cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Syngas Mixture Composition Effects Upon Flashback and Blowout

This paper reports experimental data on flashback and lean blowout characteristics of H2 /CO/CH4 mixtures. Data were obtained over a range of fuel compositions at fixed approach or burned flow velocity, reactant temperature, and combustor pressure at several conditions up to 4.4 atm and 470 K inlet reactants temperature. Consistent with prior studies, these results indicate that the percentage of H2 in the fuel dominates the mixture blowout characteristics. These blowout characteristics can be captured with classical Damkohler number scalings to predict blowoff equivalence ratios to within 10%. Counter-intuitively, the percentage of hydrogen had far less effect on flashback characteristics, at least for fuels with hydrogen mole fractions less than 60%. This is due to the fact that two mechanisms of “flashback” were noted: rapid flashback into the premixer, presumably through the boundary layer, and movement of the static flame position upstream along the centerbody. The former and latter mechanisms were observed at high and low hydrogen concentrations. In the latter mechanism, flame temperature, not flame speed, appears to be the key parameter describing flashback tendencies. We suggest that this is due to an alteration of the vortex breakdown location by the adverse pressure gradient upstream of the flame, similar to the mechanism proposed by Sattelmayer and co-workers [1]. As such, a key conclusion here is that classical flashback scalings derived from, e.g., Bunsen flames, may not be relevant for many parameter regimes found in swirling flames.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Contribution of health status and prevalent chronic disease to individual risk for workplace injury in the manufacturing environment

Objectives An ‘information gap’ has been identified regarding the effects of chronic disease on occupational injury risk. We investigated the association of ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, depression and asthma with acute occupational injury in a cohort of manufacturing workers from 1 January 1997 through 31 December 2007. Methods We used administrative data on real-time injury, medical claims, workplace characteristics and demographics to examine this association. We employed a piecewise exponential model within an Andersen–Gill framework with a frailty term at the employee level to account for inclusion of multiple injuries for each employee, random effects at the employee level due to correlation among jobs held by an employee, and experience on the job as a covariate. Results One-third of employees had at least one of the diseases during the study period. After adjusting for potential confounders, presence of these diseases was associated with increased hazard of injury: heart disease (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.36), diabetes (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.27), depression (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.38) and asthma (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.287). Hypertension was not significantly associated with hazard of injury. Associations of chronic disease with injury risk were less evident for more serious reportable injuries; only depression and a summary health metric derived from claims remained significantly positive in this subset. Conclusions Our results suggest that chronic heart disease, diabetes and depression confer an increased risk for acute occupational injury.
Use of the Matrix Analogies Test-Short Form and the Draw a Person: a Quantitative Scoring System With Learning-Disabled and Normal Students

This study investigated the usefulness of the MAT-SF and the DAP: A Quantitative Scoring System as screening instruments. In this study, 44 regular and 33 LD classroom fourth- and fifth- grade students were group administered the screening tests and individually administered the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement. The results found both groups to score within the average range on both screening tests and the LD group to score significantly lower on the achieve ment than on the two screening tests. The MAT-SF was found to correlate significantly with all areas of achievement for the normal group. The DAP did not correlate significantly with any areas for the normal group; it correlated significantly with reading, but not math, for the learning- disabled students. The results indicated that the MAT-SF may have more utility as a general screening instrument than does the DAP.
Alpha Interferon Induces Distinct Translational Control Programs To Suppress Hepatitis C Virus RNA Replication

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is treated with interferon (IFN)-based therapy. The mechanisms by which IFN suppresses HCV replication are not known, and only limited efficacy is achieved with therapy because the virus directs mechanisms to resist the host IFN response. In the present study we characterized the effects of IFN action upon the replication of two distinct quasispecies of an HCV replicon whose encoded NS5A protein exhibited differential abilities to bind and inhibit protein kinase R (PKR). Metabolic labeling experiments revealed that IFN had little overall effect upon HCV protein stability or polyprotein processing but specifically blocked translation of the HCV RNA, such that the replication of both viral quasispecies was suppressed by IFN treatment of the Huh7 host cells. However, within cells expressing an NS5A variant that inhibited PKR, we observed a reduced level of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha subunit (eIF2α) phosphorylation and a concomitant increase in HCV protein synthetic rates, enhancement of viral RNA replication, and a partial rescue of viral internal ribosome entry site (IRES) function from IFN suppression. Assessment of the ribosome distribution of the HCV replicon RNA demonstrated that the NS5A-mediated block in eIF2α phosphorylation resulted in enhanced recruitment of the HCV RNA into polyribosome complexes in vivo but only partially rescued the RNA from polyribosome dissociation induced by IFN treatment. Examination of cellular proteins associated with HCV-translation complexes in IFN-treated cells identified the P56 protein as an eIF3-associated factor that fractionated with the initiator ribosome-HCV RNA complex. Importantly, we found that P56 could independently suppress HCV IRES function both in vitro and in vivo, but a mutant P56 that was unable to bind eIF3 had no suppressive action. We conclude that IFN blocks HCV replication through translational control programs involving PKR and P56 to, respectively, target eIF2- and eIF3-dependent steps in the viral RNA translation initiation process.
Purification and Characterization of Clathrin‐Coated Vesicles from Chlamydomonas

Clathrin-coated vesicles, identified by negative staining with uranyl acetate, were purified from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Isolated coated vesicles had diameters ranging from 70 to 140 nm (mean diameter +/- SD of 95 +/- 17 nm, n = 300). These vesicles were markedly heterogeneous in both density and surface charge, as indicated by equilibrium density sedimentation and elution from anion-exchange columns. Highly-purified coated-vesicle fractions contained 2 major polypeptides, identified as the clathrin heavy chain (185 kDa) and the clathrin light chain (40 kDa). Chlamydomonas clathrin heavy chain cross-reacts weakly with an antibody against bovine brain clathrin heavy chain. Coat stability in several buffers was compared to that of bovine brain coated vesicles. Stability was similar, except for a greater stability of Chlamydomonas coated vesicles in 0.5 M Tris at pH 7.0.
The Effect of Feeding Grit on Digestibility in the Domestic Fowl

Abstract THE American literature on the value of poultry grit has been well reviewed by Waite (1935), and his conclusions can be summarized in a few statements. Most of the work on the subject has consisted of comparing the growth, egg production, and feed consumption of one group of birds receiving grit with those of another group which did not receive grit. It has been definitely proved that birds can be successfully raised and maintained without access to any grit. However, several workers have observed that birds without grit consumed more feed per unit gain in weight. Danilova, Solun, Chlebnikov, and Poliakov (1933) reported that the addition of grit did not improve the digestibilty of crude fiber, but that it did increase the digestibility coefficients for protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The question of the effect of grit on the utilization of different feeds has received little attention. It is sometimes assumed . . .
The Effects of Communication and Information Availability in an Experimental Study of a Three-Person Game

This study investigated the effects of six communication/information conditions on the outcomes reached by three-person groups playing a characteristic function game. The game was played by a monopolist and two weaker players. The conditions consisted of six combinations which varied the amount of information available to the players and their ability to communicate with one another. The investigation focused on the effects of the independent variables and the relationship between the data and several game theoretic solution concepts. The results indicated that the monopolist's payoffs depended to a large extent on the communication/information conditions. Announcement of the payoff division and the availability of messages tended to reduce his payoffs. In conditions where no messages were allowed, the monopolist's payoffs increased over time. Although the data diverged significantly from the core, the situations which contributed to greater competition resulted in outcomes closer to the core. A comparison between von Neumann-Morgenstern solutions and the more general class of subsolutions indicated that subsolutions were more reflective of the behavior observed. In addition, the results over the entire set of conditions closely approximated the Shapley value, which has recently been shown to be a risk neutral player's expected utility for playing the game. Directions for future research were suggested.
Perinatally HIV-infected youth presenting with acute stroke: progression/evolution of ischemic disease on neuroimaging.

Summary Background and purpose Although HIV infection is decreasing in infants and children, there is a steady cohort of perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV) children that are growing older. Increased risk of acute stroke has been reported in PHIV children. Our goal was to evaluate evolution/progression of neuroimaging findings in PHIV youth initially presenting with acute stroke. Materials and methods The medical records of PHIV pediatric patients (n = 179) from 1996 to 2010 were reviewed and patients with clinical documentation of acute stroke referred to the neuroradiology service were eligible for the study. Neuroimaging (brain CT, MRI, and MRA) and charts were evaluated; clinical and neuroimaging findings at the initial acute stroke and at the last presentation to the neuroradiology service were documented and analyzed. Results Eight PHIV patients with clinical findings of acute stroke referred to the neuroimaging were identified. CT and MRI findings of infarction were found in all (8/8) patients in their first and/or last neuroimaging study; including basal ganglia-thalami (BGT) infarction (7/8), focal cortical infarction (4/8), and internal capsule infarction (4/8). Imaging depicted cortical atrophy (5/8), BGT calcification (3/8), and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, wallerian degeneration, and periventricular white matter hyperintense T2 signal each in one patient. No tumors or infectious masses, cysts or abscesses were identified. Subsequent available neuroimaging revealed progression of the cerebrovascular disease in seven patients, 5/7 in the absence of new clinical signs or symptoms. Segmental occlusion, narrowing or narrowing/dilatation in the circle of Willis was found in 6/6 patients who underwent MR angiography and fusiform aneurysms were detected in three of them, a saccular aneurysm in one patient. Conclusion Asymptomatic progression of cerebrovascular disease was found in PHIV adolescents with prior stroke. These findings may have implications for long-term risk and outcomes for this patient population. There should be a low threshold to evaluate for CNS pathology even with minor symptoms in this population. More studies are necessary to determine if there is a benefit from screening of asymptomatic patients.
Thermoregulation in laboratory mammals and humans exposed to anticholinesterase agents

The regulation of body temperature is one of many homeostatic functions affected by exposure to anticholinesterase (antiChE) pesticides, and related compounds. In the study of antiChE neurotoxicity, thermoregulatory variables are often used as sensitive physiological indices. Hence, a review on the thermoregulatory aspects of antiChE agents would be useful to researchers in a variety of fields. A reduction in body temperature is a commonly used indicator of antiChE poisoning in laboratory rodents. On the other hand, humans and some other species often shown an elevation in body temperature when exposed to antiChE agents. Hyperthermia has also been noted in animals treated with either low levels of antiChEs or during recovery from high doses of antiChEs. In this review, the literature dealing with the central and peripheral effects of cholinergic agonists and antagonists is reassessed because the thermoregulatory effects of antiChEs are thought to be linked to the activation of cholinergic pathways. This is followed by a thorough review of the studies reporting thermoregulatory responses in laboratory rodents and humans exposed to low and high doses of a variety of antiChE agents, including the organophosphate- (OP) and carbamate- (CB) based pesticides and related drugs. Attention is given to the possible mechanism of action of OPs on thermoregulation in the laboratory rodent including the involvement of behavioral and autonomic processes. The incidence of antiChE-induced hyperthermia (fever) in humans exposed to antiChEs is also addressed. Other topics of antiChE-induced thermoregulatory dysfunction discussed in this review include the role of exercise, heat, and cold stress, tolerance to antiChE agents, and genetic variability. Overall, the mechanism of antiChE-induced changes in body temperature cannot always be explained solely by the immediate consequences of ChE inhibition.
Atropine augmentation of treadmill exercise stress echocardiography.

Objectives: Performance of exercise stress testing depends on adequate workload and is limited by patients’ inability to reach target heart rate due to noncardiac illness or medications such as beta-blockers. This study aimed to assess the utility of atropine administration to augment the chronotropic response of patients undergoing treadmill exercise stress echocardiography. Methods: In a retrospective study, we assessed the utility of atropine administration to augment the chronotropic response in 1,396 patients undergoing treadmill exercise stress echocardiography between January 2004 and January 2009, compared with a historical control group with no atropine augmentation. Results: Atropine was well tolerated. The proportion of abnormal studies differed significantly between patients who underwent exercise with and without atropine augmentation (15% vs. 10%; P < 0.0001). Compared with the historical control group, the proportion of patients who achieved ≥85% of their target heart rates increased from 67% to 78% (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: While atropine augmentation is safe and feasible, further studies are required to determine whether it is an equivalent surrogate to achieving target heart rate through exercise alone. (Echocardiography 2011;28:1109-1112)
Nineteenth-Century Arabic Writings On Women And Society: The Interim Role Of The Masonic Press In Cairo — (Al-Lata'if, 1885–1895)

This article, which draws largely from Arabica press sources from 1885 to 1900, seeks to sharpen our view of social attitudes reflected in the activities of local Freemasons in Egypt and Syria during the last decades of the Ottoman Empite. A number of earlier historians have attached considerable importance to pre- and post-1908 masonic orders and Ottoman politics. Too few, however, have tried to analyze ways in which essential social themes, some widely recognized as having importance across international and intercultural lines, were viewed through the perspective of late 19th-century Freemasonry. A first task in this introduction, therefore, will be to see how Masons in Europe and the Middle East viewed, or were presumed to view, a number of such social themes in general terms. We will then turn to one specific issue which clearly assumed more than passing importance as a propagandistic cause pursued by a small but influential group of Masons in Syria and Egypt over nearly two decades' time. We may tentatively suggest that the purpose of such endeavors was to encourage majority acceptance of the relevance and value of a cause espoused for the body politic as a whole, without necessary reference to its original, here clearly minority, proponents.
Polymerization of benzene and aniline on Cu(II)-exchanged hectorite clay films; a scanning force microscope study

The technique of scanning force microscopy (SFM) was used to study the nanometer-scale structure of Cu(II)-exchanged hectorite thin films. Supporting data were also obtained from Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The surfaces studied included pure Cu(II)- exchanged hectorite, Cu(II)-exchanged hectorite exposed to benzene and Cu(II)-exchanged hectorite ex- posed to aniline. SFM images of the unexposed Cu(II)-exchanged hectorite surface revealed a smooth surface composed of interlocking platelets. The lateral dimension of these platelets ranged from a few nm to about 1 p~m. After exposure to refluxing benzene, the SFM showed that the platelets underwent vertical shifts in position. This is believed to have occurred from intercalated benzene that polymerized in the interlayer region. No SFM evidence was obtained for benzene polymerization on the surface of the hectorite. Hectorite films exposed to aniline at room temperature revealed a post-polymerization structure on the hectorite surface consisting of small polymer bundles. The diameter of these bundles was measured to be 300-3000 ,~, similar to the structure seen on electropolymerized polyaniline films. Aniline polymerized on the surface of hectorite films at 180 ~ revealed a structure similar to undoped n-methyl- pyrrolidinone (NMP) cast polyaniline films. In this case, the polymer bundles are only 300 A in dimension on average. XRD and ESR data also indicated interlayer aniline polymerization in Cu(lI) exchanged hectorite. Mechanistic considerations affecting these polymerization reactions are presented.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: a national estimate of frequency in systemic lupus erythematosus and other rheumatic diseases.

Objective Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, typically fatal, central nervous system demyelinating disease that results from reactivation of the JC virus, which generally occurs in immunosuppressed hosts. The aim of this study was to generate a national estimate of the frequency of PML among patients with rheumatic diseases. Methods Data were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. This is a 20% sample of all hospital discharges, weighted to represent the entire US inpatient population. Data were analyzed for the years 1998–2005 inclusive, representing 297,797,180 hospital discharges. Cases of PML, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and other rheumatic diseases were identified by diagnostic codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification. Results A total of 9,675 cases of PML were identified. The majority were associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; 7,934 patients [82.00%]), hematologic cancers (813 patients [8.40%]), and solid cancers (274 patients [2.83%]). Among the rheumatic diseases, 43 cases of PML (0.44%) were associated with SLE, 24 (0.25%) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 25 (0.26%) with other connective tissue diseases (CTDs). When patients with other potential risk factors for PML (HIV, malignancy, bone marrow or other organ transplantation) were excluded, the rates of PML per 100,000 discharges coded for SLE, RA, and other CTDs were 4, 0.4 and 2, respectively, compared with a rate of PML in the background population of 0.2/100,000 discharges. Conclusion This study was confined to hospitalized patients with rheumatic diseases, and it was also limited by the lack of information regarding immunosuppressive therapy. Nevertheless, the findings suggest that, although rare overall, PML occurs more commonly in SLE than in other rheumatic diseases.
Chemotherapy of ovarian cancer directed by the human tumor stem cell assay

Summary. The human tumor stem cell assay (HTSCA) has been used to study the in vitro sensitivity rates of anticancer drugs used in the treatment of 115 patients with previously untreated and relapsing ovarian cancer. The data from these studies have identified patterns of cross resistance and residual sensitivity between these agents, and have allowed the prospective selection of single agents possessing in vitro activity for the treatment of 32 patients with relapsing disease. cis-Platinum and vinblastine were the most active agents in vitro against ovarian TCFUs from both previously untreated and relapsing patients. Prior therapy with even one drug was associated with the acquisition of resistance to several classes of compounds (e.g., melphalan resistance was almost always associated with in vitro adriamycin resistance, P < 0.001). A clinical trial yielding similar data would have required nearly 450 evaluable ovarian cancer patients. In 11 of 32 patients in vitro testing predicted sensitivity to single agents: eight of these had partial remissions for a predictive accuracy of 73%. In 33 instances the HTSCA had 100% accuracy in predicting the lack of clinical response. Thus, the HTSCA for advanced ovarian cancer appears to have a similar predictive accuracy rate to the estrogen receptor assay for predicting the response to hormonal therapy for disseminated breast cancer.
Assessing Species Boundaries and Sex-Associations in the Genus Drepanaporus (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae), With Comparison of the Utility of Cytochrome c Oxidase I and a Nuclear Molecular Marker, and the Description of a New Species of Drepanaporus

ABSTRACT The taxonomy of the Antillean genus Drepanaporus Bradley (Pompilidae) is problematic because of sexual dimorphism and nearly uniform morphology of males across species. Species limits are not well understood, and sexes are not properly associated in all species. In this study, we reassessed morphology, and collected novel molecular data for the purpose of determining species boundaries and establishing sex-associations for all species. Two genes, cytochrome c oxidase (COI) and long-wavelength rhodopsin (LWRh) were amplified for 20 specimens of Drepanaporus, from both females and males. Using LWRh (including both introns and exons) and COI sequences, the relationships of Drepanaporus samples were reconstructed. Sequences obtained for COI showed unusually high divergences and putative introgression, and thus were not used for taxonomic decisions. Taxonomic changes were made based on the LWRh phylogenetic results. A new species of Drepanaporus— Drepanaporus bachata sp. nov—is described herein based ...
Barriers to implementation of an organized geriatric fracture program.

Introduction: There has been a recent increase in interest in implementing organized geriatric fracture programs for care of older adults with fragility fractures in order to improve both the quality and costs of care. Because such programs are relatively new, there are no standardized methods for implementation and no published descriptions of barriers to implementation. Materials and Methods: An online survey tool was sent to 185 surgeons and physicians practicing in the United States, who are involved with geriatric fracture care. Sixty-eight responses were received and evaluated. Results: Barriers identified included lack of medical and surgical leadership, need for a clinical case manager, lack of anesthesia department support, lack of hospital administration support, operating room time availability, and difficulty with cardiac clearance for surgery. Other issues important to implementation included quality improvement, cost reductions, cost to the hospital, infection prevention, readmission prevention, and dealing with competing interest groups and competing projects mandated by the government. Physicians and surgeons felt that a site visit to a functioning program was most important when considering implementing a hip fracture program. Conclusions: This study provides useful insights into barriers to implementing an organized hip fracture program. The authors offer suggestions on ways to mitigate or overcome these barriers.
Limitations to estimating yield based on in-line defect measurements

To estimate yield loss based on data from in-line defect measurements, certain assumptions must be made so the data can be made to fit a given yield model. For the assumptions to be credible, inherent limitations due to detection, review sampling, and classification groupings must be understood and dealt with. Methodologies such as correlations of in-line measurement data to test data can be misinterpreted if issues such as multiple-failed die are not considered. This paper discusses some of the inherent limitations of in-line measurements and how they can affect the intended outcome of yield estimations.
The structure of native cellulose

Native cellulose has been shown to consist of a crystalline array of parallel chains, based on the X-ray diffraction data for specimens from the sea alga Valonia ventricosa. The unit cell is monoclinic with dimensions a = 16.34 A, b = 15.72 A, c = 10.38 A (fiber axis), and β = 97.0°. The space group is P21 and the cell contains disaccharide segments of eight chains. Models containing chains with the same sense (parallel) or alternating sense (antiparallel) were refined against the intensity data using rigidbody least squares procedures. The results show a preference for a parallel chain structure with specific chain polarity with respect to the c axis. The refinement places the CH2OH side chains approximately 20′ from the so-called tg conformation, with a result that an 02′H…06 intramolecular bond is formed. The structure also contains an 03H…05′ intramolecular bond and an 06H…03 intermolecular bond along the a axis. All these bonds lie in the 020 planes, and the structure is an array of hydrogen-bonded sheets. A major consequence of this work is that regular chain folding can be ruled out and cellulose is seen as extended chain polymer single crystals.
Handling characteristics in roll of two light airplanes for steep approach landings.

A flight test program has been conducted to measure experimentally the roll control and spiral stability characteristics of two general aviation airplanes and to relate these characteristics to the increase in pilot's workload associated with preserving a level wing attitude during steep landing approaches. A DeHavilland Beaver DHC-2 airplane and a Beechcraft T-34B airplane were used in the investigation. Values of measured roll control and stability parameters are compared with current handling qualities criteria. Rates of roll are compared with values calculated using lifting-line theory. The experimental results show that the problem of reducing the pilot's workload is not dependent upon improving the roll control characteristics of the airplanes tested, but appears to be mostly dependent upon providing additional spiral stability and reducing cross coupling. The requirement for additional spiral stability needed during the landing approach conflicts with the need for neutral spiral stability during the turning maneuver. Comparisons of roll control parameters with current handling qualities criteria show that both airplanes are within the range for satisfactory operation.
Heart transplant outcomes in patients with left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy.

Background Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNCC) is a rare disease that starts in utero and may progress to heart failure (HF), sometimes requiring orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). There are limited data addressing characteristics of LVNCC patients that require OHT and their outcomes. We therefore sought to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of LVNCC patients treated with OHT. Methods We queried the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database for all patients listed for OHT with LVNCC as the primary heart failure etiology between 2000 and 2013. We examined their characteristics at listing and outcomes after OHT and compared the findings with those of patients with idiopathic cardiomyopathy (IDCMP). Results We identified 113 patients (43 adults and 70 pediatrics) with LVNCC of 45,298 patients (0.25% overall, 0.11% of adults and 1.0% of pediatrics) listed for OHT in this time period. Most were male children with mean age at listing of 16.9 years. Compared with the overall IDCMP cohort, patients with LVNCC were younger, had higher use of inotropes and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and were more often listed as UNOS Status 1A with shorter waiting time. However, when adjusted for age, gender and ethnicity, these differences disappeared. During transplant listing, 8 (7.9%) died, 5 (5.0%) improved and avoided transplant, 3 (3.0%) became too sick for transplant and 78 (77.2%) underwent OHT. There was a non-significant trend toward longer cardiac allograft survival in patients with LVNCC (10.6 vs 9.4 years; log-rank test, p = 0.068). Patients with LVNCC had similar outcomes to other IDCMP patients, except for more post-transplant infections (50.0% vs 21.6%, p Conclusions LVNCC patients undergoing heart transplantation are mostly pediatric and predominantly bridged to transplant with inotropes or ECMO. Despite having more post-transplant infections, their survival is similar to that of other IDCMP patients.
Immunoglobulin Classes of Serum Neutralizing Antibody Formed in Response to Immunization with Dead Influenza Virus Vaccine

SummarySerum specimens obtained at weekly intervals from 4 normal adult volunteers immunized with dead influenza virus vaccine were fractionated on Sephadex G-200 in order to study the classes of immuno-globulins which make up the influenza virus neutralizing antibody. Neutralizing antibody activity was found only in the IgG class of immunoglobulins. This finding is similar to the results obtained in volunteers inoculated with live influenza virus via the respiratory tract. Since the neutralizing antibody in respiratory secretion is mostly found in the IgA class, the lack of IgA serum antibody supports the hypothesis of local production of antibody in external secretions.
Characteristics of Dental School Feeder Institutions

A major challenge faced by all dental schools is the need to attract highly qualified student applicants. The purpose of this study was to use 2002-03 AADSAS data to identify and characterize feeder colleges and universities that are the major source of applicants to U.S. dental schools. Feeder schools were defined as any institutions with five or more applicants, and minority-feeder schools as those with two or more minority applicants. Feeder schools were ranked by their total numbers of applicants (Category 1) and by their ratio of applicants to total undergraduate enrollment (Category 2). Feeder institutions were compared using total enrollment, degree status, geographic distribution, religious affiliation, numbers of minority applicants, and college admissions selectivity criteria. The top fifty Category 1 schools had an average enrollment of over 19,000 students and an average of sixty-seven applicants. The top fifty Category 2 schools had an average enrollment of approximately 8,500 students and an average of forty-nine applicants. Less than 1 percent of applicants from the top feeder institutions attended the nation's most competitive schools. California and Utah accounted for 28 percent of the total applicants from feeder institutions, followed by Florida (6.2 percent) and New York (5.7 percent). Seventeen of the top twenty-five Category 2 schools (68 percent) were affiliated with or had student bodies associated with a particular religion, with the Seventh-Day Adventist and Mormon institutions accounting for 544 applicants. The majority of all applicants from feeder institutions attended schools in the Southwest. The majority of black and Hispanic feeder institutions were in Florida, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Puerto Rico. Results suggest that factors such as school size, geographic location, religious affiliation, and admissions selectivity criteria of colleges and universities may have a direct impact on the dental applicant pool.
Sampling-based planning for maximum margin input space obstacle avoidance

This paper proposes a method for safe navigation based on representative sample inputs. The representative inputs are chosen in safe input sets based on their distance from forbidden input sets. The inputs are not only the safest decisions with respect to various unmodeled sources of uncertainties, but are also representatives of groups of nearby input sets resulting in similar maneuvers. This approach provides an obstacle avoidance strategy for the maximum control margins. For computational efficiency, a sampling-based approach is adopted, and its performance in terms of solution quality and computation time is analyzed. The algorithm has been successfully demonstrated with an example of a car-like robot in fields with obstacles. For the multiple-step horizon problem, a best-first search algorithm is proposed with guarantee of optimality, and its computational efficiency is demonstrated.
Financial Data Bases in Accounting Doctoral Programs

This paper reports of a survey of US doctoral-grantiing programs in accounting (with 95 percent of the programs rsponding). The data bases most commonly possessed by accounting doctoral programs are identified, personal support is discussed, the amount of direct annual costs needed to maintain these data bases.are provided. Our findings have implications for accounting educators in their roles as researchers, as teachers of doctoral students, as advisors to under-graduate and masters students, and as teachers of non-doctoral students. Our findings should also be useful for administrators and faculty groups who are evaluating a current accounting doctoral program or propose to begin a new doctoral program.
Where to Turn for Second-Line Cytoreduction After Hydroxyurea in Polycythemia Vera?

UNLABELLED The goals of therapy in patients with polycythemia vera (PV) are to improve disease-related symptoms, prevent the incidence or recurrence of thrombosis, and possibly delay or prevent the transformation into myelofibrosis or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Cytoreductive therapies have been used in older patients and those with a history of thrombosis to achieve these goals. Hydroxyurea (HU) remains the first-line cytoreductive choice; however, up to one in four patients treated with HU over time will develop resistance or intolerance to HU. More importantly, patients who fail HU have a 5.6-fold increase in mortality and a 6.8-fold increase risk of transformation to myelofibrosis or AML; therefore, alternative therapies are needed for these patients. Interferon-α has been used in PV and has shown significant activity in achieving hematologic responses and decreasing JAK2 V617F mutation allele burden. JAK inhibition has also been investigated and recently garnered regulatory approval for this indication. In this review, we will discuss the current treatment options that are available for patients after HU and the novel therapies that are currently under investigation. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The outcomes of PV patients who fail or who are intolerant of hydroxyurea are poor. Although pegylated interferon can be considered in younger patients, currently, ruxolitinib is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved agent in this setting, representing a viable option, leading to hematocrit control and a reduction in spleen size and constitutional symptoms. Although a small number of patients will achieve a molecular response with continuous treatment, the implications of such response on the clinical outcomes are still unknown. Patients whose disease is not adequately controlled with ruxolitinib, or who lose their response, can be treated with low-dose busulfan or pipobroman; however, they should be encouraged to participate in trials with novel therapies.
Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering: Application to Coal-Fired Flow Facility

A comparative studies of N 2 CARS measurements has been performed at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI)/ Department of Energy (DOE) Coal-Fired Flow Facility (CFFF). Measurements were made at the diffuser and the aerodynamic duct. Simultaneous N 2 -CO CARS spectra taken were used to infer temperature and CO concentration at the diffuser. Spectra recorded at the diffuser has an atypical feature near the v = 1-2 N 2 CARS vibrational transition. The atypical feature intensity decreases in the aerodynamic duct which shows laser produced C 2 absorption around the fundamental band. The CARS inferred temperature uncertainty at the diffuser is estimated to be ± 100 K where as at the aerodynamic duct the uncertainty is ± 250 K. The errors in the inferred temperature with different spectral interferences in the CARS spectrum has also been studied.
University Reputation and the Disclosure of Academic Discoveries

We study how the technology transfer policies and scientific reputations of universities affect the decisions of researchers of whether to commercially develop their discoveries, and if so, whether...
Audit Demand's Alienation and Its Institutional Reasons in China

Audit demand can have an appreciable impact on the development of audit market and capital market.It is apparent that the alienation exists in China capital market during the special period in some special domain,which indicates the shortage of high quality audit demand.There are three kinds of alienable phenomena of audit demand —— low quality preference,casual attitude,and dependence on administration —— in China audit market,which signifies the deficiency of demand for high-quality audit.There are some institutional reasons,such as a) majority rule in equity voting;b) intimate connection between government and state-owned enterprises;c) government regulation on IPO,and d) insufficient legal punishment on false financial statements.The countermeasures include: a) classified voting system;b) property privatization;c) IPO registration system and d) group lawsuit system.
Darboux curves in 3-dimensional Euclidean space

In three dimensional Euclidean space,a straight line passing through a point of a space curve and paralleling to the Darboux vector of this point is called the Darboux line of the curve at this point.If the Darboux lines of two curves are coincident at the corresponding points,the curves are called a Darboux curve pair.Some characteristics for Darboux curve pair in three dimensional Euclidean space would be found in this paper,and we also get following results:1)The principal normal lines of two curves are parallel if and only if their Darboux lines are parallel;2)If the principal normal lines of two curves are parallel,their tangent vector fields make a fixed angle;3)Two curves are Darboux curve pair if and only if their tangent planes are same at the corresponding points.At the same time,we study the relation between the curvature and torsion of a space curve if it has a Darboux pair in three dimensional Euclidean space.
Mechanism of Learning Organization in Electric Power Enterprises

Based on analyzing the main characteristics of learning organization,this paper explores into the key problems in the effective operation of driving the learning organization,with the spontaneity and motivation of individual learning as the breakthrough point,and from the perspective of Maslow's five-level theory,enterprise crisis management theory,and intelligent organization demands. Thereby,the drive mechanism is built up suitable for learning organization operation in electric power enterprises.
Infections in elderly persons : an altered clinical presentation

The high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality of infectious diseases in the geriatric population mandates that clinicians caring for older patients become better acquainted and familiar with the special and unique characteristics and features of this common clinical problem. Only through such awareness and understanding will clinical outcomes, functional capacity, and quality of life be improved in the elderly population.
Impact of near-peer teaching rounds on student satisfaction in the basic surgical clerkship.

Abstract Background Teaching rounds are rarely featured in the surgery clerkship. Senior students interested in surgery are suited to precept teaching rounds. Near-peer teaching can provide benefits to both learners and preceptors. Methods Near-peer teaching rounds consisted of senior student–precetors leading groups of 3 clerkship students on teaching rounds once during the clerkship. We prospectively surveyed student satisfaction before and after instituting near-peer teaching rounds. We retrospectively gathered qualitative narratives from student–preceptors. Results The survey response rate was 93% before near-peer teaching rounds were instituted and 85% after. Satisfaction with the learning environment and the quality and amount of small-group teaching were significantly higher after the institution of near-peer teaching rounds ( P ≤ .001 for all 3). Satisfaction with the overall clerkship and baseline interest in surgery were not significantly different. Student–preceptors reported gaining valuable experience for future roles in academia as residents and attending surgeons. Conclusions Student satisfaction with small-group teaching and the learning environment increased after the institution of near-peer teaching rounds in the surgery clerkship. Student–preceptors gained early experience for careers in academic surgery.
Coenzyme Q10 protects renal proximal tubule cells against nicotine-induced apoptosis through induction of p66 shc -dependent antioxidant responses

Chronic nicotine exposure (via smoking, E-cigarettes) increases oxidative stress in the kidney that sensitizes it to additional injury in experimental models and in the renal patient. The pro-apoptotic p66shc protein-via serine36 phosphorylation that facilitates its mitochondrial translocation and therein cytochrome c binding-generates oxidative stress that leads to injury of renal proximal tubule cells during chronic nicotine exposure. Coenzyme Q10-a clinically safe antioxidant-has been used against nicotine/smoke extract-associated oxidative stress in various non-renal cells. This study explored the anti-oxidant/anti-apoptotic effect of Coenzyme Q10 on nicotine-induced oxidative stress and its impact on p66shc in cultured rat renal proximal tubule cells (NRK52E). We studied the anti-oxidant effect of 10 µM Coenzyme Q10 using various mutants of the p66shc gene and also determined the induction of selected anti-oxidant entities (antioxidant response element, promoter of the manganese superoxide dismutase gene) in reporter luciferase assay during oxidative stress induced by 200 µM nicotine. Our studies revealed that Coenzyme Q10 strongly inhibits nicotine-mediated production of reactive oxygen species and consequent apoptosis that requires serine36 phosphorylation but not mitochondrial translocation/cytochrome c binding of p66shc. While both nicotine and Coenzyme Q10 stimulates the p66shc promoter, only nicotine exposure results in mitochondrial translocation of p66shc. In contrast, the Coenzyme Q10-stimulated and non-mitochondrial p66shc activates the anti-oxidant manganese superoxide dismutase promoter via the antioxidant response elements and hence, rescues cells from nicotine-induced oxidative stress and consequent apoptosis.
Are Uncertain Fertility Intentions a Temporary or Long-term Outlook? Findings from a Panel Study

Abstract Objectives Research suggests that a substantial minority of women are unsure if they want to have (more) children. This study examines whether this is a temporary or long-term outlook and which characteristics are associated with uncertainty about future childbearing intentions. Methods Panel data from a national sample of 2,353 nonsterilized U.S. women aged 18 to 39 years were gathered at three points in time between 2012 and 2013. Women who indicated they were "not sure" if they wanted to have any (more) children were classified as uncertain. Random effects and fixed effects logistic regression were used to determine which baseline and time-varying characteristics were associated with fertility uncertainty and changes in uncertainty. Results Although 39% of the sample reported uncertain fertility intentions on at least one survey, only 9% were uncertain at all three. Characteristics associated with uncertainty included being ages 30 and older, having one or more children, perceiving one's partner to have uncertain childbearing intentions, and having a strong desire to avoid pregnancy. Characteristics associated with a decreased likelihood of uncertainty included relationship happiness and having a recent discussion about childbearing intentions with a health care provider. Conclusions At a given point in time, a substantial minority of women is uncertain whether they want to have more children, but it seems to be a temporary or transitional stage for most.
Aid, Policies and Growth: Revisiting with New Data

Burnside and Dollar (2000) conclude aid promotes growth in the presence of sound policies. Easterly et al. (2004) overturn this result. We revisit this highly debated topic with updated data. Our results overturn Burnside and Dollar’s original findings by simply using new data over the same countries and years. Additional tests indicate that the original results are mainly sample driven. Marginal effects from a long-run sample (1962-2013) and post-Cold War (1990-2013) dataset suggest aid may decrease growth at any level of policy. Collectively, the results do not support a positive role of aid on growth, conditional on good policies.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator for Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

The use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) has been a major advancement in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction 1100 patients with NICM on optimal medical therapy (OMT) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) to ICD versus no ICD for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death, revealed no difference in all-cause mortality between the 2 groups at 5-year follow-up.4 Although the primary results of DANISH were neutral, the ICD group showed reduction in incidence of sudden cardiac death by half, and there was an interaction …
Comparative Study of Multicellular Tumor Spheroid Formation Methods and Implications for Drug Screening.

Improved in vitro models are needed to better understand cancer progression and bridge the gap between in vitro proof-of-concept studies, in vivo validation, and clinical application. Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) are a popular method for three-dimensional (3D) cell culture, because they capture some aspects of the dimensionality, cell–cell contact, and cell–matrix interactions seen in vivo. Many approaches exist to create MCTS from cell lines, and they have been used to study tumor cell invasion, growth, and how cells respond to drugs in physiologically relevant 3D microenvironments. However, there are several discrepancies in the observations made of cell behaviors when comparing between MCTS formation methods. To resolve these inconsistencies, we created and compared the behavior of breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer cells across three MCTS formation methods: in polyNIPAAM gels, in microwells, or in suspension culture. These methods formed MCTS via proliferation from single cells or passive ag...