cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A coprological survey for assessing intensity of parasitic infection in school children: Cross-sectional study

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are endemic worldwide and have been the cause of illness and disease worldwide. Objectives: The study is aimed to estimate prevalence, intensity, and factors associated with IPIs among school children aged 6-12 years. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out from February to July 2010, in the diagnostic laboratory of Microbiology department. The study group was divided into four groups, namely, Group A; Group B; Group C; and Group D. A total of 1769 eligible children were enrolled for sampling from these schools. For each enrolled child in the study, a standard stool ova and parasite test with formol-ether concentration technique was done for the assessment of the outcome. Results: Among 1224 participants, 714 (58.3%) were boys and 508 (41.5%) were girls. The overall prevalence of IPIs was estimated as 51.5%. Group A 84%, Group B 64.7%, Group C 62.4%, and Group D 39.3%. Single IPIs were 65.7%, among which 48% were helminthic and 19.3% were protozoan. Multiple IPIs were 34.2%, among which protozoan along with helminthic were 25.9%, polyhelminthic were 8.5% and polyprotozoan were 4.2%. Among the IPIs detected, overall prevalence of helminth was 75.9%, protozoan was 24.1%. Among the helminthes hookworm was highest (28%). Among the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was highest (14.8%). Conclusions: The study confirmed that prevalence of IPIs is high as 51.5%. Overall prevalence shows an endemic situation. Therefore, it is recommended that local health sectors should make provision for regular examination of parasitosis and deworming.
Trypanosoma cruzi: early parasite proliferation and host resistance in inbred strains of mice.

Abstract The extent of parasite proliferation following completion of the first cycle of intracellular replication was significantly higher in CD-1 nu nu mice and in irradiated mice compared to other, including highly susceptible, mouse strains. A control of parasite proliferation thus occurs in normal mice as early as the first cycle of intracellular replication. The thymus dependency and radiation sensitivity of the early control of proliferation of Trypanosoma cruzi suggest that an immune response to the parasite is involved in the early control of proliferation. The BXH-2 recombinant inbred strain demonstrated an inability to control early proliferation and, 4–5 days after infection, had parasitemias several times higher than those observed in susceptible mouse strains. The BXH-2 strain appears to lack the early control mechanism. When the extent of proliferation of T. cruzi at completion of the first cycle of intracellular replication was compared in inbred strains of mice having varying levels of resistance to the parasite, the extent of proliferation correlated with host resistance, being lowest in the most resistant strains (C57BL/6, SJL) and highest in the most susceptible strains (C3H, A). It is suggested that the mechanism(s) controlling early parasite proliferation may be of primary importance as the basis for host resistance.
Effects of role conflict on selected physiological, affective, and performance variables: A laboratory simulation.

A simulation methodology was employed to assess the cause and effect relationship between role conflict and selected physiological, affective, and performance measures. Multivariate analyses showed that these selected measures do differentiate between individuals exposed to conditions of role conflict and no role conflict. The study indicates the importance of utilizing interdisciplinary dependent measures and supports the use of simulation methodology in studying organizational stress.
Landscape Determinants of Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Storage in Southern New England

It has long been suggested that rates of litter decomposition and root respiration vary under different forest We present estimates of C and N storage from forest soils of species because of differences in litter quantity and qualnortheastern Connecticut, USA. Fifty-six plots were sampled from the forest floor (FF) to 15 cm, and 21 of these plots were sampled to ity among species (Zinke, 1962; Pare and Bergeron 1996;
A NEW MEASURE OF ROTATABILITY OF RESPONSE SURFACE DESIGNS

Summary This paper proposes a new measure of rotatability of a response surface design. It is based on a comparison between the design moments of a given design and the design moments of a rotatable design closest to the given design in the least squares sense. This measure is easier to calculate than Khuri’s measure. An alternative easier non-geometrical way of deriving Khuri’s measure is also presented. Both measures are calculated to illustrate some designs considered by Khuri.
Hot Spots and Continental Break-up: Implications for Collisional Orogeny

Orogenic belts resulting from the collision of continents are characterized by a lengthwise pinching and swelling from narrow zones of high strain, where sutures may be cryptic, to wider zones of lower intensity strain, where former oceans have incompletely closed. This results from the collision of irregularly shaped continental margins whose jaggedness is a consequence of continental break-up along zones of extension that link rift-valley systems developed on hot spots. The progressive convergence of irregular continental margins proceeds from projection points of initial impingement along lengthening suture zones. This leads to complex diachronous relations between basement nappes, sideways-feeding flysch fans, and sideways-driven splinters of continental crust.
Chromophore Rich Nanodomains in Bulk and Ultra Thin Film Polymer Blends

Abstract The morphology of chromophore rich nanometer scale domains in binary homopolymer blends is studied, both in bulk systems and in ultra thin films. For each situation, a different experimental technique is applied. Electronic excitation transport (EET) studies are used to characterize the formation of amorphous nanodomains in the bulk, while transmission electron micrsocsopy (TEM) is used to observe nanocrystaline domains in ultra thin films.
Churches in the Alabama Black Belt 1875–1917

This is a segment of local church history in the South in the transition period from the Civil War and Reconstruction to the modern period of World War I. The cross section described here was no doubt typical of most of the deep Southern region with the exception of such areas as the Catholic district of Louisiana. The manner in which the Baptists and Methodists had catered to pioneer needs in furnishing a highly emotional religion without the requirement of an educated clergy certainly contributed to their large memberships in the period covered here.
All’s Well That Ends Well: A Reply to Oneal, Barbieri & Peters

Oneal and Barbieri & Peters offer divergent critiques of Gartzke & Li, who present a mathematical identity between competing operationalizations of dyadic interdependence, and show that the relationship one finds between conflict and commerce depends on how one constructs one’s dyadic indicator of trade. Oneal seems to accept the identity, but not some of its implications. Barbieri & Peters challenge the identity and offer contrasting results. Here, we show that Barbieri & Peters’s results are due to their model specification, which Gartzke & Li argue involves omitted variable bias.
Use of Remotely Sensed Data for Assessing Forest Stand Conditions in the Eastern United States

The results of three interrelated research activities conducted by Goddard scientists in support of the AgRISTARS Renewable Resources Inventory (RRI) project are summarized. The central theme of the research conducted at Goddard was the development of techniques for the detection, classification, and measurement of forest disturbances using digital, remotely sensed data. Three study areas located in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Maine were investigated with respect to: a) the delineation and assessment of forest damage associated with two different forest insect defoliators, and b) an assessment of the improved capabilities to be expected from Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data relative to Multispectral Scanner (MSS) data for delineating forest stand characteristics. Key results include the development of a statewide MSS digital data base and associated image processing techniques for accurately delineating (approximately 90 precent correct classification accuracy) insect damaged and healthy forest. Comparison of analyses using MSS and TM Simulator (TMS) data indicated that for broad land cover classes which are spectrally homogeneous, the accuracy of the classification results are similar. However, TMS data provided superior results (20 percent overall accuracy increase relative to MSS results) when detailed (Level III) forest classes were mapped. These studies also illustrated the utility of having at least one band in the visible, near infrared, and middle infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum for assessing specific (Level III) forest cover types.
Promoting informativeness via staggered information releases

When a firm has multiple pieces of information, this study shows that the firm does better from staggering the release of information than from expeditiously releasing all information at once. This is because releasing multiple pieces of information over time allows the firm to learn from the market’s response to each piece of information. In contrast, releasing all information at once impedes the firm’s ability to learn from the aggregate market response to all information. In effect, delaying the release of some information may improve the firm’s capacity to fine-tune follow-up decisions based on the market’s reactions.
Numerical simulation of energy balance equations in AlGaAs/GaAs p-i-n diodes with single quantum wells

The energy balance equations coupled with drift-diffusion transport equations are solved in heterojunction p-i-n diodes with single quantum wells to accurately study hot electron effects in these devices. The general-purpose 1D device modeling program, Simwindows, applies size quantization and the two dimensional density of states in the well. In the well, the carrier energy levels are estimated from the analytical expressions applied to a quantum well with finite height. Both bound and free carriers are modeled by Fermi-Dirac statistics. Thermionic emission is applied to the heterojunctions and quantum wells boundary. Energy transfer among the charge carriers and crystal lattice is modeled by an energy relaxation lifetime. The electron-hole pair optical generation as well as radiative/non-radiative mechanisms are included. For boundary conditions, both ohmic and surface recombination velocities are considered. In this work, we verify the energy balance equation solution by comparing Simwindows results with published Monte Carlo results on a n + /n/n + diode. We calculate the current-voltage characteristics of a p-i-n with and without a quantum well intrinsic-region using energy balance and standard drift-diffusion models to study the influence of hot electron effects on the dark and illuminated behavior of these devices. We find that hot electron effects are important only in devices with a relatively long carrier relaxation lifetime.
The Relationship Between Dominance Rank and Spatial Ability Among Male Meadow Voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus).

Males of many mammalian species exhibit contest competition and scramble competition for mates, but the relationship between these 2 forms of competition remains poorly understood. The authors measured dominance rank and spatial ability as traits likely to be selected by contest and scramble competition, respectively, among male meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). The spatial ability of males was assessed using water maze tests, and dominance rank was determined using paired trials in a neutral arena. Dominant males had better spatial-learning ability and tended to have quicker learning speed but did not have better spatial memory than less aggressive subordinates. Therefore, the authors found no evidence that contest and scramble competition have favored alternative reproductive phenotypes among male meadow voles.
Breaking Confidentiality to Report Adolescent Risk-Taking Behavior by School Psychologists

School psychologists often break confidentiality if confronted with risky adolescent behavior. Members of the National Association of School Psychologists (N = 78) responded to a survey containing a vignette describing an adolescent engaging in risky behaviors and rated the degree to which it is ethical to break confidentiality for behaviors of varying frequency, intensity, and duration. Respondents generally found it ethical to break confidentiality when risky adolescent behaviors became more dangerous or potentially harmful, although there was considerable variability between respondents. Significant gender effects were found between male and female respondents for alcohol use, and a significant Form Type (i.e., male or female vignette) × Frequency/Duration interaction was observed for antisocial behaviors. School psychologists could benefit from further training in ethical decision making because these ethical dilemmas are not always clear-cut.
Division algebras over surfaces

Abstract We consider here a number of topics concerning the theory of division algebras over the function field of a surface. One result relates the obstruction for ramification data to be from a division algebra and third etale cohomology. Another result shows this obstruction is always zero when the surface is Spec of a regular local ring (with some mild assumptions). At the same time we study the Brauer group of this function field as it relates to the Brauer group of the function field of the henselization. Finally we prove a result which says that Brauer group elements which “look like” they are of prime index q (unequal to any characteristic) must have all their ramification split by a cyclic Galois extension of the same degree. This last result requires a primitive q root of one.
Alumina–aluminum interpenetrating-phase composites with three-dimensional periodic architecture

Robotic deposition was used to create an alumina structure with three-dimensional periodicity and submillimeter feature size. Liquid metal infiltration of this structure resulted in an Al2O3–Al interpenetrating-phase composite exhibiting low thermal expansion and high compressive strength. � 2003 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Facilities and opportunities for FEL research at Duke

The Duke Free Electron Laser (FEL) Laboratory is housed in a 52,000 square foot adjacent to the Physics and Math Building at Duke University. There will be several EELs in the laboratory. The first is the linear accelerator-based Mark ifi FEL which has been operational since February 1992 (see Fig. 1). It is capable of providing electron beam energies of up to 44 MeV with an optical output tunable from 1.7-9.1 microns. The infrared beam consists of a train of micropulses 0.5-3 psec duration at the RF frequency of 3 GH (350 psec separation of the micropulse). The RF is delivered in 2-6 ji. secpulses at a nominal repetition rate of 10 Hz. The repetition rate of the macropulses can be varied from 1-20 Hz.
Direct measurement of diffusion rates in high energy synchrotrons using longitudinal beam echoes.

We have made a direct determination of the diffusion rates in a stored, coasting antiproton beam by observing the decay rates associated with beam echoes in the longitudinal plane. The beam echoes, similar to those observed in other fields of physics, are generated by a sequential impulse excitation at harmonics of the beam revolution frequency. The echo envelope follows a characteristic response which, however, can be modified by the presence of even a very weak scattering process, permitting a sensitive determination of the longitudinal diffusion rate in the beam. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
APPLICATION OF SEMICLASSICAL TECHNIQUES TO SINE–GORDON THEORY: RE-EXAMINED

We show that the regularization prescription used by Dashen, Hasslacher and Neveu (DHN) to analyze the sine–Gordon theory violates Lorentz covariance in the one soliton sector. This problem is resolved by changing the regularization prescription. We use this new regularization to calculate the doublet masses, accurate to one-loop. We show that only the weak coupling expansion discussed by DHN gives reliable results. The alternate approximation, which was used by DHN to calculate the doublet masses in the sine–Gordon theory and which is known to give exact result for this case with the particular choice of the mass counterterm employed by them, is shown to be unreliable in general since the final result, even for the mass ratios, depends on the specific choice of the mass counterterm.
Heat Transfer to Liquid Metals With Variable Properties

The problem of heat transfer to liquid metals with variable physical properties for the case of fully developed turbulent flow in cylindrical tubes of constant diameter was studied. The fluid under consideration was heated or cooled by a constant and uniform heat flux at the wall. The similarity theory between momentum and heat transfer was used. The von Karman universal velocity profile was used to solve the differential equations for turbulent flow with heat transfer for the Prandtl number and the kinematic viscosity, each having five different sets of temperaturedependent exponents of a/sub 1/ and a/sub 2/. Calculated temperature distributions and mixing-cup temperatures, as well as relations between Nusselt versus Peclet numbers, are presented for the cases of heat addition, heat extraction, and the nonvariable-property case. (auth)
Recent advances in real time processing based on parametric processes

Multicast parametric synchronous sampling (MPASS) architecture for real-time processing of optical signals based on parametric processes is reviewed. The processor uses parametric gates to obtain multiple sub-rate outputs. Operating principle and first demonstrations are described.
Electrical characteristics of polyphase transmission systems with special reference to boundary-value calculations at power-line carrier frequencies

In this paper, the matrix solution of the multiconductor line developed previously is summarised. Particular emphasis is given to a proof justifying the relatively complex approach used. This is achieved by considering the modal parameters at infinite frequency as a limiting case of the general solution and indicating that this is different from the value obtained by earlier theories using simplifying assumptions. The main purpose of the paper is to consider the results of a number of specific boundary-value calculations. The calculations are based on the concept of polyphase reflection factor and the necessary analytical procedure is set out. Although not used in this paper, the matrix four-part equations are set out as an alternative set of boundary equations. All the equations are defined in terms of matrix functions, since the results are more concise in this form. The basic parameters of four-line configurations are given, i.e. single- and twin-circuit vertical and horizontal arrangements. The general properties of the modal parameters are discussed, i.e. the increase in attenuation with frequency, presence of ground and phase modes and the asymptotic approach of phase velocity to the free-space value with increasing frequency. The particular, importance of the characteristic-impedance matrix is discussed. It is shown how the influence of the soil resistivity on circuit-breaker-recovery voltage transients is readily taken into account without recourse to elaborate boundary-value calculations. The basic parameters of a 330kV line, derived analytically, are compared with values obtained by field measurement, and the same is done for a number of specified boundary-value problems. It is shown that acceptable correlation between theory and practice is obtained. It is also shown that, in the case of power-line carrier coupling, optimum arrangements may be predicted by considering the relative, proportions of modes for various forms of energisation. It is emphasised that the low-attenuation modes should be dominant for most efficient propagation. In a further boundary-value calculation, the problem of mode cancellation is discussed. It is shown that, in certain coupling arrangements, modes with intermediate attenuation dominate at the sending end of the line. For critical frequencies, the modes which were in phase at the sending end arrive in antiphase at the receiving end of the system owing to phase-velocity differences resulting in abnormally high transmission losses. The paper concludes with a consideration of some of the problems still outstanding in the theory of multiconductor lines.
Bispectra of internal waves

Abstract : Derived from the equations of motion, the bispectrum of power indicates the rate of energy transfer among components of the internal wave field. This, or any other bispectrum, can be evaluated from weak resonant interaction theory given the wave spectrum. Using the Garrett and Munk model of the deep open ocean internal wave spectrum, the bispectrum of power and the closely related auto-bispectrum of vertical displacements are evaluated numerically with the intention of providing an observational test of the weak interaction theory and its predictions. The resulting levels of the bispectra for typical deep ocean internal waves are generally too low to be observed with any statistical confidence in an experiment of reasonable length and cost. (AN)
ASSESSING COMMUNITY IMPACTS OF NATURAL DISASTERS

Research on the community impacts of natural disasters has yielded a wide variety of findings, but no coherent model of the process by which hazard agent characteristics produce physical and social impacts. This article summarizes the principal features of this process and describes the ways in which hazard mitigation and emergency preparedness practices can limit the physical impacts and the ways in which community recovery resources and extra-community assistance can reduce social impacts.
Electrophysiologic drug testing in patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmias: Importance of stimulation at more than one ventricular site

Abstract Sixty-four patients with symptomatic ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation underwent right ventricular apical programmed stimulation and had no inducible ventricular tachycardia during drug testing. Thirty patients (Group I) did not undergo left ventricular stimulation. Left ventricular stimulation in 38 drug trials induced no ventricular tachycardia in 50% (Group HA), nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in 26% (Group IIB), and sustained ventricular tachycardia In 24% (Group IIC). Patients in Groups I, IIA, and IIB received chronic antiarrhythmic drug therapy based on the results of electrophysiologic drug testing. Patients in Group IIC underwent further drug testing until sustained ventricular tachycardia was no longer inducible and were then entered into Group IIA or IIB; 4 patients in whom the induction of sustained ventricular tachycardia could not be suppressed by any drug regimen tested were excluded from long-term follow-up. The duration of follow-up (mean ± standard deviation) was 15.8 ± 11.5 months in Group I, 13.6 ± 3.7 months in Group IIA, and 12.1 ± 4.9 months in Group IIB. Recurrence rates of symptomatic ventricular tachycardia or sudden death were 27% in Group I, 0% in Group IIA, and 20% in Group IIB (p 0.05 versus Group IIB). If only right ventricular apical stimulation is performed during electrophysiologic drug testing in patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmias, approximately 50% of drug trials may be Incorrectly judged as suppressing the induction of ventricular tachycardia. Drug therapy that suppresses ventricular tachycardia induction with both right and left ventricular programmed stimulation results in a significantly better clinical response than therapy based on the results of only right ventricular apical stimulation.
Teorías implícitas que manejan algunos docentes en facultades de odontología, psicología, administración, educación, medicina y derecho de la UCC, Medellin. Implicit theories of the some professors in some faculties of UCC, Medellin.

Implicit theories of the some professors in faculties of dentistry, psychology, administration, education, medicine and law of the Cooperative University of Colombia, Sectional Medellin. Resumen El articulo presenta resultados parciales de la investigacion de enfoque cuantitativo y nivel descriptivo, que estuvo orientada a indagar por las caracteristicas de las practicas de ensenanza de los docentes universitarios en varias facultades de la Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Seccional Medellin. Uno de los objetivos de la investigacion fue dirigido a identificar las teorias implicitas que manejan los docentes y que subyacen a sus practicas de ensenanza. Para la recoleccion de informacion se diseno un cuestionario de dilemas relacionadas con las siguientes categorias: concepto de aprendizaje, los objetivos y contenidos de asignaturas, uso de estrategias pedagogicas para la apropiacion de contenidos, manejo de fuentes bibliograficas y evaluacion. Los resultados muestran predominancia de manejo de la teoria constructivista en cuanto al concepto de aprendizaje, predominancia de la teoria interpretativa en relacion a los aspectos de objetivos y contenidos de asignaturas y uso de estrategias para la apropiacion de contenidos, y predominancia de teoria directa en cuanto al manejo de fuentes bibliograficas y evaluacion. Palabras clave: practicas de ensenanza, enfoques de aprendizaje, teorias implicitas. Abstract The article presents partial results of the investigation with quantitative approach and descriptive level, aimed to explore the characteristics of teaching practices of the University teachers in various faculties of the Coperative University of Colombia, sectional Medellin. One of the objectives of the research was directed to identify implicit theories that underlie the teaching practices of the university teachers. For the collection of information will design a questionnaire of dilemmas related to the following categories: concept of learning, the objectives and content of signatures, use of teaching strategies for the appropriation of content, management of bibliographic sources and evaluation. The results showed predominance of constructivist theory in the concept of learning, predominance of the interpretative theory in relation to the aspects of objectives and content of signatures and use strategies for the appropriation of content, and predominance of direct theory in bibliographic sources and evaluation. Key words: teaching practice, learning approaches, implicit conceptions.
Progress in the Treatment of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer and the Search for Next Opportunities

A growing number of therapeutic options are now available for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, informed by positive results from recently completed phase III clinical trials. These have led to modest, if not necessarily transformative, improvements in clinical outcomes. Although the standard of care for metastatic disease remains cytotoxic therapy, a variety of novel therapeutic approaches are currently under active investigation, several of which have already demonstrated encouraging results in phase I/II studies. The following three broad categories (with significant overlap among them) are highlighted here: stromal-depleting agents, immunotherapies, and signal transduction inhibitors. The mechanistic rationale, limitations, and promise of each of these strategies specific to pancreatic cancer are discussed, as are the aspects of this disease and this patient population that pose ongoing challenges in terms of both therapeutic management and biomarker-driven trial design.
Kinetic Bias in Estimates of Coastal Picoplankton Community Structure Obtained by Measurements of Small-Subunit rRNA Gene PCR Amplicon Length Heterogeneity

Marine bacterioplankton diversity was examined by quantifying natural length variation in the 5′ domain of small-subunit (SSU) rRNA genes (rDNA) amplified by PCR from a DNA sample from the Oregon coast. This new technique, length heterogeneity analysis by PCR (LH-PCR), determines the relative proportions of amplicons originating from different organisms by measuring the fluorescence emission of a labeled primer used in the amplification reaction. Relationships between the sizes of amplicons and gene phylogeny were predicted by an analysis of 366 SSU rDNA sequences from cultivated marine bacteria and from bacterial genes cloned directly from environmental samples. LH-PCR was used to compare the distribution of bacterioplankton SSU rDNAs from a coastal water sample with that of an SSU rDNA clone library prepared from the same sample and also to examine the distribution of genes in the PCR products from which the clone library was prepared. The analysis revealed that the relative frequencies of genes amplified from natural communities are highly reproducible for replicate sets of PCRs but that a bias possibly caused by the reannealing kinetics of product molecules can skew gene frequencies when PCR product concentrations exceed threshold values.
The Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of FGD1, the human Cdc42 GEF gene responsible for faciogenital dysplasia, is critical for excretory cell morphogenesis.

FGD1 mutations result in faciogenital dysplasia, an X-linked human disease that affects skeletogenesis. FGD1 encodes a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that specifically activates the Rho GTPase Cdc42. To gain insight into the function of FGD1, we have isolated and characterized fgd-1, the Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of the human FGD1 gene. Comparative sequence analyses show that fgd-1 and FGD1 share a similar structural organization and a high degree of sequence identity throughout shared signaling domains. In nematodes, interference with fgd-1 expression results in excretory cell abnormalities and cystic dilation of the excretory cell canals. Molecular lesions associated with two exc-5 alleles affect the fgd-1 gene, and fgd-1 transgenic expression rescues the Exc-5 phenotype. Together, these data confirm that the fgd-1 transcript corresponds to the exc-5 gene. Transgenic expression studies show that fgd-1 has a limited pattern of expression that is confined to the excretory cell during development, a finding that suggests that the C.elegans FGD-1 protein might function in a cell autonomous manner. Serial observations indicate that fgd-1 mutations lead to developmental excretory cell abnormalities that cause cystic dilation and interfere with canal process extension. Based on these data, we conclude that fgd-1 is the C.elegans homolog of the human FGD1 gene, a new member of the FGD1-related family of RhoGEF genes, and that fgd-1 plays a critical role in excretory cell morphogenesis and cellular organization.
The concept of work compatibility: An integrated design criterion for improving workplace human performance in manufacturing systems

In this paper, we present the concept of work compatibility as an integrated work design criterion that simultaneously improves human health and safety, productivity, and work quality in manufacturing systems. In this respect, we have modeled work compatibility as a work design parameter that mathematically integrates the energizing (i.e., system resources) and the demand (i.e., system requirements) forces in the work system.A mathematical equation has been derived for the work compatibility matrix. Furthermore, an operating zone has been developed in which there is a region of optimality for the employee to function on practical grounds with a good degree of efficiency and sustainability. An application example is provided to demonstrate the potential of work compatibility to improve productivity and quality along with improvement in worker safety and health. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 14: 379–402, 2004.
Alcoholism and suicidal behavior: a clinical overview.

Objective: The purpose of this paper was to provide a clinical review of the literature on the relation of alcoholism to suicidal behavior. Method: Studies of alcoholism and suicidal behavior available in MEDLINE, Institute for Scientific Information Databases (Science Citation Index Expanded, Social Sciences Citation Index, and Arts & Humanities Citation Index), EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were identified and reviewed. Results: Alcoholism is associated with a considerable risk of suicidal behavior. Individuals with alcoholism who attempt or complete suicide are characterized by major depressive episodes, stressful life events, particularly interpersonal difficulties, poor social support, living alone, high aggression/impulsivity, negative affect, hopelessness, severe alcoholism, comorbid substance, especially cocaine abuse, serious medical illness, suicidal communication, and prior suicidal behavior. Partner-relationship disruptions are strongly associated with suicidal behavior in individuals with alcoholism. Conclusion: All individuals with alcoholism should receive a suicide risk assessment based on known risk factors.
Mechanisms of metastasis

Metastasis is the process by which a primary malignancy establishes distant and discontiguous disease. It is a dreaded and ominous event that usually portends a worse prognosis, with greater tissue destruction, organ dysfunction, and potential mortality. Fortunately, metastasis is a rare event for nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC). Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) comprise the vast majority of NMSC (60-80%) and have a metastasis rate of only 0.0028%. For squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), the rate of metastasis is 2-6% and rises with certain high-risk features. Malignant melanoma (MM) is perhaps the most feared among common skin malignancies. It has a marked propensity for metastasis, and deaths from MM far outnumber the combined mortalities of both BCC and SCC. The 5-year survival of localized stage IA melanoma is 95%. This decreases to 67% for nodal disease and less than 20% for distant metastasis. Even more aggressive than MM are rare cutaneous tumors, such as Merkel cell carcinoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. This chapter will discuss the mechanisms of metastasis as they apply to cutaneous malignancies, particularly melanoma.
GW25-e1704 Fructose Diet Elevates Circulating PCSK9 and LDL-cholesterol Levels and Reduces Liver LDL Receptor Protein Abundance in Hamsters through a Novel Mechanism

The liver secreted serum protein PCSK9 binds to hepatic LDL receptor (LDLR) and triggers its intracellular degradation. Thus, circulating PCSK9 concentrations influence plasma LDL-c levels and impact cardiovascular disease risk. High fructose diet (HFD) induces dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in animals and humans; however, whether PCSK9 has a causal role in the development of dyslipidmia by high fructose consumption remains elusive. In this study, we showed that serum levels of LDL-c were elevated in hamsters fed HFD as compared to animals fed a normal diet (ND). The increase in circulating LDL-c was accompanied by a 50% reduction of liver LDLR protein abundance in HFD group without changes in LDLR mRNA levels. Examinations of serum PCSK9 levels and liver PCSK9 expressions revealed that hepatic PCSK9 mRNA and protein were reduced by HFD, but serum PCSK9 levels in HFD group were 2.2-fold higher than ND group. PCSK9 in hamster serum was detected as two forms of ~60 kDa and ~53 kDa, the latter being the dominant one. It was previously reported that proprotein convertases furin and PC5A cleave human PCSK9 at Arg 218 -Gln 219 to produce PCSK9-ΔN218 (53 kDa) that circulates in blood along with the intact form. To assess the activity of the equivalent hamster 53 kDa PCSK9-ΔN224 in degrading hepatic LDLR, we conducted in vitro experiments in Huh7 cells by exogenous overexpression of hamster PCSK9 alone or with furin/PC5A. Western blotting of culture medium from transfected Huh7 cells with anti-hamster PCSK9 antibody demonstrated that coexpression of hamster PCSK9 with either furin or PC5A increased the 53 kDa form to 82% and 70% of total PCSK9 species respectively, compared to 18% of the PCSK9 species in the absence of furin or PC5A coexpression. Importantly, the corresponding LDLR protein abundances were reduced by similar extents in Huh7 cells expressing hamster PCSK9 without or with furin/PC5A coexpression. Comparable results were obtained by treating naive Huh7 cells with culture medium of HEK293 cells expressing hamster PCSK9 alone or with furin/PC5A. Altogether, these new findings suggest that HFD may reduce serum LDL-c uptake by LDLR in hamster liver through a novel mechanism that elevates circulating PCSK9 concentration without increasing its hepatic synthesis.
Left ventricular cannula obstruction in a patient with previous ventricular aneurysmectomy

Cannula position is an important factor influencing optimal ventricular assist device function. A case of inflow cannula malposition resulting in suboptimal left ventricular assist device performance is presented. A discussion of alternative techniques and diagnosis is provided.
Occurrence of male phenotype in genotypic females with congenital virilizing adrenal hyperplasia

We report on two genotypic females with complete masculinization of the external genitalia secondary to congenital adrenal hyperplasia resulting from 21-hydroxylase deficiency. One patient had the salt-losing variant, and the other had the simple virilizing or nonsalt-losing variant. One was evaluated neonatally during an adrenal crisis and misidentified as male; the second was unrecognized. Both were being reared as males when the true genotype was recognized during evaluation for cryptorchidism. The female internal genitalia were subsequently removed and testicular implants placed. These cases demonstrate the need to exclude congenital virilizing adrenal hyperplasia in any phenotypic male infant with bilateral cryptorchidism. When this condition is diagnosed, early and genotypically appropriate sex assignment is important if reproductive function is to be preserved and subsequent emotional and social complications avoided.
Complementarity Theory: Why Human Social Capacities Evolved to Require Cultural Complements

This article introduces complementarity theory, which explains the psychology of cultural diversity as a product of evolved social proclivities that enable-and require-people to coordinate action in culture-specific ways. The theory presents evolutionary processes and psychological mechanisms that may account for the cultural variability of social coordination devices such as language, relational models, rituals, moral interpretations of misfortune, taboos, religion, marriage, and descent systems. Human fitness and well-being depend on social coordination characterized by complementarity among the participants' actions. This complementarity is based primarily on coordination devices derived from the conjunction of cultural paradigms and specific, highly structured, evolved proclivities. The proclivities have no adaptive value without the paradigms, and the paradigms have no meaning without the proclivities. They are coadapted to function together. Operating in conjunction with each other, proclivities and paradigms jointly define the generative structures for meaningful coordination of social interaction in each particular culture.
Mixed Feelings: Theories of and Evidence on Giving

This paper examines possible motives and institutional factors that impact giving. Specifically, I consider alternative theories parallel to dictator experiments that generate evidence on both allocation decisions and their effect on feelings. A number of new empirical findings as well as new interpretations for previously reported findings result. A novel test distinguishes warm glow from impure altruism and rules out the former as the sole motive for giving. Very generous donations to charities that aid the needy (with modal gifts of the entire dictator’s stakes) cannot be attributed to familiarity with the charities. A charity that offers a matching grant increases its revenues by drawing donors and donations away from one that does not, although aggregate charitable donations do not rise. Additional results on emotions paint a picture of “mixed feelings:” generosity creates good feelings when the recipients are charities and bad feelings when they are fellow students. No group of dictators, however, feels better, on average, than a control group that is given no opportunity to donate. I propose a simple model that accounts for these results on allocation behavior and feelings by incorporating elements of two approaches, unconditional altruism and social preference theories, that to date have mostly evolved independently. A critical feature of this model is the social norm, and the results of the experiments corroborate the theory in the context of two norms of distributive justice that are important to real world giving: equity and need.
Gell-Mann-Low function and Callan-Symanzik function: the three-lepton case and symmetry under e↔μ↔τ

The Callan-Symanzik functionβeμτ(α) and the Gell-Mann-Lowψeμτ are calculated for the three-lepton case up to the sixth order. The symmetry properties of the «asymptotic part» of the photon proper self-energyαπc∞(--k2/me2k2/mμ2,k2/mτ2,α are examined under e↔μ↔τ. This leads to constraints among the sixth-order terms of απc∞ which are in agreement with its explicit calculations. An expression for then-leptonβeμτ...n(α) is also given.
Renal Sympathetic Denervation for the Treatment of Ventricular Arrhythmias: A Lesson in Not Throwing Out the Baby With the Bathwater?

Just because something doesn’t do what you planned it to do doesn’t mean it’s useless .–Thomas Edison [(1)][1] Cardiac catheter ablation of scar-related ventricular tachycardia (VT) is safe and effective for reducing recurrent VT episodes and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
Benzyl butyl phthalate promotes adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes: A High Content Cellomics and metabolomic analysis

Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) has been known to induce developmental and reproductive toxicity. However, its association with dysregulation of adipogenesis has been poorly investigated. The present study aimed to examine the effect of BBP on the adipogenesis, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms using the 3T3-L1 cells. The capacity of BBP to promote adipogenesis was evaluated by multiple staining approaches combined with a High Content Cellomics analysis. The dynamic changes of adipogenic regulatory genes and proteins were examined, and the metabolite profile was identified using GC/MC based metabolomic analysis. The High Content analysis showed BBP in contrast with Bisphenol A (BPA), a known environmental obesogen, increased lipid droplet accumulation in a similar dose-dependent manner. However, the size of the lipid droplets in BBP-treated cells was significantly larger than those in cells treated with BPA. BBP significantly induced mRNA expression of transcriptional factors C/EBPα and PPARγ, their downstream genes, and numerous adipogenic proteins in a dose and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, GC/MC metabolomic analysis revealed that BBP exposure perturbed the metabolic profiles that are associated with glyceroneogenesis and fatty acid synthesis. Altogether, our current study clearly demonstrates that BBP promoted the differentiation of 3T3-L1 through the activation of the adipogenic pathway and metabolic disturbance.
Desulfurization of Mercaptobenzimidazole and Thioguanine on Gold Nanoparticles Using Sodium Borohydride in Water at Room Temperature

Organosulfur compounds are known to poison metallic nanoparticle catalysts. Herein NaBH4 is shown to desorb and desulfurize 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (2-MBI) and 6-thioguanine (6-TG) adsorbed on 10, 15, and 50 nm diameter gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The desulfurization rates decrease significantly with increasing AuNP sizes. Isotope labeling experiments, conducted with NaBD4 in H2O, indicate that this desulfurization reaction proceeds through a pathway requiring hydrogen uptake onto AuNP surfaces prior to the 2-MBI or 6-TG desulfurization reaction, rather than direct hydride attack from BH4– on the sulfur-bearing carbon in 2-MBI or 6-TG, or H2 reaction with 2-MBI or 6-TG . In addition to serving as the hub for electron charge transfer between hydride and proton, AuNPs capture the cleaved sulfide, facilitating sulfur separation from the desulfurized products.
Effects of Surgically Implanting Radio Transmitters in Juvenile Largemouth Bass

AbstractRecent advances in the technology of miniature radio transmitters have allowed researchers to study smaller fish, including juveniles, for which behavioral information is lacking. Transmitters selected should have minimal effects on tagged fish so that inferences may be made about untagged individuals. Our objective was to evaluate the short-term effects of surgically inserted dummy transmitters (1.2–2.7% of the fish's body weight) on growth and predator avoidance in 90–120-mm hatchery-reared Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides. We compared growth and predator avoidance between tagged and untagged (control) fish in tanks. Mortality of tagged and control fish was variable by tank and was most commonly caused by columnaris, a fish disease widespread in aquaculture. A slight impairment of growth for tagged fish (difference of as much as 1.19% body weight gained per day) was observed during experiments run for 21 and 30 d. At the conclusion of each growth experiment, most fish had shed their suture ...
What is 'Essentially Equivalent to a Dividend'?: Why Changes in the Code and Inconsistent Application of § 302(b)(1) Justify Reform of an Historically Uncertain Tax Law

Section 302(b)(1), commonly known as the “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” test, is an unnecessary vestige in the area of redemption taxation. Due to changes in the law since its inception and the inconsistent application of § 302(b)(1), reform should be attempted in this area to further the important tax policies of administrability, efficiency, and equity. Part II outlines the early history of redemption taxation and IRC § 302(b)’s predecessors, with emphasis on legislative considerations leading to its enactment of § 115(g) and interpretations of that section. Part III examines § 302(b) as enacted in 1954 and provides explanation of the changes and application of other relevant tax provisions. Part IV focuses on legal interpretations of § 302(b)(1)’s “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” test since 1954. Part V outlines key business and tax changes since 1954 and analyzes their impact on the purpose of § 302(b)(1). Part VI calls for reform of § 302(b)(1) and suggests viable alternative ways to accomplish tax policy goals.
Operating Stability Analysis of Large Pumped Storage Unit

Taking pumped storage unit #3 of Huizhou pumped storage power station for an example,13 operation conditions of no-load and 50,70,90,110,130,150,170,190,200,220,250,300 MW load are selected to study the unit's stability.Under 520 m,529 m and 540 m gross water head,the variation rules of vibration,swing and water pressure fluctuating of the unit at each operating condition are measured with field test.And the unit's operating range can be divided into small load vibration zone,vortex zone and large load stability zone.Then the vibration zone range of the unit is determined under different gross water head.Furthermore,the vibration zone of the pumped storage unit is found in the range of no-load and 170 MW load.
Urologic Complications Following Abdominoperineal Resection

Abstract In a retrospective study we analyzed the high incidence of 75 urological complications after abdominoperineal resection in 52 patients. A prospective study was done also to anticipate as well as to minimize or eliminate these highly significant complications. Direct injury leading to obstruction and fistula formation was avoided. Obstructive uropathy in 10 of 25 male patients was found as a direct result of preoperative evaluation. Same day prostatectomies in 5 patients made no appreciable difference in the urological management, complication rate or end results. Neurogenic bladder dysfunction of various degrees was found in 50 per cent of all patients but represented a long-term problem in only 10 per cent.