dans la therapie de cette population, et qui sont reliees aux caracteristiques ci-haut mentionnees du trouble BP II. La PTIRS apparait etre un ajout important et interessant aux approches de traitement du trouble BP II parce qu’elle tient compte des divers aspects de cette pathologie ; cette approche nous est apparue efficace dans cette etude preliminaire et nous sommes d’avis que des etudes systematiques ulterieures sont requises et permettront d’evaluer de facon plus formelle son efficacite dans le traitement du trouble bipolaire II.
An efficient method to find area clusters with constraints using grid index structure

This work presents an efficient method to find area clusters satisfying certain constraints. The method uses a grid index structure to find them by examining five cell, 8-connected neighborhood. The hierarchical clustering technique is applied for preprocessing the grid with similar value distribution into the same clusters. This preprocessing helps reduce the computational time and eliminate the possible outlier grid cells. The constraints are average value range, minimum area size and minimum missing data ratio. The method is implemented for a remote sensing data, MOD08/spl I.bar/M3, which is MODIS (MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) level 3 monthly atmospheric product.
The Impact of Educational Background on the Effectiveness of Requirements Inspections: An Empirical Study

While the inspection of various software artifacts increases the quality of the end product, the effectiveness of an inspection depends largely on the individual inspectors involved. To address that issue, a large-scale controlled inspection experiment with over 70 professionals was conducted at Microsoft Corporation that focused on the relationship between an inspector's background and their effectiveness during a requirements inspection. The results of the study showed that inspectors with university degrees in majors not related to computer science found significantly more defects than those with degrees in computer science majors. We also observed that level of education (Masters, PhD), prior industrial experience or other job related experiences did not significantly impact the effectiveness of an inspector. The only other type of experience that had a significant impact on effectiveness was experience in writing requirements, i.e. professionals with prior experience writing requirements found statistically significant more defects than their counterparts.
BatTool: an R package with GUI for assessing the effect of White-nose syndrome and other take events on Myotis spp. of bats

Myotis species of bats such as the Indiana Bat and Little Brown Bat are facing population declines because of White-nose syndrome (WNS). These species also face threats from anthropogenic activities such as wind energy development. Population models may be used to provide insights into threats facing these species. We developed a population model, BatTool, as an R package to help decision makers and natural resource managers examine factors influencing the dynamics of these species. The R package includes two components: 1) a deterministic and stochastic model that are accessible from the command line and 2) a graphical user interface (GUI). BatTool is an R package allowing natural resource managers and decision makers to understand Myotis spp. population dynamics. Through the use of a GUI, the model allows users to understand how WNS and other take events may affect the population. The results are saved both graphically and as data files. Additionally, R-savvy users may access the population functions through the command line and reuse the code as part of future research. This R package could also be used as part of a population dynamics or wildlife management course. BatTool provides access to a Myotis spp. population model. This tool can help natural resource managers and decision makers with the Endangered Species Act deliberations for these species and with issuing take permits as part of regulatory decision making. The tool is available online as part of this publication.
Fiber-Optic/GRIN Lens Couples for Use in Chemical Spectroscopy

Multimode optical fiber-graded index (GRIN) lens couples are modeled with the use of an algorithm which quantitatively traces light paths through the optical elements. The effects of the variation of optical fiber core size, GRIN lens length (pitch), fiber-optic/GRIN lens separation, and wavelength are quantitatively demonstrated, Chromatic effects specific to Selfoc™ GRIN lens couples are evaluated for the near-UV to near-infrared spectral region. In general, GRIN lens couples are found to be superior to equivalent ball lens couples for spectroscopic applications. A simple example application of the multimode fiber-optic/GRIN lens couple in remote chemical spectroscopy is presented.
Fermi level unpinning of GaSb(100) using Plasma Enhanced ALD Al 2 O 3 dielectric

Antimonide based compound semiconductors have gained considerable interest in recent years due to their superior electron and hole transport properties [1–3]. Among the various high mobility material systems (Fig. 1), arsenic-antimonide based MOS-HEMTs have great potential to enable complementary logic operation at low supply voltage. Integrating a high quality dielectric is key to demonstrating a scalable arsenic-antimonide MOS-HEMT architecture for 15 nm logic technology node and beyond. It is hypothesized that an ultra-thin GaSb surface layer is more favorable toward high-к integration than In 0.2 Al 0.8 Sb barrier as it avoids Al at the interface and the associated surface oxidation. Here, we study the effects of various surface passivation approaches on the capacitance-voltage characteristics (C-V) and the surface chemistry of n-type and p-type GaSb(100) MOS capacitors made with ALD and Plasma Enhanced ALD (PEALD) Al 2 O 3 dielectric. We demonstrate for the first time, unpinned Fermi level in GaSb MOS system with high-к PEALD Al 2 O 3 dielectric using admittance spectroscopy and XPS analysis.
Definition of CD4 Immunosignatures Associated with MTB.

We have recently described the first true genome-wide screen for CD4+ T cell reactivity directed against MTB in latent TB infected individuals. The approach relied on predictions of HLA binding capacity for a panel of DR, DP and DQ alleles representative of those most commonly expressed in the general population, coupled with high throughput ELISPOT assays. The results identified hundreds of novel epitopes and antigens, and documented the novel observation that T cells in latent MTB infection are confined to the CXCR3+CCR6+ phenotype and largely directed against three antigenic “islands” within the MTB genome. In parallel, we have made generally available to the scientific community the technical approaches and reagents developed in the process, such as motifs, algorithms, and binding assays for several common HLA class II alleles, and a panel of single allele HLA class II transfected cell lines representative of the most frequent specificities in the general population. Recent efforts have been focused on characterization of epitopes and antigens recognized by patients with active TB and individuals vaccinated with BCG, with the aim of providing the first systematic evaluation of the overlap between latent, active and BCG cohorts. The definition of a broad range of epitopes restricted by common HLA molecules, will facilitate development of diagnostic reagents, allow a rigorous evaluation of T cell responses associated with TB infection in humans, and enable the evaluation of the immunogenicity of different vaccine candidates. Furthermore, it might suggest new candidates for vaccine and diagnostic development.
Do mergers make acquired executives feel inferior? You bet!

This article translates the research conducted by Professors Donald C. Hambrick and Albert A. Cannella Jr. which suggests that executive turnover is an indicator of failure. The researches were interested in determining what affect the departure of executives at the acquired firm in a merger had on the overall success of the merger. The author discusses some of the findings from their research which included higher rates of departure when the acquired firm performed poorly and indications that often times the executives of the acquired firm will be place in a position of inferiority to the executives of the acquiring firm.
PI3K p110β: More Tightly Controlled or Constitutively Active?

In this issue of Molecular Cell , Zhang et al. (2011) report the structure of the p110β/p85β complex and identify a new inhibitory interaction between p110β and the p85 cSH2 domain. The tighter control of p110β mediated by this interaction appears to be balanced by the disruption of inhibitory contacts with the p85 iSH2 domain (Dbouk et al., 2010).
Facesheet Push-Off Tests to Determine Composite Sandwich Toughness at Cryogenic Temperatures

A new novel test method, associated analysis, and experimental procedures are developed to investigate the toughness of the facesheet-to-core interface of a sandwich material at cryogenic temperatures. The test method is designed to simulate the failure mode associated with facesheet debonding from high levels of gas pressure in the sandwich core. The effects of specimen orientation are considered, and the results of toughness measurements are presented. Comparisons are made between room and liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees C) test temperatures. It was determined that the test method is insensitive to specimen facesheet orientation and strain energy rate increase with a decrease in the test temperature.
Environmental effects on pig performance, meat quality, and muscle characteristics

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of diverse production systems on pig performance, muscle characteristics, and their relation to pork quality measures. Birth and rearing conditions were evaluated using 48 barrows during the fall/winter months. Pigs were farrowed in either indoor crates or outdoor huts. At weaning, indoor- and outdoor-born pigs were allotted randomly to treatments arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial design with two birth (indoor vs. outdoor) and rearing (indoor vs. outdoor) environments. Pigs housed indoors were on concrete-slatted flooring (1.2 m2/pig), and pigs housed outdoors were on an alfalfa pasture (212 m2/pig). Body weight data were collected. Muscle samples were removed within 1 h postmortem from the longissimus (LM) and semimembranosus (SM) muscles. Muscle samples were stained histochemically to identify type I, IIA, and IIB/X muscle fibers. Boneless loins were collected from the left side of each carcass and aged for 14 d. Objective and subjective color measurements were taken on the longissimus muscle at the 10th rib on d 14 postmortem. Loin chops were evaluated for sensory attributes, shear force, and retail display features. Pigs born outdoors were heavier and had a greater ADG at most growth intervals postweaning (d 28, 56, and 112; P 0.10) for most measures. Carcass and meat quality measures did not differ (P > 0.05) among treatment groups, but loin chops from outdoor born or reared pigs had higher (P < 0.05) a* values than chops from pigs born or reared indoors. The LM muscle of pigs born outdoors had a higher (P < 0.01) percentage of type I, and a lower (P < 0.05) percentage of type IIA fibers than did pigs born indoors. Pigs reared outdoors had a higher (P < 0.01) percentage of IIA fibers and a lower (P < 0.05) percentage of IIB/X fibers than did pigs reared indoors for the LM and SM muscles. Outdoor production systems may influence growth, pork color, and muscle fiber types.
Computers and computing - Past present Future

Computer science has had a fascinating history, dating back to the mid-19th century. Its most dramatic progress, of course, has been over the past two decades or so. Hardware development has been phenomenal during this latter period. We have now reached the stage where the major problem of large-scale-computer manufacturers is in the area of software development. It would appear that the ``speed frontier'' in computer technology has been crossed, but now we are faced with the much more difficult problem of a ``complexity barrier.''
High-g testing of MEMS devices, and why

The application envelope continues to expand with respect to shock survivability of components used in consumer products. The expansion of motion-based applications has also expanded the use of small MEMS devices with moving elements that need to continue normal operation during normal usage. The equipment and test methods required to determine product performance in these emerging applications have changed, some of which are described below.
An analysis of transient behavior in the onset of convection

A layer of viscous fluid lying between two heated horizontal, parallel plates is considered. When a critical adverse temperature gradient is established across the layer, heat is no longer transferred by conduction alone, and a convective motion is established. We model this physical phenomenon with the Boussinesq approximation to the Navier-Stokes equations, and using this mathematical model, we study the evolution of a single periodic disturbance for values of the adverse temperature gradients near the critical value. A method of matched asymptotic expansions is used to construct the time dependent solutions of the system. In the course of this analysis, the Landau equation is rigorously derived and a domain of stability of the convective state is determined. Another result of this analysis is the rigorous justification of a perturbation method which is quite similar to that introduced by Stuart and Watson and other investigators.
Dynamic Modeling and Attitude Control of Solar Sail Spacecraft: Part I

Study results for developing dynamic models and attitude control systems of solar sail spacecraft are presented. The overall study objective was to advance sailcraft attitude control technology so that a sail spaceflight experiment for validating sail attitude stability & controllability and thrust vector pointing & steering performance can be conducted within the next 5 years. In particular, this paper (Part I) presents an overview of sailcraft attitude control issues, with special emphasis on a simple spin stabilization concept for countering the significant effect of a solar pressure disturbance torque, caused by an uncertain center-of-mass and center-of-pressure offset, on sailcraft stability and pointing. A sailcraft controlled by means of translating and/or tilting sail panels is also described in this paper. Detailed dynamic modeling and attitude control design for a sailcraft employing a two-axis gimbaled control boom and/or control vanes are presented in Part II.
Law and the City Manager: Beginning to Understand the Sources of Influence on the Management of Local Government

The present research looks explicitly at the role of law in providing both perceived and actual constraints in the work environment of the local government administrator. Five city managers were interviewed by the authors to begin the process of understanding where the law has the most impact on the public administrator's job. Four sources of influence were identifiedintergovernmental relations, the legislature, regulatory agencies, and the courts. These sources of influence are examined in relation to the various responsibilities of local government officials. Instances of both actual and perceived constraints are noted, and implications of the existence of those constraints are discussed.
Candidates and Parties in Congressional Elections

The 1978 CPS national election study, which includes many new questions about congressional candidates, is analyzed to discern what voters know about congressional candidates and why House incumbents are so successful at getting reelected by wide margins. Scholars have underestimated the level of public awareness of congressional candidates, primarily because of faulty measures. Voters are often able to recognize and evaluate individual candidates without being able to recall their names from memory. Incumbents are both better known and better liked than challengers, largely because they have the resources enabling them to communicate with their constituents frequently and directly. Yet the seriousness of the challenger is equally important for understanding the advantages of incumbency and why incumbency is less valuable in the Senate than in the House. Finally, public assessments of the president provide a national dynamic to congressional voting, but the effect is modest compared to the salience of the local choices.
Quantification of Massive Seasonal Aggregations of Blacktip Sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) in Southeast Florida.

Southeast Florida witnesses an enormous seasonal influx of upper trophic level marine predators each year as massive aggregations of migrating blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) overwinter in nearshore waters. The narrow shelf and close proximity of the Gulf Stream current to the Palm Beach County shoreline drive tens of thousands of sharks to the shallow, coastal environment. This natural bottleneck provides a unique opportunity to estimate relative abundance. Over a four year period from 2011–2014, an aerial survey was flown approximately biweekly along the length of Palm Beach County. A high definition video camera and digital still camera mounted out of the airplane window provided a continuous record of the belt transect which extended 200 m seaward from the shoreline between Boca Raton Inlet and Jupiter Inlet. The number of sharks within the survey transect was directly counted from the video. Shark abundance peaked in the winter (January-March) with a maximum in 2011 of 12,128 individuals counted within the 75.6 km-2 belt transect. This resulted in a maximum density of 803.2 sharks km-2. By the late spring (April-May), shark abundance had sharply declined to 1.1% of its peak, where it remained until spiking again in January of the following year. Shark abundance was inversely correlated with water temperature and large numbers of sharks were found only when water temperatures were less than 25°C. Shark abundance was also correlated with day of the year but not with barometric pressure. Although shark abundance was not correlated with photoperiod, the departure of the sharks from southeast Florida occurred around the vernal equinox. The shark migration along the United States eastern seaboard corresponds spatially and temporally with the spawning aggregations of various baitfish species. These baseline abundance data can be compared to future studies to determine if shark population size is changing and if sharks are restricting their southward migration as global water temperatures increase.
Differences in Risk Factors for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Seroconversion among Male and Female Intravenous Drug Users

To examine sex-specific risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 seroconversion among intravenous drug users, the authors conducted a nested case-control study in Baltimore, Maryland, from 1988 to 1992 comparing 146 seroconverters and 539 HIV seronegative controls. Controls were matched on sex, race, date of study entry, and duration of follow-up. Risk factor data were obtained from interviews conducted at the first seroconversion visit for the case and the closest visit for the corresponding seronegative control. Since test results were not available until several weeks after interview, both interviewers and participants were unaware of seroconversion status at the time of interview. When data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression techniques, the variables which were significantly associated with seroconversion among male intravenous drug users included age less than 35 years, a sexually transmitted disease within the past 6 months, lifetime history of syphilis, and current intravenous drug use with an abscess at the injection site. Among women, only a history of three or more sex partners was positively associated with seroconversion and having a biological child under age 18 years was inversely associated with HIV seroconversion. Although the small sample size may have limited the ability to ascertain differences in risks of seroconversion among males and females, these data suggest that sexual transmission contributes to HIV infection among intravenous drug users, especially women.
Cardiac electrophysiological properties of transgenic Gαq and Gαq/ACVI mice

Aim: To define the cellular mechanisms and pathophysiological properties of heart failure using transgenic Gαq and Gαq/ACⅥ mice.Methods:Action potential duration(APD),cardiac L-type calcium current(ICa,L)and transient outward K+ current(Ito)of the left ventricular myocytes isolated from Gαq, Gαq/ACⅥ transgenic mice and wild-type mice were examined using patch-clamp and electrophysiological techniques.Results: The myocytes isolated from Gαq mice showed prolonged APD50% and APD90% with reduced Ito.The above parameters in Gαq/ACⅥ mice were improved.Conclusion: Cardiac-directed overexpression of Gαq results in the left ventricular dysfunction,wherease increasing expression of cardiac ACⅥ makes significant improvement in the cardiac function.
Analysis of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Treatment Service and Need Condition Among Songjiang Residents of Shanghai

OBJECTIVE To learn and analysis the infectious disease prevention and treatment service and requirement condition among Songjiang residents, in order to carry out infectious disease control and prevention effectively. METHODS Cross-sectional study was used in this study by using self-designed questionnaires. RESULTS The percentage of periodic medical examination among local residents and floating population is 60.53% and 28.83%; the percentage of residents who don’t go to see the doctor because of the high price is 40.12% among local residents and 43.08% among floating population; the percentage of people who is willing to pay for the medical insurance is 85.50% among local residents and 70.64% among floating population; only 28.99% of the floating population know the "comprehensive insurance"; comparing with local residents, floating people think that it’s unfair in the aspect of medical insurance among the health service. CONCLUSION Advocating healthy life-style, perfecting the medicalsafeguard system and upgradingthe infectious disease control and prevention service quality according to residents’ need.
The theory and application of X-ray separation technology

This paper introduces the X-ray radiation principle of separation technology development and application of this principle,X-ray radiation Separator in Industry and looking for X-ray radiation in the field of election technology in the mining prospects.
Interleukin-2 activation of human bone marrow in long-term cultures : an effective strategy for purging and generation of anti-tumor cytotoxic effectors

Our previous studies have shown that IL-2 activated bone marrow cells develop potent tumoricidal activity in vitro and in vivo. With the dual aim of in vitro purging and generation of effectors which could mediate graft-versus-leukemia effects in vivo, IL-2 activation of human bone marrow in long-term cultures (LTC) was tested. Marked cytotoxicity was seen against A375 (melanoma), K562 (CML) and Daudi (lymphoma) cell lines in IL-2 (1000 U/ml) stimulated cultures. Hematopoietic progenitor cell number in these cultures was assessed by day 14 clonogenic assays. In 1-week-old IL-2 stimulated cultures a higher number of clonogenic cells was seen than control LTCs without IL-2. However, thereafter accelerated decrease in the number of clonogenic cells was seen in IL-2 cultures. In vitro purging efficacy was tested by elimination of A375 and K562 cells mixed with normal marrow at 1:10 and 1:100 ratios and co-cultured for 10 days. In IL-2 stimulated cultures, A375 cells capable of proliferation were not detectable at both mixing ratios. K562 elimination was complete only at 1:100 ratio. After 10 days in culture, no Ph1-positive metaphases were seen in IL-2 stimulated BM cultures of 4 patients with CML. These results indicate that IL-2 activation of BM in 1-2 week cultures can lead to generation of marked anti-tumor cytotoxicity and effective in vitro purging in a variety of tumor types.
Theorizing children’s subjectivity: Ethnographic investigations in rural Rwanda

The importance of approaching the study of young people through their own experiences has been well established in the sociological and anthropological records. But less attention has been paid to ...
Context and Network Aware Communication Strategies for Connected Vehicle Safety Applications

Connected vehicle safety systems, such as cooperative collision warning (CCW) or avoidance (CCA) systems, rely on vehicle-to-vehicle communication for obtaining real-time situational awareness and detecting possible hazards. The majority of systems that use vehicular networks may benefit from separation of functionalities in communication and application layers. This separation streamlines design of many applications and provides Internet-style flexibility. However, for safety critical applications, the inherent loss of performance due to independent operation of communication and application layers may result in unacceptable degradation of reliability. We show that by considering the safety context and network performance in the communication subsystem design (thus weakening layer independence), significant gain in system reliability is possible. Context awareness is achieved by coupling communication behavior to "safety system performance"; for example using vehicle tracking accuracy to determine the required communication timing. Network awareness is achieved by using feedback from the network to influence the estimated safety system performance (tracking error), and consequently the communication controller. Safety performance metrics that can be used include hazard detection accuracy, or warning accuracy for CCW, or vehicle tracking accuracy. Simulation results, using data from field tests, show the effectiveness of context and network aware communication.
Experiences of Special Education Teachers in Using Evidence-Based Practices

Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are popular in education, particularly special education, and consist of instructional techniques that help close the research-to-practice gap to improve student outcomes. Implementation of EBPs in special education is an ongoing problem. This study aims to evaluate the level of EBP experience among special education teachers. The proposed study will use a qualitative research design. Data will be collected using a semi-structured interview. It will be analyzed, during and after collection, using Ethnograph qualitative data analysis software. The data will be coded, sorted by theme, and interpreted. The study will clarify where and how to improve EBP acquisition in all teachers, but particularly special education teachers.
Enhanced carbon storage through management for old-growth characteristics in northern hardwood-conifer forests

Forest management practices emphasizing stand structural complexity are of interest across the northern forest region of the United States because of their potential to enhance carbon storage. Our research is part of a long-term study evaluating silvicultural treatments that promote late-successional forest characteristics in northern hardwood-conifer forests. We are testing the hypothesis that aboveground biomass development (carbon storage) is greater in structural complexity enhancement (SCE) treatments when compared to conventional uneven-aged treatments. Structural complexity enhancement treatments were compared against selection systems (single-tree and group) modified to retain elevated structure. Manipulations and controls were replicated across 2-ha treatment units at two study areas in Vermont, United States. Data on aboveground biomass pools (live trees, standing dead, and downed wood) were collected pre- and post-treatment, then again a decade later. Species group-specific allometric equations were used to estimate live and standing dead biomass, and downed log biomass was estimated volumetrically. We used the Forest Vegetation Simulator to project “no-treatment” baselines specific to treatment units, allowing measured carbon responses to be normalized against differences in site characteristics affecting tree growth and pre-treatment stand structure. Results indicate that biomass development and carbon storage 10 yr post-treatment were greatest in SCE treatments compared to conventional treatments, with the greatest increases in coarse woody material (CWM) pools. Structural complexity enhancement treatments contained 12.67 Mg/ha carbon in CWM compared to 6.62 Mg/ha in conventional treatments and 8.84 Mg/ha in areas with no treatment. Percentage differences between post-treatment carbon and simulated/projected baseline values indicate that carbon pool values in SCE treatments returned closest to pre-harvest or untreated levels over conventional treatments. Total carbon storage in SCE aboveground pools was 15.90% less than that projected for no-treatment compared to 44.94% less in conventionally treated areas. Results from classification and regression tree models indicated treatment as the strongest predictor of aboveground C storage followed by site-specific variables, suggesting a strong influence of both on carbon pools. Structural enhancement treatments have the potential to increase carbon storage in managed northern hardwoods. They offer an alternative for sustainable management integrating carbon, associated climate change mitigation benefits, and late-successional forest structure and habitat.
The Fate and Impact of Internal Waves in Nearshore Ecosystems

Internal waves are widespread features of global oceans that play critical roles in mixing and thermohaline circulation. Similarly to surface waves, internal waves can travel long distances, ultimately breaking along continental margins. These breaking waves can transport deep ocean water and associated constituents (nutrients, larvae, and acidic low-oxygen waters) onto the shelf and locally enhance turbulence and mixing, with important effects on nearshore ecosystems. We are only beginning to understand the role internal waves play in shaping nearshore ecosystems. Here, I review the physics of internal waves in shallow waters and identify two commonalities among internal waves in the nearshore: exposure to deep offshore waters and enhanced turbulence and mixing. I relate these phenomena to important ecosystem processes ranging from extreme events to fertilization success to draw general conclusions about the influence of internal waves on ecosystems and the effects of internal waves in a changing climate.
Back to the Future: Rethinking the Product of Nature Doctrine as Barrier to Biotechnology Patents

The starting point for the article is the pervasive concern over the privatization of the biological world through the granting of patents on genes, DNA sequences, cell lines, proteins, and the like. We note that virtually every effort by law reformers, scientists, and public interest advocates to put a brake on this process has been rebuffed by the patent office, the Congress, and the courts. The product of nature doctrine, as the name suggests, provides that one may not obtain a patent on something that is indistinguishable from a product of nature. As we acknowledge, the contemporary patent community has assumed that gene, DNA, cell, and other biotechnology patents do not create monopolies on products of nature because the patented substances differ in significant ways from their natural counterparts. Drawing on a history of the doctrine as well as a review of the relevant science, we question that assumption. We advance the admittedly unorthodox proposition that the product of nature doctrine, which goes back at least to the nineteenth century, may provide a legal framework for contesting some of the most controversial biotechnology patents. Because our understanding of the doctrine rests heavily on Supreme Court precedent, we predict that if the Court were to visit the issue it might well undermine the legal foundation of much of the biotechnology revolution.
Labetalol: Response and Safety in Critically Ill Hemorrhagic Stroke Patients:

ObjectiveTo observe and characterize the blood pressure (BP)-lowering and adverse hemodynamic and/or central nervous system effects of intravenous bolus doses of labetalol in hemorrhagic stroke patients.DesignObservational, prospective, pilot survey conducted over an eight-week period.SettingSurgical intensive care unit.ParticipantsPatients admitted with an intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage.Main Outcome ParametersAbsolute decline in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), time to peak reduction in SBP and DBP, and adverse hemodynamic and mental status changes.ResultsLabetalol at doses between 5 and 25 mg lowered SBP by 6–19 percent (baseline 152–184 mm Hg) and DBP by 3–26 percent (baseline 50–99 mm Hg). Adverse hemodynamic or mental status changes were not detected following labetalol administration.ConclusionsSmall (≤25 mg) intravenous bolus doses of labetalol produce mild decreases in BP in hemorrhagic stroke patients.
The Data Sets

Introduction This handbook is designed to provide an accessible introduction to statistical modeling techniques appropriate for data that are non-Gaussian (not normally distributed), do not have observations independent of each other, or may not be linearly related to selected predictors. The discussion relies heavily on data examples and includes thorough explorations of data sets, model construction and evaluation, detailed interpretations of model results, and model-based predictions. We intend to provide readers with a sufficiently thorough and understandable analysis process such that the techniques covered in this text can be readily applied to any similar data situation. However, it is important to understand that we use specific data sets with the various models strictly for demonstrative purposes. The outcomes we present are not to be assumed as definitive representations of information contained within the data sets. Throughout the text, we will use four data sets (each described in this chapter) to exhibit the analytical methods including exploration of the data, building appropriate models (Chapter 2), evaluating the appropriateness of the models, output interpretation, and predictions made by the models. The purpose of using the same data sets throughout is to show that multiple methods can be applied to similar or identical variables of interest, possibly resulting in different conclusions. Consistent use of the same data sets should maintain data familiarity. After reading this first chapter, the intention of every data analysis throughout the remainder of the text should be understood. The modeling methods that are applied to the data sets are models for responses with constant variance (Chapter 3), responses with nonconstant variance (Chapter 4), discrete categorical responses (Chapter 5), models for count responses (Chapter 6), responses that are time-dependent (time-to-event data in Chapter 7, and outcomes collected over time in Chapter 8), and models for which variables that cannot be measured directly but are represented by variables that are measurable (Chapter 9). The last chapter, Chapter 10, is a guide to matching data sets to model types.
Laser Generated X-Ray Studies Relevant to Compression Diagnostics and Nuclear Level Excitation

This paper is divided into two sections. In Section A, absorption spectroscopy has been used to diagnose the conditions in the pusher of laser imploded targets. Absorption lines are produced when continuum radiation from the hot central compressed gas passes out through the colder surrounding pusher. They can be used to determine both the temperature and the ρΔR product of the pusher around peak compression. Applications of this work to the diagnosis of future, high compression implosions is discussed. Section B describes the characterization of x-ray spectra obtained on OMEGA for resonantly pumping nuclear transitions. Total emitted energy on the 8.4 keV resonance line of Cu+27 could be sufficient for resonantly pumping the 8.4099 keV Ml transition in 169TM from the (1/2)+ ground level to the (3/2)+ excited level, with a lifetime of 3.9 nsec. We will measure such nuclear excitation by the 3.9 nsec decay of internal conversion electrons. Results from a praseodymium (Z = 59) target show a spectrally dense x-ray spectrum over an interval of about 1 keV around 8.4 keV, from transitions involving excitation of n = 2 shell electrons. Spectrally dense bands of successively higher Z targets can be used to maximize the chance of resonant pumping of unknown nuclear levels.