cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Groundwater seeps in Taylor Valley Antarctica: an example of a subsurface melt event

The 2001/02 austral summer was the warmest summer on record in Taylor Valley, Antarctica, (∼78° S) since continuous records of temperature began in 1985. The highest stream-flows ever recorded in the Onyx River, Wright Valley, were also recorded that year (the record goes back to the 1969/70 austral summer). In early January 2002, a groundwater seep was observed flowing in the southwest portion of Taylor Valley. This flow has been named ‘Wormherder Creek’ (WHC) and represents an unusual event, probably occurring on a decadal time-scale. The physical characteristics of this feature suggest that it may have flowed at other times in the past. Other groundwater seeps, emanating from the north-facing slope of Taylor Valley, were also observed. Little work has been done previously on these very ephemeral seeps, and the source of water is unknown. These features, resembling recently described features on Mars, represent the melting of subsurface ice. The Martian features have been interpreted as groundwater seeps. In this paper we compare the chemistry of the WHC groundwater seep to that of the surrounding streams that flow every austral summer. The total dissolved solids content of WHC was ∼6 times greater than that of some nearby streams. The Na : Cl and SO4 : Cl ratios of the seep waters are higher than those of the streams, but the Mg : Cl and HCO3 : Cl ratios are lower, indicating different sources of solutes to the seeps compared to the streams. The enrichment of Na and SO4 relative to Cl may suggest significant dissolution of mirabilite within the previously unwetted soil. The proposed occurrence of abundant mirabilite in higher-elevation soils of the dry valley region agrees with geochemical models developed, but not tested, in the late 1970s. The geochemical data demonstrate that these seeps could be important in ‘rinsing’ the soils by dissolving and redistributing the long-term accumulation of salts, and perhaps improving habitat suitability for soil biota. The H4SiO4 concentration is 2–3 times greater in WHC than in the surrounding streams, indicating a large silicate-weathering component in the seep waters.
Equine quality of life assessment: a review of protocol and practice

ABSTRACT:Quality of life (QoL) assessment in horses may easily be overlooked often as a consequence of practitioner time constraints and a lack of consensus regarding effective and reliable methodologies.This review explores the concept of QoL, the principles and methods of QoL measurement and discusses the usefulness of qualitative judgements. It draws conclusions on the importance of life-long, multifaceted QoL evaluation and the advances being made in this field.
U.S. Geological Survey probabilistic methodology for oil and gas resource appraisal of the United States

Probabilistic methodology used by the U.S. Geological Survey is described for estimating the quantity of undiscovered recoverable conventional resources of oil and gas in the United States. A judgmental probability distribution of the “quantity of resource” and its properties is determined for a geologic province or basin. From this distribution, point and interval estimates of the quantity of undiscovered resource are obtained. Distributions and their properties are established for each of the following resources: (1) oil and nonassociated gas from estimates of the probability of the resource being present and the conditional probability distribution of the quantity of resource given that the resource is present, (2) associated-dissolved gas from its corresponding oil distribution, (3) total gas, (4) oil and total gas in two or more provinces. Computer graphics routines are illustrated with examples from the U.S. Geological Survey Circular 860.
SUPPLIER SELECTION BASED ON BOOTSTRAP CONFIDENCE REGIONS OF PROCESS CAPABILITY INDICES

The supplier selection problem consists of selecting the best of several possible suppliers for a product. The selection criteria, in the absence of considerations such as cost, are based on a quality metric such as the capability of the supplier's manufacturing process. Because quality metrics are estimated based on sample process data, the inherent variability in the estimates must be accounted for when selecting the best supplier. In this paper we consider a methodology based on the bootstrap that assigns confidence levels to each of the suppliers. These confidence levels are designed to reflect the amount of confidence we have that the supplier actually has the best quality metric, conditional on the observed samples. The methodology is demonstrated using two examples.
The Heritage Hunt: From Start to Update

The librarians of the Weinberg Memorial Library developed and implemented a new library orientation program in only three short months. The library orientation, referred to as the Heritage Hunt, is an interactive scavenger hunt that was designed to reach the entire freshmen class. In this article, the author discusses how the librarians managed to accommodate such a large number of students, why this program was developed, the difficulties that were experienced along the way, and plans for improvement based on the findings.
A Thermal Resistance (R-Value) Correlation for Blow-in-Blanket Mineral Fiber Insulation:

A correlation between the apparent thermal conductivity, measured at 75°F, and density of mineral fiber insulation has been developed for the fiber most commonly used in Blow-in-Blanket (BIB) applications. The correlation describes the data obtained for specimens prepared by six contractors to within ±5% in the den sity range 1.6 to 3.0 1b/ft3. R-value per inch increased from 3.85 ft2.hr.°F/Btu.in to 4.22 ft2·hr·°F/Btu·in for densities increasing from 1.6 1b/ft 3 to 3.0 lb/ft3. Thermal measurements obtained with purposely compressed test specimens were not sig nificantly different from results for uncompressed specimens at the same density. The apparent thermal conductivities for three fiberglass BIB products and one rock wool BIB product were a few percent greater than those for the corresponding loose-fill insulation. The thermal data were obtained using heat flux meters located at Ten nessee Technological University and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Expression of the E2F and retinoblastoma families of proteins during neural differentiation.

Development of the brain is determined by a strictly orchestrated program of proliferation, migration, apoptosis, differentiation, synaptogenesis, tract formation, and myelination. The E2F family of transcription factors, whose activity and functions are regulated in large part through interactions with the retinoblastoma (Rb) family of tumor suppressor proteins, has been implicated as a key regulator of proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in a variety of tissues. We have examined levels of the E2F and Rb families of proteins during both brain development and neural differentiation of P19 cells, and found the expression profiles during these two processes of neural development and maturation to be quite similar, i.e., strong up-regulation of p130, pronounced down-regulation of p107, moderate up-regulation of pRb, and significant down-regulation of most species of E2F and dimerization protein (DP). However, several specific isoforms, namely a 30 kDa form of DP-2, a 57 kDa species of E2F-3, a 59 kDa form of E2F-5 and the isoforms of E2F-1 recognized by the E2F-1 (KH-95) antibody were up-regulated suggesting that these particular isoforms of E2F and DP play a tissue-specific function in differentiation and maturation of nervous tissue. The potential role of the E2F/DP family of transcription factors in aspects of neural development and differentiation are considered.
Shape evolution of a subliming surface subjected to unsteady spatially nonuniform heat flux

Two dimensional unsteady heat conduction in solid with subliming surface, replacing original boundary value problem by ordinary integrodifferential equation
Rapid Growth in Use of Personal Health Records in New York, 2012–2013

BACKGROUND Giving patients access to their own medical data may help improve communication and engage patients in healthcare. As a result, the federal electronic health record (EHR) incentive program requires providers to offer electronic data sharing with patients via personal health records (PHRs) or other technologies.
Studies on base-boronated oligonucleotides. 2 (1). Incompatibility of DMT and cyanoborane groups during oligonucleotide synthesis.

The cyanoborane (−BH2CN) nucleosides and nucleotides are a new class of compounds that mimic natural and synthetic congeners in many ways and exhibit interesting biochemical and biophysical propert...
Impact of body mass index on injury in abdominal stab wounds: implications for management

Background: Although it is assumed that obese patients are naturally protected against anterior abdominal stab wounds, the relationship has never been formally studied. We sought to examine the impact of body mass index (BMI) on severity of sustained injury, need for operation, and patient outcomes. Materials and methods: We conducted a review of all patients presenting with abdominal stab wounds at an urban level I trauma center from January 2000eDecember 2012. Patients were divided into groups based on their BMI ( 35). Data abstracted included baseline demographics, physiologic data, and characterization of whether the stab wound had violated the peritoneum, caused intra-abdominal injury, or required an operation that was therapeutic. The one-sided CochraneArmitage trend test was used for significance testing of the protective effect. Results: Of 281 patients with abdominal stab wounds, 249 had complete data for evaluation. Chest and abdomen abbreviated injury scale trends decreased with increasing BMI, as did overall injury severity score, the percent of patients severely injured (injury severity score � 25), and length of intensive care unit stay. Rates of peritoneal violation (100%, 84%, 77%, and 74%; P ¼ 0.077), visceral injury (83%, 56%, 50%, and 30%; P ¼ 0.022), and injury requiring a therapeutic operation (67%, 45%, 40%, and 20%; P ¼ 0.034) all decreased with increasing BMI. Patients in the thinnest group required an operation three times more often than those in the most obese. Conclusions: Increased BMI protects patients with abdominal stab wounds and is associated with lower incidence of severe injury and need for operation. Heavier patients may be more suitable to observation and serial examinations, whereas very thin patients are more likely to require an operation and be critically injured.
A mysterious back pain

IgG4-related disease is a fibroinflammatory condition that affects many different organs. The common pathological findings of this disease include storiform fibrosis and dense infiltration of lymphocytes rich in IgG4-positive plasma cells. We herein presents the diagnosis and treatment of a case with a newly recognized condition - IgG4-related pachymeningitis.
Space efficient algorithms for some graph theoretical problems

We present space-efficient-O(log2 n)-deterministic algorithms for some graph theoretical problems such as planarity testing, producing a plane embedding, finding minimum cost spanning trees, obtaining the connected, biconnected and triconnected components of a graph. Previous planarity algorithms used Ω(n) space. Several algorithms are based on a space-efficient matrix inversion method. The same bounds hold for uniform circuit depth.
Keeping track of neurotrophin receptors.

Mark Bothwell Department of Physiology and Biophysics University of Washington Seattle, Washington 98195 In the manner of many other growth factors, the prototypi- cal neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor (NGF), has recently been found to be a member of a small gene family encoding structurally and functionally related proteins, collectively referred to as neurotrophins. Individual neuro- trophins exert similar functional effects, but on different neuronal populations. Each of the neurotrophins de- scribed to date-NGF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophin3 (NT-3)-interacts with cell- surface receptors that are heterogeneous with regard to binding affinity. For NGF and BDNF, analysis of equilib- rium binding data indicates the existence of two receptor populations with dissociation constants of about IO-” M (“high affinity”) and 10e9 M (“low affinity”) (Sutter et al., 1979; Rodriguez-TBbar and Barde, 1988). The low affinity receptor binds NGF, BDNF, and NT-3 with similar affinity, while high affinity receptors exist that bind either NGF or BDNF selectively (Rodriguez-TBbar et al., 1990; Squint0 et al., 1991). Functional response to aneurotrophin appar- ently is mediated specifically by the high affinity receptors. Rodriguez-TBbar et al. have proposed that there is a shared component of neurotrophin receptors, known as ~75, with the specificity of each receptor determined by a second component. A variety of studies have shown that low and high affinity NGF receptor forms are intercon- vertible. The interrelationshipsof thevarious neurotrophin recep- tors and of their high and low affinity forms have now been described. The emerging story has profound implications for neurobiology and quite probably for the biology of non- neural tissues also. The first neurotrophin receptor molecular clones iso- lated (Johnson et al., 1986; Radeke et al., 1987) encode a 75-80 kd intrinsic membrane protein (~75) that binds NGF, BDNF, and NT-3 with comparable low affinity (Kd of 10d9 M) when expressed in fibroblastic cells (Rodriguez- Tb Squintoet al., 1991). ~75 has a relatively small cytoplasmic domain containing none of the struc- tural motifs known to function in signal transduction in other receptors. Yet, transfection of ~75 cDNA clones into appropriate neuronal cell lines generates both high and low affinity NGF binding and renders these cells func- tionally responsive to NGF with regard to gene induction and enhanced neurite outgrowth (e.g., Hempstead et al., 1989). The response of such cell lines is weak in comparison with the response of primary neuronal cultures and the rat PC12 neuronal cell line, which expresses endogenous high affinity NGF receptors. The meager cellular response of transfected neuronal cell lines expressing ~7.5 may be
Small and moderate color differences. IV. Color‐difference‐perceptibility ellipses in surface‐color space

Moderate (0.5–1.5 CIELAB units) color differences in surface colors were scaled visually to obtain color-dif-ference-perceptibility ellipses. The ellipse orientations appeared to be independent of the size of the color differences over the range indicated, and were consistent with literature results obtained with visual colorimeters. In the uivid greenish yellow region, the experimental ellipse orientation agreed with the Munsell spacing but not with the orientation of the CIELAB ellipse. In the deep greenish blue region, the experimental ellipse orientation agreed belter with the results of Wyszecki and Fielder than with the orientation of the MacAdam PGN ellipse.
Relativism and Ontology

Is there a universal set? There are different theories which give different answers to this question. There is Zermelo-Fraenkel (ZF) in which there is no universal set. There is the theory propounded by Quine in 'New Foundations' (NF) in which there is a universal set. The question is puzzling. For if each theory is consistent, how can one fault either answer? The dogmatist and the skeptic agree that there is an objective truth about the matter. They disagree about whether this truth is knowable, with the dogmatist saying the human mind can reach it and the skeptic denying that this is possible. In contrast, a relativist says there is no objective truth to be known. We distinguish two versions of this general idea. Both versions agree that the NF assertion that there is a universal set and the ZF denial are each correct as long as the two theories are internally consistent. We defend the second of these two versions and show that, on this second version, relativism is a reasonable alternative to both realism and nominalism with respect to ontological questions.
Intravesical oxybutinin chloride in children with intermittent catheterization: sonographic findings

The sonographic findings in the bladder are presented in four children with myelomeningocele and neurogenic dysfunction of the bladder, who were treated with intermittent self-catheterization and intravesical oxybutinin chloride. All were referred for routine sonography of the urinary tract. Each had infused a crushed tablet of oxybutinin chloride intravesically 30–120 min before the examination. In two children, brightly echogenic, non-shadowing particles were suspended in the bladder urine. In one of these, the particles swirled giving the impression of a “snowstorm”; in the other, most of the particles gradually settled forming an irregular clump on the bladder base. In the remaining two children, the urine appeared diffusely hazy with innumerable tiny particles giving the impression of a fine mist filling the bladder. The sonographic appearance of the urine in the bladder after intravesical instillation of crushed tablets can be dramatic and can simulate pus, blood, fungus, or other debris in the bladder lumen. In the absence of clinical symptoms or hematuria, a history of recent infusion of medication into the bladder should be sought.
Inhibited interpersonal coping style predicts poorer adherence to scheduled clinic visits in human immunodeficiency virus infected women at risk for cervical cancer.

Background: One of the most common gynecologic conditions among HIV+ women is cervical dysplasia, the precancerous phase of cervical cancer. Therefore, adherence to gynecology vi sits may be among the most important health care practices for HIV+ women. However, no research has evaluated the psychosocial factors associated with health care practices among HIV+ women at risk for cervical cancer.Purpose: This study examined the relationship between inhibited interpersonal coping style and adherence to primary care and obstetrics/gynecology visits in HIV+ women with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection.Methods: Twenty-eight HIV-1 seropositive Black, non-Hispanic women underwent a psychosocial interview, blood draw, and gynecologic examination. The Millon Behavioral Health Inventory was used to assess coping style. Medical chart review was used to assess adherence to scheduled special immunology clinic visits for 24 months following study entry.Results: Results suggested that greater inhibited coping style significantly predicted greater nonadherence to clinic visits during 1-year (β = .45, p = .04) and 2-year (β =.58, p = .02) follow-up, even after controlling for the possible confounding effects of recent depressed mood on adherence. Social support satisfaction did not mediate the relationship between inhibited coping style and nonadherence.Conclusions: These findings suggest that interpersonal coping style assessment may be a useful tool in predicting adherence in HIV+ women with HPV. Future research should assess the effect of psychosocial interventions on coping style, adherence, and cervical dysplasia in HIV+ women with HPV.
Imageability estimates for 3,000 disyllabic words

We provide imageability estimates for 3,000 disyllabic words (as supplementary materials that may be downloaded with the article from www.springerlink.com ). Imageability is a widely studied lexical variable believed to influence semantic and memory processes (see, e.g., Paivio, 1971). In addition, imageability influences basic word recognition processes (Plaut, McClelland, Seidenberg, & Patterson, 1996). In fact, neuroimaging studies have suggested that reading high- and low-imageable words elicits distinct neural activation patterns for the two types e.g., Bedny & Thompson-Schill (Brain and Language 98:127–139, 2006; Graves, Binder, Desai, Conant, & Seidenberg NeuroImage 53:638–646, 2010). Despite the usefulness of this variable, imageability estimates have not been available for large sets of words. Furthermore, recent megastudies of word processing e.g., Balota et al. (Behavior Research Methods 39:445–459, 2007) have expanded the number of words that interested researchers can select according to other lexical characteristics (e.g., average naming latencies, lexical decision times, etc.). However, the dearth of imageability estimates (as well as those of other lexical characteristics) limits the items that researchers can include in their experiments. Thus, these imageability estimates for disyllabic words expand the number of words available for investigations of word processing, which should be useful for researchers interested in the influences of imageability both as an input and as an outcome variable.
Applications of Two-Dimensional Infrared Spectroscopy to Studies of Structure and Mechanism in Lens Crystallin Protein Aggregates

Cataracts are a disease that involves protein aggregation in the lens that blurs vision and eventually leads to blindness. It is known that denaturation, often resulting from various post-translational modifications, can cause the misfolding of crystallin proteins, which are found in the insoluble extracts of cataractous lenses. Although the causes of crystallin misfolding have been identified, its mechanism is still largely unknown. Using two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy we have been able to provide insights into the aggregate structures and misfolding mechanisms that gammaD-Crystallin undergoes when treated with UV irradiation, heat or acid, with the aid of 13C domain-labeling and native chemical ligation. 2D IR is sensitive to protein secondary structure and is capable of revealing coupling between different vibrational modes through cross-peaks. AlphaB-Crystallin is a structural protein that is known to assemble into oligomeric molecular chaperones that interact with misfolded or damaged proteins. Here, we demonstrate that the interaction between alphaB-Crystallin and misfolded gammaD-Crystallin can be observed using 13C labeling and 2D IR spectroscopy, based on cross-peaks between the proteins' amide one bands. Our study provides a new way of monitoring protein-protein interactions that will be valuable in the further study chaperone interactions with many other disease-related protein aggregates and their aggregation intermediates.
Ocular Larva Migrans: A Severe Manifestation of an Unseen Epidemic

Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, which infect dogs and cats respectively, may cause infection in humans with a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms and morbidity. Prevalence studies have suggested more widespread affliction than indicated by level of awareness among clinicians in endemic areas. Transmission in the United States continues with seroprevalence estimates identified as high as 22 % in some low-income communities. Best known for causing hepatitis and pneumonitis associated with the syndrome called visceral larva migrans, toxocariasis can also cause debilitating vision loss via ocular larva migrans and is considered a cause of preventable vision loss. While not a common manifestation of toxocariasis, the severity of this condition and its predilection for affecting children warrants increased attention. Herein, we review current knowledge of ocular larva migrans epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.
Hyperspectral imager for the coastal ocean (HICO)

The HICO sensor system, integrated in the International Space Station (ISS) Window Observational Research Facility (WORF), will collect visible and shortwave infrared hyperspectral data that will provide the following characterization of coastal regions: determine water clarity and visibility, shallow water bathymetry, and bottom type composition; detect underwater obstructions and characterize beaches and coastal areas; research global properties of coral reefs, the maritime atmosphere and determine global distribution of fires and active volcanoes in the context of mitigating natural hazards. It will achieve these objectives by collecting hyperspectral imaging data for over 70% of the Earth's surface, the portion over flown by ISS, at a spatial resolution of 25 meters. The desired data will be obtained using the Naval Research Lab (NRL) Portable Hyperspectral Imager for Low Light Spectroscopy (PHILLS-3) sensor with a pointing and stabilization system, and then later integrating it with a short-wave infrared hyperspectral imager.
Qualitative Research as a Hero’s Journey: Six Archetypes to Draw on

Is the research process similar to a hero’s journey? Just as a hero draws on different archetypes during the journey, a researcher moves through phases and must draw upon different strengths. In this article, the six archetypes that Pearson (1998) links to the hero’s journey are described. Then, each phase of a qualitative research study is described, followed by reflection on which of Pearson’s six archetypes were active. Discussion focuses on how other archetypes could have been helpful in each phase, as well as how other researchers could use this process of archetypal reflectivity to make their work more authentic and intentional. Keywords: Qualitative Research, Archetypes, Archetypal Reflectivity, Intentionality in Research Is a researcher a hero? According to Pearson (1998), heroes take journeys, confront dragons, and discover treasures. For the researcher, the journey is the research process, the dragons are the research problems or questions, and their treasure is new insights. Like a hero, the researcher may feel alone during the “quest” (Pearson, 1998, p. 3). Through the process, though, both the hero and the researcher seek answers that ultimately contribute to a collective transformation.
Hepatic "BOLSA" a novel method of perihepatic wrapping for hepatic hemorrhage "BOLSA".

Introduction Severe traumatic liver hemorrhage quickly leads to exsanguination. Perihepatic packing is frequently used in damage control surgery. This method can be unsuccessful and accompanied by complications. Vicryl mesh wraps have been described in the treatment of liver hemorrhage. In this report, we describe an enhanced technique of hepatic wrapping in a case of hepatic bleeding after liver biopsy in a coagulopathic patient. The technique is called the hepatic “BOLSA” (Bag on Liver Supporting Anti-Hemorrhage).
Cognitive and Motor Mechanisms Underlying Older Adults' Ability to Divide Attention While Walking

Background An impaired ability to allocate attention to gait during dual-task situations is a powerful predictor of falls. Objective The primary purpose of this study was to examine the relative contributions of participant characteristics and motor and cognitive factors to the ability to walk while performing cognitive tasks. The impact of cognitive task complexity on walking also was examined. Design A cross-sectional, exploratory study design was used. Methods Seventy-seven community-dwelling older adults with a mean (SD) age of 75.5 (5.8) years completed comprehensive testing. Participant characteristics were assessed via questionnaires. The motor test battery included measures of strength (force-generating capacity), gait speed, and static and dynamic balance. The cognitive abilities test battery assessed psychomotor and perceptual speed, recall and working memory, verbal and spatial ability, and attention (sustained, selective, and divided). Time to walk while performing 4 cognitive tasks was measured. In addition, dual-task costs (DTCs) were calculated. Multiple hierarchical regressions explored walking under dual-task conditions. Results The ability to walk and perform a simple cognitive task was explained by participant characteristics and motor factors alone, whereas walking and performing a complex cognitive task was explained by cognitive factors in addition to participant and motor factors. Regardless of the cognitive task, participants walked slower under dual-task conditions than under single-task conditions. Increased cognitive task complexity resulted in greater slowing of gait: gait DTCs were least for the simplest conditions and greatest for the complex conditions. Limitations Walking performance was characterized by a single parameter (time), whereas other spatiotemporal parameters have been related to dual-task performance. However, this type of measurement (timed performance) will be easy to implement in the clinic. Conclusions Two factors—participant characteristics and motor abilities—explained the majority of variance of walking under dual-task conditions; however, cognitive abilities also contributed significantly to the regression models. Rehabilitation focused on improving underlying balance and gait deficits, as well as specific cognitive impairments, may significantly improve walking under dual-task conditions.
Intimate space within institutionalized birth: women's experiences birthing with doulas

Childbirth in the American context is only peripherally conceptualized in the domain of the family and home, demonstrating the primacy of the biomedical model of childbirth in the institutional setting of the hospital. Medical research has found positive outcomes when women labor with ‘doulas’, paraprofessionals who are trained and experienced in childbirth. However, medical research has yet to explore the complexity of the labor experience of women with doulas, offering potential insights into how those positive outcomes may come about. Doulas define what they do in birth as ‘holding the space’. This research explored what ‘holding the space’ meant in terms of the experience of childbirth with women who employed doulas. The findings suggest that doulas’ conceptualizations of the space of birth were framed in terms of creating/maintaining intimacy and that doulas and women maintained this intimate space even within the institutionalized medical-clinical birth experience. Implications of this research do n...
Preclinical Success against Alzheimer's Disease with an Old Drug

In a recent study, a currently approved drug, bexarotene, rapidly cleared s-amyloid plaques in a murine model of Alzheimer's disease. The rate of clearance was dramatic, although plaques returned over time.
Synchronously tuned ferrite power limiter for broad-band systems application

This investigation describes analytical and experimental results obtained on a broadband ferrite limiter at K u band which utilizes a synchronously tuned waveguide bandpass structure. This device is aimed at providing protection for communications and electronic warfare systems over a bandwidth from 12 to 30 percent at K u -band frequencies. The circuit consists of a series of three cavities in a waveguide transmission line, the coupling being accomplished via the irises or symmetrical inductive slits between cavities. Because of this cavity structure, the observed threshold power levels have been reduced by an order of magnitude. By utilizing a combination of single crystal YIG and lithium ferrite rods, the threshold power for limiting varies from 0.75 W at 16.0 GHz to 2.0 W at 17.0 GHz with an insertion loss of 0.9 dB.
Continuous and minimally invasive cardiac output monitoring by long time interval analysis of a radial arterial pressure waveform: assessment using a large, public intensive care unit patient database

Methods. We studied a public, electronic ICU patient database. We extracted 1482 pairs of radial AP waveforms and thermodilution CO measurements (via single bolus injections) from 169 patients. We applied the LTIA and previous pulse contour analysis techniques to the AP waveforms. We assessed the calibrated CO estimates against the thermodilution measurements. Results. The overall root-mean-squared-error of the LTIA technique was 18.8%. This total level of accuracy was not better than the previous techniques. However, the average magnitude of the thermodilution changes was only 12.3% (9.9 SD). When the magnitude of the thermodilution change exceeded 30%, 50%, and 70%, the median squared-error differences between the LTIA technique and the most accurate previous technique were 245 (2322:69 quartiles) (P¼0.005), 2128 (2704:23) (P¼0.006), and 2862 (22871:306)% 2 (P¼0.055), respectively. The LTIA technique was therefore superior in detecting clinically important CO changes. Conclusions. The LTIA technique attained an overall accuracy that may be considered
Cuba's Health Care Policy: Prevention and Active Community Participation

In Cuba, health care is considered a human right for all citizens; health care is therefore a national priority. Cuba's health policy emphasizes prevention, primary care, services in the community, and the active participation of citizens. These emphases have produced an impressively high ranking on major health indicators, despite economic handicaps. The Cuban experience demonstrates the influence of ideological commitment and policy-making on the provision of health care and challenges the assumption that high-quality care for all citizens requires massive financial investment. The evolution of the Cuban health care system since the revolution thus has implications for the U.S. health care system; specifically, it suggests that the equitable distribution of health care services in the United States requires a national health insurance and service delivery system.
The Role of Policy in Quality Improvement

From AcademyHealth, Washington, DC The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the USDepartment of Health andHuman Services, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or the American Board of Pediatrics Foundation. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. Publication of this article was supported by the Agency for HealthcareResearch andQuality and the American Board of Pediatrics Foundation. Address correspondence to Lisa A. Simpson, MB, BCh, MPH, FAAP, 1150 17th Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036 (e-mail: Lisa. simpson@academyhealth.org).
Calcium-Deprived Rats Avoid Sweet Compounds

To characterize the link between calcium status and sweet solution intake, rats fed a diet containing 25 mmol Ca2+/kg (Ca-25, low calcium) or 150 mmol Ca2+/kg (Ca-150, control) were given 48-h two-bottle tests with a choice between water and various concentrations of a nutrient (sucrose, Polycose, ethanol and/or corn oil). Rats fed the Ca-25 diet had significantly lower sucrose intakes and preferences over the entire range tested (10-320 g/L) even though the same (Experiment 1), or identically treated (Experiment 2a) rats had normal Polycose and ethanol intakes and normal (Experiment 1, 2b) or significantly greater (Experiment 2a) corn oil intakes. In additional tests, rats fed the Ca-25 diet had significantly lower intakes relative to rats fed the Ca-150 diet of other sweeteners (30 mmol/L D-phenylalanine, 1 mmol/L saccharin and 0.3 mmol/L aspartame), significantly higher intakes of 0.5 mg/L capsaicin and 300 mmol/L monosodium glutamate, and normal intakes of 10 g/L or 80 g/L safflower oil and 10 g/L peanut oil. In a three-cup macronutrient selection experiment (Experiment 3), calcium-deprived rats ate significantly less of a high sucrose carbohydrate source and significantly more of a protein source than did controls. These results suggest that calcium deficiency reduces the rat's liking for sweetness, irrespective of the type or form of sweetener, and that this is not due to a general reduction in energy intake.
Phase 1 Trial of Bevacizumab With Concurrent Chemoradiation Therapy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck With Exploratory Functional Imaging of Tumor Hypoxia, Proliferation, and Perfusion

Purpose A phase 1 trial was completed to examine the safety and feasibility of combining bevacizumab with radiation and cisplatin in patients with locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) treated with curative intent. Additionally, we assessed the capacity of bevacizumab to induce an early tumor response as measured by a series of biological imaging studies. Methods and Materials All patients received a single induction dose of bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) delivered 3 weeks (±3 days) before the initiation of chemoradiation therapy. After the initial dose of bevacizumab, comprehensive head and neck chemoradiation therapy was delivered with curative intent to 70 Gy in 33 fractions with concurrent weekly cisplatin at 30 mg/m 2 and bevacizumab every 3 weeks (weeks 1, 4, 7) with dose escalation from 5 to 10 to 15 mg/kg. All patients underwent experimental imaging with [ 18 F]fluorothymidine positron emission tomography (FLT-PET) (proliferation), [ 61 Cu]Cu-diacetyl-bis(N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) PET (Cu-ATSM-PET) (hypoxia), and dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DCE-CT) (perfusion) at 3 time points: before bevacizumab monotherapy, after bevacizumab monotherapy, and during the combined therapy course. Results Ten patients were enrolled. All had stage IV HNSCC, all achieved a complete response to treatment, and 9 of 10 remain alive, with a mean survival time of 61.3 months. All patients experienced grade 3 toxicity, but no dose-limiting toxicities or significant bleeding episodes were observed. Significant reductions were noted in tumor proliferation (FLT-PET), tumor hypoxia (Cu-ATSM-PET), and DCE-CT contrast enhancement after bevacizumab monotherapy, with further decreases in FLT-PET and Cu-ATSM-PET during the combined therapy course. Conclusions The incorporation of bevacizumab into comprehensive chemoradiation therapy regimens for patients with HNSCC appears safe and feasible. Experimental imaging demonstrates measureable changes in tumor proliferation, hypoxia, and perfusion after bevacizumab monotherapy and during chemoradiation therapy. These findings suggest opportunities to preview the clinical outcomes for individual patients and thereby design personalized therapy approaches in future trials.
Sublethal Effects of Neem Seed Extract on Adults of Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

Fecundity and longevity were determined for adult Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) that survived treatments of neem seed extract as immatures. Soil drenches of 1.0 and 2.0 ppm azadirachtin, an insecticidal component of neem extract, applied to infested chrysanthemums, Dendranthema morifolium (Ramat) Tzvelev., significantly reduced female fecundity. Longevity of males was significantly reduced by 2.0-ppm drench treatments. Fecundity of females treated with 1.0 ppm of azadirachtin peaked later and decreased more rapidly than that of untreated females, whereas overall fecundity of females treated with 2.0 ppm azadirachtin exhibited no consistent pattern of peak and decline.
Jak2-Independent Activation of Stat3 by Intracellular Angiotensin II in Human Mesangial Cells

Ang II is shown to mediate the stimulatory effect of high glucose on TGF-b1 and extracellular matrix proteins in glomerular mesangial cells. Also inhibition of Ang II formation in cell media (extracellular) and lysates (intracellular) blocks high-glucose effects on TGF-b1 and matrix more effectively compared to inhibition of extracellular Ang II alone. To investigate whether intracellular Ang II can stimulate TGF-b1 and matrix independent of extracellular Ang II, cultured human mesangial cells were transfected with Ang II to increase intracellular Ang II levels and its effects on TGF-b1 and matrix proteins were determined. Prior to transfection, cells were treated with candesartan to block extracellular Ang II-induced responses via cell membrane AT1 receptors. Transfection of cells with Ang II resulted in increased levels of intracellular Ang II which was accompanied by increased production of TGF-b1, collagen IV, fibronectin, and cell proliferation as well. On further examination, intracellular Ang II was found to activate Stat3 transcription factor including increased Stat3 protein expression, tyrosine 705 phosphorylation, and DNA-binding activity. Treatment with AG-490, an inhibitor of Jak2, did not block intracellular Ang II-induced Stat3 phosphorylation at tyrosine 705 residue indicating a Jak2-independent mechanism used by intracellular Ang II for Stat3 phosphorylation. In contrast, extracellular Ang II-induced tyrosine 705 phosphorylation of Stat3 was inhibited by AG-490 confirming the presence of a Jak2-dependent pathway. These findings suggest that intracellular Ang II increases TGF-b1 and matrix in human mesangial cells and also activates Stat3 transcription factor without involvement of the extracellular Ang II signaling pathway.
EFFECTIVE PROPERTIES OF A DILUTE RANDOM DISTRIBUTION OF SMALL, CONVEX, PERFECTLY CONDUCTING PARTICLES IN A CHIRAL FLUID

An integral equation method has been used to derive the polarizabilities of an electrically small, perfectly conducting particle of convex shape that is immersed in a chiral fluid. These polarizabilities are then used to obtain the effective electromagnetic/optical properties of a dilute random suspension consisting of such particles in a chiral fluid; the optical activity of the suspension is also estimated.
A Critical Perspective of Contemporary Unemployment Policy and Practices

This article explores the challenges of unemployment via the lens of critical psychology. The conventional discourse on unemployment is critiqued, revealing ways in which conventional policies and ...
IMPLICATIONS OF FARM TENURE FOR A REGION'S FOOD PRODUCING POTENTIAL: A NORTHEAST U.S. CASE STUDY

Farm tenure places important production decisions in the hands of farm operators, who may not be the most efficient decisionmakers. This study estimates a Cobb-Douglas production function to examine the effect of the structure of farm tenure categories on agricultural production in the northeast region of the US. The analysis indicates that a 10 percent increase in full-owner and part-owner operations decreases and increases output by 2 percent and 3 percent, respectively; tenant operations also increase agricultural output by 1.8 percent to 2.5 percent. The results suggest that the relationship between tenure structure and agricultural production may hold long-term implications for agricultural production.
Current Status of Research on Trends in Morbidity, Healthy Life Expectancy, and the Compression of Morbidity

This chapter lays out the dimensions of morbidity and the processes linking morbidity and mortality. It provides evidence of recent trends in morbidity of the older American population: decline in some types of disability but not others, disease, and physiological dysregulation among the older American population. In addition the chapter uses data from two recent cohorts to look at survival without disease and the age at onset of diseases. We have generally seen an increase in the prevalence and time with disease; but disease appears less disabling now than in the past. In addition, the onset of myocardial infarction appears to have been delayed by the recent control of biological risk. Most of the evidence does not support the idea that we have experienced a recent compression of morbidity; it does support some delay and retarding of progression of the morbidity process.
Should dilatation and curettage be performed routinely at the time of laparoscopy

The value of routinely performing dilatation and curettage (D and C) at the time of laparoscopy has not been established but the practice appears to have no sound indications. Adding D and C to laparoscopy probably increases the morbidity of the operation at least 2-fold. If all laparoscopies in the U.S. had a concurrent D and C the cost of these operations on a nationwide scale might range from $19-$47 million/year. Until the purported benefits of the D and C can be shown to outweigh its risks and costs D and C should probably not be done routinely at the time of laparoscopy. (authors)
Investigation of grain-scale microstructural variability in tantalum using crystal plasticity-finite element simulations

Abstract In this work, a crystal plasticity-finite element (CP-FE) model is used to investigate the effects of microstructural variability at a notch tip in tantalum single crystals and polycrystals. It is shown that at the macroscopic scale, the mechanical response of single crystals is sensitive to the crystallographic orientation while the response of polycrystals shows relatively small susceptibility to it. However, at the microscopic scale, the local stress and strain fields in the vicinity of the crack tip are completely determined by the local crystallographic orientation at the crack tip for both single and polycrystalline specimens with similar mechanical field distributions. Variability in the local metrics used (maximum von Mises stress and equivalent plastic strain at 3% deformation) for 100 different realizations of polycrystals fluctuates by up to a factor of 2–7 depending on the local crystallographic texture. Comparison with experimental data shows that the CP model captures variability in stress–strain response of polycrystals that can be attributed to the grain-scale microstructural variability. This work provides a convenient approach to investigate fluctuations in the mechanical behavior of polycrystalline materials induced by grain morphology and crystallographic orientations.
Site Occupancy Determination by ALCHEMI of Nb and Cr in γ-TiAl and Their Effects on the a to γ Massive Phase Transformation

Atom location by channeling enhanced microanalysis (ALCHEMI) has been used to characterize the site distributions of Nb and Cr alloying additions in the L1 0 -ordered γ phase of ternary titanium aluminides. Two alloys, Ti 50 Al 48 Cr 2 and Ti 50 A1 48 Nb 2 , were processed by furnace cooling from 1300°C (within the α-γ two phase field) as well as by rapid solidification using twin-anvil splat quenching of electromagnetically levitated and undercooled samples. ALCHEMI studies of furnace cooled samples yield results generally consistent with those in the published literature. Nb alloying additions are found to partition exclusively to the ‘Ti’ sublattice, while Cr alloying additions exhibit an ‘Al‘ sublattice preference. However, a higher degree of disorder can be achieved with rapid solidification and high solid state cooling rates (10 5 -10 6 K/s). Significant distribution of the ternary elements between the ‘Ti’ and ‘Al‘ sublattices has been measured in the splat quenched samples, with up to 12% of the Nb atoms occupying the ‘Al‘ sublattice and the fraction of Cr atoms on the ‘Ti’ sublattice doubling to ∼30%. Rapid solidification of TiAl produces an equiaxed hexagonal α phase solidification structure that transforms in a massive fashion to the tetragonal γ phase. Although the amount of massively transformed γ is dependent upon the solid state cooling rate, ternary alloying additions can more strongly influence the transformation kinetics. The Nb-modified alloy exhibits significant amounts of the massively tranformed γ, similar to the Ti 52 Al 48 binary alloy, whereas little massively transformed γ is observed in the Cr-modified alloy. These results can be correlated with the relative atomic size, lattice distortion, and sublattice site occupancy of Nb and Cr in the L1 0 unit cell.
Ammonia synthesis by hydrogenolysis of titanium-nitrogen bonds using proton coupled electron transfer.

The catalytic hydrogenolysis of the titanium–amide bond in (η5-C5Me4SiMe3)2Ti(Cl)NH2 to yield free ammonia is described. The rhodium hydride, (η5-C5Me5)(py-Ph)RhH (py-Ph = 2-phenylpyridine), serves as the catalyst and promotes N–H bond formation via hydrogen atom transfer. The N–H bond dissociation free energies of ammonia ligands have also been determined for titanocene and zirconocene complexes and reveal a stark dependence on metal identity and oxidation state. In all cases, the N–H BDFEs of coordinated NH3 decreases by >40 kcal/mol from the value in the free gas phase molecule.
Application of unicontrol and PLC in the pump group for water injection control system

The pump group for water injection control system consists of superordinate computer and 1 PLC. Its hardware architecture and functions are described briefly. The subordinate system monitors the process variables such as temperature, pressure, flow, liquid, level, switch status and so on . With unicontrol, the superordinate computer supervises the analog and binary values centrally. Together with the software configuration of the superordinate computer and its functions are expounded.